VanVleet Explodes For Career Night; Nets Prevail Late! 2.2.21
It’s a Tuesday night of NBA basketball, and we have 6 games on the schedule today.
Toronto Raptors vs Orlando Magic
Toronto Raptors
I have been saying that the Raptors Big 3 has to play better collectively. But some night you can get a pass, especially when Fred VanVleet goes absolutely ballistic. VanVleet shot 17/23 from the field, 11/14 from 3. He hit 8 3’s in the first half, a franchise record. He finished with a career high 54 points, accounting for 43% of the Raptors points. Siakam and Lowry didn’t have to play well, as VanVleet went off. Normal Powell was solid, but VanVleet was the main reason for their success. Toronto is now 9-12 on the year, and they take on the Nets next.
Orlando Magic
The Magic got some scoring. Vucevic and Fournier each had 21 points, rookie Cole Anthony had 16 points. Bacon and Okeke were solid off the bench, but they just couldn’t stop Fred VanVleet, who torched the Magic in this game. The Magic just have to try and stay healthy, otherwise it’s tough for them to score win games. The Magic are now 8-14 on the year, and they take on the Bulls next.
LA Clippers vs Brooklyn Nets
LA Clippers
This was a game where LA played very well in throughout, but when they started to slow down, the Nets showed no mercy. Kawhi Leonard was dominant early, as the Clipper drew a lead because of their great defense. But the Nets started to get going, and with a late run the LA lead was just one at halftime. The Clippers shooting was very good, and even with PG struggling, the Clippers led. The Clippers are one of the best 3rd quarter teams in the league, but they could only outgain the Nets by one. And in the 4th, things started to slow down for LA. The Nets Big 3 got going, and the Clippers 3’s stopped falling, and they fell behind by 9 with 2:36 left. But the Clippers made a comeback, but the Nets made some smart fouls, and the Clippers missed a late free throw, and they were unable to come back, as they fall to 16-6 on the year.
Kawhi had 33 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals on 12/24 shooting.
PG had 26 points and 6 assists on 11/24 shooting.
Nicolas Batum had 21 points and 6 rebounds on 7/10 shooting, 5/8 3-PT.
This one was a tough loss for LA, especially with how well they played. Kawhi was excellent in that first half, as was Nicolas Batum who picked up the scoring for Paul George. Marcus Morris and Batum were excellent in the 3rd, but the Nets kept pace. And then when the Clippers were rushing a bit and missing some shots, and the Nets took advantage. PG, Kawhi, Batum, and Morris were excellent, but guys like Ibaka and Reggie Jackson struggled. A good game for LA, but one that if they played a little bit cleaner, they could have won. LA takes on the Cavaliers tomorrow.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets played very well defensively this game, as you could definitely see more urgency after that abysmal loss to the Wizards. The Nets offense started off slow to start the game, and they trailed early. But Irving and Durant got going in the 2nd quarter, and a late push cut the LA lead to just one at halftime. The Clippers are a very good 3rd quarter team, but the Nets were able to keep up. And then the Nets Big 3 got things going, especially Irving who hit some big outside shots, and the Nets led by 9 with 2:36 left. But the lead started to slip away, almost like it did in the Wizards loss. But the Nets made some smart defensive fouls when they were up 3, and they hit their free throws to seal the game. Brooklyn is now 14-9 on the year.
Kyrie Irving had 39 points and 5 rebounds on 15/23 shooting.
KD had 28 points and 9 rebounds on 11/13 shooting.
James Harden had 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists on 7/15 shooting.
I like the way the Big 3 has been playing. Harden is taking the “back-seat,” but he does so much for the scoring, and he’s been doing a much better job picking his spots and when to be aggressive. KD and Kyrie, two of the best scorers of all-time, they have both been excellent this season. The Nets defense was very good in this game, as they had stretches where they got consecutive stops, and it allowed them to pull away late. If they put forth that type of effort going forward, they can beat anybody. The Nets take on the Raptors next.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Washington Wizards
Portland Trail Blazers
Even though they were short-handed, the Blazers got a great road win against the Wizards. In the first quarter, guys like Robert Covington and Rodney Hood hit some outside shots, as Portland scored 40 points and led by 17 after 1. But the Wizards offense started to get going, scoring 40 points in the 2nd quarter, and cutting the lead to 12 at halftime. But the lead was an impressive one for Portland, with Damian Lillard scoring just 11 points. In the 3rd, the Wizards cut the lead to 7, but then Portland responded. Damian Lillard and the Blazers hit a flurry of 3’s, and got themselves back up at a 16-point lead. But again, the Wizards cut the lead to just 4 with 4:05 left in the 4th. But a 10-0 run fueled by a Dame dunk and deep 3 gave Portland an insurmountable lead, as they improve to 11-9 on the year.
Damian Lillard had 32 points and 8 assists on 9/23 shooting.
Gary Trent Jr. had 26 points on 8/16 shooting, 7/9 3-PT.
Carmelo Anthony had 21 points on 8/16 shooting off the bench, passed Dominique Wilkins to move into 13th all-time in scoring.
Very good game for Portland, as they were pretty short-handed. Dame had a big 2nd half, and capped it off with a couple of big buckets. Robert Covington was excellent in this game, shooting 5/8 from 3 and playing excellent defense. If Portland can unlock Roco offensively, I would look out. Gary Trent Jr and Melo were excellent scorers, and Kanter was a monster down low. Portland’s defense was pretty ok, as they just were able to outpace Washington for most of the night. Portland takes on the 76ers next on Thursday.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards knew they were needing to score in this game to win, and even though they scored, they lost. The Wizards started off very slow, allowing 40 points in the first quarter and trailing by 17. But Beal and Westbrook got going in the 2nd quarter, fueling a big scoring run that cut the lead to 12. Beal and Westbrook combined for 31 points in that first half. In the 3rd the Wizards cut into the lead, but they allowed Portland to recover and build another big lead. But then the 3’s started to fall in the 4th, and they cut the lead to 4 with 4 minutes left in the 4th. But their offense didn’t score, and Damian Lillard helped form a double-digit lead, as Washington couldn’t come from behind to win again, as they fall to 4-13 on the year.
Bradley Beal had 37 points on 14/24 shooting.
Rui Hachimura had 24 points and 5 rebounds on 10/12 shooting.
Russell Westbrook had 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists on 7/15 shooting.
I liked the way the Wizards played outside of that first quarter, but their defense just couldn’t slow down Portland. Bradley Beal seemed to be pretty quiet in this game, still finishing with 37 points. Rui Hachimura was very good. Hit some 3’s, mid-range shots, and got into the paint. I really like his game, as he’s so smooth. Westbrook had a solid game, as he took smart shots and got his usual total of rebounds and assists. Defense has to be better for the Wizards in order for them to win, as they have offensive firepower. Washington takes on the Miami Heat tomorrow.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Indiana Pacers
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies really didn’t come to play in this game, as their usual sturdy defense was picked apart by the Pacers. Dillon Brooks was the only guy that really seemed ready, as Morant played very poorly. The Grizzlies prolonged 7-game win streak has been snapped, as they just didn’t come out ready in this game. Memphis takes on Houston next on Thursday.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers just came out running and gunning, as they blew the Grizzlies out the gym. Sabonis was 13/15 with 32 points, as he shredded the Grizzlies weak interior. Turner and Brogdon also scored 20+, with 3 Pacers scoring 20+ points. Jeremy Lamb was solid, and the Pacers shot a blazing 55% from 3. Great bounce-back game for the Pacers after the tough loss to the 76ers, as they improve to 12-9 on the year. Indiana takes on Milwaukee tomorrow.
Detroit Pistons vs Utah Jazz
Detroit Pistons
The score of this game suggests that it was closer than it actually was. The Pistons trailed for most of this game, but they started to get going and Utah went cold. But they still lost. Again, they only played Saddiq Bey 11 minutes, where he was a +9 by the way. Sekou Doumbouya only played 12 minutes. I still don’t get why they aren’t playing their young guys, as they aren’t exactly contending with a 5-16 on the year. Detroit takes on the Suns next.
Utah Jazz
This game was a good one for Utah, as they were in control throughout. But Utah was horrible in the 4th, and let Detroit come back into the game. But Utah eventually pulled out in the end, getting a good bounce-back game after a loss to Denver. Mitchell and Conley rebounded very well, as they were both excellent in this game. O’Neale and Bogdanovic were solid as well, as Utah shot 38% from 3. The Jazz have remained one of the best teams in the league win streak or not, as they improve to 16-5 on the year. They take on the Hawks next.
Boston Celtics vs Golden State Warriors
Boston Celtics
This was a good game for Boston, as they really played well down the stretch of this game. Boston was getting torched by Steph Curry in the first half, but whenever he was off the floor, Boston got back into the game and tied the game at halftime after a good start from Tatum and Walker. In the 3rd the Warriors were forced to go small, and the Celtics were getting anything they wanted down low. But the Warriors bench kept Golden State alive heading into the 4th. But the Celtics size started to impose themselves on the Warriors, as they opened up a 10-point lead thanks to some excellent offensive rebounding. While the Warriors cut the lead to 3 with a minute to-go, Boston hit some free throws, and got a key stop late to hold on to win, improving to 11-8 on the year.
Jayson Tatum had 27 points and 9 rebounds on 9/19 shooting.
Kemba Walker had 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists on 6/18 shooting.
Jaylen Brown had 18 points and 10 rebounds on 8/20 shooting.
Jayson Tatum was excellent in this game. He hit some tough shots, and was that reliable scorer for Boston with Brown and Walker struggling. Walker was ok in this game, although sometimes I felt like he was rushing. When he was open and took his time, he made his shots. He still isn’t 100% back yet, as he seems to be at less than 100% yet. Jaylen Brown struggled, but made some big plays late. But Grant Williams was excellent off the bench. He was 4/4 from the field and 3/3 from 3, as he had 15 points and seemingly had a lot of offensive rebounds. Boston had 12 offensive rebounds against the small Warriors, as they really got some big rebounds late. Good all-around performance for Boston, as they take on the Kings tomorrow.
Golden State Warriors
This was a tough game for the Warriors. Already without Wiseman, they lost Looney in the first half, and their limited size hurt them eventually. Steph Curry was excellent in that first half, as without Marcus Smart, he was killing Boston with 22 points in the first half. But whenever Curry left the game, the Warriors struggled and the game was tied at halftime despite what Curry was going. In the 3rd, the Warriors bench scored 20 points and they kept themselves in the game without having a true center. But in the 4th, the offensive rebounds started to pile up for the Celtics and the Warriors lost all their energy. Trailing by 10 they managed to comeback and cut the lead to 3. But they couldn’t hit their 3’s late, and their comeback attempts came up short, as Golden State falls to 11-10 on the year.
Steph Curry had 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists on12/21 shooting.
Juan Toscano-Anderson had 16 points on 6/9 shooting off the bench.
Andrew Wiggins had 15 points on 6/16 shooting.
With the Warriors being short-handed, they needed to find scoring when Curry wasn’t on the floor. Toscano-Anderson was good, but Wiggins was ok at best, and Oubre started strong but didn’t do much in the 2nd half. Eric Paschall struggled, as Golden State will have to find ways to survive when Curry isn’t on the floor. I know they are short-handed without both their centers, but they are going to have to find ways. Golden State takes on the Mavericks next.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 6 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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