Blazers vs Grizzlies For 8th Seed; Thoughts From Day 15!
After 7 games from Day 15 of the NBA Restart, I’m giving my thoughts/opinions for each team!
After 7 games from Day 15 of the NBA Restart, I’m giving my thoughts/opinions for each team!
Boston Celtics
The Celtics lost their 8th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Celtics have already got a lock on the 3rd seed in the East and will face the 76ers in the playoffs. With their playoff destiny’s already set, the Celtics rested everybody and their supporting cast played. And the Celtics still put up a valiant effort without their best players, but they lost 96-90.
Offensively the Celtics were poor as they shot 40% from the field and 23% from 3. The Celtics were also 12/14 from the free throw line. The Celtics had 13 offensive rebounds as they did a good job creating 2nd chance opportunities. The Celtics had 18 turnovers as they didn’t do a good job taking care of the ball. The Celtics had 48 points in the paint.
Defensively the Celtics were good as the Wizards shot 39% from the field and 39% from 3. The Wizards were also 18/24 from the free throw line. The Wizards had 18 offensive rebounds as the Celtics did not do a good job limiting them to just one shot. The Celtics forced 18 turnovers. The Celtics only allowed 32 points in the paint.
Javonte Green had 23 points to lead the Celtics. Semi Ojeleye had 13 points and 8 rebounds as well.
Conclusion
The Celtics finished 5-3 in the bubble and 48-24 on the year. The Celtics are the #3 seed in the East and they look for a deep playoff run. With Tatum, Brown, Walker, and Hayward, the Celtics are a very scary team in the East. The Celtics start their playoff run on Monday, August 17th.
LA Lakers
The Lakers lost their 8th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Lakers have a lock on the #1 seed and will play either the Blazers or the Grizzlies. So, this game didn’t have much meaning to them. So the Lakers rested AD and Kuzma for the night and Lebron James only played 15 minutes. And the Lakers lost 136-122, although they really don’t care.
Offensively the Lakers were good as they shot 49% from the field and 43% from 3. The Lakers were also 11/15 from the free throw line. The Lakers had 15 offensive rebounds as they did a good job creating 2nd chance opportunities. The Lakers had 17 turnovers. The Lakers also had 54 points in the paint.
Defensively the Lakers were bad as the Kings shot 57% from the field and 45% from 3. The Kings were also 7/12 from the free throw line. The Lakers forced the Kings into 14 turnovers. The Lakers got pounded down low as the Kings had 58 points in the paint.
Dion Waiters had 19 points and 5 assists off the bench. Lebron James had 17 points in 15 minutes. Markieff Morris had 14 points and 5 rebounds. Talen Horton-Tucker also had 14 points. Quinn Cook and JR Smith were also both in double figures.
Conclusion
The Lakers finished 3-5 in the bubble and 52-19 on the year. The Lakers have secured the #1 seed in the West, but they still don’t know who they are going to play. They could face the Grizzlies (who they want) or the Blazers (who they don’t want). The Lakers have less time to prepare, but should be up for the task when they play either Memphis or Portland.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks lost their 8th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Bucks in the bubble have been a bit of a roller coaster. They haven’t played bad per say, but certainly not up to their usual standard. Giannis was suspended and would miss the final game against the Grizzlies. And all of the Bucks starters would play less than 20 minutes. And the Bucks lost in a game that was very really close, 119-106.
Offensively the Bucks were bad as they shot 39% from the field and 32% from 3. The Bucks were also 15/23 from the free throw line. The Bucks had 10 offensive rebounds as they did a good job creating 2nd chance opportunities. The Bucks had 15 turnovers. The Bucks only had 30 points down low.
Defensively the Bucks were poor as the Grizzlies shot 50% from the field and 39% from 3. The Grizzlies were also 16/23 from the free throw line. The Bucks forced the Grizzlies into 18 turnovers. The Bucks had terrible paint defense as the Grizzlies had 54 points down low.
Brook Lopez had 19 points and 9 rebounds to lead the Bucks. Frank Mason III had 18 points and 8 assists off the bench. Donte DiVincenzo also had 17 points off the bench. Khris Middleton added 14 points and DJ Wilson had 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Conclusion
The Bucks finished 3-5 in the bubble, and 56-17 overall. The Bucks were emphasizing rest over everything as Giannis and Middleton and the rest of the Bucks didn’t play as much as usual. The Bucks are now in a tremendous amount of pressure to make the Finals. They start their journey for a title against the Magic on Tuesday.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies won their 8th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Grizzlies have had a pretty rough restart and they were on the verge of not making the play-in game. They had to win their game vs the Bucks to get in. It was do-or-die for the young Grizzlies. And the Grizzlies played with urgency as they won 119-106.
Offensively the Grizzlies were great as they shot 50% from the field and 39% from 3. They were also 16/23 from the free throw line. The Grizzlies had 18 turnovers as they did not do a good job taking care of the ball. The Grizzlies pounded the ball down low as the Grizzlies had 54 points down low.
Defensively the Grizzlies were excellent as the Bucks shot 39% from the field and 32% from 3. The Bucks were also 15/23 from the free throw line. The Grizzlies allowed the Bucks to get 10 offensive rebounds. The Grizzlies forced 15 turnovers. The Grizzlies only allowed 30 points down low.
Dillon Brooks had 31 points to lead the Grizzlies. Jonas Valanciunas had his first career triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 12 assists. Ja Morant had his 2nd career triple-double with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. Kyle Anderson and Brandon Clarke were also in double figures.
Conclusion
The Grizzlies concluded a roller-coaster restart with a 2-6 record. They lost their 2nd best player and looked like they would for sure fall out of the playoff picture. But they won the crucial game that they needed to win and they positioned themselves 9th in the West. The Grizzlies will need to win back-to-back games in order to play the Lakers in the 1st round. Game 1 of the play-in will be played on Saturday, August 15th.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs lost their 8th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Mavs have already secured the 7th seed in the West and a date with the LA Clippers. So their final game against the Suns was inconsequential for the Mavs. Kristaps Porzingis was out and Luka Doncic played only 13 minutes. And the Mavs got crushed 128-102 without their two stars.
Offensively the Mavs were solid as they shot 44% from the field and 31% from 3. The Mavs were also 16/19 from the free throw line. The Mavs had 11 offensive rebounds as they did a good job creating 2nd chance opportunities. The Mavs only had 11 turnovers. The Mavs pounded the ball down low as they had 56 points in the paint.
Defensively the Mavs were terrible as the Suns shot 55% from the field and 41% from 3. The Suns were also 16/21 from the free throw line. The Mavs only forced Phoenix into 5 turnovers. The Mavs got pounded down low as the Suns had 60 points in the paint.
Boban Marjonovic had 18 points and 20 rebounds for Dallas. Luka Doncic had 18 points and 5 rebounds in just 13 minutes of action. Justin Jackson had 13 points off the bench as well.
Conclusion
The Mavs finished 3-5 in the bubble and 43-32 overall. The Mavs look beyond to the playoffs as they have a tough 1st round series vs the LA Clippers. While the Mavs are highly unlikely to upset the deep Clippers, they will give them problems. This year was very good and unexpected for the Mavs and the future is very bright for the franchise.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns won their 8th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Suns needed a lot to happen if they wanted to get into the playoffs. They needed a win themselves and a loss from either the Blazers or Grizzlies. But first the Suns needed to take care of business vs a short-handed Mavericks team. And the Suns did just that as they dismantled the Mavs 128-102.
Offensively the Suns were excellent as they shot 55% from the field and 41% from 3. They were also 16/21 from the free throw line. The Suns only turned the ball over 5 times. The Suns pounded the ball down low as they had 60 points in the paint.
Defensively the Suns were solid as the Mavs shot 44% from the field and 31% from 3. The Mavs were also 16/19 from the free throw line. The Mavs had 11 offensive rebounds as the Suns did a poor job limiting them to just one shot. The Suns only forced 11 turnovers. The Suns got pounded down low as the Mavs had 54 points in the paint.
Devin Booker had 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists for Phoenix. Dario Saric had 16 points and 6 rebounds off the bench. Cam Johnson and Cameron Payne each had 15 points. Mikal Bridges had 14 points and Deandre Ayton added 11 points and 9 rebounds.
Conclusion
The Suns were the only team to go 8-0 in the bubble, but it was not enough. Even while going perfect in the bubble, the Suns could not get lucky as both the Blazers and Grizzlies won. The Suns should not slump their heads as the future is bright for the Suns. For the first time in a long time, basketball in the desert has a bright spot.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs lost their 8th game in the bubble.
The Spurs had one last chance to make the playoffs. They needed a win a few losses to advance to the play-in tournament. But just before tip-off, the Grizzlies and Suns won. So the Spurs were officially eliminated. DeMar DeRozan did not play and the Spurs lost 118-112.
Offensively the Spurs were amazing as they shot 49% from the field and 50% from 3. The Spurs were also 24/36 from the free throw line. The Spurs turned the ball over 15 times as they did not do a good job taking care of the ball. The Spurs only had 44 points in the paint.
Defensively the Spurs were sub-par as the Jazz shot 47% from the field and 33% from 3. The Jazz were also 9/10 from the free throw line. The Jazz had 12 offensive rebounds as the Spurs did a poor job limiting them to just one shot. The Spurs only forced 8 turnovers. The Spurs got pounded down low as the Jazz had 62 points in the paint.
Keldon Johnson had 24 points to lead the Spurs. Luka Samanic had 16 points and 6 rebounds. Marco Belinelli had 16 points off the bench. Lonnie Walker, Dejounte Murray, Jakob Poeltl, and Chimezie Metu were all in double figures.
Conclusion
The Spurs fought valiantly, but ultimately it was not enough to get them into the playoffs. The Spurs had made the playoffs for 22 straight years going all the way back to the 1996-97 season. That streak was tied for the longest all-time, and it was broken today. But the Spurs should be proud of how they played and what the future holds for the storied franchise.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz won their 8th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Jazz have already secured the #6 seed in the West, and they will be playing the Nuggets in the first round. And this game vs the Spurs would not affect anything for Utah. So the Jazz rested Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, and Joe Ingles. Donovan Mitchell played in limited minutes. And the Jazz were still able to win 118-112.
Offensively the Jazz were were good as they shot 47% from the field and 33% from 3. The Jazz were also 9/10 from the free throw line. The Jazz had 12 offensive rebounds as they did a good job creating 2nd chance opportunities for themselves. The Jazz only had 8 turnovers. The Jazz had 62 points down low.
Defensively the Jazz were poor as the Spurs shot 49% from the field and 50% from 3. The Spurs were also 24/36 from the free throw line. The Jazz forced 15 turnovers. The Jazz only allowed 44 points in the paint.
Rayjon Tucker had 18 points for Utah. 7 other Jazz members were in double-digits.
Conclusion
The Jazz finished 3-5 in the bubble and 44-28 overall. The Jazz finished as the 6th seed in the West and will face the Denver Nuggets. While the Jazz dropped a few spots since the restart started, it was a bit of a lost cause. Without Bojan Bogdanovic the Jazz have not been as good as they were back before the season got suspended. Although the Jazz have gotten better throughout the bubble, it is highly likely they beat a very good Nuggets teams.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers won their final game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Blazers have been getting carried by Damian Lillard and had their final chance to make the playoffs. A win for Portland meant the 8th seed and play-in game. A loss meant they were going home. And it was do-or-die time. And the Blazers were in a tight contest with the Nets. But the Blazers defense was poor and they trailed by double digits in the 3rd. But Damian Lillard hit some 3’s and he was giving his teammates wide open shots, which they were hitting. And CJ McCollum locked up a red hot Caris Levert on the final possession and the Blazers won 134-133.
Offensively the Blazers were good as they shot 48% from the field and 33% from 3. The Blazers were also 21/24 from the free throw line. The Blazers had 14 offensive rebounds. The Blazers only turned the ball over 9 times. The Blazers pounded the ball down low as they scored 58 points in the paint.
Defensively the Blazers were bad as the Nets shot 55% from the field and 42% from 3. The Nets were also 13/19 from the free throw line. The Nets had 12 offensive rebounds as the Blazers couldn’t limit the Nets to just one shot. The Blazers forced 14 turnovers. The Blazers got pounded down low as the Nets had 58 points in the paint.
Damian Lillard had 42 points and 12 assists as he was a super-star once again (yes Skip Bayless I said it). CJ McCollum had 25 points and 7 assists while playing through a back injury. Jusuf Nurkic had a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Gary Trent Jr. had 16 points off the bench and Hassan Whiteside had 16 points and 9 rebounds off the bench as well.
Conclusion
The Blazers finished 6-2 in the bubble and 35-39 overall. The Blazers won their last 3 games in the bubble and secured the 8th seed in the West. They will face the Grizzlies in he play-in game for the 8th seed and the rights to play the Lakers. Damian Lillard has willed his team this far, and he has gotten some help. Now the Blazers look to advance to the playoffs for a showdown with Lebron James and LA Lakers.
What Are Your Thoughts/Opinions From Day 15? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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