The Nets When Healthy Are Going To Be Scary; Hawks Win Without Young! 4.25.21
It’s another day of NBA basketball and we have 7 games on the schedule today.
Boston Celtics vs Charlotte Hornets
Defense
The Celtics defense was awful in this game. The Hornets kept getting open 3’s, and they hit them more often than not. Charlotte hit 12 3’s in the first half and 21 for the game, shooting 49% from the 3-PT line. The Celtics could never get enough stops to get back into the game, as Charlotte held a decent lead for most of the game.
Tatum struggled, Brown struggled, Walker struggled. That can’t happen if Boston wants to do something in the playoffs. The defense has to be better and at the very least the Big 3, featuring 3 All-Stars, has to be better.
Shooting
Even while missing key guys, the Hornets offense couldn’t be stopped. The Hornets pushed the pace and just hit every single 3 they got. They hit 21 3’s on nearly 50% shooting as it just seemed like they couldn’t lose their lead. Their defense was solid, funneling Tatum and Brown into taking tougher shots. The Hornets had nearly 40 assists as they were doing a good job moving the ball around.
Washington, Bridges, Rozier, and Graham all scored 20+ points and the whole starting 5 was in double figures. Lamelo is coming back soon and if Monk and Hayward can come back before playoff time, the Hornets could be a wild card of sorts in the playoffs.
Phoenix Suns vs Brooklyn Nets
Defense
The Suns offense was solid throughout this game, but their defense was getting shredded. Granted the Nets are pretty good at this whole offense thing, but there was little to nor resistance a lot. The Nets shot 27 free throws, shot 46% from 3 and 53% from 3. Those aren’t going to win you a championship. Now it doesn’t help that Kyrie had 34-6-12 and KD had 33 points off the bench. I get that, the Nets are scary and pretty good. But if the Suns want to win a title, defending the Nets is a likely scenario.
At least Booker, Ayton, and Paul were all good. Ayton was aggressive and actually took shots when he was close to the rim. Torrey Craig had 20 off the bench. No Saric and Crowder did hurt the bench a bit, but I liked what I saw from the offense. The defense needs a bit of improvement.
Thanos
This team is inevitable. I hope I don’t get copyrighted for that. The Nets offense is so good. KD missed 3 games and then scored 33 points in 28 minutes. Irving had another dazzling performance, 34-6-12. Blake Griffin has been so good with the Nets. His hustle, his ability to make the team play has been surprising. He’s wanted to win and he’s earned his minutes. Just imagine when this team is fully healthy. Scary hours.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Portland Trail Blazers
Memphis Grizzlies
W
Portland Trail Blazers
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That was keyboard slamming for the disappointment I have for this team. This game wasn’t close, Portland finally decided to make baskets late to close the gap. Dame has shut down when he need him the most and the team is crumbling. If Terry Stotts is still the coach next year, we’re doing this all over again.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Washington Wizards
A For Effort
That’s all you can ask for I suppose. 28 points and 9 assists for Garland who continues to blossom. 27 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 3 steals for Allen, who the Cavs better keep this summer by the way. The Cavs tried their best and nearly took down one of the hottest teams in the league. Again, you still suck, but A for effort.
8 In A Row
This one was a little tougher than expected, especially with the Cavs not having Collin Sexton. But a win is a win and it’s 8 in a row for the Wizards who have been winning games they desperately need to stay in the play-in race. 5 guys were in double figures but it was mostly Beal who led the way with 33. Westbrook was quiet but Beal stepped up. The Wizards dominated the 4th, outscoring the Cavs 32-17 to get the win. Look out for Washington.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks
What Did I Say?
God Mike Budenholzer sucks. How did you lose this? The Hawks didn’t have Trae Young plus most of their wings. Yet you still lost, with your Big 3 fully healthy? How? The Hawks were 8/11 from 3 in the 4th alone. They only hit 13 3’s for the game. How is that even possible? This defense continues to show it’s flaws in defending the 3. The Bucks hit 8 3’s in the game, the Hawks did all that in a quarter. A friendly reminder that the Bucks aren’t winning the East with Mike Budenholzer.
How?
You know what, not going to question this one. The Hawks hit 5 3’s entering the 4th. All of a sudden they hit 8. Bogdanovic hit 4 on his own. I don’t even know how that’s possible. 32 for Bogdanovic, 20 for Huerter, 18 for Collins, and 30 combined for Williams and Gallo off the bench. Not bad without your superstar PG.
Indiana Pacers vs Orlando Magic
Good Win
Still no Sabonis and Turner, the Pacers need every win they can get. It’s against the Magic, but it’s still a win.
Speedy Recovery
We’re all hoping for a speedy recovery for Devin Cannady. Get better soon.
Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors
No Fox
This game was surprisingly close for the Kings not having Fox. But this game showed how much they need Fox. As much as I love Haliburton, as of right now, he’s not a primary ball-handler. He’s more of an off the ball gull who can create in short-busts, not having the ball all that he did today. The Kings offense was solid but it seemed like most of their points in the 4th came from the free throw line rather than them actually scoring. No Fox for nearly two weeks sucks but it’s not like the Kings were making the playoffs. Just trade Buddy Hield, fire Luke Walton, and get some defense. Simple.
To get into the game, not only did Buddy Hield bobble a potential layup off a steal that would have won the Kings the game, Harrison Barnes took a stupid shot and the Kings lost. Just to add some insult to injury.
Close
This shouldn’t have been that close. I get the Kings were getting a lot of free throws but this shouldn’t have been close. Curry had 37 and you won because Harrison Barnes took a step-back 3. Oubre was solid with 19 but it was mostly Curry, like most Warrior games. The good news for Golden State is that now with Fox out with Covid, the Kings are out of the playoff picture in the West. Now the Warriors just have to try and keep winning to try and make the play-in.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 7 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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