Curry And Luka Duel; LA Survives In Double OT! 2.6.21
It’s a Saturday night of NBA basketball, and we have an action-packed day with 11 games on the schedule today.
Portland Trail Blazers vs New York Knicks
Portland Trail Blazers
This was a tough loss for Portland, especially considering they had Dame back in action. Dame and Portland started off hot in that first quarter, but that 2nd quarter wasn’t pretty. The Knicks hit some 3’s and stretched the floor, outscoring Portland by 11 and leading by 6 at the half. Portland tried to comeback in the 2nd half, but not enough 3’s were falling, and the Knicks defense was consistently good, as Portland falls to 12-10 on the year.
Dame had 29 points and 9 assists on 10/20 shooting.
Gary Trent Jr. had 19 points and 6 rebounds on 8/20 shooting.
The Knicks dominated Portland down low, as they had 50 points in the paint on 46 shots, while Portland had just 28 points on 23 shots. The Blazers started this game off well, but the Knicks were able to shoot 43% from 3, which is what won them the game. I think that Coach Stotts should have put Dame in at the 9:32 mark, when the lead was 5. Instead he waited too long and let the lead grow to 10. But give credit to the Knicks, they made shots. Portland finished this road trip 3-3, respectable considering how injured they have been. Portland returns home to take on the Magic.
New York Knicks
Well the Knicks shot the ball well, and they won. The Knicks didn’t start this game well, but they played great in the 2nd quarter. Their defense was good, holding Portland to just 20 points. The Knicks scored 57 points in the first half, and they led by 6. And in the 2nd half, they hit some big 3’s. Every time Portland made a run, the Knicks responded, as they got a great win, improving to 11-13 on the year.
Julius Randle had 22 points and 11 rebounds on 7/16 shooting.
Elfrid Payton had 22 points and 7 rebounds on 10/19 shooting.
RJ Barrett had 18 points and 7 rebounds on 8/14 shooting.
Elfrid Payton has been scoring at will lately, as maybe his burner twitter account has been giving him inspiration. Randle was solid as was RJ Barrett, but the Knicks bench was great. Burks had 16 and Quickley added 12, including a couple of 3’s in the 4th. The Knicks shot 43% from 3, and they also added 50 points down low. Complete game on both ends for the Knicks, as the improve to 11-13 on the year. New York takes on Miami tomorrow.
Denver Nuggets vs Sacramento Kings
Denver Nuggets
I’m not going to hold much against the Nuggets for losing. No Harris, Campazzo, Murray, or Dozier. They had nearly nothing in their back-court, and it took Jokic dropping a new career-high of 50 points for the game to be close. Denver’s defense was poor throughout this game, as the Kings were getting whatever they wanted. Denver is now 12-10 on the year, and they take on the Bucks next.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings just can’t lose against Denver, as they were excellent against this short-handed Nuggets team. The first half was very close, as Richuan Holmes had his hands full with Jokic down low. But Barnes, Holmes, and Haliburton were all in double figures in that first half, as the Kings shot 44% from the field in the first half. And then the Kings played a great 3rd quarter. Harrison Barnes and De’Aaron Fox were scoring, Buddy Hield was facilitating, and Denver led entering the 4th. And they just kept holding onto their lead. A Tyrese Haliburton 3 with under a minute to-go iced the game, as the Kings held onto win, improving to 11-11 on the year.
Harrison Barnes had 28 points and 7 rebounds on 10/16 shooting.
De’Aaron Fox had 24 points and 5 assists on 9/20 shooting.
Tyrese Haliburton had 23 points and 6 assists on 8/12 shooting off the bench.
What more can you say about Haliburton. Dude is a straight baller. He does so much for this team with his passing, smarts, defense, and shooting. The fact that he comes off the bench is such a luxury. Fox and Barnes were solid, and Holmes did his best defensively against the clear #1 center in basketball. But Buddy Hield was a guy I was really impressed with. He shot just 1/11 from the field, but he was passing the ball really well. As were the Kings in general, as they had great ball movement in this game. The Kings have looked really good, and they might be a sleeper playoff team. They play fast and have a very good offense. Their defense has been getting more and more solid, as they’ve won 6 of their last 7 games. Sacramento takes on the Clippers tomorrow.
Chicago Bulls vs Orlando Magic
Chicago Bulls
Even without Markkanen and Porter Jr, this game wasn’t close. Zach Lavine was aggressive from the start, finishing with 39 points. Valentine hit 4 3’s, Patrick Williams and Coby White were solid as well. They held Vucevic in check for this game, as they played very good in this game defensively. Chicago is now 9-13 on the year, and they take on the Wizards next.
Orlando Magic
Yeah, I knew this offense wouldn’t stay for the Magic. Vucevic struggled, and the Magic defense was terrible in this game. They fall to 9-15 on the year, and they take on the Blazers next.
Brooklyn Nets vs Philadelphia 76ers
Brooklyn Nets
No KD. No Kyrie. This was to be expected. The Nets were able to stay close in this game for a while, but the Nets just didn’t have their usual scorers to help them in this game. Harden and Shamet led the way offensively, but Joel Embiid was a problem. KD won’t be back for the next few games and Kyrie might miss the next few as well. Brooklyn falls to 14-11 on the year, and they take on the Pistons next.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers got Embiid and Simmons back, and they controlled this game. Embiid was inefficient, but got to the line and finished with 33 points. Tobias Harris has been very good as a 2nd option, as he had an efficient 21 points. Simmons was very good, nearly having a triple-double and playing great defense. Green and Curry were solid, and Milton and Korkmaz combined for 28 points off the bench. Good win for the 76ers, as they improve to 17-7 on the year. Philly takes on the Kings next.
Toronto Raptors vs Atlanta Hawks
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors defense was very poor against the Hawks in this game. The Raptors allowed 66 points in the first half, allowing Atlanta to shoot 55% from the field and 50% from 3. They were getting dominated down low, and it was hiding the fact that they shot 48% from the field and scored 63 points. Their defensive woes continued in the 3rd, as the Hawks continually got the free throw line, and the Raps trailed by 7 entering the 4th. But when they needed stops, they couldn’t get them as they allowed 132 points in this game. Atlanta is now 10-13 on the year.
Chris Boucher had 29 points and 10 rebounds on 10/13 shooting.
Fred VanVleet had 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists on 6/18 shooting.
Norman Powell had 20 points on 7/15 shooting.
Again, the Raptors Big 3 struggled. VanVleet had a good game, but shot just 6/18 from the field. Siakam shot just 6/15, and Lowry was just 4/16. Boucher and Powell had to fill in, but they need their Big 3 to be better. No OG Anunoby again hurt the Raptors on defense, as they got torched. Capela and Collins dominated down low, as the Raptors have to be defensively. Toronto takes on Memphis next.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks offense just absolutely torched the Raptors in this game, using their massive advantage down low to their advantage. After the first quarter, it was all Hawks. They scored 38 points in the 2nd quarter, 35 points in the 3rd, and 31 in the 4th. They literally couldn’t be stopped. 6 Hawks were in double figures, as they looked very good, even without De’Andre Hunter. Good win for the Hawks as they improve to 11-12 on the year.
Trae Young had 28 points and 13 assists on 6/15 shooting, 14/14 FT.
Clint Capela had 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
John Collins had 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Very balanced scoring night for the Hawks. Young was very aggressive at drawing fouls, as he got 14 free throws. Capela and Collins dominated down low, as the Raptors weak interior was no match for the two of them. Huerter had 19 points, as he has been very good in the absence of Hunter. Gallinari has been playing better as well. This Hawks team doesn’t have Hunter or Bogdanovic, and they still scored 132 points. I would look out for them going forwards. Atlanta takes on Dallas next.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Milwaukee Bucks
It’s the Cavs.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Offense. That might be something nice to have.
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets
San Antonio Spurs
This game wasn’t very pretty, but the Spurs edged out the win thanks to DeMar DeRozan’s late game heroics. In the first half the Spurs were struggling to shoot the ball, below 40% in that first half, but they still led by 4 as their defense was also good. Their offense picked up in the 3rd, scoring 33 points and pushing the lead to 7 entering the 4th. But the Rockets didn’t go away, as they took the lead with 3:29 left. But then DeMar DeRozan scored the next 7 for the Spurs, putting them up 5 with an and one with 1:07 left. The Spurs iced the game at the line, as they improve to 13-10 on the year.
DeMar DeRozan had 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists on 9/16 shooting.
It was basically the DeMar DeRozan show on offense, as he was excellent down the stretch of this game. Johnson, White, and Murray struggled to score the ball in the backcourt for the Spurs, as they weren’t as effective as normal. The Spurs bench was excellent, combining for 44 points. The Spurs defense was solid, as they got a good win on the road. The Spurs can on the Warriors next.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets really missed the scoring and versatility of Christian Wood in this game. The first half was ugly for both sides, with the Rockets shooting sub 40% from the field. Luckily the Spurs also struggled to shoot, and the game remained closed. But while the Rockets offense got going, their defense also struggled, as they trailed by 7 entering the 4th. But the Rockets made a rally, taking the lead late in the 4th. But they just couldn’t stop DeMar DeRozan late, and they couldn’t close the game. Houston falls to 11-11 on the year.
John Wall had 27 points and 7 assists on 10/19 shooting.
Eric Gordon had 26 points and 7 rebounds on 8/13 shooting off the bench.
Without Christian Wood, the Rockets needed Oladipo and Wall to score. Wall did just that, but Oladipo went just 4/14, as he struggled after missing their last game. Eric Gordon was solid, but if Oladipo had shot a bit better, they would have won. The Rockets shot just 32% from 3, and they fouled the Spurs 25 times, as their defense was very poor for the first time in a while. Houston takes on the Hornets next.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs OKC Thunder
Minnesota Timberwolves
I’m honestly not surprised that the T-Wolves lost this game. The T-Wolves were horrible in this first half. They shot 54% from the field and scored 62 points in the first half. That doesn’t seem bad at all, until you look to the OKC side of things. OKC shot 62% from the field and scored 83 points in that first half. The T-Wolves couldn’t guard a parked car in the first half. But then, OKC stopped hitting shots, and the T-Wolves got right back into the game with a big 3rd quarter. The game was back and forth throughout the 4th, with the T-Wolves trailing by 2 with 1:16 left. They then turned it over, missed a 3, and a layup at the end to lose by 2. They nearly cameback, but Minnesota falls to 6-17 on the year.
Naz Reid had a career-high 29 points and 6 rebounds on 12/21 shooting.
Anthony Edwards had 20 points and 8 rebounds on 8/16 shooting.
Malik Beasley had 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists on 7/19 shooting.
The T-Wolves played so poorly defensively in that first half, and the fact they even had a chance to win is funny in itself. Their defense was much better in that 2nd half, but a missed layup by Naz Reid at the end cost them the win. It was a good effort, with Reid, Edwards, and Beasley playing well. But it’s one that will sting not to comeback and win. Minnesota takes on Dallas next.
OKC Thunder
OKC should consider themselves lucky to win this game. As after an incredible first half, they nearly lost but got lucky because of a missed layup. That first half for OKC was something else. With SGA and Lu Dort back, the Thunder dominated offensively. They shot 62% from the field and 56% from 3, en route to score 83 points in the first half. Mike Muscala had 22 points off the bench, as the Thunder were on absolute fire. But then they came back down to Earth in the 3rd, scoring just 13 points, watching their big lead disappear. Things were back and forth down the stretch, with SGA making some big shots. The Thunder led by 2 with 1:16 left, and they missed their shots, but fortunately Minnesota couldn’t capitalize, as OKC hung on to win, as they improve to 10-12 on the year.
SGA had 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists on 12/22 shooting.
Mika Muscala had 22 points on 7/12 shooting off the bench (all in first half).
The Thunder were lucky SGA was back, otherwise they wouldn’t have won this game. SGA had 17 points in the 2nd half, and made some big shots in the 4th, keeping pace with the T-Wolves. Muscala did all his damage in the first half, one of 7 OKC players in double figures. OKC’s offense went from the best to the worst, but their poor 2nd half was barely enough to win. OKC takes on the Lakers next on Monday.
Golden State Warriors vs Dallas Mavericks
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors rode the back of Curry in this game, but a missed call late decided their fate. The Warriors defense was poor in that first half. The only reason they were in the game was Steph Curry. Curry was 7/10 from 3 in that first half, going for 30 of the Warriors 64 first half points. Kent Bazemore was also solid, but it was really the Curry show. But because of poor Warrior defense, they trailed by 8 at the half. The Curry eruption continued in the 3rd, setting up a very close 4th quarter. The Warriors would never go away, never give up. But a missed out of bounds call led to a Doncic 3, which put Dallas up by 7. The Warriors cut the lead to one again, but Maxi Kleber hit the dagger 3 with 6.3 seconds left to end the game. Golden State falls to 12-11 on the year.
Steph Curry had 57 points and 5 assists on 19/31 shooting, 11/19 3-PT.
Andrew Wiggins had 22 points and 5 rebounds on 9/12 shooting.
Kent Bazemore had 20 points on 7/11 shooting off the bench.
I know the result of this game hurts a lot, but the Warriors played well. Obviously Curry was amazing, as he was keeping the Warriors in the game throughout. Wiggins had a strong 2nd half, and Bazemore was solid. Draymond Green did everything but score. He had 15 assists, 6 blocks, and 4 steals with just 2 points. Kelly Oubre went back to his normal offensive output, shooting just 5/16. The out of bounds call hurts, but the Warriors cut the lead to one again, but Maxi Kleber, the unlikely hero ended the game. Tough loss for the Warriors, as their Texas road-trip continues against the Spurs on Monday.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs have been one of the more disappointing teams in the league this season, and they desperately needed this game. It took a fortunate missed call and a clutch 3 for Dallas to win, but they got the win. Luka was amazing in that first half, as he was efficiently tearing up the Warriors. He had 21 points to try and match Curry on the other side, but the Mavs offense looked like it last year, as they scored 72 points. But they still couldn’t stop Curry in the 3rd quarter, setting up a very exciting and controversial 4th. The Mavs kept trying to end the Warriors, but no lead was enough it seemed like. The Mavs got lucky after the refs said the ball wasn’t out of bounds, and Doncic hit the 3 to put them up 7 inside a minute to-go. But the Warriors cut the lead to one, just for Maxi Kleber to hit a 3 with 6.3 seconds left to end the game, giving the Mavericks a 10-14 record on the year.
Luka Doncic had 42 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists on 12/23 shooting.
Kristaps Porzingis had 18 points and 10 rebounds on 7/18 shooting.
Josh Richardson had 17 points on 5/8 shooting, 4/6 3-PT.
The Mavs definitely needed a win after getting emasculated by the Warriors last time out. Doncic was incredible in this game, as he showed you how good he is when he hits his 3’s, as he was 7/12 from 3. Finney-Smith, Kleber, Porzingis, Richardson, and Hardaway were all in double figures, as Dallas have Luka the scoring help he needed. Great win for the Mavs, as maybe they can start to get some wins and climb back up the tough Western Conference. Dallas takes on the T-Wolves next time out.
Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies played very well in this game, until the 4th where they collapsed offensively, the reason for their downfall. In the first half, the Grizzlies just couldn’t miss from 3. They shot 44% from 3, and they led by double-digits in the first half. But a late run by New Orleans made the halftime lead just one for Memphis. The 3rd was back and forth, setting up the 4th. Where the Grizzlies offense completely collapsed. They managed to score just 18 points, and a Zion Williamson dunk ended the game. Memphis falls to 9-9 on the year.
Jonas Valanciunas had 23 points and 7 rebounds on 9/11 shooting off the bench.
Kyle Anderson had 21 points on 8/13 shooting.
Ja Morant had 16 points and 9 assists on 5/14 shooting.
The Grizzlies back-court was abysmal shooting the ball. Morant was just 5/14 from the field, and Brooks was just 4/17. Anderson and Valanciunas off the bench did most of the scoring. Memphis’s defense hasn’t been as good recently. Even with their efforts against Zion and Ingram, they dominated. Ball and Bledsoe torched them from outside, with the Pels shooting above 50% from the field. The Grizzlies have to get back to that grit and grind style of play, and it starts with their defense. Memphis takes on the Raptors next.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans had themselves a battle against the Grizzlies, but their outside shooting and big 4th quarter ended up winning them this game. In the first half, the Pelicans offense was good, led of course by Ingram and Zion. But the Pels couldn’t stop the Grizzlies hot 3-point shooting. But a critical run late in the half cut the lead to just one at the half. The game remained closed in the 3rd, setting up the 4th quarter. And the Pelicans shooting willed them over the top. They got stops, and hit their perimeter shots, punctuating it all with a Zion dunk. New Orleans improves to 10-12 on the year.
Zion had 29 points and 5 assists on 10/14 shooting.
Brandon Ingram had 27 points and 12 rebounds on 11/20 shooting.
Eric Bledsoe had 21 points and 5 assists on 7/15 shooting.
Could everybody please give Bledsoe and Ball a round of applause. Both these guys have been hitting their outside shots lately, and the Pels have been winning. Lonzo hit all 4 of his 3’s in the first half, and Bledsoe had a big 2nd half of scoring. Zion and Ingram are possibly the 2nd best young forward duo in the league, behind Tatum and Brown. These two have both been All-Stars this season, and the Pels are going to go whichever way they steer them. New Orleans has won their last 3 games, as they take on the Rockets next.
Detroit Pistons vs LA Lakers
Detroit Pistons
This was one heck of a performance by the Pistons. A loss is a loss, but they played their hearts out in this game. The Pistons started this game off well, but as soon as the Lakers pulled ahead, I thought it was over. But I looked back at the score, and it was close in the 4th. The Pistons just kept fighting and fighting in the 4th, never letting LA pull away. And Josh Jackson continued his monster 2nd half, tying the game with 3.1 seconds left. LA missed, and the Pistons forced OT after outscoring the Lakers by 10 in the 4th. In the first OT, the Pistons went up by 4, but LA responded to take the lead. AD tied the game with 18 seconds left, and a Jerami Grant miss sent us to double OT. In double OT, the Lakers proved to be too much. Lebron hit 2 3’s, and the Pistons miraculous efforts came short after 58 minutes, as they fall to 5-18 on the year.
Jerami Grant had 32 points and 6 assists on 11/27 shooting.
Josh Jackson had 28 points and 8 rebounds on 11/20 shooting off the bench, 25 in 2nd half.
Delon Wright had 22 points and 10 assists on 8/10 shooting, 4/4 3-PT.
Hell of an effort by the Pistons. Everybody for them played hard down the stretch. Grant, Plumlee, Jackson, Wright, Mykhailiuk. These guys played their hearts out against the defending champs and forced 2 overtimes. Excellent effort.
LA Lakers
The Lakers were very poor down the stretch of this game, but a win is a win. I’ll keep this simple. After going up by double digits, the Lakers just stopped caring. But when the Pistons started to comeback, LA’s offense didn’t wake up. They didn’t score for the final 4 minutes of the game, and they went to OT. They fell behind in OT, but an AD dunk forced double OT. And finally in double OT the Lakers said enough was enough. Lebron hit two big 3-pointers, and the Lakers won. Not impressive by any means. AD had 30, Lebron had 33 and 11 assists. Schroder was excellent, as was the LA bench. But to be took the distance by the Pistons is a little embarrassing. LA takes on OKC on Monday.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 11 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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