Pelicans Torch Bucks; What Has Happened To Dallas? 1.29.21
It’s a Friday night of NBA hoops, as we have a busy day with 10 games on the schedule today.
Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets
Indiana Pacers
This was a game Indiana would want back, as they really could have won this game. The Pacers offense was plenty good in the first half, but their defense was bad as PJ Washington and Lamelo Ball were very effective. Both teams were shooting it well, as it looked like it was going to be a shootout. But the Pacers offense scored just 20 points in 3rd, and they trailed by 9 entering the 4th. But Indiana battled back very quickly, and took the lead a couple times, leading by one with 1:31 left. But they allowed back-to-back wide open 3’s, and they trailed by 5 with 53 seconds left. Indiana got one last chance late, but Malcolm Brogdon rushed a 3, and Indiana lost, falling to 11-8 on the year.
Domantas Sabonis had 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists on 8/16 shooting.
Malcolm Brogdon had 21 points and 8 assists on 8/20 shooting.
Myles Turner had 20 points and 8 rebounds on 9/14 shooting.
This game was more on the Pacers defense than anything. Their offense was very good in the first half, but they allowed 64 points. Lamelo Ball and PJ Washington were a big problem in that first half. In the 3rd, the Pacers offense slowed down at an ill-advised time, and even though they rebounded, those back-to-back 3’s by Charlotte were killer. Indiana takes on the 76ers next on Sunday.
Charlotte Hornets
After a tough loss to the Pacers, this was a very good rebound. The Hornets offense finally got some consistency, and it was the reason they won this game. In the first half, Lamelo Ball was energetic with his passing and scoring, as well as his defense, as him and PJ Washington were excellent. The Hornets scored 64 points in the first half, as they were just outplaying the Pacers. The Hornets played a very good 3rd quarter, and they led by 9 entering the 4th. But the Hornets lead evaporated quickly, and they trailed with 1:31 left. But Terry Rozier and Devonte Graham both hit big 3’s, and the Hornets survived after Malcolm Brogdon missed the potential game-tying 3. Charlotte avoids losing 3 in a row, as they are now 8-11 on the year.
PJ Washington had 19 points and 9 rebounds on 7/8 shooting.
Terry Rozier had 19 points and 5 rebounds on 7/12 shooting.
Lamelo Ball had 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists on 7/13 shooting.
This is what can happen when the Hornets play well on offense. PJ Washington was excellent from the inside and the outside, as he played one of his best games this season. But Lamelo Ball might have played his best game, not based on stats. He was everywhere, making passes, in the passing lanes and getting to the rim when he was 0/6 from 3. Really impressive game from Ball, who gets a good game after struggling recently. Good balanced scoring attack for the Hornets, who can be good if they score. Charlotte takes on the Bucks tomorrow.
Atlanta Hawks vs Washington Wizards
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks did what they were supposed to do against a very bad Wizards team. Trae Young had 41 points, as he was on absolute fire. He got to the free throw line 17 times, as he was super aggressive, something that has to continue going forward. John Collins was solid, as the Hawks have won 5 of their last 7 games, improving to 10-9 on the year. They take on the Lakers next to start February.
Washington Wizards
#freebradleybeal
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs offense was so bad in this game. Like super bad. The Cavs didn’t score 20+ in a quarter in the first half, as they scored 33 points in 24 minutes. The Cavs shot 30% from the field in the first half, as it was a struggle. The Cavs managed just 81 points in this game, as they simply can’t hope to win with their offense playing like this. Garland was solid, but Sexton shot just 6/18 from the field. Drummond was shut down by Mitchell Robinson, and Larry Nance was 1/9. The Cavs have to score if the want to win, as they fall to 9-10 on the year.
New York Knicks
The Knicks played better than usual, but their defense was excellent. We already detailed the Cavs offensive struggles, but a lot of that had to do with the stout Knicks defense, which was excellent. Offensively Quickley and Rivers were excellent off the bench, combining for 38 points. If they can get that type of production going forwards, the Knicks become a lot better. RJ Barrett was solid, and Julius Randle had a quiet 16 points. Good win the for Knicks, as they improve to 9-11 on the year. The Knicks take on the Clippers next.
Sacramento Kings vs Toronto Raptors
Sacramento Kings
This was a crazy game, but a very good win for the Kings, as they played to their strengths very well. In the first half, the Kings fast offense was leaving the Raptors in the dust. They shot 55% from the field and 45% 3-PT, as they were just on fire. In the 3rd, their offense continued roll. The Kings led by 13 entering the 4th. But things got close, and we had ourselves a dogfight down the stretch. The Kings lead kept getting smaller, until they were up just 1 with 1:08 left. But Tyrese Haliburton hit a big 3, putting them back up 4. The Kings made some free throws, and they led by 3 with 4 seconds left. Fox was about to shoot his 2nd free throw, when Kyle Lowry was (stupidly) ejected from the game after getting his 2nd technical. Hield made the technical free throw, and Fox made his 2nd free throw, and gave the Kings the win. The Kings are now 8-10 on the year.
Harrison Barnes had 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists on 8/13 shooting.
De’Aaron Fox had 24 points on 8/14 shooting.
Buddy Hield had 22 points on 7/12 shooting, 5/8 3-PT.
This was such a good game for the Kings. Their offense was so good all game, as they were just playing fast, and that really gave the Raptors problems. Barnes, Hield, and Fox all had 20+ points on very good efficiencies. Whiteside and Joseph both had 16 points off the bench, but Haliburton was excellent. He had 10 points, but he also had 11 assists and 6 rebounds, playing such a complete game. The Kings need to continue to play fast, as it’s been working. The Kings take on the Miami Heat tomorrow.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors made a late rally, but they just didn’t play well enough throughout the rest of the game to win. The first 3 quarters were a mess for the Raptors, who again missed OG Anunoby on the defensive end. They just couldn’t handle the Kings high-flying offense. The Kings shot 55% from the field in the first half, the Raptors trailed by 13 entering the 4th, their work cut out for them. But the Raptors were able to get some stops and they rallied back big to cut the lead to one with under a minute to go. But Tyrese Haliburton responded, hitting a big 3 to put the Kings back up 4. The Raptors kept fighting, and they sent De’Aaron Fox to the line down two with 4 seconds left. Fox made the first, and then something weird happened. Kyle Lowry said something, and he got his 2nd technical, and he was ejected. Lowry better have said something really bad to get ejected, because it’s the end of the game, game on the line type situation. The Kings hit the tech free throw, and then Fox sinked the 2nd free throw, giving the Raptors a tough loss, as they fall to 7-12 on the year.
Pascal Siakam had 32 points on 11/20 shooting.
Fred VanVleet had 26 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals on 7/16 shooting.
Kyle Lowry had 17 points and 6 assists on 7/17 shooting.
I said that the Raptors Big 3 had to perform well for them to win, and they did. Siakam was very good and aggressive, getting to the foul line a lot for his 32 point night. VanVleet did a bit of everything, and Lowry did his usual things. But their defense was awful. Would have liked to see them pressure the Kings more in the back-court to make them slow down, as the Raptors were getting run out of the gym. No OG Anunoby does hurt as Harrison Barnes was very good in this game, as defense continues to be a problem for the Raptors. Toronto takes on the Magic next.
Milwaukee Bucks vs New Orleans Pelicans
Milwaukee Bucks
This was a terrible game for the Bucks. Ignore the final score, this game was a blowout, and I’m surprised the Bucks even got back into this game with how they started this game off. Their offense was horrible, as they couldn’t get looks against a poor Pels defense, and they were turning the ball over a lot. They fought back in the 2nd half, but this was still a very bad game. Giannis was scored 38 points, but it took him 27 shots to get there. Middleton was just 6/17 from the field, and Holiday was solid. The Bucks bench was poor, but Middleton not being able to score really hurt the Bucks, as they are now 11-7 on the year. I definitely think that Milwaukee’s playoff issues are catching up to them sooner rather than later, as they haven’t been the same dominant team that they have been in years prior.
New Orleans Pelicans
Impressive showing for the Pels, as they were in control of this game from the jump. They were moving the ball and hitting 3’s, forcing turnovers and just dominating the Bucks, leading by 30 in the first half. They only won by 5, but they were in control. Ball and Bledose each hit 7 3’s, as they gave Ingram and Zion adequate spacing. Ball and Bledsoe combined for 52, and Ingram and Williamson combined for 49. Josh Hart was very good off the bench, as the Pelicans offense was really clicking against a very good Bucks defense. This is the potential of the Pelicans if they can shoot, as they are now 7-10 on the year.
LA Clippers vs Orlando Magic
LA Clippers
With Kawhi and PG back on the floor, LA dominated this game. Their defense was very good for once, although it was against the Magic, so I guess that really doesn’t count. Kawhi is having one of the best years of his career, as he had 24 points in this game. PG continues to torch people, shooting 10/19 in this game. Serge Ibaka and Reggie Jackson were solid, especially Ibaka on defense as he held Vucevic to 4/13 shooting. This Clippers team has arguably been the 2nd best team in the West, as they have been so good this season. LA is now 15-5 on the year, and they take on the Knicks next.
Orlando Magic
Get an offense.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid was questionable for this game, and he played. He kind of played well. Wile Philly shot poorly in the first half, Embiid and company dominated the 2nd half, en route to a 20-point win. Embiid had 37 points and 11 rebounds on 18 free throw attempts, in just 27 minutes. Harris was ok, although he was just 6/17 from the field. Simmons struggled, and Seth Curry had 12 points as he looked good. 76ers bench was ok, although they need more consistent scoring from Maxey and Milton. Good win for the 76ers, as they are now 14-6 on the year. They take on the Pacers next on Sunday.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Already without KAT, and without Naz Reid for this game, the T-Wolves were dominated by Embiid down low. D’Angelo Russell was just 3/11 from the field, as Malik Beasley did most of the scoring. Anthony Edwards started, and we was solid. He’s been getting more consistent, as he’s been taking better shots, and making them. The T-Wolves need to get healthy, and to add depth, as they continue to try and rebuild.
Brooklyn Nets vs OKC Thunder
Brooklyn Nets
Without KD, the Nets scored 147 points. Wow. The Nets scored 35+ points in 3 quarters, and they scored 30+ points in every quarter. Irving was 10/16, scoring 25 points. Harden had a triple double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. He was also very efficient, as he has been getting much more comfortable. 4 guys had double-digits off the bench, Joe Harris had 20 points with 5 3-pointers. This Nets offense is scary good, and they didn’t even have their best player on the floor. The Nets have won their last 4 games, and they are now 13-8 on the year. The Nets take on the Wizards on Sunday.
OKC Thunder
OKC was just out-matched. Scoring 125 points is good, but allowing 147 isn’t Not a whole lot you can do against this stacked Nets offense. 6 guys were in double figures, including all 5 starters. SGA and rookie Theo Maledon each had 24 points. Horford had 16, and Bazley and Dort were ok, although Dort was just 2/14. Not a bad loss for the young Thunder, as they are now 8-10 on the year, and the take on the Rockets to start the new month.
Denver Nuggets vs San Antonio Spurs
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets should have won this game, but their bench and defense were awful. In the first half, Jokic and Murray were doing most things on offense, as Denver scored 55 points on 51% shooting. But the Spurs scored 61 points on 59% shooting, as Denver was terrible defensively. The Nuggets had a good 3rd, and the 4th was a chance for them to scrap out a win. But the Nuggets offense slowed down, and the Spurs kept getting to the rim, as they led by 11 with 5:05 left. The Nuggets never made a dent in that lead, as they blew the 4th quarter, scoring just 23 points, as they fall to 11-8 on the year.
Nikola Jokic had 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists on 14/24 shooting.
Jamal Murray had 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists on 9/14 shooting.
For once, Jamal Murray was good. He was efficient, and finally played a good game all-around alongside Jokic. But the usually sound Nuggets bench was bad. JaMychal Green, who has been shooting 46% from 3, shot the ball twice in 20 minutes. Michael Porter Jr, a guy known for having a loss trigger, was 3/5. Monte Morris took double those shots with 10. That’s unacceptable. Green and Porter have been excellent scorers, and you kind of have to shoot to score. And the Nuggets defense was bad, but that’s a little less shocking as Denver lost their best defenders, and they don’t have a lot of good defenders. Denver loses their 5 game win-streak
San Antonio Spurs
Very impressive win for the Spurs, as they dominated Denver on the offensive end, with another balanced scoring attack. In the first half, the Spurs offensive was clicking on all cylinders, as they got nearly 60% from the field to score 61 points. DeRozan was efficient and Dejounte Murray was solid. Rudy Gay was dropping dimes, as the Spurs were rolling. But a poor 3rd quarter made for an interesting 4th quarter. However the Spurs controlled things in the 4th, as their defense got them stops, and they were scoring at the rim with ease, as they opened up a double-digit lead. They never let Denver back in it, as the Spurs get their 3rd straight win as they are now 11-8 on the year.
DeMar DeRozan had 30 points and 10 assists on 11/14 shooting.
Dejounte Murray had 26 points and 7 rebounds on 10/19 shooting.
Keldon Johnson had 19 points and 9 rebounds on 9/14 shooting.
The Spurs balanced offense was excellent in this game. DeMar DeRozan has been incredibly efficient in the past few games, as he had another double-double, making a strong case for being an All-Star. Dejounte Murray was excellent, as was the slashing Keldon Johnson. Patty Mills hit 4 3’s off the bench and had 17 points. Rudy Gay was so good passing the ball, especially in that first half. This Spurs team can be very good if they can start to hit their outside shots, as they have some really talented scorers on this team, and they could be a sleeper this season. The Spurs take on the Grizzlies tomorrow.
Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz
Dallas Mavericks
I really hope the Mavs are rusty, and they haven’t regressed. This has nothing to do with Luka, but the help around him. Obviously a lot of key guys have missed time and they rusty, but they’ve looked so bad against a short-handed Jazz team. Now the Jazz are probably the best team in basketball even without Donovan Mitchell, but it’s still a little disappointing to see them lose like this. Kristaps Porzingis has been awful, as him being really injury prone is seeming to have a hit, as he has been very bad lately, especially on defense. Richardson for Seth Curry has been a very bad move for the Mavs as of right now, as Richardson has been awful. I had really high hopes for the Mavs, and I really hope they’re rusty and not regressing. But I still think they are missing some pieces, and Bradley Beal wouldn’t be the worst move in the world, just saying. Dallas is now 8-11 on the year, as they hope to turn things around against the Suns tomorrow.
Utah Jazz
Even without Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz were amazing, winning their 11th straight game. They ball movement was excellent, as they were getting whatever they wanted. Bojan Bogdanovic had his best game of the year, hitting 7 3’s and scoring 32 points. He looked very good, as he can maybe start to get into a groove. Gobert had a double-double, Conley had 22 points. Jordan Clarkson had 18 points off the bench, as he continues to be very good. The Jazz made 20 3’s, and shot above 40% from 3. All without Donovan Mitchell who is going to be an All-Star, and possibly even an All-Star starter. The Jazz have been playing the best basketball in the league with their very good defense, incredible shooting, and ball movement. The Jazz have won their last 11 games as they sit atop the West, as they are now 15-4. Utah plays a very good Denver team on Sunday.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 10 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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