Even
with slow starts, the back-to-back-to-back Eastern Conference champions, and
last season’s runner up in the East are at top their respective conferences.
The boys from the “Motor City,” and the city of “Brotherly Love,” have been a
major surprise in the East, while the five-time NBA champions from Texas have
more than held their own without their star forward, and floor general. On the
other hand, the boys from our nation’s capital; in OKC, and in Wisconsin. That
pales in comparison to what has happened to L.A.’s second basketball team. Here
is The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly for October/November in the NBA.
East
Leading C’s
The
loss of their prized signing in the off-season in All-Star swingman Gordon
Hayward minutes into their opener, and an 0-2 start had many questioning if the
Celtics would even make the postseason. The Celtics, led by their other prized
acquisition from those same Cavaliers in All-Star Kyrie Irving, the Celtics
have more than picked themselves off the matt.
The
Celtics (21-4) followed that 0-2 start with 16 consecutive victories, which
tied the fourth longest streak in franchise history from Oct. 20, a 102-92 win
at the Philadelphia 76ers to Nov. 20, a 110-102 overtime win at the struggling
Dallas Mavericks (7-17).
The
Celtics used a combination of playing great defense, utilizing the entire
roster, and the ability to overcome large deficits to win those 16 games in a
row, which ended with a 104-98 loss at the Miami Heat (11-12) on Nov. 22.
In
their first two losses, the Celtics averaged 99.5 points, while surrendering
105.0 points on 47.8 percent shooting to the opposition. In the first 14 games
of their 16-game winning streak, the Celtics scored an average of 102.4 points
in those contest, while allowing just 92.6 to their opponents on 42.1 percent
from the field.
They
overcame an 18-point deficit to win at the inconsistent Oklahoma City Thunder
101-94 on Nov. 3, and versus the struggling Charlotte Hornets (8-13) 90-87 on
Nov. 10. They climbed out of a 17-point hole twice versus the defending
champion Golden State Warriors (14-6) 92-88 in front of a national audience on
TNT. Two nights later, they overcame a 16-point deficit to win at the Atlanta
Hawks (5-18) 110-99. On Nov. 20 at the previously mentioned Mavericks 110-102,
the Celtics rallied from a 13-point hole in the fourth quarter behind a 12-2
run, led by a season-high 47 points from Irving, on 16 for 22 from the field,
including 5 for 7 from three-point range.
Even
in their loss at the Heat, the Celtics managed to climb out of an 18-point
hole, as well as a 14-point one midway through the fourth quarter thanks to a
13-0 run that brought them to within one point at 91-90 with 3:14 remaining.
Two three-pointers by Heat guard Dion Waiters in the final minutes, who
finished with 26 points on the night in the final minutes gave his team the
cushion they needed for the eventual victory.
While
their 16-game winning streak was impressive, head coach Brad Stevens was quick
to point out after the loss that his team has plenty of improving to do.
“We’re
not as good as the 16-game winning streak, but we do have a lot of resolve, and
I can’t say enough about our guys will to come back,” he said. “It’s incredible
to think we were able to erase that lead that quickly, and give ourselves at
least a chance.”
Besides
getting stellar play from Irving, and fellow All-Star Al Horford, some of the
new additions like rookie forward Jayson Tatum, Marcus Morris, and Aron Baynes,
along with the continued emergence of Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier, and Marcus
Smart that have made all the difference for a team that entered this season
with just four players returning from the 2016-17 roster.
In
the Celtics 107-96 win versus their hated rival the Los Angeles Lakers (8-15)
on ESPN, their 10th straight win, it was Baynes who led the way with
a career-high tying 21 points, on 8 for 12 from the field, to go along with
eight boards.
A
balanced attack in their 90-87 victory versus the Hornets two nights later
helped the Celtics overcome the loss of Irving to a facial injury he sustained
after accidentally being hit in the face by Baynes.
Tatum,
and backup guard Shane Larkin led the way with 16 points each. Rozier came off
the bench to put in 15 points, seven boards, and four assists. Morris had 14
points, and seven rebounds, and Brown had 10 points, and 13 rebounds for the
C’s, who were also without Horford because of concussion.
“We
just had guys keep coming in off the bench, and everybody gave their all, and
it’s a long game, and we just kept chipping away one possession at a time,”
Rozier, said to NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin after the win.
In
their four-point victory in front of a nationally televised audience on TNT
versus the defending champion Warriors, while Irving had a strong finish to the
game with 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, it was the 22-point effort
of Brown, along with his seven boards, and two steals that made the difference,
while Horford also had a hand in things with 18 points, and 11 rebounds.
Morris, and Tatum each had 12 points.
While
Irving had a sterling performance at the Hawks with 30 points, going 10 for 12
from the floor, including 5 for 6 from three-point range, Brown had a
career-high of 27 points, hitting 10 of his 13 shots, including 4 for 6 from
distance.
The
second-year swingman accomplished these back-to-back performances with a heavy
heart, as his best friend Trevin Steede, who both attended Wheeler High School
in Marietta, GA.
The
21-year-old Brown did not speak to reporters after the win at the Hawks, he did
say to Chin, “I’m hanging in there. I’m doing all right. Trying to play
basketball. Keep my mind off everything. Just trying to come out here, and get
some wins.”
After
an 0-2 start, the Boston Celtics have gone 20-2 since, and currently sit atop
the Eastern Conference again, even without Hayward, and that the team has just
four returning players from last year’s roster that was the top seed in the
East. Even with this stellar beginning, the team, and their head coach knows
that there is still a lot of season to go, and a lot of work to do before they
can say they are a legitimate threat to the dethrone the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“We
have to get better. We have to get better with what we’re trying to do…,”
Stevens said after the loss at the Heat. “Looking at that 16 straight is a
little nit of a mirage. So, we know we have to get a lot better.”
Surging
Cavaliers
A
lack of defense, and imbalance with the playing rotation are a couple of
reasons why the back-to-back-to-back Eastern Conference champion Cleveland
Cavaliers started this season 5-7, and had many asking how can a talented team,
led by four-time league MVP LeBron James sustain four of those seven losses to
the likes of the Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, and Atlanta
Hawks? A few adjustments, including playing better defense, and the stellar
play the three-time Finals MVP, the Cavs turned things around.
The
Cavs (17-7) have won 12 straight games, which includes a victory versus the
sinking Memphis Grizzlies (7-15), their 11th straight defeat, and
the rebuilding Chicago Bulls (3-19) to begin December.
In
their first 12 contest, the Cavs had a point differential was a -4.0, and the
opposition was taking full advantage of their swiss cheese defense scoring an
average of 114.2 points on 41.1 percent from three-point range in their 5-7
start. In the first nine games of their 12 wins in succession, the Cavaliers
point differential went all the way up to a +10.6, and they were surrendering
just 101.0 points per contest, and the opposition’s three-point percentage went
down to just 30.9 percent.
While
their victory at the Mavericks 111-104 on Nov. 11 got this streak off the
ground, it was their come from behind victory at the New York Knicks (11-12)
where the Cavs showed signs that they turnaround was underway.
They
overcame a 23-point deficit to win 104-101 in the “Big Apple” two nights later,
thanks to a stellar fourth quarter where the Cavs outscored the Knicks 43-25,
which included hitting nine of their 17 three-pointers in the period.
While
James had a strong performance with 23 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds,
it was reserve guard Kyle Korver with 19 of his 21 points off the bench in the
final stanza that got them over the hump. Future Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade had
15 points, and eight boards off the bench, while Jae Crowder had 13 points.
During
this 12-game winning streak, the Cavs have made some major statements that
thoughts of their demise was premature.
They
overcame a 15-point deficit to win versus the struggling Los Angeles Clippers
118-113 in overtime on Nov. 17, behind the 39 points, 14 rebounds, and six
assists of LeBron James. All-Star forward/center Kevin Love had 25 points, and
eight rebounds, and Wade off the bench had 23 points, 11 rebounds, five
assists, two steals, and two blocks in 37 minutes.
Three
nights later, the Cavs went into the Detroit Pistons’ new home Little Caesars
Arena, and thumped one of the surprises of the East 116-88 for their largest
margin of victory on the season. Love led the way with 19 points, and 11
boards. James had 16 of his 18 points in the first quarter, to go along with
eight assists. Crowder also had 18 points, and current starting lead guard Jose
Calderon had 14 points. Jeff Green had 11 points off the bench, and Channing
Frye added 10.
After
losing at the Nets (9-14) 112-107 back on Oct. 25, the Cavs got them in the
rematch at Quicken Loans Arena 119-109 on Nov. 22. James had his eighth game
scoring 30-plus this season with 23 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter,
finishing 11 for 17 from the field. Wade had 18 points, while Love had 18
points, and 10 boards. Crowder had 14 points, and Korver added 12.
“I’ve
been in close out situations so many times in my career, and I’m just happy my
teammates, and my coaching staff allow me to implement all the things I’ve been
through I my career to be able to make an imprint on this game tonight,” James,
who was 11 for 17 from the floor said to FOX Sports Ohio’s Allie Clifton after
the game.
On
Nov. 27, the Cavs traveled to another up-and-comer in the East, the
Philadelphia 76ers and took them down 113-91, leading by as many as 29 points.
James led the way again with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists on 11 for
22 from the field. Wade off the bench had 15 points, and five assists. Green
had a double-double of 14 points, and 10 boards, Frye had 12 points, and J.R.
Smith had 11.
Another
opponent that beat the Cavs earlier this season were the Hawks, who have given
them fits in the past, but they returned the favor on their home court with a
121-114 victory on Nov. 30 at Philips Arena, thanks to offensive explosions of
42, and 36-point outputs in the first, and third quarters respectably.
Love
had a team-high 25 points, along with 16 rebounds. James also had a
double-double of 24 points, and 12 assists. Wade off the bench had 19 points,
while Crowder had 15, and Green had 12.
One
big question coming into this season was how would Wade fit into the team?
Early on he was the starting shooting guard, and the team did not function well
because of his inability to make three-point shots consistently. More than
that, it was the fact that Wade was the first person amongst the roster that
James had a close friendship with that was outside the team. That all came to
ahead when he took the starting spot of Smith at the start of this season.
“I
know if it was anything bad then [Le]Bron wouldn’t have asked me to be here, or
put me in this situation where I just wasn’t totally wanted,” Wade said to “The
Atlantic,” about joining the Cavs early on. “But I understand the difference,
what they were coming off of, and me coming in.”
Since
Wade has been coming off the bench, and J.R. Smith was placed back into the
starting lineup, the team has taken off. To bring into context, the improvement
of the Cavs bench production, they were ranked 28th in scoring a
season ago at 29.1. They have risen to fifth with a 40.3 output per game so far
in the 2017-18 season. In the 20 games that Wade has come off the bench, he has
averaged 12.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, while shooting 48.1
percent from the floor.
What
is even more scary is that, the team’s prized acquisition in All-Star guard
Isaiah Thomas, who the team acquired along with Crowder for Irving in late
August has yet to play as he is rehabbing from a hip injury. Also, the team
expects 2011 MVP Derrick Rose to eventually come back from an ankle injury that
has shelved him in recent games, along with center Tristan Thompson.
“We’ve
been playing with a lot of resolve. Got guys in, and out. Got guys banged up,
but we’re just finding a way right now, until we get a full platoon,” James
said to Clifton after the overtime win versus the Clippers.
Fulfilling
Sixers
It
has been a long four years for the fans of Philadelphia, PA, who have seen
their 76ers win just 19, 18, 10, and 28 games respectably over the past four
seasons. The mantra that they have been going by during this rebuild “Trust the
Process,” was yielding very little results, especially with two of their high
draft choices have played little or no at all. Well the two players in center
Joel Embiid, and guard Ben Simmons have been healthy for much of this season,
and their stellar play has everyone in the city of “Brotherly Love,” thinking
playoffs, particularly this season.
Since
their 1-4 start, the Sixers (13-10) have gone 12-5 with some very impressive
victories, and their young stars have had their finger prints all over it,
especially in Los Angeles, CA.
Simmons,
Embiid, along with Robert Covington, who signed a four-year, $62 million
contract extension had dominant performances as the Sixers won at the Los
Angeles Clippers 109-105 back on Nov. 13.
Embiid
led the way with 32 points, and 16 rebounds. Covington had 31 points, going 9 for
12 from the field, including 5 for 8 from three-point range, and Simmons had 22
points, 12 rebounds. J.J. Redick playing against his former team had 10 points.
In
front of a national audience on ESPN, the Sixers Embiid was the star again at
Staples Center in leading his team to a 115-109 win at the Los Angeles Lakers.
He had 19 of his career-high 46 points in the fourth quarter, to go along with
15 rebounds, and career-highs of seven assists, and seven blocks, on 14 for 20
from the field, and 16 for 19 from the free throw line. Simmons was phenomenal in
his own right with a near triple-double of 18 points, 10 assists, and nine
boards, to along with five steals. Covington chipped in with 12 points, and six
boards, while Redick had 11 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
“Just
being aggressive. I did the same things against the Clippers, and tonight I
just wanted to come out, and get down low, and be a beast down there,” Embiid
said to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Molly French after the game.
While
they have garnered some major wins, even standing toe-to-toe with some of the
tops teams in the NBA, they have shown there still a long way away from
definitively saying they are legitimate in terms of being a title contender.
In
the first matchup at Oracle Arena on Nov. 11, the Sixers hung tough with the
champs as they trailed 65-64 at intermission. Then the second half a different
story, as the Warriors outscored the Sixers 70-50 in the second 24 minutes, and
won 135-114.
One
week later back in the confines of the Wells Fargo Center, it seemed like the
Sixers would beat the Warriors on their home turf as they led after the first
quarter 47-28, representing the most points scored in a quarter this NBA
season.
At
point in the game, the Sixers led by as many as 24, but like in the first
meeting, the Warriors came back, as they outscored the Sixers 47-15 in third
quarter, with two-time MVP Stephen Curry scoring 20 of his 35 points in the
period, going 4 for 4 from three-point range. The Warriors, who led by as many
as 18 points in the second half, held on to win 124-116, which was their 10th
straight defeat against the Warriors dating back to Mar. of 2013. It was also
the first game since the Denver Nuggets versus the San Antonio Spurs in 1990
where two teams each scored 47 points or more in a quarter.
Simmons
led the way in defeat with 23 points, and 12 assists on 11 for 15 from the
field in the loss, while Embiid had 21 points, and eight boards. Covington, and
Redick scored 20 points each, and Dario Saric had 13 points, and 10 rebounds.
The
Sixers did bounce back after that tough loss with three straight victories in
the middle of their six-game homestand versus the Utah Jazz (12-11) 107-86 on
Nov. 20; versus the Portland Trail Blazers (13-10), 101-81 on Nov. 22, and
versus the Orlando Magic (10-14), 130-111 on Nov. 25. The victories versus the
Jazz, and the Trail Blazers represented the first time since Jan. 2012 that the
Sixers won two straight games by 20 points or more.
There
are times even in victory that you can learn something that hopefully will help
you down the road.
In
the Sixers 118-113 win versus the Washington Wizards on Nov. 29, the Sixers,
who led 84-65 after three quarters were outscored 48-34 in the final period. A
huge part of that was their inability to make free throws, especially Simmons.
While
he finished with career-highs of 31 points, and 18 rebounds, going 8 for 16
from the field, he was just 15 for 29 from the charity stripe. He shot an NBA
record 24 free throws in the fourth quarter alone, as the Wizards imploded the
hack-a-Simmons strategy to get back into the contest. In fact, they sent the
rookie to the foul line 12 straight times at one point in the fourth.
He
surpassed the previous record of free throw attempts in a period by four as
former Detroit Piston Ben Wallace, and current Hornet Dwight Howard at one time
attempted 20 free throws in a quarter. Clippers’ center DeAndre Jordan once
attempted 18 foul shots in a quarter, and Howard attempted 17.
When
asked by French what was in his mind when he was on the foul line during the
fourth period, the said, “Make the free throws, that’s about it. That doesn’t
really phase me. That’s about it.”
He
added to that by saying to reporters after the game about him being that cold
from the foul line again, “It’s not going to happen for that much longer. I’m
going to knock them down.”
If
you want an even clearer indicator about how far the Sixers have come from four
years ago to now, actor/comedian Kevin Hart, a Philadelphia native said before
Embiid’s interview with French after the Sixers’ victory at the Lakers, he said
to the camera, “Trust the Process.”
There
is a lot to be excited about in Sixers country, especially with Simmons, and
Embiid leading the way. They even had the services of the No. 1 overall pick in
Markelle Fultz yet, and if he can recover from the shoulder injury that has
shelved him for much of this season, that is another player teams are going to
have to worry about this season, and in the future.
Surprising
Pistons
Injuries
early to starting lead guard Reggie Jackson; inconsistency from Andre Drummond,
and no continuity with the rest of the team kept the Detroit Pistons from
making a return appearance to the playoffs. Both Jackson, and Drummond have
done a complete 180 this season, and the acquisition of defensive ace Avery
Bradley have made a huge difference.
With
a 111-104 victory versus the Hawks on Nov. 10, the Pistons rose their record to
9-3, which is their best start since they began the season 10-2 in 2005-06.
Jackson
led the way with 22 points, and six assists. Bradley had 20 points, while Ish
Smith had 17 points, and five assists off the bench. Drummond had 16 points, 20
boards, and a career-high seven assists. Tobias Harris chipped in 16 points,
and eight rebounds.
“Anytime
you’re playing on a winning team, its always feeling great, especially being
the point guard,” Jackson said after the victory to NBATV. “Because that’s the
only thing you’re measured on is the wins, and loss column.”
Another
difference with the Pistons from last season is that they have been able to
overcome double-digit deficits of 10 points or more on four occasions to win,
which at the time led the NBA.
One
of those victories came when they pulled out of an 11-point hole to win at the
Minnesota Timberwolves (14-11) 100-97 on Nov. 19.
Drummond
led the way with 20 points, and 16 rebounds. Bradley scored 18 points, along
with Harris, who also pulled down nine boards, and Jackson chipped in with 16
points, and eight assists.
After
a tough home loss versus the Cavs 116-88 just 24 hours later, the Pistons
responded with a 99-98 win at the Thunder, rallying from a 15-point deficit
midway through the third quarter.
Drummond
who had just four points, and two boards at intermission, had 13 points, and 12
rebounds in the second half to finish with a team-highs of 17 points, and 14
rebounds.
“We
needed this one man. We started off really slow, and we let them get the best
of us in that first half. I allowed them to get comfortable in the paint,”
Drummond said after the victory.
“I
came in the second half, did what I was supposed to do. I kept Steven Adams off
the boards, and we came up with a good win.”
The
Pistons followed that up with their biggest win of the season with a victory at
the Celtics on Nov. 27 118-108.
Drummond
was strong again with his 14th double-double on the season with 26
points, 22 rebounds, hitting 10 for 12 from the field, and 6 for 8 from the
charity stripe, to go along with six assists. Harris led the way with 31 points,
with eight boards, going 11 for 16 from the field, including 5 for 6 from
distance. Jackson had 20 points, and seven assists, and Bradley against his
former team finished with 13 points, and held Irving to 18 points on 6 for 16
shooting.
The
Pistons finished out the month with a resounding 131-107 victory versus the
Phoenix Suns (9-17), thanks to 31 assists, and going 13 for 28 from three-point
range.
Coming
into this season, head coach Stan Van Gundy’s unit had the ushering in a new
building in Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit, MI as something for the
fans to look forward to. They have also had the pleasure of seeing the team
play at a high level. That is in large part thanks to the consistent play of
their stars Drummond, and Jackson. The solid play of Harris, and how Bradley
has fit in like a glove. The hope is now they can keep this play up for the
remainder of the season, and make some noise in the playoffs.
The
Bad
Underachieving
Thunder
When
the Thunder acquired All-Stars Carmelo Anthony, and Paul George in the
off-season to team up with reigning league MVP Russell Westbrook, the thought
was that they would put it all together to challenge the Warriors in the West.
While many thought it would take time for them to gel together, there was never
a thought they would this up-and-down.
Since
their 110-91 victory at the Milwaukee Bucks (12-9) that improved their record
to 4-3, the Thunder (11-12) have gone 6-9 since, which included four straight
defeats after that victory in Wisconsin.
One
of the Thunder’s biggest issues has been that their starting quintet of
Westbrook, George, Anthony, Steven Adams, and Andre Roberson start games well
with a plus 17.9 net efficiency in the first half of games, on 49 percent
shooting from the floor. In the second half though, that net efficiency rating
is a -11.1, and they only connect on 39 percent of their shot attempts.
Oklahoma
City is just 2-9 in games decided by six points or less, and just 2-6 when they
are held under 100 points. In clutch situations where they are within five
points in the last five minutes, the Thunder is just 1-9 this season.
On
top of that, they have had some head scratching setbacks like the 96-87 loss at
the Jazz on Oct. 21. The 94-86 setback at the Sacramento Kings (7-16). The 104-101
setback at the San Antonio Spurs (16-8) on Nov. 17, letting a 23-point lead in
the second quarter slip away.
No
one was more upset about the Thunder’s loss at the Magic than FOX Sports
Oklahoma studio analyst Antonio Daniels, who express all of it during the
postgame show.
“You
are representing your community. You are representing your city. You are
representing your organization, and it’s embarrassing. It is embarrassing that
teams continue to have their coming out games against the Oklahoma City
Thunder,” the former NBA guard said.
“You
cannot continue to go out every game, and just talk about doing the right
things. Not do the right things, and expect a different result.”
In
the one victory that the Thunder had to close out the month against the
Warriors on Nov. 22 108-91 was their most complete game they played all season.
Westbrook
had a season-high 34 points, along with 10 rebounds, and nine assists on 13 for
27 from the field. Anthony had 22 points, on 8 for 17 from the field, while
George had a double-double of 20 points, and 11 rebounds, to go along with four
steals. Adams also had a double-double of 14 points, and 12 boards.
In
the Thunder’s first victory over their former teammate Kevin Durant, the 2014
league MVP in two years, the Thunder out-rebounded the defending champs 60-47;
outscored the Warriors starting quintet 96-60; had 33 fast break points to
their 10; held them to 41.3 percent shooting, and just 10 for 31 from
three-point range; forced 22 turnovers, 15 of them being steals, that led to 34
points.
There
was one point in the contest that the two former Thunder running mates
Westbrook, and Durant jawed at each other, and even got nose-to-nose.
“Competing.
I’m gonna go out, and compete every night; Coming at your neck every single
night. I’m just letting him know that,” Westbrook, the reigning league said to
ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth after the game.
Durant
took it all in stride after the game by saying to reporters, “It’s just ball.”
“He’s
competitive. I’m competitive. We like to go at it. Both of us, and that’s just
a part of the game. So, I respect that. I got nothing but love for it. I’m
expecting it again when we play them again, but that’s all for fun, and games.”
The
fun and games did not continue for the Thunder after their big win, as they
followed that up with three straight setbacks versus the Pistons 99-98, letting
a 15-point third quarter lead vanish on Nov. 24; the 97-81 setback at the
Mavericks the following night; and the unexplainable 121-108 loss at the Magic on
Nov. 29, which ended their nine-game losing streak.
When
the Thunder pulled trigger to acquire Anthony, and George over the summer, they
knew it would take time for things to come together. The process has had its
down moments so far. Thankfully there is a lot of basketball to played for the
to get things better, but if things do not turn around, George, and Anthony may
be gone as they are free agents at seasons end. That would be a big blow for
Westbrook, who signed a five-year $205 million contract extension to stay in
OKC. We shall see what unfolds.
Tough
Times in DC
Besides
there being issues politically in our nation’s capital, the city’s pro
basketball team after a stellar season year ago, they have gone through more
ups-and-downs than the New York stock exchange.
After
a 3-0 start, last season’s Southeast Division champions, the Washington Wizards
(13-11), went just 2-5 from Oct. 25 to Nov. 7, which consisted of losses at the
Lakers 102-99 in overtime on ESPN; versus the Suns 122-116 on Nov. 1; and at
the Mavericks (7-17) 113-99 on Nov. 7.
They
did proceed to win four straight from Nov. 9 to Nov. 15, but then followed that
up with a 2-5 mark to close November.
That
stretch consisted of losses versus the Heat 91-88 on Nov. 17, when they only
scored 29 points in the opening half. Five days later, the Wizards collapse in
the final second of regulation, and lost at the Hornets 129-124 in overtime.
That was followed by a 108-105 loss versus the Trail Blazers, where they blew a
17-point fourth quarter lead, and were outscored 35-22 in the final period.
While the team did bounce back with a come from behind win at the Minnesota
Timberwolves (14-11), 92-89 last Thursday, they lost at the Sixers 118-113,
where they did cut a 22-point to single-digits in the last five minutes of the
contest.
One
big reason the Wizards have been so inconsistent is the inconsistent play of
their backcourt of All-Star John Wall, and Bradley Beal. Last season both
played at an extremely high level even after a rough start where they went
6-12, and turned it around to win 49 games a season ago.
The
other issues for the Wizards been that the starting five of Wall, Beal, Marcin
Gortat, Otto Porter, Jr., and Markieff Morris have not been in lock step like a
season ago. Morris missed the first seven games of this season because of knee
surgery, and Wall currently is on the shelf after sustaining a knee injury when
he banged knees in that contest versus the Mavericks. After an MRI revealed the
issue with the platelet-rich plasma in that knee, Wall has received
viscosupplementation injections to reduce the inflammation. He was expected to
be on the shelf for two weeks because.
This
has put the pressure squarely on Beal to step up, and lead the way which he
has. While he has averaged a career-high of 23.3 points on 46.0 percent from
the field, and 36.6 percent from three-point range, has not had the same impact
as a season ago.
The
same can be said for Porter, Jr., who got that huge contract in the off-season,
has been solid himself, with a career-high of 15.3 points, seven boards, and
1.6 steals per contest this season, on 50.7 percent from the field, and 46.6
from three-point range. The hope of head coach Scott Brooks is that they have
him raise his level of play to where he scored 24 points, with 10 rebounds, and
the 22 points, and eight boards he had against the Trail Blazers, and
Timberwolves respectably. The eight points, and four rebounds he had at the
Sixers will not cut the mustard with Wall down.
The
team also needs Walls understudy Tim Frazier, Mike Scott, Jodie Meeks, Kelly
Oubre, Jr., and Tomas Satoransky to step up their games, along with Gortat, and
Morris.
This
was a team that told anyone within speaking distance that they were the best
team in the East, that could challenge the Cavs in the postseason. This is a
time for them to back those words up, without their star floor general. If they
don’t, this could prevent them from not just having homecourt advantage in the
postseason, but they may be out in the opening round, if they even make the
postseason.
“It
starts with me, man,” Westbrook said after the loss at the Magic about how the
Thunder are going start winning games more.
“It’s
my responsibility to make sure we’re ready to play on both sides of the ball. I
take ownership of everything that’s going on, because I’ve been here. I know
the standards we set here in Oklahoma City. I have to set examples. It starts
with me, and we’re gonna turn this thing around.”
The
Ugly
The
Reality of the Clippers
In
the off-season, the Los Angeles Clippers said goodbye to Chris Paul, the guy
who took them from an NBA cellar dweller into a title contender. Unfortunately,
they never made their dream of becoming champions reality, and the team traded
him to the Rockets, and decided to move forward with fellow All-Star Blake
Griffin, re-signing him over the summer. The hope is with the new additions to
the core that was in place that the team could begin anew. That new went from a
solid start to a reality of serious questions that need to be addressed.
After
a 4-0 start to the season, the Clippers (8-14) proceeded to lose 11 of their
next 12 games from Oct. 28, to Nov. 20. That stretch included nine consecutive
losses from Nov. 4 to Nov. 20.
A
big contributor to the ugly play of the Clippers in November has been the fact
that three key players, who were all added via trade, or signed in the
off-season have been out injured. Forward Danilo Gallinari, who was
sign-and-acquired from the Denver Nuggets has been out since Nov. 5 because of
a hip injury.
Guard
Milos Teodosic, who signed as a free agent after playing his entire career
overseas in Europe has been on the shelf since the Clippers second game of the
season, 130-88 win versus the Suns because of a plantar fascia injury to his
left foot he sustained in that contest, and is not expected back any time soon.
Guard
Patrick Beverly, who the Clippers acquired from the Rockets in the Paul deal,
had microfracture surgery two Wednesdays ago to repair a torn meniscus in his
right knee, and will be lost for the remainder of the season. Beverly had
missed a five-game stretch from Nov. 10 to Nov. 18 when the Clippers were amid
their nine-game skid before making his return, and playing 22 minutes in the
Clippers 107-85 loss at the Knicks on Nov. 20.
While
the losses of Gallinari, and Teodosic have been very visible, the most visible
has been the loss of Beverly, who besides his ability to make perimeter shots,
and play stellar perimeter defense, the Clippers lost a leader in their locker
room that was not afraid of telling the reality of what is going on with the
team.
“This
feels like 100 losses. Straight up,” he said to the Los Angeles Times after the loss at the Knicks, which ended their
10-game winning streak against them. “This (expletive) is weak. This ain’t how
I roll. That ain’t okay.”
He
even went on to criticize his team’s first unit also saying to the L.A. Times, “We come on the court like
people are supposed to back down because of the name on the front of our
jerseys, and that’s not the case. The only thing people are looking at is the name
on the front of our jersey, and that’s nine losses in a row.”
The
Clippers managed to pick themselves off the pavement when they won at the Hawks
116-103 two nights later, behind the 26 points, 10 boards, and 10 assists for
Griffin, the sixth triple-double of his career. Forward Wesley Johnson had 24
points, going 6 for 7 from three-point range. Guard Lou Williams, who has
started at point guard recently had 20 points, and eight assists. Austin
Rivers, son of head coach Glenn “Doc” Rivers had 18 points, while DeAndre
Jordan had 14 points, 16 boards, and two blocks.
The
Clippers won their next two games at the Sacramento Kings (7-16) on Nov. 28,
and then versus the rival Lakers 120-115, behind a season-high 42 points from
Williams.
The
victory though was tainted with Griffin suffering a knee injury four minutes
into the fourth quarter when Rivers fell into his knee during a scrum for a
lose ball.
An
MRI revealed that Griffin, who had with 26 points, and 11 rebounds in the game
suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee, and while no surgery will be
required, he will be on the sidelines for an expected period of two months.
Last
Thursday, the shorthanded Clippers fell 126-107 versus the Jazz, who outscored
the home team 65-46 in the second half after battling to a 61-61 tie in the first
24 minutes.
With
their star player, and three key reserves on the shelf, the question is what do
the Clippers do now? Is it time to waive the white flag on the season, and see
what they can get for Jordan in a trade?
With
Griffin on the shelf for two weeks, maybe longer, the prospects of the Clippers
even making the playoffs for a seventh straight season is very unlikely, and it
seemed very unlikely when they decided to trade Paul over the summer.
All
that is left of the Clippers right now is Williams, Rivers, Jordan, Johnson,
Willie Reed, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, who was came in the trade for Paul,
and rookies Jawun Evans, and Sindarius Thornwell. This is not what “Doc” Rivers
had in mind in a season, where he is on the hot seat.
Information,
statistics, and quotations are courtesy of www.espn.com/nba/standings;
www.espn.com/nba/teams/schedule;
www.nba.com/games;
www.nba.com/news;
11/11/17 1 a.m. edition of NBATV’s “Gametime,” presented by State Farm with
Casey Stern, Steve Smith, and Brendan Haywood; 11/16/17 7 a.m. edition of
NBATV’s “Gametime,” with Casey Stern, Greg Anthony, and Dennis Scott; 11/18/17
2 a.m. edition of NBATV’s “Gametime,” presented by State Farm with Casey Stern,
Steve Smith, and Brendan Haywood; 11/19/17 3 a.m. edition of NBATV’s “Gametime,”
presented by State Farm with Matt Winer, Grant Hill, and Brendan Haywood; 11/21/17
3 p.m. edition of “NBA: The Jump,” on ESPN, with Rachel Nichols, Brian
Windhorst, and Israel Gutierrez; 11/22/17 2 a.m. edition of NBATV’s “Gametime,”
with Kristen Ledlow, Dennis Scott, and Sam Mitchell; 11/25/17 2 a.m. edition of
NBATV’s “Gametime,” presented by Kia Motors, with Casey Stern, Steve Smith, and
Grant Hill; 11/30/17 2 a.m. edition of NBATV’s “Gametime,” presented by Kia
Motors with Casey Stern, Dennis Scott, and Carlos Boozer; 11/30/17 6 p.m.
edition of NBATV’s “10 Before Tip,” with Jared Greenberg; 12/1/17 3 p.m.
edition of “NBA: The Jump,” with Rachel Nichols, Amin Elhassan, and Tracy
McGrady.
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