Curry Passes Miller In Loss; Nuggets Win Again In OT! 1.23.21
It’s another day of NBA action and we have 7 games on the schedule today.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves
New Orleans Pelicans
Quite the uninspiring game for the Pelicans, as they lose to the dreadful T-Wolves. Their offense continues to hot roadblocks, as they just haven’t been able to piece things together. The Pelicans offense was very good in the first half, as they were shooting 58% from the field. But their defense was poor, allowing Minnesota to score 63 points. The game was close, until the Pelicans played terribly in the 3rd. They scored just 14 points as their shots weren’t falling, and they couldn’t overcome it in the 4th, as they fall to 5-10 on the year.
Brandon Ingram had 30 points on 11/20 shooting.
Eric Bledsoe had 28 points and 5 rebounds on 11/23 shooting.
Zion Williamson had 19 points and 11 rebounds on 6/16 shooting.
The Pelicans just haven’t been consistent enough on either end this season, but their offense, which has lots of talent, has looked so good and bad this season. Their offense was red hot in the first half, and then they managed just 14 points in the 3rd. Their defense was awful in this game, allowing a bottom 5 Minnesota offense to score 120 points. I really would have liked for New Orleans to play faster in this game, but it might not even matter. It might be a scheme, or just personnel. Eric Bledsoe hasn’t been half-bad, mostly being a scapegoat for criticism. Lonzo Ball hasn’t been great shooting like he was last season, as this Pelicans team better find answers and solutions soon, as they have lost their last 3. They take on the Spurs next on Monday.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Well, I was trashing the Timberwolves before this game (as everybody should), but they outplayed New Orleans, especially in the 2nd half. In the first half, Minnesota’s offense was keeping pace with New Orleans, as they were shooting 47% from 3 in the first half. The game was looking like it would be a close shootout, but the T-Wolves dominated the 3rd. Their defense really stepped up, allowing just 14 points. They held their lead in the 4th, escaping with a complete victory, just their 4th on the year.
Naz Reid had 20 points on 5/10 shooting.
Anthony Edwards had 18 points on 5/14 shooting off the bench.
Jarrett Culver had 16 points and 5 rebounds on 6/9 shooting off the bench.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention that the T-Wolves did all this without D’Angelo Russell. Their offense was very balanced, with 6 guys scoring in double figures, 3 of those being off the bench. Anthony Edwards and Jarrett Culver were solid off the bench, as Edwards played well for the first time in a while. The T-Wolves frontcourt of Reid and Vanderbilt combined for 36 points and 15 rebounds, as they were very good. I doubt the T-Wolves can consistently do this, but it’s a good win nonetheless. Minnesota takes on the Warriors on Monday next.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Detroit Pistons
Philadelphia 76ers
This game was a little too close for comfort, but the 76ers clawed out a win, but not without quite the fight from the Pistons. The 76ers offense was a heavy dose of Joel Embiid, as Philly scored 61 points in the first half on 54% shooting. The only problem was they couldn’t stop Wayne Ellington, who hit 4 3’s in the first half, and Detroit scored 63 points. In the 3rd, Philly asserted themselves a bit more on both ends, but the lead was just 6 entering the 4th. The 76ers kept playing keep away with the lead, as Detroit kept fighting. But the 76ers made their free throws down the stretch, surviving to improve to 12-5 on the year.
Joel Embiid had 33 points and 14 rebounds on 10/20 shooting.
Ben Simmons had 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists on 5/7 shooting, 10/12 FT.
Tobias Harris had 17 points on 6/14 shooting.
Joel Embiid continues to dominate down low, as he just can’t be stopped. He draws fouls at an absurd rate, and he makes them. Ben Simmons has been finding his offense, as he was very aggressive in this game, shooting 12 free throws, and making 10 of them. They need Simmons to be aggressive and find his shot more, in addition to his passing and defense. Harris and Curry were solid, as the starting 5 did most of the scoring. The 76ers bench only had 23 points, which is a little low considering they have guys like Maxey and Milton. But a win is a win, as Philly has won their last 3 games. They take on the Pistons again on Monday.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons lost, but the good news is that Blake Griffin didn’t play and they got to play their young guys decent minutes. Finally, Detroit is embracing the rebuild. Yes, they remained competitive in this game, but it seemed inevitable that just Wayne Ellington would keep them in a game against a contending team. I still want the Pistons to play their young guys more, and they did that. Saddiq Bey had 10 points in 19 minutes, Sekou had 13 points in 19 minutes, and Isaiah Stewart had 8 point and 5 rebounds in 19 minutes. These guys just need to play and develop, and Detroit can see what type of young talent they have going down the line.
Miami Heat vs Brooklyn Nets
Miami Heat
The Heat managed to hang in tough with the Nets, mainly because Bam Adebayo went god-mode, something that I expected to happen with the Nets poor defense. The first half was basically the Heat getting torched by Joe Harris, who had 20 points in the first half. The Heat trailed by 10, their offense sputtering and the Nets were cooking. Things didn’t get any better in the 3rd, as the Heat trailed by 14 entering the 4th. But as usual, the Heat didn’t give up. They started the 4th on a 13-0 run, cutting the lead to one, and that got them back in the game. The Heat had troubles on defense against Brooklyn, but just continually went to Bam Adebayo down low, as he was bullying Jeff Green. But the Heat trailed by 8 with 30 seconds left. But the Heat hit a few shots, and Duncan Robinson was fouled on a 3 with 8 seconds left. He made all 3 free throws, and the lead was just two. Kyrie went 1/2 from the line, and then the Heat didn’t call timeout. Instead they raced it down the floor, where Bam Adebayo was fouled. Adebayo went 1/2, and the Nets closed it out. Wonder why Erik Spoelstra didn’t call a timeout, trying to get Duncan Robinson or Kendrick Nunn a shot late. Instead the Heat fall to 6-9 on the year.
Bam Adebayo had a career high 41 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists on 14/20 shooting.
Goran Dragic had 19 points and 7 assists on 7/18 shooting.
Kendrick Nunn had 18 points and 5 rebounds on 6/15 shooting off the bench.
The Heat definitely had their chances, but not calling timeout with 7 seconds left is a bit perplexing. Bam Adebayo was a problem down low, and the Heat had some scoring from Dragic, Robinson, and Nunn, but they came up just short. Definitely a game they would have won with Butler, Herro, and Bradley healthy, but they’re not, and that’s just the way things are for the Heat. I definitely think the Heat have to be healthy to contend, just like every team in the league. Miami and the Nets face off again on Monday.
Brooklyn Nets
Even though Bam Adebayo absolutely dominated the Nets down low, their offense got them over the hump, as they survived to win their first game as a trio. In the first half, it was the Joe Harris show, as he hit 6 3’s and had a team-high 20 points. The Nets shot 53% from 3, and they led by 10 at halftime. They extended that lead to 14 in the 4th, as it seemed to be too easy. But the Heat challenged them in the 4th, as they started the 4th on a 13-0 run, cutting the lead to one. KD and Irving responded, and the Nets led by 8 with 30 seconds left, the game seemingly out of hand. But the Heat cut the lead to two, and after Irving went 1/2 from the line, the Heat had a chance. Except they didn’t call timeout, and the Nets caught a break as they fouled Bam Adebayo. The Nets held on to survive, as they win their first game in their superstar trios history. Brooklyn is now 10-8 on the year.
KD had 31 points on 11/19 shooting.
Kyrie Irving had 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists on 10/17 shooting, 18 points in 4th.
Joe Harris had 23 points on 8/14 shooting, 7/12 3-PT, 20 points in first half.
The Nets is defense is a problem, we all know that. But I have a noticed a few other things. First of all, the Nets need to give Joe Harris this type of love more often. As down the stretch, the Heat wouldn’t leave Harris open, and it made it easier for Irving and Durant to score. Notice how I didn’t say Harden, as he is trying too hard. He obviously won’t be getting as many shots, but he’s being passive. He’s trying to find a 2nd round pick in the pick and roll instead of being aggressive. James hasn’t figured out when to tone in down, and then tone it up. He needs to tone it up with the 2nd unit. The defense obviously needs work, and James Harden needs to be more aggressive. Oh yeah, props to Kyrie, who was excellent in the 4th. He has fit in well with the trio, as he picks and chooses his spots, similar to Durant. Brooklyn faces off with the Heat again on Monday.
Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks
Houston Rockets
Now I didn’t expect John Wall to play in this game, but he was playing. Victor Oladipo wasn’t playing, and the Rockets offense was very good, although the Mavs were very short-handed, missing Kristaps Porzingis along with 4 of their better defenders. But there are some positives from this game. DeMarcus Cousins turned back the clock, as he had 28 points and 17 rebounds. He was dominant down low, as he locked like the old Boogie Cousins. Eric Gordon was excellent scoring, and Nwaba and Jones combined for 34 points off the bench. Houston improves to 6-9 on the year.
Dallas Mavericks
I’m not going to say much. The Mavs were missing 5 guys, including Kristaps Porzingis. Luka did all he could, but he didn’t have much help. The Mavs have been ravaged by Covid/injuries, and they just haven’t been able to stay healthy, as they fall to 8-8 on the year. The Mavs take on the Nuggets next on Monday.
Golden State Warriors vs Utah Jazz
Golden State Warriors
Hey! Steph Curry passed Reggie Miller to move into 2nd place on the NBA’s all time 3-pointers made list. Yeah, the positives for this game end there. This game started poorly for Golden State, and didn’t get any better. They trailed 14-0 right out of the gates, and their defense was poor throughout this contest. They never got back in it, as the Jazz’s hot shooting continued. The Jazz made 20 3-pointers, shooting 40% from deep. Golden State’s defense was poor, as they fall to 8-8 on the year.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz just can’t miss, as they have been torching teams from 3. The Jazz started this game on a 14-0 run, and they never slowed down. The Jazz made 20 3-pointers, and shot 40% from 3. Their shooting has been unreal, as they win their 8th straight game. The Jazz had balanced scoring once again, as they have been so good this season. Utah is now 12-4 on the year, and they take on the New York Knicks next on Tuesday.
LA Lakers vs Chicago Bulls
LA Lakers
I did say that the Lakers might coast in this game, and that didn’t happen. The Lakers jumped on Chicago from the start, their offense was good, and their defense was smothering. AD came out attacking from the start, as he finished with 37 points and 6 rebounds. He was in a slump, and he returned home with a bang. Other than that, the Lakers didn’t score much. They only won by 11 because they stopped trying in the 2nd half. But LA has not lost on the road this season, as they are 9-0 on the road this season. I like when AD is this aggressive, and he needs to keep that up, as he is one of the best post players in the league. LA is now 13-4 on the year, and they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers next on Monday.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls caught a bad night of AD, that’s all. Really no shame to losing to the Lakers, as they are a team that is destined for another title. The Bulls offense didn’t make a 3 in the first half, and only made 8 for the game. Nobody shot very well for the Bulls, as this was just a tough game all-around for a very young and growing team. Chicago falls to 7-9 on the year, and they take on the Boston Celtics next on Monday.
Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns
Denver Nuggets
Denver battled in this game again with the Suns, and the game went into double OT, but Denver escaped with a win. The first half was very high scoring, with Denver shooting 46% from the field and scoring 58 points. But the Suns again were hot even without Devin Booker as they scored 61 points on 50% shooting from 3. And then both teams hit a wall of fatigue in the 2nd half. Less than 24 hours ago, these two teams played in OT, and you could tell they were tired, as they combined for just 31 points in the 3rd. The 4th quarter was back and forth, but Denver fell behind by 3 with just 12.8 seconds left. They needed a 3 to tie. Jamal Murray got the ball with about 6 seconds left, and dribbled to his left. He stepped back, but Deandre Ayton was right there. So he faded away and sent up a prayer, and he drilled it, forcing OT.
In OT, things were again back and forth, but Denver found themselves up 3 with 8.9 seconds left. The Suns had a very messy play, with Frank Kaminsky fumbling the ball, and getting smothered by Gary Harris. But PJ Dozier stupidly doubled Kaminsky, and Jae Crowder hit a left wing 3. Like, Harris had Kaminsky boxed, there’s no need to double and leave the best shooter on the floor open. And so went into double OT, but this time Denver dominated. Booker was out, Deandre Ayton fouled out in the first OT, and Cam Johnson left the game with cramping. So Jokic dominated down low, and Jamal Murray hit the dagger, giving Denver another OT win against the Suns, as they improve to 9-7 on the year.
Nikola Jokic had 29 points, 22 rebounds, and 6 assists on 9/21 shooting.
Jamal Murray had 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists on 10/22 shooting.
JaMychal Green had 16 points and 5 rebounds on 4/8 shooting off the bench.
Denver must have been exhausted in this game, but they clawed their way to a win, even if it was ugly at times. Jokic was a force down low, as he grabbed everything that came his way. But he dominated in the 2nd OT with Frank Kaminsky guarding him. Jamal Murray got his mojo back late, with that incredible 3 that forced OT. MPJ was very good off the bench, as I think he’s better suited a bench guy who can close late. This Denver team is good, even though people can’t seem to notice that. Denver is now 9-7 on the year, and they take on the Dallas Mavericks on Monday next.
Phoenix Suns
This was a tough game for the Suns. Already without All-Star Devin Booker, they missed Ayton and Cam Johnson down the stretch of this game. The Suns shot the ball very well again in the first half, shooting 50% from 3. They looked good, but then they started to slow down in the 2nd half. The 4th quarter was back and forth, with a Chris Paul jumper with 12.8 seconds left giving the Suns a 3-point lead. But Jamal Murray made a miraculous shot at the buzzer, tying the game and forcing OT. The first OT was back and forth, but Deandre Ayton fouled out. With 8.9 seconds left, the Suns were down by 3. Their inbounds play got sloppy as Frank Kaminsky fumbled the ball and had nowhere to go. But PJ Dozier doubled for some reason, and Jae Crowder hit a 3 with 0.7 seconds left, and we headed into double OT. But the Suns were just too short-handed, as Jokic dominated them down low. Phoenix had lost 3 of their last 4 games, and they are now 8-7 on the year.
Chris Paul had 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 13 assists on 9/20 shooting.
Jae Crowder had 21 points and 7 rebounds on 6/13 3-PT.
Cam Johnson had 19 points on 7/16 shooting.
I have a few things to say about the Suns, but again, they were short-handed. I do think that Cam Johnson should be coming off the bench, as he has been much better off the bench. I know that Devin Booker was out, but I think that Langston Galloway wouldn’t have been a terrible option to start next to Chris Paul. 2nd, the Suns either need to trust rookie Jalen Smith more or get a backup center. Because Frank Kaminsky was getting exposed by Jokic. Either that or Ayton has to stay out of foul trouble. Because when he fouled out, it was game over. And in games when Booker is out, Chris Paul has to be better, more aggressive. Shooting 9/20 isn’t good enough, he needs to be the heartbeat of the offense and control things. Phoenix has struggled since their extended layoff with Covid, as they are now 8-7 on the year, and they take on the OKC Thunder next on Wednesday.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 7 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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