KD’s Covid Fiasco; Who Can Stop The Jazz? 2.5.21
It’s a Friday night of NBA basketball, and we have 9 games on the schedule today.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers
New Orleans Pelicans
This was a heck of a game, one that New Orleans likely should have lost, but they were able to win. The Pelicans offense was excellent in the first half, led by Williamson and Ingram who combined for 30. Steven Adams locked up Sabonis in that first half, and the Pels led by 9 at the half. They kept shooting well and they blossomed a big 18-point lead in the 3rd. The game should have been over, but Indiana refused to let go. The Pacers hit a flurry of 3’s, and they actually took the lead with 4:02 left. The game was going back and forth, and with 13.7 seconds left, Indiana had the ball down one. Myles Turner drove to the rim, but he missed the layup, and New Orleans held onto win. New Orleans is now 9-12 on the year.
Brandon Ingram had 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists on 12/21 shooting.
Lonzo Ball had 20 points and 9 rebounds on 7/13 shooting, 5/9 3-PT.
Zion Williamson had 18 points and 5 rebounds on 6/12 shooting.
Lonzo Ball hit 5 3’s in this game, with 4 of them coming in the 4th. This is what can happen if New Orleans can make 3’s. JJ Redick was 3/3 from 3 off the bench, and New Orleans shot 52% from 3. If they can offer that type of shooting, Williamson and Ingram can become even better than they already are, which is hard to believe as they are both incredibly talented. The Pels did blow their lead, but this was a big win, as maybe the Pelicans can turn the corner a bit. New Orleans takes on Memphis tomorrow.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers made a weird decision not to play Sabonis or Brogdon late in this game, and they ended up losing by about half an inch. In the first half, Sabonis and Brogdon were struggling to score, as Indiana shot just 38% from the field. Things weren’t working on either end, as Indiana fell behind by 18 in the 3rd. So Nate Bjorkgren went to his bench, and they immediately did some damage. A barrage of 3’s from Justin Holiday got them back in the game, tying it up. But Bjorkgren decided not to put his two All-Stars back on the floor, and just rode it out with the bench unit. Down one with 14 seconds left, they went to Myles Turner, whose layup attempt danced on the rim before missing, as Indiana could have used Brogdon or Sabonis on that final play. Indiana falls to 12-11 on the year.
Justin Holiday had 22 points and 6 rebounds on on 7/13 3-PT.
Jeremy Lamb had 17 points and 6 rebounds on 5/6 shooting.
I think that Bjorkgren definitely should have put his All-Stars back in. I understand Sabonis was 3/13 and struggled and Brogdon was just 6/15, but they’re your guys. I understand the momentum and all that, but I definitely would have liked to see Sabonis or Brogdon out there. The 2nd unit was excellent to get them back in the game, but your All-Stars have to be on the floor. Indiana takes on Utah next on Sunday.
Chicago Bulls vs Orlando Magic
Chicago Bulls
This game can be chalked up to poor defense for the Bulls. They allowed a very bad Magic offense to get going. In the first half, the Bulls couldn’t guard Vucevic or Fournier, who combined for 38 points in the first half. The Bulls defense was struggling, and their offense couldn’t keep up. The Bulls fell behind by double-digits in the 3rd, but they were able to rally in the 4th. Thanks to a Zach Lavine explosion, the Bulls tied the game with 2:12 late. But the Bulls missed some critical shots, and the Magic made their free throws late, as Chicago barely lost this game. Chicago is now 8-13 on the year.
Zach Lavine had 26 points and 8 assists on 9/21 shooting.
Patrick Williams had 20 points and 7 rebounds on 7/11 shooting.
The defense for Chicago has to be better if they want to win. Vucevic dominated with a career-high 43 points, as Chicago simply had no answer. Zach Lavine can’t afford to be quiet for an entire half, as he had just 2 points outside of the 4th quarter. He has to be able to score, as the Bulls don’t have too many other options. Coby White again struggled, and Lauri Markkanen only shot the ball 9 times, very low considering how hot he’s been. Chicago only turned it over 8 times, but their defense was very poor. Chicago takes on Orlando again tomorrow.
Orlando Magic
For a team with a struggling offense, this was pretty impressive. Nikola Vucevic dominated this game throughout. In the first half, Vucevic and Fournier were torching the Bulls, as they combined for 38 points. Cole Anthony nearly had a double-double in the first half, as the Magic were shooting well and playing a lot better than usual. The Magic built up a lead, but because of a Zach Lavine 4th quarter explosion, the game got tied late. But the Magic stopped Chicago’s momentum and hit some late free throws to ice the game, as they were able to hang on and win. Orlando is now 9-14 on the year.
Nikola Vucevic had a career-high 43 points and 19 rebounds on 17/29 shooting.
Evan Fournier had 20 points on 6/13 shooting.
Cole Anthony had 17 points and 9 assists on 6/10 shooting.
I doubt that this offensive production can stay for a long period of time, but it’s a good win led by Nikola Vucevic who dominated the Bulls. But again, I doubt that they can consistently do this. They have a chance to prove me wrong tomorrow against Chicago.
Toronto Raptors vs Brooklyn Nets
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors played very well in this game, and they deserved to win. The Raptors came out swinging in this game. The Nets didn’t start the game with KD, and the Raptors were forcing turnovers and they were dominating early. They led by 17 in the 2nd quarter, as they were running away with things. But KD was able to play after not starting, and the Nets hit some 3’s, and only trailed by 4 at the half. But KD was forced to leave the game, and in the 4th the Raptors took advantage. Kyle Lowry made some big plays in the 4th, including giving Pascal Siakam the game-clinching layup late, as the Raptors were able to win this game, improving to 10-12 on the year.
Pascal Siakam had 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists on 12/23 shooting.
Kyle Lowry had 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists on 12/18 shooting.
Norman Powell had 18 points and 5 rebounds on 7/13 shooting.
The Raptors were excellent offensively in this game. Whenever the Nets went small, Siakam dominated. He had 23 points in the 2nd half, as he was looking very comfortable. Kyle Lowry had it stuck on automatic, as he was hitting from the perimeter and also getting to the rim. Powell played well as VanVleet went cold, and Boucher was excellent off the bench. The Raps did a bit lucky as KD didn’t play much, but this is a good win for them, as they get to 10 wins on the year. Toronto takes on Atlanta tomorrow.
Brooklyn Nets
This game was very weird, but one that Brooklyn should have won, no matter what was going on with KD. KD didn’t start this game, as he was expected to miss the game. And Brooklyn was awful early, turning it over and their defense couldn’t get stops. But KD was able to return, giving Brooklyn a full roster. They did fall behind by 17 in the 2nd, but they got back into a rhythm and trailed by 4 at the half. But KD was forced to leave the game in the 4th, and Brooklyn fell apart in the 4th. Kyrie Irving didn’t get to shoot much, and the Nets defense continued to struggle, as they couldn’t stop Siakam or Lowry. Tough loss for Brooklyn, a very weird game for them, as they fall to 14-10 on the year.
Joe Harris had 19 points and 5 rebounds on 6/9 shooting.
James Harden had 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 12 assists on 4/8 shooting.
After KD left, I wanted to see Irving or Harden take over more. Joe Harris played very well, and the 3 of them could have won this game. But the Nets didn’t give Irving many touches in the 4th, which is a problem because he’s been great in the 4th this season. The KD situation was weird, but he was never in rhythm. The Nets take on the 76ers next, and KD is unlikely to play in that game.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Milwaukee Bucks
This game was surprisingly close throughout, as even with the Bucks scoring a lot, the game was close. The first half was ugly for Milwaukee defensively as they trailed by 4, allowing 63 points to Cleveland, one of the worst offensive teams in the league. The Bucks led by just 5 entering the 4th, when they were finally able to pull away. They held the Cavs to just 16 points in the 4th, as they get another win. The fact that this game was close is a bit weird, but a win is a win. 6 guys were in double figures for the Bucks including Giannis with 33. Jrue Holiday was 8/9 from the field, as Milwaukee improves to 14-8 on the year. The Bucks take on Cleveland again tomorrow.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs offense finally got things going, as they took advantage of the Bucks lenience to allow 3-pointers. But in the 4th, the Cavs offense went back to normal, scoring just 16 points. They put up a fight for a little bit, but that 4th quarter was disappointing. 7 guys were in double figures for Cleveland, but their offense just couldn’t keep up their efforts for the whole game. Cleveland falls to 10-13 on the year, and they take on Milwaukee next year.
Utah Jazz vs Charlotte Hornets
Utah Jazz
I wouldn’t want to take on the Utah Jazz right now, as with Bojan Bogdanovic getting going, their offense is somehow even better than it was. Utah started off a little slow, but then they started to barrage the Hornets with 3’s, scoring 69 points on 57% shooting in the first half. A big 2nd quarter was the key for them, as they led by 15 at the half. The Jazz extended their lead in the 3rd to 20+, and then just kind of coasted to a win, as they improve to 18-5 on the year.
Bojan Bogdanovic had 31 point, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists on 10/15 shooting, 7/10 3-PT.
Donovan Mitchell had 30 points and 5 assists on 10/18 shooting.
Mike Conley had 16 points on 6/11 shooting.
The Jazz have been so good offensively, and with Bojan Bogdanovic getting back into rhythm, they are dangerous. Bogdanovic and Mitchell were excellent in this game, as were Conley and Clarkson. The Jazz made 26 3-pointers and shot 52%, which is just ridiculous. They scored 30+ points in every quarter, as they can’t be stopped. Utah takes on the Pacers next on Sunday.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets rolled out a very weird lineup, one that might have been good offensively, but not good defensively. The Hornets offense was solid in the first half, even though they were shooting sub-40% from the field. They managed to score 54 points, but allowing 70 isn’t a recipe for success. They tried to comeback in the 2nd half, but their defense was just so bad. Charlotte falls to 10-13 on the year.
Lamelo Ball had a career-high 34 points and 8 assists on 14/27 shooting.
Gordon Hayward had 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists on 9/20 shooting.
The Hornets defense was awful in this game. They played Graham, Rozier, and Ball all at the same time, and the defense wasn’t great. Graham was good in just 11 minutes of playing time, as he left early with a groin injury. Ball was excellent, having another excellent game. Hayward was solid, although inefficient. The Hornets defense will have to be better if they want to win, as they take on Washington on Sunday.
Washington Wizards vs Miami Heat
Washington Wizards
Yeah, let’s not talk about it. Bradley Beal went just 1/14 from the field, as this game was over from the jump.
Miami Heat
Miami definitely didn’t want to lose twice to the Wizards, so they made a statement on both ends. The Heat’s defense was much better, as they held Bradley Beal in check. Herro and Nunn off the bench were excellent, combining for 42 points. I like Herro coming off the bench, as with his questionable defense, it’s better for him to come off the bench. I still haven’t seen the Heat from last year, but this is a step in the right direction. Miami takes on New York next.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs OKC Thunder
Minnesota Timberwolves
This game was a little too close for comfort, but the T-Wolves had some late-game heroics to win this game. In the first half, the T-Wolves defense was very poor against a very short-handed OKC team. They allowed OKC to shoot 57% from the field, and Minnesota trailed by 4. But in the 3rd their defense got much better, outscored OKC by 13 in the 3rd. They led by 9 entering the 4th, but as we know, no lead is safe in the hands of the T-Wolves. The T-Wolves lost their lead, as they trailed with just over two minutes to-go. With the game tied with under 30 seconds to-go, Minnesota turned it over, just for OKC to miss a layup. With 20 seconds left, Minnesota would hold for the final shot. They went to D’Angelo Russell, and he delivered, hitting the top of the key 3 for the win, giving Minnesota a 6-16 record on the year.
Malik Beasley had 24 points and 5 rebounds on 9/19 shooting.
D’Angelo Russell had 21 points and 6 assists on 7/13 shooting.
Naz Reid had 17 points and 9 rebounds on 8/12 shooting.
The T-Wolves nearly blew another 4th quarter lead, but they were able to win. This game really shouldn’t have been close with OKC missing their 3 best guards, but they were able to win. D’Angelo Russell was finally able to shoot well in this game, as he complimented Malik Beasley well. Anthony Edwards went just 3/14 from the field, as his nice shooting streak ends. Good win for the T-Wolves, as they take on the Thunder again tomorrow.
OKC Thunder
The OKC were without SGA, Dort, or George Hill. And they only lose by 3, which is quite impressive. The OKC offense still managed to score in this game, shooting 57% from the field in the first half and scoring 55 points led by Al Horford. A poor 3rd quarter left OKC in need of a comeback, and they were able to rally. They took the lead late, and had a chance to take the lead off of a turnover, however Diallo slipped and missed the layup, giving the ball back to Minnesota. And they capitalized on the mistake as D’Angelo Russell hit the game-winning 3, as OKC falls to 9-12 on the year.
Al Horford had 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists on 10/19 shooting.
Hamidou Diallo had 16 points and 10 assists on 6/13 shooting.
Get healthy
Detroit Pistons vs Phoenix Suns
Detroit Pistons
Well, at least you played the young guys. Saddiq Bey had 14 points in 26 minutes, Stewart had a double-double off the bench. They have to continue to play their young guys.
Phoenix Suns
It’s the Pistons. Are we really surprised? No.
Boston Celtics vs LA Clippers
Boston Celtics
This was quite the impressive win for the Celtics, saying they were missing All-Star Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart. This game did not start well for Boston. Their defense was very poor, and they feel behind early. Their offense got better in the 2nd, but their defense was horrible, as they couldn’t stop Kawhi or the LA shooters. But in the 3rd, the Celtics bench was able to hit some 3’s, and Jayson Tatum remained hot, giving the Celtics a monster 38-point quarter, as they led by 7 entering the 4th. And in the 4th, it was the Tatum and Walker show. They both hit some big shots, including Kemba Walker hitting the mid-range jumper with 32.3 seconds left that sealed it. Great win for Boston, as they improve to 12-9 on the year.
Jayson Tatum had 34 points and 7 rebounds with 4 steals on 12/27 shooting.
Kemba Walker had 24 points on 9/19 shooting.
Carson Edwards had 16 points on 5/8 shooting off the bench.
Jayson Tatum was great in this game. He was hitting shots throughout this game, and kept Boston in it. He had 19 points in the 2nd half, and was the Celtics go-to guy. Kemba Walker struggled early, but was hitting his jumpshots when he needed to, as he came up big. Carsen Edwards was a nice scoring boost off the bench, as was Robert Williams and newly returned rookie Payton Pritchard. Great win for Boston while being short-handed, as they continue their Western road-trip with a trip to Phoenix next on Sunday.
LA Clippers
The Clippers shouldn’t have lost this game, but a very poor 3rd quarter ended up hurting them a lot. The Clippers came out swinging early, with guys like Luke Kennard and Kawhi Leonard fueling a very big first half for LA, as they led by 11 even without Paul George. And then the infamous 3rd quarter. LA’s offense went cold and the Celtics were drilling 3’s left, right, and center, as now LA had to fight back. Lou Williams and Kawhi were good, but Kemba Walker and the Celtics were better, as LA falls to 17-7 on the year.
Kawhi Leonard had 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists on 8/19 shooting, 12/14 FT.
Lou Williams had 18 points and 6 assists on 6/10 shooting off the bench.
Nicolas Batum had 16 points and 7 rebounds on 6/11 shooting.
This was definitely a disappointing loss for LA. I know PG and Pat Bev were out, but with the way they dominated that first half, it should have been a win. But they played poorly defensively in the 2nd half. Lou Williams finally was able to score in the 4th, but it wasn’t enough. 6 guys were in double figures, including 3 guys off the bench. Got to be able to win these games. LA has the Kings coming to town next.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 9 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
Follow My Instagram To Never Miss A Post: @hoopnotions
