Hawks and Nets Duel; The Clippers Embarrass Portland! 12.30.20
Another day of NBA action, and we have 6 games on the schedule tonight. Trae Young and the undefeated Hawks travel to Brooklyn to take on KD and Kyrie.
=Damian Lillard and the Blazers face off with Paul George and the Clippers.
Atlanta Hawks vs Brooklyn Nets
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Hawks are one of the last two undefeated teams left in the league, fueled by their explosive offense. They have so many weapons, with Trae Young, Collins, Reddish, Hunter, Gallinari, Capela and Bogdanovic. The Hawks haven’t been fully healthy, but they will be -on paper- tonight, as Gallinari and Capela are both playing.
The Nets rested KD and Kyrie against the Grizzlies, but they will be ready for this game. They won’t have Spencer Dinwiddie for the rest of the year, but they still have TLC, Harris, Levert, Allen, Jordan, Green, and Shamet along with Taurean Prince. This Nets team is very deep and very hard to guard. I think Brooklyn will win this game.
Thoughts On The Atlanta Hawks
This game was crazy. The Hawks shot 70% from the field in the first quarter, and scored 41 points. But this only gave them a 3-point lead. The 2nd quarter was a lot more scoring, as Atlanta led by 1 at halftime. In the 3rd quarter, the Hawks maintained their lead and they led by two. And in the 4th, things were very interesting. The Hawks did their best to try and stop KD and Kyrie, but they couldn’t stop them. Kyrie had 15 points in the 4th, and KD hit timely shots. The Hawks defense needs to be better, but their offense is amongst the best in the league. If their defense catches up, they will be a very good team.
John Collins had 30 points and 10 rebounds on 12/20 shooting.
Trae Young had 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 11 assists on 8/18 shooting.
Bogdan Bogdanovic had 22 points on 7/14 shooting off the bench.
This Hawks team gets handed their first loss of the year, but they looked very good against this Brooklyn team. They just need some better defense in order to win more games like this. Trae Young and John Collins were excellent, as were Bogdanovic and Cam Reddish. Danillo Gallinari left the game with an ankle injury, as he can’t seem to stay healthy. I really like what the Hawks have been doing this season offensively, all they have to do is play better defense.
Thoughts On The Brooklyn Nets
The Nets had their hands full with this Hawks team, but they prevailed in the end. The Nets defense started off poor, as Atlanta shot 70% in the first quarter. Kyrie Irving struggled in the first half, but Joe Harris and KD kept the Nets in the game in the first half. The Nets couldn’t gain any ground on the Hawks, and the game remained close entering the 4th. But in the 4th, Kyrie started to get it going. Kyrie scored 15 of his 25 points in the 4th, and KD hit some big shots as well. The Nets scored 43 points in the 4th, as they snapped a two-game losing streak.
KD had 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists on 11/22 shooting.
Kyrie Irving had 25 points and 6 assists on 10/27 shooting.
Joe Harris had 23 points on 8/11 shooting, 6/8 3-PT.
The Nets snapped their two-game losing streak against a very good Hawks team. KD and Kyrie dominated in the 4th, as they carried this Nets team. Joe Harris looked very good from deep, and the Nets bench was very good. Taurean Prince was 5/5 from the field, Jarrett Allen was 6/7, and Landry Shamet had 5/5 shooting. The Nets also need to play better defensively. Jordan and Allen weren’t good down low, and they need to be better. But a good win for the Nets, as they face the Hawks again on Friday.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Boston Celtics
Pre-Game Thoughts: Memphis has been dealt a tough hand this season. Jaren Jackson Jr. is still not healthy and now Ja Morant is out for 3-5 weeks with an ankle sprain. Memphis will likely fall out of the playoff race as their roster isn’t that good right now.
The Celtics split their series with Indiana, with a close loss and comeback win. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will be a problem for Memphis, as will Payton Pritchard, and Jeff Teague. No Tristan Thompson, but that really shouldn’t matter. The Celtics are the much more talented team, and they should easily win this game.
Thoughts On The Memphis Grizzlies
Yeah, without Ja Morant or Jaren Jackson Jr, this Grizzlies team will struggle. Grayson Allen exited the game with an ankle injury… nothing on how serious it is yet. But Memphis will have a tough time these next few weeks without either of their franchise players.
Jonas Valanciunas had 20 points and 10 rebounds on 7/11 shooting.
Gorgui Dieng had 17 points and 6 rebounds on 6/10 shooting off the bench.
Desmond Bane had 16 points on 6/11 shooting off the bench.
One of the few positives from this loss for Memphis is that Desmond Bane looks really good. He is a great shooter, and is going to be a solid rotational piece for Memphis going forward. But, Memphis will plummet in the standings without their two best players. They just have to hope when Morant and Jackson Jr. return, they can make a playoff push.
Thoughts On The Boston Celtics
The Celtics looked very good. Jaylen Brown had a career high, on very efficient shooting. Jayson Tatum was solid, as where Daniel Theis and Marcus Smart. Payton Pritchard is looking to be a steal as he is so good already off the bench for Boston. The countdown clock is running for Kemba Walker’s return, and when he does they’ll look even better.
Jaylen Brown had a career high 42 points and 5 rebounds on 15/21 shooting, 7/10 3-PT.
Jayson Tatum had 16 points on 6/12 shooting.
Marcus Smart had 14 points on 5/11 shooting.
I really like the makeup of this Celtics team. I think that when Tristan Thompson and Kemba Walker get fully healthy, they will be a lot better. I would love to see aggression from Brown throughout this season, as he looked virtually unbeatable all night long. Jayson Tatum played well, and I would like to see more attacking the rim from him. Payton Pritchard has looked very good, and it’s going to be interesting how much he plays when Kemba Walker returns. Boston is now 3-2 on the year, as they travel to Detroit to play the Pistons on Friday.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Miami Heat
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Bucks embarrassed Miami last night. Beat Miami by 47 and set the record for the most 3’s made in a single game with 29. The Bucks looked so lethal, and I think that they’ll do it again. Holiday and Middleton, along with Donte DiVincenzo are red hot right now from 3. The Bucks bench is much better than last season, and the Bucks are serious contenders.
The Heat looked like a completely different team that what we’re used to, as they were dismantled. Jimmy Butler is still not playing in this game, but I expect this game to be a lot closer, as Miami wants to make-up for yesterday’s big loss. But I still think that Milwaukee will win this game.
Thoughts On The Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks went from untouchable on offense last night, to ice cold. The Bucks led by 5 at halftime, only shooting 40% from the field. The Bucks led by 3 entering the 4th, and then their offense stalled in the 4th. Milwaukee scored just 17 points in the 4th, and they were outscored by 14 points. Khris Middleton played poorly, as did Holiday and Donte DiVincenzo. The Bucks can’t afford to shoot below 40% from the field like they did tonight, as they won’t win many games, especially against good teams.
Giannis had 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists on 10/18 shooting.
Donte DiVincenzo had 15 points and 5 rebounds on 5/14 shooting.
Jrue Holiday had 13 points and 5 assists on 4/15 shooting.
The Bucks went from Mt. Everest in terms of shooting, and then came back down to sea level. Giannis played very good, but he was the only one. Khris Middleton had his worst game of the year, shooting just 3/15. Jrue Holiday and Donte DiVincenzo shot a combined 9/29. Brook Lopez shot just 3/11 from the field. The Bucks can’t shoot like this if they want to win games. I didn’t expect them to shoot like they did yesterday, but shooting this bad won’t get you anywhere. Milwaukee is 2-3 on the year, as they face Chicago next.
Thoughts On The Miami Heat
The Heat came into this game very determined, after getting thoroughly beat yesterday. Jimmy Butler was again out, but the Heat played so much better today. The Heat shot 56% from the field in the first quarter, but they played a bad 2nd quarter and trailed by 5 at halftime. The Heat cut into the lead a bit in the 3rd, but still trailed entering the 4th. Then Miami turned it up on both ends, allowing just 17 points and outscored the Bucks by 14. The Heat looked miles better than they did on Tuesday, and they needed this win for their confidence.
Goran Dragic had 26 points and 5 rebounds on 9/17 shooting.
Bam Adebayo had 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists on 7/13 shooting.
Tyler Herro had 21 points and 15 rebounds on 8/13 shooting.
The Heat looked like they did in the bubble, their defense was excellent against the Bucks. Milwaukee shot below 40% from the field, as the Heat locked them down for most of the game. And Miami did all this without Jimmy Butler, as Dragic, Herro, and Adebayo all scored over 20 points. When Butler comes back, this defense will be even more stout. Miami is 2-2 on the year, and they travel to Dallas to take on the Mavs on Friday.
LA Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Lakers were outplayed by Portland at home at their last outing, as they look for a good comeback win. It’s LA’s first time on the road, playing a decent opponent. I expect big things from AD who struggled against Portland. Harrell and Kuzma have to play better off the bench as well, all of these things being very possible. We’ll see if the Lakers can get back on track vs the Spurs.
The Spurs are 2-1, as they have looked solid this year. DeRozan and Aldridge lead the way with a very good supporting cast featuring Keldon Johnson, Dejounte Murray, Lonnie Walker, Rudy Gay and Patty Mills. While the Spurs are good, they are outmatched by the star talent of the Lakers. LA should be getting a win here.
Thoughts On The LA Lakers
After a tough loss against Portland, the Lakers looked good in their first road game of the year. LA shot 61% from the field and scored 35 first quarter points, en route to a 10-point halftime lead. The Lakers offense didn’t slow down in the 2nd half as their lead never wavered and they won by 14, a good comeback game. Lebron and AD played much better, and Schroder continues to look great in his new role. Wesley Matthews went 6/6 from deep off the bench, his first good game of the year. The Lakers improve to 3-2 on the year.
Lebron James had 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists on 11/23 shooting. Lebron has scored 10+ points in 1,000 games, the first player to ever do so.
Dennis Schroder had 21 points on 9/15 shooting.
Anthony Davis had 20 points and 8 rebounds on 9/15 shooting.
This Lakers team has looked both good and bad this season, and this was another example of a good game. I’m not impressed with their bench, as Harrell and Kuzma need to be playing better. Wesley Matthews finally got it going, scoring 18 points off the bench, their only spark off the bench. AD, Lebron, and Schroder all scored above 20. The Lakers shot 54% from 3, and they looked good on both ends. The Lakers are now 3-2 on the year, and they face the same Spurs again on Friday.
Thoughts On The San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs started off this season well, but there’s not much you can do vs a championship favorite in the Lakers. The Spurs fell behind early, and they couldn’t recover in the first half. The Spurs offense was solid, as they shot 46% from the field in the first half, and scored 53 points. Dejounte Murray and DeMar DeRozan were excellent, as they were the only guys able to score on a regular basis. The Spurs have lost two in a row, as they are now 2-2 on the year.
Dejounte Murray had 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists on 12/19 shooting.
DeMar DeRozan had 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 7/12 shooting.
The Spurs missed the scoring of LaMarcus Aldridge down low, but they were at a clear disadvantage against this Lakers team. The Spurs are a decent team, but can’t win against very talented teams like the Lakers. The Spurs get another shot at LA on Friday, as they look to avoid losing a 3rd straight game.
Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Hornets are 1-2 on the year, losing two close games and beating the Brooklyn Nets by 2. They have a very weird roster with Rozier, Graham, and Lamelo Ball in the back-court. Gordon Hayward has been great this season, but the Hornets will have their hands full.
The Mavericks are coming off handing the Clippers their biggest loss in franchise history, the Mavs first win of the year. They have Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr, and Josh Richardson along with some solid bench pieces. The Hornets don’t have a defender for Luka Doncic, and that’s why the Mavs will be winning this game.
Thoughts On The Charlotte Hornets
Ummmmmm, what? Man the start of this year has been so confusing. The Hornets, a team that isn’t likely to make the playoffs, just beat the Mavs with MVP candidate Luka Doncic, by 20. The Hornets shot 51% from the field in the first half, and scored 68 points. They looked excellent on offense, and the Mavs couldn’t stop them. The Hornets then allowed just 12 points in the 3rd, and broke open the game. The Hornets cruised to their 2nd straight win, as they dominated the Mavericks.
Lamelo Ball had 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists on 7/10 shooting, 4/5 3-PT.
Miles Bridges had 20 points and 16 rebounds on 6/9 shooting, 4/6 3-PT.
Terry Rozier had 18 points and 5 rebounds on 8/17 shooting.
Lamelo Ball showed how good he can be. He was scoring, rebounding, passing, the whole 9 yards. He was efficient, and he got to play nearly 30 minutes. By far Lamelo’s best game in the NBA. Miles Bridges had a monster double-double off the bench, as the Hornets bench was the best part of their offense. Graham and and Hayward were quiet, and Terry Rozier was solid. The Hornets have looked good in their last two games, and now they are 2-2 on the year.
Thoughts On The Dallas Mavericks
Yeah, the Mavs have been very hot and cold this year. They struggled at first, but then beat the life out of the Clippers, handing them their worst loss in franchise history. And then they played very poorly against a mediocre Hornets team. Kristaps Porzingis is coming back very soon, and the Mavericks need him. Their defense has been terrible, and their offense today wasn’t great. Dallas is now 1-3 on the year.
Tim Hardaway Jr. had 18 points on 7/10 shooting.
Jalen Brunson had 16 points on 5/13 shooting.
Maxi Kleber had 12 points and 6 rebounds on 4/5 3-PT off the bench.
Luka Doncic was 4/10 from the field, and just very quiet. Josh Richardson shot just 1/10 from the field, and Dallas shot below 40% from the field and from 3. Dallas also missed 14 free throws. This Dallas team has struggled to start this season, as their offense fueled by Luka Doncic has struggled, as Luka hasn’t looked like the same player from last season. When Kristaps Porzingis comes back, the Mavericks will have to start to get back into a rhythm to try and move to a higher seed in the playoffs. Dallas plays the Miami Heat on Friday.
Portland Trail Blazers vs LA Clippers
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Blazers have won two games in a row, and they are looking really good. Dame and CJ in the back-court is tough to handle. Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr. are excellent wing defenders, both very versatile. Jusuf Nurkic is the anchor down low, great in the pick and roll. A bench of Enes Kanter, Rodney Hood, and Carmelo Anthony. Gary Trent Jr is out, a big loss for Portland.
The Clippers beat the T-Wolves last night, but are on the 2nd night of a back-to-back. They are still without Marcus Morris, but they get Kawhi Leonard back after a two game absence. With Leonard along with George, this should be a very even and good matchup between these two playoff team. I think that Portland will win this game.
Thoughts On The Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers looked a lot worse against the Clippers than they did the Lakers. The Blazers couldn’t stop the Clippers 3-point barrage, and Damian Lillard struggled as did CJ McCollum. The Blazers defense took a step-back, as they couldn’t stop Kawhi and PG. Not having Gary Trent Jr. did hurt, but the Blazers split their LA trip, as they are now 2-2 on the year.
CJ McCollum had 25 points on 8/17 shooting.
Damian Lillard had 20 points and 5 rebounds on 3/14 shooting.
Carmelo Anthony had 15 points and 5 rebounds on 3/5 shooting.
The Blazers did look pretty bad on defense once again vs the Clippers, but they are still getting things worked out on defense. Damian Lillard can’t continue to struggle on offense, as they need his scoring. When Gary Trent Jr. recovers from his calf injury, this Blazers team will be better off the bench. Portland is now 2-2 on the year, and they face the Warriors on Friday next.
Thoughts On The LA Clippers
The Clippers have won two games since their big loss against the Mavs, both in blowout fashion. Kawhi Leonard and his very unorthodox mask looked very smooth, as did Paul George. Lou Williams and Reggie Jackson were very good off the bench, and this Clippers team seems to have found their groove as of late. The Clippers roster fits much better than it did last season, and they look more like a team than they did last season. The Clippers are 4-1 on the year.
Kawhi Leonard had 28 points and 7 assists on 9/17 shooting.
Paul George had 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists on 8/15 shooting.
Lou Williams had 15 points and 5 rebounds on 7/13 shooting.
The Clippers looked very good on both ends. They limited Damian Lillard to a very poor shooting night, and never gave the Blazers any chance to make a run. It was a very impressive performance on both nights. Kawhi and PH looked very smooth and efficient. This Clippers team still needs a facilitating PG, but when Kawhi and PG both have 7 assists, that means that the ball is moving well, as they are all buying into Tyron Lue’s much better system. LA is now 4-1 on the year, and they travel to Utah to take on the Jazz on Friday.
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