LA’s Season In Jeopardy? & Raptors Lose Again Late! 2.14.21
It’s a Sunday night of NBA hoops, and we have an action packed day with 10 games on the schedule today.
Boston Celtics vs Washington Wizards
Boston Celtics
*Sigh.* This team is so frustrating, as they just can’t figure things out. They were awful on both sides of the ball, as even with a healthy roster they looked gassed. Jayson Tatum was terrible, dealing with foul trouble and being a non-factor. Brown and Walker combined for 50 points, as they kept this game some-what close. By that I mean within 30 points. The Celtics bench literally gave them nothing, and the 2nd half of mediocrity just sealed the deal. This team has been bad, as they can’t figure it out on either side of the ball. One day it’s the offense, the next it’s the defense and today it was both. This team is talented, but something is off. I doubt no having Marcus Smart makes them this bad, but I could be mistaken. Anyway the Celtics are now 3-7 in their last 10 games as they fall to 0.500 on the year. This team is a mess.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards played with a lot of energy today, and it’s the reason they won this game. With a rested Bradley Beal and Mo Wagner starting, the Wizards dominated. Beal looked good with fresher legs and everybody else filled in. Westbrook looked like he was having fun, dishing it to Hachimura down low. The Wizards defense had a strangle-hold on the Celtics, as they just kind of let Brown and Walker do whatever they wanted to avail. I like Mo Wegner because he hustles, and really doesn’t care about stats, somewhat similar to Westbrook. If this team plays with energy and plays ok defense at best, they can be good. I also think that giving Beal a game off here and there is good, because he was very efficient dropping 35 points. Washington improves to 7-17 on the year, and they take on the Rockets tomorrow.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Toronto Raptors
Minnesota Timberwolves
The T-Wolves offense had no problem scoring in this game even without D’Angelo Russell, as they got an upset win on the road. In the first half, the Wolves were hanging in there as they scored 54 points behind a nice start from Beasley. Their defense was poor, but the game was close. In the 3rd, the T-Wolves exploded for 37 points and outscored the Raps by 12 to take the lead entering the 4th. And in the 4th, the Raptors came back back multiple times, and the T-Wolves nearly lose. Up two with the ball, Malik Beasley stepped out of bounds and the Raptors had a chance to tie or win. But Siakam missed a layup, and Minnesota held on to win, improving to 7-20 on the year.
KAT had 20 points and 11 rebounds on 8/11 shooting.
Malik Beasley had 20 points and 6 assists on 7/13 shooting, 6/10 3-PT.
Anthony Edwards had 18 points and 7 rebounds on 7/15 shooting.
Praise the unluckiness of Pascal Siakam.
Toronto Raptors
Pain.
San Antonio Spurs vs Charlotte Hornets
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs offense had no problem scoring in this game, and their defense helped them get the win in this 4th quarter. The Spurs offense started off slow as they couldn’t hit their outside shots, and Terry Rozier was torching them. The lead was 16 at one point, but the Spurs had an answer. Their backcourt of White and Murray got going, as they led the Spurs to 47 points in the 2nd quarter. That big 2nd quarter gave them the lead at the half. In the 3rd, there was more scoring but the Hornets defense was solid, and the game was tied entering the 4th. And in the 4th, the Spurs defense was excellent. They went on a run early to give themselves a 8-point lead, and then they never let the young Hornets back into this game. The Spurs won, as they improve to 16-11 on the year.
Dejounte Murray had 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists on 10/22 shooting.
Derrick White had 25 points on 9/15 shooting.
Keldon Johnson had 18 points and 8 rebounds on 7/14 shooting.
The Spurs offense has been very good over the past few games, as they got whatever they wanted. And then their defense finally came through enough in the 4th to give them a win. Dejounte Murray has been playing great offensively as of late, and Derrick White had his first good game since returning from his toe injury. Even with DeRozan struggling, the Spurs bench and Keldon Johnson filled that void. The defense wasn’t great in this game, but it was good when it needed to be. Good win for the Spurs, as they take on the Pistons next.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets were without Hayward in this game, but they had no problem scoring. But with their 3-guard lineup they continue to struggle defensively and their poor defense was the reason they lost this game. In the first half, Terry Rozier and Lamelo Ball were scoring at will, combining for 32 points in the first half. But even though the Hornets led by 16 at one point, they allowed 47 points in the 2nd quarter, and they trailed at halftime. The Hornets tied the game entering the 4th, thanks to another big 3rd quarter offensively. But in the 4th, their offense just shut down. After 36 minutes of shots falling, everything went to a standstill and their defense didn’t help them much as the Hornets fell behind and never recovered. Charlotte falls to 13-15 on the year.
Terry Rozier had 33 points and 7 rebounds on 14/29 shooting.
Malik Monk had 23 points on 7/13 shooting, 5/6 3-PT off the bench.
Lamelo Ball had 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists on 7/20 shooting.
The Hornets can’t use this 3-guard lineup for long. Because it’s just so bad defensively. They can score at will, but they sure at winning much with that defense. Rozier was solid, but pretty inefficient, taking 29 shots to get 33 points. Ball had just 2 points in the 2nd half, and Devonte Graham missed most of the game with a knee injury, only playing 19 minutes. The Hornets defense has to be better if they want to win, as they can’t win every single game in shootout type fashion. The Hornets take on the Bulls next.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Detroit Pistons
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans just don’t live up to their potential. After a predictable good offensive start against the Pistons, the Pels shut down in the final 3 quarters, and their defense didn’t help them as they lost to the Pistons. In the first quarter, the Pelicans shot 80% from the field, and scored 40 points. I thought that this would be a blowout with the way that they were playing. But that wasn’t the case. The Pelicans trailed at the half, as they were outscored by 12 in the 2nd quarter, scoring just 22 points in the 2nd quarter. In the 3rd, their defense allowed 33 more points as they fell behind by even more. And in the 4th they tried to fight back, but it was futile. The Pelicans fall to 11-15 on the year.
Zion had 26 points and 8 rebounds on 10/20 shooting.
Brandon Ingram had 26 points and 7 assists on 7/19 shooting.
The Pelicans roster just isn’t very good outside their outstanding forwards duo. Yes they have been shooting above average lately, but when they shoot poorly, things get ugly. Bledsoe was 1/9 from the 3-PT line, as he has not been working. The Pelicans need some spacing, whether that be with guys like Lewis Jr or N.A.W, or getting a trade done for a guard who is more of a reliable shooting. Whatever it is, the Pelicans need to manufacture some shooting. New Orleans takes on Memphis next.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons are giant-killers. They beat good teams, which is everybody in relation to them. Josh Jackson has revitalized his career, as he had another good game off the bench. Svi Mykhailiuk added 18 points off the bench. Plumlee and Wright were great, and Saddiq Bey continues to play well as he added 16 points. Good win for Detroit, as they improve to 8-19 on the year.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Dallas Mavericks
Portland Trail Blazers
This was a very exciting game for both teams, but a big 2nd half from Dame capped off with the dagger 3 gave Portland the road win. The first half was up and down for Portland. They started off shooting very well and jumped out to an early lead. But they weren’t getting foul calls when driving to the rim, and 11 Luka Doncic points in a row to end the half put them down at the half despite playing pretty well the whole game. In the 3rd, Dame got his 4th foul, and things weren’t looking good. And then Dame got mad. Dame started to get some shots to go, and the Portland defense got much better as they keyed in on Luka Doncic. Portland scored 45 points in the 3rd, and led by 12 entering the 4th. In the 4th, Portland’s offense slowed down. From the 6:50 point in the 4th to the 1:38 mark, Portland didn’t score and the Mavs came back to tie the game. But Dame Time arrived at the perfect time, hitting a 3 with 32.8 seconds left that gave Portland back the lead. Portland scored again with 6.8 seconds left to put themselves back up 3. Luka Doncic got wide open for 3 out of the timeout, but missing the potential tying 3 and Portland survived to win their 6th game out of the last 7, and improve to 16-10 on the year.
Dame had 34 points and 11 assists on 12/26 shooting.
Gary Trent Jr. had 17 points on 6/13 shooting.
Roco had 15 points and 5 rebounds on 5/7 shooting, 4/4 3-PT.
The Blazers had a good all-around team win in this game. They never let Porzingis get going from 3, instead making him work down low. Dame was very good in that 2nd half with 23 points, and the Blazers role guys came up big. Trent, Covington, Anthony, Simons, and Kanter were all in double figures. The Blazers defense was solid for much of this game especially in the first and third quarters. Portland has been on a roll despite not having CJ or Nurkic healthy. Portland continues with their road-trip against the OKC Thunder.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs had their chances to win this game, as Luka again was going off and the Mavs offered him pretty good offensive help. But they had a poor 3rd quarter, and Luka just missed as Dallas losses a heart-breaker. In the first half, it was all Luka. The Mavs offense was sluggish out the gate as they couldn’t hit 3’s. But Luka scored 11 straight points to end the half to get Dallas back in the game, as they led going into the break. But Dame and the Blazers got going, and the Mavs allowed 45 points in the 3rd and trailed by double digits in the 4th. But the Mavs defense was huge in their comeback, not allowing Portland to score for 5 minutes down the stretch. Luka got them back in the game, and he had a chance to tie the game late but he missed the 3 and Dallas lost as they fall to 13-15 on the year.
Luka had 44 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists on 14/20 shooting.
KP had 18 points and 8 rebounds on 5/9 shooting.
The Mavs played pretty well in this game. There were stretches where their offense struggled, but they held Portland down for 5 minutes in the 4th and they still couldn’t win. Luka was incredible, but KP was quiet as Portland blanketed him for the most part. The Mavs had a rough first and third quarters, and Luka just missed their chance to play OT. The Mavs still played well and there’s no reason to hang your head. The Mavs have been playing better, and the way that you played in this game will win you most games in the NBA. Dallas takes on Detroit next, a chance to bounce back.
Milwaukee Bucks vs OKC Thunder
Milwaukee Bucks
Ok, this is getting out of hand. They need to fire Mike Budenholzer, like right now.
OKC Thunder
How do the Thunder keep winning. No SGA and they beat the Bucks, who might be heavily overrated, but are still much better than OKC. All 5 OKC starters were in double figures, including 22 from Justin Jackson and 20 from Al Horford. Jackson hit the dagger 3 late in the 4th that gave OKC the win, as they always compete and fight above their weight. OKC is now 11-15 on the year.
Orlando Magic vs Phoenix Suns
Orlando Magic
Offensive struggles continue for Orlando, as they just seem to lose the same way every game. This game was never really close, with the Magic scoring just 35 points in the first half. This team is a mess right now, and even when healthy they aren’t great. Not looking so hot in Florida right now.
Phoenix Suns
It’s the Magic, easy win.
LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets
LA Lakers
The Lakers really should be careful with AD. AD had been dealing with achilles soreness, but he scored 35 points against the Grizzlies and I thought he was fine. But he hurt that achilles again, re-aggravating the injury. Thankfully for the Lakers season isn’t over as AD will be fine, but I think that LA should not rush AD back. Make sure he is actually 100%, so that we don’t get a 2019 KD situation again where he rushes back and then suffers probably the worst basketball injury. The Lakers better treat this situation with care.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets played very good on offense in this game, as they dominated in the 2nd half offensively. Jamal Murray looked good in this game, as he looked comfortable like he did in the bubble. But the Nuggets young players and bench were very good. First round pick year Zeke Nnaji got his first real minutes, and he was very good. His 3-PT stroke looks very smooth, and he wasn’t hesitating as he had 16 points. Campazzo was 4/6 from the field as he had 15 points as well. I like what I saw from Nnaji, as maybe he gets some more run with Denver being short-handed. Good win for the Nuggets, and I like what I saw from their younger guys, something to think about going forward if they need some shooting. Denver is now 15-11 on the year.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Sacramento Kings
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies offense was great as the Kings defense was horrible again. Anderson, Valanciunas, and Brooks were all great. Morant had a double-double and Allen was also in double-figures. Clarke and Tillman were good off the bench, as Memphis’s offense came alive. Memphis goes to 11-11 on the year, as they can maybe they get things going again when they face the Pelicans next on Tuesday.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings defense has been rearing it’s ugly head here lately, as even with Fox back the Kings got crushed. Barnes and Hield struggled shooting, while Fox and Holmes carried the load for the starters. Tyrese Haliburton was 9/15 off the bench with 22 points, and Cory Joseph added 16 off the bench as those two were very good. But the Kings have to play fast and shoot better than 24% from 3, otherwise their poor defense shows itself and they can’t win. The Kings fall to 12-14 on the year.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs LA Clippers
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Clippers are missing two All-Stars, and you still lose by double-digits. Now that’s bad. No Drummond, although he’s not exactly the best offensive player but he’s still ok. Sexton and Garland were solid each with 20+ points and Osman had 20 off the bench but their defense was awful against the LA role players. Cleveland has been struggling lately, just 1-9 in their last 10 games as they fall to 10-18 on the year.
LA Clippers
No Kawhi and no Paul George and you still win by double-digits. Now that’s a good win. Lou Williams was very good with 30 points, Ibaka added 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists with 2 steals. Beverley did a bit of everything, and Kennard and Morris were solid off the bench. Good win for LA as they improve to 20-8 on the year.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 10 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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