In
January, the Atlanta Hawks went from a good story in the NBA to a serious
contender in the East and were rewarded in a big way, while the Cleveland
Cavaliers thanks to a couple of trades and the return to form of their best
player have gotten back into the title conversation. The Houston Rockets have
risen in the West, despite missing a key player and their in state rival the
San Antonio Spurs got back on track after a tough December. The Portland Trail
Blazers, Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder had a
tough month because of inconsistent play and injuries to key personnel. Los
Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant had his season cut short for the third year in
a row because of injury. Here is The Good, The Bad and the Ugly in The
Association for January.
The
Good
Hawks
Soar to Top of East
After
a 14-2 December where they beat the likes of the Bulls (30-20), the Cavs
(31-21) twice, the Rockets (35-15), Dallas Mavericks (34-18), Los Angeles
Clippers (33-18) and the Milwaukee Bucks (27-23), the question was could the
Hawks keep this high pace of winning up.
They
not only kept on winning, they established some team history as well as some
NBA history.
Since
a 107-77 loss versus the Bucks the day after Christmas, the Hawks have not
sustained a loss since then.
They
proceeded to win 19 consecutive games from Dec. 27 to this past Monday night, a
115-100 loss at the New Orleans Pelicans (27-23).
In
those 19 straight wins, they took down the Trail Blazers twice, the Clippers,
the Memphis Grizzlies (37-13), the Wizards (31-20), the Bulls again and the
Toronto Raptors (33-17).
To
put the Hawks streak into perspective, their 19 wins in a row tied the fifth
longest winning-streak in NBA history. Their 17-0 mark in January established
the first time a team in NBA history won that many games without a loss. They
won 12 straight games against the mighty Western Conference, which ended with
their loss at the Pelicans. It also ended a 12-game road winning streak.
The
Hawks never trailed by double-digits during the streak and on just one other
occasion did they record under 20 assists in a game, which they did on Monday
night and lost.
Along
with putting some distance between themselves and the rest of the East with
their great month, head coach Mike Budenholzer and his staff will be coaching
the East All-Stars next weekend at the NBA All-Star Game in New York, NY.
Joining him will be three of his players in starting forward Paul Millsap,
starting center Al Horford and starting lead guard Jeff Teague, who will be
making his All-Star debut.
While
the streak ended on Monday night, the Hawks remained even keel and understand
that they still have a long ways to go to become a serious contender in the
East.
“Give
our guys the credit for a lot of good work over the last month. Tonight wasn’t
our night. Very proud of them. We’ll get back to work tomorrow. We’ll get back
to figuring out how we can improve and get better,” coach Budenholzer, whose
team has won 34 of their last 37 games, said on Monday night.
The
Hawks winning habits and how they work together as a collective unit on both
ends has drawn comparisons to the Spurs, who have used that formula of success
to win five NBA titles. While the Hawks are not anywhere close to that level of
greatness, their success has been predicated on their ability to get major
contributions out of everyone.
During
the winning streak, it has not just been the play of Horford, Millsap and
Teague that have gotten the Hawks to the finish line victorious over the past
two months, it has been the sharp shooting of starting shooting guard Kyle
Korver, who is on the verge of becoming the first player in NBA history to
shoot over 50 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range and 90
percent from the free throw line. He along with the sharp shooting and tough
perimeter defense of starting small forward DeMarre Carroll (11.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg,
40.0 3-Pt.%) has made the Hawks starting quintet one of the best in the league
and that group became the first in NBA history to be voted players of the month
for January.
The
second unit of swingman Thabo Sefolosha, back-up guard Dennis Schroder (8.4
ppg, 3.5 apg), forwards Mike Scott, Pero Antic and guard Shelvin Mack have more
than held their own against other second units and have at times played just as
good if not better than the starters.
It
is that collective production and willingness to make each teammate better on
both ends is why the Hawks sit atop the East. It also helps that the players
individually and collective play smart at all times.
“It’s
really a fun style to play,” Korver, who had 24 points, hitting 7 for 9 from
three-point land said to NBATV’s Matt Winer back on Jan. 18.
“Everyone’s
bought in. Everybody touches the ball. Everybody passes the ball. Everybody
sets screens. When you play good team basketball and you play with a lot of
energy, good things happen and for us it has been some wins here.”
This
amazing season has also done something even more special for the Hawks, it has
gotten interest from their fan base in a major way.
When
this season began, it did not start off well, especially with the team up for
sale and the absence of GM/President of Basketball Operations Danny Ferry has
taken a leave of absence since some unfortunate comments about then free agent
forward Luol Deng, now a forward for the Miami Heat.
Since
that time, the team has tried to change things not just with the players, but
with the fan base.
Hawks’
CEO Steve Koonin told Vince Cellini, Sekou Smith and David Aldridge of NBATV’s
“The Beat” on Jan. 26th that the team fixed up the family room as
well as the menu in the family room to make the environment for the players
better. Koonin also said that they have even improved the travel for the team
when they go on the road.
“We
told them when all this happened to listen to your heart,” Koonin said on Jan.
26 about the team’s turbulent off-season off the court.
“If
you want to speak, speak. If you want to be quiet, be quiet. Listen to your
heart.”
The
team has done that and so far has been record wise the best in the East and
will be well represented during All-Star weekend in the “Big Apple” next week
and has proven to be a major threat in the East.
Cavs
Meeting Expectations.
An
11-6 mark for a month would be considered good for any team in the NBA. When
you are a title contender like the Cleveland Cavaliers, that record would be
considered underachieving. With that being said, it is a lot better from where
they began the month of January.
They
began 2015 losing seven out of their first eight games, which included a
six-game losing streak.
Not
having four-time MVP LeBron James, who was out from Dec. 30 to Jan. 11 resting
an ailing back and knee did not help matters.
James
did return on Jan. 13 and had a solid performance with 33 points, seven
rebounds and five assists, but the team lost at the Phoenix Suns (29-23)
107-100 for their six straight defeat and it brought their record to below the
.500 mark at 19-20.
The
Cavs have not lost since, winning 11 straight games which began with a 109-102
victory at the struggling Los Angeles Lakers (13-36) on Jan. 15. It reached 12
games with 105-94 win versus the Clippers last Thursday night.
That
victory along with the 126-121 victory at the Clippers one night later are the
only two times that he Cavs have surrendered 100 points or more. The one team
that came close was the Thunder when they scored 98, but he Cavs won 108-98
back on Jan. 25.
In
their first 39 games, the Cavs’ opponent’s field goal percentage and
three-point percentage were ranked 29th and 18th
respectably in the NBA. During their 11-game winning streak, the Cavs are
ranked 6th in opponent’s field goal percentage and are tied for 8th
in the opposition’s three-point percentage.
In
the last 10 games, the opposition is averaging just 92.1 points per contest on
40 percent shooting from the field and just 32 percent from the three-point
line. It was the first time in Cavs history they have held 10 consecutive
opponents under the century mark and 45 percent shooting.
A
big reason for the turnaround on the defensive end has been the acquisitions of
center Timofey Mozgov (8.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg with Cavs) from the Denver Nuggets,
swingman Iman Shumpert (6.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg with Cavs) and J.R. Smith (13.6 ppg,
36.2 3-Pt.% with Cavs).
Those
additions have given the Cavs something that they a lot this season, structure
and balance. Mosgov has given the Cavs a presence in the paint in particular at
defensive end and on the glass. That has been a major plus since the team lost
starting center Anderson Varejao (9.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg) for the remainder of the
season due to a torn Achilles he sustained back on Dec. 23, a 125-104 win
versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (9-40). Smith has given the Cavs the knockdown shooter
on the perimeter and Shumpert, who missed games because of a shoulder injury
has given the Cavs the perimeter stopper that was missing from the team.
The
Cavs have gone 12-5 since acquiring of Smith, Shumpert and Mosgov.
This
team though is going to go as far as the likes of James, starting guard Kyrie
Irving and starting forward Kevin Love can take them.
Since
the return of James, the team has won 11 of their last 12 games, winning their
last 11 in a row. The team has averaged 107.7 points per contest on 46.8
percent from the field.
The
only game James missed during this recent stretch was versus the Trail Blazers
on Jan 28 because of a sprained wrist he suffered in the Cavs 103-95 win at the
Detroit Pistons (20-31) the night before, where he scored 32 points to go along
with six boards and seven assists.
In
his absence, Irving had the best scoring night of his career 55 points going 17
for 36 from the field, including a franchise record 11 three-pointers in 19
tries. His 11 make from distance broke a 94-all tie with 6.4 seconds left in
the fourth quarter and the Cavs went on to win 99-94.
It
was the 10th 50-plus point game in Cavaliers’ history. Irving scored
28 of his 55 in the second half and six of his 11 makes from three-point range
came in the second 24 minutes. Irving’s double-nickel effort established a new
high-scoring night for a player this season.
Not
bad for a guy who started the game 0 for 7 from the floor.
“My
teammates do such a great job of continuing to encourage me. T. (Tyronn) Lue
did a great job of just telling me to keep shooting. Don’t worry about it,”
Irving, who led the Cavs to just their second win in eight chances without
James, said to FOX Sports, Ohio’s Allie Clifton after the game.
“The
law of averages just balances itself out, but more importantly, I’m just
thankful we got the win.”
Irving’s
performance is also just the fourth time in NBA history a player scored over
55-points individually and the team did not reach the century mark. According
to Elias Sports Bureau, Hall of Famer Michael Jordan scored 56 in a game back
in 1987. James had a 56-point effort back in 2005 and the late Hall of Famer of
the then Minneapolis Lakers George Mikan scored 61 back in 1952.
Of
the so-called “Big Three” it has been Love who has been the most inconsistent.
There are times this season he will have a big performance and there are other
times he would just fade to black at the offensive end settling for three-point
shots.
Back
on Jan. 30 versus the Sacramento Kings, Love had his best performance in quite
a while when he scored 23 points along with 10 boards in the Cavs 101-90
victory versus the Kings.
In
his return to his old stomping grounds at the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
on Jan. 31, Love had 14 points to go along with 17 rebounds in the Cavs 106-90
victory. James led the way with 36 points.
The
Cavs had a tough beginning going 5-7 in their first 12 games. They won 12 of
their next 15 games and then lost 10 of their next 12 outings. They are playing
at their best right now with 12 straight wins, with the 12th coming
on Thursday night, a 105-94 win versus the Clippers.
Besides
turning their season around, they have also taken the heat off of 1st
year head coach David Blatt and have gotten back into the conversation of being
a contender in the East. The team understands though, they have a long way to
go to reach their ultimate goal.
“I
think the title is the ultimate goal, but we haven’t played in a playoff series
together. Haven’t played one playoff game. One playoff minute,” James, who had
18 points and 11 assists in the Cavs 97-84 win versus the Philadelphia 76ers
(10-39) said after the game on Monday night.
“That’s
when it really counts. You build your habits and your progress over the regular
season, but for us were a team that has a lot to make up and we can’t be
complacent.”
Rockets
Rising in West
When
this season began, the Houston Rockets said goodbye to two fifths of their
starting five in guard Jeremy Lin and forward Chandler Parsons back-up center
Omer Asik.
The
spotlight was one the likes of Donatas Motiejunas, Patrick Beverly, Terrence
Jones, Kostas Papanikolaou and veteran additions, who have championship
experience in Trevor Ariza and Jason Terry to contribute alongside All-Stars
James Harden and Dwight Howard.
Through
the first 31 games, the team as a whole was up to the task going 22-9.
With
that being said, the team felt it was missing something. The day after
Christmas, the Rockets claimed talented, but troublesome forward Josh Smith of
waivers from the Pistons and six days prior acquired swingman Corey Brewer from
the Timberwolves.
The
additions of Smith and Brewer have helped a great deal, but the incredible play
of Harden (27.1-Lead NBA, 6.7 apg, 5.5 rpg, 2.0 spg) is not only having a
career year, but is a legitimate MVP candidate for the first time in his
career.
His
play has made up for the absence of Jones and Howard, who have combined to miss
a combined 58 games because of injury.
On
Wednesday, Howard, who did not make the All-Star team after eight straight
appearances received a bone marrow aspirate injection on his right knee to deal
with the swelling in a joint. He will begin to rehabilitate the knee and be
re-evaluated in four weeks.
With
Howard in the line-up, the Rockets have gone 22-10, scoring 104.4 points per
contests on 45 percent shooting from the field and 36.1 percent from
three-point land. While the team has gone 11-5 without their starting center,
the Rockets are only scoring 99.1 points shooting just 41.9 percent from the
field and just 33.5 percent from three-point territory.
A
big reason for the Rockets rise to third in the rugged Western Conference is
that they are playing much better at the defensive end, with our without
Howard.
They
rank 12th in points allowed at 99.0; 8th in opponent’s field goal percentage at 44.2 percent and they
are 2nd in opponent’s three-point percentage surrendering just 31.6
percent. The Rockets are also second in steals per game at 9.8 and are third in
the NBA forced turnovers per game at 15.8.
Prior
to their 114-101 setback at the Pistons on Jan. 31, which snapped a four-game
winning streak, they gave up an average of 87.0 points in their prior three
straight wins at the Lakers on Jan. 25; versus the Mavericks on Jan. 28 and at
the Boston Celtics (19-30) on Jan. 30.
In
their 101-90 victory versus the Bulls this past Wednesday night, the Rockets
held the boys from the “Windy City” to 34.8 percent shooting from the field,
32.0 percent from three-point range, outscored them in the paint 50-28, scored
14 points off 13 forced turnovers, had six steals and eight block shots.
“Our
defense all season has been tremendous. One of the best in the league. Credit
to the coaches and our team,” Harden, who lead the Rockets with 27 points and
had two blocks said to ESPN’s Chris Broussard after the game.
“Obviously
we can score the ball with anybody in the league, but defensively we made a
conscious effort to go out there and try to lock up every night.”
When
healthy, the Rockets have proven that they are ready to take that next step to
become a true title contender. Unfortunately for them, so are a number of teams
in the West. If Howard can get back soon, Harden keeps playing at the level he
is and the role players can bring it night in and night out, the Rockets have a
chance, especially if they continue to get the job done at the defensive end.
Spurs
Regaining Championship Form
Over
the past few seasons, the Spurs (32-18) and head coach Gregg Popovich have used
a maintenance program for their key players like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili,
Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard to name a few.
The
reason, to keep them fresh during the season and to prevent injuries that can
linger or keep them out of the lineup for an extended period of time.
This
season has been different for the Spurs and that plan because Leonard and
Parker in particular have been banged up and have missed games due to a hand
and hamstring injury respectably.
To
put the Spurs season into perspective, when Leonard has been in the line-up
this season, the Spurs are 23-9. When the MVP of last season’s NBA Finals
missed time because of the hand injury the team was just 9-9.
That
hindered the team in the month of December when they had their first losing
month in a long time going 8-10. During December, they gave up 104.1 points per
contest to the opposition. Five of their games went to overtime, including a
triple overtime 129-119 defeat on Dec. 19, 2014 versus the Trail Blazers. They
also turned the ball over at a high clip committing 15.2 miscues per game.
Like
most defending NBA champions, the Spurs got back on track when the calendar
turned to 2015 as they went 10-4 in the month of January. Their always stellar
defense got back on track in January as they allowed just 94.1 points per
contest and reduced their miscues to just 13.4.
After
losing to the Trail Blazers twice in December, they got their first victory in
three tries against their Conference rivals from the Northwest, when they
defeated them 110-96 on Jan. 16.
Leonard,
who made his return from a 15-game absence because of a torn ligament in his
right hand scored 20 points in 31 minutes of action. Danny Green had 19 points
connecting on 4 of 5 three-pointers. Patty Mills had 18 points off the bench.
Parker had 17 points and seven assists and Ginobili had 13 points and seven
assists off the bench. Duncan had a double-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds,
six assists and two blocks.
While
the Trail Blazers shot 50 percent overall from the field, the made just 6 for
19 from three-point territory; were out-rebounded 49-32; committed 16 turnovers
and had just 20 assists to the Spurs 34.
After
a very disappointing 104-81 defeat at the Bulls on Jan. 22, the Spurs won their
next three games defeating the Lakers (99-85); the Bucks (101-95) and the
Charlotte Hornets (22-27) 95-86.
For
most teams, being seventh in the West, which the Spurs are right now would not
be a good thing. We must remember though, this is not just any team. These are
the defending World Champions, who know how to win games in an opposing team’s
building in the postseason. If any of the teams in front of them slide, the
Spurs will be quick to take advantage. Plus this is around the time right
before the All-Star break that they get it in gear and hit their stride.
The
Bad
The
Struggling Bulls
Over
the past two seasons, there have been two things that have not allowed the
Chicago Bulls to cap their seasons off with the ultimate prize. Injuries and an
offense that at times can be as flat as a tire that has out of air.
The
additions of All-Star Pau Gasol (18.1 ppg, 12.0 rpg, 2.2 bpg), Aaron Brooks
(11.2 ppg, 45.5 3-Pt.%) and Nikola Mirotic (7.4 ppg, 35.7 3-Pt.%) and the
strong play of Most Improved Player candidate and first-time All-Star Jimmy
Butler (20.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.8 spg) and the return of 2011 MVP Derrick Rose
(18.7 ppg), the Bulls have become one of the best offenses in the league,
ranking ninth in scoring per contest at 101.9.
Besides
the likes of starting center Joakim Noah, Rose and sharp shooter Mike Dunleavy
(9.6 ppg, 41.7 3-Pt.%) having missed a total of 39 games because of injuries
this season, the main calling card of the Bulls under head coach Tom Thibodeau in
his five seasons at the helm defense has been very inconsistent this season.
The
prior three seasons, the opposition has averaged 88.2, 92.9 and 91.8 points per
contest, ranking the boys from the “Windy City” No. 1, No. 3 and No. 1
respectably. This season, the Bulls are ranked just 19th in points
allowed, giving up 99.9 points to their opponent’s.
In
the month of January, the Bulls gave up 100-plus points 11 times, going just
5-6 in those contest.
The
team’s frustrations came to ahead after 108-94 loss on Martin Luther King Day
at the Cavaliers, their sixth loss in their last eight contest. The Cavs shot
45.6 percent from the field; out-rebounded the Bulls 54-40 and outscored them
46-30 in the paint.
“We’ve
got to decide when enough is enough,” Thibodeau said after the game. “We’ve got
to get better. It’s really that simple. The way we’re playing is not
acceptable, so we have to change it.”
Rose,
who had just 18 points on 5 for 15 shooting said after the loss, “If we don’t
have that edge, we’re going to continue to get our butt whipped. Basketball
should be fun. It seems like we’re overthinking.”
The
other thing that has not helped the Bulls cause lately is that they have lost
to lesser opponents last month like versus the Utah Jazz 97-77 on Jan. 7;
versus the Magic 121-114 on Jan 12 and at the Lakers 123-118 in overtime on
Jan. 29.
The
one good thing if anything right now for the Bulls is the fact that the
All-Star break is nearing and some time away from the game might get them back
on track. More than anything, they need to get Dunleavy back on the court and
the team needs to get healthy so they can build some cohesion on the court on
both ends.
Lack
Luster Wizards
After
a great season in 2013-14, the Washington Wizards were no longer going to sneak
up on anybody in 2014-15.
The
took that challenge of becoming a contending team very seriously as they came
into the month of January with a 22-9 mark lead by the explosive back court of
lead guard John Wall (17.5 ppg, 10.2 apg-Leads NBA, 1.9 spg), who leads all
guard and is sixth in the league with 28 double-doubles and sharp shooter
Bradley Beal (15.0 ppg. 43.6 3-Pt.%).
After
two losses at the Thunder (109-102) and the defending champion Spurs (101-92)
to start 2015, the Wizards reeled off seven wins in their next nine chances from
Jan. 5 to Jan. 19.
Unfortunately
since then the team has lost four of their next six to close January and are
currently on a five-game losing streak after their 94-87 defeat at the Hornets
on Thursday night.
When
you have a team with as much talent as the Wizards have, losing games like they
have recently has come down to their inability to play with consistent effort
at all times during a game and that it takes a team and not just the play of a
few individuals to get the desired outcome, a victory. It is that reason, the
team has lost to the Hornets twice in a 72-hour span.
“Until
we understand it, it’s going to be like that. The same exact thing over and
over again,” Wizards head coach Randy Wittman said after the 94-87 loss at the
Hornets on Thursday night.
“For
whatever reason, we take it upon ourselves to say, ‘This is a time for me.”
When
has struggles like this, it comes down to getting back to the basics. Being
able to move the ball on offense. Communicate at the defensive end. Play
together and most important of all, have a level of concentration that can
never be broken.
What
also helps is having a player on the team that can speak truth to power. The
Wizards have that in 16-year veteran swingman and former champion Paul Pierce.
It is in times like this that the Wizards need their prized off-season
acquisition to lead not just in practice, but in the locker room and on the
court during games.
Above
all else, they need their All-Star floor general Wall to be more assertive when
the Wizards have their struggles during games. That is what the great ones do
and if the Wizards are going to get out of this funk they are in, he must step
to the fore front.
Miss
Strikes by Thunder
When
the Super star tandem of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook returned from
injury earlier in the season, many expected that it was just a matter of time
before the Thunder got back into the playoff picture.
Unfortunately
the team has struggled to find a level on consistency and it has not helped
that the current holder of the No. 8 and final playoff spot the Phoenix Suns
(29-23) and New Orleans Pelicans (27-23) have not faded to black.
After
four straight victories over the Warriors (127-115) Jan. 16; at the Magic
(127-99) two night later; at the Miami Heat (21-29) 94-86 and at the Wizards
105-103 in overtime, the Thunder have dropped five out of their last eight
games.
The
biggest issue for the Thunder has been their play at the defensive end,
allowing 100-plus points in three of their final five games in January. The
Thunder even allowed the New York Knicks (10-40) to reach the century mark in
their eight point setback on Jan. 28 at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks went
from 20 points in the opening stanza to 23 points in the second quarter; 25
points in the third period and a 32-point output in the fourth quarter.
Things
have not gotten any easier because Durant has been on the shelf in four of the
last five games because of a sprained left big toe.
Westbrook
has tried to pick up the slack and he has done so in a major way. He garnered
the 10th triple-double of his career with 25 points, 14 assists and
11 rebounds to go along with four steals in the Thunder’s 104-97 win versus the
Magic this past Monday night snapping a two-game losing streak.
He
tied his career-high with 45 points to go along with six boards and six assists
to lead the Thunder over the Pelicans 102-91. The Thunder held the Hornets to
14 for 46 shooting in the second half.
On
the back end of the home-and-home between these two teams, the Pelicans got
even on Friday night when All-Star Anthony Davis, who had 41, 10 boards and two
blocks, hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Pelicans a 116-113 win at
the Thunder.
Davis’
first three-pointer of the season wasted new career-high and near triple-double
of 48 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists of Westbrook.
Durant
in his return had 27 points, but went just 9 for 26 from the field, including
just 3 for 10 from three-point territory.
The
loss not only brought the Thunder back to .500 mark at 25-25, it also put them
three games back of the eighth place Suns and two games on the loss side behind
the Pelicans.
Over
the past five seasons, the No. 8 Seeded team in the West has averaged 48 wins.
The Thunder have to go 23-9 the rest of the way if they have any hopes of
making their sixth consecutive trip to the postseason.
For
that to happen, Durant and Westbrook must stay healthy the rest of the way. The
defense must get back to the level where the Thunder surrendered just 98.5
points per contest, ranks 10th in the NBA. More than anything, the
team must get more consistent play on both ends from the likes of the Dion
Waiters, who the team acquired recently from the Cavs; Serge Ibaka, Reggie
Jackson, Steven Adams and Anthony Morrow.
Wounded
Trail Blazers
Last
season, the Trail Blazers starting five of Nicolas Batum, LaMarcus Aldridge,
Robin Lopez, Wesley Matthews and Damian Lillard missed a total of 13 games a season
ago, all by Aldridge. That was one of the big reason they won 54 games a season
ago.
This
season Aldridge, Lopez and Batum have missed a total of 36 games this season
because injuries. Lopez missed 23 of those games because of a broken hand.
The
result was an 8-9 record January for the team, which included six straight
defeats on the road after beginning the month with four consecutive wins
following a 115-107 loss versus the Hawks on Jan. 3.
In
the Trail Blazers 98-94 win versus the Sacramento Kings (17-31) on Jan. 19,
Aldridge injured his left hand. It was revealed that Aldridge had torn a
ligament in his left thumb and needed to have surgery, which would have kept
the Trail Blazers leading scorer and rebounder at 23.7 points and 10.3 rebounds
out for 6-8 weeks.
Following
two back-to-back losses at the Suns 118-113 and versus the Celtics 90-89,
Aldridge delayed surgery and returned to the line-up and had a strong
performance of 26 points and nine rebounds in leading the Trail Blazers to a
103-96 win versus the Wizards on Jan. 24.
“My
pain level changed a lot over the last 48 hours as far as being able to
tolerate some things. I feel like I’m going to give it a try,” Aldridge said
before the Jan. 24 contest against the Wizards.
“We
don’t know if it’s going to go good or bad, but at the least I’m going to try.
My idea now is to play the rest of the season, but if it gets too much where I’m
not playing at a very good level, then I’ll stop, but hopefully it goes well
for us.”
Since
delaying surgery on his left thumb, Aldridge has been playing at the level that
garnered him his fourth straight All-Star selection averaging 28.2 points and
11.0 boards on 50.5 percent shooting.
The
team got back on track this past Tuesday versus the Jazz winning 103-102,
snapping a three-game losing streak.
Lillard
lead the way with 25 points and six assists. Aldridge had 22 points and 11
rebounds and Matthews had 21 points. Lopez in his return from a broken hand had
11 points, six boards and two blocks.
They
followed that up with a 108-87 versus the Suns outscoring them 42-22 in the
fourth quarter.
Batum
led the way with 20 points and seven rebounds. Aldridge had 19 points and 13
rebounds, garnering his 25 double-double of the season and the 220 of his
career, passing Sidney Wicks as the all-time leader in Trail Blazers history.
Mathews contributed 14 points and eight boards. Lillard had 13 points, C.J.
McCollum had 12 off the bench and Lopez had a double-double of 11 points, 12
boards to go along with four block shots.
Despite
a tough January the Trail Blazers are within striking distance of the No. 2
Seed in the East and they still lead the Northwest Division by a healthy nine
games over the Thunder who are on the outside of the playoff picture.
If
the team can stay healthy for the rest of the season, they will have home court
advantage at least in the opening round of the playoffs and who knows what can
happen?
High and Lows of Detroit Pistons
In
late December, the Detroit Pistons were 5-23 and in the midst of another lost
season.
The
team new that something had to change and the organization made a tough
decision in waiving forward Josh Smith.
The
result, the Pistons reeled of seven consecutive wins from Dec. 26 to Jan. 7,
with the last two victories coming at the defending champion Spurs 105-104 on a
game-winning shot by lead guard Brandon Jennings and a 108-95 win the next
night at the Mavericks.
After
a narrow defeat at the Hawks 106-103 on MLK day, the Pistons won five of their
next seven games with their most impressive win coming versus the Magic 128-118
in their most impressive game of the season.
Starting
center Andre Drummond lead the way with 26 points, 17 boards, and four steals
and three blocks. His front court mate Greg Monroe had 24 points and 10
rebounds and Jennings had perhaps the best all-around game of his career as he
put in 24 points, going 10 for 21 from the field with a career-high 21 assists
and just two turnovers.
That
great performance was short lived as three days later the Pistons lost at the Bucks
101-86. They also lost Jennings who injured his foot late in the third quarter.
A
couple of days later, the team confirmed that Jennings sustained a ruptured
left Achilles tendon. He eventually had season-ending surgery to repair the
Achilles and it will take between six to nine months to recover.
Since
Smith’s release from the Pistons, Jennings was averaging 19.8 points and seven
assists per game on 43.9 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from
three-point range.
Starting
in his stead has been back-up guard D.J. Augustin, who had a career-high 35
points and eight assists, but the Pistons lost at the Atlantic Division leading
Toronto Raptors (34-17) 114-110.
The
Pistons got back on track on Jan. 31 defeating the Rockets 114-101, snapping a
four-game losing streak.
Augustin
had a 28 points, 12 assists and two steals. His starting backcourt mate
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also had 28 points going 10 for 21 from the floor,
including 6 for 11 from three-point range to go along with three blocks. Monroe
had 19 points and 12 rebounds and Drummond had 11 points, 16 boards and three
blocks.
With
three wins in their last four chances, the Pistons at 20-31 stand 1.5 games out
of the eighth and final playoff spot, which is occupied by the Miami Heat
(21-29).
If
they have any chance of making the playoffs for the first time since 2009, they
need the front court tandem of Drummond and Monroe to continue their consistent
play in the paint on both ends. They need Augustin to be a steady leader at the
point as well as consistent perimeter shooting from Caldwell-Pope, sharp
shooting forward Kyle Singler, Jodie Meeks, Anthony Tolliver and Caron Butler.
Above
all else, they must play better at the defensive end. Surrendering 100 points
or more in six out of the last nine games just will not cut it.
The
Ugly
Bryant’s
Season Is Cut Short Again
Back
on Jan. 29, Lakers’ star guard Kobe Bryant was selected as a starter for the
Western Conference in the 2015 All-Star Game, which will take place next Sunday
night at Madison Square Garden on TNT. It is the 17th time in the
inevitable Hall of Fame career of the five-time NBA champion.
Unfortunately,
the third best scorer in NBA history had his season come to an early end again.
Bryant
sustained a shoulder injury on a drive to the basket for a slam dunk in the
Lakers 96-80 loss at the Pelicans on Jan. 21. It was later revealed he tore the
rotator cuff in his right shoulder. Bryant had successful surgery to repair the
torn labrum in the right rotator cuff of the aforementioned shoulder last week.
The recovery time is expected to be about nine months.
Just
about 17 years ago, the 1998 NBA All-Star Game took place in the same venue
that this year’s NBA mid-seasons classic will take place, at Madison Square
Garden in New York City.
This
was the first All-Star appearance for Bryant and Spurs’ forward Tim Duncan, who
will making his 15th All-Star appearance next Sunday night.
It
is hard to fathom that it has been nearly two decades that these two
magnificent champions step onto the big stage and eventually would be in the
conversation as two of the best to ever play the game.
These
two are also a reality of what can happen to great player late in his career.
The Spurs have continued to chase titles in the twilight of Duncan’s career,
while Bryant and the Lakers are a far cry from being a playoff team let alone a
contender.
On
top of that, Bryant is an unfortunate example of father time being undefeated
as for the third year alone his season ends early.
Two
years ago, an Achilles injury late the in the season prevented him from
participating in the playoffs and the Lakers were swept by the Spurs in the
opening round.
On
Dec. 17, 2013, Bryant suffered a lateral tibial plateau fracture in his left
knee in the Lakers 96-92 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. On Mar. 12, 2014, he
was ruled out for the rest of the season and Lakers finished 27-55 and missed
the postseason for the first time in the last eight season.
If
Bryant can comeback from this, it would once again show the fortitude, internal
strength and un-wavering courage that he has had throughout his entire career.
If this is the end, it would be a shame, but understandable. While there is $25
million reasons to comeback, if it is not possible, it would not be the worst
thing in the world.
He
came into the league at the age of 17 and with current TNT analyst Shaquille
O’Neal by his side in the early 2000s brought three straight titles to the
“Purple and Gold” and in the late 2000s added two more in succession with
Gasol.
He
passed the great Michael Jordan to become the third best scorer in NBA history
back on Dec. 14, 2014 a 100-94 win at Minnesota Timberwolves. He recorded the
20th triple-double of his career with 31 points, 12 assists and 11
boards in the Lakers 129-122 overtime win versus the Raptors on Nov. 30, 2014.
He added another with 23 points, 11 boards and 11 assists in a 111-103 victory
at Denver Nuggets (19-32) on Dec. 30, 2014, which made him just the third
player in NBA history to record multiple triple-doubles at age 36 or older.
Love
him or not, one thing is for sure about the career of Kobe Bryant, it was one
where he brought it every night win, lose or draw.
Information,
statistics and quotes are courtesy of www.espn.go.com/nba/standings/statistics/teams; 1/18/15 2 a.m. NBATV’s “Gametime”
with Matt Winer, Mike Dunleavy, Sr. and Rick Fox; 1/26/15 5 p.m. Bottom Line
news crawl on ESPN; 1/26/15 6 p.m. NBATV’s “The Beat” with Vince Cellini, Sekou
Smith and David Aldridge; 1/26/15 6:30 p.m. NBATV’s “The Starters” with Trey
Kerby, J.E. Skeets, Tas Melas and Leigh Ellis; 1/28/15 Bottom Line news crawl
on ESPNEWS; 1/29/15 1 a.m. edition ESPN’s “Sportscenter” with Jay Harris and
Kevin Connors; 1/29/15 2 a.m. NBATV’s “Gametime” with Vince Cellini, Kenny
Smith and Shaquille O’Neal; 1/29/15 7 p.m. TNT’s “NBA Tip-Off” presented by
Autotrader.com; 1/31/15 3 a.m. NBATV’s “Gametime” with Rick Kamla, Steve Smith
and Dennis Scott; 2/3/15 12 a.m. edition “NBA Tonight” on ESPN 2 with Doug
Kezirian and Tim Legler; 2/3/15 12:30 a.m. NBATV’s “The Beat” with Vince
Cellini, Sekou Smith and Shaun Powell; 2/3/15 2 a.m. NBATV’s “Gametime” with
Matt Winer, Steve Smith and Brent Barry; en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant; 2/5/15
10:30 p.m. contest Phoenix Suns versus Portland Trail Blazers on TNT with Kevin
Harlan, Brent Barry and Rachel Nichols; 2/6/15 1 a.m. edition of “Inside the
NBA” on TNT with Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Chris Webber.
