Dame Puts Portland In 8th Seed! Thoughts From Day 13!
After 7 games from Day 13 of the NBA Restart, I’m giving my thoughts/opinions for each team.
After 7 games from Day 13 of the NBA Restart, I’m giving my thoughts/opinions for each team.
Orlando Magic
The Magic lost their 7th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Magic have been struggling in the bubble ever since winning their first two games. They were losers of their last 4 as they met with the Nets. The Nets have been winning and the Magic have fallen to the 8th seed in the East, where they will be staying at for the playoffs. And they had to face a tough Nets team without Evan Fournier and Aaron Gordon. And the Magic lost again, 108-96.
Offensively the Magic were poor as they shot 39% from the field and 30% from 3. The Magic were also 25/29 from the free throw line. The Magic had 12 offensive rebounds as they did a good job creating 2nd chance opportunities. The Magic had 17 turners. The Magic only had 36 points down low.
Defensively the Magic were ok as the Nets shot 43% from the field and 30% from 3. The Nets were also 19/24 from the free throw line. The Magic forced the Nets into 13 turnovers. The Magic allowed the Nets to score 44 points down low.
Wes Iwundu had 18 points and 5 rebounds to lead Orlando. Markelle Fultz had 18 points and 5 assists off the bench. Nikola Vucevic had 12 points and 10 rebounds and James Ennis had 12 points and 5 rebounds as well. Khem Birch had 12 points and 9 rebounds off the bench as well.
Conclusion
The Magic started the restart with promise as they won their first two games, but they have lost their last 5 and have fallen to 8th place in the Eastern Conference. So a restart in which the Magic should have very easily stayed at the #7 seed, they lost that spot. So although the Magic will be in the playoffs, this season has to be drawn up as a loss.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets lost their 6th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Rockets entered this contest against the Spurs with a 4-1 record in the bubble. They got Russell Westbrook after a short absence, but the Rockets would be without James Harden. And it looked like the Rockets missed Harden as the Westbrook only Rockets struggled, and the Rockets lost 123-105.
Offensively the Rockets were ok as the Rockets shot 40% from the field and 29% from 3. The Rockets were also 19/21 from the free throw line. The Rockets had 18 turnovers as they did not do a good job taking care of the ball. The Rockets had 42 points down low.
Defensively the Rockets bad as the Spurs shot 50% from the field and 41% from 3. The Spurs were also 18/20 from the free throw line. The Rockets forced the Spurs into 22 turnovers. The Rockets allowed the Spurs to score 48 points down low.
Russell Westbrook had 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists to lead the Rockets. Jeff Green had 17 points. Ben McLemore added 16 points. Austin Rivers had 13 points and 6 rebounds off the bench and Chris Clemons had 13 points as well.
Conclusion
The Rockets are now 4-2 in the bubble, and I think that the Rockets will try and conserve more energy for the playoffs as both Harden and Westbrook have missed time. I think that the Rockets might just play their supporting cast more in their last two games and try and save Harden and Westbrook for the playoffs. The Rockets face the Pacers next time out.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs won their 7th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Spurs came into game needing a win to stay alive for the race for the 8th seed in the West. The Spurs faced a tough opponent in the Rockets, who were without James Harden. And the Spurs took advantage as they dominated all game long and they won 123-105, giving them their 5th win in the bubble.
Offensively the Spurs were excellent as they shot 50% from the field and 41% from 3. The Spurs were also 18/20 from the free throw line. The Spurs did not take good care of the ball as they had 22 turnovers. The Spurs had 48 points down low.
Defensively the Spurs good as the Rockets shot 40% from the field and 29% from 3. The Rockets were also 19/21 from the free throw line. The Spurs forced the Rockets into 18 turnovers as they did a great job creating extra possessions. The Spurs allowed the Rockets to have 42 points down low.
Keldon Johnson had 24 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Spurs. DeMar DeRozan had 23 points and 6 rebounds. Jakob Poeltl had 14 points and 12 rebounds as well. Lonnie Walker, Dejounte Murray, Marco Belinelli, and Rudy Gay were also in double figures for San Antonio.
Conclusion
The Spurs are now 5-2 in the bubble as they are right in the hunt for the 8th seed in the West. The Spurs are 11th in the West, but they are tied with every team above them, including the 8th seeded Grizzlies. So the Spurs will have one more game for a chance to get into a play-in game situation. The Spurs’ final game is against the Utah Jazz.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns won their 7th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Suns have been the hottest team in the bubble and now they faced they very short-handed 76ers who were not playing any of their starters. And the Suns took advantage as they pulled away in the 4th quarter as they won 130-117.
Offensively the Suns were excellent as they shot 55% from the field and 43% from 3. The Suns were also 20/21 from the free throw line. The Suns had 11 offensive rebounds as they did a good job getting 2nd chance opportunities. The Suns took care of the ball as they only had 7 turnovers. The Suns pounded the ball down low as they had 66 points in the paint.
Defensively the Suns were poor as the 76ers shot 50% from the field and 46% from 3. The 76ers were also 10/14 from the free throw line. The Suns allowed the 76ers to have 11 offensive rebounds. The Suns didn’t force many turnovers as the 76ers had 8. The Suns allowed the 76ers to had 54 points in the paint.
Devin Booker had 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists to lead Phoenix. Mikal Bridges had 24 points as well. Dario Saric had 18 points and 9 rebounds off the bench. Ricky Rubio added 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists. Frank Kaminsky had 13 points off the bench.
Conclusion
The Suns are now 7-0 in the bubble as they continue to be the only unbeaten team in the bubble. The Suns are now 10th in the Western Conference and are just 0.5 games behind the 8th seeded Portland Trail Blazers. The Suns need to win their final game in order to have a chance at getting into the play-in game, and their final game will be against the Dallas Mavericks.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers lost their 6th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The 76ers were already with the injury bug as Joel Embiid had an ankle injury and Ben Simmons being out for the rest of the season, so they decided to play it safe vs the Suns. Along with Simmons and Embiid being out, they rested Harris, Richardson, and Horford so they could keep their best players healthy for the players. And the 76ers supporting cast did a good job staying in the game, but they fell up short and they lost.
Offensively the 76ers were great as the 76ers shot 50% from the field and 46% from 3. The 76ers were also 10/14 from the free throw line. The 76ers had 11 offensive rebounds as they did a good job creating 2nd chance opportunities. The 76ers only had 8 turnovers. The 76ers pounded the ball down low as they had 54 points in the paint.
Defensively the 76ers were poor as the Suns shot 55% from the field and 43% from 3. Phoenix was also 19/21 from the free throw line. The Suns had 11 offensive rebounds as the 76ers did a poor job limiting them to just one shot. The 76ers only forced 7 turnovers. The 76ers got pounded down low as the Suns had 66 points in the paint.
Alec Burks had 23 points to lead the 76ers. Raul Neto had 22 points off the bench. Mike Scott had 17 points. Glenn Robinson III had 15 points and 7 rebounds as well. Furkan Korkmaz added 12 points.
Conclusion
The 76ers are now 4-2 in the bubble, but their season is essentially over. Without Ben Simmons for the rest of the season and with Embiid recovering from an ankle injury, it might be time to break up the process. Nothing great has ever come out of it, and it just doesn’t work. The 76ers likely won’t make it out of the 1st round, and if they do that, it’ll be a miracle.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics won their 7th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
After starting 1-2 in the bubble, the Celtics seemed to have gotten their rhythm back as they came into this contest with a 3-game winning streak and looked for their 4th win in a row. They faced a struggling Memphis team who was looking to avoid losing their 8th seed in the West. And the Celtics dominated from the tip, and they never relinquished their lead as they won 122-107.
Offensively the Celtics were amazing as they shot 51% from the field and 43% from 3. The Celtics were also 18/23 from the free throw line. The Celtics had 10 offensive rebounds as they did a good job creating 2nd chance opportunities. The Celtics only had 12 turnovers. The Celtics only had 36 points down low.
Defensively the Celtics were excellent as the Grizzlies shot 39% from the field and 24% from 3. Memphis was also 30/38 from the free throw line. The Grizzlies had 14 offensive rebounds as the Celtics did a poor job limiting them to just one shot. The Celtics only forced 8 turnovers. The Celtics had little paint defense as the Grizzlies had 48 points down low.
Jayson Tatum had 29 points and 6 rebounds for Boston. Gordon Hayward had 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Kemba Walker added 19 points. Marcus Smart had 11 points and 9 assists off the bench. Enes Kanter and Robert Williams were both in double figures.
Conclusion
The Celtics are now 5-2 in the bubble as they are riding a 4-game win streak. This is a very good sign for Boston as they seem to be getting better as the playoffs approach. Kemba Walker is healthy again, and the Celtics are at their most dangerous right now. The Celtics final game is against the Wizards, which should be their 5th win in a row.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies lost their 7th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
After being the team with the best position to make the playoffs at the start of this restart, the Grizzlies have completely fallen apart. The Grizzlies lost their 2nd best player in Jaren Jackson Jr. and entered this game 1-5. A loss would mean they would lost that 8th seed. A win meant they got keep it. But the Grizzlies were facing a far superior Celtics team and they got stomped, losing 122-107 and the 8th seed in the process.
Offensively the Grizzlies were terrible as they shot 39% from the field and 24% from 3. The Grizzlies were also 30/38 from the free throw line. The Grizzlies had 14 offensive rebounds as they did a good job creating 2nd chance opportunities. The Grizzlies only had 8 turnovers. The Grizzlies had 48 points down low.
Defensively the Grizzlies were also terrible as the Celtics shot 51% from the field and 43% from 3. The Celtics were also 18/23 from the free throw line. The Celtics had 10 offensive rebounds as the Grizzlies didn’t do a good job limiting them to one shot. The Grizzlies forced 12 turnovers. The Grizzlies locked down the paint as the Celtics only had 36 points down low.
Ja Morant had 26 points and 13 assists to lead Memphis. Brandon Clarke had 15 points and 6 rebounds off the bench. Jonas Valanciunas had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Dillon Brooks had 14 points as well. Grayson Allen and Gorgui Dieng were also in double figures.
Conclusion
The Grizzlies are now 1-6 in the bubble as they have lost the 8th seed. The Grizzlies have been absolutely disastrous in the bubble and it looks like they won’t be in the play-in game. It was a great season for the Grizzlies when we stopped play in March, but the NBA Restart leaves a bad taste in the fans of the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies will play the Bucks in their final game.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers won their 7th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Blazers were 4-2 entering this contest as they needed a win to take the 8th seed in the West. But it would not be easy as they faced the best offense in the league in the Dallas Mavericks. And it was a battle. Both teams were going back and forth throughout, and nobody could stop each other. But Damian Lillard had 22 points in the 4th en route to him scoring 61 points. CJ McCollum hit two free throws with 3.9 seconds left and the Blazers won 134-131.
Offensively the Blazers were great as they shot 47% from the field and 40% from 3. They were also 27/29 from the free throw line. The Blazers had 12 offensive rebounds as they did a good job creating 2nd chance opportunities. The Blazers only had 8 turnovers. The Blazers pounded the ball down low as they had 50 points in the paint.
Defensively the Blazers were poor as the Mavs shot 52% from the field and 46% from 3. The Mavs were also 27/33 from the free throw line. The Blazers forced the Mavs into 17 turnovers. The Blazers locked down the paint as the Mavs only had 36 points down low.
Damian Lillard had 61 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists for Portland. Lillard becomes the 2nd player in NBA History with 3 60+ point games in a season (Wilt Chamberlain). It is Lillard’s 11th 50 point game this season. Carmelo Anthony had 26 points, and 8 rebounds. Zach Collins had 11 points and 8 rebounds. Gary Trent Jr. had 11 points as well.
Conclusion
Damian Lillard continues to shock the world and will the Blazers into the 8th seed in the West. With a win against the Nets in their final seeding game, the Blazers secure the 8th seed. It’s even more impressive what Lillard is doing when CJ McCollum is dealing with a back fracture. So, the man is leading this team on his own. The Blazers are in a prime position to make the playoffs.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs lost their 7th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Mavs have been getting better as they have progressed through the NBA Restart. After a win against the Jazz in which Doncic and Porzingis did not play, the Mavs faced the Blazers at full strength. And the game was back and forth throughout. But after Kristaps Porzingis fouled out and Dame Lillard… was Dame Lillard, the Mavs lost 134-131.
Offensively the Mavs were excellent as the Mavs shot 52% from the field and 46% from 3. The Mavs were also 27/33 from the free throw line. The Mavs had 17 turnovers as they didn’t do a good job taking care of the ball. The Mavs only had 36 points down low.
Defensively the Mavs were poor as Portland shot 47% from the field and 40% from 3. The Blazers were also 27/29 from the free throw line. The Mavs allowed the Blazers to get 12 offensive rebounds. The Mavs only forced 8 turnovers. The Mavs got pounded down low as the Blazers had 50 points in the paint.
Kristaps Porzingis had 36 points and 6 rebounds to lead Dallas. Luka Doncic had 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 24 points. Dorian Finney-Smith had 15 points and Trey Burke had 12 points and 9 assists as well. Maxi Kleber had 12 points off the bench.
Conclusion
The Mavs offense was again explosive, but their defense could not make key stops down the stretch. The Mavericks have not been good at closing out close games in the bubble and that again showed as Damian Lillard torched them in the 4th. The Mavs are now 3-4 in the bubble and their final game is against the red hot Phoenix Suns.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks won their 7th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Bucks have been very relaxed during the restart as the haven’t really been that dominant like they were during the regular season. Partly because of the 4 month layoff and partly because of them resting their best players. And against the Wizards it was no different. The Bucks didn’t play Khris Middleton at all and the rest played sparingly. Giannis got ejected after 10 minutes, but the Bucks still won 126-113.
Offensively the Bucks were great as they shot 51% from the field and 47% from 3. The Bucks were also 20/28 from the free throw line. The Bucks had 14 turnovers. The Bucks also had 48 points in the paint.
Defensively the Bucks were good as the Wizards shot 41% from the field and 34% from 3. The Wizards were also 23/30 from the free throw line. The Wizards had 11 offensive rebounds as the Bucks did a poor job limiting them to one shot. The Bucks forced 11 turnovers. The Bucks only allowed 38 points in the paint.
Brook Lopez had 24 points to lead the Bucks. Sterling Brown had 23 points off the bench. Frank Mason III had 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists off the bench. Giannis had 12 points and 9 rebounds in 10 minutes (ejected for headbutting Mo Wagner).
Conclusion
The Bucks are now 3-4 in the bubble. They have been resting their best players in preparation for the playoffs, and that will be no different in their next game. The Bucks final game will be against the Memphis Grizzlies, and don’t expect much from Giannis or Khris Middleton as the Bucks prepare for a deep playoff run.
What Are Your Thoughts/Opinions From Day 13 Of The NBA Restart? Leave a comment down below.
My Thoughts/Opinions From Day 14 Will Be Posted Tomorrow at 2:30 PM PT.
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