Milwaukee’s Historic Performance; Problems In Denver? 12.29.20
It’s a Tuesday night of NBA Hoops as we have an action-packed schedule with 10 games today. Zion Williamson and the Pelicans take on Devin Booker and the Suns and Pascal Siakam and Toronto take on Ben Simmons and Philadelphia.
New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Knicks dominated the Bucks at home, as they looked like the contenders and the Bucks looked like a bottom-feeding Eastern Conference team. Julius Randle has had a strong start to the year, as have RJ Barrett and Alec Burks. But New York will be without Burks as he is sidelined with an ankle injury. The Cavs and their young back-court of Sexton and Garland have been excellent all season. Andre Drummond has started the year off well, but he will have to do more as Kevin Love will be out 3-4 weeks dealing with a calf injury. Isaac Okoro won’t be playing, but the Cavs won against Philadelphia without their rookie win. I think that Cleveland will be winning this matchup.
Thoughts On The New York Knicks
This Knicks team is pretty solid, not a playoff team, but decent. And who predicted this? Me. Without Alec Burks off the bench, Julius Randle had himself a night as he had a triple-double. RJ Barrett and Elfrid Payton went 10/30 from the field, nowhere near as bad as they were against Philadelphia. The Knicks only played 8 players, and their bench didn’t do much. It was all on the starters, and their defense held this explosive Cavs offense down, holding them to 36% from the field. The Knicks are now 2-2 on the year, as they have been looking leaps and bounds better than they have in past seasons.
Julius Randle had 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists on 9/16 shooting.
Reggie Bullock had 17 points and 7 rebounds on 6/13 shooting.
Elfrid Payton had 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists on 6/15 shooting.
Tom Thibodeau has been doing great things with this team, as he has them playing hard on both ends. Julius Randle has been doing it all for this team, including in the passing department. They need more from RJ Barrett, but when you hold Cleveland to just 36% shooting, it’s ok if he doesn’t play great. The Knicks did have 24 turnovers, one of the reason this game was relatively close. But this was a great win for the Knicks, as they head to Tampa Bay to take on the Raptors.
Thoughts On The Cleveland Cavaliers
After going 3-0 to start the year, this was a steep fall-off. The Cavs offense which went one from one of the best in the league, sputtered to produce just 86 points. They made Julius Randle look like a prime Lebron James, and they just looked like the Cavs, of old. Their back-court of Sexton and Garland shot a combined 12/35 from the field, a major decline from the numbers they had been putting up to start the year. The Cavs are still 3-1 on the year.
Collin Sexton had 20 points on 6/17 shooting.
Andre Drummond had 17 points and 17 rebounds on 7/13 shooting.
Darius Garland had 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 6/18 shooting.
I wondered when the Cavs would get dominated after starting 3-0, and I guess it happened pretty quick. I get that it’s one game, but their impressive start was only 3 games. Sexton and Garland struggled, and with Kevin Love being out for the next month, they need more production from those two. Having Isaac Okoro would also help them on defense, and they’d better get out of this offensive slump if they want to continue to win. The Cavs travel to face the rival Indiana Pacers next.
Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Raptors are 0-2 to start the year, as their new roster hasn’t been up to the same level as in the past few seasons. Their big 3 of Lowry, Siakam, and VanVleet have underperformed to start the year, and they can’t if this Raptors team wants to make a playoff push. The 76ers got stomped by Cleveland as Joel Embiid sat with a back injury. But Embiid is going to be playing, but likely not the same workload as Philly tries to monitor his back problem. But having Embiid back helps Seth Curry and Tobias Harris out a lot, as they get a lot more open shots. Ben Simmons has had a solid start to the year as he does it all for the 76ers team. Philadelphia should be winning this game.
Thoughts On The Toronto Raptors
The Raptors had this game, but then reality and the 76ers caught up. Toronto shot 42% from the field in the first quarter, and led by 11. They led by 8 at halftime behind strong first halves from Lowry and Siakam. They were holding Philly to under 30% from both the field and 3. This seemed like a very winnable game for Toronto. And then things fell apart. They were outscored by 8 in the 3rd as they scored just 28 points. So the game was tied, and they still had a chance to win. Then they scored just 17 points in the 4th, and lost. Toronto scored just 37 points in the 2nd half, and they remain winless.
Kyle Lowry had 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists on 6/15 shooting.
Pascal Siakam had 20 points and 6 rebounds on 8/23 shooting.
OG Anunoby had 20 points and 6 rebounds with 5 steals on 7/11 shooting.
Fred VanVleet again struggled as he had just 8 points on 3/12 shooting. They can’t win with him playing like that. That was a terrible 2nd half by Toronto, scoring just 37 points after playing about as good as you can in the 1st half. All their efforts to slow down Philly on offense were for nothing, as they lost again in the end. Toronto is now 0-3 on the year, and they face the Knicks on Thursday in Tampa to try and get their first win.
Thoughts On The Philadelphia 76ers
For how bad the 76ers played in the first half, they played amazing in the 2nd half. They trailed by 8 at halftime after shooting just 28% from the field. Philly had no energy, and they were going to need to turn things around in a hurry to try and win this game. And they did, as they tied the game entering the 4th after allowing just 20 points. They re-created their efforts on the 4th, holding Toronto to just 17 points in the 4th. The 76ers got back in the win column with an impressive 2nd half win, as they are now 3-1 on the year.
Joel Embiid had 29 points and 16 rebounds on 7/17 shooting.
Tobias Harris had 26 points and 11 rebounds on 11/20 shooting.
Seth Curry had 17 points and 6 rebounds on 5/11 shooting.
This 76ers team looks so much different, and better when Joel Embiid plays. Embiid was a monster down low, as Toronto had no match. Tobias Harris was efficient, and Seth Curry benefited from Embiid played. Simmons had a near trip-double with 13 rebounds and 7 assists to go along with 11 points, and he played his great defense. The 76ers only got 10 points from the bench, which is a bit worrying. The 76ers can’t afford to play 1st halves like they did against Toronto, as it’s not nearly as to comeback from those, especially in the playoffs. But an impressive comeback nonetheless, as Philly travels to Orlando to take on the Magic next.
Golden State Warriors vs Detroit Pistons
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Warriors got a dramatic first win over the Bulls thanks to some late-game heroics from Damion Lee. Now the Warriors play another team that they can beat. They are still without Draymond Green, but if Wiggins and Oubre can start hitting some of their outside jumpshots, the Warriors will be able to win most of the games that they play. Detroit were without their two best players against Atlanta yesterday, but D-Rose and Blake Griffin will be back in action. Along with Jerami Grant, they are a competitive team with this roster. They still need more from Killian Hayes, the rookie who has struggled early on in the season. I think Golden State will win this game.
Thoughts On The Golden State Warriors
The Warriors played really well in the 2nd half. They stayed even with the Pistons in the first half, trailing by just 3. Golden State shot 42% from the field in the first half, and held Detroit to just 30% shooting. A good 3rd quarter but Golden State up entering the 4th quarter, and then they put it away in the 4th. They scored 39 points, and cruised their way to a 10-point victory. The Warriors are now 2-2, as they try and gain momentum.
Steph Curry had 31 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 9/17 shooting.
Andrew Wiggins had 27 points and 7 rebounds on 9/19 shooting.
Kelly Oubre Jr. had 14 points and 5 rebounds on 6/10 shooting.
This is what the Warriors can be if Oubre and Wiggins play well. Wiggins finally used his talents to use, as he had an efficient 27 points. Kelly Oubre finally made shots that weren’t dunks and made himself useful on offense. James Wiseman struggled again, as they hope to incorporate him more in the future. But the Warriors needed these last two wins for confidence, as they are now 2-2. The Warriors host Portland on Friday to start the new year.
Thoughts On The Detroit Pistons
The Piston had their chances to win this game, but they couldn’t. They didn’t shoot the ball well in the first half, but still led. It was a close game entering the 4th, but their defense allowed 39 Warrior points. Blake Griffin only played 17 points before leaving with a concussion. Killian Hayes also played 17 minutes before leaving with a right ankle sprain. The Pistons lost two of their starters, and they couldn’t overcome that as they remain winless at 0-4.
Jerami Grant had 27 points and 7 rebounds on 9/21 shooting.
Josh Jackson had 17 points and 6 rebounds on 6/14 shooting.
Derrick Rose had 15 points and 7 assists on 6/18 shooting off the bench.
The Pistons lost this game, but more consequentially they lost two key starters. Griffin went into concussion protocol, and is likely to miss extended playing time. Rookie Killian Hayes has struggled to start the year, and this injury doesn’t help him. The severity of the injury is unknown, but he will also be missing some time. The Pistons now sit at 0-4, as they welcome Boston to start the new year next on their schedule.
Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Celtics lost a heart-breaker to Indiana on Sunday, as they came inches away from winning. But Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown proved that they can keep this Celtics team in games, but they need help. Payton Pritchard, the rookie from Oregon, has looked really good to start the year. They need good defense from Theis and Thompson down low against a red hot Domantas Sabonis. The key for Boston is not having too many turnovers, and playing solid defense. The Pacers will be getting Victor Oladipo back to play in this game, meaning they get even more offense alongside Sabonis, Warren, and Brogdon. I really like the makeup of this Pacers team and they have started off the year playing great basketball. I think that Indiana will win this game.
Thoughts On The Boston Celtics
Impressive comeback win by Boston. The first half was close throughout, with Boston shooting 50% from the field and 43% from 3. But Indiana was shooting 56% from the field. And in the 3rd, the Celtics played terribly and allowed 37 Indiana points. They trailed by 11 entering the 4th. Then Boston dominated the final 12 minutes of the game. Boston scored the first 11 of the quarter to tie the game with 9:17 left. The game was tied at 100 with 6:30 left, and then Boston went on a 9-0 run. And Boston iced the game late at the line, outscoring Indiana by 16 in the 4th quarter, en route to their 2nd win of the year.
Jayson Tatum had 27 points and 11 rebounds on 9/17 shooting.
Jaylen Brown had 20 points on 7/13 shooting.
Marcus Smart had 17 points and 5 assists on 3/10 shooting.
Impressive comeback win by Boston. Their offense in the 4th was humming, and they allowed just 16 points in the 4th to one of the hottest offenses in the league. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were efficient, combining for 47 points. Marcus Smart added 17, and Tristan Thompson had a double-double. Rookie Payton Pritchard had 10 points off the bench as he continues to impress me. He is a great shooter, and a x-factor of sorts. Lots of potential in Pritchard going forward. The Celtics improve to 2-2 on the year, and they welcome the depleted Memphis Grizzlies to town on Wednesday.
Thoughts On The Indiana Pacers
The Pacers looked great for 36 minutes, and then they played the worst 12 minutes of basketball that they’ve played all year. Their offense is one of the most talented in the league, and had run through Boston in their meeting a couple of nights ago. The Pacers led by 11 entering the 4th, and then they just collapsed. Their offense, which shot 56% from the field in the first half, and produced 37 3rd quarter points, stalled. Boston started the quarter on an 11-0 run to tie the game immediately, and then they got another 9-0 run to lead for the rest of the way. Indiana did their best to try and cut the deficit, but it was too little too late as Indiana suffered their first loss of the season.
Victor Oladipo had 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists on 10/18 shooting.
Malcolm Brogdon had 19 points and 7 assists on 7/15 shooting.
TJ Warren had 17 points on 7/13 shooting.
Domantas Sabonis played by far his worst game of the year, as he was held to 5/12 shooting. Oladipo played well, as did Warren and Brogdon, but only scoring 16 points in the 4th ended up being the death of the Pacers. I still view the Pacers very highly, as their offensive talent is one of the most balanced in the league. They are playing another very good team in Boston, and they are still 3-1 on the year. Just disappointed on how they closed this game. Indiana welcomes another hot-offense in Cleveland to town on Wednesday.
Chicago Bulls vs Washington Wizards
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Bulls lost a heart-breaking game to Golden State, a game that they played pretty well in. But now Chicago faces another winless team, Washington. The Bulls have the better roster because of their youth and depth. Lavine and Markkanen have been playing well to start the year, and they need to continue to do that. Chicago needs better shooting from Coby White, as well as some more offensive aggression out of 4th overall pick Patrick Williams. The Wizards haven’t looked so good in the 4th quarter of games, as they have blown leads in all 3 games this season in the 4th. But Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal are playing, they just need good games from Davis Bertans off the bench, Deni Avdija, and Thomas Bryant. I think that Washington will win this game.
Thoughts On The Chicago Bulls
The Bulls finally got their first win of the year, and it was in convincing fashion. The Bulls led by 6 at halftime, despite shooting just 33% from the field. In the 3rd quarter they extended their lead to 10. At this point, I was expecting the Bulls to lose. But no, they held onto their lead throughout the 4th and cruised to a 115-107 victory. They led for almost the entire game, and never really let Washington gain any momentum. Chicago is now 1-3 on the year.
Zach Lavine had 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 6/15 shooting.
Coby White had 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 6/14 shooting.
Otto Porter Jr. had 16 points on 4/10 shooting off the bench.
This is what I imagined the Bulls looking like. Lavine leading them in scoring, but having lots of help. Coby White played an all-around game, and Otto Porter had 16 points off the bench. Wendell Carter Jr. had another double-double, and the Bulls cruised to their first win of the year. Chicago faces Washington again on Thursday.
Thoughts On The Washington Wizards
An 0-4 start for Washington, not what I expected. And this time, they didn’t even blow a lead in the 4th quarter. They just got outplayed. Washington shot 40% from the field in the 2nd quarter, allowing Chicago to shoot 33% from the field, and still trailed by 6. They trailed by 10 entering the 4th, and never even made a dent into the lead, as they fall to 0-4. Disappointing start to say the least for Washington.
Bradley Beal had 29 points on 9/20 shooting.
Russell Westbrook had 21 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists on 9/17 shooting.
Davis Bertans had 20 points on 4/10 shooting off the bench.
The Wizards got their production from their big 3. Westbrook had another triple-double, this one being his best one as he shot better than 50% from the field. Bradley Beal was solid as always, and Davis Bertans wasn’t efficient, but still put up 20. Thomas Bryant was decent as well with 13 points, but they still couldn’t find a way to win. Washington gets another crack at Chicago on Thursday, still looking for their first win of the year.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Miami Heat
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Bucks and their kryptonite meet for the first time. This Bucks team was dismantled by Miami in the playoffs, as their major flaws were exposed by Erik Spoelstra and the Heat. But now this Bucks roster has improved with the additions of Jrue Holiday. I see the Bucks as more a real contending team than just a regular season powerhouse. The Heat will be without Jimmy Butler, as he nurses an ankle injury. The Heat still have their Giannis stopper in Bam, but not having Jae Crowder hurts them for these type of games. Without Butler, Miami is at a disadvantage. I think Milwaukee will win this game.
Thoughts On The Milwaukee Bucks
Yeah……ok. This game was…. interesting. The Bucks shot 68% from the field in the first quarter, and scored 46 points, and led by 20. They led by 32 at halftime, 40 entering the 4th, and won by 47. The Bucks hit an NBA record 29 3’s, as they shot 57% from deep. Yeah, the Bucks wanted their revenge on Miami. Yes, Miami didn’t have Jimmy Butler. But this was still a very impressive, coming after a loss to the Knicks. The Bucks are now 2-2 on the year. and they get to face this Heat team again tomorrow.
Khris Middleton had 25 points and 5 assists on 10/13 shooting.
Jrue Holiday had 24 points and 7 assists on 9/15 shooting.
Donte DiVincenzo had 17 points on 6/8 shooting, 5/6 3-PT.
This was an absolute demolition of a very good Heat team. The Bucks set the record for the most 3’s in a game in NBA History, a pretty fitting record to break considering they scored 144 points and won by 47. Giannis only had 9 points, as the Bucks support pieces flexed their muscles. Khris Middleton is on absolute fire, as are Jrue Holiday and Donte DiVincenzo. They’d better hope this type of shooting continues in the playoffs. If it does, the Bucks will be a very dangerous team. The Bucks get to play this Heat team again tomorrow.
Thoughts On The Miami Heat
Well, Jimmy Butler wasn’t playing. That’s about the only excuse that I can think of for this Heat team to play like this. Similar to the Kawhi-less Clippers, they just looked deflated and out of energy from the start of the game. Jimmy Butler playing likely wouldn’t have changed the outcome of a 47-point loss. This Heat team hasn’t looked great at times this season, especially tonight as they fall to 1-2 on the year.
Tyler Herro had 23 points and 7 assists on 9/16 shooting.
Kendrick Nunn had 15 points and 6 assists on 6/17 shooting.
Avery Bradley had 14 points on 5/9 shooting.
The only thing the Heat can do is move forward. They play the Bucks tomorrow, and I have the sneaking suspicion that Jimmy Butler will be playing. The Heat need a lot better focus on the defensive end, trying to channel that Bubble Heat defense. But an embarrassing loss, one that the Heat just have to move on from.
Orlando Magic vs OKC Thunder
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Magic have jumped out the gates 3-0 to start this season, as they have surprised everybody. Markelle Fultz has looked very good to start the year, as have Fournier, Gordon, and Nikola Vucevic. Terrence Ross is a dark-horse 6th Man of the Year candidate with how he has been performing to start the year. The Magic have looked very good to start this season. The Thunder have also looked good, which is perhaps even more surprising. This roster is Shai, Horford, Lu Dort, and George Hill. The rest of the guys are rookies, unproven so far. OKC will be without Al Horford and George Hill. I still have this feeling that they might win somehow. But I do think that Orlando will win this game.
Thoughts On The Orlando Magic
The Magic are somehow still winless. Against OKC for their 4th win nonetheless, but they are still 4-0. The Magic shot 65% from the field in the first quarter and led by 7 behind 10 points from Nikola Vucevic. The Thunder slowly bit into that lead over the next 2 quarters, and Orlando led by 2 entering the 4th. But then Orlando put their foot down and scored 31 points in the 4th and pulled away for a 118-107 win. The Magic are 4-0, one of only two teams that are left undefeated.
Nikola Vucevic had 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists on 12/18 shooting.
Dwayne Bacon had 18 points and 8 rebounds on 9/10 shooting.
Terrence Ross had 14 points on 7/13 shooting off the bench.
Another impressive offensive showing from Orlando. This time former All-Star Nikola Vucevic led the way for Orlando, with a double-double on 67% shooting. Dwayne Bacon played his best game as he shot 90% from the field. Fultz struggled, and Gordon and Fournier were quiet but solid. Terrence Ross had another solid outing off the bench. This Magic team has been playing lights out to start this season, and they face the 76ers at home next.
Thoughts On The OKC Thunder
Even without Al Horford or George Hill, this game was semi-close, somehow. The Thunder fell behind early, but chipped away at the lead until they were ins striking distance in the 4th. But their offense scored just 22 in the 4th, and OKC fell just short. Shai and Lu Dort were again solid out of the backcourt, and Isaiah Roby had his best game as a pro. The Thunder are now 1-2 on the year.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists on 8/10 shooting.
Isaiah Roby had 19 points and 7 rebounds on 9/12 shooting.
Lu Dort had 15 points on 6/14 shooting.
This OKC team now looks like they are rebuilding. They still make these games close, somehow, but they are obviously trying to get a high-draft pick. But they aren’t tanking, which is a good thing. I think they have their backcourt of the future, or at least have their future SG in Shai, and Isaiah Roby looked really good in his first start. OKC welcomes New Orleans to town on Thursday.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Pelicans have started off well at 2-1, but I’m not convinced that they can keep this going. Their spacing his awful, as Eric Bledsoe forgot how to play basketball after being traded. Ingram and Zion have been good, but they don’t have as much space as they could if they had more spacing (suggestion: put JJ Redick into the starting lineup). This Pelicans team is talented, but I’m not convinced yet. The Suns are also 2-1, and they have looked good, but can be a lot better. Mikal Bridges has taken over the #3 scorer on the team, when in reality it should be Deandre Ayton. Ayton has started the year off slow, and he needs to get the ball more. With Jae Crowder and Cam Johnson shooting lights out, this Suns team is a potential playoff team, and I’m a lot more sold on them than I am the Pelicans. I think Phoenix will win this game.
Thoughts On The New Orleans Pelicans:
Yeah, the Pelicans are likely going to have to change things. Eric Bledsoe isn’t working out in the starting lineup next to Lonzo Ball, as he has not been playing well to start the season. The Pelicans got blown out, and Ingram and Zion were solid. They’re not the problems, Eric Bledsoe is. I think putting JJ Redick in the starting lineup would help solve these problems, because something obviously isn’t working. The Pelicans offense wasn’t great as they shot just 13% from 3 on the day. Their defense wasn’t up to par either. I think it’s time for a change in the starting lineup.
Zion Williamson had 20 points on 9/13 shooting.
Brandon Ingram had 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists on 6/11 shooting.
Steven Adams had 11 points and 8 rebounds on 5/5 shooting.
Like I said, something likely has to change. Zion and Brandon Ingram are both All-Stars, an we saw how well Zion can play next to Lonzo Ball. Steven Adams is an anchor down low, and while he doesn’t help with their spacing issue, he is the best rebounder and interior defender on the roster. I think that Eric Bledsoe should be playing more of a 6th man role, and get JJ Redick in the starting lineup so that you can maximize the spacing, which in turn gives Zion and Ingram more space to operate. I don’t know, just a thought for this Pels team going forward, as they are now 2-2 on the year.
Thoughts On The Phoenix Suns
This Suns team looked really good on offense, as this was the one game that they finally clicked. In the first half, Phoenix scored 66 points on 56% shooting, and Devin Booker and Chris Paul shot the ball 2-3 times. It was guys like Jae Crowder, Mikal Bridges, and Deandre Ayton who all stepped up and carried the load offensively. Impressive win for the Suns all-around, as they are now 3-1 on the year.
Jae Crowder had 21 points on 6/11 shooting, 5/8 3-PT.
Cam Johnson had 18 points on 6/13 shooting, 4/10 3-PT.
Deandre Ayton had 13 points and 12 rebounds on 6/11 shooting.
This Suns offense was lethal, with Devin Booker and Chris Paul having a combined 17 points on 5/13 shooting. Jae Crowder spaced the floor well, as did Cam Johnson off the bench. Cameron Payne, Dario Saric, and Mikal Bridges were also all solid. This Suns team looked good tonight when they clicked as a collective unit, but they can they do this consistently in the Western Conference? We’ll have to find out as Phoenix travels to Utah to take on the Jazz next.
Denver Nuggets vs Sacramento Kings
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Nuggets dominated the depleted Rockets last night, and now they have a chance to get back to 0.500 with a win against the Kings. The Kings beat Denver at the buzzer to open the year, as Denver looks for revenge. The Nuggets will be without Jamal Murray, who is dealing with an elbow injury. They’ll need more from Porter Jr. and Monte Morris if they want to win this game. The Kings have looked solid to start the year. De’Aaron Fox, Hield, Bagley, and Barnes have been playing solid to start the year, although I think Hield needs to take easier shots instead of forcing 3’s, and Marvin Bagley needs more shots. Tyrese Haliburton off the bench is super nice, as he is going to be a two-way stud for this Kings team. I think that Sacramento will win this game.
Thoughts On The Denver Nuggets
This game was good and bad for Denver, a really weird game for them all-around. With no Jamal Murray, the Nuggets needed some extra scoring. In the fist quarter Denver shot 67% from the field and got 12 points from Monte Morris, and they led by 2. But then Denver had a terrible 2nd quarter. Sacramento scored 42 points to take a 12-point lead into halftime. Then the Nuggets returned the favor dropping 38 points in the 3rd, outscoring Sacramento by 16. The Nuggets led by 4 entering the 4th. And then the Nuggets replicated their 2nd quarter efforts. Denver scored just 15 points and collapsed in the 4th. Denver loses to Sacramento again, and they fall to 1-3 on the year.
Michael Porter Jr. had 30 points and 10 rebounds on 12/18 shooting.
Nikola Jokic had 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists with 10 turnovers on 9/14 shooting.
Monte Morris had 24 points on 10/15 shooting.
It’s not like Denver played bad on offense without Jamal Murray. Michael Porter Jr. played by far his best game of the year, with a very efficient double-double. Jokic had another triple-double (technically a quadruple-double with turnovers), and Monte Morris had 24 points, starting in place of the injured Murray. But the Nuggets bench without Monte Morris produced just 19 points. Denver’s defense was awful as Sacramento shot 49% from the field and 49% from 3. Denver has got to figure things out on defense if they want to win games. The Nuggets go back home to take on the Suns on Friday.
Thoughts On The Sacramento Kings
This Kings team has gotten off to a very good start this year. The Kings are now 3-1 on the year, 2 of those wins coming against the Nuggets. Like for Denver, this game was quite the roller-coaster. Denver shot 57% from 3 in the first quarter, but trailed by 2. They got hot in the 2nd quarter and led by 12 at halftime. But the Kings couldn’t build on that as they were outscored by 16 in the 3rd, allowed 38 Denver points. Now trailed by 4 entering the 4th, the Kings would need a push. And they got one, as they held Denver to just 15 points, and they walked away with win #3. 7 guys scored in double figures for the Kings, including all 5 starters. This Kings team has looked good so far, now can they sustain this throughout the year and sneak into the playoffs?
De’Aaron Fox had 24 points and 9 assists on 8/15 shooting.
Richuan Holmes had 20 points and 5 rebounds on 10/13 shooting.
Marvin Bagley had 18 points on 6/12 shooting.
This Kings team has a very balanced offense, and they have a lot of offensive talent on this roster. De’Aaron Fox has been great to start the year, and Buddy Hield hasn’t shot the best, but has been ok. Marvin Bagley is looking good while finally healthy, and Richuan Holmes looked really good in this game. Harrison Barnes is another solid perimeter scorer. Then you get one of the best rookies in the league in Tyrese Haliburton coming off the bench. Haliburton shot 5/7 from the field for 13 points, and added 6 assists. He also added 3 steals, showing how good he is on both sides of the ball. This Kings team has a very solid lineup, but can they sustain this throughout the whole season? They face a Rockets team on Thursday that is likely to be at full strength, a tough task for the young Kings. We’ll see how they fair in that matchup.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs LA Clippers
Pre-Game Thoughts: The T-Wolves just got beat by the defending champs, and now a similar thing will likely happen against the Clippers. Without Karl Anthony Towns down low, this team isn’t the same. Yes they do have D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Anthony Edwards, but Towns gives them so much versatility on offense. They will also be without perimeter defensive specialist Josh Okogie, leaving Minnesota very short-handed. the Clippers just had the worst loss in franchise history at the hands of Luka Doncic, so I think they’ll be a bit fired up. Luke Kennard is back in action, getting more minutes since Kawhi is once again out as he deals with that mouth injury. I think that the Clippers will win this matchup.
Thoughts On The Minnesota Timberwolves
Yeah, the T-Wolves need KAT. After that blowout loss to the Lakers, I said the same thing. After this blowout loss to the Clippers, I will be saying the same thing. Towns is so valuable, and they need him healthy and back on the floor. They don’t have a great backup option, and right now they just look flat. Rubio, D-LO, and Beasley were solid, but Jarrett Culver shot 0-10 from the field. Anthony Edwards was ok off the bench, but nothing special. The T-Wolves are now 2-2 on the year, as they desperately await the return of Towns.
D’Angelo Russell had 22 points on 9/19 shooting.
Malik Beasley had 19 points on 5/16 shooting.
Ricky Rubio had 17 points and 5 assists on 6/8 shooting.
I know that the T-Wolves have been playing two of the best teams in the West, but having Towns would have made these games a lot more winnable. Would they have won them, probably not. But having your best player on the floor helps with everything. This Minnesota team started the year off well with Towns on the floor, and now they have take a sharp decline when he’s off the floor.
Thoughts On The LA Clippers
Fresh off the worst loss in franchise history, the Clippers needed this win for their confidence. Still no Kawhi Leonard or Marcus Morris, but it didn’t matter. The Clippers jumped on the T-Wolves in the first half, shooting 57% from the field and scoring 70 points. 7 guys scored in double figures, including 4/5 starters. Reggie Jackson and Lou Williams off the bench combined for 31 points, and Ivica Zubac had 12 points off the bench as well. Luke Kennard looked very good as a starter, hopefully he keeps that confidence for when he comes off the bench. The Clippers are now 3-1 on the year.
Lou Williams had 20 points and 5 assists on 7/11 shooting off the bench.
Paul George had 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists on 6/12 shooting.
Serge Ibaka had 16 points and 8 rebounds on 7/12 shooting.
The Clippers needed this win for their confidence. After getting shelled by the Mavs, I bet this did wonders for this confidence. Lou Williams played his first great game off the bench, and Zubac and Reggie Jackson were great help. Luke Kennard looked very good starting, as he provided some floor spacing. Patrick Beverley hit 4 3’s, and PG and Serge Ibaka were solid and reliable. When Kawhi and Marcus Morris return, this team will be a lot better, and I’m exciting to see this Clippers team going forward. LA faces Portland tomorrow.
What Are Your Thoughts From This 10-Game Slate Of NBA Action? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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