Harris Saves Philly Late; What Is Wrong With Phoenix? 1.27.21
It’s a Wednesday night of NBA hoops and we have a busy day with 12 games on the schedule.
Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets
Indiana Pacers
Domantas Sabonis didn’t miss a game with that knee injury, and the Pacers really looked good on offense. The first half was up and down for the Pacers, but they shot 49% from the field. Their defense was ok, but their offense was keeping them ahead to the Hornets. But the Pacers pulled away in the 4th as their offense got going again, as they improve to 11-7 on the year.
Doug McDermott had 28 points and 5 rebounds on 12/22 shooting off the bench.
Malcolm Brogdon had 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists on 9/17 shooting.
Domantas Sabonis had 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists on 9/10 shooting.
McDermott provided that scoring outside of the Pacers All-Star duo that Indiana needs. Brogdon was again very good, and Domantas Sabonis looked unstoppable, even after having that knee injury scare. Turner had 5 blocks down low, as he continues to play like a DPOY. The Pacers have been very good this season, and they need to continue to get contributions from guys like McDermott, Lamb, and Turner to win until Caris Levert gets back. Indiana takes on the Hornets again on Friday.
Charlotte Hornets
This game wasn’t great for the Hornets. The Pacers went on a big run early, and Charlotte trailed big early. But they didn’t stop fighting, outscoring the Pacers by 13 in the 2nd quarter to pull back into the game. The Hornets were shooting 44% from 3, as they recovered well from that early deficit. But they couldn’t cut into the lead more in the 3rd, and then Indiana put away Charlotte last as the Hornets defense was poor. Charlotte is now 7-11 on the year.
Terry Rozier had 20 points on 8/18 shooting.
PJ Washington had 18 points and 8 rebounds on 6/14 shooting.
Gordon Hayward had 16 points on 6/14 shooting.
The Hornets offense was pretty good in this game. All 5 starters were in double figures, as they played well. But the Hornets bench wasn’t great. Lamelo Ball hasn’t been scoring like he was to start this season, as the Hornets don’t really have a deep bench. The Hornets struggled down low with Sabonis, as they just can’t play complimentary basketball on both ends. Charlotte plays the Pacers next on Friday.
Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Detroit Pistons
A loss is a loss, whatever. Without Blake Griffin playing, the Pistons young guys got to play more. Saddiq Bey played 20 minutes and he was solid. Doumbouya played 15 minutes off the bench as did Isaiah Stewart, and while Stewart struggled, it’s good to give him minutes. I really don’t get why these guys don’t get consistent minutes as the Pistons are 4-14 and without much of a direction. Detroit takes on the Lakers tomorrow.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs offense got going against a poor Detroit defense, as they looked like they were playing the Brooklyn Nets again. The Cavs shot 50%+ from both the field and 3 in the first half, as they were rolling. But they were still trailing. But a strong 3rd quarter where Cleveland scored 36 points put them back in front. And another big 4th quarter sealed the deal, as Cleveland improves to 9-9 on the year.
Collin Sexton had 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists on 10/14 shooting.
Andre Drummond had 23 points, 16 steals, and 5 steals on 9/24 shooting.
The Cavs offense ran through Sexton, as he looked like he was playing the Nets again, as he was highly efficient and effective. Drummond was great defensively, but struggled shooting. Prince and Allen were solid off the bench, combining for 26 points. Garland, Okoro, and Osman filled in nicely, as they was a team win for the Cavs. They need this type of offensive output more in order to win. Cleveland takes on the Knicks next on Friday.
Sacramento Kings vs Orlando Magic
Sacramento Kings
The Kings were playing like the Steve Nash Suns in this game, as they were just blazing down the court. The Kings shot 51% from the field and 53% from 3, and the Kings scored 65 points. They were absolutely running the Magic out of the gym. And the Kings never slowed down, cruising to a win, improving to 7-10 on the year.
Buddy Hield had 29 points and 5 rebounds on 10/17 shooting.
Harrison Barnes had 21 points and 5 rebounds on 8/11 shooting.
Richuan Holmes had 20 points and 12 rebounds on 8/11 shooting.
I love how the Kings played in this game. They were just out and running, and it really benefited their offense. Hield was getting easy transition 3’s, as he hit 7 3-pointers. Barnes and Holmes combined to shoot 16/22 from the field, as they were both vert effective. Bagley was good, as they all covered up for a bad De’Aaron Fox shooting night. The Kings bench was quiet, but the Kings offense was just so good, so good in fact it outgained their poor defense. The Kings take on the Raptors next.
Orlando Magic
The Magic just couldn’t handle the blazing speed of the Kings. They would score, and then in 3 seconds the Kings would get a shot right back, and it was quite remarkable. Orlando allowed 25+ points in every single quarter, including 3 quarters of 30+ points for the Kings. The Magic are not a team that can win shootouts, as they simply couldn’t compete with the Kings in this game, as they fall to 8-11 on the year.
Nikola Vucevic had 26 points and 9 rebounds on 11/18 shooting.
Evan Fournier had 25 points on 7/15 shooting.
Terrence Ross had 16 points on 7/16 shooting off the bench.
The Magic just couldn’t keep up with the Kings. Plain and simple. Their offense was better, but they were just outgained and outpaced by the Kings. Vucevic had his way down low and Fournier was solid but Aaron Gordon went 1/9 from the field. Cole Anthony was 2/9. The Magic continue to struggle at 8-11 on the year, and they take on the Clippers next.
Brooklyn Nets vs Atlanta Hawks
Brooklyn Nets
This was the best game in Big 3 era, as all 3 of these guys fueled the Nets to a win. The first half was tightly contested between these two excellent offenses, as the game was tied. Both teams were shooting well, as nobody could really gain an advantage. In the 3rd, the Nets defense started to slip for the first time in the game, and they trailed by 4 entering the 4th. And in the 4th, the Nets went to their big guns. With 2:00 left, the game was tied. Harden assisted Jeff Green for the lead, but the Hawks tied the game with 29 seconds left. James Harden didn’t take a great shot late, and we went to OT. In OT, the Nets just played keep away with the lead. They led by 4 with 3 minutes left, and then KD pushed that to 6. The lead went down to 3, but a key TLC offensive-rebound sealed the win, as Brooklyn improves to 12-8 on the year.
KD had 32 points and 5 rebounds on 13/26 shooting.
James Harden had 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 15 assists on 9/20 shooting.
Kyrie Irving had 26 points and 7 assists on 11/17 shooting.
This is what the Big 3 can be. They carried this Nets team late in the 4th, as they were making some unbelievably tough shots. KD continues to play like an MVP, with another 30-point game. James Harden was aggressive in this game, and had a big double-double, his best game as a Net. Kyrie was again efficient as a scorer. There was no 3rd option, no guy who got less touches. They all got shots and shared the ball. If they can do this, they are almost impossible to beat. The Nets take on the Thunder next on Friday.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks just kind of walked into the wrath of the Nets Big 3. The first of many I’m assuming. The Hawks still managed to stick around this game. Hunter and Reddish were excellent in the first half, as the game was tied despite Harden and Irving scoring. In the 3rd, the Hawks offense continued to roll, as they led by 4 entering the 4th. And in the 4th, the Hawks couldn’t really stop the Nets Big 3. But they never let things get out of hand. Cam Reddish tied the game with 29 seconds left, and the Hawks survived to force OT. But again, defense was a problem as the Nets gained a lead of 6 with 2:46 left. The Hawks fought back, but Trae Young missed a late free throw and the Hawks couldn’t the collect the rebound with under 10 seconds left, and they lost a close game with the Nets. The Hawks are now 9-9 on the year.
Trae Young had 28 points and 14 assists on 7/22 shooting.
Cam Reddish had 24 points and 6 rebounds on 9/17 shooting off the bench.
John Collins had 21 points and 8 rebounds on 9/14 shooting.
The Hawks really couldn’t have played much better. Trae Young struggled to shoot again, but he had 14 assists as he was making so many plays to his teammates. Reddish, who has struggled shooting this season, was very good and aggressive off the bench. Hunter and Collins each had 21 points. But the Hawks defense couldn’t get stops/rebounds when they needed them most, something that usually happens to younger teams. No shame in losing, you put up quite the fight. The Hawks take on the Wizards next.
Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets just took advantage of a very short-handed Heat team. This game was never close, and it really shouldn’t have been close with the talent disparity. Jokic was good, getting another double-double. MPJ was good again off the bench, as he continues to thrive in that roll. Everybody else was solid, as the Nuggets get their 5th straight win, improving to 11-7 on the year. Denver takes on the Spurs next.
Miami Heat
Get healthy.
LA Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers
LA Lakers
This game was thrilling for both teams, but I get the feeling that the Lakers are a little bit disappointed. The Lakers got in trouble early as Joel Embiid got going, getting AD and Harrell into early foul trouble. LA trailed by 16 early, but they bounced back. Their defense was much better and Lebron James finished with 22 points in the first half to bring LA within 4. In the 3rd, Joel Embiid took a hard fall, and missed most of the 3rd. LA couldn’t take advantage and trailed by 7 entering the 4th. And then things started to go south as the Lakers offense slowed down with a lot of missed free throws, and LA found themselves down 14 with 4:40 left. But Dennis Schroder got 5 quick points, and an energy burst from Alex Caruso and some 3’s put LA within one with 1:05 left. With 19 seconds left, the Lakers had the ball, a chance to take the lead. And Lebron found a wide open AD for an easy layup, putting the Lakers up by 1. But on the other end, LA couldn’t get a stop. I don’t really know why Caruso was in the game, as the 76ers just got a switch, and Tobias Harris shot right over the top of him, scoring with ease. LA lost this game, their first road loss of the year, as they fall to 14-5 on the year.
Lebron had 34 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists on 12/22 shooting.
AD had 23 points and 8 rebounds on 9/18 shooting.
Dennis Schroder had 16 points on 7/14 shooting.
The Lakers should have won this game, but they lost because AD hasn’t been the same. He missed 5 free throws, including some down the stretch. LA was lucky to get back into this to try and win, but again, why was Caruso in the game late? He got scored one easily, and the game was over. James was good, although that cheap-shot flagrant foul to Embiid in the 3rd wasn’t very Lebron James. AD has to be better, as he just hasn’t seemed right. Schroder was solid, but other than Caruso off the bench, the Lakers bench did nothing of note. They need more production from their bench to win games. LA takes on the Pistons tomorrow.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers nearly threw this game away, but an impressive win against the defending champs nonetheless. Joel Embiid took over early, as he dominated his matchup with the Lakers bigs. The 76ers led by 16 early, but LA responded. The 76ers offense went away from Embiid, and the lead was just 4 at halftime. Joel Embiid took a scary fall in the 3rd, and had to sit for an extended period of time dealing with back pain. But the 76ers still led by 7 entering the 4th. And in the 4th, the 76ers were controlling things on both ends, getting a little lucky as LA missed some free throws, and led by 14 with under 5 minutes to go. But then LA found their rhythm from 3, and a very quick run cut the lead to one with 1:05 left. Philly missed, and then allowed AD to take the lead on an easy layup, as Philly now needed a bucket with 12 seconds to go. They got Tobias Harris a really good matchup against Alex Caruso, and he just shot right over the top of him, giving the 76ers a win they nearly blew, as they are now 13-6 on the year.
Joel Embiid had 28 points and 6 rebounds on 8/18 shooting.
Tobias Harris had 24 points and 7 rebounds on 10/16 shooting.
Ben Simmons had 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists on 8/15 shooting.
Aside from that near-collapse late, the 76ers played very well. Joel Embiid was very good against a very good LA front-court, as he was solid throughout this game. Tobias Harris has been excellent this season, as he continues to be very efficient and the perfect #2 scorer. But Ben Simmons was aggressive from the jump. He continually attacked down hill, and got himself a triple-double. The 76ers are so much better when Simmons plays like this, as it’s so tough to stop them. Philly did their best to lose, but they still beat the defending champs, and they take on the T-Wolves next on Friday.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Toronto Raptors
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks played solid throughout this game, as they took advantage of a short-handed Raptors team. The Bucks led by 9 at halftime, as their offense was rolling. They shot 44% from the field and 40% from 3, scoring 63 points. But the Bucks had a bad 3rd quarter, leaving the door open for the Raps. But in the 4th, the Bucks put things away, getting their 2nd straight win and improving to 11-6 on the year.
Giannis had 24 points, 18 rebounds, and 9 assists on 8/14 shooting.
Khris Middleton had 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists on 8/17 shooting.
Brook Lopez had 20 points and 7 rebounds on 8/11 shooting.
This was a pretty good win for the Bucks, considering that Jrue Holiday shot 3/14 shooting and the Bucks bench was poor. But the Bucks got really good production from Lopez and Middleton alongside the MVP. Their defense against Siakam and Chris Boucher was very good. Jrue Holiday also held Fred VanVleet to 3/17 shooting. More of a defensive win for the Bucks, as they are now 11-6 on the year. They take on the Pelicans next on Friday.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors really missed OG Anunoby in this game on defense, as they really couldn’t keep up with the Bucks. Siakam and VanVleet struggled shooting, as Toronto just couldn’t find the offense in this game. They trailed by 9 at halftime because their defense was awful, feeling the effects of missing OG Anunoby. But in the 3rd the Raptors defense was excellent and they pulled back into the game. But in the 4th their defense again struggled, allowing 32 points. Toronto falls to 7-11 on the year.
Norman Powell had 26 points and 5 rebounds on 8/13 shooting.
Kyle Lowry had 21 points and 6 rebounds on 7/12 shooting, 6/8 3-PT.
Pascal Siakam has been so disappointing this season. I wanted him to prove me and a lot of people wrong that he could lead this team. But he has just been so bad, only scoring 11 points in this game. He’s their best player, but he has to play better. Fred VanVleet got absolutely clamped by Jrue Holiday, shooting just 3/17 from the field. Chris Boucher has cooled off considerably since his hot-streak, and Powell and Lowry were really the only two guys consistently scoring. The Raptors need everybody to step up, as they don’t have a superstar scorer to rely on. Toronto takes on the Kings next on Friday.
Boston Celtics vs San Antonio Spurs
Boston Celtics
The Celtics had a costly turnover that cost them late in this game, as they could have very easily comeback in this game. After a good first quarter, the Celtics offense stalled and they were outscored by 19 in the 2nd quarter. The Spurs were shooting nearly 60% from the field, as Boston was getting torched. They had their work cut out for them in the 2nd half. And in the 3rd, Boston responded in a big way. Their offense returned, scoring 37 points. They outscored the Spurs by 16, and led by 2 entering the 4th. The 4th quarter was back and forth, with the game being tied with 40 seconds left. But DeMar DeRozan scored and then Dejounte Murray picked Kemba’s pocket, and scored with 16 seconds left to put the Spurs up 4. With no timeouts, the game was over. But, Jayson Tatum attacked the rim and got an and-one, cutting the lead to one. The Spurs hit free throws, so with 8.6 seconds left, the Celtics had one last chance to tie. Tatum found a wide-open Marcus Smart in the corner, and he missed the 3, and the Celtics came up just short. Boston is now 10-7 on the year.
Jayson Tatum had 25 points and 7 rebounds on 11/25 shooting.
Jaylen Brown had 24 points and 5 rebounds 8/19 shooting.
The Celtics could have very easily won this game, even after the 2nd quarter they had. Even with that terrible 2nd quarter, they responded immediately in the 3rd. But that Dejounte Murray steal hurt them late. But even with that, Marcus Smart got a great look to tie the game. Tough loss for Boston, as they take on the Lakers in a showdown next on Friday.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs went on quite the roller-coaster in this game, but they came out with the win because of a key play from Dejounte Murray, and a little luck. The Spurs dominated the 2nd quarter of this game, outscored the Celtics by 19, and leading by 14 at halftime. The Spurs were shooting nearly 60% from the field and had 4 guys in double figures. But in the 3rd, the script flipped as Boston dominated, taking the lead entering the 4th. The 4th was back and forth, and we were tied with 40 seconds left. DeMar DeRozan hit a jumper with 28 seconds left, and then Dejounte Murray stole it from Kemba Walker, giving the Spurs a 4-point lead. But they allowed Jayson Tatum to get a 3-point play, and after they hit two free throws, Boston still had a chance. They gambled and led Smart open in the corner, but he missed and the Spurs survived to win, as they improve to 10-8 on the year.
DeMar DeRozan had 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists on 7/8 shooting.
LaMarcus Aldridge had 20 points on 8/14 shooting.
Keldon Johnson had 18 points and 10 rebounds on 9/14 shooting.
This was such a roller-coaster win for the Spurs. That great 2nd quarter, that ugly 3rd quarter, and that near blown lead in the 4th. DeMar DeRozan was excellent, as he was very efficient. Aldridge and Keldon Johnson were solid as well, as all 5 Spurs starters were in double figures. The Spurs bench was nothing crazy, but it’s a good win against a good Boston team. The Spurs take on the Nuggets next.
Washington Wizards vs New Orleans Pelicans
Washington Wizards
Rebuild. #freebradleybeal
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans just kind of said we’re better than you, and they won. Bradley Beal had 47, but not much help outside of that. Zion and Brandon Ingram were amazing in this game. Zion had 20 in the first half and 32 on the night, shooting 12/16 from the field. Ingram did a bit of everything, also finishing with 32 points. He was also efficient, shooting 12/19. Ball and Bledose were again terrible shooting the ball, what else is new. This win doesn’t change my perception on the Pelicans much, they still need shooting. And they won because the Wizards suck. New Orleans is now 6-10 on the year, and they take on the Bucks next on Friday.
OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns
OKC Thunder
How? How does this team keep winning? It’s impossible at this point, like some sort of Magic. Even without Devin Booker the Suns are a very good team, and the Thunder outplayed them. The Thunder’s offense started off slow, and they trailed by 15 after the first quarter. But their defense was excellent in the 2nd quarter, as they allowed just 10 points. They outscored the Suns by 18, and let at halftime. Nobody was shooting well, the type of game that favors OKC. The 3rd quarter was close, and the Thunder were in a great position to win. With 1:28 left, OKC led by 1. After two teams traded misses, the Suns missed two good looks with about 20 seconds left, and OKC got the stop. Shai hit two free throws, but the Suns still had life. But CP-3 missed the tying 3 with 9 seconds left, and OKC held on to win, improving to 8-9 on the year.
Al Horford had 21 points and 11 rebounds on 8/12 shooting, 5/5 3-PT.
SGA had 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists on 6/18 shooting.
What a win for OKC. They trailed big early to a very good team, but they hung in there and got a win. That 2nd quarter was very impressive, especially on defense where they allowed just 10 points. The 2nd half was very close throughout, but the Thunder got some huge stops when they needed to, and they get another win that they really shouldn’t be getting. OKC is now 8- 9 on the year, and they take on the Nets next on Friday.
Phoenix Suns
What a loss for the Suns. Devin Booker is out, but you still have the better team. And with how this game started, a very disappointing loss for the Suns. The Suns started off hot, leading by 15 after the first quarter. It looked like an easy win for the Suns. But that wasn’t the case as the Suns offense managed just 10 points in the 2nd quarter, and they trailed at halftime. The 2nd half was very back and forth, but CP-3 and Ayton missed some shots late, and the Suns got stunned by OKC, as they fall to 8-8 on the year, their 3rd straight loss.
Chris Paul had 32 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists on 12/21 shooting.
Jae Crowder had 17 points and 7 rebounds on 5/16 shooting.
Chris Paul got my advice, and scored, which is what the Suns needed in the absence of Devin Booker. Jae Crowder was ok, but the others were bad. A red-hot Mikal Bridges shot 3/13 from the field, and Deandre Ayton was god-awful. Shot the ball just 7 times and had just 5 points. Very disappointing game, considering nobody on OKC could really guard him. The Suns have lost their last 3, as they have lost that edge from the start of the year. They have lost their last 3, and they take on the Warriors next.
Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs lost by 12, but it wasn’t that close, as Utah controlled them. The Mavs did get Finney-Smith, Richardson, and Powell back. They were healthy, but rusty. Luka was again amazing, and Hardaway and Porzingis were decent. But Finney-Smith was 1/8 in his return, Richardson was 3/7, and Powell didn’t play that much. The good news for the Mavs is that they get all their guys back, as maybe they can start to get things going now. Dallas is now 8-10 on the year, and they take on the Jazz again on Friday.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz continued their hot-shooting, as they took advantage of the rusty Mavs. Donovan Mitchell was out with a concussion, and other guys played well in his absence. Rudy Gobert had 29 points, 20 rebounds, with 3 steals and 3 blocks. Maybe living up to that massive contract, as he was excellent. Ingles was 7/11 from 3 in a starters role. Clarkson led the way with 31 points off the bench on 11/21 shooting. Conley was ok as well. The Jazz looked good even without their All-Star on the floor, as they win their 10th in a row. The Jazz improve to 14-4 on the year.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Golden State Warriors
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves lost this game, as they were very short-handed without their two best players. But I saw some positive things. Anthony Edwards finally got some offense going as he had 25 points off the bench. Maybe this can get him going shooting wise. Malik Beasley also had 25 points, and Naz Reid had a solid game with 19. The T-Wolves are rebuilding, but at least they’re playing their young guys. You hope for more consistency from Edwards, as hopefully he can get things going. The T-Wolves take on the 76ers next.
Golden State Warriors
Even with Steph Curry struggling shooting, the Warriors were very good. That starts with Kelly Oubre, who was excellent. He was really aggressive when the 2nd unit came on, as he needs to be that aggressive from the start of the game. He had 20 points on 7/9 shooting. Wiseman had a career-high 25 points on 9/14 shooting off the bench. He was also 3/3 from 3, as he hasn’t taken the “demotion” to the bench too hard. Wiggins continues to be solid, and Damion Lee had 17 points off the bench as well. This is good for the Warriors, as they continue to be less Curry reliant, which will help them greatly down the line. Golden State is now 10- 8 on the year, and they take on the Suns tomorrow.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 12 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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