Is It Time To Panic In South Beach?; T-Wolves Blow Late Lead! 2.3.21
It’s a Wednesday night of NBA basketball, and we have 10 games on the schedule tonight.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets
Philadelphia 76ers
With the Hornets playing small without PJ Washington, Joel Embiid was a problem all night long. The 76ers dominated things in the first half led by Embiid, leading by 22 at the half. But in the 3rd things got close as the lead went down to just 7 as Philly got stagnant. But they went back to Joel Embiid, and they pulled away late for the win, improving to 16-6 on the year.
Joel Embiid had 34 points and 11 rebounds on 11/18 shooting.
Tobias Harris had 26 points and 6 rebounds on 8/15 shooting.
Danny Green had 16 points on 6/9 shooting.
The 76ers continue to feed Joel Embiid, and it’s working as he has been so good this season. He can score from outside, mid-range and of course down low. He has just been unstoppable. Tobias Harris has turned into that reliable 2nd scorer. Ben Simmons was solid, as was Danny Green. Seth Curry hasn’t been able to find himself since returning from Covid, as they would love to get him back to his hot start that he had to start the season. Philly takes on the Blazers next.
Charlotte Hornets
Without PJ Washington, the Hornets struggled with size and in turn struggled to guard MVP candidate Joel Embiid. Their offense couldn’t buy anything from outside, as they fell behind by 22 in the first half. But a run in the 3rd gave the Hornets some life, as they cut the lead to 7. But Joel Embiid is just such a problem, as Charlotte couldn’t get stops late, and they fall to 10-12 on the year.
Gordon Hayward had 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists on 9/19 shooting.
Lamelo Ball had 22 points and 7 rebounds on 8/16 shooting.
Devonte Graham had 18 points and 7 assists on 4/15 shooting.
Hayward and Ball have been very good this season, but the rest of the help has been inconsistent. Graham hasn’t been the same type of shooter he was last year, just 2/11 from 3 in this game. No Washington and Rozier meant they needed scoring from their bench, but only got 13 from Monk. Bridges was solid in a start, but that interior defense was smoked by Embiid. Charlotte loses their 3-game win-streak, and they take on the red-hot Utah Jazz next.
Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks
Indiana Pacers
Yeah, kind of expected this. If the Pacers couldn’t keep up with the Bucks shooting wise, they would have a tough time. And the Pacers just couldn’t keep up in the 2nd quarter after a flurry of 3’s from Milwaukee. Sabonis was excellent with 33 points but Brogdon was just 5/17. Tough game for the Pacers on the 2nd night of a back-to-back, as maybe another shooter like JJ Redick would be nice. Indiana falls to 13-9 on the year, and they take on New Orleans next.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have just been able to shoot teams out the gym, and this was another example. The Bucks forced consecutive turnovers, and reigned in 3-pointers to just blow out Indiana. 7 guys were in double figures for Milwaukee, including all 5 starters. Forbes had 20 points, and Portis added 18. Giannis had a triple-double, as the Bucks dominated this game. Maybe this can get the Bucks going, as they might start looking like real-contenders once again. Milwaukee is now 13-8 on the year, and they take on the Cavs next.
Dallas Mavericks vs Atlanta Hawks
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs got a much needed win in this game, as they were finally able to pull through late in this game to win. The first half was back and forth, as even with Dallas getting dominated down low, Luka Doncic had 17 points in the first half, and Dallas trailed by just 3. But Tim Hardaway Jr. hit some 3’s in the 3rd, and Dallas took a lead entering the 4th. Dallas continued to play good defense, and they led by 14. The game seemed out of reach, but the Hawks got some stops and scores, trailing by just 3 with 42 seconds left. But a Porzingis layup and 5 free throws for Dallas sealed the win, as they snap their losing streak, improving to 9-13 on the year.
Luka Doncic had 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 14 assists on 8/20 shooting.
Kristaps Porzingis had 24 points and 11 rebounds on 10/20 shooting.
Tim Hardaway Jr. had 22 points on 8/15 shooting off the bench.
Luka played well, as did Hardaway off the bench. Brunson was very good, but I do have one problem. They need a real defensive center. Kristaps Porzingis is so soft defensively, as he shies away from contact, and guys like Collins and Capela dominated the Mavs down low. They need a guy who can play defense and body up people. But they got some offense outside of Luka, and they got a much needed win, and they take on the Warriors next tomorrow.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks dominated the paint in this game, but even that paired with a late rally wasn’t enough for them to win this game. In the first half Collins and Capela were a force down low, and Gallinari got things done off the bench, contributing to 56 Hawks points in the first half. But in the 3rd the Hawks defense allowed Hardaway Jr. to get some open shots, and the Hawks trailed entering the 4th. And the Hawks couldn’t stop the run, they trailed by double digits in the 4th. But Trae Young hit some shots, and cut the lead to 3. But the Hawks just couldn’t get any luck with Dallas missing free throws, as they fall to 10-11 on the year.
John Collins had 35 points and 12 rebounds on 16/21 shooting.
Trae Young had 21 points and 9 assists on 8/18 shooting.
Kevin Huerter had 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists on 8/15 shooting.
This was a game the Hawks had a massive advantage down low in the paint, but it wasn’t enough for them to win. John Collins bullied Porzingis all night long, going for a season-high 35 points. Young and Huerter were solid, as was Gallinari off the bench. But that run the Mavs made in the late 3rd to the 4th proved to be too much. Not having a defensive guy like De’Andre Hunter really hurt in this game, but another winnable game for the Hawks, as they take on the Jazz next.
LA Clippers vs Cleveland Cavaliers
LA Clippers
LA showed why they were the far better team in this game, as their superior offense dominated Cleveland in the 2nd half. Paul George had a very good bounce back game, scoring 36 points on 13/20 shooting, as he continues to tear it up. Kawhi was solid, and Ibaka did a great job stretching the floor. Lou Williams got some of his mojo back, as they need him to score off the bench. Good game all-around for LA, as they end this road-trip on a high-note, improving to 17-6 on the year. LA takes on Boston next.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Get an offense.
Washington Wizards vs Miami Heat
Washington Wizards
The Wizards were able to hand around late in this game, and their defense made a guest appearance to win this game late and upset Miami. In the first quarter it was all Bradley Beal, but the Wizards defense was again poor. And when Tyler Herro got going in the 2nd, it looked like Miami would pull away early. But the Wizards kept it close, trailing by just 4. But the Wizards defense picked up in the 3rd, and they took the lead entering the 4th. And in the 4th, Washington was again excellent defensively. The Wizards kept making timely baskets and holding their lead, leading by 3 with 1:34 left. The Wizards got 3 straight great defensive plays, forcing Miami to take tough shots, and Bradley Beal hit the game-winning 3’s. Even with Westbrook, the Wizards were excellent in this game, as they improve to 5-13 on the year.
Bradley Beal had 32 points and 8 rebounds on 11/23 shooting.
The Wizards had 5 guys in double figures, but it was really only Beal who played great. Hachimura was 3/11, Bertans was 3/8. Avdija was very good shooting the ball, going 5/9. The Wizards bench was excellent, scoring 38 points. But their defense was excellent. They allowed 65 points in the first half, but just 35 points in the 2nd half. Great win for Washington, and they take on the Heat again on Friday.
Miami Heat
When this team got healthy, I figured they would win games like this, against teams that are inferior in most ways, especially a poor defensive team like Washington without their 2nd best player. But instead they lost. Tyler Herro had 17 points in the first half including a explosion in the 2nd quarter, giving the Heat the lead at halftime. Miami scored 65 points in the first half, and then like turning off a switch their offense went cold. They stopped moving the ball and settled for tougher shots, falling behind in the 4th. They made a rally, but they just couldn’t score. Butler and Dragic were both missing pretty open shots, and Herro’s heave at the buzzer was way off, and Miami just couldn’t score late, as they fall to 7-14 on the year.
Tyler Herro had 20 points on 8/15 shooting.
Jimmy Butler had 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists on 5/11 shooting.
Bam Adebayo had 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists on 8/15 shooting.
This was so disappointing for Miami. Herro scored 17 points in the first half, and the Heat scored 65 points on 57% shooting from the field and 58% from 3. To go from that to scoring just 35 points in the 2nd half is very disappointing. Dragic and Butler missed some easy shots late, and the Heat blew this game. I really don’t know how you allow the 2nd worst defense in the league to do that. I’d get it a little more if you weren’t healthy. But you’re healthy, and you still lost. Really haven’t been impressed with Miami this year, as they take on Washington again on Friday.
New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls
New York Knicks
Although the Knicks slowed down considerably in the 4th quarter of this game, they pulled through late for a good win. The Knicks defense was dominating the Bulls early, and Julius Randle led the way as New York led by 17 points after the first quarter. The Bulls got going in the 2nd quarter, but the Knicks still led by 11, behind a balanced scoring night from Randle, Barrett, and Payton. The Knicks defense was again excellent in the 3rd, and they led by 15 entering the 4th. And then things started to go back to normal on offense. The Bulls cut the lead to 3 with 5:45 left, but then the Knicks locked things up. They made a couple big shots and held the Bulls to just 7 points the rest of the way, as they held on to win, improving to 10-13 on the year.
Julius Randle had 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists on 11/20 shooting, 5/7 3-PT.
Elfrid Payton had 20 points and 8 rebounds on 9/19 shooting.
RJ Barrett had 17 points and 7 rebounds on 8/16 shooting.
This was a very good game for the Knicks, as their defense was solid throughout. Their offense was mainly centered down in the paint, as they only attempted 22 3-pointers, of which they hit 11. I think that the Knicks know how they have to win. Play defense and pound the ball inside, not trying to be somebody they’re not. The Knicks take on the Blazers next on Saturday.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls 4th quarter offensive spurt wasn’t enough, as they just couldn’t climb out of the Knicks lead to win. That first quarter was ugly for Chicago, as they were getting smothered by the Knicks and 3 consecutive Julius Randle 3’s put them down by 17 points. But then Lavine started to get going, and the Bulls scored 35 points in the 2nd, trimming the lead to 11. But again, their offense slowed down in the 3rd, and they would need a big 4th quarter to comeback and win. And they looked like they were going to comeback, as they were getting stops and scores, and the lead was just 3 with 5:45 left. But after that point, the Bulls would score just 7 points and they couldn’t overcome the lead, as they fall to 8-12 on the year.
Zach Lavine had 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists on 10/21 shooting.
Thaddeous Young had 19 points and 5 steals on 9/11 shooting.
The Bulls could have very easily won this game, but their momentum just seemed to hit a brick wall in the final stages on that game. Lavine didn’t shoot particularly well, as Thaddeous Young was a big reason the game was close, as he was excellent off the bench. Markkanen had just 9 points, White continues to struggle, as the Bulls turned it over just 9 times, and still lost. Tough loss for the Bulls, as they take on the Orlando Magic next.
Houston Rockets vs OKC Thunder
Houston Rockets
Wow, was this bad. After torching a healthy OKC team, they were destroyed by OKC, who didn’t have a real point guard. The Rockets shot just 38% from the field and 26% from 3, as it just wasn’t their night. Houston falls to 10-10 on the year as their 6 game win-streak is snapped, and they take on Memphis tomorrow.
OKC Thunder
Even without SGA, their best player, and George Hill, OKC ran all over Houston, getting a little payback after they were destroyed. 5 guys were in double figures as it was a balanced scoring night. Bazley, Horford, and Diallo led the way for the starters. But Williams and Roby were very good off the bench, fueling the Thunder to a win as they improve to 9-11 on the year. OKC takes on the T-Wolves next on Friday.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs San Antonio Spurs
Minnesota Timberwolves
This was so embarrassing for the T-Wolves to lose this. Yes the refs missed a call, but it really shouldn’t have gotten that close in the first place. And it was a shame because Minnesota played so well in this game. Malik Beasley was very good in the first half, scoring 15 points with Edwards adding 10. Minnesota scored 65 points on 50% shooting from deep. The T-Wolves held their lead, leading by 11 entering the 4th. The T-Wolves pushed that lead to 15, and it looked like they would win. But that wasn’t the case. But the Spurs went on a 22-5 run, taking the lead with 4:16 left. The T-Wolves trailed by two, and they had the ball. Malik Beasley got fouled going to the rim, except the refs didn’t call it. DeRozan made just 1/2 free throws, but Russell missed the potential tying 3, as the T-Wolves fall to 5-16 on the year.
Malik Beasley had 29 points and 6 rebounds on 12/18 shooting.
D’Angelo Russell had 20 points and 5 assists on 8/20 shooting.
This was a game that you have to win this game. Up 94-79 early in the 4th, your offense and your defense have been playing well. And then all of a sudden a 22-5 run happens, and you lose. I know the Malik Beasley missed call was bad and should have been called, but the game shouldn’t have even came to that points. Very disappointing loss for Minnesota, as they fall to 5-16 on the year.
San Antonio Spurs
Well, I really can’t explain why you won this game, but you did win and that’s all that matters. The Spurs again weren’t playing great, but that huge run late coupled with a T-Wolves collapse won them this game. The Spurs scored 54 points in the first half, although they couldn’t score from outside. But their defense was very bad against a T-Wolves team not exactly known for having a great offense. The Spurs trailed by 15 early on in the 4th, and it looked like all hope was lost. But the defensive intensity really picked up and the Spurs went on a 22-5 run, taking the lead. The Spurs got lucky with a missed call late, and they hung on to win, as they improve to 12-10 on the year.
DeMar DeRozan had 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists on 10/19 shooting, 10/11 FT.
Jakob Poeltl had 19 points and 8 rebounds on 9/10 shooting.
Dejounte Murray had 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists on 6/16 shooting.
DeMar DeRozan got back to what he does best, get to the line. After two poor games against Memphis where he combined for just 19 points, he had another efficient 30-point game, getting to the line often. Poeltl was very good down low and Murray did a bit of everything. Not overly impressed with the Spurs lately, as they should have lost this game, but a win is a win, as they take on the Rockets next.
Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans
Phoenix Suns
Yeah, let’s not talk about the 2nd half. This was a very poor game for the Suns, as New Orleans just dominated them. The first half was close, as even with Williamson and Ingram combining for 30, they trailed by just two. The Suns were hanging in there, playing solid for most of the first half. The same couldn’t be said about the 2nd half. The Suns offense just couldn’t keep up with New Orleans, as they shot the Suns out the gym. Definitely a disappointing defensive game for the Suns, as they fall to 11-9 on the year. They take on the Pistons next on Friday.
New Orleans Pelicans
This is what New Orleans can be if they shoot. Key word if. Zion dominated Phoenix inside during the first half, shooting 8/9 from the field and getting 19 points, and Ingram added 11. But even with 30 points from those two guys, the lead was just two at the half. Then the Pelicans exploded. Lonzo Ball was excellent on both ends, hitting 3’s and getting steals, helping fuel New Orleans to 40 points in the 3rd, after they scored 48 points in the first half. The Pelicans scored 75 points in the 2nd half overall, as they were excellent. Zion had 28, Ingram added 23. Lonzo was 4/7 from 3 with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Good all-around game for New Orleans, as they can be this good when they shoot well. New Orleans is now 8-12 on the year, and they take on the Pacers next,
Boston Celtics vs Sacramento Kings
Boston Celtics
Even without Kemba Walker, this was a little bit disappointing for Boston. The Kings just outplayed Boston late. In the first half things were close, as Tatum and Brown led the way offensively, but Boston’s defense was very poor. They would need better defense if they wanted to win. Their bench have them good production in the 3rd, and they led by one entering the 4th. Things were back and forth, with no team really gaining an edge. With under a minute to-go, the Kings were up 3. Javonte Green had his dunk blocked, and the Kings had a chance to ice the game, but they couldn’t do it so Boston had one last chance. But rookie Haliburton smartly fouled Grant Williams, who isn’t a good foul shooter. He missed the first, and needed to miss the 2nd and get the rebound. Which is what happened. He missed the 2nd free throw and threw it out to Tatum, who missed a tough 3 for the tie, and the Kings held on to win. Boston is now 11-9 on the year.
Jayson Tatum had 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists on 11/26 shooting.
Jaylen Brown had 21 points on 7/18 shooting.
Tristan Thompson had 17 points and 10 rebounds on 7/9 shooting.
The defense for Boston wasn’t there in the 4th. Fox had half of his 26 points in the 4th, and they couldn’t stop Haliburton. I expected Tatum and Brown to be better shooting the ball, as Tatum went just 2/10 from 3. No Kemba Walker wasn’t the worst thing in the world, but Marcus Smart and his defense were sorely missed. Another close, tough loss for the Celtics, as they continue their western road-trip against the LA Clippers next.
Sacramento Kings
Another good game for the Kings, as they have been getting better defensively. The first half was one where the Kings were able to get out and run, as they were shooting 45% from the field, and led by one. They recovered well from a Boston surge, and that set up an excellent 4th quarter. De’Aaron Fox again got hot, scoring half of his 26 points in the quarter. The Kings were battling back and forth, and they led by 3 with under a minute to-go after Fox nailed a pull-up jumper. Richuan Holmes got a big block, but the Kings couldn’t score. The Celtics had the ball, but before they could try and tie it, Haliburton made an excellent foul against Grant Williams. Williams missed the first, which forced him to miss the 2nd one. He did, and he got the rebound. The Kings forced Tatum into a tough 3, one that he missed. The Kings survived, as they improve to 10-11 on the year.
De’Aaron Fox had 26 points and 11 assists on 9/17 shooting.
Harrison Barnes had 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 7/17 shooting.
Tyrese Haliburton had career-high 21 points on 8/15 shooting off the bench.
Not to brag or anything, but I said Haliburton should have gone in the top-5. Just saying. What more can you say about this kid. He is amazing. He was excellent as a scorer, but he played good defense, and did all the small things. He is going to be a stud for the Kings. De’Aaron Fox is turning into a premier closer, as he had another big 4th quarter. I like the Kings and where they’re going. They are playing faster and the defense has been much better. Their bench does need some more support other than Haliburton, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the Kings made one of the 10-playoff spots.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 10 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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