J-Speaks: Soaring Rockets

The Houston Rockets won at the Golden State Warriors on opening night 122-121 on Oct. 17. The victory was the back story on that night because they lost their newest lead guard in perennial All-Star Chris Paul to a knee injury that would cost him the next 14 games. While the Rockets still played solidly without Paul, the question was will he, and last season’s runner up for MVP in All-Star James Harden be able to play well together. They have not only played well together since Paul’s return from injury, the Rockets have yet to lose a game. 

With their latest victory, 108-96 versus the Charlotte Hornets (10-17) this past Wednesday night on ESPN, the Rockets (22-4) won their 11^th game in a row; their 6th win in succession at the Toyota Center, and their 17th win in their last 18 games.

Their 11-game winning streak is their longest since 2008, and those 11 straight wins have come with Paul back in the lineup. The team has averaged 119.6 points during this streak, on 48.8 percent shooting from the floor, and 41.2 from three-point range.  

He led the way for the Rockets with a season-high 31 points, and 11 assists, to along with seven boards, and two steals. 

Paul, who was 10 for 18 from the field, including 5 for 9 from three-point range, became the first player in NBA history to help a team to victory in its first 12 games with him as a starter since the Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman with the Chicago Bulls back in 1995-96.

"It's a lot of fun man," Paul, who for the 38 time in his career had 30 points, and 10 assists, tying  him with six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan said to Scott Van Pelt on the midnight edition of ESPN's "Sportscenter" after the win.
"The way we share the ball. The pace we play at. The comradery that we have, it's a lot of fun."

Paul also said of tying “MJ,” to Van Pelt, “MJ had 10 assists that many times? Tell him I said it too.” 

Jordan’s former teammate, and fellow Hall of Famer, and six-time champion Scottie Pippen said jokingly “He passed the ball later in his career, later on.”

Harden, who has scored 20 points or more in all 26 games this season had 21 points, and eight assists, even though he shot just 8 for 22 from the floor, including 3 for 10 from three-point range. Gordon had 17 points off the bench, going 4 for 9 from distance, and Trevor Ariza had 13 points, and six boards, going 3 for 7 from three-point range. 

In a contest, where Paul had his finger prints all over the game, it was Harden who led the way for the Rockets in their prior victory, 130-123 versus the New Orleans Pelicans (15-14) on Monday night. The previously MVP runner-up in two of the last three seasons had 26 points; tied a career-high 17 assists, with a franchise tying 14 of them in the opening half and six steals, going 8 for 16 from the field, including 4 for 10 from three-point range.

Harden’s electric night put him on a list of players to put up 25-plus points, 15-plus assists, three-plus three-point makes, and five-plus steals in a single game in NBA history. He joined current Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd, who did it twice, along with Hall of Fame lead guard of the Utah Jazz John Stockton. Former Indiana Pacers’ and Golden State Warriors guard Monta Ellis; former Jazz, New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks, and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Deron Williams; former Warriors’ and Miami Heat guard Tim Hardaway, Sr., the father of New York Knicks guard, and former Atlanta Hawk Tim Hardaway, Jr., and former Portland Trail Blazers guard Terry Porter also accomplished this. 

Paul had 18 of his 20 points in the second half, along with nine boards, six assists, and three steals. 

“James has been carrying us all season long. It was nice to give him a little help tonight,” Paul said after the game. 

The team was led on this night by center Clint Capela with a career-high 28 points, on 13 for 14 from the field, with eight boards, and five block shots. Gordon had 27 points off the bench, going 9 for 12 from the field, including 5 for 6 from three-point range.

“Clint was amazing man as good as [DeMarcus] Cousins is, when he was down here, he’s expending a lot of energy. So, we just wanted to run him. Put him in pick-and-rolls,” Paul said of Capela’s performance against one of the best big men in the game. “Clint definitely MVP of this game.” 

It took a total team effort by the Rockets, who had to overcome big nights from the Pelican guards, where All-Star Jrue Holiday had 37 points, five assists, and four steals, going 16 for 21 from the field, including 4 for 7 from three-point range. E’Twaun Moore had a career-high 36 points, hitting 15 for 20 from the floor, including 6 for 8 from three-point range. All-Star guard Rajon Rondo had a triple-double of 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists. Fellow All-Star DeMarcus Cousins had a double-double of 24 points, and 14 boards, with eight assists. 

The Pelicans were scoring hot from the field right from the jump, scoring 41 points in the opening period, which was followed by 35 points in the second quarter. The Rockets held a two-point lead, 78-76 at intermission, thanks to a 43-point second quarter. The Pelicans had a 103-96 lead entering the fourth, but the Rockets outscored their visitors 34-20 in the fourth quarter, with Harden scoring 12 straight points in the final frame to rally the Rockets. 

“We met right there before the fourth quarter started, said our little group had a chance to do something special. To pick up the energy right here,” Paul said about the Rockets approach before the fourth after the win. 

“We just tried to make them be more aggressive on defense, because they were just in a rocking chair. Rondo was quarterbacking, making all the plays. They was hitting threes.”

Harden was able to come in, and finish off the Pelicans, thanks to the fact that the supporting cast of the bench led by Gordon out scored the visitors reserves 38-3, and dominated them in the paint to the tune of 58 points to 40. 

The Rockets made an even bigger comeback over the weekend in the Pacific Northwest by pulling out of a 14-point hole at the Portland Trail Blazers (14-13) on Saturday night to earn a 124-117 win, thanks to a 40-point output in the final frame. 

Harden, who had a game-high 48 points that night, and Paul had 26 points, scored a combined 25 points in the fourth, and the Rockets went 15 for 18 from the floor in the final period, with Harden, and Paul going a combined 9 for 10 shooting, including hitting five layups.  

This game also represented the first time that Harden, and Paul had been on the floor together in crunch time this season. The games prior to this one that Paul has played in have been won by the Rockets by double-digits. 

Rockets color analyst for AT&T Sportsnet Southwest Matt Bullard said that with Harden, and Paul on the floor together at the Trail Blazers scored in the first seven clutch possessions of the fourth quarter, and their offensive rating was 228 points per 100 possessions.

"We spent a lot of time together this summer," Paul said to Van Pelt on how he, and Harden built the kind of chemistry on the court that has shown well during the Rockets winning streak.
"I think communication was key, but we still have a ways to go."   

Speaking of getting to the basket, the Rockets who are a team that scores it points from the three-point line, at the rim, and at the foul line, were 34 for 42 from the charity stripe, while the Trail Blazers attempted just 12 free throws, making nine. 

Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts said after the game about the Rockets, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, “They’re the best team in the league right now, and we competed, and came up short…We took out their passing. We took out their threes. And they beat us with good one-on-one play.”

There were times in that game where Harden had the Trail Blazers on their heels, and he could get to the basket anytime he wanted to. 

Even when the opposition has defended the Rockets well on a few occasions during this season, their star backcourt of Harden, and Paul in the final seconds of the shot clock can still beat you with their ability to make shots from long range. 

ESPN NBA writer Kevin Arnovitz said on Monday afternoon’s addition of “NBA: The Jump,” on ESPN with Rachel Nichols said that Harden has an effective field goal percentage of 55.1 on his 51 stepback attempts from three-point range inside the final five seconds of the 24-second shot clock, which is something he worked on diligently over the summer.  

“So, even when you everything correct, their last ditch, break the glass. In case of emergency play is stepback, three-pointer off the dribble, 55.1 percent effective,” he said. 

“It used to be literally the dumbest. Last ditch shot you could make in a game. And now, it is part of strategy.” 

There was a time over the summer when the Rockets acquired Paul from the Los Angeles Clippers, where the question was can Harden, and Paul, two ball dominant players co-exist together? The new question became when Paul returned is can he fit in to a team that was playing at a high level without him?  

He has fit in like a glove, and the signs were very clear in his first game on Nov. 16 at the Phoenix Suns on TNT. 

The Rockets put up 90 points. That’s right 90 points in the opening half at the Suns (9-21) in their 142-116 win. It was the fifth most points in a half all-time in NBA history, right behind the Rockets 94-point half on Jan. 10, 1991. The Philadelphia 76ers put up 95 points in a game back on Dec. 20, 1967. The Atlanta Hawks scored 97 points in a half on Feb. 11, 1970. The most points ever put up in a half was done by the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 10, 1990. 

Harden was incredible with 48 points, on 12 for 22 from the field, including 6 for 11 from distance, and a perfect 18 for 18 from the foul line. Paul had a double-double in his return of 11 points, and 10 assists in 21 minutes. Anderson had 24 points, going 6 for 10 from three-point range. Gordon had 13 off the bench, and backup center Nene had 10 points. Capela had a double-double of 12 points, and 10 boards. Ariza also contributed 11 points. 

To bring the impact Paul has had into clearer context, according to the site Second Spectrum, Anderson is scoring on 79 percent of his three-point attempts when feed by Paul. 

In the first 15 games without their lead guard, whose nickname is “CP3” returned to the lineup, the Rockets were shooting a respectable 34 percent from behind the three-point arc, No. 25 in the NBA, making 15.1 threes. In that period, their assists-to-turnover ratio has been 1.3, and their point differential was a +13.1. They have averaging 110.4 points, on shooting 45.3 percent overall from the floor, while averaging 21.3 assists.  

In the first 10 games of their now 11 game winning streak since Nov. 16 with Paul, the Rockets rose that ranking to No. 2 in the NBA at 41.5 percent from distance, making 17.2 triples. The Rockets have averaged 120.0 points per game; shot 48.7 percent from the field; had a 1.77 assists-to-turnover ratio; a point differential of +17.6 and averaged 24.6 assists.  

In the Rockets 112-101 win at the Utah Jazz (13-15) on Dec. 7 on TNT, the Rockets connected on 10 of 14 threes off a pass from Paul. On triple tries that came off passes from Harden, and the other Rockets, or when they came off no passes, the team was a dismal 8 for 28, according to Second Spectrum. 

The other question that the Rockets have had to answer, especially over the last couple of seasons has been their play at the defensive end. That too has gotten better with Paul, a seven-time member of the NBA All-Defensive First-Team coming back, along with the off-season additions of swingman P.J. Tucker, and Luc Mbah a Moute.  

They are No. 6 in rebound differential in the NBA; No. 3 in steals per game at 9.4 and tied for No. 8 in forced turnovers at 15.2. 

Even with that progress, Paul said to Van Pelt that there is still room for the Rockets to improve, especially the way they start games. 

"We're winning games, and stuff right now, but it's big picture," he said after the win versus the Hornets. "We still have to keep building. We got to get off to better starts, and we got to keep building out defense."

What this 11-game winning streak, and the Rockets rise to the No. 1 Seed in the West this season, for now signals is that Paul, and Harden have made this partnership on the basketball court work, and it helps when you have an offensive genius in Mike D’Antoni leading the way from the sidelines, and the plethora of shooters that can make shots at a high clip. 

Paul though has put in the work to evolve himself into a player that many thought he would struggle to become. A guy who can share the point guard responsibilities with Harden. That he can shoot three-pointers at a consistent rate, shooting a career-high of 41.8 percent, with four games this season of four three-point connections, or more. He has attacked the basket when the opportunity has presented itself to score or find the open man rolling to the hole, on spotting up at the three-point line, and has taken less mid-range jumpers. 

While the Harden, and Paul have answered the question can they put it all together on the court, and the Rockets as a team have demonstrated that they can play the type of defense that can get you far in the playoffs to this point in the 2017-18 NBA campaign, the question is can they put it all together when we reach the middle of April, and the months of May, and June? 

While they have played well, the Golden State Warriors (22-6), who have won seven games in a row are the defending champions, and their interstate, and Southwest Division rivals the San Antonio Spurs (19-9) have five titles to their name, and defeated the Rockets in the Semifinals a season ago in six games. 

The Warriors, and Spurs have been down this road before of positioning themselves to be at their best in the postseason. Also, they both have former MVPs in two-time MVP Stephen Curry of the Warriors, along with last season’s Finals MVP, and 2014 league MVP Kevin Durant, not to mention All-Stars Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. The Spurs have Kawhi Leonard, and the likes of Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili who played big roles in the Spurs winning five of their six NBA titles.

The Rockets are trying to figure it out, and while they have made positive steps to this point, the team, and Harden, and Paul will be judge on what they do in the spring. Counting their first tilt of the season with the Spurs on Friday night on ESPN, the Rockets will have a combined six more contests with their Conference rivals, and five of those six will be in the New Year. 

From that point on, we all will find out if what the Rockets are a serious threat in the West, or a team that will flame out again when the pressure, and expectations are at there highest. 

Information, quotations, and statistics are courtesy of 12/8/17 3 p.m. edition of “NBA: The Jump,” on ESPN with Rachel Nichols, Amin Elhassan, and Tracy McGrady; 12/11/17 3 p.m. edition of “NBA: The Jump,” on ESPN with Rachel Nichols, and Kevin Arnovitz; 12/11/17 6:30 p.m. edition of NBATV’s “10 Before Tip,” with Jared Greenberg; 12/13/17 6:30 p.m. edition of NBATV’s “10 Before Tip,” with Jared Greenberg; 12/12/17 6:30 a.m. edition of NBATV’s “Gametime,” presented by Kia Motors, with Kristen Ledlow, and Brent Barry; 12/14/17 12 a.m. edition of ESPN’s “Sportscenter with Scott Van Pelt:” 12/14/17 7 p.m. edition of NBATV’s “The Starters,” presented by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, with Tas Melas, J.E. Skeets, Leigh Ellis, and Trey Kerby; 12/15/17 3 p.m. edition of "NBA: The Jump," on ESPN, with Rachel Nichols, Ramona Shelburne, and Tracy McGrady; www.nba.com/games; www.espn.com/nba/statistics; www.espn.com/nba/standings;  www.espn.com/nba/team/schedule/_/name/hou/houston-rockets; www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/2779/chris-paul; and www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3992/james-harden.  

J-Speaks: The Return of A Former All-Star Pacer

Over the summer, the Indiana Pacers, and Oklahoma City Thunder completed a blockbuster deal sending All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist Paul George down south for guard Victor Oladipo, and Domantas Sabonis. On paper, the Thunder seemed to get the better end of the deal acquiring George to team up with fellow perennial All-Star Carmelo Anthony, and last season’s league MVP Russell Westbrook. On the season so far though, it has been the Pacers that have played better than the Thunder, led by the break out season of Oladipo. On Wednesday night, George played in his first game as an opponent at in Indianapolis, IN, and while his play was less than stellar, his team produced the same result as they did two months back, thanks to the play of the supporting cast. 

On a night when George, who spent seven season with the Pacers struggled mightily scoring just 12 points, going 3 for 14 from the field, including 2 for 7 from three-point range, and was booed repeatedly by those in attendance at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the Thunder (13-14) won at the Pacers (16-12) thanks to the 23 points, and 13 boards of starting center Steven Adams, who also shot 11 for 16 from the floor. 

“Yeah, I’m happy the circus is over with. Everybody can move on,” George, who has 19 field goals made, and 20 turnovers in his last four games said after the just the Thunder’s fourth win on the road in 14 tries, but their fifth win in their last seven games. “I understood what the environment was going to be, so it wasn’t a surprise.” 

Anthony also struggled offensively also, scoring just 12 points himself, going 4 for 14 from the field, but did have three blocks. 

While he was just 3 for 17 shooting, and just 3 for 7 from the charity stripe, Westbrook garnered his ninth triple-double of the season, and 35^th of 2017, and the 88^th of his career with 10 points, 17 boards, and 12 assists. The 35 triple-doubles by Westbrook this calendar year is the most in NBA history. He had shared the mark of 34 with the Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson in 1961. 

Head coach Billy Donovan’s Thunder also got contributions from Alex Abrines, who had 14 points, going 4 for 6 from three-point range. Jerami Grant had nine points, six boards, and three blocks off the bench, and Patrick Patterson had eight points, hitting a couple of triples. 

George did manage to sink two crucial free throws with 10.7 seconds left to seal the victory for the Thunder, to capture the season series 2-0 over their Eastern Conference opponent. 

The Thunder took down the Pacers in their place, Chesapeake Energy Arena 114-96 back on Oct. 25, and George struggled on that night as well scoring just 10 points in 19 minutes, and fouled out. 

Oladipo led the Pacers in a losing cause with 19 points, but shot just 9 for 26 from the floor, including just 1 for 9 from three-point range, but did have five boards, and six assists. Sabonis had eight points, and six boards off the bench in 18 minutes.

“It was the first time I’ve had a defender guard me like that since I’ve been on this team,” Oladipo said of his rough shooting night being guarded by George. “They were just trying to deny me, and he (George) can move his feet.”

To say that this was very different day for George of this NBA season to this point. Everything was different for the four-time All-Star from locating the visitor’s locker room; to having the 18,165 fans in attendance at Bankers Life Fieldhouse that cheered him for his seven seasons in Pacers’ country to one fan shouting out to him when he first came on the court for pregame warmups, “traitor!” Being booed at a high crescendo during the starting introductions, and every time he touched the ball during the game. 

The only time that he got any cheers from those in attendance was when he was called for a foul or made a mistake from missing a shot, which he did plenty of on the night, to turning the ball over, which he did four times.

"I'm in my comfort zone when I'm on the court," George said before the game on Wednesday. "I might be nervous off the court being booed, but on the court, it's my comfort zone. It's basketball. It's what I do. I'm not going to lose sleep over it. I'm living my dream, getting to play in the NBA, playing basketball. So, I get booed, I get booed. It's part of the game. It will make for a good show, and I'm looking forward to it."

George elaborated on those thoughts by saying, “If for whatever the reason, I’m booed, I’ll embrace it,” George said earlier in the week about dealing with the fans reaction to his return. “I’m going to thrive on it, and that is going to give me the energy to play better.” 

George did embrace it, and while he struggled for most of the game, he would have the last laugh by making the previously mentioned two free throws to seal the win for the Thunder, but he came up with the final steal of the contest on Oladipo, and he pumped his arms, and he, and his teammates savored that moment. 

The former Pacer began his postgame presser with the question of "Vic is there guy here right? Right?"

His answered his own question was, "Don't let him get the ball. It's Simple. Ball game." 

George then tap his right hand on the table to close his case, and he walked away from the table. 

When this trade took place over the summer, it was considered highway robbery where Oladipo, and Sabonis were considered as valuable as a ham, and cheese sandwich of an elementary school kids’ lunch. 

To bring this point into clearer context, the Oklahoma City Police Department tweeted @OKCPD about the trade Thunder General Manager Sam Presti pulled back on June 30 said, “Thanks for the tweets reporting the “theft” of Paul George by @okcthunder. Our investigative findings: totally legal & very savvy.” they would begin an investigation to the theft the Thunder, and General Manager Sam Presti pulled off. 

One person who really liked that tweet very much was Pacers’ President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard.

Things have turned out well for the Pacers to this point in the 2017-18 NBA campaign season as they entered their Wednesday night tilt versus the Thunder No. 5 in the Eastern Conference. 

A major reason for that has been the career-year turned in by Oladipo, who as the No. 2 overall pick by the Orlando Magic in 2013, who entered the game averaging 24.5 points, 5.3 boards, four assists, and 1.8 steals per contest, on 48.5 percent from the field, and 44.4 percent from three-point range. He has also had five games so far scoring 30 points or more. 

In the Pacers 126-116 comeback win in overtime versus the Denver Nuggets (15-13), Oladipo scored a career-high of 47 points, on 15 for 28 from the field, hitting 6 for 12 from three-point range, and 11 for 13 from the free throw line, with seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals. This was on the heels of a 33-point performance, going 11 for 24 from the floor, hitting six more triples on 13 tries, with eight boards, and five assists last Friday versus the Cleveland Cavaliers (20-8), ending their 13-game winning streak. 

For Oladipo, this season has been one where he has come into his own. Is that rare player that has shown he can thrive for a small market sports organization, and he simply made it a point to play at a high level, and if he keeps this could earn his first All-Star nod of his career. 

“I’m kind of sick getting sick, and tired of being compared with Paul George, and myself,” the former Indiana Hoosier said leading up the game versus the Thunder about him being compared to George. “He moved on, and I moved on from my situation. Life takes its course. I’m happy here. I wish him all the best. I’m feathery right now as a Pacer. I don’t have any disrespect toward him. I’m just grateful to be able to put on this jersey every night.” 

In his first two stops with the Magic for his first three seasons, and with the Thunder last season, Oladipo, who hails from nearby Washington, D.C. put up okay numbers, but he never lived up to where he was chosen in the draft. 

What needs to be remember though is he was selected by a team in the Magic that was trying to rebuild itself back into a playoff team with the departure of All-Star center Dwight Howard, and things never worked out. 

In his lone season with the Thunder, who acquired him during the June 2016 draft along with Sabonis for then forward Serge Ibaka, he was expected to be the sidekick to Russell Westbrook. An injured wrist, and an inability to find any chemistry with the reigning 2017 league MVP hampered those dreams, and resulted in Oladipo, and Sabonis coming to the Pacers where they both have thrived. 

“It’s another game we’re looking forward to on our home floor,” Oladipo said of the highly anticipated matchup. “We want to win every game really bad, no matter who we’re playing. I hope they feel that way about every game.”

For both the Pacers, and Thunder, their second matchup of the season brought a lot of hype, and the crowd was heard loud, and clear throughout the game.

That seemed to be the only consistent thing because both teams did not play with any flow at all on the night. The Thunder shot just 40.9 percent from the field, 62.5 percent 15 for 24 from the charity stripe, though they shot 13 for 29 from three-point range, and had 20 fast break points. The Pacers shot 44.9 percent from the floor, 11 for 31 from three-point range, but just 4 for 6 from the foul line; were out-rebounded 52-42; had just 18 assists; and gave up 17 points off 14 turnovers. 

Despite the loss to the Thunder on Wednesday night, their first loss in five games on their current six-game homestand, and look like a team that has a chance of making the playoffs, which seemed like a fantasy at the start of this season. 

It also gave the fans a chance to express their feelings on George leaving a team that he was a big part of them making themselves into a championship contender in the early part of this decade, where their dreams were shattered on three occasions in the postseason by four-time MVP LeBron James in his time with the Miami Heat. 

“He did so much for Indiana, and how well he played, and carried us when he was here. I think he’ll get more cheers than boos,” George’s former teammate Lance Stephenson, who had nine points, and eight boards off the bench said prior to the game. 

For the Thunder, this victory was major for them in the fact that it took the bitter taste out of their mouths from an abysmal 116-103 loss they had versus the Charlotte Hornets (10-17) just 48 hours prior. It was their sixth victory by five points or less, bringing their record in those games to 6-10, and they avoided their ninth loss this season where they had a double-digit lead, which was 11 points at one point in their game at the Pacers. 

As mentioned earlier, this was the Thunder’s fourth win on the road this season, bringing their record to 4-10. Coming into Wednesday’s action, the Thunder on the road were dead last in “The Association,” 30^th in field goal percentage; tied for 25^th in three-point percentage; 25^th in assists; and 29^th in points in the paint. 

Prior to their 102-101 overtime win at the struggling Memphis Grizzlies (8-20) last Saturday night, the Thunder had lost eight straight road games, and was averaging just 96.4 points per contest, which was ranked No. 29 in the NBA during that time. Their 40.3 percent from the field was ranked dead last, 30^th. Their 30.1 defensive boards in those eight straight defeats was ranked 27^th, and their 19.1 assists average was ranked 28^th. 

Anthony had 21 points, and nine rebounds, even though he was 7 for 20 shooting. Adams, who has averaged 19.0 points, 10.1 boards, on 71.3 percent from the field the last seven games, where the Thunder have gone 5-2 also had 21 points, and nine rebounds. Westbrook had a triple-double of 20 points, 14 assists, and 11 rebounds, while he shot just 7 for 29 from the field. Alex Abrines also had 20 points, which was a career-high, going 6 for 8 from three-point land.  

Entering their Monday night contest versus the Hornets, Westbrook, Anthony, and George, who returned from a two-game absence because of a calf contusion have shot a combined 10 for 42 from the floor in clutch situations, standing for with under five minutes left in the game, with the scoring margin of five points or less. 

On top of that, the Thunder as a unit with their win on Wednesday brought their record to 4-6 in games decided by five points or less. 

The reality is the Thunder expected to be better than this. The newest “Big Three” of Westbrook, Anthony, and George expected to be coordinated on both ends of the court, especially offensively. Even with their victory, they still look uncomfortable, and unless that changes, the talks of perhaps trading George, who is an unrestricted free agent at season’s end will continue. 

“It’s up to us honestly,” Westbrook said about what the Thunder need to do to turn things around after the loss to the Hornets on Monday night. “We just have to figure it out, and play the same way every night.” 

Information, statistics, and quotations are courtesy of 12/10/17 2 a.m. edition of NBATV's "Gametime," presented by Kia Motors with Matt Winer, David Griffin, and Brendan Haywood 12/11/17, and 12/13/17 6:30 p.m. edition of NBATV’s “10 Before Tip,” with Jared Greenberg; 12/11/17 NBA.com article, “Victor Oladipo ‘Sick, and Tired’ Of Paul George Comparisons;” 12/14/17 2 a.m. edition of NBATV's "Gametime," with Jared Greenberg, Dennis Scott, and Shaquille O'Neal; www.nba.com/games/20171213/OKCIND#/matchup/boxscore/recap; www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4251/paul-george; www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2527963/victor-oladipo; and www.espn.com/nba/standings.

J-Speaks: Nets/SIxers Trade

Two years ago, center Jahlil Okafor was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Behind a stellar rookie season where he averaged 17.5 points, seven rebounds, shooting 50.8 percent from the field, he made the NBA All-Rookie First-Team. Injuries, the emergence, and improved health of star center in the making Joel Embiid made Okafor expendable, which resulted in his numbers, and playing time dropping as quick as a rock falling off a cliff. Last Thursday, the consensus No. 1 high school player in his class, who led the Duke Blue Devils to the 2015 national title was granted his wish of a fresh start. 

The Sixers traded Okafor, who averaged 11.8 points, and 4.8 rebounds last season, shooting guard Nik Stauskas, the No. 8 overall pick of the Sacramento Kings in the 2014 draft, and a 2019 Second-Round pick to the Brooklyn Nets, for veteran forward/center Trevor Booker, who averaged 10.5 points, and 6.8 boards on 52.1 percent from the field in 20 games with the Nets. 

“When I first got drafted there, we already had Nerlens (Noel) there, Joel (Embiid) was there, so we’re trying to have three starting centers on the same team,” Okafor, who has averaged just 5.0 points, 4.5 rebounds in just two games played with the Sixers this season said on Monday during his introductory press conference with his new team the Nets on Monday. “It just never really was the right fit.” 

Besides the injuries issues that limited him to just 53, and 50 games in his first two seasons, Okafor had some problems off the hardwood in his time in the city of “Brotherly Love,” from getting a speeding ticket for driving 108 miles per hour, and was suspended by the Sixers for two games after getting in an altercation with a heckler outside a Boston nightclub. 

“Speeding obviously is illegal,” Okafor said of the situation. “I know that’s not what you’re supposed to do. I guess you just learn how the page can turn on you, and how everything can flip. I can’t really say I learned anything, because you know going in that’s not right. You just learn from your mistakes, but (it was) a tough thing that I went through, I got past it, and I’m looking to better times now.” 

Those better times hopefully will be with a Nets team that has played better than expected this season, and now has another young player in Okafor, who turns 22 years of age on Friday, Dec. 15 they will have a chance to look at along with Stauskas to see if they can be core parts of their team in the future. 

Okafor, who as mentioned earlier was chosen No. 3 overall in the draft two seasons back, will be joining guard D’Angelo Russell, the No. 2 overall pick from that draft. 

Russell, who the Nets acquired, along with center Timofey Mozgov over the summer from the Los Angeles Lakers, for center Brook Lopez had off the court problems of his own with the team that drafted him. He received swift criticism for recording a conversation with then teammate Nick Young of how he cheated on then girlfriend Iggy Azalea. That incident, among other things is why the Lakers essentially gave up on Russell, traded him to the Nets, and drafted Lonzo Ball, ironically No. 2 overall back in June. 

“I feel like we’re similar in that we have a lot to prove,” Okafor said of himself, and his new teammate Russell, who is on the shelf right now after knee surgery. “I know he’s working his (butt) off as well. Right now, he’s rehabbing, trying to get back on the court. I think we both have a chip on our shoulder, and we have a lot to prove. We’re definitely similar in that regard.” 

While the Nets got the main player in this deal in Okafor, the big initial question though is who got the better end of this trade between the Atlantic Division rivals. 

This is one of those rare trade that helped both teams out. The Nets got two players in Okafor, and Stauskas that are hungry to prove that they belong in the NBA. Both are young players who have shown flashes of what they could be, but have not been consistent in their play. 

In the case of Staukas, who hails from Mississauga, Ontario, he was traded from the Kings on July 10, 2015 from the Kings along with forwards Carly Landry, and Jason Thompson, and a future First-Round draft pick, and the rights to swap First-Round picks in 2016, and 2017 to the Sixers after just one season. 

While he had two okay years with the team, where he averaged 8.5, and 9.5 points per game respectably, the addition of J.J. Redick over the summer, along with the acquisition of the No. 1 overall pick in June’s draft, which was guard Markelle Fultz out of the University of Washington, Stauskas’ days were numbered. So much so that he only saw action in just six games with the Sixers.  

Here with the Nets (11-15), who scored a 103-98 win versus the Washington Wizards (15-13) on Tuesday night, both know that they will have a chance to show that they play at a high level, and give themselves a chance to still have solid careers in the NBA.  

These are players who fit the mold of what Nets GM Sean Marks wants on the roster. Players with a chip on their shoulder. Eager to show that being overlooked by their previous team was a mistake. Player who were praised at one point in their high school, collegiate or early in their pro career like Okafor, but now are having to start from bottom, and work their way up the latter. 

The Nets know though, it will take time for Okafor, and Stauskas to get acclimated to their new team, and new teammates, which is what head coach Kenny Atkinson said to the press before their Tuesday night tilt versus the Washington Wizards. 

“Anytime you incorporated new players, it takes time,” he said. “It takes time to learn a new system, on both sides of the ball. Getting familiar with their teammates. Just integrating them into the squad takes a little bit. So, where in the process. We had a practice yesterday. We had a practice yesterday. Got one under our belts, so that was good.” 

The other thing that worked against both Okafor, and Stauskas is that they began their NBA careers under tough circumstances. Being selected in the Top 10 of the NBA draft, you are expected to come in, and have an immediate impact on changing the direction of the team that drafted you. In Okafor’s case he was part of what was dubbed, “The Process,” by former Sixers General Manager Sam Hinkie. As mentioned earlier, that process consisted of him, Embiid, Noel, along last season’s No. 1 overall pick forward/guard Ben Simmons. While Okafor did show flashes that he could be the guy who leads them back to respectably, the team had the belief that Embiid, who missed his first two season because of injury, and played in just 31 games last season, would be that franchise changing player, and he has become that this season for the Sixers, along with Simmons. 

This put the current Sixers GM Brian Colangelo in a tough spot, he gambled on the fact that Embiid would eventually get healthy, and be the anchor of the team, which is why he traded Noel to the Dallas Mavericks a season ago, and last week traded Okafor. 

The Sixers (14-13), while they gave up a draft pick, all be it a 2019 pick, did get a solid veteran player in Booker, who will another presence in the locker room along with Amir Johnson, Jerryd Bayless, and J.J. Redick, who have been very valuable assets to head coach Brett Brown with their experience, and knowledge they have accumulated in their years in the NBA. Booker gives the Sixers another rebounder, defender, and a player who will always be ready to play off the bench whether he plays one minute, or 25 minutes. 

This trade was summed up best in a statement by Okafor’s agent, “The organization (Philadelphia 76ers) is in a great position moving forward, and we are very happy that Jahlil can go, and establish himself in a new situation.” 

How Okafor, and Stauskas make the most of this new situation will determine a lot of what happens to them for the remainder of their careers. Coach Atkinson said in his press conference before the Nets’ contest versus the Wizards that he, and his coaching staff will do everything they can to put both in position to succeed here for the rest of this season. 

“We want to both of those guys in position to succeed. In position to help the team,” Atkinson said. “Luckily we have another practice day coming up. So, that will be good. I wish we had four days where we can do a mini training camp, but that’s not the case. So, we as a staff, we’re going to work hard to get those guys up to speed, and ready.” 

Information, statistics, and quotations are courtesy of 12/7/17 8 p.m. contest of Los Angeles Lakers versus Philadelphia 76ers on TNT with Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, and David Aldridge; 12/11/17 1 a.m. edition of NBATV’s “Gametime,” with Casey Stern, Sam Mitchell, and Brent Barry; 12/11/17 “The Associated Press” story via NBA.com, “Jahlil Okafor Excited For Fresh Start with Brooklyn Nets,” by Michael Scotto; 12/12/17 7 p.m. edition of the Brooklyn Nets Pregame show on Yankees’ Entertainment, and Sports Network (YES), presented by Infor with Chris Shearn, report from Nets sideline reporter Michael Grady; www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2991042; www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3135048; www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4270; https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jahlil_Okafor; and https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nik_Stauskas.

J-Speaks: Similarities and Differences Amongst NBA All-Stars

There are a lot of things that LeBron James, DeMarcus Cousins, and Kevin Durant have in common. They have been perennial All-Stars in their careers. They have made huge amounts of money. They are respected amongst their teammates, and peers. Above all, they were high draft selection that have exceeded expectations in terms of their consistent production on the court. The big difference between the three stars is that two have been in the postseason, and even won titles, while one has yet to even participate in the NBA’s second season. On Wednesday night, all three had superstar performances, but each performance brought a different perspective. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers (18-7) 101-95 victory versus the Sacramento Kings (7-17), their 13^th win in a row, tying a franchise record, four-time league MVP LeBron James nearly had his third triple-double of the season with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, going 12 for 18 from the field, including 5 for 8 from three-point range. 

In their 101-87 victory over the Charlotte Hornets (9-14), the defending champion Golden State Warriors (20-6) were led to their fifth win in a row by 2014 league MVP, and last season’s Finals MVP Kevin Durant, who had his first triple-double of the season, and the ninth of his career with 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists on 13 for 28 from the floor, to go along with two blocks. 

Behind the 19^th double-double of 40 points, 22 rebounds, to go along with four block shots by All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, the New Orleans Pelicans (12-12) won versus the up-and-down Denver Nuggets (13-11) 123-114. 

It is no surprise that these three stellar players had out of this world performances, which they have made routine throughout their careers. The difference is how they came about; the meaning behind these performances, and what it meant for their respective teams. 

When James came into the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2003 out of high school, he was a pass first player, more of the mold of Hall of Famer, and five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers back in the 1980s Earvin “Magic” Johnson. While that description has stuck, he has become a fantastic scorer, but he has become a more efficient scorer, specifically his ability to make step back three-pointers. 

This season, James is 8 for 11 on step back triples, and during the Cavs winning streak, he has hit a lot of them, particularly in the fourth quarter to put the opposition away. Just ask the Brooklyn Nets, and the Cavs recent opponent the Kings. 

He drilled a step back trifecta with 15.8 seconds remaining over Kings' forward JaKarr Sampson, to complete the Cavs’ comeback from 14 points down in the third quarter. The Cavs call that play, “Chicago,” which is named after the game-winning shot that the great Michael Jordan hit over former Cavalier Craig Ehlo in Game 5 of the First-Round of the 1989 playoffs to win the series for the Chicago Bulls.

“It felt good,” James said after the game. “I was able to get the laces where I wanted them, and I got enough space, I created space with the step-back away from JaKarr (Sampson), and I was able to let it go. It felt good the whole time.”

To further point out how James has expanded his game in again his 15^th season in the NBA, he is shooting a career-high 43.0 percent from three-point range this season. His previous career-best shooting percentage from long distance was 40.6 percent back in the 2012-13 season when he was with the Miami Heat, when they won the back end of their back-to-back titles. Also, he is a remarkable 14 for 21 shooting step-back jumper overall this season. 

“He’s amazing,” Cavs’ sharp shooting guard Kyle Korver, who had 15 points, including hitting three straight triples, of his four on the night versus the Kings in the fourth said after the game. “He’s just demanding the ball. He’s like, ‘Give me the ball, we’re about to win.’ And, I’ve been around some guys who’ve had amazing years. I’ve been playing with him, and Derrick (Rose) when he was MVP. Allen Iverson when I was younger.” 

Korver also added, “But he’s taken this to a whole new level. It’s amazing to have a better than a front-row seat, because I’m usually on the court next to him somewhere. I’m glad he’s on my team.”

The other thing this performance showed by James was how no matter the opponent, he is always ready to play, and it is because of his heroic effort the Cavs avoided losing to one of the worst teams in the NBA.

"Well obviously we looked a little sluggish, and throughout an 82-game season, there's going to be games like that where your just really sluggish, and you don't know how to get out of it," James said to FOX Sports Ohio's Allie Clifton about the Cavs' performance after the win. 

"We just had to change our body language from the first half to the second half. Started to make shots. Started to get stops, and fourth [Kyle] Korver came in with that huge spark to start the fourth, and I just tried to close it out. 

James has been especially was big in the fourth quarter, which has been a major theme during the Cavs 13 wins in succession, which also includes seven straight home wins at Quicken Loans Arena. 

James has averaged an NBA-best 9.5 points in the final stanza in that span, shooting 55.1 percent from the field, 38.5 from three-point range, and has scored 15 points or more three times. 

One of those 15-plus point fourth quarter performances came versus the Nets (10-14) on Nov. 22, where he scored 23 of his 33 points in the fourth period, where he scored at one time a career-high 18 straight Cavs points in the final frame. 

Earlier in the week, James said that he feels that people who watch him in person, or on television take his greatness for granted. 

To bring this point into context, James, according to the Elias Sports Bureau became just the third player in NBA history to have 700-plus points, 200-plus rebounds, and 200-plus assists in the first 25 games of a season. He joined Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, who accomplished this feet three straight times (1960-61, 1961-62, and 1962-63), and reigning MVP Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder a season ago. 

Senior NBA writer for “Bleacher Report” Howard Beck said on Thursday edition of NBATV’s “10 Before Tip,” with Jared Greenberg agrees, but there have been several circumstances behind that, like the Cavs have not been the dominant team like they have been in the past during the regular season, and the fact that other teams like the Warriors have been the dominant topic of the league the past three seasons. 

“You take LeBron for granted at this point, and I feel we need to keep reminding ourselves, and everyone else that he’s in his 15^th season, and still putting up these insane numbers,” Beck said. 

He also said that James at times has played possum for stretches of the regular season, and that he really shows his greatness in the postseason, like in last season’s Finals where he became the first player to average a triple-double with 33.6 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in the six-game setback to the Warriors. 

James really has nothing left to prove, winning as mentioned earlier four league MVPs; he three championships, earning two Finals MVPs, and has made seven straight trips to The Finals, with a chance to make it eight in a row if the Cavs get there this June.

That opportunity for the Cavs to win their second title in the last four seasons though rest on the Cavs being healthy, and whole. 

James has had to play at this superior high level because the team has been without Rose, and Tristan Thompson for a while because of injury, and they have yet to see All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas, who has been shelved recovering from a hip injury. 

Seeing James play like this now is fun, and exceptional to watch, but even though he has yet to show any slippage in play because in season No. 15, it is unfathomable to expect him to keep this pace up for the rest of the regular season, as well as the postseason playing 37.2 minutes per game, tied for No. 1 with forward Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.   

Durant’s performance was remarkable in the fact that the Warriors were missing their back-to-back MVP in Stephen Curry who was on the shelf because of an ankle injury he sustained in the team’s 125-115 win at the Pelicans on Monday night. The team was also without their best all-around player in All-Star, and last season’s Defensive Player of the Year in Draymond Green because of a sore shoulder. 

"Well coach [Steve Kerr] just called the plays, and I just tried to make the right reads. Whether it was to shot. Whether it was to pass," the 2014 league MVP, and last season's Finals MVP said to ESPN's Doris Burke after the win. 

Also, Durant finished the game on the court, unlike in two of the Warriors last three wins at the Orlando Magic a week ago, and at the Pelicans where he was tossed out of the game late in the fourth quarter. 

Durant set the tone of the Warriors’ tilt at the Hornets with 16 points in the first period on 6 for 9 shooting in aiding his team to build a 26-18 lead. 

“It wasn’t so much a vocal leadership role, but more of an ‘I got this type of thing,’” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said. “It was the way he carried himself. He was clearly the best player on the floor, and the dominant player on the floor. Without Steph, he almost had a different bounce to his step, like ‘This one is mine, I got it.’” 

Along with his scoring, Durant made plays for his teammates with 10 assists of the Warriors 26 assists on the night.

“It’s fun when you get to create, and just be creative out there, whether it’s passing to JaVale (McGee) for a lob or shooting a pull-up jump shot,” Durant said after the win. “Tonight, it felt like I could go in my bag of tools, my bag of tricks, to pull some stuff out. I don’t expect it to be like that every single game, but tonight I thought it called for it.”

He also led the way at the defensive end with the 11 rebounds, and two of the Warriors 12 block shots.

The game also showed that without two of their core guys, the team can still perform at a high level, and Durant showed that and then some, with help from fellow “Splash Brother” Klay Thompson, with seven of his 22 points in the fourth quarter. 

Wednesday night represented the second time this season that Cousins has had 40-plus points, and 20-plus rebounds in a game. He accomplished that feat in front of a nationally televised audience back on Oct. 26 on TNT when Cousins put up 41 points, 23 rebounds, along with six assists, on 14 for 25 from the field, including 3 for 5 from three-point range, and 10 for 12 from the foul line. 

The last player to go 40/20 in a regulation game over the past 40 seasons was Hall of Fame center, and two-time champion with the Houston Rockets is center Hakeem Olajuwon back in 1989. 

The last player to have multiple 40-plus point, 20-plus rebound performances in a season was Hall of Famer, and current head coach of Georgetown University Patrick Ewing. 

What is also ironic about the two times Cousins put up 40/20 is they occurred without fellow All-Star forward/center Anthony Davis, who out of action for a third straight game on Wednesday night because of a strained left adductor. 

“Just trying to make a play, doing whatever it takes to help the team win a game. Tonight was my night,” Cousins said after the game. “You kind of get locked in, and you know when you’re rolling, of course, but it’s still all about making the right play because eventually they adjust.”

In an interview with NBATV's Jared Greenberg, and Steve Smith, Cousins was not overjoyed by his performance, saying, "I really don't get caught up into the analytics. I just like to play ball. I do what it takes to win a game. Shout out to Pat Ewing though." 

Besides the numbers that he has been putting up, Cousins has showed in this game, and a lot of something that many would have considered laughable in his 6 ½ seasons with the Sacramento Kings, leadership. 

For a great deal of his career, Cousins has been more known for his antics, and temper tantrums on the court, that have earned him, including this season 115 technical fouls, and 13 ejections in his career, than his skills at being able to dominate at the offensive end. 

He earned just his second technical foul of the season when he showed his displeasure at the officials when they were reviewing a play where Mason Plumlee crashed into the hardwood after Cousins’ elbow came near the Nugget center’s face as Cousins secured a rebound.

Cousins said of that incident, and how he feels he is being defended by the opposition with NBATV's Jared Greenberg, and Steve Smith after the game was, "It's not about guarding me anymore. It's just finding a way to get me ejected."

While he was not ejected in Wednesday night’s contest, he was sent to the showers for a similar play in the Pelicans 114-107 win versus the Oklahoma City Thunder (11-13) against last season’s league MVP Russell Westbrook. 

“Just the antics. It’s silly man, like, just let me live,” Cousins said of the play between him, and Plumlee. “Just trying to villainize me, and the way that it’s going, I hate it. Just let me be a basketball player. That’s all I’m asking.”  

It didn't help that in those six seasons in capital of California, Cousins was marred by a dysfunctional front office, and instability of the sidelines where the team seemed to change head coaches the way one changes socks every day. 

Since being traded to the “Big Easy” at the All-Star break last season, Cousins, and Davis have put up solid numbers in their year plus together, but the team has yet to make the postseason together. Cousins has yet to play a postseason game in his six prior seasons in the league.

If there is one thing that Cousins feels the Pelicans need to improve on to make it to the postseason this spring, it to have better starts in the second half of games. 

"We always struggling in the beginning of the third for some reason, and that's kind of been our Achilles tendon this season," Cousins said to Greenberg, and Smith. "With that being said, we got to come out with stronger starts to the second half."

Another motivating factor for Cousins’ play, and improved focus, taking away a couple of fall back moments is the fact that he will be an unrestricted free agent at season’s end.  

For these three superstars, there performances on Wednesday night was not a surprise because of how talented they are. What it reminded us is what they are capable of; the focus that they bring to the game, depending on the situation. For LeBron James, his level of play lately was about getting the Cavs out of their 5-7 hole they got themselves in, and has resulted in them winning 13 games in a row, and looking like the defending back-to-back-to-back champions they have been the past three seasons. For the defending champion Warriors, the performance by Durant showed that they can keep their train moving, even without All-Stars Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green. For DeMarcus Cousins, his level is of evolving maturity, and a hunger of finally being in the playoffs. 

Information, statistics, and quotations are courtesy of 11/22/17 2 a.m. edition of NBATV’s “Gametime,” with Kristen Ledlow, Dennis Scott, and Sam Mitchell; 12/7/17 72 a.m. edition of NBATV's "Gametime" with Casey Stern, Dennis Scott, and Shaquille O'Neal; 12/7/17 6:30 p.m. edition of NBATV’s “10 Before Tip,” with Jared Greenberg; 12/7/17 7 p.m. edition of NBATV’s “The Starters,” with Tas Melas, J.E. Skeets, Leigh Ellis, and Trey Kerby; www.nba.com/games/20171206/GSWCHA#/recap/matchup/boxscore; www.nba.com/games/20171206/SACCLE#/recap/matchup/boxscore; www.nba.com/games/20171206/DENNOP#/recap/matchup/boxscore; www.espn.com/nba/standings; www.espn.com/nba/statistics/player/_/stat/minutes; www.espn.com/nba/statistics/player/_/stat/double-doubles; www.espn.com/nba/player/gamelog/splits/_/id/1966/lebron-james; www.espn.com/nba/player/gamelog/splits/_/id/3202/kevin-durant; and www.espn.com/nba/player/gamelog/splits/_/id/4258/demarcus-cousins.

J-Speaks: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of October/November In NBA

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 10^th 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 11^th 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 28^th 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 10^th 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 14^th 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.