Giannis’s Big Night Not Enough; Are The Mavs Back? 2.10.21
It’s a Wednesday night of NBA hoops, and we have a busy night with 9 games on the schedule today.
Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors offense was incredible in this game, as they couldn’t be stopped. They shot nearly 60% from 3 and 53% from the field. Powell had 28, Lowry had 21, Siakam added 26. The Raptors bench was solid, as the Wizards defense was never even there. Toronto improves to 12-13 on the year, and they take on the Celtics next on Thursday.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards won’t win with this offense. No matter how good they do on offense (they weren’t great in this game), they just can’t allowing the Raptors to shoot 59% from 3. Washington’s defensive woes continue as they fall to 6-16 on the year. New York is next for the Wizards.
Atlanta Hawks vs Dallas Mavericks
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks played so well in this game, but to come up short definitely hurts. In the first half, the tandom of Young and Collins was excellent. Collins was bruising down low, and Young hit some deep 3’s, as the Hawks scored 62 points in the first half, leading by 10 at half. They were able to keep their lead in the 3rd, despite the Mavs trying to comeback. And then came the 4th. The Hawks started the 4th off slow, and guys like Brunson and Hardaway got going, giving Dallas the lead. The Hawks kept fighting in the final 2 minutes, but they just couldn’t stop the Mavs. But the Hawks got a stop, trailing by 1 with 4.7 seconds left. Trae Young fell down, so Danilo Gallinari had to take shot. He got a decent look, but missed as the Hawks fell late. Not getting Young or Collins or even Huerter a shot there late does hurt the Hawks chances substantially, as they fall to 11-13 on the year.
John Collins had 33 points and 8 rebounds on 13/18 shooting.
Trae Young had 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 15 assists on 8/22 shooting.
Kevin Huerter had 23 points and 8 rebounds on 9/15 shooting.
The Hawks got cold in that 2nd half offensively. Young was 7/15 in the first half, but just 1/7 in the 2nd half. Collins and Young were still really good in this game, as was Huerter, but they just couldn’t win. Their defense couldn’t stop Dallas from hitting shots. The Hawks bench didn’t give them much, as the Mavs bench was a lot better. Tough loss for Atlanta, as they take on the Spurs next.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs weren’t playing with a lot of energy on defense for most of this game, but they got their bench to score in the 4th, as they hung on for a win. The Mavs just couldn’t make 3’s in the first half, as they shot 21% from 3 in the first half. The Mavs couldn’t hand the Young-Collins combo, as they trailed by 10 at the half. The Mavs bench gave them a boost in the 3rd, but they couldn’t cut into the lead much, trailing by 9 entering the 4th. But then the Mavs bench came up big. Jalen Brunson and Tim Hardaway Jr. really got things going, as Dallas went up by 6 at one point. The Mavs kept hitting big shot after big shot, holding their lead. But with 4.7 seconds left, the Hawks had a chance to win. The Mavs didn’t ley Young or Collins get the ball, and made Gallinari put up a tough shot, which me missed. Dallas has won 4 of their last 5 games, as they improve to 12-14 on the year.
Luka Doncic had 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists on 9/18 shooting.
Jalen Brunson had 21 points and 5 assists on 9/18 shooting off the bench.
Tim Hardaway Jr. had 16 points on 6/10 shooting off the bench.
This is the type of scoring relief the Mavs have to get to help Luka. Luka played very well in this game, as he got help. Brunson and Hardaway Jr were huge in this win for the Mavs, especially in that 4th where they got Dallas back into the game. Porzingis was solid in the first half, and Dallas’s defense got stops when they needed to. The Mavs have been playing much better lately as they try and climb back into the thick of things in the West. Dallas takes on New Orleans next on Friday.
Indiana Pacers vs Brooklyn Nets
Indiana Pacers
This game wasn’t very close, despite Indiana only losing by 10. The Pacers offense was horrendous in this game. They managed just 30 points to one of the worst defenses in the league. 30 points. They made it look a little less worse in the 2nd half, but this game was by no means very close. The Pacers offense hasn’t been as good recently, as they’ve lost 6 out of their last 7 games. Brogdon and Sabonis weren’t great shooting the ball, as the Pacers haven’t been the same team that started the year off. Indiana falls to 12-13 on the year, and they take on the Pistons tomorrow.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets defense finally showed up, as the Nets showed some effort on that end. They held a pretty good Indiana offense to just 30 points in the first half, allowing them to jump out to a big lead. They just held their advantage in the 2nd half, as this was a very impressive win. Irving led the way with 35 points, and James Harden had a double-double. Guys like Joe Harris and Deandre Jordan also were in double figures, but the real story here was the defense. The Nets can’t win without it, so they’ll have to put this type of effort forth every game. Brooklyn is now 15-12 on the year, as they take on the Warriors next on Saturday.
Charlotte Hornets vs Memphis Grizzlies
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets offense was again very good, however they were terrible in the 3rd and that ended up being the difference. But in that first half, the Hornets were something else. The Hornets shot 62% from the field, and had 3 guys in double figures, including Terry Rozier who has 8/9 from the field in the first half. The Hornets scored 68 points, and they still trailed by two. And then the Hornets scored just 15 points in the 3rd, and they were outscored by 16 as Memphis blew the game open. The Hornets offense got going in the 4th, but it was too little too late for the Hornets, as they fall to 12-14 on the year.
Terry Rozier had 34 points on 12/17 shooting, 6/9 3-PT.
Lamelo Ball had 17 points and 5 assists on 8/15 shooting.
Defense will have to be better for the Hornets if they want to win, as they can’t just rely on their offense.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies finally got back on track, as it wasn’t their defense but their offense that got them this win. In the first half, the Grizzlies managed to keep up with Charlotte thanks to their 3-PT shooting. 4 Grizzlies were in double figures in the first half, as they torched the Hornets for 70 points in the first half. And the Grizzlies defense made a surprise appearance in the 3rd, as they held the Hornets to just 15 points in the 3rd, pulling away for the win. Memphis snaps 4-game losing streak as they improve to 10-10 on the year.
Kyle Anderson had 27 points on 10/14 shooting, 6/8 3-PT.
Dillon Brooks had 20 points on 8/13 shooting, 4/8 3-PT.
Desmond Bane had 18 points on 6/11 shooting, 4/8 3-PT.
The Grizzlies defense still hasn’t been very good lately, but their offense was red-hot from 3 as they torched the Hornets from deep. They shot 47% from 3 with 23 3-pointers made. And they did all this with Ja Morant still not playing his best basketball. The Grizzlies defense will have to be better as they will likely not shoot like this often, but a good win to snap a losing streak. Memphis takes on the Lakers next on Friday.
LA Clippers vs Minnesota Timberwolves
LA Clippers
The Clippers played poorly in the first half of this game, but a big 3rd quarter helped them get this win. In the first half, the Clippers defense struggled against the T-Wolves who got Towns back down low. Kawhi kept them in the game with 16 points in the first half, but they would need to play better defensively to win. And they got that in the 3rd, as they outscored the T-Wolves by 13 and held them to just 20 points. The Clippers held a double-digit lead for most of the 3rd, a Kawhi Leonard 3 with 1:15 proved to be the dagger, as LA improves to 18-8 on the year.
Kawhi had 36 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists on 13/25 shooting.
Lou Williams had 27 points and 5 rebounds on 10/15 shooting off the bench.
The Clippers played much better in that 2nd half defensively. Getting Patrick Beverley back definitely helped that, but Kawhi was amazing in this game. He was efficient, and he did a bit of everything. Lou Williams got out of his slump, as LA needs him to score more in the absence of PG. Good win for LA, as they take on the Bulls next on Friday.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The T-Wolves played pretty well with Towns back in the lineup, but a poor 3rd quarter was one that they couldn’t overcome late, as they couldn’t upset the Clippers. With Towns back, the T-Wolves played pretty good in the first half. They shot 42% from the field and scored 53 points, leading by 6 with some balanced scoring. But then they slowed down considerably in the 3rd, as they managed to score just 20 points. The T-Wolves would need a comeback in the 4th, but they couldn’t get stops as while they scored 39 points in the 4th, so did the Clippers. Minnesota falls to 6-19 on the year.
Naz Reid had 23 points on 9/13 shooting off the bench.
Malik Beasley had 21 points and 5 rebounds on 5/15 shooting.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 18 points and 18 rebounds on 8/15 shooting.
It was good to see Towns back out there on the floor, as he’s been through so much this season. The T-Wolves fought hard in this game, but they lost to the better team. No D’Angelo Russell meant they were without a perimeter scorer, but with Towns back, hopefully they can start to get better. Minnesota takes on the Hornets next.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls
New Orleans Pelicans
This game was up and down for the Pelicans, but mostly down. Their defense was torched by Chicago from outside, as they lost their win-streak because of defense. In the first quarter, Zach Lavine and the Bulls shot 10/11 from 3 and the Pels allowed 44 points. Not the most ideal way to start the game. But the Bulls cooled down from 3 in the 2nd quarter, and the Pelicans dropped 40 points of their own as they led by 8 at the half led by Ball, Williamson, and Ingram. And then they played a horrible 3rd. The Pelicans managed just 14 points, and they allowed another 40-point quarter. They couldn’t overcome the 18-point deficit, as they fall to 11-13 on the year.
Zion Williamson had 29 points on 12/18 shooting.
Brandon Ingram had 21 points and 5 rebounds on 6/19 shooting.
Lonzo Ball had 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists on 6/13 shooting.
The Pelicans defense couldn’t contain the Bulls from 3. Lavine and Coby White torched them, as even with their great offensive night they were just simply outplayed. Zion was good, Ingram was ok but struggled to shoot and Lonzo hit some 3’s. Kira Lewis Jr. was solid off the bench, but the Pels defense will have to be better if they want to win. New Orleans takes on the Mavericks next.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have been without some of their best 3-point shooters like Lauri Markkanen for the past few games, and they needed to be able to score around Zach Lavine to win. And they got that and more. In the first quarter, the Bulls shot 10/11 from 3 in the first quarter and Zach Lavine scored 20 points as the Bulls scored 44 points in the first quarter. But the Bulls cooled off considerably in the 2nd, and they allowed 40 points themselves as they trailed by 8 at the half. Their roller-coaster game continued as they held the Pelicans to just 14 points in the 3rd, outscoring them by 26. The Bulls went on to win, as they improve to 10-14 on the year.
Zach Lavine had 46 points and 7 rebounds on 17/25 shooting, 9/14 3-PT.
Coby White had 30 points and 7 assists on 10/20 shooting, 8/17 3-PT.
The Bulls backcourt made history, becoming the first teammates to both hit 8 3’s in a game. We all know Zach Lavine is capable of this, as he’s one of the best scorers in the league and an All-Star. But Coby White had been struggling as of late, and they needed him to score with Markkanen out. And he gave them that scoring with 30 points, as the two of them combined for 76 points. The Bulls made 25 3-pointers and shot 53% from 3, as they couldn’t miss from 3-PT range. The Bulls take on the Clippers next.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs need an offense to win. They were 8/37 from 3. 8/37, that is terrible. The Cavs have to score to win, and if they can’t do that it’s almost impossible for them to win.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets did what they were supposed to in this game, which was dominate. 6 Nuggets were in double figures, as it was a balanced scoring night. Jokic only had 12 points, as he didn’t shoot the ball a lot as he was more of a passer with 12 assists. Jamal Murray was just 3/6 from the field, as he just can’t seem to unlock his bubble form. Nonetheless Denver improves to 13-11 on the year, and they take on the OKC Thunder next.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Phoenix Suns
Milwaukee Bucks
This was a tough loss for the Bucks, especially with how Giannis was dominating. The Bucks were torching the Suns in the first half, thanks to their 3-PT shooting. The Bucks shot 54% from 3, making 13 3-pointers in the first half. 4 Bucks were in double figures including Giannis with 17, as the Bucks led by 12 at the half. But in the 3rd, the 3’s stopped falling and Giannis was really the only guy who could score. Even with Giannis scoring, the Bucks allowed an 11-2 run to end the quarter, as their lead had disappeared. The Suns kept fighting, and took an 8-point lead with 2:30 left. But Giannis and company scored 8 straight to tie the game. The Suns led by one with 2.8 seconds left. The Bucks went to Giannis who got a good look on a pullup jumper, but he missed and Milwaukee’s 5 game win-streak came to an end as they fall to 16-9 on the year.
Giannis had 47 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists on 15/23 shooting, 17/23 FT.
Khris Middleton had 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 11 assists on 7/17 shooting.
Bryn Forbes had 17 points on 6/9 shooting, 5/8 3-PT.
Giannis was excellent in this game. He just kept getting to the rim or to the line, as he had 30 points in the 2nd half, and was 7/8 from the field in the 4th. That one miss was the game-winner, as the Bucks couldn’t comeback and win this game. Giannis got a good look, but I would have rather seen Middleton shoot a jumper other than Giannis, but that’s just my opinion. The Bucks were 13/24 from 3 in the first half. They were just 3/13 in the 2nd half, as they will have to shoot better over the entire game to win. Bryn Forbes had 0 points in the 2nd half, and Middleton had just 8. Milwaukee not having Jrue Holiday to help guard the Suns on the perimeter hurt, as they miss his defense. The Bucks take on the red-hot Utah Jazz next on Friday.
Phoenix Suns
This was one heck of a win for the Suns, as they withstood a Bucks 70-point first half and Giannis avalanche to win this game. In the first half, the Suns tried to keep up with the Bucks with it was futile with how the Bucks were shooting. The Suns shot 55% from the field and still trailed by 12, as they would need to defend the 3 better in the 2nd half. And that’s what happened. The Bucks stopped hitting shots from the outside, and it was just Giannis that was scoring. And the Suns took advantage as they scored 39 points in the 3rd and ended it with a 11-2 run. The Suns momentum continued, as they led by 8 with 2:30 left. The Bucks tied the game, but Devin Booker put them up one at the free throw line. With 2.8 seconds left, the Bucks had the ball and a chance to win, Phoenix needing a stop. The ball found the hottest guy in the floor, but the Suns forced Giannis to take a jumper and he missed. Phoenix held on to win a thriller, as they improve to 15-9 on the year.
Devin Booker had 30 points and 6 rebounds on 11/21 shooting.
Chris Paul had 28 points and 7 assists on 10/20 shooting.
Deandre Ayton had 17 points and 7 rebounds on 7/10 shooting.
Devin Booker and Chris Paul were amazing in this game. Booker did most his damage in the first half, but Paul was excellent in the 2nd half, as the two of them set the tone. Ayton had his hands full with Giannis down low on the other end, but he had a solid game nonetheless. Kaminsky and Bridges were solid as well, but Jae Crowder played a big part in the win off the bench. He had some big defensive plays in the 4th, including a forced turnover with under 30 seconds to go. This was a signature game for the Suns, a comeback win against an Eastern Conference contender. The Suns take on the 76ers next on Saturday.
OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers
OKC Thunder
Even without SGA, OKC made this game… a game. The Thunder had a big first quarter in which they scored 37 points and led by as many as 17 in the first quarter. Then the Lakers slowly crept back into the game, but OKC was able to force OT. In OT they gave it their best fight, but a lazy inbounds pass was their demise. Horford and Kenrich Williams were good, and guys like Dort and Diallo were solid. Although it’s not a win, it’s a good effort. OKC is now 10-14 on the year, and they take on the Nuggets next.
LA Lakers
The last time the Lakers had 3 straight overtime games was November of the 1991-92 season. That was nearly 3 decades ago. The Lakers haven’t been able to beat mediocre teams. Lebron has played 40+ minutes again, as they just can’t seem to beat bad teams. Again, I know the Lakers save their best for the better teams, but they’re really just wasting energy at this point. Like could you guys just win? Please? Lebron playing 40 minutes per game isn’t a recipe for success, and LA likely won’t have the luxury of a hiatus once again. LA is now 20-6 on the year, and they take on the Grizzlies next on Friday.
What Are Your Thoughts On The 9 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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