Do The T-Wolves Have A Future?; Bulls New Lineup Works? 3.14.21
It’s a Sunday slate of NBA basketball and we have a busy day with 9 games on the schedule today.
Memphis Grizzlies vs OKC Thunder
Losing To A G-League Team
The Thunder were missing a lot. Dort, Horford, and Bazley were all out. This should have been an easy win. But it wasn’t as Memphis collapsed in the 4th. In the first half the Grizzlies had no problem scoring as they continually got to the rim with ease. But SGA wasn’t scoring too much and the game remained close. In the 3rd the scoring stayed hot but Memphis kept their lead at 10. All they needed to do was play a good 4th quarter. Easier said than done apparently. But the Grizzlies went ice cold in the 4th and then SGA got going. The Grizzlies lost their lead quickly and the offense just never got back on track.
Morant was solid with 22 points and 7 assists. Brooks had 19 points but for reason he wasn’t on SGA for a lot of the 4th. It’s one of the reasons SGA got going, Brooks wasn’t on him. Valanciunas had a double-double and the bench was solid. But after scoring 30+ points in the first 3 quarters Memphis scored just 22 in the 4th. Their offense just completely stalled out.
The Grizzlies offense can be very good with their supreme depth. However they just couldn’t make shots in the 4th and the Thunder started to torch them from 3. When OKC is missing so many guys you have to take advantage and get the win. This especially hurts because the Grizzlies are a fringe playoff team and every game in the West counts. The Grizzlies have to be more consistent offensively if they want to go anywhere.
How Is This Possible
This team just finds way to win. You don’t have a dynamic forward is Bazley, a shooter in Al Horford, and your best perimeter defender and Ja Morant stopper is out. An you win. How? In the first half the Thunder had balanced scoring. SGA wasn’t great or anything and OKC trailed by just 7. They tried to make a dent in the lead in the 3rd, but Memphis still led by 10 entering the 4th. Then the 3’s started to fall. The Thunder were 7/10 from 3 in the 4th and SGA had 8 points in the 4th and that helped the Thunder outscore Memphis by 16 in the 4th to get the win.
SGA had 30 and did most his damage at the foul line or whenever he was guarded by somebody other than Dillon Brooks. Aleksej Pokusevski had his best game of the year, as he looks a lot more comfortable since coming back from the G-League. He had 23 points and 10 rebounds. Kenrich Williams continues to be a solid scoring presence with 17 off the bench. Miller and Roby were also solid, especially Miller in the 4th. Ty Jerome is a crafty player and a really good passer.
This OKC team is so weird, but I like their pieces. SGA is such a talented, smooth scorer. Pokusevski is one of the biggest project players ever, but games like this show his potential. Ty Jerome looks like a solid backup and Isaiah Roby looks like a solid forward. Add those guys with guys like Dort and Bazley, and OKC has a solid team. The Thunder have 17 wins this year and they’re building a solid core. They still have 1,000,000 first round picks. The future is bright to say the least.
Utah Jazz vs Golden State Warriors
Where Has The Defense Gone?
The Jazz defense hasn’t been great lately, and they got torched by the Warriors in this game. Their 2nd unit got outplayed by G-league guys as this just wasn’t a great showing. In the first quarter shots just weren’t falling. Curry started to get going and the Jazz fell behind by double-digits. In the 2nd the Jazz should have been able to take advantage with their 2nd unit. Key word should. Clarkson was struggled and guys like Jordan Poole and James Wiseman helped the Warriors retain their lead. In the 3rd Donovan Mitchell got going but the Jazz never took the lead. It was down to one in the 4th but Wiggins and others hit some big shots and the Jazz just never could get stops when they needed them. Utah has lost 4 of their last 6 games and they fall to 28-10 on the year.
Mitchell was ok with 24 points but wasn’t that impactful. Conley had 18 in the first half but finished with just 23. Gobert was a monster. 24 points and 4 blocks but a career high 28 rebounds with 8 of them being offensive. He was a monster. Bogdanovic continues to be awful and Jordan Clarkson was cold.
The Jazz defense has to be better. They played drop coverage against Curry and that’s never a great idea. The bench unit was awful. Jordan Clarkson was forcing things and nobody else could hit shots. Poole and Wiseman combined for 34 points, nearly how many bench points the Jazz had in total. Not having Bojan Bogdanovic shooting well is hurting Utah. O’Neale isn’t that good of a shooter despite what the percentages say. I wouldn’t say the Jazz need to make a move, but their defense has been off on the perimeter lately and Bojan Bogdanovic better return to his last season form in order for the Jazz to win.
Hail To The Bench
The Warriors have been struggling lately, but they put things together in this game. Their 2nd unit and Andrew Wiggins were excellent and their defense was solid as they led for most of the game against the best in the league. In the first quarter the Warriors had things going. Curry got going on his birthday and Golden State opened up a double-digit lead. I fully expected the lead to disappear when a weak Golden State bench entered the game, but I was wrong. Jordan Poole hit some shots, Wiseman had some nice finishes, and Nico Mannion and Eric Paschall were solid as the Warriors held their lead. In the 3rd the Jazz came back a bit but the Warriors never collapsed. The lead got down to one in the 4th, but the Warriors bench responded again. Wiseman and Wiggins got going and helped create some space in the lead. The Warriors defense held things down and they cruised to a big-time win over the best in the West.
Curry had a very quiet 32 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists as he was solid. Andrew Wiggins was amazing. 12/16 shooting as he was getting to the rim at will. He had 28 points and also played very good defense. Draymond got another triple-double as the field general but the bench was amazing. Wiseman was 8/11 with 16 points and Jordan Poole was 6/11 with 18 points. Poole looked comfortable shooting the ball and Wiseman continues to be productive off the bench.
I like the Warriors when they play like this, but I don’t think it’s sustainable. Their bench is weak with guys like Wanamaker and Lee completely out of the rotation. Lots of young guys and not a lot of shot creation. Andrew Wiggins was great but Kelly Oubre continues to be awful. The Warriors need more production out of him, or finding somebody that can give them more production. I still don’t view the Warriors that highly just because of all their inconsistent players, but this was a very good game nonetheless.
San Antonio Spurs vs Philadelphia 76ers
Spurs Offensive Woes Return
The Spurs offense has weapons but sometimes they just struggle. It happened in this game and it wasn’t pretty. The Spurs were just 4/21 from 3 as they lack shooting. No DeRozan means they lost their most consistent scorer and they didn’t have much. Walker, White, Murray, and Johnson were ok but they couldn’t keep up with the Embiid-less 76ers. The Spurs have to shoot better if they want to win. The Spurs have lost 3 of 4 and they are 19-16 on the year.
Who Needs The MVP?
Without Embiid the 76ers have struggled this season. But they dominated the Bulls without both their All-Stars and without Embiid they also dominated this game. Tobias Harris did a bit of everything, with an efficient 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. Danny Green and Seth Curry both shot well for once. Ben Simmons was aggressive. Korkmaz was 4/4 from 3 off the bench and Thybulle got some offense going.
This is a good time for the 76ers. Even if they aren’t winning as much, guys get more opportunities and a chance to get confidence. If guys like Curry, Green, and Korkmaz can shoot well it can carry over to the playoffs when the 76ers need shooting the most.
Miami Heat vs Orlando Magic
This Shouldn’t Have Been Close
Since the Heat couldn’t stop Vucevic or Ross, this game was close. It really shouldn’t have been close, however a win is a win. Butler was great with 29-7-9 with 5 steals on 10/17 shooting. He was excellent. Herro had 22 off the bench and Olynyk and Robinson were also both in double-figures. It was a decent game but the Heat desperately need Adebayo healthy. They have struggled to contain guys like Vucevic and a guy like Adebayo makes their defense even better. But the Heat have won 10 of their last 11 games as they have climbed back into the East playoff picture.
The Land Of Injuries
This game was very close despite the fact that Orlando didn’t have Gordon, Anthony, or Fournier. Vucevic and Ross were excellent, both scoring over 30 points. They were the only reason this game was close. But last play was awful. Down two the Magic didn’t know what they were doing. Ross chucked a 3 and air-balled it. Bacon got in in the corner and chucked it, and he missed. They got it again and turned it over which led to a Butler score, game over. That’s 8 straight losses for the Magic.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Atlanta Hawks
It Was Close For 3 Quarters
The Cavs are very, very bad. This game was close for a while. The game favored the Hawks because people were struggling to score. Down 3 entering the 4th the Cavs had a chance to win. Then they got dominated in the 4th. The Hawks started off the 4th on a 20-2 run and that blew the game open. Sexton struggled to shoot again and the scoring has been hard to come by for the Cavs as they continue to struggle.
This Was Close For 3 Quarters?
The Hawks offense was terrible for 3 quarters. It was a defensive game as both teams couldn’t get going. Up 3 entering the 4th, the Hawks finally got some separation. They started the 4th on a 20-2 run and they blew this game open. About time. Without Capela, Gallinari started and he was solid with 20 points. Collins had a double-double. Bogdanovic finally got going with 12 off the bench, Trae Young was ok with 14 points, and Nathan Knight was a pleasant surprise with 16 points off the bench.
Good win for the Hawks as they played well for 12 minutes and won this game. The Hawks have won 5 straight games and they are back in the Eastern Conference playoff picture with a 19-20 record.
Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets
It’s The Rockets
We all knew how this would go, so I won’t waste your time. Tatum was efficient with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Brown was 9/14 with 24 points and Walker added 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Robert Williams was 7/7 with 16 points and 13 rebounds and 3 blocks. He has become their best bench player. The Celtics have won 5 of their last 6 games and they are 20-18 on the year.
Sweet 16
16 in a row now for the Rockets. NBA record is 28 straight losses.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Minnesota T-Wolves
No Comment
The Blazers have one of the hardest schedules in the 2nd half of the season. With all the injuries they have, they need every single game. And two games against the worst team in the conference is an opportunity to get two wins. Portland blew this game and they can only blame themselves. In the first half both offenses were struggling but Portland was leading. That changed in the 2nd half. Anthony Edwards was killing Portland when they dared him to shoot. Dame went cold and Portland was just missing. Enes Kanter was rendered ineffective with his offense gone.
Portland feel behind double-digits in the 4th. They hit some 3’s to make the score closer but they couldn’t comeback. The only way they could’ve won is if the refs didn’t view the Dame charge. Yes, it was close to the restrictive area, however the T-Wolves didn’t have a challenge. But they argued and got a free challenge and the call was overturned, getting rid of the Dame charge. Portland falls to 22-16 on the year.
Dame was good but he did in spurts and not for the whole game. He had 10 in the first quarter but that was it for the first half. He would still finish with 38 points and 7 rebounds on 12/21 shooting, although he missed a couple of open shots. Gary Trent Jr. was ok as well, however he missed about 3 wide open 3’s. Roco was very good as a scorer, as was Melo off the bench. Kanter did nothing however and the Blazers couldn’t stop Anthony Edwards and the T-Wolves 3-PT shooting.
This team is so disappointing. They have stretches where they miss too many open shots. The T-Wolves defense was better than it was yesterday, but there were a lot of points left on the board. The Blazers desperately need rebounding as they gave up key offensive rebounds when they were trying to comeback. They are just missing so many guys it’s tough to win, but against inferior teams like Minnesota, you have to win.
Promising
Like I said yesterday, this team can be good. Their defense was better and they got lucky Portland missed some shots and they won. In the first half the offense for both teams was poor. But in the 2nd half the T-Wolves got going. Anthony Edwards was going off from 3, and he and the T-Wolves built a double-digit lead in the 4th. While Portland did comeback a bit, Ricky Rubio iced the game at the line and gave the T-Wolves a rare win.
Anthony Edwards played like a #1 overall pick in this game as he was hitting outside shots. He was 6/14 from 3, finishing with a career high 34 points. If he gets a consistent jumpshot, he was worth the pick. Towns was quiet, Rubio was a passer. Nowell was good and Okogie played solid defense. But the offense was mostly Edwards in the 2nd half. He was very good, and it wasn’t fun to watch as a Blazers fan.
The T-Wolves have some guys who have potential. Towns is a generational scoring talent when healthy. Anthony Edwards with a jumpshot can be good. They have some talent and right now it’s about developing. A good win here as maybe they can get into some sort of rhythm.
Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls
Curse Covid
The Raptors were missing 3 starters again as they’d better hope they get them back soon otherwise they will continue to slide in the standings. Just Lowry and Powell isn’t nearly enough to win and the Raptors have lost 5 in a row. They have to get healthy to have a chance at making the playoffs.
New Lineup, New Results
The Bulls tried out a new lineup. Usually it’s all young guys. They added some veterans and it worked. The starting lineup was now Satoransky, Lavine, Markkanen, Williams, and Young. A little bit smaller but Thaddeous Young is a very good defender. The bench gets a boost with Wendell Carter and Coby White. It worked to a T in the first test run.
The Bulls were passing the ball-around and everybody was getting involved. The Bulls made 44 field goals and 35 of them were assisted. They were playing really well. Patrick Williams had a career-high 23 points and 6 rebounds as he continues to be solid. Markkanen and Lavine combined for just 28 points and the Bulls offense was still great. Thaddeous Young had 10-7-7 and Satoransky had 10-6-7.
Old man Otto Porter had 11 and 7 off the bench, Wendell had a double-double as well. White and Valentine were also solid.
I like this new lineup for the Bulls. In the starters you have Lavine an All-Star, Markkanen a sharp-shooter, and Williams who is a developing two-way wing. Satoransky is a pass-first guy, a better fit than the scoring-first White. Thaddeous Young is a strong inside presence and excellent passer. White and Carter off the bench is good as White is instant offense and Wendell is a starting caliber.
I said that the Bulls needed changes and maybe this is what works. At least the Bulls are addressing the problem. I like this change and it’ll be interesting to see where it goes.
LA Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans
…
The Clippers just didn’t seem ready for this game. Out of the gates the Pelicans jumped on them. Lonzo Ball started off hot and the Pelicans built a lead. LA cut into the lead in the 2nd but they still trailed by 10 at the half. The 3rd was ugly. The Pelicans dropped 43 points and LA was outscored by 17. It was game over at that point as LA’s road struggles continue as they have lost their last 4 road games.
Please Stop With The False Hope
I wish I could truly believe in the Pelicans with wins like this, but I can’t. Their personnel doesn’t fit their star forwards and they’ve done this before. They’ve destroyed the Suns but then they lose easy games. I don’t want to get myself too excited after this win, however they look very good. Imagine if they had a good core.
Zion was 13/16 for 27 points and 5 assists as nobody can stop him. Ingram had 23 points and 5 assists. Lonzo was 7/10 with 20 points. Jaxson Hayes has been playing well offensively, getting 17 points in this game. His defense is questionable, however he is a spark off the bench. Kira Lewis was also good with 13-5-6.
The Pelicans have talent. Maybe too much and it doesn’t all fit. It’s so good to see them playing like this, because they have pieces. But they need a clear rotation and they need to make moves to get spacing. They have too much talent on one team. They need to get more talent that fits instead of just pure talent. But it’s good to see them play like this, however at the end of the day I doubt it amounts to much.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 9 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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