Sexton Torches Nets Big 3; Magic Win At The Buzzer! 1.20.21
There were a full slate of 10 games today, and here are my reactions to what happened today. I will look over what I got wrong in my predictions, and what I got right.
Brooklyn Nets vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Brooklyn Nets
Like we said when their superstar trio was formed, defense was the problem. And in the overtimes of this game, it was clear. The game was close in the first place because their trio of Irving, Harden, and Durant were rusty, and of course their defense was poor. Jarrett Allen would have really helped right about now, as he had 4 blocks for the Cavs. Things got close down the stretch, and the Nets made tough shots, which is what we expect. The game went into OT, and double OT. But Collin Sexton burned them, hitting a flurry of 3’s in isolation. My problems late with their defense against Sexton was, why not double him? Force other people to make shots. Steve Nash never called a timeout. And I really think that Joe Harris should have been starting the game, but a defensive guy like Bruce Brown on the perimeter would have helped a lot. The offense was fine, but they need some defensive help to win games.
KD had 38 point, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists on 12/25 shooting.
Irving had 37 points on 15/28 shooting.
James Harden had 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists on 6/14 shooting.
KD and Irving were really good. Irving was playing in the flow off the offense for the most part, and KD did his normal scoring. Harden was kind of the odd-man out on offense, as he didn’t get nearly the amount of shots as the other two, but he did have another triple-double. Harris was just 2/10 off the bench, but I would like for him to be starting over Jeff Green. But they needed a guy like Bruce Brown late against Collin Sexton, as Kyrie Irving and others were getting torched. The Nets lost their first game as a superstar trio, and they are now 9-7 on the year.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Yeah, about that Nets super-team. The Cavs just played well, and they took advantage when Brooklyn started to slow down. Cedi Osman and Collin Sexton matched the efforts by KD and Kyrie, and when things got close, the Cavs kept making shots. There was a bad foul overturn late in the 4th, but the game went into OT. Cleveland fell behind early in the first OT, but Collin Sexton tied the game with 1.2 seconds left, forcing a 2nd OT. And then Collin Sexton went ballistic, hitting 4 3’s in the OT, and carrying the Cavs to a very impressive win against the juggernaut Brooklyn Nets team. Cleveland is now 7-7 on the year.
Collin Sexton had 42 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists on 16/29 shooting.
Cedi Osman had 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists on 9/17 shooting.
Taurean Prince had 17 points and 7 rebounds on 5/9 shooting off the bench.
This was a very impressive game for the Cavs. Obviously Collin Sexton took over, but other guys stepped up. Cedi Osman was very good, and Taurean Prince got his revenge. Jarrett Allen was dominant down low, getting 4 blocked shots and 11 rebounds. The Cavs were only 8 deep in this game, and their 3 bench guys scored 44 points. Andre Drummond didn’t even close late, that was Jarrett Allen. The Cavs defense was good when it needed to be, and their offense was surprising good. They are still short-handed, but a very good win for the young Cavs. Cleveland takes on the Nets again on Friday.
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers
Boston Celtics
Even though the Celtics were without All-Star Jayson Tatum, the Celtics put up the quite. Their offense was very good in the first half, as they shot 51% from the field, led by Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker. But Joel Embiid was a problem. And he continued to be a problem. In the 4th quarter, Boston scored just 17 points, and Joel Embiid continued to go to the line. Some of the calls were questionable, but for the most part it was best defense. Still a good performance overall without Jayson Tatum who is expected to return soon. Boston is now 8-5 on the year.
Jaylen Brown had 26 points and 5 rebounds on 10/24 shooting.
Marcus Smart had 25 points on 10/19 shooting.
Daniel Theis had 23 points and 10 rebounds on 10/11 shooting.
While Theis was good offensively, neither he or Thompson could stop Joel Embiid, who shot 17/21 from the free throw line. Their interior defense hasn’t really improved, and that was their downfall in this game. Brown, Smart, and Theis all scored over 20 points, and having Jayson Tatum would have really helped in this game. But again, missing an All-Star does tend to lose you some games, and the Celtics fall into that category with this loss. Boston takes on the 76ers again on Friday, where Tatum has a chance to play.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers did what they had to in this game, feed Joel Embiid. They went to him early and often, and it’s why they won this game. Philly’s offense was good in the first half, as they shot 42% from the field in the first half. Tobias Harris was very good alongside Joel Embiid, but even with all their scoring, the game was close. It remained close until the 4th, where they just said, Joel Embiid is the 2nd best center in the league. Embiid continually went to the foul line, and he dominated like he had all game. Philadelphia is now 10-5 on the year, the first Eastern Conference team to 10 wins.
Joel Embiid had 42 points and 10 rebounds on 12/19 shooting (17/21 from the free throw line)
Tobias Harris had 22 points and 5 assists on 9/17 shooting.
Shake Milton had 16 points on 4/10 shooting off the bench.
The 76ers just kind of played through Embiid, as he showed just how dominant he can be. Tobias Harris continues to be a reliable 2nd option, as he has been looking a lot more comfortable. Ben Simmons continues to do everything else other than score, but when Joel Embiid is on the floor, they don’t need Simmons to attack. The 76ers have still been without Seth Curry for a while, and he’ll be back soon, as he provided some shooting, as he’s the best shooter in the NBA right now. Philadelphia improves to 10-5 on the year, and they take on the Celtics again on Friday.
Dallas Mavericks vs Indiana Pacers
Dallas Mavericks
Even though they were brutally short-handed, the Mavs offense got going and they became a problem for the Pacers. The Mavs were shooting 53% from the field in the first half, as Trey Burke and Kristaps Porzingis were feasting as the Pacers took away Luka Doncic. Entering the 4th, the Mavs led by one, but they dominated the 4th. The Mavs defense locked things down, allowing just 20 points. Dallas outscored the Pacers by 11 in the 4th, and they got a much needed win.
Kristaps had 27 points and 13 rebounds on 12/15 shooting.
Trey Burke had 22 points on 9/16 shooting off the bench.
Jalen Brunson had 19 points on 8/13 shooting.
What was most impressive about this game, aside from the fact they beat a very good Indiana team without 3 of their best defenders, but Luka Doncic didn’t score a lot. He had a triple-double again, but he only had 13 points. Kristaps Porzingis has been very good as of late, as he’s been shooting less 3’s and taking easier shots. Burke, Hardaway, and Brunson were all excellent, as they made it really tough for the Pacers to stay in front of them. The Mavs defense was very good to end this game, as they improve to 7-7 on the year. Dallas takes on the San Antonio Spurs next.
Indiana Pacers
This is one that the Pacers should have won, considering who Dallas was missing, and how Luka Doncic wasn’t producing points like he normally does. The Pacers defense was horrible early, allowing 37 points in the first quarter. They recovered well, and kept the game close at halftime, shooting 46% from the field. The Pacers trailed by one in the 4th, and then they just kind of collapsed. They managed to score just 20 points in the 4th, as they lost a game they definitely should have won. Indiana is now 8-6 on the year.
Malcolm Brogdon had 26 points and 5 assists on 9/20 shooting.
Domantas Sabonis had 25 points and 10 rebounds on 9/15 shooting.
Doug McDermott had 16 points and 8 rebounds on 6/16 shooting.
The Pacers offense was very good throughout the first 3 quarters of this game, but it went to a standstill in the 4th, and the Mavs took advantage. Malcolm Brogdon struggled shooting the ball, as he is usually much more efficient. Jeremy Lamb was good off the bench, as he looks to reincorporate himself after missing the last 11 months with that knee injury. The Pacers defense has been poor in their last two losses, and it’s been poor when they lose games. Not having Myles Turner down low really hurt them, as he makes their defense so much better. They need him back to anchor that side of the ball. Indiana takes on the Orlando Magic next.
Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors
Miami Heat
The Heat are still missing a lot of key guys, and yet they find another way to win, even against a hot Toronto Raptors team. Their offense was very good in the first half, but their defense was poor, allowing the Raptors to shoot 47% from the field. But in the 2nd half, the Heat’s defense was a lot better, as they allowed just 44 points. They outscored the Raptors by 11 in the 2nd half, and they won their 2nd consecutive game, improving to 6-7 on the year.
Kendrick Nunn had 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists on 9/12 shooting off the bench.
Goran Dragic had 17 points and 5 assists on 6/16 shooting.
The Heat’s defense was excellent in the 2nd half, and their offense was consistent, led by Kendrick Nunn off the bench. Nunn went from being a top-3 rookie last season, to out of the rotation. But he’s taken things well, and had a big game today. The Heat’s defense on the perimeter was excellent, as VanVleet and Lowry but shot poorly from the field. All-around an impressive performance by the Heat, as they still are without 3 of their best players. Miami takes on the Raptors again on Friday.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors played pretty well in this game in the first half, however their offense slowed down in the 2nd half, as they just couldn’t produce like they were doing in the first half. In the first half, they were getting whatever they wanted against the Heat defense. But in the 2nd half, the going got much tougher. Their usual scorers couldn’t get shots to fall, as Toronto managed to score just 44 points in the 2nd half. And their defense, which has been average at best this season, couldn’t hold Miami down to aid their struggling offense. Toronto’s 3-game win streak has been snapped, and they are now 5-9 on the year.
Fred VanVleet had 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists on 7/18 shooting.
Pascal Siakam had 18 points and 6 rebounds on 7/15 shooting.
OG Anunoby had 18 points and 7 rebounds on 6/12 shooting.
The Raptors scoring just kind of slowed down. VanVleet struggled shooting, as did Kyle Lowry. He was a dreadful 2/12 from the field and 1/10 from 3. Chris Boucher cooled off, going just 3/7. The Raptors offense will have to be better, because they obviously don’t have the same type of defense they’ve had in the past couple of seasons. I still believe that this Raptors team can be good, but they looked like the Raptors from the start of the season in this game.
Detroit Pistons vs Atlanta Hawks
Detroit Pistons
{Insert blown lead here} The Pistons. What a franchise. Detroit is a team that can be good, and they were good for most of their game. But their interior defense and rebounding was horrible, and they blew another lead. The Pistons led by 7 at halftime, allowing just 16 Hawks points in the 2nd quarter. Detroit was shooting 46% from the field, and Atlanta was shooting just 36%. In the 3rd, the Pistons scored 40 points, and led by 14 entering the 4th. The Pistons led 95-78 with 9:51 left. Remember that. The Hawks kept chipping away at the lead, and the Pistons led by 2 with 34 seconds left. But Derrick Rose missed a layup, and the Hawks tied the game with a Capela slam. Jerami Grant was blocked, and we were headed to OT. In OT, the Pistons led by 5. But the Hawks went on a 12-2 run to end OT, and the Pistons blew another game, falling to 3-11 on the year.
Jerami Grant had 32 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists on 12/22 shooting.
Blake Griffin had 17 points and 7 rebounds on 5/10 shooting.
Wayne Ellington had 16 points on 4/9 3-PT.
I really have nothing to say. This team just hurts themselves, either they start slow, or they blow leads. This game was an easy win, their offense had it going, and the Hawks offense was dormant. Yet they blew a big lead in the 4th, and they lose again. When will the Pistons ever learn?
Atlanta Hawks
Well, the Hawks didn’t win this game. I mean technically they did, but the Pistons lost it. The Hawks offense in the first half went back to their recent ways, as Trae Young struggled to score. The Hawks shot just 36% from the field and trailed by 7. Their offense got better in the 3rd, but they allowed 40 points, now trailing by 14 entering the 4th. The lead went up to 17, and then the Hawks responded. But Trae Young and company got going, and they got some stops, tying the game with 5.4 seconds left. John Collins had a huge block that forced OT. The Hawks fell behind by 5 early, but went on a 12-2 run to finish off OT, securing the come from behind win. Atlanta is now back at 0.500 with a 7-7 record.
Trae Young had 38 points and 10 assists on 11/26 shooting.
John Collins had 31 points and 11 rebounds on 13/24 shooting.
Clint Capela had 27 points and 26 rebounds on 10/18 shooting.
The Hawks had an excellent end to this game, mainly because Trae Young and the offense got going. Young struggled in the first half, but he was dominant in the 2nd half. John Collins and Clint Capela were a problem down low, as they combined for 58 points and 37 rebounds. Capela had 12 offensive rebounds, and nobody on the Pistons could contain him. The Hawks needed this win, as they couldn’t afford to lose again because of their offense. Atlanta has won their last two games, and they are now 7-7 on the year. The Hawks take on the Timberwolves on Friday next.
(Quick Sidenote: The Hawks only had 4 bench points in this game. Their starters had 119 points, or 97% of their points).
Orlando Magic vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Orlando Magic
The Magic had been sliding down the standings, losers of their last 6 after starting off the year 6-2. And this game really shouldn’t have gone to them. The Magic managed just 10 points in the 2nd quarter, and they trailed by 16 at halftime, scoring just 35 points in the first half. It seemed like another dreadful loss. But they scored 33 points in the 3rd, and the lead was 9 entering the 4th. And the Magic continued to fight. But they again fell behind by double-digits midway through the 4th. But a Cole Anthony 3 with 35 seconds left pulled them to within two. The Magic got a stop, a chance to tie. But Aaron Gordon missed a wide-open 3, and the Magic were forced to foul. But they fouled the right guy as Jarred Vanderbilt missed both free throws. With no timeouts, Cole Anthony raced the ball down the right side. He shot a tough, fading away 3, and he drilled it at the buzzer, giving the Magic the win.
Nikola Vucevic had 28 points and 8 rebounds on 11/27 shooting.
Evan Fournier had 24 points on 9/21 shooting.
Cole Anthony had 13 points and 7 rebounds on 5/7 shooting, 3/3 3-PT.
The Magic shouldn’t have won this game. Nikola Vucevic struggled shooting, and Evan Fournier was back, although he wasn’t terrific. But he did manage to give the Magic a scoring boost with Terrence Ross struggling. Cole Anthony hit the game-winner, but he was good throughout this game, as he had his best game thus far. From scoring just 35 points in the first half to winning this game, it was quite the turn-around for the Magic. Orlando snaps a 6-game losing streak, and they are now 7-8 on the year. Orlando takes on the Pacers next on Friday.
Minnesota Timberwolves
What a way to lose for the Timberwolves. They led by 20, and the Magic offense was struggling. And yet they lost this game. In the first half, the T-Wolves offenses led by D’Angelo Russell was doing very well. Minnesota was shooting 41% from the field, and they held the Magic to 35 points on just 27% shooting. They led by 16 at halftime, and it was their game to lose. Probably shouldn’t have said that. The T-Wolves still led by 9 entering the 4th, and led by double-digits midway through the 4th. But the Magic kept coming back, trailing by just two with 35 seconds left. The T-Wolves missed, and caught a major break when Aaron Gordon missed a wide-open 3. Jarred Vanderbilt was fouled, and he missed both free throws. But the Magic had no timeouts, so all the T-Wolves had to do was not foul and contest. Instead Cole Anthony went down the right side, and drilled a tough shot for the win, sending the T-Wolves empty.
D’Angelo Russell had 19 points and 6 assists on 7/17 shooting.
Naz Reid had 14 points on 5/8 shooting.
Malik Beasley had 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists on 5/15 shooting.
It impresses me how some teams just refuse to win. I get that Towns is out, and the T-Wolves suck when he doesn’t play. But really? Anthony Edwards continues to struggle, as he is looking like the wrong pick right about now. They just don’t have the playmakers or the depth to win, and they are still rebuilding although I thought they would be better this season. Minnesota is now 3-10 on the year, and the take on the Hawks next.
Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets
Phoenix Suns
The Suns finally got Deandre Ayton the ball. Thank you, the guy deserves more offensive touches. The Suns were in control for most of this game. They shot 55% from the field in the first half, and they led by 12. The Suns led by 20 in the 3rd, but the Rockets fought back. The lead got all the way down to 6 with 3:07 left in the 4th, but the Suns put things away late, and they walked away with a win, improving to 8-5 on the year.
Deandre Ayton had 26 points and 17 rebounds on 11/15 shooting.
Devin Booker had 24 points and 5 rebounds on 10/18 shooting.
Chris Paul had 13 points on 4/9 shooting.
This was a good, but very weird game. Chris Paul had 4 assists, which is very unusually low. Deandre Ayton was dominant down low against the small Rockets, as this is what he’s capable of doing. He hasn’t been involved as much, but he’s got things down low, it makes it very tough for teams to stop the Suns. Devin Booker was efficient, and got back on the track scoring wise. It was the Big 3 for the Suns that really got things going, as well as 30 bench points. The Suns just have to get back into a rhythm after not playing for a while, as they are now 8-5 on the year. Phoenix takes on the Nuggets next on Friday.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets trailed for most of this game, and while they did manage to make it somewhat close, it really wasn’t that close. The Rockets defense was poor in the first half, allowing 63 points from the Suns. Victor Oladipo had 5/17 from the field in the first half, and the Rockets looked dead in the water. After trailing by 20 in the 3rd, the Rockets gained some life and starting chopping away at the large Phoenix lead. But it was just too little too late, as the Rockets comeback attempts were futile. Houston is now 4-9 on the year.
Victor Oladipo had 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 7/22 shooting.
Eric Gordon had 22 points on 9/20 shooting.
Christian Wood had 20 points and 11 rebounds on 8/18 shooting.
Other than those 3, who combined for 64 points, the Rockets didn’t get much from anybody. The Rockets are obviously rebuilding, as their roster just isn’t very good to put things lightly. Christian Wood couldn’t stop Deandre Ayton, and Victor Oladipo was struggling after an impressive debut. The Rockets have maybe 4-5 decent players on their roster, but other than that, you can’t really say much. Houston is now 4-9 on the year, and they take on the Detroit Pistons next on Friday.
Sacramento Kings vs LA Clippers
Sacramento Kings
{Insert defense here} That’s honestly the Kings best bet at getting a defense, because it’s getting ridiculous at this point. The Kings defense is so bad, it just negates anything good they do on offense. And today, their offense was bad, so it just kind of compounded into a thumping at the hands of the Clippers. The Kings scored just 40 points in the 2nd half, as they just looked out of energy. Obviously LA is good, and I’m really not surprised by the outcome, the Kings just lose the same way every single game. They just don’t have a good defensive scheme, or good defenders. Sacramento had lost 4 in a row, and they are 5-10 on the year.
De’Aaron Fox had 25 points and 7 assists on 10/18 shooting.
The Kings are lucky that they signed De’Aaron Fox to that massive contract, because I would be at a breaking point right about now. It’s just so frustrating to watch this team, a team with a lot of young talent, a lot of promise, just to lose because their defense sucks. Guys like Bagley, Fox, and Haliburton are all young and exciting. Yet they just can’t defend anybody. Honestly kind of feel bad for the Kings, as their eternal mediocrity continues. Something has to change, and I suggest getting rid of Luke Walton. Should have kept Dave Joerger, but instead you hired this guy. Good job Kings.
LA Clippers
The Clippers just scored, and that’s how they won. Nobody on the Kings can defend the Clippers, and they knew it. The Clippers allowed just 40 points in the 2nd half, and they cruised to an easy win. Kawhi continues to score and play-make, while also being very efficient. Paul George was good, and the Clippers have been in such a groove, as they look a lot better than they did last season. LA is now 11-4 on the year.
Kawhi had 32 points, 5 assists, and 6 steals on 13/22 shooting.
Paul George had 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 12 assists on 8/14 shooting.
This is what Kawhi and PG should have looked like last season. Ty Lue’s new system features a lot more passing and ball movement, and Kawhi and PG have been dishing out assists like they’ve been doing it for a while, even though they haven’t. Kawhi and PG have been one of the best duos in the league, and they have been dominant alongside this deep Clippers team. LA has one of the best offenses in the league, and they are looking scary right now. LA takes on the OKC Thunder next on Friday.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Portland Trail Blazers
Game postponed due to Covid.
San Antonio Spurs vs Golden State Warriors
San Antonio Spurs
Thanks for messing up my game of the day. I said that the Spurs had to shoot well from the outside to win this game. Well shooting 12% from 3 and missing 29 3-pointers doesn’t really help you. The Spurs offense was horrible, and they were getting torched by Steph and the Warriors. The Spurs offense had been very good during their winning stretch, but they were ice cold in this game, which won’t happen often (I hope). San Antonio is now 8-7 on the year.
Dejounte Murray had 22 points and 6 rebounds on 9/16 shooting.
DeMar DeRozan had 15 points on 3/8 shooting.
Keldon Johnson had 12 points and 8 rebounds on 2/12 shooting.
{Shoot better}
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have been getting much more consistent, as they have found a way to win, as they torched the Spurs in this game. The Warriors defense was excellent, and their offense went at it’s normal pace. While the Spurs shot 12% from 3, Golden State shot 40% from 3, and they just dominated this game. The Warriors improve to 8-6 on the year.
Steph Curry had 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists on 10/17 shooting.
James Wiseman had 20 points and 6 rebounds on 8/11 shooting.
Andrew Wiggins had 18 points and 7 rebounds on 7/12 shooting.
The Warriors were red-hot from the field, and they’ve been getting less and less Steph reliant. At the start of the year with Wiseman struggling to score, Draymond not playing and Kelly Oubre shooting 4% from 3, they needed Steph Curry to go off. But now, Wiggins, Wiseman, and Oubre have been scoring, taking some of the load off Curry. James Wiseman had his best game, as he was aggressive and very efficient. Andrew Wiggins continues to be efficient and effective, and Kelly Oubre has slowly been getting better. The Warriors have been getting better, and more dangerous. Golden State is now 8-6 on the year, and they take on the New York Knicks tomorrow.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 10 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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