Heat Surging Back & Should Utah Be Considered Favorites? 2.24.21
It’s a Wednesday night of NBA basketball and we have a busy day with 9 games on the schedule.
Golden State Warriors vs Indiana Pacers
Golden State Warriors
This was a very ugly and hard-fought game between these two teams, but the Warriors made some big plays late to win this game. In the first half the Warriors couldn’t make a 3, as they shot just 13% from deep. But even with their outside shots falling, the Warriors had balanced scoring to keep them in the game. The Warriors defense was fine, but it would have to be better. And it was in the 3rd where some 3’s started to fall and Golden State took the lead. The 4th was back and forth and even with Wiseman fouling out the Warriors got a lead with under 3 minutes to go. A Paschall dunk with 1:14 left put the Warriors ahead by 6, and they were able to hang on an win thanks to a Draymond Green steal. Golden State is now 18-15 on the year.
Steph Curry had 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists on 7/21 shooting, 1/11 3-PT.
Kelly Oubre Jr. had 17 points and 5 rebounds on 7/15 shooting.
Andrew Wiggins had 15 points on 5/13 shooting.
This was an ugly game for the Warriors. Their offense was poor as this was really a battle of defense. Steph Curry couldn’t make anything outside despite getting good looks. But the Warriors role players were great. Oubre and Wiggins were solid, and Draymond Green orchestrated another masterpiece. Wiseman and Paschall were very good off the bench as they were both very affective. The Warriors showed they can win a game with defense, something that they’ll have to do more often in the postseason.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers definitely had this game and had chances to win, but they just couldn’t capitalize. In the first half the Pacers also couldn’t shoot from outside, but they’re more inside oriented. Sabonis and Brogdon were very good but Indiana only led by 2. In the 3rd the Warriors started to hit some 3’s and now Indiana trailed entering the 4th. But Indiana got a big break when Wiseman fouled out, a chance for them to push the ball down low. But they just couldn’t get stops and a scoreless stretch put the Warriors up 6. A bad no call led to a steal, and Indiana lost. They are now 15-15 on the year.
Malcolm Brogdon had 24 points on 10/20 shooting.
Domantas Sabonis had 22 points and 16 rebounds on 7/12 shooting.
Doug McDermott had 15 points on 5/11 shooting.
The Pacers had this game but they couldn’t come through when they needed to. Sabonis and Brogdon were each good. The bench wasn’t great, although TJ McConnell was very impactful with his hustle and defense. The Pacers just sometimes shut down like they did to end the 4th, as without Warren or Levert they have to be able to score more consistently. But it’s been a struggle for Indiana in these last few games, as they just haven’t been producing at the same rate they were to start the year.
Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks
Boston Celtics
Man is this team disappointing.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks absolutely dominated this game from the start. They couldn’t miss from 3, and just ran the Celtics out the gym. In the first half Trae Young had 25 points, and Gallinari had 24 points. Those two guys were unstoppable and the Hawks were shooting better than 60% from both the field and from 3. Danilo Gallinari turned into Ray Allen or something as he had 38 points on 13/16 shooting, 10/12 from 3. Unbelievable. They were lights out in this game, getting back after a very bad loss to Cleveland. The Hawks are now 14-18, as they showed they can score despite all of their injuries.
Houston Rockets vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Houston Rockets
9 in a row. Count them up. Even with getting Oladipo and Gordon back, this team’s offense was poor and the Cavs had no problem scoring on them. The Cavs.
Cleveland Cavaliers
After losing 10 straight, the Cavs have won their last 2 games. In this game the Cavs defense was very good, and their offense played pretty well. Jarrett Allen has been so good for this team, as he had 26 points, 18 rebounds, and 4 blocks on 10/11 shooting. This guy will be good for a while. Sexton was solid as well, as perhaps the Cavs might be heading back to being mediocre instead of straight-up bad.
Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors didn’t play all that bad in this game, it’s just that once they fell behind they never recovered. After a very good first quarter offensively, the Raptors went cold as the Heat defense clamped down. Toronto was outscored by 13 in the 2nd, and they trailed by 10 at the half as they were getting torched by Miami. In the 3rd the Raptors tied the game, and then Miami rallied and pushed it back to double-digits. In the 4th the Raptors cut the lead to 4 early, but Miami pulled away and never looked back as Toronto couldn’t rally back late. They are now 16-17 on the year.
Kyle Lowry had 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists on 9/13 shooting.
Fred VanVleet had 24 points and 7 rebounds on 6/13 shooting.
Norman Powell had 17 points on 6/11 shooting.
Look, I’m not saying you trade Lowry. But you are 6-1 without him this season. I get he’s iconic in Canada and he means so much to your team in terms of a leader, but the Raps need an interior presence. Andre Drummond maybe, or somebody that give them size down low. Bam Adebayo had his way down low, and I don’t think Toronto can go anywhere in the East when they have to face Embiid and Giannis without a good center.
Miami Heat
The Heat played really well for most of this game, as they controlled this game and played the game how they wanted it to be played. After a rough start defensively, Jimmy Butler and company locked down the Raptors and held them to 21 points in the 2nd quarter. 3’s were falling for Miami and they led by 10 at halftime. And then in the 2nd half the Heat just held their lead. The Raptors kept fighting back but every time they did that the Heat had an answer. Miami improves to 15-17 on the year.
Jimmy Butler had 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists on 8/17 shooting.
Bam Adebayo had 19 points and 12 rebounds on 7/11 shooting.
Duncan Robinson had 17 points on 6/11 shooting.
The Heat had no problem scoring in this game, as their offense looked more like it did last year. 6 guys were in double figures including 3 bench members. Goran Dragic is back which is big for them going forward. Bam and Jimmy were great as usual as now Miami has won their last 4 and picking up some momentum heading into the March All-Star break.
Minnesota T-Wolves vs Chicago Bulls
Minnesota T-Wolves
The T-Wolves played well in this game but Tows fouling out down the stretch ended their chances to win in OT. In the first half the T-Wolves offense was balanced and had no problem scoring. But allowing the Bulls to score 68 points on 62% shooting isn’t a recipe for success, as they aren’t going to be winning many games with that type of defense. In the 3rd, the T-Wolves offense continued to score at will and they cut into the lead. But in the 4th the T-Wolves continued to fight. But Towns fouled out with 12.3 seconds left with Minnesota down 3. When all hope was lost, the T-Wolves got a bit lucky. Coby White was trying to intentionally foul Rubio, and instead Rubio was given 3 free throws. He hit all 3, and we went to OT. But because of no Towns the Wolves offense struggled and they lost very anti-climatically. Minnesota is now 7-26 on the year.
Malik Beasley had 25 points on 9/20 shooting.
KAT had 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists on 10/20 shooting.
Anthony Edwards had 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists on 7/20 shooting.
It’s still a new system with Chris Finch so I’m not going to analyze much until this team plays more. But the defense has to get better for this team to get better.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls offense was very good but their defense wasn’t and yet they still were able to win this game. In the first half it was all offense for the Bulls. They were getting anything they wanted and led by All-Star Zach Lavine they led by 10 at the half with 68 points to their name. But in the 3rd their defense continued to be poor and the T-Wolves started to comeback. The Bulls tried to keep them at bay in the 4th, and thanks to a dumb Coby White foul the game went into OT. But because of Towns fouling out the Bulls handed Minnesota in OT, giving them another win as they improve to 15-16 on the year.
Zach Lavine had 35 points on 14/21 shooting, 5/8 3-PT.
Coby White had 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists on 9/17 shooting.
Wendell Carter Jr. had 17 points and 10 rebounds on 6/8 shooting.
The Bulls have won 5 of their last 6 games, as they have been playing their best basketball of the year. Zach Lavine continues to shine and prove why he is an All-Star. Aside from that stupid play at the end of the game, Coby White was very good. Wendell Carter was solid and the Bulls bench continues to be great. 3 guys were in double figures, as guys like Young and Satoransky have been very good. The Bulls have been doing all this without Markkanen who has been great this season. The Bulls might be making the playoffs and not even in the play-in, something I didn’t think I would be saying to start this season.
Detroit Pistons vs New Orleans Pelicans
Detroit Pistons
Well at least you tried. I know I say that a lot, but the Pistons were rolling for most of this game. Even without Jerami Grant they were ahead in this game. 4 guys were in double figures off the bench, including 25 for Josh Jackson. Plumlee continues to be very good, and the Pistons offense was very good. But Zion and Ingram terrorized them and when the Pelicans make 3’s it’s tough to stop them. Detroit is now 9-23 on the year.
New Orleans Pelicans
This was a little disappointing that this game was close, but a win is a win. Through the first 3 quarters the Pelicans were trailing a lot. Their defense was very poor as the Pistons without their All-Star forward in Grant to get whatever they wanted. But then the Pelicans defense was much better in the 4th as they held the Pistons down to 22 points. Zion and Ingram have been so good this year. Zion had 32 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists on 72% shooting and Ingram added 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. These two have been amazing his season. The Pels shot 44% from 3, but I like that they only took 23 of them. Instead of shooting shots they’re not great at, they attacked down which is smart. If New Orleans can play like this around Ingram and Zion, watch out.
San Antonio Spurs vs OKC Thunder
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs were missing so many guys in this game, it’s amazing it took a buzzer-beater to beat them. Props to the Spurs for making this close, but they were missing just about everybody in this game. A key Patty Mills turnover late sealed their fate and despite everything Dejounte Murray did they lost, falling to 16-12 on the year.
OKC Thunder
This game was literally all SGA. Shai showed us why he should have been an All-Star. He had a career-high 42 points and was carrying the OKC offense. He was getting the rim and the free throw line and hitting 3’s. He was great, but Lu Dort hit the game-winner. A great play design with Shai as a decoy fooled the Spurs and Dort buried the 3 giving OKC the win as they improve to 13-19 on the year.
Charlotte Hornets vs Phoenix Suns
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets offense simply couldn’t be stopped in this game, and it’s the reason they won this game. In the first half the Hornets stayed in the game after falling behind early because of 22 points from Malik Monk. He single-handily kept them in this game and despite poor defense the Celtics only trailed by 1. And in the 3rd the Hornets defense was much better and they continued to just smoke Phoenix and they took a lead. In the 4th the Suns kept fighting but the Hornets never gave up the lead. A couple Lamelo Ball scores late kept them in front, and they did their best to lose giving up and offensive rebound, but Booker missed and they survived. Charlotte is now 15-16 on the year.
Malik Monk had 29 points on 10/21 shooting, 5/10 3-PT off the bench.
Lamelo Ball had 20 points and 8 assists on 7/11 shooting.
Gordon Hayward had 20 points and 8 rebounds on 7/17 shooting.
The Hornets offense was on fire in this game, as they torched a very good Phoenix Suns defense. Malik Monk’s role on this team reminds me a lot of Jordan Clarkson, a guy who just gets free will to shoot and he can torch you. All 5 starters were in double figures and even with Rozier struggling the Hornets won. Lamelo continues to be very good and he hit some big shots down the stretch of this game. The Hornets offense is lethal and if they get going they are a dangerous team.
Phoenix Suns
This was very disappointing for Phoenix, but then again they have been 11-2 since the end of March so they were kind of bound for this type of game. The defense has to be better, and it usually is but the Suns got torched in this game which was weird. The offense was fine because the Hornets have no defense as Booker and Paul combined for 53. The bench was solid and so was Ayton (who deserves more shots), but the defense has to be better going forward.
LA Lakers vs Utah Jazz
LA Lakers
The Lakers are going to continue to struggle without AD and Schroder in the lineup. Lebron is all alone out there, and it showed. The LA defense so bad, and you can’t even blame not having AD. They just had very poor effort. The Jazz were either getting a dunk or 3 with no in-betweens. The good news is Schroder might be coming back Friday or very soon so LA gets some relief. But 1-5 in this recent stretch isn’t pretty for the defending champs.
Utah Jazz
My goodness the Jazz are good at shooting the ball. The Lakers were short-handed the Jazz didn’t mess around and let the game be close. In the first half the Jazz couldn’t miss. They hit 14 3-pointers on 60% shooting as they were lighting it up. And things continued in the 2nd half where they just continually broke down the Lakers sorry excuse for defense. This Jazz team is very good, and it’s damn near impossible to stop them when they hit 3’s. And the kicker here is Mitchell wasn’t good at all in this game. Nobody was exploding on offense, it was more of a team effort. Gobert was very good down low, making life very tough for the Lakers. If this Jazz team shoots well they are unstoppable. They are clearly the best team in the league, and there’s really no disputing that with this smacking of the defending champs.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 9 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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