Clippers Throw Game Away; Celtics Crumble Late! 2.21.21
It’s Sunday, and we have 8 more games of NBA basketball on the schedule today.
Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans
Boston Celtics
How do you lose this game? How. This game was a win right in your grasp, and you blew a 24-point 2nd half lead. Great job. In the first half, Tatum and Brown were very good, especially Tatum who had 17 points. The Celtics held Zion to just 4 points in the first half, as they were in firm control of this game. They led by 24 with 6:29 left in the 3rd, and the game was seemingly over. But Zion and company cut the lead to 13 in the 3rd, and then the Celtics 4th quarter was beyond bad. Boston’s offense was just waste clock and force some stupid contested jumpshot. Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball turned up the defensive intensity, and the Pelicans took the lead with 2:25 left. Tatum hit two big shots inside of 20 seconds left to combat Zion’s antics, including a floater with 0.2 seconds left that tied the game. The Celtics were heading into OT after going up 24. In OT, neither team could really score, but Ingram hit a big 3 that pushed New Orleans in front. The Celtics had a chance, but Tatum couldn’t intentionally miss the free throw right, and Boston lost.
Jayson Tatum had 32 points and 9 rebounds on 10/24 shooting.
Jaylen Brown had 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists on 7/23 shooting.
Tristan Thompson had 14 points and 9 rebounds on 5/8 shooting.
This is such a disappointing loss. You were up 24 and in full control, and lose. Tatum was good, especially in the clutch. Brown was ok, although I fell like he was settling too much. The Celtics bigs were very good in the first half when they shut down Zion, but they got bullied by Zion for 24 points in the 2nd half. Kemba Walker continues to struggle, and even with the Celtics bench being decent, the Celtics lost this game. Their offense shut down, and they couldn’t handle the pressure. Boston falls to 15-15 on the year, and they take on the Mavs next.
New Orleans Pelicans
What a comeback. Largest in franchise history. This team was dead in the water, but as soon as they started to make an effort defensively they got back in the game and won in OT. For the first 30 minutes of this game, things were ugly. Zion played his worst half of the season as he was just 1/5. The Pelicans was getting shredded by Tatum, and they trailed by 24 with 6:29 in the 3rd. But Zion started to get going, but Ball and Hart really got things going. Both of those guys were turning things up defensively and the Pelicans started pressuring Tatum. The Pelicans led by 2 late, but Tatum tied the game with less than the second to go and we went to OT. OT was tough for both teams scoring wise, but a Brandon Ingram 3 with 34 seconds left sealed the win for the Pelicans. New Orleans is now 13-17 on the year.
Brandon Ingram had 33 points and 6 rebounds on 11/22 shooting.
Zion Williamson had 28 points and 10 rebounds on 11/21 shooting.
Ingram and Zion were amazing in the 2nd half. Ingram was hitting 3’s, and he had 20 points in the 2nd half. But Zion was dominant. After having just 4 points in the first half, he was a man on a mission. He bullied Boston and had 24 points in the 2nd half alone. Hart and Ball were instrumental in this comeback, mainly with their pressure on defense that led to transition scores. If this team plays like that on defense, they are playoff caliber. I like what they did by blitzing Tatum, and they forced other Celtics to make shots and that benefited them a lot. But it all comes down to defense for this team. If they can play good defense, they can be one of the better teams in the West.
OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers
OKC Thunder
Yeah, this was kind of surprising but at the same time not really. This Cavs team is now poor on both ends, and the Thunder had no problem scoring. SGA had 31 points and 9 assists as he has been very good this year. The Thunder shot 46% from 3, and 54% overall as they were torching the Cavs. Good win for the Thunder, as they improve to 12-18 on the year.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Man this team had us all fooled, after that promising start too. Oh well, back to normal I suppose.
Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons awful was abysmal in this game. They weren’t shooting well, as Josh Jackson and Saddiq Bey struggled. The Pistons shot just 37% from the field, and their defense couldn’t stop the duo of Fournier and Vucevic. Not having Delon Wright really hurt this team offensively. The Pistons are still missing a few guys from being decent, but they are still developing and learning.
Orlando Magic
The Magic have been picking up some consistency on offense, mainly due to Fournier and Vucevic. Vucevic has been playing like an All-Star all season long, and today he had 37 points and 12 rebounds on 52% shooting as he continues to shred teams up. Fournier had 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, as having him healthy helps this team a lot. Ross was good off the bench, as the Magic have now won their last 3 games. Maybe if they can just survive until Gordon and Anthony return from injury, they can have a chance at making the postseason.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors
Philadelphia 76ers
Really, the Raptors? This is a very good matchup for the 76ers, and they still lost. In the first half, the 76ers were bruising the Raptors down low. Embiid and Simmons combined for 31 points, and the only reason the game was close is the Raptors 3-PT shooting. In the 3rd, the 76ers defense continued to allow the Raptors to score, as it seemed impossible that the 76ers could just pull away. And then the 76ers went cold in the 4th. The Raptors pushed the lead to double-digits, and the 76ers never recovered. Philly is now 20-11 on the year.
Ben Simmons had 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists on 9/11 shooting.
Joel Embiid had 25 points and 17 rebounds on 6/20 shooting.
Simmons continues to be aggressive getting to the rim and to the free throw line, but Embiid was pretty disappointing in this game. The Raptors swarmed Embiid when he got the ball, but 6/20? Boucher is not strong enough for Embiid and Baynes isn’t that good. I expected a lot more from Embiid in this game offensively. And again, I’ve said this before. The 76ers bench and 3-PT margins are not great. Even with Shake Milton, the 76ers bench continues to struggle scoring wise. The 76ers even with their added shooters, don’t shoot well from 3. They shot 30% in this game, and they aren’t great at defending the 3. The Raptors shot 41% from 3, and that’s a way that teams can beat Philly. I don’t view them as championship contenders, because they don’t do the small things great.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors defense was excellent against MVP candidate Joel Embiid in this game, and their defense gave them this win. In the first half, despite 31 points from Embiid and Simmons, the Raptors 3-PT shooting kept them in the game. VanVleet and Siakam carried the scoring load, and the Raptors only trailed by 3 at the half. In the 3rd they fell behind, but recovered and were right in the thick of things entering the 4th. And then they just shut down Philly. They pulled ahead, and held on to win as they improve to 16-15 on the year.
Pascal Siakam had 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists on 8/18 shooting.
Fred VanVleet had 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists on 7/15 shooting.
Chris Boucher had 17 points and 5 rebounds on 6/8 shooting, 5/6 3-PT off the bench.
The Raptors defense deserves all the credit in this game. They swarmed Embiid whenever he touched the ball, and made him miss 14 shots. Which is a lot considering the tear that he’s been on. VanVleet and Siakam did a bit of everything, as they were both solid. Even with Norman Powell struggling, Chris Boucher was very good off the bench. The Raptors looked like they did last year defensively, despite not having great personnel. The Raptors are very much alive, as they are now 16-15 on the year and near the top of the East.
Minnesota T-Wolves vs New York Knicks
Minnesota T-Wolves
The T-Wolves nearly pulled off a big comeback, but a key missed free throw hurt them in the end. In the first half, the Raptors had a bad first quarter that caused them to fall behind. The T-Wolves led by Ricky Rubio were ok offensively, but they allowed 61 points against the Knicks in that first half. They trailed by 21 at the end of the 3rd, and then they made a comeback. Towns started to get going and 3’s started to fall as Minnesota took the lead with 2:48 left. The Knicks took the lead off of free throws, and Minnesota trailed by 3 with 21 seconds left. Ricky Rubio went 1/2 from the line with 17 seconds left, as he only cut the lead to 2. The Knicks pushed it to 4, and the T-Wolves didn’t do anything after that as they fall to 7-24 on the year.
KAT had 27 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks on 9/18 shooting.
Ricky Rubio had 18 points and 6 assists on 7/12 shooting.
Well, at least KAT got his shots. He had a big 4th quarter, and the T-Wolves rightfully gave him the ball. Rubio was good, but Beasley and Edwards were bad. Edwards was just 3/11, but why is Beasley shooting the ball 6 times in nearly 40 minutes. That’s far too low for a player of his caliber. If Jordan McLaughlin shoots the ball 9 times, Malik Beasley better be getting shots, that’s all I’m saying. The T-Wolves only seem to be good when their offense is rolling, and that’s not every night.
[Edit: Ryan Saunders just got fired, which is good he isn’t a good coach. Hopefully they can find a good coach… Chris Finch? Really. I would have waited and tried for either Atkinson or McMillan, but hey whatever floats your boat, we’ll see how he does.]
New York Knicks
The Knicks were dominating this game until the 4th where things got a little too close for comfort. Throughout the first 3 quarter, this game was all Knicks. The Knicks offense had no problem scoring, and their defense was good enough. They led by 21 late in the 3rd, and it seemed like they would cruise to a win. But Towns and the T-Wolves weren’t done, as they came roaring back to take the lead in this game. But the Knicks pulled ahead, and a key Ricky Rubio missed free throw late gave the Knicks the win. New York is now 15-16 on the year.
Julius Randle had 25 points and 14 rebounds on 8/16 shooting.
RJ Barrett had 21 points on 10/20 shooting.
The Knicks did their best to throw this game away, but they still won. Randle and Barrett were good, and all 5 starters were in double figures for the Knicks. Burks led the way off the bench, but guys like Quickley and Rose will have to be better. The Knicks take on the Warriors next.
Denver Nuggets vs Atlanta Hawks
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets were very short-handed in this game, and it showed. Their offense just couldn’t contain Trae Young, and they fell behind after bad 2nd and 3rd quarters. Jamal Murray had 30 as he continues to play well. Jokic struggled against Capela, shooting just 33% from the field. Campazzo and Morris were solid, but Denver is missing a lot of guys, especially defensive guys, and it’s hurting them a lot as they fall to 16-14 on the year.
Atlanta Hawks
That’s more like it. Trae Young was on fire, and he torched this depleted Nuggets team. Young had 35 points and 15 assists on 10/19 shooting. Capela and Collins were solid down low, combining for 34 points. The Hawks bench was solid as well, as they got some role guys going to support Young. If the Hawks want to win with them being this short-handed, they have to play through Young and get some other guys going, which is what they did in this game. The Hawks improve to 13-17 on the year, and they take on the Cavs next.
Brooklyn Nets vs LA Clippers
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets had another very good defensive performance against a good Western Conference opponent. In the first half, it was the Harden and Irving show. The two of them scored 25 of the first 28 Brooklyn points, and overall they combined for 33 in that first half. The Nets defense was solid against everybody except Kawhi and PG, and the Nets led by 7 at the half. In the 3rd, the Nets nearly pulled away, but led by 10 entering the 4th as they were in full control of this game. In the 4th, the Nets offense slowed down and the Clippers came back slowly. Jeff Green got injured with 2:50 left, so the Nets lost an important defender, but LA also lost their challenge. Keep that in mind. The Clippers tied the game with under 30 seconds left, but an incredible tip-in from Deandre Jordan with his left hand with 11 seconds left gave them the lead. On the next possession, Kawhi Leonard pushed off, and it was called a foul. It really wasn’t that much of a push-off, but LA had no challenge. So the Nets held on to win, improving to 20-12 on the year.
James Harden had 37 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists on 13/25 shooting.
Kyrie Irving had 28 points and 8 assists on 12/26 shooting.
This Nets team is looking scary, without their best player on the floor. James Harden was virtually unstoppable in this game, as he was picking this Clippers defense apart. Irving was good, although he was taking questionable shots late in the game. The Nets defense was very good on everybody outside of the LA star wings, as it was really only PG and Kawhi that scored. Bruce Brown was so good in this game. He was a great backup center at 6’4″, but he was hustling and doing all the dirty work for this team. And Joe Harris wasn’t making all his open shots, so this Nets team can still be better. Brooklyn has won 6 in a row, including 5-0 on this road-trip, and they take on the Kings next.
LA Clippers
The Clippers reverted back to Bubble idiocy with this game. A terrible challenge and substitution caused them to lose this game. In the first half, it was all Kawhi and PG. The Nets had no answers for either of them as they combined for 31 points. But the rest of the Clippers only scored 20 points as nobody else could get it going and LA trailed by 7 at the half. The 3rd was more poor defense, and now LA trailed by 10 entering the 4th. But then the Clippers turned it up defensively, and they got themselves back into the game. But with 2:50 left in the game, the Clippers made two bad mistakes. They challenged an obvious foul against Patrick Beverley, and they also subbed PG out. PG was 12/19, he was rolling. The Nets had no answers. It was probably a minutes restriction, but 3 minutes. Just 3 more minutes. Come on man. The Clippers lost on an offensive foul call, one they couldn’t challenge because they wasted that earlier as well. Tough loss for LA, one they definitely could have won with better decision making.
Paul George had 34 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists on 12/19 shooting.
Kawhi had 29 points and 13 rebounds on 9/19 shooting.
This was all Kawhi and PG. Nobody else did anything, expect for Zubac who was very good off the bench. The Clippers got nothing from Morris, Jackson, or Williams. I don’t why Luke Kennard isn’t playing, because you paid him all that money and he’s not injured. So I don’t why he isn’t playing, as he provides shooting. That sequence of challenging an obvious foul on Beverley and subbing out PG was funny. Jeff Green was genuinely hurt and he was on the ground for a solid couple of minutes. Why challenge? Could have helped you later, or at least given you a chance. And why take out PG, he was on fire in the 2nd half. I get you want to keep him healthy, but this is a premier game and a chance to take out another very good team. Disappointing loss to say the least, as LA is now 22-10 on the year. LA takes on the Wizards next.
Sacramento Kings vs Milwaukee Bucks
Sacramento Kings
The Kings need this defense to come around desperately. 6 guys were in double figures, including rookie Tyrese Haliburton having 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists. Not to brag or anything, but I said he would be very good. But they need defense. I don’t know about Luke Walton, as this team hasn’t really made progress. They’re basically the same team, good offense but bad defense. This team had promise when their offense was good, but now that it’s not, things are going south.
Milwaukee Bucks
I would give you credit, but it’s the Kings who are playing terribly right now. Giannis was doing most his damage at the line, but 36 and 18 is cool. Middleton finally got the shots he deserved, as he had 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. DiVincenzo was solid, but this team desperately need Jrue Holiday back. Forbes and Augustin are backups at best, and they miss Holiday’s perimeter defense and playmaking. Not that Coach Bud uses Holiday well, but he’s obviously much better than Forbes or Augustin. This Bucks team will not succeed in the playoffs, but they take their free win card against the Kings.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 8 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
Follow My Instagram To Never Miss A Post: @hoopnotions
