Post-Kobe-era Lakers were supposed to slip even further into the abyss that they crawled into last season but the young talent on their roster has other plans for this season. The Lakers are officially above .500 after defeating the Phoenix Suns last night and also notched their first three game winning streak of the season, a feat they only achieved once all last year and didn’t … Continue reading Walton Creating New Lakers Culture
The first ever matchup featuring Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on opposing teams lacked the lighting and thunder most people expected. To say the least, it was a pretty uneventful, old-fashioned beat down. The Warriors put the Thunder back in their place, punching in a commanding 122-96 victory, and Kevin Durant scored his career-high with the Warriors, 39 points. Here are some quick takeaways from … Continue reading Part 1 of Westbrook vs. Durant Sizzles, Then Fizzles
Don’t look now! The Chicago Bulls are 3-0 on the young season, with victories coming over Boston, Indiana & Brooklyn. Quality victories? Maybe. BOS & IND were on the second night of back-to-backs and BKN just isn’t very good. 3-0 is nice but it doesn’t tell the entire story • CHI leads the league in points/game (113.7!), is second in rebounding (53.3) & assists (28.3) The … Continue reading 11/1/16 • Quick Notes: “Are the Bulls Good?”
Today marks the deadline to extend players before they could hit the market as restricted (or unrestricted if their qualifying offer is rescinded) free agents next summer. Let’s take a quick look* at who inked long-term deals this afternoon: C Rudy Gobert (UTA) • 4 yr./$102 million • 100 mil may seem a bit egregious but there’s no question Utah made the right move here. As a small … Continue reading 10/31/16 • Quick News: “Extension, Extension”
2016-17 has gotten off to a flying start – it seems with each (final) box score, there’s some crazy line turned in. But it’s not just stars setting the bar. “Halloween weekend” featured its share of notable UnderDOG performances. Let’s take a look a few: Sean Kilpatrick • 10/28 v. IND • 18 points (10 in the 4th), 5 rebounds, W An upset victory in … Continue reading 10/31/16 • Quick Notes: “Weekend UnderDOGs”
If you thought the Spurs would take a step back in 2016-17, you’re absolutely wrong…so far, at least. San Antonio’s the first team to 4-0 after defeating Miami earlier today, 106-99. Kawhi Leonard continued his scorching-hot start to the year w/ another impressive line: 27 points – 16 in the 4th, 10-12 FT • 6 dimes • 50% FG Kawhi’s blazing his own trail to start the … Continue reading San Antonio’s The First to 4-0
The Sacramento Kings are off to a pretty hot start in 2016-17. When deal-maker Vlade Divac brought in Dave Joerger, he hoped they would adapt a defensive identity while becoming a bit more versatile w/ offensive strategy. A 2-1 start is a small sample size but Sacramento looks improved in both areas. They’re still a work in progress (have excelled limiting paint points, 4th fewest in the league; … Continue reading 10/30/16 • Quick Notes: “Sacramento is 2-1”
What an Opening Night for New Orleans Pelicans superstar (& possible android) Anthony Davis, who put up ungodly numbers in a narrow defeat on Wednesday. It’s obvious AD wanted to make some sort of statement and set the tone for his squad after mustering only 30 wins a season ago. And if you look at the opponent (home opener v. DEN), last night was a … Continue reading 10/27/16 • Quick Feature: “Anthony Davis Almost Scored Half the Pels’ Points Last Night”
In sports, the common rule of thumb is to avoid overreacting to extremities. That said, after one game, it’s clear the New York Knicks will really struggle to produce bench points. New York’s undisputed X-Factor, Brandon Jennings, is the most reliable shot-maker but he’s a career sub-40% shooter himself. Let’s take a look at a few notable bench performances from last night* *lost to CLE, … Continue reading 10/26/16 • Quick Notes: “The Knicks’ Bench”
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