Luka Magic Returns; Small Ball Meets It’s Match! Thoughts From Day 6!
After 6 games on the schedule last night, here are my thoughts/opinions for each team that played last night.
After 6 games on the schedule last night, here are my thoughts/opinions for each team that played last night.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks lost their 3rd game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Bucks lost their 3rd game in the Bucks, but Giannis and Khris Middleton only played in the 1st half. Eric Bledsoe played more minutes, but it will take more time for him to get back into game shape. I don’t think people should overreact to this as the Bucks didn’t play anybody in the 2nd half. But their bench was pretty solid in the time that they played in so I think that this game was mostly positive for the Bucks.
Even without their two All-Stars, the Bucks were solid on the offensive end. They shot 48% from the field and 33% from 3. The Bucks were also 15/23 from the line. The Bucks again had a turnover problem as they turned the ball over 18 times. The Bucks dominated down low as they scored 48 points in the paint.
Defensively the Bucks were also solid as the Nets shot 42% from the field and 37% from 3. The Nets were also 12/16 from the free throw line. The Bucks didn’t force the Nets into any turnovers as they only had 7 for the game. The Bucks did do a good job limiting the Nets inside as they only had 32 points in the paint.
Giannis had 16 points and 6 rebounds in 16 minutes of action to lead the Bucks. Nobody else for the starters scored in double figures. Donte DiVincenzo, Ersan Ilyasova, Frank Mason III, and Kyle Korver all scored in double figures off the bench. I think that this game was good as some of the bench guys got some confidence after this game.
Conclusion
The Bucks didn’t play their stars at all in the 2nd half, and their supporting cast nearly won them the game. The bench played pretty well as they now get some confidence as the playoffs are right around the corner. Eric Bledsoe still needs some time to get into game form, but he should be fine once the playoffs hit. The offense and defense was solid all-around for the Bucks, and I don’t think this loss will affect them in the long run at all.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks won their 3rd game in the bubble. Here is what I thought of their performance.
The Mavs had been struggling in the bubble as they were 0-2 entering tonight’s contest. So a win was needed to get back on track. And Luka Doncic went to work as he had a masterful game to lead the Mavericks throughout this game. The Mavs got a key stop at the end of regulation, and the game went into overtime. Luka Doncic controlled the OT and the Mavs walked away with their first win the bubble.
Offensively the Mavs were pretty bad as they shot 37% from the field and 22% from 3. They were 9/41 from 3-point range overall. This has to improve otherwise it will be easy for teams to guard the Mavs if they are not stretching the floor. But the thing that saved the Mavs was that they were 39/50 from the free throw line. The Kings fouled them 37 times today, and they really needed those free throws as their offense was struggling. The Mavs also had 17 offensive rebounds as they got a lot of 2nd chance opportunities. The Mavs did turn the ball over 17 times as they need to take better care of the ball.
Defensively the Mavs were great as the Kings shot 41% from the field and 37% from 3. The Mavs did not foul the Kings and they were only 8/12 from the free throw line. The Mavs didn’t force many turnovers as the the Kings only had 10. The Mavs did a good job limiting the Kings down low as they only had 40 points in the paint.
Luka Doncic had 34 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists. Doncic becomes the 4th player since 1976 to have a 30-20-10 triple double, and he becomes the youngest player to do so. He’s 21 years old. Look out NBA. Kristaps Porzingis added 22 points and 7 rebounds as he was again solid. Tim Hardaway Jr. had 22 points and 5 rebounds and he had a much better game than the last one against the Suns. Dorian Finney-Smith added 16 points and 16 rebounds. The bench didn’t do much, but Finney-Smith and Hardaway played much better.
Conclusion
The Mavs finally played some defense and they got their first win in the bubble. The offense was off tonight, but Luka Doncic made it work with an incredible performance. The Mavs play the Clippers next, so maybe this momentum can help them against the Clippers in a marquee matchup.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings lost their 3rd game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Kings were also in need of a win as they faced the high-powered Mavericks. The Kings had fallen down in the Western Conference standings after 2 straight losses, so a win against the Mavs would help them gain some traction in the West. The Kings were playing ok for most of the game, but once overtime hit they disappeared. Luka Doncic tore them up and they lost their 3rd straight game.
Offensively the Kings were sub-par as they shot 41% from the field and 37% from 3. They did not get fouled much by the Mavs and they were only 8/12 from the free throw line. The Kings did have 26 assists as they moved the ball well. The Kings took care of the ball as they only had 10 turnovers. With Kristaps Porzingis down low, the Kings didn’t have much offense down low as they only had 40 points in the paint.
Defensively the Kings were ok. The Mavs shot 37% from the field and 22% from 3. But they bailed the Mavs out as they fouled them 40 times, and the Mavs went 39/50 from the line. Without all these unnecessary fouls, the Kings would have won this game. The Kings got outrebounded by a lot as the Mavs had 17 offensive rebounds. The Kings let the Mavs get too many 2nd chance opportunities. The Kings did do a good job of forcing turnovers as the Mavs had 17.
De’Aaron Fox continued his great play as he had 28 points and 9 assists for the Kings. But the 4 other starters of Joseph, Holmes, Bogdanovic, and Barnes combined for just 26 points. That’s far too low if the Kings want to win some games. Buddy Hield finally had a good game as had 21 points off the bench. Kent Bazemore also added 16 points. The Kings starters (excluding Fox) need to play much, much better if the Kings want any chance at that 8th seed in the Western Conference.
Conclusion
The Kings played ok on offense, but defensively was the problem. They held the Mavs down from the field and from 3, but bailed them out as they fouled the Mavs 40 times and the Mavs went 39/50 from the line. That was the only reason why the Mavs won the game. 4/5 of the Kings starters were horrendous and they combined for just 26 points. This can’t happen again if they want to contend for the 8th seed in the Western Conference.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns won their 3rd game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Suns were 2-0 and riding high as they met with the LA Clippers. And the Suns were up to the task as they played great basketball throughout. They held a decent lead in the 4th, but Kawhi Leonard willed them back into the game. The Suns got the ball off a turnover in the final seconds, and they gave the ball of Devin Booker. Booker drove down the left, and was met by PG-13 and Kawhi Leonard. He turned and shot a tough fadeaway with George right in his face. And he drilled it at the buzzer. Game over.
Offensively the Suns were great as they shot 47% from the field and 53% from 3 (17/32). The Suns were also 10/14 from the free throw line. The Suns had 11 offensive rebounds as they got lots of 2nd chance opportunities. The Suns took very good care of the ball as they only had 8 turnovers. The Suns didn’t have much of a paint presence as they had just 30 points in the paint.
Defensively the Suns were ok. The Clippers shot 49% from the field but just 28% from 3. The Suns played great defense on the perimeter. The Clippers were 23/27 from the line as they took advantage of the Suns fouling them 21 times. The Clippers also took good care of the ball as they had 10 turnovers. The Suns got dominated down low as the Clippers had 54 points in the paint.
Devin Booker had 35 points and 8 assists for the Suns as he also hit the game winner. Deandre Ayton had 19 points and 7 rebounds as he played much better than he did against the Mavs. Ricky Rubio added 18 points. Dario Saric and Cameron Payne both scoring in double figures for the 2nd unit. The Suns have been doing pretty well without nearly 20 points a game from Kelly Oubre Jr, who has not played in the bubble so far.
Conclusion
The Suns are now 3-0 in the bubble and they have looked good in the bubble so far. Devin Booker has been playing at a high level during the NBA Restart, and Deandre Ayton right with him. The Suns have been very good in the restart and currently sit 12th in the Western Conference and are only 3 games out of the 8th seed in the West. The Suns can hopefully ride this momentum and have a chance at the 8th seed in the Western Conference.
LA Clippers
The Clippers lost their 3rd game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Clippers would be getting Mr. Chicken Wings himself tonight, but it was not enough to get the win. The Clippers came out slow and they were playing from behind the entire 2nd half. But Kawhi Leonard put them in a prime position to win the game. But they turned the ball over and Devin Booker made an incredible difficult shot over Paul George and the Clippers lose at the buzzer.
Offensively the Clippers were ok as they shot 49% from the field and 28% from 3. The Clippers were bailed out from the line however as they were 23/27. The Clippers only turned the ball over 10 times as they took good care of the ball. The Clippers pounded the rock down low a lot as they had 54 points in the paint.
Defensively the Clippers struggled as the Suns shot 47% from the field and 53% from 3. The Clippers did a good job at playing defense without fouling as the Suns were just 10/14 from the free throw line. The Suns did have 11 offensive rebounds as the Clippers gave up far too many offensive rebounds. The Clippers didn’t force many turnovers as the Suns only had 8.
Kawhi Leonard had 27 points and 7 rebounds to lead the Clippers. Paul George added 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Marcus Morris had 16 points and Ivica Zubac had 18 points and 12 rebounds. The Clippers bench was porous as they only scored 27 points as Lou Williams was held in check. The Clippers are still missing Montrezl Harrell and his scoring off the bench. But the Clippers shouldn’t be too worried about losing this game.
Conclusion
The Clippers played pretty ok in this game, but Devin Booker just hit a tough shot. The Clippers got back Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell will be coming back soon, so the Clippers should be back at full strength when the playoffs come back.
Orlando Magic
The Magic lost their 3rd game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Magic just didn’t come to play as the Pacers dominated them by 21 in the 1st quarter. And the Magic stepped it up for the rest of the game, but they were down far too much to make the game interesting and they lost.
Offensively the Magic were ok as they shot 48% from the field and 35% from 3. The Magic were also solid from the line as they were 19/23. The Magic had 11 offensive rebounds which is always good. The problem for the Magic is that they had 18 turnovers, far too many. The Magic didn’t score much down low as they had 44 points in the paint.
Defensively the Magic were poor as the Pacers shot 55% from the field and 39% from 3. The Pacers were also 15/19 from the line. The Pacers had 29 assists and they worked the Magic defense around. And the Magic didn’t force any turnovers as the Pacers only had 7. The Pacers also pounded the rock down low as they had 52 points in the paint.
Nikola Vucevic had 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Magic and Aaron Gordon added 20 points. James Ennis also scored in double figures. But Evan Fournier and DJ Augustin were quiet as they combined for just 9 points. Especially for Fournier, he will need to score the ball if the Magic want any playoff success. Terrence Ross had 20 off the bench and Markelle Fultz had 10.
Conclusion
The Magic just didn’t come to play as the Pacers high-powered offense ran them out the gym in the 1st quarter. The Magic were very able to get in the game ever again and they lost their first game in the bubble. Evan Fournier needs to play better if the Magic want any playoff success and the Magic defense needs to tighten up.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers won their 3rd game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Pacers entered the content 2-0 and feeling very good. They would have Oladipo, Brogdon, and Warren together for the first time in the bubble. And they went to work as they took a 21 point lead in the 1st quarter. And the Pacers never relinquished that lead and they cruised to their 3rd victory in the bubble.
Offensively the Pacers were great as they shot 55% from the field and 39% from 3. The Pacers also shot 15/19 from the free throw line. The Pacers did a good job moving the ball around as they had 29 assists. The Pacers took care of the ball as they had just 7 turnovers. The Pacers also dominated down low as they had 52 points in the paint.
Defensively the Pacers were also solid as the Magic shot 48% from the field and 35% from 3. The Magic were also 19/23 from the line. The Magic had 11 offensive rebounds as the Pacers need to clean that up. The Pacers did a good job forcing turnovers as the Magic had 18. The Pacers also did a good job defending down low as the Magic had 44 paint points.
TJ Warren continued to be great as he had 32 points for the Pacers. Myles Turner had 21 points and 6 rebounds. All 5 starters for the Pacers (Warren, A. Holiday, Turner, Brogdon, Oladipo) scored in double figures. The Pacers bench was also solid as TJ McConnell added 12 points. The Pacers have been solid on offense throughout the NBA Restart, fueled by the excellent play of TJ Warren.
Conclusion
The Pacers have been one of the more surprising teams in the NBA Restart this season. They have had a lot of injuries to star players, but they are starting to get healthy again. TJ Warren has been playing out of his mind and he has been fueling the Pacers so far. And if Domantas Sabonis can get healthy and come back for Indiana, the Pacers will be very tough to stop in the playoffs.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics lost their 3rd game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Celtics came into this game 1-1 and looked for a win against the Heat who were closely behind them in the Eastern Conference Standings. The Heat were on the 2nd day of a back-to-back and Jimmy Butler was out. So, the Celtics had the clear upper hand. But the Heat moved the ball well and dominated the Celtics. The Celtics never had control of this game, and they lost.
Offensively the Celtics were solid as they shot 44% from the field and 30% from 3. But they were 22/27 from the line as the Heat fouled them 19 times. The Celtics dominated the offensive glass with 14 offensive boards. Very impressive saying the Celtics aren’t the biggest team. The Celtics only had 15 assists as they didn’t move the ball around much. The Celtics dominated down low as they had 54 points in the paint.
Defensively the Celtics were ok, as the Heat shot 44% from the field and 35% from 3. But the Celtics fouled the Heat 26 times and the Heat were 29/39 from the line. The Heat had 12 offensive boards themselves as the Celtics need to limit those. The Celtics limited the paint points that the Heat got as they only had 28.
Jayson Tatum had 23 points and 7 rebounds to lead the Celtics. Jaylen Brown added 18 points and 10 rebounds. Gordon Hayward added 15 points and 7 rebounds. Kemba Walker played in 27 minutes and had 15 points. Theis had 11 points for Boston as well. Enes Kanter was the lone bench player for the Celtics to break double digit scoring.
Conclusion
The Celtics should have won this game as the Heat lost a tough game to the Raptors the day before this game, and they were missing Jimmy Butler. Not only is Butler their best player, he does so much for the team. And the Celtics got dominated. Plain and simple. The Celtics were playing from behind for most of this game and the Heat were making all of their open shots.
Miami Heat
The Heat won their 3rd game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The day before this game the Heat lost a tough game to the #2 seed Toronto Raptors. Jimmy Butler was out vs the Celtics and it would have been very easy for the Heat to bow down in this game. Instead they played great team basketball and controlled the Celtics all night long.
Offensively the Heat were good as they shot 44% from the field and 35% from 3. The Heat took advantage of the Celtics fouling a bunch as they were 29/39 from the line. The Heat had 12 offensive boards as they created lots of 2nd shots for themselves. The Heat took care of the ball as they only had 12 turnovers. The Heat didn’t have much of a paint presence as they had 28 points down low.
Defensively the Heat were ok as the Celtics shot 44% from the field and 30% from 3. The Celtics were 22/27 from the line themselves as they too took advantage of the Heat fouling on the defensive end. The Celtics had 14 offensive rebounds, something which the Heat greatly need to improve on. The Heat forced the Celtics into 16 turnovers. The Celtics pounded the ball down low as they had 54 points in the paint, and the Heat didn’t do much to stop it.
Bam Adebayo had 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Heat in Jimmy Butler’s absence. Duncan Robinson also had 21 points as he played much better than he did against Toronto. Kelly Olynyk had 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists as he was great tonight. Kendrick Nunn struggled, although the Heat were able to not need his scoring. Goran Dragic had 20 points off the the bench for the Heat and Tyler Herro added 11.
Conclusion
The Heat played very well without All-Star Jimmy Butler. They moved the ball very well and their shooters were hitting more shots. A concern for the Heat was down low as the Celtics had 54 points in the paint. Another concern for the Heat was Goran Dragic. Dragic hurt his ankle in the final moments of the game, and it was diagnosed as a slight ankle sprain. He might be missing a game or two. But, the Heat are now 2-1 in the bubble and have looked very good so far.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets lost their 3rd game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Rockets small ball lineup has been very good so far. They have been scoring at will and play pretty good defense saying how undersized they are. They met the Portland Trail Blazers who have weapons and scorers from all over the court. The Rockets were playing from behind for most of the game, but tied it at 100 with 4+ minutes left in the 4th. But the Rockets offense stalled and the Blazers hit some big shots and they lost in a close game.
Offensively the Rockets were ok as they shot 39% from the field and 36% from 3. They were also 15/24 from the line. The Rockets took good care of the ball as they only had 10 turnovers. The Rockets only had 28 points in the paint.
Defensively the Rockets were sub-par as the Blazers shot 41% from the field and 39% from 3. The Rockets fouled the Blazers 26 times and the Blazers were 20/29 from the free throw line. The Blazers had 15 offensive rebounds over the small Rockets lineup. The Rockets didn’t force any turnovers as the Blazers had 12.
James Harden had 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists to lead Houston. Harden only played 33 minutes as he was in foul trouble. Jeff Green had 22 points and 6 rebounds off the bench for Houston. Danuel House had 17 points as well. But Russell Westbrook was awful as he had 15 points and 9 assists in 35 minutes. Westbrook couldn’t get to the rim easily with all the Blazers bigs down low. He was forced to take jumpers, not one of his strengths.
Conclusion
The Rockets are now 2-1 in the bubble as their small ball lineup ran into their first real problems of the NBA Restart. The Blazers did a good job making other people take and make shots other than Harden and Westbrook, and it worked. The Rockets will need to rely on others to make shots in the playoffs as teams want to get the ball out of Westbrook and Harden’s hands.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers won their 3rd game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Blazers came into this game 1-1 in the bubble and with them in the race for the 8th seed in the Western Conference, every win counts. The Blazers have lots of size to contend with the Rockets down low, and they did a great job defensively. They were trapping Harden and Westbrook and making other people like Jeff Green take shots. And most of the time they were missing. Harden and Westbrook had off nights and the Blazers took advantage. They made some key shots down the stretch and they won the game.
On offense the Blazers were solid as they shot 41% from the field and 39% from 3. They were also 20/29 from the line as they took advantage of the Rockets fouling them a lot. The Blazers had 15 offensive rebounds and lots of easy looks at the rim. The Blazers took good care of the ball as they only had 12 turnovers. This limiting the Rockets from getting easy looks in transition. The Blazers had 44 points in the paint as well.
On defense, the Blazers were near perfect. The Rockets shot 39% from the field and 36% from 3. The Rockets were also 15/24 from the line. The Blazers didn’t force many turnovers on Houston as they only had 10. The Blazers limited the Rockets paint scoring as they only had 28 points.
But the Blazers did a good job trapping Harden and Westbrook out top and making other people make shots. And they did a good job contesting those shots. This is the first defense in the NBA Restart that we have seen control the Rockets.
Damian Lillard had 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists to lead Portland. CJ McCollum added 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Carmelo Anthony had 15 points and 11 rebounds and the dagger 3 late. Jusuf Nurkic had 19 points and 18 rebounds as he was a beast down low. Gary Trent continues to show out as he had 16 points off the bench.
Conclusion
The Blazers offense is usually good, but defense won them this game. They trapped Harden and Westbrook and made other people make shots. The Rockets struggled with this defensive method. The Blazers were the first team to hold the Rockets under 110 points in the bubble. James Harden and Westbrook were not as dominant as usual. And on offense you had Dame, CJ, Melo, Nurkic and surprisingly Gary Trent who was been shooting incredibly from 3-point range. The Blazers are now 2-1 in the restart and are only 1.5 games out of the 8th seed in the West.
What are your thoughts/opinions from Day 6 of the NBA Restart? Leave a comment down below!
Stay Tuned For My Game-Day Report For Game 7 of the NBA Restart, coming later today!
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