Booker Stuns Dallas Late; Fox Dominates Pelicans Late! 2.1.21
It’s the start of a new month for NBA basketball, and we have 10 games on the schedule to start us off.
LA Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks
LA Lakers
This was a tough game for LA against the Hawks, but they what the Lakers do best, pull through in the end. AD and Montrezl Harrell were dominating the Hawks down low, as the two of them shot 9/9 from the field in the first half. LA couldn’t hit any outside shots, so almost all of their points were from down low. In the 3rd, the Lakers offense stalled and their turnovers led to the Hawks taking a lead entering the 4th. But Alex Caruso and company scored 11 straight points, and they led by 10. The Hawks cut the lead to one late, but then the Lakers got a couple of turnovers that led to 5 straight points, and they were able to pull away late. LA finishes their road-trip with a 16-6 record.
AD had 25 points on 10/14 shooting.
Lebron had 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists on 5/12 shooting.
Montrezl Harrell had 19 points on 8/9 shooting off the bench.
AD was very good for 3 quarters of this game, as he and Montrezl Harrell were excellent against a pretty strong Hawks front-court. Lebron was being more of a passer, but he dominated the 4th with some tough step-back 3’s and layups. LA’s defense started and finished the quarter strong, as they got a quality win against the Hawks. The Lakers shooting woes from the bubble have returned a bit, as they have cooled substantially from how they started the year. If they can start to hit their outside shots, it will open things up a lot more. But a good 5-2 road-trip for LA, and they return home to take on the Nuggets next.
Atlanta Hawks
This was another game the Hawks could have won, but it’s a valiant effort nonetheless. With the Lakers not making many outside shots, the Hawks were able to stay in the game. The Hawks hit some 3’s, and they got good looks that didn’t fall, but the deficit was only 4 at the half. In the 3rd, the Hawks defense was very good, forcing some turnovers that got them running, taking the lead entering the 4th. But the Hawks offense couldn’t score for the first 4 minutes, and they fell behind by 10. But the Hawks battled back, and cut the lead to one. But a couple of costly turnovers late led to LA points, and the Hawks comeback efforts came up just short. The Hawks are now 10-10 on the year.
Trae Young had 25 points and 16 assists on 7/15 shooting.
John Collins had 22 points and 7 rebounds on 10/17 shooting.
Clint Capela had 16 points and 13 rebounds on 8/11 shooting.
The Hawks played pretty well in this game, even without De’Andre Hunter, who was dearly missed late in this game. Trae Young was good despite getting harassed by Schroder all night long. The Hawks front-court was good offensively, but they couldn’t stop AD. The Hawks bench was very bad, as Gallinari was just 2/10, missing shots he was making last year with OKC. The start and end to the 4th were killer, as it’s just the youth of the Hawks that hurt them. Again, not a bad loss, it’s the Lakers. The Hawks take on the Mavs next.
Charlotte Hornets vs Miami Heat
Charlotte Hornets
If the Hornets can score, they are dangerous. I’ve been saying that for a while, and now that they’ve been able to find some offense, they’ve been good. The first half was tightly contested, with the Hornets shooting 47% from 3, led by Malik Monk who hit 6 3’s in the first half. A strong 3rd quarter of defense propelled the Hornets to a 6-point lead entering the 4th. But in the 4th, things started to turn bad, as the Hornets offense slowed down and they fell behind by 10 with 3:11 left. But the Hornets back, and Malik monk hit another contested 3, tying the game with 16.6 seconds left. The Hornets were able to force OT, and they dominated the final 5 minutes. The Hornets just bullied Tyler Herro, as Gordon Hayward scored 4 straight points and Devonte Graham hit a 3. Some late free throws sealed the game, as the Hornets got an impressive road win. Charlotte is now 10-11 on the year.
Malik Monk had 36 points and 5 rebounds on 11/18 shooting, 9/13 3-PT off the bench.
Devonte Graham had 24 points and 5 assists on 7/13 shooting, 6/11 3-PT.
Cody Zeller had 19 points and 12 rebounds on 8/15 shooting.
Malik Monk wasn’t playing a lot to start this season, but he has been excellent lately, as he was just torching the Heat, and he made some big shots late. Lamelo Ball was 3/11 in his first start, but he had 7 assists and 5 rebounds, still finding ways to contribute other than scoring. Graham was good, Hayward had some big shots in OT. But the MVP might have to go to Zeller. He had a double-double, and played some good defense. If the Hornets can score like this, it makes them very hard to beat. Charlotte takes on the 76ers next.
Miami Heat
The Heat were basically fully healthy in this game, with Dragic, Herro, and Bradley all playing. But they let a late lead slip and poor execution down the stretch cost Miami. In the first half, the Heat were also red-hot from 3, as they got 18 points from Max Strus, who hit 6 3’s of his own to combat Malik Monk on the other end. But the Heat came out of the halftime break slow, and they allowed the Hornets to build a lead. But in typical Heat fashion, they responded. Their defense tightened down, and they led by 10 with 3:11 left. But the Hornets got some 3’s to fall, and Malik Monk tied the game, forcing OT. And here’s where my problems for the Heat start. Tyler Herro is a bad defender, and yet they kept switching him onto Gordon Hayward and Devonte Graham, and the Hornets made him pay. I don’t know why the Heat kept switching, but that’s the reason they lost, as they are now 7-13 on the year.
Jimmy Butler had 25 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals on 9/17 shooting.
Bam Adebayo had 23 points and 9 rebounds on 10/15 shooting.
Max Strus had 19 points on 7/11 shooting, 5/9 3-PT off the bench.
The Heat played well, as they were the healthiest they have been in weeks. But they played uncharacteristically poor late. The Heat led by 10 with 3:11 left. The Heat scored just 2 points in that 3-minute span, and they allowed the Hornets to get pretty good looks. And in OT, you either take Herro out the game, or you don’t switch. Bam and Butler kept switching, and Herro was left on an island against Hayward and Graham multiple times. Poor execution can’t happen for the Heat, as they need to win every game they can while they are healthy for the first time in a while. The Heat take on the Wizards next.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Minnesota Timberwolves
This was another game where a 2nd half rally could have won the T-Wolves this game, but a poor 1st half cost them. The T-Wolves 2nd quarter offensively was poor, as they scored just 15 points. The T-Wolves still shot 50% from the field in the first half, and had very balanced scoring. But they trailed by 8. In the 3rd they couldn’t make a dent in the lead, but they showed some fight in the 4th. The T-Wolves got right away to trimming the lead, and they took the lead at one point early in the 4th. But the T-Wolves couldn’t hold onto that momentum, as they fell behind by 7 with under 3 minutes to go. The T-Wolves cut the lead to two again late, but they just didn’t have enough time, as they fall to 5-15 on the year.
D’Angelo Russell had 18 points on 7/19 shooting.
It was a pretty quiet night for the T-Wolves offensively. Beasley and Edwards cooled off, shooting 10/26 combined. The Wolves bench was their best source of offense, but that 2nd quarter was the key, as that was the reason the T-Wolves were behind. Sexton, Garland, and Allen were a problem, especially Allen who had 5 blocks and 18 rebounds in the absence of Drummond. Another game the T-Wolves played pretty well in, but just unable to get the win. Minnesota takes on the Spurs on Wednesday.
Cleveland Cavaliers
This was another hard-fought game, but after another strong first half, the Cavs were able to hold their lead in this game. The Cavs defense was excellent in the 2nd quarter, holding the Cavs to just 15 points and taking an 8-point lead at halftime. Jarrett Allen was a force down low, and Collin Sexton had things going. The Cavs held their lead heading into the 4th, and that’s where things got interesting. The T-Wolves started the quarter off strong, and took the lead. But the Cavs recovered well and led by 7 with under 3 minutes left. The T-Wolves cut the lead to two, but two big free throws from Taurean Prince iced the game, giving the Cavs another win, as they are now 10-11 on the year.
Collin Sexton had 26 points on 7/17 shooting.
Jarrett Allen had 23 points, 18 rebounds, and 5 blocks on 7/9 shooting.
Darius Garland had 19 points and 11 assists on 9/18 shooting.
This was a good win for the Cavs, as their defense and offense were solid throughout. The Cavs have the best center combo in the league. Drummond had a 20-20 game against the T-Wolves yesterday, and then Allen had 23 and 18 with 5 blocks. It’s hard to score against Cleveland down low. Sexton and Garland combined for 45 points, as they had things going. The Cavs nearly blew the lead down the stretch, but they got a good win after blowing the 2nd half of yesterday’s game against the T-Wolves. The Cavs take on the Clippers next.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Milwaukee Bucks
Portland Trail Blazers
I really don’t blame Portland for this game. Their defense is just so poor, and the Bucks just couldn’t miss. Portland’s offense kept up with the Bucks for a bit, but then the 3’s started to now fall and they fell behind big. Nassir Little hit 5 3’s and had 30 points, as he was a very rare bright spot tonight. No shame in losing, as Portland drops to 10-9 on the year, and they take on the Wizards tomorrow.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks did what they were supposed to do against a poor Blazers defense, but I’m still not sold on them. It took them hitting a barrage of 3’s to win this game, and early on Portland was matching them, but they eventually fell behind. The Bucks Big 3 finally showed us that they all 3 work together, as Holiday, Middleton, and Giannis were all good in this game. Portis was solid off the bench, but I really am not sold on the Bucks, mainly because of Budenholzer.
New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls
New York Knicks
This was a tough game for the Knicks, one that they could have won, but offense down the stretch was a problem. In the first half, the Knicks offense was able to keep up with the red-hot Bulls. Julius Randle had a monster first half with 18 points, trying to keep pace with Lauri Markkanen. The Bulls held their lead into the 4th, and that’s where the Knicks had their chances. The Bulls kept keeping the Knicks at bay, but New York kept fighting and took the lead with 3:32 left. It was back and forth for a while, and the game was tied with under a minute to-go. But the Knicks suffered two big 3’s, including a pull-up from Zach Lavine 3 that iced the game. New York is now 9-13 on the year.
Julius Randle had 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists on 7/16 shooting.
Alec Burks had 18 points on 6/12 shooting off the bench.
Immanuel Quickley had 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists on 5/13 shooting.
Start Quickley
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls desperately needed this win after that brutal loss late at Portland, and they got it, and they actually held on to win late. Lauri Markkanen had 23 points in the first half, shooting 5/7 from 3. He was on fire again, and he led the way for 59 points in the first half for the Bulls. The Bulls held their lead into the 4th, when things got close. The Bulls led kept getting chipped at, and the Knicks took the lead a few times. With under a minute to go, the game was tied. But Coby White hit a corner 3, and Zach Lavine iced the game (for real this time) with a 3, as he had 17 of his 21 points in the 2nd half, and Chicago got a win they desperately needed, as they improve to 8-11 on the year.
Lauri Markkanen had 30 points and 5 rebounds on 11/18 shooting.
Zach Lavine had 21 points and 5 rebounds on 8/16 shooting.
There has been talk that the Bulls might trade Lauri Markkanen, and that the Bulls might not extend him. Yeah, I might want to extend him with the way that he’s been playing as of late, as he has been on fire from 3. Zach Lavine had another big 2nd half, as this duo of Markkanen and Lavine have been lethal this season. The Bulls turned the ball over just 12 times, as they finally took good care of the ball. If they can take care of the ball better and play some defense, they can be good. Chicago takes on the Knicks again on Wednesday.
Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans
Sacramento Kings
I expected this game to be good, and it was very good. The first half was high-scoring as you would expect. 3 guys were in double figures for the Kings, led by De’Aaron Fox with 15 points. The Kings defense was again poor, and it was really the only reason that they were losing. In the 3rd, the Pelicans offense continued to roll, and the Kings fell behind by double digits. And then De’Aaron Fox happened in the 4th. The Kings trailed by 10 early on in the 4th, and then in the final 7 minutes, De’Aaron Fox was incredible. He scored 17 of his 38 points in the 4th, as he outscored the Pelicans himself in the 4th. He was getting to the rim with a flurry of fakes and spins, as he dominated that 4th. The Kings outscored the Pels by 16 in the 4th, and they won, making them 9-11 on the year.
De’Aaron Fox had 38 points and 12 assists on 14/24 shooting.
Harrison Barnes had 24 points and 8 rebounds on 8/14 shooting, 5/9 3-PT.
Richuan Holmes had 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 blocks on 6/7 shooting.
De’Aaron Fox was so good in the 4th, as he was dominating things for the Kings, getting to the rim with ease. Richuan Holmes was a beat in the paint, blocking 6 shots. Barnes was a solid scoring presence, and even with Marvin Bagley getting ejected in the 3rd and Buddy Hield struggling to shoot, the Kings still won this game. Tyrese Haliburton did everything else other than score, as the Kings continue to play well while they play fast. The Kings take on the Celtics next.
New Orleans Pelicans
This was a very disappointing game for the Pelicans, especially with how this game ended. The Pelicans offense took advantage of a poor Kings defense, as they scored 62 points in the first half. The Pelicans weren’t even shooting that well, and they led by 2 at the half. In the 3rd, the Pelicans continued to have success on offense, as they opened up a double-digit lead in the 3rd and they led by 10 early in the 4th. Then De’Aaron Fox happened. The Pelicans scored just 15 points in the 4th quarter, as their offense was terrible. De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points in the 4th quarter alone, as the Pelicans defense was horrible. It was a bad collapse late in the 4th, as the Pelicans fall to 7-12 on the year.
Brandon Ingram had 20 points and 5 rebounds on 6/20 shooting.
Zion Williamson had 17 points and 8 rebounds on 6/13 shooting.
Josh Hart had 15 points and 13 rebounds on 6/13 shooting off the bench.
The Pelicans offense had been rolling for this entire game, but they just kind of fell apart. De’Aaron Fox was lighting them up in the 4th, as he was demolishing them. It’s just kind of frustrating to see this team, with a lot of nice talent, struggle. Jaxson Hayes is athletic, but a terrible defender. Willie Hernangomez was solid as a backup with Steven Adams out, and Josh Hart had a double-double. But the Bledsoe and Lonzo pairing doesn’t work, and their pace, one of the slowest in the league, also doesn’t work. It might be time for a chance in New Orleans.
Houston Rockets vs OKC Thunder
Houston Rockets
The Rockets just barraged the Thunder from the start, as they scored 48 points in the first quarter, hitting 11 3’s. They just blitzed the Thunder from the start, and cruised to a 6th straight win. 6 guys were in double figures for the Rockets, including 25 off the bench for Gordon. The Rockets Big 3 was solid throughout, as the Rockets have been playing their best basketball of the year, and they take on the OKC Thunder again on Wednesday.
OKC Thunder
The Thunder came out slow, and the Rockets did not. Simple as that. OKC couldn’t hit their shots, and the Rockets made 11 3’s in the first quarter. There’s not much you can do about that. Diallo and SGA were solid scorers, but most other struggled shooting. Tough night for OKC, as they try and get revenge the next time these two teams play on Wednesday.
Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks
Phoenix Suns
This game was good win for the Suns, as getting Devin Booker back and healthy was a huge plus for their offense. In the first half it was the Chris Paul show, as Devin Booker was still feeling things out after missing the past few games. Chris Paul was hitting jumpers from everywhere, finishing the first half with 18 points on 8/10 shooting, keeping the Suns afloat. Entering the 4th, the Suns trailed by 5, and they needed some scoring. Enter Devin Booker. Booker got going in the 4th, and the Suns led by 5 mid-way through the 4th. But the Mavs roared back, and the Mavs led by two with under a minute to go. The Suns got a stop, and the Suns had the ball. Chris Paul got right to the rim, and he blew the wide open layup. Luckily the Suns got the ball back, and Devin Booker capitalized. Booker drilled a tough fade-away 3, giving the Suns the win. The Suns have won their last 3, and they are now 11-8 on the year.
Chris Paul had 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists on 14/20 shooting.
Devin Booker had 24 points on 9/19 shooting, 20 points in the 2nd half.
Chris Paul was excellent throughout this game, keeping the Suns in the game in the first half with his excellent shooting. Devin Booker got hot in the 2nd half, scoring 20 points including the game winner. Paul and Booker combined for 58 points, as they looked really good in this game. They carried the load for the Suns, as they really did a good job in that 4th quarter. Since that losing streak, the Suns have won their last 3 games, and now that Booker is healthy, they can get back on track. The Suns take on the Mavs next.
Dallas Mavericks
Another tough loss for the Mavs, another one that they could have very easily won. In the first half, the Mavs defense was good on everybody aside from Chris Paul. The Mavs led by 6 at halftime, as Luka got some scoring help in the first half. The Mavs carried their lead into the 4th, but then they lose their lead as Devin Booker got going. The Mavs trailed by 5 mid-way through the 4th and seemed out of energy. But then they got some stops and scores, and led by two with under a minute to-go. Chris Paul missed a layup, but the Suns got the ball back. All the Mavs had to do was get a stop. But they allowed Devin Booker go get free, and he just made a tough shot. The Mavs lose their 6th straight game, as they fall to 8-13 on the year.
Luka had 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists on 7/19 shooting.
Josh Richardson had 24 points and 5 rebounds on 9/16 shooting.
Kristaps Porzingis had 19 points and 10 rebounds on 6/15 shooting.
The Mavs finally got some scoring help for Luka, but even that wasn’t enough for them to win. Josh Richardson played his best game of the year, and Porzingis and Hardaway Jr. were solid as well. Maxi Kleber returned in limited minutes, playing some solid defense. I still think it’s early to panic for Dallas. Get everybody back into game-shape and hope that you can remain healthy. But I definitely think that they gave to start winning and fast, because it’s tough to climb back in the West. The Mavs take on the Hawks next.
Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have looked very good lately, as even with that lengthy layover, they dominated the Spurs in these last two games. 9/10 Grizzlies players were in double figures, as they have looked excellent this season. Gorgui Dieng has been a pleasant surprise off the bench, and guys like De’Anthony Melton and Xavier Tillman have come on strong this season. The Grizzlies remain without Valanciunas and Grayson Allen, but they lead their division, as they have won their last 7 games. The Grizzlies take on the Pacers tomorrow.
San Antonio Spurs
Again? Really? The Spurs again were dominated by Memphis, as they just haven’t looked right lately. Murray, Walker, and Johnson all struggled shooting the ball, as only DeRozan and Keldon Johnson were able to score. The Spurs defense and offense have been struggling, as they seem to have a kryptonite in the Memphis Grizzlies. The Spurs take on the T-Wolves next.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 10 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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