J-Speaks: 2023-24 NBA Offseason Review/Season Preview

 

For a number of teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA), that plan was to win the Larry O’Brien trophy, which the boys from the “Colorado Rockies” accomplished. That was also the plan for the then defending champs from the “Bay Area” from “Cheese Town,” both squads that represent the “City of Angels,” “South Beach,” “Beantown” and the “Valley of the Sun.” For both squads from “NYC,” “Big D,” “Music City” the plan was to use this season as the starting point to build towards winning a championship this season. For squads like from “California’s Capital City,” and “The Land,” the plan to play past the second week of April for the first time in a few years. For the boys from “Disneyworld,” the “Motor City,” “ The Hoosier State,” “OKC,” and “Rip City,” the plan last season was to build the foundation to become a postseason perennial and hopefully be in the conversation as a title contender. Entering this season, a lot of those teams have the same plans, specifically the boys from “The Colorado Rockies,” where their plan is to repeat as champions. Each NBA squads plans will be the focus of the “J-Speaks: 2023-24 NBA Off-Season Review/Season Preview.”  

Abbreviation Key-statistics from 2022-23: ppg-points per game; rpg- rebounds per game; spg-steals per game; bpg-block shots per game; FG%-field goal percentage; 3-Pt.%-three-point percentage; FT%-free throw percentage; Opp.-opponents, and T-tied.

Eastern Conference

Atlanta Hawks: 41-41 Record; 3^rd Southeast Division (No. 7 Seed East); 24-17 at home; 17-24 won the road; Defeated the Miami Heat (116-105) in the 2023 Play-In Tournament Apr. 11, 2023 (TNT); Lost to No. 2 Seeded Boston Celtics 4-2 in East Quarterfinals.    

-118.4 ppg-3^rd; opp. ppg: 118.1-26^th; 44.4 rpg-10^th

In the spring of 2021, the Atlanta Hawks reached the Eastern Conference Finals for only the second time in their history in Atlanta. The last two seasons has seen the Hawks have to make the Playoffs through the Play-In Tournament and ultimately fall in the opening-round to the last two eventual East runner-up. Even with the acquisition of an All-Star last summer to pair alongside their All-Star floor general, along with an in-season coaching change, the Hawks had their second straight First-Round exit. With an offseason and training camp with said coach; going all-in on their All-Stars backcourt; and trading the second most well-known player on the squad, the plan for the Hawks is to find that magic that them on the doorstep of The Finals two springs back. 

The 2022-23 Hawks simply put were inconsistent. They were never more than four games above .500 (8-4 their first 12 games; 10-6 their first 16 games) and were a season-worst three games under .500 at the halfway mark of last season at 19-22.

Following a five-game winning streak (Jan. 13-21, 2023) that put them at 24-22, the Hawks were just 17-19 to close the regular season, which saw them be a game under .500 a total of 16 times.

Following two straight defeats at Hornets (144-138) and versus New York Knicks (122-101) Feb. 13 and 15 respectably that dropped them to 29-30, the Hawks front office gave the axe to then head coach Nate McMillian, who replaced then head coach Lloyd Pierce in March 2021 following a 14-20 mark to start the 2020-21 season.

McMillian was replaced by former Jazz head coach Quin Snyder on Feb. 26, 2023, who was an assistant coach on then head coach Mike Budenholzer’s in 2013-14.

The inconsistencies of the Hawks continued going 10-11 in the 21 games under Snyder, who began his Hawks tenure after the first two games post All-Star break in late February, which the Hawks won (136-119) versus the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets (129-127) on Feb. 24, and 26, 2023 respectably.

The ups and downs of the Atlanta Hawks can be traced to their starting backcourt of All-Stars Trae Young (26.2 ppg-10^th NBA, 10.2 apg-2^nd NBA) and last off-season’s acquisition of All-Star Dejounte Murray (20.5 ppg, 6.1 apg, 5.3 rpg, 1.5 spg, 46.4 FG%, 34.3 3-Pt.%-) from the San Antonio Spurs.

By the numbers, Young, a two-time All-Star (2020, 2022) had a stellar season ranking No. 6 in free throws attempted at 8.8, shooting 88.6 percent.

Free Throw Attempts                 2018-19: 5.1 att. at 82.9%   2021-22: 7.3 att. at 90.4%
And Free Throw Percentage     2019-20: 9.3 att. at 86.0%    2022-23: 8.8 att. at 88.6%
By Season By Trae Young         2020-21: 8.7 att. at 88.6%

He was tied with New York Knicks Julius Randle for No. 6 in “The Association” with 40 double-doubles. Young’s 40 double-doubles in 2022-23 two below of his career best of 42 set in 2020-21.

Double-Doubles By               2018-19: 30   2020-21: 28 2022-23: 40
Season By Trae Young          2019-20: 28   2021-22: 42

In Young’s first five NBA seasons (all with Hawks), he has been a model of consistency in terms of individual production.

His 169 career games with at least 10 assists is the third most by a player at age 24 or younger in NBA history. That also includes 101 career game with at least 25 points and 10 assists.

Most Career Games With At Least 10 Assists Age 24 Or Younger NBA History
Isiah Thomas 191*                                                                *Hall of Famer
Chris Paul (PHX) 185 w/New Orleans Hornets
Trae Young (ATL) 169
Earvin “Magic” Johnson 157*

Young registered 46 of his 193 career 25-point games in 2022-23, which is tied with Hall of Famer Cliff Hagan for the fifth most in Hawks history.

        Most Career 25-Point Games in Hawks History                   
Dominique Wilkins 524*   Trae Young 193    *Hall of Famer
Bob Pettit 476*                   Cliff Hagan 193*
Lou Hudson 284*               Joe Johnson 163
John Drew 202                   Pete Maravich 154*

In the Hawks overtime win (136-131) on Apr. 7, 2023 versus the Philadelphia 76ers, Young surpassed now NBA on ESPN/ABC color analyst Glenn “Doc” Rivers for the most career games with 15 or more assists in Hawks history with his 23^rd when he had 27 points and a career-high 20 assists going 12/14 from the charity stripe. That game also saw Young register his and his 82^nd career game with 82^nd game with at least 10 points and five assists in his last 83 games played. It was also his 107^th career game with at least five assists.

The issue for Young in 2022-23 was his shooting accuracy from the field and from three-point range compared to 2021-22.

While Young made over 150 total triples for the fourth time in his first five NBA seasons  (154/460 3-Pt. 2022-23), he connected on just 34.3 percent of his triple tries, his lowest since hitting 32.4 percent of his threes as a rookie in 2018-19. The former Oklahoma Sooner connected on just 42.9 percent of his shots from the floor last season, also his lowest since his first NBA season, where he shot just 41.8 percent from the field.

The acquisition of Murray was supposed to make life for Young easier where he can put more of a concentrated effort to being more offensive minded while also taking the better matchup defensively.

The pairing had many ups and downs in terms of their chemistry on the floor where it was at times more of “your turn, my turn” when it came to scoring and initiating the offense.

In 2022-23, Young led the Hawks in scoring 49 times, while Murray was the Hawks top scorer 23 time.

Teammates To Average 20-Plus Points and 5-Plus Assists In A Season In NBA History
Bulls         1991-92 Michael Jordan        30.1 PPG, 6.1 APG
                               Scottie Pippen           21.0 PPG, 7.0 APG

Rockets    2019-20  James Harden          34.3 PPG, 7.5 APG
                                 Russell Westbrook   27.2 PPG, 7.0 APG

Hawks     2022-23  Trae Young              26.2 PPG   10.2 APG
                                Dejounte Murray   20.5 PPG     6.1 APG

In the previous two seasons with the Spurs, Murray went from 13 double-doubles, including four triple-doubles in 2020-21 to 39 double-doubles and 13 triple-doubles in 2021-22. In his first season with the Hawks, Murray had just eight double-doubles and just one triple-double.

In the 26 games where Young and Murray each scored 20 points or more last season, the Hawks were just 16-10.

Hawks In                    With Murray                         Without Murray
2022-23                             38-36              Record                3-5
                                          117.9           Opp. PPG            120.4
                                          35.2%         Opp. FG%           39.2%
                                          12.8              TOs PG                14.1
                                          15.2        Opp. Pts Off TOs      18.4

In terms of the Hawks offense as a team in 2022-23 led by Young and Murray, the Hawks were flashy in some areas and in the middle of the pack in others.

They were No. 7 in field goal percentage at 48.7 percent; No. 3 in free throw percentage at 81.8 percent; third in turnovers at 12.9; and No. 9 in second chance points at 14.3.

They were tied with the Toronto Raptors at No. 17 in average points in the paint per game at 54.3. They were No. 21 in the league in three-point accuracy at 35.2 percent, while ranking 28^th in threes attempted at 30.5 and 26^th in average made threes at 10.8.

While Young ranked in the Top 10 in the league in free throws attempted this past season, the Hawks as a team ranked just 20^th in opportunities at the charity stripe at 22.6 in 2022-23.

At the start of 2022-23, the Hawks scored at least 100 points in their first 19 games and dating back to Mar. 3, 2022 scored at least 100 points in 40 consecutive games, which was then the third longest streak in their history and the longest streak in the entire NBA. That streak concluded in a 113-89 loss Dec. 7, 2022 at the New York Knicks. The Hawks proceeded to score at least 200 points their final 57 games of 2022-23, breaking the old franchise mark of 53 straight games set in the 1969-70 season.

When the Hawks scored 100 points or more in 2022-23, they were only 41-39. While they were 32-7 when they outshot their opponents by field goal percentage, they were just 26-23 when they had fewer turnovers than their opponent in 2022-23.  

When the Hawks scored 110 or more were 39-23, including 27-11 when they scored 120 or more. They were 10-3 when they scored 130 or more.

Hawks Offense Final 21 Games Under Coach Snyder: NBA Rank
122.8 PPG-1^st     35.1 3-Pt.%-20^th                57.8 Paint Pts: 3^rd
49.3 FG%-7^th     35.1 3-Pt. att.-26^th             17.5 2^nd Chance Pts-1^st
26.0 APG-15^th    10.9 made 3-Pt.-23^rd

Hawks scored a season-high 143 points in their win (143-130) Mar. 25, 2023 versus the Indiana Pacers, where they scored 30-plus points in all four quarters. They shot 55.2 percent from the floor; were 15/30 from three and 22/25 at the foul line. They outrebounded the Pacers 42-32; had 33 assists on 53 made field goals (53/96 FGs) and just 13 turnovers and outscored the Pacers 76-60 in paint.

The Hawks inconsistency on offense also had to with the supporting cast, who did flash moments of brilliance, but were never consistent compliments to Young and Murray.

De’Andre Hunter (15.4 ppg, 46.1 FG%, 35 3-Pt.%), who agreed to a four-year, $95 million extension on Oct. 17, 2022, put up career-high in terms of scoring average and his 35 percent on his triple tries were the highest since connecting on 35.5 percent from three in his rookie season in 2019-20. His 100 total made threes (100/286 3-Pt.) were the second most in a season of his career, (108/304 3-Pt. in 2019-20).

20-Point Games By Season              2019-20: 8      2021-22: 11   
By De’Andre Hunter                        2020-21: 7      2022-23: 16

In the Hawks 113-111 close win at the Pacers Jan. 13, 2023, Hunter had a career-high 25 points on 8/16 shooting, including hitting a career-high six threes, going 6/9 from three.

What has been the biggest issue for Hunter has been remaining healthy. After missing just four games in his rookie shortened season due to COVID-19 Pandemic, Hunter has missed, counting this past season, 49, 29, and 15 games the past three seasons.

The other member of the Hawks supporting cast that has been inconsistent with their offensive production and inability to remain healthy in recent seasons is Bogdan Bogdanovic (14.0 ppg, 44.7 FG%, 40.6 3-Pt.%).

Ever since being acquired from the Sacramento Kings three seasons back, Bogdanovic has been the Hawks best perimeter threat, especially from three shooting 43.8 (146/333), 36.8 (169/459), and 40.6 (146/360) percent from three in his three seasons with the Hawks.

20-Point Games By Season        W/Kings:   2017-18: 8   2018-19: 12     2019-20: 17
By Bogdan Bogdanovic              W/Hawks: 2020-21: 20 2021-22: 15     2022-23: 10

Bogdanovic has had 5 of his seven career 30-plus point games the last three seasons with Hawks, including 31-point performance on 12/18 shooting, including 7/9 from three in the 120-116 loss Jan. 9, 2023 at Brooklyn Nets.

Like Hunter however, Bogdanovic has struggled to stay on the floor due to injuries, missing, including 2022-23, 28, 19, and 28 games in his three seasons with Hawks. 

When you can average as a center in today’s NBA a double-double and be a threat that puts constant pressure at the rim, you are a very valuable asset to your team. For the Hawks, that person who has been in the pivot is Clint Capela (12.0 ppg, 11 rpg-5^th NBA, 65.3 FG%-5^th NBA), who has averaged a double-double for six straight seasons dating back to his final three seasons with Houston Rockets (2017-18) and shot 60-plus percent from the field in six out of the past seven seasons.

Seasons with 35-Plus        W/Rockets: 2017-18: 42 2018-19: 45 
Double-Doubles By           W/Hawks:  2020-21: 48 2021-22: 35 2022-23: 35                 
Clint Capela  

For everything that Capela has given to the Hawks on both ends, especially on both backboards, the Hawks ranked just in the middle of the pack defensively.

The Hawks in 2022-23 were ranked No. 12 in blocks per game at 4.9 and No. 18 in steals at 7.1. While they ranked 10^th in opponent’s three-point percentage at 35.6 percent, the Hawks were No. 25 in opponent’s field goal percentage at 48.6 percent.

The Hawks last season were 20-3 when the allowed under 110 points. However, they like the rest of the league had difficulty holding their respective opponents under 100 points going 37-41 when they allowed 100 points or more. They were also just 3-7 in 2022-23 when they surrendered at least 70 points to the opposition in the opening half.

That includes 76 paint pts allowed in their 136-115 loss Mar. 13, 2023 versus the Minnesota Timberwolves.

They also were 21-37 when they allowed 110 points or more, including 11-26 when they allowed 120 or more; 3-9 when they allowed 130 or more.

Two of those losses included a 143-141 double-overtime setback Jan. 2, 2023 on NBATV, where they held the then defending NBA champion Warriors to 44.6 percent from the field, but gave up 19/59 from three, and were outrebounded 69-53 including 23-10 on offensive glass.

In the Hawks 126-118 loss at the Spurs Mar. 19, 2023, Hawks led 83-61 at the half, scoring 40 and 43 points respectively in the first two quarters, leading by as many as 24. They were outscored 39-20 in the third quarter and 26-15 in the fourth quarter, allowing 65 second half points. Hawks for the game surrendered 54.3 percent shooting to the Spurs (51`/94 FGs), 14/28 from three and 60 paint points.

In their setback (144-138) Feb. 13, 2023 at the Charlotte Hornets, the Hawks gave up 63.1 percent shooting (53/84 FGs), including 20/37 from three. It was one of three losses the Hawks suffered to the Hornets (126-109) and (122-118) Oct. 24, 2022 and Jan. 21, 2023.

               Hawks Defense 21 Games Under Coach Snyder                                   
121.6 PPG-28^th       7.4 SPG-14^th                  14.8 Fastbreak Pts-22^nd
50.8 FG%-28^th       4.8 BPG-17^th                  12.9 2^nd Chance Pts-13^th
37.7 3-Pt.%25^th      59.3 Paint Pts-29^th 

The moments when the Hawks did have some consistency in terms of winning games courtesy of their youngsters in Onyeka Okongwu (9.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 63.8 FG%), AJ Griffin (8.9 ppg, 46.5 FG%, 39.0 3-Pt.%), Jalen Johnson, and Saddiq Bey (13.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 36.1 3-Pt.%), who was acquired from the Detroit Pistons in a three-team Feb. 9, 2023 trade deadline deal.

Bey, who has made over 150 total threes his first three NBA seasons with the Pistons and Hawks (151/418 3-Pt. 2022-23) averaged 11.6 points, 4.8 rebounds on better shooting at 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from three (50/125 3-Pt.) in 25 games with Hawks. While the scoring is down from 14.8 points in his time with Pistons in 52 games, the shooting was up compared to his 40.4 percent from the floor and 34.5 percent from three (101/293 3-Pt.). Also, Bey was mostly a reserve, starting just seven time with Hawks compared to his 30 starts with Pistons.

Griffin, the Hawks First-Round pick in 2022 Draft (No. 16 overall) out of Duke University had a solid season with the Hawks scoring in double-figures 32 times in 2022-23. That included scoring 20-plus points twice.

He had a season-high 24 points on 10/15 shooting off bench in the Hawks win (117-98) Nov. 7, 2022 versus Hawks. He tied his season-best of 24 points with three steals on 11/16 shooting in the Hawks win (117-109) Dec. 2, 2022 versus the eventual NBA champion Denver Nuggets.

Griffin’s best month of his rookie season came in December 2022 where he averaged 12.8 points on 45.9 percent from the field and 36.9 percent from three.

In the 12 games that Griffin started in 2022-23 averaged 13.4 points (43.9 FG%, 31.4 3-Pt.%).

After barely playing as a rookie in 2020-21, Okongwu, the Hawks First-Round draft choice (No. 6 overall) in June 2020 has shown steady improvement the past two seasons, especially this last season.

As a rookie, Okongwu scored in double-figures just seven times and registered two double-double in 2020-21. In his second NBA season, Okongwu scored in double-figures 17 times but had just one double-double. Last season, Okongwu scored 10 points or more 43 times and had 12 double-doubles.

In the Hawks aforementioned Jan. 13, 2023 win at the Pacers, Okongwu had 18 points and a career-high 20 rebounds.

              Onyeka Okongwu’s Top Productive Months 2022-23                                       
December 2022: 11.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 61.4 FG% 3 Double-Doubles
March 2023:      12.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 71.1 FG% 1 Double-Double
April 2023:         10.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 53.8 FG% 

             Most Block Shots By Reserves In NBA 2022-23                          
Onyeka Okongwu (ATL) 71    Isaiah Jackson (IND) 63
Chris Boucher (TOR) 64          Nick Richards (CHA) 59
Walker Kessler (UTA) 64

After being a bench warmer as a rookie in 2021-22, Johnson, the Hawks First-Round pick (No. 20 overall) in June 2021 found his way into the rotation and showed marked improvement.

After scoring in double-figures just twice in 2021-22, Johnson scored 10 points or more 12 times in 2022-23. This included his first career double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds in the Hawks previously mentioned win Dec. 2, 2022 versus Nuggets.

The Hawks went 3-2 in April to earn a spot in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament, where they won their Apr. 11, 2023 at the Miami Heat 116-105 (TNT) to clinch the No. 7 in the Eastern Conference Playoff race.

They led virtually the entire game up by as many as 24 (63-39) late in the opening half and used a 13-0 late in third quarter to build a 91-78 lead after three quarters and never looked back.

Young led the way with 25 points, seven assists and eight rebounds on 8/18 shooting making three triples. Murray had 18 points, six assists and five boards on 7/16 from the floor and also made three three-pointers. Bey had 17 points and six boards, and too made three threes. Bogdanovic had 14. Okongwu had 12 points and four block shots. Johnson scored 10 with seven rebounds and three steals. Capela added 21 rebounds.

The Hawks shot 46.9 percent from the field (45/96 FGs) and outrebounded the Heat 63-39, including 22-6 on the offensive board. They outscored the Heat bench 53-37; 64-46 in the paint; 17-12 in fastbreak points; 26-6 in 2^nd chance points.

In the opener of their First-Round tilt against the Boston Celtics, the Hawks lost Game 1 in “Beantown” 112-99 Apr. 15, 2023 on (ESPN) in Boston.

Murray in loss led the way with 24 points six assists, eight boards and three steals but was just 10/25 shooting, including missing all six of this three-point attempts. Young  had just 16 points on 5/18 shooting, including just 1/5 from three. Capela had 12 points and eight rebounds. Hunter had 11 points with two steals.

The Hawks dropped to 1-6 in games in Young’s postseason career when he only makes one three-pointer.

They started Game 1 missing their first nine three-point attempts in the first quarter and missed their first 10 threes and were 1/16 from three in the opening half. Shot 38.8 percent overall from the floor in Game 1 and were just 5/29 on their triple tries. The Hawks were outscored 45-25 in the second quarter going just 7/23 from the floor and 1/7 from three.

Even with a good start to Game three nights later, the Hawks fell 119-106 (NBATV) to fall behind 2-0 in the series.

They led 22-11 with 5:42 left in the opening period but were outscored 108-84 the rest of the way.

Murray led the way with 29 points, six assists, six boards, and four steals on 11/24 shooting, including 7/13 from three. Young had 24 points with six assists, and two steals but struggled again from the floor at just 9/22 from the floor, including 2/8 on his threes. Hunter had a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, but two struggled shooting on 8/19, including 2/9 from three. Bogdanovic had 18 points and two steals going 7/11 from the field, including 4/7 on his threes.

The Hawks shot just 42.6 percent from the floor (43/101 FGs), going 16/48 on their triple tries and just 4/8 from the foul line. Were outscored 64-40 in the paint. While they forced 16 Celtics turnovers, which included 10 steals that they turned into 22 points, the Hawks turned it over 16 times, resulting in 14 Celtics points.

The Hawks got back on track back at home with a 130-122 win at State Farm Arena in Game 3 Apr. 21, 2023 (ESPN) cutting the series deficit to 2-1.

It was their first win of 2022-23 against the Celtics after an 0-3 mark in regular season.

After a major struggle the first two games in Boston, Young in Game 3 had 32 points, nine assists, and six boards on 12/22 shooting. Murray had 25 points, five assists, and six rebounds on 11/21 from the floor. Bey had 15 points with eight boards, hitting all three of his triple tries. Bogdanovic also had 15 points, hitting three of his four three-pointers. Hunter added 11. Capela had 10 points with 11 rebounds. Johnson also had 10.

The Hawks overcame a nine-point first quarter deficit outscoring the Celtics 41-30 in second quarter going 17/23 from the floor, including 6/9 from three with eight assists, leading by as many as 14 in period. They led in the third quarter by as many as 12 and led 100-93 after three quarters. Three-pointers by Young and Murray late in the fourth period, and a floater by Young with 45 seconds left in final period sealed the Game 2 victory, outscoring the Celtics 30-22 in fourth quarter.   

Hawks in the win shot 56 percent from the floor (51/91 FGs) outscored the Celtics 54-40 in the paint; 23-9 in 2^nd chance points and 44-35 in bench points. They also outrebounded the Celtics 48-29, including 11-6 offensive glass. 

They set a new franchise single-game Playoff record with seven players scoring in double-figures and their 74 points in the first half are the most in any half in their Playoff history. Their 130 points in Game 3, their most in a Playoff game since registering 137 points in  their (137-115) win Game 2 of the First Round of 1986 versus the Pistons.

Young and Murray became the first Hawks teammates to each register at least 25 points, five assists, and five rebounds in a Playoff game since Hall of Famers Lenny Wilkens and Bill Bridges did it in 1966 for St. Louis Hawks.

Bogdanovic in the second quarter scored 10 points (4/4 FGs-2/2 3-Pt.), while the fourth quarter belonged to the starting guards as Young had 15 points on 5/9 from the field and Murray had seven of his 25 points (3/5 FGs).

That momentum from Game 3 was slowed in Game 4 as the Hawks were taken down by the Celtics 129-121 Apr. 23 (TNT) to fall behind 3-1 in the series. They trailed the final 44 minutes and 11 seconds of the contest falling behind 35-25 after the first quarter and 65-53 at the half.

Young had 35 points, 15 assists, and two steals but shot 11/26 from the floor, going 4/10 from three and 9/11 at the foul line. He became the first player since Hall of Famer Allen Iverson with 35 points and 15 assists in a Playoff.

The Hawks staved off elimination by winning Game 5 at the Celtics 119-117 two nights later (TNT) to trail in series 3-2.

They overcame a 13-point third quarter deficit behind a 12-0 run in the fourth period capped by back-to-back triples by Young to tie it 111-111. Young then hit the go-ahead triple that would end up being the game-winner three with 07.3 seconds left as the Hawks closed Game 5 on a 23-8 the final six minutes of the contest, with Young scoring the final 14 points over the final 3:18 of the final period. They outscored the Celtics in the fourth quarter 37-25.

The Hawks in Game 5 shot 46.9 percent from the floor (45/96 FGs), going 19/41 from three with 26 assists on their 45 made shots with just nine turnovers.

Young in the victory had 38 points, 13 assists and two steals on 14/33 FGs, including 5/13 on his threes. He scored 16 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter (4/10 FGs, 3/6 3-Pt. & 5/5 FTs), bringing his total to 60 points in the fourth quarter so far in the series. Bogdanovic 18 points, six boards, five assists, and two blocks on 3/6 from three-point range. Hunter had 13 points on 3/5 from three and Bey had 12 points.  

Most Consecutive Points Scored To End A Game Last 25 Postseasons
2007 LeBron James (LAL) 27 w/Cavaliers         *Facing Elimination
2021 Damian Lillard (POR) 17
2022 Ja Morant (MEM) 15
2023 Trae Young (ATL) 14*
2018 Khris Middleton (MIL) 14*

Young’s tremendous performance overcame the absence of Murray, who was suspended for Game 5 by the NBA for bumping referee Gediminds Petraits because of a lack of foul call at the end of Game 4.

That same fourth quarter magic was not there for the Hawks in Game 6 as their season concluded with a 128-120 loss at home in Game 6 Apr. 27 (TNT) to lose the series 4-2.

They overcame a 10-point first quarter deficit to only trail 68-67 at half and 100-98 after three quarters. The Hawks were up 113-110 following an alley-oop pass from Young to Capela for a dunk with 6:24 left. But they were outscored by the Celtics 18-7 to close Game 6 and dropped to 0-27 in their post season history when they trail a best-of-seven series 2-0. That includes falling to 0-15 mark in their Playoff history when down in a best-of-seven series 3-1.   

Worst Record When Facing Playoff Elimination Since 2011 (Win%)
Hawks: 3-10 (.300)         Jazz:  2-7 (.222)
Magic:  1-4   (.200)         Bulls: 2-7 (.222)
Lakers: 1-4   (.200)

Young led the way in defeat with his third straight double-double with 30 points and 10 assists with two blocks but was just 9/28 shooting, including 4/12 from three and 8/8 from the foul line with five turnovers, the same number he had in the defeats in Games 1 and 2

Young In        1^st Half: 25 Points, four assists 8/15 FGs-4/8 3-Pt., 5/5 FTs  
Game 6                       (18 points 5/10 FGs-3/6 3-Pt., 5/5 FTs 1^st Quarter)
                        2^nd Half: 5 Points, 6 Assists, 1/13 FGs-0/4 3-Pt., 3/3 FTs

Young became first Hawks’ player to register four straight 30-plus point games in Playoffs, surpassing the previous Hawks record of three straight 30-plus point games in 1970 by Hall of Famer Lou Hudson.

Hunter 20 points with six boards, but was just 7/17 shooting, including 4/8 from three. Murray also had a double-double with 14 points (all second half) and 11 assists with seven rebounds. Bogdanovic scored 12. Capela had a double-double as well with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Okongwu had six points with 11 boards and two blocks.

The Hawks dropped to 2-10 in the Trae Young era where he has five or more turnovers, including 0-3 in this series.

The offseason for the Hawks was about seeing who fit around their star backcourt of Young and Murray and assembling a coaching staff that fits with Coach Snyder.

Unlike last offseason where the Hawks’ upgrades began in the front office promoting assistant General Manager Landry Field the previous two seasons, to GM on June 13, 2022. They also named Kyle Korver as the new Director of Player Affairs and Development.

One of biggest things on Hawks to do list to improve themselves this offseason was to find a better rim protector and bring in more three-point shooting.

In this June’s draft, the Hawks selected guard Kobe Bufkin No. 15 overall out of University of Michigan (14 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 48 FG% w/Michigan).

The All-Big Ten Third Team selection 2022-23 improved his scoring from 3.0 points to 11 points from his freshmen to sophomore season, which represented the largest scoring increase from one season to the next in Big Ten. In the last 12 games of 2022-23, Bufkin averaged 16 points and six rebounds, four assists on 45 percent on his triple tries the last 12 games of 2022-23.

In the Wolverines 87-79 win over the Wisconsin Badgers, Bufkin scored a career-high of 28 points. In the Wolverines 61-58 victory on Feb. 2, 2023 contest at the Northwestern Wildcats, Bufkin had his first career double-double with 15 points, a career-high 12 rebounds with a career-high eight assists.

Bufkin His Two                     Freshmen                     Sophomore
Seasons at Michigan                 10.6          Minutes        33.9
                                                     3.0             PPG            11.0
                                                    38%          FG%           46%
                                                    22%          3-Pt.%         36% 

He was one of two guards in the Big Ten Conference with 40 steals and 20 block shots in 2022-23.

“It’s a dream come true,” Bufkin said to ESPN’s Monica McNutt following being drafted on June 22, 2023. “I’m just looking forward to getting to the ATL and being competitive and going hard.”

Along with selecting Bufkin, the Hawks on draft night acquired the draft rights to center Mouhamed Gueye (No. 39 overall pick by the Hornets out of Washington State University) from the Celtics in exchange for 2027 Second Round pick.

Coach Snyder coaching staff was formally announced on June 14 of Mike Brey, Brittni Donaldson, Steve Klei, Igor Kokoskov, Antonio Lang, Sanjay Lumpkin, Ronald Nored, Reggis Onwukamuche as the new Player Development Coach and Bryan George as Player Development/advance scout/video coordinator.

At Media Day, Coach Snyder talked about how last season he got a “head start” on implementing his system a season. What they did get a “head start” on is having a “body of work,” even though it was a small body of work, to “analyze” and “understand” and “evaluate,” where they can come up with “tatical” and “strategic” things and “point of emphasis” that would allow him to begin to “embrace” and “teach” the Hawks players the system that they want to execute and both ends.

“I think the summer was about that growth process,” Coach Snyder added about the team learning his system. “We had a lot of guys that work and we need to keep working, you know. The season is about hard work. And I would like it to be characteristic about our system.”

Coach Snyder added that what will allow the Hawks to be successful this season is being “selfless.” From taking a charge. Making the extra pass on offense. Running back on defense. Celebrating a great play on either that is made by your teammate. These are the things Coach Snyder would like to be noticed by those that watch the Hawks in person or on television.

After being on the trading block the past three seasons specifically, the Hawks finally dealt longtime starting forward John Collins to the Utah Jazz on July 7, in exchange for veteran forward/guard Rudy Gay and a conditional 2026 Second-Round pick.

A day later, the Hawks in a deal with Houston Rockets acquired center Usman Garuba, guard TyTy Washington, Jr., Timberwolves 2025 Second-Round pick, the Rockets 2028 Second-Round pick, and cash considerations.

Also on July 9, the Hawks secured a four-year, $120 million extension with Murray, with a player option in the final year of the deal. Murray 26, who was going to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He is now under contract with the Hawks up until the 2027-28 season. 

The Hawks on July 12 acquired from Oklahoma City Thunder veteran guard Patty Mills (6.2 ppg, 36.6 3-Pt.% w/Nets) in exchange for Garuba, Gay, Washington, Jr., and 2026 Grizzlies protected Second-Round pick.

At Media Day, Murray spoke about how the Hawks success or failure this season and moving forward “starts” with them. That both will “determine” how this season will go for the Hawks.

“So, if we’re unselfish, the whole team  is going to be unselfish. If we’re selfish, it’s going to be a selfish team,” Murray said about this upcoming season.

For as great from an individual standpoint Young has been since entering the NBA in 2018, it has not translated to consistent winning. That he has to become more selfless when it comes to his scoring and has to find a balance between scoring and facilitating.

As far as being disrespected because of how he plays, Young said at Media Day that he “for sure.” He did say that is “okay.”

“For me, I just want to go out there and keep the main thing the main thing and it’s winning,” Young added. “And I know if I win a championship, all that’s going to take care of itself.”  

On July 22, the Hawks added more veteran experience in forward/guard Wesley Matthews  on a one-year, $3.2 million deal.

Before they kicked off the season, the Hawks signed Okongwu to a new four-year, $62 million deal.

The Atlanta Hawks dating back to the era of Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins and head coach Mike Fratello (1983-90), Bob Weiss (1991-93), and Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens (1993-2000) from the late 1980s into early 1990s only came close to getting the Eastern Conference Finals once when they lost in Game 7 in a classic shootout duel with fellow Hall of Famer Larry Bird in 1988.

The Hawks squads in the middle of the 1990s led by the Mookie Blaylock, Stacey Augmon, and Danny Manning and the teams of the late 1990s led by to the Blaylock, Steve Smith, Christian Laettner, and Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo only got as far as East Semis.

The young Hawks squads from 2008-17 that were coached first by Mike Woodson (2005-10) and then Larry Drew (2011-13) with the likes of Al Horford, Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, and John Collins brought the Hawks back into the postseason after an eight-year absence (2000-07) also never got passed the Second Round.  

In the five seasons under sideline leadership of Mike Budenholzer and players like Horford, Kyle Korver, Paul Millsap, Jeff Teague, who became All-Stars, the Hawks got the Eastern Conference Finals 2015 but were knocked out 4-0 by the then LeBron James led Cavaliers.

Two seasons back, the Hawks reached the East Finals for the first time since 2015 and fell just short of reaching The Finals for the first time since 1961 when they were the St. Louis Hawks and reached The Finals in four out of five-year period (1957, 1958, 1960, 1961). They won their lone title in franchise history in 1958.

The foundation for this Hawks squad is their All-Star backcourt of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. How this pairing progresses will make all the difference in how the Hawks will fair this upcoming season and moving forward.

Helping Young and Murry find that balance of scoring and facilitating for their teammates  in Saddiq Bey, who did not get his rookie extension Bodgan Bogdanovic, who helped lead the Serbian National Team to Silver at the FIBA World Cup; De’Andre Hunter, Clint Capela, Jalen Johnson, AJ Griffin, and Onyeka Okongwu, who on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski signed a four-year, $62 million extension.

It is up to head coach Quin Snyder, who is entering his first full season as the Hawks’ sideline leader to construct a system on both offense and defense that will bring the best out of Young and Murray and the supporting cast and get them back to where they were two springs ago.

“A lot of our improvement and development needs to come internally,” he said. “You measure it certainly with your record. But you also can measure it in more subtle kinds of ways that aren’t as always as observable. Growth not always linear and also doesn’t always happen overnight.”

Best Case Scenario: The Hawks win 40-plus games and are competing for a Playoff spot in bottom part of the East. Young is an All-Star for the third time in his career. He and Murray find that cohesion that helps the Hawks win more games. Coach Snyder’s system has Hawks ranked as a Top 5 offense again and a Top 15 defense. The supporting cast remains healthy and compliments their star-studded backcourt. Hawks have a competitive opening-round series.

Worst Case Scenario: The Hawks are fighting to make the playoffs through the Play-In Tournament again. They continue to struggle defensively. The Young and Murray backcourt struggles to find the balance between scoring and facilitating. Hawks have a quick and swift First-Round exit.  

Grade: D

Boston Celtics: 57-25 Record; 1^st Atlantic Division (No. 2 Seed East); 32-9 at home, 25-16 on the road); Defeated the No. 7 Seeded Atlanta Hawks 4-2 in East Quarterfinals; Defeated No. 3 Seeded Philadelphia 76ers 4-3 in East Semifinals; Lost to No. 8 Seeded Miami Heat 4-3 in Eastern Conference Finals.  

-117.9 ppg-4^th; opp. ppg: 111.4-5^th; 45.3 rpg-7^th

When you play for certain pro sports franchises, the expectations are high. You are expected to be great individually, while also being a major part of great team that wins titles. That has been the mantra of the Boston Celtics who have won 17 NBA titles, which is tied with their longtime cross-coast rivals from Los Angeles, CA. In five out of the past seven seasons, the boys from “Beantown” have reached the Eastern Conference Finals, reaching the NBA Finals two springs ago. But have not won a title since 2008. Even with a sudden change at head coach a season ago, they positioned themselves to get back to The Finals, but came up one game shy to the boys from “South Beach” last spring. Behind their dynamic All-Star duo; their head coach entering his second season with his coaching staff; the additions a talented but unproven big man and one of the elite two-way guards in “The Association; coupled with a shift in philosophy, the plan for the Celtics is a simple one, win championship No. 18.

The Celtics began 2022-23 under then interim head coach Joe Mazzulla, who was suddenly replacing the then suspended Ime Udoka in late September after an investigation by an independent law firm uncovered multiple violations of team policies, which included according to a source telling ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski Udoka having an intimate relationship with a female member of the Celtics staff.

The Celtics under their new sideline leader began 2022-23 in style with an NBA-best 18-4 mark, which included a nine-game winning streak Nov. 4, 2022. That resulted in Coach Mazzulla was named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for October and November 2022.

They were an Eastern Conference leading 42-17 at the All-Star break in middle of February, which also included a season-high tying nine-game winning streak (Jan. 5-23) and Coach Mazzulla as a result was named head coach of Team Giannis (Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo) at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, UT back on Jan. 30.

Best Record NBA At All-Star Break Under First Year Head Coach (Last 50 Seasons)
                           Team        Season       Record
Steve Kerr          GS          2014-15       42-9
Paul Westphal   PHX       1992-93        38-10
Joe Mazzulla     BOS        2022-23       42-17
Jerry West         LAL        1976-77       35-19  

On February 16, Mazzulla had the interim tag taken off as the Celtics officially named him the 19^th head coach in their history through signing him to a contract extension.

The Celtics improved to a season-best 27 games over .500 at 45-18 following a 117-113 victory on Mar. 1 over the Cavaliers. They closed the season 12-7 and were overtaken by the Milwaukee Bucks for the best record not just in the Eastern Conference, but the entire NBA.

Even with that, the Celtics who many thought would struggle this season under their new coach finished with second best mark in the league. Their 57 wins in 2022-23, was their most since winning 62 games in 2008-09 under then head coach Glenn “Doc” Rivers. They won their 33^rd Atlantic Division title in franchise history and Coach Mazzulla was named as one of the three finalist for Kia NBA Coach of the Year.

The Celtics had the fourth best home record in NBA at 32-9, compiling a 15-4 mark their final 19 and a 23-4 record their finals 27 games at TD Garden.

While the Celtics finished with the second-best road record in the NBA at 25-16, they went just 8-9 their final 17 road games of 2022-23.   

Two big reasons why Coach Mazzulla transition from assistant coach to head coach was a solid one to start was because of the career years turned in by All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Tatum, who earned his fourth straight All-Star selection behind career-highs of 30.1 points (6^th NBA), 8.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists shooting 46.6 percent from the field, 35 percent on his threes, making a career-high 240 total threes (240/686 3-Pt.) It was his second straight season making over 230 threes (230/651 3-Pt.-35.3 3-Pt.% 2021-22).

The career-year by the 2023 All-Star Game MVP also earned him his third career All-NBA nod making the Second Team for the Second time in his career (2021-22, 2022-23; Third Team 2020).

Tatum’s 30.1 scoring average last season set a new single-season record, just a shade of one point under more than the 29-point scoring average by Hall of Famer Larry Bird in 1987-88.

Highest Scoring Averages For A Single-Season In Celtics History *Hall of Famer
                                Season        PPG 
Jayson Tatum       2022-23        30.1
Larry Bird*          1987-88        29.0
Isiah Thomas        2016-17        28.9
John Havlicek*     1970-71       28.9

Tatum also registered a career-best 31 double-doubles in 2022-23. He had a total of 12 double-doubles in his first two NBA seasons (2017-19). He had 10 total double-doubles in 2019-20; 15 in 2020-21 and 22 double-doubles in 2021-22. Of those 31 double-doubles, 10 of those were games of 35-plus points and 10-plus rebounds.

Most Career Games 35-Plus Points and 10-Plus Rebounds In Celtics History *Hall Of Famer
Larry Bird*       50                Kevin McHale* 7    Kemba Walker 1    
Paul Pierce*       20                Robert Parish*  3    Kyrie Irving     1
Jayson Tatum    16                Jaylen Brown    2   
Antoine Walker 11                Dino Radja        2

Tatum also set a new career-high and new single-season franchise record of 42 30-plus point games, which was the fourth most in NBA in 2022-23. That also included a career-best 11 40-plus point games in 2022-23, which ranked No. 6 in NBA and doubled his career total 40-plus point games entering 2022-23.

Most 30-Plus Point Games For Single-Season In Celtics History
                            Games        Season            *Hall of Famer
Jayson Tatum       42            2022-23
Larry Bird*          39            1987-88
John Havlicek*    38            1970-71
Larry Bird*         37            1984-85
Paul Pierce*         33            2001-02

Most Career 40-Plus Point Games In Celtics History
Larry Bird 47
Jayson Tatum 22
Paul Pierce 21

Jayson Tatum’s Production On Second Night of Back-To-Backs 2022-23: (Celtics 7-1 Record)
Oct. 22, 2022 at Magic (126-120 Win): 40 Pts, 8 Rebs, 2 Blks, 14/21 FGs
4/10 3-Pt., 8/9 FTs
Nov. 5, 2022 at Knicks (133-118 Win): 26 Pts, 5 Reb, 8/17 FGs, 6/13 3-Pt.
Nov. 12, 2022 at Pistons (117-108 Win): 43 Pts, 10 Rebs, 14/28 FGs,
7/14 3-Pt., 8/10 FTs
Dec. 5, 2022 at Raptors (116-110 Win): 31 Pts, 12 Reb, 11/24 FGs, 5/10 3-Pt.
Dec. 13, 2022 at Lakers (122-118 OT Win: TNT): 44 Pts, 9 Rebs, 6 Asts,
15/29 FGs, 5/10 3-Pt., 9/10 FTs
Jan. 12, 2023 at Nets (109-98 Win: TNT): 20 Pts, 11 Rebs, 5 Asts
Jan. 24, 2023 at Heat (98-95 Loss: TNT): 31 Pts, 14 Rebs, 7 Asts
9/18 FGs, 11/14 FTs
Mar. 31, 2023 vs. Jazz (122-114 Win) 39 Pts, 11 Rebs, 3 Stls, 12/17 FGs,
5/8 3-Pt., 10/11 FTs

Brown also registered a career-best season behind averages of 26.6 points (9^th NBA), 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 49.1 percent from the field. He averaged 20-plus points for fourth straight season.

While his three-point accuracy was just 33.5 percent this past season, he mad 163 total treys (163/487 3-Pt.) his third straight season making 160-plus total threes and made 120-plus three-pointers for the 5^th time in his seven NBA seasons.

The former University of California Berkley standout also registered double-digit double-doubles for a third straight season with 13 after compiling 11 and 10 double-doubles the previous two seasons. He totaled 12 double-doubles in his first four NBA seasons.

After totaling eight 30-plus point games his first four NBA seasons, Brown, who earned his second All-Star nod of his career in 2022-23 in the last three seasons has registered totals of 11, 17, and 22 30-plus point games the last three seasons, with the 22 such games in 2022-23 being a career-best. That also included registering two of his eight career 40-plus point games a season ago.

Brown’s career-year also earned him his first career All-NBA nod making the Second Team for 2022-23.

Over the past three seasons, there have been many that have said that Tatum and Brown could not co-exist together because of their games being too similar.

As they have proven over the past half dozen years, including in 2022-23, they can play cohesively on the hardwood.

Combined in the regular season and postseason in their six seasons being teammates, the Celtics are 22-1 (21-1 in regular season) when Tatum and Brown each scored 30 points or more.

In the Celtics 132-109 victory versus the Sacramento Kings on Mar. 21, Tatum (36 Points) and Brown (27 Points) for the 66^th game in their careers each scored 25-plus points, surpassing the Hall of Fame duo of John Havlicek and JoJo White for the most such games in Celtics history. Tatum (40 Points) and Brown (30 Points) added to that with their 67^th such game as teammates in the Celtics win (140-99) at the Bucks Mar. 30 (TNT).

Duos Where One Player Averaged 30-Plus Points and Other Averaged 25-Plus Points In A Season In NBA History                                       Season      Scoring Averages.
Celtics: Jayson Tatum/Jaylen Brown                     2022-23             30.1/26.6
Rockets: James Harden/Russell Westbrook          2019-20             34.3/27.2
Lakers: Kobe Bryant/Shaquille O’Neal*               2002-03             30.0/27.5
Lakers: Jerry West/Elgin Baylor*                          1964-65             31.0/27.1
Royals: Oscar Robertson/Jack Twyman                1960-61             30.5/25.3
Nets: Kevin Durant/Kyrie Irving                            2022-23             29.7/27.3
*Hall of Famers

Tatum and Brown combined to average 56.7 points in 2022-23, the fourth highest combined scoring average since 1976-77 NBA/ABA merger. They joined Hall of Fame duo of Larry Bird and Kevin McHale as only pairs of teammates to average 25-plus points each in same season in Celtics history. 

                   Highest Scoring Combinations Last 50 NBA Seasons                                   
James Harden/Russell Westbrook (HOU) 2019-20: 61.5
Kobe Bryant/Shaquille O’Neal* (LAL) 2002-03: 57.5
Jayson Tatum/Jaylen Brown (BOS) 2022-23: 56.7

Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Celtics, while they were a solid offensive team, they were a team that has produced long postseason runs because of their defense.

That continued in 2022-23 as they ranked No. 5 in opponent’s field goal percentage at 46.3 percent and No. 4 in opponent’s three-point percentage at 34.5 percent. They also ranked No. 6 in block shots per game at 5.2; No. 9 in opponent’s paint points at 48.9; No. 10 in opponent’s fastbreak points at 13.2; No. 7 in opponent’s second chance points at 12.7; and No. 5 in opponent’s points off turnovers at 14.5.

One of the hallmarks of a great defensive team is not fouling a lot and the Celtics were one of the best in the NBA in 2022-23 in that department only allowing 21.1 free throw attempts on average to their opponent, which was No. 4 in the league.

The Celtics last season were 42-4 when they outrebounded their opponent and ranked No. 9 in the league in rebounding differential at +1.3. They were 31-5 when they held opponents under 110 points, including 14-2 when holding opponent under 100 points. Lone two losses when they held their opponent under century mark, their 95-92 setback versus Orlando Magic on Dec. 18, 2022 and their 98-95 loss Jan. 24 at the Heat (TNT). 

When the Celtics allowed 110 points or more, they were 25-20, including just
7-10 when they allowed 120 points or more; 1-3 when they allowed 130 more.

In their 150-117 setback Jan. 3 at the Oklahoma City Thunder, they allowed their second most points in a game in their 77-year history (lost 160-117 Mar. 9, 1979 at the Pistons). In that lost at the Thunder, the Celtics were outscored 40-21 in the second quarter to trail 74-54 at the half and 48-37 in the third quarter to trail 122-91 after three quarters. They gave up 59.2 percent shooting to the Thunder (58/98 FGs) and 20/40 from three. Were outscored 21-9 in fastbreak points and 70-46 in paint.    

Anchoring the Celtics solid defense over the past few seasons, including last season was Marcus Smart, Al Horford (9.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 47.6 FG%, 44.6 3-Pt.%-career-high), and Robert Williams III (8.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 74.7 FG%-career-high)

The Celtics identity in 2022-23 was more centered on offense, particularly putting more of an emphasis on taking more threes.

While they ranked No. 14 in overall shooting from the floor in 2022-23 at 47.5 percent, the Celtics ranked No. 6 in three-point accuracy at 37.7 percent, including ranking No. 2 in three made per game at 16 and in attempts at 42.6.

In February, the Celtics led the NBA making 18 triples in their 11 games, where they went 8-3.

Most Made Threes By                      Celtics: 18 In 11 Games February 2023
A Team In A Month                         Warriors: 17.9 In 13 Games January 2023
NBA History (Minimum                   Rockets: 17.8 In 13 Games November 2017
Six Games Played)                            Jazz: 17.8 In 16 Games January 2021.

The Celtics last season went 43-10 when they made 15 or more threes, including 15-2 when they made 20 or more threes.

That stellar marksmanship from three by the Celtics in 2022-23 came as a result of exceptional ability of most of the roster to make plays for one another, ranking No. 7 in assists per game at 26.7. They went 18-7 in 2022-23 when they had 25 or more assists, including, 8-0 when they registered 30 or more assists.

That coupled with their defense is how the Celtics were 26-0 when they led by 20-plus points at the half.

The marksmanship of the Celtics from three came not just from Tatum and Brown, but from Horford, whose 145 total made threes a season ago were a career-high.

Malcolm Brogdon (14.9 ppg, 3.7 apg, 48.4 FG%, 44.4 3-Pt.%-4^th NBA), who was acquired from the Pacers last offseason, registered 132 total made threes (132/297 3-Pt.) in 2022-23, the second most in a season of his career (145/374 3-Pt.-38.8 3-Pt.% 2020-21 w/Pacers) and won Kia Sixth Man of the Year as he was a reserve for the first time in his seven-year NBA career with Bucks, Pacers and Celtics.

Celtics To Win Kia               Bill Walton* 1985-86
Sixth Man of the Year          Kevin McHale 1983-84, 1984-85
                                                Malcolm Brogdon 2022-23

Derrick White (12.4 ppg, 3.9 apg, 3.6 rpg), who the Celtics acquired in February 2022 from the Spurs showed his continued growth on both ends of the hardwood, especially with his shooting accuracy. He shot career-highs of 46.2 percent from the floor, 38.1 percent from three, making a career-high 149 total threes, and 87.5 percent from the foul line. Defensively, White led all guards with 76 block shots. He also had a career-best seven of his nine career double-doubles in 2022-23.

While he has not seen much time in his first three NBA seasons, guard Payton Prichard (5.6 ppg, 36.4 3-Pt.%) when he has played showed he can be a solid contributor.

In the Celtics 120-114 victory to close 2022-23 versus the Hawks Apr. 9 (ESPN), Pritchard had his first career triple-double with 30 points, 11 assists, and 14 rebounds on 10/21 from the field and 9/16 at the charity stripe.

Pritchard became the third player in Celtics history to register that kind of a triple-double joining Bird and Havlicek.

After being a benchwarmer for much of his rookie season in 2021-22 Sam Hauser (6.4 ppg, 45.5 FG%, 41.8 3-Pt.%) earned more playing time and displayed his marksmanship from three, hitting 140 total threes in 2022-23 (140/335 3-Pt.). In eight starts last season, averaged 15.4 points and 4.5 boards on 48.4 percent from the floor and 45.5 percent from three. In four games in April, Hauser averaged 13.8 points on 48.8 percent from the floor and 42.4 percent on his triple tries. 

The Celtics drive for title No. 18 began with a 112-99 victory versus the Hawks in Game 1 of their opening-round series Apr. 15 (ESPN), where they led 29-19 after the first quarter and blew the game open outscoring the Hawks 45-25 in second quarter to lead 74-44 at the half. They used an 11-3 run in the final period to hold off a Hawks rally bringing the lead back up to 107-87 and held off another Hawks rally where they cut the deficit to 110-97 with under two minutes left in the contest.

2^nd Quarter                ATL                BOS
Game 2                         25    Points      45
                                     7/23   FGs      15/21
                                     1/7    3-Pt.        7/8
                                      7      Rebs        15

The Celtics shot 47.7 percent (42/88 FGs) from floor in Game 1, going 13/33 on their triples. They outrebounded the 58-45. Had 25 assists on their 45 made shots, while scoring 54 points in the paint.  

The Celtics 30-point lead at the half tied their largest at half in their storied postseason history.

Brown led the way with 29 points and 12 rebounds on 12/23 shooting. Tatum also had a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds on 10/23 from the floor, including 3/7 from three. Tatum scored 13 of those 25 points in the opening period. White had 24 points, seven assists, five boards, and two blocks on 7/13 from the field, including 4/7 from three. Williams III had 12 points and eight rebounds.

While their start to Game 2 was not stellar, the Celtics recovered and took Game 2 119-106 Apr. 18 (NBATV) overcoming an early 11-point deficit (22-11) by outscoring the Hawks 108-84 from that point on, including a 29-10 run to close first quarter and outscoring the Hawks 91-81 the final three quarters.

After the Hawks pulled with 104-95 with just over five minutes left, the homestanding Celtics used a 15-2 run to bring the lead to 22 points (119-97) with 2:16 left.

The Celtics in the victory shot 55.8 percent from the field (48/86 FGs) Game 2, going 15/33 on their triples with 28 assists on their 48 made shots. They outscored the Hawks 64-40 in the paint; 17-11 in fastbreak points; and 17-11 in second chance points.

Tatum had his second straight double-double with 29 points and 10 rebounds, with six assists on 12/22 from the field, including 5/9 from three. White had 26 points, seven rebounds and three blocks on 11/16 shooting, with 14 points and five rebounds in the fourth quarter. Brown had 18 points and three steals, while Brogdon had 13 points, eight assists and seven boards.

White joined the late All-Star Reggie Lewis (1992) as the second player in the Celtics’ storied postseason history with at least 25 points and three block shots in a Playoff game.

Any plans for an opening-round sweep ended with a 130-122 loss in Game 3 Apr. 21 (ESPN).

Tatum in defeat had 29 points and 10 rebounds with five assists and two steals. Brogdon had 17 points and five assists on 7/15 from the floor, including 3/6 from three. Brown had 15 points and three steals on 7/15 shooting. White had 11 points on 3/4 from three.

While the Celtics continued their incredible efficiency offensively in the series as they shot 48.9 percent from the floor (45/92 FGs), 21/48 from three, 31 assists on 45 made shots, and scored 29 points (BOS: 11 Steals) off 19 Hawks turnovers, they defense was nowhere near they were in first two games of this series.

After the Hawks shot 38.8 percent (38/98 FGs) and 5/29 from three in Game 1, and 42.6 percent from the floor Game 2 (43/101 FGs) and 16/48 from three, they shot in Game 3 55 percent from the field (51/91 FGs), 15/34 on their threes. They also outscored the Celtics 54-40 in the paint and 23-9 in second chance points in the defeat. They outrebounded the Celtics 48-29, including 11-6 on the offensive glass.

The boys from “Beantown” got back on track winning Game 4 129-121 two nights later (TNT). They led virtually the entire game, using a 12-4 run to close the first half to lead 65-53 at intermission.

The Celtics in the win shot 51.7 percent from the field (46/89 FGs), including 16/40 from three-point range and 21/25 at the foul line, with 25 assists on their 46 made field goals. They outrebounded the Hawks 49-42, including 19-9 on the boards in the first quarter and 32-20 after the first 24 minutes. They also outscored the Hawks 56-44 in the paint and 18-8 in fastbreak points.

Brown led the Celtics with 31 points on 12/20 shooting, including making three triples. Tatum also had 31 points with seven boards and three blocks.

Tatum, who was 11/12 at the foul line, shot just 8/20 from the field, including 4/13 on his threes in Game 4, he made the game ceiling triple with less than two minutes left.

Tatum and Brown combined to score the Celtics final 16 points in Game 4 with nine of the 16 points coming from Tatum in the final three minutes.  

This was the first time in 72 career Playoff games that Tatum and Brown each scored 30-plus points in the same Playoff game.

White had 18 points on 7/14 shooting, including 4/9 from three. Brogdon chipped in with 14 points, while Williams III had his first double-double of this postseason with 13 points and 15 rebounds with two blocks and two steals. While Horford went scoreless in Game 4 had 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals.   

In their first attempt to close the series, the Celtics stubbed their toe dropping Game 5 at home 119-117 Apr. 25 (TNT), blowing a 10-point lead after three quarters (92-82) as they were outscored 61-51 in the second half, including 37-25 in the fourth quarter.

On a night where they shot 53.3 percent from the field (49/92 FGs) with 31 assists on made shots with just nine turnovers; outrebounded the Hawks 43-34 and outscored them 60-38 in paint and 24-8 in fastbreak points, the Celtics shot just 12/38 on their threes and 7/13 at the foul line.

Brown scored 35 points (23 points 1^st Half) with seven rebounds and five assists on 11/23 shooting, including 4/7 from three. While Tatum had 19 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, he was just 8/21 from the field, including 1/10 from three. White chipped in with 18 points, five boards and two blocks. Brogdon had 14 points, while Williams III had 10 points with seven rebounds.

The Celtics clinched the series with a 128-120 win at the Hawks in Game 6 Apr. 27 (TNT) to win the series 4-2.

They led the Hawks by 10 early in the first quarter but were down by as many as seven in the second quarter and but were up 68-67 at the half. The Hawks outscored the Celtics 33-30 in the third to lead 100-98 after three quarters. After trailing 113-110 midway through the fourth quarter, the Celtics went on an 11-0 run capped by a follow dunk by Tatum that was part of an 18-10 close to game.

On a night the Celtics shot 50 percent from the floor (47/94 FGs), making 18/42 from three, 16/17 at the foul line with 24 assists and just seven turnovers. They had 10 blocks and outscored the Hawks 18-4 in fastbreak points and 54-50 in the paint.

Brown, who was 13/25 shooting, including 6/8 from three in Game 6, led the way scoring 18 of his 32 points in the opening half, with 13 of those 18 first half points coming in second quarter.

Tatum had his fourth double-double of the series with 30 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks on 11/20 from the floor with four made threes. Brogdon had 17 points, while Horford had 10 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and three blocks against his former team.

For the second time in the series and their 74^th career Playoff game together, Tatum and Brown each scored 30-plus points, improving to 2-0 when that occurred in series and 23-1 in their careers when that has happened (21-1 in regular season).

Duos To Each Score 30 Points IN Series Clinching Win Celtics Postseason History
                                                             Opponent
1963 Sam Jones/Tom Heinsohn          Royals
1966 Sam Jones/John Havlicek            76ers
1968 John Havlicek/Bailey Howell     Lakers
1988 Larry Bird/Kevin McHale         Hawks
2023 Jayson Tatum/Jaylen Brown     Hawks

The good vibes from that Game 6 clincher in Atlanta were short lived as the Celtics dropped Game 1 of the East Semis 119-115 versus the 76ers May 1 (TNT), getting outscored 88-77 final three quarters.

A fastbreak layup by Brogdon put the Celtics up 104-102 with 5:04 left and a layup by Horford put the Celtics up 113-110 with 1:14 left. Celtics were outscored 9-2 to close the game, which included the go-ahead three-pointer by 76ers’ perennial All-Star James Harden with 08.1 seconds left in the contest. With a chance to tie moments later, the Celtics turned it over and the 76ers sealed the win with two free throws.

The Celtics started Game 1 well out the gate going 17/20 from the field, including 4/6 on their threes with 11 assists; and outrebounded their visitors 10-4 in the opening period and had a 26-9 scoring advantage in the paint.

While the 76ers shot 58.7 percent from the field in Game 1, (44/75 FGs); 26 assists;  outrebounded the 76ers 38-28, and outscored them 66-42 in the paint, they allowed 76ers to shoot 50.6 percent from the floor (45-89 FGs), including 17/38 from three (11/19 3-Pt. 1^st Half). 

Celtics themselves shot just 10/26 from three, and after shooting 71.8 percent from the floor (28/39 FGs) in the opening half of Game 1, along with 8/14 from three, the had a rough second half shooting just 44.4 percent from the field (16/36 FGs), including 2-12 on their threes.

Tatum, who led the Celtics with 39 points, 11 rebounds, five assists on 14/25 from the field, going 4/5 from three and 7/8 at the foul line. Tatum scored 14 of those points on 6/7 shooting in the opening period and scored a Playoff career-high 20 points on 8/11 from the field, along with 4/4 from three. Tatum cooled off in the second half scoring 13 points with seven boards but was just 3/10 from the floor.

Brown had 23 points with six boards in the loss, going 8/10 from the floor making three of his four triple tries. But he too was silent in the opening half scoring just seven points with only three field goal attempts. Horford in the loss had 11 points with six rebounds and three blocks.   

Tatum and Brown combined to go 7/9 on their threes in Game 1. The rest of the team was a frigid 3/17 combined on their triple tries.

The Celtics brought a different focus to Game 2 and blew the 76ers off the TD Garden floor in a 121-87 win two nights later (TNT) to tie the series at 1-1 using a 19-5 run in the third period to blow the game open as Celtics outscored 76ers 35-16 in the third to lead 92-65 after three quarters and led Game 2 by as many as 36 points.  

Tatum after a stellar performance in the Game 1 defeat struggled in Game 2 with a career-playoff-low seven points with seven rebounds on 1/7 shooting, including 0/3 from three, scoring five of those seven points at the foul line (5/5 FTs). It was his first single-digit scoring performance in a Playoff game since scoring just nine points in Game 2 of 2021 First Round at the Brooklyn Nets.

Brown picked up the slack with game-high 25 points on 9/17 from the field, including 3/6 from three. Brogdon scored 23 with six boards making 7/15 from the field and 6/10 from three. White scored 15, going 3/6 on his triple tries.

Along with holding an opponent to under 90 points for the first time all season, the Celtics’ victory by 34 points tied their third largest margin of victory in their postseason history. It also was their second largest margin of victory in their Playoff history against the 76ers.

Besides shooting 46.7 percent from the floor (43/92 FGs), the Celtics shot much better from three-point range making 20/51 (10/26 3-Pt. Game 1), including 7/15 from three in the third quarter. That stellar marksmanship from three also consisted of going 10/24 off kickout passes after going just 2/9 from three in such scenarios in Game 1.

They had 26 assists on their 43 made shots with just seven turnovers and outrebounded 76ers 46-41. They outscored the 76ers 21-14 in fastbreak points in Game 2 and scored 15 second chance points off their eight offensive boards.

Along with outrebounding the 76ers, they held them in Game 2 to 39.2 percent from the floor (31/79 FGs) and 6/30 from three, including 1/13 on their triple tries in the opening half.

The Celtics regained home court advantage with their 114-102 win at the 76ers in Game 3 May 5 (ESPN) to take a 2-1 series lead.

They led for majority of the contest up by as many as 10 in the opening period and used a made three-pointer by Brogdon and Tatum to hold off a 76ers rally.

Tatum snapped back from his disappointing performance in Game 2 with 27 points, 10 boards, five assists and three steals on 10/20 shooting, including making three triples. After scoring just seven points total in Game 2, Tatum surpassed his seven-point output in Game 2 with 10 points on 4/8 from the floor, including two threes in the first quarter of Game 3.

Brown had 23 points and seven rebounds, and five assists on 8/18 shooting and made all seven of his foul shots.

While they shot just 44.2 percent (38/86 FGs), the Celtics went 16/45 from three and outrebounded 76ers 45-42. They had 25 assists on their 38 made shots.

Horford, who totaled 16 points on 2/12 from three in the first two games of the East Semis had 17 points and seven rebounds on going 5/7 from three, becoming the first center in NBA history to make five triples in a Playoff game.

A key defensive error cost the Celtics two nights later in their 116-115 overtime setback in Game 4 (ESPN) that evened the series 2-2.

Overcoming a 16-point deficit in the second quarter and early in the third quarter, the Celtics outscored 76ers 24-15 in the fourth period, overcoming an eight-point deficit (98-90) with a 15-2 run, capped by a three-pointer by Brogdon to put Celtics up 105-100 with 2:04 left. The 76ers answered with a 7-2 run to force overtime.

In overtime, Tatum hit a step-back triple that put the Celtics ahead 115-113. But moments later the 76ers answered as league MVP Joel Embiid after being doubled by Brown found James Harden for a corner three-pointer right in front of the 76ers bench that he nailed to put them up one in the final seconds of overtime.

With a chance to win it in the final seconds of OT, the Celtics did get a three off and made it but it came after the final buzzer.

Tatum led the way in the loss with 24 points, 18 rebounds, six assists and four blocks on 9/20 shooting.

Brown had 23 points (12 Points 1^st Quarter) and five assists on 10/16 from the field, including 3/8 from three. But had no points and no shot attempts in overtime.

Brogdon had 19 points and eight boards, going 5/8 on his triple tries. White scored 12 and Horford had 10 points, seven rebounds, two steals and five blocks.  

The Celtics shot 47.1 percent from the field Game 4 (41/87 FGs), went 17/44 from three with 25 assists and just 10 turnovers, and outscored 76ers 22-9 in fastbreak points.

The 76ers in gaining the double-digit lead they did in the Game 4 in the first half came as a result of outscoring the Celtics 26-14 in the paint. They shot 47.1 percent from the floor in Game 4, going 13/34 from three and 19/22 from the foul line. They played the Celtics even on the boards 44-44 and were 19/22 from the foul line (BOS 16/22 FTs).

Jayson Tatum            1^st Half: 2 Points, 9 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1/9 FGs, 0/3 3-Pt.
Game 4                       3^rd Quarter: 13 Points, 5/5 FGs, 3/3 FTs
                                    2^nd Half: 17 Points, 9 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 2 Blocks, 6/8 FGs 5/7 FTs

The misery continued in Game 5 as the Celtics fell versus 76ers 115-103 May 9 (TNT) to now trail the series 3-2.

The Celtics trailed for the majority of the loss down by 15 in the second quarter and used a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 58-49 at the half. They could not mount a comeback though in the second half as the 76ers had Celtics down by 19 in the third quarter and 88-72 after three quarters and raised the lead to 21 in the fourth period.

The Celtics shot 39.8 percent from the field in Game 5 (33/83 FGs) shooting under 40 percent from the floor for the first time in 2023 Playoffs. 

While they connected on 25/34 at the charity stripe, the Celtics went just 12/38 from three, including just 5/19 on their triple tries in the opening half. They were outrebounded 49-36 and were outscored 14-13 in second chance points.

Their 103 points in Game 5 represented the Celtics lowest scoring output in a game so far in 2023 Playoffs.

While Tatum had 36 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals on 11/13 from the foul line, he began 0/5 from the floor in the opening period and missed his first six shots in Game 5, finishing just 11/27 from the field, including 3/11 from three. His first field goal did not come until the 5:48 mark of second quarter.

Brown had 24 points and six boards on 9/16 shooting, going 3/6 from three.

Brogdon only had seven points on 3/9 shooting. White also had just seven points with five rebounds on 2/6 from the floor. Horford had no points going 0/7 on his triple tries.

With their season hanging in the balance, Celtics brought that necessary desperation to start Game 6 and finished things off strong with a 95-86 May 11 (ESPN) win to tie the series 3-3.

The visiting Celtics led for much of the first three quarters up by as many as 16 in the second quarter and led 50-43 at the half. They were outscored by 76ers 30-21 in the third and were down0 82-81 with 5:57 left but closed the game on a 14-5 run, which included three three-pointers by Tatum, including the game-ceiling one that put the Celtics up 95-84 with 37.1 seconds left.

The Celtics outscored the 76ers 24-13 in the final period, going 5/9 from three and outrebounded the home squad 16-7 with Tatum and Brown combining to outscore the 76ers 16-13 in the final period.

Tatum had 19 points, nine rebounds, six assists but was just 5/21 shooting, including 4/11 from three (5/5 FTs). Brown had 17 points and six boards. Brogdon 16 points and six rebounds on 4/8 from three.

Jayson Tatum In       1^st Half: 1 Point, 7 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 2 Blocks 0/10 FGs
Game 6                       1^st 3 Quarters: 3 Points, 7 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 1/13 FGs, 0/6 3-Pt.
                                    4^th Quarter: 16 Points, 4/8 FGs, 4/5 3-Pt.

Outscored Opposing Team In Fourth Quarter Of Road Playoff Elimination Game Last 25 Postseason
                                         Postseason    Team    Score    Opponent
Jayson Tatum                     2023           BOS     16-13        PHI
Klay Thompson                 2016             GS      19-18       OKC         
Nick Van Exel                    2003           DAL    12-10          SA

Tatum, who went 0/10 shooting first half was his worst in any half (regular season and postseason) of his career. He recovered to score 16 of his 19 points in the second half and went 5/10 shooting after an 0/11 start to Game 6.

Tatum joined Harden and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan as the three players since 1997 to go 0/10 shooting or worse in the first half of a Playoff game.

While they shot just 42.3 percent from the field in Game 6 (33/78 FGs), the Celtics went 15/35 from three. Outrebounded 76ers 50-38 and outscored them 24-18 in fastbreak points and 36-32 in the paint. They also held the 76ers to 36.1 percent shooting (30/83 FGs) and 8/34 from three-point range, which included going 0/8 from three in the fourth period.

Coach Mazzulla made a change for Game 6 starting Horford and Williams III together for the first time this postseason as White came off the bench for the first time in 2023 Playoffs. Horford had just two points but had 11 rebounds, while Williams III had 10 points, nine rebounds and two blocks.

After only playing five total minutes together the first five games of this series, the Celtics when Horford or Williams III was the primary defender, the 76ers went just 3/18 from the field.

The Celtics closed the series with a dominant second half winning Game 7 112-88 May 14 (ABC).

After leading by as many as nine (35-26) early in the second quarter, the Celtics were outscored 12-2 and trailed 38-37 and were down 46-44 with 3:09 left in the opening half before using an 11-6 run to lead 55-52 at the half. Following the first points of the third quarter by 76ers on a three-pointer, the Celtics outscored their visitors 57-33 from that point on in second half, outscoring the 76ers 33-10 in third, which included the deciding 24-3 run. The Celtics outscored the 76ers 57-33 in the second half.

Following three consecutive subpar performances in the series, Tatum saved his best for when it mattered most scoring 51 points and grabbing 13 rebounds with five assists on 17/28 from the floor, including 6/10 from three and 11/14 at the free throw line.

                                                     Jayson Tatum in Game 7                                                           
-51 Points: Set A New NBA Record For Most Points In Game 7.
-First Player In Great History Of The Celtics With Multiple 50-Point Games In Postseason.
-Joined Hall of Famers In Late Wilt Chamberlin, Rick Barry, Russell Westbrook (LAC), And Jamal Murray (DEN) As Five Players In NBA Playoff History To Go 50/10/% (Points/Rebounds/Assists) At Least In A Playoff Game.
-Made a field goal in the First Quarter since Game 3.
-11 Points in the First Quarter: Totaled 3 Points in the First Period Games, 4, 5 and 6.
-Had 25 Points, 7 Rebounds 91/6 FGs, 6/8 FTs 1^st Half Game 7 (18 Total Combined Points on 4/30 FGs 1^st Half Games 4-6).
-Totaled 67 Points Dating Back To Fourth Quarter Of Game 6.
-Scored 42 Points The First Three Quarters: His 4^th Career 40-Point Game of His Postseason Career And Most By Any Player In Game 7 Last 25 Years.
-Outscored the Celtics Alone 17-10 in the Third Quarter.
-Registered His Second Career 50-Point Game In Postseason.
-Had His Fifth Career Game (Regular Season and Postseason) With 50/10/5 (Points/Rebounds/Assists)

Most Points In Game 7         Jayson Tatum: 51 Points 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals
Celtics Playoff History          Versus 76ers.
*Hall Of Famer                     Sam Jones*: 47 Points 1963 East Divisional Finals Versus
                                                Cincinnati Royals.
                                                Paul Pierce*: 41 Points 2008 Eastern Conference Finals Versus
                                                Cavaliers.

                   Most Points In Game 7 NBA Playoff History                         
                                               Postseason    Points  Teams  Opponent
Jayson Tatum                            2023            51       BOS      VS PHI
Stephen Curry                           2023           50        GS       AT SAC
Kevin Durant                             2021           48       BKN     VS MIL
Dominique Wilkins                   1988            47       ATL      AT BOS
Sam Jones                                  1963            47       BOS      VS CIN

Brown had 25 points, six boards, two steals, and two blocks on 9/19 shooting, including 3/6 from three. Brogdon had 12 points.

Coach Mazzulla became the 10^th head coach in Celtics history to reach the Conference Finals, including the third to do it in his rookie season.

In their fifth East Final in the last seven seasons, the Celtics got off on the wrong foot falling to the Heat 123-116 in Game 1 May 17 (TNT).

The Celtics after the score was tied 44-44 in the second quarter used a 17-2 run to lead 61-49 late in the period and led 66-57 at the half, closing the second quarter on a 22-13 spirt. After leading by 12 early in the third quarter, the Celtics were outscored by the Heat 46-25 in the third and 66-50 in the second half blowing a 13-point lead and trailed by as many as 12 in the fourth quarter.

While the Celtics shot 51.9 percent from the field (42/81 FGs) and outscored the Heat 62-40 in the paint; 15-12 in fastbreak points and 18-12 in second chance points, they were just 10/29 from three and 22/29 at the foul line. They were outrebounded 35-34; scored 26 points off 15 Heat turnovers but had 15 turnovers themselves that led to 22 Heat points.

While Tatum led the way in defeat with 30 points and seven boards on 9/17 from the field and 11/11 at the charity stripe, he went scoreless with no field goal attempts (6/6 FTs) and three turnovers in fourth quarter.

Brown had 22 points, nine rebounds and five assists on 10/21 shooting. Brogdon had 19 points off the bench on 7/14 from the floor. Williams III 14 points and seven rebounds. White had 11 points on 3/5 on his threes.   

The Celtics followed the same pattern in going down to defeat versus the Heat again 111-105 two nights later (TNT) to trail the series 2-0.

After leading by 12 early in the second quarter behind a 21-2 run to overcome an early eight-point deficit, the Celtics were outscored 30-25 in second quarter to trail 54-50 at the half. Celtics re-established order by outscoring the Heat 33-21 in the third quarter to lead 83-75 after three quarters. They were up 12 early in the fourth period and were up 96-87 with 6:30. But the Celtics were outscored 24-9 to close the game as they were outscored 36-22 in the fourth quarter.

Tatum had another strong performance with 34 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists on 10/20 shooting and 11/12 at the foul line. Brown struggled with just 16 points on 7/23 from the field, including 1/7 from three.

Celtics in 4^th Quarter    Tatum  5 Points 0/3 FGs, 5/5 FTs, 2 Turnovers
Game 2                           Brown  3 Points 1/5 FGs

Williams III and Brogdon each had 13 points and two blocks, while White had 11 points and two blocks on 3/5 from three. Horford had just two points, four rebounds, two blocks on 1/5 shooting.

While the Celtics shot 46.8 percent from the floor (37/79 FGs) and 21-24 at the charity stripe in Game 2 and outscored the Heat 15-4 in fastbreak points, they once struggled shooting the three going just 10/35 from there. Had 15 turnovers that led to 20 Heat points and were outrebounded 45-35.

The Celtics after two tough home losses to start this series were simply outclassed and outplayed in Game 3 falling at the Heat 128-102 May 21 (TNT) to fall behind in the series 3-0.

Aside from a three-point lead early in Game 3, the Celtics trailed virtually the entire game down by as many as 33 points.

Celtics 20-Plus Point        125-98   Dec. 7, 2022 at Spurs
Losses 2022-23                  113-93   Dec. 12, 2022 at Clippers
                                           150-117 Jan. 3, 2023 at Thunder
                                           128-102 May 21, 2023 Game 3 at Heat

Tatum had 14 points and 10 rebounds, but was just 6/18 from the field, including 1/7 from three. Brown had just 12 points and six boards on 6/17 shooting, including 0/7 from three. It was only the second time all season Tatum and Brown both scored under 15 points in the same game.  

Celtics Output                       Horford 8 Points, 1 Rebound 3/6 FGs, 2/5 3-Pt.
Game 3                                   White 9 Points, 4 Rebounds, 3/9 FGs, 3/6 3-Pt.
                                                Brogdon 0 Points, 2 Assists 0/6 FGs, 0/3 3-Pt.
                                                Williams III 8 Points, 8 Rebounds, 4/8 FGs

While the Celtics outrebounded the Heat 57-35, including 21-1 on the offensive glass and outscored them 52-42 in the paint and 19-4 in second chance points, they made just 39.8 percent of their shots, the second time this postseason they shot under 40 percent from the field, 11/42 from three.

They became just the second Top 2 Seed to trail 3-0 in the Conference Finals since the 2017 Spurs. This is the seventh time the Celtics have fallen behind in a best-of-seven series 3-0 in their storied Playoff history.

Behind their inspired third quarter, the Celtics got their first win of the 2023 East Finals 116-99 in Game 4 May 23 (TNT) to avoid a four-game sweep and their first four-game losing streak since May 2021.  

Trailing 56-50 at the half and down by nine (61-52) in the third early in third quarter, the Celtics went on an 18-0 run as they outscored the Heat 38-23 in the third to lead 88-79 after three quarters and then went on a 12-0 run to seal the win after the Heat drew within 88-83 early in the fourth quarter. The Celtics outscored the Heat 66-43 in the second half.

While the Celtics did shoot 51.2 percent from the floor (43/84 FGs) in Game 4, they found their three-point stroke going 18/45 from three after an abysmal 31/106 on their triple tries (29.2 3-Pt.%) the first three games of the series. They had 28 assists and just 10 turnovers and scored 27 points off 16 Heat miscues. They also outscored the Heat 18-10 in fastbreak points. The Celtics had eight block shots and eight steals.

Tatum led the way with 33 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks on 14/22 shooting, including 4/9 from three. He scored or assisted on 23 of the Celtics 38 points in the third, including scoring or assisting on nine of his team’s 14 made field goals in the period.

Brown had 17 points and two steals on 7/16 from the field. White had 16 points, two steals and two blocks on 3/7 from three. Horford had 12 points and seven rebounds going 3/6 from three.

Celtics in 4^th Quarter       Tatum 11 Points 5/7 FGs
Game 4                              Brown 6 Points 2/6 FGs, 2/3 FTs

Celtics 4^th Quarter           Tatum  5.5 PPG 0/3 FGs, 11/11 FTs, 5 Turnovers
Entering Game 4              Brown  4.5 PPG, 4/12 FGs, 0/6 3-Pt. 3/6 FTs 3 Turnovers

With his second make from three-point range in Game 4, Tatum surpassed Paul Pierce for the most made threes in Celtics Playoff history.

The Celtics took that momentum right into Game 5 as they dominated the Heat back in “Beantown” 110-97 on May 27 (TNT) to cut their series deficit 3-2 as they led wire-to-wire up by as many as 23 points.

White led the Celtics with a Playoff career-high 24 points with two steals on 8/11 shooting, including a Playoff career-high six made threes, going 6/8 from three-point range. Tatum had a double-double of 21 points and 11 assists with eight boards. Brown also had 21 points with three steals on 9/18 from the floor, including 3/5 from three. Horford had six points, 11 rebounds and five assists.

Tatum (12 Points, 5/8 FGs) and White (11 Points, 4/5 FGs, 3/3 3-Pt.) combined to outscore the Heat 23-20 in the opening period as the Celtics led 35-20 after the first quarter of Game 5.

For the second straight game, the Celtics forced 16 Heat turnovers that resulted in 27 points, with 13 of those 16 Heat turnovers coming off Celtics steals in Game 5.

The Celtics shot 50.6 percent from the floor in Game 5, including 16/39 on their triple tries. They are a combined 34/84 from three the last two games after going 31/106 from three the first two games of the series. 

Celtics Defense                      Games 1-3                             Game 4             Game 5         
In 2023 East Finals                  120.7         Opp. Pts               99                      97
                                                    -24         3^rd Qtr. Pt. Diff.   +15               +1 (29-28)
                                                    -39            Diff. 3-Pt.           +30             +21 (48-27)
                                                    -1         Diff. Pts Off TOs   +13               +8 (27-19)

In a game that served as a microcosm of the East Finals, the Celtics, who dominated most of Game 6 were in need a miracle to pull out a 104-103 triumph May 27 (TNT)to even the series 3-3 and forced a winner-take-all Game 7 back in Boston.

After leading by 11 in the second quarter, the Celtics only led 57-53 at intermission. They used a 16-3 in third quarter to take a 78-65 lead and were up 79-72 after three quarters. The Celtics then used a 16-5 run to open a 98-88 lead with 4:56 left. They were then outscored 15-4 to trail 103-102 with 03.0 seconds left.

On their final possession, the Celtics missed a long three that was tipped in by White at the buzzer and following an official review was called good and the Celtics won it at the final buzzer.

        Game Winning Buzzer Beaters When Facing Elimination NBA Playoff History             
                                           Team         Opponent               *Team Trailed Before GW Shot
Cliff Hagan                        STL               BOS
Elgin Baylor                      LAL               STL
Michael Jordan*              CHI                CLE
Jerryd Bayless                  MIL               CHI
Kawhi Leonard                TOR               PHI
Derrick White*                BOS               MIA

It was the cherry on the Sundae of an 11-point night by White with six assists and three blocks on 3/7 from three. Tatum led the way with 31 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two blocks, overcoming an 8/21 performance by going 15/15 at the foul line. Brown had 26 points and 10 rebounds with two steals on 9/16 shooting ad 8/10 from the charity stripe. . Williams III added 10 points and seven rebounds.

Most 20-Plus Point Games By Player Age 26 Or Young In NBA Playoff History
Kobe Bryant                     80 W/Lakers
LeBron James (LAL)      79 W/Cavaliers
Kevin Durant (PHX)       68 W/Thunder
Jayson Tatum                   64 W/Celtics

Most 25 Point Games In Celtics Playoff History
Larry Bird        71     Kevin McHale  42    
John Havlicek  70     Paul Pierce        39
Jayson Tatum   44 

Tatum had his 10^th career game of 30/10/5 (points/rebounds/assists) of his postseason career, with his sixth such game coming in 2023 Playoffs. He also had his ninth 30-plus point game of 2023 Postseason.

Most Games Of 30/10/5 (Points/Rebounds/Assists) In Celtics Playoff History
Larry Bird       19    Paul Pierce      4
Jayson Tatum   9    Davie Cowens  2
John Havlicek   7    Reggie Lewis and Dennis Johnson 1 each

For the Celtics, this was their fifth win of 2023 postseason when facing elimination, most such victories in a single postseason in their storied history. They became the first team in NBA history to host a Game 7 after trailing a best-of-seven series 3-0.     

Most Wins When Facing Elimination In Single Postseason NBA Playoff History
2020 Nuggets 6   1995 Rockets* 5         * Won NBA Title
1994 Nuggets 6   1993 Suns        5
2023 Celtics   5

Coach Mazzulla became joined the late Paul Westphal (1993 w/Suns) and Joe Mullany (1970 w/Lakers) as the three head coaches in NBA Playoff history to win their first five elimination games.

Even with home court, the Celtics dropped Game 7 at home to the  Heat 103-84 to lose the series 4-3, failing to make it back to The Finals, which they were just the previous season.

The Celtics after leading by five midway through the first quarter trailed from that point on by as many as 23, shooting just 39 percent from the floor (32/82 FGs) and were just 9/42 on their three-pointers.

While they outscored the Heat 42-38 in the paint, they registered just 18 assists and had 15 turnovers that led to 19 Heat points. They were held under 90 points for the first time all season, with their 15 points in the opening period, where they trailed 22-15 after the first was their lowest scoring first quarter all season and their lowest scoring output of 2023 Playoffs. They shot 6/23 from the floor in the first quarter, going 0/10 from three, missing their first 12 three-point attempts of Game 7 with four turnovers.

Brown led the way with 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists, but shot 8/23 from the floor, including 1/9 from three with eight turnovers. Those eight miscues by Brown were a career-high and the most by a Celtics player in a Playoff game since Hall of Famer Larry Bird in 1981.

White had 18 points but too struggled shooting going just 5/12 and 2/9 from three.

Tatum had a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds but was just 5/13 from the field and made just one of his four triple tries as he battled through an ankle sprain that occurred early in the first quarter of the contest, where he had just one field goal attempts.

Most PPG In Game 7 When Facing Elimination NBA Playoff History (Minimum Of 5 Games) *Hall Of Famer                                                                               
                                         PPG
LeBron James (LAL)     34.9
Jerry West*                     30.9
Elgin Baylor*                  29.2
Bob Pettit*                       29.2
Jayson Tatum (BOS)      26.7

Most Total Made Three-Pointers In Celtics Postseason History
Jayson Tatum 223   Ray Allen        206
Paul Pierce      219   Jaylen Brown 206

Teams To Force Game 7 After Trailing Best-Of-Seven Series 3-0 NBA Playoff History
1951 Finals Knicks versus Rochester Royals: Royals won Game 7 of title series at home 79-75.

1994 West Semis Nuggets versus Jazz: Jazz won Game 7 of series at home 91-81.

2003 West First Round Trail Blazers versus Mavericks: Mavericks won Game of series at home 107-95.

2023 East Finals Heat versus Celtics: Celtics lost Game 7 of series at home 103-84.

Teams are now 151-0 in best-of-seven series in NBA Playoff history when they lead 3-0.

The Celtics are now 27-10 all-time in Game 7, suffering their first loss in Game 7 in their last five chances, falling to 22-6 all-time at home in Game 7. They are now 1-2 in Game 7 in their Playoff history against the Heat.

In the offseason, the Celtics fully morphed themselves into the image and style of Coach Mazzulla.

The began the offseason in June 2023 Draft with drafting forward Julian Phillips out of the University of Tennessee and dealt him on draft night as part of three-team deal to the Washington Wizards in exchange for All-Star forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (23.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 49.8 FG%, 38.5 3-Pt.% w/Wizards), and the draft rights to guard Marcus Sasser (No. 35 overall pick) out of the University of Houston and a 2024 First Round pick (Top 4 Protected via Warriors). The Celtics said goodbye to their heart-and-soul the past nine seasons in sending Smart to the Grizzlies and sent veteran forwards Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala to the Wizards along with Phillips.

The Celtics then dealt Sasser to the Pistons for the draft rights to center James Nnaji (No. 31 overall pick) from Nigeria and a future Second Round pick. Nnaji was then dealt to the Hornets in exchange for the draft rights to guard/forward Colby Jones (No. 34 overall pick) out of Xavier University and forward/center Mouhamed Gueye (No. 39 overall pick) from Dakar, Senegal and out of University of Washington.

In a trade with the Kings, the Celtics acquired forward Jordan Walsh (No. 38 overall pick) out of University of Arkansas in exchange for the draft rights to Jones (No. 34 overall pick) and a future Second Round pick.

The Celtics then dealt Gueye to the Hawks in exchange for a future Second Round pick.

What allowed the Celtics to acquire Porzingis from the Wizards is that he exercised the $36 million player option on June 14 and that Gallinari excised his $6.8 million player option on the final year of his deal.

“Just extremely excited. Extremely excited,” Porzingis said at Media Day at the start of this month with NBATV’s Nabil Karim about being dealt to the Celtics.

“Understanding the opportunity that we’re going to have here and there was no second thoughts or anything that once I knew this was the opportunity this is exactly what I wanted. I was very excited to get here and get to work.”

On June 30, the Celtics extended Porzingis on a two-year, $60 million deal. On that same day, the Celtics agreed on a two-year, $4.6 million deal with forward Oshae Brissett (6.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, w/Pacers).

Last season with the Wizards, Porzingis had one of the best seasons of his were his averaged a career-high in points and had a career-best 24 25-plus point games in 2022-23. His 6.4 free throw attempts by Porzingis in 2022-23 was the fourth time in his eight-year career with the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, and Wizards that he averaged five-plus free throw attempts. His 137 total made threes last season was the third time in his career that he made over 110 triples in a season.

Double-Digit Double-Doubles  W/Knicks: 2015-16: 21, 2016-17: 12
By Porzingis                               W/Mavericks: 2019-20: 25, 2020-21: 16
                                                    W/Mavericks & Wizards: 2021-22: 15
                                                     W/Wizards: 2022-23: 20

The Latvia native the final 15 games he played in 2022-23 (Feb. 24-Mar. 28) averaged 24.4 points, 7.7 boards, and 1.6 blocks on 53.1 percent from the field, 43 percent from three-point range and 89.4 percent from the foul line.

               Career-High Performances By Porzingis With Wizards In 2022-23                           
Mar. 8 (122-120) Loss Versus Hawks: 43 Points-Career-High, 5 Rebounds, 5 Assists 17/22 FGs, 7/10 3-Pt.
Nov. 30, 2022 (113-107) Loss at Nets: 27 Points, 19 Rebounds-Career-High, 2 Blocks 8/14 FGs, 9/14 FTs.
Nov. 28, 2022 (142-127) Win Versus Timberwolves: 41 Points-Then A Career-High, 3 Blocks, 2 Steals, 12/18 FGs, 6/10 3-Pt., 11/11 FTs.

Even with Porzingis having one of the best seasons of his career, the Wizards did not make the Playoffs.

What the No. 4 overall pick from Latvia has been known for so far in his career with starting with the Knicks (2015-19), Mavericks (2019-21), and Wizards (2021-23) is a very talented two-way player with a versatile offensive attack that is always injured.

Last season, Porzingis quelled that by playing in 65 games, his most since playing in 66 games in his second NBA season in 2016-17 with the Knicks.  

Those questions persisted again though this offseason as he had to miss playing for Latvia in FIBA World Cup due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot. He is still on track to be ready for the start of the regular season.

When the Celtics made the trade, they essentially swapped Porzingis for Smart and it immediately put the spotlight on him to stay healthy and be a major part in helping the Celtics win it all.

“I think these are the best years for a basketball player,” Porzingis said at his introductory presser back in early July. “You are physically there, and mentally, you are getting to a different level. I think the work paid off for me. I looked at my game, I looked at how I could be more efficient and just really analyzed myself, and it paid off last season, all the work I put in off the court to stay healthy.”

“My body is maturing, and getting to that age helped, and I believe I have some great, high-level years ahead of me.”  

What is in Porzingis does have in his favor is that he has played alongside star players before in the now retired Carmelo Anthony at the start of his career with the Knicks and All-Star Luka Doncic with the Mavericks.

While the transition to playing alongside Tatum and Brown will not be easy, as this season progresses if they can all stay healthy, Porzingis should figure out his niche offensively alongside Tatum and Brown, especially with his ability to space the court as a three-point shooter.

More than anything, Porzingis will provide a presence defensively as a rebounder, shot blocker/rim protector.

“You learn something new from every situation and I think what’s the most important thing is that these guys really want to win it all and that’s the main goal here,” Porzingis said about the goal of the Celtics in 2023-24.

“For them two [Tatum and Brown] and the whole organization and that’s what I think really everyone’s excited and just really ready to get to work.”   

On July 3, the Celtics agreed on a two-year, $4.2 million deal with guard Dalano Banton.

Nine days later, the Celtics via a sign-and-trade said goodbye to another of their most beloved players in Grant Williams in a three-team deal sending him to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for a 2024 Second Round pick from the Spurs, and a 2025 right to swap picks and a 2030 Second Round pick from the Mavericks.

In early September, the Celtics signed Svi Mykhailiuk (6.9 ppg, 44.5 FG%42.4 3-Pt.% w/Knicks & Hornets) on a one-year, $2.3 million deal. In late September, the Celtics signed forward Lamar Stevens, who was claimed off waivers from the Spurs back in the middle of July after he was acquired in a three-team deal with the Heat and Cavaliers.

The big splash for the Celtics during the summer was extending Brown on July 25 on the richest deal in NBA history of five years super max deal at $303.7 million option and a trade kicker.

“I appreciate the investment and the commitment from the Celtics,” Brown told reporters at the July 27 press conference of the signing of his new deal. “That commitment will be felt from here in Boston on and off the court.”

While Brown has been eligible for the supermax extension since start of July 1 due to making All-NBA in 2022-23, he added at that late July presser of his new deal that negotiations between the Celtics and his representation were straightforward from start to finish.

“From my standpoint, they understood where I came from, they understood where we came from and it was about meeting in a place where it made sense for everybody,” Brown said.

Along with what happened to the roster over this summer, the Celtics also got the kind of coaching staff to fit around Coach Mazzulla with the additions of long-time assistant coaches in Charles Lee and Sam Cassell, and Amile Jefferson to go alongside DJ MacLeay, Matt Reynolds, and Anthony Dobbins.

With the moves the Celtics made this summer, it has been made clear that they are leaning in to the offensive first philosophy of Coach Mazzulla.

They felt that the way they have gone first under Brad Stevens, who has been the Celtics front office leader since summer of 2021 and the season prior under Coach Udoka that they have gone as far as they could in terms of being a defensive first squad.

For the Celtics and Coach Mazzulla, it is about finding that balance from shooting the three to being team that make things happen in the paint.

Just as important as the play of Porzingis will be to the Celtics championship hopes starting this fall, how Tatum, Brown, and White play this season.

With Smart gone, the lead guard responsibilities at first was going to be on White, who Coach Mazzulla named the starting point guard on July 30. Last season in 61 games with Smart, White averaged 11.4 points, 3.5 assists and 3.3 boards. In the 21 games Smart missed, White averaged 15.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds.

“Obviously with Smart leaving, there’s a PG role that I only played a little bit las year and I’m looking forward to it,” White said ESPN’s Malika Andrews on Aug. 1 edition of “NBA Today” on being the Celtics new starting lead guard.

“I’m just going to have the ball in my hands more, which I’ve done pretty much most of my career. So, just getting back to that and just getting the guys in the right spot. I see what J.T. (Jayson Tatum), J.B. (Jaylen Brown), Porzingis now. I’ve got a lot of talented guys around me that makes my job pretty easy.”

Those plans changed when they acquired a player that will bring the same intensity level defensively that Smart did when they acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers two-time All-Star guard Jrue Holiday (19.3 ppg, 7.4 apg-9^th NBA, 5.1 rpg, 47.9 FG%, 38.4 3-Pt.%, 85.9 FT%-career-high w/Bucks) in exchange for Brogdon, Williams III, the Warriors 2024 First-Round pick and the Celtics own 2029 unprotected First-Round pick.

Last season, Holiday, 33 earned his second All-Star selection 10 seasons apart (2013, 2023) by averaging 19-plus points for third time in last six seasons and over seven assists for the fourth time in his career.

Double-Digit Doubles                       W/76ers       2010-11: 15; 2012-13: 20
By Season By Jrue Holiday             W/Pelicans   2016-17: 16; 2018-19: 18; 2019-20: 10
                                                            W/Bucks      2020-21: 10; 2021-22: 12; 2022-23: 16

In the Bucks’ win (149-136) Mar. 29 at the Pacers, Holiday, 33 had a career-high 51 points with eight assists on 20/30 shooting, including 3/6 from three and 8/10 at the foul line, scoring 27 of those 51 points in the first half, a career-high for points in a half. He scored 18 of his 24 second half points in the third quarter. It was Holiday’s first career 50-point performance coming in his 14^th NBA season, the latest in a player’s career registering their first career 50-point game.

Antetokounmpo in that victory register a triple-double of 38 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists on 14/18 shooting and 10/14 at the charity stripe.

It was the first game in NBA history that featured a 50-point scorer and a 35-point triple-double.

This moves gives the Celtics their starting lead guard who not only score and facilitate offensively, as mentioned is one of the best defensive guards in the league having made, whose made the NBA All-Defensive team in five out of the last six seasons.

“I’m really just here to serve,” Holiday said at Media Day about his role with the Celtics. “I think it’s about winning and helping out my teammates become as good as possible.”

Holiday added about Tatum and Brown that he wants to make the game “easier” for them. While Holiday “knows” he is a major “threat” offensively, he knows that he loves to pass and that he can be “aggressive” on offense as well. He added that on defense he’s “pretty good.”

The Celtics’ players understand what Holiday brings considering that two seasons back they played against the Bucks in a classic seven-game series in 2022 East Semis, which the Celtics won.

Holiday, who the Celtics hope to keep beyond this season with only one year left on his current contract left an impression following that series on his current employer and sky-high about his addition and hope he is the missing piece to their championship puzzle, just like he was for the Bucks in 2021.

“There’s a list of guys in the league that you always think, ‘You’ll never have a real chance to get; that you think are like perfect fits and you love to be a Celtic. And Jrue was, you know, one of those guys,” Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens said at Media Day about Holiday.

Coach Mazzulla added that Holiday’s addition adds more “character”  and “mindset” to a Celtics squad, which he called a major “win.”

“This isn’t about like he has to come here and be anything other than who he is,” Coach Mazzulla said about Holiday.

Brown concurred Steven’s and Mazzulla’s feeling on Holiday calling him “fantastic. Someone that he has a “tremendous” respect for because of how he guarded him and vice versa in their aforementioned seven-game series in 2022.

“He plays with a certain force that you could just fell, you know? He just super solid, man and just as a competitor, he’s an assassin,” Brown added about Holiday.

Holiday’s acquisition also means that White will be the understudy to Holiday and anchor the Celtics second unit.

This move also puts the Celtics in prime position for them to win their 18^th title in their history with Tatum and Brown leading that charge.

The Celtics made sure they had depth behind Holiday possibly and White moving forward by earlier this month by signing Pritchard to a four-year, $30 million extension.

Since becoming teammates over the last half dozen seasons together, Tatum and Brown have had individual success and have gotten the Celtics into the Playoffs each of those seasons, leading them to the Conference Finals in five out of last seven seasons, they will be judged moving forward on how many titles they win.

A big step that they need to take in that maturation for both Tatum and Brown, especially for Tatum, is in the leadership department. With Smart and Williams being dealt, they not only lost two of their best defensive players and shot makers from the perimeter, these two were the ones who had no problem pulling guys by the jersey collar and letting them know they have to pick up their performance on the hardwood, especially Smart.

Last season, Tatum rose his game on the floor where he led the NBA in total points (2,225) and averaged 11.5 points in the paint.

Tatum and Brown took a big step in their on-court development by working out together over the summer in Los Angeles. Brown also during the offseason took time to work out with Hall of Famer Paul Pierce, who along with fellow Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen led the Celtics to their last title in 2008, defeating the archrival Lakers 4-2.  

“I’m still 25 and he’ll [Brown] be 27 in two months…We’re far from perfect. We won’t  ever get the credit we deserve until we actually win a championship…,” Tatum said on he and Brown to “The Messenger” in early September.

“We’ve been to the Playoffs every single year, we’ve gotten better…Yes it took some time to figure out how much we can be as special as we can be , and now we can co-exist and do together…We talk about it all the time. We are due to get over the hump.”

Brown added to that by saying back at his contract signing on July 27, “I look at life as stages and degrees.”

“Everything that I went through throughout my career has prepared me for each stage….I don’t shy away from pressure. I know what the demand is. I know what the expectation level is. And I know the work that is required. Everything about me is about work. So, I look at it as just another challenge.”

In the history of the Boston Celtics from some of their great players from Hall of Famers like the aforementioned Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, the late Bill Russell, Dennis Johnson, Bob Cousy, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen to some of their legendary coaches in the late Tom Heinsohn, Arnold “Red” Auerbach, and K.C. Jones, to Glenn “Doc” Rivers, every player is judged by the number of title(s) they have won.  

The Celtics have made the Playoffs the last nine seasons, longest active streak in NBA. They have reached the Eastern Conference Finals as mentioned in five out of last seven seasons, reaching The Finals in 2022 but lost that series 4-2 to the Warriors.

That is the challenge entering this season for Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and head coach Joe Mazzulla and moving forward. Their chances got a lot better of making that dream of  winning title No. 18 with the acquisition of Jrue Holiday along with Kristaps Porzingis.

The question is, can the rest of the supporting cast of Al Horford, Luke Kornet, Derrick White, Svi Mykhailiuk, Lamar Stevens Oshae Brissett, and Sam Hauser be the complimentary parts that can help the Celtics win it all this spring?

“We want everybody that comes here to understand what the ultimate goal is. It’s about winning,” Stevens said.        

Best Case Scenario: The Celtics are Top 3 Seed in East again. The chemistry Tatum and Brown both on and off the floor goes to an even high level and raises their games both individually and collectively to another level. Tatum is in the running for Kia MVP. Holiday has the same impact that Smart did on both ends. Porzingis remains healthy and a major force on both ends. The Celtics remain a Top 5 defense and become a more efficient and balanced offense. Have a Top 15 scoring bench.  Coach Mazzulla coaching from a timing sense improves. The Celtics win title No. 18. 

Worst Case Scenario: The Celtics have another postseason exit short of The Finals.  

Grade: A-  

Brooklyn Nets: 45-37 record; 4^th Atlantic Division (No. 6 Seed East); 23-18 at home; 22-19 on road; Lost to No. 3 Seeded Philadelphia 76ers 4-0 in East Quarterfinals.  

-113.4 ppg-20^th; opp. ppg: 112.5-10^th; 40.5 rpg-29^th   

Four off-seasons back, there was serious championship optimism when the Brooklyn Nets brought in three perennial All-Stars in two former league MVPs and one of the most lethal and creative scorers over the past decade-plus one season later. Injuries and the inability for their star studded three to build any serious cohesion crushed those championship dreams. Those dreams were put into grave completely when they dealt the 2018 league MVP to the “City of Brotherly Love” in February 2022 and then both of their prized additions from summer 2019 on Feb. 6 and 9 respectably. The players that the Nets got in return helped them get back to the postseason this past spring but were swept by boys from the “City of Brotherly Love,” led by a player they once had. As they enter 2023-24, the plan for the Nets is to find out what they have with their current roster and see what they can become this season and moving forward. 

After two disappointing finishes the last two seasons where expectations for winning a title were sky-high, the Nets entered last season fresh off a summer that saw their two prized additions from the summer of 2019 in perennial All-Stars and NBA champions Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving wanting to move on.

Cooler heads did prevail on both sides and the Nets front office as Irving opted into the final year of his contract in June 2022 and the Nets did not trade Durant.

They entered 2021-22 though with no room for error considering what did happen in that offseason. They got off to a 2-5 beginning and that resulted in then head coach Steve Nash getting his walking papers on Nov. 1, 2022 and being replaced by assistant coach Jacque Vaughn, who was the Nets sideline leader during the restart to the 2019-20 season in Orlando, FL because of the Corona (COVID-19) Virus.

Things did not start off well for the Nets under Vaughn as they started 7-6, being 9-11 at that point following a 128-117 loss Nov. 25, 2022 versus the Indiana Pacers. On top of that, they had another difficult moment with Irving who came under fire following a Twitter post in late October 2022 of a link to an Anti-Sematic 2018 film “Hebrews To Negroes” that was based on a 2015 book under the same title.

Shortly after that social media post came out, Irving held a press conference in early November 2022 which he was expected to apologize for that Tweet and to condemn the film. Instead, he doubled down on that Tweet and had combative exchanges during the presser about that social media post.

On Nov. 3, 2022, the league suspended Irving for a minimum of five games for “conduct detrimental to the team.” That led to Irving finally apologizing for that Twitter post.

Before Irving could return to the floor, the Nets front office brass delivered a list of six items that Irving needed to do before he could rejoin the Nets.

He needed to apologize and condemn the film he tweeted a link to. Donate $500,000 to anti-hate causes. Take sensitivity training and Anti-Sematic training. Meet with the Anti-Defamation (ADL) and Jewish leaders. Finally, meet with Nets’ Governor Joe Tsai to demonstrate an understanding of what he did and how dangerous and hurtful his conduct was.

In a tweet from Durant on Irving’s situation, “I don’t condone hate speech or Anti-Semitism. I’m about spreading love always. Our game unites people and I wanna make sure that’s at the forefront.”

Irving did meet each of the six items the Nets provided him and following his meetings with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Governor Tsai on Nov. 8 and 10, 2022 respectably, he did return to the Nets 10 days later scoring 14 points with five boards in their 127-115 victory versus the Grizzlies.

After starting 7-6 under Vaughn, the Nets won 16 out of their next 17 games, including winning a 12-game winning streak (Dec. 7, 2022-Jan. 4, 2023), their second longest winning streak in their NBA history.

Longest Double-Digit Winning Streaks In Nets History (New Jersey & Brooklyn)
14 Mar. 12-Apr. 8, 2006                (NJ)
14 Jan. 25-Feb. 25, 2004                (NJ)
12 Dec. 7, 2022-Jan. 4, 2023          (BKN)
11 Dec. 23, 1982-Jan. 4, 1983        (NJ)
10 Dec. 16, 2005-Jan. 10, 2006      (NJ)
10 Dec. 19, 2002-Jan. 9, 2003        (NJ) 

That 12-game winning streak was part of the Nets 18-2 stretch (Nov. 27, 2022-Jan. 8, 2023), their best mark in a 20-game stretch in franchise history that put them as the No. 2 Seed in the Eastern Conference with a 27-13 mark.

That stretch included a 12-1 mark in December 2022, the Nets winningest month in their history. They shot on average to close out the final month of 2022 54 percent from the floor, the best by an NBA team for a single month since Warriors shot 54.1 percent from the field in February 1992. Durant for the month averaged 28.3 points, 7.5 boards and 5.3 assists on a career-high for a month 57.9 percent shooting.

Nets In December registered four victories where they overcame a double-digit deficit. They overcame a 14-point deficit in their 136-133 victory Dec. 10, 2022 at the Pacers. Had an 18-point comeback to win (119-116) Dec. 16, 2022 at the Toronto Raptors. Two nights later, the Nets engineered a 19-point comeback victory for a 124-121 at the Pistons.   

That 12-1 mark by the Nets in December earned Coach Vaughn NBA Coach of the Month for the Eastern Conference. He became the sixth head coach in Nets history to earn that monthly honor by the NBA.

Back on Nov. 9, 2022, the Nets took interim tag off of Vaughn naming him the new head coach of the Nets and then on Feb. 21, 2023 over the All-Star break signed Vaughn to a contract extension through the 2026-27 season.

Best 40-Game Starts By A             Jacque Vaughn: 30-10  P.J. Carlesimo:    26-14
Head Coach In Nets History          Steve Nash:        27-13  Lawrence Frank: 25-15

The Nets turnaround can be traced back to three simple task that Coach Vaughn laid out once he took over back at the start of November 2022. First, he simplified the offense. Second, he emphasized boxing out defensively. Third, that each player on the roster’s role was “to be ready.”  

The Nets fortunes took a major turn on Jan. 8 where they lost Durant to a right knee injury in the third quarter of their close 102-101 win at the Heat.

Without Durant, the Nets would go 5-7 their next 12 games (Jan. 12-Feb. 4), with that stretch ending with an epic comeback victory (125-123) versus the Washington Wizards, where they overcame a 23-point deficit, their largest comeback win of 2022-23 and tied for their fourth largest comeback win in their NBA history.

                         Largest Comeback Wins By Nets Since 1996-97                                                 
Feb. 16, 2021 At Knicks (ESPN): Overcame A 28-Point Deficit in 111-106 Win: Tied Largest Comeback Win In Franchise History.

Mar. 9, 2019 At Kings: Overcame A 28-Point Deficit For 123-121 Win.

Feb. 16, 2021 At Suns (TNT): Overcame A 24-Point Deficit For 128-124 Win.

Feb. 24, 2002 Versus Hornets: Overcame A 23-Point Deficit For 95-93 Win.

Feb. 4, 2023 Versus Wizards: Overcame A 23-Point Deficit For 125-123 Win.

The story after the win was not the Nets epic comeback, but about Irving, who missed the game with right calf soreness. But the day before, someone told “The Associated Press” that Irving requested to be traded following talks about a contract extension falling through between the Nets and Irving’s camp.

Two days later, Irving was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks along with veteran forward Markieff Morris in exchange for forward Dorian Finney-Smith, guard Spencer Dinwiddie, a 2027 Second Round pick, an unprotected First Round pick, and Second Round pick in 2029.

                               Kyrie Irving Timeline With Nets Since 2021                                                 
Jan. 2021: Missed 7 Games Due To Personal Reasons.

June 2021: Sprained ankle Game 4 of East Semis at the Bucks, Out Rest of the Series; Nets Lost In Seven Games to the eventual NBA champion Bucks.

2021-22; Missed first 35 Games (NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate). Returned On Part-Time Basis Only Playing Road Games Outside of New York in December 2021

June 2022: Opted Into His $36.5 Million Player Option For 2022-23 Season, The Final Year of His Four-Year Deal.

October 2022: Tweeted A Link To Anti-Sematic Film, “Hebrews To Negroes: Wake Up Black America,” Which He Was Suspended For Eight Games in November 2022 For Not Apologizing or Condemning The Film.

Feb. 1: Nets lost (139-96) At The Celtics: The Largest Margin of Defeat (43 Points) In Nets History To The Celtics. Irving’s Final Game As a Net.

Feb. 3: Reportedly Requested To Be Traded Before the Feb. 9 NBA Trade Deadline.

In his three-plus seasons with the Nets, Irving played in 52.7 percent of the games, including the postseason (157/298 Games).

At the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline, the Nets in a four-team deal dealt Durant along with T.J. Warren to the Phoenix Suns. In return, the Nets acquired forwards Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson; First Round picks in 2023, 2025, 2027, and 2029; a 2028 First-Round pick swap as well as a Second-Round picks in 2028 and 2029, and the draft rights to forward Juan Pablo Vaulet (No. 39 overall pick 2015).

That aforementioned one-point win by the Nets at the Heat in early January wound up being Durant last game as a Net as he missed the final 13 games.

With Durant and Irving gone, the two main questions for the Nets was who would take the reigns as the top offensive threat as well as be their marquee face moving forward.

Bridges, 38.2 3-Pt.% w/Suns & Nets) (20.1 ppg-career-high, 46.8 FG%, who was in the infancy of becoming a consistent 20-point scorer over the past three months prior to the trade from the Suns took it to a whole other level with the Nets.

He scored 20 or more in 22 out of his 27 games with the Nets, which included 11 30-plus point games and 3 40-plus point games.

Mikal Bridges  W/Suns 56 Games: 17.2 PPG, 46.3 FG%, 38.7 3-Pt.% (101/261 3-Pt.)
2022-23             W/Nets 27 Games: 26.1 PPG, 47.5 FG%, 37.6 3-Pt.% (68/181 3-Pt.)

To put that into context, the former Villanova product registered just two career 30-plus point games in 365 career games with the Suns. That included an effort of 31 points with nine rebounds, five assists, and four steals on 12/20 shooting in the Suns 129-117 victory Nov. 9, 2022 versus the Minnesota Timberwolves.

On of those 30-plus point performances came in the Nets (115-105) comeback triumph Mar. 3 at the Celtics, where Bridges had his fifth career double-double with 38 points and 10 rebounds on 13/22 from the floor, 4/6 from three and 8/9 at the charity stripe. This was also the fifth career double-double by Bridges. 

Bridges made his first mark as a Net when he registered a career-high 45 points with eight boards, five assists, two steals, and two blocks on 17/24 from the field, including 4/6 from three in the Nets (116-105) win Feb. 15 versus the Heat.

Bridges joined Durant as only the second player to register a game of 45/5/5/2/2 (points/rebounds/assists/steals/blocks) in Nets history.

His second 40-plus point performance came in a loss (119-106) Mar. 26 at the Orlando Magic with 44 points and six rebounds on 13/22 from the field, 6/9 from three-point range, and 12/12 at the foul line. In the Nets 124-107 thrashing win five days later versus the Hawks, Bridges scored 42 points on 16/24 shooting and 5/8 on his triple tries.  

                                Most Career 40-Point Games In Nets History                                  
Vince Carter          17            Mikal Bridges        3
Kyrie Irving           14            D’Angelo Russell   3
Kevin Durant         10           Devin Harris           3
John Williamson     8            Kenny Anderson    3
Bernard King          5            James Harden        2
Cam Thomas           4            Caris LeVert          2
Stephon Marbury   4            Deron Williams      2
Mike Newlin            4            Richard Jefferson  2

Bridges’ 461 total points in March represented the second most in any month by a player in Nets history. Only Durant registered more total points in a month with 471 in November 2022.

Bridges became the fourth player in NBA history to register three 40-point games in one’s first 22 games with their new team.

Most Points First 20 Games With New Team After In-Season Trade NBA History
                                            Points        Season          New Team                                                 
John Williamson                 600          1977-78           NJ Nets
Dominique Wilkins             587          1993-94       L.A. Clippers
Wilt Chamberlin                 579          1964-65           76ers
Allen Iverson                       536          2006-07          Nuggets
Mikal Bridges                      535          2022-23         BKN Nets

Bridges from Mar. 23-Apr. 2 registered 25-plus points in six consecutive games.

Players To Score 25-Plus Points In Six Or More Straight Games In Nets History
Kevin Durant:  Streaks of 17, 12, 12, and 7
Bernard King:  Had 8-Game Streak In 1978-79 Season
Kyrie Irving:    Had 7-Game Streak In Early Part of 2022-23
Mikal Bridges: Had 6-Game Streak (Mar. 23-Apr 2, 2023)

Bridges won NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for his averages of 33 points on 50.6 percent from the field and 45.3 percent from three in leading the Nets to a 3-0 mark from Mar. 27-Apr. 2. It was his first Player of the Week honor of his career. He joined Irving as the second Net to be named Player of the Week in the East in 2022-23 and the 28^th Net to win that honor in their history.  

Nets In 27 Games                  11-4 When Bridges Scored 25-Plus Points, Including 7-4
Since Arrival of Bridges       When He Scored 30 Or More, And 2-1 When He Scored
                                                40 Points Or More.
                                                2-11 When Bridges Scored Under 25 Points.

The other key member of the deal in Johnson (15.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 47.0 FG%, 40.4 3-Pt.%) had a career-high in scoring per game. While with the Suns, Johnson missed 37 straight game (Nov. 7, 2022-Jan. 19, 2023) due to knee surgery.

After registering two total 20-point games his first two NBA seasons with Suns, Johnson totaled 10 20-point games in 2021-22. He equaled that mark last season, with six of those 10 20-point games with the Nets, including two of his three career 30-plus point games.

Had just one 30-point game in 200 career games with Suns of career-high 38 Points on 11/16 from the floor, including 9/12 from three, and 7/8 FTs, hitting the game-winning three at the final buzzer in the (115-114) win by Suns Mar. 4, 2022 versus the New York Knicks (ESPN).

In the Nets 142-118 loss Mar. 1 at the arch-rival New York Knicks, Johnson scored 33 points on 13/18 from the floor, including 7/11 from three in 27 minutes.

          Most Points In Fewer Than 30 Minutes Played In Nets History               
Mirza Teletovic, Jan. 24, 2014 Versus Mavericks: 34 Points In 27 Minutes
Cameron Johnson, Mar. 1, 2023 At Knicks: 33 Points In 27 Minutes
Kevin Durant, Apr. 13, 2021 At Timberwolves: 31 Points In 27 Minutes
Joe Harris, Mar. 25, 2018 Versus Cavaliers: 30 Points In 27 Minutes

Johnson registered his third career 30-plus point game with 31 points, seven boards, and five assists on 11/18 shooting, including 5/9 from three in Nets (123-114) triumph Mar. 29 versus the Houston Rockets.

Scoring Average By                          W/Suns             2019-20: 8.8   PPG
Season By Camerson Johson           W/Suns             2020-21: 9.6   PPG
                                                            W/Suns             2021-22: 12.5 PPG
                                                            w/Suns & Nets 2022-23: 15.5 PPG

In his first stint with the Nets from 2016-21, Dinwiddie (17.3 ppg, 6.5 apg, 36.9 3-Pt.% w/Mavericks & Nets) was more of a scorer that could facilitate. When he was reacquired by the Nets in February, he was morphed into more of a facilitator that could strike a match offensively when called upon.

Spencer Dinwiddie    W/Mavericks 53 Games: 17.3 PPG, 5.3 APG, 45.5 FG%, 40.5 3-Pt%
In 2022-23                  (138/341 3-Pt.)
                                    W/Nets 26 Games: 16.5 PPG, 9.1 APG, 4.1 RPG, 40.4 FG%,
                                    28.9 3-Pt.% (43/149 3-Pt.)

With Mavericks to start last season, Dinwiddie registered just one double-double playing alongside superstar Luka Doncic. With the Nets, Dinwiddie made up for his shooting struggles by creating offense for his teammates. That resulted in him averaging a career-best 9.1 assists, while registering a career-high tying nine double-doubles, which equaled his output in 2019-20 with Nets, where he averaged career-highs of 20.6 points and 6.8 assists.

In the Nets victory (123-108) Apr. 6 at the Pistons, Dinwiddie despite having just six points had 10 of his 16 assists in the opening period. It was the only time in the NBA in 2022-23 that a player had double-digit assists in the opening period and joined his former coach in Hall of Famer Jason Kidd and fellow former Net Robert Pack as the only Nets since 1996-97 with 10 or more assists in any quarter.

The Nets in 2022-23 were 17-1 when they registered 30 or more assists. They registered 30-plus assists in four out of their final nine games of last season, winning their final five games in such a scenario dating back to Feb. 9.

          NBA’s Assists Leaders (Mar. 10-Apr. 9)                             
Tyrese Haliburton  (IND)   11.0 In   2 Games   Record 0-2
Spencer Dinwiddie (BKN)  10.9 In 15 Games   Record 8-7
Trae Young (ATL)              10.9 In 14 Games   Record 7-7

While his numbers were underwhelming a season ago, the other acquisition in the deal for Irving in Dorian Finney-Smith (8.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg w/Mavericks & Nets) gave the Nets another plus-size defender who could check the opposing teams best wing player. While his shooting accuracy was not like the past couple of seasons, shooting just 39.1 percent from the floor and 33.7 from three (114/338 3-Pt.) in 2022-23, he managed to make over 110 total threes for the fourth consecutive season.

The same can be said for Royce O’Neale (8.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg), who averaged a career-high 3.7 assists. While his shooting accuracy was subpar at 38.6 percent from the floor, he shot 38.9 percent from three, making a career-high 163 total threes (163/419 3-Pt.) a career-high. It was his third straight season making over 105 total threes.

The undrafted forward out of Baylor University in 2017 totaled a career-high four double-doubles last season after registering a 10 total double-doubles his first five NBA seasons with Jazz.

                     Game Winners Made By Royce O’Neale In 2022-23                                              
Nov. 17, 2022 At Trail Blazers (109-107 Win): Scored On Tip-In With 00.7 Seconds Left: First Career Triple-Double 11 Points, 10 Rebounds, 11 Assists.

Jan. 8, 2023 At Heat (102-101 Win): Scored On Putback With 03.2 Seconds Left: 8 Points, 6 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 2 Blocks. 

In a season that had a lot of change for the Nets, the Nets had two players that really showed out in their own way a season ago.

Nic Claxton (12.6 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 2.5 bpg-2^nd NBA, 70.5 FG%-1^st NBA), had the best season of his four-year NBA career. After registering five total double-doubles in his first three NBA season, Claxton had 28 double-doubles. That included a league-best 18 double-doubles with three-plus blocks. 

In December 2022, the No. 24 overall pick out of the University of Georgia in 2019 Draft shot 79.2 percent from the field, the second highest field goal percentage by a player in a single month in NBA history (on a minimum 70 field goal attempts). Only All-Star center from the Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert shot a better field goal percentage at 79.4 percent in April 2021 for the Utah Jazz.

Highest FG% In Single Month                    Nic Claxton   Dec. 2022: 79.2%
Nets History (Minimum 75 FG Att.)           Nic Claxton   Nov. 2022: 75.0%
                                                                        Nic Claxton   Mar. 2022: 74.7%
                                                                        Nic Claxton   Jan.  2023: 73.1%
                                                                        Jarrett Allen Jan.  2018: 72.2%

Seasons 60-Plus FG% For Single-               Nic Claxton   2022-23: 70.5%
Season Nets History                                      Jarrett Allen 2019-20: 64.9%
                                                                        Mikki Moore 2006-07: 60.9%

For 12 straight games (Dec. 28, 2022-Jan. 28, 2023) registered three-plus block shots, breaking the Nets franchise record previously held by Brook Lopez, who did it for five straight games in November 2012.

Claxton’s 53 total block shots over a five-game stretch (Dec. 28, 2022-Jan. 6, 2023) set a new Nets record over a five-game span since 1996-97, previously held by the late Shawn Bradley’s 27 total blocks over a five-game span.

That stellar production by Claxton is in large part because of him playing 2,271 total minutes in 2022-23, up from 1,755 total minutes accumulated on the hardwood his first three NBA seasons.

That high level of assists coupled with Claxton’s ability to make shots at a high level from in close played a major role in the Nets shooting 50 percent or better 34 times in 2022-23.

The Nets for eight consecutive games (Nov. 17-Dec. 12, 2022) shot 50-plus field goal percentage, a new franchise record, surpassing the previous record of six straight games in March 1981.

During that eight-game run by the Nets, they went 92/233 from three-point range. In the Nets six-game run in March 1981, the Nets only attempted just three triples in total.

Most Games Shooting 50-Plus FG% In Nets History
1985-86 41      2022-23 35
1983-84 38      1981-82 34
1984-85 38      1980-81 31
1982-83 37      1986-87 31

Most Games Shooting 50 FG% Or Better 2022-23
Nuggets 44     Cavaliers 36   Nets 34
Kings     41     76ers        35

Last season, the Nets were No. 7 in the league at 48.7 percent shooting, while ranking No. 5 in three-point percentage at 37.8 percent. They ranked No. 9 in threes made at 12.8 on 33.8 three-point attempts (13^th NBA).

They were 20-3 in 2022-23 when they made 15-plus threes, shooting 41.1 percent from three in their victories. That included making a franchise-tying single-game best 22 made triples (22/40 3-Pt.) in their (122-115) win Jan. 28 versus Knicks (ABC). They equaled that making 22 triples in the victory (117-108) versus Hawks.

The other Nets’ later First Round pick that emerged a season ago was Cam Thomas (10.6 ppg, 44.1 FG%, 38.3 3-Pt.%) who registered 22 games scoring in double-figures after doing so 28 total times as a rookie the season before. He totaled 11 20-point games in 2022-23 after 10 total such games in 2021-22. 

After registering one 30-point game in 2021-22, had five 30-plus point games in his sophomore NBA season, which also included 4 games with 40-plus points.

In the Nets previously mentioned historic comeback win versus the Wizards at the start of February, Thomas scored 44 points with five boards and five assists on 16/23 from the floor, including 4/5 from three and 8/9 at the free throw line. It was the third 40-point game by a Nets reserve all-time. It was the first time in NBA history that four different players scored 45 points or more in a single-season for one team, with Thomas, Bridges, Durant, and Irving doing so for the Nets in 2022-23.

Two nights later, Thomas set a new career-high of 47 points on 15/29 shooting, including 7/11 from three and 10/11 at the foul line in the Nets 124-116 loss versus the Los Angeles Clippers. In the Nets loss (116-112) versus the Suns (TNT), Thomas scored 43 points with five rebounds on 11/23 shooting, making three triples (3/9 3-Pt.) and 18/20 at the charity stripe.  

To put into context the kind of scorer Thomas has shown in the early part of his NBA career, he scored 20 points going just 3/16 from the field but 13/13 at the foul line in the Nets (116-105) win Feb. 9, 2023 versus the Bulls (TNT). It was just the second time in Nets history a player scored 20 points on just three made field goals, joining Sean Kilpatrick.

In February, Thomas had the best scoring month of his career by averaging 23.5 points on 45.4 percent from the floor, 41.1 percent on his triple tries and 90.7 percent from the charity stripe on 7.8 free throw attempts.

In the Nets regular-season finale Apr. 9 versus the 76ers (134-105 loss), Thomas scored 46 points on 16/24 from the field, including 6/8 from three and 8/8 at the foul line.

The seasons by Claxton, Thomas, Bridges, and Johnson made up for the career-low season by Ben Simmons, who averaged 6.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds (56.6 FG%) on 5.6 field goal attempts and 43.9 percent at the charity stripe on 1.4 free throw attempts. In his first four NBA seasons with 76ers, Simmons averaged 15.9 points, 7.7 assists, and 8.1 rebounds on 11.6 field goal attempts and 4.9 free throw attempts.

Simmons who was acquired for Harden at the NBA’s Feb. 2022 trade deadline, did play last season for the first time since 2020-21 played just 40 games, missing 42 games in total, including the final 23 with nerve impingement in his back that required surgery this offseason.

When Simmons did play, he showed that he still has the ability to facilitate and defend like he did to start his NBA career with the 76ers. But his issues of being a consistent offensive threat still remained.

Simmons did show signs of playing his former self where he averaged 16.4 points, 6.4 assists, and 7.2 rebounds on 83.7 percent shooting over a five-game stretch (Nov. 17-27, 2022), joining the late Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlin as the two players in NBA history to average 15/5/5 (points/rebounds/assists) on 80 percent shooting over a five-game stretch. Simmons’ 83.7 percent shooting over this five-game stretch was the highest in Nets history (minimum of 40 field goal attempts).

In the Nets defeat (109-98) Jan. 12 versus the Celtics (TNT), Simmons did not score going 0/3 shooting with 13 assists and nine rebounds. He joined Hall of Famer Jason Kidd (Nov. 17, 2001 versus 76ers) and Vaughn (Apr. 18, 2006 At 76ers: 0 Points, 13 Assists) as only players in Nets history to go scoreless with 10-plus assists.  

Following the trades of Durant and Irving, the Nets went 13-16 and 18-23 respectively. They also were just 11-13 post All-Star break. What helped them to make the postseason outright avoiding the Play-In Tournament, the Nets went 3-0 against the Heat, finishing 1.5 games ahead of the Heat to earn the No. 6 spot in the West.

The other factor in the Nets finishing in the Top 6 in East went 19-14 their final 33 road games, finishing above .500 on the road for just the fourth time in their NBA history.

The Nets postseason appearance in their fifth straight postseason appearance was a short one as they were taken down in a four-game sweep in the First Round to 76ers.

They lost Game 1 (121-101) at 76ers Apr. 15 (ESPN) trailing the entire game down by as many as 25 points.

While they shot 55.7 percent from the field (39/70 FGs), including 13/29 from three, they had 20 turnovers that led to 31 76ers points. Were outrebounded 38-35, including 14-5 on the offensive glass, getting outscored 21-3 in second chance points.

Bridges in defeat had 30 points and five boards on 12/18 shooting. Johnson had 18 points going 4/6 from three. Dinwiddie had 14 points, seven rebounds and two steals.

While they took better care of the ball in Game 2, the Nets shooting accuracy was off as they dropped Game 2 at the 76ers (96-84) Apr. 17 (TNT), to trail the series 2-0.

The Nets led Game 2 by as many as 10 in the second quarter and led 49-44 at the half, outscoring the Nets 24-19 in the second quarter. The Nets were outscored 24-14 in the third quarter and 52-35 in the second half trailing by as many as 15.

While the Nets went 13/42 from three, they shot just 37.5 percent overall from the floor (30/80 FGs) and were just 11/17 at the foul line, going 21/32 at the charity stripe the first two games of the series. Their 84 points in Game 2 was a season-low and their 37.5 percent shooting was the second lowest all season.

While they had just nine turnovers in Game 2, forcing 19 76ers miscues, 10 of which coming on steals, the Nets were outrebounded 56-33, including 13-5 on the offensive glass. The Nets were outscored 18-0 in second chance points.  

Johnson led the way with 28 points and two steals on 11/19 shooting, including 5/11 from three (22 Points, 9/13 FGs, 4/7 3-Pt. 1^st Half). Bridges had 21 points, five boards, and seven assists, 7/9 at the foul line. Dinwiddie had 12 points and six assists on 5/14 shooting (9 Points, 4/9 FGs 2^nd Half).

Dinwiddie 10/26 shooting first two games of series and dating back to final four games of regular season 13/47 shooting, including 2/18 from three.

The Nets lost Game 3 back home versus 76ers 102-97 Apr. 20 (TNT) to fall behind 3-0.

The Nets led by as many as eight in the opening period but were outscored 26-19 in the second quarter to trail 58-47 at the half and were down 13 early in the third quarter. But the Nets outscored the 76ers 35-18 in the third quarter to lead 82-76 after three quarters.

The Nets led by as many as five on a few occasions in the fourth period, including 96-91 with 2:15 left, were outscored 11-1 to close Game 3, including the game ceiling turnover in the final seconds off an inbounds pass of O’Neale by 76ers De’Anthony Melton which he scored on an open court dunk.

Bridges led the way with 26 points, six rebounds, and five assists, going 9/26 from the field, including 4/7 from three. Dinwiddie had 20 points, seven assists, and two steals. Claxton had 18 points on 8/9 shooting. Johnson had 17 points and five rebounds.

The Nets shot 43 percent from the field (34/79 FGs), including just 10/30 from three. While they were 19/22 from the foul line (PHI: 9/13 FTs) and had just 10 turnovers, they were outscored 48-42 in the paint and were outrebounded 46-34, including 11-5 on offensive glass, getting outscored 16-9 in second chance points.

The Nets season concluded two days later when the Sixers came back from down double-digits to win 96-88 (TNT) completed the four-game series sweep.

The 76ers trailed by 11 midway through the first quarter and were down 48-40 at half and by 11 early in the third quarter before going on a 21-4 run, including 14-0 over an eight-minute stretch in the third period. They outscored the Nets 26-15 in the third quarter to lead 66-63 after three quarters and 55-40 in the second half. After leading 72-70 with 8:55 left, the Nets were outscored by the 76ers 26-16 the rest of the way.

The Nets were swept out of the Playoffs in the opening-round for the second straight season and for an NBA-record tying 11^th time getting swept out of the postseason in their NBA history.

They suffered their 10^th straight loss in the postseason dating back to Game 5 win in 2021 East Semis versus the eventual NBA champion Bucks.

The Nets shot just 41.3 percent from the field (33/80 FGs), including just 9/37 from three and 13/19 at the free throw line. They were outrebounded 54-38, including 15-5 on the offensive glass, getting outscored by 76ers 25-10 in second chance points.

Dinwiddie had 20 points and six assists on 7/13 shooting, including 3/6 from three. Claxton had his lone double-double of the series with 19 points and 12 rebounds with four blocks on 8/10 from the floor.

Bridges had just 17 points and five boards going just 6/18 shooting, including 2/6 on his triple tries. Johnson had a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds, but shot just 4/13 shooting, including 1/6 from three.

The 2024 Offseason for the Nets was about re-signing the other half player acquired in the Durant deal from the Suns, while also having their roster in the best position possible for the future.

In June’s draft, the Nets selected forward Noah Clowney (No. 21 overall) out of the University of Alabama and guard Dariq Whitehead (No. 22 overall) out of Duke University.

In free agency, the Nets did re-sign Cameron Johnson on July 6 to a four-year, $108 million deal.

In July, the Nets in free agency agreed to terms with forward/guard Lonnie Walker IV (11.7 ppg, 44.8 FG%, 36.5 3-Pt.% w/Lakers) on a one-year, $2.3 million on July 2. Six days later, they agreed on a one-year, $2.5 million deal with guard Dennis Smith, Jr. (8.8 ppg, 4.8 apg w/Hornets). On July 14, the Nets signed forward Darius Bazley (5.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 45.4 FG%, 37.7 3-Pt.%).

In a deal on July 6 with the Pistons, the Nets dealt Joe Harris along with Second-Round picks 2027 (via Mavericks) and 2029 (via Bucks) for cash considerations, creating a $19.9 million trade exception.

On same day, the Nets dealt veteran guard Patty Mills and 2028 Second-Round pick (via Bucks) for 2028 Second-Round pick.

The Nets before were headlined by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Proven stars in the league that have a championship, in the case of Durant, championships to his credit. The Nets as they enter the 2023-24 season by Bridges and Johnson. Players who are still trying to earn their stripes in the NBA.  

They showed this past spring in the postseason that while there is promise with the two, they both have more improvement to make in their individual games.

For Bridges he showed last season that he can be a consistent 20-plus point scorer and did so in the 2023 Playoffs averaging 23.5 points and five boards on 40 percent from three (10/25 3-Pt.) but shot overall just 42.9 percent from the floor.

One thing that has been made clear about Bridges is that if he can suit up, he will play.

Since coming into the NBA with the Suns in 2018-19, he has played in all 392 career games. He was one of 10 players in 2022-23 to play in all 82 games in 2022-23.

“Just keep trying to get better, man,” Bridges said on the Clippers Paul George’s Podcast “Podcast P” on July 24 about being the face of the Nets. “This is something that I think that I would jump this fast…It happened pretty fast. But I’m definitely ready, man. Just keep getting better and try to do everything besides just score.”

For Johnson it is about proving he can be the No. 2 next to Bridges where he can score 20 points or more consistently, while continuing to be efficient with his shooting accuracy from the field as well as from three-point range as well be a guy who can average seven to eight rebounds per game.

In the First-Round sweep against the 76ers, Johnson averaged 18.5 points and 5.8 boards on 50.9 percent from the floor and 42.9 percent on his triple tries (12/28 3-Pt.).

“We have a roster of guys that are hungry. We have a roster of guys that are willing to get better. And a roster of guys—couple of guys on the team definitely capable of taking bigger steps in their career pushing forward. So, it’s really hard to say who it could because it could be anybody.  ” Johnson said about the team at Media Day entering 2023-24.

“But I definitely anticipate, you know, there will be surprises on guys that, you know, may be better than people thought.”  

With the likes of Seth Curry, Harris, Patty Mills, and Yuta Watanabe gone, the Nets being able to make threes at a high clip like they did in 2022-23 will be in the hands of Bridges, Johnson, Thomas, and Finney-Smith.

The additions of Bazley, Walker IV, Smith, Jr., and Bazley are more of like flyers the Nets are taking to see if they are part of their future or if this upcoming season is just a pit stop for them.

The real question for this season for the Nets is are the likes of Claxton, Finney-Smith, Dinwiddie, and O’Neale a part of the Nets future?

Claxton, who will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2024 if he has a strong season like he did, he will be worth more than the $9.6 million salary in the final year of his rookie contract.

At Media Day, Claxton said that a personal goal of is to win Kia Defensive Player of the Year and being able to impact the game on both ends of the floor and being available every game.

“As far as the team. It’s a newer group. Newer group. It’s good to that, you know, we have the guys here now where we can just grow,” Claxton added about the Nets being able to fly under the radar unlike season’s past. “There’s not a whole bunch of stuff going on. So, I’m looking forward to just growing with this group. Figuring everybody out.”

That decision will be a big one for the Nets because behind Claxton is the previously mentioned Clowney and Day’Ron Sharpe, who is entering his third season.

Sharpe last season had a couple of games where he had a couple of impressive moments, like when he had 20 points and 11 rebounds (9 Offensive Boards) off the bench in the Nets win (115-109) Mar. 21 versus the Cavaliers. He joined former Net Jayson Williams (Feb. 6, 1997) with 20-plus points and nine-plus offensive rebounds off the bench. Sharpe also joined Sam Bowie, Derrick Coleman, and Chris Morris as the four Nets to register nine-plus offensive boards while making a three-pointer in a game.

In the Nets win (136-133) at the Pacers Dec. 10, 2022, Thomas had 33 points on 13/20 from the field, making all three of his triples, while Sharpe had 20 points, 12 boards, and two blocks on 8/13 shooting.

There has been no question about Sharpe’s talent. The question with him since coming into the NBA as a late First Round pick (No. 29 overall) is could he bring it on a consistent basis game in and game out. He might have that chance this season and if he capitalizes on it, then the Nets might have found something.  

Then there is the matter of what to do with O’Neale, Dinwiddie, and Finney-Smith. These three players are the ones that any title contender would love to have on their squad for what they potentially bring in terms of the intangibles. These are also players that the Nets can acquire draft capital for, which they lost plenty of when the acquired Harden in 2020.

The question is, will GM Sean Marks pull that trigger when the time comes? That remains to be seen.

“This is the fun part of it. This is why we’re in this together is you’re developing young men and watching them come together as a unit” Marks said at Media Day about the construction of the Nets’ roster for this season.

“We never put limitations on where anyone of them can get to. With these guys, I would never limit anybody as to where we might end up at the end of the season. This is a fun group.”

Perhaps the biggest question for the Nets entering this season is what Ben Simmons will we get?

Ever since the end of the 76ers 7-game collapse in the 2021 East Semis to the Hawks where Simmons famously passed on an open dunk late in the fourth quarter to pass to then 76er Matisse Thybulle, it has been downhill for Simmons ever since.

Being dealt to the Nets as mentioned in February 2022 for Harden and not playing that entire year because of mental health issues and a back injury, which continued last season and ultimately required surgery.

In a late July interview with Hall of Famer and ESPN”s Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, Simmons said he has gotten he has gotten back into peak shape having worked out Monday through Friday. That his back is much better to where he can not only work out again but be able to do the simplest of things that we all take for granted like being able to sit normal in a chair and not have to “lean or slouch one way.”

It was so bad Simmons said that just waking up out of the bed and standing up was a struggle. That he could not sit down for too long or his back would tighten up.

“Just normal things that you wouldn’t think would be a problem would kind of be irritating, and that just kept building, and building, and building,” Simmons said about his back problems. “Now it’s completely different, and that was adding to that stress of everything else going on, not being able to perform or play knowing you have some things going on, which was really frustrating.”

It is hard to fathom anyone wanting to trade for Simmons now, especially with salary of $37.8 million for this season and $40.3 million for 2024-25 left on the final year of his current 5-year deal.

Whether Simmons, 27, is back to form or not will only be determined when he does it on the court for an extended period. If he can get back to the level where he won 2018 Kia Rookie of the Year; was named an All-Star three times; a 2020 All-NBA selection; and two-time NBA All-Defensive selection.

“I’m excited because I know I can do it,” Simmons said about getting back to that All-NBA level he was once was. “So, that’s the exciting part for me…Regardless of what people say, I’m a three-time All-Star, All-NBA player [All-] Defensive Team. I’ve done things. I’m not somebody that hasn’t done anything.”

“But at the end of the day, that’s what you want to do. You want to go out and compete against the best in the world and be one of the best.”

In the Nets NBA history since coming into the NBA, they have tried every avenue possible to become a championship squad. They have tried to do it through the draft over those years selecting the like of Charles “Buck” Williams (No. 3 overall 1981), Chris Morris (No. 4 overall 1988), Derrick Coleman (No. 1 overall 1990), Kenny Anderson (No. 2 overall 1991), Kerry Kittles (No. 8 overall, 1996), Kenyon Martin (No. 1 overall 2000) to name a few.

They have tried to acquire talent to take the to the next level like Sam Bowie (1989) for Williams; Stephon Marbury (1999), Jason Kidd (Summer 2001), Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce (Summer 2013).

They have brought in some of the best to ever coach in NBA in Hall of Famers Larry Brown (1981-83), Bill Fitch (1989-92), Chuck Daly (1992-94) and had some former players that had stellar NBA careers that coached in the late Willis Reed (1988-89), Byron Scott (2000-03), Avery Johnson (2010-13), Jason Kidd (2013-14), and Lionel Hollins (2014-16).

The Nets have tried everything they could to be in position to win a title. They were right there under Scott and were in the conversation under now Clippers’ lead man in the front office in Lawrence Frank (2004-09) but it never came to fruition.

Whether Bridges and Johnson are the foundational bricks along with head coach Jacque Vaughn in the Nets building their championship house remains to be scene.  

On the surface, the Nets have the makings of a team can make the playoffs again, which they have done for five straight seasons, tied with the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets for the fourth longest active streak in the NBA.

How they navigate this season in terms of their roster will go a long way if they make the Playoffs for a sixth consecutive season.

“I think there’s an appreciation for both things. The idea that our organization had a chance to play for winning the Larry O’Brien, which we all want to do. That has not changed for us collectively as a group. As an organization. But we get to re-establish, re-define who we are,” Coach Vaughn said at Media Day to Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network’s Bob Lorenz and Frank Isola.

“I think sometimes you create or have chaos when you have different standards or no standards. And so, we get to chance create and have a standard for our organization moving forward.” 

Best Case Scenario: The Nets remain make the Playoffs for a sixth consecutive season in the lower part of the East or through the Play-In Tournament. Bridges is a borderline All-Star. Johnson becomes a consistent 20-plus point scorer. Simmons becomes a serviceable player again, especially defensively. The likes of Thomas, Bazley, Sharpe, Claxton, Walker IV, and Smith, Jr. are major contributors. The Nets have a competitive opening-round series.   

Worst Case Scenario: The Nets fail to make the Playoffs. Bridges and Johnson regress from last season. Simmons continues to be a shell of himself.   

Grade: C

Charlotte Hornets: 27-55 Record; 5^th Southeast Division (No. 14 In East; Missed Playoffs); 13-28 at home; 14-27 on the road.

-111.0 ppg-27^th; opp. ppg: 117.2-22^nd 44.5 rpg-9^th     

Behind the league’s latest phenom at lead guard, the Charlotte Hornets for two straight seasons brought excitement, hope, and optimism. That said young floor general was the engine of a high-octane offense that had the Hornets on the doorstep of their first Playoff appearance since the middle of the previous decade. Those dreams were shattered in two blow defeats in the Play-In Tournament. Last season that high octane offensive attack was grounded because of injury to their young floor general, and the absence of their leading scorer due to serious legal charges. With the return to full health of their star lead guard, who got extended this offseason. The drafting of a dynamic scoring wing, the plan for the Hornets is to make the Playoffs either out right or through the Play-In, despite possibly not having said player who is in more legal hot water. 

Outside of a 3-3 start to 2022-23, the Hornets were never about the .500 mark and endured a season where they were one of the lowest scoring offensive teams unlike the previous two seasons. On top of that, their defensive problems that plagued them the past two seasons did not get any better despite having defensive minded head coach in Steve Clifford, who began his second stint with Hornets a season ago.

To put into context the kind of season the Hornets had in 2022-23. They had two eight-game losing streaks (Oct. 31-Nov. 12, 2022; Dec. 3-19, 2022); a seven-game losing streak (Jan. 31-Fe. 13, 2023); a five-game losing streak (Jan. 8-18, 2023); two four-game losing streaks (Mar. 11-20, 2023; and Mar. 31-Apr. 7, 2023) and three three-game losing streaks.

The Hornets longest winning streak of 2022-23 was five (Feb. 13-27, 2023). They also had a three-game winning streak near the end of last season (Mar. 24-28, 2023).

One big reason for the Hornets struggles was due to not having star guard LaMelo Ball (23.3 ppg, 8.4 apg, 6.4 rpg, 37.6 3-Pt.%) for 45 games in 2022-23.

Ball missed the first 13 games after injuring his left ankle in a preseason game in early October 2022.

In his third game back from injury in the Hornets Nov. 16, 2022  (125-113) loss versus the Pacers, Ball re-injured his left ankle late in the fourth quarter attempting to save a loose ball from going out of bounds near Coach Clifford was on the sidelines. Ball was sidelined for the next 11 games (Nov. 18-Dec. 11, 2022).

Ball’s season came to a conclusion in the Hornets win (117-106) versus the Pistons when in the third quarter he suffered a non-contact fractured his right ankle which resulted in season-ending surgery on Mar. 1.

It was an abrupt end to a season where Ball averaged career-highs in scoring and assists per contest and free throw percentage at 84.3 percent. He also made 140-plus total threes for the second straight season (144/383 3-Pt.) while registering 17 double-doubles, including three of his nine career triple-doubles.

Most Career Triple-Doubles In Hornets History
LaMelo Ball        9    Baron Davis     3
Anthony Mason 7    Kemba Walker 2
Nicolas Batum    5     Kendal Gill      2
Larry Johnson   5  

The Hornets in total lost 266 players games in 2022-23 due to injury or illness.

Terry Rozier (21.1 ppg, 5.1 apg) missed 19 games, including the final six games of 2022-23 (right foot discomfort).

Gordon Hayward’s (14.7 ppg, 47.5 FG%) injury problems dating back to his first season with the Celtics (2017-18) continued as he missed 32 total games with a bruised shoulder (8 missed games: Nov. 4-18, 2022); left shoulder fracture (9 straight games: Nov. 25-Dec. 14, 2022); left hamstring soreness (Jan. 4-18, 2023); and final six games of last season with sprained right thumb.

Cody Martin, the Hornets top perimeter defender missed 75 games due to a left knee issue that shelved him the final 34 games of 2022-23.

Miles Bridges, the Hornets top scorer in 2021-22 at 20.2, just one-tenth in front of Ball (20.1) missed all of 2022-23 due to his legal issues stemming from a domestic violence incident involving his wife Mychelle and two of their kids in mid-July and early November 2021.

Without their floor general and leading scorer from the previous season, the Hornets went from being one of the most explosive offensive teams in 2021-22 to one of the worst in 2022-23.

Hornets Offensive     45.7 FG%-29^th               53.0 Paint Pts-11^th
Ranks 2022-23           33.0 3-Pt.%-29^th            15.3 Fastbreak Pts-6^th
                                    10.7 Made 3-Pt.-27^th     17.3 Points Off Turnovers-13^th
                                    32.5 3-Pt. Att.-18^th          25.1 Assists-17^th

The Hornets were in 2021-22 No. 5 in the NBA in three-point percentage (36.5%) and three-pointers made (13.9) on the sixth most threes (38.2). They were No. 2 in fastbreak points (16.3); No. 3 in the league in 2021-22 in paint points (51.4); and points off turnovers (18.6).

When the Hornets scored 110 points or more, they went 30-17. That included a 23-9 mark when they scored 120 or more; 9-1 when they scored 130 or more; 5-1 when they scored 140 or more.

In 2022-23, the Hornets were 24-24 when they scored 110 or more. That included a 14-4 mark when they scored 120 or more; 4-2 when they scored 130 or more. The lone game they registered 140 points came in their 144-138 triumph Feb. 13 versus the Hawks.

The Hornets were just 3-31 a season ago when they scored under 110 points, including 0-13 when they failed to reach the century mark.

That inefficient offense coupled with the continued Swiss cheese defense also contributed to the Hornets struggles to win games a season ago.

The Hornets in 2021-22 were tied with Jazz for No. 11 in steals (4.9); were 20^th in opponent’s shooting (46.6%); 23^rd in opponent’s three-point percentage (36.2 %); 20^th in opponent’s paint point (48.1); and 29^th in opponent’s second chance points (15.0).

Hornets Defensive Ranks     47.7 Opp. FG%-19^th                 5.2 BPG-8^th
2022-23                                   35.7 Opp. 3-Pt.%-14^th                    7.7 SPG-7^th
                                                12.2 Opp. Fastbreak Pts-3^rd     52.8 Opp. Paint Pts-22^nd
                                                14.3 Opp. 2^nd Chance Pts-21^st  24.0 Opp. FT Att.-19^th

One major reason the Hornets defense was so poor was the fact that they had no consistent presence in the interior. They also were lacking defensively on the perimeter in dealing forward Jalen McDaniels to the 76ers in a four-team deal acquiring forward/guard Svi Mykhailiuk.

Outside of Mason Plumlee, who was dealt at the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline to the Clippers for veteran guard Reggie Jackson, who was eventually waived along with a 2028 Second-Round pick, the Hornets inside presence was basically rookie Mark Williams (9.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 63.7 FG%), P.J. Washington (15.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 44.4 FG%, 34.8 3-Pt.%) and Nick Richards (8.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 62.9 FG%).

The Hornets No. 1 draft choice (No. 15 overall) out of Duke University in June 2022 spent the first part of last season with the Hornets G League affiliate, Greensboro Swarm trying to get his game up to speed, which resulted in him playing just three of the Hornets first 33 games.

In his G League stint from Nov.4-Dec. 22, 2022), Williams averaged 22.2 points and 12.2 boards per contest.

In playing 19 out of the next 20 games when he was called back up from the Swarm, Williams averaged 7.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 15.9 minutes per game.

                               Mark Williams In 2023 Portion Of 2022-23                                       
January:   6.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 58.7 FG% 0 Double-Doubles
February: 10.3 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 1.7 BPG, 69.4 FG% 4 Double-Doubles
March:      9.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 0.6 BPG, 59.3 FG% 3 Double-Doubles
April:        6.3 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 65.6 FG%, 3 Double-Doubles

Willams’ best game of his rookie campaign came in Hornets 108-103 victory Feb. 25 versus the Heat where he had 18 points and 20 rebounds on 9/12 shooting in 29 minutes. He became the first Hornets rookie since Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning in 1992-93 to have a 20-rebound game.

While Washington registered a career-high in scoring average, his rebound average in 2022-23 was a career-low. In his second NBA season, Washington had 10 double-doubles, bringing his total to 14 in his first two NBA seasons. The past two seasons, the former lotter pick (No. 12 overall in 2019) out of the University of Kentucky has registered just three double-doubles in each of the past two seasons.

The one constant for Washington as an undersized center has been his ability to stretch the floor as he has totaled over 110 made threes the past three seasons, making a career-high 149 triples (149/428 3-Pt.) a season ago.

20-Point Games By               2019-20:   7  2021-22:   2
Season By Washington         2020-21: 11  2022-23: 23

Washinton has registered two of his three career 30-plus point games in 2022-23.

That includes his career-high of 43 points with six boards and five assists on 16/24 from the field, including 5/9 from three and 6/7 at the foul line in the Hornets 137-134 victory Mar. 28 at the Oklahoma City Thunder. After scoring 21 points on 8/13 shooting the first three quarters of that contest, Washington scored 22 points on 8/11 from the field, including 3/5 from three in the fourth quarter.

In the Hornets best win of 2022-23, a 120-113 triumph over the then defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors, Washington had 31 points and seven boards on 13/23 shooting.

When the Hornets drafted Richards in Second-Round (No. 42 overall) out of University of Kentucky in June 2020, he entered as a project they hoped to develop into a rotational player. With the lack of an interior presence, he earned those minutes from Coach Clifford and registered career-highs in scoring and rebounding while registering all 14 of his career double-doubles.

In his nine starts in 2022-23, Richards registered 10.9 points and 10.4 boards on 67.9 percent from the field.

Entering the offseason having missed the postseason for the seventh straight season, the Hornets were in a major need of a shakeup, which came.

It started in this past June’s draft with the selection of dynamic scoring forward Brandon Miller No. 2 overall out of the University of Alabama. Near the end of the First Round, the Hornets selected guard Nick Smith, Jr. at No. 27 out of University of Arkansas.

In the Second Round, the Hornets selected forward/guard Colby Jones (No. 27 overall) out of Xavier University. At No. 39 overall, the Hornets selected center Mouhamed Gueye from Senegal and out of Washington State University.

In a draft night deal with the Celtics, the draft rights of Jones and Gueye were dealt to the Celtics in exchange for the draft rights to center James Nnaji the No. 31 overall pick from Nigeria, who played 2022-23 with FC Barcelona (Spain).

The only main addition the Hornets made this offseason was the signing of guard Frank Ntilikina in early August to a one-year, $2 million deal.

The main order of business the Hornets took care of this offseason was signing Ball to a five-year, $260 million rookie max extension on July 6.

“It felt great just being out there, and you know, obviously touching the basketball again. So, it definitely felt great,” Ball said at Media Day about being able to enter this upcoming season healthy.

When it comes to his conditioning, Ball added that he is trying to “push” himself to get over that hump.   

On that same day, the Hornets signed Bridges to a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer.

Bridges, who as mentioned missed all of 2022-23 because of the legal cloud surrounding his one count on felony domestic violence, which he pleaded no contest to and was ordered to complete 52 weeks of parenting classes, 52 weeks of domestic violence counselling and 100 hours of community service as part of his probation for three years by the L.A. County authorities.

In the middle of April, the league suspended Bridges for 30 games without pay for being charged on that one count, giving him credit for 20 games because he did not play in 2022-23.

In addressing the media for the first time about his situation in the middle of July, Bridges apologized for the “pain” and “embarrassment” he has caused for himself, the Hornets organization, and his family. He added that he has prioritized going to “therapy” and becoming the best person he can be.

“A lot of people don’t get a second chance, and I want to use this second chance to prove to everybody that I’m the same kid that you drafted five years ago. I’m just happy to be back, and I can’t wait to get this year started,” Bridges said at his presser.  

“I understand that people don’t think I deserve a second chance. That’s why I’m trying to take this year to prove to everybody the person that I am. I want to prove to people who Miles Bridges is, and that he’s not who people think he is. Being a leader in the locker room again, leading by example and doing the right thing. I’ll be around the community a lot. Not because I have to, but because I want to. Being away for the last year made me realize I wasn’t in the community like I should be. People know me and kids look up to me.”

Bridges’ legal problems may not be in the rearview mirror unfortunately as he turned himself in On Oct. 13 after an arrest warrant was issued on allegations for an alleged protection order violation stemming from the aforementioned domestic violence case in the summer of 2022. The warrant was originally issued on Jan. 2 and had not been served to him.

The 25-year-old turned himself in early that morning in Lincoln Country in Charlotte, NC. Bridges appeared before a district court judge and was released on $1,000 bail.

If that was not enough, Bridges was served a criminal summons on allegations on Oct. 6 of violation a protection order, misdemeanor child abuse and injury to personal property.

The Hornets and the NBA have said they are looking into the situation and are gathering more information.

On top of that, the Hornets earlier this month waived former First-Round pick in forward/center Kai Jones.

The No. 19 overall pick out of the University of Texas following some bizarre comments on social media, which included a post on Instagram Live where he criticized some of his teammates.

It took until late August, but the Hornets were able to re-sign Washington, a restricted free agent to a new three-year, $48 million deal.

“I love the city of Charlotte and I’m just happy to be here for the next couple of years and hopefully after that,” Washington said at a Sept. 5 news conference flanked by Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak about officially being back with the Hornets.

“For me, I always wanted to stay in Charlotte. There was no doubt about that. For me, it was great. Obviously, signing and it took a minute but I think everybody’s happy and I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

The Big News for the Hornets during this past off season is that Michael Jordan sold his majority ownership stake of “Hornets Sports and Entertainment [HSE]to an ownership group led by Hornets stake holder since 2019 in Gabe Plotkin, who founded Tallwoods Capital LLC and served as its Chief Investment Officer (CIO) since 2022 and former Hawks Minority Governor dating back to 2015 Rick Schnall, while also being co-president of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC, where he has worked for 27 years. The sale of the team was for around $3 billion dollars according to ESPN.  

The ownership group, which got approval by the NBA’s Board of Governors in late July, 29-1, also includes Chris Shumway, who will sit on the new ownership group’s executive committee. Dan Sundheim, Ian Loring, Andrew Shwartzberg, Dyal Home Court Partners, North Carolinians in recording artist J. Cole, and country music singer-songwriter Eric Church.

The investment group also includes several local Charlotte investors like Damian Mills, owner of Mills Automotive Group and Amy Levine Dawson among others.

In a news release, Jordan, who has been with the Hornets as Majority Governor since 2010 said how it was a “tremendous honor” to own the Hornets but gave no explanation for why he sold his stake in the franchise now.

“I’m proud of all that the organization accomplished: the exciting on-court moments, the return of the Hornets name, Charlotte hosting the 2019 NBA All-Star Game and HSE (Hornets Sports and Entertainment) becoming a true pillar of this community,” Jordan, who will remain as minority owner for the time being also said. “Through the years, the unwavering commitment, passion, and loyalty of our Hornets fans has been incredible. As I transition into minority ownership role, I’m thrilled to be able to pass the reins to two successful, innovative, and strategic leaders in Gabe and Rick.”

“I know the Hornets organization is in great hands moving forward. I’m excited about the future of the team and will continue to support the organization and the community in my new role in the years ahead.”  

At the Aug. 3 introductory presser where Schnall, the Hornets new Co-Chairman and Governor and Plotkin, Co-Chairman and Alternate Governor they thanked Jordan for being an “incredible partner” to them during the transition of governorship of the Hornets and set things up for future success for the Hornets.

“During his ownership, he brought stability to the Hornets franchise, achieved many business milestones, reconnected, and reinvested in the Charlotte community and has the organization positioned for greater success. We look forward to building upon this success in the years to come.”

While the Hornets did have great success off the floor under Jordan, the team on the floor was not as successful compiling the fourth worst record of 423-600 in those 13 seasons, never winning a Playoff series, getting swept 4-0 by the eventual Eastern Conference champions in the Orlando Magic in 2010 and the Heat in 2014. Their best chance to win a Playoff series under Jordan’s governorship came in 2016, but they lost in seven games to the Heat.

On the goal for the Hornets under the new front office leadership, Schnall said at that presser that they “appreciate” that this team is a “community asset.” That this is a partnership with the “fans” and the “city.” That it is their job to be great “stewards” for all of them and the city of Charlotte, NC.

“We have a single, simple goal which is to create the premiere franchise in the NBA,” Schnall added. “We should have that expectation. All of us should have that expectation. We will strive to create that for all of us as we go forward.”    

Plotkin, who grew up right near Celtics country around Maine talked in that presser about the early days of the Hornets where the team’s teal Starter jackets were all the craze and also how they captured the NBA world in 1993 where they won their first ever playoff series when Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning famously hit the game-winning jumper from the top of the key to take down the Celtics 3-1 in the First-Round.

The Hornets have not had that kind of excitement in a very long time. In fact, the last time they won a Playoff series was in their final season of existence as the Hornets took down the Magic in the opening-round 3-1.

“It’s that kind of excitement that we want to bring to this organization,” Plotkin said. “We look forward to a future with many Playoff wins and were excited about that.”

“We look to build a highly competitive basketball team, develop innovative business practices, give back to our community and connect with fans,” the two new governors added. “We plan to further invest in the team, the facilities, and the fan experience, with the goal of delivering a winner to our fans throughout the Carolinas. We are confident that our successful business backgrounds and our previous experience as NBA minority owners will be beneficial as we shape the future of the franchise as a best-in-class organization.”

At the center of that future is a young star floor general in Ball, and talented but young and unproven front court of Washington, Williams, Richards, and JT Thor.

“Everybody’s been in the gym. Everybody’s motivated. Nick, JT, and Mark, they have all been here. I’m just excited and I can’t for the season to start and for them to show what they’ve been working on as well,” Washington said.   

When it comes to what he has worked on during the off-season, Washington said he has worked on his mid-range jumper while continuing his accuracy from three-point range and at the rim. 

It is also centered around Miller, who led all Division I freshmen with a scoring average of 18.8 points along with 8.2 boards on his way to winning the 2022-23 SEC Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year in his lone season for the Crimson Tide.

The First-Team All-Conference selection this past season brings an elite perimeter game where he can shoot from the mid-range, at the rim and from three-point range. Can shoot off the dribble, on catch-and-shoot, and is great in isolation, and is good in the pick-and-roll as ball handler or as a screener. He can really score in transition and can make plays for others.

Miller’s NBA dream was almost taken from him when back in the middle of January Tuscaloosa police testified that he delivered a gun to his then teammate Darius Miles and was used by Michael Davis that killed Jamea Harris, a 23-year-old mother on Jan. 15.

Miles and Davis both faced capital murder charges, with Miles pleading not guilty, Miller was not charged with a crime or was disciplined by Alabama.

When Miller met with reporters at the NBA Combine in Chicago in May, he said to reporters about the incident to all the NBA teams interested in drafting him that “it’s all a lesson learned.”

“I feel like that night could’ve changed my career in less than a heartbeat. Always be aware of your surroundings,” Miller added.

After being drafted in June, Miller said to ESPN’s Monica McNutt alongside his parents Yolanda and Darryl on the kind of player the Hornets are getting, Miller said that they are getting a “great kid,” with “great character” that will bring “a lot to the city of Charlotte.”

There were many that felt the Hornets should have drafted Scoot Henderson instead of Miller because of the fact that he would bring a level of excitement to a team in major need of it. The question though could he fit alongside another ball dominant guard in Ball and the fact that Henderson’s perimeter shot is the weakness in his game at the moment.

The other question for the Hornets in selecting Miller is will he pan out in terms of both in his development and being a part of the Hornets future. 

The Hornets last three picks where they chose at No. 2 overall in the aforementioned Mourning (1992) out of Georgetown University, Emeka Okafor (2004) out of University of Connecticut, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (2012) out of University of Kentucky had solid starts to their NBA careers with the Hornets/Bobcats but they did not last long with the Hornets.

In Summer League in Las Vegas, Miller averaged 17.3 points and 8.3 boards but shot just 35.4 percent from the floor.

The Hornets hope that Miller will be the exception and he will be part of the Hornets future success alongside Ball.

“I think with Melo, as good of a point guard he is, I think I just kind of feel in place with him,” Miller said to McNutt on how his game will fitting in with the Hornets.

“I know he’s a great vet now. That he has the most experience. I know he’s going to be the big brother for me away from home.”

The other question the Hornets have to answer is what is the future of the likes of Rozier and Hayward?

While they bring a veteran presence in terms of their skills and knowing how to play, at this stage of their careers, both seem like legit trades candidates who can bring draft assets to the Hornets if they can show at least until the February 2024 trade deadline that they can stay healthy to bring up their trade value.

The Hornets have not made the Playoffs in seven springs, the longest active Playoff drought in NBA. They as mentioned have not won a Playoff series in 21 seasons.

Over the years the Hornets have drafted the most accomplished or well-known college Player in past drafts from Rex Chapman (No. 8 overall, 1988), Kendall Gill (No. 5 overall 1990), Larry Johnson (No. 1 overall 1991), the aforementioned Mourning (No. 2 overall 1992), Baron Davis (No. 3 overall, 1999), the aforementioned Okafor, Raymond Felton (No. 5 overall 2005) and Sean May (No. 13 overall 2005), Adam Morrison (No. 3 overall 2006),  Kemba Walker (No. 9 overall 2011), Frank Kaminsky (No. 9 overall, 2015), and Malik Monk (No. 11 overall, 2017).

The Hornets have also acquired former All-Stars or players that became All-Stars or star fixtures like Derrick Coleman, Glen Rice, Eddie Jones, David Wesley, and Tony Parker.

Those moves helped the Hornets have some level of success but never reached the level where they were considered a true championship contender.

The stewardship of the Hornets is now in the hands of Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall. How they build around LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Nick Richards, Mark Williams, and P.J. Washington will go a long way in whether or not the Hornets will become that top-flight franchise they said they want to make the Hornets in to.

“This upcoming year is important and we certainly want to win. But it’s important for us for many reasons,” Plotkin said.

“But player development is really important and when you have a really young core and seeing that playing out and really developing those players because I think the Hornets will be really competitive next year. I think they’ve put in place the opportunity to be really, really competitive as you look out three, four, five years.”

“I think it’s up to us to kind of guide that direction and I think we’ll try to be a lot more active and strategic in finding ways to consistently, you know, improve the basketball team.”   

Best Case Scenario: The Hornets are in the hunt to make the Playoffs through the Play-In Tournament. Ball remains healthy and is in the running to earn his second All-Star selection. Miller makes one of two All-Rookie teams at the end of this season. Williams becomes the Hornets’ starting center, with Richards being his understudy. The Hornets’ high-octane offense returns while improving defensively. They come to a resolution to either keep Rozier and Hayward or decide to trade one or both of them.   

Worst Case Scenario: The Hornets missed the Playoffs for an eighth straight season. Ball battles injuries again, along with Hayward and Rozier. Miller struggles. The Hornets defensive struggles continue.

Grade: D 

Chicago Bulls: 40-42 Record; 3^rd Central Division (No. 9 East; Missed Playoffs); 22-19 at home, 18-23 on the road; Won In Play-In Game 109-105 Apr. 12 At Toronto Raptors (ESPN); Lost In Play-In Game 102-91 Apr. 14 at Miami Heat (TNT).  

-113.1 ppg-22^nd; opp. ppg: 111.8-7^th; 42.4 rpg-22^nd      

For the Chicago Bulls, their fortunes changed in an instant with the loss of their starting point guard in the middle of January 2022, which put disrupted the rest of the team out of place the season before and it continued into last season to where they just missed out on the Playoffs for the sixth time in the last eight seasons. Even with the play of Bulls two All-Star wings, and the solid play of their starting center, it has not made up for the loss of their floor general. Not even the late season addition of a “Windy City” native could get them back into the postseason. With the core of the roster back intact coupled with the addition of two solid role players, including at lead guard, the plan for the Bulls to get back to the Playoffs even with their said starting lead guard in 2021-22 out for possibly a second straight season and may not play again.

At the All-Star break two seasons back, the Bulls neck-and-neck with the Heat a top the East at 38-21. A big reason for the Bulls surge a top the East back in 2021-22 was the addition back in summer of 2021 of Lonzo Ball.

His ability to make shots, particularly from three-point range as well as to guard along the perimeter alongside fellow offseason addition of guard Alex Caruso gave the Bulls two on point defenders on the perimeter.

Ball’s addition also allowed the Bulls All-Star wings in DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine to be the dynamic scorers that they have been their entire careers.

The Bulls fortunes changed in late January 2022 when Ball underwent surgery on his left knee and was supposed to keep him out 6-8 weeks. He never returned in 2021-22 and has not played since Jan. 14, 2022.

After starting 2022-23 6-6, the Bulls lost 12 of their next 17 to be a season-worst seven games under .500 following a four-game losing streak (Dec. 11-20, 2022) to be 11-18.

At 26-33 following a six-game losing skid (Feb. 7-17, 2023), the Bulls entered the All-Star break outside the Play-In picture at No. 11 in East.

Even the play of two-time All-Star in LaVine (24.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 48.5 FG%, 37.5 3-Pt.%) and six-time All-Star in DeRozan (24.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 5.1 apg, 50.4 FG%), especially early last season could not lift the Bulls to better heights in the East.

LaVine last season averaged 23-plus points for the fifth consecutive season. He also set a career-high of 204 total made threes (204/544 3-Pt.), his fourth straight season making over 180 total triples, including making 200-plus triples in two out of the last three seasons. For the second time in the last three seasons, LaVine registered 20-plus games with 30 points or more with 20 30-point games last season. He had 25 30-plus point games in 2020-21 and 17 such games in 2021-22.

LaVine had 13 of his 47 career 35-plus point games with the Bulls came in 2022-23.

Most Career 35-Plus Point Games In Bulls History
Michael Jordan 321              Bob Love 39
Zach LaVine 47

LaVine has registered 19 of his 20 career 40-plus point games with the Bulls, with five such games coming in each of the last two seasons.

DeRozan for the 10^th consecutive season averaged 20-plus points and averaged seven-plus free throw attempts for the eighth time in the last 10 seasons with 7.1 free throw attempts, shooting 87.2 percent at the foul line a season ago.

Highest Career Scoring Average In Bulls History (Minimum 100 Career Games Played)
                                 PPG           Career Games
Michael Jordan      31.5                   930
DeMar DeRozan    26.2                   150
Zach LaVine          24.5                   349
Jalen Rose              21.4                   128
Bob Love                21.3                   592

For the eighth straight season, DeRozan registered double-digit 30-plus point games, including 20 such games in 2022-23. That includes registering 10 of his 23 career 40-plus point games with the Bulls, with five such games coming in 2021-22 and 2022-23.

DeRozan last season became the 50^th player in league history to reach 20,000 career points.  

DeRozan and LaVine became the first duo in Bulls history to each register 20 games scoring 30-plus points in a season.  

The biggest difference between the Bulls from 2021-22 and 2022-23 was how they performed in the clutch.

They had the fourth best mark at 25-16 in clutch games the previous season and big reason for that is DeRozan’s ability to score in the clutch games as he beat the likes of the Wizards and Pacers with game-winners at the final buzzer.

Last season without Ball, the Bulls were just 15-23 in clutch games and DeRozan at times along with LaVine took on too much of the scoring load instead of making the right read when it needed to be made.

Last season, the Bulls ranked fourth in the league at 49 percent shooting and were 34-17 when they outshot the opposition by field goal percentage. If Bulls shot 50 percent or better last season, they were 34-17, including 27-9 when they shot 50 percent or better.

Other than ranking No. 8 in turnovers at 13.4 and No. 5 in free throw percentage (21.8), they were just in the middle of the pack or at the bottom in the other main offensive categories.

Bulls Offensive Ranks In      36.3-Pt.% (16^th); 10.4 Made 3-Pt. (30^th); 28.9 3-Pt. Att. (30^th)
2022-23                                   14.0 Fastbreak Pts (T-15^th); 48.4 Paint Pts (19^th)
                                                10.6 Second Chance Pts (30^th) 21.8 Free Throw Att. (26^th)
                                                24.5 Assists (20^th)

This was especially the case when it came to the production of All-Star center Nikola Vucevic (17.6 ppg, 11.0 rpg-6^th NBA, 52.0 FG%, 34.9 3-Pt.%), who in 2022-23 was third in the league with 51 double-doubles and has registered over 29 total double-doubles in 10 his first 12 NBA seasons with the 76ers, Magic, and Bulls.

Vucevic’s 469 total double-doubles are the fourth most in the league since 2011-12 (Vucevic’s rookie season in 2011-12 w/76ers).

NBA Players Who                 Mikal Bridges (PHX/BKN)    Tari Eason            (HOU)
Played In All 82 Games        Kenyon Martin, Jr. (HOU)    Patrick Williams   (CHI)
In 2022-23                              Nikola Vucevic         (CHI)     Jordan Poole          (GS)
                                                Harrison Barnes      (SAC)     Derrick White        (BOS)
                                                Kevon Looney         (GS)        Isaiah Hartenstein (NYK)

Vucevic, who the Bulls acquired from the Magic two NBA trade deadlines back has been solid with the Bulls but there are games in which he leaves you wanting more.

For the third straight season, Vucevic registered 25-plus games scoring 20-plus points and has done so dating back to his years with the Magic has done so in five straight seasons and in seven out of the last nine seasons.  

Most Consecutive Seasons Averaging         Nikola Vucevic 3       Elton Brand    2
15-Plus Points and 10-Plus Rebounds        Artis Gilmore   3       Artis Gilmore 2
In Bulls History                                             Pau Gasol         2

In the Bulls victory (114-109) versus the 76ers, Vucevic had 23 points, 19 rebounds on 8/14 from the floor, including 5/7 from three. He became the first Bulls player with at least 20 points, 15 rebounds, and five threes made. It was the first such game of Vucevic’s career and became the 38^th player to achieve this stat line in a game at least once in NBA history.

In the Bulls win (126-112) at 76ers, Vucevic had his fifth career triple-double of 19 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Nine days later, Vucevic tied his career-high of 43 points with 13 boards on 18/31 shooting, including 5/10 from three in the Bulls 132-118 triumph versus the defending champion Warriors. 

In his first eight-plus seasons with the Magic, Vucevic totaled 20 30-plus point games. In his time with the Bulls, he has registered 15 total games of 30-plus points, with only one such game in 2022-23.  

A major reason why Vucevic was not more productive particularly last season is because head coach Billy Donovan did not feature him in the offense consistently in the post and was primarily used as a screener and a spot-up shooter, which he was effective as making a career-high 121 triples last season (121/347 3-Pt.) but only shot 34.9 percent on his triple tries.

Then there was the fact that LaVine and DeRozan did not make it a priority to get Vucevic the ball down in the paint, especially when he had a clear advantage in terms of his defensive matchup or when he had a good rhythm going offensively.

That inability to have an offensive cohesion resulted in the likes of Patrick Williams (10.2 ppg, 46.4 FG%, 41.5 3-Pt.%), Coby White (9.7 ppg, 44.3 FG%-career-high 37.2 3-Pt.%), and Ayo Dosumnu (8.6 ppg, 49.3 FG%) from being bigger contributors offensively.

Williams, the Bulls First-Round pick 2020 out of Florida State has the talent to have a bigger role offensively, but he has shown to lack the mindset to bring it night-in and night-out.

Williams Most              January 2023: 12.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 48.5 FG%, 41.9 3-Pt.%
Productive Months      9.3 FG Att., 4.4 3-Pt. Att.
2022-23                         April 2023: 11.6 PPG, 46 FG%, 42.9 3-Pt.% 10 FG Att. 4.2 3-Pt. Att. 

Williams had two of his six career 20-plus point games in 2022-23. He scored 22 points with seven rebounds, and two steals making three of his four threes in the Bulls 121-112 win versus the Nets. It was not until late last season Williams registered another 20-point performance with a season-high 23 points with eight boards, two steals and two blocks on 9/10 shooting, including 3/5 from three in the Bulls 115-112 victory Apr. 7 at the Mavericks.

In his first three seasons with the Bulls, White registered 13, 17 and 11 games of 20 points or more, including totaling three games each of 30-plus point games respectably in 2019-20 and 2020-21.

While he has made over 125 total three-pointers in his first four NBA seasons (128/344 3-Pt. 2022-23), White only managed just three total 20-plus point games, including just one game of 30 points.

Dosunmu helped the Bulls cause with a game-winning putback at the final buzzer to help the Bulls win 110-108 at the Hawks, completing a nine-point performance.

What allowed the Bulls to remain in the postseason hunt last season was their ability to defend.

Bulls Defensive Ranks      46.8 Opp. FG% (8^th); 35.7 Opp. 3-Pt.% (6^th) 7.9 SPG (7^th) 
2022-23                               46.9 Opp. Paint Pts (4^th); 12.9 Opp. Fastbreak Pts (7^th)
                                            11.9 Opp. 2^nd Chance Pts (2^nd) 22 Opp. FT Att. (6^th)  

The Bulls defense really ramped up post All-Star break following the signing of “Windy City” native Patrick Beverly, going 14-9 post All-Star break.

Bulls Defensive Ranks Post                          107.9 Opp. PPG      (1^st)  44.8 Opp. Paint Pts (1^st)
All-Star Break (Feb. 24-Apr. 9, 2023)         46.2   Opp. FG%    (6^th)    8.7 SPG (2^nd)
                                                                        20.2   Opp, FT Att. (3^rd) 

The addition of Beverly coupled with Caruso gave the Bulls the defense on the perimeter that had been missed without Ball.

The Bulls closed 2022-23 with a 6-4 mark in their last 10 games to claim the No. 10 and final spot in the East Play-In Tournament.

In their Play-In tilt at the Raptors Apr. 12 (ESPN), the Bulls overcame a double-digit deficit with a stellar second half for a 109-105 victory. 

Bulls were down by 58-47 at the half and were down by 19 (66-47) with 9:09 left in the third quarter but cut the deficit to 81-72 after three quarters. Trailing 87-75 early in the fourth quarter, Bulls went on 16-4 run capped by a three-pointer by Caruso that tied it 91-19 with 7:08 left. A three-pointer by Beverly put the Bulls on top for the first time in the game 96-93 with 5:07 left. LaVine and DeRozan made shots that put the Bulls up 104-100 with 2:04 left, and two free throws by LaVine put the Bulls up 107-104 with 17.2 seconds left. With a chance to tie the score following a foul on a three-point by Caruso, Raptors All-Star Pascal Siakam made the first free throw but missed the next two. Vucevic rebounded the third missed free throw and sealed the win by nailing both of his free throws after getting fouled.

Bulls became the first No. 10 Seed in the three-year history of the Play-In Tournament to win a game (previous four No. 10 Seeds were 0-4).

LaVine led the way scoring 30 or his 39 points in the second half, going 12/22 from the floor and 13/15 at the foul line. DeRozan had 23 points, seven boards and two blocks on 10/19 shooting against his former team. Vucevic had a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds. Williams added 10 points with two steals and two blocks. Caruso added nine points with three steals and three blocks.

LaVine At             1^st Half     9 Points, 4/8 FGs,   0/2 3-Pt.,     1/2 FTs 
Raptors                 2^nd Half  30 Points, 9/16 FGs, 2/5 3-Pt., 12/13 FTs

LaVine 2^nd Half   3^rd Quarter 17 Points, 5/8 FGs 6/7 FTs (Rest of Bulls 8 Points, 4/15 FGs)
At Raptors           4^th Quarter 13 Points, 3/6 FGs, 6/6 FTs

While the Bulls shot 48.8 percent from the field (42/86 FGs), they were 18/22 at the foul line compared to the Raptors 18/36 effort. They outscored the Raptors 52-40 in the paint and scored 22 points off 16 Raptors turnovers, registering nine steals and 10 block shots.

The Bulls in the second half created 29 points off drives and held the Raptors to just two points on drives. They also found their three-point stroke in the fourth period going 4/7 from distance after a 3/19 effort from three the first three quarters.

The Bulls were on the verge of getting back to the Playoffs but collapsed in the final period and lost 102-91 in their second Play-In Game at the Heat Apr. 14 (TNT).

They were down by as many as 14 in the first half and were down 49-44 at intermission, outscored the Heat 24-18 in the third to lead 68-67 after three quarters. A step-back triple by White put the Bulls up 71-69 early in the fourth period and a jumper by DeRozan later in the period put the Bulls up 81-75 with 8:27 left. White made another triple that put the Bulls up 90-87 with 3:47 left. That would be the Bulls final field goal made of the contest as they were outscored 15-1 to close the contest. 

The Bulls were outscored 35-23 in the final period going just 8/20 from the field, including 3/7 from three getting outrebounded 12-7 and committing 11 personal fouls. In the final three minutes, the Bulls went 0/6 shooting, including 0/3 from three, with their only score coming on a free throw by DeRozan with 1:33 left.

During the regular season, the Bulls never trailed by more than nine points during their 3-0 season series sweep.

In the loss, the Bulls shot just 43.9 percent from the field (36/82 FGs), including just 8/28 from three and were just 11/15 at the foul line compared to the Heat going 28/32 at the charity stripe. They were outrebounded 51-37 and only held a 36-34 scoring edge in the paint.

The Bulls failed to make the Playoffs for the fifth time in the last six seasons and for the sixth time in the last eight seasons following seven straight Playoff appearances (2009-15).

DeRozan in defeat had 26 points and nine assists on 9/19 shooting and 8/9 at the foul line. Caruso had 16 points on 4/8 from three. LaVine after his brilliant performance at the Raptors had just 15 points going just 6/21 from the floor, missing all six of his triple tries and was just 3/5 at the charity stripe.

When the Bulls acquired Vucevic in March 2021, they sacrificed two future First Round picks, which included the No. 11 overall pick in this past May’s NBA Draft Lottery that went to the Magic.

In a draft night deal though with the Wizards, the Bulls acquired the draft rights to forward Julian Phillips (No. 35 overall) out of University of Tennessee in exchange for a 2026 and a 2027 Second-Round pick.

The Bulls front office of General Manager Arturas Karnisovas and Vice President Marc Eversley decided to keep the core of the Bulls intact while adding a couple of solid role players in free agency.

Near the close of June (officially July 6), the Bulls agreed on a three-year, $60 million deal, to bring back Vucevic. They also brought back reserve big man Andre Drummond (6.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 60.6 FG%), who exercised his $3.36 million player option for 2023-24 season.

“I just feel like there was a lot of work undone and I felt like we had to give it another shot,” Vucevic said at Media Day about why he re-signed with the Bulls in the offseason.

“I just felt like we had to give it another shot. I just felt like we didn’t show our best and last year also. We kind of always were thinking about, ‘Oh when Lonzo [Ball] comes back, you know, it’ll be different. And the thing this year, we have a clear picture. Obviously, he’s [Ball] not going to be back and we have to find other ways to run our offense.”

On June 30, they agreed on a new three-year, $40 million deal to bring back White and agreed on a three-year, $20 million deal to bring in guard Jevon Carter (8.0 PPG, 42.1 3-Pt.%).

In early July, the Bulls added forward Torrey Craig (7.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 45.6 FG%, 39.5 3-Pt.% w/Suns).

In late July, the Bulls brought back Dosunmu on a new three-year, $21 million deal.

The additions of Carter and Craig will provide more defense to one of the best defensive teams in the league in the Bulls last season. They also will provide high marksmanship from three-point range.

After totaling 25 games scoring in double-digits his first four seasons (2018-22) with the Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, and Nets, Carter totaled 25 games scoring in double-digits, which includes three total games scoring 20 or more. He registered 27 games in double-digits in 2022-23 with the Bucks, including six games scoring 20 or more.

In helping the Bucks to a double-overtime victory (136-132) Nov. 9, 2022 at the Thunder, Carter had his second career double-double with a career-high 36 points and 12 assists on 15/27 shooting, including 5/10 from three-point range.

They did not give a rookie extension to Williams, meaning he will have to prove this season with better play if he is someone the Bulls can see as a part of their future.

Carter with the Bucks in 2022-23 made a career-high 142 total threes (142/337 3-Pt.), while Craig also set a career-high with 100 total triples last season with Suns.

Bringing back White along with adding Carter to go alongside Caruso because any hopes of getting Ball back were quickly squashed in late June at a post draft presser saying, “Our expectations is that he’s not going to be back next season.”

Ball, who underwent cartilage transplant surgery on his left knee Mar. 16 has missed 124 total games the last two seasons.

Dating back to the end of 2021-22, Ball has missed the last 123 games. Including the 47 games missed in 2021-22, Ball has missed 129 total games the last two seasons. The Bulls since the 2021-22 season are 22-13 with Ball and 63-65 without Ball.

In early July the Bulls applied for the disabled player exception on Ball and were granted that exception in the middle of July for about $10.2 million. 

Ball, who has a $21.4 million player option for 2024-25 in speaking at the Invest Fest, “the world’s biggest business festival” made his strongest remarks about his basketball playing future saying, “I’m going to play again.”

“Life is not easy. If you want to get the most out of it, you gotta put your best foot forward. If you’re going to get knocked down, you gotta get back up everytime if you want to keep going. You can always quit and take the easy way out and pout and go to the side. But for me, if you’re trying to get to a place where I want to get to, you just gotta get back up, dust off and keep going.”

Even with the new additions of Carter and Craig and the re-signings of Vucevic, Drummond, and Dosunmu, the Bulls hopes of another Playoff berth will be on LaVine and DeRozan and how their play can make the Bulls offense more modern and efficient.

“For how explosive we are individually, you know, it hasn’t been showing as a unit. So, we have to do a better job with that,” LaVine said at Media Day about the Bulls offensive struggles a season ago.

“And you know, it’s been three years of it. It’s time to put pen to paper and actually see some results.”

DeRozan added to that by saying at Media Day that it comes down to the Bulls “understanding” their previous flaws and “correct” them.

“That’s the beauty of having most of the guys returning. It’s us understanding the mistakes that we made, and counter correct them,” DeRozan added.

At Media Day, Coach Donovan, entering his fourth season as Bulls head coach added at Media Day that the Bulls offensive improvement will come from them getting to the charity stripe at a consistent rate. Becoming a better offensive rebounding team and being able to generate effective looks from three-point range.

“To me, it’s less about taking more threes as much as it is about how you generate them. And our biggest challenge with this group is got to be we’ve got to get into the paint,” Coach Donovan said.

“It’s not even about plays or different things…We’ve got to a better job spacing. We’ve got to do a better job attacking the paint because about 85 percent of your fouls are taken  place in the paint. It’s the best opportunity to offense rebound is on those shots. And the third thing is those are where you get kickout threes. And I think that’s got to be a real focus for us.”  

Ever since the Bulls winning six titles in eight seasons led by Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and head coach Phil Jackson (1991-98), the closet the Bulls have been to the championship round is 2011 when they lost 4-1 to the Heat.

There was some hope that the Derrick Rose led Bulls would break through but those hopes ended in the 2012 Playoffs when 2010-11 Kia MVP in Game 1 of the 2012 Playoffs versus the 76ers tore his left ACL and the Bulls were never the same after that.

Those hopes were re-ignited in 2016-17 when Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade came home to team up with now Heat perennial All-Star forward Jimmy Butler and former rival Rajon Rondo. Those hopes after winning the first two games of the series at the Celtics in the opening-round went up in smoke as they lost the next four games of the series and fell in six games.

On paper, the Bulls enter this upcoming season with a team that should be in the mix to make the Playoffs with Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic back in the fold flanked by Patrick Williams, Alex Caruso, Ayo Dousnmu, Andre Drummond, and Coby White, along with the additions of Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig.

The reality though is that they are no better than any of the top dogs in the East in the Heat, Celtics, Bucks or 76ers even though from a roster standpoint they all look vulnerable for the first time in a while.

The Bulls decided to give this core another chance mainly because last season they showed they can beat the teams in the NBA, even though they went just 23-27 against teams .500 or better and they were one of the better defensive teams.

Whether or not they will make the Playoffs all depends on how much better they can get on offense.

That will mainly come down to DeRozan and LaVine finding that balance between scoring and facilitating for their teammates.

This will be especially for DeRozan, 34, who will be an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. Making him a prime candidate to be dealt possibly at the February 2024 NBA trade deadline. Williams if he wants to continue his time in the “Windy City,” even though he will be a restricted free agent in summer of 2024 will have to follow the same path ad White did. Playing consistently and having an impact on the game.  

Karnisovas said at Media Day that the current Bulls roster is “the group” at least for now because they are going into the luxury tax.

“This is just giving more time for this group to figure it out,” Karnisovas added. “And I think once you have consistent success, you know, you can go for it. We have to make sure this is the right group.”

Best Case Scenario: The Bulls make the Playoffs in the bottom portion of the East. LaVine and DeRozan find the balance from scoring efficiently and facilitating for their teammates. The additions of Carter and Craig make the Bulls a better three-point shooting team in both makes and attempts. Bulls modernize their offense overall.

Worst Case Scenario: The Bulls missed the Playoffs for the seventh time in the last nine straight season. DeRozan is possibly in the trading block.  

Grade: C 

Cleveland Cavaliers: 51-31 Record; 2^nd Central Division; (No. 4 Seed East); 31-10 at home, 20-21 on the road; Lost to No. 4 Seeded New York Knicks 4-1 In Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

-113.3 ppg-25^th; opp. ppg: 106.9-1^st; 41.1 rpg-25^th  

It has been a quarter century since the Cleveland Cavaliers were a Playoff team with a player dubbed “King James” not on their roster. They just missed out on t a season ago. But the acquisition of a three-time All-Star from Salt Lake City coupled with their young core got them back into the Playoffs after a four-year absence. The Cavs postseason appearance was a short one as they were taken down by the boys from the “Big Apple” in five games. With the addition of a couple of high-level marksman from three-point range; a young and veteran backup center and re-signing a key member of their rotation, the plan for the Cavaliers entering this season get back to the Playoffs and advance.

In the spring of 2022, the Cavaliers just missed out on the Playoffs after dropping both their games in the Play-In Tournament failing to make the Playoffs for the fourth straight season.

In need of a dynamic scorer with experience in the clutch, the Cavaliers in early September 2022, the Cavs traded three unprotected First Round pick (2025, 2027, & 2029) and two pick swaps (2026 & 2028), two players and the draft rights to the No. 14 overall pick from that June for three-time All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell from the Jazz.

Mitchell turned out to be everything head coach J.B Bickerstaff’s squad could have wanted and more as he averaged career-highs of 28.3 points (7^th NBA) and 4.4 assists on 48.4 percent from the floor and career-high tying 38.6 percent from three-point range. Mitchell totaled a career-high 245 triples (245/635 3-Pt.) while also averaging a career-best 5.4 free throw attempts on a career-high 86.7 percent from the charity stripe.

To put into context the kind of season Mitchell had for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and the Cavs in 2022-23, his 245 total made triples set a new single-season Cavs record, surpassing the 204 made threes by J.R. Smith in 2015-16. He made at least one triple in 66 out of 69 games played in 2022-23

Mitchell’s 31 games scoring 30-points or more set a new career-high. That included 13 games scoring 40-points or more, a new career-high and the second most in a single-season in Cavs history. He entered 2022-23 with a total of nine career 40-plus point games in his first five seasons with the Jazz. 

Most Career 30-Point Games In A Single-Season In Cavaliers History (20-30 Games)
LeBron James 2005-06  49                  LeBron James        2017-18  32
LeBron James 2007-08  39                  Donovan Mitchell  2022-23  31
LeBron James 2009-10  38                  LeBron James        2004-05  27
LeBron James 2008-09  34                  LeBron James        2016-17  23
LeBron James 2006-07  33                  Mike Mitchell         1980-81  22

In his final four games played in 2022-23, Mitchell registered 40-plus points in four straight games. In this stretch, Mitchell totaled 169 points, in 161 minutes on 63/109 from the field (60.6 FG%).

Mitchell became the 11^th player in NBA history, the first since 76ers James Harden in 2018-19 with the Rockets to register four straight 40-point games.

Five Players Since 1976-77               Allen Iverson*                    1996-97 W/76ers
NBA/ABA Merger With                   Russell Westbrook (LAC) 2016-17 W/Thunder
Four Straight 40-Plus Points           James Harden (PHI)          2018-19 W/Rockets
Games                                                Kobe Bryant                    6 Different Streaks W/Lakers
                                                            Donovan Mitchell (CLE)   2022-23

                            Donovan Mitchell’s Final Four Games of 2022-23                               
Mar. 28, 2023 At Hawks (120-118 Loss): 44 Points, Five Rebounds, Five Assists, Two Steals
15/33 FGs, 5/12 3-Pt. 9/9 FTs

Mar. 31, 2023 Versus Knicks (130-116 Loss): 42 Points, Five Assists, 16/23 FGs, 6/0 3-Pt.

Apr. 2, 2023 Versus Pacers (115-105 Win): 40 Points, Six Rebounds, Three Steals, 14/25 FGs, 3/9 3-Pt., 9/12 FTs

Apr. 4, 2023 At Magic (117-113 Win): 43 Points, Five Rebounds, 15/23 FGs, 5/9 3-Pt. 8/9 FTs

Most Double-Digit 40-Point                         Donovan Mitchell 2022-23: 13
Games In A Season In Cavs History           LeBron James       2005-06: 10

Most Career Double-Digit 40-Plus Point Games In Cavs History
                                    Games        Seasons
LeBron James               51                11
Donovan Mitchell         13                  1
Kyrie Irving                  11                  6

Mitchell also registered a career-high five double-doubles showing his improvement as a facilitator.

Mitchell put together the greatest scoring night of his career while also making plays for his teammates when he scored a career-high and single-game Cavs record of 71 points while tying a career-high of 11 assists with eight boards on 22/34 from the field, including 7/15 from three and career-best of 20/25 at the free throw line in the Cavs 145-134 overtime win Jan. 2 versus the Bulls.

Mitchell Versus  1^st Half 16 Points 5/7 FGs, 3/5 3-Pt. 4/8 FTs (11 Points, 4/7 FGs, 2/4 3-Pt. 
Bulls                     2^nd Qtr.)
                             3^rd Qtr. 24 Points 6/9 FGs, 12/12 FTs
                             4^th Qtr. 18 Points 7/11 FGs 3/6 FTs; OT 13 Points, 4/4 FGs, 3/3 3-Pt.

Mitchell’s 71-point performance tied an NBA season-high, while also becoming the first in NBA history to register 70 points and 10 assists in a single game.

It marked the highest scoring performance by a player since the late Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant’s 81-point performance on Jan. 22, 2006 versus the Toronto Raptors. He joined LeBron James (nine times), Kyrie Irving (twice), Darius Garland, and Hall of Famer Walt Bellamy (1971) as the only five players in Cavs history to score 50 or more in a game.

Mitchell also joined the late Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlin (six times), Bryant (2006), and Elgin Baylor (1960) and fellow Hall of Famers David Robinson (1994), David Thompson (1978), Damian Lillard of the Trail Blazers (Feb. 2023), and Suns’ Devin Booker (2017) as the only players in NBA history to score 70-plus points in a game.

When the Cavs acquired Mitchell, the one question that came about was how quickly he and Darius Garland (21.6 ppg, 7.8 apg-7^th NBA, 46.2 FG%, 41 3-Pt.%) get on the same page on both ends, particularly at the offensive end. It did not take long at all as the 2022 All-Star and Mitchell meshed quite well together as Garland for the second straight season average 20-plus points and seven-plus assists, on a career-high in three-point percentage, making 169 total threes in 2022-23 (169/412 3-Pt.). That is on the heels of making 174 total threes in 2021-22 (174/454 3-Pt.-38.3 3-Pt%)

After totaling eight 30-point games in his first three NBA seasons, Garland totaled eight 30-plus point games in 2022-23, including three of his four career 40-plus point games.

In the Cavaliers 129-124 defeat on Nov. 13, 2022 versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, Garland scored 27 of his career-high 51 points in the fourth quarter. He finished 16/31 from the floor, including making a career-best 10 triples (10/15 3-Pt.) and 9/13 from the foul line with six assists.

Garland’s performance was one made triple shy of equaling the single-game franchise record for made threes set by Kyrie Irving. He also fell six points short of equaling the single-game franchise scoring record shared by James and Irving as well as four points short of tying the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse scoring mark shared by Kyrie Irving and 76ers James Harden.

That was part of a three-game span (Nov. 13-18, 2022) where Garland totaled 115 points, joining James as the only players in franchise history to that in that span.

In the Cavs win (114-91) Feb. 6 at the Wizards, Garland had 23 points, five assists and three steals on 9/15 from the floor, including 5/9 from three. Garland on this night made his 500^th career three-pointer, totaling 553 career triples, No. 8 on the Cavs all-time career threes made list.

Most Career Made Threes (500-Plus) In Cavaliers History
LeBron James 1,251             JR Smith            585
Kevin Love      1,096             Daniel Gibson    578
Mark Price         802             Darius Garland 553
Kyrie Irving       723              Wesley Person   550
Cedi Osman       628              Danny Ferry      543

Garland has totaled 47 double-doubles the last two seasons, with 18 coming in 2022-23 after totaling seven double-doubles his first two NBA seasons.  

The Cavaliers also got a productive season from Caris LeVert (12.1 ppg, 3.9 apg, 3.8 rpg), who made a career-high 127 total threes (127/324 3-Pt.).

Double-Digit 20-Plus            W/Nets 2016-19: 16 Total: 2019-20: 19
Point Games By Season       W/Nets & Pacers  2020-21: 24
By LeVert                              W/Cavs & Pacers 2021-22: 17
                                                W/Cavs                 2022-23: 13 

LeVert has totaled five of his 15 career 30-plus point games in his 1-plus seasons with the Cavs.

That included his performance in the Cavs 132-123 overtime victory Oct. 28, 2022, Mitchell had 41 points on 15/25 from the floor and 5/9 from three, while LeVert also had 41 points with seven rebounds on 12/21 from the field, including 6/8 from three, and 11/12 at the foul line. They became the 17^th pair of teammates in NBA history to each score 40-plus points in the same game.  

Top Scoring Backcourts Combined Points In Regular Season In A Game In Cavs History
Oct. 28, 2022  At Celtics          Donovan Mitchell & Donovan Mitchell   82 Points
Jan. 2, 2023    Versus Bulls     Donovan Mitchell & Caris LeVert           81 Points
Nov. 18, 022   Verus Hornets  Donovan Mitchell & Darius Garland      75 Points
Feb. 11, 2023 At Magic           LeBron James & Larry Hughes               69 Points
Dec. 6, 2022  Versus Lakers   Donovan Mitchell & Darius Garland      64 Points

As great as the Cavs backcourt was, the front court was just as exceptional led by Evan Mobley (16.2 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 55.4 FG%) and All-Star center Jarrett Allen (14.3 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 64.4 FG%-5^th NBA).

After registering 21 double-doubles and 12 20-plus point games in his rookie season making the 2022 All-Rookie First Team, Mobley did not rest on his laurels in his sophomore season in “The Association” with 24 double-doubles and 18 20-plus point games. Those 20-plus point games consisted of Mobley registering 10 games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds after one such game as a rookie.

As a rookie, Mobley registered just one game where he scored 30-plus points. He had two such games last season, including a career-high 38 points with nine rebounds on 19/27 shooting in the Cavs 114-102 victory Jan. 21 versus the Bucks.

Complimenting Mobley was the steady and productive Allen who tied a career-best 32 double-doubles a season ago, his total from 2021-22 and had 30-plus double-doubles for the third time in his career (30 double-doubles in 2019-20 w/Nets).

In 2022-23, Allen and Mobley on 17 occasions each registered a double-double and the Cavs went 16-1 when that occurred.

Allen and Mobley were a huge reason the Cavaliers defense was one of the best in the NBA in 2022-23.

Cavs Defensive          46.8 FG%-7^th            46.3 Paint Pts-3^rd            15.7 Turnovers-4^th        
Ranks 2022-23           36.8 3-Pt.%-23^rd     12.7 Fastbreak Pts-6^th     
                                    22.4 FT Att.-8^th         12.1 2^nd Chance Pts-4^th

Last Season, the Cavaliers led the NBA with 24 games holding their opponent under 100 points going 23-1 when that occurred. They were 32-7 when they outrebounded the opposition.  

When the Cavs allowed 100 points or more, the Cavs were just 28-30. They were 40-11 when they held their opponent under 110 points. They were just 11-22 when the opposition scored 110 or more, including 3-7 when they allowed 120 or more- 1-3 when they allowed 130 or more.

The Cavs’ strong defense made up for an offensive attack that at times was inconsistent despite what Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley brought to the table in 2022-23.

Cavs Offensive          48.8 FG%-5^th             12.7 Fastbreak Pts-24^th 
Ranks 2022-23           36.7 3-Pt.%-12^th        12.5 2^nd Chance Pts-23^rd
                                    52.8 Paint Pts-13^th     19.4 Pts off Turnovers-3^rd

Last season, the Cavs were 49-25 when they scored 100 points or more, including 41-15 when they scored 110 or more. They were 10-3 when they scored 120 or more, and 3-0 when they scored 130 or more. When they scored under 110 in 2022-23, the Cavs were just 10-15.

When the Cavs had fewer turnovers than their opponent, they were 31-22. They were tied with the Pacers and Thunder with 17 wins overcoming a 10-plus point deficit.

Most 10-Plus Point Comeback     Nets     19    Thunder        17
Wins In NBA 2022-23                   Cavs     17    Nuggets         16
                                                        Pacers  17    Trail Blazers 15

They went a stellar 33-11 in games decided by 10 points or more. They were a magnificent 30-5 against sub .500 teams. They were an NBA-best 7-0 in overtime.

After starting last season 8-1 their first nine games, which consisted of an eight-game winning streak. Their six-game winning streak (Feb. 2-13, 2023) had them No. 5 in the Eastern Conference at 38-23.

The Cavs with their 51 wins in 2022-23 registered their first 50-win season since 2017-18, the last season of James’ second stint with “The Land.” It was their first 50-win season since 1992-93 without James on the roster and earned their first postseason berth without James on the roster.

With their aforementioned 117-113 triumph at the Magic on Apr. 4, the Cavs clinched the No. 4 Seed and homecourt advantage in the opening-round of the 2023 Playoffs.

The Cavs 51-win season was a result of registering the fifth best home record in the league in 2022-23 going 10-3 their final 13, and 18-7 their final 25 games at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

While they had their struggles on the road, the Cavs concluded 2022-23 with a 7-2 mark their last nine and 10-5 their final 15 road games.

To put into context how special of a season 2022-23 was for the Cavaliers, in James’ two stints with Cavs (11 total seasons), they compiled a .621 winning percentage (560-342 record) with nine Playoff appearances, including five Finals appearances, winning the team’s lone NBA title in 2016. In the 43 total seasons without James, the Cavaliers have registered a .412 winning percentage (1,446-2,065 record) with 14 Playoff appearances with zero Finals appearances.    

The Cavaliers amazing homecourt advantage they established during the regular season was gone in an instant dropping the opener of their First-Round tilt 101-97 Apr. 15 (ESPN) versus the Knicks.

Down for the majority of the first three quarters, the Cavs overcame a 12-point second quarter deficit and by eight (92-84) with 4:37 left by going on a 9-0 run to take a 93-92 lead on a tip-in by Allen with 2:12 left. Knicks closed the game outscoring the Cavs 8-5.

The Cavs shot just 43.4 percent in defeat (36/83 FGs) and were just 10/31 from three-point range and 15/21 from the charity stripe. They were outrebounded 51-38, including 17-11 on the offensive glass, getting outscored 44-40 in the paint; 37-14 in bench points; 23-12 in second chance points and gave up 26 points off their 14 turnovers.  

Mitchell led the way in defeat with 38 points, eight assists, five boards, and three steals on 14/30 from the field, including 6/16 on his triple tries. He joined James, Irving, and Brad Daugherty as the four players to score at least 38 points in a Playoff game in Cavs history. It was the 20^th career 30-plus point Playoff game in Mitchell’s career.

Allen had a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds.

In their postseason debuts, Garland had 17 points on 7/13 shooting, but just four assists with five turnovers, while Mobley had just eight points on 4/13 from the field with 11 rebounds. LeVert also had a game to forget in his 10^th career Playoff game scoring just three points on 1/7 shooting, missing all of his triple tries.

The Cavs looked more like themselves in Game 2 as they evened the series 1-1 by taking down the Knicks three nights later 107-90 (TNT).

They overcame an eight-point deficit midway through the opening period with a 13-4 run taking control of the contest by outscoring their visitors 34-17 in the second period to lead 59-39 at the half and were up by as many as 29 in the second half. The Cavs outscored the Knicks 82-68 the final three quarters.

2^nd Quarter of            NYK                  CLE          Cavaliers in the second quarter outscored
Game 2                         17     Points       34            the Knicks 10-2 in the paint and scored
                                    6/17     FGs       12/24          19 points off nine Knicks turnovers.
                                     1/7      3-Pt.        4/8
                                      3      Assists        9
                                     10   Rebounds   11

The Cavs in Game 2 shot 49.4 percent from the floor (38/77 FGs), went 14/33 from three-point range, and were 17/21 at the charity stripe. They had 26 assists on their 38 made field goals and had just seven turnovers.

The Cavs outrebounded the Knicks 43-36 and were only a minus two (13-11) on the offensive glass. They outscored the Knicks 42-38 in the paint. Overcame 18 turnovers that led to 29 Knicks points by forcing their visiting counterparts to cough up the basketball 18 times, 10 of which came off of steals and they turned into 32 points. The Cavs registered 27 points off 14 Knicks turnovers in the first half of Game 2.

The Cavs also held the Knicks to 36.7 percent shooting (29/79 FGs), including just 7/29 from three.

Garland led the Cavs with 32 Points and seven assists on 8/17 from the field, including 6/10 from three and 10/11 at the free throw line. He had 26 of those 32 points on 6/10 from the field, going 4/6 from three and 10/11 in the opening half, falling three points shy of the Cavs Playoff scoring record for points in a half held by LeBron James (29 points) in 2018.

LeVert also had a strong bounce back performance with 24 points on 9/16 from the floor, including 4/9 on his triple tries. Mitchell was more of a facilitator in Game 2 registering a double-double of 17 points, a Playoff career-high of 13 assists with two steals going just 6/11 shooting. Mobley also had a double-double of 13 points and 13 boards with two steals and two blocks. Allen added nine points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks.

25-Point Halves In                LeBron James     Nine Times
Cavs Playoff History            Kyrie Irving        2007
                                                Darius Garland  2023

The same struggles the Cavs had in Game 1 followed them to New York City as they dropped Game 3 at the Knicks 99-79 Apr. 21 (ABC) to fall behind 2-1 in the series.

The Cavs, in their first 20-point loss all season, accept for an early four-point lead were down from that point on getting outscored 82-62 the final three quarters, including 28-15 in the second quarter where the game was blown wide open.

The Cavs were down 45-32 at the half of Game 3, registering just 13/42 from the floor, including 2/19 on their triples with 12 turnovers that led to 18 Knicks points. Those 32 first half points by the Cavs tied the fewest in the first half in Cavs Playoff history. They also had 32 points in the opening half in the 81-76 setback in Game 3 of their 1996 First Round tilt also against the Knicks. Those 32 points were also the fewest by any NBA team all season (regular season & postseason).

Mitchell had 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists on 9/19 shooting to lead the Cavs but was just 2/8 on his three-point attempts. LeVert had 17 points, but too shot poorly going 7/17 from the floor, including 3/13 from three. Mobley had a double-double of 10 points and 10 boards on 5/10 from the field. Garland also scored 10 but was just 4/21 shooting and 1/7 on his threes.

The Cavs in Game 3 managed just 38.6 percent accuracy from the field (31/80 FGs), 7/33 on their threes and 10/17 at the foul line. Were outrebounded again 45-42 (CLE: 13-11 off rebs) and were outscored 56-48 in the paint; 15-7 in fastbreak points; 39-14 in bench points; and 14-11 in second chance points. They also had 21 turnovers that the Knicks turned into 28 points.

In Game 4, the Cavs did overcome a double-digit deficit in the opening half and right there after three quarters. But were outplayed in the fourth quarter in dropping Game 4 102-93 at the Knicks Apr. 23 (ABC) to fall behind 3-1 in the series. The Cavaliers also dropped to 0-3 on the season (0-2 in regular season) at the Knicks.  

Down by as many as 15 in the second quarter and trailed 54-45 at the half, the Cavs outscored the Knicks 26-19 in the third quarter, where they led by as many as three and were within 72-71 after three quarters. The Cavs were within four at 81-77 with 7:23 left before a 9-2 run by the Knicks, who would go on to outscore the Cavs 21-16 the rest of the way, outscoring the Knicks 29-22 in the fourth period, where they led by as many as 10.

Garland had his first career double-double in the postseason with 23 points and 10 assists on 9/16 shooting. LeVert had 14 points with nine rebounds but was just 4/10 from the floor, making just 2/6 from three. Allen also scored 14 on 7/11 from the field but had just four rebounds. Mobley, who fouled out had 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

Mitchell registered just 11 points with five assists on just 5/18 from the field, including 0/4 from three with six turnovers five of which came in the opening half.

Cavs in the third quarter went 12/23 shooting (52.2 FG%), registering nine assists on their 12 made field goals; outrebounded the Knicks 9-7 and outscored them 18-10 in the paint.

4^th Quarter           CLE                 NYK
Of Game 4              22     Points      29
                               8/19     FGs     11/20
                               2/8      3-Pt.       2/9
                                6    Rebounds   13
                               12   Paint Pts     16

Mitchell (9 Points, 4/9 FGs) and Garland (3 Points 1/5 FGs) in the first half of Game 4 combined for 11 points on 5/14 shooting.

Garland got going in the third quarter scoring 11 points with five assists on 5/7 shooting, joining James as the only players in Cavs Playoff history to have at least 10 points and five assists in a quarter. He also joined James as the second player in franchise postseason history with a game of at least 23 points and 10 assists. James accomplished that feat on eight occasions.

Garland continued to find his scoring grove in the fourth period scoring 10 of the Cavs 22 points in the period, compiling 21 of his 23 points in the second half.

Mitchell though had the clamps put on him offensively in the second 24 minutes scoring a career playoff-low for a half of two points on 1/9 shooting, including 0/3 on his triple tries and just one assists.

Since dominating Knicks Josh Hart scoring 14 points on 6/11 shooting (55 FG%) when he was the primary defender in Game 1 on 11 plays, Mitchell has been held to 15 points on 6/22 from the field (27 FG%) on 30 plays.

While they shot 46.8 percent from the field (36/77 FGs), registering 24 assists on their 36 made shots, and outscored the Knicks 52-50 in the paint in Game 4, the Cavs were just 6/23 on their triples and just 15/19 at the charity stripe. Their 13 turnovers resulted in 16 Knicks points. They were again outrebounded by the Knicks 47-33, including 17-7 on the offensive glass, with the Cavs also being outscored 21-12 in second chance points.

The Cavs facing the end of their season never led in dropping Game 5 106-95 versus the Knicks to lose the series 4-1.

The Cavs trailed by as many as 18 late in the third quarter closed to within 90-84 with 8:10 left but never got closer in dropping their third straight elimination game at home, with the last two coming in the 2015 and 2018 title clinchers to the eventual NBA champion Warriors.

Mitchell in defeat had 28 points, seven boards, and five assists but went just 11/26 from the field, including 3/12 from three. Garland had 21 points on 7/13 from the floor but just four assists and connected on just 1/6 on his triple tries and had six turnovers. LeVert had 17 points with five rebounds on 4/7 from three. Okoro who was visible for much of the series had 10 points and two steals.

The Cavs, who shot 46.7 percent (35/75 FGs) in the loss, including 13/33 from three, registering 24 assists on their 35 made shots, were held under 100 points for the fourth time in the series.

In their three regular season tilts, the boys from “The Land” averaged 112.3 points against the Knicks. In the five-game series defeat in the opening-round, the Cavs averaged just 93.7 points.

They were again outrebounded 48-30, including 17-4 on the offensive glass, and were outscored 44-34 in the paint; 20-8 in fastbreak points; 20-3 in second chance points; and 32-19 in bench points.

“We just didn’t do what we were supposed to do. We failed,” Mitchell said after the Game 5 setback that ended their season versus the Knicks. “We’re going to continue to push and continue to step and continue to build, and I’m excited to build with this group.”

With the way their season concluded in the postseason, the Cavaliers front office led by GM Koby Altman and GM Mike Gansey new priority No. 1 for improving the roster this offseason was about bringing in more perimeter snipers and seeing who on the roster was worth keeping.

They started the summer of 2023 with the selection of guard Emoni Bates at No. 49 overall out of the University of Michigan in this June’s NBA Draft.

Bates is a player who has the talent to make a serious mark in the NBA, but he is also someone who has a lot to work from reshaping his physique to where he can hold up in the league, to his ball handling and shot selection.

It did not help that he bounced between the University of Memphis and Eastern Michigan over the last two years and struggled to live up to the expectations he created during his days at Lincoln High School in Ypsilanti, MI.

He showed some promise during the NBA Summer League. How he progresses from that will determine if he will be just a G Leaguer or someone who will get called up from the minors and become a rotational player down the road.

Following the draft, the Cavs on June 23 picked up the team option on forward Lamar Stevens at $1.9 million for 2023-24. Five days later, they fully guaranteed the $6.7 million salary of forward Cedi Osman for 2023-24.

Towards the end of June, Cavs addressed their need for more three-point shooting by  agreeing on a three-year, $26 million deal, which became official on July 6 on sharp-shooting forward Georges Niang (8.2 ppg, 44.2 FG%, 40.1 3-Pt.% w/76ers), who has made over 120 total threes in each of the last three NBA seasons.

Niang’s 3-Pt.              W/Jazz  2020-21: 6.9 PPG, 42.5 3-Pt.% (124/292 3-Pt.)
Last 3 Seasons           W/76ers 2021-22: 9.2 PPG, 40.3 3-Pt.% (156/387 3-Pt.)
                                    W/76ers 2022-23: 8.2 PPG, 40.1 3-Pt.% (154/384 3-Pt.)

In a three-team deal with the Heat and five-time NBA champion San Antonio Spurs on July 1, the Cavs through a sign-and-trade acquired fellow sharp-shooting win Max Strus on a four-year, $63 million deal. The Cavs in the deal sent Osman, Stevens, and a 2030 Second-Round pick and cash considerations to the Spurs. They dealt to the Heat the Lakers 2026 Second-Round pick.

Max Strus Last 3  2020-21:   6.1 PPG, 45.5 FG%, 33.8 3-Pt.% (50/148 3-Pt.)
Seasons W/Heat    2021-22: 10.6 PPG, 44.1 FG%, 41.0 3-Pt.% (181/442 3-Pt.)
                                2022-23: 11.5 PPG, 41.0 FG%, 35 3-Pt.% (197/563 3-Pt.)

Max Strus 2023   First-Round Against Bucks:   6.4 PPG, 41.2 3-Pt.% (7/17 3-Pt.)
NBA Playoffs       East Semis Against Knicks: 14.7 PPG, 35.4 3-Pt.% (17/8 3-Pt.)
                              East Finals Against Celtics:    9.4 PPG, 34.2 3-Pt.% (13/38 3-Pt.)
                              NBA Finals Against Nuggets: 5.8 PPG, 18.7 3-Pt.% (6/32 3-Pt.)

Both Niang and Strus bring to the Cavs their high accuracy from the three-point line but the willingness to take those key shots off the doubles and traps the star player draws. They have made their fair share of clutch triples, especially in the postseason and they have also missed their fair share as well. 

In the case of Strus in the 2023 NBA Finals against the eventual NBA champion Nuggets, outside of Game 2 where he had 14 points on 4/10 from three in the victory, he totaled just three points on 1/21 overall from the field, including 1/16 on his triple tries. While he had 10 points and eight rebounds in Game 5, he was just 5/12 from the floor and 1/6 from three.

“Just because I got a big contract or you know, I make more money that doesn’t mean anything to me,” Strus said at Media Day on Oct. 2 about not being satisfied that he got a new lucrative contract and wanting show he is worth that.

“I think I can provide, you know, great leadership in that regard and I will. I’m going to take that personal. Give everything to the organization. Give everything to the team that I’ve learned and the knowledge gained the last couple of years and you know, try to get to the same places that I was able to in Miami.”

The other key with the addition of Niang is his familiarity with Mitchell having been teammates for four seasons (2017-21).

Niang said at Media Day that what “drew” him to the Cavs was their “winning culture” that they were building.

“So, when you look at it you have stars that are young. So, the trajectory of this team looks like they’re going to be winning for a long time and I wanted to help be a part of that,” Niang said of the Cavs.

“Clearly, they noted that, you know, shooting was a need for them and that’s something that I can. And that’s what’s excited me the most about being here. I’ve played in blue-collar cities before and that’s kind of where I feel like I fit. And Cleveland fit that for me.”   

The Cavs also brought back LeVert on a two-year, $32 million deal to provide good depth at the wing position. They also found Garland’s understudy in Ty Jerome (6.9 ppg, 48.8 FG%, 38.9 3-Pt.% w/Warriors), who has shown to be a serviceable backup guard over the last three seasons with the Thunder and Warriors.

The additions of Niang and Strus and bringing back LeVert means that it is on Issac Okoro (6.4 ppg, 49.4 FG%) to get his offensive skills up to par with his defense prowess.

When it comes to guarding some of the best perimeter players in “The Association,” Okoro, the No. 5 overall pick out of Auburn University in 2020 is a rising star in that department. However, there were way too many times, particularly last season that teams would not guard him on the perimeter because of his inaccurate shooting stroke.

Issac Okoro’s             2020-21: 9.6 PPG, 29 3-Pt.%   (62/214 3-Pt.)          
3-Pt. By Season          2021-22: 8.8 PPG, 35 3-Pt.%   (55/157 3-Pt.)
                                    2022-23: 6.4 PPG, 36.3 3-Pt% (62/171 3-Pt.)

Unless Okoro can become a respectable threat from the perimeter, especially from three-point range, the only court time he will get from Coach Bickerstaff is situational on defense, especially with what the Cavs added on the wing this summer.

The Cavs also added some depth to their front court with the acquisition of center Damian Jones from the Jazz on July 8 in exchange for cash considerations. On Sept. 12 the Cavs added a face from their lone title season in 32-year-old Tristan Thompson, who the Cavs selected No. 4 overall in 2011 out of the University of Texas and played for the “Wine and Gold” for his first nine NBA seasons.

Thompson helped the James led Cavs to four straight Finals appearances (2015-18), taking down the Warriors in seven games to win their first title in 2016. Thompson has played for the Cavs, Celtics, Kings, Pacers, and Bulls in his 12 NBA seasons.

The fortunes of the Cavs building on their progress from 2022-23 rest on Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley.

In the first half dozen seasons of Mitchell’s NBA career, he has been to the Semis twice while with the Jazz and been on summer vacation in the First-Round the other four times.

While he had a stellar first season with the Cavs, the reason he was acquired was not just to get them back to the postseason. It was to reach the heights they have only gone to with LeBron James on the roster.

Starting on Oct. 23, Mitchell will be extension eligible with two years guaranteed and a player option left on a five-year, $163 million deal he signed with the Jazz back in 2020.

Donovan Mitchell’s      2023-24: $32.6 Million Age:  27
Remaining Contract    2024-25: $34.8 Million Age:  28
                                       2025-26: $37.1 Million Age:  29

While Mitchell under performed by his own lofty postseason standards with averages of 23.2 points, 7.2 assists and five boards on 43.3 percent from the floor (40-86 FGs) and 28.9 percent from three (13/45 3-Pt.) and 3.8 turnovers. To put this into context, during the regular season, Mitchell averaged 31.8 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game on 50.6 percent from the floor and 46.8 percent on this triples in the four regular season games against the Knicks.

Mitchell said at Media Day about that pressure to win, “There’s always going to be pressure, even now… for us and for myself. Just to understand that…I always embrace it. I want that challenge.”

“I think that’s something we all embrace as athletes, you know? As competitors, you know for myself, I love it.” 

The Cavs future aspirations of being a top dog in the East rest on using this season to convince Mitchell to play his remaining prime seasons with the “Wine and Gold” will be the progress Mobley and Garland can show this upcoming season.

When you look at some of the top teams in the NBA in recent years, they have had a strong two-some that was the headliner. Garland and Mitchell have that potential.

It is on Garland, who averaged 20.6 five assists, and 1.6 steals in the series against the Knicks to take his game to another level, which he flashed at times this spring.

“The next step is we’re trying to exceed that We’re trying to get better. Trying to make another step. Make another leap. And that all begins with us [him and Mitchell]” Garland said at Media Day about taking that next step and winning in the Playoffs this spring.

“Just try to get everybody involved. Get J.A. and Evan [Jarrett Allen & Evan Mobley] a lot more touches…Just getting them a lot more touches. I mean, we have a lot of floor-spacing now with Max and George coming over. So, just trying to get everybody involved like I said and just compete at a high level every night. Play with toughness on both ends of the floor and see where the chips fall.   

How Mobley performed to the tune of 9.8 points and 10 rebounds will not cut the mustard. He has to come into this season a more polished offensive player equaled to what he can do defensively.

At Media Day, Mobley when asked what his point of emphasis was in the offseason was “improving” his physicality and working on his “shot making,” “ball-handling,” and being and “playmaking.”

The Cavs also have to decide if Allen, who only averaged 9.4 points and 7.4 boards in five-game loss to the Knicks is a part of their plans moving forward. While he has been serviceable alongside Mobley, how he got outmatched and out-toughed by the Knicks front line this past spring was a big disappointment.

In the 43 seasons that the Cavs did not have LeBron James on the roster, the Cavs, counting last season had just a 41.2 winning percentage (1,446-2,065 record) with zero Finals appearances in 14 trips to the postseason.

A big reason for that in the late 1980s and early 1990s is that the great Michael Jordan stood in the way of those Cavs teams led by Mark Price, Larry Nance, Sr., Brad Daugherty, Craig Ehlo, and Gerald Wilkins.

It has been since 1992-93 that the Cleveland Cavaliers have won a Playoff series without LeBron James on the roster.

In 2021-22, they just missed the Playoff after losing both their Play-In games at the Nets and versus the Hawks, to which Coach Bickerstaff said after the loss to the Hawks, “This version of the team you see in front of you isn’t the version you’re going to see. That team’s going to be better.”

The Cavs were better as they were the No. 4 Seed in the East behind 51 wins last season, their most since 1992-93 (No. 3 East) without James on the roster, where they won 54 games as the No. 3 Seed in the East then.

They took a major step in 2022-23 to remove themselves from the shadow of James. They added two of the best perimeter threats currently in the NBA in Max Strus and Georges Niang, while bringing back Caris LeVert to go alongside Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley.  

The Cavs are no longer a team that will be judged by how they do in the regular season. They will be judged after the second week of June. How they do this spring will go a long way if Mitchell will be with the “Wine & Gold” for the duration of his prime years in NBA.

“When you look at our group, you know, you lose in the Play-In, you improve. You get homecourt advantage, you know. You make it to the Playoffs. I expect our team to take a leap because that’s  what the character our guys says that they’ll be able to do,” Coach Bickerstaff said at Media Day about his team’s trajectory this season.  

Best Case Scenario: The Cavaliers are a Top 4 team in the East, competing for home court in advantage in the East Playoffs. Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley are in the running to be All-Stars. Mobley has a breakout third season. The Cavs become a more efficient offense, especially from three-point range while remaining a top-flight defense. They win a round in the postseason and play a long Semifinals series.

Worst Case Scenario: The Cavaliers are at the bottom of the East Playoff seedings. The offense is in the bottom of the league, especially from three-point range. Mobley shows no progress offensively. The Cavs have an early postseason exit.

Grade: A

Detroit Pistons: 17-65 Record; 5^th Central Division (No. 15 East; Missed Playoffs); 9-32 at home, 8-33 on road.

-110.3 ppg-29^th; opp. ppg: 118.5-27^th; 42.4 rpg-21^st

Injuries. An inability to have any cohesion on offense or defense. And playing a plethora of inexperienced players, particularly the certain combinations that were on the hardwood is how the Detroit Pistons in 2022-23 finished with the second worst winning percentage for a season in franchise history. With the return of their young lead guard; the drafting of a young phenom with great upside; a plethora of talented big men; and the addition of one of the best coaches in the league, the plan for the Pistons is to build the foundation for future postseason appearances and hopefully a shot at winning their fourth title in their history down the road.

Aside from winning on opening night versus the Magic (113-109) Oct. 19, 2022, the Pistons were never over .500 the remainder of last season.

At the conclusion of the 2022 portion of this past season, the Pistons were basically out of postseason contention for the fourth consecutive season at 10-29. They sat at 15-44 at the All-Star break in the middle of February.

Post All-Star break, the Pistons went a league-worst 2-21 their final 23 games of 2022-23, with their lone two victories coming against the Pacers Mar. 13 (117-97) and on Apr. 7 at the Pacers (122-115) on the next to last game of 2022-23.

Their 9-32 mark at Little Caesars Arena was not only the worst home mark in the NBA in 2022-23, but they also finished tied for their fewest home wins in a season in their history with nine. The only other time they registered just nine home wins in a season was when they went 9-21 in the 1963-64 season.

That Mar. 13 home win versus the Pacers was the Pistons lone home win in their final 14 home games. They lost their final five home games of 2022-23 and went just 3-18 their final 21 games on the home hardwood.

It was not much better on the road for the Pistons, whose 8-33 mark away from home in 2022-23 also was the worst in the NBA, their eight road wins equaled what they registered in the 1978-79 season. They compiled just 1-14 mark their final 15 road games of 2022-23.

In total, the Pistons finished last season with a 1-22 record in their final 23 games. They barely avoided matching their worst winning percentage for a single-season in franchise history, which was .195 when they went 16-66 in the 1979-80 NBA campaign.

To put into context how though of a season it was for the boys from the “Motor City,” they compiled two 11-game losing streaks (Feb. 12-Mar. 11, 2023; Mar. 14-Apr. 5, 2023). They had a seven-game losing streak (Nov. 9-20, 2022); a six-game losing streak (Dec. 16-26, 2022); a five-game losing streak (Oct. 21-28, 2022); a four-game losing streak (Jan. 13-23 2023); and five separate three-game losing streaks.

The longest winning streak the Pistons registered in 2022-23 was two (Nov. 22-24, 2022).

One big reason for the Pistons tough 2022-23 was due to All-Rookie First Team selection in 2021-22 Cade Cunningham (19.9 ppg, 6.0 apg, 6.3 rpg in 12 Games) missed the final 70 games following season-ending surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left shin.

The lone shining moment last season by the No. 1 overall pick in 2021 was his career-high performance of 35 points with eight assists and nine boards on 14/23 shooting and 7/8 at the foul line in the Pistons (132-116) loss Oct. 28, 2022 at the Hawks.

With Cunningham out, the burden of being the Pistons’ top offensive weapon went to veteran forward Bojan Bogdanovic (21.6 ppg, , 48.8 FG%, 41.1 3-Pt.%), who responded with a career-high scoring average in his second 20-point season of his career (20.2 PPG in 2019-20 W/Jazz) and the second-highest field goal percentage in a season of his career (49.7 FG% 2018-19 W/Pacers). The now 10-year NBA veteran also shot 40 percent from three-point range for the fourth time in the last six seasons.

Bogdanovic also made over 140 total triples for the fifth straight season (145/353 3-Pt.) and made over 125 total threes in a season for the seventh time in the last nine seasons.

In his first eight NBA season, Bogdanovic totaled 13 career games scoring 30-plus points. He registered eight such games in 2022-23.

Bogdanovic, like many of the Pistons suffered the injury bug last season missing 23 total games, including the final 19 games with left Achilles tendinopathy.

Veteran guard Alec Burks (12.8 ppg, 41.4 3-Pt.%) missed 31 games, including the final 19 with a sore left foot.

The loss of Cunningham allowed then rookie Jaden Ivey (16.3 ppg, 5.2 apg) to get some serious playing time and he really showed out, ranking third amongst the 2023 NBA rookies in scoring and was sixth in double-doubles with eight on his way to making the 2022-23 All-Rookie Second Team.  

The No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Purdue University registered 16 games of 20-plus points, including three games of 30-plus. That included a then season-high of 30 points with five assists on 10/14 shooting and 8/11 from the charity stripe in the Pistons (126-111) loss Dec. 20, 2022 at the Jazz. Ivey then scored a new season-high of 32 points with eight rebounds, and eight assists on 9/19 shooting, 3/6 from three and 11/12 at the foul line in the Pistons (126-117) loss Mar. 27 versus the Bucks.

Ivey concluded 2022-23 scoring in double-figures the final 40 games, setting a new single-season Pistons record, surpassing the previous record holder in Pistons’ legend, Hall of Famer, and former Detroit, MI Mayor Dave Bing (D), who had streaks of 33 and 32 games scoring in double-figures in his rookie season in “The Association” in 1966-67.  

When the former Boilermaker entered the NBA, the one weak part of his came was his perimeter stroke that in the first four months of 2022-23 was apparent as he shot 46.1, 40, 40, and 42.4 percent from the floor respectably, including 34.5, 30.5, 31, and 32.7 percent on his threes.

Another youngster in the Pistons backcourt that had a chance to get minutes with Cunningham on the shelf was Killian Hayes (10.3 ppg, 6.2 apg), who registered career-highs in scoring and assists, while registering six of his eight career double-doubles in 2022-23.

The two major issues that plagued the Frenchmen, who the Pistons selected No. 7 overall three Junes back has been injuries and his shooting accuracy.

Killian Hayes FG%                  2020-21: 35.3 FG%, 27.8 3-Pt.% (20/72 3-Pt.)
& 3-Pt.% 1^st 3 NBA Seasons    2021-22: 38.3 FG%, 26.3 3-Pt.% (44/167 3-Pt.)
                                                    2022-23: 37.7 FG%, 28 3-Pt.%    (80/286 3-Pt.)

After totaling two 20-point games in his first two NBA seasons, Hayes registered eight such games in 2022-23.

In the final three months of his inaugural season in the NBA, Ivey shooting accuracy did improve, which bumped up is scoring average. He also improved as a facilitator as well.

Jaden Ivey Final                  Jan. 2023: 15.2 PPG, 5.6 APG, 42.4 FG%, 32.7 3-Pt.%
Four Months 2022-23          Feb. 2023: 16.4 PPG, 5.8 APG, 44.5 FG%, 41.9 3-Pt.%
                                               Mar. 2023: 18.3 PPG, 7.1 APG, 38.9 FG%, 34.7 3-Pt.%
                                               Apr. 2023:  22.4 PPG, 7.0 APG, 44.0 FG%, 38.2 3-Pt.%

Even with the improvement Ivey showed with his jump shot and with the season Bogdanovic displayed before he aforementioned injury cut his career-year short, the Pistons ranked dead last, No. 30 in field goal percentage (45.4%); No. 22 in three-point percentage (35.1 %) and were No. 20 in three made (11.4) and three attempted (32.4). They finished No. 25 in turnovers per contest (15.1) and ranked No. 21 in free throw percentage (77.1%). They also were 27^th in fastbreak points (11.7)

Last season, the Pistons shot 50 percent from the floor or better but were just 6-9 in those contest, including just 6-4 when they shot 50-plus percent from the floor and 40-plus percent on their threes.

In their 135-118 triumph Jan. 11 versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Pistons for the lone time in 2022-23 shot 60 percent from the field (48/80 FGs) and 50-plus percent from three (17/32 3-Pt.) at 53.1 percent. 

Back in the middle of February 2022, the Pistons acquired talented yet often injured forward Marvin Bagley III in a four-team deal from the Sacramento Kings, hoping the former No. 2 overall pick out of Duke University could turn his on-court image around.

Unfortunately, the poor injury luck for Bagley III (12.0 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 52.9 FG%), who the Pistons re-signed to a three-year, $37.5 million deal the previous summer continued as he missed 40 total games last season, that included 20 consecutive games missed (Jan. 4-Feb. 23, 2023) with a hand injury.   

When he played last season, Bagley III totaled eight double-doubles and has 11 career double-doubles so far in his 1-plus seasons with the Pistons. To put that into context, he totaled 11 double-doubles in his third season in the league with the Kings in 2020-21. In his rookie season in 2018-19, the former Duke Blue Devil totaled 19 double-doubles.

The most popular frontcourt member of the Pistons and one of the most popular Pistons overall is Isaiah Stewart (11.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 44.2 FG%), who whether he played 30 seconds or 30 minutes gave you every bit of his heart and soul on the hardwood on both ends of the court.

While he was shelved the final 21 games of 2022-23 with a left shoulder impingement, missing 32 games in total, Stewart, who totaled 20 double-doubles in his first two NBA seasons had a career-high 13 double-doubles a season ago. That earned him a four-year, $64 million in the middle of this past July.    

Even when Bagley III and Stewart were healthy, rookie Jalen Duren (9.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 64.8 FG%) showed very quickly that he has the tools to be one of the best big men in the game particularly with his ability to rebound and score from in the paint.

Duren, the No. 13 overall pick out of University of Memphis back in June 22, who will not turn 20 until Nov. 18 finished 2022-23 second amongst rookies with 19 double-doubles, just one behind Jazz big man Walker Kessler, who led all rookies with 20 double-doubles. The Pistons rookie center also finished second amongst the rookies in field goal percentage.

In the Pistons 138-131 victory in double-overtime Feb. 10 versus the Spurs, Duren had season-highs of 30 points and 17 rebounds with four blocks on 13/20 from the field.

He too missed time because of injury in 2022-23 being shelved for 15 games.

In a four-team deal with the Hawks, Warriors, and Trail Blazers, the Pistons acquired from the then defending champion Warriors center James Wiseman (10.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 55.8 FG% w/Warriors & Pistons) sending forward Saddiq Bey to the Hawks and forward/guard Kevin Knox II along with five future Second-Round picks to the Trail Blazers.

Wiseman, the No. 2 overall pick out of Memphis University in 2020 has missed all of 2021-22 and most of 2022-23 recovering from a torn meniscus in his right knee.

With the Warriors in a win-now mode it was hard for Wiseman to find minutes. When he as dealt to the Pistons, he was able to get quality minutes to see who he could become in the league.

Wiseman in a small sample size with the Pistons to close out 2022-23, showed progress as he registered eight of his 11 career double-doubles in 24 games.

In starting 22 of those 24 games, Wiseman averaged 13 points and 8.1 rebounds on 53.5 percent shooting.

The youth in the Pistons front court played a big reason why they were one of the worst in the league in the paint on both ends.

Pistons Defense         48.9 Opp. FG%-26^th             54.0 Opp. Paint Pts-30^th
2022-23                       36.0 Opp. 3-Pt.%-16^th           14.8 Opp. Second Chance Pts-27^th
                                    26.2 Opp. FT Att.-30^th          18.1 Opp Pts off Turnovers-23^rd
                                    3.8 BPG-27^th                          7.0 SPG-20^th

The two areas the Pistons were in the Top 10 a season ago were in second chance points at No. 7 (14.9) and in bench points (39.4) at No. 5.

The Pistons last season were an abysmal 10-57 when they allowed 110 points or more. They allowed 100 points or more in 55 out of their final 56 games in 2022-23, including allowing  at least 122 points or more in 21 out of their final 44 games to close last season.

Following the Pistons final game of 2022-23, a 103-81 loss Apr. 9 at the Bulls, then head coach Dwane Casey stepped down.

The Pistons after compiling a 41-41 record in 2018-19 and making the Playoffs, where they were swept 4-0 in the opening-round to the eventual East runner-up Bucks, they were 80-222 the next four seasons under Casey, registering a 121-263 record under his watch for five seasons.

Casey though was not completely removed from the Pistons as they hired him for a position their front office.

                                                          Record          Win%
Pistons Last 4          *2019-20          20-46             .303          *COVID-19 Shortened Season
Seasons Under        ^2020-21          20-52             .278           ^72-Game Season
Dwane Casey             2021-22          23-59             .280
                                    2022-23          17-65             .207

As the Pistons entered this offseason, the front office brass of Governor Tom Gores and GM Troy Weaver wanted to find a leader that could build this young but talented Pistons young squad back into a postseason perennial and an eventually into a championship contender.

They hope they found that sideline leader in former Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams, who Mr. Gores paid for through the nose to bring in on the richest contract for a head coach in NBA history at $78.5 million over six seasons.

Considering what Coach Williams did with the Suns in turning them from a laughingstock for over a decade in the NBA to competing in The Finals in just his second season in 2020-21 and then compiling a franchise record 64 win in 2021-22, it is easy to understand why Gores opened his checkbook to hire the Williams.

In Last Three Seasons          Suns 160-76 Record (.678 win%) 3 Playoff Appearances
                                                Reached The Finals 2021: Lost 4-2 To Bucks

                                                Pistons 60-176 Record (.254 win%) 0 Playoff Appearances

The reason why Coach Williams was available is he was fired from the Suns after their season ended in embarrassing fashion for the second straight season in the West Semis. This time around, they lost Game 6 of 2023 West Semis (125-100) versus the eventual NBA champion Nuggets after losing Game 7 in similar fashion (123-90) in 2022 West Semis versus the Mavericks.

At Williams’ introductory presser as the Pistons 37^th sideline leader in their history on June 13, not only was the entire Pistons front office in attendance but all the Pistons players under contract except for Bogdanovic were in attendance.

Those players in attendance just a couple of hours before the introductory presser practiced at the team’s practice facility with some of Williams assistants, some of whom came over from the Suns in Mark Bryant and Jarrett Jack. The staff will also include Dan Burke, Brian Randle, Spencer Rivers, Steve Scalzi, and former head coach of the Houston Rockets the past three seasons and longtime NBA assistant Stephen Silas.

At the presser, Mr. Gores said hiring Coach Williams has come at a “very important time.”

At time where they have reshaped the roster, thanks in large part to Weaver, who was hired as the Pistons GM back in the summer of 2020 into one loaded with young talent players that are humble, hardworking, and willing to put in to work to get better.

Weaver, who worked with Coach Williams when he was an assistant during their time together with the Oklahoma City Thunder just a few years ago added at the start of the presser said that his arrival is “huge” because of the work that was put in by him and the front office to as mentioned build a roster that has promise.

“There’s a reason Monty’s here. He believes in what we’re doing going forward,” Weaver said. “We did not have the best record in the league. Actually, the worst. And teams with the best records in the league was after this guy. And he wanted to partner with us and lead the charge because of the work that you guys put in, to a man, to a woman in this building and we’re going to continue to stand on that and continue to do things the right way now that we have a new coach.” 

In his first words, Coach Williams who has a 367-336 in his head coaching career with the then New Orleans Hornets (173-221 record 2010-15) and Suns (194-115 record 2019-23) gave thanks to Mr. Gores for hiring him saying how his “generosity” had “changed his life at the right time.”

In addressing the players that he will coach, Williams said to have the whole team in attendance was “amazing.”

“It messed me up this morning in the meeting when I found out all you guys were here,” Williams added. “You’ll find out I get emotional sometimes over good stuff like that… and I’m so grateful to have dogs like you in the fight with me.”

The hiring of Williams was something that almost did not happen because when Weaver reached out to Williams after he was let go by the Suns, his wife found out during the Suns’ Playoff run back in the spring that she had breast cancer.

Coach Williams brought it up in his introductory presser to make it “more of an emphasis” that women need to get tested. That early detection saved Coach Williams’ wife and can “save” the lives of other women. 

In attending to that while also being dad at a basketball tryout with one of his kids, Coach Williams out of the blue got a text from Weaver and the wheels were set in motion in him being hired by the Pistons to be their new head coach after a meeting with Mr. Gores home in Los Angeles, CA where the conversation that was wide ranging about family and the vision they had.

To put into context how much Coach Williams being named the Pistons head coach, he mentioned how he got text messages and phone calls from former players that played for the Pistons on how they are happy he took the job.

Williams said how he got a text message from Detroit native and former NBA player Derrick Coleman on how happy he was of Williams coming to the “Motor City.”

Former Pistons guard and current head coach of the Trail Blazers, who helped guide the Pistons to their last title in 2004 earning Finals MVP Chauncey Billups was one of the first to text congratulations to Williams on going to coach the Pistons.

“So, that should tell you about the players that have been here and what they feel about this team,” Williams said. 

The main reason why Williams wanted to coach the Pistons, after meeting with Weaver and went down the players on the roster and he asked around the league about the players on roster to find out if they all have the high character that they were described to have. It was all true.

“This is one of those rare situations that I’m walking into a locker room where I feel like I have a great group of guys that just want to get better,” Williams said about the roster after meeting with Mr. Gores and Weaver in L.A. “But just listening to them and their passion for the team, these players and this city made me want to be a part of it.”

When Coach Williams met with the team that morning before his presser, each player looked their new sideline leader right in the eye, which Williams was very impressed by. When he would text them, they got right back to them, which Williams called “rare.”

He added that he sees in this roster a “hunger,” a “desire” to get better. That they are willing to do what it takes to get better.

That is the one similarity to when he took over the Suns in 2019 to now with the Pistons is the hunger of those players to do whatever is necessary to become a winning team.

Williams said in his first meeting with now three-time All-Star Devin Booker that whatever he needed to do to get better he did, which he did and the Suns had the results they had under Coach Williams.

“Again, I want to do more. I want to do different. I want to make sure it’s unique to this particular team,” Williams said on how he wants what he does with the Pistons to be different but have similar and better results like he had with the Suns.

Coach Williams added to that by saying at Media Day that while there has to be “some change”  with “direction” from his parts but there has to be “change and growth” from the players to move this program in a “good direction.” That more than anything will involve Williams said “high level competition” which they were going to “get it in” from the start of training camp.

Two players that have taken well to the new coaching staff were two of their key core players in Cunningham and Duren.

Duren pointed out Williams and the new coaching staff has brought a “ready to go,” approach. That Coach Williams has brought an “aurora” of just “ready to change things around.”

Cunningham added to that by saying on Media Day that the entire team has a “chip” on their shoulder. That everyone is “ready” to get to work because they have “something” to prove not from an “individual” standpoint but that the Pistons are a true “team.”

“As a collective where ready to compete and make some noise in this league,” Cunningham said.    

The Pistons added to the talented roster they had in June with the drafting of guard/forward Ausar Thompson (16.3 ppg, 6.1 apg, 7.1 rpg, 2.4 spg) from Overtime Elite.

On draft night, the Pistons dealt the draft rights to center James Nnaji (No. 31 overall pick) from Nigeria to the Celtics for the draft rights to guard Marcus Sasser (No. 25 overall pick) out of University of Houston.

For a team that struggled on both ends of the floor in recent years, particularly last season, Thompson brings the measurables and the game that can make an immediate impact on the Pistons.

The two-time OTE MVP and Finals MVP brings good size at 6-foot-7 218 pounds. The long wingspan of a seven-foot. Is a freakish athlete, who can rebound, play make for others, is a great cutter off the ball, and a solid defender.  

He displayed all that and then some in Summer League in Las Vegas where he averaged in four games a double-double of 13.5 points and 10 rebounds along with 2.8 steals on 46.5 percent shooting.

When asked at his introductory presser by a member of the “Detroit News” about what a Coach Williams team will bring from practice to gameday is to “compete.” To “compete” every possession.

Thompson even at an early age understands what his new coach will want when said once, “I’m nowhere near as good as I can be. I just have to not let a day go by where I don’t get better.”

He added by saying after being drafted to ESPN’s Monica McNutt on where his confidence after playing for OTE, “I’m always confident. I always believe in myself. I’m always going to believe in myself. And I know what I’ve worked on.”

It is that work that will give Thompson the chance to fit in with the Pistons in the strong areas of his game and improve on his weaknesses like his shooting accuracy, especially from three-point range.

The Pistons, with a couple of trades brought in some veterans who will not only bring even more professionalism to the locker room but offensive balance.

In a deal with the Nets, the Pistons acquired sharp-shooter Joe Harris (7.6 ppg, 45.7 FG%, 42.6 3-Pt.%-8^th NBA), the Mavericks 2027 Second-Round pick, and the Bucks’ 2029 Second-Round in exchange for cash considerations.

In a deal with the Washington Wizards, the Pistons acquired guard Monte Morris (10.3 ppg, 5.3 apg 48.0 FG%, 38.2 3-Pt.%) in exchange for a 2027 Second Round pick (via Nets or Mavericks).

Harris has made over 140 total threes in five out of last six seasons and averaged double-figure points in five out of his last seven seasons with the Nets, leading the NBA in three-point percentage in 2018-19 (183/386 3-Pt.; 47.4 3-Pt.%) and 2020-21 (211/444 3-Pt.; 47.5 3-Pt.%) with the Nets.

Before playing his lone season with the Wizards in 2022-23, Morris was with the Nuggets for five seasons after being selected No. 51 overall in 2017 out of Iowa State. He worked his way into being solid understudy to Jamal Murray and in the one-plus seasons he missed due to a torn ACL, he stepped in as a starter and was phenomenal for head coach Michael Malone.   

Dating back to that uneventful aforementioned 1979-80 season by the Pistons, where they fired then head coach, now longtime college hoops color analyst Dick Vitale 12 games into that season he told then Pistons Governor Bill Davidson that he needed to get “leadership” in the front office. Someone who has a tremendous basketball background to make the “everyday basketball decisions.”

The Pistons found that front office leader in then GM Jack McCloskey and he and the Pistons front office through the draft, free agency and trades added starting in 1981 Hall of Famers Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer, and James Edwards and top reserve Vinnie Johnson. They hired the late Hall of Famer Chuck Daly in 1983. A few years later, the Pistons added to the mix Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman, John Salley and Rick Mahorn and Adrian Dantley, who was dealt in 1989 for Mark Aguirre from the Dallas Mavericks. That team would eventually reach the top of the NBA mountain as the so-called “Bad Boys” would go on to win back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990.

After falling on some hard times in  the early 1990s, the Pistons fortunes would turn when then GM Billy McKinney drafted Hall of Famer Grant Hill No. 3 overall out of Duke University.

While they reach the postseason in four of the next six seasons with Hill as the headliner, the 1994-95 Co-Kia Rookie of the Year with fellow Hall of Famer and Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd could not lead them back atop the championship mountain.

In the early 2000s with Dumars now leading the front office as the GM, he would build the team back into a championship contender by first hiring current Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle (2001-03) and then hiring Hall of Famer Larry Brown (2003-05). Again, through the draft, trades and free agency, the Pistons brought in players similar to the title squads of 1989 and 1990 in Billups, Richard Hamilton, Hall of Famer Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, Tashaun Prince, Corliss Williamson, Mike James, Elden Campbell, and now Lakers head coach Darvin Ham.

That group would go on to reach the East Finals starting with Carlisle, then Brown, and the late Philip “Flip” Saunders from 2003-2008, including trips to The Finals in 2004 and 2005, winning their third title in franchise history in 2004 and falling in seven games in the 2005 Finals to the Spurs.

The Pistons faithful have hope that they have the makings of another title contender created by the front office tandem of Tom Gores and GM Troy Weaver, whose roster consists of seven players age 22 or younger and one of the best head coaches in the in recent years in Monty Williams.

They hope that youngsters Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey can develop into what Thomas and Dumars, and Billups and Hamilton became. With the likes of Thompson, Isaiah Stewart, Isaiah Livers, Marvin Bagley III, James Wiseman, who was night signed to a rookie extension before the start of this season, and maybe Marcus Sasser can develop into impactful starters like Laimbeer and Edwards and be the impactful second unit that Vinnie Johnson, John Salley, and Dennis Rodman became.

The big question is what will happen with the veterans Alec Burks, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Joe Harris.

They all bring necessary skills to the table that the Pistons need now. However, these are the kinds of players who are assets you use to acquire younger players that are on the same timeline as those core pieces.

The Detroit Pistons have not made the Playoffs since 2018. They have gone on summer vacation early in six out of the last eight seasons and in 12 out of the last 14 seasons. That includes registering just 80 total victories over the last four seasons.

The work that their front office has done, led by Weaver and Mr. Gores, has positioned them for a bright future. The hope is now they have the coach in place in Monty Williams who can bring the best out of each player individually and the team collectively to get them back to being a perennial postseason participant in the years to come and hopefully and NBA champion.    

“I want to have success here to the point where people think I’m from Detroit. The way people think Dave Bing is from Detroit, even though he’s from D.C., you know. I want to have that kind of impact here,” Coach Williams said at his introductory presser on what he wants to build the Pistons into.

“I marry myself to the job and I told the players this morning I going to give them everything I have because it has been a franchise that has a rich history. And that’s something that’s important to me.”

Best Case Scenario: The Pistons win 35-plus games and are on the edge of a spot in the East Play-In Tournament. Cunningham and Ivey begin the first stage of developing into this team’s starting backcourt of the future. Thompson is an All-Rookie selection. The Pistons offense and defense is ranked in the middle of the pack in the league.

Worst Case Scenario: The Pistons have a long season full of losing streaks again. They deal with injuries again, especially to their front court. They struggle again on offense and defense.

Grade: B+

Indiana Pacers: 35-47 Record; 4^th in Central Division (No. 11 East; Missed Playoffs); 20-21 at home, 15-26 on road.

-116.3 ppg-10^th; opp. ppg: 119.5-29^th; 41.5 rpg-24^th    

There comes a moment when you are a team in position to make a move that is going to change your trajectory, when you take it, you hope it pans out. The Indiana Pacers were in that position led by a young rising guard they acquired in February 2022 whose impact continued into this past season where the Pacers were in position to make it back to the Playoffs after a two-year absence. Injuries, particular during a key stretch to said floor general that became a first-time All-Star floor general along with the inability to defend killed those dreams for the Pacers. With their face of the franchise signed to the richest deal in franchise history; the drafting of a dynamic forward; the addition of a current NBA champion, the plan for the Pacers, make it back to the Playoffs.

Following a 5-6 start to 2022-23, the Pacers behind a five-game winning streak (Nov. 12-23, 2022) ignited them to an 18-12 mark their next 30 games to reach a season-high five games over .500 at 23-18. That also included a four-game winning streak (Dec. 27, 2022-Jan. 4, 2023).

One reason head coach Rick Carlisle and the Pacers were in position to get back to the Playoffs in the early portion of 2022-23 was they were better in close games compared to 2021-22.

They were a respectable 8-7 in games decided by three points or less in 2022-23. After being just 11-34 in clutch games in 2021-22, the Pacers went 25-23 in games within five points in the final minutes in 2022-23.

Things went south after that for head coach Rick Carlisle’s squad going 12-29 their final 41 games of 2022-23, which included a seven-game losing streak (Jan. 11-24, 2023); two four-game losing streak (Jan. 25-Feb. 2, 2023; Mar. 24-31, 2023); a five-game losing streak (Feb. 5-15, 2023); and a three-game losing streak (Apr. 2-9, 2023).

The Pacers from Jan. 11-Feb. 16 produced just a 3-16 mark to fall to 26-34 at the All-Star break and were just 9-13 post All-Star break.

The Pacers strong start to last season was in large part to guard Tyrese Haliburton, who registered career-highs of 20.7 points, 10.4 assists, and 1.6 steals on 49 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three earning his first All-Star selection of his career. 

The No. 12 overall pick in 2020, who was acquired from the Kings in February 2021 in exchange for All-Star center Domantas Sabonis was a plus 3.2 in scoring and nearly one more assists than he averaged in his 26 games with the Pacers in 2022 (17.5 points and 9.6 assists w/Pacers).

The 2020-21 All-Rookie First Team selection’s 10.4 assist average last season set a new single-season franchise record, surpassing the previous record of 8.7 by Mark Jackson in 1997-98.

He also in 2022-23 became the first player in NBA history to average 20 points and 10 assists on 40 percent from three-point range for a season.

Only the Hawks Trae Young (741); the Nuggets Nikola Jokic (678); 76ers James Harden (618) registered more total assists last season than the 585 by Haliburton in 2022-23.

Haliburton, who entered last season with 30 career double-doubles in his first three seasons registered a career-best 32 double-doubles in 2022-23. He also registered six of his eight career 30-plus point games a season ago.

In the Pacers 111-108 triumph Dec. 23, 2022 at the Heat, Haliburton scored a career-high 43 points with seven assists on 14/20 shooting, including making a single-game Pacers record of 10 made triples (10/16 3-Pt.). Haliburton’s 10^th triple made won the game for the Pacers in the final seconds.

The Pacers tough close in their final 41 games of last season was in large part to Haliburton missing 26 of those 41 games. That included missing 10 straight games (Jan. 11-29, 2023) with a knee and elbow injury, where the Pacers went just 1-9. A right ankle issue shelved Haliburton in 13 of the final 14 games, including the final seven games of 2022-23.

When Haliburton was healthy, he was the engine of a solid Pacers offensive attack the first part of 2022-23.

Pacers First 41           115.6 PPG-10^th   37.0 3-Pt.%-9^th 
Games 2022-23:        26.9 APG-7^th       18.9 Fastbreak Pts-1^st
NBA Ranks

For the season though, the Pacers were No. 11 in three-point percentage (36.7 FG%); No. 6 in threes made (13.6) and No. 7 in threes attempted.

The main reason the Pacers were a top notch three-point shooting squad in the league last season was because of Buddy Hield (16.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 45.8 FG%, 42.5 3-Pt.%), who also came over in February 2022 in the Sabonis deal.

Hield in 2022-23 made over 170 total threes for the sixth time in the last seven season, including making over 270 total triples for the fourth time in the last six seasons. That included a career-high 288 total made threes in 2022-23 (288/677 3-Pt.), which also set a new single-season record in Pacers’ history.

Dating back to the previous season, Hield made a three in 90 out of the last 92 games, including making multiple three-pointers in 48 out of his last 57 games.

Most Total Made Three-Pointers (900 Made 3-Pt. Or More) Since 2018-19
Buddy Hield (IND)            1,381      Jayson Tatum (BOS) 962
Stephen Curry (GS)          1,261      CJ McCollum (NOP) 923
Damian Lillard (POR)      1,118      Luka Doncic (DAL)   917
James Harden (PHI)         1,107      Terry Rozier (CHA)  900
Donovan Mitchell (CLE)  1,016

Over the course of the last two seasons, the Pacers have drafted and traded for players that are very talented but needed a serious chance to earn consistent minutes to see where their place is on an NBA team. The Pacers have found players that they have developed into serious contributors.

They include Bennedict Mathurin, the No. 6 overall pick from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and the University of Arizona in 2022. Only Magic rookie Paolo Banchero had a higher scoring average amongst the 2022-23 rookies than the 16.7 scoring average by Mathurin.

Mathurin also finished second amongst 2022-23 NBA rookies with 27 20-plus point games, including, while tying the Thunder’s Jalen Williams for the second most 30-plus point games amongst 2022-23 rookies with two.

In the Pacers’ win (125-116) Oct. 29, 2022 at Nets, Mathurin had 32 points with five boards on 8/16 from the field, including 6/9 from three and 10/10 from the foul line. He registered 30 points on 10/17 shooting, going again 6/9 from three.

Mathurin’s production came mostly as a reserve, which was his role in 61 of the first 67 games in 2022-23. He was a major reason the Pacers led the NBA in bench points per game last season at 43.8. In his 17 starts a season ago, including the final 11 games of 2022-23, Mathurin averaged 16.1 points on 44.3 percent from the floor and 35.3 percent from three.

Most Total Bench Points In NBA 2022-23
Malik Monk (SAC)                 1,041
Bennedict Mathurin (IND)    1,028
Malcolm Brogdon (BOS)       1,000

While he shot just 32.3 percent from three, Mathurin made 100 total triples (100/310 3-Pt.) last season. His greatest strength in his first NBA season was getting to the charity stripe, where only Banchero (534) in free throws attempted at 454 and was second to Banchero (394) in total made free throws at 376. Mathurin’s 5.8 free throw attempts also trailed only Banchero (7.4).

NBA Rookies In 2022-23 To Make 100 Total Threes Or More
Keegan Murray (SAC)  206     Shaedon Sharpe (POR)       102
Jaden Ivey (DET)           120     AJ Griffin (ATL)                 101
Jabari Smit, Jr. (HOU)  120    Bennedict Mathurin (IND) 100  

The Pacers other draft selection from June 2022 in guard Andrew Nembhard (9.5 ppg, 4.5 apg, 44.1 FG%, 35 3-Pt.%), No. 31 overall pick out of Gonzaga University really showed well registering five double-doubles.

He introduced himself to the league hitting the game-winning triple at the buzzer capping a 12-point performance on 4/7 from three in the Pacers comeback win (116-115) Nov. 28, 2022 at the Lakers.

Nembhard scored a season-high 31 points with 13 assists and eight rebounds in the Pacers 112-104 triumph Dec. 5, 2022 at the defending NBA champion Warriors on 13/21 from the field and 5/7 from three.

Last summer in a deal with the Celtics, the Pacers acquired forward Aaron Nesmith and veteran center Daniel Theis in exchange for veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon.

It provided Nesmith (10.1 ppg, 36.6 3-Pt.), No. 14 overall pick out of Vanderbilt University in 2020 a chance to earn consistent minutes after riding the pine his first two seasons in “Beantown.” He took full advantage registering career-high in scoring, three-point percentage and total made triples in a season with 115 (115/314 3-Pt.).

After totaling 15 games scoring 10 points or more his first two NBA seasons, Nesmith scored in double-figures 36 times in 2022-23, including a career-best seven 20-point games.

In the Pacers 112-111 loss Feb. 2 versus Lakers, Nesmith had a then career-high of 24 points with two steals going 9/12 from the field, including 5/8 from three. He scored 22 points with five boards on 8/11 shooting, making a career-high six triples (6/9 3-Pt.) in the Pacers 139-123 victory Mar. 16 at the Bucks. Two nights later, Nesmith scored a new career-high 25 points with six boards on 9/16 from the field, including 4/9 on his triple tries.

In the middle of February 2022, the Pacers acquired young center Jalen Smith along with a future Second-Round pick from the Suns.

In 22 games with the Pacers the previous season, Smith, after barely getting any playing time on a stacked Suns squad showed well with averages 13.4 points and 7.6 rebounds on 53.1 percent from the floor and 37.3 percent from three (31/83 3-Pt.). Six of his nine double-doubles in 2021-22 came with the Pacers.

Smith in 2022-23 however did take a slight step back in terms of his production with averages of 9.4 points and 5.8 rebounds on 47.6 percent from the floor and just 28.3 percent from three, even though he made a career-high 54 total triples (54/191 3-Pt.). Smith also last season totaled seven double-doubles.

In his first two NBA seasons, Smith totaled 26 games scoring 10 points or more. Last season, he registered 33 games scoring in double-figures.

At the Feb. 9 NBA Trade deadline, the Pacers acquired in a three-team deal with the Bucks and Nets veterans in guard George Hill, forward/center Serge Ibaka, Jordan Nwora, Second-Round picks in 2023, 2024, and 2025 (via Nets) from the Bucks and cash considerations from the Nets. Ibaka was waived two days later.

Nwora (8.7 ppg, 40.8 3-Pt.%), who played sparingly with the Bucks his first three NBA seasons, the No. 45 overall pick in 2020 out of Louisville University was solid with averages of 13 points and 4.7 boards on 47.6 percent from the field and 42.2 percent from three in 24 games.

In the Pacers 143-130 defeat Mar. 25 at the Hawks, Nwora scored 33 points with six boards on 12/17 shooting, including 4/7 from three. He scored 25 of his 33 points in the second quarter of the loss, setting a Pacers regular-season franchise record for points in a quarter since play-by-play tracking began in 1996-97.

Nwora registered his sixth career double-double with 15 points and 10 boards in the Pacers 115-105 loss Apr. 2 at the Cavaliers.

He closed 2022-23 making at least two threes in nine of the final 18 games.

The other young big man of the Pacers Isaiah Jackson (7.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 56.3 FG%), who has battled injuries his first two NBA season after being drafted No. 22 overall in 2021 out of the University of Kentucky, registered five of his eight career double-doubles in 2022-23.

When last season began, the Pacers were projected to finish with one of the worst records in “The Association.” That began speculation of not if but when veterans in starting center Myles Turner and T.J. McConnell would be traded.

Turner, who has been on the trade block in recent seasons, Turner (18.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.3 bpg, 54.8 FG%, 37.3 3-Pt.%) put together the best season of his eight-year career with career-highs in points, rebounds, and total made threes with 93 (93/249 3-Pt.).

Double-Digit Double-Double           2016-17: 15  2018-19: 17
Seasons By Turner                            2017-18: 11  2022-23: 18

In the Pacers 142-138 overtime defeat Feb. 23 versus the eventual East runner-up in the Celtics, Turner scored a career-high with 40 points with 10 boards going 13/15 from the floor, hitting a career-high eight triples (8/10 3-Pt.) and 6/7 from the foul line.

Turner, who led the league in block shots twice during his career with the Pacers went from being on the trading block to back in late January agreed to a two-year, $60 million extension, which included an additional $17.1 million renegotiation of his salary from last season, the largest in league history. The deal will pay Turner an additional $41 million, which will keep Turner with the Pacers through the following season.

Behind Turner, the Pacers finished second in “The Association” in blocks per contest at 5.8. They also ranked No. 10 in steals at 7.7.

The Pacers however ranked in the bottom of the league in a number of defensive categories in 2022-23.

Pacers Defensive       48.5 Opp. FG%-23^rd             15.0 Opp. Fastbreak Pts-22^nd
Ranks 2022-23           37.3 Opp. 3-Pt.%-25^th           15.4 Opp. Second Chance Pts-29^th
                                    53.7 Opp. Paint Pts-27^th

                                                                            NBA Rank
Pacers During 12-Game     1-11 Record             T-29^th
Stretch (Jan. 11-Feb. 2       122.3 Opp PPG           29^th
2023)                                     -9.2 PPG Diff.             28^th
                                              50.1 Opp FG%           27^th
                                              39.9 Opp. 3-Pt.%       26^th

McConnell (8.7 ppg, 5.3 apg, 54.3 FG%) continued to be one of the best backup guards in the league as he shot over 50 percent from the floor for the fourth time in the last five seasons, while averaging at least five assists for the third time in the last four seasons and the fourth time in his first seven NBA seasons.

Entering the offseason, the Pacers felt they needed to improve the depth in the front court while also becoming a more balanced offense improved defense.

In June’s draft, the Pacers with the No. 7 overall pick selected forward/guard Bilal Coulibaly from France.

In a four-team deal on draft night with the Lakers, Thunder and Nuggets, the Pacers acquired the Nuggets’ 2024 Second-Round pick from the Thunder and cash considerations. The Pacers sent the draft rights to forward/guard Julian Strawther (No. 29 overall pick) out of Gonzaga University and guard Jalen Picket (No. 32 overall pick) out of Penn State University to the Nuggets.

In another draft night trade with the Wizards, and Suns the Pacers dealt the draft rights to Coulibaly in exchange for the draft rights to forward Jarace Walker (No. 8 overall pick) out of University of Houston and the Second-Round picks in 2028 (via Suns) and 2029 from Wizards.

Last season, the Pacers did not have a player outside Mathurin that really brought a serious presence in the paint, who also possesses dynamic perimeter skills on both ends.

Walker (11.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 47 FG% w/Cougars) possesses those skills and earned 2022-23 American Atlantic Conference (AAC) Freshmen of the Year. He was the lone freshmen in AAC to register 35-plus made threes, blocks and steals last season.

Walker, along with being a very skilled player, he plays with a high motor and passion each time he took the hardwood for head coach Kelvin Sampson a season ago.

“I think it really starts with effort. Just playing hard and letting my game really take care of itself because I feel I’m a high-level player,” Walker said to ESPN’s Monica McNutt after being drafted on June 22 on being able to translate his skills to NBA level. “I make good decisions. Good offensive player. Definitely a two-way player for sure. So, just being able to play hard and contribute right away.”

With their other First-Round pick on guard Ben Sheppard (18.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 48 FG%) out of Belmont University at No. 26 overall.

The two-time All-Conference selection at Belmont brings good size at 6-foot-7, 195 pounds; solid perimeter stroke where he is a good catch-and-shoot player that can also make plays off the dribble.

The Pacers brought in championship experience with the addition of wing Bruce Brown (11.5 ppg, 48.3 FG%, 35.8 3-Pt.% w/Nuggets), whose breakout season helped the Nuggets win their first NBA title in their NBA history and earn him a major payday with the Pacers on a two-year, $45 million deal.

Brown along being a high-effort player who has an improved jumper, making a career-best 91 total threes (91/254 3-Pt.) last season with the Nuggets. His addition will give the Pacers another ball handler, which will take the pressure off Haliburton to be the team’s main offensive initiator.

Brown at Media Day when asked why he signed with the Pacers, he said that they were a “very young team” that plays a style that fits him. They like to play fast. Get out in transition and Haliburton, who is a “great” passer who will “find” anyone.

“They want to win and I’ve won at the highest level. So, I just trying to come in and help,” Brown added. “We have a lot of experience and s young talented team with great players who know what it takes to get there. So, I’m just trying to use a little bit of my experience and shed the light on the young guys.”

The Pacers this offseason took another chance on a talented player whose playing time was very limited in Obi Toppin (7.4 ppg, 44.6 FG% w/Knicks), who they acquired on July 7 from the Knicks in exchange for two future Second-Round picks.

Toppin, the Knicks First-Round pick (No. 8 overall 2020) out of Dayton University was completely soured on by head coach Tom Thibodeau because of his inability to create his own shot and was too inconsistent defensively. Besides being a thunderous dunker, Toppin did not display much else to earn major minutes either as a starter or a rotational player for the Knicks.

When Toppin did start in his first three NBA seasons with the Knicks, he averaged 20.8 points and 5.7 rebounds on 57.6 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range (40/91 3-Pt.). In his five starts in 2022-23 with the Knicks, Toppin averaged 21.8 points on 58.3 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent on his triple tries.

In the Knicks 138-129 victory, ironically enough against the Pacers, Toppin, Quentin Grimes, and Immanuel Quickley became the third trio in their history to each score 30-plus points. Toppin that night scored 32 points with six assists on 11/18 from the field, including 5/12 from three. 

Toppin, 25, who did not get his rookie extension before the start of this season has a chance for a restart with the Pacers and if he has any hopes of earning a rookie extension next summer, he will have to show the kind of growth that Smith, Nwora, and Nesmith displayed when they earned coach Carlisle’s trust on both ends.

“Just a new start. Got a lot of great guys to help me improve my game and blossom,” Toppin said at Media Day about being able to play professionally not too far from where he played collegiately. “So, to have the opportunity to come back here near Dayton. Have that fanbase here is going to be a really good environment.”

The Pacers showed that good faith in Nesmith, when on Monday according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski they agreed to keep him on a new three-year, $33 million deal.

Haliburton has proven that and was rewarded with a five-year extension that could be worth up to $260 million. He joined Jermaine O’Neal, who signed a new seven-year, $126 million deal in summer of 2003 as the second player in Pacers history to sign a $100-plus million deal.

While they locked up their lead guard of the future for the next handful of seasons, their draft selection from June 2021 in guard Chris Duarte, 26 hit the skids in his second season after making the All-Rookie Second Team mainly because of injury and how Hield emerged as one of the squad’s top scorers and main outside perimeter threat.

That resulted in the Pacers cutting bait with the chance in dealing Duarte to the Kings for  a 2028 Second-Round pick (via Mavericks) and 2030 Second-Round pick.

At the presser where the Pacers officially announced Haliburton’s extension, he thanked his mother, calling her “his everything” in getting to this point in his basketball career.

“I can’t even put into words to explain everything. But just really appreciative of you mom because of all the stuff of us growing up. Pushing me to be where I am today. Making sure my teammates made it to every trip. It just means a lot to me. So, I love you and I’m appreciative of you. So, thank you mom. I love you.”

In talking with Malika Andrews, Richard Jefferson, and Austin Rivers on the July 7 edition of ESPN’s “NBA Today” Haliburton talked about how Brown during his free agency meeting with the Pacers in late June that it was his recruitment that convinced him to sign with the Pacers.

“I think there’s a lot of things he can do to help me and I can do to help him. So, I really liked the fit with me and him,” Haliburton said about the Pacers signing Brown.

“His championship experience. He’s played in the Playoffs the last few years. I think adding Obi is big for us as well.”  

He also talked about becoming more of a leader knowing that is what is going to be necessary for the Pacers to make it back to the Playoffs.”

“I have not played a lick of Playoff basketball and that’s what I want to do more than anything,” he said to Andrews, Jefferson, and Rivers about the expectations for the Pacers for 2023-24. “The expectations are higher not only from a front office standpoint and our team’s standpoint but just a general fans standpoint, you know at the same time.”

“I’ve just got to be the best version of myself and that’s going to help us win games and stay healthy and just try to get to the Playoffs.”

It was not until the early 1990s when the Pacers became a consistent postseason participant led by Hall of Famer and current NBA on TNT color analyst Reggie Miller. The Knicks (1994 & 1999), the Magic (1995), and the Bulls (1998) who kept the Pacers from representing the East in The Finals. They finally broke through in 2000 but were taken down in The Finals by the Lakers in six games. It was the Pistons four years late that denied them in six games in East Finals and ended their season short of the Conference Finals a year later in what would be Miller’s 19^th and final NBA season.

It was not until 2013 and 2014 when the Pacers knocked at the door of The Finals again, led by All-Star Paul George, now of the Los Angeles Clippers. But the Heat, led by now Lakers’ four-time Kia MVP LeBron James, Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh who ended the Pacers title dreams in six and seven games respectably in the 2013 and 201 East Finals.

The Pacers hope that Tyrese Haliburton develops into their next star player that can guide them back to being a Playoff perennial and eventually a title contender, with help from the cast of Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, Jalen Smith, Jarace Walker, Jordan Nwora, and Isaiah Jackson.

Whether or not T.J. McConnell and Buddy Hield, whose contract concludes at the end of this season, are in the plans moving remains to be seen. If they are not, they can be key in GM Chad Buchanan and President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard acquiring major assets that can bring in draft capital and young players who are on the same timeline as the current core in place.  

Hield, who was offered a contract extension back that he was not happy with and wants to be traded. Whether the Pacers can trade Hield, who is in the last year of his current five-year contract, remains to be seen.

The bottom line for the Pacers though, they want to end their three-year Playoff drought and see what they have with this current group.

“Me personally, I’m tired of losing. So, I just want to get in the Playoffs,” Haliburton said to Andrews, Jefferson, and Rivers about the Pacers being slept on entering 2023-24.

“I think we’ve got a lot of young guys. A hungry group. We’re bringing in three rookies that I think is going to push training camp to another level because you’ve got a lot of youn guys all pushing to want to play and I’m really excited about it.

Coach Carlisle added to that calling this season, “This is a beginning. This is a multi-year deal. Today is a symbolic of responsibility and the commitment to lead.”

“In our situation here, you’ve got to do things the right way. You’ve got to make the appropriate jumps at the appropriate times and really got to work very hard intentionally to develop from within.”

Best Case Scenario: The Pacers are in the hunt for a Playoff spot through the East Play-In Tournament. Haliburton earns his second straight All-Star selection. Mathurin becomes a more efficient offensive player and builds better on court chemistry with Haliburton. Turner is in the conversation for Kia Defensive Player of the Year. Hield earns a contract extension or is traded for a solid haul. Walker makes one of the two All-Rookie teams. They become a more efficient offensive team and consistent defensive team.  

Worst Case Scenario: The Pacers miss the Playoffs for a fourth straight season. They continue to be at the bottom of the league defensively. The offense continues to be inefficient.

Grade: B+ 

Miami Heat: 44-38 Record; No. 1 Southeast Division (No. 8 Seed East); 27-14 at home; 17-24 on the road; Lost Play-In Game 116-105 Apr. 11 versus Atlanta Hawks (TNT); Won Play-In Game 102-91 Apr. 14 versus Chicago Bulls (TNT); Defeated the No. 1 Seeded Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 in Eastern Conference Quarterfinals; Defeated the No. 4 Seeded New York Knicks 4-2 in Eastern Conference Semifinals; Defeated the No. 2 Seeded Boston Celtics 4-3 in Eastern Conference Finals; Lost to No. 1 Seeded Denver Nuggets 4-1 in NBA Finals.  

-109.5 ppg-30^th; opp. ppg: 109.8-2^nd; 40.6 rpg-27^th

There are lot of teams in the NBA that are talked about for what they do not have. What they are lacking whether it what pieces are missing from the roster. To that team’s inability to perform at a certain level at one specific end of the hardwood. Or whether that team’s headliner has that "it factor," to get his team to the top of mountain. That is best way to describe the 2022-23 Miami Heat. And yet, they found a way to be the first team to make the Playoffs through the Play-In Tournament. Beat the No. 1, 5, and 2 Seeds in the Eastern Conference. While they showed well in The Finals against the West Top Seed from the “Colorado Rockies,” the boys from “South Beach” were denied for the second time in the last four seasons of winning their fourth title in their history. With their two All-Star headliners still in toe along; the return of a former player from year’s past; and a talented rookie that fits their “culture,” the plan for the Heat is to take on all challengers and put their best foot forward in their quest to return to The Finals and win their fourth title in franchise history. 

After starting 2022-23 10-12 over the first two months, the Heat compiled a 9-6 mark to close out the final month of 2022 and opened the 2023 portion of the NBA campaign with a 10-5 record. They would follow that with a mark of 4-6 and 7-8 marks in February and March respectably. They closed out the regular season portion of their schedule 4-1.

With a 32-27 mark at the All-Star break, the eventual Southeast Champion Heat were just 12-11 points All-Star break.

What allowed head coach Erik Spoelstra’s squad to eventually make the Playoffs for the fourth straight season and for the fifth time in the last seven seasons was their 27-14 mark at Kaseya Center. That offset their 17-24 mark on the road, which included just a 9-17 mark on the road against the Eastern Conference and just 24-28 overall against their own conference.

The Heat’s inconsistencies came down to two things, their inability to consistently put the ball in the hoop and absences because of injury and illness to key personnel on the roster.

Heat Offense     46.0 FG%-26^th                   12.9 Second Chance Pts-21st
(NBA Ranks)    46.4 Paint Pts-24^th
In 2022-23         11.5 Fastbreak Pts-27^th

The Heat offensively were once again led by six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler (22.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 5.3 apg, 1.8 spg, 53.9 FG%), who registered the second highest scoring average of his career; fourth highest assists average for a season of his career; and a career-high in field goal percentage.

Unlike a lot of today’s elite wing players who have a variety of ways of scoring, Butler’s productions came from the mid-range mostly and getting to the charity stripe, which continued a season ago as he averaged the third highest attempts at the foul line at 8.7 on an accuracy of 85 percent from the foul line. It was the fourth straight season and the fifth season of his career that Butler averaged eight-plus free throw attempts.

The five-time All-NBA selection averaged 20-plus points for the eighth time in his 12-year NBA career. The 2015 Kia Most Improved Player also averaged 20/5/5 (points/rebounds/assists) for the fourth season of his career, including his third straight with the Heat.

Seasons Averaging 20 Points,        *Dwyane Wade 4
5 Rebounds, & 5 Assists In            *LeBron James 4
Heat History *Hall Of Famer         Jimmy Butler   3

Double-Digit 30-Plus Point              2016-17 W/Bulls 15
Games By Season By                        2017-18 W/Timberwolves 11
Jimmy Butler                                     2022-23 W/Heat 10

Along with being a guy who grown into a 20-plus point scorer, who can register 30-plus when called upon, Butler has proven himself to be one of the best two-way players in the game.

In the Heat’s win (112-111) Jan. 10 versus the Thunder (TNT), Butler totaled 35 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and three blocks going 23/23 from the charity stripe.

The Heat in the win set a new single-game NBA-record 40/40 at the foul line for most free throw made without a miss, surpassing the 39/39 effort by the Jazz against the Trail Blazers Dec. 7, 1982.

Most Made Free Throws     James Harden (PHI) 12/3/2019 W/Rockets: 24/24
Without A Miss In NBA     *Dirk Nowitzki 5/17/2011 West Finals Against Thunder: 24/24
History                                   Jimmy Butler (MIA) 1/10/2023: 23/23
                                              *Dominique Wilkins    12/8/1992: 23/23
                                                Kevin Durant (PHX) 1/18/2013 W/Thunder: 21/21
                                                Deron Williams          3/4/2012 W/Nets: 21/21

In the Heat’s 127-120 victory Mar. 22 versus Knicks, Butler had 35 points, nine assists, and four steals on 11/19 shooting and 11/14 at the foul line.  

While the Heat ranked just No. 19 in free throw attempts a season ago, they were No. 2 in the league in free throw percentage (83.1%).

In 2022-23, Butler tied the fourth most double-digit double-doubles for a season in his career with 11, which tied what he did in his first season in “South Beach” in 2019-20.

Post All-Star break, Butler was at his absolute best averaging 25.6 points, 5.6 boards, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals on 61.6 percent shooting.

In the final nine games of 2022-23, Butler totaled 67 assists and just nine turnovers.

As a team last season, the Heat were tied with the Kings for No. 9 in turnovers per game (13.5). They were 28-23 in 2022-23 when they had fewer turnovers than their opponent.

The only negative for Butler in his time since joining the Heat is that he has missed games due to injury or illness. He missed 18 total games a season ago.

Heat Record By              W/Butler                  W/O Butler
Season Since 2019-20       38-20      2019-20         6-9
                                           33-19      2020-21        7-13
                                           38-19      2021-22       15-10
                                           35-29      2022-23         9-9
                                           144-87     Total         37-41

After a quiet beginning in his first two NBA season after being drafted No. 14 overall out of the University of Kentucky, Bam Adebayo (20.4 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 54.0 FG%) over the past four seasons has increased his scoring, where he averaged a career-high a season ago, while being a consistent rebounder. The now two-time All-Star also improved as a go-to scorer who showed he could be the one to count on when the Heat needed a score at key times in the game alongside Butler.

Scoring Average By Season 2017-18:   6.9 2020-21: 18.7 
By Bam Adebayo                  2018-19:  8.9 2021-22: 19.4
                                                2019-20: 15.9 2022-23:  20.4

Last season, the now four-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection registered a career-high 37 games with 20-plus points. That included a career-high 11 30-plus point games, which included a career-high seven games with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds. Adebayo entered 2022-23 with a total of seven 30-plus point games.

20-Plus Point Games By       2018-19:   1 2021-22: 24
Season By Bam Adebayo     2019-20:  20 2022-23: 37
                                                2020-21: 26

Double-Doubles By               2017-18:  7    2020-21: 33   
Season By Bam Adebayo     2018-19: 11   2021-22: 27  
                                                2019-20: 40   2022-23: 31

30/10 (Points/Rebounds) Double-Doubles 2019-20: 1 2022-23: 7 
By Season By Bam Adebayo                       2021-22: 4

                                 Most Career Double-Doubles In Heat History *Hall Of Famer                
Rony Seikaly              221 In 439 Career Games    Udonis Haslem 134 In 879 Career Games
*Alonzo Mourning    205 In 593 Career Games    Dwyane Wade  126 In 948 Career Games
Hasan Whiteside       185 In 324 Career Games    LeBron James  102 In 294 Career Games
Bam Adebayo            149 In 418 Career Games

Another Heat First-Round pick that has continued his emergence as a 20-plus point scorer was Tyler Herro (20.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.2 apg, 37.8 3-Pt.%, 93.4 FT%), who averaged 20 points for the second straight season.

20-Plus Point Games By   2019-20: 12 2021-22: 37
Season By Tyler Herro     2020-21: 13 2022-23: 35

30-Plus Point Games By 2019-20: 1 2021-22: 8
Season By Tyler Herro   2020-21: 2 2022-23: 7

The 2020 All-Rookie Second Team selection last season made over 110 triples for the third time out of his first four NBA seasons.

Herro (203/537 3-Pt.), the 2022 Kia Sixth Man of the Year tied Hall of Fame Tim Hardaway, Sr. for the most total made threes in a season in Heat history while also becoming just the fifth player in Heat history to make over 200 threes in a season.

Most Made Three-        Duncan Robinson  2019-20 270 (270/606 3-PT.)
Pointers In A Season    Duncan Robinson  2020-21 250 (250/613 3-PT.)
By A Player In Heat     Duncan Robinson  2012-22 232 (232/624 3-PT.)
History                           Wayne Ellington    2017-18 227 (227/579 3-PT.)
                                        Damon Jones          2004-05 225 (225/521 3-PT.)
                                       Tim Hardaway, Sr. 1996-97 203 (203/590 3-PT.)
                                       Tyler Herro             2022-23 203 (203/537 3-PT.)

Along with making himself into a consistent 20-point scorer, Herro also improved his all-around game as a rebounder and facilitator as he set a career-high with six double-doubles.

Double-Doubles By          2019-20: 1 2020-21: 5 2021-22: 3 2022-23: 6
Season By Tyler Herro

In the Heat’s 106-98 triumph Nov. 27, 2022 at the Hawks, Herro registered his first career triple-double with 11 points, 10 assists, 11 rebounds.

Over the final 13 games of 2022-23 Herro averaged 18.8 points on 47.1 percent from the floor and 36.7 percent on his triple tries. He also during this stretch made a career-high 37 consecutive free throws, besting his previous career-best 33 straight connections at the charity stripe in 2020.

Like Butler, Herro missed time last season due to injury or illness, missing 15 games. He has yet to play over 70 games missing 18, 18, 16, and 15 games in each of his first four NBA seasons.

In the summer of 2021, the Heat acquired six-time All-Star guard Kyle Lowry (11.2 ppg, 5.1 apg) figuring he was a missing piece in their quest for their fourth title in their history.

In his two seasons with the Heat, the lead guard, who helped guide the Raptors to their first NBA title in 2019, played well in 2021-22 in helping guide the Heat to the top seed in the East. But just like that season, Lowry struggled with injuries missing 19 and 27 games in each of the last two seasons.

Over the last five seasons dating back to 2016-17 with the Raptors, Lowry has missed over 20 games in six out of those last seven seasons.

For the 11^th straight season and for the 12^th time out of the last 13 seasons, Lowry made over 100 total threes (107/310 3-Pt.).

After registering 16 double-doubles in 2021-22 with the Heat, Lowry only totaled two double-doubles in 2022-23.

To preserve Lowry’s workload to close 2022-23, he came off the bench the final 11 games played.

The one thing that the Heat have been known for in the quarter century plus that Hall of Famer Pat Riley has been in “South Beach,” injuries have opened opportunities for new additions either drafted or undrafted to earn minutes.

This occurred because of injuries to the aforementioned Butler, Herro, and Lowry, Victor Oladipo, who was returning from injury only played in 42 games in 2022-23.

Sharp-shooter Duncan Robinson, who registered his second lowest scoring average of his career (6.4 ppg); shot a career-low 37.1 percent from the floor and just 32.8 percent from three-point range at (63/192 3-Pt.) missed 20 games due to injury and did not play in 20 other games.

Duncan Robinson The   2019-20: 13.5 PPG, 47.0 FG%, 44.6 3-PT.% (270/606 3-PT.)
3 Previous Seasons         2020-21: 13.1 PPG, 43.9 FG%, 40.8 3-PT.% (250/613 3-PT.)
                                         2021-22: 10.9 PPG, 39.9 FG%, 37.2 3-PT.% (232/624 3-PT.)

In the Heat’s 113-110 victory Dec. 26, 2022 versus the Timberwolves, Robinson had nine points on 3/5 from three, making his 800^th career triple in his 263^rd career game. The undrafted shooter out of Michigan (2015-18) and Williams College (2013-14) before that, became the fastest player in NBA history to reach 800 career threes made, surpassing the previous mark held by Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic.

Four days later, in the Heat’s 124-119 loss versus the Nuggets, Robinson also scored nine points going 3/7 from three, surpassed the aforementioned Hardaway, Sr. for most career made triples in Heat history, now at 825.

Most Made Triples By A    Duncan Robinson   825   Mario Chalmers 657
Player In Heat History     *Tim Hardaway, Sr. 806   Tyler Herro        601
                                              Eddie Jones             712   Goran Dragic     588
                                              Glen Rice                 708 

The Heat also did not have center Omer Yurtseven, who missed all but nine games last season due to ankle surgery.

Their First-Round pick (No. 27 overall) from Serbia Nikola Jovic was sidelined for all but 15 games due to injury.

Those injuries opened up opportunities over the past two seasons for Gabe Vincent and Caleb Martin (9.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 46.3 FG%, 35.6 3-Pt.%), who has registered the two finest seasons of his four-year career.

After registering just one 20-point game in his first two NBA seasons with the Hornets, Martin, who went undrafted in 2019 out of the University of Nevada registered four of his seven 20-plus point games with the Heat. He also registered three of his four career double-doubles with the Heat, including two in 2022-23.

In need of more depth to the roster, the Heat on Feb. 20 signed veteran All-Star forward Kevin Love (8.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg w/Cavs & Heat) after he was bought out of his deal with the Cavaliers.

Kevin Love  W/Cavaliers (41 Games; 3 Starts) 8.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 35.4 3-PT.%
2022-23        W/Heat (21 Games; 17 Starts)       7.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG

The biggest difference for the Heat from 2021-22 compared to 2022-23 was their accuracy on their triple attempts. While they were No. 10 in triples attempted (34.8), they were No. 27 in percentage (34.4) and No. 17 in threes made (12.0).

In 2021-22, the Heat led the NBA in three-point percentage (37.9%); No. 6 in threes mad (13.6) and No. 14 in threes attempted (35.8).

Heat 3-Pt.%       2021-22                            2022-23
Last Two               40%     Tyler Herro        38%
Seasons                  41%    Caleb Martin      36%
                               38%     Kyle Lowry        35%
                               37%    Gabe Vincent      33%
                               37%  Duncan Robinson 33%

In 2022-23, the Heat were 41-27 when they scored 100 points or more. Were 25-4 when they outshot their opponent by field goal percentage.

The one constant for the Heat over the past quarter century has been their commitment to the defensive end. While they were strong defensively in some areas, they had their issues in others.

Heat Defense     48.2 Opp. FG%-22^nd                     8 SPG-6^th
(NBA Ranks)    36.7 Opp. 3-PT%-22^nd                  46.2 Opp. Paint Pts.- 2^nd
2022-23             35.8 Opp. 3-PT. ATT-22^nd             12.5 Opp. Fastbreak Pts-4^th
                          13.1 Opp. 3-PT. Made-28^th

Last season, the Heat were 12-1 when they held the opposition under 100 points. But were just 1-10 when they allowed 65-plus first half points, with their lone such win coming Mar. 6, 2023 (130-128) versus Hawks. They were also 26-10 in 2022-23 when they outrebounded their opponent.

That ability to defend coupled with their ineptitude at times to score is why 65.9 percent of the Heat’s games went to clutch time and 72.7 percent of their 44 wins in 2022-23 came in clutch time.

In games decided by three points or less last season, the Heat were a solid 14-8. They were 32-22 in clutch games (games within five points in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime in 2022-23. Only the Mavericks played in more clutch games (55) than the 54 such games by the Heat a season ago.

Last season, the Heat were 30-10 when they led at intermission. That included a 11-0 mark when they led by 20-plus points at any point in the game. But were 1-2 when tied and 13-26 when down at intermission.

They were 26-5 when they led after three quarters and 3-1 when tied. But just 15-32 when down after three quarters in 2022-23.   

By virtue of getting swept in their three-game season series 3-0, the Heat fell one game short of being in the Top 6 in the East and had to earn their way into the Playoffs through the Play-In Tournament.

The Heat flat out did not have in their first chance to make the Playoffs dropping the (No. 8 versus No. 7) Game versus the Hawks 116-105 Apr. 11 (TNT).

They trailed the Hawks 36-27 after the first quarter and trailed by as many as 24 (63-39) late in the second quarter and trailed 65-50 at intermission. Behind a 27-8 run dating back to the second quarter, the Heat cut their deficit down to 71-66, which included a 16-6 run to start the third quarter. The Hawks replied with a 25-7 run to close the period to bring the lead back to 13 at 91-78 after three quarters and continued to lead by double-digits in the final period.

Lowry in defeat led the Heat with 33 points and five assists on 11/16 shooting, including 6/9 from three off the bench. Herro had 26 points, six rebounds, and two steals on 12/23 shooting, but was just 2/9 from three. Butler, who struggled from field going just 6/19 had 21 points and nine rebounds on 9/11 from the charity stripe. Adebayo scored 12 with nine boards, three steals, and two blocks on just 5/12 shooting.

The Heat shot just 42.9 percent from the floor (39/91 FGs) and were just 11/34 from three. They were outrebounded 63-39, including 22-6 on the offensive glass. Were outscored by the Hawks 64-46 in the paint; 17-12 in fastbreak points; 53-37 in bench points; and 26-6 in Second Chance points.

The Heat got off to a better start in their Play-In tilt three nights later versus the Bulls in the opening period but had their struggles in the middle two quarters. But got in gear in the final period, especially in the final three minutes to pull out a 102-91 victory Apr. 14 (TNT) to clinch the No. 8 and final Playoff spot in the East.

After leading 29-21 after the first quarter, where they led by 14, the Heat were outscored 23-20 in the second quarter to only lead 49-44 at the half and were outscored 24-18 in the third quarter to trail 68-67 after three quarters. A 9-3 run by the Bulls put the Heat down 90-87 with 3:47 left. The Heat answered with a 15-1 closing run as they outscored the Bulls 35-23 in the fourth quarter.

Butler led the Heat in a bounce back performance with 31 points and five boards with two steals on 11/24 from the field and 9/10 at the free throw line. Strus also scored 31 with six boards on 8/16 from the floor, including 7/12 from three-point range and 8/8 at the charity stripe. Herro scored 12 with eight rebounds, and seven assists. While Adebayo scored just eight points on 1/9 shooting but had 17 rebounds.

In 4^th               CHI                MIA          Final 3          CHI               MIA
Quarter            23   Points     35            Minutes           1     Points    15
                        8/20    FGs    10/16                                 0/6     FGs     3/3
                        3/7     3-Pt.     2/5                                    0/3     3-Pt.    1/1
                        4/6      FTs    13/17                                 1/2      FTs    8/10
                          7      Rebs      12
                         11    Fouls       5

The Heat in grand fashion stole the First-Round opener at the No. 1 Seeded Bucks 130-117 Apr. 16 (TNT), snatching home court advantage from the Bucks and taking a 1-0 series lead.

The Heat led 33-24 after the first quarter and led virtually the entire game up by as many as 15.

Butler led the way with a double-double of 35 points and 11 assists, with five boards and three steals. He had that double-double after three quarters with 29 points and 10 assists. Adebayo had a near triple-double with 22 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists with two steals on 10/18 shooting. Love had 18 points and eight boards on 4/7 from three-point range off the bench. Martin scored 15 while Herro had 12.

The 130 points scored by the boys from “South Beach” in the win set a single-game franchise playoff record. They shot 59.5 percent from the floor in Game 1 (50/84 FGs) and were 15/25 from three-point range. Had 32 assists on their 50 shots made. Outscored the Bucks 62-46 in the paint. They also outscored the Bucks 17-4 in transition, going 8/9 from the floor with zero turnovers. While they registered 16 turnovers that led to 20 Bucks points, the Heat forced 13 Bucks turnovers that they turned into 19 points.

The one negative for the Heat is they lost Herro to a broken right hand that happened late in the first half while he was diving for a loose ball. He did not return.

Three nights later in Game 2, the Heat simply put were outshot, especially from three-point range in getting blown out 138-122 (NBATV), getting a 1-1 split at the Bucks.

The Heat trailed virtually the entire game with the game turning in the middle two quarters where Bucks outscored the Heat 46-27 in the second quarter to lead 81-55 at intermission and 37-30 in the third quarter to lead 118-85 after three quarters.

Butler in defeat had 25 points and two steals on 8/12 shooting, and 7/10 at the foul line. Adebayo scored 18 with five boards on 9/16 from the floor. Martin scored 15 with six assists, while Robinson scored 14 with five rebounds on 4/5 from three.  

While the Heat shot 53.6 percent from the floor 45/84 FGs) and 16/36 from three-point range, the Bucks shot 53.3 percent from the field and were 25/49 from three-point range.

The Heat registered 26 assists on their 45 field goals made, but their turnover issues continued as they coughed it up 17 times, that led to 30 Bucks points. The Heat were also outscored 52-42 in the paint; and 20-9 in fastbreak points. They were outrebounded 45-41 (9-7 off. rebs) and outscored 16-10 in Second Chance points.

Back in the comfy confides of Kaseya Center, the Heat got back on track taking down the Bucks 121-99 Apr. 22 (ESPN) to take a 2-1 series lead.

Overcoming an early seven-point deficit midway through the opening period, the Heat used a 19-0 to put the game away as they led by as many as 29 points. 

Butler led the charge scoring a franchise record-tying 17 of 30 points in the first quarters. He also had five rebounds, and two steals on 12/19 from the floor and made all four of his triple tries.

Robinson scored 20 hitting 7/9 from the field, including 4/6 from three. Lowry scored 15. Adebayo had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds with five assists, and two steals. Martin also registered a double-double, the first of his postseason career also with 12 points and 11 rebounds with two steals.

Love in his first start of a Playoff game since Game 4 of 2018 NBA Finals with the Cavaliers versus the Warriors.

The Heat shot 53.6 percent from the field in Game 3, going 16/33 from three, including setting a franchise-record in a Playoff game for threes made in the opening half with 12, going 12/19 from three.

They also outrebounded the Bucks in Game 3 44-37. Outscored the visitors from Wisconsin 59-28 in bench points; 48-36 in the paint; and 18-13 in fastbreak points.

The Heat’s 59 bench points in Game 3 set a single-game franchise Playoff record while their 121 points scored was their sixth most in their postseason history. Their 22-point win versus the Bucks in Game 3 was the largest margin of victory by a No. 8 Seed over a No. 1 Seed since 2007. They are the first No. 8 Seed to be up 2-1 on the No. 1 Seed since 2017 Bulls.

The only damper of the night was that they lost another player to injury in two-time All-Star Oladipo, who hurt his knee on a drive to hoop late in the fourth period.

In the most competitive game of the series, the Bucks led for most the first three quarters. But the Heat poured in on the fourth period behind their emotional All-Star swingman and took down the Bucks 119-114 Apr. 24 (TNT) to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Trailing for the first three-plus quarters down by as many as 15 and trailed 101-89 in the fourth period, the Heat authored a 13-0 run capped by a layup by Butler that put the Heat up 102-101 with 3:17 left. After the lead changed hands four times, Butler hit a three-pointer with 1:20 left that put the Heat in front to stay closing the game on a 10-7 run. They outscored the Bucks 41-25 in the fourth period, including 30-13 the final 5:45 of the period.

Butler led the Heat with a career-high and single-game Playoff record 56 points with nine rebounds on 19/28 from the floor, going 3/8 from three and 15/18 at the charity stripe. Adebayo scored 15 with eight boards. Martin had 12 points, nine rebounds, and two steals. Vincent had 10 points and eight assists with two steals.

                             Other Jimmy Butler Superlatives In Game 4                                                  
-1^st Half: 24 Points (9/13 FGs, 2/3 3-PT., 4/6 FTs; 2^nd Half: 32 Points, 10/15 FGs, 11/12 FTs.

-Scored 22 Points (9/10 FGs, 2/2 3-PT.) In First Quarter, Tied Hall Of Famer Dwyane Wade’s Franchise Playoff Record For Points In A Quarter (May 14, 2005). Scored 20 Consecutive Points Over 5:45 Span Late In The First Quarter. Scored 22 Of Heat’s First 28 Points In Game 4.

-Scored 21 Points (6/8 FGs, 8?9 FTs) In The Fourth Quarter. Scored 20 Straight Points Over 5:45 span

-56 Points Tied Fourth Most In A Single-Game In NBA Playoff History With Hall Of Famers Charles Barkley (5/14/1994 W/Suns); Wilt Chamberlin (3/22/1962 With Philadelphia Warriors); And Michael Jordan (4/29/1992 W/Bulls).

-56 Points On Under 30 Field Goal Attempts Is Most Points Scored On Under 30 Shots In NBA Playoff History.

-56 Points Is The Most In 15-Point Comeback Win In A Playoff Game Since Michael Jordan’s 56 Points In Game 3 Clincher Of First-Round (Best-Of-Five) At Heat Apr. 29, 1992.

The Heat in Game 4 victory shot 49.4 percent from the field (43/87 FGs). Were 13/32 on their triple tries, and 20/25 at the free throw line. They outscored the Heat 22-13 in fastbreak points and scored 24 points off 14 Bucks turnovers, which countered their 22 points allowed off their 17 miscues.

The Heat roared back again two nights later in the final period and finished off the Bucks to win Game 5 128-126 in overtime (NBATV) to win the series 4-1.

After leading 36-33 after the opening period, the Heat were outscored 36-27 in the second quarter to trail 69-63 at the half and 33-23 in the third quarter to trail 106-86 after three quarters. The Heat stormed back outscoring the Bucks 32-16 in the fourth quarter, tying it 118-118 on a layup by Butler off an inbounds pass with 00.5 seconds left to force overtime. In overtime, Adebayo put the Heat up for good on a putback off a Butler miss on a drive to the hole. Then in the finals seconds of OT forced the Bucks Grayson Allen into an off-balanced shot that missed at the buzzer.

Butler led the way with 42 point, eight boards, and two steals on 17/33 from the floor, including three made triples (3/10 3-Pt.; 5/9 FTs). Those 42 points tied Dwyane Wade for the most points in a game in Heat postseason history in a closeout game.

It was also Butler’s eighth career 40-plus point game of his postseason, all with the Heat and ever since he turned age 30. His 98 total points the last two games are the most in a two-game span in the Playoffs since Jordan total 99 points in the 1993 Playoffs.

Highest Scoring Average For          Jimmy Butler     2023 First Round 37.6
A Series In Heat Playoff History     *Dwyane Wade 2006 NBA Finals 37.2
*Hall Of Famer                                 LeBron James   2012 East Finals 33.6

Vincent scored 22 points with six assists on 9/23 from the floor, making four threes (4/12 3-Pt.).

Adebayo, despite going 8/20 from the floor had his first career postseason triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, with two steals. Love had a double-double of 15 points and 12 boards, going 5/11 from three. Lowry scored 10 off the bench.

Largest Comeback Entering Fourth     2023 Heat 16 First Round At Bucks
Quarter In A Series Clinching Win      1992 Bulls 15 In NBA Finals Vs. Trail Blazers
In NBA Playoff History                          2001 Mavericks 14 First Round At Jazz

The Heat in the fourth period outscored the Bucks 32-16, including an 11-1 spurt to open the final period. They went 13/19 from the field, including 4/10 from three-point range. Outrebounded the Bucks 14-13 and forced six Bucks turnovers.

The Heat in Game 5 shot 45.5 percent from the field (50/110 FGs), including 17/45 on their triple tries. Had 25 assists on their 50 made shots with just 11 turnovers and scored 24 points off 16 Bucks miscues. They also outscored the Bucks 52-48 in the paint.

The boys from “South Beach” became the first No. 8 Seed to take down at No. 1 Seed since the 76ers took down Bulls 4-2 in 2012 First Round. They also became the first team to win a Playoff series out of the Play-In Tournament, while also improving to 14-0 in their postseason history when leading a best-of-seven series 3-1.

In another postseason tilt against their former Atlantic Division rivals up the Northeast Coast, the Heat stole homecourt advantage again winning Game 1 of East Semis 108-101 Apr. 30 at Knicks (ABC).

Down 32-21 after the first period, the Heat outscored the Knicks 29-23 in the second period to only trail 55-50 at the half, overcoming a 12-point deficit. Down 61-53 in the third period, the Heat used a 21-5 run to take a 74-66 lead and raised their lead to 11 and held off the Knicks outscoring them 31-20 in third quarter, 58-46 in the second half and 87-69 the final three quarters.

Butler led the way with another double-double of 35 points and 11 rebounds with two steals on 8/16 shooting and 9/11 at the free throw line. Vincent scored 20 with five assists on 5/12 from three. Lowry scored 18 with six assists, five boards, and four block shots, going 3/6 from three. Adebayo added 16 points with eight rebounds on 7/13 shooting.

While the shot just 42.4 percent from the field (36/85 FGs) in Game 1 and were just 13/39 from three, the Heat were 23/29 at the charity stripe. Had 26 assists and just nine turnovers. They had 15 fastbreak points and scored 22 points off 13 Knicks turnovers.

After a 6/13 from start from three in Game 1, the Heat made just 1 of their next 14 threes but had a strong finish going 6/12 from three-point range.

Butler, who has scored at least 25 points in six straight games injured his right ankle with 5:00 left in the final period but stayed in the game.

Most Consecutive Games                 2017 LeBron James (LAL)      10 W/Cavaliers
With 25 Points On 50 Percent         1970 *Kareem Abdul-Jabbar  10 W/Bucks           
Shooting To Open A Postseason      1977 *Kareem Abdul-Jabbar    9 W/Lakers
In NBA History *Hall Of Famer     2023 Jimmy Butler (MIA)         6
                                                            1992 *Michael Jordan                6  W/Bulls
                                                            1984 *Bernard King                   6  W/Knicks

The Heat improved to 3-1 on the road in 2023 Playoffs.

Without Butler due to the right ankle in Game 2, the Heat were right there with the Knicks and were up after three quarters and led by half a dozen with seven minutes left. But the Knicks took control from their defeating the Heat 111-105 May 2 (TNT) to square the series 1-1.

The visitors from “South Beach” led by as many as eight in the second quarter, outscoring the Knicks 25-20 in the period to lead 54-51 at the half. They led by as many as six in the third quarter and were up 77-76 after three quarters and were up 93-87 with seven minutes left. The Heat though were outscored 24-12 from that point on, including 16-4 in clutch time. In the final period, the Heat were outscored 35-28.

Martin in the loss led the way with 22 points and eight rebounds on 8/15 from the field  and 4/8 from three-point range. Vincent scored 21 with five assists on 7/17 from the floor, making four threes (4/12 3-Pt.). Strus scored 17 on 7/12 shooting, 3/7 from three.

The Heat suffered their first setback of 2023 Playoffs when leading after three quarters, now 3-1.

The Heat shot 44.7 percent from the floor (38/85 FGs) and were 17/49 from three. Had 24 assists on their 38 made shots and just seven turnovers, while they scored 22 points off 11 Knicks turnovers. They had no fastbreak points.

Back home, the Heat dominated Game 3 at Kaseya Center leading from start to finish taking down the Knicks 105-86 May 6 (ABC) to take a 2-1 series lead.

The Heat led wire-to-wire, leading by double-digits the rest of the game following a three-pointer by Robinson to open the second quarter and led by as many as 22.

Butler in his return from one-game absence (right ankle) scored 28 points with two steals on 9/21 shooting and 10/11 at the charity stripe. It was his ninth straight 25-plus point game dating back to 2022 Playoffs.

While they shot just 38.9 percent from the floor (35/90 FGs) and were just 7/32 from three-point-range, the Heat overcame that by going 28/31 from the charity stripe. They outrebounded the Knicks 50-48 (NYK: 14-13 off. rebs). They outscored the Knicks 50-36 in the paint and 18-14 in Second Chance points.

Strus scored 19 on 7/14 from the floor, making three triples (3/10 3-Pt.). Adebayo had his 21^st career postseason double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds also going 7/14 from the field. Lowry scored 14 off the bench.

The Heat in Game 4 two nights later led by double-digits and used an 8-1 spurt to stay ahead of the Knicks and claimed a 109-101 victory (TNT) to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.

After leading by 11 in the first half, late in the third quarter, and early in the final period behind an 8-1 run to close the third to lead 90-81 after three quarters. The Heat’s lead was cut down to 94-93 following a pair of free throws by the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson. The Heat held of the Knicks from there.

Butler led the way with his second double-double of the series and third of 2023 Playoffs with 27 points and 10 assists with six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, 9/17 shooting, and 8/9 from the charity stripe. It was his fifth career 25/10 performance (points/assists) in the postseason with the Heat, tied Wade for the most such games in Heat Playoff history. James has the second most with four such games.

Adebayo also had his second straight double-double with 23 points and 13 rebounds on 10/17 shooting. Strus scored 16 with six rebounds on 4/10 from three. Lowry scored 15 with five boards. Martin scored 10 with five rebounds.

4^th Quarter Of      NYK                MIA        The Heat opened the fourth quarter 1/9 shooting,
Game 4                    20     Points     19           including 0/4 from three-point range
                                6/18     FGs     6/22
                                1/8      3-PT.     0/9           The Heat had six offensive boards the first three
                                7/7       FTs     7/10           quarters. Began the fourth period 6-0 on the
                                  1    Off. Rebs  7              offensive glass
                                  8       Rebs      17
                                 8   2^nd Chance 10
                                             Pts
                                4          TOs        3
                                4    Pts Off TOs 6

 

While they shot 47.1 percent from the field (40/85 FGs), the Heat were just 13/39 from three, but were 16/22 at the charity stripe. Had 28 assists and just 13 turnovers. They forced 17 Knicks miscues that they turned into 22 points. They also outrebounded the Knicks 44-35, including 13-8 on the offensive glass, outscoring them 17-12 in Second Chance points and 32-10 in bench points.

For the series, the Heat reserves have outscored the Knicks reserves 116-62 the first four games.

Rebounding Margin The                  Game 1 Knicks   +9 (48-39)  Game 3 Heat +2 (50-48)
First Four Games Of Series             Game 2 Knicks +16 (50-34)  Game 4 Heat +9 (44-35)

The Heat improved to 7-2 so far in 2023 Playoffs, tied for 5^th best start in their postseason history. Began 8-1 in 2005, 2013, 2014, and 2020 Playoffs, reaching The Finals in the last three such instances, winning their third title in their history in 2013. They also became the fourth No. 8 Seed under the 16-team Playoff format, that began in 1984 to win at least seven games.

With a chance to close things out on the road, the Heat had a promising start railroaded by a rough finish the final three quarters in dropping Game 5 112-103 May 10 at the Knicks (TNT), to have their series lead cut to 3-2.

After closing the opening period on a 16-4 run to lead 24-14 after the first, the Heat were outscored 36-23 in the second quarter to trail 50-47 at intermission. They were down by as many as 19 midway through the third period (73-54) but used a 20-11 to close the period and trailed 84-74 after three quarters. A three-pointer by Robinson brough the Heat to within 95-91 with 6:34 left and another triple he made closed the gap to 100-96 with 4:30 left. But the Heat never got closer as they were outscored 12-7 to close the contest.

Butler led the way with 19 points, seven boards, and nine assists, four steals, and two block shots on 9/11 at the foul line. Those 19 points were his lowest of 2023 Playoffs and his first game scoring under 25 points in 2023 Playoffs.

Highest Scoring Average     LeBron James (LAL)  34.4 2017 W/Cavaliers
Through The First Two      *Michael Jordan           33.8 1996 W/Bulls
Rounds With One Or           Jimmy Butler  (MIA)  33.5 2023 W/Heat
Fewer Losses Since 1977      LeBron James (LAL)  32.9 2009 W/Cavaliers
(Minimum 6 Games)           *Michael Jordan           32.4 1993 W/Bulls

Most Consecutive Games Scoring          LeBron James 2012-13  16 
25 Points In Heat Postseason History    Jimmy Butler  2022-23  10
*Hall Of Famer                                        LeBron James 2013-14    8
                                                                 *Dwyane Wade 2009-10    8

Seven-Plus Wins And 33-Plus   LeBron James (LAL) 8-0 Record 34.4 PPG 2017 W/Cavs
PPG In First Eight Games        *Michael Jordan         7-1 Record 33.8 PPG 1996 W/Bulls
Of Postseason                              Jimmy Butler             7-1 Record 33.5 PPG 2023 W/Heat

Adebayo had 18 with eight boards. Robinson scored 17 making 5/10 from three off the bench. Strus scored 14 making four triples (4/10 3-Pt.). Martin also contributed 11 of the pine.  

The Heat in Game 5 only shot 42 percent from the field (37/88 FGs) and were just 13/43 on their triple tries. Had 27 assists and just 12 turnovers and forced 19 Knicks miscues, 11 coming on steals that they turned into 29 points. The Heat only had a 42-40 edge in paint points. But outscored the Knicks reserves again 42-8.

In a traditional slugfest that these two teams were well-known for in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Heat overcame a slow start to overtake the Knicks 96-92 May 12 (ESPN), to win the series 4-2.

The Heat joined the 1999 Knicks as the second No. 8 Seed under the current 16-team Playoff format since 1984 to reach the Conference Finals.

The boys from “South Beach” overcame a 14-point deficit in the opening period (31-17) scoring the final seven points of the period to only trail 31-24 after the first period. They outscored the Knicks 27-19 in the second quarter to lead 51-50 at intermission and led 74-71 after three quarters. The Heat opened the fourth period scoring 11 of the first 16 points to lead 85-76 with 6:25 left and they closed the game by making four straight free throws and held off the Knicks leading the entire second half.

Butler, who was just 7/22 shooting scored 15 of his 24 points in the second half with eight boards going 10/11 at the foul line. It was his ninth 20-point game of the 2023 Playoffs, the Heat improved to 8-1 when that occurred. He averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and six assists for the series. 

Adebayo scored 23 with nine rebounds and two steals on 9/20 shooting. Strus scored 14 with six boards. Lowry scored 11 with nine assists and three steals.

On a night they shot just 40.2 percent from the floor (33/82 FGs) and 7/27 from three-point range, the Heat went 23/25 at the foul line. Had 25 assists on those 33 made field goals with just seven turnovers. They outscored the Knicks 38-20 in the paint and 25-20 in bench points. For the series, the Heat bench outscored the Knicks reserves 183-90.

4^th Quarter Of      NYK                MIA
Game 6                    21     Points     22
                               4/15      FGs     7/22
                             26.7%   FG%   31.8%
                               1/9       3-Pt.      2/6
                             12/15     FTs       6/7
                                12      Rebs       12
                                 1       Asts         5
                                 4       TOs         3

The Heat registered their third comeback victory after trailing by 14-plus points in the 2023 Playoffs.

The Heat earned their third East Finals berth in the last four seasons and their 10^th East Finals berth in their history, all since 1996. It is their seventh Conference Finals berth in the last 13 seasons, including their ninth East Finals appearance since 2000.

The Heat improved to 15-1 in their history when leading a best-of-seven series 3-1.

Most Conference Finals       Heat    7   Warriors 6
Appearances Since 2009      Celtics 7   Cavaliers 5

Most Conference Finals Appearances        *Phil Jackson 14   *Gregg Popovich 10
By An NBA Head Coach Since 1970-71      *Pat Riley      12    Erik Spoelstra       7
When NBA Went To Conferences
*Hall Of Famer

In their third tilt in the East Finals in the past four springs, overcame another double-digit deficit to take homecourt advantage away for the third straight season winning at the Celtics 123-116 May 17 (TNT).

After trailing by as many as 12 in the first half (61-49) and being down 66-57 at intermission and trailing by 12 early in the third quarter, the Heat outscored the Celtics 46-25 in the third using a 13-1 run to tie it 78-78 and outscored the Celtics 45-38 from that point on. The Heat sealed the win with a corner three by Martin off a pass from Butler.

Butler led the way with 35 points, five boards, seven assists, and six steals on 12/25 shooting and 9/10 at the foul line. He scored 12 of his 20 first half points in the opening period, his seventh double-digit scoring output in the first quarter of 2023 Playoffs. Butler also scored 12 points in the third period.

Butler became the first player in Heat postseason history with 35 points and six steals in a game, registering 20 points, five assists, and four steals in the first half.

Heat improved to 9-2 in Game 1s since the arrival of Butler in 2020. 

Adebayo had 20 points with eight boards, and five assists on 9/13 from the field. Vincent (3/5 3-Pt.), Strus (3/5 3-Pt.), Martin (3/7 3-Pt.), and Lowry (3/5 3-Pt.) each scored 15.

The Heat’s 46 points in the third quarter, set a new franchise-record for points in a quarter in a Playoff game. Their previous record was 43 points in a quarter in 2016 against the Hornets.

The boys from “South Beach” registered their fifth victory of the 2023 Playoffs after trailing by double-digits.

They shot 54.1 percent from the floor (46/85 FGs) and 16/31 from three-point range. While they had 15 turnovers that led to 26 Celtics points, the Heat forced 15 Celtics miscues they turned into 22 points.

The Heat overcame another first half double-digit deficit two nights late in the first half and used a dominant fourth quarter to take both at the Celtics, winning Game 2 111-105 (TNT), to take a 2-0 series lead.

After leading by eight early in the first quarter, the Heat, who trailed 25-24 after the first quarter were down 12 early in the second quarter but outscored the boys from “Beantown” 30-25 in the period to lead 54-50 at the half. The Heat though were outscored 33-21 in the third to trail 83-75 after three quarters. They were down 12 early in the final period and trailed 96-87 with 6:30 left. The Heat closed the game on a 24-7 run, including a 13-5 spurt that was ignited by a 17-foot jumper by Butler, who scored nine points in that surge.

Most Wins After Trailing     ^2022 Warriors 7    2023 Heat           6
By 10-Plus Points In A         ^2022 Heat         7    2003 Mavericks 6
Postseason Last 25 Years       2021 Heat         7   ^200 Lakers        6
^Won Championship

Butler scored 27 points with eight boards, six assists, three steals, and two block shots on 12/25 shooting. Martin scored a Playoff career-high 25 points on 11/16 from the field, including 3/7 from three-point range. Adebayo had a near triple-double with 22 points, 17 rebounds, and nine assists on 7/17 shooting and 8/8 at the foul line. Robinson scored 15 on 3/6 from three. Strus scored 11.

Final 6:26 Of    MIA               BOS          ^Butler Scored Nine Points In The Run
Game 2              ^24     Points    9
                           7/11     FGs    2/10
                          10/11    FTs     5/5

The Heat shot 45.7 percent from the field (42/92 FGs) and made up for their 9/26 effort on their triple tries by going 18/19 at the charity stripe. Had 23 assists and just 11 turnovers. They scored 20 points off 15 Celtics turnovers. Stayed even in paint points (48-48). Outrebounded the Celtics 45-35, including 11-6 on the offensive glass, outscoring the Celtics 16-12 in Second Chance points.

The Heat improved to 7-2 in the 2023 Playoffs after trailing by 10-plus points and to 6-0 when Adebayo has scored 20 or more.

The Heat took control of the series with a thrashing of the Celtics in the third quarter to win Game 3 back home 128-102 May 21 (TNT) to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.

The boys from “South Beach” led all of Game 3, blowing the game open outscoring the Celtics 32-17 in the third quarter after leading 61-46 at the half using a 28-7 run in the period to open a 33-point lead (89-56) and led 93-63 after three quarters.

Vincent led the way with 29 points on 11/14 from the field, including 6/9 from three. Robinson off the bench scored 22 on 7/11 from the floor and 5/7 from three-point range. Martin scored 18 off the bench also on 7/11 from the field and 4/7 from three-point range. Butler scored 16 with eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Adebayo scored 13, while Strus scored 10.

The Heat shot 56.8 percent from the field in Game 3 (46/81 FGs) and 19/35 from three and 17/21 at the charity stripe. They had 25 assists on their 46 shots made, and just 10 turnovers.

They forced 15 Celtics’ miscues the Heat turned into 18 points, while holding them to 39.8 percent from the field (39/98 FGs) and 11/42 from three-point range. The Heat bench outscored the Celtics reserves 55-51.

Heat 1^st Half   Caleb Martin        11 Points      First Trio Of Undrafted Players To Score
Game 3           Duncan Robinson 10 Points      10-Plus Points Each In First Half Of A
                        Gabe Vincent         10 Points      Playoff Game IN Modern Era (1966) NBA
                                                                              Playoffs.

Robinson passed LeBron James (123) for most total made triples in Heat postseason history at 124 and counting.

The Heat earned their 41^st consecutive postseason win after leading by 10-plus points at intermission, the third longest such streak in NBA Playoff history. Improved to 6-0 in 2023 Playoffs. They earned their 8^th 3-0 lead in a Playoff series in their postseason history, with seven of those eight coming under Coach Spoelstra, the fifth most by a head coach in NBA Playoff history.

Their first attempt to close out the Celtics went by the wayside with a poor second half as the Heat lost Game 4 116-99 versus the Celtics May 23 (TNT) to have their series cut to 3-1.

After leading by as many as eight in the opening half, led 56-50 at intermission, and were up 61-52 early in the third quarter were outscored 36-18 by the Celtics to close the period and 38-23 in the period to trail 88-79 after three quarters. The Heat scored the first four points of the final period to trail 88-83 with 9:41 left but were outscored 28-16 to close the game and 48-21 over a 14-minute stretch of the second half.

The Heat suffered their first home loss of the 2023 Playoffs, now 6-1 at home at Kaysea Center.

Butler in defeat scored 15 of his 29 points on 5/9 shooting in the third quarter, finishing with nine boards and five assists on 9/21 from the floor and 10/12 at the foul line. Vincent scored 17. Martin scored 16 off the bench. Adebayo scored just 10, all in the second quarter on 4/6 shooting in the period.

While the Heat in Game 4 were 23/28 at the foul line, shot just 43.6 percent from the field (34/78 FGs) and were just 8/32 from three-point range.

The Heat entered action 44/92 (47.8 %) from three-point range the first three games of the series and averaged just 12 turnovers that led to 19 Celtics points. They also entered action averaging 42.3 bench points but had 28 bench points in Game 4.

The poor play of the Heat in second half of Game 4 continued in Game 5 as they were blown right out of TD Garden by the Celtics 110-97 to have their series lead cut to 3-2.

Yes, they outrebounded the Celtics 44-39, including 12-7 on the offensive glass, outscoring the Celtics 46-40 in the paint and 17-15 in Second Chance points. The Heat though were outscored 18-10 in fastbreak points and had 16 turnovers that led to 27 Celtics points.

The lackluster second half by the Heat carried over into Game 5 back in Boston, MA where the Celtics led wire-to-wire in taking down the Het 110-97 May 25 (TNT) to cut the series lead to 3-2.

The Heat trailed 35-20 after the opening period. Were down 61-44 at the half and 90-72 after three quarters.

Robinson in the loss led with 18 points and nine assists on 7/10 from the floor. Adebayo scored 16 with eight rebounds and two blocks on 8/15 shooting. Haywood Highsmith, an undrafted second-year forward scored 15 with two steals on 3/4 from three. Butler (five assists, two steals) and Martin each had 14 points and five boards.

The Heat in Game 5 shot 51.3 percent from the field and outscored the Celtics 52-42 in the paint. But were just 9/23 from three-point range and were just 8/10 at the charity stripe. They had just 20 assists and 16 turnovers (BOS: 13 steals) that led to 27 Celtics points. The visitors from “South Beach” were also outrebounded 37-36, including 12-10 on the offensive glass, getting outscored 17-7 in Second Chance points. In fact, those seven Second Chance points by the Heat all came in the fourth period when the outcome had already been decided.

This was just the second loss the Heat sustained by the Celtics in Boston their last two East Finals tilts, seeing their three-game winning streak at the Celtics in the East Finals snapped.

In the last two games, the Heat have registered 32 total turnovers that were turned into 54 total Celtics points.

Heat 1^st Half     Jimmy Butler & Bam Adebayo Combined For 14 Points And 5 Assists
Game 5              On 5/16 Shooting.

                           Heat Starters Totaled 19 Points on 7/22 Shooting, 1/5 From Three-Point
                           Range With 10 Turnovers That Led To 17 Celtics Points And Were
                           Outscored 13-0 In Second Chance Points. 

The Heat had another slow start in Game 6 and were down double-digits with under five minutes left. But the home team stormed back and were up three in the final seconds before the Celtics scored on a follow at the final buzzer for a 104-103 win in Game 6 May 27 (TNT) to tie the series 3-3 and force a decisive Game 7 back in “Beantown.”

Overcoming an 11-point first half deficit to trail 57-53 at half and down by as many as 13 (78-65) in the third quarter, the Heat closed the period on a 7-1 run to pull to within 79-72 after three quarters. The Heat however were down double-digits again (98-88) with 4:56 left used an 8-2 run to close within 100-96 with 2:04 left and down 102-100, Butler drew a foul on a three-point attempt from Celtics Al Horford and made all three free throws to put the Heat up 103-102 with three seconds left. The Heat however, had their hearts broken at the final buzzer when the Celtics Derrick White followed in the Marcus Smart missed three-pointer.

Butler led the Heat, despite going 5/21 shooting with a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds with eight assists on 12/14 at the foul line.

Jimmy Butler   14 Points 3/19 FGs First 45:30   9 Pts, 2/16 FGs, 9 Rebs, 7 Asts 1^st 3 QTRS
Game 6              10 Points 2/2 FGs Final 2:00 15 Pts, 3/5   FGs, 8/10 FTs 4^th QTR

Butler scored 13 of the Heat’s final 15 points of Game 6 as he registered his fourth double-double of 2023 Playoffs. His 5/21 shooting in Game 6, 28.6 percent tied his worst shooting percentage in a game of his postseason career (on a minimum of 20 shot attempts).

Jimmy Butler First 12 Games 31.1 PPG, 52 FG%, 15/41 3-PT. Record 10-2
2023 Playoffs Last   4 Games 20.8 PPG, 37 FG% 3/11    3-PT.  Record 1-3 

Martin had his second double-double of the 2023 Playoffs with 21 points and 15 rebounds on 7/13 from the floor and 4/8 from three. Vincent, who also struggled from the floor at 6/18 scored 15 on 3/6 from three-point range. Robinson scored 10 of his 13 off the bench in the fourth quarter on 3/6 from three. Adebayo, who was just 4/16 from the field also had a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds with five assists. Strus added 10 points.

Lowry had just eight points and three assists, with two steals in Game 6 on 3/6 shooting.

Kyle Lowry In           Game 1       13 Points      5/7 FGs    2/3 3-PT.
2023 East Finals        Games 2-6  29 Points, 12/34 FGs, 3/16 3-PT.

Butler and Adebayo coming combined to go 9/37 shooting in Game 6, including 7/33 from two-point range.

The Heat in Game 6 shot just 19/63 on their two-point shots, 30.2 two-point percentage. That included a 16/52 effort in Game 6 in the paint, including a 7/27 effort in the first half and were just 9/41 in the paint in the first three quarters.

The Heat in Game 6 due to their many miss shots in the paint only shot 35.5 percent from the field (33/93 FGs), even though they were 14/30 from three-point range and 23/29 at the foul line.

The Heat lost their second straight game at home. They began the 2023 Playoffs 6-0 at home.

The Heat as they have done all season long picked themselves off the floor following went to Boston and took it to the Celtics on their home floor and won Game 7 103-84 to win the series 4-3 and earned their second trip to The Finals in the last four seasons.

After trailing by five early in the opening period, the Heat led from midway in the first quarter on using an 18-6 to close the first period to lead 22-15 after the opening period; led 52-41 at the half and 76-66 after three quarters, where they led by 16 in the third. The Heat opened the fourth quarter with a 20-7 run to lead by 23 (96-73) with 5:33 left.

Butler, who won Eastern Conference Finals MVP led the way with 28 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals on 12/28 shooting, including 3/7 from three. It was his eighth game of

Martin had his second double-double of the series and third of 2023 Playoffs had 26 points and 10 boards on 11/16 shooting, including 4/6 from three-point range. It was his fourth 20-point game of 2023 Playoffs, equaling his total during the regular season.

Adebayo also had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds with seven assists. Robinson (two steals) and Vincent each scored 10.   

The Heat’s 19-point win in Game 7 at the Celtics represented their largest margin of victory on the road in a closeout victory in Conference Finals history under the current 16-team Playoff format (1984). The previous record was a nine-point win.

The Heat became the 151^st team in NBA Playoff History to lead a best-of-seven series 3-0, all-time record 151-0.

Teams In NBA Playoff                     Won Four Game Sweep 92 Times
History To Lead A Best-Of-             Won In Five Games       44 Times
Seven Series 3-0                                Won In Six Games         11 Times
                                                            Won In Seven Games      4 Times

The Heat earned their seventh Finals appearance, all since 2006, with six of the seven appearances under Coach Spoelstra (2006 under Riley).

They improved to 5-3 in Game 7s under Coach Spolestra, tying the late K.C. Jones for the fifth most such victories in NBA Playoff history.

Most Career Playoff Series Wins       *Phil Jackson      56            *Red Auerbach            24
By A Head Coach In NBA Playoff     *Pat Riley            40             Erik Spoelstra (MIA) 22
History *Hall Of Famer                      *Gregg Popovich (SA)37   *John Kundla               22
                                                                                                             *Jerry Sloan                 20

Most Finals Appearances     *Phil Jackson     13   Erik Spoelstra    (MIA) 6   
By Head Coach NBA            *Red Auerbach  11   *Gregg Popovich (SA)   6
History *Hall Of Famer       *Pat Riley             9   *John Kundla                6
                                                                                      Steve Kerr (GS)           6

The Heat joined the 1999 Knicks as the second team to reach the NBA Finals as the No. 8 Seed.

The Heat improved to 68-0 in their postseason history when leading after three quarters by 10-plus points. They are also now 16-0 in their postseason history when leading a best-of-seven series 3-1 and 18-0 when leading a best-of-seven series 2-0.

Trailing for the first three quarters of Game 1 of The Finals, the Heat did rally but came up short falling at the Nuggets 104-93 June 1 (ABC).

The Heat trailed virtually the entire game down 29-20 after the opening period and trailed 59-42 at the half. They were down by as many as 24 in the third quarter and were behind 84-63 after three quarters. The boys from “South Beach” used an 11-0 run, going 3/4 from three in that stretch and then had an 11-4 that cut the deficit to 96-87 with 2:34 left but got  no closer.

Adebayo led the Heat with 26 points, 13 rebounds and five assists on 13/25 from the field, with 16 of those 25 coming in the opening half. Highsmith had another strong performance with 18 points and two steals on 7/10 shooting. Butler registered a postseason-low for 2023 with 13 points with seven boards, and seven assists. Lowry scored 11 with five assists, and five rebounds on 3/6 from three.

This was the Heat’s first defeat in Game 1 of 2023 Playoffs after winning the opener of their first three series.

While they had 26 assists in Game 1, they shot just 40.6 percent from the floor (39/96 FGs) and just 13/39 from three-point range, including just 3/23 on threes that were contested.

They were just 2/2 at the foul line, both by Highsmith, with the two free throw attempts are the fewest in a Playoff game in NBA history. The previous mark was by the Lakers who were just 3/5 at the foul line on May 26, 1983.

Butler’s zero free throw attempts in Game 1 was only the second time all season he did not attempt a free throw in a game.

The Heat entered the 2023 Finals as the third team in NBA history to reach The Finals after ranking dead last (30^th) in scoring average in the regular season.

The boys from “South Beach” gained a split at the Nuggets overcoming another double-digit deficit behind a fabulous fourth quarter winning Game 2 111-108 June 4 (ABC) to tie the series 1-1.

Down 50-35 with 5:02 left in the second quarter, the Heat used a 16-7 run to only trail 57-51 at intermission despite getting outscored 34-25 in the period and trailed 83-75 after three quarters.

Robinson opened the fourth quarter scoring 10 of the Heat’s first 12 points in the period and the Heat opened the fourth quarter on a 17-5 run and built a 104-93 lead with 4:53 left. The Nuggets surged back with an 11-4 run to pull within 111-106 following two free throws by Adebayo with 48.3 seconds left. The Heat survived when the game-tying three at the final buzzer by the Nuggets’ Jamal Murray missed at the final buzzer.

Vincent, after a quiet Game 1, scored a team-high 23 points with two steals on 8/12 from the floor and 4/6 from three-point range. Adebayo had 21 points with nine rebounds and two blocks on 8/14 shooting. Butler also scored 21 with nine assists despite going 7/19 shooting. Strus scored 14 with six assists, making four triples (4/10 3-Pt.) Robinson, who as mentioned scored 10 points, all in the final period. Love, who started in place of Martin scored six points with 10 rebounds, and two steals making two threes (2/6 3-Pt.).

Butler, who was 5/5 at the charity stripe in Game 2, joined James and Wade as the only three players in Heat postseason history to total 500 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists in a single postseason.

Butler and Adebayo combined to score 18 of the Heat’s final 21 points in Game 2.

The Heat in Game 2 shot 48.7 percent (38/78 FGs) and 17/35 from three-point range. After going just 2/2 from the foul line in Game 1, they went 18/20 in Game 2. They had 28 assists and just 11 turnovers. They scored 19 points off 14 Nuggets turnovers.

The victory also snapped the Heat’s 10-game losing streak at the Nuggets.

With their 13^th win in 2023 Playoffs, which broke a tie with the aforementioned 1999 Knicks for the most wins in the postseason by a No. 8 Seed in NBA Playoff history. It was also their seventh road win of the 2023 Playoffs, which tied their most in their postseason history. They are now 7-5 on the road (6-2 at home) in 2023 Playoffs).

Back on their home floor, the Heat was not on the final three quarters and were defeated 109-94 June 7 (ABC), falling behind 2-1 in the series.

After being tied 24-24 after the opening period, where they led by as many as five, the Heat were outscored 85-70 over the final three quarters, where they trailed by as many as 21 in the second half.

Butler led the way in defeat scoring 10 of his 28 points in the opening on 11/24 shooting. Adebayo had a double-double with 22 points and 17 rebounds, overcoming a 7/21 performance from the floor by going 8/10 at the free throw line. He entered action total 21/29 shooting (54 FG%) the first two games of The Finals.

Martin scored 10 with two steals off the bench.

Heat In           Duncan Robinson 9 Points 3/6 3-PT.
Game 3           Gabe Vincent        7 Points 2/10 FGs, 1/6 3-PT.
                        Kevin Love            6 Points, 2 Rebs, 2/5 3-PT.

The Heat shot just 37 percent from the floor (34/92 FGs) and just 11/35 from three-point range. Were outrebounded 58-33 including 13-10 on the offensive glass and were outscored 60-34 in the paint and 14-7 in Second Chance points.

This was the Heat’s first loss in Game 3 of the 2023 Playoffs, now 3-1.

The game played out the same way in Game 4 as the Heat were outscored once again the final three quarters in falling 108-95, to fall behind in The Finals 3-1.

The Heat, who led 21-20 after the opening period, were outscored 88-74 the final three quarters, including 66-52 the middle two quarters, leading from midway in the second quarter on up by as many in the third period and by as many as 17 in the fourth quarter. The Heat cut the deficit to 86-81 on a three-point play by Butler. They never got closer.

Butler led the Heat in the loss with 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists on 9/17 shooting and 6/9 at the foul line. Adebayo had another double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds on 8/19 shooting. Lowry scored 13 and seven assists, hitting all six of his shots.  Love (3/5 3-Pt.) and Robinson each scored 12. Martin had 11 points with five rebounds.

2^nd Half Of    Jimmy Butler 11 Points, 7 Assists, 3/8 FGs        2 Turnovers
Game 4          Bam Adebayo   8 Points, 8 Rebounds, 2/8 FGs, 5 Turnovers

While the Heat shot 44.9 percent from the field (35/78 FGs), they were just 8/25 from three-point range. They had 23 assists but 15 turnovers, 11 off of steals that led to 17 Nuggets points. They were also held under 100 points for the sixth time in 2023 Playoffs, including for the third time in the first four games of this Finals series.

After beginning the 2023 Playoffs 6-0 at home have dropped a franchise Playoff record fourth straight game at Kaseya Center.

Facing elimination for the first time in 2023 Playoffs, the Heat came out swinging in Game 5 leading by double-digits in the first half and were right on doorstep of forcing the series back to “South Beach.” But their anemic offense that was there during the regular season showed itself at the clutch time and they lost 94-89 to lose the championship series 4-1.

The Heat led 24-22 after the opening period. Were up by 10 in the second quarter and led 51-44 at intermission. They led 55-47 early in the third quarter before a 13-5 run by the Nuggets nodded things up 60-60 with 6:46 left in the period. A three-pointer by Lowry put the Heat back on top 71-70, which is what they led by after three quarters.

A 15-4 start to the final period had the Heat down 86-79 with 4:06 left. Butler scored eight straight points that was capped by three free throws of a foul on a three-point shot by Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon that put the Heat back on top 87-86 with 2:47 left. After the Nuggets’ two-time Kia MVP Nikola Jokic hit a layup that put the Nuggets back in front by one, Butler hit two more free throws to put the Heat back in the lead at 89-88 with 1:58 left. The Nuggets closed the game scoring the final five points, and the Heat to close the game turned it over when the Nuggets’ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope stole a pass by Butler, and Butler with the Heat down three (92-89) missed the tying three with 17 seconds left.

Butler in defeat led the Heat with 21 points, five assists and three steals on 9/11 from the free throw line. But shot just 5/18 from the floor in registering his nine career 20-plus point game in The Finals.

Jimmy Butler    1^st 3 QTRS 8 Points, 2/10 FGs, 4/6 FTs
In Game 5          4^th QTR   13 Points, 3/8 FGs, 2/5 3-PT., 5/5 FTs

In the final five minutes of Game 5, Butler scored 13 points on 3/5 shooting, including 2/4 from three-point range and 5/5 at the charity stripe.

Adebayo had the fifth 20/10 (points/rebounds) game of his Finals career with 20 points and 12 boards on 9/20 shooting. Four of those five such games came in the 2023 Finals

Bam Adebayo In       1^st Half 18 Points, 9 Rebounds, 8/13 FGs (14 Pts, 6 Rebs 6/11 FGs
Game 5                       1^st QTR)

                                    2^nd Half  2 Points, 3 Rebounds, 1/7 FGs (2 Points, 1 Rebound, 1/5 FGs
                                    3^rd QTR)

Lowry (9 rebounds, 2 steals) and Strus (8 rebounds) scored 12 points each. Martin scored 10 with five rebounds off the bench.

Heat Others In          Gabe Vincent        6 Points, 3/13 FGs, 0/4 3-PT.
Game 5                       Duncan Robinson 5 Points, 3 Rebounds, 2/6 FGs, 1/3 3-PT.
                                    Kevin Love            3 Points, 2 Rebounds, 1/4 3-PT.

The Heat in Game 5 shot just 34.4 percent from the floor (33/96 FGs) and were just 9/35 from three-point range and 14/16 at the foul line. They only had 18 assists but just eight turnovers.

The Heat were outrebounded 57-44 (11-11 on the offensive glass) and were outscored 60-44 in the paint and 19-12 in Second Chance points.

Heat In 2023        1^st 3 Rounds                    2023 Finals      
Playoffs                       12-6          Record          1-4
                                    111.7           PPG            96.4
                                    47.2%        FG%           40.7%
                                    39.0%       3-Pt.%          34.3%
                                    28.5      Jimmy Bulter   21.6
                                                        PPG

                                                        Points Differential
Heat In 2023     1^st  Quarter                     +3
Playoffs             2^nd Quarter                    -21
                           3^rd Quarter                     -33
                           4^th Quarter                    +83

                                                                                             Won Title
Most Double-Digit Comeback         2011 Heat 7                   Yes
Wins In Single Postseason In           2012 Heat 7                   Yes
NBA Playoffs The Last 25 Years     2022 Warriors 7           Yes
                                                            2023 Heat 7                   No

The Heat became the second No. 8 Seed under the current 16-team NBA Playoff format to reach The Finals, joining the aforementioned 1999 Knicks, who like the Heat lost 4-1 to the Spurs.

The Heat in 2023 Playoffs went 7-6 on the road and 6-4 at home, beginning this past postseason 6-0 at Kaseya Center.

The Heat’s 2023 Offseason was more about who they did not add to their roster than who they did add.

Starting with June’s draft, the Heat with the No. 18 overall pick selected senior forward Jaime Jacquez, Jr. out of UCLA.

In free agency, the Heat re-signed Love to a two-year, $7.8 million deal on June 30 (official July 6). They also signed guard Josh Richardson (10.1 ppg, 36.5 3-Pt.% w/ Spurs & Pelicans) on a two-year, $5.9 million deal, with the second year being a player option.

At the start of July, the Heat added center Thomas Bryant (9.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 62.3 FG% w/Lakers & Nuggets).

On July 6 in a trade with the Thunder, the Heat sent Oladipo, who exercised his $9.4 million player option for 2023-24 to OKC along with a 2029 and 2030 Second-Round pick in exchange for cash considerations.

There was a lot of talk this offseason about the Heat adding perennial All-Star lead guard Damian Lillard of the Trail Blazers. It was believed that he would be the missing piece for a Heat squad that found its offensive stride in 2023 Playoffs but came back to earth to what they did during the regular season in The Finals.

Heat Offense                  Regular Season                         Playoffs  
Regular Season            109.5 PPG (30^th)         PPG     108.3 (10^th)
& Playoffs In                      46.0% (26^th)         FG%    45.8% (7^th)
2022-23                                34.4% (27^th)        3-Pt.%   38.0% (1^st)
(NBA Rank)                        23.8     (25^th)         APG      23.6    (8^th)

The talk of acquiring Lillard ended up being just that talk. The Trail Blazers aside from one conversation according to sources had no interest in what the Heat had and eventually found something better with the Bucks, which was where Lillard ended up being dealt to.

That was not the only setback for the Heat during the offseason. Vincent and Strus, who came to symbolize what “Heat Culture” is all about. Hard work and commitment to getting better and showing it on the hardwood when you get your chance. That resulted in both players became to pricey for the Heat and both got their big paydays elsewhere with the Lakers and Heat respectably. In the case of Strus, he was dealt in a sign-and-trade to the Cavaliers (four-year, $63 million deal) in exchange for the Lakers’ 2026 Second-Round pick.

With the Heat’s track record of finding gems when no one else is looking, they will put in the work to find replacements for Vincent and Strus.

Jacquez, who averaged a team-leading 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds on 48 percent shooting a season ago might be that next one.

Sure, the Pac-12 Player of the Year last season stayed in school longer than he probably wanted, meaning his would not have been selected higher if he left school early.

That said, he became a better player and showed that growth at workouts and at combines and that resulted him being selected in the middle portion of the First-Round.

The 6-foot-7, 226-pound Jacquez brings a versatility on both ends. Is tough, hard noised player that is offensively sound. Is a good iso scorer, who has great footwork.

Richardson, who the Heat drafted No. 40 overall in 2015 played his first four NBA season in “South Beach” where he put up scoring averages of 10.2, 12.9, and 16.6 the following three seasons (2016-19) and developed into a solid defender.

In speaking with “Five On The Floor” podcast of Five Reasons Sports Network at Media Day, Richardson said what he missed from his Heat days to his time with the 76ers, Spurs, Mavericks, Celtics, and Pelicans (2019-23) is “accountability” like from showing up on time. If you are 10 minutes late to like practice with the Heat, that is a major problem.  

“Everywhere don’t hold players accountable like they do here. Like across the board. And I think that was probably my first big shell shock,” Richardson added.  

The Heat hope that Richardson can be that same player he grew to in his first stint with the Heat.  

Richardson, 30, added at Media Day that he is a “different player.” From how he “comprehends” things on the hardwood.

“I’m probably not flying through the air as much anymore just like doing crazy stuff, you know? But you know, it’s different. I’m still effective in different ways on the court…I still am very vocal, very like expressive in how I play. But things are different.”

Bryant, who has battled injuries throughout his first six NBA seasons, when he was healthy showed he could man the pivot on both ends. When he got time with the Lakers in the early portion of 2022-23, the No. 42 overall pick out of Indiana University was a productive player.

Thomas Bryant’s Most         2018-19 W/Wizards 10.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 61.6 FG% 72 Games
Productive NBA Seasons      (53 Starts).

                                                2019-20 W/Wizards 13.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 58.1 FG%, 46 Games
                                                (36 Starts).

                                                2020-21 W/Wizards 14.3 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 64.8 FG%, 10 Games
                                                (All Starts)

                                                2022-23 W/Lakers 12.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 65.4 FG%, 41 Games
                                                (25 Starts)

In speaking with “Five On The Floor,” Bryant said in what made sense for him to sign with the Heat “embodies” in what he believes in. Being in “tip-top” shape. Being “accountable.” Bringing a “Grit N’Grind” attitude to win each time you take the hardwood.

When it comes to getting consistent minutes and not playing a great deal in his time with the Lakers, Wizards, and Nuggets, Bryant said it comes down to “playing the cards that you have hand.”

“In life, there’s difficult situations that you have to go about and how you’re going to deal with them. For me, it was the aspect of many different situations. How you’re going to deal with these situations,” Bryant said. “Are you going to dwell on them or figure out a way to improve yourself and take the challenge at hand. And for me, that was taking on the challenge at hand.”

“I feel like I’ve done a great job of that throughout my career. And I feel like, you know, the teammates and coaching staff here have seen that as well, especially throughout the workouts. Constant improvement, day-in and day-out. So, I believe that’s going to help me in the long run here.”

What will help the Heat out in the long run for 2023-24 is their “Big Three” of Butler, Adebayo, and Herro having the kind of season they had a year ago, where this trio became the first in Heat history to each average 20 points per contest. This trio was the epicenter of the Heat’s offensive attack.

In speaking with NBATV’s Taylor Rooks via satellite on Media Day, Butler, who sported a noticeable new look in terms of having his hair permed with three piercings in his mouth and two in his left eye said about the Heat having enough talent to win a title “Sure do.”

He added referencing himself and his jersey number “I just like No. 22 for the Heat. I think he’s gotten better at basketball through the years and the guys that he has around him is more than enough to win, and we will do just that.”

Adebayo showed in the regular season and the postseason that he can be the Heat’s “Robin” to Butler’s “Batman” offensively or vice versa to go along with what he does defensively from guarding in the paint to checking guards on the perimeter.

The Heat will need their All-Star center to be that at an even higher level this season if they want to have a chance to contend in an Eastern Conference that is top heavy with the Bucks and Celtics.

At Media Day, Adebayo said the main thing he wants to add to his game this season is “being more vocal as leader.”

“For me, man just being the man up front using their voice,” Adebayo added. “Definitely embracing it. Definitely taking that under my wing.”

The main reason for Butler and Adebayo specifically being more vocal for the Heat is because after 20 seasons in “South Beach” helping the Heat win four titles in six Finals appearances, Udonis Haslem retired this offseason.

Players To Play 20-Plus
Seasons In NBA History     Vince Carter      22    LeBron James (LAL)    21 (Entering 21^st)
*Hall Of Famer                  *Robert Parish   21   *Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 20
                                               Kevin Willis      21   *Kobe Bryant                  20
                                              *Kevin Garnett  21    Jamal Crawford            20
                                              *Dirk Nowitzki  21    Udonis Haslem               20

Adebayo said Haslem, affectionately called “UD” showed him a great deal of “guidance” in his first six NBA seasons with the Heat. Adebayo plans to “implement” those lessons into this season into the young guys on the Heat.

One of those young guys Adebayo and Butler hope to implement their style of leadership on is Herro, who as mentioned basically missed all of the Heat’s run to The Finals this past spring.

Throughout this summer, Herro was mentioned in trade rumors in the hopes of the Heat acquiring Lillard, which many would see as a compliment.

Herro said at Media Day when asked about how he dealt with those trade rumors that he is in a “great mindset” with himself and his teammates and that he is “ready to roll,” for 2023-24, especially after sitting out nearly the entire 2023 Playoffs.

“It was very tough,” Herro said about missing the Playoff run due to his injured hand. “I just wanted to be out there. But it was, you know, a great experience to be able to be part of it either way. Whether it was being on the bench or playing.”

“I still learned a lot from just being a part of that run. I put in a lot of work to get back for The Finals and…I was close but I don’t think I was 100 percent ready to come back even until a month after the season ended.”

In the first seven seasons of Miami Heat basketball (1988-95), they only made the Playoffs twice (1992 & 1994), losing in the First Round to the eventual NBA champion Bulls (3-0) and the Hawks (3-2).

When Pat Riley came to town nearly three decades ago, things changed completely. There were nine Eastern Conference Finals appearances and six NBA Finals appearances that have resulted in three NBA titles (2006, 2012, & 2013).

In the Riley era (1995-present), first as a coach and now 18 seasons as an executive, the Heat have had Hall of Fame headliners, starting with Alonzo Mourning and Tim Hardaway, Sr. flanked by the likes of Dan Majerle, Jamal Mashburn, now TV color analyst for the Heat on Bally Sports Sun John Crotty, Voshon Leonard, and Keith Askins from 1995-2003. The furthest that group went was the East Finals in 1997 where they lost to the Hall of Fame quartet of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and head coach Phil Jackson 4-1.

When now Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade rolled into town in 2003-04, followed by fellow Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal one year later, and in 2005-06 flanked by fellow Hall of Famer Gary Payton and a supporting cast of Haslem, Derek Anderson, James Posey, Jason Williams, All-Star Antoine Walker, and the younger brother of Wizards guard Delon Wright Dorell took down fellow Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks to win the Heat’s first NBA title in 2006.

It was not until the 2010s the Heat were back in the championship picture when now Lakers’ perennial All-Star LeBron James and fellow Hall of Famer Chris Bosh joined forces with Wade to form “The Heatles.”

That group represented the Eastern Conference in four straight NBA Finals (2011-14) winning it all in 2012 taking down the then Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden led Thunder 4-1, winning the final four games of that series.

The Heat punctuated that title with another in 2013 when fellow Hall of Famer Ray Allen’ three-pointer at the close of regulation in Game 6, which they won in overtime and took down fellow Hall of Famers Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, and head coach Gregg Popovich in Game 7 of the 2013 Finals.

The current core of the Heat headlined by Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro have had two chances in the last four seasons to reach the NBA’s mountain top. But have been denied first by James and the Lakers 4-2 in the 2020 restart in Orlando, FL because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and last season by the Nuggets dynamic duo of reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

There are many that say the 2023-24 Miami Heat will be lucky if they even crack the Top 6 in the Eastern Conference and make the Playoffs this spring outright. Good thing for the Heat, they are stubborn enough to believe even with their competitors in the Bucks and Celtics loading up like they did this offseason. That the likes of the 76ers, and Knicks have maybe more talented rosters. The only thing that the Heat want is the chance to take the floor and have it decided where it really matters on the hardwood. If they have that chance, they have enough faith if they bring their best to the hardwood, they will be the last team standing in the regular season and the postseason.

“When you look at what we did [last year] as an Eighth Seed, you know? I just think anything’s possible,” Adebayo said at Media Day about the Heat’s chances of making it back to The Finals this spring. “So, if you feel like you’re down and out, you know, there’s still a chance.”

Coach Spoelstra echoed those same feelings saying at Media Day, “You have to find a comfort level within the chaos. Pat [Riley] uses this phrase all the time, and it is so true. ‘You keep the main thing the main thing. You focus on the task at hand.’

“We have a beautiful, amazing opportunity as a group to compete for a title. That is the main thing.”  

Best Case Scenario: The Heat remain healthy are in the middle of the pack Seed in Eastern Conference. Butler, Adebayo, and Herro each average 20 points again are in the conversation to all be All-Stars. Adebayo is a top candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. The Heat area a Top 15 offense, ranking in the Top in three-point shooting. Are a Top 5 Defense again. The Heat are in the East Semifinals.

Worst Case Scenario: The Heat again deal with injuries to the likes of Butler and Herro. They struggled again offensively. The have to make the postseason through the Play-In Tournament. They have an early exit in the postseason.  

Grade: D 

Milwaukee Bucks: 58-24 Record; 1^st Central Division (No. 1 Seed East); 32-9 at home, 26-15 on the road; Lost to No. 8 Seeded Miami Heat 4-1 in Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

-116.9 ppg-8^th ; opp. ppg: 113.3-14^th; 48.6 rpg-1^st

They have finished with the best record in the NBA in three out of the past five seasons. Outside of winning it all in 2021, the Milwaukee Bucks have had their season conclude in disappointing fashion in four out of last five season, including this past spring when they fell in five games to the eventual East champions from “South Beach” who had to make the Playoffs through the Play-In Tournament. With the blockbuster acquisition of a perennial All-Star lead guard from “Rip City” teaming up with arguably the best player in “The Association” coupled with a very talented core group, under the direction of their new first-year sideline leader, the plan for Bucks this upcoming season is to simply win their second title in the last four seasons and hopefully a couple more after that.

The Bucks began 2022-23 in style with an eight-game winning streak, their best start in franchise history, surpassing their 7-0 mark to start the first championship season of 1970-71 season and in 2018-19, the start of their current stellar run.

They were 15-5 after their first 20 games and finish the season going 43-19, which included a 16-game winning streak (Jan. 23-Mar. 4, 2023) and an NBA-best 17-7 post All-Star break, overtaking the Celtics to be the No. 1 Seed in the Eastern Conference.

            Longest Double-Digit Winning Streaks In Bucks History                       
1) 20 In 1971                                      7) 12 In 1982
2) 18 In 2020                                      8) 11 In 1985
3) 16 In 1971, 1973-74, 2020             9) 10 In 1971, 1972, 1974, 1980, 1981
6) 13 In 1974                                          1986

In March, the Bucks compiled an 11-5 record, trailed on the 12-5 mark by the 76ers in the East and was tied with Kings for the third best mark in the league.

With their win (116-104) at the Suns on Mar. 14 (NBATV), the Bucks were the first team to reach the 50-win mark and the first team in the league to clinch a Playoff spot for the seventh straight season, their second longest streak of postseason appearances in franchise history behind their 12 straight Playoff appearances (1980-91). It was their 17^th season winning 50-plus games, including their second straight season with that many victories and their third in the last four seasons.  

           Longest Active Streak of Postseason Appearance In NBA          
Celtics 9 (Since 2015)    Nuggets  5 (Since 2019)    Suns 3 (Since 2021
Bucks  7 (Since 2017)    Heat       4 (Since 2020)
76ers   6 (Since 2018)    Hawks    3 (Since 2021)
Nets     5 (Since 2019)   Grizzlies 3 (Since 2021)

The Bucks concluded 2022-23 with a 15-4 mark their final 19 home games, finishing with a 32-9 mark at Fiserv Forum, tied with Celtics for the fourth best home mark in “The Association.”

A 26-15 mark by the Bucks on the road was the league’s best in 2022-23, going 15-3 their final 18 home games to close last season.

The Bucks during this great stretch of making the Playoffs for close to a decade is in large part to the fact that they brought their best to the hardwood whether they play against the NBA’s best or one of the bottom feeders. They also had the ability to bounce back following a loss during this period of time.

Best Records Following        Bucks    81-33   Clippers       95-60
A Loss Since 2018-19            Nuggets 87-50    Mavericks 102-78
                                                76ers     89-52

Top Records Versus             Celtics 33-15      Nuggets            29-18   Heat 24-24
Teams .500 or Better            Bucks  31-17     Timberwolves  25-22
In NBA In 2022-23               76ers   30-18      Grizzlies           24-23

The Bucks also took care of business against sub. 500 teams last season compiling a 27-7 mark.

The Bucks once again were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo (31.1 ppg-5^th NBA, 11.8 rpg-3^rd NBA, 5.7 apg, 55.3 FG%), who earned his seventh straight All-Star selection and his seventh straight All-NBA selection, making the First Team for fourth straight season (2019-23).

The 2021 Finals MVP, 2020 Kia Defensive Player of the Year, and five-time NBA All-Defensive selection set a career-high in scoring average. Finished No. 4 in the league with 46 double-doubles, his ninth consecutive season with double-digit double-doubles. That included six of his 35 career triple-doubles.

Double-Doubles Last            2017-18: 42    2020-21: 41
Six Season By Giannis          2018-19: 54    2021-22: 46
Antetokounmpo                    2019-20: 56    2022-23: 46

Only Zion Williamson had a higher scoring average in the paint at 19.1 in the league in 2022-23 to the 18.8 scoring output in the paint by Antetokounmpo.

He posted 26 games with 20-plus points in the paint, including five games with 30 points in the paint.

The 2017 Kia Most Improved Player finished No. 5 in “The Association” with a career-high 39 games scoring 30-plus points. He joined Hall of Famer and former Buck Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as just the second player in NBA history to average at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists on at least 55 percent from the field.

The two-time Kia MVP (2018-19 & 2019-20) joined the Hall of Famers in the late Wilt Chamberlin (twice) and Elgin Baylor (1960-61); fellow Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson (twice) and Abdul-Jabbar (1972-73) and the Clippers Russell Westbrook (2016-17 w/Thunder) to register 30/10/5 for a season in NBA history. 

In the Bucks’ 104-101 overtime triumph Jan. 4 at the Raptors (ESPN), Antetokounmpo registered his 32^nd career triple-double of 30 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists going 15/21 at the charity stripe, which tied Warriors Draymond Green and Hall of Famer of the Celtics John Havlicek for No. 15 on the NBA’s all-time triple-double list.

Antetokounmpo also on that night became the first player since Abdul-Jabbar to total 200-plus points, 80-plus rebounds, and 30-plus assists over a five-game span.

Antetokounmpo, a two-time Kia MVP registered 31 games in 2022-23 with at least 30 points and 10 boards in 2022-23.

Games of 30/10 (Point/Rebounds) 2019-20: 34; 2022-23: 31; 2021-22: 28
By Giannis Antetokounmpo In
Recent Years

His 11 games of at least 20/10/2 (points/rebounds/blocks) was third NBA.

Most Games With At Least 20 Points, 10 Rebounds, And 2 Blocks NBA 2022-23
Anthony Davis (LAL) 21      Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) 11
Joel Embiid (PHI)       19      Kristaps Porzingis (WAS)          10

That included a career-high 11 40-plus points games, which was also fifth in NBA last season.

In the Bucks win (125-105) Oct. 22, 2022 versus the Houston Rockets, Antetokounmpo had 44 points and 12 rebounds on 17/21 FGs and 8/13 at the charity stripe and surpassed Bucks legend Sidney Moncrief (3,505) for most free throws made now at 3,996.

In the Bucks 123-114 triumph Dec. 30, 2022 versus the Timberwolves, Antetokounmpo had 43 points, 20 rebounds and five assists on 14/23 from the floor and 14/21 at the foul line, joined late Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlin and Elgin Baylor as the only three players in NBA history with back-to-back games of at least 40 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists. He also became just the seventh player since the 1976-77 NBA/ABA merger with a game of 40/20/5 (points/rebounds/assists) games on 60 percent shooting and joined Hall of Famer and NBA on TNT studio analyst Charles Barkley to do it multiple times. 

In the Bucks’ win (112-100) Feb. 16 at the Bulls (TNT), Antetokounmpo, who left the game in the first period due to hand injury after nine minutes (2 points, 7 rebounds) surpassed Paul Pressey for the most career assists in franchise history, now at 3,379.

When the Bucks took down won 118-111 Mar. 19 versus the Raptors (NBATV), Antetokounmpo had 22 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks, became the Bucks all-time leader in games played with his 712^th, now at 719. He surpassed Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman, who totaled 711 career games with the Bucks (1975-84; 1986-87). His 9/9 performance from the field that night represented the 14^th time in NBA history a player registered a triple-double on 100 percent shooting.  

Antetokounmpo last season also registered a career-high of three of his six 50-plus points, tied with Trail Blazers Damian Lillard and 76res Joel Embiid for second most in NBA in 2022-23. He also joined Abdul-Jabbar as the only two players to register at least three 50-point games in a season in Bucks history.

                          50-Point Games In 2022-23 By Giannis Antetokounmpo                                  
Jan. 3, 2023 Versus Wizards (123-113 Win): 55 Points-New Career-High,
10 Rebounds, 7 Assists, 20/30 FGs, 15/16 FTs

Jan. 29, 2023 Versus Pelicans (135-110 Win): 50 Points, 13 Rebounds, 20/26 FGs, 3/4 3-Pt.,
7/12 FTs

Feb. 2, 2023 Versus Clippers (106-105 Win) (TNT): 54 Points (20 Pts 4^th Qtr.), 19 Rebounds, 21/29 FGs, 10/15 FTs

Three off-seasons back, the Bucks traded a plethora of their draft capital to acquire All-Star guard Jrue Holiday and that resulted in them earning their second title in franchise history.

After missing 69 total games in 2021-22 due to an injured back, that required surgery, Brook Lopez (15.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.5 bpg-T-2^nd NBA, 53.1 FG%, 37.4 3-Pt.%) put together one of the best seasons of his 15-year NBA career.

Lopez registered his highest scoring average since 2016-17 with Nets (20.5) and his highest rebound average the season prior in 2015-16 also with the Nets (7.8). He made 100-plus total triples for the fifth time in the last seven seasons, including making 130-plus total triples for the third time in that span. He also averaged over two block shots for the third time in his five seasons with the Bucks and for the fourth time in his career. (2.1 BPG 2012-13 w/Nets)

Seasons With Double-Digit              W/Nets   2008-09: 18 2009-10: 33 2012-13: 12
Double-Doubles By Brook Lopez                    2014-15: 17 2015-16: 26
                                                            W/Bucks 2022-23: 11

In the final 21 games of 2022-23, Lopez averaged 20.2 points and 7.1 boards and 2.6 blocks on 59.1 percent from the field, including 38 percent from three-point range.

The Bucks during this five-year span of success has included solid play from their third All-Star Khris Middleton (15.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg). Last season though, the three-time All-Star was slowed by injuries missing 49 total games in 2022-23, which resulted in his lowest scoring average since his first season with the Bucks (12.1 ppg 2013-14). His 43.6 percent from the field a season ago was a career-low and his 31.5 percent from three-point range was his lowest since his rookie season with the Pistons (31.1 3-Pt.% 2012-13).

Middleton missed the first 20 games of 2022-23 recovering from wrist surgery and battled a troublesome knee.

In his first 12 games played in 2022-23, Middleton averaged just 13.2 points on 42 percent from the floor and 29 percent from three.

It was not until the final 12 games of 2022-23 that Middleton got back to being his productive self where he averaged 18.3 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.5 boards on 46.1 percent shooting and 34.9 percent from three.

The Bucks All-Star       Giannis Antetokounmpo: 30.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 6.8 APG, 60.2 FG%
Trio In March 2023      Khris Middleton:               18.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.4 APG, 46.2 FG%
                                        Jrue Holiday:                     17.2 PPG, 7.9 APG, 4.5 RPG, 49.7 FG%

They were without their other two All-Stars in Antetokounmpo and Holiday for a number of games a season ago. Antetokounmpo, who battled through knee soreness missed 19 games in 2022-23. Holiday missed 15 games a season ago.

Bucks Record With And           Went 47-16 With Giannis Antetokounmpo (11-8 W/O Him)
Without Their “Big Three”      Went 50-17 With Jrue Holiday (8-7 W/O Him)
In 2022-23                                   Went 25-8 With Khris Middleton (33-16 W/O Him)

The Bucks were able to achieve the best record in NBA in 2022-23 with their three All-Stars players missing time last season because of injury, illness, or to rest them is because the supporting cast rose to the moment when called upon.

Bucks’ top substitute Bobby Portis (14.1 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 49.6 FG%, 37.0 3-Pt.%) put together another solid season, where he tied the second-highest scoring average of his career while registering a career-high in rebounds per contest as well as double-doubles and made the second highest total in made threes with 95 (95/257 3-Pt.).

Double-Digit Double-Double  W/Bulls        2017-18: 12
Seasons By Bobby Portis         W/Wizards  2018-19: 10
                                                    W/Bucks     2020-21: 12 2021-22: 24 2022-23: 38

Portis registered 23 of his career-high 38 double-doubles in 2022-23 off the bench.

For second straight season, Grayson Allen (10.4 ppg, 44.0 FG%, 39.9 3-Pt.%) provided the Bucks consistent accuracy from three-point range, making over 145 total triples, even though he missed 10 games.

Allen perimeter stroke proved to be significant because the Bucks’ other sharp-shooter and other all-around player Pay Connaughton (7.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg) missed 21 total games in 2022-23 due to injury. 

When he did play, Connaughton registered two of his three career double-doubles. He had 11 points and 11 rebounds on going 3/7 from three in Bucks 111-107 victory Jan. 9 at the Knicks. In the Bucks 107-99 triumph versus the eventual NBA champion Nuggets, Connaughton had 19 points and a season-high 12 rebounds, and two steals on 7/8 shooting, including 5/8 from three. In the Bucks aforementioned win versus the Clippers, Connaughton had eight points and 10 boards. He also had 10 rebounds with five points in the Bucks 130-94 victory Mar. 22 versus the Spurs.

When the Bucks were healthy and whole in 2022-23, they were one of the most balanced teams in the NBA on both ends.

Bucks Offense 2022-23   47.3 FG%-19^th                 14.3 2^nd Chance Pts-T-9^th
NBA Ranks                      36.8 3-Pt.%-10^th
                                          40.3 3-Pt. Att-4^th
                                          14.8 3-Pt. Made-4^th

                                                             3-PT. ATT.   NBA Rank     3-PT.%        NBA Rank
Bucks Three-Point           2020-21          37.1                8^th               38.9%               5^th
Shooting Ranks The        2021-22          38.4                 5^th              36.6%                5^th    
Last Three Seasons          2022-23         40.3                 4^th               36.8%               10^th

Last season, the Bucks were 50-2 when they shot better from the field than their opponent, including a 24-4 mark when they shot 50 percent from the field or better. They were 23-5 when they shot 40 percent or better from three-point range, including 3-1 when they shot 50 percent or better on their triple tries.

The Bucks went 30-7 in 2022-23 when they made 15-plus threes, including 6-4 when they made 20-plus triples.

In their 139-117 victory Mar. 1 versus the Magic, the Bucks made a season-high 26 threes, going 26/56 on their triple tries. They also tied the second most made three in a game, equal their 26/50 effort Nov. 10, 2021 at the Knicks (112-100 win). They made a franchise record 29 triples (29/51 3-Pt.) in the 144-97 victory Dec. 29, 2020 at the Heat (TNT).

When the Bucks scored 100 points or more57-18, including 47-8 when they scored 110 or more. That included a 27-3 mark when they scored 120 or more; 14-1 mark when they scored 130 or more; 4-1 when they scored 140 or more.

The Bucks scored a season-high 150 points in their 150-130 victory Jan. 23 at the Pistons. They scored 49 points in the opening period on 18/24 from the floor (75 FG%), including 7/12 from three-point range with 12 assists on their 18 made field goals. The Bucks fell two points short of the NBA-record for points in the opening period set by the defending NBA champion Warriors of 51 points Jan. 15, 2019 at the Nuggets.

Bucks shot 56.1 percent from the floor that night at the Pistons (55/98 FGs), including 23/52 on their threes. 

Antetokounmpo, who had 29 points and 12 rebounds on 8/15 shooting, including 11/17 at the foul line, scoring 20 of those 29 points in the first quarter.

In their previously mentioned 149-136 victory at the Pacers Mar. 29, Bucks had a season-high 119 points through three quarters. They shot 62.4 percent from the field that night (58/93 FGs), scoring 86 points in the paint.

When the Bucks scored 141 points in their 10-point win at the Pacers (141-131) on Jan. 27, the Bulls shot 53.1 percent (52/98 FGs), including 18/43 from three, scoring 58 points in the paint.

In their win (114-116) Mar. 24 at Jazz, the Bucks led 40-25 after the first quarter and outscored the Jazz 43-27 in the third quarter. They shot for the game 55.6 percent (55/99 FGs), including 22/50 from three, registering 42 assists on their 55 made shots. Those 42 assists were the Bucks most in a game since 2000.

In their 140-128 triumph at the Wizards on Apr. 4, the Bucks broke the game open outscoring the home team 43-33 in the second quarter to lead 75-62 at intermission and led by as many as 24. Bucks shot 54.3 percent from the field in the win, including 23/42 on their triple tries.

Bucks Defensive    45.6 Opp. FG%-2^nd NBA   4.9 BPG-11^th 
Ranks 2022-23       35.4 Opp. 3-Pt.%-8^th          13.0 Opp. Fastbreak Pts-8^th       
                                21 Opp. FT Att.-2^nd

The Bucks in 2022-23 were 44-9 when they outrebounded their opponent. They also were 11-1 when they held their opponent under 100 points. They were also 32-3 when they held their opponent under 110 points.

When they allowed 110 points or more, the Bucks were 27-19. That included a 10-9 mark when they allowed 120 points or more; 4-7 when they allowed 130 or more.

In their worst margin of defeat (41 points) in their 142-101 loss at the Grizzlies on Dec. 15, 2022, the Bucks trailed 33-18 after the opening period. Were outscored 37-23 in the second quarter to trail 70-41 at the half and were outscored 47-30 in the third quarter.

The Bucks, who never led as they were down by as many as 50 were outrebounded by the Grizzlies 56-39 (14-11 off. rebs); were outscored 27-14 in fastbreak points and 86-38 in the paint.

In their 140-99 loss Mar. 30 versus the archrival Celtics (TNT), the game was lost in the second quarter as the Bucks were outscored 41-21 in the second quarter to trail 75-47 at the half and trailed by as many as 49. The Bucks allowed 56 percent shooting (51-91 FGs) to the Celtics, including 22/43 from three, and were outscored 54-36 in the paint.

The Bucks balance on both sides is what allowed them to go 44-7 when they were up (3-1 when tied; 11-16 when down) at the half and were 51-3 when up (7-21 when down) after three quarters.

Over the course of the past five seasons, the Bucks around the trade deadline have made a trade to bring in a player they feel will be an asset to help them in the postseason. They famously did that at the Feb. 2021 trade deadline acquiring from the Rockets P.J. Tucker, who played a major role in helping them win it all.

In a four-team deal with the Suns, Nets, and Pacers, the Bucks acquired veteran forward Jae Crowder (6.9 ppg, 47.9 FG%, 43.6 3-Pt.% w/Bucks) from the Suns, sending vets George Hill and Serge Ibaka, along with Jordan Nwora and three future Second-Round picks to the Pacers, and sent 2028 and 2029 Second-Round picks to the Nets.

The Bucks went 13-5 in the 18 games Crowder, who held out with the Suns because of a contract dispute to start 2022-23 appeared in.

Their march towards winning their second title in three seasons did not start well as they lost their First-Round opener 130-117 Apr. 16 versus the Heat (TNT).

The Bucks trailed virtually the entire game down by as many as 15. They also lost Antetokounmpo, who after registering six points and three boards in the early part of the first quarter took a hard fall following a drive to the hoop where he landed on his backside.

The x-rays on Antetokounmpo came back negative and he tried to comeback in the second quarter but left the game for good later in the period.

Middleton in defeat score 33 points with nine boards on 12/20 shooting and 7/10 from the foul line. Portis had 21 points with eight boards. Holiday had a double-double of 16 points and 16 assists with seven rebounds, but was just 6/18 from the field, including 2/9 on his threes. Allen had 12 points, while Lopez added 10 with three blocks.

While the Bucks shot 49.5 percent from the field in the defeat, they were just 11/45 from three (34/46 2-Pt.), setting a franchise playoff record missing 34 triples in Game 1. They allowed a season-worst 59.5 percent shooting (50/84 FGs) to the Heat and allowed 15/25 shooting from three. The Bucks were also outscored 62-46 in the paint and had their 13 turnovers turned into 19 Heat points.  

The Bucks tied the series 1-1 with a 138-122 triumph versus the Heat three nights later (TNT), leading from midway in the first quarter on, breaking the game open by outscoring the Heat 46-27 in the second quarter to lead 81-55 at the half, leading Game 2 by as many as 36. They blew the game open with an 11-0 as part of a 24-2 run in the second quarter.

They avoided joining the 2017 Celtics and the 1993 Suns as the third No. 1 Seed to trail the No. 8 Seed 0-2 in a Playoff series. Celtics came back to the Bulls in six games, while the Suns won the then best-of-five First-Round series 3-2.

Lopez led the way in the dominant victory with 25 points on 12/17 shooting, with 14 of those 25 points coming in the opening period. Holiday had his second straight double-double with 24 points and 11 assists with five rebounds on 10/19 shooting, including 4/10 from three. Connaughton had a Playoff career-high 22 points on 8/12 from the floor and 6/10 on his triple tries.

The Bucks in the win shot 53.5 percent from the floor (53/99 FGs) with 35 assists on their 53 made field goals. They tied the NBA-record for most made threes in a Playoff game with 25 (25/49 3-Pt.). They tied the Cavaliers, who made 25 three-pointers (25/45 3-Pt.) in their 123-98 win in Game 2 of 2016 East Semis over the Hawks.

They outrebounded the Heat 45-41. Outscored them 52-42 in the paint, with a season-high 26 of their 52 points in the opening period. They outscored the Heat 16-10 in second chance points and 20-9 in fastbreak points. The Bucks, who had nine steals as part of 17 forced Heat turnovers that they turned into 30 points.    

The Bucks 81 points in the first half of Game 2 was their most in an opening in their Playoff history. Their 138 points in Game 2 was their most in a Playoff Game since registering 143 points in their Game 3 win (143-112) in the 1978 West Semis versus the Nuggets.

The Bucks momentum was short lived as they were dominated at the Heat 121-99 in Game 3 Apr. 22 (ESPN), to fall behind in the series 2-1.

The Bucks trailed from late in the first quarter on and trailed by as many as 29 points in the second half.

While they went 15/39 from three in Game 3, the Bucks in defeat shot just 44.7 percent from the floor (38/85 FGs) and were just 8/12 from the charity stripe. They also turned it over 18 times (MIA: 13 Steals) that led to 21 Heat points.

The Bucks were outscored 46-36 in the paint and 18-13 in fastbreak points.

Middleton in defeat led the Bucks with 23 points, five boards, and six assists on 8/14 shooting, including 3/5 from three. It was his 36^th career 20-plus point performance in the postseason.  

Holiday had 19 points and five rebounds on 8/18 shooting, but had just three assists and five turnovers, while also going 2/6 from three. He totaled 27 assists the first two games of the series, the most in the first two contest of a series since Chris Paul did it in 2008 for the then New Orleans Hornets.

Allen had 14 points on 4/7 from three-point range, while Connaughton chipped in with 11 points and seven rebounds on 3/6 from three.

Lopez after a stellar Game 2 had just six points and three boards on 3/9 shooting in Game 3.

Antetokounmpo missed his second straight game with lower back contusion. Bucks dropped to 3-3 without him in the lineup, having their three-game winning streak without Antetokounmpo dating back to the 2021 East Finals against the Hawks without him. 

With Antetokounmpo back for Game 4, the Bucks were on the verge after three quarters of going home with series tied and making this a best-of-three series. But they were dominated in the fourth quarter and went down 119-114 Apr. 24 (TNT) to trail the series 3-1.

The Bucks led the first three quarters, up 33-28 after the first period; led 57-50 at the half; were up by 15 late in the third period and led 89-78 after three quarters. The Bucks were outscored 41-25 in the fourth period, including getting outscored 30-13 to close Game 4 and 10-7 to finish the contest after the Bucks were up 109-107 on dunk by Lopez with 1:32 left.

The loss waisted a night in which the Bucks shot 17/20 at the charity stripe. Had 28 assists on their 42 made field goals. Scored 17 points off 16 Heat turnovers, with 10 of those miscues coming off of steals. The Bucks turned 16 offensive boards into 16 second chance points, outscoring the Heat 16-5 in that department as well as 54-40 in the paint.

What did the Bucks in was their subpar shooting of 43.3 percent from the field (42.9 FGs) and just 13/40 on their triple tries.

It also flushed down the toilet one of the best performances in Lopez’s career where he scored a Playoff career-high of 36 points with 11 rebounds, three blocks and two steals on 13/23 shooting and 6/9 from three.

Antetokounmpo in his return from two-game absence had his third career postseason triple-double of 26 points, 10 boards, 13 assists, and two block shots on 12/22 shooting.

Bucks Subpar                      Middleton 14 Points, 6 Rebounds, 8 Assists 4/12 FGs, 2/5 3-Pt.
Performers In Game 4        Holiday     14 Points, 7 Rebounds, 4 Assists 6/19 FGs, 2/11 3-Pt.
                                              Allen           8 Points, 2/6 FGs, 2/5 3-Pt.
                                         Connaughton 8 Points, 6 Rebounds, 2/8 FGs, 1/6 3-Pt.
                                              Portis         5 Points, 4 Rebounds, 2/6 FGs, 1/4 3-Pt.

The Bucks were in the same spot in an even better position in Game 5 two nights later where they led by double-digits entering the fourth quarter. But another bad final period cost them and their season ended with a 128-126 defeat in overtime (NBATV) to see their supposed championship run conclude in five games.

After trailing by as many as eight in the opening period and being down 36-33 after the first quarter, the Bucks outscored the Heat 36-27 in the second quarter to lead 69-63 at intermission and 33-23 in the third quarter to lead 102-86 after three quarters.

The Bucks though saw their once 18-point lead in the second half disappear as they were outscored 32-16 in the fourth period with the Heat’s perennial All-Star Jimmy Butler tying the score 118-118 on a layup off an out-of-bounds pass with 00.5 of a second left in regulation as the Bucks were outscored 19-10 to close the fourth period after leading 108-99 with 5:38 left.

Down two in the final seconds of overtime, the Bucks were forced into a poor shot by Allen on an off-balance shot at the final buzzer as the Bucks were outscored 10-8 in the extra five minutes.

The Bucks in Game 5 shot 46.2 percent from the field (42/91 FGs) and were a solid 14/33 on their triple tries. They outrebounded the heat 56-45, including 10-9 on the offensive board.

In the first three quarters, the Bucks totaled as mentioned 102 points on 56.1 percent shooting (37/66 FGs) and 12/25 from three. They outscored the Heat 42-30 in the paint and 11-8 in second chance points. Had 18 assists on their 37 made field goals and just nine turnovers.

The Bucks however had aforementioned 16 points in the final period, going jus 3/19 from the floor and 2/7 from three with six turnovers. Were outrebounded 14-13, including 3-2 on the offensive glass. Were outscored 16-2 in the paint in the final period and 4-0 in second chance points.

In overtime, the Bucks managed just eight points on 2/6 shooting getting outscored 6-4 in the paint and 6-2 in second chance points.

What made this loss even tough to swallow is that the Bucks who rarely got to the foul line the first four games of this series, were an abysmal 28/45 at the foul line in Game 5. They were 16/25 at the charity stripe the first three quarters and were 12/20 in the fourth quarter and overtime.

The Bucks All-Star particularly struggled in the fourth period and in overtime.

Antetokounmpo led the way with 38 points and 20 rebounds on 14/27 shooting. But he was just 10/23 from the charity stripe.

Middleton tied his Game 2 scoring total with 33 points adding six boards and six assists on 10/24 from the floor, including 4/10 from three and 9/9 at the foul line.

Lopez had his second straight double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds on 7/11 from the floor and 3/5 on his triples.

After starting this series with a bang, Holiday finished with a thud with just 16 points, six assists, and nine rebounds on 4/11 from the floor, 2/6 from three and 6/8 at the free throw line.

Bucks All-Stars 4^th Qtr./OT           Antetokounmpo 9 Points, 3/12 FGs, 3/9 FTs, 3 Turnovers
Game 5                                             Middleton           5 Points, 0/5 FGs, 0/3 3-Pt., 5/5 FTs
                                                          Holiday               7 Points, 1/3 FGs, 4/6 FTs

Bucks became only the fourth team in NBA Playoff history to have the best overall NBA record in regular season and lose in the postseason in the opening-round. They also fell to 0-11 in their postseason history when down in a best-of-seven series 3-1.

No. 1 Seeds To Lose To No. 8 Seed In First Round In NBA Playoff History Since 1984
        No. 1 Seeds                  Postseason                No. 8 Seed                       Series Result                                             
Seattle Supersonics                 1994                  Denver Nuggets                      3-2
Miami Heat                             1999                New York Knicks                      3-2
Dallas Mavericks                    2007            Golden State Warriors                 4-2
San Antonio Spurs                  2011               Memphis Grizzlies                    4-2
Chicago Bulls                          2012               Philadelphia 76ers                    4-2
Milwaukee Bucks                   2023                     Miami Heat                          4-1

The Bucks early exit showed once again that their coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Budenholzer lack of making small and sometimes simple adjustments to regain the advantage over their postseason series opponent.

In this series it was not putting Antetokounmpo on Jimmy Butler, who roasted and toasted Holiday the entire series. It was the Bucks not being able in Games 4 and 5 to even send a double team at Butler to get the ball out of his hands. It was their inability to impose their will in the paint on both ends.

Those lack of adjustments were brought up in the postgame presser by Antetokounmpo, who said he would have liked the opportunity to check the Butler.

That resulted in the Bucks front office led by GM Jon Horst and the ownership group of Wes Edens, Jaime Dinan, Mike Fascitelli, and the newest addition of Jimmy Haslem, who along with his wife Susan, CEO of RIVR Media purchased a stake in the Bucks from Marc Lasry in early part of 2023 decided to fire Coach Budenholzer on May 4 after five seasons.

Coach Budenholzer became the third head coach during the 2023 offseason to have help guide their employer to an NBA title and got their pink slip.

                  Last Four NBA Champion Head Coaches                              
Steve Kerry (GS) 2022                      *Were Fired From Title Team         
Mike Budenholzer* (MIL) 2021
Frank Vogel (PHX)* 2020 W/Lakers
Nick Nurse (PHI)* 2019 w/Raptors

Bucks In The                         271-120 Record; Won the Central Division Title All 5 Seasons;
Five Seasons (2018-23)          Won Their Second NBA Title In 2021; Won 50-Plus Games In
Under Mike Budenholzer     4 Out Of 5 Seasons, Which Included The Team’s 5^th 60-Win
                                                Season in Budenholzer’s First Season (2018-19), The Team’s
                                                First Season Winning 60 Games Or More Since 1980-81.

The Bucks under Budenholzer, who won Kia Coach of the Year in 2018-19 registered a .693 winning percentage in five seasons. While the Bucks were 39-26 in postseason contest under Budenholzer, they only reached The Finals once, which as mentioned came two springs back. They had exits in the 2020 East Semis 4-1 to the Heat and in 2022 4-3 to the eventual Eastern Conference champion Celtics. They lost to the eventual NBA champion Raptors in 2019 East Finals 4-2.

    Highest Winning Percentage By Head Coach In NBA History           
                                             Win%        NBA Titles  *Hall of Famer
Phil Jackson*                      .704                   11
Red Auerbach*                   .661                     9
Gregg Popovich (SA)*        .642                    5 
Pat Riley*                            .636                    5
Mike Budenholzer              .609                    1

The Bucks began this offseason by first finding the person to be their 17^th head coach in franchise history. The person they chose to hire was longtime assistant coach Adrian Griffin, whose been an assistant coach for the last 15 seasons (2008-23) with the Bucks, Bulls, Magic, Thunder and most recently the Raptors, where he was part of their 2019 title team that on their way to it took down the Bucks in the previously mentioned 2019 East Finals. Griffin also played in “The Association” for nine seasons (1999-2008) with the Celtics, Mavericks, Rockets, Bulls, Supersonics, and Bucks.

It is very rare that the keys to sideline leadership of a title contending squad are given to a first-time NBA head coach.

While that decision has had remarkable results with Steve Kerr with the Warriors winning four titles since 2014-15, and Nick Nurse with the Raptors winning it all in 2019. In the case of Nurse, he was on the staff of then head coach Dwane Casey. That allowed him to enter his new position with familiarity with the team and the organization. With Kerr, it was one of those catch lightning in a bottle hires which the Warriors made in summer of 2014.

The Celtics just recently went through this with when they turned their sideline leadership over the previous summer to assistant coach Joe Mazzulla and while they won 55-plus games and were the No. 2 Seed in the East, they failed to get back to The Finals.

At the Bucks presser on June 6 where Griffin was introduced as the Bucks’ new head coach, GM Horst said Griffin became the new hire because of his “character,” “leadership” presence; “varied experiences” in working for great coaches in his aforementioned 15 seasons as an assistant and his nearly decade playing in “The Association” for great players and coaches this was the right hire at this time for the Bucks.

“I’m super, super excited about the opportunity,” Griffin said about being named the Bucks head coach. “I’ve waited a long time for this. So, I’m just excited to get to work.”

Griffin also thanked the players currently under contract with the Bucks who were at his introductory press conference and said he is “excited” to get to work with them and the rest of the team.

The Bucks new head coach also said that one of the first things he talked about during the hiring process in the first interview is that the foundation has already been laid with the Bucks. That there is a “strong culture” of special talent already in place and that his main objective was to build on that foundation.

“I think what my 25 years of experience in the NBA, I can add great value, you know, to the team and just bring in my experiences as player and as a coach,” Griffin said on what he hopes to bring to the Bucks.

“This is a tremendous opportunity, right? I’m coming in with some special talent on this team. And yes, we have high expectations and we’re going to embrace them, you know. But it starts by getting to work, you know. Never lose sight of the work involved.”

“I think going undrafted and going the minor league route, it taught me the value of hard work, and that’s what we’re going to build upon from day one.”

That work for Griffin also included building a trusting bond with Antetokounmpo, whose willingness to continue to be with the Bucks will play a major role of them winning titles going forward, more on that in a moment.

In his first conversation with the Bucks’ headliner, Griffin said he “left the conversation in ah.” That he found out that the Bucks’ top player is “super passionate” about bringing another title to Milwaukee.

“He was very humble. He’s very hungry, and those are the traits that we’re looking for with our players,” Griffin added about that conversation with Antetokounmpo.

“I had the opportunity to reach out to all the players and that was the common theme from the players. They are hungry and that’s kind of going to be our moto for this year. We’re going to put in the work. We’re not going to take anything for granted and we’re gearing up for April, May, and June.”

For the Bucks that work in becoming a champion again continued over the offseason by bringing back Middleton, who opted out of his $40 million player option for 2023-24 and on June 30 agreed on a new three-year, $102 million deal, that became official on July 6.

At Media Day when asked by Bucks play-by-play commentator Lisa Byington about his health, he said he “feels great” and that is this season offers him a “fresh start” with his body, which he added that he felt like he “needed.”

He added that about re-signing with the Bucks, “With the disappointment that has happened the last two years and being a free agent, you feel like it may kind of be up in the air. But the faith and the confidence this organization has in me to sign me for three more years it means the world to me.”

“It gives me a lot of confidence that I still have a lot to left to prove. I still have a lot left to do with this team and this organization.”

They also on that same day agreed on a two-year, $48 million deal to bring back Lopez, which became official July 6. He did flirt with the idea of moving on, especially when the Rockets and Warriors became interested. The Bucks though came right with the money, which made the choice to return pretty simple.

Lopez said at Media Day that him re-signing with the Bucks or seeing his other options, it came down to “finding the place” where he had the best chance to win and finding where he felt like he was “valued.”

“There’s so many positives here that, you know, I’ve grown to love in five, whatever years here,” Lopez added. “It was the only place that I really wanted to be and I’m glad obviously the way it worked out.” 

Two days later, the Bucks signed Brook’s twin brother Robin Lopez on a one-year, $3.2 million veteran minimum deal.

The Lopez twins played together just one-year prior the Bucks winning their second title in franchise history. The other Lopez, who has played for the Suns, New Orleans (then Hornets), Trail Blazers, Knicks, Bulls, Wizards, Magic, and Cavaliers in his previous 15 seasons will provide six fouls and 10-15 minutes of solid play in the pivot.

When asked that at Media Day by Byington it was Brook’s mom that she would really “appreciate it” if he helped Robin with the deal to get him on the Bucks.

“You should be thanking my mom mostly and me just a little bit. It was out of necessity on his part,” Lopez said on the Bucks signing brother.  

The Bucks then at the start of July agreed on a one-year, $5 million deal to bring back Crowder, who they hope can be the player that was a major part of the Suns success the previous two seasons, which included getting them to The Finals two years ago, where they lost in six games to the Bucks.

Most Playoff Starts The       Jayson Tatum (BOS): 75      Brook Lopez (MIL) 65
Last Five NBA Seasons        PJ Tucker (PHI)          71     Jae Crowder (MIL) 59

Seasons Of 110-Plus                     W/Celtics                 2015-16: 122/363 (33.6 3-Pt.%) 
Total Made Three-Pointers                                           2016-17: 157/394 (39.8 3-Pt.%)
By Jae Crowder                          W/Cavs & Jazz         2017-18: 110/341 (32.3 3-Pt.%)
                                                      W/Jazz                      2018-19: 173/522 (32.1 3-Pt.%)
                                                      W/Grizzlies & Suns 2019-20: 145/394 (36.8 3-Pt.%)
                                                      W/Suns                      2020-21: 148/380 (38.9 3-Pt.%)
                                                                                         2021-22: 127/365 (34.8 3-Pt.%)

With what was left in the Bucks salary cap coffers, they added more perimeter shooting with the signing of guard Malik Beasley (12.7 ppg, 35.7 3-Pt.% w/Jazz & Lakers).

Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Beasley when given the minutes can be that sniper that makes defenses pay for leaving him open off of doubles drawn by his team’s headliner.

He can be that floor spacer that veteran Wesley Matthews was in recent years for the Bucks. For Beasley though, it comes down to whether he can get consistent minutes of he can be a plus on the other end of the hardwood.

Beasley In      W/Jazz        55 Games (13 Starts): 13.4 PPG, 35.9 3-Pt.% (169/472 3-Pt.)
2022-23           W/Lakers   26 Games (14 Starts): 11.1 PPG, 35.3 3-Pt.% (66/187 3-Pt.)

Other Season    W/Nuggets                                   2018-19: 163/405 (40.2 3-Pt.%)
With 100-Plus   W/Nuggets & Timberwolves     2019-20: 107/276 (38.8 3-Pt.%)
Made 3-Pt By    W/Timberwolves                        2020-21: 128/321 (39.9 3-Pt.%)
Malik Beasley                                                         2021-22: 240/637 (37.7 3-Pt.%)

Even with the re-signings the Bucks had this offseason coupled with the new additions, Antetokounmpo still felt the franchise did not make the major move to keep the Bucks as a true title contender.

Antetokounmpo, who has three years, with a player option on Sept. 22 became eligible to sign a three-year, $169 million extension, which he had until Oct. 23, 2023 to sign.

“There will never be hard feelings with the Milwaukee Bucks…The real question’s not going to be this year-numbers-wise it doesn’t make sense,” Antetokounmpo said at the start of September to “The New York Times.”

“But next year, it would make more sense for both parties. Even then, I don’t know…I don’t want to be 20 years on same team and don’t win another championship.”

Antetokounmpo most alarm sounding of the Bucks need to upgrade the roster to win more titles came about a week later when he said on the “48 Minutes” Podcast with former Bucks assistant coach Ross Geiger and Bruce Bernstein, “As long as we play and we approach the game every single day the right way and we all sacrifice for a common goal.”

“I can see myself being with the Milwaukee Bucks the rest of my career. But the moment I feel like people are not committed as I am to get that golden ring in the back, I am not.”

“I am a Milwaukee Buck. But most importantly, I am a winner. I want to win and I have to do whatever it takes for me to win. And if there’s a better situation for me to win the Larry O’Brien [Trophy], then I have to take the better situation.”

The Bucks franchise very familiar with this situation because before the 1975-76 NBA season, Abdul-Jabbar, who was first Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, Jr. when his NBA career began privately asked to be dealt to the Knicks on Oct. 3, 1974, with his second choice being to the then Washington Bullets and his third to the Lakers. While he never spoke publicly about having any negative feelings about Milwaukee, WI, or the fans he did say back then that the Midwest did not fit his “cultural needs.”

Just 48 hours later in a game in the preseason against the Celtics, Abdul-Jabbar caught a fingernail in his left eye from Hall of Famer Don Nelson, sustaining a corneal abrasion. It made him so angry that he punched the backboard stanchion, sustaining two broken bones in his right hand, shelving him the first 16 games of the 1974-75 season.

While he did return to action and averaged 30 points that season, the Bucks went just 38-44, finishing in last place in the then Midwest Division and missed the Playoffs.

On Mar. 13, 1975, legendary sportscaster Marv Albert reported that Abdul-Jabbar requested to be traded either to the Knicks or Lakers, preferably to Knicks, not to far where he grew up in Harlem, NY. The following day, after the Bucks lost to the Lakers, the Hall of Famer confirmed to the press of his desire to continue his NBA career in another zip code.

That request came to fruition in 1975 when Abdul-Jabbar and reserve Walt Wesley were dealt to the Lakers for Elmore Smith, Brian Winters, rookies Dave Meyers and Junior Bridgeman, and cash.

The Bucks teams coached by Larry Costello, Nelson, and Del Harris had their share of 50-plus win seasons in the 1980s but were never good enough to beat the Celtics led by Hall of Famer Larry Bird or 76ers teams led by Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J.” Erving or the Bulls led by fellow Hall of Famer Michael Jordan.

It was not until the end of the 1990s and the start of the 2000s that the Bucks got back to contending for a title. But that once chance they had with Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson, Hall of Famer Ray Allen, and newest Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell in 2001 they lost to the 76ers led by Hall of Famer Allen Iverson in 2001 East Finals.

Hearing those interviews by Antetokounmpo, Horst and the Bucks front office got to work and came up aces on Sept. 27 when in a three-team deal with the Trail Blazers and Suns acquired perennial All-Star Damian Lillard (32.2 ppg-3^rd, 7.3 apg-10^th NBA, 4.8 rpg, 46.3 FG%, 37.1 3-Pt.%, 91.4 FT% w/Trail Blazers) from the boys from “Rip City,” sending Holiday; 2028 and 2030 First-Round pick swaps and a 2029 First-Round pick to the Trail Blazers. They also dealt guard Allen to the Suns.

“I couldn’t be more excited. I couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity,” Lillard said at Media Day about joining the Bucks.  

Lillard in a tweet @Dame_Lillard, “The casuals won’t be addressed but the Trail Blazers fans and city of Portland that I love truly will be and they will be addressed truthfully. Stay Tuned. Excited for my next chapter!”

In the blink of an eye, the Bucks granted Antetokounmpo his wish to play with another bonified star player in Lillard, who averaged a career-high in scoring, three-pointers made (4.2), and in free throw attempts (9.6-5^th NBA).

Lillard a seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection and member of 75^th NBA Anniversary team requested a trade from the Trail Blazers on July 1 with his preferred destination to the Heat.

With Lillard’s addition, the Bucks finally have a legit other star player that can take over games besides Antetokounmpo.

He can do it from the perimeter with his ability to make shots from beyond three-point range.

In 10 of his 11 seasons with the Trail Blazers, Lillard has total at least 185 threes, including 2022-23 where he made 244 total triples (244/658 3-Pt.).That includes making over 210 total threes in eight out of his first 11 seasons in “The Association,” including in seven out of the last eight seasons. 

Lillard and the Warriors perennial All-Star Klay Thompson for the most games last season making nine or more threes.

Lillard can score in one-on-one isolation situations. He and Antetokounmpo will create a plethora of offensive opportunities in the pick-and-roll not just for themselves but their teammates like Middleton and Lopez.

Last season, Lillard in 58 games for the Trail Blazers had 52 20-plus point games. That included 33 30-plus point games (6^th NBA); a league-leading 15 40-plus point games; and was tied with ironically enough Antetokounmpo and 76ers Joel Embiid for the second most 50-point games in 2022-23 with three. If that were not enough, Lillard had two of his five career 60-plus point games in 2022-23 with the Trail Blazers, which fellow perennial All-Stars in Donovan Mitchell of the Cavaliers and Luka Doncic of the Mavericks combined for.

In the Trail Blazers win (134-124) Jan. 25 versus the Jazz, Lillard had 60 points with eight assists, seven rebounds and three steals on 21/29 shooting, 9/15 from three-point range and 9/10 at the foul line.

Most Career 50-Point           *Wilt Chamberlin      118   Damian Lillard (POR)   15
Games In NBA History        *Michael Jordan          31   LeBron James  (LAL)    14
(*Hall of Famer)                    *Kobe Bryant              25   Stephen Curry (GS)       12
                                                 James Harden (PHI)  23   *Rick Barry                     11
                                                *Elgin Baylor               17  *Kareem Abdul-Jabbar  10

Most Career 60-Point           *Wilt Chamberlin       32    *Michael Jordan        4
Games In NBA History         *Kobe Bryant               6     James Harden (PHI) 4 w/Rockets
(*Hall of Famer)                    Damian Lillard (POR) 5

In the Trail Blazers 131-114 victory over the Rockets, Lillard scored a career-high and single-game franchise record of 71 points with six assists, and six boards on 22/38 from the floor, 13/22 from three-point range and 14/14 at the charity stripe. He also set career-high, franchise record and an NBA season-best for points in a half (41) and set career-best for made field goals (22) and made threes (13) in a game.

Lillard’s 71 points equaled an NBA season-best for 2022-23 first done by Mitchell of the Cavs on Jan. 2 in their 145-134 overtime victory versus the Bulls. Lillard’s 41 points in the first half of that contest fell one point short of what Mitchell did in the second half versus the Bulls as mentioned to start last January.

At age 32, Lillard became the oldest player in NBA history to score 70 in the most efficient shooting performance in NBA history. His 13 made triples that night versus the Rockets tied Bulls Zach LaVine tied the Bulls Zach LaVine (Nov. 23, 2019) and Warriors’ two-time Kia MVP Stephen Curry (Nov. 7, 2016) for the second most made threes in a game in NBA history.

         Players To Score 70 Points Or More In A Game In NBA History (*Hall Of Famer)      
*Wilt Chamberlin (Mar. 2, 1962) 100        Damian Lillard (POR; Feb. 26, 2023)  71
*Kobe Bryant (Jan. 22, 2006)        81        Donovan Mitchell (CLE; Jan. 2, 2023) 71
*Wilt Chamberlin (Dec. 8, 1961)   78       *David Robinson (Apr. 24, 1994)           71
*David Thompson (Apr. 19, 1978) 73        *Elgin Baylor (Nov. 15, 1960)               71
*Wilt Chamberlin (Nov. 11, 1962) 73          Devin Booker (PHX; Mar. 24, 2017)   70
*Wilt Chamberlin (Jan. 13, 1962) 73        *Wilt Chamberlin (Mar. 10, 1963)        70
*Wilt Chamberlin (Nov. 3, 1926)  73

On top of the scoring, Lillard gives the Bucks another playmaker to go alongside Antetokounmpo and Middleton.

Lillard last season registered 16 double-doubles, which tied a the second most he has had in a season of his career set back in 2020-21. The most he has had in a season is 19 double-doubles in 2019-20. In seven out of the last eight seasons, Lillard has registered double-digit double-doubles.

“Dame is a player who can score in one-on-one situations. He can score in the pick-and-roll. But he thrives in creating offense and generating offense,” Lillard’s former teammate for nine-plus seasons in “Rip City” in now Pelicans guard CJ McCollum said to ESPN’s Malika Andrews on the Sept. 28 edition of “NBA Today.”

“I think with him and Giannis in pick-and-roll situations, it’s going to open up the offense for everybody.”

The other thing that Lillard brings to the Bucks is a guy who has established himself as one of the best closers in the league for nearly a decade.

In his first Playoff appearance in 2014, he hit the game-winning triple at the final buzzer to take down the Rockets 4-2 in the opening-round to help the Trail Blazers win their first Playoff series since 2000.

Five years later, Lillard’s game-winning triple at the buzzer in Game 5 of the First-Round against the Thunder ended the time of perennial All-Stars in 2017 Kia MVP Russell Westbrook and Paul George’s time in OKC as they were both dealt to the Rockets and Clippers respectably that summer.  

“This is the one reasons they [Bucks] brought him here. Jrue Holiday is a great player. But offensively, Dame is a closer and Dame’s a guy who can create shots,” McCollum also said to Andrews about Lillard’s ability to do work in the clutch.

Along with the adding Lillard, they also found his backup as the Bucks at the start of October added veteran guard Cameron Payne (10.3 ppg, 4.5 apg, 36.8 3-Pt.% w/Suns), who had spent the last four seasons with the Suns, including the last three as the understudy to now Warriors guard Chris Paul.

The No. 14 overall pick by the Thunder in 2015 was traded to the Spurs along with a 2025 Second-Round pick and cash considerations in exchange for the Suns 2024 protected Second-Round pick. The Spurs waived him on Sept. 11.

In Payne, the Bucks are getting a guard who after taking some seasons to find consistency in the league with the Thunder, Bulls, and Cavaliers, found it with the Suns, where he averaged scoring in double-figures in three of his four seasons in the “Valley of the Sun” including averaging close to five assists per game off the bench the last two seasons.

The Bucks offseason got the cherry on their Sunday when ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Monday that the Bucks and Antetokounmpo agreed on Oct. 23 deadline to a three-year, $186 million extension. The deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season.

While Antetokounmpo could have waited until next summer to sign a four-year deal worth $233 million, by him signing now according to Wojnarowski, Antetokounmpo can do a shorter-term deal in the summer of 2026 and then another long-term four-year deal in 2028.    

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s  2023-24: $45.6 Million   2026-27: $62.2 Millon   
Remaining Contract            2024-25: $48.8 Million   2027-28: $66.8 Million (Player Option)
                                               2025-26: $57.6 Million

Two years ago, the Bucks were atop of the NBA mountain as champions. Injuries and the inability for the coaching staff to make necessary in-game and at times in-season adjustments have kept them from being the NBA’s current dynasty.  

When the Bucks won their second title in franchise history two seasons back, in a four-team deal with Pelicans, Nuggets, and Thunder November 2020 acquired Jrue Holiday sending then starting guard Eric Bledsoe along with a 2024 and 2026 First-Round pick swaps and First-Round picks in 2025 and 2027 to the Pelicans; dealt veteran guard George Hill to the Thunder; and the draft rights to guard R.J. Hampton (No. 24 overall pick) to the Nuggets.

In March 2020, the Bucks acquired now 76er P.J. Tucker from the Rockets and a 2022 First-Round pick in exchange for veteran guard D.J. Augustin, forward D.J. Wilson, a 2021 (protected) First-Round pick swap and a 2023 First-Round pick.

Those moves helped the Bucks win their second title in franchise history and Antetokounmpo was named Finals MVP. 

Last season at the February NBA trade deadline, the Bucks in a four-team deal with the Suns, Pacers, and Nets acquired Crowder, and sent Hill, forward/center Serge Ibaka, and forward Jordan Nwora to the Pacers along with Second-Round picks in 2023, 2024, and 2025. They also sent Second-Round picks in 2028 and 2029 to the Suns.

The Bucks have during these past five seasons have put together a legitimate squad that can make some noise in the past five springs.

That is the case this upcoming season with a possible starting lineup of All-Stars in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Damian Lillard, and Brook Lopez, and Pat Connaughton. They have a solid bench of Bobby Portis, Malik Beasley, Jae Crowder, Robin Lopez, and possibly MarJon Beauchamp.  Flanked by the supporting cast of All-Star Brook Lopez, Pat Connaughton, Grayson Allen, Bobby Portis.

It is on them, led by their new head coach Adrian Griffin, and his coaching staff of Joe Prunty, Josh Oppenheimer, Patrick Mutombo, Nate Mitchell, Sidney Dobner, DJ Bakker, and former Bucks’ All-Star Vin Baker to get this collection of great talent to become a team that can win it all.

They have the star headliners in Antetokounmpo and Lillard, who are signed for the long haul and now it is about winning the championship this spring, which is what Antetokounmpo is really focus ton.

“You can be the most skillful person on Earth and still don’t make it to the NBA,” Antetokounmpo said once.

“The NBA’s not about skills. When you think about LeBron [James], you think about consistency. He’s been great for 20 years. You think about MJ [Michael Jordan]. The edge about getting better. The obsession of Kobe [Bryant], Steph [Curry]. Man, it’s just not about skills. The thing that makes me a step  further than people is the obsession and the discipline about my game.”

Also at Media Day, Lillard said of joining the Bucks, “I think at my age and, you know, where I am in my career, I think this came at the right time. If this was four years ago or five years ago, I don’t know how I would’ve handled it. But, in this moment, this is what it’s supposed to be. Like, I’m supposed to be here, you know? I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Best Case Scenario: The Bucks finish in the Top 3 In the Eastern Conference. Antetokounmpo is in the running for his third Kia MVP. Lillard impact is special, especially at the offensive end. The Bucks continue to be a top ranked defense even no longer with Holiday. The Bucks take to Coach Griffin’s style and philosophy on both ends. The Bucks return to The Finals and win their second title in last four seasons.

Worst Case Scenario: The Bucks have another early postseason exit.  

Grade: A+ 

New York Knicks: 47-35 Record; 5^th Atlantic Division (No. 5 Seed East); 23-18 at home; 24-17 on the road; Defeated the No. 4 Seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1 In East Quarterfinals. Lost to the No. 8 Seeded Miami Heat 4-2 In East Semifinals.   

-116.0 ppg-11^th; opp. ppg: 113.1-13^th; 46.6 rpg-3^rd  

Two years ago, the Knicks ended a near decade Playoff drought. That momentum from 2020-21 did not carry over to 2021-22 as the Knicks fell short of returning to the postseason. They rediscovered that secret sauce, thanks to a huge ingredient being added to the meal. There was even a second helping as the Knicks advanced to the Second Round for the first time in 10 years. But reality came to past as they lost in six games to the boys from “South Beach.” With much of their core coming back along with the addition of a solid complimentary player, the plan for the Knicks is get back to the Playoffs and have their first deep run in over two decades.

Two years ago, under new head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks returned to the level they brought to the hardwood in the middle of the 1990s under Pat Riley and in the late 1990s under Jeff Van Gundy. They were going to play with grit, toughness, focus, and relentlessness defensively, and with continuity and connectivity offensively.

That led them to 41 wins in 2020-21 and they made it back to the Playoffs after a seven-year absence.

In 2021-22, those collective intangibles were missing and the Knicks only registered 37 wins and missed the Playoffs for the eighth time in the last nine seasons.

After being 10-13 in early December, 2022, the Knicks reeled off an eight straight wins (Dec. 4-21, 2022) and a four-game winning (Dec. 31, 2022-Jan. 6, 2023) streak over their next 17 games to get to four games over .500 at 22-18. A three-game winning streak following a loss (111-107) Jan. 9 versus the Bucks got the Knicks to a 25-19 mark. Defeats in eight out of their next 10 games had the Knicks at 27-25 at the end of January 2023.

Following a 3-2 start to February 2023, the Knicks won nine consecutive games (Feb. 11-Mar. 7, 2023) to be 39-27 in early March.

The Knicks win (122-120) Mar. 3 at the Heat, their eighth win during their nine-game winning streak marked the first time they registered two winning streaks of at least eight games since the 1972-73 campaign, which ended with their second NBA title in franchise history.

A 3-9 mark the next nine contest, which included two three-game losing streaks (Mar. 7-12 & Mar 20-27, 2023) had the Knicks 42-33.

The Knicks took care of business with a favorable schedule to close 2022-23 with a five-game winning streak (Mar. 27-Apr. 5, 2023) going 5-2 their final seven games to claim the No. 5 Seed in the Eastern Conference. Producing the No. 6 mark in the league post All-Star break also served as a big help to the Knicks close to 2022-23.

The Knicks 47 victories in 2022-23 are their most since winning 54 games in 2012-13, which was their last postseason appearance prior to their most resent appearances, including this past one. To put what the Knicks did compared from the previous season to last season, they were 37-45 in 2021-22, No. 11 East. In 2022-23, they finished 47-35, No. 5 in East.  

Best Records In NBA           76ers:    42-17   Nuggets:  39-21
After Dec. 4, 2023                  Bucks:  42-18   Grizzlies: 38-22
                                                Celtics: 39-20   Knicks:    37-21

Largest Win Increase           Kings:      +18  Magic:  +12
From 2021-22 To 2022-23    Thunder: +15  Knicks: +10

Their 24-17 mark on the road, which included a 20-13 mark their final 33 games away from home was the fifth best in “The Association” last season.

Most Road Wins In               *1969-70: 27       ^2022-23: 24   *Won NBA Title
A Season In Knicks               ^1994-95: 26       ^2012-13: 23   ^Advanced To At Least The
History                                    ^1996-97: 26       ^1992-93: 23     East Semifinals
                                                ^1993-94: 25

While their record at home was not as spectacular as it was on the road, going 20-18 after a 3-0 record to begin 2022-23 at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks got things right going a respectable 13-9 their final 22 home games, including a 10-2 mark their last 12 home games of 2022-23.

A great deal of the Knicks’ return to the postseason has to do with the signing of Jalen Brunson (24.0 ppg, 6.2 apg, 49.1 FG%, 41.6 3-Pt.%) in the summer of 2022-23.

He was the elixir the Knicks needed in terms of an on-court leader, playmaker, and late-game performer that the Knicks have lacked in terms of a floor general ever since current color television analyst for the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson’s former team in Derek Harper in the middle of the 1990s.

When the ball was in Brunson’s hands, good things happened more often than not for the Knicks as Brunson registered career-highs in scoring and assists per game as well as total three-pointers made at 134 (134/322 3-Pt.).

His averages of 27.3 points and six assists on 52.9 percent from the field and 42.6 percent from three-point range earned Brunson the Eastern Conference Player of the Month honor for February 2023 in helping the Knicks to a 9-2 mark. Brunson joined Hall of Famers Patrick Ewing (5 Times) and Bernard King, current teammate Julius Randle, and Carmelo Anthony (3 Times) to be named Eastern Conference Player of the Month in Knicks history.

20-Point Games By Season  W/Mavericks: 2018-19: 4; 2019-20: 3; 2020-21: 10; 2021-22: 21
By Jalen Brunson                  W/Knicks:      2022-23: 47 

After registering three total 30-plus point games in his first four NBA seasons with the Mavericks, the No. 33 overall pick out of Villanova had 17 30-plus point games in 2022-23, including his first four career 40-plus point games. He joined Stephon Marbury and Hall of Famer and Knicks television color analyst for Madison Square Garden Network (MSG) in Hall of Famer Walt “Clyde” Frazier as the only three players to register three straight 30-plus point games in franchise history.

Jalen Brunson’s Two Three Consecutive 30-Plus Points Games (Nov. 21-27, 2022 & Jan. 9-13, 2022)           
Nov. 21, 2022 At Thunder (129-119 Win): 34 Points, 9 Assists, 14/20 FGs

Nov. 25, 2022 Versus Trail Blazers (132-129 OT Loss) 32 Points, 5 Rebounds, 10/2 FGs, 3/8 3-Pt., 9/9 FTs

Nov. 27, 2022 Versus Grizzlies (127-123 Loss): 30 Points, 9 Assists, 5 Rebounds, 8/20 FGs, 3/5 3-Pt., 11/12 FTs

Jan. 9, 2023 Versus Bucks (111-107 Loss): 44 Points, 7 Rebounds, 15/30 FGs
4/10 3-Pt., 10/10 FTs

Jan. 11, 2023 Versus Pacers (119-113 Win): 34 Points, 11/20 FGs, 3/4 3-Pt., 9/9 FTs

Jan. 13, 2023 At Wizards (112-108 Win): 34 Points, 8 Assists, 8 Rebounds, 12/24 FGs,
3/6 3-Pt. 7/7 FTs

Brunson scored a career-high 48 points with nine assists on 18/32 from the field, including 7/11 from three and 5/8 at the foul line in the Knicks 130-116 triumph Mar. 31 at the Cavaliers.

        Most Points Scored In A Game By A Point Guard In Knicks History       
 Jalen Brunson        48   3/31/2023       Trey Burke              42  3/26/2018
 Stephon Marbury  45   1/29/2005       Stephon Marbury   42    2/8/2004
 Nate Robinson       45    3/8/2008        Ray Williams           42  12/9/1980
 Kemba Walker      44   12/23/2021     Nate Robinson         41    1/1/2010
*Walt Frazier         44   1/12/1973       Nate Robinson         41   2/23/2009
 Jalen Brunson       44   1/9/2023         Stephon Marbury   41 12/27/2006
*Walt Frazier         43   1/11/1973      *Walt Frazier           41   3/31/1977
 Stephon Marbury 43   3/30/2007      *Walt Frazier           41   1/11/1972
*Walt Frazier         43  10/30/1969     Stephon Marbury    40     3/6/2007

The addition of Brunson played a big part in the resuscitation of Julius Randle, who after earning his career All-Star selection and being the Kia Most Improved Player and an All-NBA Second Team selection in 2020-21 had a rough 2022-23 where he came with a similar approach and did not have the same results because teams played him a lot differently. That led to him falling out of favor with Knicks nation to where he was booed vociferously at home. In fact, there was one game last season where he was really bringing it and he put his left thumb down to the fans in attendance at MSG.

With Brunson in the fold a season ago, Randle, who averaged 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds on 45.6 percent from the floor in 2020-21 on 45.6 percent from the field with a career-high 41 double-doubles, got back to similar stats in 2022-23 with a career-high of 25.1 points and 10.0 rebounds (9^th NBA) on 46 percent shooting, with 40 double-doubles. It led him to earning his second career All-Star selection and his second All-NBA selection making the third team.

Five Players That          Joel Embiid (PHI)                       33.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG
Averaged 25 Points       Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) 31.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG
And 10 Rebounds In     Anthony Davis (LAL)                 25.9 PPG,  12.5 RPG
2022-23                           Julius Randle (NYK)                  25.1  PPG, 10.0 RPG
                                        Nikola Jokic (DEN)                     24.5  PPG, 11.8 RPG

Randle’s 25.1 scoring average in 2022-23 made him just the fourth player in Knicks history to achieve that in a season, joining Hall of Famers Bernard King and Patrick Ewing, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Carmelo Anthony.

Randle registered 16 of his career-high 22 30-plus point games on the road, which tied Hall of Famer Bernard King for the most in Knicks history. He also equaled his total of five career 40-plus point games entering last season with five total such games in 2022-23.

30-Point Games By               W/Lakers    2016-17 & 2017-18: 1 Each
Season By Julius Randle      W/Pelicans  2018-19: 11
                                                W/Knicks    2019-20: 8; 2020-21: 15 2021-22: 14
                                                                     2022-23: 22

Seasons of 30-Plus     W/Lakers 2015-16: 34 w/Pelicans 2018-19: 31
Double-Doubles By   W/Knicks 2019-20: 30; 2020-21: 41; 2021-22: 30; 2022-23: 40
Julius Randle

Last season, Randle tallied two of his four career games as Knick with 40 points and 10 rebounds, totaling five such games in his NBA career. He has also registered 14 of his 44 career games of 20/10/ (points/rebounds/assists) with Knicks.

Most Career Games Of        *Patick Ewing 10   *Bob McAdoo  4
40/10 (Points/Rebounds)      * Willis Reed     4     Julius Randle 4
In Knicks History
(*Hall of Famer)

He had 41 points and 11 rebounds in the Knicks loss (122-115) Dec. 29, 2022 at the Spurs, going 14/27 from the field, including 6/13 from three.

In the Knicks 117-104 victory Jan. 15 at the Pistons, Randle had 42 points and 15 rebounds on 15/24 shooting, 4/7 from three, and 8/8 from the foul line. 

The real difference with Brunson than without a season ago is the year before Randle had to not only score for the Knicks but he had to facilitate for other, which led him to averaging a career-high six assists, while registering six of his 13 career triple-doubles. In fact, Randle in his Knicks career so far has totaled seven games of 30/10/5 (points/rebounds/assists), surpassing the previous record holder in Knicks history of four such games in Hall of Famer Walt Bellamy.

While he did average 5.1 assists per game in 2021-22, Randle was not always making the right reads on offense. It also brought down his three-point numbers from 41.1 percent on his triple tries in 2021-22 (160/389 3-Pt.) to 30.8 percent from three (120/390 3-Pt.) in 2021-22.

In 2022-23 with Brunson, Randle went back to being a finisher on offense by scoring more at the hoop and being more judicious when it came to shooting jumpers, which resulted in him getting to the foul line more at a career-best of 6.9 free throw attempts (75.7 FT%), similar to 2020-21 where Randle averaged six foul shot attempts (81.1 FT%), totaling a career-high of 531 free throw attempts.

At the start of games, the Knicks more often got Randle going first, which helped everyone else get going offensively especially Brunson. Only Mavericks Superstar Luka Doncic totaled more first quarter points in 2022-23 than the 703 by Randle.

Randle also was the only other player in 2022-23 to average double-figure points in the opening period last season at 10.2, trailing the 11.2 output of Doncic.

This also led him to shooting more rhythm threes, making a career-high 218 total threes (218/636 3-Pt.).  

            Most Career Total Made Threes In Knicks History                    
John Starks          982            Julius Randle            562
Allan Houston      921           Trent Tucker            504
Carmel Anthony  762           Tim Hardaway, Jr.  498
Jamal Crawford   600           RJ Barrett                446
Charlie Ward       598           J.R. Smith                 443

Randle put his entire offensive arsenal on display on Mar. 20 when he scored a career-high 57 points on 19/29 shooting, including 8/14 from three-point range and 11/13 from the foul line in the Knicks 140-134 loss versus the Timberwolves.

He scored 26 of those 57 points (9/10 FGs, 5/6 3-Pt.) in the third quarter, which set a new franchise record for points in a quarter. This was on the heels of scoring 26 points (8/14 FGs, 3/6 3-Pt. 7/8 FTs) in the first half.

Randle’s eight made triples that night was fifth contest with seven made threes, setting a new franchise-record for a single-season, surpassing the previous mark of four such games set by Knicks legend John Starks.

                Most 50-Point Games In Knicks History                                   
*Bernard King  5      Carmelo Anthony 2                    *Hall of Famer
*Richie Guerin  3     *Willis Reed, Jamal Crawford
*Patrick Ewing 2      Julius Rangle 1 each
Allan Houston   2

              Players In Knicks History To Score 50 Points Or More (^Hall of Famer)      
  Carmelo Anthony  62   1/24/2014      ^Bernard King        52  11/24/1984
^Bernard King        60  12/25/1984     ^Patrick Ewing        51    3/24/1990
  Julius Randle         57    3/20/2023     ^Richie Guerin        51    2/14/1962
^Richie Guerin        57  12/11/1959      Carmelo Anthony   50       4/2/2013
^Bernard King        55    2/16/1985       Allan Houston        50     3/16/2003
  Allan Houston       53    2/16/2003      ^Patrick Ewing       50    12/1/1990
^Willis Reed            53   11/1/1967       ^Bernard King       50      2/1/1984
  Jamal Crawford   52    1/26/2007       ^Bernard King       50    1/31/1984
                                                                 ^Richie Guerin      50     2/25/1962

Despite missing the final five games due to an ankle sprain sustained in the Knicks win (101-92) Mar. 29 versus the Heat, Randle averaged 26.5 points and 7.1 rebounds post All-Star break on 45.9 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from three-point range.

NBA Ranks Of          2,737 Minutes-5^th  767 Rebounds-4th
Julius Randle             1,936 Points-5^th     218 Made 3-Pt.-4^th
In 2022-23                 

Last season, Randle and Brunson averaged a combined 49.1 points, third most combined points in “The Association.”

Before the start of last season, the Knicks were speculated to acquire then Utah Jazz All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who instead was dealt to the Cavaliers. It was felt that he was the star player the Knicks needed to become a legit threat in the Eastern Conference. That would have meant the Knicks front office led by President Leon Rose, GM Scott Perry, and Senior Advisor Willam, “Worldwide” Wesley to not only part with some major draft capital but some of the Knicks young players. They chose not to make such a move now and that turned out to be the right move.

RJ Barrett (19.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg), Immanuel Quickley (14.9 ppg, 44.8 FG%, 37 3-Pt.%), and Quentin Grimes (11.3 ppg, 46.8 FG%, 38.6 3-Pt.%), who were rumored to have been in the deal to get Mitchell if the Knicks were going to make the deal had solid seasons and played big part in the Knicks 47-win season. 

While his shooting accuracy from the field (43.4%) and from three-point range (31%) continued to be an issue for Barrett in his fourth season, the No. 3 overall pick in 2019 out of Duke University found a way to consistently score in the mid to high 20s. 

20-Point Games By   2019-20: 13    2021-22: 34
Season By Barrett     2020-21: 33    2022-23: 34

After registering only one 30-plus point games in his first two NBA seasons, Barrett has registered 18 total such games, with seven of them coming in 2022-23.

That included his second career 40-plus point game where he had a season-high 44 points on 14/20 from the floor, nailing all six of his triple tries and going 10/13 from the charity stripe in the Knicks 118-117 defeat on Dec. 23, 2022 versus the Bulls.

Last season, Randle, Brunson, and Barrett each scored 20 or more in same game 12 times, tying Hall of Famer Richie Guerin, Willie Naulls, and Johnny Green, who accomplished that feat in 1961-62 season.  

After a rough start to last season, third-year guard Immanuel Quickley put it all together and was a major sparkplug for the Knicks off the bench and occasionally as a starter.

Immanuel Quickley     1^st 23 Games:      10 PPG, 40 FG%, 31.2 3-Pt.% 22.8 MPG
In 2022-23                     Final 58 Games: 16.9 PPG, 46 FG%, 38.6 3-Pt.% 31.4 MPG

20-Point Games By      2020-21: 11; 2021-22: 8; 2022-23: 20
Season By Immanuel
Quickley

In his first two NBA seasons, Quickley totaled two 30-plus point games. He registered five such games last season.

In the Knicks 131-129 double-overtime victory Mar. 5 at the Celtics (ESPN), Quickley had a then career-high of 38 points with seven assists, and eight boards on 15/28 from the floor, including 5/12 from thee in 55 minutes.

                  Most Minutes Played In A Game In Knicks History (*Hall of Famer)        
62 By Jim Baechtold
58 By *Walt “Clyde” Frazier and *Harry Junior “The Horse” Gallatin
57 By Bree Bradley and * Bob McAdoo
56 By Chris Duhon, *Bob McAdoo, John Starks, Michael “Ray” Richardson
55 BY Immanuel Quickley, Carmelo Anthony, Dick Barnett, Stephon Marbury
     *Willis Reed

Quickley set a new career-high of 40 points with nine assists on an astonishing 14/18 from the field, including 5/7 from three and 7/9 at the charity stripe. He scored 13 of those 40 points in the opening period on 3/5 from three and finished with 22 points on 9/11 from the floor and 46 from three in the first half. His offensive confidence continued in the third quarter with 15 points and five assists in the third period.

In the games that Brunson missed due to injury in 2022-23, Quickley started and played well with averages of 22.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 5.4 boards per contest on 46.9 percent from the floor and 40.1 percent from three as the Knicks compiled a 12-9 record. 

In today’s NBA you need to have a wing player that can make threes and check the opposing team’s best perimeter player. They also have to be a connector to where they allow everyone to fit together like pieces to a jigsaw puzzle. That was Grimes for the Knicks in 2022-23, who averaged 6.3 more points and shot 6.4 percent better from the field and while maintaining an accurate stroke from three-point range in his second NBA season out of University of Houston.

After scoring in double-figures 10 times in 2021-22, including two games scoring 20 or more, Grimes scored 10 points or more 36 times last season and registered 10 20-plus point games. The Knicks were 40-26 when Grimes started in 2022-23.

Knicks Games Missed          Mitchell Robinson 23    RJ Barrett                9
By Main Rotation Players    Jalen Brunson       14    Julius Randle           5
                                                Quentin Grimes     11   Immanuel Quickley 1

In the Knicks 126-121 overtime setback at the Mavericks on Dec. 27, 2022, Grimes scored a then career-high of 33 points with six rebounds on 12/25 from the floor, including 7/16 from three.

Quickley, Grimes, and Obi Toppin had games to remember in the Knicks 138-129 victory Apr. 5 at the Pacers.

Quickley scored 39 points with nine assists, six boards and two steals on 14/26 from the field and 7/13 from three-point range.

Grimes scored a career-high 36 points with five assists and six rebounds on 14/23 from the floor and 5/13 from three. Toppin had 32 points and six assists on 11/18 from the field and 5/12 on his triple tries.

Three Players To Score        Knicks Apr. 5, 2023 At Pacers: Immanuel Quickley,
30-Plus Points and Make      Quentin Grimes, Obi Toppin
5-Plus Three-Pointers In      Pelicans Apr. 5, 2023 Versus Grizzlies (138-131 OT) Win:
A Game In NBA History      Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy III, CJ McCollum

Three Players With               Mar. 2, 1962 (169-147 Loss) Versus Philadelphia Warriors
30-Plus Points Each              Richie Guerin 39 Pts; Cleveland Buckner 33 Pts;
In Same Game In                  Willie Nauls 31 Pts
Knicks History                       Mar. 24, 1979 (148-143 Loss) Versus Chicago Bulls
                                                Earl “The Pearl” Monroe 34 Pts; Ray Williams 34 Pts;
                                                Apr. 5, 2023 (138-129 Win) At Pacers
                                                Immanuel Quickley 39 Pts; Quentin Grimes 36 Pts
                                                Obi Toppin 32 Pts

Last season, the Knicks ranked in the middle of the pack in many offensive categories in  and in the 20s in the major shooting stats in 2022-23.

They ranked 20^th in field goal percentage (47 FG%); 19^th in three-point percentage; and 22^nd in free throw percentage (76.1%).

The Knicks were 15^th in paint points per contest in 2022-23 (52.1) and were 15^th in turnovers (14.6). But were 22^nd in fastbreak points (12.8).

They were though No. 8 in three-point attempts (35.7) and No. 11 in threes made (12.6). They were third in offensive rebounds (12.6) and second chance points (16.2), as well as in free throws attempted (25.5).

In 2022-23, the Knicks were 28-20 when they attempted 25 or more free throws; 13-9 when they grabbed 15 or more offensive boards; 21-7 when they made 15 or more three-pointers; and 18-13 when they had fewer turnovers than their opponent.  

In their win (142-118) Mar. 1 versus the crosstown rival Nets, which snapped a nine-game losing streak to them, the Knicks made a season-high 20 triples (20/46 3-Pt.).

In 2022-23, the Knicks  were 46-31 when they scored 100 points or more. That included a 35-19 mark when they scored 110 points or more; 26-11 mark when they scored 120 or more; 9-3 when they scored 130 or more; 2-1 when they scored 140 or more.  

Two years ago, the Knicks got back to the Playoffs because they got back to their roots in the 1990s and early 200s when under Riley and Van Gundy when they were one of the top defensive teams in “The Association.”

In 2022-23, the Knicks defense had its ups-and-downs. When the entire squad was tied on a string on that end of the floor, they were winning at a high level, especially in close games.

Knicks Defensive     46.2 Opp. FG%-3^rd                   12.7 Opp. Fastbreak Pts-5^th
Ranks 2022-23         45.9 Opp. Paint Pts-1^st               13.3 Opp. 2^nd Chance Pts-10^th

During the Knicks 10-5 mark from Dec. 4, 2022 to Jan. 3, 2023, which included their previously mentioned eight-game winning streak, they were No. 1 in “The Association” in points allowed (103.4) and opponent’s three-point percentage (31.3%), while also ranking No. 2 in opponent’s field goal percentage (44.6%).

From the second quarter of their 108-88 triumph Dec. 31, 2022 at the Rockets to their 102-83 victory Jan. 4 versus the Suns, the Knicks allowed 136 total points over those seven quarters.

In the 17 games following their 10-13 start to 2022-23, the Knicks, who went 12-5 during that stretch led the NBA in points allowed (104.3) and in opponent’s three-point percentage (31.8%). Only the Memphis Grizzlies during this stretch held their opponents to a lower field goal percentage (41.3) than the Knicks (44.8%).

At the center of the Knicks defensively, literally, and figuratively was Mitchell Robinson (7.4 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.8 bpg-7^th NBA, 67.1 FG%), who unfortunately missed time last season because of injury.

Games Missed In           2018-19: 16  2020-21: 41  2022-23: 23
Career of Mitchell        2019-20:   5   2021-22: 10
Robinson                                 

When Robinson was healthy, he provided the Knicks with an interior presence in the paint on both ends of the hardwood. That resulted in No. 36 overall pick in 2018 registered his third season with double-digit doubles with 13 in 2022-23 (2018-19: 11; 2021-22: 20).

In the Knicks 119-113 win at Pacers Jan. 11, Robinson had 10 points, nine boards, five steals, and two blocks, joining Ewing (4 times), Luke Kornet, and Kristaps Porzingis as the four seven-footers in franchise history with five steals in a game.  

The Knicks in 2022-23 were 18-7 when Robinson grabbed 10 or more rebounds; 26-14 when he played 26-plus minutes; and 20-10 when he committed two fouls or fewer.

Career Block Shot          *Patick Ewing            2,758         Marcus Camby          390
Leaders In Knicks           Mitchell Robinson       567         Kristaps Porzingis     378
History                              Bill Cartwright            543         Charles Smith            287
                                           Marvin Webster          542         Amar’e Stoudemire   287
                                           Kurt Thomas               479         Kyle O’Quinn            251

Last season, the Knicks were 39-16 when they outrebounded their opponent. They were 32-2 in 2022-23 when they held an opponent to 109 points or fewer (8-28 when they allowed 110 points or more), including 11-0 when the held their opponent under 100 points.

When the Knicks allowed 120 points or more, their record was 6-23; 1-7 when they allowed 130 or more; and 0-3 when they allowed 140 points or more.

The Knicks in their final 38 games of 2022-23 allowed 110 points or more in 19 of those contest.

                          Knicks Defense Their Final 10 Games Of 2022-23                                 
                                             Points     FG%   3-Pt.%   Result
Mar. 20, 2023 VS MIN        140        61%     58%     Loss
Mar. 22, 2023 AT MIA        127        57%      57%     Loss
Mar. 23, 2023 AT ORL       111         46%      41%      Loss
Mar. 27, 2023 VS HOU       115        48%      27%     Win
Mar. 29, 2023 VS MIA         92         44%      33%     Win
Mar. 31, 2023 AT CLE       116         51%     46%      Win
Apr. 2, 2023 VS WAS         109         49%     43%      Win
Apr. 5, 2023 AT IND          129         52%     50%      Win
Apr. 7, 2023 AT NOP         113         53%     36%       Loss
Apr. 9, 2023 VS IND          141         52%    55%       Loss   

At the Feb. 9 trade deadline, the Knicks in a four-team deal with the Hornets, 76ers, and Trail Blazers acquired forward/guard Josh Hart (9.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.8 apg, 52.9 FG%, 37.2 3-Pt.% w/Trail Blazers & Knicks), sending forward/guard Cam Reddish, guard Ryan Arcidiacono and a 2023 First-Round pick to the Trail Blazers.

Hart fit with the Knicks was an immediate one as he and Brunson picked up their bond right where they left off when they were winning at a high level at Villanova for then legendary head coach Jay Wright.

The Knicks aforementioned nine-game winning streak began with the acquisition of Hart and they were 17-8 in the 25 games after his arrival.

Josh Hart In  W/Trail Blazers 51 Games (All Starts): 9.5 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 50.4 FG%,           
2022-23                                                                              30.4 3-Pt.% (34/112 3-Pt.)
                        W/Knicks 25 Games (1 Start): 10.2 PPG 7.0 RPG 3.6 APG, 58.6 FG%
                                                                             51.9 3-Pt.% (27/52 3-Pt.)

Double-Digit                          W/Pelicans                           2019-20: 10; 2021-22: 11
Double-Double                      W/Trail Blazers & Knicks  2022-23: 10
Seasons By Josh Hart

In the Knicks 122-117 loss Mar. 9 at the Kings (TNT), Hart had nine points, 15 rebounds, (7 off. rebs) and three steals, becoming just the third Knicks all-time with 15 or more boards and seven or mor assists off the bench, joining Enes Kanter (23 points, 24 rebounds, seven assists Nov. 15, 2018 versus Bulls) and Malik Rose (10 points, 15 rebounds, nine assists Apr. 18, 2007 at Charlotte Bobcats).

The Knicks took the advantage to start their opening-round series winning Game 1 101-97 at the Cavaliers Apr. 15 (ESPN), winning their first road Game 1 Playoff game since 1999 East Finals (93-90) May 30k 1999 at the Pacers.

After trailing midway in the first quarter, the Knicks led from late in the first quarter until late in the fourth quarter leading by as many as 12 early in the second quarter and were up 92-84 with 4:37 left. After a 9-0 run by the Cavs to take a 93-92 lead, Hart made a three moments later that ignited a 9-4 closing run, with Grimes hitting two free throws courtesy of an offensive board by Randle with 04.3 seconds left that sealed the victory.

Brunson, who overcame foul trouble in the first half, led the way scoring 21 of his 27 points in the second half with two steals on 11/24 from the floor, including 9/19 shooting in the second half. He scored 12 of those 21 second half points on 5/10 shooting in the

Randle, who overcame a 7/20 shooting performance, including 3/10 from three registered his sixth career postseason double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds with three steals. It was Randle’s first game back from a five-game absence due to left ankle sprain.

Randle (9 Points) and Hart (7 Points) combined for 16 of the Knicks 23 fourth quarter points, including scoring seven of the Knicks final nine points of the victory.  

Hart registered his first career postseason double-double with 17 points and 10 boards on 8/11 from the floor.  

The Knicks won their 17^th road win Game 1 NBA Playoffs, the most in NBA postseason history.

They overcame a 42 percent shooting performance from the floor (37/88 FGs), including 8/29 from three by going 19/22 at the charity stripe. The Knicks continued their dominance on the glass over the Cavs like they did in all four of their regular season tilts outrebounding the Cavs 51-38, including 17-11 on the offensive glass, with seven of those offensive boards in the fourth quarter. They outscored the Cavs 44-40 in the paint; 37-14 in bench points; 17-15 in fastbreak points; and 23-12 in second chance points.

The Knicks offensive struggles coupled with their defensive struggles cost the Knicks in Game 2 as they fell to the Cavs 107-90 three days later (TNT), tying the series at 1-1.

After leading by as many as eight midway through the first period, the Knicks trailed from that point on getting outscored 34-17 in the second quarter, which included a 13-4 run by the Cavaliers in the period that blew the game wide open as they trailed 59-39 at intermission and were down by as many as 29.

Randle led the way in defeat with 22 points and eight boards but struggled again from the floor going 8/20, including 3/7 from three. Brunson had 20 points, six assists, and five boards on 9/10 from the free throw line, but he also struggled shooting wise with 5/17 performance, including 1/8 from three. Barrett had 14 points on just 4/13 shooting. Quickley added 12 points and two steals.

The Knicks 90 points in Game 2 were their second fewest all season. They shot just 36.7 percent from the floor (29/79 FGs), including 7/29 on their triple tries (25/30 FTS). They had 18 turnovers (CLE: 10 Steals) that led to 32 Cavs points, with 14 miscues that led to 27 Cavs points in the opening half. They were outrebounded 43-36 and had only a 13-11 advantage on offensive glass and were outscored 42-38 in the paint; 18-16 in fastbreak points; and 17-13 in second chance points.

In the second quarter, the Knicks were outscored 16-10 in the paint and 10-2 in fastbreak points in the second quarter and had their nine turnovers in the period converted into 19 points in the period.

In their first home Playoff game of 2023, the Knicks bounced back in a big way with a 99-79 victory in Game 3 Apr. 21 (ABC), to take a 2-1 series lead.

They led from midway in the first quarter on, blowing the game open in the second quarter outscoring the Cavs 28-15 in the period to lead 45-32 at the half and led in by as many as 27 in the second half. The Knicks became the first team all season to allow under 80 points to an opponent.  

Brunson in his home Playoff debut as a Knick had a team-high 21 points and six assists with two steals on 10/18 from the floor. Barrett after struggling from the field the first two games in Cleveland (6/25 FGs, 1/8 3-Pt.) had 19 points and eight boards on 8/12 from the field, including 3/6 from three-point range. Hart had 13 points and six boards with two steals off the bench, hitting both of his triples. Randle had his third straight poor shooting performance scoring 11 points and eight rebounds on 3/15 from the floor and 2/10 from three. 

The Knicks shot 47 percent from the floor (39/83 FGs) but were just 10/33 on their threes and 11/18 at the charity stripe. The held the Cavs to 38.8 percent shooting (31/80 FGs) and 7/33 from three.

They outrebounded the Cavs 45-42 (CLE: 13-11 off rebs.); outscoring them 56-48 in the paint; 15-7 in fast break points; 39-14 in bench points; and 14-11 second chance points. They converted 21 Cavs turnovers, registering 14 off of those 21 Cavs turnovers via steals.

The Knicks took a strangle hold on the series with a solid performance in the fourth quarter in taking down the Cavaliers 102-93 in Game 4 Apr. 23 (ABC) to take a 3-1 series lead.

After leading by as many as 15 in the first half, leading 54-45 at the half, the Knicks were outscored by the Cavs 26-19 in the third quarter to only lead 73-71 after three quarters, where they were down by as many as three in the period. With the score tied 75-75, the Knicks took control after that with a 15-6 run to lead 90-81 and led by as many as 11 in final period.

Brunson led the Knicks with 29 points, six assists, and six boards on 11/22 FGs and 5/9 from three. He joined Knicks legend Dick Barnett as the only players to score 20 points their first four career Playoff games in Knicks history.

Brunson also joined Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose as the only three players with a 25/5/5 (points/assists/rebounds) in a Playoff game for the Knicks in last 25 years.  

Barrett had 26 points on 9/18 from the field (0/6 3-Pt.) and 8/13 at the charity stipe. Hart scored a Playoff career-high 19 points with seven boards and two steals on 7/16 shooting. Robinson had 12 points and 11 rebounds with two block shots.

Barrett 1^st 4                Games 1 & 2 At CLE 10.5 PPG, 24 FG% (6/25 FGs), 1/8 3-Pt.
Games of Series         Games 3 & 4 AT NY 22.5 PPG, 5 RPG 57 FG% (17/30 FGs)

Randle had just seven points and two rebounds on 3/10 shooting, missing all four of his triple tries. 

While they shot just 8/29 from three and 18/28 at the foul line in Game 4, the Knicks shot 45.2 percent from the floor overall (38/84 FGs). They outrebounded the Cavs 47-33 and 17-7 on offensive glass; had 50 points in the paint; and registered seven block shots.

The Knicks finished off the Cavs on their home floor with a 106-95 victory Apr. 26 (NBATV), winning the series 4-1, winning their first postseason series since a six-game series victory in the 2013 First Round against the Celtics.

They improved to 4-0 all-time in their postseason history against the Cavaliers (2-0 In 1978 First Round; 3-1 In 1995 First Round; 3-0 in 1996 First Round), going 13-2 in Playoffs games against the Cavs.  

They led Game 5 wire-to-wire up by as many as 18 in the third quarter, holding off a Cavs rally where they drew within 90-84 with 8:10 left.

Brunson had a team-high 23 points and two steals despite going 8/22 from the floor.

Barrett, who as mentioned struggled to start the series at the Cavs had 21 points on 7/13 shooting in the series clincher. He closed the series scoring 66 total points on 24/33 shooting final three games.

Quickley had a series-high 19 points on just 5/15 FGs and 3/10 from three. Robinson had his second straight double-double with 13 points and 18 rebounds with three blocks and two steals. Randle had 13 points and six assists on a solid 4/9 shooting and 5/6 at the charity stripe.

Randle’s night was cut short though as he re-injured his left ankle in the second quarter and did not return. Before his exit, Knicks went 5/5 shooting on Randle’s five first quarter assists.

Grimes missed his second straight game with a bruised right shoulder that he injured in first half of Game 3.

While the Knicks shot 43.5 percent from the floor in Game 5 (37/85 FGs), including 9/29 from three were 23/29 at the foul line and outrebounded the Cavs 48-30 (17-4 offensive board). They outscored the Cavs 44-34 in the paint; 20-8 in fastbreak points; 32-19 in bench points; and 20-3 in second chance points.

The Knicks held the Cavs under 100 points in four of the five games in the series.

The shoe was on the other foot to start the East Semis as the Knicks had home court advantage stripped from them as the Heat took Game 1 in their house 108-101 Apr. 30 (ABC).

The Knicks were up by as many as 12 in the first half leading 32-21 after the opening period; 55-50 at the half; and were up 61-53 early in the third quarter before the Heat used a 21-5 run in the third, outscoring the Knicks 31-20 in the period to lead 81-75 after three quarters and by as many as 11 in second half. The Knicks were outscored 87-69 for the final three quarters. 

While they shot 47.7 percent from the field (41/86 FGs) in Game 1 and outrebounded the Heat 48-39, including 12-10 on offensive glass and outscored the Heat 62-38 in the paint, they only outscored the Heat 11-7 in second chance points and shot just 7/34 from three and 12/20 at the charity stripe. They also had 13 turnovers that led to 22 Heat points.

The Knicks in the opening round against the Cavs, the Knicks were a plus-seven (22.2-15.2) in points off turnovers in the five-game series. They were a minus-eight (22-8) in points off turnovers in the loss versus the Heat.

                                   Paint Pts           FGS         Paint Pt. Diff.
Knicks Game 1  1^st  Half          40                 20/24              +20
Versus Heat       2^nd Half           22                 11/22                +4  

Knicks Scoring                      1^st  Half  55 Points 24/43 FGs (55.8 FG%)
Game 1 Versus Heat            2^nd  Halt  46 Points 17/43 FGs (39.5 FG%)

Barrett led the Knicks in the loss with 26 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists on 10/20 shooting, but was just 1/5 from three and 5/8 at the foul line with four turnovers.

Brunson had 25 points, seven assists, and five boards on 11/23 shooting, but missed all seven of his triple tries and had five turnovers. While he shot in Game 1 10/13 in the paint but was just 1/10 shooting outside the paint.

Grimes scored four points in 10 minutes in his return from a two-game absence with a bruised right shoulder. Randle missed Game 1 with a left ankle sprain.

The Knicks bounced back winning Game 2 versus the Heat two days later 111-105 (TNT), tying the series 1-1.

In a nip-and-tuck affair where both teams lead by as many as eight, Knicks overcame a three-point halftime deficit (54-51); were down 77-76 after three quarters; and down 93-87 with 7:03 left outscoring the Heat 24-12 to close the contest, including 16-4 in clutch time, and 35-28 in the fourth quarter.

The Final 4:47           MIA                NYK
Of Game 2                   12     Points     24
                                     4/12     FGs     6/13
                                      1/7     3-Pt.      4/7
                                      3/3      FTs      8/11
                                       2       Rebs      11

Brunson led the way with a game-high 30 points and five boards with two steals on 10/19 shooting, including 6/10 from three. He scored 23 of his 30 points in the second half on 9/13 shooting, including 5/7 from three, became the first Knick since Anthony to score 30 points in a home Playoff game. 

Randle returned from one-game absence with his best performance of 2023 Playoffs with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists on 8/18 shooting, hitting three triples (3/9 3-Pt.) and 6/6 at the foul line, with 10 of his 25 points coming in the first quarter.

Barrett had 24 points on 8/17 from the floor and 5/9 from three, scoring 16 points on 5/8 from the floor and 3/5 on his threes in opening period.

Hart had a near triple-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, with 10 points and four rebounds on 2/3 from three and 4/6 at the foul line in the fourth quarter.

The Knicks in Game 2 shot 45.1 percent from the field (37/82 FGs) and shot an exceptional 16/40 from three-point range and were 21/30 at the charity stripe, including 9/12 at the foul line in the second half.

They outrebounded the Heat 50-34, including 11-8 on the offensive glass, with 23 assists and just 11 turnovers. They outscored the Heat 16-7 in second chance points.  

The Knicks flat out did not have it in Game 3, falling 105-86 at the Heat May 6 (ABC) to fall behind 2-1 in the series.

They trailed the entire game down by as many as 22, trailing by double digits from the start of the second quarter on.

Brunson had 20 points, eight assists, and six boards, but shot just 7/20 from the field, missing all five of his triple tries.

Hart had his second straight double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, but was just 5/12 from the floor, including 2/6 from three and 3/5 at the foul line.

Barrett had 14 points on just 5/16 shooting, including 2/7 from three. Quickley had 12 points, but was just 4/12 from the floor, including 2/8 from three. Randle also had a double-double of 10 points and 14 boards, but shot just 4/15 from the field, missing all five of his threes.

The Knicks shot just 34.1 percent from the field (31/91 FGs), including 8/40 from three. They were outshot at the foul line 31-22 (NYK: 16/22 FTs; MIA: 28/31 FTs). Were outscored 50-36 in the paint; had just nine fastbreak points and allowed 16 points off their 13 turnovers.

They began Game 3 0/8 from three and were 2/16 on their triple tries in the first half and the set a franchise-record for most missed three-pointers in a Playoff game with their 32 in Game 3.

In the opening half of Game 3, the Knicks scored 44 points on just 16/47 shooting (34 FG%), 2/16 from three; began 0/15 shooting outside the paint and had nine turnovers.  

The Knicks 86 points, second fewest all season (85 points Nov. 9, 2022 at Nets) and their 20 percent from three their worst since 2012 against the Heat.

The Knicks gave themselves a chance to tie the series but their inability to get key stops in the closing moments cost them as they dropped Game 4 109-101 May 8 (TNT) to fall behind in the series 3-1.

Aside from leading by one point twice early in the first quarter, the Knicks trailed after that by as many as 11 got to within 99-93 with 4:40 left but got no closer.

Brunson led the way with his first career playoff double-double with 32 points and 11 assists, where he shot 10/21 and 10/11 at the foul line. He scored 13 of those 32 points in the final period on 7/7 at the charity stripe, but was just 3/7 from the floor, including 0/2 from three.  

Barrett had 24 points on 9/16 shooting. Randle had 20 points and nine boards on 8/13 shooting but had six turnovers and fouled out with 3:08 left in the game.

While Grimes had nine points and five boards on 3/7 from three in 41 minutes. But Hart had just four points on just 2/6 shooting and six fouls in 21 minutes.

The good for the Knicks shot 48.7 percent from the floor in Game 4 (37/76 FGs) and were 18/24 from the charity stripe (MIA: 16/22 FTs) and outscored the Heat 50-46 in the paint.

The bad for the Knicks in Game 4, they shot just 9/28 from three, including just 3/13 on their triples in the second half.

Knicks 3-Pt.   RJ Barret             3/5 3-Pt.     Rest of the Team 3/16 3-Pt.-Jalen Brunson 2/7;
Game 4           Quentin Grimes  3/7 3-Pt.      Julius Randle 1/4; Josh Hart 0/2

Were outrebounded 44-35, including 13-8 on the offensive glass. Had 17 turnovers that led to 22 Heat points and were outscored 32-10 in bench points, bringing the scoring differential to a -54 (116-62) in bench points in the series first four games. 

While the Knicks held the Heat to 20 points on 6/22 shooting, including 0/9 from three, including starting the period 1/9 from the floor including 0/4 from three, they began the fourth quarter 3/12 shooting, going 6/18 from the floor in the final period, including 1/8 from three. 

The Knicks in the final period were 7/7 from the charity stripe, they committed nine fouls; were outrebounded in the final period 17-8, including 7-1 on the offensive glass (led 7-6 off. rebounds first three quarters); had four turnovers that the Heat scored six points off of and were outscored by the Heat 10-8 in second chance points.

Facing elimination, the Knicks big three were at their best overcoming a slow start and dominated the middle two quarters and won Game 5 112-103 versus the Heat May 10 (TNT) to cut the series deficit 3-2. 

They overcame a 24-14 deficit after the first quarter outscoring the Heat 35-23 in the second quarter, beginning the period 18-2 to lead 50-47 at intermission thanks to a late three-pointer by Randle. They followed that up with a 23-6 run to start the third quarter, outscoring the Heat 34-27 in the third to lead 73-54 midway through the period. But the Heat closed the quarter 20-11 to pull within 84-74 after three quarters. The Heat closed an 11-point deficit down to 103-101 with 2:37 left. The Knicks though closed the game 9-2.

Knicks            1^st QTR: 14 Points (Their Lowest Scoring Quarter In 2023 Playoff) 6/20 FGs
Game 4           2/9 3-Pt., 0/0 FTs

                        Final 3 QTRS: 98 Points, 29/51 FGs, 11/25 3-Pt., 29/40 FTs

The Knicks shot 49.3 percent from the floor (35/71 FGs), including 13/34 on their triples, and 29/40 at the charity stripe (MIA: 16/19 FTs). They outrebounded the Heat 50-34, including 14-11 on the offensive glass. Had 23 assists on their 35 made field goals. Were only outscored 42-40 in the paint and outscored the Heat 16-9 in fastbreak points. That overcame 19 turnovers (MIA: 11 Steals) that led to 29 Heat points.

Brunson led the way with a game-high 38 points with seven assists and nine rebounds on 12/22 from the floor, included four made triples (4/10 3-Pt.) and 10/12 at the foul line. He joined Hall of Famers Patrick Ewing and Walt “Clyde” Frazier as the three Knicks to register 35/5/5 (points/rebounds/assists) when facing elimination.

Barrett had 26 points and seven boards on 8/17 from the floor, making three trifectas (3/8 3-Pt.) and 7/8 from the charity stripe. Randle had 24 points, five rebounds, five assists on 7/13 from the floor, 4/7 from three, and 6/10 at the foul line. Robinson had eight points and 11 rebounds (4/8 FTs).

Brunson and Grimes (8 Points, 5 Assists, two steals, two blocks) each played all 48 minutes of Game 5. They joined Hall of Famers Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Jerry Lucas as only others to do that in Knicks postseason history.                                                                               

                                                                                                                                     Result
Starting Backcourts To       2023 Jalen Brunson & Quentin Grimes (NYK)         Win
Play All 48 Minutes In A     2005 Gilbert Arenas & Larry Hughes    (WAS)         Loss
Playoff Game Last 50          1988 ^John Stockton & Bobby Hansen   (UTA)        Loss
Postseasons

Immanuel Quickley missed his second straight game with a right ankle sprain.

The Knicks started Game 6 strong but faded down the stretch and came up empty on a couple of key late possessions, trailing the entire second half in the 96-92 loss May 12 at the Heat (ESPN), to fall in the series 4-2.

The Knicks were up 31-17 late in the first quarter but only led 31-24 after the opening period. 

After leading 36-27 early in the second quarter, and a 10-0 run by the Heat had the Knicks down 37-36 and outscored the Knicks 27-19 in the period to lead 51-50 at the half. They were outscored 23-21 in the third to trail 74-71 after three quarters and were down by nine points at 85-76 with 6:25 left and 90-84 with 2:23 left. Two free throws by Brunson courtesy of a flagrant foul by the Heat and a layup moments later by Hart cut the deficit to 92-90. With a chance to tie moments after, Brunson’s pass to a cutting Randle was knocked away by the Heat’s Kyle Lowry, which led to two made free throws by All-Star Jimmy Butler that put the Knicks down four at 94-90 with 14 seconds left. Grimes on the Knicks next to last possession airballed a right corner three, which led to two game-ceiling foul shots.

Brunson, who played 45 out of the 48 minutes tied a Playoff career-high 41 points on 14/22 from the floor, 5/10 from three, and 8/9 at the foul line, scoring 20-plus points in a half for the third time in 2023 East Semis with 22 points in opening half at Knicks.

It was Brunson’s fourth game of 30-plus points in the series, the second most in a Playoff series in Knicks history, trailing only the five such games Hall of Famer Bernard King registered in First Round of 1984 Playoffs against the Pistons.

Brunson for the ninth time in the 11 Playoff games led the Knicks in scoring in 2023 Playoffs.

        Most 20-Plus Point Games In A Postseason In Knicks History      
Carmelo Anthony 12 Games  2013     Patrick Ewing 5 Games 1990
Jalen Brunson       11 Games  2023     Dick Barrnett  5 Games 1971
Bernard King          6 Games  1984

In the 2:44 in second quarter with Brunson on the bench early in second quarter, Knicks went 0/2 from the floor with no points and two turnovers and Heat went on an 8-0 run.

Knicks 1^st Half Game 6    1^st  QTR   31 Points, 11/11 FTs 2 Turnovers
                                            2^nd QTR   19 Points 0/0 FTs  4 Turnovers

Most Points In An Elimination     Patrick Ewing 44 Points May 4, 1990 Versus Celtics (W)
Gane (40-Plus Points) In Knicks  Bernard King  44 Points May 11, 1984 Versus Celtics (W)
History                                            Jalen Brunson 41 Points May 12, 2023 At Heat (L)
                                                         Carmelo Anthony 41 Points May 6, 2012 Versus Heat (W)

While Randle had a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, and two blocks on 8/9 from the charity stripe, he was just 3/14 from the floor, including 1/7 from three and had three turnovers. He registered just five points with five boards on 2/7 shooting in the opening half. It was the eighth time in 10 games in 2023 Playoffs Randle shot under 45 percent from the floor.

Barrett had just 11 points on 9/10 at the foul line, but shot an abysmal 1/10 from the field, missing all three of his triples. He had 10 points on just 1/5 shooting and 8/8 at the charity stripe I the first half.

Hart also had 11 points with seven boards. Robinson had two points and 11 rebounds. Grimes had just three points on 1/6 from three-point range.

While Brunson played well with the Knick season hanging in the balance, the rest of the Knicks starters totaled 31 points and shot just 5/32 from the floor, including 2/16 on their triple tries, that included 18 points on 4/16 from the floor and 1/7 from three in the first half. The rest of the team aside from Brunson totaled 51 points on 13/49 from the field, including 5/25 from three.

The Knicks despite shooting 28/32 at the charity stripe and had nine block shots, shot 38 percent from the field in Game 5, including 10/35 on their triples. They were outrebounded by the Heat 41-40; were outscored 38-20 in the paint; 25-20 in bench points; and managed just eight offensive boards for seven second chance points.

For the series, the Knicks reserves were outscored 183-90 in bench points.

Knicks Scoring              First Round Vs CLE                           East Semis Vs MIA
Differential In 2023                   +35                   Pts Off TOs                 -12
Playoffs                                       +36                2^nd Chance Pts               -11
                                                     +23               Fastbreak   Pts                +4
                                                     +16               Points In Paint               -10    

The Knicks fell to 0-15 in their Playoff history when they trail in a best-of-seven series 3-1. Dropped to 0-8 all-time in Playoff series when they drop Game 1 at home and are 3-18 all-time in best-of-seven series when trailing 2-1.

Worst Playoff Series Marks               Trail Blazers 0-8
After Losing Game 1 At Home          Knicks           0-7
Amongst Active NBA Franchises      Hornets         0-2

                                                                                             Playoff Appearances
Fewest Playoff Series Wins              Hornets         0                      3
Last 20 Postseasons                          Knicks           2                      6
(Includes 2023 Playoffs                     Kings            1                      4

Head coach Tom Thibodeau fell to 0-7 in his postseason career when his team trails a best-of-seven series 2-1.

With no draft picks in this past June’s draft, the Knicks offseason consisted of them making a couple of moves to keep their core group together to make some serious noise this upcoming season. 

They eventually re-signed Hart to a four-year, $81 million deal. The new deal was able to come to fruition because he first exercised his $12.4 million player option for 2023-24. Hart will now earn with his new contract a total of $94 million through the 2027-28 season, earning a salary of $18.1 million the following season (2024-25).

“I’m whatever we need,” Hart said at the start of training camp on his ability to do whatever he is asked to do on the floor for the Knicks. “There was times I’ll be bringing the ball up last year. You see there was times where I’m setting screens, rolling. I’m guarding point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards, you know? So, it’s a little whatever. Whatever they need.”

Hart and Brunson will have another former college teammate of theirs joining them this season in guard/forward Donte DiVincenzo (9.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.5 apg, w/Warriors), who was signed at the start of July on a four-year, $50 million deal.

Brunson and DiVincenzo helped lead the Villanova University Wildcats to two NCAA titles, with Hart being a part of the triumph on the first one.

The 2018 First-Round pick by the Bucks in June 2018, DiVincenzo was a part of the Bucks 2021 championship team, though he played just three games before his postseason was cut short in Game 3 of the 2021 First Round against the Heat where he tore a ligament in his left ankle. He was dealt to the Kings as part of a four-team deal at the February 2022 NBA trade deadline before joining the Warriors, where he played in a career-high 72 games, starting 36 of them, and set a made a career-high 150 total threes at an accuracy that was also a career-best at 37.9 percent.

Seasons With 100-Plus Total     W/Bucks         2020-21: 131/346 3-Pt. (37.9 3-Pt.%)
Made Three-Pointers By            W/Warriors   2022-23: 150/378 3-Pt. (39.7 3-Pt.%)
Donte DiVincenzo

DiVincenzo at Media Day said he signed with the Knicks because he allowed him to be very close to his family, which resides only two hours away.

“Family is everything to me. Adding on to that, you know, ‘Nova guys are an extension of my family. Jalend [Brunson] especially,” DiVincenzo added. “But ultimately you know, I like to win basketball games. And looking at, you know, the layout of where I was potentially going to land, I felt most comfortable coming here.”

While they are feeling good with their work over the summer in keeping the core players in place and adding a quality depth at the wing position, they did admit to a mistake made in the 2020 NBA Draft.

It was here that they selected at No. 8 overall forward Obi Toppin out of Dayton University. While the former Flyer shined at the collegiate level and displayed some highlight worthy dunks in his Knicks career, he never developed into anything beyond an athletic dunker.

While he had the support from the Knicks fanbase, often chanting his name at home games hoping to see the 2022 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk winner down one on the opposing team. 

On top of that, Toppin never defended at the level Coach Thibodeau wanted and that resulted in him plunging lower and lower in the playing rotation, never going over 17 minutes per contest and his highest scoring season of his young career of nine points came the season prior.

This meant it was not a matter of if, but when Toppin was going to be traded. That also means if he wants an extension of his rookie deal, he will have to earn it with the Pacers this upcoming season.  

He was dealt to the Pacers in early July in exchange for two future Second Round picks.

The Knicks also this summer said goodbye to veteran guard Derrick Rose, who signed with the Grizzlies this summer. This decision was made with some more emotion because Rose and Coach Thibodeau have a long history together where they won a lot of games with the Bulls and Timberwolves. But Rose, who played a major role in the Knicks making it back to the postseason two springs back was now a very expensive player eating up space on the Knicks sideline at the expense of the Knicks young wings and was not a part of their future. He eventually moved on to join the aforementioned Grizzlies in free agency.

Outside of the signing of DiVincenzo and the trading of Toppin, this summer for the Knicks was about representing the USA as Brunson and Barret played in the FIBA World Cup for Team USA and Team Canada respectably.

Both have perspective entering this season of not resting on their laurels from 2022-23 and that the process starts over on being even better than last season.

“Chemistry is a big factor and the fact that we have most of our guys back and in addition to some familiar faces, it’s going to be key for us as we get down late in the stretch of the season,” Brunson said at Media Day about team chemistry from last season entering this season. “And as we get into close games and stuff like that, I think chemistry is big for us.”  

The only other negative for the Knicks this offseason is they did not extend Quickley on his rookie deal and will have to decide either by the trade deadline to get something for him or see if they can match any offer he gets in restricted free agency in the summer of 2024. That of course depending on how he performs this upcoming season.

It has been a long time since these words have been said about the New York Knicks, continuity, stability, and contender.

It has been half a century since the Knicks won their last title in 1973 versus the Lakers where Reed famously walked onto the floor of Madison Square Garden for Game 5, which the Knicks won 102-93. The Knicks’ first title in their history came three years prior, also against the Lakers in seven games.

It would not be until 1994 that the Knicks had another crack at winning the Larry O’Brien trophy. This time though they were on the wrong end of things losing that Finals series in seven games to the eventual back-to-back NBA champion Houston Rockets led by Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon.

Five years late in an unexpected run to the NBA’s title round as the No. 8 Seed, the Knicks feel in five games to the Spurs and Hall of Famers Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and head coach Gregg Popovich, whose run of winning five titles began with the game-winning baseline jumper by Avery Johnson.

One year later, the Knicks reached the East Finals but not The Finals as they went down to the Pacers led by Hall of Famers in not NBA on TNT television color analyst Reggie Miller and then head coach in Hall of Famer and French Lick, IN native Larry Bird.

In the years that followed, the Knicks tried taking shortcuts to get back to the doorstep of a title by bringing players and overpaying for them in the likes of Larry Johnson, Tracy McGrady, Stephon Marbury, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Carmelo Anthony to name a few.

They tried to find the head coach that had was the equivalent of the late Hall of Famers of William “Red” Holzman and Pat Riley, Mike Woodson, and Jeff Van Gundy. Who preached, ate, drank, and breathed defense, hard work, commitment, focus, and belief.  

The likes of Hall of Famers and current NBA color analyst for ESPN Hubie Brown, Don Nelson, Lenny Wilkens, Larry Brown, and Isiah Thomas and gentleman like Stu Jackson, John MacLeod, Mike D’Antoni, Derek Fisher, Kurt Rambis, Jeff Hornacek, and David Fizdale tried and failed.

Perhaps the biggest flaw in the Knicks drive to win a title is when they had a player good enough to handle the demands and pressures of trying to their best in the top media market on the globe, they never surrounded said player with the right supporting cast.

In his 15 years in the “Big Apple,” (1985-2000) Patrick Ewing had incredible teammates like Charles Oakley, John Starks, Larry Johnson, Chris Childs, Allan Houston, Charlie Ward, Anthony Bonner, Glenn “Doc” Rivers, Charles Smith, and the late Anthony Mason. However, neither one of them was a Hall of Fame type player that was a game changer that could carry the load.

The same could be said for Anthony, who by himself in his five-plus seasons with the Knicks (2011-17) was in the same boat playing with the likes of Tyson Chandler, Baron Davis, Iman Shumpert, the aforementioned Stoudemire, Marcus Camby, Raymond Felton, Jason Kidd, Kenyon Martin, J.R. Smith, Quentin Richardson, Tyson Chandler, Tim Hardaway, Jr. (DAL), and Kristaps Porzingis.

Along with the miss steps with the roster, the Knicks under current team governor James Dolan also made some regretful decisions in who they had leading in the front office.

Following the years of Dave Checketts (1991-96) and Ernie Grunfeld (1996-99), the final years of Scott Layden (1999-2004), Steve Mills (2013-14; 2017-20), and Phil Jackson (2014-17) were not ones to write home about.

They cleaned up their act under former longtime Pacers front office leader Donnie Walsh (2008-11) in term of getting their financials in terms of their salary cap balanced and that allowed Glen Grunwald (2011-13) to put a Knicks squad together that made it to the postseason from 2011-13 reaching the East Semis in 2013 where they lost to the Pacers in the East Semis in six games.                                                                        

It took the Knicks until this three-year period where they were led in the front office by  Leon Rose, GM Scott Perry, and William “Worldwide Wes” Wesley and head coach Tom Thibodeau for the Knicks to be back to being a threat in the Eastern Conference.

They also have a dynamic three in Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett that made serious strides last season. It was Brunson though that raised his level of play in terms of production last spring in the Playoffs behind averages of 27.8 points, 5.6 assists and 4.9 rebounds on 47.4 percent from the field.

Brunson In                East Quarterfinals VS CLE: 24 PPG, 4.8 APG, 43.7 FG%
2023 Playoffs             East Semifinals VS MIA:     31 PPG, 6.3 APG, 5.5 RPG 50.4 FG%

For Brunson, it is about improving as a consistent volume three-point shooter, which he struggled with in the 2023 Playoffs at 32.5 percent (26/80 3-Pt.).

In the East Semis against the Heat, Brunson was 15/30 from three in Games 2,5 and 6 of the series, and the Knicks went 2-1. In Games 1,3, and 4 of the series, all losses, Brunson was just 2/19 from three. 

“We can’t just jump back to the Playoffs. We have to continue to build every single day,” Brunson said at Media Day about the team’s necessary approach to this season.

“Obviously, we want to make [deep Playoff] runs. But we can’t do that if we start overlooking things and I think  for us, our mindset and our moto right now is to take one day at a time.”

For the Knicks though to be taken with any kind of seriousness in terms of a top team in East, Barrett and Randle have to raise their games in both the regular season and the postseason.

In his two postseason appearances with the Knicks, Randle has averaged 17.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 37.4 percent from the field and 25.8 percent from three-point range. That included his averages of 16.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 37.4 percent from the field, 25.8 percent from three (17/66 3-Pt.). 

Randle In                East Quarterfinals VS CLE: 14.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 33.8 FG%,
2023 Playoffs          23.5 3-Pt.% (8/34 3-Pt.)
                                 East Semifinals VS MIA: 18.8 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 41.1 FG%,
                                 28.1 3-Pt.% (9/29 3-Pt.)

With the trade of Toppin, Randle is the Knicks only legitimate power forward on the roster and if he were to miss any time significant time with an injury, those dreams of being a sleeper contender in the East would go up in smoke.

Along with staying healthy, which Randle has done for the most part, he has to get to the point where he finds a balance of knowing when to score and when to making things easier for his teammates. He found that balance at time in 2022-23. He has to find that happy medium, especially with how Brunson played when he got cooking at the offensive end last season.

For Randle, who had surgery on his ankle said at Media Day that his offseason was “different” from a physical standpoint. But entering his 10^th NBA season, Randle said he is “excited” for this season.

“I’m excited because I had to figure out different ways for, you know, a good part of the summer to improve,” Randle said about his offseason. “That was a fun challenge in itself…I always knew the physical for me was the last thing to come. But I think in every other area as far improving, I’ve prepared myself for that.” 

Then there is Barrett, whose shooting struggles have been well documented and were very visible in the 2023 Playoffs where he averaged 19.3 points and 4.5 boards on just 43.3 percent from the field and 32.8 percent from three (20/61 3-Pt.).

Barrett In           East Quarterfinals VS CLE: 17.4 PPG, 44.2 FG%, 25.0 3-Pt.% (6/24 3-Pt.)
2023 Playoffs     East Semifinals VS MIA: 20.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 42.7 FG%, 37.8 3-Pt.%
                            (14/37 3-Pt.)

From Game 4 of the First Round at the Cavaliers to Game 2 of East Semis versus the Heat, Barrett scored 20 or more that was part of a stretch of him doing so in six of the Knicks final eight games of the 2023 Playoffs. During this time, he found his shooting stroke which made the Knicks life offensively easier.

Barrett at Media Day said along with playing for Team Canada at FIBA this summer, he worked very hard in the weight room trying to “get stronger” and to be able to “handle” the rigors of an NBA season.

“Been here a while….Just excited to be back and with the experience that we know have. The Playoff run we had, just kind of looking to build on where the season ended and show and prove we are.” 

Then there is Coach Thibs. Ever since he came to New York back in 2020, where he was an assistant on Van Gundy’s staff (1996-2003), he brought back accountability, focus and attention to detail that the Knicks have not had in a long time. He had the same thing to start his head coaching career with the Bulls (2010-15) where he and that cast of Rose, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Taj Gibson, and now Heat perennial All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler had a major connection that had them as a serious title contender.

What killed those dreams that those players like Randle, Barrett, and Brunson now with the Knicks played a lot of minutes and those Bulls players broke down. The biggest blow to the Bulls title hopes under Thibodeau came in the 2012 Playoffs when Rose in the final minutes of Game 1 blew out his knee, missing the rest of the series and Bulls fell to the No. 8 Seeded 76ers 4-2. That was on the heels of Bulls being in the East Finals where they lost in five games to the Heat.

The marriage between the Bulls Coach Thibodeau ended in 2015 after they lost in East Semis 4-2 to the Cavs.

Thibodeau got a second chance with the Timberwolves in 2016 but his coaching style even when he had the likes of Butler, Rose, and Gibson in the fold did not work with then headliners in now All-Stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. Thibodeau was given the axe 40 games into his third season with the Timberwolves in 2018-19.

So far with the Knicks, things have worked for Thibodeau. So much so that he has climbed into the Top 10 in head coaching victories in Knicks history.

Most Head Coaching Wins   Red Holzman     613           Hubie Brown       142
In Knicks History                  Joe Lapchick      326           Tom Thibodeau   125
                                                 Jeff Van Gundy 248           Mike D’Antoni    121
                                                 Pat Riley             223            Mike Woodson     109

There are coaches in pro sports history that have shown they are great when they are in the position of a lieutenant where they only focus on a certain part of the preparation to win a game. The best example of this was longtime NFL coach Norv Turner.

He showed through his career (1985-2019) that when he was a team’s offensive coordinator where his focus was making sure that his squad’s offensive was ready to roll on Sunday or Monday night it normally went well, especially with the Dallas Cowboys. As a head coach with the Washington Commanders (then Redskins), now Las Vegas (then Oakland) Raider and now Los Angeles (then San Diego) Chargers, it did not go as well because as a head coach, there is a lot more on your to do list in preparation to win a game. 

Coach Thibodeau, whether as a head coach or as an assistant coach has always been known as someone who sleeps, eats, drinks, and breaths defense. It matters to him that you know and understand how to guard the opposing team from an individual and collective standpoint. That is why every team he had coached has been one of the very best defenses in the league from the late 1990s to now. As an assistant on the 2008 Celtics title squad, they were one of the best defenses in the league led by Hall of Famer and 2007-08 Kia Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Garnett.

What has let Coach Thibs down in his head coaching career with the Bulls and Timberwolves is the fact that he only shows confidence in a certain number of players on the roster and the fact that his squads have been known to be only one way offensively with no creativity.

Now so far with the Knicks it has worked. Coach Thibs has a squad that likes to be in the gym together. They do not like missing practice or games. They have been a strong defensive team. But that offensive creativity has to show some improvement if they want to get to a place where they are a serious contender.

The New York Knicks showed the kind of progress last season for the first time in a decade. They have a cohesion and confidence they have not shown in two decades. They have earned their place in the conversation of being a sleeper team that can make a major Playoff run if they stay healthy and elevate their play on both ends to the level of the likes of the Celtics, Bucks, and Heat.

“A lot of energy and excitement going into a season. But it’s also a reminder of how much work you have to do,” Coach Thibodeau said of Knicks upcoming season where they hope to take another step towards winning a title.

He added, “Having the understanding that last year had nothing to do with this year. And so, we have to start all over again. We have to build a base. We have to get a baseline. We have to put the work into each and every day. And we have to do this together. We can’t do this individually. We have to do this as a team.” 

Best Case Scenario: The Knicks make the Playoffs in Top 4 in East. Brunson becomes a first-time All-Star. Randle earns his third All-Star selection as well as an All-NBA bod behind another season where his game has balance. Barrett finally becomes an efficient scorer. The supporting cast of Quickley, Grimes, Robinson, Hart, and DiVincenzo play solid complimentary basketball alongside Brunson, Randle, and Barrett. The offense is consistent enough alongside the defense. The Knicks reach the East Semifinals.  

Worst Case Scenario: The Knicks make the Playoffs in the bottom part of the East. Barrett shooting efficiency continues to be an issue. Randle has his ups and downs offensively Coach Thibodeau’s coaching style rings hollow with his team. The supporting cast struggles. The Knicks have a First-Round exit for the second time in the last four seasons.  

Grade: A

Orlando Magic: 34-48 Record; 4^th Southeast Division (No. 13 East; Missed Playoffs); 20-21 at home, 14-27 on the road.

-111.4 ppg-26^th; opp. ppg: 114.0-15^th; 43.2 rpg-16^th

In the history of the Orlando Magic, they have won the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft Lottery three time, selecting a big man all three times. The first two times they chose at No. 1 (1992 & 1993) they found the two cornerstones that led them to The Finals two seasons later. Their selection at No. 1 overall in 2004 taking a talented center who was the foundation of their squad that reached The Finals five years later. Their recent chance to pick at No. 1 overall came in 2022 draft and it worked out again for the Magic as their latest No. 1 pick showed out and had the Magic in contention for the Play-In up until the final week of 2022-23. With the return of said No. 1 overall pick coupled with a cast of young and hungry talented players, sprinkled with a couple of veterans, the plan for the Magic is to compete to make it to the Playoffs for just the third time in the last 12 seasons and find out who will be their core group moving forward.  

For a team that missed the Playoffs in eight of the prior 10 seasons entering 2022-23, the Magic were on the verge of making nine out of the last 11 getting off to a 5-20 start, including dropping 10 of their first 11 home games.

During that stretch, the Magic suffered a five-game losing streak to start 2022-23; three two-game losing streaks, and a season-worst nine game losing streak (Nov. 19-Dec. 7, 2022).

A six-game winning streak (Dec. 7-19, 2022) and eight wins in their next nine games (Dec. 7-27, 2022) breathed some life into third year head coach Jamahl Mosley’s squad. Only the Nets (8-0) and Grizzlies (7-1) had better records in this span than the Magic.

The Magic used that run to stay within striking distance of East Play-In Tournament, especially after a 6-2 mark from Mar. 11 to Apr. 2. But a four-game losing streak to close 2022-23 had the Playoff basketball out of the Magic’s plans for the ninth time in the last 11 seasons.

While a 13-26 mark to close last season at home is nothing to throw your hands in the air about, the Magic as mentioned began 2022-23 1-11 on the road.

During their four-game skid to close 2022-23, that included losses in their final two home games to the Cavaliers following a five-game winning streak. The first of those two setbacks was a 117-113 defeat on Apr. 4 that eliminated the Magic from postseason contention. It was also part of the Magic’s 5-5 mark their last 10 and a 17-12 mark their final 29 home games at Amway Center in 2022-23.

                                                   Offense                NBA Rank       Defense                NBA Rank
Magic The First                      107.6 PPG                29^th              114.2 PPG                  18^th
25 Game Of 2022-23               46.6 FG%                19^th                48.0 FG%                24^th
                                                  33.6 3-Pt.%              24^th                   34.1 3-Pt.%                7^th
                                               48.8 Paint Pts             18^th            50.6 Paint Pts                21^st
                                              11.5 Fastbreak Pts      25^th         16.3 Fastbreak Pts          26^th 

                                                  Offense                NBA Rank      Defense                   NBA Rank 
Magic Next Nine                   117.9 PPG                   7^th            110.3 PPG                       8^th 
Games                                      47.8 FG%                 14^th          43.8 FG%                       3^rd      
                                                  38.1 3-Pt.%              10^th          31.3 3-Pt.%                     2^nd
                                        13.6 Fastbreak Pts            13^th                
                                        15.6 2^nd Chance Pts            9^th

While the Magic ranked inside the Top 10 in in free throw attempts (25-8^th NBA) and were inside the Top 15 in second chance points at 14.2 (11^th NBA) and 17.5 points off turnovers at 17.5 (12^th NBA), they ranked in the lower part of the league in other offensive categories.
                                                       NBA Ranks                                            NBA Ranks
Magic Offensive     47.0 FG%          21^st                       50.0 Paint Pts               17^th
Ranks 2022-23       34.6 3-Pt.%        24^th                   12.8 Fastbreak Pts       23^rd
                                31.1 3-Pt. Att.     27^th                    78.4 FT%                     16^th  
                                10.8 Made 3-Pt.  25^th                    15.1 Turnovers            24^th

Last season, the Magic went just 7-28 when they scored under 110 points (27-20 when they scored 110 or more), including 2-8 when they scored under 100 points (32-40 when they scored 100 points or more). They scored 120 or more when they scored 120 or more, including 3-0 when they scored 130 or more.

The Magic in 2022-23 were 30-11 when they outshot their opponent by field goal percentage.

When the Magic were clicking on offense, it was mainly because their young dynamic lottery picks the past two Junes in the 2022 No. 1 overall pick out of Duke University in forward Paolo Banchero (20.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.7 apg) in 72 games and No. 8 overall pick in 2021 out of the University of Michigan in forward/guard Franz Wagner (18.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.5 apg, 48.5 FG%, 36.1 3-Pt.%).

Banchero, like the two past overall picks that came before him in Magic history made a good first impression and then some a season ago. Poised in the big moments and hands down the headliner of a young Magic squad.

After missing 10 games early last season due to a tight back and a left ankle sprain, Banchero, then age 19, figured things out and joined Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal (1992-93) and Mike Miller (2000-01) to win Kia Rookie of the Year.

The Seattle, WA native began his first NBA season scoring 20 or more in his first six career games. He led the entire 2022-23 NBA rookies with 40 20-plus point games, including six 30-plus point games. He also led all rookies last season with 14 double-doubles, No. 4 amongst the rookies, which included 10 games of at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. He joined Hall of Famer Michael Jordan (1984-85) and New Orleans Pelicans’ All-Star Zion Williamson as the only three rookies in NBA history to score 20-plus points in 15 of their first 20 career NBA games.

In the Magic’s 126-123 overtime defeat versus the Kings on Nov. 5, 2022 had season-highs of 33 points and 16 rebounds. He joined Lakers’ four-time Kia MVP LeBron James as the second teenager in NBA history to register at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a game.

Longest Streaks Scoring       *Elvin Hayes            10 1968 With San Diego Rockets
20-Plus Points To Start         *Oscar Robertson     6 1960 With Cincinnati Royals
Their NBA Career By            Paolo Banchero       6 2023 With Orlando Magic
No. 1 Overall Pick                                

In a season where he shot just 42.7 percent from the floor and 29.8 percent from three-point range (85/285 3-Pt.), Banchero scoring came largely from the foul line, leading the entire 2022-23 rookies in free throws made (394) and attempted (534), shooting 73.8 percent from the charity stripe.

Banchero in the Magic’s 116-109 triumph Mar. 31 at the Wizards, Banchero had 30 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and three block shots on 8/17 from the floor and 13/14 at the charity stripe. It put the exclamation point where Banchero averaged 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 44.5 percent from the floor and 37 percent from three.
                                                                                                          Season    Teams
Rookies To Register                          *Michael Jordan                   1984       Bulls
30/12/6/3 Plus (Points/Rebounds     *David Robinson (twice)      1990       Spurs
Assists/Blocks) In A Game                Paolo Banchero                    2023      Magic
In NBA History (*Hall of Famer)

Wagner after a solid rookie season raised his game from a skills and competitive stand -point hinting that he is getting better, and better, and better.

After registering 17 20-plus point games, and just one 30-point game as a rookie a season ago, the 2022 All-Rookie First Teamer registered 36 games of 20 points or more, including three games of 30 points or more.

Wagner had a career-high of 34 points with five boards and two steals on 12/15 from the field and 8/8 from the charity stripe. He had 31 points, six assists, and three steals on 13/22 shooting in the aforementioned loss versus Kings. Had 30 points, six rebounds, and a career-high nine assists on 10/16 from the field and 5/7 from three in the Magic’s win (123-110) versus the Pelicans on Jan. 20. 

Wagner in 2022-23 averaged 5.8 points in the fourth quarter, registering 426 total points in the final period, which was No. 9 in the NBA. He ranked in the Top 10 behind eight players that were All-Stars a season ago in Kyrie Irving (DAL), De’Aaron Fox, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine (CHI), Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL), LeBron James (LAL), Donovan Mitchell (CLE), and Jayson Tatum (BOS), with seven of those eight individuals that have been perennial All-Stars.

The Magic were in position to play meaningful hoops at the close of 2022-23 because of the play of Wagner, who averaged 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game on 50 percent from the field.

His brother Moritz Wagner (10.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 50.0 FG%) too had a breakout season.

After trying to find his way to start his career with stops with the Lakers, who drafted him No. 25 overall in 2018 out of Michigan, the Wizards, and Celtics, the Magic took a flyer on the older Wagner in late Apr. 2021 and he has stuck, registering seven of his nine career double-doubles, including three in each of the last two seasons.

While Banchero and Wagner were relatively healthy for 2022-23, the rest of the roster dealt with injuries, which played a major role in the Magic getting off to a rough start and battled uphill right from the start, especially at the lead guard spot.

Wendell Carter, Jr. (15.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 52.5 FG%), who was acquired from the Bulls in the Nikola Vucevic deal back in Feb. 2021 when he was healthy provided the interior presence on both ends, especially on the glass for the Magic.

In his first four NBA seasons, including the first 3-plus seasons with the Bulls, who drafted Carter, Jr. No. 7 overall also out of Duke University totaled 37 career double-doubles his first three NBA seasons. In his last two seasons with the Magic registered 33 and 21 double-doubles respectably in 2021-22 and 2022-23.

The problem for Carter since entering the NBA has been as mentioned his been his availability, especially the last two seasons where he as missed 20 and 25 games respectably.

The one area that Carter, Jr. has raised his game is his three-point shooting. After totaling 27 total made threes his first three NBA seasons (27/112 3-Pt.), Carter, Jr. has made 70 (70/214 3-Pt.) and 80 (80/225 3-Pt.) total made three-pointers in each of the last two NBA seasons, shooting a career-high 35.6 percent from three last season.

Carter, Jr. tied his career-high of 30 points with 12 rebounds and two steals on 10/15 from the floor, making both of his triple tries and all eight of his foul shots in the Magic’s 116-108 loss Nov. 1, 2022 at the Thunder.

After missing the first 21 games of last season with a fractured toe, Markelle Fultz (14.0 ppg, 5.7 apg, 3.9 rpg, 51.4 FG%) missed just one game the remainder of the season and registered the best season of his six-year NBA career.

In a career that has seen him deal with injuries and mental hurdles when it came to his jump shot 45-plus percent from the floor the last two seasons and in three of last four seasons, all with the Magic.

In the Magic’s 113-108 victory Mar. 18 at the Clippers, Fultz scored 12 of his career-high 28 points in the fourth quarter on 10/17 shooting and 7/8 at the foul line with six rebounds and four steals.

After totaling eight 20-plus point games entering 2022-23 (All With Magic). Fultz in that contest at the Clippers had one of his 11 20-plus point games last season, a career-high.

Back in June 2020, the Magic drafted a guard who they hoped was eventually going to be either a starter or their reserve guard in Cole Anthony (13 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.9 apg, 45.4 FG%, 36.4 3-Pt.%), who set career-highs in field goal percentage and three-point percentage (75/206 3-Pt.) a season ago.

After registering 19 of his 23 20-plus point games entering 2022-23, including three 30-plus point games, Anthony had eight 20-plus point games a season ago, with no games with 30 points. What slowed the growth of Anthony has been injury, particularly last season where a right internal oblique muscle injury shelved No. 15 overall pick in 2020 out of University of North Carolina for 17 straight games (Oct. 28-Nov. 28, 2022). 

Games Missed By       2020-21: 25 Missed Games             2022-23: 22 Missed Games
Season By Anthony    2021-22: 17 Missed Games

When Fultz established himself as the Magic’s starting lead guard upon his return from injury a season ago, Anthony, after starting 89 of his first 112 career games in the NBA started just four games out of the 60 that he played in 2022-23.

The son of former NBA guard, and Turner Sports (TNT/NBATV) analyst was able to provide instant offense and established himself as one of the best reserves in the league.

Following Anthony’s return from injury Nov. 30, 2022 versus the Hawks, the Magic went 21-10 when Anthony scored at least 13 points (7-17 when he scored 12 points or fewer).

The Magic in 2022-23 were 14-8 when Anthony scored at least 18 points, including 4-4 when he scored 20 or more.

The former Tar Heel closed 2022-23 scoring in double-figures 13 straight games and grabbed five or mor boards in 12 of those final 13 games.

Another guard the Magic have drafted in the last three seasons that has dealt with injuries is Jalen Suggs (9.9 ppg), who has also struggled with his shooting accuracy.

Shooting Stroke Of               2021-22: 11.8 PPG 36.1 FG%, 21.4 3-Pt.% (42/196 3-Pt.)
Jalen Suggs First Two          2022-23:   9.9 PPG, 41.9 FG%, 32.7 3-Pt.% (66/202 3-Pt.)
NBA Seasons

After missing a total of 34 games as a rookie in 2021-22 with a fractured thumb and a right ankle injury that required surgery that summer, Suggs, No. 5 overall pick in 2021 out of Gonzaga University missed 29 games due to injury, which included a left knee sprain and bone bruise.

His one shining moment in 2022-23 came Nov. 18, 2022 at the Bulls capped his 20-point night with eight assists, and five boards on 7/16 from the floor with a three-pointer at the final buzzer to lift the Magic to a 108-107 win.

In the 19 games that Suggs did start in 2022-23, he averaged 12.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, but shot just 43.4 percent from the floor and 34.1 percent from three.

To put this into contest, Anthony had just one double-double last season after totaling nine the previous season where he had to find a balance of being a scorer and facilitator.

While he has become the more of the veteran voice since being dealt to the Magic in 2021 from the Nuggets in the Aaron Gordon deal, Gary Harris (8.3 ppg, 45.0 FG%, 43.2 3-Pt.%) continued to make threes in a high clip making 80 plus threes for seventh time in his nine-year NBA career, including making 94 triples in 2022-23 (94/218 3-Pt.). He has made over 100 total triples in four of those nine seasons, the last coming in 2021-22 (116/302 3-Pt.).

The feel-good story last season for the Magic was the return of Jonathan Issac to the hardwood on Jan. 23 where he scored 10 points with three boards on 4/7 from the floor, making two of his three triples in 10 minutes off the bench.

It marked Issac’s return from 297-game absence covering 211 days returning from a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee Aug. 2, 2020 in the restart in Orlando, FL versus the Kings.

The return lasted only 11 games as the No. 6 overall pick out of Florida State University as on Feb. 28 of last season one day after a Magic practice an MRI revealed Issac suffered a torn left adductor muscle that required season-ending surgery.

That allowed forward Goga Bitadze, who the Magic signed  on Feb. 13 after he was waived four days prior by the Pacers. In 17 games with the Magic, the No. 18 overall pick from Sagarejo, Georgia averaged 5.8 points and 5.2 boards on 57.5 percent shooting.

Bitadze was able to join the Magic and get playing time because their First-Round pick in 2019 (No. 16 overall) forward Chuma Okeke out of Auburn had another injury hit season missing a total of 55 games.

The offseason, the Magic continued with their recipe to get back to being a postseason perennial. They have put a major emphasis on the draft, where they hopefully can select individuals that they can groom through their player development program and find their headliner(s) moving forward.

The Magic’s emphasis on the 2023 NBA Draft back in June focused on adding more depth at the wing position and perimeter shooting, especially from three-point range.

Those First-Round selections of guards Anthony Black (No. 6 overall) out of University of Arkansas and Jett Howard (No. 11 overall) out of University of Michigan. This gave the Magic seven players on their roster that were drafted in the First Round.

Besides having the most envious hair style entering this NBA season, Black is a big guard at 6-foot-7 with excellent court vision. Has a high basketball IQ. Can score off the dribble who can be a bit of a showman.

The 2022-23 All-SEC Freshmen selection is just as effective on the defensive end where he can be disruptive and is can guard multiple positions.

In 2022-23 for the Razorbacks, Black (12.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.9 apg) ranked in the Top 25 in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and block shots. 

“I just like to have fun on defense and do stuff that wins games,” Black said to ESPN’s Monica McNutt after getting drafted back in late June. “So, I like to compete on both ends and just give all I’ve got out there.”

When it comes to shooting, Howard (14.2 ppg) was one of the best in this year’s draft class, ranking No. 3 in 2022-23 in the Big Ten in triples made at 38. He is a shooter that can make it happen in a multitude of ways: off the dribble, catch-and-shoot, off screens and spot ups. He finishes well at the basket. Possesses great footwork. Has a great competitive spirit and loves to play on the big stage.

What young Jett, 20 has in his favor is that he has been around the NBA game his entire life because of his dad in Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard, the No. 5 overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft by the now Washington Wizards (then Bullets), who played in the NBA for 21 seasons for the said Wizards, Mavericks, Nuggets, Magic, Rockets, Bobcats, Trail Blazers, and Heat, where he also began his coaching career as an assistant after being a part of the Heat’s last two titles as a player (2012 & 2013).

At the UM, the All-NBA Third Team selection and All-Star in 1996, who also coaches his other son Jace was part of one of the most iconic and well-known squads in college basketball history “The Fab Five” of him, Hall of Famer Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Ray Jackson, and Jimmy King.  

To put into context how Jett grew up in the NBA, he played basketball on a Nerf hoop in former Heat assistant coach, now an assistant with the Suns David Fizdale’s office.

“We’ve been working out individually with my brother as well,” Jett said to McNutt after getting drafted in late June. “Just teaching me how to shoot. Teaching me all the tricks off the court. On the court. Telling me to just be consistent with my work and it paid for me. That my dog right there and I love him for it.”  

While the shooting makes Howard an intriguing NBA prospect, the areas he has to be better in if he wants to have a long NBA career like his dad (more on him in a moment) is impacting the game in other areas like rebounding and being a better defender and making plays for others at the offensive end.

When asked about the advice given to Jett as he is about to start his NBA journey, Juwan, who averaged 13.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in his 21-year NBA career said to McNutt is to keep “God first.” To be “humble” with the “process.” To be a “sponge” and to develop the most important skill of an NBA player, to “listen.”

“If he sits there and just listens to the coaches, which he is that type of person that he’s a sponge and he loves the game,” Coach Howard added.

“With the right coaching which he has right now with a great opportunity to play with the Orlando Magic to learn from a great staff, he’s going to be a special player.”

The Magic added more depth at the wing position with the signings of veteran guard/forward Joe Ingles (6.9 ppg, 43.5 FG%, 40.9 3-Pt.% w/Bucks) back on June 30 (official July 6) on a two-year, $22 million deal.

In late August, the Magic signed reigning 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk champion Mac McClung to a one-year, $2 million deal.

At the start of July, the Magic agreed on a two-year, $16 million deal to bring back Moritz Wagner.

A few days later (July 5) the Magic made news by promoting assistant General Manager Anthony Parker to GM, replacing GM since 2017 John Hammond, whose transitioning into his new role as senior advisor after a 32-year career as an NBA assistant coach and league executive with the Timberwolves, Clippers, Bucks and Pistons. The Magic that day also promoted Pete D’Alessandro to Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations.

Parker, 48 was the No. 21 overall pick in 1997 by Nets played in the NBA for nine seasons with 76ers, Magic, Raptors, and Cavaliers before concluding his 15-year professional basketball career in the EuroLeague.

If the name sounds familiar, Parker is the older sibling of future Hall of Famer, two-time WNBA champion and current member of the defending WNBA champion Candace Parker.

“We’re excited for John’s well-deserved next chapter,” Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman, who joined the Magic along with Hammond back in 2018 said in a statement back in July. “He has and will always continue to be an invaluable resource. His experience as helped set the table for the Magic’s future and we look forward to continuing to lean on him regarding everything from player evolution to player development. He helped build a great team in Milwaukee and won a championship in Detroit. He has and will continue to be a great friend, mentor, and confidant to the Magic family.” 

Weltman added that the Magic are “equally excited” about the promotions of Parker and D’Alessandro. That Parker brings a “unique” perspective to the group being a former player in the NBA and how “great” it has been to watch his maturation from being a player to a scout, to the GM of the Magic’s G League affiliate the Lakeland Magic, to being the assistant GM of the Magic and now their GM.

“Anthony is the ultimate team player, and we look forward to his continued leadership, experience and energy,” Weltman added.

“Pete has been instrumental in multiple areas, ranging from salary cap expertise to coordination with the league office. He is an outstanding leader and his creativity, experience and knowledge are instrumental to what we do.”

Parker and D’Alessandro along with Coach Mosely starting this season will have some big decisions to make on their deep, young, and talented roster because many of the players that they have drafted over the past couple of seasons are reaching the end of their rookie deals. Who do they decide is worth extending? Who can they trade?

The Magic began making some of those hard choices last season when on Feb. 21 waived guard R.J. Hampton, who they acquired in March 2021 along with Harris from the Nuggets and a future First Round pick in exchange for Aaron Gordon and Gary Clark.

At the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline, the Magic dealt underachieving center Mo Bamba, the No. 6 overall pick in 2018 out of University of Texas in a four-team deal to the Lakers at the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline, acquiring veteran guard Patrick Beverly, who was bought out of his contract and subsequently waived three days later. They also in that deal with the Lakers, Clippers, and Nuggets, acquired the Nuggets 2024 Second-Round pick and cash considerations from the Lakers.

The only subtraction the Magic made over the summer was letting forward/center Bol Bol walk in free agency as they are stacked in their frontcourt.

It was thought that the Magic were going to cut the cord with Isaac since he has missed the last seasons dating back to previously mentioned torn ACL he sustained in the restart and that his contract is only partially guaranteed going forward. Due to that inactivity, there is not a real market for him. So, the Magic hope the Florida native stays healthy enough to earn playing time from Coach Mosley and prove he still has the goods to get back to being the two-way All-Defensive potential he displayed before getting hurt.  

The Magic also have to decide who will part of their future amongst their backcourt, especially at the lead guard spot where the drafting of Black has created a log jam with him, Fultz, Suggs, and Anthony.

At the close of this season, the Magic will have 12 free agents, which include Fultz, Anthony, Moritz Wagner (team option), Gary Harris, Goga Bitadze, Okeke, and Issac. 

“With us being healthy was half the battle last year, you know? When guys come in. Guys were but going out. Some [of our] guys weren’t  able to start off the season healthy,” Carter, whose entering his third full season with the Magic said the difference entering this season from last season. “So, I think this is like primetime. I think this is going to be the best you’ve seen Orlando since I’ve been here.  

Anthony echoed those same feelings saying the 2023-24 Magic roster is “definitely the most talented” roster he has been a part of since his rookie season of 2020-21. That the “ceiling” for this year’s Magic is “higher” and that they can reach that “ceiling” this season of making the Playoffs.

“I’ve never seen the Playoffs  yet. I’ve been waiting years to do it,” Anthony said about possibly the Magic making the Playoffs. “If it happens this year, it happens.”

The Magic took Anthony’s name of the free agent list as according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski agreed to a three-year, $39 million extension.

What the loaded roster, especially in the backcourt will create as Coach Mosely has said during this rebuild a chance for players to “level up” and prove they deserve to play and to be a part of the Magic’s rise to being a Playoff perennial again.

In speaking with commentators Lisa Byington of Bally Sports Wisconsin for the Bucks and Turner Sports Isiah Thomas during the Magic’s Summer League contest versus the Pacers July 10 (ESPN), Coach Mosley said how a number of the Magic players like Isaac, Bitadze, Anthony, Harris, and Fultz were in the building communicating to the Summer League Magic squad of what they are going to be a part of.

“The great part of our guys that are already within our system is that they are willing helpers. They’re willing teachers. So, it’s just great and that’s the kind of atmosphere that they’ve created…It’s going to be that throughout the year,” Mosely said.

He added that the Magic are a young group that are “willing to face the expectations” and are not “afraid” of knowing the hard work and dedication that will be necessary to become a Playoff team again.

A big part of that process has been Coach Mosely and his coaching staff, now of Bret Brielmaier, Lionel Chalmers, Jessy Mermuys, Dylan Murphy, Dale Osbourne, and Nate Tibbetts are a group that they care about each player first as an individual and then as a basketball player.

That was the case with Fultz, who they acquired from the 76ers, who Mosely said they met him where he was, a player that had no joy for the game having dealt with injuries and the weight of being the No. 1 overall pick.

Since being with the Magic, Fultz has found his joy for the game again, which resulted in his growth as a player on the hardwood.

To put that into context, Fultz did not have 20-point game in his short time with the 76ers. He has registered 19 career 20-plus point games with the Magic, including 11 such games last season.

“He’s such a tremendous young man. I can’t say enough about him. Who he is as an individual,” Mosely said about Fultz. “He cares so much, and I think that’s why his teammates gravitate towards him because he’ll be the first one sitting by the door [of the locker room] with a smile after a win or a loss. High-fiving guys and just giving his energy to them….That basically rubs off on each of the guys on the team.”

Through the good days and the bad days, Mosely said by his team knowing the work they have to put in to become a good team, Mosely said that is the “best” part of how they push one another.

“For us as coaches, it’s great to see that because we can tell them a lot of things,” Mosely added. “The way in which they communicate with each other and push each other, that is the best part about it.”     

When asked about Isaac and the tenacity he plays with defensively when healthy by Thomas, Coach Mosely called it “special.” That he “covers up a multitude of mistake.”

“His ability to communicate. His length and he finds different ways to guard pick-and-rolls. Rebounding the basketball. He does so many tremendous things and he’s just got a knack for it,” Mosely also said about Isaac’s defensive capabilities.

The key for the Magic to have a chance of competing for a Playoff spot this spring, they need Banchero and Franz Wagner to play to a level where they are one of the top duos in the league.

“I see us, you know, having a lot of success,” Banchero said at Media Day to NBATV about what he expects from his team this season. “I think when we were healthy last year, we could play with anybody, you know? We were competing every night. I think we all have a lot of expectations. And we’re looking forward to trying to live up to that.”

At Media Day in speaking with Magic team reporter Kendra Douglas, Franz Wagner, who along with his brother Mortiz, along with Bitadze, and Banchero played at FIBA World Cup for their respective countries said he is “real excited" to gear up for the 2023-24 and to “build” on the things they did a season ago.

The younger Wagner, who along with his brother helped to lead the German national team to the FIBA World Cup title said he wants to this season become a “more complete player” and have “an impact” on every possession in a game that he can.

“Just in general, I think having more responsibility. Having one more year under my belt. Being a little more vocal, more of a leader, I think is one of the things that I can get better,” the younger Wagner said.

The Magic built their starting lineup that reached the 1995 Finals through the draft first selecting Nick Anderson (No. 11 overall 1989), their first ever draft pick; NBATV studio analyst and sideline reporter for Turner Sports Dennis Scott (No. 4 overall 1991). They got their star in 1992 when they drafted Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal (No. 1 overall) in 1992 and the next year got lucky in the draft lottery getting the No. 1 overall pick and drafting Webber and traded him for the current head coach at Memphis University Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway (No. 3 overall pick). They rounded out their starting five with the signing of three-time NBA champion with the Bulls (1991-93) in All-Star forward Horace Grant.

The 2009 Magic Finals squad included First-Round draft picks in 2004 of Dwight Howard (No. 1 overall) out of high school and Jameer Nelson (No. 20 overall) out of Saint Joseph’s University. Starting alongside Nelson in the backcourt was Courtney Lee, who was drafted No. 22 overall in 2008 out of Western Kentucky. The starting forwards came via free agency in Hedo Turkoglu and via sign-and-trade in Rashard Lewis from the then Seattle Supersonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder).

The similarities between these two iterations of Magic that went to The Finals had a star in the pivot in O’Neal and then Howard and were built around stellar shooters, especially from three-point range.

While both squads enjoyed regular season success, their championship window opened and closed in an instant.

The 1995 Magic squad lost in The Finals to the Rockets, led by the Hall of Fame duo of Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler. The 2009 Magic lost in The Finals 4-1 to the Lakers led by the late Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant.

The Magic in 1996 reached the East Finals where they were outplayed and swept by the 72-win eventual NBA champions the Chicago Bulls and Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and head coach Phil Jackson.

O’Neal bolted in free agency that summer, while Hardaway battled knee issues that never made him the same dynamic player that was close to the equivalent of Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson with athleticism.

The 2009 Magic squad that reached The Finals too got back to the East Finals a year later and were taken down by the eventual East champion Celtics led by Hall of Famers Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, and now NBA on ESPN/ABC color analyst in then head coach Glenn “Doc” Rivers. Two off-seasons later, Howard requested to be traded and was dealt to the Lakers and helped them win a title in his second stint with them in 2019-20.

In the years that have followed, the Magic have tried to find their next headliner(s) to get them back to The Finals like Victor Oladipo (No. 2 overall 2013), Aaron Gordon (No. 4 overall 2014), and Mario Hezonja (No. 5 overall 2015), the aforementioned Isaac, Bamba, Okeke, Anthony, Suggs, Franz Wagner, Banchero, Howard and Black.

The Magic have had their luck of being able to draft talented prospects and have reached The Finals or gotten close to it. But they came up way short in recent years and some of those players have left either in free agency or were traded. 

They have two stud headliners potentially that they drafted in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner who have stardom written all over them. Whether head coach Jamahl Mosely is the right sideline leader and the likes of Wendell Carter, Jr., Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Jonathan Isaac, Jalen Suggs, and Moritz Wagner will turn out to be the right supporting cast to get the Magic back in position to win a title in the future is a wait and see.

“The excitement and joy for the game,” Mosely said when asked by Byington on what the Magic fanbase should look forward to in 2023-24. “How hard we’re going to play on a regular basis. Just compete at a high-level night-in and night-out. And these guys are going to push each other and play with a sense of joy for the game.”

Best Case Scenario: The Magic are competing to make the Playoffs through the Play-In Tournament. Banchero is on the bubble to earn his first All-Star selection. Franz Wagner takes his game up another level as a scorer. Black makes one of the two All-Rookie squads. Howard becomes more than just a shooter as a rookie. Ingles adds another level of veteran leadership alongside Harris. There is balance between the offense and defense.  

Worst Case Scenario: The Magic miss the Playoffs for the third straight season and the 10^th time in the last 12 seasons. This young core builds no continuity. Banchero takes a step back in his development.  

Grade: B 

Philadelphia 76ers: 54-28 Record; No. 2 Atlantic Division (No. 3 Seed East); 29-12 at home, 25-16 on the road; Defeated the No. 6 Seeded Brooklyn Nets 4-0 in East Quarterfinals; Lost to No. 2 Seeded Boston Celtics 4-3 in Eastern Conference Semifinals.   

-115.2 ppg-14^th; opp. ppg: 110.9-3^rd; 40.9 rpg-26^th   

Only the Boston Celtics (9), and the Milwaukee Bucks (7), have longer current streaks of consecutive postseason appearances than the six straight by the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics (2022) and the Bucks (2021) have reached the NBA Finals in recent years with the 76ers having only gotten as far as Eastern Conference Semifinals in five of the last six seasons. Last season had some promise with the 76ers’ one half of their headlining duo winning the league’s most prestigious honor and his running mate morphed himself into one of the best facilitator in the NBA. Unfortunately, the Sixers fell in the second round once again, and this offseason  once again dealt with a disgruntled second star floor general who was not happy about getting a big-time contract extension that allegedly he was promised. As they enter the 2023-24, the 76ers plan is to keep the reigning MVP healthy. See if they can work things out with their other star headliner or find the right deal to ship him out of town. Try to put the right combination together to get them past the East Semis this spring.  

After a 12-12 start to 2022-23, following a three-game losing streak, capped by a 132-123 overtime loss Dec. 5, 2022 at the Rockets. They went 42-16 to close last season.

It began with a season-high tying eight-game winning streak (Dec. 9-27, 2022) to be 20-12 following a 119-112 win on Christmas Day (Dec. 25, 2022) at the Knicks. They concluded the 2022 portion of 2022-23 with a 9-2 mark in those 11 games.

The 76ers began the new year with a 13-3 mark their first 16 games, which included a 7-game winning streak (Jan. 14-Feb. 5) and went 19-5 their final 24 games (Jan. 2-Feb. 15) to be 38-19 at the All-Star break, No. 4 in East.

As the 76ers began the unofficial second half of last season with the toughest remaining schedule post All-Star break based on opponent winning percentage at .540 with 15 games of the remaining 25 games against teams .500 or better.

The Sixers went 16-9 post All-Star break, tied with the Sacramento Kings for the fourth best mark in “The Association,” which included their second eight-game winning streak (Mar. 4-18).

Following that eight-game winning streak, the Sixers closed 2022-23 with a 6-6 mark to win 50 or more games for the fourth time in the last six seasons and for the 20^th time in franchise history. Their 54-28 mark was their best record since compiling an East-best 56-26 mark in 2000-01, the last time they got past the East Semis and reached the 2001 NBA Finals led by Hall of Famer and league MVP that season Allen Iverson’s squad lost to the Lakers their Hall of Fame duo in late Kobe Bryant and NBA on TNT studio analyst Shaquille O’Neal and head coach Phil Jackson 4-1.

The 76ers finished with a 29-12 mark at home, going 28-8 in their final 36 games at Wells Fargo Center following a 1-4 start at home last season. That included a 23-8 mark their final 31 home games of 2022-23.

The boys from the “City of Brotherly Love” compiled a 25-16 mark on the road, tied with Celtics and Kings for the third-best road record in the league. The Sixers began the new year with a seven-game road winnings streak and won eight straight games on the road dating back to their victory (115-96) at the Thunder Dec. 31, 2022 at the Thunder. They were 8-2 their first 10 toad games to start 2023 and were 18-7 in their 25 road games in 2022-23.

The 76ers were once again led by perennial All-Star Joel Embiid (33.1 ppg-Led NBA, 10.2 rpg-8^th NBA, 4.2 apg, 54.8 FG%), who after finishing second for Kia MVP the past two seasons won Kia MVP for the first time in his career.

                                                                                         Season                   
76ers/Warriors To         *Wilt Chamberlin                1959-60
Win Kia MVP                *Wilt Chamberlin                1965-66
*Hall of Famer               *Wilt Chamberlin                1966-67
                                         *Wilt Chamberlin                1967-68
                                         *Julius Erving                      1980-81
                                         *Moses Malone                    1982-83
                                         *Allen Iverson                      2000-01
                                         *Joel Embiid                        2022-23

                Global Most Valuable Player Recipients In NBA History                               
*Hakeem Olajuwon From Nigeria  1993-94 With Houston Rockets

*Steve Nash From Canada 2004-05 and 2005-06 With Phoenix Suns

*Dirk Nowitzki From Germany 2006-07 With Dallas Mavericks

Giannis Antetokounmpo from Greece 2018-19 & 2019-20 With Milwaukee Bucks

Nikola Jokic From Serbia 2020-21 & 2021-22 With Denver Nuggets

Joel Embiid from Africa 2022-23 With Philadelphia 76ers

                           Season    PPG   RPG   FG%   FG ATT     FT ATT
Joel Embiid      2020-21   28.5    10.6    51.3%     17.6             10.7
Last Three        2021-22   30.6    11.7    49.9%     19.6             11.8
Seasons             2022-23   33.1    10.2    54.8%      20.1            11.7

The three-time All-Defensive Second Team selection closed 2022-23 since Feb. 1 leading 76ers in scoring in 23 games, tying All-Star Brandon Ingram of the Pelicans for the most in NBA.

Most Games Leading Team            Joel Embiid (PHI)            23    Trae Young       (ATL) 18
In Scoring Since Feb. 1                   Brandon Ingram (NOP)  23    Damian Lillard (POR) 17
                                                          Mikal Bridges (BKN)      20     Devin Booker     (PHX) 17

Embiid became the first 76er to win Kia MVP since Hall of Famer Allen Iverson in 2000-01 by averaging 30-plus points for the second straight season. Averaged a double-double for the sixth straight season. Set career-highs in points per game, field goal percentage and tied a career-high in assists per game. Averaged double-digit free throws for third straight season and for the fourth time in last five season, with the 11.7 free throw attempts in 2022-23 only trailed the league leader in Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo (12.3).

                                                                    NBA Rank
Joel Embiid’s Seasons    2018-19: 10.1         2^nd
10-Plus Free Throw        2020-21: 10.7         1^st
Attempts                          2021-22: 11.8         1^st
                                          2022-23: 11.7         2^nd

In the 76ers aforementioned win at Thunder to close 2022, Embiid had 16 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, his fifth career triple-double.

The now six-time All-Star’s 39 double-doubles was third NBA, his sixth straight season registering 35-plus double-doubles.

The now five-time All-NBA selection, who earned his first on the First Team (Second Team 2018-22) registered a 10.2 scoring average in first quarter in 2022-23 was second in NBA to 11.2 scoring average in the opening period by Mavericks Luka Doncic.

Only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder registered 45 30-plus point games last season than the 44 such games authored by Embiid, which was a career-high, and Doncic.  

30-Point Games By   2016-17: 2       2019-20: 12    2022-23: 44
Season By Embiid     2017-18: 8      2020-21: 23
                                    2018-19: 29     2021-22: 40

Embiid 13 40-plus point games last season was not only tied his career-high from 2021-22, tied for third most such games in the league with Cavaliers Donovan Mitchell.

40-Point Games By               2017-18: 1   2020-21: 5
Season By Joel Embiid         2018-19: 5   2021-22: 13
                                                2019-20: 2   2022-23: 13

Most Games With At Least 40 Points And 10 Rebounds Since 1981
*Shaquille O’Neal 43            Anthony Davis (LAL) 34
Joel Embiid (PHI) 35            James Harden  (PHI)  31

Embiid also registered three of his five career 50-plus point games in 2022-23, that Antetokounmpo and Trail Blazers Damian Lillard for second in NBA. He also joined Hall of Famers in Chamberlin and Iverson as the three players in franchise history with multiple 50-point games in a season.

Embiid also became the sixth center in league history with multiple 50-point games in a season, joining Hall of Famers in Chamberlin (9 times) and the late George Mikan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (3 times), Bob McAdoo, and David Robinson.

In 76ers 105-98 victory Nov. 13, 2022 versus Jazz registered a career-high 59 points with 11 rebounds, eight assists, seven block shots on 19/28 from the field and 20/24 from the charity stripe. He scored 35 points with seven boards and five blocks on 11/14 from the floor and 13/16 from the foul line in second half, including scoring 26 of 76ers 27 points and five block shots on 7/8 from the floor and 13/15 from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter. 

Embiid became the first player in NBA history with 50 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five block shots in a game since blocks became an official stat in 1973-74. Embiid accounted for 24 of the Sixers 26 foul shot attempts and for 20 of their 21 made free throws.
                                                                                          Points    Year
Highest Scoring Games        *Wilt Chamberlin             68        1959
By A Player In 76ers             *Wilt Chamberlin            65         1966
History                                    *Wilt Chamberlin            62         1966
                                                 *Allen Iverson                  60         2005
                                                   Joel Embiid                     59        2023

In the 76ers 131-113 victory Dec. 11, 2022 versus Hornets, Embiid scored 53 points and 12 rebounds on 20/32 from the floor and 11/11 at the charity stripe in 34 minutes. It was his fourth straight out of six straight games scoring 35-plus points and his 11^th 30-plus point game in the last 12 games (Nov. 12-Dec. 16, 2022).

Embiid joined Iverson and Chamberlin as the three players in 76ers history with multiple 50-point games in same season.

Embiid became the first player in 76ers history to average 30-plus points and 10-plus boards on 50 percent from the field. He became the fourth center in NBA history to average 30-plus points in consecutive seasons, joining Hall of Famers in late Wilt Chamberlin (1959-66) with then Philadelphia Warriors/San Francisco Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1970-72) with Bucks; and Bob McAdoo (1973-75) with Buffalo Braves (now Los Angeles Clippers).

76ers To Average 30-Plus          *Wilt Chamberlin 1965-66: 33.5
Points In A Season In Their         Joel Embiid         2022-23: 33.1 
History                                         *Allen Iverson       2005-06: 33.0
*Hall of Famer                            *Allen Iverson       2001-02: 31.4
                                                      *Allen Iverson       2000-01: 31.1
                                                      *Allen Iverson       2004-05: 30.7
                                                      *Joel Embiid         2021-22: 30.6   

In the 76ers 103-101 triumph versus Celtics Apr. 4 (TNT), Embiid scored 52 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks on 20/25 shooting, including 12/13 at the foul line. He scored 28 of those 52 points on 11/12 shooting, including 6/6 at the foul line in the second half, scoring 14 points in third quarter and fourth quarter.   

Embiid had his third game of the season with 50 points and 10 boards, joining Chamberlin as second player in league history to have 50 points, 10 rebounds and five assists at least on 80 percent shooting in a game. Embiid registered his second game with 20 made shots in 2022-23 and joined Abdul-Jabbar and Chamberlin.

Embiid’s third 50-point game of the season is the second most in a season in franchise history, trailing only the five by Chamberlin in 1965-66 season.

Most Career 50-Point           *Wilt Chamberlin 11       Joel Embiid 5
Games In 76ers History        *Allen Iverson       10
(*Hall of Famer)

Most 50-Point and 10-Rebound   *Wilt Chamberlin 11  *Dolph Schayes 1
Games In 76ers History                  Joel Embiid           5   *Moses Malone 1
(*Hall of Famer)   

What allowed Embiid to have the most productive season of his nine-year NBA career was he stayed relatively healthy missing 16 games due to injury or illness. The 76ers were 11-5 without Embiid (43-23 with Embiid) in the lineup.

                                                                    Season          Record          Win%
76ers Record And Win Percentage        2018-19             8-10             .444
The Last Five Seasons Without              2019-20           11-11             .500
Joel Embiid (Injury/Illness)                     2020-21           10-11             .476
                                                                   2021-22               6-8             .429
                                                                   2022-23             11-5             .618

At the Feb. 10, 2022 NBA trade deadline, the 76ers ended the Ben Simmons saga, dealing him, now Mavericks guard Seth Curry, now Bulls reserve center Andre Drummond along   with two First-Round picks to the Nets in exchange for James Harden.

There were times the previous season where Harden and Embiid look like an unstoppable duo. Then there were times where they showed it was going to take time for them build that necessary chemistry to become that dynamic duo that puts the fear into the opponent.

That came to fruition in 2022-23 when Harden (21 ppg, 10.7 apg-Led NBA, 6.1 rpg, 38.5 3-Pt.%), a three-time scoring champion (2018-20) sacrificed shots to develop that needed chemistry on offense between him and Embiid, and it led him to leading the NBA in assists per contest for the second time in his career. He led the NBA in assists at 11.2 while averaging 29.1 points in 2016-17 with the Rockets.

To put Harden’s sacrifice into clearer context, the 2017-18 Kia MVP and 10-time All-Star, who in recent years was one of the league leaders in getting to the charity stripe, particularly his most productive scoring seasons with the Rockets (2012-21), he only averaged six free throw attempts in 2022-23, his lowest since his final season with the Thunder (2011-12).

Harden’s development into a pure floor general for the 76ers in 2022-23 led to him registering 20-plus double-doubles for the ninth straight seasons, which included his fourth season registering 30-plus double-doubles.

Seasons of 30-Plus Double  W/Rockets 2016-17: 64 (Career-High); 2017-18: 31 2018-19: 34
Doubles By James Harden  W/76ers     2022-23: 36         

Most Games With 10 Points And 10 Assists (15-Plus Games) In 76ers History
James Harden       2022-23: 37         Ben Simmons        2019-20: 19
*Maurice Cheeks  1985-86: 31         Jrue Holiday         2012-13: 19
Ben Simmons        2017-18: 24         Johnny Dawkins   1989-90: 19
*Allen Iverson      2004-05: 23        *Allen Iverson        2005-06: 18
*Maurice Cheeks 1987-88: 22         Ben Simmons         2018-19: 17
Dana Barros         1994-95: 21        *Maurice Cheeks   1988-89: 16
*Maurice Cheeks 1986-87: 21         Jrue Holiday          2010-11: 15

Harden in registering 36 double-doubles in 2022-23 included five of his 74 triple-doubles (8^th NBA History).

The seven-time All-NBA selection still averaged over 20 points for the 11^th consecutive season and averaged 20 points and 10 assists for the third straight season, and for the fourth time in his 13-year career.

Most Seasons Averaging    *Oscar Robertson:               5   *Isiah Thomas:            4
20 PPG And 10 APG In      Russell Westbrook (LAC): 5    James Harden (PHI): 4
NBA History
(*Hall of Famer)

In the Sixers win (133-130) Mar. 4 at the Bucks (ABC), which ended their 16-game winning streak, Harden had a near triple-double with 38 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds going 11/26 from the field, 5/9 from three-point range, and 11/11 at the free throw line Embiid had 31 points, 10 assists, and six boards on 11/22 shooting, 3/5 from three and 6/10 at the charity stripe.

Embiid and Harden became the sixth pair of teammates in NBA history to register 30 points and 10 assists in the same game, including the first to do it since Otis Birdsong and Phil Ford did it for the Kansas City Kings (now Sacramento Kings) in 1979.

In the 76ers shootout victory (147-143) Mar. 6 at the Pacers, Embiid had 42 points on 11/16 from the floor and 19/19 at the charity stripe, while Harden had 14 points, 20 assists and nine rebounds.

Of Harden’s 36 double-doubles in 2022-23, that included five of his 74 career triple-doubles (No. 8 NBA History).

                            Most Triple-Doubles In 76ers History (*Hall of Famer)         
*Wilt Chamberlin    62         Andre Iguodala 8                 *George McGinnis 5
Ben Simmons            32         James Harden   5
*Billy Cunningham  14         Joel Embiid       5
*Charles Barkley      10        Michael Carter-Williams 5

Harden also made over 115 total triples for the 12^th straight season including the 10^th season of his career making over 160 total threes (161/418 3-Pt.), which includes six straight seasons making over 200 total triples (2014-20) with the Rockets.

Most Career Made          Stephen Curry (GS)   3,390
3-Pt In NBA History      ^Ray Allen                   2,973
(^Hall of Famer)             James Harden (PHI)  2,754

Harden missed 24 total games in 2022-23 due to injury, with 76ers going 15-9 without Harden (39-19 with Harden). He missed 14 games (Nov. 4-Dec. 2, 2022) with a strained tendon in his right foot and 76ers went 8-6 without Harden. He missed four straight games (Mar. 22-29, 2023) with an Achilles.

By Harden turning into a full-time facilitator allowed Tyrese Maxey (20.3 ppg, 48.1 FG%, 43.4 3-Pt.%) to develop into the 76ers third main scoring option, which resulted in averaging in his third NBA season 20 points on a career-best three-point percentage.

20-Point Games By               2020-21: 3; 2021-22: 25; 2022-23: 33
Season By Tyrese Maxey

30-Point Games By               2020-21: 2; 2021-22: 5; 2022-23: 7
Season By Tyrese Maxey

In the 76ers 112-90 triumph at the Raptors on Oct. 28, 2022, Maxey scored a career-high 44 points with eight boards on 15/20 shooting, including 9/12 from three.

Maxey did miss 22 games in 2022-23, missing 18 of those 24 games (Nov. 19-Dec. 27, 2022) with a left foot fractured sustained in first half of the 76ers 110-102 victory Nov. 18, 2022 versus the Bucks (ESPN). The 76ers went 15-7 without Maxey (39-21 with Maxey).

On this night, Maxey tied Iverson and former teammate Danny Green for the most made triples in a game in 76ers history. He also joined Iverson and fellow Hall of Famer in the late Hal Greer as the only players in franchise history to have a 40-point performance before the age of 23.

The offensive production by Embiid, Harden, and Maxey is what allowed the 76ers to be one of the most efficient offensive teams in the league a season ago.

The Sixers were No. 6 in the league in 2022-23 in field goal percentage (48.7%); No. 1 in three-point percentage (38.7%) and free throw percentage (83.5%) on 25.1 free throw attempts (5^th NBA); and tied for No. 8 with Nets and Timberwolves in fastbreak points (14.7). The Sixer also ranked No. 13 in turnovers at 13.7.

The 76ers top rank in three-point percentage came on 12.6 made triples (12^th NBA) and 32.6 three-point attempts (16^th NBA).

The 76ers went 36-11 in 2022-23 when they outshot their opponent by field goal percentage, including a 32-5 mark when they shot 50 percent or better a season ago. Went 21-4 in 2022-23 when they made 15 or more threes in a game. They registered a 32-13 mark when they had fewer turnovers than their opponent.   

In their win (133-103) Nov. 27, 2022 at the Magic, the Sixers shot a season-high 64.9 percent from the floor (50/77 FGs) and went 22/27 at the foul line. Had 32 assists on their 50 made field goals. Outscored the Magic 72-44 in the paint and 26-16 in fastbreak points.

Last season, the 76ers were 54-22 when they scored 100 points or more, including 45-10 when they scored 110 or more; 23-2 when they scored 120 or more; 10-0 when they scored 130 or more; 3-0 when they scored 140 or more.

In the 76ers 147-116 victory Jan. 10 versus the Pistons, they outscored their visitors 42-32 in the third quarter and 82-73 in the second half. They shot 60.7 percent from the field (54/89 FGs), the second of three times in 2022-23 they shot 60 percent from the floor or better. They went 28/30 at the charity stripe. Their 36 assists that contest, was their second most in a game in 2022-23. The Sixers also in the win outscored the Pistons 82-32 in the paint.

Embiid led the way with 36 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks on 12/20 shooting and 11/11 at the foul line. Harden had 16 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds with two steals. Maxey also had 16 points.

In 76ers aforementioned win (147-143) in early March at the Pacers, they shot 58.5 percent from the floor (48/82 FGs), 16/34 from three, and 35/38 at the foul line. Had a season-high 37 assists and just 12 turnovers, and 21 fastbreak points. Maxey in the win had 24 points on 8/13 from the field and 6/9 from three.

When the 76ers won 141-121 Mar. 18 at the Pacers, they shot 61.4 percent (54/88 FGs) and 15/35 from three. Had 31 assists on 54 made shots and just eight turnovers. Scored 62 paint points and 22 fastbreak points.

Embiid had 31 points with seven boards, seven assists and two blocks on 10/15 from the field and 10/13 at the charity stripe. Maxey also scored 31 and had seven assists on 12/18 from the floor and 5/9 from three.  

Outside of Tobias Harris (14.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 50.1 FG%, 38.9 3-Pt.%) and De’Anthony Melton (10.1 ppg, 1.6 spg, 39 3-Pt.%), the rest of the supporting cast of Montrezl Harrell (5.6 ppg, 59.8 FG%), Danuel House, Jr. (4.8 ppg, 33.6 3-Pt.%), Paul Reed (4.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 59.3 FG%), Furkan Korkmaz (3.8 ppg, 39.1 3-Pt.%), and P.J. Tucker (3.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 39.3 3-Pt.%) in terms of their offensive production was subpar.

While he slipped down to being the fourth offensive option, Harris played the role well making 126 total threes (126/324 3-Pt.) as season ago was the second most total triples he made in his career (183/445 3-Pt. 2017/18 w/Pistons & Clippers). He made over 100 total threes for the sixth season of his 12-year NBA career.

Melton provided the Sixers in his first season with them a stifling perimeter defender who showed his continued improving marksmanship from three making a career-high 157 total threes (157/403 3-Pt).

With the likes of Melton on the perimeter and Embiid patrolling things on the interior, the 76ers were a solid defense in 2022-23.

76ers Defensive          47.3 Opp. FG%-14^th             7.7 Steals-8^th
Ranks In 2022-23      34.8 Opp. 3-Pt.%-5^th             48.1 Opp. Paint Pts-7^th
                                    11.6 Opp. Made 3-Pt.-5^th      12.7 2^nd Chance Pts-5^th

76ers During Their                 Offense         NBA Rank     Defense       NBA Rank                
8-Game Winning                     120 PPG             3^rd            108 PPG             6^th
Streak (Dec. 9-27, 2022)         49.3 FG%           8^th            44.1 FG%           3^rd
                                                  41.1 3-Pt.%        2^nd           33.0 3-Pt.%         2^nd

76ers During Their                   Offense          NBA Rank      Defense         NBA Rank
8-Game Winning                     126.1 PPG          1^st                111.4 PPG             4^th
Streak (Mar. 4-18, 2023)         53.1 FG%          1^st                47.1 FG%           11^th
                                                  43.8 3-Pt.%        1^st                34.4 3-Pt.%          7^th

Last season, the 76ers went 14-1 when they held their opponent under 100 points. They went 31-9 when they held the opponent under 110 points. They were 23-19 when they allowed 110 points or more, including 10-7 when they allowed 120 or more and 4-1 when they allowed 130 points or more.  

The Sixers hoped they would get similar production they got on both ends when they acquired forward/guard Jalen McDaniels (9.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 45.5 FG%) from the Hornets in a four-team deal at the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline. The 76ers in that deal also acquired a 2024 Second-Roune pick from the Hornets and a 2029 Second-Round pick from the Trail Blazers.

Jalen McDaniels  W/Hornets 56 Games (21 Starts) 10.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 44.7 FG%
In 2022-23             32.2 3-Pt.% (65/202 3-Pt.)
                               W/76ers 24 Games (3 Starts) 6.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 48.8 FG%,
                               40 3-Pt.% (12/30 3-Pt.)

The moments that McDaniels played well for the 76ers came at the end of last season when their Playoff spot was secured. In the 76ers previously mentioned win at the Pacers on Mar. 6, McDaniels started and had 20 points and eight boards on 8/13 shooting. On Apr. 7 in the 76ers 136-131 overtime win at the Hawks, McDaniels had 24 points and 11 rebounds, with three steals on 8/17 shooting. 

The Sixers got their postseason off on the right foot with a dominant 121-101 win in Game 1 of their opening-round tilt versus the Nets Apr. 15 (ESPN), leading wire-to-wire up by as many as 25 points in the final period.

Embiid led the way with 26 points, five boards, and two blocks going 7/15 from the field and 11/11 at the foul line. Harden had 23 points and 13 assists on 7/15 from three. Harris added 21 points on 9/14 from the floor and 3/3 from three. Maxey scored 13 with six assists and three steals on 3/5 from three. Reed chipped in with 11 points and two steals.

They shot 47.2 percent from the field (42/89 FGs), including 21/43 from three-point range and a perfect 16/16 from the charity stripe. They registered 32 assists on their 42 made field goals.

While the rebound margin was only by three in favor of the home standing Sixers, they had a 14-5 advantage on the offensive glass and outscored the Nets 21-3 in second chance points. They also had 14 steals as part of 20 forced Nets turnovers that the 76ers turned into 31 points.

Sixers in the opening half of Game 1 went 13/21 on their triple tries, setting a new franchise record for threes made in any half since 2002-03 and in 76ers postseason history. Their 21 made triples for the game set a new postseason record for made threes, overtaking the previous mark of 18 set on two other occasions.

Their 16/16 effort at the charity stripe tied the franchise record for made foul shots without a miss also in franchise history.

Harden, who shot just 1/8 from inside the three-point line in Game 1 became the first player in NBA history with seven made threes and at least 12 assists in a Playoff game. His seven made triples is tied for the second most in a game in 76ers postseason history with Danny Green and Seth Curry. The most made triples in a Playoff game by a 76ers player is eight by Iverson in the Game 5 121-88 victory in 2001 East Semis versus the Raptors

76ers 1^st Half              Shots Off Passes                  Shots Off Dribble
Game 1 Shot                      18/23               FGs                 5/26
Tracker                               78%              FG%               19%
                                            10/14              3-Pt.                 3/7

76ers Game 1            Shots Off Passes                     Shots Off Dribble
Shot Tracker                     32/47               FGs                 10/42
                                            68%               FG%                 24%
                                            17/30              3-Pt.                  4/13

The Sixers overcame a slow start but used a dominant third quarter to win Game 2 96-84 versus the Nets two nights later (TNT) to take a 2-0 series lead.

The Sixers trailed by as many as 10 in the first half and were down 49-44 at intermission as they were outscored 24-19 in the second period. They outscored the Nets 24-14 in the third quarter and 52-35 in the second half leading by as many as 15.

Maxey led the 76ers with 33 points on 13/23 shooting and 6/13 on his triple tries. Embiid had 20 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks on 6/11 shooting and 8/8 at the foul line. Harris also had a double-double with 20 points and 12 boards on 8/14 from the floor.

The homestanding 76ers shot 45 percent from the field (36/80 FGs) but were just 11/35 from three and 13/16 at the foul line.

This game was won by the 76ers by their effort at the defensive end, in the paint and on the glass. They held the Nets to their second lowest point total all season (84 points) and to their second-lowest field goal percentage all season at 37.5 percent shooting (30/80 FGs), including 13/42 from three.

The Sixers outrebounded the Nets 56-33, including 13-5 on the offensive glass, and outscored them 46-22 in the paint and 18-0 in second chance points. That overcame their 19 turnovers (BKN: 10 Steals) that led to 22 Nets points. 

Maxey scored 18 of his 33 points (7/15 FGs, 4/10 3-Pt.) in the second half, with 10 of those 18 points coming in the fourth quarter. It was the second time in his career he scored 30 points with five made threes in his postseason career, which tied Iverson for the second most in 76ers postseason history.

Embiid, whose 19 boards are the second most in a game of his postseason career. He had 15 of those 19 rebounds in the opening half, his seventh half of his postseason career with at least 15 boards. Those 15 boards also was the most in a half by a 76ers player in the last 25 postseasons. 

The 76ers overcame another slow start to finish the first half strong. Had to overcome a rough third quarter and used another big finish to win at the Nets 102-97 Apr. 20 (TNT) to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.

After trailing by as many as eight in the opening period, the 76ers led after the first quarter (32-28) and led 58-47 at the half. They were outscored by the Nets 35-18 in the third quarter to trail 82-76 after three quarters. Behind 10 straight points by Maxey, capped by a three-point put the 76ers up 99-96 with 44 seconds left and were up by three when Tucker split a pair of free throws with eight seconds left. The win was sealed when Melton stole the inbounds pass by Nets Spencer Dinwiddie that led to a dunk with 5.1 seconds left.

Maxey led the way with 25 points on 10/17 shooting and 5/8 from three. Harden had 21 points and five rebounds on 8/15 from the field and 3/7 from three. Harris scored 15 with seven boards. In his second worst scoring output all season, Embiid had a quiet double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds with two blocks on just 5/13 shooting. Melton had 13 points and three steals.

Melton’s performance overcame the absence of Harden in the second half when he was ejected on a Flagrant 2 foul for swinging his arm and striking Nets’ Royce O’Neale in groin in the third period. Back in the first quarter, Embiid picked up a Flagrant 1 foul for kicking the Nets Nic Claxton toward his groin.

While they were outscored 50-41 in the second half of Game 3, the 76ers have outscored the Nets 147-128 in the second half the first three games of the series.

The 76ers outscored the Nets 26-15 in the final period, including 15-5 in clutch time. Maxey had another strong finish scoring another 10 points in the fourth quarter of Game 3.

Most Points In Clutch Time By A 76ers Player In A Playoff Game Last 25 Years
*Allen Iverson  2002  11       *Allen Iverson 2003 10   *Hall of Famer 
  Tyrese Maxey 2023  10        Allen Iverson 2001 10

The 76ers pulled this one out by outdoing the Nets in the hustle areas and with their shooting accuracy. They shot 48.8 percent from the field (40/82 FGs) and 13/31 from three. They outrebounded the Nets 46-34, including 11-8 on the offensive glass, outscoring them 48-42 in the paint and 16-9 in second chance points.

Even without their star center and another rough start in Game 4, the 76ers used another strong second half to finish their four-game series sweep at the Nets 96-88 Apr. 22 (TNT).

Trailing by as many as 11 points midway through the first quarter; trailed 48-40 at intermission, and in the third quarter (53-42), the 76ers used a 14-0 run as part of a 21-4 run over an eight-minute stretch in the third quarter to lead 66-63 after three quarters. They closed Game 4 outscoring the Nets 26-16 after trailing 72-70 with 8:55 left to lead by as many as 14 in the final period.

Harris had his second double-double of the series with 25 points and 12 rebounds on 11/19 shooting. Harden, who was just 4/18 from the field, also had a double-double with 17 points and 11 assists with eight boards on 7/8 at the foul line. Maxey, who also shot miserably going 6/20 from the field had 16 points and eight boards with two steals. Melton off the bench had 15 points on 3/7 from three, all coming in the fourth quarter. Reed had his a double-double as well with 10 points and 15 rebounds, the first double-double of his postseason career.

Reed started in place of Embiid, who missed Game 4 due to a sore left knee.

Just like they had the entire series, it was the 76ers output in the hustle areas that got them to the finish line against the Nets.

They overcame a 39.6 percent effort from the field (36/91 FGs) and 9/24 from three by going 15/16 at the charity stripe. Outrebounded the Nets 54-38, including 15-5 on the offensive glass outscoring them 46-40 in the paint and 25-10 in second chance points.

For the series, the 76ers outscored the Nets 80-22 in second chance points. They also outscored the Nets 94-87 in the third quarter, which included a 26-15 output in the Game 4 clincher.

Best Second Chance Points Differential In A Playoff Series Last 25 Years
Season   Playoff Round      Team       Differential    Opponent    
 2023       First Round          PHI              +58               BKN
 2005       West Finals          DET              +57               MIA
 2018       First Round         BOS              +57               MIL

The 76ers engineered their fifth postseason series sweep in their history, including their first since a 3-0 series victory in the 1991 First Round against the Bucks. They registered their first four-game series sweep since the 1985 East Semis again over the Bucks.

The 76ers’ momentum continued their momentum against their longtime rivals with a 119-115 victory at the Celtics May 1 (TNT) to open the East Semis.

Harden led the way with a Playoff career-high tying 45 points with six assists and two steals on 17/30 from the field and 7/14 from three. Maxey had 26 points on 10/24 from the floor. Harris scored 18 with five boards on 8/16 shooting. Melton had all of his 17 points in the first half, with two block shots going 5/6 from three. Reed had his second straight double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Reed started again in place of Embiid, who missed a second straight game with a sprained right knee.

The visiting Sixers outscored the Celtics 88-77 the final three quarters, taking the lead at 114-113 on a layup by Maxey off a steal of Celtics Malcolm Brogdon. Harden hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 08.7 seconds left that put the Sixers up 117-115 and following a stop defensively, the win was sealed by a pair of free throws by Reed.

The 76ers shot 50.6 percent from the field, going 17/38 on their triples and went 12/12 at the charity stripe, the second time for the postseason they connected on all of their foul shots. They scored 20 points off 16 Celtics turnovers.

Harden began Game 1 scoring 16 points on 7/10 shooting in the opening period, including 2/4 from three. He had 24 of his 45 points in the second half, including 15 points on 5/7 from the floor, including 3/4 from three in the fourth quarter.

The 45-point performance by “The Beard” is tied for the third most in a 76ers road postseason Playoff game all-time.

               Highest Point Total In A Road Playoff Game In 76ers History (40-Plus Points        
                              Points         Date           Opponent             Game/Series              
*Allen Iverson        48          6/6/2021        AT LAL            GM 1/The Finals
*Allen Iverson        46          6/1/2002        AT MIL            GM 6/East Finals
James Harden        45          5/1/2023        AT BOS            GM 1/East Semis
*Allen Iverson        45         5/21/2003      AT NOH           GM 6/First Round
*Allen Iverson        40         4/22/2000      AT CHA           GM 1/First Round
*Julius Erving        40          6/5/1977       AT POR            GM 6/NBA Finals
*Hal Greer              40        4/17/1968       AT BOS          GM 6/East Div Finals

Players With 40-Point Game    James Harden (PHI) W/76ers, Nets, & Rockets
All-Time In The Postseason     *Ray Allen                   W/Bucks, Supersonics, & Celtics
With Three Different Teams    Kawhi Leonard (LAC) W/Spurs, Raptors, & Clippers
                                                     Kevin Durant (PHX) W/Thunder, Warriors & Suns
                                                     LeBron James (LAL) W/Cavaliers, Heat, & Lakers
                                                    * Wilt Chamberlin        W/Lakers, 76ers, & Warriors                   

Maxey scored 19 of his 26 points on 7/16 shooting in the second half of the Game 1 triumph.  

While they got Embiid back, the 76ers just did not have it as they went down at the Celtics 121-87 in Game 2 two nights later (TNT) to get a split of the first two games, while suffering their first loss of 2023 Playoffs.

They trailed virtually the entire game with 19-5 run by the Celtics in the third quarter blowing the game open as the 76ers, who were down just 57-49 at the half were outscored 35-16 trailing by as many as 36 in the second half.

Harris led the way in defeat with 16 points and seven rebounds. Embiid in his return had 15 points and five blocks, but just three rebounds on 4/9 shooting in 27 minutes on 7/8 at the foul line. Maxey scored 13 and Harden a double-double of 12 points and 10 boards on 8/10 at the charity stripe but was just 2/14 shooting and 0/6 from three.

The visiting Sixers shot just 39.2 percent from the field in Game 2 (31/79 FGs) and were just 6/30 on their threes, including just 1/13 from three in the opening half. They were outrebounded by the Celtics 46-41 and did not record their first offensive board until the 9:41 mark of the third quarter.

Even with a return home and Embiid receiving his MVP Award in front of Sixers nation, the Celtics were the ones celebrating once the night was over as they won 14-102 May 5 (ESPN) to take a 2-1 series lead.

The Sixers trailed for much of the game down 10 in the opening period and were down by 13 early in the fourth quarter. They pulled within five (97-92) on a three-pointer by Melton but never got closer as they were outscored 17-10 to close matters.

Embiid had a double-double with 30 points and 13 rebounds with four blocks on 9/19 from the field and 11/12 at the free throw line. Harden also had a double-double with 16 points and 11 assists with six boards on 8/9 at the charity stripe, but was just 3/14 from the floor, including 2/7 from three with five turnovers. Melton scored 14 with eight rebounds and four steals on 4/7 from three. Maxey, who also struggled going 4/16 shooting and 3/9 from three scored 13 with six boards.

The Sixers despite shooting 16/37 from three-point range and 24/27 at the foul line in Game 3 shot overall just 39.7 percent (31/78 FGs). Were outrebounded 45-42 and outscored 15-7 in fastbreak points and 32-28 in the paint. Their 28 paint points were second fewest in a game all season.

While Harden had a decent stat line in the opening half with eight points, five assists, and five boards, he was just 1/7 shooting, including 0/5 in the paint. His 17.9 percent from the floor the last two games (5/28 FGs) is the worst in a two-game span of his entire career (regular season and postseason).

James Harden’s                    1/6 On Drives; 2/12 In the Paint
Shooting Breakdown            1/3 From Mid-Range; 2/13 3-Pt.
Games 2 & 3 of East Semis

Worst FG% Over 2-Game               Eric Snow         2002 4/25   FGs: 16 FG%
Span In Shot Clock Era (1955)     *Julius Erving     1985 5/31   FGs: 16.1 FG%
76ers Postseason History                 James Harden   2023 5/28   FGs: 17.9 FG%
                                                           Evan Turner      2012 6/32   FGs: 18.8 FG%

The 76ers came out with a more focused effort in Game 4 and overcame a fourth quarter deficit and seeing their second-best player make the game-winning three in the final seconds of the extra period to win 116-115 in overtime May 7 (ESPN) to tie the series 2-2.

The Sixers led by as many as 16 late in the second quarter; were up 59-50 at intermission; and led by 16 midway through the third quarter but only led 92-83 after three quarters. The Celtics and led by as many as eight (98-90) and were up 105-100 late in the fourth quarter before the Sixers used a 7-2 run capped by a pair of free throws by Harden to force overtime. Down 115-113, Harden nailed a corner three-pointer right in front of the 76ers bench off an Embiid pass as he was doubled down low to put the 76ers 116-115 with 18.2 seconds left in overtime and would end up being the game-winner as the Celtics game-winning three-pointer came after the buzzer on their final possession.

Harden after two subpar performances scored 42 points with nine assists and eight rebounds on 16/23 from the floor and 6/9 from three. He scored 13 of the 76ers last 24 points of Game 4.

Embiid had 34 points and 13 rebounds on 11/26 shooting and 12/15 at the foul line. Maxey had 14 points, eight rebounds, two steals.

Harden and Embiid combined for 76 points in Game 4, the most by a 76ers duo in their postseason history. Became the first 76ers teammates to each score 30-plus points in same Playoff game since Embiid and Seth Curry did it in East Semis against the Hawks.  

He joined Iverson as the only players in 76ers postseason history with multiple 40-plus point performances in single postseason.

Harden’s 69.6 field goal percentage in Game 4 is the highest in a 40-point game in 76ers Playoff history.

Players With 40/5/5 (Points/Rebounds/Assists) In A Playoff Game In 76ers History
                                    Season       Opponent                        *Hall of Famer
James Harden            2023              BOS
*Allen Iverson            2001              LAL
*Allen Iverson            2001              MIL
*Julius Erving            1977              POR
*Wilt Chamberlin      1967              CIN

The homestanding 76ers shot 46.2 percent from the field (42/91 FGs) in Game 4. Were 13/34 on their threes. Shot 19/22 from the foul line. Had just nine turnovers and were even with the Celtics (42-42) in paint points.

The 76ers retook homecourt advantage winning Game 5 115-103 May 9 (TNT) to take a 3-2 series lead and stand one win from their first berth in Eastern Conference Finals since 2001.

They led from midway in the first quarter on leading by as many as 15 in the second quarter and led 58-49 at intermission. Led by as many as 19 in the third quarter and led 88-72 after three quarters and were up by as many as 12 in the fourth quarter.

Embiid led the way with 33 points, seven boards and four blocks on 10/23 from the field, including 3/7 from three and 10/11 at the foul line. Maxey scored 30 with seven rebounds on 10/21 from the floor and 6/12 from three. Harden also had a double-double with 17 points and 10 assists, with eight rebounds and two steals on 8/10 at the foul line. Harris had his own double-double with 17 points and 11 boards on 7/10 from the floor. House, Jr. had 10 points and five boards off the bench.

76err In 1^st Half        Joel Embiid      21 Points, 5 Rebounds, 9/9 FTs
Game 5 At Celtics     Tobias Harris   12 Points, 9 Rebounds
                                    Tyrese Maxey   11 Points, 3/5 3-Pt.
                                    James Harden  10 Points, 4 Assists, 4 Rebounds.

Most 30-Plus Point   *Allen Iverson 33 *Julius Erving 18  Joel Embiid 18
Games 76ers
Postseason History

The Sixers shot 50.6 percent from the field in Game 5 (40/79 FGs); were 12/30 on their triples and 23/27 from the charity stripe. They outrebounded the Celtics 49-36.

They shot at least 50 percent for the second time in the series (Game 1) both wins and improved to 4-1 on the road in 2023 Playoffs so far. 

After going 5/28 shooting in Games 2 and 3, Harden has bounced back by going 20/31 shooting in Games 4 and 5.

The Sixers were right at the doorstep of the East Finals entering the fourth quarter and they just fell apart at the seams in the final period and lost Game 6 at home 95-86 to draw the series even at 3-3.

After trailing up to midway through the third quarter, the 76ers overcame a 10-point deficit (58-48) in the third using a 16-4 run in the period to outscore their rival visitors 30-21 in the period to lead 73-71 after three quarters. They led 83-81 with 5:57 left in regulation, the Sixers were outscored 13-5 to close Game 6.

Embiid in the defeat had 26 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks on 9/19 from the floor and 8/8 from the foul line. Maxey also had 26 points with five boards and three steals on 9/20 shooting, making three tripes. Harden had 13 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and three steals, but was just 4/16 shooting, missing all six of his threes.

The 4^th Quarter Of                BOS               PHI
Game 6 East Semis                 24     Points    13
                                                7/16      FGs     5/20
                                                 5/9      3-Pt.     0/8
                                                 16       Rebs      7

In the final six minutes of Game 6, the 76ers went just 1/10 shooting as they were outscored 14-5.

76ers In 4^th Quarter                Joel Embiid   6 Points, 2 Rebounds, 3/6 FGs
In Game 6 Versus Celtics      Tyrese Maxey 5 Points 12/3 FGs, 0/2 3-Pt., 3/4 3-Pt.
                                                  Rest of Team  2 Points, 1/11 FGs, 0/5 3-Pt. 2 TOs

Embiid, according to Second Spectrum had zero touches the final 3:55 of the game. He and Harden (0 Points, 0/4 FGs, 0/2 3-Pt., 3 Rebounds, 1 Assists) combined for six points on 3/10 from the field in the fourth period.

Harden in the opening half of Game 6 had just six points, three assists, three rebounds and four turnovers on 3/10 shooting, missing all four of his three-point attempts.

Maxey In Game 6       1^st  Half: 15 Points, 5/10 FGs, 3/5 3-Pt.   
Versus Celtics              2^nd Half: 11 Points, 4/10 FGs, 0/4 3-Pt., 3/4 FTs

The 76ers in Game 6 shot just 36.1 percent (30/83 FGs), including going just 16/38 in the paint. Shot 8/34 from three-point range. Were outrebounded 50-38 and were outscored 24-18 in fast break points.  

After a close first half, the 76ers were dominated in the third quarter and went down in flames at the Celtics 112-88 in Game 7 May 14 (ABC) to lose the series 4-3 and lost in the East Semis for the fifth time in the last six seasons.

They trailed by six early in the first period and were down 35-26 with 9:44 left in the second quarter but used a 12-2 run to go in front 38-37 and went up 46-44 after a score by Harris. The Sixers were outscored 11-6 to close the period and were down 55-52 at the half.

The game turned in the third quarter where after a three-pointer by Harris to tie it 55-55, the Celtics went on a decisive 24-3 run and outscored the Sixers 33-10 in the third quarter and 57-36 in the second half, leading by as many as 30.

3^rd Quarter Of           PHI                 BOS               Since Start                     PTS   FGS    TOS
Game 7 East               10     Points     33                 Of 2^nd Quarter     PHI    59     20/61    12
Semis                          3/21     FGs     11/19             Game 7 East         BOS    89     32/62      6
                                    2/13    3-Pt.      8/12               East Semis
                                      11     Rebs       10
                                       5       TOs        0

Harris in defeat led the way with 19 points and five boards on 7/13 from the floor but was just 1/7 from three. Maxey had 17 points but was just 5/12 shooting and 2/6 on his threes. Embiid had just 15 points and eight rebounds, with two blocks going just 5/18 from the field, missing all four of his threes. Tucker had 11 points going 3/6 from three. Harden was abysmal with just nine points, seven assists, and six boards on 3/11 from the floor and 1/5 from three.  

The Sixers in Game 7 were shot just 37.3 percent from the field (31/83 FGs), including 8/37 on their triples. They began Game 7 11/22 from the field in the opening period and were 4/9 from three-point range to lead 29-23 after the opening period. But shot just 20/61 from the floor the final three quarters, including 4/28 from three.

1^st Half Of      Joel Embiid      13 Points, Rebound, 2 Blocks 4/12 FGs, 5/6 FTs
Game 7 Of     James Harden    6 Points, 5 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 3 TOs 2/8 FGs, 0/3 3-Pt.
East Semis     Tyrese Maxey   10 Points, 3 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 2/4 3-Pt.

76ers Last      Joel Embiid      14/37 FGs, 0/6 3-Pt.
2 Games Of    James Harden   7/27 FGs, 1/11 3-Pt.
East Semis

The Sixers’ offseason was full of change and a whole lot of drama and questions about the futures of their All-Star duo and their rising young guard.

It began with the ouster of head coach Glenn “Doc” Rivers after three seasons where they lost in the East Semis each time.

                                       Seasons    Record    East Position     Atlantic Position
76ers Under Coach      2020-21     49-23              1^st                          1^st    
Rivers Last Three        2021-22     51-31              4^th                         2^nd
Seasons                          2022-23     54-28              3^rd                        2^nd

On June 1, the 76ers hired former Raptors head coach Nick Nurse as the 26^th head coach in franchise history. Coach Nurse became available because nine days following the Raptors loss in the Play-In Tournament versus the Bulls Apr. 12.

Nurse while with the Raptors during that title run took down the Sixers 4-3 in the East Semifinals. The Sixers took down the Raptors the previous season in 2021 First Round 4-2.

“I am super excited to be here,” Nurse who spent 10 seasons with the Raptors, first as an assistant and as a head coach said at his introductory presser on June 1. “This is a very good team first of all. The tradition, the city as a sporting city and of this organization is amazing and I’m honored and humbled to be the new head coach of the 76ers.”

Coach Nurse compiled a 227-163 record in his five seasons as the Raptors head coach from 2018-23. After compiling 50-plus win seasons his first two seasons as the Raptors sideline leader, leading the team to their first title in franchise history in 2019, the Raptors have gone 116-120 the next three seasons missing the Playoffs in two of the past three seasons.

Coach Nurse was brought in to help the 76ers get over the hurdle of getting past the East Semis.
                                                                                    Seasons   Last Appearance
Longest Conference    Washington Wizards             44                  1979
Finals Droughts           Charlotte Hornets                 33           Never Appeared
                                      New York Knicks                   23                  2000
                                      Philadelphia 76ers                 22                  2001

76ers Previous Chances TO Reach The Eastern Conference Finals Since 2001
                  Opponent        Series Result
2012            Celtics           Lost 7 Games
2019           Raptors          Lost 7 Games
2021            Hawks           Lost 7 Games
2023            Celtics           Lost 7 Games

In total, the 76ers gone 13 straight postseasons without an appearance in the Conference Finals, the second longest active Playoff drought in the NBA. They have gone 6-12 in their postseason history in Game 7, including dropping as mentioned their last four such contest.

Coach Nurse address that so-called elephant in the room by saying at his introductory presser said about he, “does not vibrate on the frequency” on the 76ers’ past postseason failures.

“To me, when we get a chance to start and dig into this thing a little bit, it’s going to be only focused on what we’re trying to do going forward,” he added. “That doesn’t matter. Next season, whatever’s happened for the last how many whatever years doesn’t matter to me…It’ll be kind of clean slate for me. Just looking forward to how we can get it done from start to finish.”

As far as the Sixers construction of the roster for 2023-24, it began with the Harrell on June 21 declining his $2.7 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent. On July 7, he did re-sign on a one-year, $2.4 million deal. Unfortunately, Harrell will be out indefinitely because after an MRI at the start of August revealed that he suffered a torn ACL and medial meniscus in his right knee.

That made the signing of center Mo Bamba on a one-year, $10.3 million deal on July 4 (6.6 ppg, 4.6 apg, 48.5 FG% w/Magic & Lakers) even more important. They also matched the three-year, $23 million offer sheet that Reed got with the Jazz on July 7, which the 76ers matched 48 hours later. 

To sure up the loss of George Niang and his three-point shooting that left for the Cavaliers in free agency, the 76ers brought back veteran forward/guard Danny Green on a one-year, $2.7 million deal.

The Sixers also improved their backcourt depth with the signings of veteran guard Patrick Beverly (6.2 ppg, 33.5 3-Pt.%) on July 1 on a one-year, $3.2 million deal and will add Kelly Oubre, Jr. (20.3 ppg-career-high, 5.2 rpg, w/Hornets).

While those signings and re-signings by the Sixers were significant, the bigger news came from what happened with Harden and what Embiid was saying over the summer.

Last offseason, Harden said he allegedly took a pay cut so the Sixers could add more depth to their team, which is how they added House, Jr., Tucker, and Melton to the roster as Harden signed just a two-year, $68.8 million deal, that included a player option, hoping for a more lucrative deal this summer.

Harden decided to opt into his $35.6 million player option but he made that decision to clear the way for him to be traded, with his preferred destination back home to Los Angeles, CA to play with the Clippers.

The reason Harden took such a hard line is that in his previous spots he turned down extension for bigger ones. With the Thunder, he turned down $60-plus million extension and was dealt to the Rockets.

When things started going south for the Rockets in 2020-21, he turned down a two-year, $103 million extension on Sept. 12, 2020 and said of the Rockets on Jan. 12, 2021 following a loss to the Lakers that this is “something that I don’t think can be fixed.” He was dealt one day later to the Nets.

After the Nets were eliminated in the East Semis in seven games by the eventual NBA champion Bucks, Harden when offered a contract extension of three years, $161 million, he turned that down. In February 2022 he requested to be traded and was to the 76ers.

Which leads us to here where Harden said on July 20, “Been comfortable for so long. It’s time to get uncomfortable.”

Then on Aug. 14 at an Adidas promotional event in China where he called 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey a “liar.”

“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden specifically said. “Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”

That led to the league fining Harden $100,000 for those public comments.

If that was not enough, the 76ers just two days prior called the Clippers saying that they are pulling Harden off the trade market.

Back with the Rockets, when they dragged their feet in honoring Harden’s trade request, he reported to camp out of shape and became detached to team and became a major distraction once the 2020-21 season began.

That seems to be the course of what could happen with the 76ers, where if Harden did decide to hold out, he could be fined $389,000 per game if this were to go into the regular season.

The reality is that Harden given his age, declining efficiency, issue with always being in shape and the fact that his contract expires next summer, he would be just a one-year rental for his new team that he is traded to if he is traded and not extended.

The other part of this is the fact that last season, the 76ers were stripped of their 2023 and 204 Second-Round picks because they had early discussions with Tucker and House, Jr. on joining the Sixers.

It would have been a lot easier for Harden to decline the player option and he would have been an unrestricted free agent. But no team was not willingly or able to sign him to a deal at the salary Harden opted into.

When asked at his introductory presser, Coach Nurse when asked if he wants Harden back said, “James Harden’s a great player.”

“I would say this is that James has a decision to make. And I’d be very happy if he can back.” 

Harden did show up to training camp all be it skipping Media Day and the first day of practice. He was there for four days and practiced with the team. However, he did not back down from his stance to be traded and even went far to say in his first words to the press since joining the 76ers at training camp were about how his relationship with Morey is beyond repair. Harden flat out said about that, “No.”

“This is not even about this situation—this is in life. When you lose trust in someone, it’s like a marriage…you lose trust in someone, you know what I mean? It’s pretty simple.”

Harden also said how before the 76ers lost in the East Semis to the Celtics how the “very, very good relationship” he had with the front office for a decade. But after that Game 7 loss at the Celtics, there was “no communication.”

Things have gone from bad to worse now as Harden left the team in the middle of last week to return to Houston in the hopes that the 76ers front office would find a way to trade him to the Clippers.

The bottom line is that Harden has been paid half of his 2023-24 salary of about $18 million. If he does not explain his so-called excused absence from the team, according to ESPN’s Front Office Insider Bobby Marks, Harden could be fined $389,082 dollars for every preseason game and regular season game missed without the team’s consent for absence. Those fines would fall under “failure to render services” policy of the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Then there the fines of $2,500 Harden could rack up for missing practice.

For Embiid this is the second time in the last three years he has had to deal with a so-called “Robin” to him as “Batman” that they wanted out of the “City of Brotherly Love.”

Embiid, who is set to begin a four-year, $213 million supermax extension that he signed in offseason of 2021 that last through the 2026-27 season said at an event in July with Maverick Carter that all he wants to do is “win a championship.”

“Whatever it takes,” he added, “I don’t know where that’s going to be. Whether it’s in Philly or anywhere else. I just want to have a chance to accomplish that. I want to see what it feels like to win that first one and then you can think about the next one.

That means Embiid has to be healthy and be able to handle a major workload in terms of minutes and production.

That is the task for Nurse, which he had some experience with “load managing” Kawhi Leonard, and it worked because he helped the Raptors win it all as they took down the injured but dangerous Warriors in 2019.

Coach Nurse said that experience with Leonard “will help a lot” in trying to keep Embiid healthy. He did have a “plan” with Leonard where they broke things down month-by-month in how to manage his minutes and make sure he was as fresh as possible for the postseason.

“I think it’s almost like subset of a season when you’ve got a player like that. It is a long-term, season-long vision and plan that you have put together and then you kind of build it up and adjust, and change as you go,” Nurse said. “I think that going through that with Toronto in 2018-19 should be very valuable.”

In terms of building a relationship with the most important player on the 76ers, Coach Nurse said of Embiid that he “really competes” and that he “really wants to be great.”

But how great they will be together between the two will be “collaborative effort,” adding from Nurse, he wants Embiid to “have as much success as possible and that translate to team success as well.”

Coach Nurse specifically said about managing Embiid’s minutes this upcoming season to “USA Today” in late September, “We’re trying to get [Joel Embiid] to play more games. Our goal is that it’s going up to him not the other direction…I believe in the guys playing as much as they can and let’s see what happens.”

In his time with the Raptors, Coach Nurse played his starters a great deal of minutes only using his bench sparingly.

To bring this into context, the Raptors starting unit of Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, O.G. Anunoby, Jakob Poeltl when he got there via trade from the Spurs in February led the league in minutes in 2022-23 at 33.8.

The legacy of professional athlete or team more often than not is defined by how many titles you have won. When the then Syracuse Nationals (now 76ers) won it all in 1955 over the Fort Wayne (now Detroit) Pistons, it sealed the legacy of Hall of Famer Dolph Schayes and Earl Lloyd, who was the first African American player to play a game in the NBA in 1950 for the then Washington Capitols.

When the now Philadelphia 76ers won it all for the second time in 1967 over the then San Francisco (now Golden State) Warriors, it sealed the legacy of Hall of Famers in the aforementioned late Wilt Chamberlin, Billy Cunningham, the previously mentioned Hal Greer, and Chet Walker.

In 1983 when the Sixers swept the defending Los Angeles Lakers 4-0 in capturing their third NBA title in their history, it sealed the legacies of Hall of Famers in the previously mentioned Julius Erving, Bobby Jones, Maurice Cheeks, and the late Moses Malone, and the aforementioned Cunningham, the head coach then. Each captured many individual honors but in the case of Mr. Erving, Jones, Cheeks, and Malone, this was the only thing missing from their respective resumes. For Mr. Erving, who won an ABA title with the then New York Nets (now Brooklyn Nets), that title capped his NBA career. 

In the case of Hall of Famers Allen Iverson and Charles Barkley, they were just as special as their Sixer counterparts that won titles but because Barkley never got the Sixers to The Finals because of mainly fellow Hall of Famer Michael Jordan of the Bulls and in the case of Iverson the Lakers in 2001 denied him, there is always that ‘year but’ when it to something missing from their amazing career resumes.

That is what is Joel Embiid and possibly James Harden is missing from their career resumes.

While the 76ers enter the upcoming season tittering on their collective chain being broken, they were just one win away from their first Conference Finals berth since 2001.

This offseason they brought in a coach that led his team to the top of the NBA mountain in Nick Nurse. They have the best center and guard tandem in “The Association” in Joel Embiid and James Harden. They have role players that know their roles in Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, P.J. Tucker, De’Anthony Melton, Patrick Beverly, Kelly Oubre, Jr. Paul Reed, Danny Green, Mo Bamba and Danuel House, Jr.

It comes down to health, mainly Embiid, Harden, and Maxey. It also comes down to the attitude of Harden, especially at the start of this season.

The Sixers have the tools to represent the East in The Finals in the spring of 2024. It is on them to put it all together finally and bring it on both ends. If they do, then the legacies of Embiid and Harden can have that cherry on top. If they don’t, they will join Barkley and Iverson in the ‘yeah, but’ column of great players without a World Title to speak of.

Best Case Scenario: The Sixers are a Top 3 team in the East. Joel Embiid is in the conversation for his second straight Kia MVP. James Harden brings peace and concentration to this season and is the scorer and facilitator that he was a season ago for the 76ers. Maxey takes his game to an even higher level. Coach Nurse has the Sixers as a Top 10 offense and Top 10 defense. They remain healthy and represent the Eastern Conference in The Finals.

Worst Case Scenario: The 76ers have another exit in the East Semis. Embiid and Harden battle injuries again. Harden becomes disgruntled and is eventually traded but for pennies on the dollar.  

Grade: C

Toronto Raptors: 41-41 Record; 5^th Atlantic Division (No. 10 East; Missed Playoffs); 27-14 at home, 17-24 on the road; Lost 109-105 In No. 10 versus No. 9 Play-In Tournament Game Versus Chicago Bulls.

-112.9 ppg-24^th; opp. ppg: 111.4-4^th; 42.0 rpg-18^th

Since winning their first title in their history five seasons back, the Toronto Raptors have missed the postseason in two of the past four seasons. A poor road record, the inability to shoot from the perimeter consistently did them in in 2022-23 along with injuries. With a new head coach in the fold and some of their headliners still in place coupled with the addition of a new floor general and one of best shooters in this past June’s draft, the plan for the Raptors is to make it back to the Playoffs and take their chances or decide to break this team down to where they hand the reigns to 2021-22 Kia Rookie of the Year.

The Raptors began 2021-22 9-13 and were 14-17 following a five-game winning streak (Oct. 27-Nov. 3, 2021) and three three-game winning streaks (Nov. 5-10, 2021; Nov. 13-18, 2021; Nov. 26-30, 2021). They would go 34-17 their final 51 games of last season, ignited by a five-game winning streak (Dec. 31, 2021-Jan. 11, 2022). That also included an eight-game (Jan. 29-Feb. 10, 2022) as part of a 14-4 mark their final 18 games of last season.

The Raptors were just 13-12 their first 25 games of 2022-23 following a 126-113 victory on Dec. 7, 2022 versus the Lakers.

Following a six-game losing streak (Dec. 9-19, 2022) as part of their 3-8 mark their final 11 games of 2022 (Dec. 7-30, 2022) as part of a 5-10 December 2022 had the Raptors four games under .500 at 16-20. Their 10-18 mark over their next 28 games dating back to Dec. 7, 2022 had the Raptors seven games under .500 at 23-30 following their 131-128 setback Feb. 1 at the Utah Jazz.

An 18-11 finish to 2022-23, which included a three separate three-game winning streaks (Feb. 3-8, 2023; Mar. 14-18, 2023; & Mar. 24-28, 2023) and a season-high four-game winning streak (Feb. 12-25, 2023) to finish No. 10 in the East and avoided just their second season under .500 over the past decade.

What put the Raptors in position to be in the hunt for the 2023 Playoffs is they concluded last season with four straight home wins, going 11-1 their last 12 and 16-6 their last 22 games at Scotiabank Arena.

It was the opposite on the road for the Raptors who after starting the season 2-2 were just 12-25 the rest of the season away from home.

During a five-game road trip from March into early April, the Raptors produced two dominant victories Apr. 2 (128-108) and Apr. 4, (120-100) at the Hornets. They began the road trip though with a tough 117-110 loss Mar. 31 at the 76ers as well as their two-game set at the Celtics (97-93) Apr. 5 and Apr. 7 (121-102).

While they had a 22-11 mark against sub .500 teams and were 23-16 in games decided by 10 points or more, the Raptors were just 19-30 against teams .500 or better.

The Raptors stayed on track for the postseason in 2022-23 because of the play of Pascal Siakam (24.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 5.8 apg, 48.0 FG%), who set career-highs in scoring, assists, and free throw attempts at 6.7.

For the fourth consecutive season Siakam, who began his NBA career in the G League with the Raptors 905 averaged 20-plus points for the fourth straight season earning his second All-Star selection in the last four seasons.

20-Point Games By               2017-18: 1   2019-20: 36 2021-22: 46
Season By Pascal Siakam     2018-19: 26 2020-21: 33 2022-23: 51

30-Point Games By               2018-19: 5    2020-21: 9    2022-23: 12
Season By Pascal Siakam     2019-20: 15  2021-22: 14

In the Raptors’ win (113-106) Dec. 21, 2022 at the Knicks, Siakam had his fifth career-game of 40-plus points with a career-high 52 points with nine rebounds, and seven assists on 17/25 from the field and 16/18 at the charity stripe. Siakam, who had nine points in both the first and fourth quarters had 17 points each in the second and third quarters. He scored 17 of the Raptors 35 points in the second quarter and the Raptors final 17 points over a seven-minute span in third quarter.

He joined the 76ers James Harden; the Lakers LeBron James; and Warriors Stephen Curry as the four active NBA players to score 50 or more at Madison Square Garden.

Players With 50 Points,        *Bernard King 1984 For Knicks
5 Rebounds, 5 Assists At      LeBron James (LAL) W/Cavs 2008 & 2009: 52 Points,
Current MSG                        11 Rebounds, 9 Assists
                                                Stephen Curry (GS) 2013: 54 Points-then career-high,
                                                7 Rebounds, 6 Assists
                                                 Pascal Siakam (TOR) 2021: 1^st 50-Point Game Of His
                                                 7-year NBA career

50-Point Games In    Fred VanVleet      54 Points Feb. 3, 2021 At Magic
Raptors History        DeMar DeRozan  52 Points Jan. 1, 2018 Versus Bucks
                                    Pascal Siakam      52 Points Dec. 21, 2022 At Knicks
                                    Terrence Ross      51 Points Jan. 24, 2014 Versus Clippers
                                    Vince Carter        51 Points Feb. 27, 2000 Versus Suns (NBC)

The two-time All-NBA selection (2^nd Team 2020 & 3^rd Team 2022) dating back to 2021-22 has registered 25-plus points, seven-plus rebounds, and 7-plus assists, which doubled the number former Raptors’ All-Star guard Kyle Lowry had 12 such games in his nine-year career (2012-21) with the Raptors.

The 2019 Kia Most Improved Player last season registered double-digit double-doubles for the fifth straight season. He followed up a career-best 30 double-doubles in 2021-22 with 24 double-doubles last season.

Double-Doubles By               2016-18: 0      2019-20: 12  2021-22: 30
Season By Pascal Siakam     2018-19: 18    2020-21: 13  2022-23: 24

Siakam had two of his five career triple-doubles in 2022-23, which equaled his mark set in 2021-22. He had 37 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists on 15/21 from the field in the Raptors win (109-105) at the Nets. He registered 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists on 10/19 shooting in the Raptors thrashing win (143-100) at the Spurs.

Raptors Record By Season     W/Siakam                   W/O Siakam
Since 2018-19                                57-23        2018-19          1-1
                                                       46-14        2019-20          7-5
                                                       21-35        2020-21          6-10
                                                       40-28        2021-22          8-6
                                                       35-36        2022-23          6-5

For a team that had its struggles shooting from the perimeter a season ago, especially from three-point range, their most dependable shooter in 2022-23 was Gary Trent, Jr. (17.4 ppg, 1.6 spg, 36.9 3-Pt.%), who also was one of their best perimeter defenders.

The son of former Trail Blazer, Raptor, Mavericks, and Timberwolves forward Gary Trent, Jr. made over 160 total threes for the third straight season, including 166 threes in 2022-23 (166/450 3-Pt.). That was on the heels of making a career-high 209 triples in 2021-22 and the fourth most in a season in Raptors history.

20-Point Games By   2020-21:  6               30-Point Games By   2020-21: 2
Season By Gary        2021-22: 27               Season By Gary        2021-22: 10
Trent, Jr.                    2022-23: 24               Trent, Jr.                   2022-23: 3

The former Trail Blazers No. 37 overall pick in 2018 had three of his 16 career 30-plus point games in 2022-23 scored a season-high of 35 points with three steals on 12/20 shooting, including 6/11 from three in the Raptors 126-108 loss Nov. 30, 2022 at Pelicans. He tied that season of 35 points with five boards and three steals on 11/22 shooting, making four threes and making all nine of his free throws in Raptors 113-104 victory Dec. 30, 2022 versus the Suns.

To illustrate how odd last season was for the Raptors, they were 31-35 with Trent, Jr. in the lineup and 10-6 in the games he missed due to injury/illness.

Another member from the Raptors title squad that took another leap in his individual game was O.G. Anunoby (16.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.9 spg-Led NBA, 47.6 FG%, 38.7 3-Pt.%, 83.8 FT%), whose offense is now equal to his ability to guard multiple positions.

The No. 23 overall pick in 2017 out of Indiana University averaged in 15-plus points for the third straight season while shooting 45-plus percent from the floor in four out of his five NBA seasons. Shot over 36 percent from three-point range for the fourth straight season. He made over 104 total triples for the third straight season, including making a career-high 142 total threes (142/367 3-Pt.) in 2022-23.

20-Point Games By    2017-18: 2   2020-21: 13     30-Point Games By   2019-20: 1  2022-23: 3  
Season By O.G.          2018-29: 2   2021-22: 19     Season By O.G.         2020-21: 1
Anunoby                     2019-20: 6   2022-23: 20     Anunoby                    2021-22: 1

Anunoby became the first player in Raptors history to lead the NBA in steals and that resulted in him earning his first NBA All-Defensive selection making the 2022-23 Second Team.   

In the Raptors 112-104 victory Nov. 16, 2022 at the Heat, Anunoby had his 13^th career double-double of 32 points and 10 rebounds on 13/18 from the field. He tied his season-high of 32 points with three steals on 12/17 from the floor and 6/8 at the foul line. Anunoby had 31 points with five steals on 12/14 from the floor, including 4/6 from three.

The Raptors as a team set a single-season franchise record with 772 total steals in 2022-23, with an average of 9.4 steals per game, which led the NBA. Only the Thunder forced more turnovers last season (16.8) than the 16.7 miscues forced by the Raptors. The Raptors were also tied with the Wizards for No. 9 in the league in block shots at 5.2.

The Raptors also led the NBA in opponent’s second chance points (11.4) and were No. 11 in opponent’s paint points (49.1). They were No. 6 in opponent’s threes attempted (32.6) and were No. 12 in opponent’s made threes (12.2). 

However, when opponents did not turn it over, the Raptors were ranked No. 27 in opponent’s field goal percentage (49.1%); No. 28 in opponent’s three-point percentage (37.4%). They also were ranked 23^rd in assists at 23.9 in 2022-23.

Last season, the Raptors were 30-16 when they outrebounded their opponent. They were 25-17 when they registered 10 or more steals, including 4-0 when they registered 15 or more steals.

In 2022-23, the Raptors were 33-40 when they allowed 100 points or more. They were though 26-7 when they held their opponent under 110 points; were 14-35 when they allowed 110 points or more; 3-14 when they allow 120 points or more; and 1-3 when allowing 130 points or more.

While his numbers were similar or equal to his rookie season, Scottie Barnes (15.3 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 4.8 apg, 45.6 FG%) regressed in his sophomore season in the league.

After registering 13 double-doubles in 2021-22, the reigning Kia Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie First Team selection had 15 double-doubles. He registered one more 20-plus point game with 18 then the 17 he had the previous season.

In the Raptors 111-110 loss Nov. 4, 2022 at the Mavericks, Barnes registered his first career triple-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. In the Raptors 122-112 loss versus the Lakers, Barnes scored a career-high 32 points with nine rebounds, and seven assists on 13/19 from the field.

The one area that Barnes continued to struggle with is making threes where he went from making 58 total threes (58/193 3-Pt.) at 30.1 percent in 2021-22 to making 63 total threes (63/224 3-Pt.) at 28.1 percent a season ago.

Last season, the Raptors were at the bottom of the NBA in three-point shooting, ranking No. 28 at 33.5 percent; No. 21 in threes attempted at 32; and 28^th in made threes at 10.7.

Overall, the Raptors were ranked No. 27 in field goal percentage in 2022-23 at 45.9 percent. While they shot decently at the charity stripe at 78.4 percent, they were ranked just 18^th in free throw attempts at 23.4.

A big reason behind that is veteran forward Otto Porter, Jr. (5.5 ppg, 50 FG%, 35.3 3-Pt.%) missed the final 67 games of 2022-23 following season-ending surgery on dislocated second left toe.  

The Raptors in 2022-23 were 39-35 when they scored 100 points or more (2-6 when they scored under 100 points). That included a 33-20 mark when they scored 110 or more (8-21 when they scored under 110 points). A 15-4 mark when they scored 120 or more; 3-0 when they scored 130 or more.

They were 8-0 last season when they made 15-plus threes and 18-12 when they registered 25 assists or more, including 7-0 when they registered 30 or more assists.

In 2022-23, the Raptors were 21-6 when they outshot their opponent by field goal percentage, including 28-15 when they shot 45 percent or better and 14-7 when they shot 50 percent from the floor or better. They were 13-4 when they shot 40 percent or better from three-point range.

In the Raptors aforementioned 43-point win in early November 2022 at the Spurs, they shot 53.8 percent from the field, (57/106 FGs) and 14/33 from three. Had 31 assists on their 57 made field goals. Outscored the Spurs 76-40 in the paint; 41-12 in fastbreak points; had 16 steals and forced 23 Spurs turnovers that they scored 31 points off.

To add some more bulk and height, both literally and figuratively to their front court, the Raptors at the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 9 acquired center Jakob Poeltl (12.5 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 62.9 FG% w/Spurs & Raptors) from the Spurs in exchange for center Khem Birch, a 2023 Second-Round pick; 2024 First-Round pick; 2025 Second-Round pick.

Jakob Poeltl   W/Spurs 46 Games (All Starts) 12.1 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 61.6 FG%
In 2022-23      11 Double-Doubles
                        W/Raptors 26 Games (25 Starts) 13.1 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 65.2 FG%
                        8 Double-Doubles

Double-Digit Double-Doubles  W/Spurs 2020-21: 15; 2021-22: 28
By Season By Jakob Poeltl       W/Spurs & Raptors    2022-23: 19

20-Point Games By         W/Spurs 2018-19: 1; 2020-21: 2; 2021-22: 9
Season By Jakob Poeltl  W/Spurs & Raptors  2022-23: 11

In the Raptors win (133-123) Feb. 14, 2023 versus the Magic, Poeltl had his second career 30-point game scoring 30 with nine boards and six block shots on 15/17 from the field.

Poeltl scored a career-high of 31 points with 14 rebounds and five assists on 14/17 from the floor with the Spurs in their 117-110 loss Nov. 15, 2022 at Trail Blazers.

Poeltl’s acquisition provided much need bulk and height to a front court that prior featured Chris Boucher (9.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 49.3 FG%), Precious Achiuwa (9.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 48.5 FG%), who while have flashed and bring a lot of skill to the table but they lacked strength and consistency.

Boucher two seasons ago really flashed as one of the best front court reserves in the league when he averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks on 51.4 percent from the floor and 38.3 percent from three (90/235 3-Pt.) with 12 double-doubles. While he has been steady, the undrafted big man out of the University of Oregon, registering 10 and nine double-doubles respectably, while also totaling 68 and 62 total triples in each of the last two seasons (68/229 3-Pt. 2021-22) and (62/189 3-Pt. 2022-23), his accuracy as a three-point shooter has dropped to 29.7 and 32.8 percent shooting since 2020-21.

Achiuwa last season was slowed by injury where he missed 27 games but set a career-high in scoring, was a steady rebounder off the bench while registering a career-high 10 double-doubles in 2022-23. The No. 20 overall pick out of University of Memphis in 2020 by the Heat had six of his then career double-doubles entering last season.

Last season, Achiuwa regressed as a stretch-four going from 56 total made threes in 2021-22 (56/15 3-Pt.) at 35.9 percent to just 28.9 percent from three on 29 total made triples (29/108 3-Pt.).

The Raptors offense in 2022-23 can be described as scrappy and judicious. Judicious because for as much as they force their opponent to turn the ball over as mentioned earlier, they were very adept at taking care of the rock averaging a league-best 11.7 turnovers. As a result of that, the Raptors led the league in opponents points off turnovers (14.5).

Scrappy because the Raptors offense came off of hustle plays as they were ranked No. 12 in paint points (52.9). They led the NBA in points off turnovers (21.0); No. 3 in fastbreak points (17.8); led the NBA in offensive rebounds (13.4) and only trailed Rockets (16.7) in second chance points per game (16.4).

They were 33-30 last season when they had fewer turnovers than their opponent. 

The imperfect balance on offense and defense is why the Raptors struggled in close games going 19-25 in clutch time, the score within five points in the final five minutes in fourth quarter. They were just 4-10 in games decided by three points or less.

Last season the Raptors were 33-11 when they led at the half and 2-1 when tied but were 6-29 when they trailed at intermission. They were 35-11 when leading after three quarters, including 20-1 when they were up by at least nine points after three quarters. While they  were 1-1 when tied, the Raptors But 5-29 when they were trailed after three quarters.

In their Play-In tilt Apr. 12, their three-point shooting was decent. Their overall shooting was off. They were outscored in the paint. Did not force a lot of turnovers. Were outscored on fastbreak. But it was their foul shooting that did them in as they went down 109-105 versus the Bulls (ESPN) as they missed out on the Playoffs for the second time in the last three seasons.

After leading the first three-plus quarters up by 11 (58-47) at the half and led by 19 (66-47) with 9:09 left in the third quarter, the Raptors were outscored 25-15 to close the third to only lead 81-72 after three quarters. Bulls began the quarters outscoring the Raptors 119-10 to tie it 91-91 with 7:08 left. After trading small leads, the Raptors fell behind on baskets by the Bulls All-Stars Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan that put them up 104-100 with 2:04 left. Down three (107-104) in the final seconds in the fourth quarter, Siakam was fouled on a three-point attempt by the Bulls Alex Caruso. After making the first free throw, Siakam missed the next two and the Bulls Nikola Vucevic grabbed the defensive board off the third missed free throw and he closed the game making a pair of free throws and sending the Raptors home for the season.

Siakam led the way with 32 points, nine rebounds, six assists on 13/22 from the field. Barnes had a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds on 7/13 shooting with two steals. Anunoby had 13 points but shot just 4/13 from the floor, including 2/7 from three.

Poeltl had just seven points and eight boards and two blocks. Achiuwa who entered action averaging 14.5 points and 8.3 rebounds on 58 percent from the field the previous four games had just six points and four rebounds hitting both triple tries playing just nine minutes.

While they shot just 43.7 percent from the field (38/87 FGs) but were 11/31 from three. Outrebounded the Bulls 50-36, including 16-8 on the offensive glass, outscoring the Bulls 22-8 in second chance points, the Raptors lost this game by going 18/36 at the free throw line.

Whether it affected them or not, the constant shrieking by former Raptor DeMar DeRozan’s daughter Diar was a distraction to the Raptors shooters at the line, particularly in the second half where they shot 10/22 at the free throw line in the second half. They were 5/12 at the charity stripe in the third and 5/10 in the fourth quarter. Each time a Raptors player was about to shoot, Diar would let out a screech that the whole Scotiabank Arena could hear and it worked in the favor for her father’s squad.

Raptors Free Throws           Pascal Siakam:  5/11             Raptors 18 missed free throws
In Play-In Versus Bulls        O.G. Anunoby:   3/8              were the most by a team since
                                                Scottie Barnes:   4/7              1997.

The 18 missed free throws by the Raptors were the most by a team since 1997. Were the first team to shoot 50 percent or worse at the foul line since 2014.

Most Missed Free          Grizzlies 19 Oct. 31, 2022 At Jazz
Throws In A Game        Raptors 18 Apr. 12, 2023 Vs. Bulls East Play-In Game
In NBA 2022-23             Nuggets 16 Jan. 22, 2023 Versus Thunder

This was just the second loss by the Raptors in 2022-23 (20-1 regular season) when they led by nine points or more after three quarters.

It did not help that the Raptors were outscored by the Bulls 52-40 in the paint; 14-8 in fastbreak points; and had 16 turnovers that led to 22 Bulls points.   

This offseason, the Raptors faced two questions. Do they keep their core players together and continue to be a contender for the postseason where their ceiling is a berth in the Play-In Tournament and just an appearance in the postseason? Or do they press the reset button and build around their young star?

The Raptors front office led by President and Vice Chairman Masai Ujiri and GM Bobby Webster answered that question somewhat when on Apr. 21 they gave head coach Nick Nurse the pink slip after 10 total seasons with the team, with the last five as their head coach.

Under Coach Nurse, the Raptors were 227-163 as head coach (2018-23) winning three consecutive Atlantic Division titles (2017-20) and leading them to their first title in franchise history in 2018-19 season. But after back-to-back 50-plus win seasons, going 111-43 (2018-20), where they lost in 2020 East Semis in seven games to the eventual NBA runner-up Celtics in 2020, the Raptors were just 116-120 the next three seasons, missing as mentioned the postseason in two of the last three seasons, including to the 76ers in six games in the 2022 First Round.

On June 13 the Raptors hired longtime assistant coach Darko Rajakovic as the 10^th head coach in their history.

Rajakovic, 44, spent the previous with the Thunder (2014-19), Suns (2019-20) and the past three seasons on head coach Taylor Jenkins’ staff with the Grizzlies. Prior to that, Rajakovic coached overseas from 1996-2012.

While with the Thunder, Rajakovic, who was born and raised in Serbia was the head coach of Thunder’s G League affiliate the Oklahoma City Blue before he became an assistant coach with the Thunder in 2014-15 season.

“We’re really, really excited for this day,” Ujiri said at the introductory presser for Rajakovic seated alongside him on a stage outside Scotiabank Arena. “I know it’s a change and sometimes change and sometimes change is hard, but we believe change is good, and change is good for our ball club and our organization now.”

Webster added that Rajakovic “didn’t go in as the favorite” when the Raptors started their search for Nurse’s replacement. But the Raptors eventual new hire won them over as the process evolved.

Webster called Rajakovic during the presser “smart,” “detailed,” and “structured.” That his diverse experience as a coach overseas and in “The Association” being able to work with a number of organizations and directly with a lot of them and with “high-caliber players” and simply he said that Rajakovic “impressed” the Raptors front office.

At the presser, Rajakovic said that in the first conversation with the Raptors via Zoom that he felt from that and throughout the process was “unity.” That everyone from the top down in the organization he just felt everyone was “together.”

“The last three days I’ve had a smile on my face so much my jaw is starting to hurt,” Rajakovic said about being the Raptors new head coach. “I’m really, really excited. This is an amazing, amazing privilege to represent the Toronto Raptors, a championship organization. It is a privilege to be part of such an amazing roster. This is definitely a very, very exciting moment and ‘We The North.’”

The hire is also significant in the fact that Rajakovic became the second Serbian to coach in the NBA, joining Igor Kokosov, who the Suns hired for just one season in 2018-19.

Rajakovic at his introductory presser fielded a question in Serbian from a language broadcaster based in Toronto from his home country, which Toronto has a significant population of Serbian immigrants.

“It means the world,” Rajakovic, who began coaching at age 16 said of being just the second Serbian to be named an NBA head coach. “It means so much to the Serbian community here in Toronto. A lot of people reached out to me. It means a lot to my family back home and the whole basketball community in Serbia…Now some 27 years later, I’m appointed to be the head coach of an unbelievable organization and to have a chance to live in an amazing city like Toronto is, and I am just proud to be here today and represent.”

When it comes to the roster that Rajakovic will have to work with, it will not include Fred VanVleet, who on the same day the Raptors introduced their new sideline leader opted out of the final year of his contract at $22.8 million to become an unrestricted free agent.

On June 20, Trent, Jr. exercised his $18.25 million player option to remain with the Raptors for 2023-24 season.

In June’s draft, the Raptors used their lone pick to select guard Gradey Dick No. 13 overall out of University of Kansas. He averaged 14.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in 2022-23 for the Jayhawks.

“It’s a dream come true and of course being at Kansas was dream come true for me too,” Dick said to ESPN’s Monica McNutt after getting drafted by the Raptors in referencing the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz.”

For a team that had very few high marksman from three-point range as mentioned a season ago, that is something the 2022-23 All-Big 12 Second-Team selection brings immediately. He totaled 83 made threes on an accuracy of 40 percent last season, setting a school-record by a freshmen.

He also bring good size at 6-foot-8. Is a versatile offensive player who is a great cutter who can read defenses and can rebound.

While it is asking a lot for a rookie to help a team improve in an area that they were at the bottom of like the Raptors were when it comes to three-point shooting a season ago, Dick is someone that seems up for this.

He and his father Bart ever since Grady was a freshmen in high school in Wichita, KS wrote down goals to reach every year, with the main goal was to be one-and-done in college.

So, being an impact player early, especially off the bench seems something that Dick can rise to the occasion.

In free agency, the Raptors replaced former starter Fred VanVleet, who signed with Rockets this offseason with Dennis Schroder (12.6 ppg, 4.5 apg w/Lakers) on a two-year, $26 million deal.

While he may not be the dynamic floor spacer, especially from three-point range that VanVleet developed into in his seven seasons with the Raptors, Schroder is a solid floor general who can defend and brings a high IQ to the floor. He showed that and then some in a year that he was rejuvenated with the Lakers and what he did for his home country of Germany as he guided them to the FIBA World Cup title for the first time in their history ironically enough over Serbia to capture Gold and Schroder was named the tournament’s MVP.

The Raptors agreed on a four-year, $80 million deal on June 30 (made official July 6) to bring back Jakob Poeltl, who they hope to be a steady presence on both ends in the paint or at least be a bridge until they either sign or draft a better option in the pivot or late First-Round pick (No. 22 overall) center Christian Koloko makes progress into being a consistent rotational player.

In early July, the Raptors added swingman Jalen McDaniels (9.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 45.5 FG% w/Hornets & 76ers). At the end of July, the Raptors signed veteran forward/guard Garrett Temple on a one-year, $3.2 million deal.

At summer’s end, the Raptors Siakam and Anunoby, two players who were on the trading block for the first two quarters of last season, are still with the Raptors.

At the moment that is not a bad thing because you still have to players that were a part of the Raptors title squad four seasons back and if they trade one or both, they would do so looking for young players that could develop to the level they have. Also, Siakam has given no indication that he wanted his talent to be dealt elsewhere.

“I’m a basketball player and I’m a purist. I think as far as basketball goes, I’ve always played basketball for the right reason, which is to win,” Siakam said at Media Day about possibly being a free agent at season’s end if he is not traded.

He added about new Coach Rajakovic, “I really don’t care what the system is. Like, if you’re a good player and you know how to play the game like you find a way.”

Both Siakam and Anunoby are extension eligible. If Siakam makes All-NBA this upcoming season, he is in line to get a four-year, $192 million super max extension in summer of 2024. Anunoby is eligible for a four-year, $116 million deal. Both also have the potential to be unrestricted free agents in summer of 2024.

That said if the Raptors get off to a slow start in 2023-24, they will do this dance of trade speculation of Siakam and Anunoby all the way up to the February 2024 trade deadline.

“I’ve talked to Pascal. We haven’t talked contract extension yet,” Ujiri said about trying to re-sign Siakam.

The main objective this season for new Coach Rajakovic is get Barnes back to the level he displayed in first season in the NBA.

The main reason why the likes of Siakam, Anunoby, and Trent, Jr. have not been moved is Barnes showed he was not ready to be the Raptors main headliner.

If that comes to fruition this season, that might allow Ujiri and Webster to possibly move Siakam, Anunoby and/or possibly Trent, Jr.

“I really look forward to creating a new identity of this team,” Coach Rajakovic said at Media Day on his enthusiasm to build a new identity for the Raptors.

“That we really want to be a team that moves the ball. That plays together. That plays unselfishly.”

“We’re going to try to kind of divide responsibilities on the team so all the players can benefit and everybody can step up.”

They are also before the February trade deadline or this summer if they want to keep Achiuwa, who the Raptors did not extend his rookie deal, making him a restricted free agent at the conclusion of this season.

In the early years of the Toronto Raptors, they drafted guys who they felt were going to be the face of the franchise moving forward. While the likes of Damon Stoudemire, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Chris Bosh made an impact, when it came time to bolt, they did via trade more often.

After some lean years, where the Raptors made the Playoffs and had early exits in their four appearances (2006-07; 2007-08; 2013-14; 2014-15) following their East Semifinals appearance in 2001 where they lost to Hall of Famer Allen Iverson and the 76ers in seven games, the Raptors led by DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry developed into All-Stars and turned the Raptors into a title contenders. But they never got further than the East Finals where they lost to the then LeBron James led Cavaliers in 2016 East Finals six games and were swept 4-0 in 2017 and 2018 East Semis.

The Raptors in summer of 2018 made the tough decision to break up the DeRozan and Lowry pairing to acquire 2014 Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard from the Spurs and he alongside Lowry, VanVleet, Anunoby, Boucher, Marc Gasol, Norman Powell won it all taken down the defending NBA champion Warriors 4-2.

When the Raptors held their presser to introduce Coach Rajakovic was the four-year anniversary of winning in their first and only title in their history, now former head coach Nick Nurse’s first season.

The Raptors this offseason kept most of the core of their team intact with the only real change coming at head coach. They enter this season as team competing to make it back to the Playoffs after missing out in two of the last three springs.

That dream will all depend on how quickly the team grasp the principles and philosophy on both ends of new head coach Darko Rajakovic and the leap Scottie Barnes takes in Year 3 in the NBA.

“This is not about me,” Coach Rajakovic said about his biggest strength as a coach. “I see my love and the passion for the game [for basketball] and my commitment to the team as my biggest strength. This is about those guys [the players]. This is about the team. How we’re going to get to the next level.”

“My goal is to not to get one player better but all 17 players on the roster. How we can improve those guys and help those guys.”

“My core belief is when you improve players like it’s much easier to put strategies and tactics in, and that’s going to give you results.”

“For me, the season does not start in October. For me, the season started three days ago when I was appointed here as the head coach and I’m trying to win every single day.” 

Ujiri added about how he wants to see the Raptors improve from last season to this upcoming season, “We do believe that a lot of our players didn’t play the right way last year. I said it. We were selfish. I’m not running away from that. We were selfish and we did not play the right way. So, let see it when we play the right way.”

Best Case Scenario: The Raptors are in contention for the Playoffs through the East Play-In Tournament. Barnes takes a major leap in his game in his third NBA season. Siakam and Anunoby have great respective seasons again. The Raptors improve offensively and become better defensively beyond just forcing turnovers. The team embraces Coach Rajakovic’s philosophy on both ends.

Worst Case Scenario: The Raptors miss out on the Playoffs for the third time in the last five seasons. Coach Rajakovic struggles in his first season as an NBA head coach. Siakam and Anunoby are on the verge of being dealt at the February NBA trade deadline for pennies on the dollar.

Grade: C

Washington Wizards: 35-47 Record; 3^rd Southeast Division (No. 12 East; Missed Playoffs); 19-22 at home, 16-25 on the road.

-113.2 ppg-21^st; opp. ppg: 114.4-17^th; 43.6 rpg-15^th    

Good starts and ultimately flaming out has been the story for the Washington Wizards the past two seasons. A poor mark in the December doomed the Wizards the rest of the way as well as their inability to defend or bring it against the best in “The Association.” With major shakeups in the front office, saying goodbye to key parts that just did not mesh and bringing in new younger talent via the draft and trades, the plan for the Wizards this season is to build themselves into a title squad, which they have not been since the late 1970s.

The Wizards, under then new head coach Wes Unseld, Jr. began the 2021-22 season 10-3, which tied the then 1968-69 Baltimore Bullets for the second-best start after 13 games in franchise history, with only the 1974-75 Washington Bullets 11-2 mark after first 13 games being the best.

After a 14-8 the first 22 games of the previous season, the Wizards were just 21-39 the remainder of that season.

Last season, the Wizards began 10-7. But went 1-13 their next 14 games, which was punctuated by a three-game losing streak (Nov. 23-27, 2022) and a season-worst 10-game losing streak (Nov. 30-Dec. 18, 2022) to be 11-20 following a close loss (119-117) Dec. 18, 2022 at the Lakers.

A 6-1 mark from Dec. 20, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023 got the Wizards back into the swing of things as part of 13-6 mark their next 19 games, that included a five-game winning streak (Dec. 23, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023) and a six-game winning streak (Jan. 18-30, 2023) to be 24-26 following a 127-106 victory Jan. 30 at the Spurs.

                                                         NBA Rank
Wizards During       121.5 PPG           4^th
6-Game Winning      48.1 FG%        19^th
Streak                        40 3-Pt.%         10^th
                                   23.8 APG            6^th 

That win at the Spurs was the first by the Wizards at the five-time NBA champs since Dec. 11, 1999, snapping a 22-game losing streak at the Spurs.   

The Wizards went 8-5 in the first month of the new year following a 5-10 record the final month of 2022.  

A 6-6 mark by the Wizards the next 12 games to be 30-32 in early March following a 119-108 win the second of the month versus the Raptors.

The Wizards Playoff hopes went crashing to the floor from there as they went 3-9 their following 12 games, closing out 2022-23 with a 5-15 mark, which included a 5-11 mark in March. They also were just 7-17 post All-Star break.

They had a three-game skid (Mar. 8-14, 2023), which included losses in a two-game set versus the Hawks Mar. 8 (122-120) and Mar. 10 (114-107). They also had a four-game skid (Mar. 17-24) where three of the four losses against the best in the league at the Cavaliers (117-94); versus the Kings (132); at Magic (123-112); and versus the eventual NBA champion Nuggets (118-104).

In the summer of 2021, the Wizards acquired Kyle Kuzma in a major deal with the Lakers and during the 2021-22 season, they acquired All-Star big man Kristaps Porzingis to team up alongside three-time All-Star Bradley Beal.

Last season though, the Wizards headliners due to injury and illness played only 36 games together compiling a mark of just 16-22, including a 9-8 record since Dec. 23, 2022 with all three in the lineup.

On top of that, Beal, like in the early part of his 11-year career with the Wizards dealt with injuries, including last season, where he missed 32 games in total, including the final 10 games.

Even when Beal was healthy, he did not play to the level like he did in 2019-20 and 2020-21 where he averaged 30.5 and 31.3 points respectably. On top of that, the Wizards fans that watched his deterioration as the star attraction became ambivalent towards the three-time All-Star.

Last season, Porzingis had one of the best all-around seasons of his career, particularly when it came to his scoring average. This was also Porzingis’ healthiest season since 2017 as he totaled 65 games and that is how he often was the best player on the hardwood. The problem was the stats that Porzingis put up did not help the Wizards win consistently in 2022-23.

In Beal’s absence, Kuzma (21.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 3.7 apg, 44.8 FG%) took a larger role in the Wizards offense and excelled with career-highs in scoring average, assists and had the second highest field goal percentage and rebounding average of his career after setting career-highs in both stats a season ago.

20-Point Games By               W/Lakers 2017-18:  25 2019-20: 10   W/Wizards 2021-22: 26
Season By Kyle Kuzma                           2018-19: 29 2020-21: 13                       2022-23: 39

30-Point Games By               W/Lakers 2017-18: 4 2019-20: 1        W/Wizards 2021-22:  4
Season By Kyle Kuzma                          2018-19: 7 2020-21: 1                            2022-23: 10

Double-Doubles By               W/Lakers 2017-18: 17 2019-20:  2      W/Wizards 2021-22:  24
Season By Kyle Kuzma                          2018-19:   4 2020-21: 13                          2022-23:  14

Kyle Kuzma In 2022-23        Were 23-16 When Kuzma Scored 20 Poins Or More
With Wizards                         Including 6-4 When He Scored 30 Points Or More.

                                                 Were just 7-16 When Kuzma Scored Under 20 Points.

In the Wizards’ victory (118-95) Jan. 1 at the Bucks, Kuzma had recorded his second career triple-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and a career-high 11 assists.

Kuzma though has battled injuries in his first two seasons with the Wizards missing 16 and 18 games respectably, including the final 11 games of 2022-23 with a right ankle sprain.

Outside of Beal, Porzingis, and Kuzma, the rest of the roster, particularly players that the Wizards drafted in recent years have produced mixed results, especially last season.

Rui Hachimura, the No. 9 overall in 2019 flashed moments of brilliance but never established himself as a cornerstone of the team and was dealt to the Lakers in late January for just two Second-Round picks (2028 & 2029) and guard Kendrick Nunn.

Some of the other Wizards recent draft picks in Deni Avdija, Corey Kispert, and Johnny Davis have yet to develop into players that are going to help the Wizards become a force in the Eastern Conference.

After setting the rookie franchise-record for threes made in a single-season (112). Kispert (11.1 ppg, 49.7 FG%, 42.4 3-Pt.%) rose his game in his sophomore season in the league, making 163 total triples (163/384 3-Pt.).

After registering 30 games in double-figures in his rookie season the previous season, Kispert, the No. 15 overall pick in 2021 out of Gonzaga University registered 40 games with 10 points or more.

With all the injuries, the No. 15 overall pick out of Gonzaga University got his chance and made the most of it averaging 16.1 points on 52.1 percent from the field and 42.8 percent from three, making four or more threes in 16 out of those 18 games. That included averages of 17.4 points on 50.8 percent from the floor and 41.9 percent from three the final 15 games of 2022-23.

Kispert made a three-pointer in 53 out of his last 56 games, including making multiple threes in 21 out of the final 33 games in 2022-23.   

While he averaged career-highs in points, rebounds, and field goal percentage, Avdija (9.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 43.7 FG%) has yet to make that jump to where he is an impactful player whenever he took the hardwood.

Yes, he set a career-high with 11 double-doubles a season ago, after totaling six double-doubles entering 2022-23. Yes, he registered a career-high of 33 games scoring in double-figures after totaling 45 such games his first two NBA seasons, which included a career-best six games scoring at least 20. But Avdija throughout his career has left us just wanting more, especially when he displayed that he is capable of it.

In the Wizards aforementioned victory at the Spurs in the middle of January, Avdija had career-high of 25 points with nine rebounds on 10/12 from the field.

In perhaps the Wizards most impressive victory of 2022-23 Mar. 28 (130-111) versus the Celtics, Avdija tied his career-high 25 points with 10 rebounds, and five assists on 10/16 shooting.

In the Wizards’ win (100-97) versus the Bulls on Jan. 11, Avdija had nine points and a career-high 20 rebounds.

Avdija had a double-double in the Wizards’ 113-105 defeat at the Heat with 12 points and a career-high 10 assists with nine rebounds and two block shots.

Davis (5.8 ppg) , the Wizards most recent lottery pick (No. 10 overall 2022) spent a large segment of his rookie season with the Capital City Go-Go, the Wizards G League affiliate.

It was not until towards the conclusion of 2022-23 the Wisconsin product showed progress where scored in double-figures seven of his eight such games.

While he averaged 17 points and 5.6 rebounds the final five games of his rookie season, Davis did on inefficient shooting at 39.5 percent from the floor (34/86 FGs) and 26.3 percent from three (10/38 3-Pt.). For the season, Davis shot just 38.6 percent from the floor and 24.3 percent on his triple tries (17/70 3-Pt.).

Two players who have played their roles well the last two seasons with the Wizards are Daniel Gafford (9.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 73.2 FG%) and Delon Wrignt (7.4 ppg, 3.9 apg, 3.6 rpg, 1.8 spg, 47.4 FG% 34.5 3-Pt.%).

After barely playing his first 1-plus seasons with the Bulls, the No. 38 overall pick in 2019 has been steady with the Wizards since he was acquired in 2021 and that continued in 2022-23 where he registered a career-high 10 of his 20-career double-doubles, which have all come with the Wizards.

One of the double-doubles consisted of Gafford registering 18 points and a career-high 13 rebounds with two blocks in the Wizards 116-109 loss Mar. 31 versus the Magic. 

Like Gafford, Wright, who has played for the Raptors, Grizzlies, Mavericks, Pistons, Kings, Hawks, and now Wizards in his eight-year NBA career after being drafted No. 8 overall out of the University of Utah is someone who is steady on both ends. Who can run the offense from the lead guard spot and is a connector on both sides of the hardwood.

Since 2018, Wright is the only player in the league to register over 600 total assists (1,060), 200 steals (427), and 60 block shots (115).

Most Steals Off         T.J. McConnell (IND) 339  Terrence Ross (ORL/PHX) 252 
Bench Since 2018      Delon Wright   (WAS) 302

In 14 starts in 2022-23, Wright averaged 9.1 points, 5.5 assists, 5.1 rebounds on 48.5 percent from the floor  and 36.8 percent from three-point range.

This offseason the moment finally came where Wizards Governor Ted Leonsis decided that a complete tear-down and reshaping of not just the roster but the front office.

It all began on Apr. 19 when GM and President of Basketball Operations Tommy Sheppard was given his pink slip after nearly two decades with the franchise going from Vice President of Basketball Operations under then President and GM Ernie Grunfeld.

Sheppard was appointed to interim GM following Grunfeld’s dismissal on Apr. 2, 2019 becoming the full-time GM in July 2019 and was given a multi-year contract extension as well as became the Wizards President in Nov. 2021.

On May 24, the Wizards hired Michael Winger to be the team’s new President of Monumental Basketball, overseeing the Wizards, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics and the Capital City Go-Go.

At the start of June, Winger hired Travis Schlenk to be the new Vice President of Player Personnel. They also in June brought in Will Dawkins to be the Wizards’ new General Manager (GM). Winger and Dawkins worked together with the Thunder from 2010 to 2017. After that, they promoted former Georgetown University Men’s Basketball Coach John Thompson III, the son of the late Hall of Famer and legendary head coach at GU John Thompson.

                                   Michael Winger’s Career Resume                                                              
2005: Director of Basketball Operations and Team Counsel For Cavs; Reached East Finals Twice (2007 & 2009); Worked With Likes Of LeBron James, Mo Williams, Hall of Famers Shaquille O’Neal & Ben Wallace.

2010: Assistant GM and Team Counsel With Thunder Under GM Sam Presti; Reached
West Finals Four Times, Including The 2012 NBA Finals (Lost 4-1 To Heat); Worked With Now Perennial All-Stars Kevin Durant (2014 Kia MVP W/Thunder), Russell Westbrook (2017 Kia MVP), and James Harden (2012 Kia Sixth Man Of The Year W/Thunder).

Winger’s Responsibilities With Thunder: Selecting Players In Draft; Executing Trades; Retaining, Signing Existing Players, And Free Agents.

Thunder’s Notable Draft Selections Under Winger: Reggie Jackson, Steven Adams, Andre Roberson, Cameron Payne.

2017-2023: With Clippers (Hired Apr. 23, 2017) As GM; July 2019 Signed Kawhi Leonard (2014 & 2019 Finals MVP) & Acquired Via Sign-And-Trade Paul George (8-Time All-Star); Made The Playoffs In Four Out Of Six Seasons; Reached The West Finals, Their First Appearance In Franchise History (Lost 4-2 To Suns); Achieved A Winning Record In All 6 Seasons.

Will Dawkins      Began As An Office Intern; Was Assistant Video Coordinator; Scouting
Career With       Coordinator; Director Of College Player Personnel; Served As Vice
Thunder              President Of Identification & Intelligence; Was Promoted To Vice 
(2008-23)             President of Basketball Operations Where He Assisted In Roster and
                             Staff Development; Strategic Planning; Player Evaluation & Acquisitions.

Travis Schlenk’s   1999-03: Video Coordinator With Heat
Career Resume     2004-05: Video Scout With Warriors; Moved Up To Assistant GM
                               And Is Credited For Being Primarily Responsible For Identifying
                               Draymond Green (No. 35 Overall Pick 2012)
                               May 2017: Joined Hawks; Was Promoted To Team President
                               Aug. 19, 2019; In A Two-Month Span In 2020 Acquired
                               Danilo Gallinari, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Rajon Rondo, And Kris Dunn
                               And Selected Onyeka Okongwu No. 6 Overall In 2020 Draft

With the new leadership in place around Leonsis, they went to work in reshaping the Wizards roster.

On draft night back in June, the Wizards in a three-team deal with the Celtics and Grizzlies dealt Porzingis to the Celtics along with the draft rights to guard Marcus Sasser (No. 25 overall pick) out of the University of Houston and the Warriors 2024 First-Round pick from the Grizzlies. In exchange for guard Tyus Jones (10.3 ppg, 5.2 apg, 43.8 FG%,  37.1 3-Pt% w/Grizzlies), veteran sharp-shooting forward Danilo Gallinari and forward/center Mike Muscala from the Celtics, along with the draft rights to forward Julian Phillips (No. 35 overall pick) out of University of Tennessee.

Phillips draft rights were sent in a deal on June 28 to the Bulls in exchange for 2026 and 2027 Second-Round picks.

A day later, the Wizards acquired the draft rights of forward Bilal Coulibaly (No. 7 overall pick) from St. Cloud, France, who played the last two seasons with Metropolitans 92 from Pacers in exchange for the draft rights to forward Jarace Walker (No. 8 overall pick) along with a 2029 Second-Round pick.

Coulibaly, is a promising two-way player who brings good size at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and is exceptional in getting downhill off the dribble and is a high-level defender.

In 2021, the 19-year-old began his professional journey playing for Metropolitans 92 in LNB Espoirs, the French Under-21 league. He began 2022-23 playing for the same squad and was promoted to the senior team after averaging 21.9 points and 2.6 steals.

In Game 4 of the LNB Pro A Semifinal, Coulibaly had 16 points.

“Just got to work every day,” Coulibaly said to ESPN’s Monica McNutt after being drafted back in June. “Being in the gym. Just working on my game. So yeah, I can be great like that.”

For a team in the Wizards that is not expected to be in the thick of the Playoff race in the East this upcoming season Coulibaly might be in the thick of the playing rotation, particularly in the 2024 portion of this season.

“As a young guy, it’s going to be defensively for sure,” Coulilbaly said of the role he expects to be for the Wizards to get on the hardwood. “I’ve got the energy to do it. So, I’m going to get my minutes like that.”                              

That deal by the Wizards with the Pacers was part of a major three-team trade also involved the Suns.

The Wizards in this massive deal concluded the Beal era in D.C. by sending him in the deal to the Suns along with guard Jordan Goodwin, and forward Isaiah Todd. In return, the Wizards acquired veteran guard Chris Paul and Landry Shamet (8.7 ppg, 37.7 3-Pt.%) along with the draft rights as mentioned of Coulibaly.

Saying goodbye to Beal was not easy from the standpoint of when he signed his five-year, $251 million deal in the summer of 2022, it included a no-trade clause, which limited where Winger and Dawkins could be traded to. The Wizards found a team that Beal agreed that he wanted to be dealt to but because of Beal’s no-trade clause, the Wizards got back much less for Beal’s value than they could have prior if he had not declined his $36.4 million option last summer.

What the Wizards got in return for Beal are First-Round pick swaps in 2024, 2026, 2028, and 2030, and Second-Round picks in 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2030 from the Suns. 

It concluded an 11-year career with the Wizards for Beal, who was tied with Trail Blazers Damian Lillard and Warriors Draymond Green for the third most seasons with one team amongst active players. That only trails the 14 seasons by Warriors two-time Kia MVP Stephen Curry and the 20 years of three-time NBA champion with the Heat Udonis Haslem, who retired during the offseason.

Beal in his 11 years with the Wizards, where they were just 285-290 in his 575 career games played. In games that Beal scored 20 or more in his career, the Wizards were just 204-201. That included a mark of just 73-67 when he scored 30 points or more, and an 8-22 record when Beal scored 40 points or more.

50-Point Games By   50 Points May 8, 2021 At Pacers: 133-132 Win
Bradley Beal As A     60 Points-Career-High Jan. 6, 2021 At 76ers: 141-136 Loss
Wizard                       55 Points Feb. 24, 2020 Versus Bucks: 137-134 Loss
                                    55 Points Feb. 23, 2020 At Bulls: 126-117 Loss
                                    51 Points Dec. 5, 2017 At Trail Blazers: 106-92 Loss

       Bradley Beal By The Numbers On Wizards/Bullets Career List In His 11 Seasons          
695 Career Games Played 3^rd In Wizards/Bullets History Behind Hall Of Famers
Elvin Hayes (731) And Late Wes Unseld, Sr. (984)
1,514 Career Total Made 3-Pt. On 4,070 Attempts: 1^st In Both Categories
2,972 Career Assists: 3^rd Behind Late Wes Unseld, Sr., and John Wall (5,282)
772 Career Steals: 2^nd Behind John Wall (976)
15,391 Career Points: 2^nd Behind Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes (15,551)

Wizards Career         *Walt Bellamy     27.6        Bradley Beal       22.1
Scoring PPG              Gilbert Arenas     25.0      *Bernard King      22.0
Leaders                      *Earl Monroe       23.7       *Elvin Hayes        21.3
(*Hall of Famer)       Terry Dischinger  22.7       *Michael Jordan  21.2
                                    *Moses Malone    22.2       *Chris Webber     20.9

Wizards Top 5           *Elvin Hayes        15,551     
Career Scoring           Bradley Beal       15,391     
Leaders                       Jeff Malone         11,083     
                                    John Wall            10,879     
                                   *Wes Unseld, Sr.  10,624     

Career Scoring Leaders       Damian Lillard   (MIL)  19,376
From 2012 NBA Draft          Anthony Davis    (LAL)  15,841
(Top 4)                                    Bradley Beal       (PHX)  15,391
                                                Harrison Barnes (SAC)  11,796 

The Wizards then flipped Paul along with the draft rights to forward/center Tracye Jackson-Davis (No. 57 overall pick) out of Indiana University to the Warriors on July 6 in exchange for guard Jordan Poole (20.4 ppg, 4.5 apg w/Warriors), guard Ryan Rollins, and forward Patrick Baldwin, Jr.; 2027 Second-Round pick; 2030 Protected First-Round pick; and cash considerations.

In an early July deal with the Pistons, the Wizards dealt last season’s starting lead guard Monte Morris in exchange for a 2027 Second-Round pick (via Nets or Mavericks).

The Wizards great start to last season under head coach Wes Unseld, Jr., the son of the late Hall of Famer, NBA champion and Wizards’ legend Wes Unseld, Sr. earned GM Tommy Shepard a multi-year contract extension and also got promoted to being their new President of Basketball Operations.

The Wizards did not completely clean house as they on June 30 (officially on July 6) brought back Kuzma on a new four-year, $102 million deal. They also brought back veteran forward Taj Gibson on Sept. 15 on a one-year, $3.2 million deal.

Kuzma will tag team with Poole as the Wizards main offensive options for Coach Unseld, Jr. Poole had a career-year in 2021-22 and was a big part of the Warriors win their fourth title in the last nine seasons. That led him to getting a four-year extension of $128 million with $17 million in incentives.

“I’m really looking forward to just the growth, especially for myself, you know? This is a new role for me in my career. So, naturally that’s very, very exciting and something that I’ve been waiting for my entire career for,” Kuzma said at Media Day about being the Wizards’ headliner and leader.

“So, naturally that’s going to be something I’m looking forward to. And then also just growth and just the process of building with the team that we have right now.” 

20-Point Games By               2019-20:   3         30-Point Games By          20202-21: 1
Season By Jordan Poole       2020-21:   9         Season By Joran Poole    2021-22: 10
                                                2021-22: 34                                                    2022-23: 13
                                                2022-23: 45

In 2022-23 it was not the same Poole, who days before signing his deal got into an altercation with teammate Draymond Green, that resulted in him punching Poole that was caught on tape by TMZ.  

While Poole made over 210 triples the last two seasons, including a career-high 214 total made threes (214/637 3-Pt.) in 2022-23. But Poole’s immaturity at times caused friction with the team and basically made him expendable, which led him being dealt to the Wizards.

Poole is a player with a lot of potential to be great. The Wizards hope being a new environment will be beneficial for him both as a player and person. 

Last year with the Warriors, Poole had a career-high of 43 points with six assists on 14/23 shooting, 5/11 from three and 10/11 at foul line in the Warriors win (126-110) win Dec. 18, 2022 at the Raptors. His second career 40-plus point performance with the Warriors came in their 118-112 victory Dec. 30, 2022 versus the Trail Blazers.

In the 43 games he was a starter in 2022-23 for the Warriors, Poole averaged 24.6 points and 4.6 assists on three made triples.  

“A really big reason why I’m in the league is I can put the ball in the basket, you know? And it’s not one specific way. It’s just the variety of ways,” Poole said at Media Day to NBATV’s Taylor Rooks about what he hopes to continue with his new team.

“You can’t ease confidence, especially being an aggressive offensive player. As an aggressive basketball player, you’ve just got to continue to shoot shots, even if you’re not making them because these are the things we practice.”

The addition of Jones, who set career-highs in assists and made threes (121/326 3-Pt) a season ago, gives the Wizards a player who over the last two seasons when he started in place of All-Star Ja Morant and he kept them on the right side of the tracks. He brings a high IQ and an ability to make plays for himself and for his teammates.

In 94 career starts, Jones has averaged 12.1 points, 6.9 assists, and 1.6 steals on 46.2 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from three. That included averages of 16.2 points, 8.1 assists and 1.8 steals on 50 percent shooting in 22 starts in 2022-23 with the Grizzlies.

Jones, who was a solid understudy to Morant with the Grizzlies, particularly when he started for him the past two seasons will be the team’s starter at least to begin this season, which he said at Media Day at the start of October said he is prepared for.

“This is what I’ve been working for into Year 9,” Jones said. “So, I can say for eight seasons going now. But at the same time, the work is just getting started now.”

“But I’m extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity. I don’t take it lightly or take it for granted. But I’m ready for it.”  

The likes of Gallinari, who exercised his $6.8 million player option June 15 while with the Celtics, Muscala, and Shamet are more than likely to be moved at the February trade deadline to provide playing time for the Rollins and Baldwin, Jr. to see if they could be parts of the Wizards future. 

One player the Wizards will not be parting with anytime soon is Avdija, who the Wizards on Monday agreed to a four-year, $55 million rookie extension on .

Since their three Finals appearances in the late 1970s (1975, 1978, & 1979), winning their loan championship in 1978 over the then Seattle Supersonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder), the Washington Bullets (now Wizards) franchise has made the Playoffs 16 times since 1978-79 season. They have gone only as far as the Eastern Conference Semifinals (1982, 2005, 2013, 2014, & 2017) in five of those 16 postseason appearances.

Wizards/Bullets nation have not found a core group that has been able to get the team back to those glory days of the 1970s the way Wes Unseld, Sr., Elvin Hayes, and fellow Hall of Famer Bob Dandridge, and then head coach Dick Motta took them to.

They tried to find it in the middle of the 1990s with Hall of Famer Chris Webber, current Michigan head coach Juwan Howard and Rod Strickland and it did not work. They tried to find it in the middle of the 2000s with Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, and now assistant coach with the Heat Caron Butler, and that did not work. They tried it with John Wall and Bradley Beal and it ultimately did not work. They just tried it with just Beal, and then with Beal, Kuzma, and Porzingis, and they just scrapped that.

For so long, the Washington Wizards tried to fit a square peg in a round hole in terms of the roster and front office.

In the Summer of 2023, Wizards Chairman and CEO of Monumental Sports and Entertainment Ted Leonsis decided to launch a new direction for the Wizards with Michael Winger and Will Dawkins leading in the front office. Wes Unseld, Jr. as head coach. With Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Poole, and for now Tyus Jones as the headliners on the roster with the supporting cast consisting of Bilal Coulibaly, Corey Kispert Johnny Davis and for now Deni Avdija, Landry Shamet, and possibly Ryan Rollins, and Patrick Baldwin, Jr.  

The Wizards launched a new direction in the Summer of 2023. A direction they hope points forward to a better future of postseason appearances and success.

“I think it’s measuring and tracking the little things,” Coach Unself, Jr., entering his third season as Wizards head coach said of this upcoming season.

“Those might not show in the box score. Those might not be the highlights on, you know, certain network channel. But I do think there’s ways to incentivize what we want. What we prioritize and what we’ll celebrate, you know? It might not translate on the floor. But I think those are simple ways of king of tracking and measuring success.”

Best Case Scenario: The Wizards win 30-plus games. Poole matures as a player, especially within the team. Coulibaly shows progress, particularly in the second half of 2023-24. Kuzma takes his all-around game to an even higher level while finding his voice as a leader of the team. They get good returns for Gallinari, Muscala, and possibly Wright and Gafford if they decide to trade them. Avdija and Davis make serious progress as key parts of the Wizards.

Worst Case Scenario: Wizards have a tough season full of losing streaks and selfishness in the locker room. Coach Unseld, Jr. gets the axe at the All-Star break if not sooner.  

Grade: B

Western Conference

Dallas Mavericks: 38-44  Record; 3^rd Southwest Division (No. 11 West; Missed Playoffs); 23-18 at home, 15-26 on the road.

-110.1 ppg-26^th; opp. ppg: 114.1-16^th; 36.8 rpg-30^th   

Just two springs back, they were within one round of competing for an NBA title for the first time since 2011. While they got off to a decent start this past season, the Dallas Mavericks felt that their current group around their Slovenian superstar maxed out. They swung a very controversial deal for a perennial All-Star and NBA champion. It did not go well in terms of the win-loss column and their defense took a major hit. They still had a shot of making the Playoffs through the Play-In but did not to keep their First-Round pick from going the “Big Apple.” With the re-signing of said controversial All-Star; upgrades to the roster via the draft, free agency, and trades; and dedication of their star headliner to get in the best shape of his life, the plan for the Mavericks is to get back to the Playoffs and make some serious noise.

After floating around .500 the first quarter-plus of 2022-23, the Mavericks following a 116-106 loss at the Minnesota Timberwolves were one game under .500 at 15-16 on Dec. 19, 2022.

A season-best seven-game winning streak (Dec. 21, 2022-Jan. 2, 2023) by head coach and Hall of Famer Jason Kidd’s squad got them a season-high six games over .500 at 22-16 following a hard fought 111-106 victory Jan. 2 at the Rockets.

A 9-10 mark their next 19 games (Jan. 5-Feb. 10, 2023) had the Mavericks still above .500 at 31-26 following a win (122-114) from Jan. 5-Feb. 10, 2023 that capped a three-game winning streak (Feb. 6-10, 2023).

The season when down a blackhole from there as the Mavericks went 7-18 to close the season, including posting a mark of 7-15 post All-Star break. That stretch which included three three-game losing streaks (Feb. 11-15, 2023; Mar. 8-13, 2023; & Mar. 29-Apr. 2, 2023) and a four-game losing streak (Mar. 20-26, 2023).

The Mavericks while they went a respectably 12-9 at home against teams with a .500 record or better, closed last season dropping five of their final six and nine of their final 13 games at American Airlines Center (AAC). It was not much better on the road, where they also went 1-4 their final five and were 6-10 their final 16 road games of 2022-23. 

It waisted an incredible season by the Slovenian sensation Luka Doncic (32.4 ppg-2^nd NBA, 8.0 apg-6^th NBA, 8.6 rpg, 49.6 FG%), who became the first player in Mavericks history to average 30-plus points for a single-season while also registering the 11^th highest scoring average for a season in NBA history.

Double-Doubles By             2018-19:  24    2020-21: 26   2022-23: 36
Season By Luka Doncic      2019-20:  39    2021-22: 44   

Triple-Doubles By               2018-19:    8    2020-21: 11   2022-23: 10
Season By Luka Doncic      2019-20:  17    2021-22: 10

The four-time All-Star and All-NBA Selection registered a Mavericks single-season record of 44 30-plus point games, surpassing the previous mark of 40 such games by All-Star Mark Aguirre in 1983-84. Doncic also tied with 2022-23 Kia MVP and fellow perennial All-Star Joel Embiid of the 76ers for the second most 30-plus point games in 2022-23.

In the Mavericks 127-125 loss Mar. 22 versus the then defending NBA champion Warriors (ESPN), Doncic had 30 points, 17 assists, and seven rebounds on 11/27 shooting. It was his 10^th career game with at least 30 points and 15 assists.

Most Career Games With    *Earvin “Magic” Johnson   19 W/Lakers
30 Points And 15 Assists        James Harden (PHI)           13
Since 1976-77 NBA/ABA       Luka Doncic (DAL)             10
Merger(*Hall Of Famer)      *Isiah Thomas                      10
                                                  Russell Westbrook (LAC)  10

Doncic, the 2019 Kia Rookie of the Year also finished No. 2 in the league with 14 games scoring 40-plus points in 2022-23, only behind Trail Blazers’ perennial All-Star Damian Lillard’s league-leading 15 such games in 2022-23. Doncic set the single-season mark for 40-plus point games in a single-season in Mavericks’ history, topping the seven also by Aguirre in 1983-84.  

Most Career Double-             Luka Doncic     29    *Hall Of Famer
Digit 40-Plus Point Games    Mark Aguirre   22
In Mavericks History           *Dirk Nowitzki  20

Doncic also last season posted a league-leading four games with 50 points or more.

                                   Luka Doncic’s 50-Point Games In 2022-23                                               
Dec. 23, 2022 (112-106) Win At Rockets: 50 Points, 10 Rebounds, 8 Assists, 3 Steals,
17/30 FGs, 6/12 3-Pt., 10/12 FTs In 42 Minutes; Scored at least 20 Points For 37^th Time
Out Of His Last 39 Games.

Dec. 27, 2022 (126-121) Overtime Win Versus Knicks: 60 Points, 21 Rebounds, 10 Assists
2 Steals, 21/31 FGs, 16/22 FTs; Set A Career-High In Points And Rebounds, While Also Setting A New Single-Game Franchise Record For Points, Surpassing The Previous Mark of 53 Points By Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki; Tied 76ers James Harden (Jan. 30, 2018 With Rockets) For Most Points In A Triple-Double In NBA History. Doncic that night scored or assisted on 85 of his team’s 126 points. Became the first non-center with a 50/20 (Points And Rebounds) Performance. At Age 23, Doncic Became The Youngest Player In NBA History With A 50-Point Triple-Double.

Dec. 31, 2022 (126-125) Win At Spurs: 51 Points, 9 Assists, 6 Rebounds, 18/29 FGs,
6/10 3-Pt., 9/15 FTs; Had 22 Points On 8/11 FGs, 3/3 3-Pt In First Quarter; 30 Points, 11/16 FGs, 5/6 3-Pt First Half; Scored at least 20 Points In 41 Out Of 43 Games Dating Back To Close of 2021-22; Averaged 42.2 Points, 10.2 Assists, 10.8 Rebounds In Past 6 Games; First Player In League History Total At Least 220 Points, 50 Assists, And 50 Rebounds In A 5-Game Span (Doncic Total In This 5-Game Span: 228 Points, 51 Assists, 56 Rebounds, From Dec. 23-31, 2022).

Jan. 30, 2023 (111-105) Win Versus Pistons: 53 Points, 8 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 2 Steals,
17/24 FGs, 5/11 3-Pt., 14/18 FTs; Returned From One-Game Absence (Left Ankle Sprain); Scored 18 of Mavericks First 20 Points And Scored 24 Of Their 30 Points In The First Quarter.

Doncic tied Lakers LeBron James with the most 50-point games in a players first five NBA seasons in the last five decades with five, only trailing the seven put up by Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. 

League-Leaders In                Nikola Jokic (DEN): 6                      Pascal Siakam (TOR): 1
35-Point Triple-Doubles       Luka Doncic (DAL): 6                      Ja Morant (MEM):      1
In 2022-23                              Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL): 2

To put into clearer context the kind of individual season Doncic had in 2022-23, he began the campaign scoring 30-plus points in the first eight games, which included two 40-plus point performances. Only the late Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlin had a better start to a season in NBA history scoring at least 30 points in first 23 games of the 1961-62 season for the then San Francisco (now Golden State) Warriors, where he averaged 44.8 points to start that season.

Doncic’s high scoring average came as a result of a league-best 11.4 scoring average in the opening quarter, where he totaled 741 such points in the opening period a season ago. He totaled five of his 16 career 20-plus point quarters last season authoring four of those 5 in the first quarter.

                         The 20-Point First Quarters By Luka Doncic In 2022-23                                   
Jan. 30, 2023 (111-105) Win Versus Pistons: 24 Of 39 Points
Dec. 31, 2022 (126-125) Win At Spurs: 22 Of 51 Points
Oct. 22, 2023 (137-96)   Win Versus Grizzlies: 21 Of 32 Points
Feb. 2, 2023  (111-106)  Win Versus Pelicans: 21 Of 31 Points

In the Mavericks 113-101 loss Jan. 10 at the Clippers, Doncic scored 20 of his 43 points in the fourth quarter, the second highest scoring final period of his career to date. 

Doncic began 2022-23 averaging 33.5 points the first 19 Games of 2022-23, the No. 6 highest scoring average since 1976-77 NBA/ABA Merger. That included scoring 20-plus points and dishing out five-plus assists in the first 29 games.  

Most PPG First           James Harden (PHI)  2019-20: 38.9 W/Rockets
19 Games Since           *Michael Jordan        1986-87: 38.9 W/Bulls
1976-77 NBA/ABA     *Michael Jordan         1988-89: 35.5 W/Bulls
Merger                        *Allen Iverson             2005-06: 33.6 W/76ers
*Hall of Famer          *Adrian Dantley          1980-81: 33.6  W/Jazz
                                      Luka Doncic (DAL)   2022-23: 33.5

Most Consecutive Games Of 20-Plus Points and 5-Plus Assists To Open A Season Since 1982-83
Luka Doncic    (DAL)  2022-23: 29                   
James Harden (PHI)   2022-23: 22 W/Rockets
Allen Iverson                2005-06: 14 W/76ers
James Harden (PHI)   2016-17: 10 W/Rockets
Michael Adams            1991-92    9 W/Bullets (now Wizards)

       Highest Scoring Averages In A Single NBA Season Since 1982-83 *Hall Of Famer         
*Michael Jordan          1986-87:  37.1                         Joel Embiid  (PHI) 2022-23: 33.1
  James Harden (PHI)  2018-19: 36.1 W/Rockets    *Allen Iverson 2005-06: 33.0 W/76ers
*Kobe Bryant               2005-06: 35.4 W/Lakers      *Michael Jordan 1992-93: 32.6 W/Bulls
*Michael Jordan          1987-88: 35.0 W/Bulls         *Michael Jordan 1988-89: 32.5 W/Bulls
  James Harden (PHI) 2019-20:  34.3  W/Rockets     Luka Doncic (DAL) 2022-23: 32.4

On top of that, Doncic registered four of his franchise record five career 50-plus point games in 2022-23, with three out of the five coming in December 2022. He along with Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki (twice), Jim Jackson, and Jamal Mashburn are the only players to score 50 or more in a game in Mavericks history.

Even with the amazing play of Doncic, the Mavericks felt the group that surrounded him maxed out and were in need of a legitimate “Robin” to his “Batman.”

So, the front office led by Governor Mark Cuban and GM Nico Harrison, who joined the Mavericks in 2021-22 on Feb. 6 swung a deal with the Nets to acquire talented but controversial All-Star guard Kyrie Irving 27.1 ppg-8^th NBA, 5.5 apg, 5.1 rpg, 49.4 FG%, 37.9 3-Pt.% w/Nets & Mavericks) and forward Markieff Morris in exchange for guard Spencer Dinwiddie, defensive stalworth in forward Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 First-Round pick and Second-Round picks in 2027 and 2029.

Talent wise and on paper, this trade made sense for the Mavericks to make. The question was would Irving remain on the straight and narrow unlike he has in his now previous three squads in the Cavaliers, Celtics, and Nets.

Dating back to his time with the Nets, Irving played in 143 out of 291 career games with the Nets. Including missing eight straight games in November 2022 due to being suspended by the league for not apologizing or condemning an anti-sematic film that he talked about on his social media page.

What Harrison and Cuban were betting on is the fact that he and Irving have had a previous working relationship while Harrison was with Nike and the fact that Irving has spoken before how he respects Coach Kidd from his Hall of Fame playing days in the league with the Mavericks, Suns, Nets, and Knicks.

The eight-time All-Star to his word, Irving was as good as you can be with a new team. On the floor from an individual standpoint, he continued his stellar play from how he began the season with the Nets.

The 2016 NBA champion with the Cavaliers totaled 22 30-plus point games, which included four 40-plus point games in 2022-23 total with the Nets and Mavericks.

Irving led the NBA last season with 551 total points in the fourth quarter on a league-leading average of 9.8 points per game in the final period, the highest for a single-season since beginning of play-by-play tracking in 1996-97. That included a 9.5 scoring average in the fourth quarter in his 20 games with the Mavericks.    

Players With Multiple           Kyrie Irving (BKN/DAL) 5
20-Point Fourth Quarters    Damian Lillard (POR)      2
In 2022-23                              De’Aaron Fox (SAC)         2

His 185 points total in his first eight games with the Mavericks are the most through a player’s first eight games with them in franchise history.

The first issue with the acquisition of Irving is that they did not have a lot of time together on the floor and when they did, they put up good numbers. But it did not translate into many victories.

Doncic after Irving was acquired missed the first two games he played in due to injury. They both played in the next seven straight games (Feb. 11-Mar. 2, 2023), going just 2-5 and were 3-7 their first 10 games together. Irving was out three straight games (Mar. 11-15, 2023) with right foot soreness-Mavericks went 1-2 without him. Doncic missed five straight games (Mar. 11-20, 2023) with left thigh soreness-Mavericks went 2-3 without Doncic. The pairing played eight more straight games together (Mar. 22-Apr. 5), but the Mavericks only went 3-5 in those contest.   

The game that crystalized the highs and lows of the Doncic and Irving pairing was the Mavericks 124-121 loss Feb. 24 versus the Timberwolves.

The good was Irving had 36 points, six assists, and five boards on 15/23 from the field and 4/9 on his threes, while Doncic had 33 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists on 10/20 shooting and 11/15.

The bad is with a chance to tie the score in the final seconds, both passed up open threes to show one another their selflessness and willingness to look for one another. The Mavericks in the end failed to get the game-tying three-point shot off at the final buzzer.  

The Mavericks following the acquisition of Irving, they were just 9-18 from Feb. 8 to the close of 2022-23. They were just 5-11 with both Doncic and Irving in the lineup. With only Doncic, the Mavericks were 0-3, compared to 3-0 with only Irving. Without either Doncic or Irving, the Mavericks were just 1-3.

                                                         NBA Rank                                                             NBA Rank     
Mavericks Offense  112.3 PPG          24^th           Mavericks Offense    117.6 PPG        10^th
Before Acquiring      47.0 FG%         18^th           After Acquiring         48.5 FG%        13^th
Kyrie Irving              36.1 3-Pt.%      15^th            Kyrie Irving              38.9 3-Pt.%        3^rd
                                14.6 3-Pt. Made    3^rd                                                 16.4 3-Pt. Made   3^rd
                                40.5 3-Pt Att.        3^rd                                               42.1 3-Pt. Att.      3^rd
                                   21.9 APG          30^th                                                   24.9 APG           21^st
                                   12.2 TOs            2^nd                                               12.1 APG            5^th
                                   26.4 FT Att.       2^nd                                               22.2 FT Att.      19^th
                                  74.4 FT%          27^th                                               77.8 FT%          16^th  

Overall, the Mavericks offensively were among the best three-point shooting teams in “The Association” ranking No. 8 in three-point percentage (37.1%); and No. 3 in average made threes (15.2) and triples attempted (15.2). They cherished the rock as only the Raptors turned it over less than 12.2 miscues by the Mavericks a season ago.

The Mavericks have put together 73 consecutive games without registering 20 turnovers, the longest active streak in the league.

They also got to the line a great deal ranking No. 6 in free throws attempted at 25.1 but were ranked No. 23 in free throw percentage (75.5%).

The Mavericks ranked high in free throw attempts a season ago is because of Doncic, who was No. 4 in “The Association” in free throw attempts at 10.5 per contest. 

The Mavericks were just 36-36 though when they scored 100 points or more. That included a 33-20 mark when they scored 110 or more; 1 20-11 mark when they scored 120 or more; 6-1 when they scored 130 or more.

In the Mavericks win (142-116) win versus Spurs on Feb. 23, they outscored 40-37 in the third quarter and blew the game open outscoring Spurs 43-26 in the fourth quarter. They shot 56.1 percent from the field (46/82 FGs), including 22/42 from three-point range, and 28/36 at the foul line. Had 27 assists on 46 made shots and had just seven turnovers. They scored 18 points off 17 Spurs turnovers, getting 10 of those 17 off steals.

They were outscored though 66-48 in the paint and allowed 52.3 percent from the floor to the Spurs (45/86 FGs). 

The Mavericks were 24-9 in 2022-23 when they outshot their opponent by field goal percentage. That included a 20-12 mark when they shot 50 percent from the floor or better.

The other two problem the Mavericks dealt with, especially after acquired Irving were the supporting cast was not good enough and they did not put up any kind of resistance from a defensive standpoint.

They not only lost shot makers in Dinwiddie and Finney-Smith, but the Mavericks also lost two best players who took pride in guarding their man and who respected playing defense.

All that remained was an offensive minded supporting cast, who tried to play defense from a collective standpoint. It just did not work and if shots were not created for them on the perimeter from Doncic and Irving breaking down the opposition’s defense in the paint on drives and kicking out to them or scoring on lobs or on drop-offs in the paint on drives.

Last season, Tim Hardaway, Jr. (14.4 ppg, 38.5 3-Pt.%) made over 130 total triples for the eighth time in his 10-year NBA career, including making over 200 total triples for the third time in his career (212/550 3-Pt.).

With Dinwiddie and Finney-Smith gone, Hardaway, Jr. became by default the connector for the Mavericks on both ends.

From Nov. 29-Dec. 6, 2022, the son of Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway, Sr. made five-plus three-pointers in five consecutive games become just the 10^th player to accomplish that feat in NBA history. The history clincher came in a 29-point performance on 7/12 from the field, including 6/8 from three, and 9/12 at the charity stripe in the Mavericks’ 116-115 victory Dec. 6, 2022 at the eventual NBA champion Nuggets (TNT).

The 10 Players To         Stephen Curry (GS) 7 Times       Damian Lillard (POR)
Make 5-Plus Three-      Paul George (LAC)  2 Times       George McCloud W/DAL
Pointers In Five             Jalen Green (HOU)                      Dennis Scott W/Magic
Straight Games In       *Tim Hardaway, Jr. (DAL)           Jayson Tatum (BOS)
NBA History                  James Harden (PHI) 4 Times      Gary Trent, Jr. (TOR)
(*Hall Of Famer)

        Most Career Made Three-Pointers (500-Plus) In Mavericks History        
*Dirk Nowitzki 1,982     Tim Hardaway, Jr.      770    Steven Nash 569
 Jason Terry      1,140     Derek Harper              705
 Luka Doncic        917     Dorian Finney-Smith 637
 Michael Finley    870     Wesley Matthews        616
 Jason Kidd          778     J.J. Barea                     596

With the Knicks (2017-19), totaled 11 games of 30-plus points. He totaled 10 such games Since 2019-20 season with the Mavericks.

Double-Digit 20-Point  2018-19:  7  2021-22:   7     30-Point Games By          2019-20: 4
Games By Season By   2019-20: 21  2022-23: 20     Season With Mavericks  2020-21: 5
Tim Hardaway, Jr.       2020-21: 18                           By Tim Hardaway, Jr.     2022-23: 1

Mavericks In             W/Tim Hardaway, Jr.                      W/O Tim Hardaway, Jr.
2022-23                                    37-34                   Record                      1-10
                                                 +1.1                    PPG Diff.                   -6.7
                                                  47.9%              Opp. FG%                 52.3%

The Mavericks were desperate for shot makers that they took a flyer on former All-Star guard Kemba Walker in the middle of December 2022. But his time with the Mavericks only lasted from Dec. 10, 2022-Jan. 5, 2023. Walker averaged 19.3 points off the bench, his only did it on 40.7 percent shooting and just 25.9 percent on his triple tries.

This also opened up eventual minutes for youngsters Josh Green (9.1 ppg, 53.7 FG%, 40.2 3-Pt.%), and Jaden Hardy (8.8 ppg, 40.4 3-Pt.%).

After a relatively quiet first two seasons in “The Association,” Green (No. 18 overall pick 2020) out of University of Arizona earned a spot in Coach Kidd’s rotation and he made serious progress. After totaling all eight of his double-digit scoring games in his second NBA season in 2021-22, Green had 22 games scoring in double-figures, which also included six 20-point games.

Green had 29 points with six boards on 10/17 from the floor, including 3/6 from three and 6/6 at the foul line in 37 minutes in a starting role in the Mavericks 124-111 win at the Jazz.

On Mar. 11 in the Mavericks 112-108 setback at the Grizzlies, Green posted his second career double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds on 9/16 from the floor, also going 3/6 from three in 34 minutes again as a starter.

Green put together the best month of his young NBA career in February where he averaged 13.6 points on 53.7 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from three-point range.

In 21 starts last season, Green averaged 11.8 points on 48.7 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from three.

While he did see some playing time in the early part of last season, Hardy, the No. overall pick from the NBA G League Ignite really did not see real court time until March and he shined at least offensively in those moments.

In the first three months of 2022-23 (Oct. 2022-Jan. 2023), Hardy scored in double-figures five times, including just one game with 20-plus points. It was a 25-point performance on 8/17 shooting, including 3/10 from three and 6/9 at the foul line.

In the final three months (Feb.-Apr. 2023), Hardy scored in double-figures 11 times, scoring 20 points or more eight times, with seven of those eight coming in the final 15 games of 2022-23. He had five of those seven 20-point performances in March.

In the aforementioned Feb. 6 win by the Mavericks at the Jazz, Hardy scored a career-high of 29 points with two steals on 8/12 from the floor, including 4/6 from three and made all nine of his free throws.

Hardy was the lone bright spot in the Mavericks 104-88 defeat Mar. 13 versus the Grizzlies (ESPN) with 28 points and eight boards but was just 9/25 shooting, including 5/15 from three.

In the Mavericks 138-117 loss in their season-finale Apr. 9 versus the Spurs, Hardy had 25 points with five boards and five assists on 11/23 from the field.   

The only other reliable presence on both ends of the floor was Maxi Kleber (5.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 45.6 FG%, 34.8 3-Pt.%) but injuries, particularly a torn hamstring in the middle of December 2022 to the last day of February 2023 shelved the Germany native for 36 out of 45 missed games.

With Kleber hobbled, the responsibility of handling things in the paint on both ends fell into the hands of Christian Wood, JaVale McGee, and Dwight Powell (6.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 73.2 FG%).

Wood and McGee, who the Mavericks brought in the previous summer were expected to provide the physical presence for the Mavericks, especially on the glass. They failed miserably, especially Wood.

While he flashed offensively at times, Wood looked lost at times defensively and it made Coach Kidd cringe each time he saw one defensive assignment blown after another.

McGee, who won titles in recent years with the Warriors (2017 & 2018) and Lakers (2020), he simply did not play managing just 42 games last season for the boys from “Big D.”

Powell at least provided for the Mavericks someone who was an excellent finisher at the rim. Last season, former Second-Round pick (No. 45 overall 2014) out of Stanford University shot over 60 percent from the field for the fourth straight season and has shot 50-plus percent from the field for the seventh straight season.

Three of Powell seven career games where he shot perfect from the field on at least seven field goal attempts came in 2022-23.

Most Career Games             Rudy Gobert (MIN) 10    Brandon Clarke  (MEM)   4
Shooting 100 FG%               Dwight Powell (DAL) 7   Robert Williams III (BOS) 4
On 7-Plus FG Attempts       Mitchell Robinson (NYK) 5   Clint Capela (HOU)      4
Since 2019-20

Powell in the Mavericks’ win (129-114) had 19 points, six rebounds, and two blocks on 8/8 shooting. He shot 8/8 from the floor and 6/7 at the foul line for 22 points and eight boards in his team’s 137-128 overtime win at the Spurs. He had 14 points and five rebounds on 7/7 shooting in the Mavericks 117-109 loss versus the Hornets.

The problem with Powell was his scoring came off the penetration from the Mavericks perimeter players like Doncic and Irving when he arrived, and he is not known preferably as an elite rim protector.

The lack of a consistent interior presence on defense coupled with the inability to contain anyone on the perimeter is why the Mavericks came apart at the seams as last season progressed.

While they were No. 7 in opponent’s three-point percentage (35.2%); No. 2 in opponent's threes attempted (31.7) and led the league in opponent’s made threes (11.1), the Mavericks were No. 24 in opponent’s field goal percentage (48.5%).

They were in the middle of the pack in opponent’s paint points at No. 18 (51.1). Ranked at the near bottom in second chance points allowed (14.5); No. 28 in block shots (3.7) and No. 29 in steals (6.3), and were No. 30, dead last in rebound differential (-5.9).

Last season, the Mavericks led the league in victories when they were out rebounded with 25, going 25-39. They were 10-4 when they outrebounded their opponent.

The Mavericks also were 32-42 when they allowed 100 points or more. That included a 24-32 mark when they allowed 110 points or more (were 15-11 when they held their opponent under 110 points). Were just 6-17 when they allowed 120 points or more. Had a 0-7 mark when they allowed 130 or more.

They Mavericks allowed a season-worst 144 points in their 144-115 defeat Dec. 10, 2022 at the Bulls, where they were outscored 40-30 in the first quarter and 42-23 in the second quarter to trail 82-53 at the half. Allowed 63.5 percent from the floor (54/85 FGs) and 19/34 from three. Were outscored 27-10 in fastbreak points. Allowed 50 paint points and 33 assists on 54 made shots to the Bulls.

In their 140-123 defeat Jan. 15 at the Trail Blazers, the Mavericks after outscoring the homestanding boys from “Rip City” 41-37 in the third quarter were outscored 42-28 to trail 98-95 after three quarters were outscored 42-28 in the fourth quarter.

The Mavericks gave up 50.6 percent from the floor to the Trail Blazers (43/85 FGs); 17/44 from three and 37/42 at the foul line. Allowed 28 assists on those 43 made shots.

That lack of interior presence also showed itself at the offensive end as the Mavericks were No. 30, dead last in paint points (42.8); next to last, No. 29 in second chance points (10.9) and No. 16 in points off turnovers (16.0).  

The Mavericks’ issues defensively can be traced to their first 23 games of 2022-23. They began last season with a 10-3 mark at home allowing just 104.4 points on 46 percent from the field; 34 percent from three-point range; and 45.4 paint points. In their 2-8 start on the road, they allowed on average 113.7 points on 50 percent from the floor; 40 percent on their opponent’s triple tries; and 52 paint points.

While the Mavericks ranked in the middle of the pack in opponent’s points at 112.7 (16^th) and were No. 7 in their visitor’s three-point percentage (33.9%) at the American Airlines Center, they were ranked just No. 19 in opponent’s paint points and No. 24 in opponent’s field goal percentage at home.

Up until December 2022, the Mavericks did not have consecutive setbacks at the AAC. They lost consecutive games at in late January (22-24) and late February (26-28).

The most crushing consecutive defeats at the AAC came in March (13-26) were they went down versus the aforementioned Grizzlies (104-88) when they did not Doncic or Irving that night in the middle of March due to injury.

They had a tough 127-125 defeat Mar. 22 versus the then defending NBA champion Warriors (ESPN), where an uncontested score at the rim by the Warriors’ Kevon Looney when there was confusion on what squad possessed the ball coming out of a timeout late in the third quarter that ended up being the difference in the game.

The most disappointing loss came on the back end of that home skid with a 117-109 loss versus the lottery bound Hornets on Mar. 26.

The Mavericks posted similar stats on the road where they were No. 16 and No. 7 in points allowed (115.6) and three-point percentage (36.4) respectably but were ranked No. 24 in opponent’s field goal percentage (48.9) and No. 19 in paint points (52.1).

That inconsistency on defense coupled with their struggles at times on offense, before and after the acquisition of Irving led to the Mavericks being in a plethora of close games.

In 2022-23, the Mavericks led the league with 55 games that were decided by five points in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter/overtime (Clutch Time). Those 55 Games in Clutch Time tied the 2017-18 Jazz for the most Clutch Games. It was also the most games decided in Clutch Time since the 2008-09 Pistons and Pacers.

Before Mar. 16, the Mavericks had a healthy 24-21 mark in Clutch Games. They closed the season with a 2-8 mark in those contests to finish with a 26-29 record in Clutch Games.

The Mavericks 29 losses in Clutch Games tied the Jazz for the most such losses in 2022-23 and are the most since the Grizzlies posted 29 Clutch defeats in 2017-18 (12-29) mark, trailing only the Nets (19-31) and the Mavericks (12-38) who had 31 and 38 losses respectably in clutch time that season.

Before Irving’s arrival with the Mavericks, they had a 20-14 mark in clutch games, tied with the Bucks, Nets, and Heat for most Clutch victories (Oct. 19, 2022-Feb. 7, 2023).

To put the Mavericks issues in close games into clearer context, they were 8-12 in games decided by three points or less. They lost 12 games between one and three points, with five of those 12 losses coming after the Irving deal. The next closest team being the Raptors with 10 such setbacks. Only four teams in the last 15 seasons have lost 12 games by 1-3 points.

The Mavericks in one possession games in 2022-23 were just 8-11.

That included a 115-112 loss on Apr. 7 versus the Bulls, which eliminated the Mavericks from both Play-In and postseason contention.

The Mavericks concluded 2022-23 with a 1-5 mark their final six, 2-9 their final 11 and 4-12 their final 16 games of 2022-23.

Entering this offseason, the objectives for the Mavericks were clear. Re-sign Irving. Add  a mixture of youth and veterans that can add depth of perimeter defenders and bring in a legitimate center.

Those plans of action were able to be put into motion because in the May NBA Draft Lottery in Chicago, IL, the Mavericks got the No. 10 overall pick, which meant they were able to keep the pick. If that pick had landed outside the Top 10 it would have gone to the Knicks as the final part of the deal that was made in 2019 to acquire now Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis.

Keeping that pick gives the Mavericks collateral if they were unable to re-sign Irving in free agency.

On draft night in late June, the Mavericks used traded the draft rights of that pick they used to select guard Cason Wallace (No. 10 overall) out of University of Kentucky and sharp-shooting forward Davis Bertans and his remain $22 million left on his deal to the Thunder for the No. 12 overall pick center Dereck Lively II (No. 12 overall pick) out of Duke University.

Lively II (5.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.9 bpg, 66 FG%), who made All-ACC and the Defensive Team behind a freshmen and school record of 82 block shots. It is the most in the program’s history since blocks became an official stat in 1985-86.

Against Conference and interstate rival North Carolina in February, Lively II registered eight blocks.

During his pro day, Lively II hit multiple threes. During last season at Duke, he would work out in the morning before practice and after practice. Then bang with a 7-foot teammate on the inside and his breaks were for him to go out onto the perimeter and defend small guards at the three-point line.

Whether he develops any kind of offensive game in the early part of his NBA career, if he can be anything close to a consistent rebounder, play finisher, rim runner, and finisher of the pick-and-roll, he will become a very important part of a team that needs consistent production in the pivot. One thing for sure, Lively II will put in the necessary work to get better. 

“I’m a pro It’s crazy. I’m just happy to be here. It’s a dream just getting started. I’m so excited,” Lively II alongside his mom Kathy told ESPN’s Monica McNutt after getting drafted.

In another draft night deal with the Kings (official July 6), the Mavericks acquired veteran center Richaun Holmes and the draft rights to forward/guard Olivier-Maxence Prosper (No. 24 overall pick) out of Marquette University in exchange for cash considerations.

The 6-foot-8 forward, who started his career at Clemson University averaged 12.5 points and 4.7 rebounds on 51 percent from the floor in 2022-23 for the Golden Eagles.

The guy that host of the podcast of the Locked-On Podcast Network “Locked On Mavericks” affectionally call O-Max is an athletic wing who is exceptional in the open court. Is a good defender who plays with a high motor. Can make catch-and-shoot shots. Is excellent at getting to the rim and can score getting downhill. Is a good rebounding wing and is an excellent cutter in the half court.

When he shot 50 percent or better last season at Marquette, the Golden Eagles Men’s Basketball squad went 18-0.

The addition of Holmes gives the Mavericks a player who brings a physicality and forcefulness that they have not had since Tyson Chandler some years back.

The Mavericks are also getting a very motivated Holmes after a strong start his first three seasons with the Kings (2019-22) where he averaged 12.3 points and 8.1 rebounds on 64.8 percent shooting in 2019-20; 14.2 points and 8.3 in 2020-21 63.7 percent from the floor; and 10.4 points and seven rebounds on 66 percent shoot in 2021-22 he simply fell out of the rotation under new head coach Mike Brown.

After taking care of the future and possibly the present, Harrison and Mavericks turned their attention to adding to the roster for the present.

They started on June 30 (officially July 6) when they justified the deal to acquiring Irving in February, they were able to bring him back on a three-year, $126 million deal, which includes a player option.

Whether this is a marriage both sides want or if it is a three-year marriage of convenience, both sides are with each other for now and all is fine now or until Irving or the Mavericks get tired of each other.

Given Irving’s history of being unpredictable, with Mavericks being his fourth team since 2017 (Cavs, Celtics, Nets, & Mavericks) there is some risk.

Cuban says though that Irving is just “misunderstood.”

In the end, Irving for all his quirks and baggage is one of the best playmakers and shot makers in “The Association.” He is the most talented teammate that has played alongside Doncic in his first five NBA seasons and at age 31, the Mavericks believe Irving has the necessary elements to be an excellent sidekick to Luka Doncic.

“We have a natural flow to each other,” Irving said to NBATV’s Michael C. Wright at Media Day about him and Doncic.

“I think it’s going to be up to us to be mature about our approach every single game and to know what to expect from one another. But once we get that set, I feel like everything else will fall into place.”

Irving also said that “competition” will not be a problem. It will be how the Mavericks can “settle” in collectively. How they “trust” their preparation every day from practice to game day.

Back in April, Cuban did say that re-signing Irving was not a “Kyrie or bust” scenario.

“It’s not Kyrie or bust, but we want to keep him. I’m done giving ultimatums on players like I did last year,” Cuban said in reference to losing starting guard Jalen Brunson, who left in free agency in the summer of 2022 to sign with the Knicks.

How Irving and Doncic co-exist together moving forward will play a major role if the Mavericks will make it back to the Playoffs this spring.

It is also up to Doncic to show more maturity and focus on the floor when it comes to being a better defender and how he deals with not getting calls from the referees.

“We’re the two leaders of the team. What we do, us two [he and Irving], other people are going to follow and that’s---we’ve got to set the example,” Doncic said about him and Irving.

“He [Irving] came in the middle of the season last year, you know? We didn’t have much time. We went straight into playing games. It takes time to build chemistry, especially on the court. So, we’re going to have the whole training camp and the preseason too. I think it’s going to be better.”

Also, at the start of free agency, they add some more perimeter shooting with the addition of veteran guard Seth Curry (9.2 ppg, 46.3 FG%, 40.5 3-Pt.% w/Nets). This will be Curry’s third stint with the Mavericks, who gave him his first real opportunity in the NBA after cups of coffee with the Grizzlies, Cavaliers, Suns, and Kings (2013-16) totaling 48 games.

Curry His First     2016-17: 12.8 PPG, 48.1 FG%, 42.5 3-Pt.% (137/322 3-Pt.)
Two Stints With    2019-20: 12.4 PPG, 49.5 FG%, 45.2 3-Pt.% (145/321 3-Pt.)
Mavericks  

The brother of Warriors’ superstar guard and four-time NBA champion of Stephen Curry and son of former NBA sharp-shooter and color television analyst for Hornets Dell Curry has made over 100 total threes in five straight seasons (2015-22 With Kings, both stints with Mavericks, Trail Blazers and both seasons with 76ers).

At the start of July, the Mavericks agreed on a three-year, $12 million deal to bring back Powell. They also took a flyer on guard Dante Exum, who last played in 2020-21 with the Cavaliers on a one-year, $5 million deal.

A First-Round Lotter pick (No. 5 overall 2014) by the Jazz, Exum’s first season in the NBA in Salt Lake City, UT were plagued by injuries and eventually led to him being dealt to the Cavaliers in the day before Christmas 2019 along with two Second-Round picks in exchange for guard Jordan Clarkson. Two off-seasons later, Exum, from Australia was dealt to the Rockets on Sept. 17, 2021 but was waived a month later.

Exum has spent the last two seasons playing overseas in the EuroLeague for FC Barcelona of the Liga ACB and the EuroLeague, and Partizan NIS Belgrade of ABA League and EuroLeague.

The best-case scenario is Exum plays his way into the playing rotation for the Mavericks. The worst-case scenario Exum is a one-year benchwarmer. 

The Mavericks added more shooting and toughness on July 12 in a three-team deal with the Spurs and Celtics acquiring 6-foot-6 forward Grant Williams (8.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 45.4 FG%, 39.5 3-Pt.% w/Celtics) in a sign-and-trade on a new four-year, $53 million deal. The Mavericks in the deal also acquired from the Spurs 2025 Second-Round pick (via Raptors) and 2028 Second-Round pick (via Heat). They sent the Celtics the right to swap Second-Round picks 2025 and a 2030 Second-Round pick. They dealt to the Spurs guard Reggie Bullock and 2030 rights to swap First-Round picks.

In speaking with host of ESPN’s “NBA Today” Malika Andrews, the No. 22 overall pick out of University of Tennessee by the Celtics in 2019 said of Irving and Doncic recruiting him to come to “Big D,” “It felt like home, you know.”

That he has a “bunch of relationships” with the people in Dallas not just on the Mavericks but with his former associate head coach at University of Tennessee, who now coaches at Southern Methodist University (SMU). 

“So, having that relationship with him [Doncic] prior understanding what was needed for this team. Not just for the culture but also the toughness, defensive impact, and the shooting,” Williams said to Andrews of what he can provide to the Mavericks.

“I feel like I provided all three and I felt like it was a place where I can really grow in not only my game but also help the team win and impact that on a day-to-day level.”

The Mavericks in early July thought they hit the jackpot in terms of finding a true wing defender when they signed Matisse Thybulle to a three-year, $23 million offer sheet. It was matched by the Trail Blazers 48 hours later though.

In late August, the Mavericks added the closet replacement in the middle of August signing forward Derrick Jones, Jr. (5.6 ppg, 50 FG% w/Bulls) to a one-year guaranteed deal.

In the middle of September, the Mavericks re-signed Morris to a partially guaranteed one-year, $3.2 million deal.

On Monday, the Mavericks made a commitment to one of their youngsters by agreeing on a three-year, $41 million rookie, extension according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. 

In the late 1980s, the Mavericks built themselves into a major threat in the West behind their core of Mark Aguirre, Rolando Blackman, Derek Harper, James Donaldson, Sam Perkins, Detlef Schrempf, Roy Tarpley, and Brad Davis, and head coach Dick Motta, then John MacLeod. They just could not get past the “Showtime” Lakers of Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson, James Worthy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and head coach Pat Riley, losing to them in the 1984 and 1986 West Semis in five and six games respectably, and in seven games in 1988 West Finals.

The Mavericks following that would make the Playoffs only once over the next 13 seasons.

Behind Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki, Hall of Famer Dick Motta, then Avery Johnson, and Rick Carlisle, the Mavericks would make the Playoffs in 15 out of the next 16 seasons, but lost in their lone Finals appearance in 2006 in six games to Riley, and fellow Hall of Famers Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, Alonzo Mourning, and Gary Payton, Sr., and the Heat

They got revenge five years later taking down LeBron James, Wade, and Chris Bosh Heat in six games to win the franchise’s first title.

The Mavericks were at the precipice getting back to The Finals in spring of 2022 led by Luka Doncic but they were taken down by the eventual NBA champion Warriors in five games.

By retaining Kyrie Irving and Dwight Powell. Acquired Richaun Holmes. Added Seth Curry, Grant Williams, and Derrick Jones, Jr. in free agency and a trade. Traded for the draft rights to Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, the Mavericks feel they have built the right team to grow around superstar Luka Doncic to be a force in the West this upcoming season and moving forward.

Mavericks By Season  2018-19 (Rookie Season): Missed The Playoffs
In Luka Doncic Era    2019-20: Lost First-Round 4-2 To Clippers
So Far                           2020-21: Lost First-Round 4-3 To Clippers
                                      2021-22: Lost West Finals 4-1 To Warriors
                                      2022-23: Missed Playoffs

These moves do not come without risk. They all have to fit in and perform to the best of their ability to make it happen in a stacked Western Conference.

GM Nico Harrison and Governor Mark Cuban did the work to put this young talented squad together. It is up to Doncic to come into this season in the best shape of his life, which he has really worked on this summer and played  in the FIBA World Cup For Slovenia.

If Doncic brings it this season, from being focused on the game and not the referees. He can find the right chemistry on both ends with Irving and the supporting cast plays to their respective roles than the present and the future will be bright as the sun for the Mavericks.

“You know that’s the big question. Can they co-exist? It’s not that they don’t co-exist. It’s the group around them,” Coach Kidd said of Doncic and Irving pairing entering this season.

“I think sometimes we are misinformed if you have the right pieces around, they’re going to co-exist.”

“So, I truly believe that this is, you know, when you talk about two of the best players in the world. They’re going to play at a high-level and they’re going to put us in a position to win.”

Best Case Scenario: Mavericks are fighting for home court in the Western Conference Playoff race. Doncic is a top MVP candidate. He and Irving find that offensive chemistry. The new additions add balance on both ends of the hardwood. The Mavericks play a long First-Round series.

Worst Case Scenario: The Mavericks have to make the playoffs through the Play-In Tournament. Doncic deals with injuries again. Doncic and Irving chemistry continues to be an issue. The Mavericks defensive and offensive struggles in the paint continue.  

Grade: B+

Denver Nuggets: 53-29 Record; 1^st Northwest Division (No. 1 Seed West) 34-7 at home; 19-22 on the road; Defeated the No. 8 Seeded Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 in West Quarterfinals; Defeated the No. 4 Seeded Phoenix Suns 4-2 in West Semifinals; Defeated the No. 7 Seeded Los Angeles Lakers in Western Conference Finals; Defeated the No. 8 Seeded Miami Heat 4-1 in NBA Finals.  

-115.8 ppg-12^th; opp. ppg: 112.5-8^th; 43.0 rpg-19^th

The 1976-77 NBA/ABA merger brought into the NBA four teams, the then New Jersey (now Brooklyn) Nets, the Indiana Pacers, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Denver Nuggets. It took them over four decades to do it but last year behind their two-time league MVP and the return to form of their dynamic floor general, and the maturity of their sharp-shooting forward, the Nuggets got to The Final and won it over the boys from “South Beach.” They also were added by their versatile guard off the bench. With the return of their entire starting unit, the plan for Nuggets is to repeat as champions despite said key bench player along with the loss of another key veteran reserve and an even more stacked Western Conference.

The Nuggets were 23-12 out the gates to start last season, tied with the Pelicans for the top mark in the Western Conference.

While the Pelicans because of injuries faltered from that point on, the Nuggets surged going 30-17 the remainder of the season to be the No. 1 Seed in the West.

Head Coach Michael Malone’s squad began their closing surge an 8-2 mark the next 10 games (Dec. 8-30, 2022) behind winning streaks of three and five games in that stretch. That was part of a 22-6 mark by the Nuggets (Jan. 6-Mar. 8, 2023), which included a nine-game winning streak (Jan. 5-20, 2023); a three-game winning streak (Jan. 31-Feb. 5, 2023) and two four-game winning streak (Feb. 11-25, 2023 & Feb. 26-Mar. 8, 2023).

The Nuggets closed 2022-23 dropping 10 of their final 17 games, where they won four straight (Mar. 19-30, 2023). But they also dropped four in a row (Mar. 8-16, 2023), where they dropped games versus the Bulls (117-96 Mar. 8, 2023); at the Spurs (128-120 Mar. 10, 2023); versus the Nets (122-120 Mar. 12, 2023); and at the Raptors (125-110 Mar. 14, 2023).

This stretch included a 0-3 mark on their three-game road trip at the Rockets (124-103 Apr. 4, 2023), at the Suns (119-115 Apr. 6, 2023 on TNT) and at the Jazz (118-114 Apr. 8, 2023). This was part of a 2-5 mark their final seven games to close 2022-23 and was part of their 12-11 record post All-Star break.

After they began last season 6-3 at home, the Nuggets won 20 of their next 21 games at Ball Arena, closing 2022-23 winning 28 of their final 32 home games. Their 34-7 was the second- best mark in the league behind only the 35-6 mark by the Grizzlies.

Best Home Records     2012-13: 38-3 Home Record
For A Season In           1976-77: 36-5 Home Record
Nuggets History           1987-88 &1988-89: 35-6 Home Record
(30-Plus Wins)             1984-85, 1985-86, 2009-10, 2018-19, & 2022-23: 34-7 Home Record
                                      1977-78, 2007-08, 2008-09, & 2010-11: 33-8 Home Record
                                      2004-05, 2017-18: 31-10 Home Record

That stellar mark at home was a big reason why the Nuggets tied their third most wins in a season in franchise history with the 2009-10 squad and overcame a subpar 19-22 mark by the Nuggets away from home in 2022-23.

The Nuggets did behind a stellar offensive attack where they led the NBA in field goal percentage (50.4%) and No. 4 in three-point percentage (37.9%). They were No. 4 in paint points per game (55.0) and No. 5 in fastbreak points (16.2).

Leading their offense was Nikola Jokic (24.5 ppg, 11.8 rpg-2^nd NBA, 9.8 apg-3^rd NBA, 63.2 FG%-8^th NBA), who registered 20-plus points, 10-plus rebounds, and over 7-plus assists for the third straight season and for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

The two-time MVP, who finished in the top three in voting a season ago set a career-high in field goal percentage for a season as well as set the Nuggets single-season record shooting 63.2 percent from the field in 2022-23.

From Oct. 6, 2022 to Mar. 6, 2023, the five-time All-Star shot 50 percent or better from the field for a franchise record 52 straight games.

The five-time All-NBA selection, including making the Second-Team in 2022-23 was a big reason the Nuggets led the league in games where they shot 50 percent from the field or better at 43.

Most Games Shooting 50 Percent      Nuggets 43   Cavaliers 36
From The Floor In 2022-23                Kings     41 Nets 34
                                                               76ers      36

The 58 double-doubles by the now five-time All-Star was the second most in the league a season ago behind the 65 by Kings’ All-Star Domantas Sabonis. That included a league-leading and career-high 29 triple-doubles. The Nuggets last season were 27-2 when Jokic registered a triple-double.

         Most Double-Doubles In A Season (40-Plus) In Nuggets History  *Hall Of Famer         
Nikola Jokic 2021-22:               66    *Dikembe Mutombo 1991-92:  50
Nikola Jokic 2020-21:               60      Fat Lever 1986-87:                  46
Nikola Jokic 2022-23:               58      Nikola Jokic 2019-20:             43
*Dikembe Mutombo 1992-93: 58     *Dikembe Mutombo 1994-95: 43
Nikola Jokic 2018-19:               56     *Dikembe Mutombo 1993-94: 41
Antonio McDyess 2000-01:      51       Fat Lever 1987-88                   41

For the third straight season and for the fourth time in the last five season, Jokic racked up 55-plus double-doubles. He also for the sixth straight season racked up double-digit triple-doubles. He became the first player in NBA history to average 20 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists on at least 60 percent from the field for a single-season.    

The biggest area of growth over the past three seasons by Jokic has been in the scoring department where for the third straight season had 20-plus games scoring 30-plus points with 21. That included a career-high tying five 40-plus point games.

One of those triple-doubles in which the Nuggets were on the wrong side of the scoreboard came where he had 35 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists in their aforementioned setback versus the Nets in the middle of March.

Players With A Triple-Double Of   *Wilt Chamberlin (2/13/11963 Vs. Pistons) 51 Points,
35-Plus Points, 20-Plus Rebounds,   29 Rebounds, 11 Assists
& 10-Plus Assists In A Loss In        David Lee (W/Knicks 4/2/2010 At Warriors) 37 Points                                            
NBA History                                       20 Rebounds, 10 Assists
                                                             Nikola Jokic (3/12/2023 Vs. Nets) 35 Points,
                                                             20 Rebounds, 11 Assists

In the Nuggets victory (119-115) Dec. 18 versus the Hornets, Jokic had a triple-double of 40 points, a career-high 27 rebounds, and 10 assists on 13/26 from the field and 12/17 at the foul line. He became the first player since the late Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlin to register at least 35 points, 25 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.

Players To Register 40-Plus Points,            *Wilt Chamberlin 1963-68 4 Times
25-Plus Rebounds, and 10-Plus Assists       *Elgin Baylor 1961 Vs. St. Louis Hawks
In A Game In NBA History                          Nikola Jokic Dec. 18, 2022 Versus Hornets
*Hall Of Famer

Behind the triple-double of 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists Jokic in the Nuggets’ win (121-108) versus the Cavaliers, he joined Hall of Fames Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Oscar Robertson, and the Clippers Russell Westbrook as the only four players in NBA history with at least 10 triple-doubles in six different seasons.

In the Nuggets’ 133-112 victory Feb. 28 at the Rockets, Jokic’s triple-double of 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists made him just the sixth player in NBA history to register 100 career triple-doubles.

In the Nuggets 122-118 victory versus the Timberwolves, Jokic had 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists on 12/20 shooting. It was his 90^th career triple-double and surpassed Nuggets legend Alex English as the Nuggets all-time assist leader, now at 3,959 and became the first center in NBA history to be their franchise’s all-time leader in career assists.  

           Players With 100 Career Triple-Doubles In NBA History *Hall Of Famer                   
Russell Westbrook (LAC)  198    LeBron James (LAL)  107
*Oscar Robertson               181    *Jason Kidd                 107
*Earvin “Magic” Johnson 138    Nikola Jokic (DEN)     105

When Jokic was in the lineup at home, the Nuggets were basically unbeatable winning 23 straight and going 25-4 their final 29 games at Ball Arena to close 2022-23 with Jokic in the lineup.

When last season began, it marked the return of lead guard Jamal Murray (20.0 ppg, 6.2 apg, 45.4 FG%, 39.8 3-Pt.%) after a 555-day absence from a torn ACL in his left knee sustained on Apr. 12, 2021 at the Warriors (ESPN).

Murray last season returned to register his second highest scoring average of his career (21.2 ppg in 2020-21). He registered over 150 total triples made for the third season of his career and over 125 made triples for the fourth season of his six-year career.

With his first made three in the Spurs aforementioned loss in March at the Spurs, Murray surpassed Will Barton as the Nuggets all-time leader in career made triples with his 805^th and now at 845 career made threes.

The first true sign that Murray was back from the knee injury that shelved him the previous two seasons, he capped his performance of 21 points, eight assists, and five boards hit the game-winning three-pointer (8/21 FGs, 3/10 3-Pt.) with 00.9 seconds left.

Murray also registered five of his 15 career double-doubles in 2022-23.

Over the last five full seasons played, Murray registered over 25 20-plus points, including a career best 34 such games in 2022-23. That also included seven 30-plus point games, which tied the second most of his career (2017-18 & 2018-19).

Also returning from injury last season for the Nuggets was starting forward Michael Porter, Jr. (17.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 48.8 FG%, 41.6 3-Pt.%), whose third back surgery on Nov. 29, 2021 limited him to just nine games in 2021-22.

In 2022-23, Porter Jr. had 22 20-plus point games, including three games with 30-plus points. He also registered three double-doubles. 

Last season, Porter, Jr., and Murray set the top two total for threes made in a single-season in Nuggets history. Porter, Jr. totaled 188 made threes in 2022-23 (188/454 3-Pt.), the most in a season in franchise history. Murray made 172 total threes in (172/432 3-Pt.), the second most in a season in Nuggets history.

Complimenting the Nuggets star trio of Jokic, Murray, and Porter Jr. in the starting five were Aaron Gordon (16.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 56.4 FG%, 34.7 3-Pt.%) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (10.8 ppg, 46.2 FG%, 42.3 3-Pt.%).

Both Gordon and Caldwell-Pope provided the Nuggets starting lineup with two versatile defenders, who could make shots from the field, especially from three.

Last season, Caldwell-Pope made over 110 total threes for the eighth time in his career (135/319 3-Pt. 2022-23) in 10 NBA seasons. That included making over 120 total threes for the seventh time in those 10 seasons.

As great as the Nuggets were offensively a season ago, it was their defense, particularly their three-point defense that was the difference.

Nuggets 3-Pt.                 Oct. 18-Dec. 30, 2022                                       Jan. 1-Apr. 10, 2023
Defense 2022-23                    12.6   (18^th)         Opp. Made 3-Pt.            10.5      (1^st)
                                              36.5% (23^rd)              3-Pt.%                       32.7%  (1^st)

A big part of that three-point defense was the play of new addition Bruce Brown and veteran forward Jeff Green off the bench.

In a four-team deal with the Clippers, Lakers, and Magic at the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline, the Nuggets acquired center Thomas Bryant; dealt former First-Round pick in guard Na’Shon “Bones” Hyland to the Clippers and little used forward Davon Reed to the Lakers; and a 2024 Second-Round pick to the Magic.

Three days later, the Nuggets claimed veteran guard Reggie Jackson off waivers.

The Nuggets started the 2023 Playoffs as the Top Seed for the first time in their history with a 109-80 victory in Game 1 of the First-Round versus the Timberwolves Apr. 16 (TNT).

They led for the majority of Game 1, blowing the game open outscoring the Timberwolves 32-14 in the third quarter and 54-36 in the second half leading by as many as 32.

Murray, who played in his first Playoff game since 2020 had a near triple-double with 24 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds, going 4/10 from three-point range. He overcame a poor shooting night of 9/22 from the floor.  

Porter, Jr., who also played in his first Playoff game since 2021 shook off a poor shooting night as well going 7/17 shooting with a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds on 4/9 from three. Caldwell-Pope scored 15 on 3/6 from three. Jokic also had a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds with six assists. Gordon also scored 13 with five boards.

The victory was the Nuggets tied third largest margin of victory in a game in their postseason history (29 points). They also snapped a five-game skid in postseason openers. 

The Nuggets shot 45.6 percent from the floor (41/90 FGs), including 16/39 from three-point range. They outrebounded the Timberwolves 54-38, including 11-5 on the offensive glass. They outscored the Timberwolves 48-36 in the paint; 16-3 in fastbreak points; and 12-5 in Second Chance points.

The Nuggets came out strong also in Game 2 three nights later. But the Timberwolves got back into it in the second half. The Nuggets got things back on track in the fourth quarter and won 122-113 (TNT) versus the Timberwolves to take a 2-0 series lead.

After leading by as many as 21 points in the first half and were up 64-49 at intermission, the Nuggets were outscored 40-23 in the third and trailed 89-87 after three quarters. A three-pointer by Porter, Jr. with 6:25 left put the Nuggets back on top 101-99. They closed the game, outscoring the Timberwolves 24-14 to close things and outscored the Timberwolves 35-24 in the fourth period.

Murray returned to the form that he was at in the 2020 Playoffs with 40 points, five assists and two steals on 13/22 from the floor, including 6/10 from three, and 8/9 from the charity stripe.

Murray In      1^st QTR: 14 Points, 4/9 FGs,   2/4 3-PT., 4/4 FTs
Game 2           1^st Half:  18 Points, 6/12 FGs, 3/5 3-PT., 4/4 FTs
                        3^rd QTR: 12 Points, 4/6 FGs,  2/2 3-PT.
                        4^th QTR: 10 Points, 3/4 FGs,  2/3 3-PT. 2/3 FTs

In Game 2, Murray registered his fifth career 40-plus point game in his first 37 career Playoff game. That was one more than he registered in his first 410 career regular season games.

Jokic had a near triple-double with 27 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists on 10/19 shooting. Porter, Jr. had 16 points and six boards. Gordon also had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

The Nuggets in Game 2 shot 54.1 percent from the field (46/85 FGs) and were 10/22 from three and were 20/25 from the foul line. Had 26 assists on their 46 field goals made and just 10 turnovers. They outscored the Timberwolves 19-16 in fastbreak points; 56-44 in the paint; and 15-8 in Second Chance points.

The Nuggets took a strangle hold of the series with strong performances in the second and fourth quarters to win Game 3 at the Timberwolves 120-111 Apr. 21 (ESPN) to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.

Overcoming a seven-point deficit in the opening period, the Nuggets led from that point on by as many as 13 in the second quarter using a 9-0 run in the first half to assume control and opened the third quarter 12/16 shooting.

After finishing tied (28-28) after the first period, the Nuggets outscored the Timberwolves 33-27 in the second quarter to lead 61-55 at the half. Leading 94-88 after three quarters, the Nuggets then outscored the Timberwolves 26-23 in the fourth period to win it.

Porter, Jr. led the way with 25 points and nine boards on 10/17 shooting, including 4/8 from three. Jokic had his first triple-double of 2023 Playoffs with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists on 9/13 from the floor. Murray scored 18 with nine assists, and six rebounds on 7/16 from the floor. Caldwell-Pope (3/6 3-Pt.) and Gordon (7 rebounds) each scored 14. Brown scored 12 off the bench.

The Nuggets shot 57.1 percent from the field (48/84 FGs) and 13/32 from three. They registered 32 assists on their 48 shots made. The visitors from the “Colorado Rockies” also outrebounded the Timberwolves 40-32 and outscored them 60-52 in the paint.

For only the second time in their postseason history, the Nuggets led a best-of-seven series 3-0 and stand just one win away from their fifth Playoff series victory after leading a best-of-seven series 2-0.

The Nuggets took their foot off the gas in the second half of Game 4 and failed to sweep the Timberwolves falling 114-108 in overtime Apr. 23 (TNT) to have their series lead cut to 3-1.

Overcoming an eight-point deficit in the opening period, the Nuggets outscored the Timberwolves 30-25 in the second period to lead 52-48 at the half and were up by nine midway through the third period. But the Timberwolves outscored the Nuggets 32-22 in the third period and trailed 80-74 after three quarters. They trailed by 12 in the fourth period 96-84 with 2:52 left. Threes made by Jokic and two triples by Porter, Jr., and a jumper by Jokic cut the deficit to 96-95 with 48.2 seconds left. Jokic in the final seconds split a pair for free throws to force overtime, which was clinched with a shot block by Caldwell-Pope on the potential game-winning jumper by the Timberwolves Karl-Anthony Towns. The Nuggets though were outscored 18-12 in the extra five-minute period.

Jokic in defeat led the way with a Playoff career-high tying of 43 points with 11 rebounds, six assists, and two steals on 15/26 shooting, including 5/8 from three. Murray scored 19 with five assists, and seven rebounds, but was just 8/21 from the floor, including 2/7 from three. Porter, Jr. scored 15 with five boards and two blocks, despite going just 2/6 from three. Gordon had 14 points with seven rebounds and Brown scored 11 with six boards and two steals.

The Nuggets shot 44.2 percent from the floor in Game 4 (42/95 FGs). Were 12/35 from three but just 12/18 at the charity stripe. They were even in paint points (54-54). Had just 21 assists and gave up 17 points off their 12 turnovers. They were outrebounded 51-47 including 14-10 on the offensive glass.

The Nuggets failed to sweep a Playoff series for the first time in their postseason history.

In a close encounter in the second half, the Nuggets were able to prevail in Game 5 getting passed the Timberwolves 112-109 Apr. 25 (NBATV) to win the series 4-1. 

After trailing for much of the first half down by as many as 15, the Nuggets outscored the Timberwolves 26-18 in the second quarter to lead 48-47 at intermission. Their four-point lead early in the third quarter was short lived as trailed by five late in the period but were able to tie it 77-77 after three quarters. The game was tied three times in the final period before the Nuggets scored five straight points that put them up 109-104 late in the fourth period. Two free throws by Jokic put the Nuggets up 112-109 with 02.1 seconds left. With a chance to tie it and force overtime, the Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards three-pointer at the final buzzer from the top of the circle missed.

Murray led the way in the clincher with 35 points and five assists on 12/23 from the field and 5/9 from three. It was his seventh career Playoff game with 35-plus points.

Jokic had his second triple-double of the series and eighth of his postseason career with 28 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists despite going just 8/29 from the floor and 3/8 from three-point range. But shot 9/1 from the charity stripe.

Gordon (6 rebounds, 6/7 FTs) and Brown (5 rebounds, 8/8 FTs) each scored 14.

While he scored just eight points on 3/10 shooting, including 2/7 from three, Porter, Jr. chipped in with 10 rebounds and two steals. He scored all eight of his points on 3/3 from the field, including 2/2 from three-point range in the final period.

On a night where they shot just 40 percent from the field (34/85 FGs) and were outscored 58-40 in the paint, the Nuggets went 12/34 from three and were 32/36 at the charity stripe. They outrebounded the Timberwolves 47-40, including 16-8 on the offensive glass. They outscored the visitors from Minneapolis, MN 20-10 in fastbreak points and 21-13 in Second Chance points.

The Game 5 clinching win over the Timberwolves made Coach Malone, the winningest coach in Nuggets franchise Playoff history with his 25^th, surpassing Doug Moe.

In the West Semifinals for the fourth time in the last five seasons, the Nuggets were dominant the final three quarters in winning Game 1 125-107 versus the Suns Apr. 29 (TNT).

After trailing 32-31 after the first quarter, the Nuggets blew the game open outscoring the Suns 37-19 in the second quarter to lead 68-51 at the half and sealed the win with a 14-3 run and led by as many as 25 in the fourth quarter.

Murray was special with 34 points, nine assists, and five rebounds on 13/24 from the floor and 6/10 from three. Jokic had another double-double with 24 points and 19 rebounds with five assists (13 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists in the first half), on 9/21 shooting. Gordon scored 23 points with six boards on 9/13 shooting, including3/4 from three. Porter, Jr. scored 11 with two steals. Caldwell-Pope scored 10 with two steals going 3/8 from three. 

The Nuggets shot 47.5 percent from the floor (48/101 FGs) and 16/37 from three-point range. While they were outscored 60-48 in the paint and 23-20 in fastbreak points, the Nuggets made up for that by outrebounding the Suns 49-38, including 16-8 on the offensive glass. They forced 16 Suns turnovers (DEN: 14 steals) that the Nuggets turned into 18 points, while only registering 10 turnovers of their own. The Nuggets also outscored the Suns 14-12 in Second Chance points.

In a knockout-slug-out Game 2 two days later, it was the Nuggets that would throw the knockout punch in the final period registering a 97-87 win (TNT) to go up 2-0 in the series.

Down 21-18 after the first period, the Nuggets came back to outscoring the Suns 22-21 in the second period to only trail 42-40 at intermission. The Suns came back outscoring the Nuggets 31-30 in the third, where they led by as many as eight to lead 73-70 after three quarters. Down three early in the final period, Caldwell-Pope his back-to-back triples to put the Nuggets on top 76-73 and dominated from there outscoring the Suns 27-14 in the fourth period.

Jokic had a strong double-double with 39 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and two steals on 17/30 from the field. Gordon scored 16 with two steals. Caldwell-Pope registered 14 points with five boards on 4/4 from three. Murray, who struggled going 3/15 from the field, including 0/9 from three had 10 points and eight assists. Porter, Jr. scored just five points and four boards on just 2/7 shooting.

Players To Total 60 Points, 35 Rebounds, 10 Assists First Two Games Of Playoff Series In NBA History
                                                                                              Opponent
1961 Div.   Series   *Elgin Baylor                                          DET
1965 Div.   Series   *Wilt Chamberlin                                   BOS
1967 Div.   Series   *Wilt Chamberlin                                   CIN
1968 Div.   Series   *Wilt Chamberlin                                   NYK
1970 Div.   Series   *Kareem Abdul-Jabbar                         NYK
1977 West Semis   *Kareem Abdul-Jabbar                           GS
2001 NBA Finals  *Shaquille O’Neal                                     PHI
2023 West Semis  *Nikola Jokic (DEN)                                 PHX

The Nuggets in Game 2 shot 47.4 percent from the field (36/76 FGs) and made up for going 7/27 from three by going 18/21 at the foul line. They outscored the Suns 48-30 in the paint and outrebounded the Suns 41-39.

The 18 points by the Nuggets Game 2, tied their second lowest in a first quarter all season (18 points in 1^st QTR. Jan. 22, 2023 versus Thunder). Scored 40 points on 16/38 from the field, including 3/13 from three and 5/6 at the foul line in the first half of Game 2.   

Nuggets Second Half    3^rd QTR: 30 Points, 11/21 FGs, 7/9 FTs; Outscored Suns 16-8 In
Game 2                          Paint and 6-0 In Second Chance Points.
                                       4^th QTR: 27 Points, 9/15 FGs, 3/6 3-PT., 6/6 FTs; Outrebounded
                                       Suns 12-4

Jamal Murray           1^st 3 QTRS: 4 Points, 3 Assists, 1/10 FGs, 0/6 3-PT.
Game 2                       4^th QTR:     6 Points,  5 Assists,   2/5 FGs, 0/3 3-PT.

Poor Defense in the second and fourth quarters did the Nuggets in as they fell in Game 3 121-114 May 5 (ESPN), having their series lead cut in half 2-1.

Leading 31-29 after the first period, the Nuggets were outscored 38-21 by the Suns in the second quarter to trail 67-52 at the half. The Nuggets surged back in the third outscoring the Suns 36-23 in the period, leading by three late in the period to trail only 90-88 after three quarters. The Nuggets allowed though the first nine points of the final period and never got closer than five getting outscored by the Suns 31-26 in the fourth quarter.

Murray in defeat led the Nuggets with 32 points, five assists, and six boards on 13/29 shooting but was just 1/6 on his triple tries. Jokic had another triple-double with 30 points, 17 rebounds, and 17 assists on 11/19 shooting and 7/8 at the charity stripe. Porter, Jr. also had a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds, on 7/14 from the floor, including 6/10 from three. Brown scored 11 but shot just 4/11 from the floor.

Nuggets Others          Aaron Gordon 9 Points, 7 Rebounds, 2 Blocks, 3/13 FGs, 0/3 3-PT.
Game 3                       Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 2 Points, 2 Steals, 1/4 FGs, 0/2 3-PT.

The Nuggets shot just 44.3 percent from the field (43/97 FGs) and were just 10/30 from three-point range in Game 3. They outrebounded the Suns 51-41, including 16-7 on the offensive glass. Had 27 assists on their 43 made shots with just 12 turnovers. While they outscored the Suns 22-6 in Second Chance points, they only had a two-point advantage in the paint (52-50) and were outscored 23-11 in fastbreak points.

Jokic had 11 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in the first half of Game 3. His performance in Game 3 made Jokic the first in NBA Playoff history with at least 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists. It was also Jokic’s fourth straight game with 30 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists, surpassing Hall of Famers in late Bill Russell, the Spurs Tim Duncan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most such games in NBA Playoff history.

Nuggets In   1^st 3 QTRS: Jamal Murray  28 Points, 12/21 FGs 1/2 3-PT.
Game 3                             Nikola Jokic      19 Points, 11 Rebounds, 15 Assists

                         4^th QTR:  Jamal Murray   4 Points, 1/8 FGs, 0/4 3-PT.
                                          Nikola Jokic     11 Points, 6 Rebounds, 5/9 FGs 

The script was similar in Game 4 where they Nuggets offensively had their best stuff. But so did the Suns, particularly the middle two quarters and held off the Nuggets as the visitors from the “Colorado Rockies” dropped Game 4 129-124 May 7 (TNT) and have the series tied 2-2.

After leading by as many as nine in the first quarter, leading 43-32 after the opening period, the Nuggets were outscored 31-27 in the second quarter to trail 63-61 at intermission. The Nuggets were then outscored 35-31 in the third to trail 98-92 after three quarters. The Nuggets overcame a 10-point deficit (116-106) with 4:56 left cut the deficit to 121-118 on a Gordan dunk but never got closer.

Jokic in defeat had a double-double with a Playoff career-high and single-game franchise Playoff record of 53 points with 11 assists on 20/30 from the floor and 11/13 at the charity stripe. He had just four rebounds and six turnovers.

Nikola Jokic   2^nd QTR: 15 Points 6/6   FGs,  3/4 FTs
Game 4           3^rd QTR: 18 Points, 6/10 FGS, 5/6 FTs
                        4^th QTR: 11 Points, 5/8   FGs, 5 Assists

The Nuggets shot 56.2 percent (50/89 FGs) in Game 4 but shot just 7/22 from three and were 17/23 at the foul line. They had 28 assists on their 50 field goals made with just nine turnovers. They outscored the Suns 72-46 in the paint.

The Nuggets however allowed the Suns to shoot 56.8 percent from the floor (46/81 FGs) and 13/29 from three and 24/29 at the charity stripe. The Suns outrebounded the Nuggets 37-32, including 12-10 on the offensive glass. They outscored the Suns 20-10 in fastbreak points and 15-7 in Second Chance points.

A strong start in each half of Game 5 back home got the Nuggets back on track as they took Game 5 118-102 two nights later (TNT) to take a 3-2 series lead.

The Nuggets led 35-24 after the first period where they led by 15. Were outscored 25-17 in the second quarter by the Suns to only lead 52-49 at intermission. The Nuggets blew the game open outscoring the Nuggets 39-25 in the third quarter and 66-53 in the second half  where they led by as many as 24.

Jokic led the way with another triple-double with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists on 12/20 shooting. Brown off the bench scored 25 points with five rebounds on 7/11 from the field and 9/10 at the charity stripe. Murray scored 19, with six assists, and five boards on 7/15 from the field. Porter, Jr. had 19 points with eight rebounds on 7/11 from the floor, including 5/8 from three-point range. Gordon had 10 points, with six boards, and six assists. 

Jokic registered his fourth triple-double of the 2023 Playoffs and 10^th of his postseason career, passing the late Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlin for the most career postseason, triple-doubles by a center in NBA history.

Jokic in Game 4 scored or assisted on 78 of the Nuggets 118 points, the most by a center in a Playoff game all-time. He also became the first player in NBA history to register 300-plus points (306) and 90-plus assists (95) through the first 10 Playoff games. 

Nuggets In      1^st Half: 52 Points 18/49 FGs (36.7%), 8/18 3-PT., 8/12 FTs, Were Outscored    Game 5            20-18 In the Paint

                        2^nd Half: 66 Points 24/36 FGs (66.7%), 5/9 3-PT. 13/16 FTs, Outscored Suns
                        32-24 In The Paint

Nuggets 1^st Half    1^st QTR: 35 Points, 12/27 FGs (44.4 %), 5/10 3-PT. 17 Fastbreak Points
Game 5                  Outrebounded Suns 18-11

                               2^nd QTR: 17 Points, 6/22 FGs (27.3%), 3/8 3-PT., 0 Fastbreak Points
                               Were Outrebounded By Suns 15-12

The Nuggets shot in Game 5 49.4 percent (42/85 FGs) from the floor, including 13/27 from three, and 21/28 from the foul line. Had 32 assists on their 42 made shots with just 10 turnovers. They outrebounded the Suns 50-42 (10-8 off. rebs). They outscored the Suns 50-44 in the paint and 31-25 in fastbreak points. They also scored 18 points off the Suns 10 turnovers.

The Nuggets’ 31 fastbreak points in Game 5 was the most by a team in a game in the last four postseasons.

After a subpar effort in Games 3 and 4 at the Suns, the Nuggets in Game 5 held the Suns to 43.2 percent from the field (38/88 FGs) and 9/27 from three-point range. 

The Nuggets brought the hammer in the Game 6 clincher with a dominant first quarter and they never let up in closing out the Suns 125-100 to win the series 4-2.

The Nuggets advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the fifth time in their postseason NBA history, including their first time since 2020.

After trailing by three early in the first period and were tied 24-24 with 3:49 left in the period closed the period on a 20-2 run, including scoring the final 17 points to lead 44-26 after the first period. They grew the lead to 32 points in the second period and led 81-51 at intermission, closing the first half on a 21-4 run. Led 103-76 after three quarters.

Jokic led the way with his third triple-double of the series with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists with three steals on 13/18 from the field. Murray had 26 points with four steals on 7/16 from the floor, 4/7 from three, and 8/8 at the foul line. Caldwell-Pope scored all of his 21 points in the first half on 7/11 shooting and 5/5 at the foul line with five boards, two steals. Porter, Jr. scored 10 with five rebounds.

Nuggets 1^st QTR   Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 17 Points, 4 Rebounds, 6/7 FGs, 2/3 3-Pt.
Game 6                  3/3 FTs
                               Jamal Murray 15 Points, 4/5 FGs, 6/6 FTs
                               Nikola Jokic 14 Points, 4 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 7/9 FGs

Nuggets 1^st Half   Nikola Jokic     20 Points, 6 Rebounds, 7 Assists, 10/12 FGs
Game 6                 Jamal Murray 18 Points, 3 Steals, 5/8 FGs, 2/4 3-PT., 6/6 FTs

Caldwell-Pope entered Game 6 totaling 19 points in Games 3-5.

Jokic in Game 6 scored or assisted on 26 of the Nuggets 44 first quarter points. Those 26 points scored or assisted on equaled the entire scoring output in the first period by the Suns.

Jokic also in Game 6 registered his fifth triple-double of 2023 Playoffs and his 11^th career Playoff triple-double, tied Hall of Famer and Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd for No. 4 on the league’s all-time postseason triple-double list.

Players With Three Triple-  *Oscar Robertson 1963    
Doubles In A Playoff Series  *Wilt Chamberlin 1967                  
In NBA History                      *Earvin “Magic” Johnson 1982
*Hall Of Famer                      *Jason Kidd 2002
                                                  Russell Westbrook (LAC) 2017 W/Thunder
                                                  Nikola Jokic (DEN) 2023

Four Players To NBA           Nikola Jokic (DEN) Twice    LeBron James (LAL)
Playoff History With            Jimmy Butler (MIA)             *Charles Barkley
30-Point Triple-Double
On 70 FG%
*Hall Of Famer

Most PPG While Averaging A Triple-Double In A Single Playoff Series In NBA History
                                                   Round            Playoff Year        PPG      Team
Russell Westbrook (LAC)          1^st                       2017                37.4       OKC
Nikola Jokic            (DEN)         2^nd                       2023                34.5       DEN
LeBron James         (LAL)         4^th                       2017                33.6       CLE

The Nuggets starting center also became the fourth player in league postseason history to register a 30-point triple-double on 70 percent from the floor in a game.               

In a rematch of the 2020 Western Conference Finals in the restart in Orlando, FL, the Nuggets got the upper hand in Game 1 of the 2023 West Finals winning 132-126 versus the Lakers May 16 (ESPN).

The Nuggets led for a majority of the game leading by as many as 21 in the third quarter and by 14 early in the final period and held off a Lakers’ rally behind Caldwell-Pope going 4/4 from the charity stripe in the final minute of the fourth period.

Jokic had another triple-double with 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists with two blocks on 12/17 from the field, 3/3 from three-point range, and 7/8 at the foul line. Murray scored 31 with five assists, five boards, and three steals on 12/20 from the field and 4/8 from three. Caldwell-Pope scored 21 with two steals on 9/17 from the field and 3/8 from three. Brown scored 16 off the bench. Porter, Jr. had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds with two blocks on 3/6 from three. Gordon scored 12.

                                               Nikola Jokic In Game 1                                                        
-Had 12 First Quarter Rebounds: Career-High For A Quarter
-Third Straight Triple-Double
-Had his Second Career 30/20/10 (Points/Rebounds/Assists) Triple-Double (2011 & 2023);
Joined Hall Of Famers In Late Wilt Chamberlin (1967) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar To
Accomplish That Feet In NBA Playoff History
-Had 8 Points, 12 Rebounds, 5 Assists In the First Quarter; First Player In Last 25 Postseasons with 10 Rebounds, And 5 Assists In Any Quarter Of A Playoff Game
And The Second Player To Do This In Any Game In NBA History, Joining Former Cleveland Cavalier And Golden State Warrior Anderson Varejao (12 Rebounds, 5 Assists) Oct. 2012.        

The Nuggets in Game 1 shot 54.9 percent from the floor (50/91 FGs) and 15/32 from three. Had 29 assists on their 50 made shots with just 11 turnovers. They outrebounded the Lakers 47-30, including 15-5 on the offensive glass, outscoring them 50-48 in the paint; 19-13 in fastbreak points; and 18-13 in Second Chance points.

In a much close battle in Game 2, the Nuggets pulled things out in the fourth quarter led by the other half of their dynamic duo to win 108-103 May 18 (ESPN) to take a 2-0 series lead.

Trailing for much of the night and down 79-76 after three quarters, the Nuggets got their first lead since late the opening period (27-25) on three-pointer by Murray that put the Nuggets up 84-83 with 9:21 left that was part of a 13-4 run. He hit another triple as part of a 15-1 run that put the Nuggets up 96-84 and used a 6/6 effort at the foul line to hold off another Lakers rally in the closing minutes.

Murray registered a double-double with 37 points and 10 rebounds, with five assists and four steals on 11/24 shooting, 6/14 from three, and 9/10 at the foul line.

Jamal Murray   1^st 3 QTRS  14 Points, 7 Rebounds, 2 Steals, 5/17 FGs, 2/9 3-PT. 2/2 FTs
In Game 2          4^th QTR       23 Points, 3 Rebounds, 2 Steals 6/7 FGs,   4/5 3-PT. 7/8 FTs

Jokic had his fourth straight triple-double with 23 points, 17 rebounds, 12 assists with three steals on 9/21 shooting. Porter, Jr. scored 16 points with seven boards on 4/7 from three. Brown scored 12 with five rebounds. Gordon scored 10.

Murray had his fourth career 20-plus point fourth quarter of his postseason career, the most in the last 25 postseasons. The next closets is Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson with two each. His 23 points in the fourth period was one less than the entire Lakers team in the final period.

4^th Quarter Of           LAL                DEN
Game 4                        24     Points     32
                                    9/20     FGs     9/18
                                    3/9      3-Pt.     7/13
                                    3/4       FTs      7/8
                                     9        Rebs      13

The Nuggets improved to 8-0 at home in 2023 Playoffs, the most consecutive wins to start a postseason in franchise history. They shot just 43.8 percent (39/89 FGs) but were 14/38 from three with 27 assists on their 39 made shots.

Their 49-40 rebound advantage by the Nuggets, including 11-4 on the offensive glass in Game 2 and their 22-21 advantage in fastbreak points offset getting outscored 48-46 in the paint and giving up 21 points off their 17 turnovers.

It was the Nuggets that started strong in Game 3, held serve in the middle two quarters and finished strong in the final period to win at the Lakers 119-108 May 20 (ABC) to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.

Leading by 14 in the opening period and up 32-20 after the first quarter and led by 10 in the second quarter but led 58-55 at the half as the Lakers outscored their visitors 35-26 in the second period. The Nuggets led by three at intermission thanks to a triple by Caldwell-Pope late in the second quarter. Leading 84-82 after three quarters, the Nuggets fell behind 94-93 with 7:48 left and used a 13-0 run to clinch Game 3 outscoring the Lakers 35-26 in the fourth period.

Murray for the second straight game scored 37 points with six assists, seven boards, and two steals on 15/29 from the floor and 5/11 from three. Jokic who battled foul trouble most of the night scored 24 with six rebounds, and eight assists on 9/19 shooting. Caldwell-Pope scored 17 with two steals on 4/7 from three. Brown off the bench scored 15 with five rebounds, and five assists. Porter, Jr. had a double-double with 14 points and 10 boards with six assists on 4/10 on his triple tries.

Murray following up his fourth quarter effort in Game 3 had 30 points on 13/20 from the field and 4/8 from three-point range in the first half of Game 4. The rest of the Nuggets totaled 28 points on 9/24 shooting, including 3/10 from three in the opening half.

Jamal Murray           1^st QTR:  17 Points, 8/10 FGs, 1/2 3-PT.
1^st Half Game 3         2^nd QTR: 13 Points, 5/10 FGs, 3/6 3-PT.

Most 30-Point            Donovan Mitchell (CLE) 4
Halves Last 25           Jamal Murray      (DEN) 3
Postseasons                Devin Booker        (PHX) 3
*Hall Of Famer         *Allen Iverson                  3

Most Points Over      Jamal Murray     (DEN) 53
3-Quarter Span         Donovan Michell (CLE) 49 2020 W/Jazz
Last 25 Postseasons  Kevin Durant      (PHX) 48 2019 W/Warriors
*Hall Of Famer        *Kobe Bryant                  48 2008 W/Lakers

Most 30/5/5 (Points/Rebounds/Assists) In Each Of First 3 Games Conference/Divisional Finals History *Hall Of Famer
*Kareem Abdul Jabbar  1970 W/Bucks
*Tim Duncan                   2003 W/Spurs
LeBron James (LAL)      2015 W/Cavaliers
Jamal Murray (DEN)     2023

The Nuggets shot 50 percent in Game 3 (44/88 FGs) and were 17/41 from three-point range. Had 30 assists on their 44 made shots and just eight turnovers. They outscored the Lakers 19-15 in fastbreak points, which offset getting outscored 52-38 in the paint and getting outrebounded 45-39, including 11-5 on the offensive glass.

With a chance to finish the series, the Nuggets overcame a slow start in the first half with a strong third quarter and a key stop in the final seconds to win Game 4 113-111 May 22 (ESPN) to win the series 4-0 and earn their first Western Conference title in franchise history.

They also registered their first 4-0 sweep in a best-of-seven series in their postseason history in their 44^th Playoff appearance.

NBA Teams Yet To               Los Angeles Clippers  Minnesota Timberwolves
Sweep A Playoff Series        Memphis Grizzlies

Registered their sixth straight win dating back to Game 5 of the West Semis against the Suns. Earned their first series win in four tries in the West Finals and in their eighth Playoff series tilt against the Lakers. Had lost in the West Finals in 1985, 2009, and 2020. It was also their first series in five tries in the West Finals in their history reaching the NBA Finals in their 47^th NBA season.

Nuggets West Finals  1978 Versus Seattle Supersonics Lost 4-2
Appearances               1985 Versus Los Angeles Lakers Lost 4-1
                                     2009 Versus Los Angeles Lakers Lost 4-2
                                     2020 Versus Los Angeles Lakers Lost 4-1
                                     2023 Versus Los Angeles Lakers Won 4-0
                                                        Seasons      Last Appearance
Longest Active      Kings                  73                    1951
NBA Finals           Hawks                 63                    1961
Droughts               Clippers              53           Never Appeared                                        

Trailing the first 3-plus quarters down by as many as 15 (down 34-28 after first period) and 73-58 at the half, the Nuggets used an 18-6 get their first lead of Game 4 at 82-81 with 4:39 left in the third. They outscored the Lakers 36-16 in the third to lead 94-89 after three quarters. A driving layup by Jokic put the Nuggets up 113-111 with 51.7 seconds left. The Nuggets closed the door on the Lakers’ season when Gordon blocked LeBron James’ driving layup at the final buzzer.

The Nuggets 15-point comeback was their largest deficit overcome in a game in their postseason history. Their plus 20-point differential in the third quarter (36-16) tied the second largest in a quarter in a game in their postseason history.

3^rd Quarter Of  Nuggets 36 Points 13/27 FGs
Game 4              Lakers   16 Points   7/24  FGs

2^nd Half            Nuggets  55 Points 19/41 FGs 4/11 3-PT.
Game 4             Lakers    38 Points 15/41 FGs 1/9   3-PT.

The Nuggets in the Game 4 clincher shot 48.2 percent from the field, including going 12/33 from three and 19/22 at the foul line. Had 25 assists and just 11 turnovers. They outrebounded the Lakers 40-38, including 11-5 on the offensive glass.

Jokic, how was named Western Conference Finals MVP had another triple-double with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists with three blocks on 11/24 from the field, including 3/6 from three-point range. Murray had 25 points with five assists, and five boards on 10/18 shooting. Gordon had 22 points with six rebounds, five assists, and two blocks on 9/14 shooting, including 3/5 from three. Porter, Jr., who overcame 5/16 shooting and 3/10 from three had another double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Caldwell-Pope scored 13 on 3/7 from three.

Nikola Jokic   1^st  Half  10 Points, 4 Rebounds, 4/8 FGs
Game 4           2^nd Half  20 Points, 10 Rebounds, 7/16 FGs
                       (13 Pts, 10 Rebs, 4/8 FGs, 5/6 FTs 3^rd QTR).

Jokic had his fifth triple-double in his last six games and his eighth triple-double of 2023 Playoffs, surpassing the late Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlin (1967) for most triple-doubles in a single-postseason in NBA history. It was his 14^th career postseason triple-double. He also registered his fifth career triple-double in a series clincher, the third most all-time.

Nuggets In 2023         Nikola Jokic    27.8 PPG, 14.5 RPG, 11.8 APG, 51 FG%, 41 3-PT.%
West Finals                Jamal Murray 32.5 PPG,   6.3 RPG,  5.3 APG, 52 FG%, 40 3-PT.%

In their first game in The Finals in their history, the Nuggets came out like gangbusters and held off late by the visiting Heat for a 104-93 victory June 1 (ABC) to take a 1-0 series lead.

The Nuggets led virtually the entire game, up 29-20 after the first quarter and 59-42 at the half. They led by 24 in the third quarter and led 84-63 after three quarters. An 11-4 by the Heat cut the Nuggets lead to 96-87 with 2:34 left but the Nuggets held them off scoring eight of the final 14 points of the contest.

Jokic led the way with another triple-double of 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists on 8/12 from the field and 10/12 at the foul line. Murray had a double-double with 26 points and 10 assists, with six boards on 11/22 shooting. Gordon had 16 points and six rebounds,  with 14 points and five of those boards in first half. Porter, Jr., who was just 5/16 shooting, including 2/11 from three also had a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds with two block shots. Brown scored 10 with five boards off the bench.

                                     Nikola Jokic Game 1 Of The Finals                                                          
-2^nd Player With A Triple-Double In Their Finals Debut, Joining Hall Of Famer And
Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd (2002).

-His Six Assists In the First Quarter Tied Lakers LeBron James For The Most Assists In A
Quarter In The Finals The Last 25 Years.

-Had 10 Points, 10 Assists, 3 Rebounds, 0 Turnovers (3/3 FGs; 4/4 FTs) 1^st Half: Second Player With A Double-Double on 100 Percent FG% In First Half Of Finals Debut; Joining Hall Of Famer Of Spurs Tim Duncan (1999 Finals Versus Knicks).

-His 14 Assists, Most In Finals Debut In NBA History.

-Had His 9^th Triple-Double Of 2023 Playoffs, The Most In Single Postseason In NBA History. Previous Record Holder Late Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlin With 7 Triple-Doubles In 1967 Postseason.

Jamal Murray had his sixth consecutive 25-point game. Had his second double-double of 2023 Playoffs.

Jokic and Murray combined to score or assist on 87 of the 104 points in Game 1, including 69 of their 84 points the first three period. Those 69 points were six more than what the Heat had the first three periods of Game 1.

Teammates With 25 Points and 10    1987 Lakers’ Earvin “Magic” Johnson & James
Assists In Same Finals Game             Worthy Game 1 The Finals Versus Celtics
All-Time                                               2023 Nuggets Nikola Jokic & Jamal Murray
                                                              Game 1 The Finals Versus Lakers

The Nuggets in Game 1 shot 50.6 percent (40/79 FGs) and 16/20 at the foul line, overcoming going 8/27 from three-point range. Had 29 assists and just 10 turnovers and outscored the Heat 46-38 in the paint. Outrebounded the Heat 45-43.

They fell behind in Game 2 but surged back to lead by double-digits. But the Nuggets did not have it in the fourth quarter and their last second chance to tie it in the final seconds missed as they dropped Game 2 three nights later (ABC) versus the Heat to split the first two games of the series. 

The Nuggets overcame an 11-point deficit using a 33-9 run spanning the 9:09 mark of the first quarter to 5:05 mark of the second quarter to lead 50-35 but only led 57-51 at half, outscoring the Heat 34-25 in the second quarter and led 83-75 after three quarters. The Nuggets were outscored 36-25 in the fourth quarter and their chance to tie it in the final seconds as Murray’s three at the final buzzer missed at the final buzzer.

It waisted a strong night by Jokic, who had 41 points and 11 rebounds on 16/28 shooting and 7/8 at the charity stripe but just four assists with five turnovers.

Murray had another double-double with 18 points and 10 assists on 7/15 shooting and 3/8 from three. Gordon scored 12 with seven boards. Brown had 11 points and five rebounds, with two steals off the bench.

Nuggets In   Michael Porter, Jr. 5 Points, 6 Rebounds, 2/8 FGs, 1/6 3-PT.
Game 2        Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 6 Points, 1/4 FGs, 1/3 3-PT.
                     Christian Braun 6 Points, 3 Assists, 3 Steals 2/3 FGs (All 2^nd QTR)

2^nd QTR     Heat      25 Points,  9/20 FGs,  4/9  3-PT. 5 Turnovers
Game 2       Nuggets 34 Points 11/21 FGs, 4/10 3-PT. 2 Turnovers

4^th QTR     Heat       36 Points,  11/16 FGs, 5/9 3-PT. 9/10 FTs, 4 Fouls, 2 Turnovers
                                  Four Points Allowed Off Turnovers
                   Nuggets 25 Points,  9/16 FGs,  3/7 3-PT., 3/4 FTs, 11 Fouls, 4 Turnovers
                                  10 Points Allowed Off Turnovers

Nuggets 2^nd Half     Jokic & Murray 28 Points 10/18 FGs
Game 2                    Rest Of Team     23 Points   8/18 FGs

Players To Total 500 Points, 200 Rebounds,   LeBron James (LAL) 4 Times
150 Assists In Single-Postseason In NBA      *Larry Bird 1987   W/Celtics
History                                                                Nikola Jokic 2023 W/Nuggets

The Nuggets suffered their first loss of the 2023 Playoffs when they led by double-digits at any point in a game, now 11-1 and 37-2 overall on the season (30-1 in the regular season) when they led by at least eight points after three quarters.

This was also the Nuggets first home loss of the 2023 Playoffs, now 9-1. It was also their first loss at Ball Arena since Mar. 30 and snapped a 10-game home winning streak in the postseason dating back to Game 4 of 2022 West First-Round versus the eventual NBA champion Warriors.

The Nuggets in the loss shot 52 percent from the floor (39/75 FGs) and 19/22 at the foul line but were just 11/28 from three-point range. Had 23 assists but 14 turnovers that led to 19 Heat points while they scored 23 points off 11 Heat miscues. The Nuggets did outrebound the Heat 38-31 and outscored the Heat 15-11 in Second Chance points.

The Nuggets found their defensive grove while getting dynamic performance from their dynamic star duo to win Game 3 at the Heat 109-94 June 7 (ABC) to reclaim home court advantage by taking a 2-1 series lead.

After being tied 24-24 after the first quarter, the Nuggets outscored the Heat 85-70 the final three quarters to lead 53-48 at the half and 29-20 in the third quarter to lead 82-68 after three quarters. They led by as many as 21 in the second half and held off a Heat rally where they cut the deficit to nine with 1:22 left but got no closer.

Murray had his first career postseason triple-double with 34 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds on 12/22 shooting, including 3/6 from three and 7/8 from the foul line. Jokic also triple-double with 32 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists with two blocks on 12/25 shooting and 7/8 at the foul line. Braun with his best game of 2023 Playoffs with scoring 15 on 7/8 from the floor off the bench. Gordon had his second double-double of 2023 Playoffs with 11 points and 10 boards with five assists.

Murray, who registered his third straight double-double became the first player with 10-plus assists in one’s first four career games in The Finals. He also scored at least 25 points in seven out of the last eight games.

Jamal Murray   1^st  Half  20 Points, 4 Assists, 2 Rebounds, 8/13 FGs, 3/5 3-PT., 2/2 FTs
Game 3               2^nd Half  14 Points 6 Assists,  8 Rebounds, 4/9 FGs, (12 Pts, 5 Rebs, 3/5 FGs
                            6/6 FTs, 4^th QTR)

                                               Nikola Jokic Game 3                                                                        
-Had 14 Points, 12 Rebounds, 7 Assists In First Half: Became Third Player With 10/10/5
(Points/Rebounds/Assists) In A Half Of Finals Game, Joining The Lakers’LeBron James and Spurs Hall Of Famer Tim Duncan.

-First Player With 30/20/10 (Points/Rebounds/Assists) Triple-Double In NBA Finals History.

-10^th Triple-Double Of 2023 Playoffs, NBA Single Postseason Record. Had His 16^th Career Triple-Double

Jokic and Murray became the first teammates in NBA history (regular season and postseason) to each register a 30-point triple-double.

                  Most Career Triple-Doubles In NBA Playoff History *Hall Of Famer       
*Earvin “Magic” Johnson 30          Draymond Green (GS) 10
LeBron James (LAL)         28          Rajon Rondo                 10
Nikola Jokic    (DEN)         16           *Larry Bird                  10
Russell Wesbrook (LAC)   12          *Wilt Chamberlin           9
*Jason Kidd                         11          *Oscar Robertson           8

Most 30/20/10 Games           Nikola Jokic (DEN)       3
(Points/Rebounds/Assists)  *Wilt Chamberlin           1
In NBA Playoff History      *Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1

Seven Players With Two                  *Earvin “Magic” Johnson   *Wilt Chamberlin
Triple-Doubles In Same                   LeBron James (LAL)q         *Larry Bird
Finals Series In NBA History           Draymond Green (GS)         Jimmy Butler (MIA)
                                                            Nikola Jokic (DEN)

The Nuggets shot in Game 3 51.2 percent (41/80 FGs) and 22/27 at the charity stripe, overcoming 5/18 effort from three. They had 28 assists on their 41 shots made with 14 turnovers. The Nuggets also outrebounded the Heat 58-33 including 13-10 on the offensive glass.

The Nuggets outscored the Heat 60-34 in the paint and 14-7 in Second Chance points.

The Nuggets did not let up in Game 4 two nights later as they took control the final three quarters to take down the Heat 108-95 (ABC) to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.

After trailing 21-20 after the opening period, the Nuggets outscored the Heat 35-30 to lead 55-51 at the half. The Nuggets kept it going outscoring the Heat 31-22 in the third, where they led by as many as 13, which is what they led by at 86-73 after three quarters. The Nuggets led by 17 in the final period and held off a furious rally by Heat, who cut the lead to five.

It was Gordon who led the Nuggets, scoring a Playoff career-high of 27 points with seven rebounds, and six assists on 11/15 from the field, including 3/4 from three-point range. Jokic registered a double-double with 23 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks on 8/19 shooting, including 3/7 from three. Brown had 21 points on 8/11 from the field, including 3/5 from three. Murray, who shot just 5/17 shooting had his fourth straight double-double in the series with 15 points and 12 assists. Porter, Jr. scored 11.

Aaron Gordon           2^nd QTR 15 Points, 6/7 FGs, 2/2 3-PT.
Game 4                       3^rd QTR  9 Points,  4/4 FGs, 1/1 3-PT.

Gordon’s 15 points in the second quarter of Game 4, the second most in any quarter of his postseason career. Had 16 points in a quarter in 2019 with Magic.

Gordon 7/9 shooting on dunks and layups in Game 4 and defensively held Heat to 0/4 shooting as the primary defender. He also registered his second career 25/5/5 (points/rebounds/assists) game of his postseason career.

Aaron Gordon &       Games 1-3            Game 4
Bruce Brown In             21.7         Pts        48
2023 NBA Finals           54%      FG%    19/26
                                        6/12       3-Pt.       6/9

Murray 12 assists in Game 4 are the third most without a turnover in a Finals game since 1978. He also became the first player in NBA Finals history with 10-plus assists in one’s first four Finals games.

Jokic became the first player in NBA history to total 500 points, 250 rebounds, and 150 assists in a single-postseason.

The Nuggets won their fifth straight road game in the postseason, adding to their longest in their postseason history. Counting the regular season and their 6-3 mark in 2023 Playoffs, the Nuggets tied single-season record with their 25^th road win, which they set in 2021-22.    

With a chance to win their first title in franchise history, the Nuggets started slowly but picked it up in the second half and closed matters late in the fourth quarter defensively and won Game 5 94-89 June 12 (ABC) to win the series 4-1 and their first title in franchise history.

Down by as many as 10 early in the second quarter; down 51-44 at intermission; and down eight (55-47) early in the third quarter, the Nuggets registered a 13-5 capped by a Murray three-pointer that tied it 60-60 and a corner triple by Porter, Jr. put the Nuggets up 69-66, their first lead since they were up 18-16 in the opening period but they trailed 71-70 after three quarters. A score by Jokic and a three-pointer by Murry to open the fourth quarter put the Nuggets up 75-71 a part of a 16-8 run that was capped by the lone made three-pointer of Game 5 that put the Nuggets up 86-79 with 4:06 left. After a 10-2 by the Heat put the Nuggets down 89-88 with 1:58 left, a putback by Brown off a Murray missed jumper ignited a 6-1 run that put the Nuggets ahead for good, with Brown and Caldwell-Pope sealing the title with a pair of free throw. It was Caldwell-Pope made a key stop when he stole the ball from Heat’s Jimmy Butler and made his foul shots that put the Nuggets up three (92-89) with 24.7 seconds left.

Jokic, who captured the Bill Russell award as Finals MVP registered 28 points and 16 rebounds on 12/16 shooting. Porter, Jr., who shot just 7/17 from the floor and 1/6 from three also had a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Murray, who shot just 6/15 from the field and 2/7 from three with six turnovers 14 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds. Caldwell-Pope scored 11 with two steals and three block shots. Brown, who shot just 4/14 from the field, including missing all five of his triple tries scored 10 off the bench with six assists.

While the Nuggets shot 45.2 percent from the field (38/84 FGs), they were just 5/28 from three and 13/23 from the charity stripe with just 21 assists and 15 turnovers. They made up the difference by outrebounding the Heat 57-44 and outscored the Heat 60-44 in the paint and 19-12 in fastbreak points.

Nuggets In   1^st  Half   44 Points, 20/44 FGs, 1/15 3-PT., 3/8 FTs,   10 Turnovers
Gam 5 The  2^nd Half   50 Points, 18/40 FGs, 4/13 3-PT., 10/15 FTs,  5 Turnovers
Finals

2^nd Half      MIA 38 Points, 14/47 FGs, 5/20 3-PT.
Gam3 5      DEN 50 Points, 18/40 FGs, 4/13 3-PT.

The Nuggets in the first half had 10 turnovers, which tied for their most in any half in 2023 Playoffs. They began Game 5 2/22 from three and 6/13 at the charity stripe. They closed the game 3/6 from three and 7/10 at the foul line.

The Nuggets, who entered averaging 107.3 points on 37.6 percent on their triple tries the first four games of 2023 Finals, shot just 17.9 percent from three-point range in Game 5, their second worst percentage from three all season. Their 56.5 percentage at the charity stripe was their eighth worst percentage from the foul line all season.

The Nuggets on a night where their offense was not working, they made up for it at the defensive end where they held the Heat to 34.4 percent shooting (33/96 FGs) and 9/35 from three.

While the Nuggets only had 21 assists, in the four wins they registered in these Finals, they won each game. In their loss in Game 2, the Heat had more assists than Nuggets (28-23).

With their victory in Game 1 of the 2023 Finals, the Nuggets in 2023 Playoffs went 4-0 at home in Game 1s, now 18-3 at home in their Playoff history  in Game 1s at home.

The Nuggets finished the 2023 Playoffs with a 16-4 mark on their way to their first title in their history, including a 4-1 mark in closeout games. That included a 10-1 mark following losses in Game 3 and 4 in the West Semis at the Suns, going 8-1 in the Western Conference Finals and NBA Finals.

The Nuggets’ 16-4 mark in 2023 Playoffs tied second best mark for any since the First-Round went to best-of-seven series in 2003.

Best Records In Playoffs         2017 Warriors  16-1
Since First-Round Went          2007 Spurs       16-4
To Best-Of-Seven In 2003       2023 Nuggets    16-4

The Nuggets by winning their first title ended the longest drought in NBA history for a team before winning their first title. They also became the 20^th active NBA franchise to win a championship.

Most Seasons Prior To  Nuggets   46     Most Seasons Played At         Nuggets     47  
Winning Their First      Cavaliers 45     Time Of Winning Their         Cavaliers   46
Championship               Pistons     40     First Title In NBA History    Pistons       41
                                                                                                                   Mavericks  31

Teams To Win Their First               1991 Bulls      2006 Heat       2023 Nuggets
Title In Their First Finals               1999 Spurs     2019 Raptors
Appearance In Last 40 Seasons      

                                                                                                       Record
Most Postseason Wins    Michael Malone    2016-Present        37-31
By Head Coach In           Doug Moe             1981-1990             24-37
Nuggets History              *Larry Brown       1975-1979             21-24
*Hall Of Famer              *George Karl         2004-2013             23-38

Jokic finished the 2023 Playoffs with a career-high 18 double-doubles, which included a career-high and single-season NBA postseason record 10 triple-doubles. He became the sixth player born outside the USA to win Finals MVP, joining Hall of Famers Hakeem Olajuwon (1994 & 1995), Tim Duncan (1999, 2003, 2005), Tony Parker (2007), and Dirk Nowitzki (2011), and Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo (2021).

Centers With Multiple Kia    *Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 6    *Moses Malone        3   
MVPs And A Finals MVP      *Wilt Chamberlin           4    Nikola Jokic (DEN) 2

Players To Average 30 PPG,  *Shaquille O’Neal 2000, 2001, & 2002 W/Lakers
10 RPG On 55 FG% First       Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) 2021
Four Games In NBA Finals     Nikola Jokic (DEN) 2023
History

Murray became the fourth player to average 20-plus points and 10-plus assists in NBA Finals history, averaging 21.4 points, 10.0 assists, and 6.2 rebounds on 45.1 percent from the field, and 38.7 percent from three-point range. He also joined the Heat’s Jimmy Butler (2020) and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan (1991) as the three players in NBA Finals history  to average 10 assists their first five career Finals games.  

Jokic and Murray became the first duo to average 25/5/5 (points/rebounds/assists) in a single postseason in NBA history.

Most 25-Point Games In   Nikola Jokic   2023  14   Carmelo Anthony 2009 11
Single Postseason In         *Alex English  1985  13   Nikola Jokic          2020 10
Nuggets History                Jamal Murray 2023 12   Jamal Murray       2020 10

The Nuggets entered this offseason with two objectives. Maintain their continuity and see if they could re-sign Bruce Brown and Jeff Green.

Brown, who signed a two-year deal with the second year of the deal being a player option, opted out of as expected and signed with the Pacers over the summer. Green took a more lucrative one-year deal to sign with the Rockets as well over the summer.

The Nuggets did bring back Jackson (10.2 ppg, w/Clippers & Nuggets) on a two-year, $10.25 million deal on June 30 (official July 6).

To try to replace Green, the Nuggets also at the start of free agency signed forward/guard Justin Holiday, who totaled 46 games last season with the Hawks and Mavericks.

Last season, Brown and Green were as close to a perfect alongside the Nuggets stars. Jackson and Holiday have shown in their careers they can be integral parts of a team. The question for them is can they do it for a team that is pushing for another title?

The Nuggets in late July re-signed veteran center DeAndre Jordan.

On Draft night, Nuggets GM Calvin Booth in a four-team deal with the Pacers, Lakers, and Thunder on June 23 acquired from the Pacers the draft rights of guard/forward Julian Strawther (No. 29 overall pick) out of Gonzaga University; guard Jalen Pickett (No. 32 overall pick) out of Siena University; and from the Thunder forward Hunter Tyson (No. 37 overall pick) Out of Clemson University and a 2024 Second-Round pick.

The Nuggets also in the deal traded the draft rights of forward Maxwell Lewis (No. 40 overall pick) out of Pepperdine University to the Lakers. They also dealt to the Thunder a 2029 Second-Round pick.

Whether the rookies the Nuggets have can play major roles in helping the Nuggets win their second straight title this season is a wait and see.

What the Nuggets have in their favor is they have young guys on their roster that seem ready to step in and fill in the shoes.

They have Braun, forward Zeke Nnaji, who they signed to a four-year, $32 million contract extension on Oct. 21, and forward Peyton Watson.

Nnaji, a 2020 First-Roun pick (No. 22 overall) out of University of Arizona and Watson, the last pick of the First-Round in 2022 (No. 30 overall), whose draft rights were acquired from the Thunder are talented. Nnaji in particular has flashed well when he has played. He just has not been able to progress so far in the early part of his career because he is always injured.

The Nuggets gave their vote of confidence that Nnaji will progress this season by agreeing to keep him on a four-year, $32 million deal on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

While there is hope that the Nuggets’ youngsters those that have been with the Nuggets already as well as those that came onboard this summer to go alongside the vets in Jackson and Holiday, the Nuggets chances of repeating will depend on the health and continued continuity of their starting five of Jokic, Murray, Caldwell-Pope, Porter, Jr., and Gordon.

It comes down to KCP continuing to be that knockdown shooter, especially from three-point-range and locking down the opposing team’s best perimeter player.

It comes down to Gordon being that other lockdown defender on the opposing team’s other top perimeter player as well as the opposition’s best inside player. Also, providing scoring both inside and out when called upon. 

At Media Day, Gordon said over the summer he visited Jokic in Sombor, Serbia to work out and experienced his lifestyle in his home country, which Gordon called “a beautiful town.” That Jokic’s way of life is “really amazing” why he understood why he said in his postgame Finals clincher interview with ESPN/ABC’s Lisa Salters why he was “trying to get out of here.”

“I don’t think the approach is any different,” Gordon added about trying to win a second straight title. “I think the rest of league is adjusting and kind of trying to shift to figure out something to answer what we’ve brought to table.”

“Yeah, we have individual goals. We have team goals. But we want to get better, you know? We don’t want to stay the same. I think if you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse. So, I think we have more potential and things to improve on to be even better this year than we were last year.”

It comes down to Porter, Jr. continuing to grow his game beyond being just a shooter. Becoming the kind of rebounder that he was this past postseason. To being more in tune as an individual defender. To becoming more adept at attacking the rim in the open court and the half court.

“The good about our team is that we still have a lot of individual motivation,” Porter, Jr. said at Media Day about the prospects what he and his teammates have to prove as they try to repeat as NBA champs. “Aaron wants to be a first-time All-Star. I want to be an All-Star. Jamal, you know? Joker’s [Nikola Jokic] done a lot can be done in the league, you know? Two MVPs, a championships, Finals MVP. But he’s still motivated. He’s just so consistent as a person. That’s a gift of his that he’ll be on point as well. So, I think that if motivation was a factor, I think we all have that.”

“But we know it’s going to be a lot harder. And we the teams that are getting put together around the league and it’s a crazy league right now, you know? With the moves Boston made. Phoenix, the Lakers, Milwaukee, you know? There’s a lot of really good teams in the league right now.”

Then of course there is Jokic and Murray, who many consider the best 1-2 punch in “The Association” currently. Both the Nuggets’ headliners have not rested on what they did last year and are ready to make it happen again this year in terms of winning another title.

“I’m glad we stayed the same because that’s how we want it. That’s how we built it,” Jokic, who averaged 30 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 9.5 assists in 2023 Playoffs said to NBATV/TNT’s Allie LaForce at Media Day about the Nuggets keeping most of their core, especially the starting lineup together.

“It’s not easy. We’ve been building for like 4, 5, 6 years now and we won. And we still believe in the same group of guys. I think that’s how you’re supposed to do it.”

When it comes to those, especially in the Western Conference that want to challenge the defending champion Nuggets, Jokic said to LaForce, “I don’t think about anybody else. Just the group that has this name [Nuggets] on the chest.”

Murray, who averaged 26.1 points, 7.1 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 2023 Playoffs echoed those same feelings saying that he and his teammates “believed” in themselves for a long time and that they feel they can climb back to the top of the NBA mountain again this spring.

“Now that we’ve actually done it, just kind of certifies, verifies everything that’s been in our head and we’ve believed in. And knowing that we can go out there and do it again.

Perhaps the biggest thing the Nuggets have in their favor in trying to repeat as NBA champions is a level-headed no-nonsense head coach in Michael Malone, who is the son of long time NBA assistant coach and head coach, who has gone through this process and come out on the other side victorious in Brendan Malone.

Coach Malone will be coaching at least at the start of the 2023-24 season with a heavy heart as he lost his father Brendan in the middle of this month. He was 88 years old.

Mr. Malone, who coached in the NBA as an assistant with Pistons, Knicks, Pacers, Cavaliers, and Magic and was the head coach of the Raptors in their expansion season (1995-96) for 27 years.

During his time as the trusted lieutenant to the late great Chuck Daly in his time with the Pistons (1988-95) on their back-to-back title teams in 1989 and 1990, Coach Malone championed “The Jordan Rules,” which were the defensive principles designed to contain and disrupt the great Michael Jordan and his exceptional offensive brilliance.

It was these strategies that helped the Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer, Vinny Johnson, Dennis Rodman led Pistons take down the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games in 1989 on their way to their first title 4-0 over the Lakers and in 1990 when they defeated the Bulls again in East Finals in seven games and then defeated the West champion Portland Trail Blazers in five games. That included winning all three contest on the Trail Blazers home floor of then Memorial Coliseum.

In a statement on Twitter @Nuggets, the team said “It is with tremendous sadness that we share the passing of longtime NBA coach Brendan Malone, who holds a special place amongst the organization and will be a Denver Nugget forever. Coach Brendan Malone was a great man who left behind a great legacy in the world of basketball, but he will be remembered even more for the amazing husband, father, son, and grandfather that he was and the profound impact he had on the friends, family and colleagues who were lucky enough to know him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Malone family during this difficult time.”

The younger Malone in a statement said that he “lost more than a father,” that he lost a “trusted friend, a mentor and my biggest supporter.”

Malone added that his dad was a “teacher of the game” and that he was “grateful” for the example he set and the “lessons” that he passed along the way.

“He touched the lives of many players and coaches in his six decades of coaching. And our entire family is grateful for all the heartfelt messages during this difficult time. Rest in peace Dad. You will be missed but never forgotten.”

It took the Denver Nuggets nearly five decades to reach the mountain top of the NBA as champions.

It began with a nine-year run in the American Basketball Association (ABA), which ended with a six-game loss in that league’s Finals to the then New York (now Brooklyn) Nets.

In the late 1970s, their first crack at being NBA champions occurred in their second season in the league led by Hall of Famers in head coach Larry Brown and players David Thompson, Bobby Jones, and Dan Issell when they lost in six games to the then Seattle Supersonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder) in 1978 West Finals.

Their next chance to reach the title round came in the 1985 West Finals when the run-and-gun offensive Nuggets led by head coach Doug Moe and Hall of Famer Alex English, Calvin Natt, Fat Lever, Wayne Cooper, Bill Hanzlik, and Danny Schayes were not enough against the “Showtime” era Lakers led by Hall of Famers Earvin “Magic” Johnson, James Worthy, and current Heat Executive as they took down the Nuggets 4-1.

In the early 1990s the Nuggets hoped to recapture that magic under Issel, who went from the broadcast booth to their sideline leader to coach the talents of fellow Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, LaPhanso Ellis, Rodney Rodgers, veteran Reggie Williams, then Brian Williams, and Robert Pack. That team though only made it to West Semis in 1994 where they lost in seven games to the eventual West runner-up Jazz led by Hall of Famers Karl Malone and John Stockton and the late head coach Jerry Sloan.

In the early 2000s, the Nuggets hoped future Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony could lead them to the promise land. He and Hall of Fame head coach George Karl got their chance in 2009. But were ousted in the West Finals by the Lakers in six games led by Hall of Famers in the late Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol and head coach Derek Fisher.

In the restart in Orlando, FL three years back, the Nuggets led by Jokic, Murray, and Coach Malone got their first chance to reach The Finals. But LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and then head coach Frank Vogel took them down in the 2020 West Finals 4-1.

Three years later as mentioned, those Nuggets grew up and took down James and Davis led Lakers 4-0 ending their 2022-23 season on their home court.

The Nuggets enter 2023-24 as reigning NBA champions. But champions that are hungry and focused to win a second straight title and begin their march towards the NBA’s next dynasty.

“To win you have to have talent. To repeat, you have to have character,” Coach Malone said at Media Day quoting the legendary John Wooden on what it will take for his team to repeat as NBA champions in 2023-24.

“So, year we have talent, you know? But are we going to be thinking about last season. Because in my eyes last season’s over. We have a new responsibility. And if we’re serious about being a team that can repeat. If we’re serious about trying to be a team that can be a dynasty, we have to bring our best every single day.”

“So, I don’t want to talk live in the past. I want to live for today. I want to live for tomorrow, and that’s going to take a lot of hard work and hopefully our guys are up for that.”

Best Case Scenario: The Nuggets finish as the No. 1 Seed in the West or in the Top 3. Jokic is a serious contender for his third Kia MVP. Murray is a first-time All-Star. Porter, Jr. takes another step in being the third best player on the Nuggets. The Nuggets have an even more potent offense and a more complete defense. They are back in The Finals and win a second straight title.

Worst Case Scenario: The Nuggets fail to get back to the Western Conference Finals. 

Grade: A-

Golden State Warriors: 44-38; 4^th Pacific Division; (No. 6 Seed West); 33-8 at home; 11-30 on the road; Defeated the No. 3 Seeded Denver Nuggets 4-3 in West Quarterfinals; Lost to the No. 6 Seeded Los Angeles 4-2 West Semifinals.

-118.9 ppg-2^nd; opp. ppg: 117.1-21^st; 44.6 rpg-8^th  

After a two-year hiatus from the postseason, the Golden State Warriors put their best foot forward the previous season and won their fourth title in the last eight seasons. Injuries, inconsistent play on both ends, particularly defensively and one bad moment at the start of last season put the Warriors behind the eight ball and while they did recover and took down their California rivals in the opening-round of 2023 Playoffs, they were outmatched by the boys from the “Hollywood” and saw their championship reign conclude last season. With the addition of a Hall of Fame floor general. A renewed sense of urgency; a more connected locker room, and the addition of a future Hall of Fame lead guard, the plan for the Warriors is to represent the West in “The Finals” again and win title No. 5.  

Back on Oct. 5, 20222 during a team practice, then teammates Draymond Green and Jordan Poole got into an altercation that resulted in Green punching Poole in the face, which became public because it was on camera by TMZ Sports.

The so-called heart-and-soul, and emotional leader of the five-time NBA champions publicly apologized a few days later and announced that he was stepping away from the Warriors for a few days. While the Warriors fined Green for the altercation, he was not suspended by them or the NBA.

That in incident however seemed to divide the always and often connected tough as nails Warriors from the start of 2022-23.

Head Coach Steve Kerr’s squad spent much of last season hovering at or around the .500 mark, being as low as four games under .500 in early November 2022 (3-7 record) and as high as four games above .500 late into 2022-23 (41-37).

Following a three-game losing streak (Mar. 15-18, 2023) that had them at. .500 (36-36) and in real danger of being in the West Play-In Tournament to make the Playoffs, the Warriors won eight of their final 10 games, bookending that finish with two separate three-game winning streaks (Mar. 20-24, 2023 & Apr. 4-9, 2023) to claim the No. 6 and final guaranteed Playoff spot in the rugged Western Conference.

The saving grace for the Warriors last season was their glamorous 33-8 home mark at Chase Center, the third best home record in “The Association” in 2022-23. The began 2022-23 with a 11-1 mark that consisted of a 10-game home winning streak. They were 17-3 their first 20 home games. Following a home defeat (112-104) Dec. 5, 2022 versus the Pacers, the Warriors won six in a row at home (Dec. 10-Jan. 2, 2023). A home loss to the eventual Draft Lottery bound Pistons (122-119) on Jan. 4 began a four-game skid (Jan. 4-22, 2023) at home suffering defeats to the Magic (115-101), Suns (125-113), and Nets (120-116). That was followed by a four-game home winning streak as part of an 8-1 mark their next nine games (Jan. 25-Feb. 28, 2023) at Chase Center, with the only defeat coming Feb. 11 versus the Lakers (124-111 ABC).

The Warriors went 11-1 their final 12, 16-2 their final 18, and 20-6 their final 26 games at Chase Center in 2022-23.

The real disconnect for the Warriors came away from the comfy confides of Chase Center where only the aforementioned lottery bound Pistons, Spurs, and Rockets had few road wins at eight (8-33 record respectably) than the mere 11 road wins the Warriors registered in 2022-23.

The then defending champs lost their first eight games away from home in 2022-23 and were just 1-11 their first 12 road games.

Following their first road victory of 2022-23 at the Rockets (127-120) Nov. 20, 2022, the Warriors were 2-8 their next 10 road games, with the two loan victories coming Nov. 27, 2022 at the Timberwolves (137-114) and Dec. 18, 2022 at the Raptors (126-110) to be 3-16 their first 19 road games of 2022-23.

That 2-8 mark in those 10 road games included back-to-back rough performances with a 132-94 loss on national television Dec. 20, 2022 at the Knicks (TNT) followed by a 143-113 defeat a little over 24 hours later at the Nets (NBATV).

A 3-2 mark during a five-game road trip (Jan. 13-20, 2023) as part of a 4-4 mark their next eight road games (Jan. 13-Feb. 2, 2023) capped by a 134-117 loss at the eventual NBA champion Nuggets improved the Warriors to a 7-20 mark on the road.

The prior loss at the Timberwolves (119-114) in overtime on Feb. 1 followed by the loss at the Nuggets the next evening was the start of an 11-game road losing streak (Feb 1-Mar. 18, 2023) that had the Warriors at 7-29 on the road.

The Warriors as part of their 8-2 close to 2022-23, the Warriors went 4-1 on the road where they had a resounding win (119-97) Apr. 7 at the eventual Pacific Division champion Kings and a thrashing victory (157-101) in the regular-season finale Apr. 9 at the Trail Blazers, finishing 8-15 their final 23 road games of 2022-23.

The Warriors became the first team since the 1991-92 Heat (10-31 on the road) to register 30 road defeats in a season and still make the Playoffs.

                                                                                                Record          Win%
Worst Road Win%    Philadelphia Warriors  1956-57       5-25               .167      
For A Season After    Chicago Bulls               *1998-99       5-20               .200
Winning Title In        Golden State Warriors  2022-23     11-30               .268
NBA History              Syracuse National          1955-56       9-19               .321
                                    Boston Celtics                 1969-70     13-27               .325
                                                                                            Home     Road    Differential
Largest Home/     Detroit Pistons               1949-50         .794        .147           .647
Road Win%         Denver Nuggets             1987-88         .854        .220           .634
Differential In      Chicago Bulls                 2001-02         .659        .073           .586
NBA History        Golden State Warriors  2022-23         .805        .268           .537

Dating back to the 2021-22 campaign, the Warriors through Dec. 25, 2021 were 27-6, an 11-1 mark on the road. After Christmas Day 2021 they had a 26-22 mark, including an 11-5 mark away from Chase Center.

Last season following their win on Christmas (123-109) versus the Grizzlies (ABC), the Warriors had a 16-18 mark and were 3-16 on the road.

One specific reason the Warriors were so up-and-down a season ago, more down on the road is because they were not playing at a high level defensively as they did during their championship seasons (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022).

While they were No. 9 in opponent’s field goal percentage (46.8%) and fastbreak points allowed (13.3), the Warriors were No. 18 in opponent’s three-point percentage (36.4%), 14^th in opponent’s paint points (49.8). They were only No. 14 in steals (7.2) and No. 25^th in block shots (4.0).  

At home compared to on the road, the Warriors allowed 111.6 points, compared to allowing 121.5 points on the road.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I see this coming,” Coach Kerr said back in late March about the Warriors inability to consistently win away from Chase Center.

That lack of defense is in large part to Green’s inability to be the emotional no-nonsense, here is how I feel leader because a lot of the Warriors not named Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevon Looney are used to that and use it as a way to focus and get better.

That put the presser on the Warriors to deliver night-in and night-out at the offensive end, which looked brilliant at times. Just like they did during their title seasons.

While they were No. 12 in overall field goal percentage (47.9%), the Warriors were No. 2 in three-point percentage in the NBA in 2022-23 (38.5%), leading “The Association” in threes made (16.6) and three attempted (43.2). When they did create turnovers (14.3-13^th NBA), the Warriors scored 17.6 points off their opponent’s miscues, which was No. 10 in the NBA in 2022-23.

In their 120-101 victory Dec. 3, 2022 versus the Rockets, the Warriors were 25/52 from three-point range. Their 25 made triples was the third most in a regular season game in their history and tied the fourth most made threes by a team in NBA history. They also joined the Jazz (Nov. 27-Dec. 8, 2021) as the second team in NBA history to make at least 20 triples in a stretch of four out of five games.

The Warriors were 34-20 last season when they made 15 or more threes in a game, including 15-4 when they made 20 or more triples.

Since the arrival of Coach Kerr in 2014-15, the Warriors have had all 30 of their games in their history making 20 or more triples, going 25-5 in those contest.  

The three-point parade was led as usual by the All-Star duo of Stephen Curry (29.4 ppg, 6.3 apg, 6.1 rpg, 49.3 FG%, 42.7 3-Pt.%) and Klay Thompson (21.9 ppg, 43.6 FG%, 41.2 3-Pt.%).

Curry despite missing 26 games last season, which included being on the shelf for 11 straight games (Dec. 16, 2022-Jan. 7, 2023) due to a partially dislocated left shoulder sustained in third quarter of the Warriors 125-119 loss Dec. 14, 2022 at the Pacers, with the Warriors going 6-5 without the nine-time All-Star.

The reigning Finals MVP and two-time Kia MVP also missed 11 straight games (Feb. 6-Mar. 3, 2023) due to a left leg injury suffered in the Warriors’ win (119-113) Feb. 4 versus the Mavericks (ABC). They went 30-26 with Curry and 14-12 without him in the lineup in 2022-23.

The reigning Western Conference Finals MVP had another stellar season despite the missed games making over 200 total threes for the third straight season and for the 10^th time out of the last 11 seasons. He shot 45 percent or better from the floor and 42 percent from three-point range (273/369 3-Pt.) for the 11^th time in the last 14 seasons.

Curry led “The Association” with an average of 4.9 threes made as well as 11.4 three attempted per contest in 2022-23. He has made at least one three in 244 consecutive games.  

Curry had five of his NBA-record 74 games with eight-plus made threes in 2022-23.

In the Warriors 137-128 defeat Mar. 7 at the Thunder, Curry had 40 points with seven assists, and six rebounds on 14/23 from the field, including 10/16 from three.

Most Double-Digit Games    Stephen Curry  (GS)    39
With 9-Plus Made Three-    Damian Lillard (POR) 13
Pointers In NBA History     Klay Thompson (GS)   12

The now nine-time All-NBA selection, which included his fourth selection on Second Team in 2022-23 averaged 25/5/5 (points/rebounds/assists) for the third straight season; for the fifth time in the last six seasons and for the sixth season in his 14-year career. Curry, 35 became the oldest player in NBA history to average 29/6/6 (points/rebounds/assists) for a single-season.

Double-Digit Double-                       2009-10: 12   2014-15: 23  2022-23: 12 
Doubles By Stephen Curry              2012-13: 15   2015-16: 15
                                                            2013-14: 28   2021-22: 12
                                                           
                                                                              FT ATT.             FT% 
Season Of Averaging                        2015-16         5.1                  90.8%  
Five Or More Free Throw               2017-18         5.9                  92.1%
Attempts By Stephen Curry            2020-21         6.3                  91.6%
                                                            2022-23         5.0                  91.5%

The first son of former NBA sharp-shooter and color television analyst for the Hornets Dell Curry had 28 30-plus point games in 2022-23, registering 20-plus such games for the fourth straight season and for the fifth time in his career. He registered six 40-plus point games, registering five or more such games for the in six out of the last seven seasons. He also had three 50-point games, the third season of his career registering two or more such games (2015-16 & 2020-21), registering at least one 50-plus point performance in seven out of the last 10 seasons.

Fellow “Splash Brother” in Thompson who after battling back from a torn left ACL and an Achilles averaged 20-plus points for the seventh straight season, while shooting 40-plus percent from three-point range (301/731 3-Pt.) for the ninth time in his 12-year career.

Most Total Made           Klay Thompson (GS)        301      Jayson Tatum (BOS)           240
Three-Pointers NBA     Buddy Hield (IND)            288     Malik Beasley (UTA/LAL)  235
In 2022-23                      Stephen Curry (GS)          273     Julius Randle (NYK)            218
                                        Donovan Mitchell (CLE)  245     Jordan Poole  (GS)               214
                                        Damian Lillard (POR)      244     Anthony Edwards (MIN)    213

Most Games With         Stephen Curry (GS)    29        Damian Lillard (POR)      24
5-Plus Made Threes      Klay Thompson (GS)  29       Donovan Mitchell (CLE)  22
In NBA In 2022-23        Buddy Hield (IND)      27   

Curry and Thompson had respectably their 10^th and eighth seasons with 200-plus total made threes, that is ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respectably in NBA history.

                   Most Seasons With 200-Plus Made Threes In NBA History                        
Stephen Curry  (GS)    10   Buddy Hield (IND)            5   Duncan Robinson (MIA) 3
Damian Lillard (POR)   8  *Ray Allen                           5   Eric Gordon (LAC)         3
Klay Thompson (GS)     8   JJ Redick                            4
James Harden (PHI)      6  Tim Hardaway, Jr. (DAL) 3

Thompson’s 4.2 made threes per contest in 2022-23 ranked second in the NBA behind Curry. His 10.6 threes were tied with the fellow All-Star LaMelo Ball of the Hornets, trailing only the 11.3 triple tries by Trail Blazers’ perennial All-Star Damian Lillard and the aforementioned 11.4 triple tries by Curry.

Thompson closed 2022-23 making five-plus triples in the final seven games, the longest such streak in the league and the longest of his career.

Klay Thompson         Oct.-Dec. 2022: 19.1 PPG, 40 FG%, 38 3-PT.%
In 2022-23                  Jan.-Apr. 2023: 23.9 PPG, 46 FG%, 43 3-PT.%

Thompson had the two highest scoring months of his career with 27 points per contest in January and 25.5 points in February, tied for the third highest scoring month of his career.

Highest Scoring Months            Jan. 2023: 27.0  Feb. 2023: 25.5  Dec. 2015: 25.3
Of Klay Thompson’s Career     Jan. 2015: 25.9  Feb. 2017: 25.5

In the 26 games Curry missed in 2022-23: Thompson averaged 26.3 points and 4.7 boards on 45.2 percent from the floor and 42.6 percent from three.

The five-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Third Team selection had 38 games scoring 20 or more, the eighth time in the last 10 seasons he has registered that many games scoring 20 or more. He had 11 games scoring 30 or more in 2022-23, which was the third season of his career registering double-digit games with 30 points or more (17 in 2015-16 and 12 in 2018-19). Thompson has registered at least five games scoring at least 30 in seven out of the past nine seasons.

The son of two-time NBA champion with the Lakers in the late 1980s Mychal Thompson had four 40-plus point games last season, which tied a career-high (2014-15 & 2015-16) and it was the fifth season of his career where he had at least two games scoring 40 points or more.

In the Warriors 143-141 victory in double-overtime Jan. 2 versus the Hawks, Thompson had a season-high 54 points with eight rebounds on 21/39 from the field and 10/21 from three-point range. This was the second of Thompson’s league-leading four games with 10-plus made threes. That includes two of his NBA-record three career games with 12-plus made threes, with an NBA-record 14 made threes on Oct. 29, 2018 at the Bulls where Thompson scored 52 points on 18/29 shooting, including 14/24 from three.                    

He had 41 points on 14/23 from the field and 10/13 from three in the Warriors aforementioned win versus the Rockets in late March. In the 141-114 blowout victory Feb. 6 versus the Thunder by the Warriors, Thompson had 42 points on 15/22 shooting and 12/16 from three. In the Warriors other dominant win (126-101) Feb. 24 versus the Rockets, Thompson had 42 points with seven rebounds on 12/17 from three.

Most Double-Digit Games   Stephen Curry  (GS)      74  James Harden (PHI) 21
With 8-Plus Made Threes   Damian Lillard  (POR)  29  JR Smith 14                   
In NBA History                    Klay Thompson (GS)     23

The 2012 All-Rookie First Teamer had his first of two double-doubles in 2022-23 when he registered 19 points with 11 boards and two steals on 7/16 shooting, including three made triples in the Warriors 115-91 victory Mar. 2 versus the Clippers (TNT).

His second double-double of last season and sixth of his career came in the Warriors 127-119 setback Mar. 17 at the Hawks with 15 points and 11 rebounds with five assists, three steals and two block shots.

When the Warriors won it all the previous spring, one player that played a major role in that success was Andrew Wiggins (171 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 47.3 FG%, 39.6 3-Pt.%).

The No. 1 overall pick in 2014 by the Timberwolves missed 45 games, including the final 25 games to attend to a family matter while also getting back into proper condition. Wiggins also missed 15 straight games (Dec. 5, 2022-Jan. 7, 2023) with a strained muscle in his right upper leg.

When Wiggins did play last season, the 2022 All-Star had three of his 19 career double-doubles, tied career-high for single-season (2018-19 w/Timberwolves & 2020-21). He had 14 20-point games last season, a career-low compared to registering 20-plus such games in his first eight seasons. That included two 30-plus point games in 2022-23, doing so for the third straight season, and has registered at least two such games in eight out of his first nine seasons.

Green (8.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 6.8 apg, 52.7 FG%) last season following the previously mentioned punching incident in October 2022 had the lowest scoring average of his career since 2017-18 (7.4 ppg). He did average seven-plus boards for the ninth straight season and six-plus assists for the eighth straight season.

Double-Digit Double-     2014-15: 18    2017-18: 23
Doubles By Season By    2015-16: 33    2020-21: 17
Draymond Green            2016-17: 17    2022-23: 11

The now eight-time NBA All-Defensive selection, the most in Warriors’ history registered 14 games with double-digit double-doubles in 2022-23, the Warriors went 11-3 when that occurred. That included a 4-2 mark when the four-time All-Star and Kia Defensive Player of the Year registered a point and assist double-double.

In the Warriors 123-109 win on Christmas Day 2022 versus the Warriors (ABC), Green had just three points but 13 rebounds, and 13 assists in 35 minutes. In the previously mentioned double-overtime win versus Hawks, Green had 13 points and 11 assists with three blocks and two steals.

This was the first season since 2018-19 that the 11-year veteran No. 35 overall pick in 2012 out of Michigan State did not register a triple-double.

Behind Green’s facilitating a season ago, the Warriors led the NBA in assists at 29.8. It was the seven time since 2014-15, Coach Kerr’s first season, that the boys from the “Bay Area” have led the NBA in assists per game.

They were 18-12 when they registered 25 assists or more. Weent 23-7 when the registered 30 or more assists.

Under Coach Kerr, the Warriors have had 15 of their 30 games with 40 plus assists in their regular season history. The Warriors have gone 15-0 in those contest under Coach Kerr, including a 4-0 mark in 2014-15.

The Warriors registered 40 assists on their 50 made field goals (50/90 FGs) in their 129-117 triumph Jan. 27, 2023 versus the Raptors. They shot 55.6 percent from the floor that contest, going 18/43 from three and had only 12 turnovers. Curry led the Warriors with 35 points and 11 assists with seven rebounds on 13/21 from the floor and 4/8 from three in 39 minutes.

In their prior mentioned 141-114 thrashing win in early February versus the Thunder, the Warriors had 43 assists on 56 made baskets (56/97 FGs), shooting 57.7 percent from the field, and going 26/50 from three overcoming 16 turnovers. Poole had a double-double with 21 points and a career-high of 12 assists on 8/14 from the field and 5/10 from three.

When they won versus the Wizards 135-126 on Feb. 13, the Warriors had 40 assists again on 52 made shots (52/89 FGs), shooting 58.4 percent from the floor and 20/40 from three and just 15 turnovers.  

In their previously mentioned regular-season finale victory (157-101) at the Trail Blazers on Apr. 9, the Warriors registered a franchise record 47 assists on 58 made field goals (58/96 FGs).

They scored an NBA-record 55 points in the first quarter to lead 55-27 after the first period. They shot 60.4 percent for the contest, hitting a single-game franchise record of 27 triples, going 27/49 from three.  

When the Warriors won it all in 2022, center Kevon Looney (7.0 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 63.0 FG%) was a very important part of that run and his contributions this past season, where he registered career-highs across the board, including 14 double-doubles, up from his six total career double-doubles entering 2022-23, with five of them coming in 2021-22.

Double-Digit Scoring            2016-17:   2   2019-20:   2   2022-23: 25
Games By Season By            2017-18:   5   2020-21:   3
Kevon Looney                       2018-19: 16   2021-22: 14

10-Plus Rebound                   2017-18: 1      2021-22: 14
Games By Season                  2018-19: 6      2022-23: 35
By Kevon Looney                  2020-21: 8

Only the Nets Mikal Bridges (392) has a longer streak of consecutive games played than Looney (192), who has played in all 82 games the last two seasons.

Back in 2020, the Warriors tried the strategy of incorporating youngsters into their championship core in an attempt to a core that can win now and in the future.

Those players they drafted consisted of center James Wiseman, forward Jonathan Kuminga, and guards in Moses Moody and Poole.

Injuries and the fact the Warriors did not have the time or the patience to develop Wiseman, they cut their losses about midway through last season and dealt the No. 2 overall pick out of Memphis University in a four-team deal with the Pistons, Hawks, and Trail Blazers to the Pistons and re-acquired guard Gary Payton II from the Trail Blazers along with 2026 and 2028 Second-Round picks from the Hawks. They also in the deal sent to the Hawks their 2028 Second-Round pick.

The Warriors thought the return of the son of Hall of Famer Gary Payton, Sr. was supposed improve the Warriors’ defense to a level that it was when they won the title in 2022.

Unfortunately, Payton II missed the 2022 portion of 2022-23 because of muscle core surgery. He played 15 games with the boys from “Rip City” before he was dealt to the Warriors and did not play until Mar. 26 versus the Timberwolves (99-96 loss) returning from 19-game absence due to right adductor soreness.

Kuminga (9.9 ppg, 52.5 FG%, 37.0 3-Pt.%) in his second season showed signs of improvement the final four months of 2022-23.

In March, the No. 7 overall pick in 2021 from the NBA G League Ignite shot 15/24 from three-point range, including going 9/20 from three the final eight games of the month. He also registered three of his five 20-plus point games in 2022-23 in March.

In the Warriors aforementioned defeat in early March at the Thunder, Kuminga had 21 points with two steals on 8/11 shooting in 28 minutes. He registered a season-high tying 24 points and eight rebounds on 8/16 shooting and 4/7 from three in 30 minutes in the Warriors 133-119 loss at the Grizzlies (NBATV). Four days later, Kuminga had 22 points with two steals on 9/11 from the floor in the Warriors previously mentioned victory at the Mavericks in late March.

Jonathan Kuminga   Pre-All-Star Break: 8.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 49.5 FG%, 33.3 3-PT.%
In 2022-23                  Post All-Star Break: 13.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 57.2 FG%, 44 3-PT.%

Jonathan Kuminga Final     January:   12.4 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 59.5 FG%, 58.3 3-PT.%
Four Months 2022-23           February: 10.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 49.5 FG%, 36.7 3-PT.%
                                                March:      14.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 59.5 FG%, 44.1 3-PT.%
                                                April:        12.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 58.6 FG%, 62.5 3-PT.%

The start of their back-to-back title quest on the road for the fourth time under Coach Kerr, the Warriors began their quest for a second straight title with a 126-123 setback in Game 1 of First Round at the Kings Apr. 25 (ABC).

The Warriors led by as many as seven in the opening half and led 61-55 at the half. They were up by as many as 10 early in the third quarter but were outscored by the Kings 91-90 after three quarters getting outscored 15-4 to close the period.

A corner three by Curry put the Warriors up 114-112 with about four minutes left. The Kings responded with seven straight points to lead 119-114 with 3:08 left. Curry made a three to pull the Warriors with 123-121 with 1:19 left and scored on a driving layup to pull the Warriors within 124-123 with 47.2 seconds left.  

With a chance to force overtime, Curry missed the game-tying triple in the final seconds.

Curry in defeat led the way with 30 points and six boards on 11/20 shooting, including 6/14 from three. Thompson had 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists on just 8/19 shooting and 5/14 from three.

Wiggins in his first game back after missing the final 25 games of regular season due to personal reasons had 17 points and four blocks on 7/16 shooting but was just 1/8 from three in 28 minutes off the bench.

Warriors shot 47.8 percent from the floor (43/90 FGs) but were just 16/50 from three. Were outrebounded by the Kings 50-41, including 17-9 on the offensive glass with 31 assists on 43 made shots, and outscored the Kings 60-44 in the paint. But had 15 turnovers that led to 16 Kings points.

The Warriors led after the first in Game 2 but were outscored 97-83 the final three quarters to fall 114-106 two nights later (TNT), to trail a postseason series 2-0 for the first time under Coach Kerr and for the first time since 2007 West Semis against the Jazz.

The Warriors are also down 0-2 in a series for the first time in Curry era and Coach Kerr era as their three-game winning streak in recent Game 2s was snapped.

Most Consecutive Playoff Series    Warriors 2013-22: 27  Heat 2011-20:     22
Not Trailing 0-2 In NBA History    Celtics 1956-67: 23      Lakers 1984-89:  22 

They led the Kings 23-17 after the first quarter, where they led by as many as seven. But were outscored 41-29 in the second quarter where they were down by as many as 10 and trailed 58-52 at intermission. The Warriors did rally from a 14-point deficit in the third and tied it 93-93 on a 14-6 run capped by a three by Payton II. The Warriors were outscored 21-13 the rest of the way.

The Warriors for only the eighth time under Coach Kerr allowed at least 40 points in a quarter of a Playoff game.

While Curry led the way again with 28 points and six assists, he was just 9/21 from the field and 3/13 from three, while going 7/8 at the foul line. Wiggins scored 22 on 9/19 from the floor but was just 2/8 on his triple tries. Thompson had 21 points and five boards going 5/10 from three. Payton II had 13 points, six rebounds and two steals.

The Warriors in the defeat shot 47.6 percent from the floor (39/82 FGs) but were just 13/40 from three and had just 18 assists compared to 22 turnovers that led to 25 Kings points. Were outscored 54-40 in the paint and 17-12 in fastbreak points.

Green was ejected with 7:03 left for a Flagrant 2 Foul for stomping on the chest of Kings’ All-Star center Domantas Sabonis, who was called for a technical foul for grabbing Green’s leg.

I was second postseason ejection in Green’s career and the Warriors were outscored 23-8 in the final 7:03 without following Green’s ejection.     

The Warriors got back into the series with a wire-to-wire 114-97 victory in Game 3 versus the Kings Apr. 20 (TNT) to cut their series deficit to 2-1.

They led by as many as 23 and while they shot just 40 percent from the field (40/100 FGs) and 16/50 from three, they outrebounded the Kings 59-53, including 18-13 on the offensive glass, while outscoring their visitors 40-38 in the paint and 24-12 in second chance points (got outscored in second chance points 21-17 in Game 1 & 20-11 in Game 2). The Warriors also scored 22 points off 15 Kings turnovers, with 12 of those 15 miscues coming on steals.

Curry had 26 points, six boards and two steals on 12/25 from the floor and 6/12 from three.  Wiggins had 20 points and seven boards on 8/16 shooting, including 3/6 from three. Thompson, who shot just 5/15 from the floor and 3/10 from three and Moody each scored 13.

Curry with his 53 career 30-point game tied Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion Hakeem Olajuwon for No. 10 on the NBA’s all-time list of 30-point games in postseason history.

Looney had four points, 20 rebounds, with 11 of those 20 boards on the offensive side and nine assists. The Warriors were a perfect 9/9 shooting on those nine assists by Looney.

Green was suspended for Game 3 by the NBA for his Flagrant 2 foul on Sabonis in the fourth quarter of Game 2.

The Warriors had their emotional leader back for Game 4 and they needed everything he could provide alongside his teammates as the Warriors evened the series at 2-2 winning  126-125 Apr. 23 (ABC) in their first one-point win all season.

After leading by as many as seven in the first period and led 34-32 after the opening period, the Warriors were outscored by the Kings 37-34 in the second quarter to trail 69-65 at the half. The Warriors outscored the Kings 37-23 in the third quarter to lead 102-92 after three quarters. The Warriors deficit was closed to 102-99 in the early part of the fourth quarter and leading 126-121 with 42.4 seconds left, Curry called a timeout, which the Warriors did not have and led to a technical foul free throw made by the Kings that cut the deficit to 126-122 with 42.1 seconds left. The Kings moments later hit a three that cut the Warriors lead to 126-125 with 28.7 seconds left. The Warriors did manage to escape as the Kings with a chance to win it in the final seconds, former Warrior Harrison Barnes’ triple hit the back of the rim.

Curry had 32 points and five assists on 11/22 shooting and 5/11 from three. Thompson had 26 points on 9/15 from the field and 4/9 on his threes. Wiggins added 18 points, eight boards and four more blocks. Green in his return from a league suspension had a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds with seven assists and two steals in his first postseason game off the bench since Game 3 of 2014 First-Round versus the Clippers. Looney added eight points, 14 rebounds and six assists. 

This was the 49^th time in their postseason careers Curry and Thompson scored at least 20 points each in the same Playoff game.  

Curry’s 126 total points in the first four games of 2023 Playoffs are his most to start a postseason since 2015.

Most Points Through The First Four Postseason Games Age 35 Or Older NBA History
                                                      Points       Season       Team
*Michael Jordan                           144           1998          CHI
*Kareem Abdul-Jabbar               133           1983          LAL
Stephen Curry (GS)                      126           2023           GS
*Karl Malone                                126           2000          UTA
*Reggie Miller                               125           2001          IND

The Warriors took the lead for the first time in the series, winning Game 5 123-116 at the Kings Apr. 26 (TNT) to go up 3-2.

The Warriors winning at the Kings won a Playoff game on the road for the 28^th straight series, adding to their NBA record.

The Warriors overcame a 10-point deficit in the first quarter using a 12-0 run to close the second quarter, outscoring the Kings 27-20 in the second quarter to lead 60-56 at the half and led virtually the entire second half up by as many as 12 in the fourth quarter. A turnaround jumper by Wiggins and a three-point play by Curry with 22.1 seconds left held off a Kings rally.

Curry had 31 points and eight assists on 12/25 shooting but was just 2/10 from three. Thompson had 25 points on 10/19 shooting, including 5/11 from three. Green had 21 points, seven assists, and four steals on 8/10 shooting. Wiggins scored 20 with two steals, and two blocks on 9/16 from the floor. Looney had four points, 22 boards and seven assists.

Curry scored 30-plus points for the third straight and in four of the first five games of the series and passed Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson into No. 5 on the league’s all-time postseason scoring list at 3,727 and counting.

Most Points In A Team’s First Five Games Of Postseason Age 35 Or Older In NBA History
                                                  Points     Year    Team
*Michael Jordan                       166        1998     CHI
  Stephen Curry (GS)                157        2023      GS
*Kareem Abdul-Jabbar           154        1983     LAL

Green’s 25 points in Game 5, his most in a game (regular season or Playoffs) since scoring 25 points Mar. 17, 2018 against the Suns.

Looney became the first player to register two games with at least 20 rebounds in the same postseason series since Hall of Famer Nate Thurmond did it in 1972 West Semis against the Bucks.

The Warriors shot 52.1 percent from the field (50/96 FGs) in Game 5 with 33 assists on 50 made shots. Outscored the Warriors 60-56 in the paint and 18-16 in second chance points. Had seven blocks and turned 19 Kings turnovers (GS 11 steals) into 19 points.

With a chance to close the door on the Kings, the Warriors were blown out by the Kings at home 118-99 in Game 6 Apr. 28 (ESPN) to knot the series 3-3.

After leading 25-23 after the first quarter, the Warriors were outscored 95-74 the final three quarters, including 28-19 in the fourth quarter, where they cut a once 19-point deficit behind a 19-10 run down to 99-89 with 9:28 left but did not get any closer.

The Warriors shot a season-low 37.2 percent from the field (32/86 FGs), including 10/32 from three and 25/35 at the charity stripe. Had just 20 assists compared to 18 turnovers that led to 23 Kings points. Were outrebounded by the Kings 53-42 and 18-11 on the offensive glass. Got outscored by the Kings 44-36 in the paint; 18-9 in fastbreak points; 52-21 in bench points; 18-8 in second chance points.

The Warriors were held under 100 points for just the fourth time all season, including just the second time at home.

Warriors In   Stephen Curry/Klay Thompson Combined For 51 Points On 17/41 FGs
Game 6           And 7/21 3-PT.

                        Rest Of The Team 48 Combined Points On 15/45 FGs And 3/11 3-PT.

Warriors 19-point loss in Game 6 versus the Kings was their largest margin of defeat in a series clincher in their postseason history.

Largest Road Wins Over Warriors In Postseason Since In Head Coach Steve Kerr Era
19 Game 6 2023 First Round Versus Kings
15 Game 5 2016 NBA Finals Versus Cavaliers
14 Game 3 2019 NBA Finals Versus Raptors

The Warriors used their championship experience to close out the Kings on their home floor with a 120-100 triumph in Game 7 120-100 Apr. 30 (ABC) to win the series 4-3.

For the first time in their postseason history, the Warriors won a Playoff series after trailing a best-of-seven series 0-2. They improved to 23-11 in closeout games since 2015, including 11-4 in series clinching games under Coach Kerr. They also won their first Game 7 since 2018 West Finals (101-92) at the Rockets in playing just their fourth Game 7 under Coach Kerr. 

Down by as many as six and 58-56 at intermission, the Warriors outscored the Kings 64-42 in the second half.  

While they shot just 43 percent in the victory (43/100 FGs); 15/46 from three and 19/30 from the charity stripe, the Warriors outrebounded the Kings 55-49, including 18-14 on the offensive glass, outscoring them 42-36 in the paint and 24-16 in second chance points and committing just seven turnovers.

Curry led the way with a Playoff career-high 50 points, six assists and eight rebounds on 20/38 from the floor and 7/18 from three. Despite going 5/16 from the floor and 6/10 from the foul line, Wiggins scored 17 points and seven boards. Thompson overcame 4/19 shooting performance, including 2/10 from three had 16 points on 6/8 at the foul line.

Stephen Curry           1^st  Half: 20 Points 8/15 FGs, 4/9 3-PT.
Game 7 At Kings       2^nd Half: 30 Points 12/23 FGs, 3/9 3-PT.

                                      Stephen Curry In Game 7 At The Kings                                                 
Set NBA Record For Points In Game 7 In NBA Playoff History With 50 Points
13^th Career 50-Point Game: First Of His Postseason Career
Scored 14 Points In 3^rd Quarter; Scored 16 Points In Fourth Quarter
Joined Hall Of Famer Karl Malone As Just Second Player Age 35 Or Older With A 50-Point In NBA Playoff History
First Player With 50 Points and Zero To One Turnovers In A Series-Clinching Win Since Turnovers Became An Official Stat In 1977-78
His Seven Made Triples, Surpassed Hall Of Famer Ray Allen For Most Made Threes In Game 7 NBA Playoff History

Curry’s 34 total made threes for the series are the third most in a Playoff series in NBA history. 

                    Most Points In Game 7 NBA Playoff History  *Hall Of Famer                                
                                                                                     Date      Points       Opp       Team  Result  
Stephen Curry (GS)     East First Round            4/30/2023     50          SAC         GS     Win
Kevin Durant (PHX)    East Semifinals               6/19/2021     48         MIL        BKN   Loss
*Sam Jones                   East Divisional Finals     4/10/1963     47         CIN        BOS    Win
*Dominique Wilkins    East Semifinals                5/22/1988     47        BOS        ATL    Loss
Luka Doncic (DAL)     West First Round             6/6/2021      46        LAC        DAL   Loss
Kevin Johnson             West Semifinals               5/20/1995      45        HOU       PHX    Loss
LeBron James (LAL)  East Semis                       5/18/2008      45        BOS        CLE    Loss
                                                                                4/29/2018      45        IND         CLE    Win

Looney 106 total rebounds in the series, including 37 total offensive rebounds, totaling double-digit boards the final five games of the series. His three games with 20 or more rebounds in the series became the first to do that for since Dwight Howard in 2008 with Magic and the third player to do that in Warriors franchise postseason history, joining Hall of Famers in the late Wilt Chamberlin and the aforementioned Thurmond. Looney’s three games with 20-plus boards in the series, most in a series since 1976-77 NBA/ABA merger.

The good vibes of taking down the Kings concluded for the Warriors as they come back from an early deficit came up short as they dropped Game 1 of the West Semis 117-112 versus the Lakers May 2 (TNT). 

Overcoming an early 14-point deficit to only be down 65-64 at the half, the Warriors were outscored 31-24 in the third quarter to be down 96-88 after three quarters. Trailing 112-98 with 5:58 left, the Warriors went on a 14-0 run that was capped by a Curry triple to even things up at 112-112 with 1:38 left.

With a chance to tie down 115-112, Poole’s missed a three with 09.1 seconds left and the loss was sealed by a pair of Lakers free throws.

The loss a special night by the Warriors where Curry, Thompson, and Poole became the first trio in NBA Playoff history to each make six three-pointers in a game.

Curry had 27 points and six boards on 10/24 from the field and 6/13 from three. While he shot 9/25 overall from the floor, Thompson had 25 points going 6/16 from three. Poole had 21 points on 7/15 shooting and 6/11 from three. Wiggins had 15 points and six rebounds. Looney had a double-double of 10 points and a career-high 23 rebounds with five assists.

Curry had 14 points on 5/10 from the floor, including 3/5 from three in the fourth quarter of Game 1, bringing his total to 95 points scored in the final period so far in 2023 Playoffs, which was 33 more than any other player during this postseason.

Looney registered his sixth straight double-digit rebounding performance, which includes four 20-plus rebounding contest, the first to do that since Dwight Howard did it in 2009 with the Magic.  

While the Warriors shot just 40.6 percent overall from the field (43/106 FGs), they went 21/53 from three-point range, including making a franchise-playoff record 13 threes in the opening half, registering 30 assists on their 43 made field goals and had just eight turnovers.

Their 106 field goal attempts in Game 1 was their most in a Playoff game that was decided in regulation since 1990, and it was their most field goal attempts since Game 1 of 2017 NBA Finals against the Cavaliers.

They were however outscored by the Lakers 54-28 in the paint; were outrebounded 53-49 and outshot at the charity stripe in terms of attempts 29-6.

Their 21-6 edge in made threes in Game 1 over the Lakers was the first time in NBA Playoff history one squad made 15 more threes than their opponent and the opposition made 20 more free throws. Lakers were 25/29 at the charity stripe while the Warriors were 5/6 at the line in Game 1.

It was the Warriors first loss all-time (regular season or postseason) when they made at least 15 more threes than their opponent.

The Warriors flipped the script two nights later (ESPN) with a dominant second and third quarters in their 127-100 victory in Game 2 to even the series 1-1.

Down 33-26 after the opening period, they led from late in the second quarter on outscoring the Lakers 41-23 in the second quarter to lead 67-56 at the half in 43-24 in the third quarter to lead 110-80 after three quarters, leading by as many as 32 in the final period.

Outscoring the Lakers 84-47 in the middle two quarters was the first time in the Warriors postseason history they registered two 40-plus point quarters in the same postseason contest.

After attempting franchise worse six free throws in Game 1 (5/6 FTs), the Warriors were 10/16 at the charity stripe in Game 2.

In Game 2, the Warriors shot 50.6 percent from the floor (48/95 FGs) and were 21/42 from three, registering 38 assists on their 48 made field goals and outscored the Lakers 48-42 in the paint and 17-7 in fastbreak points. The Warrior also outrebounded the Lakers 55-40, including 13-9 on the offensive glass. They outscored the Lakers 48-42 in the paint; 17-7 in fastbreak points; and 13-8 in second chance points.

                                              Points   3-Pt.    Assists 
Final 3 Quarters   LAL         67       5/26        18
Game 2                  GS           101     17/31       29 

Warriors 42/95 from three combined the first two games of the series, setting a new NBA record for total made triples (42) in the first two games of a postseason series, topping the 40 total triples made by the Cavs in Games 1 and 2 of the 2016 East Semis against the Hawks.

Thompson led the Warriors with 30 points on 11/18 from the floor and 8/11 from three. Curry had a double-double of 20 points and 12 assists on 7/12 shooting, including 3/5 on his triple tries. Green also had a near triple-double of 11 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Wiggins also had 11 but shot just 3/8 from the field. Moody added 10 points and seven boards.

                                  Klay Thompson In Game 2 Versus The Lakers                                         
Made 8 Threes For The 6^th Time In His Postseason Career: NBA Record
19 1^st Half Points (7/12 FGs, 5/7 3-Pt.) Tied 2^nd Most  In A Half Of His Postseason Career
(Postseason Career-High 21 Points 1^st Half Game 6 2019 West Semis Versus Rockets)
17^th Career Playoff Game Scoring 30 Points
23^rd Career Playoff Game Making At Least 6 Threes: Second All-Time Behind the 40 Such
Games By Teammate Stephen Curry

Most Games With            Klay Thompson (GS)  6   *Ray Allen                      4
8-Plus Made Threes         Stephen Curry   (GS)  4    Damian Lillard (POR) 4
NBA Playoff History
(*Hall of Famer)

The Warriors improved to 77-15 all-time (regular season and postseason) when Thompson has scored 30 or more.

The Warriors’ registered their 17^th postseason victory by 25 points or more under Coach Kerr, which tied Hall of Fame head coach of the Spurs Gregg Popovich for the most such victories in NBA postseason history. The boys from the “Bay Area” also improved to 20-6 in Game 2 under Coach Kerr since 2015.

The momentum did not travel with the Warriors to the Hollywood as they were crushed at the Lakers in Game 3 (127-97) May 6 (ABC) to fall behind 2-1 in the series.

The Warriors used an 18-4 to close the opening period to turn a seven-point deficit into a 30-23 lead after the first. After taking a 40-29 lead with 7:53 left in the second quarter, the Warriors were outscored 30-8 to close the period to trail 59-48 at intermission, getting outscored 36-18 in the second quarter and counting that period were outscored 94-67 the final three quarters, including 41-29 in the fourth quarter trailing by as many as 34.

Curry in defeat led the Warriors with 23 points on just 9/21 shooting and 4/10 from three. Wiggins had 16 points and nine boards. Thompson after a brilliant Game 2 had just 15 points in Game 3 on 5/14 shooting, including 3/9 from three. Kuminga scored 10. Green had just two points, two rebounds and four assists.

The visitors from the “Bay Area” shot just 39.6 percent in Game 3 (36/91 FGs), 13/44 on their triple tries and 12/17 at the foul line. While they had a 14-6 advantage on the offensive glass, the Warriors overall were outrebounded 44-42 and were outscored 46-44 in the paint; 15-12 in second chance points; and gave up 27 points off their 19 turnovers to the Lakers.         

For just the fifth time all season, the Warriors were held under 100 points and it was the first time they lost multiple games by at least 15 points in a postseason under Coach Kerr. They also dropped to 0-3 in the 2023 Playoffs when they committed 18-plus turnovers.

Largest Margin Of Defeat By The Warriors Under Head Coach Steve Kerr (137 Playoff Games
2022 West Semis -39 At The Grizzlies
2023 West Semis -30 At The Lakers
2016 NBA Finals -30 At The Cavaliers

While they brought a much better effort to Game 4 and were up after three quarters, the Warriors did not have in the final period as they lost 104-101 at the Lakers Mar. 8 (TNT) to fall behind 3-1 in the series.

The Warriors led 52-49 at intermission; were up 73-61 with 5:25 left and 77-65 with 4:05 left in the third and were up 84-77 after three quarters. The Warriors were outscored 27-17 in the final period. Curry with a chance to tie it in the final seconds of the regulation turned it over.

Curry in the loss registered his third career postseason triple-double with 31 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds with three steals but shot 12/30 from the field, including 3/14 from three, which included a 1/10 mark from three-point range spanning three quarters.

Wiggins had 17 points and two steals. Payton II scored 15. Thompson had just nine points and five boards on 3/11 shooting and 3/9 from three.

Stephen Curry           1^st Half: 17 Points, 7 Assists, 7 Rebounds 6/11 FGS, 2/5 3-PT.
Game 4 At Lakers    (2^nd QTR: 14 Points, 5 Assists, 4 Rebounds, 5/9 FGS)

                                    2^nd Half: 14 Points, 7 Assists, 3 Rebounds 6/19 FGS, 1/9 3-PT.
                                    (4^th QTR: 10 Points, 4/11 FGS, 1/4 3-PT.)

Klay Thompson         1^st  Half: 3 Points 1/5 FGS, 1/4  3-PT.
Game 4 At Lakers     2^nd Half: 6 Points, 2/6 FGS, 2/5 3-PT.

Thompson for just the eighth time in 150 career postseason games scored in single-digits, with three of the previous seven such times coming before Coach Kerr.  

The Warriors shot 46.5 percent for the contest (40/86 FGs) but were just 12/41 from three. They were outshot at the foul line 20-12, going just 9/12 at the line compared to the Lakers perfect 20/20 at the charity stripe. They had 29 assists on their 40 made shots.

They outscored the Lakers 52-46 in the paint and 17-14 in fastbreak points but were outrebounded 42-40 (GS: 9-8 offensive rebounds) and were outscored 12-8 in second chance points.

Warriors entered action averaging 46.3 three-point attempts the first three games of the series. They were just 5/19 from three in the opening half and 7/22 on their triple tries in the second half.

After totaling 42 triples the first two games of this series (42/95 3-Pt.), the Warriors gone 25/85 from three combined in Games 3 and 4 at the Lakers.

Paint Points   1^st   Half: GS: 32 LAL: 22    Bench Points  1^st  Half: GS: 11 LAL: 10
Game 4           2^nd  Half: GS: 20 LAL: 24    Game 4           2^nd Half: GS: 10 LAL: 21

The Warriors staved off elimination leading virtually all of Game 5 at home winning May 10 (TNT) versus the Lakers 121-106 to draw to within 3-2 in the series.

The homestanding Warriors led from midway in the second quarter on leading by as many as 18 in the third quarter and held off a Lakers rally after the Warriors’ lead was cut to 104-95 with 5:25 left.

Curry led the way with 27 points and eight rebounds on 12/24 shooting, making three triples. Wiggins scored 25 points with seven rebounds and five assists on 10/18 shooting. Green had his 61^st career postseason double-double with 20 points and 10 boards with two steals on 7/11 from the field. Payton II, who started for the second straight game scored 13 points and six boards.

Thompson, who began Game 5 missing his first four field goals had just 10 points on 3/12 from the floor, including 2/6 from three. He had eight of his 10 points on just 2/8 shooting, including 2/4 from three in the opening half.

The Warriors shot 51.1 percent from the field  (47/92 FGs), including 13/35 from three, registering 29 assists on their 47 made shots.

The Warriors had six players that accounted for their seven made triples in the opening period, going 7/12 from three in the first quarter of Game 5.

Game 5 represented for the first time in the series were even with the Lakers in free throws attempted at 15 as the Warriors went 14/15 at the charity stripe.

The Warriors outrebounded the Lakers 48-38, including 9-7 on the offensive glass, outscoring the Lakers 18-10 in second chance points; registered 50 paint points and scored 20 points off 14 Lakers turnovers, which overcame their 16 miscues.

Green’s 61^st career postseason double-double in Game 5 is the most in Warriors’ postseason history. He scored 20 points in multiple games in the postseason for the first time since 2017.

Wiggins (16) and Green (14) combined for 30 points in the opening half and totaled 38 points the first three quarters of Game 5.              

The Warriors improved to 16-4 in Game 5s under Coach Kerr and improved to 8-2 when facing elimination, including a 4-2 mark at home in that scenario.

They also improved to 82-8 in postseason games under Coach Kerr when leading after three quarters, which includes a 79-4 mark when leading by 10 points or more at any point in a Playoff contest.

The Warriors reign as defending NBA champions concluded in L.A. as they fell 122-101 two nights later at the Lakers (ESPN) to lose the series in six games.

This represents the Warriors first Playoff series loss under Coach Kerr before the NBA Finals

They trailed all of Game 6 down by as many as 17 in the opening period but closed the first on a 16-4 run to only trail 31-26 after the first period. But were outscored 91-75 the final three quarters, trailing by as many as 24 in the fourth period.

Curry in the loss had 32 points with five assists and six boards but shot just 11/28 from the field and 4/14 from three. Looney had nine points and 18 rebounds.

Warriors In               Green          9 Points, 9 Rebounds, 3 Assists
Game 6 At Lakers    Thompson  8 Points, 5 Assists, 3/19 FGS, 2/12 3-PT.
                                    Wiggins      6 Points, 2/8 FGS, 0/3 3-PT.

The Warriors in Game 6 shot just 37.9 percent from the field (39/103 FGs) and just 13/48 from three. Were outshot 42-14 in free throw attempts (GS; 10/14 FTs; LAL: 31/42 FTs). Had 29 assists on their 39 made shots and just 11 turnovers.

Warriors 3-Pt. In   1^st 2 Games:     42/95  3-PT.   44 3-PT.%
2023 West Semis    Last 4 Games: 51/168 3-PT.  30 3-PT.%

Curry and Thompson combined to go 6/26 from three in Game 6. Curry shot 14/49 from three, while Thompson was 10/36 on his triple tries the final four games of the series.

Klay Thompson In Game 6 Elimination Games Since 2015 Under Head Coach Steve Kerr
                                                                                                      Result
2016 West Finals At Thunder:        41 Points  11/18 3-Pt.        Win
2018 West Finals Versus Rockets:  35 Points    9/14 3-Pt.        Win
2019 NBA Finals Versus Raptors:  30 Points    4/6   3-Pt.        Loss
2023 West Semis At Lakers:              8 Points   2/12  3-Pt.        Loss

While they outrebounded the Lakers 53-46, including 20-6 on the offensive glass; were only down two in paint points 46-44 and outscored the Lakers 18-11 in second chance points, the Warriors were outscored by the Lakers 22-8 in fastbreak points.

Warriors suffered their sixth consecutive postseason series loss to the Lakers dating back to 1968, losing six out of seven series to them, with the lone series triumph in 1967 West Semis.

Most Consecutive Playoff     Team    Opponent    Series Won          Seasons                  
Series Wins Versus One        BOS     STL/ATL             8                  1960-2012
Opponent                               BOS     MIN/LAL             8                  1959-1984
                                                 LAL          GS                   6                1968-Present

The Warriors counting this series went 0-5 at the Lakers in 2022-23.

Warriors 21-point defeat in Game 6 is their largest margin of defeat when facing elimination under Coach Kerr, falling to 8-3 in elimination games under their sideline leader since 2015. It was also their first loss against a Western Conference Opponent in the postseason when facing elimination since 2015. They are also 28-11 since 2105 following a loss since 2015 in postseason games.
                                                              Record     Win%
Best Records When   Warriors            8-3           .727
Facing Elimination    Nuggets              8-4           .667
Since 2015                  Cavaliers            7-4           .636

They are now 19-1 in Playoff series outside of The Finals under Kerr and are 23-3 overall in postseason series under his watch.

The Warriors dropped to 0-10 all-time when trailing a best-of-seven series 0-2 and are also 1-15 in their postseason history when they trail a best-of-seven series 3-1, including a 1-2 mark under Coach Kerr. They overcame a 3-1 series deficit in 2016 West Finals against the Thunder to win that series in seven games.

As the Warriors entered the 2023 Offseason, they entered with a lot of questions to answer. Would they keep their “Core 3” together? What moves were they going to make to keep them in the championship conversation? Who did they want to bring into the fold to get their chemistry back on kilter?

The first major happening with the Warriors came on May 30 when longtime GM Bob Myers stepped down as the team’s General Manager and President of Basketball Operations.

Myers, 48, whose contract expired in late June reportedly declined a new deal being extended multiple contract offers over the past few months. A source told the San Francisco Chronicle that Myers decision to step down was not solely fueled just financially by itself.

Myers, who twice was named NBA Executive of the Year (2015 & 2017) behind the number of hires he made that helped build the Warriors into a four-time NBA champion. 

He hired Coach Kerr in 2014 after parting ways with former NBA on ABC color analyst Mark Jackson. He drafted some of the core players like Draymond Green and Jordan Poole; retained their headliners in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson and signed key pieces in free agency in Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins and made trades to bring in Andre Iguodala and Andrew Wiggins.

That has resulted in four titles (2015, 2017, 2018, & 2019) in six Finals appearances since 2012-13 season. They set the single-season NBA record with 73 wins, winning 50 or more games in seven of those 10 seasons, including winning 65 games or more three times in this span. The title in 2015 was the Warriors first since 1975.

“Ultimately it’s not my job; it’s really more Bob’s job to construct the roster, but the great thing about Bob and the way we’ve operated here is that we’ve always collaborated, so there will definitely be a lot of collaboration this summer on putting together the best roster for next year,” Coach Kerr said.

Kerr new collaborative partner is Mike Dunleavy, Jr., who the Warriors promoted on June 16 from Vice President of Basketball Operations to the team’s new GM.

The son of former NBA head coach and executive Mike Dunleavy, Sr., who began his 15-year NBA career with the Warriors, playing for them from 2002-07.

The former Duke Blue Devil, who led them to the National Championship in 2001 has been a part of the Warriors front office since 2018-19 first as a pro scout; two seasons as the Assistant GM; then two seasons as Vice President of Basketball Operations.

“We think Mike is the perfect fit to lead our basketball operations department,” Warriors Co-Executive Chairman & CO Joe Lacob said back in June. “He has a wealth of basketball knowledge, stemming from his family upbringing, a 15-year NBA playing career and five seasons serving under Bob Myers in our front office.”

“He’s young and energetic, has established numerous relationships around the league and communicates well with players and coaches-all important traits in this business. Mike’s ready for this challenge and responsibility.”

Dunleavy Jr. got right to work as the leader of the Warriors front office the drafting of forward/guard Brandin Podziemski (No. 19 overall) out of the University of Santa Clara.

In a draft night deal on June 22 with the Wizards, the Warriors acquired the draft rights to forward/center Tyson Jackson-Davis (No. 57 overall pick) out of Indiana University for cash considerations.

With the projected salary cap for 2023-24 seasons being at $134 million, the Warriors payroll was already at $212 million and would have gone up to $242 million counting luxury taxes if Green and Donte DiVincenzo opted into their player options for the upcoming season in the final year of their respective deals.

On June 19, Green opted out of his $27.6 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent. Eight days later, DiVincenzo declined his $4.7 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent.

On June 30 (official July 6), the Warriors re-signed Green on a four-year, $100 million deal, with a player option on the final year of the deal.

In adding depth to the bench, the Warriors added in free agency veteran guard Cory Joseph (6.9 ppg, 3.5 apg, 38.9 3-Pt.% w/Pistons) on July 2 on a one-year, $3.19 veteran minimum deal. On July 12, the Warriors added forward/center Dario Saric (6.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 45.8 FG%, 39.1 3-Pt.% w/Suns & Thunder) on a one-year, $2.7 million deal. 

In an out of nowhere move, the Warriors in another deal with the Wizards on July 6 acquired future Hall of Fame guard Chris Paul (13.9 ppg, 8.9 apg-3^rd NBA, 44 FG%, 37,5 3-Pt.% w/Suns) in exchange for Poole, guard Ryan Rollins, forward Patrick Baldwin, Jr. , the Warriors 2027 Second-Round pick; their 2030 protected First-Round pick; and cash considerations. 

Curry said on July 17 to ESPN’s Malika Andrews on “NBA Today” that the acquisition of Paul was a “moment of shock” because of how he and the Warriors were the roadblock between him and the Rockets back in 2018 and 2019 when they took them down in the West Finals and then the West Semifinals in seven and six games respectably.

“It’s going to be an awesome experience,” Curry added to Andrews on the addition of Paul. “He’s one of the greatest point guards that’s ever played this game. He has such a high basketball IQ. He elevates teams that he’s been on his entire career.”

Green did not take to the acquisition of Paul with the same gusto initially saying on 76ers guard Patrick Beverly’s podcast “The Pat Bev Podcast” in late July, “I’ve publicly said I didn’t like Chris Paul before. I’m just not going to be like, ‘Oh man, that’s changed now that he is my teammate.’ No, I look forward to talking amongst men.”

The ouster of Poole is surprising because he was a key part of the Warriors title squad just the previous season. The team’s patience with him ran out rather quickly, especially after the aforementioned punch by Green on Poole during a preseason practice. It was apparent that Poole said something that crossed a line with Green that led him to commit such as serious act.

During last season, Poole’s shot selection at times left a lot to be desired and his defense was too spotty for Coach Kerr’s liking.

So, they dealt Poole, just at the start of his four-year, $128 million deal he signed before the start of last season. 

Inserting Paul, who was re-routed through D.C. by the Suns in place of Poole made the Warriors smarter and steadier in the backcourt.

Paul, who turned 38 back in May is entering his 19^th NBA season with 12 of those being an All-Star.

Last season with the Suns, Paul continued to show he can play make for others as he registered 17 double-doubles. He joined Hall of Famers John Stockton and Mavericks’ Head Coach Jason Kidd as the only players in NBA history with 11,000-plus career assists.

Paul is the only player in NBA history to total 20,000 points and 11,000 assists in his career.

In recent years though, Paul, an 11-time All-NBA selection and nine-time All-Defensive selection has missed a lot of games because of injury, including last season where he only played 59 games. He missed the final four games of the Suns six-game set back to the eventual NBA champion Nuggets with a groin injury.

That is why it is believed that Paul will be coming off the bench to anchor the Warriors’ second unit to not only to keep Curry’s minutes down but to bring the best out of Kuminga and Moody.

As previously mentioned, the Warriors were next to last in “The Association” in turnovers in 2022-23 and one thing that Coach Kerr, who coach Team USA in FIBA World Cup over the summer, said on Aug. 2 to ESPN’s Christine Williamson on “NBA Today” that they have to be “more controlled” this upcoming season.

“One of the things I love about Chris is that he controls the game. And so, I told him we need his ability to control the game and at key times for us, and he knows he’s going to adapt to some of the stuff we do, especially when he’s playing with Steph,” Kerr added.

“Throwing the ball ahead. Playing with a little more pace. So, I kind of like the idea of finding a better balance this year and being more under control but still being really lethal offensively and of course what Chris does in pick-and-roll, mid-range game always gives you a chance in every possession to get a good shot. He’s one of the greatest point guards of all-time. So, we’re lucky to have him.”

Paul, who is entering the final year of his current contract, is coming to the Warriors to play a different role, at least for him. He will not be required to facilitate as much or play heavy minutes. The biggest thing the Warriors need from Paul is for him to keep the Warriors offense grooving when Curry is not on the hardwood.   

If he can put his ego to the side and be one of the guys instead of the guy like he was with the then New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) Clippers, Rockets, Thunder, and Suns will go a long way in determining if this trade is a success. It also might be Paul’s last and best chance to get the one thing missing from his career resume, a championship. 

The biggest test of how much Paul is willing to sacrifice to win a championship is his ability to adjust to coming off the bench whether that is for a part of the upcoming season. Half of this season or from the start of this season.

                                                                           Career Starts       Career Reserves
Career Role Breakdown      Chris Paul              1,214                            0
Of Warriors Top 6 Players   Stephen Curry         876                            6
                                                 Klay Thompson      679                          37
                                                 Draymond Green   608                         150
                                                 Andrew Wiggins     635                             0
                                                 Kevon Looney         220                          229

“I won’t know that until we get to camp or until we get together,” Paul said to ESPN’s NBA Draft guru Jonathan Givony in the middle of this past August on his role with the Warriors. “Probably the same thing it’s always been. To hoop, leadership . All these years of playing, the game don’t change but so much, you know. So, I think I’m excited to sort of figure that out.”

Paul, who came off the bench for Team USA in 2008 said at Media Day, “I think anybody that knows me knows that I’m all about winning. Whatever I can do to help our team win.”

Paul, who have averaged 17.9 points and 9.5 assists on 47.9 percent from the floor in 1,214 career regular season games (all starts) is a very clever player, though, and the Warriors hope that cleverness to salvage the remaining premiere seasons of Curry and to some extent Thompson and Green.

Green, who as mentioned earlier in the summer that he did not “like” Paul said to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk in late September about Paul that he “wants” nothing more-that his goal for this upcoming season is to “help get” Paul that elusive championship.

“It’s not to redeem Draymond. My goal is that we can help Chris Paul get his first championship. That’s my only goal, and I know that it’s his goal. I know that’s the team’s goal. So that’s what it’s about,” Green added about the Warriors top goal this season to Youngmisuk.

The Warriors’ first titles came as the Philadelphia Warriors in 1946-47 as part of the Basketball Association of America “BAA” led by the late Hall of Famer Joe Fulks as the Philadelphia Warriors and in 1955-56 when the league was changed to the NBA in 1949-50 season, led by Hall of Famers in late Tom Gola and Paul Arizin. It took them 19 seasons before the Warriors on their third title in 1974-75 led by Hall of Famers in head coach Al Attles and then rookie Jamaal Wilkes.

In the years that followed, the Warriors only went as far as the West Semis in 1986-87, 1988-89 and 1990-91.

The Warriors squads headlined by the “Run TMC” trio of Hall  of Famers Tim Hardaway, Sr., Chris Mullin, and Mitch Richmond; Chris Webber for 1-plus seasons in the middle of the 1990s did make much traction.

There was some hope in the middle of the 2000s when Hall of Famer Don Nelson in his second stint with the “We Believe” Warriors coaching in 2006-07 Baron Davis, current ESPN NBA analyst; Kings pregame and postgame analyst for NBC Sports California, and co-host of “All The Smoke” podcast Matt Barnes, Monta Ellis, co-host of “All The Smoke” podcast Stephen Jackson, Dunleavy’ Jr., Jason Richardson, Al Harrington, and current television color analyst for the Warriors Kelenna Azubuike for NBC Sports Bay Area.    

That team took down the then No. 1 Seeded Mavericks led by Hall of Famer and 2007 Kia MVP Dirk Nowitzki in six games. They lost in West Semis 4-1 to the eventual West runner-up Jazz.

The Warriors got back to atop the NBA championship mountain in 2014-15 led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr and added three more titles in the last nine seasons.

                    Most Playoff Wins By A Trio NBA Playoff History (*Hall Of Famer)                  
*Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker: 126 Wins With Spurs Won 4 Of Spurs 5 Titles
(2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)

*Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, *Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Michael Cooper: 110 Wins With Lakers Won 5 Titles (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, & 1988)

Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green: 98 Wins With Warriors Won 4 Titles (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)

*Earvin “Magic” Johnson, *James Worthy, Byron Scott: 93 Wins Winning 4 Of 5 Titles In 1980s (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)

After their disappointing season where had a great home record but a subpar road record, the hope is the addition of Chris Paul specifically along with Dario Saric and Cory Joseph can be impactful players and chemistry builders that can get the Warriors back to The Finals and win their fifth title in a decade.

“You know it’s not going to be around forever, right? I’m going into my 15^th year. Still feel like I’m in the prime, obviously,” Curry said to Andrews earlier this month on the Warriors championship window.

“But you only get so many cracks at it. And I’m just excited to be in that window where still truly believe we can win at the highest level.”

Curry added about winning more titles, “Absolutely. But we’re going to start with one….So, I’m excited about, you know, the work that goes into it…We know hot to do it. We know what it takes.”    

Best Case Scenario: The Warriors are a Top 3 Seed in the stacked Western Conference. Curry, Thompson, Green, and Paul remain healthy and build consistent chemistry on both ends. Paul takes well to being a reserve. The Warriors rank in the Top 10 in fewest turnovers, while being a better road team. The Warriors reached The Finals and capture their fifth title in a decade.

Worst Case Scenario: The Warriors are in the middle of the West Playoff race. Curry, Thompson, Green, and Paul battle injuries. Paul fit does not work. They have another early postseason exit.  

Grade: B+

Houston Rockets: 22-60 Record; 4^th Southwest Division (No. 14 West; Missed Playoffs) 14-27 at home, 8-33 on the road.

-110.7 ppg-28^th; opp. ppg: 118.6-28^th; 46.3 rpg-4^th

What happens when you have a squad loaded with a lot of young, talented players but play with no disciplined on both ends and who are truly not inspired to play really hard for their head coach, and make a ton of mistakes, which results in a lot of losing. That has been the case the past three seasons for the Houston Rockets, who prior to this stretch were competing to dethrone the boys from the “Bay Area” for supremacy in the Western Conference. In an offseason where the front office signed some veterans; drafted two talented but discipline prospects and brought in a non-nonsense defensive minded head coach, the Rockets plan is to be a more competitive team that is contending for a Playoff spot in the spring.

The Rockets began 2022-23 2-12 their first 14 games, which included a six-game losing streak (Oct. 26-Nov. 7, 2022) and were 3-14 their first 17 games of last season.

Following a 6-5 mark their next 11 games, including a 4-2 mark the final six games of that stretch had the Rockets at 9-18 following their 111-97 victory Dec. 13, 2022 versus the Suns.

A 1-17 mark their next 18 games, which included a five-game losing streak (Dec. 15-23, 2022) and a 13-game losing streak (Dec. 27, 2022-Jan. 21, 2023) basically ended hopes of a push to make the Play-In. That included a 9-15 record post All-Star break.

Rockets Losing          6-Gamer From Oct. 26-Nov. 7, 2022
Streaks In 2022-23    5-Gamer From Dec. 15-26, 2022
                                    13-Gamer From Dec. 27, 2022-Jan. 23, 2023: Tied 4^th Longest
                                    Losing Streak In A Season In Franchise History
                                    11-Gamer From Feb. 3-Mar. 4: 6^th Longest Losing Streak In A Season
                                    In Franchise History
                                    7-Gamer Mar. 19-31
                                    3 3-Gamers and 2 2-Gamers

The Rockets began last season 6-5 their first 11 home games, where they registered victories on Dec. 5, 2022 (132-123 OT) versus the 76ers; Dec. 11, 2022 (97-92) versus the Bucks; and Dec. 13, 2022 (111-97) versus Suns.

The Rockets would win just eight more times at Toyota Center the remainder of 2022-23 as they registered an eight-game home losing streak (Dec. 15, 2022-Jan. 18, 2022) that they concluded with a home win (119-114) Jan. 23 versus the Timberwolves.

They had a 1-7 mark their next eight games at home, with the lone victory coming Mar. 5 (142-110) versus Spurs to be 9-22 at Toyota Center.

Following two straight home losses, a win (111-109)  Mar. 13 versus the eventual East runner-up in the Celtics, which sparked a season-high tying three-game winning streak (all at home) versus the Lakers (114-110) and versus the Pelicans (114-112) Mar. 15 and 17 respectably to be 12-24 at home.

The Rockets closed 2022-23 2-3 their final five games at Toyota Center, winning their regular season home finale Apr. 4, (124-103) versus the eventual NBA champion Nuggets, ending a 10-game overall losing streak to the boys from the “Colorado Rockies.”

As bad as the Rockets were at home, they were just as atrocious on the road tying the Spurs and Pistons for the worst record away from home in the league in 2022-23.

They began 0-7 on the road before recording their first road victory of 2022-23 Nov. 7, 2022 (134-127) at the Magic. Their third road victory did not occur until Dec. 2, 2022 (122-121) at the Suns to be 3-11 away from home.

During their aforementioned 13-game skid, eight of those losses for the Rockets came on the road, which concluded with a 117-114 triumph at the Pistons on Jan. 28 to be 5-21 on the road.

The Rockets would finish 2022-23 going 3-12 away from Toyota Center, which included two six-game road losing streaks (Feb. 3-26 2023 & Mar. 9-29, 2023) and were just 4-20 their final 24 road games.

Last season, the Rockets were just 3-23 on the road against the Western Conference.

Rockets Three Road              Nov. 16, 2022 At The Mavericks: 101-92
Wins At Western                    Dec. 2, 2022 At The Suns: 122-121
Conference Opponents          Mar. 4, 2023 At The Spurs: 122-110
In 2022-23

To put how difficult the Rockets have been the last two seasons, they have gone 5-3 against the Thunder and just 36-121 against the rest of the league.

The Rockets struggles in 2022-23 both at home and on the road can be contributed to their anemic offense and Swiss cheese defense.

Outside of leading the league led the league in offensive boards (13.4) and second chance points (16.7), while ranking No. 4 in free throw attempts (25.3) and were No. 5 in paint points (54.9), the Rockets were ranked in the 20s in the other major offensive stats, including ranking in the bottom of the league in shooting efficiency a season ago.

They were ranked No. 28 in field goal percentage (45.7%); dead last, No. 30 in three-point percentage (31.9%); and No. 25 in free throw percentage (75.4%). The Rockets were also dead last, No. 30 in turnovers (16.2) and were No. 20 in fastbreak points (12.9).

In the 45 games the Rockets shot 45 percent or better in 2022-23, the Rockets were just 16-29, including a 7-9 mark when they shot 50 percent from the floor or better.

The Rockets were just 14-14 a season ago when they outshot their opponent by field goal percentage and were just 6-10 in 2022-23 when they had fewer turnovers than their opponent.

Defensively, the Rockets were abysmal. They were No. 21 in opponent’s field goal percentage (48.2%); No. 27 in opponent’s three-point percentage (37.4%); were dead last, No. 30 in opponent’s threes attempted (38.8) and made (14.5) and opponent’s fastbreak points (17.5) and opponent’s points off turnovers (20.6). They also were No. 21 in opponent’s free throw attempts (24.2).

The Rockets a season ago were 12-47 when allowing 110 points or more. That included a 4-33 mark when they allowed 120 points or more and 0-15 when they allowed 130 points or more.

In their 140-132 aforementioned defeat at the Lakers in the middle of January, the Rockets allowed 53.8 percent from the floor (49/92 FGs) and 30/35 at the foul line. The Rockets were outscored 27-7 in fastbreak points and allowed 60 paint points.

When the Rockets lost 153-121 loss Feb. 4 at the Thunder, the Rockets allowed 57.7 percent from the floor (56/97 FGs) and 21/46 from three. Were outscored 27-12 in fastbreak points and surrendered 25 points off 16 turnovers.

In Rockets two-game set (Feb. 6-8) versus the Kings, they lost the first one 140-120 where they gave up 58.4 percent shooting (52/89 FGs) and 21/41 from three. They allowed 38 assists on their 52 field goals made; allowed 56 paint points. That wasted a 60-point performance in the paint by the Rockets, outscoring the visiting Kings 60-56 in the paint. The Rockets lost the second tilt two nights later 130-128.

In Rockets two losses at the Thunder and versus the Kings (Feb. 4-6, 2023) allowed a total 293 points, the second most over a two-games span in their last 30 seasons, with the Wizards allowing 303 total points over a two-game span in 2020. 

The Rockets in their 151-114 loss Mar. 24 at the Grizzlies, the Rockets allowed 42 and 41 points the first two quarters to trail 83-52 after two quarters. Surrendered 61.3 percent shooting (57/93 FGs) to the Grizzlies and 25/42 from three. The Rockets were outscored 33-32 in fastbreak points and while they registered 72 paint points, they allowed 62 paint points.

While he averaged more points (17.3), rebounds (3.4) and assists (2.6), and total triples made (157/458 3-Pt. 2021-22) from his rookie season to his sophomore season (187/554 3-Pt. 2022-23) in the NBA, Jalen Green (22.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.7 apg) shooting efficiency decreased from 42.6 percent from the floor and 34.3 percent from three in 2021-22 to 41.7 percent from the floor and 33.8 percent from three last season.

The 2021-22 All-Rookie First Team selection began 2022-23 scoring in double-figures in first 38 games.

Most Consecutive Games Scoring 10-Plus Points To Start A Season By A Player Age 20 Or Younger Since 1999-2000
Zion Williamson (NOP) 2020-21: 61                       LeBron James (LAL) 2004-05: 28 W/Cavs
Jalen Green (HOU) 2022-23:        38                       LeBron James (LAL) 2005-06: 27 W/Cavs
Kevin Durant (PHX) 2004-05:      28 w/Thunder  Luka Doncic (DAL)    2019-20: 24

As a rookie, Green, the No. 2 overall pick in 2021 from the NBA G League Ignite had eight 30-plus point games, with one 40-plus point performance. Last season, Green registered 16 30-plus point, including four 40-plus point games. Those four 40-plus point games equaled the amount of perennial All-Stars and NBA champions in Kyrie Irving of the Mavericks and Klay Thompson of the Warriors, and Knicks Jalen Brunson.

In the Rockets aforementioned first road win of 2022-23, Green scored 34 points on 12/18 from the floor, including 5/11 from three, becoming the sixth guard in league history to score at least 30 10 or more times before his 21^st birthday, joining All-Stars in the previously mentioned Doncic and Irving, Devin Booker (PHX), Anthony Edwards (MIN),  and LaMelo Ball (CHA).

In the Rockets’ win (118-105) versus the Thunder, Green had 28 points and a career-high nine assists on 11/19 shooting and 6/9 from three.

Green tied his career-high with 41 points with seven assists and five rebounds in the Rockets 121-117 defeat versus the Hornets.

In the Rockets 119-114 triumph versus the Timberwolves Jan. 23, Green set a new career-high 42 points on 15/25 shooting, including 6/10 from three and 6/10 from the charity stripe. On this night, Green became the sixth player in league history to register three career 40-point games before age 20. 

Green also scored 41 points on 14/22 from the field, including 6/9 from three and 7/9 at the free throw line in the Rockets 130-128 loss versus Kings. It was Green’s fourth career game with at least 40 points before age 21, which came one day later. It tied the third most such games in league history with Kevin Durant (PHX) and Doncic.

Most 40-Point Games        LeBron James (LAL)         8 W/Cavs   
Before Age 21 In NBA      Anthony Edwards (MIN)    5
History                               Jalen Green (HOU)             4
                                            Luka Doncic (DAL)            4
                                            Kevin Durant (PHX)          4 W/Thunder
                                            John Drew                           3
                                            Kyrie Irving (DAL)            2 W/Cavs

In the Rockets 117-107 loss Mar. 19 versus the Pelicans, Green scored 40 points on 11/22 shooting, including 4/9 from three and 14/14 at the charity stripe. He became the 12^th player with four 40-plus point games at age 21 or younger and became just the fourth youngest player with five 40-plus point games before age 22 joining Hall of Famers Tracy McGrady and Allen Iverson, and Carmelo Anthony.

Green’s running mate in the backcourt Kevin Porter, Jr. (19.2 ppg, 5.7 apg, 5.3 rpg, 36.6 3-Pt.%) set career-highs in points and rebounds, while also averaging a career-high of 4.5 free throw attempts. He also made over 140 total threes for the second straight season (141/385 3-Pt.).

Last season, Porter, Jr. registered nine of his 19 career double-doubles. That included his second career triple-double of 14 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds in the Rockets 130-125 loss Mar. 22 at the Grizzlies.

After flashing a few moments of brilliance as a rookie the season before, center Alperen Sengun (14.8 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 3.9 apg, 55.3 FG%) became a starter and showed great improvement not just as a scorer and rebounder, but as a passer, especially from the low-post, pinch post, and high post.

The native of Giresun, Turkey went from eight double-doubles in 2021-22 to 29 double-doubles, including two triple-doubles a season ago. That included six consecutive double-doubles to close out 2022-23.

Sengun’s 3.9 assist average is the most by a center age 20 or younger in NBA history, surpassing his own record of 2.6 as a rookie, which tied Hall of Famer Chris Webber, former All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, and two-time Kia MVP and reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.

Sengun registered his first career triple-double of 10 points, 10 boards, and 10 assists in the Rockets 135-115 loss Jan. 11 versus the Kings. His second career triple-double of 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists with three steals and two blocks on 10/16 shooting came in the Rockets 108-103 loss Jan. 25 versus the Wizards. Sengun became at age 20 the youngest center in NBA history to record multiple triple-doubles before the age 21.

When the Rockets dealt veteran guard Eric Gordon at the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline for basically the right to swap 2023 First-Round pick from the Clippers as they waived veteran guards John Wall and Danny Green, that opened even more minutes for rookie Tari Eason (9.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 44.8 FG%), who was the long Rocket and the only member of the 2022-23 rookie class to play in all 82 games.

In the Rockets 112-106 victory Feb. 1 versus the Thunder, Eason scored a season-high of 20 points with 13 rebounds, three steals and two blocks, with 12 of those 13 rebounds coming on the offensive glass.  

In the Rockets 140-132 loss at the Lakers Jan. 18 (NBATV), Sengun scored a career-high 33 points with 15 rebounds six assists and four blocks on 14/27 shooting. He became the youngest player in Rockets history with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds, surpassing the previous record holder in Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion Hakeem Olajuwon in 1984. Sengun also became the youngest center in NBA history to have at least 30/15/5 (points/rebounds/assists) in a game since Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal did it in 1993 with the Magic.

When the Rockets drafted forward Jabari Smith, Jr. (12.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg) No. 3 overall Jun 22 out of Auburn University, he was projected to be one of the best shooters in the 2021-22 rookie class as well as a top defender. He struggled in the early part of his rookie season making shots at an efficient clip and tried to improve on that accuracy by continuing to take threes and not mix his game up and saw the rest of his weaknesses exposed very quickly in 2022-23.

Smith, Jr., who shot 40.8 percent from the floor and 30.7 percent on his triple tries (120/391 3-Pt.) did find his footing to close his rookie season and made the 2022-23 All-Rookie Second Team as a result.

From Nov. 20-Dec. 6, 2022, Smith, Jr. made at least three triples in six straight games, the second longest such streak by a rookie in NBA history. That included a performance of 21 points with nine rebounds on 5/11 from three in the Rockets 128-122 win versus the Hawks Nov. 25, 2022.

In the Rockets, 139-114 defeat Jan. 13 versus the Kings, Smith, Jr. scored a then season-high 27 points with eight boards and three blocks on 11/20 shooting.

Smith, Jr. set a new season-high of 30 points with 12 rebounds and two steals on 10/19 from the field, making three triples and 7/9 at the foul line in the Rockets 134-125 overtime loss at the Pacers.

Four days later in the Rockets’ top victory on the season versus Celtics, Smith, Jr. had one of 16 double-doubles with 24 points and 11 rebounds on 9/11 shooting, including 5/6 from three. It was Smith, Jr.’s third straight double-double, becoming the first Rocket to average 20-plus points and 10-plus boards in three consecutive games since Olajuwon did it in 1985. Smith, Jr. over this three-game span averaged 24.7 points and 11 rebounds on 27/44 from the floor and 7/16 from three.

Double-Digit Double-     Walker Kessler (UTA)      20      Paolo Banchero (ORL) 14
Doubles Amongst            Jalen Duren (DET)           19      Mark Williams (CHA)  11
2022-23 Rookie Class     Jabari Smith, Jr. (HOU)   16

Leaders In Total Made         Keegan Murray (SAC)     206   Shaedon Sharpe (POR)      102
Three-Pointers Amongst      Jaden Ivey (DET)              120   AJ Griffin (ATL)                 101
2022-23 Rookie Class            Jabari Smith, Jr. (HOU)  120   Bennedict Mathurin (IND) 100

After a third straight dismal season not making the Playoffs after eight straight appearances, the Rockets did not pick up the fourth-year option on head coach Stephen Silas and dismissed him on Apr. 10 after going 59-177 in his three seasons in “H-Town.”

On Apr. 25, the Rockets hired former Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka. who was suspended by the team before the start of last season for violating team policies by having an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer.

Though the relationship was believed to be consensual originally, the unnamed woman accused the former Celtics head coach of making unwanted comments towards her.

While Udoka issued an apology after the Celtics suspended him, he chose not to resign though ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski did report of no guarantee to be back with the Celtics following last season.

The Celtics in the middle of February during the All-Star break brought Udoka’s time with them officially to a close when they made Joe Mazzulla their new head coach after he led them to a league-best 42-17 at the unofficial halfway mark of 2022-23.

At the presser, Rockets’ Governor Tillman said the hiring of Udoka was “a tough decision” but “it wasn’t” because Udoka was “one person” that they felt was an “exceptional candidate” to take them to the “next level.”

Mr. Tillman also said at the introductory presser that he was “everything” they were looking for and did diligent work going back to his playing days both overseas; to his seven years playing in the NBA (2004, 2006-11) with the Lakers, Knicks, Trail Blazers, and Spurs; and his years as an assistant coach with the Spurs (2012-19), 76ers (2019-20), and Nets (2020-21).

“The respect he has from coaches, executives, players, front offices, we just got a glowing report and we’re just extremely, extremely happy,” Mr. Tillman added about the hire of Udoka.

“But what we like about him is his ability to coach a basketball team. And that he’s going to hold these guys to toughness, respectability, accountability, and it’s everything how I like to run a business. Is structure and everybody having the right guy that they can communicate with.” 

When asked about how things ended in Boston and why it was right for the Rockets to hire him to be their new head coach, Udoka said Mr. Tillman and GM Rafael Stone did their “due diligence and homework” on who he was as a person. That they spent “quality time” together to get to know one another and they all “clicked” instantaneously.

“I released a statement months ago when everything happened and apologized to a lot of people for the tough position that I put them in and I stand by that, and I feel much more remorse even now towards that,” Udoka added in terms of how things ended Boston. “And so, you know, I spent this last offseason working on myself in a lot of different ways. Improving in areas. A chance to sit back, reflect and grow, and I think that will make me a better coach and overall, a better leader. But the situation of the matter been resolved and can’t really speak much about it.”

Among the things Udoka said he did in his time away from the NBA, he took leadership and sensitivity training, and some counseling with his son to help him improve the situation that his dad put himself in.

What the Rockets are getting specifically in Udoka besides someone who is going to preach and demand discipline and focus is someone who is going bring focus and attention to detail at the defensive end.

In 2021-22 when the Celtics reached The Finals and lost to the Warriors in six games, the Celtics led the league in points allowed (104.5); opponent’s field goal percentage (43.4%); and opponent’s three-point percentage (33.9%). They were No. 2 in paint points allowed (42.5); No. 8 in opponent’s fastbreak points (11.5); and were No. 2 in block shots per game (5.8).

That is what Udoka and his coaching staff of Royal Ivey, Tiago Splitter, Ben Sullivan, Garrett Jackson, and Mike Mosner hope to mold the young Rockets into a tough-minded and disciplined team that shares the ball on offense and on defense.

NBATV’s Sam Mitchell, who played and coached the NBA said during the Rockets Team Preview in the middle of this month that the Rockets in hiring Udoka as their coach they got them “a grown man” that will bring “accountability, respectability, and professionalism.”

“You can’t win in the NBA until you get your house in order and he understands that,” Mitchel added about Udoka. “I think he’s gonna come in. He’s going to be tough. He’s going to make sure these guys are accountable.”

When Udoka became the Celtics’ new head coach in 2021, their top five players that included All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown had a combined 34 seasons of NBA experience. The Rockets roster Udoka is taking over, the top core players that include Green, Porter, Jr., Smith, Jr., Sengun, and Eason have a combined 23 years of NBA experience.

Coach Udoka said that his job is to “expedite” the process of those players specifically becoming professionals. That one of his first messages in his presser that one of his first messages to the squad is that “youth is not an excuse.” That across the board from making “the same mistake” from a defensive assignment to taking bad shots, those things Udoka said have to be addressed but also improved upon.

It is no different than what Udoka had to do in Boston even though that group was a little more experienced. But that is “no different” from any other team that a new head coach is taking over.

“Understanding that we’re going to take some lumps with our age and our youth but my message to them will be, ‘That’s not an excuse,’” Udoka added. “You’ve been in the league. You’ve been taught. And that’s my job to teach them and expedite that process…So, I’m looking forward to doing that here.”

At least to start, the core young players of the Rockets are taking to the new business-like approach that Coach Udoka and his coaching staff are bringing to “H-Town.”

Jalen Green at Media Day speaking with speaking with Matt Thomas of SportsTalk 790 said he spent the entire summer in Los Angeles, CA where he worked out with All-Stars in the Suns’ Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

When asked about Coach Udoka, Green said that he has been around a lot of the team and that he came to see him in L.A.

“I can tell his energy. He’s excited,” Green added about Coach Udoka. “I think the energy from coach, I think that’s going to build for us.”

Along with finding a new head coach, the Rockets to do list this offseason was to use their $60 million in salary cap space to bring in veteran leadership, especially at point guard and draft the right players to help the Rockets in “Phase 2” of their development of making the Playoffs.

With the No. 4 overall pick, the Rockets selected guard Amen Thompson out of Overtime Elite in Atlanta, GA. At No. 20, the Rockets selected forward Cam Whitmore out of Villanova University.

Thompson (16.4 ppg, 5.9 apg, 5.9 rpg, 2.3 spg w/OTE) brings two-way capabilities with his size at 6-foot-7, 214 pounds and length of a seven-foot wingspan. Is very athletic with his ability to put the ball on the deck and score at the hole or creating shots for others. Is a solid passer, ball handler with a great first step, and can score in transition.

Last season, Amen helped lead the City Reapers to the OTE Title hitting the game-winning layup at the final buzzer of Game 2 of the championship series and followed that up with the game-winning assists to his twin brother Ausar with 02.3 seconds left to clinch the title.

“I’m just excited. Excited to be a Rocket,” Amen, who averaged a league-leading 9.2 assists in 2023 OTE Playoffs said to ESPN’s Monica McNutt.

He put all those skills on both ends of the hardwood full display in his lone Summer League game in Las Vegas, NV when he scored 16 points with five assists, three steals, and four block shots.

He also brings a high ceiling both with his game and his character both on and off the hardwood.

During ESPN’s coverage of the draft in late June, College Basketball and WNBA analyst and reporter Andraya Carter said that Thompson along with his brother Ausar, who was selected one pick later by the Pistons were described as the guard version of Hall of Famer Tim Duncan. That the only thing that is important to them about basketball is getting better. That they just want to compete and hoop. Both twins have spent extra time in the gym doing four workouts a day in preparation for the draft.

To bring this description of the Oakland, CA native in Amen is that it was just a few weeks ago that they purchased I Phone 5s.

“Just being in the NBA playing with these great athletic guys. I feel like my best brand of basketball is running and we’re a young team. So, that’s what we’re going to do,” Amen added to McNutt about what he hopes to add to the Rockets.

Whitmore (12.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 48 FG% w/Villanova), 2022-23 Big East Freshmen was projected to be selected in the lottery portion of the 2023 NBA Draft, around the Top 5. But dropped all the way to No. 20 overall because of medical and/or personal issues.

With the athletic explosiveness that he possesses. That he is already has the physique to handle is own against the best in the NBA; that he is an excellent cutter in the half court; has a solid shooting stroke; and can hold his own defensively, he was a no-brainer choice by the Rockets. He put that on full display in winning MVP at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, NV in July behind averages of 19.3 points, 5.2 boards, and 2.5 assists in six games on a solid 44.7 percent from the field.

“At the end of the day, God always has a plan and let that fuel me... Have that chip on my shoulder every time I step on the floor,” Whitmore said to Malika Andrews on the July 18 edition of “NBA Today” on falling in the draft.

The first player the Rockets broke the bank for to add to their roster was All-Star guard Fred VanVleet (19.3 ppg, 7.2 apg w/Raptors) on a three-year, $130 million deal.

The money aside, VanVleet, who went undrafted in 2016 out of Witchita State fulfills the top need for the Rockets; a solid, steady floor general who brings a solid shooting stroke having shot 37.3 percent in his first seven NBA seasons with the Raptors. He also brings maturity and a veteran presence.  

He made over 200 total three-pointers made his final two seasons with the Raptors, making a career-best 242 (242/642 3-Pt.) in 2021-22 and 207 (207/606 3-Pt.) in 2022-23. He has made over 110 total threes in five out of the last six seasons.

VanVleet’s evolution of his shooting stroke is how he went from totaling seven 20-plus point games, including just one 30-point game in seasons 2017-18 and 2018-19 emerged as a scorer who can score 20 when called upon. That is how he became a consistent double-figure scorer the last five seasons (11.0; 17.6; 19.6; 20.3; & 19.3). He also has grown as a facilitator.

20-Point Games        2017-18:   2  2020-21: 27    30-Point Games       2018-19: 1  2021-22:  8
Last 6 Seasons By     2018-19:   5  2021-22: 33    Last 5 Seasons         2019-20: 3  2022-23: 10
Fred VanVleet           2019-20: 22  2022-23: 31    By Fred VanVleet   2020-21: 6

In the Raptors 128-108 victory Apr. 2 at the Hornets, VanVleet had 20 points and a career-high and Raptors single-game franchise record 20 assists.

Double-Doubles By    2018-19: 1  2020-21:   5  2022-23: 10
Fred VanVleet Last    2019-20: 8  2021-22: 10
5 Seasons

“We’ve got some supreme athletes and guys that can make incredible plays on this team,” VanVleet said at Media Day.

In a five-team deal with the Hawks, Clippers, Grizzlies, and Thunder on July 8, the Rockets via sign-and-trade acquired guard Dillon Brooks (14.3 ppg w/Grizzlies) on a four-year, $80 million deal, while acquiring the draft rights to forward/center Alpha Kaba (No. 60 overall pick in 2017 by Hawks); the Clippers 2026 Second-Round pick and 2027 Grizzlies 2027 Second-Round pick.

In that same deal, they dealt veteran guard Patty Mills, who they acquired from the Nets along with the Bucks 2028 Second-Round pick in exchange for Rockets 2028 Second-Round pick two days prior to the Thunder along with Second-Round picks in 2024, 2029 and 2030.

The Rockets dealt youngsters in center Usman Garuba and guard TyTy Washington to the Hawks along with Timberwolves 2025 Second-Round pick and their 2028 Second-Round pick.

The Rockets dealt forward Kenyon Martin along with a 2026 right to swap Second-Round picks to the Clippers. They dealt young guard Josh Christopher to the Grizzlies.

Brooks on the surface is a plus addition to the Rockets because of the toughness and that he is willing to guard anyone on the opposing team.

The negatives are his shooting accuracy, which reached a career-low of 39.6 percent from the floor and the second-worst three-point percentage in a season of his career at 32.6 despite making the second most total triples in a season of his six-year career at 143 (143/439 3-Pt.).

Brooks also had a tough season from a public relations standpoint because of his on- court antics, where he crossed the line a couple of occasions like hitting Cavs All-Star Donovan Mitchell in the private area in a game last season.

In the Grizzlies six-game setback to the Lakers this past spring, Brooks trashed talked future Hall of Famer LeBron James and it did not work as Brooks got his lunched handed to him in the series and never took accountability for his actions or poor play where he managed just 10.5 points on 31.2 percent shooting and 23.8 percent from three in the series.

Brooks did show well for Team Canada in the FIBA World Cup in leading them to their first global tournament medal in basketball in 1936 capturing bronze back in September. In helping Team Canada defeat Team USA in overtime (127-118), Brooks scored 39 points.

At Media Day, Brooks said that it is going to take “little baby steps here and there,” specifically at the defensive end for the Rockets to win at a very high level again.

“We’ve got a lot of, you know, special talent that can score the basketball. Find ways to get teammates involved. But it’s all going to, you know, depend on that defense,” Brooks added.

Brooks has the respect of the Rockets other aforementioned veteran addition in VanVleet, who said he is “excited” to play with a competitor like Brooks, who has the kind of “identity” that can kind of rub off on the rest of the team to where you “take pride” in defending and it is something that can be “very contagious.”

The Rockets added more veteran leadership on July 7 signing forward Jeff Green (7.8 ppg, 48.8 FG% w/Nuggets) on a one-year, $9.6 million. Green, who won a title with the Nuggets last season, played for the Rockets in 2019-20 has played for 11 teams as he entered his 17^th season in the NBA.

Most Teams Played    Ish Smith  (DEN)   13   Joe Smith              12
For In NBA History   Chucky Brown       12   Kevin Ollie            11
                                     Tony Massenberg   12  Anthony Tolliver    11
                                     Jim Jackson            12  Jeff Green (HOU) 11

When asked at Media Day what he can bring to the Rockets from an intangible standpoint, Green answered that he brings “experience” having won a title, playing for multiple teams, and making the Playoffs.

“I think the experience itself in teaching these young guys on, you know, what it takes to be a true professional. The winning aspect of what it takes. The everyday grind. Them seeing it first and foremost I think will help them in the long run,” Green said on what he hopes to show the young nucleus of the Rockets.

The day before, the Rockets added more size to their front court with the addition of forward/center Jacque Landale (6.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 52.8 FG% w/Suns) on a four-year $32 million deal. Landale had three of his four career double-double in 2022-23.

They also added via one-year deals in career backup Aaron Holiday and center Boban Marjanovic.

Green, Smith, Jr., and Sengun have taken to the changes to the Rockets so far.

Jalen Green said to SportsTalk 790 said that in the workouts prior to training camp with VanVleet and Green have been “really good. That VanVleet has been a “real big brother” to him and “install” some of his leadership qualities into Green.

Smith, Jr. said he and the rest of the team with the veteran additions and Coach Udoka that they had “no choice” but to be excited.

“You’re bringing in two NBA champions. You’ve got Jeff Green, Fred VanVleet, [and] Dillon Brooks has been deep in the Playoffs,” Smith, Jr. added. “You’ve just got people who can bring that winning culture and help turn this thing around.”

Sengun said at Media Day showed he has taken to the new approach to playing consistent defense saying he will give “all his energy” at the defensive end while making plays for others at the offensive end.

“The first two years did not go well. So, but this year were hungry to win. So, we’re going to do—all players are going to do their best I think," Sengun added.

Sengun also said that he will take a more focus on his shooting when he is “wide open” and not force the issue on driving to the hoop.

That veteran leadership will be needed on the floor especially with Porter, Jr. being traded to the Thunder in the middle of this month along with two future Second-Round picks in exchange for veteran guard Victor Oladipo and forward/center Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.  

On Sept. 10, the 23-year-old was arrested and charged with two felonies of assault and strangulation of former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick, 26, at a New York hotel, a source told ABC News on Sept. 9.

New York Police responded to a 911 call reporting an assault at 6:45 a.m. at the Millenium Hotel near the United Nations in Manhattan, NY and they arrested Porter, Jr., 23 after an investigation.

According to the criminal complaint, Gondrezick, who played played on season for the Indiana Fever and is currently a free agent told police that Porter, Jr. punched her repeatedly in the face with a closed fist, cutting her right eye, causing bruising and substantial pain to her face. She also said that the Rockets’ guard forcefully squeezed her neck with his hands causing her to have difficulty breathing, redness, and bruising to her neck.

Test at the hospital showed that the actress and model sustained a fractured vertebra in her neck, that was also in the criminal complaint.

New York prosecutors said that Porter, Jr. did not stop attacking Gondrezick ran out into the hallway covered in blood. Porter, Jr. was released on $75,000 bail on Sept. 11 but was not required to enter a plea during his brief court appearance.

Porter, Jr., the No. 30 overall pick in 2019 by the Cavaliers out of USC, who traded him to the Rockets two seasons back pleaded not guilty to the two felony charges.

“The allegations against him are deeply troubling,” GM Stone said at Rockets Media Day. “Going back a few weeks, as soon as I heard the allegations, I informed his representative that he could not be a part of the Houston Rockets. They understood and he ahs not been with the team or around the team or had any interaction with the team since that time and will not be at Media Day today or in training camp.”

This is not Porter, Jr.’s first off-the-court issues since entering the NBA. In November 2020 while with the Cavs, he was arrested after authorities said they found a loaded handgun and marijuana in his car after a single-vehicle crash. Porter, Jr. claimed he did not know the gun was in his care and the charges were eventually dismissed.

Porter, Jr. was dealt to the Rockets a few months into his second NBA season after a reported blow up at Cavs’ GM Koby Altman due to his locker having been moved to make room for a newly acquired player.

In April 2021, the NBA fined Porter, Jr. $50,000 dollars because he violated “The Association’s” COVID-19 health and safety rules when he visited a Miami strip club. In January 2022, Porter, Jr. was suspended by the Rockets for one game after then-head coach Stephen Silas and he had a “spirited debate” and Porter, Jr. lost his cool during halftime.

“The allegations here are  horrific, no question about it, but I don’t know anything more of course about the actual facts other than reading those allegations,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said on Sept. 11 in New York about the case. “We have a domestic violence policy that was collectively bargained with the Players’ Association [NBPA]. They certainly feel as strongly as we do about the issue. Every case though also depends on its unique facts.”

“I think when we’re not in season, there’s a little bit more of an opportunity to absorb what’s happening before we act… One thing I’ve learned over many years of working on these cases is that not to assume anything here and to not just rely on headlines, but to try to truly understand what’s happening here as a combination of what law enforcement has learned and direct interviews. And so, we’re still now in the process of gathering information.”

He signed a four-year, $82.5 million extension last season. But is only partially guaranteed due to Porter, Jr.’s list of issues off the hardwood.

When asked at Media Day if the Rockets knew of any unpublicized issues in his past before he signed that extension, Stone answered “There weren’t any issues like this that I’m aware of,”

If the Rockets were to waive him based on the results of the investigation or if he is convicted, the Rockets would only be on the hook for just $16.9 million of the guaranteed money left on his deal.

When asked if he believed Porter, Jr. will be a part of the team again, Stone answered, “I can’t answer that and stay in compliance with the policy

The Rockets did ship Porter, Jr. out of town in the middle of this month when on Oct. 17 he was traded to the Thunder along with the Timberwolves’ 2027 and the Bucks 2028 Second-Round picks in exchange for veteran guard Victory Oladipo and forward/center Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.  

Back in the middle of the 1980s, the Rockets in back-to-back Junes 1984 and 1985 drafted No. 1 overall Hall of Famers Ralph Sampson and Olajuwon. That tandem helped the Rockets reach the 1986 Finals where they ultimately fell in six games to fellow Hall of Famers Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Dennis Johnson, Robert Parish, and Bill Walton.

It was not until the middle of the 1990s when led by Olajuwon helped lead the Rockets to back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995.

It took until the middle of the 2010s when the Rockets acquired James Harden from the Thunder before the Rockets worked their way back into the championship conversation.

Ultimately, the Rockets were unable to get past the Warriors, who beat them 4-1 in the 2015 West Finals; 4-3 in the 2018 West Finals; and 4-2 in 2019 West Semifinals.

The relationship between Harden and Rockets soured early in 2020-21 and they decided to go into rebuild mode trading Harden to the Nets.

After three seasons of futility, the Rockets with the players they have drafted in Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith, Jr., Tari Eason, and now Amen Thompson, and Cam Whitmore, they fell with the additions of championship level head coach in Ime Udoka and veteran players added in Fred VanVleet, Dillion Brooks, Jeff Green, and the youngster Jack Landale that the Rockets are ready to go to the so-called “Phase 2” as Governor Tillman Fertitta mentioned in Coach Udoka’s introductory presser, making it back to the Playoffs and hopefully going to “Phase 3” of winning a title. 

“We’ve discussed the ‘Phases’ and the next ‘Phase’ is winning and being more consistent. Patrick [Fertitta] has been very open about the pain they’ve had to go through these last two-and-a-half, three years and now we’re on the other side of that and where we look forward to coming,” Udoka said about the Rockets going from a rebuilding team to a Playoff perennial.

“But these guys have to take steps. The pain has been there. That should fuel you, you know? You go through that. But coming out on the other side though obviously be beneficial for everybody. And that’s my job to push these guys.”

Udoka added about changing the culture of the Rockets, “Whether you say it’s a culture shift or, you know, change of environment and some of those things, it starts with me holding guys accountable.”

“Coaching them a certain way, which I’ll do a little bit different than has been done in the past. But the additions of the veterans and the growth of our young guys is gonna really help us to take that next step.”

Best Case Scenario: The Rockets compete for the Playoffs through the Play-In Tournament. Green, Smith, Jr., Sengun take major steps in being more consistent on both ends. Thompson and Whitmore makes one of the All-Rookie teams. They deal Porter, Jr. The Rockets improve defensively and become more efficient offensive team. Coach Udoka is in the running for Kia Coach of the Year.

Worst Case Scenario: The Rockets defense does not improve. They miss the Playoffs for a fourth straight season. Coach Udoka get more gray hairs in his beard in seeing how undiscipline his team is.   

Grade: A+

Los Angeles Clippers: 44-38 Record; 3^rd Pacific Division (No. 5 Seed West); 23-18 at home;  21-20 on the road; Lost To No. 4 Seeded Phoenix Suns 4-1 In West Quarterfinals.

-113.6 ppg-18^th; opp. ppg: 113.1-12^th; 43.2 rpg-17^th  

Four off-seasons backs, the Los Angeles Clippers hit the jackpot with the arrival of two perennial All-Stars, with one of them being a two-time Finals MVP and a two-time NBA champion. Those two paired with the supporting cast they have had, the expectations were of them being a serious title contender. What has happened has been frustrations because of their stars not being on the same page physically and that has led to disappointment in the postseason. With both star headliners set to possibly hit free agency next offseason, the plan for the Clippers in 2023-24 is to keep them healthy; find consistency in the regular season that will carry them possibly to the title for the first time in franchise history. Resilient.

The Clippers had a steady start to 2022-23 going 21-15 their first 36 games. A six-game losing streak (Dec. 29, 2022-Jan. 10, 2023) as part of a 2-9 mark their next 11 games dropped the Clippers to one game under .500 at 23-24 behind a two-game skid.

A five-game winning streak (Jan. 20-28, 2023) as part of an 8-2 mark their next 10 games (Jan. 20-Feb. 6, 2023) got head coach Tyronn Lue’s squad back to five games over .500 at 31-26. A 2-7 mark the next nine games (Feb. 8-Mar. 3, 2023), which included a five-game losing streak (Feb. 24-Mar. 3, 2023) brought the Clippers back to .500 at 33-33.

A four-game winning streak (Mar. 5-15, 2023) got the Clippers back over .500 by four games at 37-33 and that was part of a 11-5 mark to close 2022-23, which included a three-game winning streak to close the regular season to clinch the No. 5 Seed in the Western Conference.

The Clippers clinched the No. 5 Seed with a victory in their regular season finale 119-114 Apr. 9 at the Suns.

The ups-and-downs of the Clippers can be traced to their inconsistencies at home going just 23-18. That said, they were above .500 on the road at 21-20.

Best Road Records      Bucks  26-15   76ers    25-16    Clippers 21-20
In NBA 2022-23           Celtics  25-16  Knicks  24-17
                                      Kings   25-16   Nets      22-19

The Clippers were able to remain in postseason contention and made the 2023 Playoffs outright behind a 24-11 mark against teams under .500 (20-27 against teams .500 or better). They also were 22-20 in clutch games.

As it has been since 2019-20, when their dynamic two-way All-Star duo of Kawhi Leonard (23.8ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.9 apg, 51.2 FG%, 41.6 3-Pt.%) and Paul George (23.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 5.1 apg, 1.5 spg, 45.7 FG%, 37.1 3-Pt.%) play, the Clippers have been one of the best teams in the not just L.A. but the league. When they have only one of the two in the lineup or both are out, the Clippers have been an average team at best.

Last season, the Clippers had Leonard for just 52 games, while George was only available for just 56 games.

The Clippers  W/Leonard                      33-19 Record (11-19 Record W/O Leonard)
2022-23           W/George                        32-24  Record (12-14 Record W/O George)
                        W/Only Leonard             14-10 Record   W/Only George (5-2 Record)
                        W/Leonard & George     24-14 Record
                        W/O Leonard & George 16-15 Record

In the Clippers 103-97 to open last season versus the Lakers (TNT), Leonard, who had 14 points and 7 rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench in his first action since Game 4 of the 2021 West Semifinals versus the Jazz.

Leonard in 2022-23 averaged 20-plus points for the fourth straight season and for the 6^th time in the last seven seasons. He shot over 50 percent from the field for the second straight season and for the fourth season of his career. His three-point accuracy a season ago was the second highest of his career as he made over 100 total triples for the fourth straight season played and for the sixth time in the last seven seasons 104/250 3-Pt. 2022-23) dating back to his second to last season with the Spurs (2015-17) and his lone season with the Raptors (2018-19).

Kawhi Leonard’s             2019-20: 37.8 3-PT.% (123/325 3-PT.)
Three-Pointers Last         2020-21: 39.8 3-PT.% (101/259 3-PT.)
Three Seasons Played      2022-23: 41.6 3-PT.% (104/250 3-PT.)

Leonard in 2022-23 registered 16 30-plus point games, which included two 40-plus point games. The Clippers were 14-2 when Leonard scored 30 or more.

Best Team Records When  Fred VanVleet   (HOU)                 20-7 W/Raptors
Their All-Star Scored         Kawhi Leonard (LAC)                  40-8
30-Plus Points                      Jayson Tatum   (BOS)                   83-23
                                              Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) 106-29

From Jan. 8-Apr. 9, Leonard finally healthy averaged 27.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals on 52.6 percent from the field, and 46.8 percent from three-point range.

In the Clippers’ 176-175 thrilling double-overtime loss Feb. 24 versus the Kings, Leonard scored a season-high 44 points with three steals and two block shots on 16/22 from the floor and 6/9 from three and made all six of his free throw attempts.

When the Clippers lost (122-114) Apr. 1 at the Pelicans, Leonard had 40 points and eight rebounds on 15/28 from the floor and 4/8 from three and again made all six of his chances at the charity stripe.

In the final week of 2022-23, Leonard earned his eighth career NBA Western Conference Player of the Week honor, including his second with the Clippers where he averaged 25.7 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in leading the Clippers to a 3-0 record to close 2022-23.

Among the injuries Leonard had to battle through in 2022-23 along with resting came was stiffness in his surgically repaired right knee, right ankle sprain, illness, and personal matters.

Leonard missed 29 of the Clippers first 71 games a season ago, including 13 straight games (Oct. 25-Nov. 17, 2022) because of as mentioned stiffness in his right knee. He missed four straight games (Nov. 23-Dec. 3, 2022).

When he did play last season, George averaged 20-plus points for the eighth straight season and for the ninth time in the last 10 seasons. He made over 150 total triples for the ninth time in the last 11 seasons and averaged over five free throw attempts (5.3) in six out of the last 10 seasons.

Among the ailments that had George on the shelf for 26 games in 2022-23 included a strained hamstring, and sore left knee. This also included missing the final nine games with a right knee sprain sustained with 4:38 left in the Clippers 101-100 loss Mar. 21 versus the Thunder. 

George has registered over 10 30-plus point games in seven out of the last nine seasons, including registering 12 such games in 2022-23 including three 40-point games. The Clippers went 8-4 in those games, including a 2-1 mark when George scored 40 or more. He also registered eight double-doubles.

In the Clippers second game of 2022-23, a 111-109 victory at the Kings, George scored 40 points with six boards, six assists, and two steals on 16/31 from the field with three made threes (3/10 3-Pt.).

Against his former team, a Clippers 131-130 defeat at the Pacers on New Year’s Eve 2022 (Dec. 31, 2022), George had a season-high of 45 points with nine rebounds, and three steals on 15/25 from the floor, including 7/13 from three, and 8/8 at the charity stripe.

George registered said eighth double-double of 2022-23 with 42 points and 11 rebounds on 12/23 from the floor, and 4/9 from three-point range, and 14/15 at the foul line in the Clippers 135-129 victory Mar. 5 versus the Grizzlies.

Back in the summer of 2022, the Clippers took a flyer on former perennial All-Star guard John Wall in hopes that he would solve their problems of having a lead guard that would take the ball handling and facilitating pressures off Leonard and George and focus more on scoring and defending.

They pulled the plug on that experiment after 31 games and was dealt at the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline in a three-team deal sending Wall to the Rockets along with 2023 right to swap First-Round picks from the Clippers in exchange for veteran guard Eric Gordon. They also in that deal sent sharp-shooter Luke Kennard and 2026 right to swap Second-Round pick to the Grizzlies in exchange for 2026 right to swap Second-Round pick from Clippers.

On the same day, the Clippers in a deal with Hornets acquired center Mason Plumlee in exchange for veteran guard Reggie Jackson, the Clippers 2028 Second-Round pick, and cash considerations. (10.8 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 68.0 FG%-2^nd NBA w/Hornets & Clippers).

Mason Plumlee W/Hornets  12.2 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 66.9 FG%, 21 Double-Doubles
2022-23              W/Clippers   7.5 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 72.7 FG%, 2 Double-Doubles

The Clippers also acquired in a four-team deal with Nuggets, Magic and Lakers, the Clippers acquired guard Na’Shon “Bones” Hyland (11.8 ppg, 37.1 3-Pt.%), sending their 2024 and 2025 Second-Round picks.

Bones Hyland  W/Nuggets  (42 Games) 12.1 PPG, 37.8 3-PT.% (91/241 3-PT.)
2022-23             W/Clippers (14 Games) 10.8 PPG, 35.2 3-PT% (26/74 3-PT.)

The addition of Plumlee, who set a career-high going back to the Hornets 23 double-doubles gave the Clippers the understudy they have been looking for to backup to starting center Ivica Zubac (10.8 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 63.4 FG%-7^th NBA), who set career-highs in scoring, rebounding and double-doubles (27).

In the Clippers’ win (114-100) versus the Pacers, Zubac scored 31 points with a career-high of 29 rebounds, including a career-high of 12 offensive boards with three blocks on 14/17 shooting. This was the third game since 1973-74 a player has registered that stat line and the first to do it since Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Feb. 3, 1978 at the New Jersey (now Brooklyn) Nets.

Zubac on this night became the first Clipper since now Nuggets’ center DeAndre Jordan to register at least 20 points and 20 rebounds. He became the 12^th player in franchise history with a 20/20 (points/rebounds) performance. The former Laker also registered the second most rebounds in a game in franchise history, just one behind the 30 boards registered by now Thunder television color analyst Michael Cage did it in 1988 against the then Seattle Supersonics.

Double-Doubles By         W/Lakers:      2016-17: 4; 2017-18: 1; 2018-19: 4
Season By Ivica Zubac    W/Clippers:   2018-19: 4; 2019-20: 10; 2020-21: 13
                                                                   2021-22: 25; 2022-23: 27

Even with the acquisition of Hyland from the Nuggets, the Clippers still felt they had a gaping hole at the lead guard spot. They filled that gap with the addition of 2017 Kia MVP, perennial All-Star, and the league’s all-time career leader in triple-doubles in Russell Westbrook (15.9 ppg, 7.5 apg,-8^th NBA, 5.8 rpg 43.6 FG% w/Lakers & Clippers), whose tumultuous return home to play for the team he grew up rooting for as he was traded at the aforementioned NBA trade deadline to the Jazz, who bought him out of his contract 11 days later and joined the Clippers 48 hours later.

In his debut with the Clippers in their aforementioned double-overtime loss versus the Kings, Westbrook had a double-double with 17 points and 14 assists with five rebounds on 7/13 shooting in 39 minutes.

Westbrook recorded his 9,062^nd career assists when he registered seven points, five boards, and three assists in the Clippers 106-95 loss Mar. 11 versus the Knicks. He surpassed Hall of Fame and NBATV studio analyst Isiah Thomas into No. 9 on the NBA’s career assists list.

At the close of the month in the Clippers 141-132 victory versus the Grizzlies with Leonard and George sidelined, Westbrook had a double-double of a season-high of 36 points with 10 assists and two block shots on 13/18 from the field, including 5/5 from three-point range. He became the first player in league history to register a 30/10 (points/assists) game with five different teams (Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, and Clippers).

Russell Westbrook   W/Lakers (52 Games: 3 Starts) 15.9 PPG, 7.5 APG, 6.2 RPG 
2022-23                      41.7 FG%, 29.6 3-PT.% (63/213 3-PT.) 17 Double-Doubles
                                   4 Triple-Doubles; 5 25-Point Games
                                   W/Clippers (21 Games; All Starts) 15.8 PPG, 7.6 APG, 4.9 RPG,
                                   48.9 FG%, 35.6 3-PT.% (26/73 3-PT.) 7 Double-Doubles;
                                   3 25-Point Games

The midseason additions brought more of a balanced attack to a deep interchangeable Clippers squad that had their inconsistencies for much of last season.

The only other constant along with Leonard and George, when they played was Norman super-sub, Norman Powell (17.0 ppg, 47.9 FG%, 39.7 3-Pt.%), who averaged in double-figures for the fourth consecutive season and showed once again in 2022-23 that he can score 20 points off the bench with ease.  

Last season, the former Raptor (2015-21) and Trail Blazer (2021-22) led the league with nine 25-plus point games off the bench out of 60 games played. This from a player who totaled 12 20-plus point games in his first four NBA seasons with the Raptors.

The late Second-Round pick (No. 46 overall) in 2015 out of UCLA, made over 109 total threes for the fourth straight season (114/287 3-Pt. 2022-23). He also averaged about five free throw attempts for the second straight season.

Those numbers is how Powell finished No. 4 in Kia Sixth Man of the Year voting and was a big reason why the Clippers ranked No. 4 in bench scoring per game in 2022-23 (41.5).   

20-Point Games By     W/Raptors 2019-20: 18 w/Raptors & Trail Blazers 2020-21: 29
Norman Powell Last   W/Trail Blazers & Clippers 2021-22: 19
Four Seasons               W/Clippers 2022-23: 20

30-Point Games By  W/Raptors 2015-16: 1 2019-20: 3
Season By Norman  W/Raptors & Trail Blazers 2020-21: 7
Powell                       W/Trail Blazers & Clippers: 2012-22: 2
                                  W/Clippers 2022-23: 3

Like Leonard and George, Powell was snakebit by injuries missing 22 total games. He was shelved for 10 straight games (Nov. 30-Dec. 21, 2022) left groin strain. He also missed 11 straight games (Mar. 3-29, 2023) with a left shoulder subluxation.

The other key reserve for the Clippers was Terance Mann (8.8 ppg, 51.9 FG%, 38.9 3-Pt.%), who when he has gotten time has shown he can have an impact on both ends.

Offensively, he has shown himself to be a credible shot maker, especially from three-point range, making 76 (76/108 3-Pt.) and 77 (77/198 3-Pt.) in each of the past two seasons.

10-Point Games  2019-20:   3   2021-22: 42     20-Point Games   2019-20: 1  2021-22: 4
By Season By      2020-21: 20   2022-23: 32     By Season By       2020-21: 3  2022-23: 4
Terance Mann                                                   Terance Mann

In the Clippers’ win (121-100) Jan. 15 versus the Rockets, Mann scored a regular season career-high of 31 points with six rebounds on 12/16 from the floor, including 5/8 from three. 

The other late Second-Round pick (No. 48 overall) out of Florida State also showed he can guard multiple positions. 

One spot that the Clippers had a lot of depth at was the power forward position of Marcus Morris, Sr. (11.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg 36.5 3-Pt.%), Nicolas Batum, (6.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 39.1 3-Pt.%), and Robert Covington (6.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 44.5 FG%, 39.7 3-Pt.%).

While he missed 17 games last season, Morris Sr. when he was healthy brought solid marksmanship from three-point range, making over 100 total threes for the third straight season (112/307 3-Pt.) and for the eighth time out of the last nine seasons.

Batum in 2022-23 made over 100 threes for the third straight season (124/317 3-Pt.) and for the 11^th time in his 15-year NBA career. This included his fifth season of making 120-plus total threes.

Covington, who also came over from the Trail Blazers in 2021-22 along with Powell when he has played has given the Clippers another sniper from distance (54/136 3-Pt.) who too can guard multiple positions.

Two seasons back, the Clippers led the NBA in three-point percentage (41.1%) and were No. 6 in threes made (14.3) and No. 14 in threes attempted (34.7). In 2022-23, the Clippers accuracy from three ranked No. 3 (38.1%) and were No. 10 in three made (12.7) and once again finished in the middle of the pack at No. 14 in threes attempted (33.3).

While they ranked No. 13 in field goal percentage (47.7 %) and were No. 11 in free throw attempts (23.9), the Clippers offensively ranked at No. 18 in free throw percentage (78.1%) and in turnovers per game (14.2) and near the bottom of the league in paint points at No. 27 (45.5) and No. 21 in fastbreak points (12.9).

Last season, the Clippers were 41-28 when they scored 100 points or more. Were 32-10 when they outshot their opponent by field goal percentage and 20-10 when they had fewer turnovers than their opponent in 2022-23.

                                                        NBA Rank                                                             NBA Rank
Clippers’ Offense   107.6 PPG          30^th                 Clippers’ Offense 117.6 PPG           9^th
First 33 Games       46.0 FG%          23^rd                 Final 49 Games      48.9 FG%          9^th
2022-23                 31.9 3-PT.%           9^th                 2022-23                   38.9 3-PT.%       3^rd
19-14 Record       12.3 3-PT. Made    11^th                 25-24 Record       13.0 3-PT. Made   8^th
                              33.2 3-PT. ATT.   15^th                                               33.4 3-PT. ATT.    15^th 
                              75 FT%                24^th                                               24.4 FT ATT        11^th
                              23.2 FT ATT.                                                            80.1 FT%               7^th

What has made the Clippers effective at winning games in recent seasons has been their ability to defend. In the early part of last season, that was how the Clippers were on the right side of the scoreboard. Overall, the Clippers were not up to snuff on that side of the ball a season ago. They particularly had their issues defensively following the All-Star break when Westbrook entered the fold. They did get things together on that end to close 2022-23.

                                                   NBA Rank                                                                   NBA Rank
Clippers Defense  107.5 PPG         3^rd                  Clippers Defense   116.8 PPG           20^th
First 33 Games      45.1 FG%        4^th                   Final 49 Games     48.9 FG%            23^rd 
2022-23                33.7 3-PT.%       3^rd                   2022-23                  38.5 3-PT.%        28^th
19-14 Record      34.2 3-PT ATT. 17^th                  25-24 Record         32.8 3-PT. ATT.    9^th
                             11.5 3-Pt. Made  9^th                                                        12.6 3-PT. Made  18^th
                             21.4 FT ATT.     4^th                                                   23 FT ATT.          13^th

                                                         NBA Rank                                                             NBA Rank
Clippers Defense       131.7 PPG         30^th             Clippers Defense     113.6 PPG         12^th
Post All-Star Break      51 FG%         28^th             Post All-Star Break    47 FG%         11^th
First Five Games      62 Paint Pts       30^th             Last 15 Games      53.3 Paint Pts       21^st
                                    1-5 Record        29^th                                               10-5 Record     T-4^th

Top 5 Records     Celtics     12-4   Cavaliers 10-5
To Close Out       Grizzlies  13-5   Clippers  10-5
2022-23                Lakers     11-5

The Clippers stole homecourt advantage right out from the Suns in taking Game 1 in their building 115-110 Apr. 16 (TNT) to lead the series 1-0.

The Clippers led the first two-plus quarters up 30-18 after the opening period and were up by 16 in the second quarter but only led 59-54 at half. They were outscored by the Suns 27-22 in the third quarter where they led by nine (77-68) in the period. The Clippers closed the period on a 13-4 run to tie it 81-81 after three quarters. The Clippers’ six-point lead late in the fourth quarter was cut to one (109-108) with 1:08 left. Two free throws by Westbrook put the Clippers up 111-108 with 17.1 seconds left and made the game-saving block on a layup attempt by the Suns’ Devin Booker and swatted off Booker to get the Clippers the ball back. The Clippers closed out the game with two free throws and a dunk by Mann as the Clippers outscored the Suns 34-29 in the fourth quarter.

Leonard led the way with 38 points, five rebounds, and five assists on 13/24 from the floor, including 3/5 for three, and 9/10 at the charity stripe. Gordon scored 19 on 7/14 from the floor and 3/7 from three. Powell scored 14. Zubac had a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds. Westbrook, while he struggled going 3/19 shooting, including 1/6 from three had nine points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and three blocks. Plumlee had seven points and 11 rebounds off the bench.

Gordon dominated early with 12 points on 5/6 shooting, including 2/2 from three-point range in the opening period. Gordon and Leonard (7 points 3/3 FGs) combined to outscore the entire Suns’ team (19-18) in the opening period.

Kawhi Leonard   3^rd QTR: 12 Points, 4/8 FGS
2^nd Half Game 1  4^th QTR:  13 Points, 5/9 FGS, 2/3 3-PT.

Players To Post                     Kawhi Leonard  2020  36 Points
35 Points, 5 Rebounds,        Paul George        2021  37 Points
5 Assists In A Playoff           Paul George        2021  41 Points
Game In Clippers History  Kawhi Leonard  2023   38 Points

Westbrook became the first player in the last 25 postseasons with two points, two assists, a steal, and block in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter. The Clippers scored 19 points on 8/13 from the field off Westbrook’s passes in Game 1.

Zubac registered a double-double in the opening half with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

The Clippers shot 44.1 percent (41/93 FGs) and overcame a 10/31 effort from three-point range by going 23/29 at the charity stripe. Had 23 assists on their 41 made field goals. Were only a minus-2 in the paint (50-48). They outrebounded the Suns 49-42, including 15-6 on the offensive glass, outscoring the Suns 15-7 in Second Chance points.

The Clippers’ poor second half two nights later that had them on the wrong side of the scoreboard in their 123-109 loss at the Suns in Game 2 (TNT) to tie the series 1-1.

After they led 29-24 after the first quarter and led by 13 late in the second quarter, the Clippers were outscored 13-4 that tied it 59-59 at intermission. The Clippers were outscored by the Suns 99-80 over the final three quarters, including 64-50 in the second half, where they trailed by as many as 14.

Leonard led the way in defeat with his fourth straight 30-plus point game in the postseason with 31 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals on 11/20 from the floor, including 3/5 from three and 6/7 at the foul line. Westbrook had 28 points with five assists, five boards, and two blocks on 9/16 from the field, including 2/3 from three, and 8/8 at the foul line. Gordon had 12 points on 4/9 from three. Powell had 12 points and two steals, while Mann scored 10.

Clippers shot 43.8 percent from the floor (35/80 FGs). They were 11/30 from three but were 5/17 on their triple tries over the final three quarters (6/13 3-Pt. 1^st Qtr.). They were 28/31 at the foul line and outscored the Suns 44-38 in the paint. They only had 17 assists and 15 turnovers that led to 16 Suns’ points. The Clippers’ bench outscored the Suns reserves 30-13 in Game 2 after outscoring the Suns’ bench 34-12 in Game 1.

While the Suns outrebounded the Clippers 35-32, they had a 12-7 advantage on the offensive glass and outscored the Suns 21-15 in Second Chance points.

The Clippers led Game 3 early in the first period but trailed from that point on in dropping Game 3 129-124 Apr. 20 versus the Suns (NBATV) to trail the series 2-1.

After an early six-point lead by the Clippers, they trailed the Suns from late in the second  quarter on. They were tied 51-51 at intermission but were outscored 75-63 in the second half, including 40-34 in the third quarter. The Clippers closed to within three after a pair of Westbrook free throws to make it 119-116 with 1:44 left. But they were outscored 10-8 to close the game.

Powell led the way with a Playoff career-high of 42 points with five rebounds on 15/23 from the field, including 7/12 from three. He scored 22 of those 42 points in the opening half on 8/10 from the field, including 3/4 from three.

Westbrook had a double-double with 30 points and 12 assists with eight rebounds and three steals on 11/23 from the field and 3/7 from three. Hyland had scored 20 on 6/12 from the floor and 6/8 at the foul line. Mann scored 10 with two steals.

Leonard (sprained right knee) after a strong two games to open the series was inactive with a sprained right knee.

While the Clippers shot 54.2 percent (45/83 FGs) from the field in Game 3 and were 15/35 on their triple tries with 26 assists on their 45 made field goals, they were outshot at the charity stripe 46 (PHX: 35/46 FTs) to 25 (LAC: 19/25 FTs).

Even with advantages of outscoring the Suns 58-54 in the paint; 18-15 in fastbreak points; and 39-18 in bench points, the Clippers were outrebounded 45-40, including 15-6 on the offensive glass, getting outscored 14-5 in Second Chance points.

The Clippers had 18 turnovers that led to 25 Suns points, with 12 of those 18 turnovers coming on Suns steals.

The Clippers had another strong start in Game 4. But without both of their All-Star tandem again, they just could not keep up the final three quarters in going down versus the Suns 112-100 in Game 4 Apr. 22 (TNT) to fall behind 3-1 in the series.

After overcoming a seven-point first quarter deficit, the Clippers led by 11 early in the second quarter (34-23) but were outscored 25-13 to close the second quarter to trail 48-47 at the half, getting outscored by the Suns 25-17 in the period. The Clippers opened the third quarter 9-0 to lead 56-48 and were up 66-65 with 5:52 left in the third before getting outscored 28-12 to close the third to trail 83-78 after three quarters and were down by as many as 13 in the fourth period.

Wesbrook led the way with 37 points and six rebounds on 17/29 from the floor and 3/6 from three. Powell scored 14 on just 4/15 shooting. Mann scored 13 on 3/4 from three. Gordon scored 10.

Westbrook scored 14 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter for his first consecutive 30-plus point games in the postseason since 2018 with the Thunder. He also became the sixth player in Clippers history to with consecutive 30-plus point games.

The Clippers shot just 43.5 percent from the field (40/92 FGs) and were just 12/37 from three-point range. They were outshot again at the charity stripe 27 (PHX: 21/27 FTs) to 10 (LAC: 8/10 FTs). Had just 19 assists on their 40 made shots.

While they outscored the Suns 50-46 in the paint, the Clippers were outrebounded 49-33, including 14-9 on the offensive glass. They did outscore the Suns 20-17 in Second Chance points and 26-9 in bench points.

The Clippers following a strong first half, got down huge in the third quarter of Game 5 and fought back in the final period. But had nothing left at the end dropping Game 5 136-130 Apr. 25 (TNT) to lose the series 4-1. 

After trailing 32-30 after the opening period, the Clippers outscored the Suns 40-29 in the second quarter to lead 70-61 at the half and were up 71-61 following a free throw by Westbrook. They were outscored 50-23 from that point on in the third quarter to trail 111-94 after three quarters and were down 20 following a Suns’ three-point play early in the fourth quarter. The Clippers fought back to draw within two 130-128 behind a 34-16 run capped by a three-point play by Powell. With a chance to tie with 2:19 left, Westbrook missed a fastbreak layup and the Clippers were outscored 6-2 to close the game.

Powell in defeat led the Clippers with 27 points on 8/17 from the floor including 3/7 from three and 8/10 at the charity stripe. Plumlee off the bench had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds on 8/9 at the foul line. Batum scored 19 points with six boards and two steals on 7/10 from the field, including 5/8 from three. Zubac also had a double-double with 16 points and 10 boards. Westbrook, who went just 3/18 shooting, including 1/6 on his triple tries scored 14 with eight assists, and eight rebounds on 7/8 at the foul line. Morris, Sr. scored 12 with five rebounds. Mann scored 10 with five rebounds.

The Clippers shot 45.3 percent from the field (43/95 FGs) and were 13/36 from three. They had 23 assists on their 43 made field goals. They outshot the Suns at the foul line 37 (LAC: 31/37 FTs) to 24 (PHX: 21/24 FTs). They outrebounded the Suns 46-43, including 17-11 on the offensive glass, outscoring the homestanding Suns 50-46 in the paint; 58-22 in bench points; and 34-17 in Second Chance points.

0While they only had 10 turnovers, seven of those by the Clippers came off of Suns steals and they turned those miscues into 20 points. Three of those turnovers were courtesy of Westbrook in the closing minutes of Game 5.

Leonard (sprained right knee) missed the final four games of the series, while George missed (sprained right knee) the entire series. 

Entering the most important season in franchise history, the Clippers front office led by Governor Steve Ballmer and President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank basically kept their core of the team together bringing back two key parts that joined them in February that helped turned things around along with adding a player who will bring a dimension they have not had in quite some time.

They began the offseason by not guaranteeing the $21 million salary of Gordon on June 28 as a luxury tax casualty, leaving in free agency, and signing with the Suns.

A few days before in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Clippers selected at the end of the First-Round (No. 30 overall) guard/forward Kobe Brown out of the University of Missouri, who is very likely to spend his rookie season in the Clippers player development program.

At the start of July, the Clippers re-signed Westbrook on a two-year, $8 million deal. After a rough go of it with the Lakers for 1-plus seasons, the nine-time All-Star found his footing with the Clippers as well as piece of mind, smiling and playing the game with the passion, determination, and joy that has been his trademark in his NBA career.

In fact, before the start of training camp, Westbrook hosted a team dinner where he got his teammates Apple, I Phone 15s.

“It’s great, man, you know” Westbrook said at Media Day at the start of this month about having everyone in training camp with the whole core healthy and working towards a great season. “Just being able to have a fresh start and having everyone here. Having an opportunity to be able to set the tone. It’s important, especially for us as a group as we go into the season, and I’m looking forward to it.”

On July 7, the Clippers officially re-signed Plumlee to a one-year, $5 million deal. His addition at the trade deadline gave the Clippers a suitable backup to Zubac who brought his ability to rebound and finish and guard in the pick-and-roll. The Clippers hope he can stay healthy and continue to make an impact in those areas.

Joining Plumlee in the front court off the bench will be Kenyon “KJ” Martin, Jr. (12.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 56.9 FG% w/Rockets), who is coming off a breakout season across the board, including five of his 11 career double-doubles.

Last season in one of the Rockets rare wins on Nov. 25, 2022 versus the Hawks (128-122), Martin, Jr. had 21 points and a career-high 15 rebounds.

In the Rockets’ 130-125 loss Mar. 22 at the Grizzlies, Martin, Jr. scored 31 points, six rebounds, and two blocks on 12/18 shooting, going 2/5 from three, and 5/8 at the foul line.

The Clippers have not had this kind of explosive player who can attack the rim and be dominant in the paint as s lob and vertical threat with the ability to shoot since All-Star Blake Griffin. That is what KJ Martin brings to the Clippers, especially with the other youngsters in him, Hyland, and Mann.

He also brings a hunger to win after his first three seasons of being on a rebuilding Rockets squad that registered 17, 20, and 22 wins in those seasons.

On his teammate Paul George’s podcast on July 31, Martin, Jr. said the best piece of advice his father in former No. 1 overall pick in 2000 Kenyon Martin, Jr. out of the University of Cincinnati, playing for the Nets, Nuggets, Knicks, Clippers, Knicks, and Bucks gave him is being a “professional” who is always “ready to play” on both ends of the hardwood and treating respectful in the locker room to teammates, coaches, trainers, ball boys.

Martin, Jr. also said on the podcast that he is excited specifically playing with George, Westbrook, and Leonard. That he is excited to have a legit chance of playing playoff hoops.

“But really getting in the Playoffs and getting that bump. Like, I’m super excited to be in that situation, playing against the best teams,” Martin Jr. said of what he hopes to be a part of this season with the Clippers.

“Just having teammates who’ve been in hard situations. Up-and-down situations. Just being able to go and ask them questions and stuff like that. I’m super excited for that.”

Martin, Jr. also continues the family tradition that began with his father, who played for the Clippers in 2011-12 and has lived in L.A. for nearly a decade.

“He’s a winner in his heart and he despises losing. So, for him to be able to play on a team that’s fighting for something. I mean, these dudes [Clippers] are fighting for legacy. They’re fighting for a championship. So, they play different. So, that’s the way he approaches the game night-in and night-out. And the guys he plays against know that.”

“So, for him to be able to be in that environment, man. And be with an organization that want him, that appreciate him, man, I am ecstatic. I’m ecstatic.”

What will make Martin, Sr., and Clippers’ nation even more ecstatic is if Leonard and George can finally have a full healthy and productive season and be clicking on all cylinders in the Playoffs.

Ever since the perennial All-Stars joined the Clippers in the summer of 2019, they have not been healthy at the same time either in the regular season or postseason.  

Games Miss By Clippers     Kawhi Leonard                              Paul George
All-Star Duo By Season                25                      2019-20                 34
Since 2019-20                                 30                      2020-21                 28
                                                        82                       2021-22                51
                                                        30                       2022-23                26

Leonard, counting the regular season and postseason has played in 187 out of 346 games because of injury and illness. George, counting the regular season and postseason, has played in 221 out of 346 games. 

Leonard and George have played, counting the regular season and postseason, 142 out of 346 total games. That is 118 out of a possible 308 total games in the regular season, equating to 38 percent of games in the regular season, and 24 out of 37 Playoffs games, equating to 65 percent.

When the Clippers have had both their stars in the lineup, the Clippers have done very well going 83-35 (.703 win%) in the regular season. Including the Clippers’ 13-11 mark in the Playoffs with their duo in the lineup, the Clippers have gone 96-46 (676 win%). In the 166 games when one or both were out of the lineup due to injury or illness, the Clippers were an average squad with counting the regular season and postseason with an 86-80 mark (51.2 win%).

With just Leonard, the Clippers counting the regular season and postseason have gone 28-17 (.622 win%) and were 43-36 with just George (.544 win%). With neither, the Clippers were just 33-46 (.417 win%).

To bring this into clearer context, last season, Leonard, George, and Westbrook played in a total of 10 games since Westbrook first game on Feb. 24.

It is understandable why the Clippers did not sign Leonard and George to contract extension during the summer. George became eligible to sign a four-year, $223 million extension on Sept. 1, while Leonard was eligible for the same extension on July 12.

Leonard and George have player options for 2024-25 at $48.8 million each in the final years of their respective deals Leonard would enter the final year of his four-year, $176.3 million deal that he signed in 2021, while George would be entering into the final year of his four-year, $176.3 million deal that he signed in 2020.

This approach by the Clippers’ front office brings some risk entering this season, especially with the fact that next year, the Clippers will officially be moving into their new building “The Intuit Dome” in 2024-25 in Inglewood, CA.

What the Clippers have in their favor is that under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), you can decline the player option on a player’s deal and re-negotiate that year as opposed to under the previous CBA you would have to pick up a player’s option and extend from there.

The other thing in the Clippers’ favor is that Leonard and George are California natives and have shown no interest in playing anywhere else, at least for now.

What will help this situation is the Clippers’ stars be healthy as mentioned this entire season, regular season, and postseason, play well and possibly win the championship or have a deep Playoff run.

With the new load management policy in place which says of many things that star players must be available for national televised games and the inaugural in-season tournament.

When asked about this at Media Day, George when asked if he feels an obligation to play every game if healthy, he replied, “Yeah. Absolutely.”

“It just comes down to the guys that you’re out there with. And obviously, the fans, you know? So yeah. I 100 percent agree with the obligation that you should play.”

Leonard, who was load managed in his lone season with the Raptors, where he led them to their first title in 2019 when asked about the new load management policy said, “If I’m able to play, I play basketball, you know?”

“I work out every day in the summertime to play the game. Not to sit and watch people play. So, no league policy is helping me to play more games.”

Coach Lue said in reference to managing the workload of Leonard and George to keep them as healthy as possible this season is “Whatever I want to do, they’re going to do it.”

That both All-Stars “trust”  Coach Lue. That he has “earned” their trust over the three years he has been their head coach. Whatever is in “best for the team” that is the move they will make whether to rest or not play Leonard and/or George if they are injured.

“When you have championship aspirations. If you talk about winning a championship, it’s always preparing for the long haul and the big picture of getting to the Playoffs with your guys healthy. Making sure we can get through the season without guys being injured,” Coach Lue said to Malika Andrews on the Oct. 5 edition of ESPN’s “NBA Today.

“And so, when I said that, it’s just more so that making sure we do a great job in the regular season of preparing us for the Playoffs instead of preparing for the Playoffs without getting there first.”

The other key for the Clippers this season is to bring their best in the regular season where they try to get one of the Top 3 Seeds so they have homecourt advantage at least in the first two rounds of the postseason this spring.

A big part of that will be the front office deciding if they want to use their draft capital to acquire another perennial All-Star and 2018 Kia MVP, and Los Angeles, CA native James Harden, currently on the 76ers.

Harden, who opted into the final year of his current deal at $35.6 million hoping to be traded to possibly the Clippers.

Nothing has taken place and any talks of something being imminent of a trade between the two teams have been cooled for quite a while.

Any chance of acquiring Harden would cost Mann and possibly one or two of their First-Round picks.

Clippers Future         2025 First-Rounder owed to Thunder and 2026 Thunder Pick Swap
Draft Picks                 Controlled Future First-Rounders: 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, & 2031

If they are able to add Harden, that would give the Clippers three stars who can create their own shot and facilitate for others. On the other hand, there is no guarantee that Harden, Leonard, and George would fit together seamlessly. Plus, with how Harden has been acting to get out from the 76ers, is that something would Coach Lue and the Clippers want in their locker room?

When asked about possibly adding Harden, Coach Lue said to Andrews, “I don’t know.”

What is on Coach Lue’s mind is who should start at power forward this upcoming season between Batum, Morris, Sr. Martin, Jr., and Covington.

He told Andrews that he has a “great” team with “ a lot of different guys” that can start and are “very versatile.” But as like if the possibility of Harden being traded to the Clippers, “I really don’t know.”

Dating back to their seasons first as the Buffalo Braves (1970-78) and their time San Diego (1978-84) and their years in Los Angeles (1984-present), the Clippers had made the Playoffs only six times reaching the Semifinals just twice as the Braves in 1974 and 1976 falling in six games led by Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo.

It took them until the early 1990s (1992, and 1993) before they made the Playoffs since moving to the West Coast. During that time, they went through a lot of losing seasons and cycled through one coach after another.

It was not until 2005-06 when the Clippers finally won a Playoff series led by then head coach Mike Dunleavy, Sr. (2003-09), and All-Star forward now in the 76ers front office in forward/center Elton Brand, now Celtics assistant coach in fellow All-Star guard Sam Cassell, Cuttino Mobley, and now Clippers pregame and postgame analyst for Ball Sports SO CAL forward Corey Maggette led them to a five-game First-Round series victory over the Denver Nuggets but lost in West Semis 4-3 to the eventual West runner-up Suns.

It would be five years before the Clippers got back to the Playoffs during the “Lob City” Era of perennial All-Star lead guard Chris Paul, the aforementioned Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and head coach Vinny Del Negro (2011-13). Being in the West Semis became a Clippers staple under now ESPN/ABC television color analyst Glenn “Doc” Rivers (2013-20) but they never went beyond that dropping in the West Semis in four of Rivers’ seven seasons as the Clippers sideline leader.

In Coach Lue’s first season, the Clippers got over the hump and to the West Finals in 2021 but lost to the Suns 4-2. The year before, they missed the Playoffs dropping both Play-In games at the Timberwolves and versus the Pelicans.

Four off-seasons back, there was serious optimism in the orbit of the Los Angeles Clippers because of the addition of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

With the disappointments in the Playoffs coupled by the injury problems of Leonard and George during this period, and with the opening of their new arena “The Intuit Dome” in 2024-25, this is a make it or break it 2023-24 for the Clippers.

They have the star headliners in Leonard and George. They have a proven championship coach in Tyronn Lue. They have a versatile, battled tested, and dynamic supporting cast in  2017 Kia MVP Russell Westbrook, Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, Marcus Morris, Sr., Terance Mann, Norman Powell, and Mason Plumlee, with some youth in Na’Shon “Bones” Hyland, Terance Mann, and Kenyon Martin, Jr.

For them it is about staying healthy, while bringing the proper focus night-in and night-out this regular season and putting it all together in the postseason this spring.

“I think this is the team that can do it, for sure,” Coach Lue said to Andrews about this Clippers team winning a championship this spring. “Health has been somewhat of a thorn in our side the last few years. And so, hopefully we can get past that. But we love PG [Paul George] and Kawhi [Leonard]. They’ve been a staple of this team [over] the last four years. What they’ve brought to this organization and what they’ve brought to this city, you know, has been great. We love having them here. And so, hopefully they’re here for the long haul.”

Best Case Scenario: The Clippers are a Top 3 Seed in the West, winning 50 games for the first time since 2016-17. Leonard and George play at least 65 games and are All-Stars again. They find their starter at power forward between Batum, Covington, and Martin, Jr. The Clippers are a Top 5 offense and Top 5 defense. Coach Lue is a top candidate for Kia Coach of the Year. They have a Top 5 scoring bench. They represent the Western Conference in The Finals for the first time in franchise history.

Worst Case Scenario: The Clippers are a middle seed in the rugged Western Conference. Leonard and George miss significant time because of injury/illness again. The Clippers fall short of reaching The Finals.

Grade: B

Los Angeles Lakers: 43-39 Record; 5^th Pacific Division (No. 7 Seed West); 23-18 at home; 20-21 on the road; Won Play-In Game 108-102 Apr. 11, 2023 Versus Minnesota Timberwolves; Defeated The No. 2 Seeded Memphis Grizzlies 4-2 In Western Conference Quarterfinals; Defeated The No. 6 Seeded Golden State Warriors 4-2 In Western Conference Semifinals; Lost To The No. 1 Seeded Denver Nuggets 4-0 In Western Conference Finals  

-117.2 ppg-6^th; opp. ppg: 116.6-20^th; 45.7 rpg-6^th      

Outside of winning their 17^th NBA title in the 2020 restart in Orlando, FL, the Los Angeles Lakers have missed the Playoffs in two of the last four seasons. A big part of that has been injuries, particularly to their two perennial All-Star headliners A couple of key deals at the February trade deadline and return to health of said star headliners got the Lakers back to the Playoffs and a magical carpet ride to the Western Conference Finals but got smoked by the eventual NBA champions from the “Colorado Rockies.” With most of last year’s roster back intact, coupled with some young additions, the plan for the Lakers is to stay healthy; be a more efficient offensive team and an even better defensive team; and win their 18^th title in franchise history.  

The boys from Hollywood last season put together the script for the absolute perfect basketball horror flick that would make any famous horror movie villain jealous.

They spent most of last season fighting to stay about .500 early on, with their highwater mark of three games over .500 at 16-13 thanks to a three-game winning streak (Dec. 10-17 2021). That was followed up by a five-game losing streak (Dec. 17-28, 2021). A four-game winning streak capped by a 134-118 victory Jan. 7 on ESPN versus the Hawks put the Lakers at 21-19. They were 24-24 following a 106-96 victory Jan. 25 at the Nets on TNT. That would be the last time the Lakers would be at .500 as they would go just 9-25 the remainder of 2021-22, including being tied with Pacers for the fourth worst mark post All-Star break at 6-18.

The first half of the season saw the Lakers on the verge of imploding behind an 0-5 start to 2022-23, their second 0-5 beginning since having that start in 1957-58 at the Minneapolis Lakers, began that season 0-7.

That 0-5 start following a 111-102 loss Oct. 28, 2022 at the Timberwolves by the Lakers matched by the 2015-16 Lakers, the final season of the late Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant’s career.

When the Lakers did drop to 0-4 to being 2022-23 following their 110-99 loss Oct. 26, 2022 at the eventual NBA champion Nuggets (ESPN), it was the first time in the soon to be Hall of Fame career of LeBron James since his rookie season with the Cavaliers when they began 0-5 in the 2003-04 season.

That 0-5 beginning was part of a 2-10, which the Lakers answered by winning eight out of their next 11 games, which included two three-game winning streak  (Nov. 13-22, 2022 & Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 2022) to be 10-13.

Over the next 33 games, the Lakers from Dec. 7, 2022-Feb. 9, 2023 went 15-18, which began with a three-game losing streak (Dec. 6-11, 2022) and included a four-game losing streak (Dec. 19-27, 2022) and two three-game losing streak (Jan. 9-16 & Feb. 4-11, 2023). The Lakers also in that 33-game stretch registered a five-game winning streak (Dec. 30, 2022-Jan. 9, 2023). During this period, the Lakers fell to seven game under .500 at 14-21 following a 112-98 loss Dec. 28, 2022 at the eventual NBA’s runner-up in the Heat to fall to 6-13 on the road (8-8 at home).

Registering an 11-10 mark their next 21 games (Dec. 30, 2022-Feb. 9, 2023) to be 25-31 following their 115-106 loss Feb. 9 versus the Bucks (TNT), the Lakers were No. 13 in the Western Conference following a three-game losing streak.

The Lakers responded with an 18-8 mark their final 26 games, which included a 18-9-mark post NBA Trade Deadline and also consisted of a 16-7-mark post All-Star break, with only the Bucks posting a better mark following the NBA’s unofficial halfway mark.

With their 128-117 victory in their regular season finale Apr. 9 versus the Jazz (ESPN), the Lakers clinched the No. 7 spot, the highest seed in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament for the second time in the last three seasons. 

The Lakers headliners in perennial All-Stars LeBron James (28.9 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 6.8 apg, 50 FG%) and Anthony Davis (25.9 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 2.0 bpg, 56.3 FG%) had stellar seasons as usual. But both missed a plethora of games once again due to injury.

When healthy, James looked every bit the player that earned his 19^th All-Star selection, surpassing the aforementioned Kobe Bryant for the most consecutive All-Star appearances in NBA history. The four-time NBA champion and four-time Finals MVP also tied the NBA record for most All-Star appearances in league history with Hall of Famer, six-time Kia MVP, and former Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

James 28.9 scoring average a season ago, set a new NBA record for a player in their 20^th NBA season.

Highest Scoring Average In A Season Turning Age 38 In NBA History            *Hall of Famer
                                          Minutes PG         Points PG     Season        Team
LeBron James (LAL)            35.5                     28.9         2022-23         LAL
*Karl Malone                         38.0                     22.4         2001-02         UTA
*Kareem Abdul-Jabbar        33.3                     22.0         1985-86         LAL
*John Havlicek                      34.1                     16.1          1977-78        BOS
*Tim Duncan                         29.2                     15.1          2014-15        SAS

The four-time Kia MVP averaged 20/5/5 (points/rebounds/assists) in his first 20 NBA seasons, including 25/5/5 (points/rebounds/assists) the last 19 seasons. He shot 50 percent from the floor for the third straight season and for 12^th season of his career.

The 19-time All-NBA selection registered 25 30-plus point games, which included five 40-plus point games.

In the Lakers’ aforementioned victory to close 2022-23 versus the Jazz, James had 36 points with six rebounds, and six assists on 13/25 from the field, including 8/14 from three-point range. It was his 80^th 30-point game since turning age 35, which tied Hall of Famer Karl Malone for the most such games in NBA history.  

In the Lakers’ 122-118 overtime loss Dec. 13, 2022 at their longtime arch-rivals in the Celtics (ABC), James scored 33 points with nine rebounds, nine assists, with two steals on 13/24 shooting. He surpassed the late Hall of Famer and former Laker Wilt Chamberlin for the second most 30-plus point games in NBA history, now at 534 career games.

Most Career 30-Point Games          *Michael Jordan         562  *Wilt Chamberlin 516
(500 Or More) In NBA History       LeBron James (LAL) 534
*Hall of Famer

On his 38^th Birthday playing in front of his mother Gloria Marie and his longtime partner Savannah and those in attendance at State Farm Arena, James had a double-double with a then season-high of 47 points and 10 rebounds with nine assists on 18/27 from the field, 4/6 from three, and 7/9 at the charity stripe in the Lakers’ 130-121 victory Dec. 30, 2022 versus Hawks (NBATV) in 40 minutes.

Four days later, James had his second straight double-double with 43 points and 11 rebounds, with six assists on 16/26 shooting, and 11/5 at the charity stripe in the Lakers’ 121-115 victory Jan. 2 at the Hornets. He joined Hall of Famer Michael Jordan as the only two players in NBA history to register 40-plus points games at age 38 or older.

That performance during that week in January earned James his continued NBA record with his 66^th career Player of the Week honor, doubling the runner-up in the aforementioned Kobe Bryant.  

James also in that Lakers’ win was one of his 18 career double-doubles in 2022-23, the 18^th season out of his 20 that the Akron, OH native registered at least 15 double-doubles, including 14 seasons with at least 20 double-doubles, which includes eight seasons with at least 30 double-doubles.

He followed that up with another double-double with 24 points and 16 rebounds along with nine assists in the Lakers 119-115 double-overtime loss Jan. 12 versus the Mavericks (TNT). James joined Abdul-Jabbar as the only two players in NBA history to reach 38,000 career points.

James one month later would break one of the longest held records in NBA history at 39 years on Feb. 7 versus the Thunder (TNT) where his effort of 38 points, with seven rebounds and three steals on 13/20 from the floor, and 8/10 from the charity stripe surpassed Abdul-Jabbar on the league’s all-time scoring list at 38,390 points at nights end.

Abdul-Jabbar became the league’s all-time leading scorer on Apr. 5, 1984 against the Jazz at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV, which occurred eight months before James was born. 

         NBA’s Top Scoring Leaders Journey To A Top The League’s Scoreboard                     
Oct. 18, 1969: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Scored His First Career Points With Bucks Versus
Pistons.

Apr. 5, 1984: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar With Lakers Becomes The NBA’s All-Time Leading
Scorer With His Famed Skyhook Over 7-Foot-4 Mark Eaton Of The Jazz, Surpassing The Late Hall Of Famer Wilt Chamberlin With His.

Dec. 30, 1984: LeBron James Is Born.

Oct. 29, 2003: LeBron James Scores His First Career Points; Scoring 25 Points With 9 Assists, 6 Rebounds, 4 Steals on 12/20 FGS In Cavaliers’ In Their 106-92 Loss At The Kings (ESPN). Set NBA Record For Most Points Scored By A Prep-To-Pro Player In Their NBA Debut.  

In the Lakers’ 129-123 overtime win Jan. 31 at the Knicks (TNT), James had 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. It was one of his two triple-doubles in 2022-23, bringing his total to 107 in his career, tied for No. 4 all-time with now Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd.

James also on this night in front of a nationally televised audience became the first player in NBA history to register a triple-double in one’s 20^th NBA season. 

NBA All-Time Career          Russell Westbrook (LAC) 198  LeBron James (LAL) 107
Triple-Double Leaders        *Oscar Robertson               181  *Jason Kidd                107
(100-Plus) In NBA History  *Earvin “Magic” Johnson 138  Nikola Jokic   (DEN)  105

In the Lakers’ 133-115 defeat versus L.A.’s other team the Clippers Jan. 23 (TNT), James registered a season-high of 46 points with eight rebounds, and seven assists on 16/29 from the floor and 9/14 from three-point range. His eight made threes tied a single-game career-high and became the first player in NBA history to score at least 40 points against all 30 NBA teams.

James scored a new season-high of 48 points with eight rebounds, and nine assists on 16/26 from the floor, including 5/10 from three, and 11/12 at the free throw line. Counting the Playoffs, it was James’ 100^th career 40-plus point game, his 74^th in the regular season.

Most Career 40-Plus          *Wilt Chamberlin        271    *Allen Iverson                79
Point Games                       *Michael Jordan          173    *Oscar Roberton            77
(70 Or More) In NBA        *Kobe Bryant               122    LeBron James (LAL)     74
History (*Hall of Famer)    James Harden (PHI)  101   *Kareem Abdul-Jabbar  70
                                              *Elgin Baylor                        * Rick Barry                    70

The 2004 Kia Rookie of the Year made over 100 total three-pointers for the seventh straight season and for the 15^th season of his career. That included making over 120 total threes in a season for the ninth time in his career (121/377 3-Pt. 2022-23). 

          Most Career Made 3-Pt. (2,000 Total Made 3-Pt.) In NBA History                                 
Stephen Curry (GS)     3,390            Jason Terry                   2,282
*Ray Allen                     2,973           LeBron James (LAL)   2,261
James Harden (PHI)    2,754            Jamal Crawford           2,221
Reggie Miller                2,560            Klay Thompson (GS)   2,213
Kyle Korver                  2,450            *Paul Pierce                  2,143
Damian Lillard (POR) 2,387           Kyle Korver (MIA)      2,078
Vince Carter                 2,290            Paul George (LAC)      2,010

The six-time NBA All-Defensive selection also totaled the fifth most points in the fourth quarter (462) points, while registering the third highest scoring average (8.4) in the fourth quarter in the league in 2022-23.  

NBA Leaders In          Kyrie Irving                     (DAL)   551                     
Total Points In The     De’Aaron Fox                  (SAC)   547       
 4^th Quarter In NBA   DeMar DeRozan              (CHI)   497
2022-23 (Top 5)           Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL)  479
                                      LeBron James                   (LAL) 462

NBA Leaders In          Kyrie Irving                     (DAL)  9.3    De’Aaron Fox       (SAC) 7.8
Scoring Average          Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL)  8.6    Donovan Mitchell (CLE) 7.4
In The Fourth              LeBron James                  (LAL) 8.4     DeMar DeRozan  (CLE)  7.1
Quarter In NBA          Stephen Curry                  (GS)   7.9
In 2022-23                    Damian Lillard                (POR) 7.9
(7-Plus PPG)

In the Lakers’ previously mentioned loss that was part of their 0-5 start to last season, James had 28 points, seven boards, five assists, and four steals on 10/24 shooting registered his 1,135^th career 20-plus point game, surpassing Malone for the most such games in NBA history, which now stands at 1,179 career games.

Most Career 20-Plus Point            LeBron James (LAL)    1,179  *Kobe Bryant      941
Games In NBA History (Top 5)   *Karl Malone                  1,134  *Michael Jordan 926
*Hall of Famer                              *Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1,121

In the Lakers’ 133-129 victory Dec. 2, 2022 at the Bucks (ESPN) James had 28 points, 11 assists, eight boards, and two steals on 12/27 shooting, including 3/6 from three. He surpassed Lakers’ legend and Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson into No. 6 on the NBA’s all-time assist list at 10,142. James also passed on the assists list Mark Jackson and fellow Hall of Famer Steve Nash at now No. 4 at 10,420 career assists.  

NBA All-Time     *John Stockton            15,806     Mark Jackson                      10,334       
Assists Leaders    *Jason Kidd                12,091    *Earvin “Magic” Johnson   10,141              
*Hall of Famers    Chris Paul (GS)          11,501    *Oscar Robertson                 9,887
                               LeBron James (LAL) 10,420      Russell Westbrook (LAC)  9,162
                              *Steve Nash                  10,335     *Isiah Thomas                      9,061

NBA’s Assists Leaders          Trae Young            (ATL)  9.3    Nikola Jokic          (DEN) 8.0
Per Game Since 2018-19      James Harden        (PHI)   9.1    Luka Doncic          (DAL) 8.0
                                                Russell Westbrook (LAC) 8.8    Tyrese Haliburton (IND)  8.0
                                                Chris Paul               (PHX) 8.7    LeBron James        (LAL) 8.0

With James in the lineup, the Lakers were just 30-25 last season. But in comparison, the Lakers were just 13-14, missing those 27 games with a strained adductor, that shelved him for five straight games (Nov. 11-25, 2022), sore left knee, left ankle soreness, and left foot soreness. He also missed 13 straight games (Feb 28-Mar. 26, 2023) due to a right foot tendon injury suffered in the Lakers  111-108 comeback victory Feb. 26 at the Mavericks (ABC). The Lakers went 8-5 without James.

When James returned in late March, beginning with the Lakers 118-108 defeat Mar. 26 versus the Bulls. That loss was just the two out of eight games with him back in the lineup to close 2022-23, where he averaged  25.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.1 assists on 48.4 percent from the floor and 40.4 percent from three-point range.

In the Lakers 112-98 loss Dec. 28, 2022 versus the Heat, James had 27 points, nine boards, and six assists on 10/18 shooting and surpassed Hall of Famer Tim Duncan with this 1,393^rd  career game played in the regular season, the 10^th most in league history. He also surpassed the now Jazz assistant coach Jason Terry into No. 9 on the all-time games played list in the regular season.

           Most Career Regular Season Games Played In NBA History *Hall Of Famer             
*Robert Parish                1,611     *Karl Malone               1,476
*Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1,560     *Kevin Garnett            1,462
 Vince Carter                   1,541      Kevin Willis                1,424
*Dirk Nowitzki                1,522      LeBron James (LAL) 1,421
*John Stockton                1,504      Jason Terry                 1,410

Last season, Davis set career-highs in rebounds per contest and field goal percentage, while registering tying his third highest scoring average for a season (25.9 ppg in 2018-19 w/Pelicans).

The eight-time All-Star also averaged over 7.5 free throw attempts for the fifth time in the last seven seasons at 7.9 on an accuracy of 78.4 free throw attempts. He also shot over 50 percent from the floor for the second straight season and for the nineth time in his 11-year NBA career.

The four-time All-NBA selection averaged a double-double for the first time since his final season with the Pelicans in 2018-19. He averaged 25-plus points and 11-rebounds for the fourth season of his career (2016-19 w/Pelicans) while also registering 20-plus points for the 10^th consecutive season.

The four-time NBA All-Defensive selection was also the only player to average 25-plus points, 10-plus boards, and two-plus blocks per contest a season ago.

Davis also last season joined Abdul-Jabbar (1975-81) and fellow Hall of Famer and Turner Sports studio analyst Shaquille O’Neal (1998-2004) as the three Lakers to average 25 points, 10 rebounds, and two block shots for a season.

When Davis was healthy in the early part of last season, he played to a level that many thought of him being a dark horse for league MVP.

In the Lakers’ 115-105 loss at the Suns Nov. 22, 2022, Davis had 37 points and a season-high 21 rebounds with five steals and five blocks, becoming the first player since 1973-74 (block shots and steals became official stats) to register 35/20/5/5 (points/rebounds/steals/blocks) in a game. It was part of a four-game string where Davis registered 30-plus points and 15-plus rebounds, joining Hall of Famer in the late Elgin Baylor (seven such streaks) and O’Neal (Nov. 19-26, 1999) as the three players to accomplish that feat in Lakers’ history.

In the Lakers’ win (130-119) at the Wizards, Davis was remarkable with a season-high of 55 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks on 22/30 from the floor and 9/9 at the foul line. This was the fourth career game of at least 50/15 (points/rebounds) for Davis, the most in NBA history and his fifth career 50-point game.

The three-time shot block leader per contest joined Celtics Hall of Famer Kevin McHale as the only two players in NBA history with at least 55 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks in a game since 1973-74. Davis also became only the fourth player in league history to score a total of 99 points in a two-game span while also shooting at least 70 percent from the field, joining the aforementioned Baylor (had three such streaks) and the previously mentioned Chamberlin (two such streaks) and fellow Hall of Famer David Thompson.

Davis also in that Lakers’ win in our nation’s capital became the first Laker with back-to-back 40-plus points games since the aforementioned Kobe Bryant did it in March 2013.

The game before in the previously mentioned Lakers’ win at the Bucks, Davis scored a then season-high of 44 points with 10 rebounds, and three blocks on 18/27 shooting.

Those two performances played a big role in Davis winning NBA Western Conference Player of The Week (Nov. 28-Dec. 4, 2022) for the eighth time in his career where he led the boys from the “City of Angels” to a 3-1 record averaging 37.8 points, 13 rebounds, and 3.2 Blocks.

True to form, however, Davis missed time due to injury. In total, he missed 26 games due to lower back tightness, bruised left calf. Illness, and right foot tendon issue. Last season, the Lakers were 31-25 with Davis and 12-14 without him in the lineup. 

The injury to his right foot shelved Davis for 20 games (Dec. 18, 2022-Jan. 25, 2023) and the Lakers held the down the fort going 10-10 without their perennial All-Star big man.

When Davis returned from that 20-game absence, he would play in 31 out of the final 34 games.

During that closing stretch, Davis registered a performance of 39 points with eight boards, six assists, and two blocks on 14/25 from the floor and 10/12 at the charity stripe in the Lakers 113-105 victory versus the Warriors Mar. 5 (ABC). Two nights later, Davis had 30 points and a season-high of 22 rebounds on 11/17 from the floor and 7/9 at the free throw line leading the Lakers to a 112-103 victory versus the Grizzlies Mar. 7 (TNT).

Davis became the first Laker with multiple 30/20 (points/rebound) games in a season since O’Neal did it in the 2003-04 season. He earned his second NBA Western Conference Player of the Week honor for Week 20 (Mar. 27-Apr. 2, 2023) averaging 38.7 points, 11.7 rebounds and two blocks on 65.2 percent from the floor and 80.6 percent from the foul line (29/36 FTs).

One big reason why the Lakers had their struggles at the start of last season was their anemic offense. A big part of that was the continued inefficiency of perennial All-Star and Los Angeles, CA native Russell Westbrook.

After the first three games of the season, Coach Ham had seen enough and made the decision to move Westbrook to the bench.

A move that was expected but yielded productive results for Westbrook where he registered 17 double-doubles, including four triple-doubles and five games scoring at least 25 points.

The Lakers record as mentioned did not get any better with the change and it was at the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline that the front office led by GM Rob Pelinka decided it was time to end this partnership as they dealt Westbrook in a three-team deal to the Jazz, who bought out his contract and moved on to join the inter building rival Clippers. The also traded to the Jazz center Damian Jones, forward/guard Juan Toscano-Anderson and their protected 2027 First-Round pick.

The Laker in exchange acquired from the Jazz sharp-shooter Malik Beasley and forward/center Jarred Vanderbilt (7.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 54.8 FG% w/Jazz & Lakers) and All-Star guard D’Angelo Russell (17.8 ppg, 6.2 apg, 46.9 FG% from the Timberwolves in exchange for their 2024 Second-Round pick.

Also at the NBA trade deadline, the Lakers in a four-team deal with the Magic, Nuggets, and Clippers acquired center Mo Bamba from the Magic and forward Davon Reed the Nuggets, along with a Second-Round pick from the Nuggets and the Clippers 2024 and 2025 Second-Round Picks. They sent guard Patrick Beverly to the Magic, who waived him, and cash considerations. They dealt center Thomas Bryant to the Nuggets

Before these deals, the Lakers in a trade with the Wizards on Jan. 23 acquired fourth-year forward Rui Hachimura (11.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 48.6 FG% w/Wizards & Lakers).  

These deals turned the Lakers from a team with mismatched components where it was like placing a square peg in a round hole. Those new additions helped the Lakers become a versatile, dynamic, and connected basketball team that had cohesion and balance on both ends of the hardwood.

Lakers In           Pre-NBA Trade Deadline                            Post-NBA Trade Deadline
2022-23                          25-30                             Record                          18-9
                                         13^th                           West Rank                        1^st
                                       118.6                 Opp. PPG  (NBA Rank)         112.4
                                      47.4%                Opp. FG% (NBA Rank)        45.7% 

NBA Best Records      Bucks  21-7    Knicks      17-9        Warriors 16-11
(Top 10) Post NBA      76ers   20-9    Cavaliers   16-9        Suns        15-11
Trade Deadline            Celtics 18-9    Grizzlies   18-10
                                      Lakers 18-9    Kings        17-11

Lakers Offense          Pre All-Star Break                                      Post All-Star Break
2022-23                               117.2  (6^th)                PPG                            117.6   (10^th)
(NBA Rank)                       48.3% (8^th)               FG%                           48.2% (14^th)
                                            33.9% (26^th)            3-Pt.%                          36.9% (13^th)
                                            77.6% (20^th)             FT%                            77.4% (19^th)
                                            26.0      (3^rd)           FT ATT                          28.3      (1^st)
                                            27-32                        Record                           16-7
                                           No. 13                    NBA Rank                        No. 2
                                             13^th                   West Standing                       1^st

Lakers Offensive                                      NBA Rank                                   NBA Rank
2022-23 (NBA Rank)    48.2 FG%               10^th            14.1 Turnovers           15^th
                                        34.6 3-PT%            25^th            54.5 Paint Pts               6^th
                                        31.2 3-PT ATT       26^th            16.7 Fastbreak  Pts      4^th
                                        10.8 3-PT Made     24^th             13.5 2^nd Chance Pts   17^th
                                        26.6 FT ATT          1^st               14.5 Pts Off TOs         29^th
                                        77.5 FT%               20^th

The Lakers went 43-36 in 2022-23 when they scored 100 points or more. That included a 41-22 record when they scored 110 points or more. Included a 31-6 mark when they scored 120 points; 9-3 when they scored 130 or more.

The Lakers scored a season-high 143 points in their five-point triumph (143-138) Nov. 26, 2022 at the Spurs. They shot 58 percent from the floor (47/81 FGs) and were 17/33 from three and 32/37 at the charity stripe. They had 25 assists on their 47 field goals made and scored 44 paint points and 20 fastbreak points, overcoming 17 turnovers. 

In their Jan. 16 shootout 140-132 victory versus the Rockets (NBATV), the Lakers shot 53.8 percent from the floor (49/91 FGs), 12/33 from three-point range and 30/35 at the free throw line. Had 23 assists on their 49 made shots and just two turnovers. Outscored the Rockets 27-7 in fastbreak points and had 60 points in the paint.

They were 0-3 on the season when they failed to score at least 100 points and were 0-11 when they scored at least 105 points in 2022-23.

Russell’s addition gave the Lakers another high marksman from three-point range as he made over 120 total threes for the fifth straight season and for the seventh time out of his eight season while averaging 17 points or more for a fifth straight season.

D’Angelo Russell   W/Timberwolves (54 Games: All Starts) 17.9 PPG, 6.2 APG, 46.5 FG%
In 2022-23              39.1 3-Pt.% (148/379 3-Pt.)
                                W/Lakers (17 Games: All Starts out of 27 Games) 17.4 PPG, 6.1 APG,
                                48.4 FG%, 41.4 3-PT.% (46/111 3-PT.)

Whether in his short time as a starter or primarily off the bench, Hachimura was steady giving the Lakers a decent enough shooter, a solid slasher in the halfcourt and was an improved defender.

Rui Hachimura    W/Wizards (30 Games: Off Bench In 46 Games) 13.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG,
In 2022-23             48.8 FG%, 33.7 3-PT.% (40/89 3-PT.)
                               W/Lakers  (33 Games; 9 Starts) 9.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 48.5 FG%,
                               29.6 3-PT.% (21/71 FGs).

Hachimura’s best game as a Laker came in the Lakers 134-109 triumph Apr. 2 at the Rockets with his second double-double of the season and eighth of his career with 20 points and 12 rebounds with three blocks on 10/14 shooting.

In the starts by Hachimura had with the Lakers a season ago averaged 11.2 points and 5.9 boards on 46.9 percent from the floor.

As he did with the Jazz, Vanderbilt brought a high level of energy defensively and made his hay offensively off of hustle plays, and on the offensive glass.

Jarred Vanderbilt     W/Jazz (52 Games: 41 Starts) 8.3 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 55.6 FG%
In 2022-23                  Seven Double-Doubles
                                    W/Lakers (26 Games; 24 Starts) 7.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 52.9 FG%
                                    Three Double-Doubles

10-Point Games         W/Nuggets               2018-19:  1
By Season By             W/Timberwolves    2020-21: 10 2021-22: 19
Jarred Vanderbilt     W/Jazz & Lakers   2022-23: 23

The one constant last season outside of James and Davis, when they played was Austin Reaves (13.0 ppg, 52.9 FG%, 39.8 3-Pt.%), who turned his finish into last season into a breakout second season.

The undrafted guard out of the University of Oklahoma as a rookie in 2021-22 registered 21 games scoring in double-digits, including just one 20-point game. Last season, Reaves took L.A. and the league by storm with 42 games scoring in double-figures including 10 20-point games.

Reaves scored a career-high of 35 points with six assists, and six rebounds on 9/14 from the floor and 16/18 at the charity stripe in the Lakers’ win (111-105) Mar. 19 versus the Magic. He scored 13 of those 35 points on 9/11 at the foul line in the fourth quarter. His previous career-high came in the regular season finale 145-141 victory Apr. 10, 2022 at the Nuggets, where Reaves totaled his lone triple-double with 31 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists (7/17 FGs, 3/5 3-Pt., 14/14 FTs).

In the Lakers 122-111 victory three nights later versus the Suns (ESPN) Reaves shined alongside Davis and Russell with his second career double-double.

Lakers In Win           Anthony Davis      27 Points, Nine Rebounds, Five Assists 10/18 FGs,
Versus Suns               7/10 FTs
                                    D’Angelo Russell  26 Points, Six Assists, Two Block Shots, 9/13 FGs,
                                    3/6 3-Pt.
                                    Austin Reaves       25 Points, 11 Assists, 6/10 FGs, 12/13 FTs

What really got the Lakers back on track, especially post All-Star break, was their play at the defensive end.

Lakers Defense          Pre All-Star Break                            Post All-Star Break
2022-23 (NBA                   118.1     (27^th)         Opp. PPG             112.6  (10^th)
Ranks)                        47.2 FG%    (14^th)        Opp. FG%           45.9%  (4^th)
                                    34.7 3-PT.% (5^th)        Opp. 3-PT.%        33.5%  (4^th)
                                          21.8         (4^th)        Opp. FT ATT          18.3    (1^st)
                                            4.6         (17^th)            Blocks                  4.7   (16^th)

                                                    NBA Rank                                          NBA Rank
Lakers Defense    46.9 FG%         10^th              15.4 Fastbreak   Pts       27^th
2022-23                 34.4 3-PT%        2^nd              13.9 2^nd Chance Pts      19^th
                              20.8 FT ATT      1^st                 6.4 Steals                       26^th
                              52.8 Paint PTS  23^rd               4.6 Blocks                     16^th

Last season, the Lakers just two opponents under 100 points, going 2-0 and allowing at least 100 points in the final 47 games. They were 16-3 when holding their opponent under 110 points. Were just 27-36 when they allowed 120 points or more, and 4-9 when they allowed 130 points or more.

In 2022-23, the Lakers authored two 25-plus point comeback wins, joining the 2019 and 2022 Clippers as the only teams in the last 25 seasons to register that many comeback victories by 25-plus points within the body of a single season.

The first came in the Lakers 121-112 victory Jan. 22 at the Trail Blazers, where after trailing 71-46 at the half, outscored their opponent 75-41 in the second half, including 40-20 in the third quarter after getting outscored 45-13 in the second quarter.

After giving up 53.2 percent (25/47 FGs) from the floor in the opening half on 12/24 from three-point range to the Trail Blazers forcing just four turnovers, the Lakers held the boys of “Rip City” to 30.8 percent shooting (12/39 FGs) and 5/22 on their triple tries in the second half. They outrebounded the Trail Blazers 28-17 in the second 24 minutes along with five assists and forced seven turnovers.

The Lakers overcame a 25-point deficit for the third time since 1954-55 season.

They registered their fourth such comeback since 1954-55 when they overcame a 27-point deficit (48-21 with 7:06 left 2^nd Quarter) outscoring the Mavericks 90-60 to win (111-108) Feb. 26 at the Mavericks (ABC).

The Lakers trailed the Mavericks 28-16 after the first quarter and were down 61-47 at the half outscored the homestand boys of “Big D” 64-47 at the half, including 31-20 in the third quarter.

In the first half, the Mavericks shot 47.8 percent (32/46 FGs) going 12/23 on their threes in the first half and were held to 36.2 percent from the floor (17/47 FGs) on 8/26 from three in the second half.

Last season, teams entering that game were 0-138 when trailing by 27 points before the Lakers’ win at the Mavericks. The Lakers last season were 2-5 in games trailing 25-plus points. The rest of the league at that time was 0-185 when down at any point in a game by at least 25 points.

While Davis (30 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks, 12/20 FGs, 6/9 FTs) and James (26 points and eight boards, 10/23 FGs) shined in the win, it was Vanderbilt who was the star in the comeback with his eighth double-double of the season with 15 points and 17 rebounds, with four steals.

The Lakers kept the good vibes to close the regular season authoring a comeback from a double-digit deficit to win their Play-In tilt 108-102 in overtime versus the Timberwolves Apr. 11 (TNT) to clinch the No. 7 spot in the West.

After trailing for the majority of regulation, down by 28-22 after the opening quarter; 60-49 at the half and as many of 15 in the third quarter, and 86-79 after three quarters. The Lakers held the Timberwolves scoreless for a six-minute stretch in the final period and a three-pointer by Dennis Schroder put the Lakers up 98-95 off a James pass with 01.4 seconds left in regulation. The Timberwolves though forced overtime after Davis fouled Mike Conley on a three-point attempt and made all three free throws. After outscoring the Timberwolves 19-12 in the fourth quarter, the Lakers outscored the Timberwolves 10-4 in overtime.

James led the way in the victory with a double-double of 30 points and 10 rebounds with six assists and two blocks on 12/21 from the floor, including 3/6 from three-point range. Davis also had a double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds with two steals and three blocks on 10/19 shooting. Schroder scored 21 points off the bench going 8/8 at the foul line. Reaves (6 rebounds) and Hachimura each scored 12 points.

The performances of Schroder, Reaves, and Hachimura overcame the subpar game of Russell who had just two points with eight assists on 1/9 shooting, missing all four of his triple tries.

The Lakers held the Timberwolves to just seven points the final 11 minutes from midway point of the fourth quarter and overtime. That overcame Lakers two field goals made in the final six minutes of the final period and just two made field goals in OT.

Final Six Minutes      MIN                LAL      Final 11 Minutes     MIN                LAL
Of 4^th Quarter              3      Points    10         4^th Quarter &           7      Points     20
                                     0/8      FGs     3/10       OT                            2/16     FGs     6/16
                                     0/6      3-Pt.     2/5                                          0/9      3-Pt.     3/6
                                                                                                              8        TOs       6

                                                                                   Season
Teams To Begin Season 2-10             Lakers         2022-23    
Or Worse To Make The Playoffs      Pelicans       2021-22
Last 25 Seasons                                   76ers           2010-11
                                                              Nets             2004-05
                                                              Bulls            2004-05

The Lakers kept the good vibes rolling taking home court advantage away from the higher seeded Grizzlies with a 128-112 win in Game 1 Apr. 16 (TNT) of their opening.

Lakers led by 10 early in the opening period. But were outscored 38-27 in the second quarter to trail 65-59 at the half and were down eight early in the third quarter. The Lakers outscored the Grizzlies 69-47 in the second half, including 37-25 in the third quarter

After leading by 10 in the opening period and the le0d 32-27 after the opening period, the Lakers were outscored 38-27 in the second quarter to trail 65-59 at the half and were down eight early in the third quarter. The Lakers outscored the Grizzlies 69-47 in the second half, which included 37-25 in the third quarter. That included a 15-0 run to close the game when they were ahead 113-112 with 3:11 left.

Hachimura led the way with a Playoff career-high 29 points off the bench with six boards on 11/14 from the floor and 5/6 from three-point range. Reaves scored 23 points on 8/13 from the floor and 3/5 from three. 

Davis had a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds with three steals and seven block shots on 10/17 shooting. James also had a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds with five assists, two steals and three blocks. Russell had 19 points with seven assists on 7/17 from the floor, making three triples (39 3-Pt.).

Hachimura scored 21 of his Playoff career-high 29 points in the second half, becoming the first Laker to score 29 points off the bench in a Playoff game since Mychal Thompson did it in Game 2 of the First-Round of 1988 versus the Spurs. It was also the most points in a Lakers postseason debut since Hall of Famer Pau Gasol and tied most points off the bench in a Playoff game in Lakers history.

Lakers In 4^th Quarter    Rui Hachimura  9 Points, 4/5 FGs 
Game 1                            Austin Reaves   14 Points, 5/5 FGs 2/2 3-PT.
                                                                    (9 Points 3/8 FGs 1^st 3 QTRS)

4^th Quarter     Reaves/Hachimura                       Grizzlies       Rest Of Lakers
Game 1                       23                      Points            22                        9
                                   9/10                      FGs            9/19                     3/7
                                   3/3                       3-Pt.            3/10                     1/4
                                     3                      Assists             2                          2

James had his 131^st career postseason double-double.

The Lakers had four 20-plus point scorers in a Playoff Game for the first time since 1988.

The Lakers shot 53.3 percent from the floor (49/92 FGs), going 16/37 from three with 25 assists. They outrebounded the Grizzlies 45-34, including 10-6 on the offensive glass. They had 11 blocks.

The Lakers were even with the Grizzlies in the paint 56-56. Outscored the Grizzlies 26-17 in fastbreak points and 22-10 in Second Chance points. While they had 16 turnovers that led to 15 Grizzlies points, the Lakers turned 12 Grizzlies turnovers into 22 points.

The Lakers did not have it in Game 2 as they lost 103-93 three days later (TNT) to get a 1-1 split the first two games and had their four-game winning streak dating back to regular season snapped.

After leading by three early in the first quarter, the Lakers trailed from middle of the first quarter on down by as many as 20.

James in defeat led with his second straight double-double with 28 points and 12 rebounds on 12/23 from the floor but just 1/8 from three. Hachimura off the bench scored 11 of his  20 points in the third quarter with five boards on 7/12 shooting. Davis scored just 13 with nine boards, and five block shots on just 4/14 from the field. Reaves had 12 points and five rebounds.

The Lakers 93 points in Game 2 was a season-low. They were held under 100 points for the fourth time on the season (were 0-3 in the regular season).

James had his 88^th career Playoff game with at least 25 points and 10 rebounds, tied with O’Neal for the most such games in NBA Playoff history. He also had his 103^rd career Playoff game with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, tied for No. 4 all-time with Spurs Hall of Famer Tim Duncan and trailing only fellow Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (108), Karl Malone (112), and O’Neal (118).

Davis 29 percent from the field in Game 2 the worst in a game of his postseason career taking a minimum of 10 field goal attempts.

The Lakers shot just 41.2 percent from the field (35/85 FGs) and just 7/26 from three-point range had just 21 assists and 13 turnovers that led to 20 Grizzlies points. They were outrebounded 49-47 and were even (11-11) on the offensive glass and paint points (50-50) only outscoring the Grizzlies 15-11 in Second Chance points.

The Lakers got back on track on their home floor leading from start to finish and held off a Grizzlies fourth quarter rally winning Game 3 111-101 Apr. 22 (ESPN) to lead the series 2-1.

The Lakers led wire-to-wire and led 35-9 after the first quarter and led by 29 in the second quarter and led 53-37 at the half. They held off a Grizzlies rally where they drew within 10 late in the fourth quarter before they ran out of gas.

Davis had 31 points and 17 rebounds with two steals and three blocks on 11/24 from the floor and 8/10 at the charity stripe. James had 25 points with nine boards, and five assists on 10/20 shooting. Russell after a poor Game 2 bounced back with 17 points and seven assists. Hachimura had 16 points with five rebounds and Reaves scored 13 with six boards.

This was the Lakers first wire-to-wire win at home in a postseason game since 2010. Their 26-point lead after the opening period was tied for their largest lead after the opening period after the first quarter in NBA Playoff history.

The Lakers shot 45.6 percent from the floor (41-90 FGs), overcoming a 7/28 performance from three by going 22/27 at the foul line. They outscored the Grizzlies 58-42 in the paint and were just minus-one in fastbreak points (19-18). They were just minus-two on the boards 50-48 (MEM: 18-11 off. rebs) and outscored the Grizzlies 17-13 in Second Chance points. The Lakers overcame 16 turnovers that led to 14 Grizzlies points forcing 18 Grizzlies turnovers, 11 off of steals, turning those miscues into 26 points. The Lakers also had eight block shots.

In the closet game of the series, the Lakers prevailed in overtime 117-111 two nights later (TNT) to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. 

Overcoming an early seven-point deficit in the opening period to lead 29-23 in the opening period, the Lakers led by as many as 15 in the second period but led 54-52 at the half and were up four early in the third quarter. They were outscored by the Grizzlies 31-27 in the third to lead 83-81 after three quarters. James squared things up 104-104 with 08.8 seconds left in regulation and forced overtime with a block shot by Davis on the game-winning jump shot attempt by the Grizzlies Ja Morant. The Lakers outscored the Grizzlies 13-7 in the extra five minutes, sealing the win by going 4/4 at the charity stripe.

Reaves led the Lakers with 23 points and six assists on 7/16 from the floor and 7/8 at the free throw line. James had a near triple-double with 22 points and a Playoff career-high 20 rebounds, with seven assists and two blocks on 8/18 shooting. Russell had 17 points on 7/15 from the field making three triples (3/8 3-Pt.). Vanderbilt scored 15 with six rebounds. Davis had his third double-double of the series with 12 points and 11 rebounds on just 4/13 shooting with two steals and four blocks. Schroder also scored 12.

James at age 38 became the oldest player in NBA history with a 20/20 (points/rebounds) performance. This was his first 20/20 of his career (regular season & postseason) coming in his 270^th career playoff game played. He also committed just one turnover in 45 minutes. Also became the first Laker at any age with a 20/20 game since O’Neal in 2004.

James’ field goal with 00.8 seconds left in regulation was his first tying/go-ahead field goal in the final five seconds of the fourth quarter/overtime since 2018 with Cavaliers.  

Oldest Players With                   2023 LeBron James (LAL)         38 Years, 115 Days
20-Point & 20-Rebound            2013 Tim Duncan W/Spurs         37 Years, 218 Days
Game (Regular Season &          1991 *Robert Parish W/Celtics  37 Years, 173 Days
Postseason) In NBA History
*Hall Of Famer

Most Games With 20-Point,  *Elgin Baylor 5           LeBron James & Kareem Abdul-
20-Rebound, 5 Assists In       *Shaquille O’Neal 3   Jabbar 1 Each
Lakers Playoff History         *Wilt Chamberlin 2

The Lakers overcame 43.6 percent shooting (41/94 FGs), including 10/36 from three and 15 turnovers in Game 4 by going 25/31 at the foul line and being just a minus-four (58-54) scoring in the paint; were even 16-16 scoring in fastbreak points; outrebounded the Grizzlies 52-49 (MEM: 16-13 off. rebs). They were outscored though 24-12 in fastbreak points.

Their first chance to close out the Grizzlies in front of their fans was not to be as the Lakers dropped Game 5 in Memphis, TN 116-99 to have their series lead cut to 3-2 Apr. 26 (TNT).

The Lakers overcame a 17-point deficit late in the second quarter, where they trailed 38-24 after the first quarter and only trailed 61-52 at the half. Russell scored the first eight points of the third to cut the deficit to 61-60 and James scored nine points in the third to pull the Lakers within 75-74 with 4:36 left in the period. The Lakers were then outscored 26-2 and 31-8 from late in the third to early in the fourth period that put the game the away.

Davis in defeat led the Lakers with 31 points and 19 rebounds with two blocks on 14/23 shooting. Reaves scored 17 points with six assists and eight rebounds on just 4/13 shooting, including 3/8 from three. James had another double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds with five assists but had five turnovers and shot just 5/17 from the floor, including 1/9 from three.

James had his first postseason game with five-plus turnovers and shot under 30 percent from the floor since 2008.

Lakers in Game 5 shot just 40.2 percent from the floor (37/92 FGs) and just 10/39 from three with 28 assists. They were outscored 56-48 in the paint and were just a plus-two in fastbreak points (19-17). They were a plus-two on the glass 54-52 and were even on the offensive glass (14-14) and outscored the Grizzlies 18-17 in Second Chance points.

The Lakers did close out the Grizzlies in Game 6 125-85 Apr. 28 (ESPN) to win the series 4-2.

After an early four-point deficit, the Lakers led from that point on leading 31-20 after the first quarter; 59-42 at the half and blew the game open outscoring the Grizzlies 66-43 in the second half, including 41-25 in the third quarter.

Russell had a Playoff career-high of 31 points on 12/17 shooting, including 5/9 from three. James had 22 points, five rebounds, six assists on 9/13 shooting. Davis had fifth double-double of the series with 16 points and 14 rebounds with five block shots. Reaves had 11 points with eight assists, and six boards.

The Lakers joined the 1978 Seattle Supersonics as the only two teams in NBA history to begin a season 2-10 or worse and win a Playoff series. The Lakers also joined the Heat as the first two teams that were in the Play-In Tournament to win a Playoff series.

The Lakers also clinched their first postseason series at home since 2012, their first Playoff series win outside of the 2020 restart in Orlando, FL. They registered their third 40-point win in a Playoff series clincher in their Playoff history.

Davis became the fourth player in Lakers’ postseason history with at least 25 block shots in a Playoff history, registering 26 total blocks against the Grizzlies, which tied the second most in a series in Lakers Playoff history.

James improved his record to 31-0 in his postseason career when leading a series by two games. The Lakers 40-point win in Game 6 was their largest margin victory in a Playoff series clincher of James’ postseason career. 

First Round Series Won By No. 7 Seed Over No. 2 Seed In First-Round In NBA Playoff History
                                                     Opponent 
1987 Seattle Supersonics           Mavericks
1989 Golden State Warriors         Jazz
1991 Golden State Warriors        Spurs
1998 New York Knicks                 Heat
2010 San Antonio Spurs          Mavericks
2023 Los Angeles Lakers          Grizzlies

Head Coach Darvin Ham became the first Lakers coach to win his first career Playoff series since Kurt Rambis in 1999.

James tied five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher for most Playoff series win in NBA history with his 40^th.
                                                                      NBA Rank
Lakers Post                20-9 Record                   1^st
All-Star Break           44.7 Opp. FG%             1^st
(Including Playoffs)  33.0 Opp. 3-Pt.%           1^st
                                    163 Total Blocks            2^nd

The Lakers did it again snatching homecourt advantage to open the West Semifinals with a 117-112 triumph May 2 at the Warriors (TNT).

The Lakers led by 14 early in the first period but were only up 31-29 after the first quarter and led 65-64 at intermission. The Lakers took the lead for good midway through the third quarter up 10 and led 96-88 after three quarters and led again by 14 (112-98) with 5:58 left. The Warriors used a 14-0 run to tie it 112-112. A driving layup by Russell put the Lakers ahead to stay and the Lakers closed the game at the charity stripe.

Davis had a strong performance with 30 points and 23 rebounds with five assists and four blocks on 11/19 shooting and 8/8 at the free throw line. James also had a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds on just 9/24 shooting, including 1/8 from three. Russell scored 19 with six assists on 9/19 shooting. Reaves scored 10 with five assists.

Lakers 1^st Half           Anthony Davis 23 Points, 11 Rebounds 9/10 FGs, 5/5 FTs
Game 1                       LeBron James  12 Points, 5 Rebounds, 4 Assists

Anthony Davi s           5^th Laker with 30-Plus Points and 20-Plus Rebounds
Game 1 At                  4^th Laker With 30/20/5 (Points/Rebounds/Assists) Game In
Warriors                    Lakers Postseason History, Joining Hall of Famers In
                                    Late Wilt Chamberlin and Elgin Baylor, And Shaquille O’Neal
                                    23 Rebounds Most In A Game By Davis Since Jan. 2, 2019 With
                                    Pelicans
                                    Joined Hall of Famer Tim Duncan (2003) With A 30/20/5/3
                                    (Points/Rebounds/Assists/Blocks) Game In NBA Playoff History

Most 30/20 (Points/Rebounds)         *Elgin Baylor                 11
Games In Lakers Playoff History    *Shaquille O’Neal           9
*Hall Of Famer                                 *Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2
                                                            *Wilt Chamberlin           2
                                                              Anthony Davis               1

Most 30/20 (Points/Rebounds)         *Shaquille O’Neal         10  
Games In The Playoffs                     *Elgin Baylor                  5
In Last 60 Years                                *Wilt Chamberlin           5
*Hall Of Famer                                 *Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2
                                                             Anthony Davis                1

The Lakers shot 46.7 percent from the floor (43/92 FGs) and overcame 6/25 shooting from three by going 25/29 from the foul line with 24 assists and just eight turnovers. They outrebounded the Warriors 53-49 (GS: 14-13 off. rebs), finishing even in Second Chance points (14-14) but outscored the Warriors 54-28 in paint points and registered 10 block shots.

Getting outscored mightily in the middle two quarters doomed the Lakers in their 127-100 blowout loss in Game 2 two nights later at the Warriors (ESPN) to gain a 1-1 split.

The Lakers’ 27-point loss in Game 2 was their largest margin of defeat all season. Did not take their first free throw until 1:03 left in the second quarter.

After they led 33-26 after the first quarter, the Lakers were outscored by the Warriors 41-23 in the second quarter to trail 67-56 at the half and 43-24 in the third quarter to 110-80 after three quarters. They trailed by 32 in the fourth quarter.

James scored 21 of his 23 points in the opening half with seven rebounds on 10/18 shooting, including 3/8 from three. Hachimura off the bench scored 21 with five boards on 8/14 shooting and 4/6 from three. Davis scored just 11 with seven rebounds and three blocks on 5/11 shooting. Russell scored 10 with eight assists.

The Lakers gave up two 40-plus point quarters to the Warriors in Game 2. Had allowed just one such quarter in their first seven games of 2023 Playoffs. 

James registered his 97^th 20-plus half of his postseason career, the most in the last 25 postseasons.

LeBron James    1^st Half: 21 Points, 5 Rebounds, 9/13 FGs, 3/5 3-PT.
In Game 2          2^nd Half:   2 Points, 2 Rebounds, 1/5 FGs, 0/3 3-PT.

Davis in Game 2 went 0/5 shooting on contested shots, including 0/4 on shots contested by the Warriors Draymond Green.

The Lakers in Game 2 shot just 42.6 percent (40/94 FGs) and were just 10/34 from three, including 2/17 from three in the second half. They were also in Game 2 just 10/17 at the foul line, despite registering 27 assists and just nine turnovers.

The Lakers were outrebounded 55-40, including 13-9 on the offensive glass. Were outscored 48-42 in the paint; 17-7 in fastbreak points; and 13-8 in Second Chance points.

The Lakers turned the tables in Game 3 back in their home digs of Crypto.com Arena taking down the Warriors 127-97 May 6 (ABC) to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

After trailing 30-23 following the opening quarter, where they Warriors closed the period on an 18-4 run and led 40-29 early in the second quarter, the Lakers closed the first half on a 30-8 run to lead 59-48 at intermission as they outscored the Warriors 36-18 in the second quarter. The Lakers outscored the Warriors 68-49 in the second half, including 41-29 in the fourth quarter.

Final 7:22 Of             GS                  LAL
Second Quarter          8     Points      30
Game 3                      3/15    FGs      8/11
                                   1/6      3-Pt.      3/4
                                   1/1      FTs      11/15

Davis had 25 points and 13 rebounds with three steals and four blocks on 7/10 shooting and 11/12 at the foul line. James had 21 points with eight boards, and eight assists on 7/8 at the charity stripe. Russell also scored 21 points with five assists on 8/13 from the floor and 5/8 from three. Reaves scored 10 on 5/7 at the foul line with two steals.

Lakers 1^st Half   Anthony Davis 16 Points, 7 Rebounds, 3 Blocks
Game 3               LeBron James  10 Points, 6 Rebounds, 7 Assists

The Lakers in the opening half shot 15/21 at the charity stripe, compared to the Warriors 4/6 effort at the foul line. Had 16 assists on their 18 made shots (18/40 FGs, 8/19 3-Pt.) and scored 17 points off Warriors’ turnovers.

The Lakers became the fourth team in NBA postseason history to register a 30-point win following a 25-point loss.

Russell, who scored 11 of his 21 points in the first half in the opening period, scored or assisted on 30 points in the first half. He became the first Laker with 20 points and five made triples in the opening half of a Playoff game with 21 points on 8/12 shooting, including 5/7 from three. 

James scored his first points of Game 3 at 6:32 mark of second quarter, the latest in his postseason career he scored his first points in a Playoff game.

James played his 275^th career Playoff game, a new NBA record, and surpassed Abdul-Jabbar on the league’s career rebounding postseason list.

The Lakers won their 10^th straight game of a Playoff series tied 1-1, longest in NBA history.

The Lakers shot 52.5 percent from the floor (42/80 FGs), 15/31 from three-point range, and 28/37 from the foul line. Had 27 assists on 42 field goals made.

They outrebounded the Warriors 44-42 (GS: 14-6 off. rebs), outscoring them 46-44 in the paint and 15-11 in Second Chance points. 

The Lakers +44 differential (83-39) in free throw attempts the first three games of this series, the largest margin through the first three games of a Playoff series since 2009.

                                                                                                          Opponent
Largest Differential In Free                  2009 Cavaliers  +60          Pistons
Throw Attempts First                            2018 Warriors  +53         Pelicans
Three Games Of A Playoff Series         2017 Cavaliers  +44          Celtics
Their Last 15 Postseason Games          2023 Lakers       +44        Warriors

Trailing for much of Game 4, the Lakers kicked it into gear in the final period and won versus the Warriors 104-101 May 8 (TNT) to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.

After leading 22-21 after the opening period, the Lakers were outscored 31-27 in the second quarter to trail 52-49 at the half. They trailed the Warriors in the third quarter twice at 73-61 with 5:35 left and 77-65 with 4:05 left and were down 84-77 after three quarters as the Lakers closed the period on a 12-7 run.

James led the Lakers with 27 points, nine rebounds, and six assists on 10/25 shooting (2/9 3-Pt.). Davis 23 points and 15 rebounds with three steals on 10/16 from the floor. Reaves scored 21 points on 7/15 from the floor and 3/6 from three.

Lonnie Walker IV scored all of his 15 points in the final period (6/9 FGs) with two steals. That overcame Russell dismal performance with just four points with four assists on 1/10 from the floor, including 0/4 on his triple tries.

Lonnie Walker IV    First 11 Games 23 Total Points
2023 Playoffs            Last 2 Games    27 Total Points (12 Points Game 3)

Lonnie Walker IV    First Seven Games 8 Points, 3/7 FGs, 15 Minutes
2023 Playoffs            Last Three Games 36 Points, 14/23 FGs, 63 Minutes

Fourth Quarter       Lonnie Walker IV 15 Points, 6/9 FGs, 1/3 3-PT.
Game 4                     Warriors                17Points, 6/17 FGs, 2/9 3-PT.

Lonnie Walker IV     Game 2  9 Points, 4/8 FGs, 1/4 3-PT.
Last Three Games    Game 3 12 Points, 4/6 FGs, 2/4 3-PT.
Of West Semis           Game 4 15 Points, 6/9 FGs, 1/3 3-PT.

The Lakers shot 45.3 percent from the field (39/86 FGs) and overcame another poor shooting night from three (6/25 3-Pt.) by going a perfect 20/20 at the foul line. They outrebounded the Warriors 42-40 but were outscored 52-46 in the paint; and 17-14 in fastbreak points. 

4^th Quarter                 GS                    LAL  
Game 4                       17     Points       27
                                   6/17    FGs        9/17
                                 35.3%  FG%     52.9%
                                   2/9       3-Pt.       1/5
                                   3/3       FTs        8/8
                                    4        Rebs        10
                                    9       Fouls         3
                                    6        TOs          5  

The Lakers in their first attempt to close the door on the defending NBA champions season did not have it in falling 121-106 at the Warriors May 10 (TNT) to have their series lead cut to 3-2.

After leading by three early in the first quarter but trailed 32-28 after the opening period, the Lakers trailed from midway the second quarter and trailed 70-59 at intermission. They  pulled within 104-95 of the Warriors with 5:25 left, overcoming an 18-point deficit in the third quarter but never got closer.

James had 25 points and nine boards, with two steals on 91/7 from the field, including 3/7 from three. Davis registered 23 points and nine rebounds on 10/18 shooting. Russell scored 15. Reaves also scored 15 with five assists, and 7 rebounds on 3/6 from three.

For the fourth time in his career, a LeBron James squad lost by 15 in a Playoff series clincher.

Davis left with 7:43 left after taking an inadvertent shot to the head by the Warriors’ Kevon Looney while fighting for position in the paint on a layup by Russell. Davis grabbed his head grimacing before leaving for the locker room.

The Lakers shot 48.3 percent from the floor (42/87 FGs) but were just 10/27 from three and 12/15 at the foul line. While they outscored the Warriors 52-50 in the paint and 15-13 in fastbreak points, with 24 assists, they were outrebounded 48-38, including 9-7 on the offensive glass. The Lakers had 14 turnovers that led to 20 Warriors points and were outscored 18-10 in Second Chance Points.

The Lakers ended the Warriors reign as defending champions with a 122-101 May 12 (ESPN), winning the series 4-2.

They led the Warriors wire-to-wire up by 17 in the opening period and led 31-26 after the first period; 56-46 at the half and 91-77 after three quarters. They blew the game open with an 11-0 scoring spurt early in the fourth quarter.

James had a near triple-double with 30 points, nine rebounds and nine assists with two steals on 10/14 from the floor and 8/11 at the charity stripe. Reaves scored 23 points with six assists, and five boards on 7/12 from the floor and 4/5 from three. Russell scored 19 on 7/15 shooting. Davis had a double-double with 17 points and 20 rebounds with two steals and two block shots, on 7/10 at the free throw line. Walker IV scored 13 on 3/5 from three.

The Lakers shot 52 percent from the field (39/75 FGs), including 13/26 from three. The outshot the Warriors 42-31 in free throw attempts, with the Lakers going 31/42 at the charity stripe (GS: 10/14 FTs). The Lakers had 25 assists on their 39 made field goals and just seven turnovers. They outscored the visitors from the “Bay Area” 22-8 in fastbreak points; 46-44 in the paint; and 18-11 in Second Chance points.

Anthony Davis In 2023 West   4 Wins    23.8 Points, 17.8 Rebounds, 29/33 FTs
Semis Versus Warriors            2 Losses  17.0 Points, 8.0 Rebounds, 4/6 FTs

This was the 26^th consecutive series victory by the Lakers where they won Game 1 of a best-of-seven series, the longest in NBA postseason history. The Lakers also became the sixth team to eliminate the defending NBA champ by 20-plus points.

The Lakers advanced to their 24^th Conference Finals, the most in NBA postseason history (19-4 their first 23 appearances). They improved to 6-0 so far in 2023 Playoffs at home and improved to 40-1 in their postseason history when leading a best-of-seven series 3-1.

Teams To Reach The Conference Finals    1976 Suns             9   1984 Suns     8
After Being 8-Plus Games Under .500        1978 Supersonics 8   2023 Lakers 8
At Any Point In Regular Season                

                        LeBron James In Game 6 Clincher Versus The Warriors                                  
-Passed  Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal Into No. 4 On The NBA’s All-Time Postseason
Rebounding list.

-Had his 18^th 30-Plus Point Performance In A Postseason Series Clincher: 2^nd Most All-Time.

-Scored 20-Plus Points In All Six Games Of 2023 West Semis Against Warriors.

-His Squad Won Their 16^th Potential Playoff Series Clincher At Home, Improving To
17-3 In Potential Series Games At Home.

-His Teams Improved To 18-0 In His Career When They Lead A Best-Of-Seven Series
3-1.

-Led his squad to their 12^th Career Conference Finals Appearance: Tied Second All-Time:
Posting a 10-1 Mark In His Squad’s First 11 Appearances (Lone Series Loss: 2009 East
Finals With Cavaliers Against The Magic 4-2).

-His Team Improved To 27-0 In His Postseason Career When Up 20-Plus Points
Entering The Fourth Quarter.

-Snapped An 18-Game Streak Of Not Scoring 30 Points In A Playoff Game With The Last Time Being Done 2020 Finals Against The Heat.

-Earned His 41^st Career Playoff Series Win, Breaking A Tie With Five-Time NBA Champion With The Lakers Derek Fisher.

-His Teams Improved To 41-12 In His Postseason Career In Potential Series Clinchers.

-Won 20 Consecutive Playoff Series When Winning Game 1.

- His Squads Now 29-2 Overall In Series After Winning Game 1

Most Playoff Series Wins     LeBron James (LAL) 41      *Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 37
In NBA Playoff History        Derek Fisher               40       *Tim Duncan                   35
*Hall Of Famer                     Robert Horry             39

Most Playoff Series Wins                 *Kareem Abdul-Jabbar       32-0
Without A Loss With A                      LeBron James (LAL)          31-0
Two-Game Series Lead In                 Derek Fisher                        29-0
NBA History (*Hall Of Famer)       *Earvin “Magic” Johnson   28-0

                                                                             Postseasons
Most Consecutive Playoff       Lakers  31         1997-2023
Series Wins After Winning    Bulls      24         1990-1998
Game 1 In NBA Playoff         Celtics   24         1957-1973
History                                     Rockets 17         1975-1997

                                                                   Opponent       Series Won In A Row        Seasons         
Consecutive Playoff Series    Celtics      STL/ATL                        8                        1960-2012
Won Versus A Singular         Celtics     MIN/LAL                         8                        1959-1984
Opponent In NBA                  Suns             GS                                6                      1968-Present
Playoff History

The only Playoff series defeat the Lakers suffered against the Warriors franchise came in the 1967 West Semis 3-0 when they were in San Francisco.

The Lakers’ jubilation of making the Western Conference Finals was short-lived dropping Game 1 at the Nuggets 132-126 May 16 (ESPN).

They trailed virtually the entire game down by as many as 21 points in the first half ands were down 14 in the third quarter cutting the deficit down to three (124-121) on a three-pointer by Reaves with 3:23 left and then hit another triple that cut the deficit again down to three (127-124) with 2:18 left. That is as close as the Lakers would get.

Davis led the Lakers with 40 points and 10 rebounds, with three steals and two blocks on 14/23 from the floor and 11/11 at the free throw line. James had a near triple-double with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists on 9/16 from the field and 8/11 at the charity stripe. Reaves scored 23 with eight assists on 7/14 shooting and 5/9 from three. Hachimura scored 17 off the bench on 8/11 from the floor. Russell had just eight points on 4/11 from the field.

Davis became the first Laker with at least 40/10 (points/rebounds) in a Playoff game since the aforementioned late Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant in 2001. It was also the third 40-point game postseason career by Davis, including his second with Lakers. Became the third Laker with 40 points and no turnovers in a Playoff game joining Bryant and O’Neal.

The Lakers shot 54.8 percent (46/84 FGs), including 11/24 from three. They had 30 assists on those 46 field goals made with just seven turnovers and outrebounded the Nuggets 47-30 (including 15-5 off. rebs).

This was the Lakers third straight loss on the road in 2023 Playoffs falling in five out of their last six road games in 2023 Playoffs since taking Game 1 in the opening-round at the Grizzlies. Now 2-5 away from Crypto.com Arena (6-0 at home).

Their 132 points allowed in Game 1 to Nuggets most allowed in a game in 2023 Playoffs and their most allowed since giving up 148 points in Game 1 of the 1985 NBA Finals when they fell at the Celtics (148-114), known as “The Memorial Day Massacre.”

The Lakers brought a better effort to start Game 2 and were up double-digits and were up after three quarters. But faltered in the final period and dropped Game 2 108-103 May 18 (ESPN), to fall behind 2-0 in the series.

This was their first losing streak since March and counting the regular season fell to 0-4 at  the Nuggets.

Outscoring the Nuggets 26-21 in the second quarter, the Lakers led 53-48 at the half and were up 11 in the third quarter and led 79-76 after three quarters. A 13-4 run and a 15-1 run in the fourth quarter put the Lakers down 96-84. A 15-3 run by the Lakers pulled them to within 103-99 with 49.8 seconds left. With a chance to pull within two, James off a steal missed a reverse layup and the Nuggets closed the game out at the charity stripe as they outscored the Lakers 32-24 in the fourth period.

James led the way with another near triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, with four steals, and two blocks on 9/19 from the floor. He did miss all six of his triple tries. Reaves also scored 22 with five assists on 8/16 shooting and 5/9 from three. Hachimura scored 21 on 8/10 from the floor. Davis, who was just 4/15 from the field had another double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds with four blocks. Russell scored 10 with five assists and two steals.

Hachimura who shot 7/7 from the floor for 17 points in the first half of Game 2, tied the most consecutive made shots to start a game in his career. He scored all 17 of the Lakers bench points in the first half of Game 2.

James, who went 0/3 from three in the fourth quarter has missed 19 straight triple tries in the fourth quarter in the 2023 Playoffs.

The Lakers shot just 43.8 percent (36/82 FGs) and were just 8/30 from three in Game 2. They were competitive in the contest by going 23/26 at the foul line. Had 26 assists on their 36 made field goals and outscored the Nuggets 48-46 in the paint; 27-14 in bench points; and scored 21 points off the Nuggets 17 turnovers, 10 of which came on steals. The Lakers had just 12 turnovers. 

The Lakers back home got off to a slow start in Game 3 and closed the gap and were within striking distance in the fourth quarter but ran out of gas and lost 119-108 versus the Nuggets May 20 (ABC) to go down 3-0 in the series.

After trailing by as many as 14 in the opening period and were down 32-20 after the first quarter and were down 10 in the second quarter. They outscored the Nuggets 35-26 in the second quarter to and trailed 58-55 at the half and were down 84-82 after three quarters. The Lakers regained the lead for the first time since early in the first quarter at 94-93. The Lakers were then outscored 13-0 and were outscored 35-26 in the final period.

Davis led the way with 28 points and 18 rebounds with two blocks on 11/18 from the field and 6/8 at the foul line. James, who was just 8/19 shooting and 3/9 from three and 4/7 at the foul line also had a double-double with 23 points and 12 assists with seven boards. Reaves also had 23 points, five assists, and seven rebounds on 7/10 from the floor and 3/5 from three. Hachimura 13 points and six rebounds off the bench.

Lakers 1^st Half    Anthony Davis 15 Points, 2 Rebounds
Game 3                 Austin Reaves 15 Points, 4/4 FGs, 6/6 FTs

Davis registered his fourth 25/15 (points/rebounds) game in the 2023 Playoffs.

James, who entered action 0/13 from three in the first two games of the West Finals, hit two straight triples late in the third quarter from three and made a triple with 3:34 left to snap a streak of 21 consecutive missed triple tries in the fourth period of 2023 Playoffs.

The Lakers lost three in a row for the first time since February and suffered their first home loss of the 2023 Playoffs, now 6-1 at Crypto.com Arena. They also are down 0-3 in a best-of-seven series for the first time since 2013.

James’ squad down 0-3 in a Playoff series for the fourth time in his career.

The Lakers shot 45.2 percent from the field (38/84 FGs) and overcame 10/32 shooting from three by going 22/29 at the foul line with 27 assists on 38 made shots and just 12 turnovers. They outrebounded the Nuggets 45-39, including 11-5 on the offensive glass, outscoring them 52-38 in the paint and 18-9 in Second Chance points.

For the first three-plus quarters, the Lakers were in front leading by double-digits at the half. But they could not hold it in the second half and their leader with a chance to force overtime on a drive to the hoop was stalled as they lost Game 4 113-111 May 22 (ESPN) to fall in the series 4-0 and see the Nuggets win the Western Conference to make it to The Finals.

The Lakers led for the first three-and-a-half quarters, leading 34-28 after the opening stanza leading by as many as 15 and led 73-58 at intermission. The Lakers were outscored by the Nuggets 36-16 in the third to go from up 15 at intermission to trailing 94-89 after three quarters, where they trailed by as many as seven. The Lakers tied it 102-102 on a putback dunk by Davis and tied it again at 111-111 on two Davis free throws with 1:13 left. Down two in the closing seconds of regulation.

With a chance to tie the score in the closing seconds of regulation, the game-tying layup attempt by James was stripped first by Nuggets’ Jamal Murray and then blocked by Aaron Gordon at the final buzzer.

It was tough ending for James, who had another near triple-double with 40 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists on 15/25 from the field and 4/7 from three, and 6/7 at the foul line.

Davis also had a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds with three blocks on just 6/15 shooting and 9/10 at the charity stripe. He had nine points with eight boards on just 2/7 shooting and 5/6 at the charity stripe in the first 24 minutes.

Reaves scored 17. Hachimura, who was just 3/12 shooting had 10 points and seven rebounds.

LeBron James In    1^st QTR   21 Points 7/9 FGs, 4/4 3-PT, 3/3 FTs
Game 4                    1^st Half    31 Points, 4 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 2 Steals, 11/13 FGs, 4/4 3-PT.
                                 5/5 FTs
                                 2^nd Half  9 Points, 6 Rebounds, 5 Assists 4/12 FGs, 0/3 3-PT. 1/2 FTs
                                 4^th QTR  3 Points, 1/6 FGs, 0/1 3-PT., 1/2 FTs

James, who played all but four seconds in Game 4 registered his 8^th 40-point game of his postseason career when facing elimination, most in NBA Playoff history. Also at age 38, 143 days became the oldest player in NBA postseason history to score 40 in a game.

                          LeBron James With Loss Game 4 West Finals To Nuggets                  
-Swept Out Of The Playoffs For the Fourth Time In His Career. And For The First Time Since 2007 NBA Finals With Cavaliers To The Spurs. Also Was Swept In 2018 Finals With Cavaliers To The Warriors.

-His Squad Fell To 11-6 In His Career In Postseason Series After Losing Game 1. Snapping a 12-game winning streak In Playoff Series After Losing Game 1. Is Now 4-2 In His Career In Conference Finals After Losing Game 1.

-Fell To 3-7 In His Career In Best-Of-Seven Series After Trailing 0-2.

The Lakers fell to 0-9 in their postseason history when down in a best-of-seven series 0-3. The last time getting swept in West Finals in 1998 versus the Jazz and suffered their second loss at home since 1954-55 when up by 15 points at intermission of a Playoff game. They were also swept out of the Playoffs for the 11^th time in their history.  

They also had their 23-game winning streak in the postseason when leading at any point in the game by at least 15 points. Their last such defeat came in Game 1 of 2011 West Semis versus the Mavericks

Since moving from Minneapolis, MN in 1960, the Lakers were 60-1 in postseason when leading by 15-plus points at half, now 60-2. They are also now just 2-20 all-time in best-of-seven postseason series when trailing 0-2.

For Lakers this offseason, it was about GM Pelinka and the front office bringing back the new additions at the trade deadline that made an impact. Drafting players that they can see being a part of the Lakers future, while also securing the hopeful future face of the “Purple and Gold.”

It began in the 2023 Draft in June where the Lakers selected guard Jalen Hood-Schifino No. 17 overall out of Indiana University.

In a draft night four-team trade with the Nuggets, Pacers, and Thunder, the Lakers acquired the draft rights to forward Maxwell Lewis (No. 40 overall pick) out of University of Pepperdine. They sent the draft rights of guard Mojave King (No. 47 overall pick) from the NBA G League Ignite to the Pacers and cash considerations.

The Lakers then near the end of June made qualifying offers to Reaves and Hachimura, making them restricted free agents where the Lakers can match any offer sheet they get from another team. They also on June 27 exercised the $4.7 million team option on Vanderbilt, which now makes him eligible to be offered a four-year, $71 million extension starting on Sept. 7, which they did on Sept. 15 signing Vanderbilt to a four-year, $48 million extension.

Two days later, the Lakers waived Bamba and did not pick up the team option on guard Malik Beasley.

At the start of free agency, the Lakers on June 30 (officially July 6) re-signed Hachimura to a three-year, $51 million deal; Reaves to a four-year, $56 million deal; and Russell to a two-year, $37 million deal, with the second year of the deal being a player option.

Reaves, who has gone from being an undrafted pickup out of University of Oklahoma in 2021 developed into a very good rotational piece that averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in 2023 Playoffs on 46.4 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent from three (39/88 3-Pt.) in 2023 Playoffs. The Lakers prior to the West Finals were 4-0 in the first two rounds when Reaves scored 20 or more.

“The grass isn’t always greener somewhere else even if the money’s a little better. It was all about, you know, being in a place where I felt comfortable. Felt like I had an opportunity to, you know, go win a championship. Get to go to war, you know, every day with, you know, guys I genuinely like to be around,” Reaves said at Media Day to Spectrum Sportsnet’s Allie Clifton, Hall of Famer James Worthy, and Mike Bresnahan.

Hachimura, who came over as mentioned in late January from the Wizards with the reputation as a player that was inconsistent, showed consistency on both ends, especially at the start of 2023 Playoffs. That inconsistency did show at the end of the opening round and during the West Semis. But Hachimura did find it again in the West Finals

Rui Hachimura     1^st Three Games 1^st Round Versus Grizzlies 21.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG
In 2023 Playoffs    66.6 FG% (24/36 FGs)
                               Last Three Games Of First Round 7.3 PPG, 4 RPG, 40.9 FG%
                               (9/22 FGs)
                              West Semis Versus Warriors 7.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 57.1 FG%
                              West Finals Versus Nuggets  15.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 53.2 FG%

Hachimura by himself outscored the Grizzlies reserves in the First Round 87-86. Outshot them from the floor 57 percent to 36 percent and made the same among of threes as the entire Grizzlies second unit with him going 11/21 from three while the Grizzlies bench totaled 11/47 from three.

This summer, Hachimura spent a lot of time around James this summer working out, which he said at Media Day was a suggestion by assistant coach Phil Handy.

Handy told Hachimura after the season that he should workout with James over the summer “as much as possible” so that his game would improve.

“It was great,” Hachimura said at Media Day working out with James. “I appreciate for him to like, you know, letting me workout with him. It was a great experience for me and just like learning from him of course on the court but off the court. Like taking care of his body. Weight room, you know, all kinds of stuff…I learned a lot of things from him.”

Compared to his first stint with the Lakers who draft him No. 2 overall in 2015, Russell was very steady and when he played well, the Lakers were unbeatable, especially in the postseason. When his shot was off the mark, the Lakers were on the wrong side of the scoreboard.

In 2023 Playoffs Russell averaged 13.3 points and 4.6 assists but shot just 42.6 percent from the floor and 31 percent on his triple tries (27/87 3-Pt.).

“It comes down to, you know, having everything line, you know. Coaching, bench, star power obviously, depth. All of that. And I think with our group, we have a lot of that going into our favor,” Russell said at Media Day to ESPN LA 710’s Travis Rodgers and Allen Sliwa.

“But the NBA is the NBA. Long season. Anything can happen. A lot of things play in the favor to making it through a long season. So, I’m not putting anything past anybody.”

Lakers In       7-0 Record When D’Angelo Russell Scored 17 Points Or More
2023 Playoff   1-8 When Russell Scored Under 17 Points

The Lakers made sure their roster had plenty of depth signing guard Gabe Vincent (9.4 ppg, w/Heat) on a three-year, $33 million deal. Signed veteran forward Taurean Prince (9.1 ppg, 46.7 FG%, 38.1 3-Pt.% w/Timberwolves) on a one-year, $4 million deal. They also added youngsters in forward/guard Cam Reddish (9.7 ppg, 44.6 FG% w/Knicks & Trail Blazers) on a two-year, $4.6 million deal; center Jaxson Hayes on two-year, $7.7 million deals; and forward/center Christian Wood (16.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 51.5 FG%, 37.6 3-Pt.% w/Mavericks) on a two-year, $5.7 million deal, with a player option in the second year.

The additions of Vicent and Prince give the Lakers some much needed punch from long distance that was lacking a season ago.

While Vincent had his ups-and-downs from three-point range last season with the Heat (117/350 3-Pt.; 33.4 3-Pt.%), he made some big threes during the Heat’s Playoff run to The Finals.

Gabe Vincent In    First Round 13.0 PPG, 5.0 APG, 42.4 FG%, 42.4 3-PT.% 
2023 Playoffs         East Semis   10.3 PPG, 4.7 APG,  31.8 FG%,  26.8 3-PT.%
                                East Finals  15.8 PPG, 48.5 FG%, 51.6 3-PT.%
                                NBA Finals  11.4 PPG, 38.2 FG%, 33.3 3-PT.%

What Vincent has in his favor joining the Lakers is that he understands firsthand the work, focus, and determination it takes to get to the championship round. He also knows how to play a role and how to compliment the stars on the team like he did with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo with the Heat the past two seasons.

On top of that, Vincent, a California native was someone who had to fight his way into the NBA not being drafted, having to work his way up from the G League, to being a reserve with the Heat to being a starter and a key part of a title contender.

When asked by Rodgers and Sliwa of ESPN L.A.’s 710 what he brings to the Lakers is “versatility.”

“I feel like I can compliment a number of players. I feel like I can play with a number of guys. Different styles,” Vincent added. “So, I’m just looking forward to going out there competing and doing whatever this team needs to win, you know? That’s really the gap I’m trying to fill.”

Prince, whose played with the Hawks, Nets, Cavaliers, and Timberwolves in his first seven NBA seasons since being drafted No. 12 overall out of Baylor University is the true definition of the so-called 3-and-D player who can shoot from distance and guard multiple positions.

He also has familiarity with Coach Ham who was his assistant coach on Mike Budenholzer’s staff with the Hawks Prince’s first two years in the NBA along with now Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins. Prince said both “helped” build the foundation of his game he “needed” to have success in the league.

“A lot of people get here. But it’s pretty tough to stay here and I don’t think you guys realize that. So, Ham was a big part of that and I’m glad I was able to sustain that relationship and keep a good repour with him throughout my years and everything comes full circle now. So, I’m glad to have him as my head coach.”

Hayes and Reddish along with Wood are players that have flashy moments in their careers that say they should be headliners in a squad’s rotation. The problem is that they have flashed and sparkled in their previous stops or in the case of Hayes stop.

For Hayes and Wood, they have a chance to resurrect their careers with the Lakers because they can play in a spot that Davis has said many times he does not want to do. Play center.

In the case of Reddish, it comes down to him wanting to first embrace the work that is necessary to be a consistent rotational player. He has all the tools to be a major player in the NBA from the size, skills, and athleticism. He could be a true two-way player in the NBA if he is willing to put in the work.

For Wood, who has played in his career for the Rockets, Hornets, Pistons, Bucks, 76ers, and last season the Mavericks, the big thing that has seen him bounce from team to team in is career has been his attitude and how he coincides with his teammates and coaches. It is also his concentration, particularly defensively.

If Wood can bring the right attitude and focus, he can be a really big help to the Lakers and can resurrect his career.

For the Lakers though it all begins and ends with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Outside of the title run in 2019-20, James first five seasons with the Lakers has seen him miss a total of 111 games; and miss the Playoffs twice.

After last year’s defeat in the West Finals to the Nuggets, James at his postgame presser was tired and worn down from a long season that saw the Lakers go from being a possible cellar dweller to being one series away from The Finals.

James enters Year 21 in the league though rejuvenated and focused on leading the Lakers to their 18^th title in their history and the fifth title of his career, especially with the players the Lakers brought back and added.

Most Seasons By       Vince Carter               22
A Player In NBA       LeBron James (LAL) 21-Entering 21^st Season
History                       *Dirk Nowitzki           21
                                    *Kevin Garnett          21
                                      Kevin Willis              21
                                      Robert Parish           21

“From the trade deadline to how we played all the way up to the Western Conference Finals, I’m very optimistic on seeing how we can pick up from there,” James said at Media Day on taking the momentum from last season and applying it to this season.

“There should not be much teaching, you know, when it comes to us getting back on the floor. We have guys that know the system. That can pick up right were we left off with just a little refresher. And I believe the guys we brought in are smart enough to be able to catch on very fast.”   

The reality is for the Lakers to win their 18^th title, they need Anthony Davis to be the player that he was during the title run three years ago on both ends.

Anthony Davis In    In 10 Wins     22.0 PPG, 15.6 RPG, 3.6 BPG
2023 Playoffs           In   8 Losses   23.1 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 2.6 BPG

They need him to be healthy and dominant on both ends. They need Davis to supplement James as the best player on the Lakers. They need Davis to be the guy they go to at crunch time as well as be the dominant player he showed a great deal last season defensively.

Sure, the Lakers have a deep roster with players that can compliment Davis and James. They have players that can do ancillary work. At the end of the day, if Davis does not play at an MVP level on both ends, the Lakers will flame out in the spring in a very rugged Western Conference.

“Anytime you have continuity, it’s a lot easier, you know, to start the season,” Davis said at Media Day. “I like our chances against anybody, you know? We have speed. We have shooting. We have ball handling. We have play making. We have it all. Now we’re just trying to get on the floor and start making it work.” 

Dating back to their early years in Minneapolis, MN to their years in Los Angeles, CA, the Los Angeles Lakers have been defined by stars that won titles and role players that helped along the way.

It started with the late Hall of Famer George Mikan, who led the Minneapolis Lakers to six titles in the NBAs first seven seasons of existence, which began as National Basketball League (NBL), and then the Basketball Association of America (BAA) before being the NBA.

In the 1960s when the Lakers moved to L.A. Hall of Famers in the late Elgin Baylor, the logo and Jerry West for many seasons lost in The Finals to the fellow Hall of Famer in the late Bill Russell six time as well as to the St. Louis (now Atlanta) Hawks and Knicks. They got their first title in 1972, capping a then NBA-record 69 regular season wins with a 4-1 series victory in The Finals over the Knicks.

The Lakers rose back to prominence led by aforementioned Hall of Famers in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, James Worthy and Pat Riley, flanked by the likes of Byron Scott, Jamaal Wilkes, Michael Cooper, A.C. Green, Mychal Thompson, Bob McAdoo led the Lakers to five titles in nine Finals trips in the 1980s.

In the 2000s It was the Hall of Fame trio of Shaquille O’Neal, the previously mentioned late Kobe Bryant and head coach Phil Jackson flanked by Derek Fisher, Robert Horry, Green, Glen Rice, Ron Harper, Horace Grant, Mitch Richmond, current Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue that helped the Lakers win three straight titles to start the 2000s. The Lakers added two more in 2009 and 2010 with Bryant, fellow Hall of Famer Pau Gasol as the headliners flanked by Lamar Odom, Ron Artest, now Cavaliers assistant coach Luke Walton, Fisher, Trevor Ariza, and Shannon Brown.

While LeBron James and Anthony Davis won it all in 2020, they were coached by Frank Vogel, who is now the Suns head coach.

The team that they had that won it all three seasons back is similar to the roster that the Lakers have entering 2023-24. They had capable understudies behind Davis in JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard. They had capable shooting forwards and wings in Markieff Morris, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Danny Green, Alex Caruso, and Avery Bradley. They also had a mindset to play defense.

The Lakers of 2023-24 are headlined by James and Davis. The supporting cast of Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Taurean Prince, D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, and Christian Wood are capable. They just now have to prove it in a Western Conference that is stacked from top to bottom. Having to put it all together is head coach Darvin Ham and his coaching staff.

“We just seemed to get better and better with each moment that we were together with our new pieces and it was really good,” Coach Ham said at Media Day to NBATV’s Stephanie Ready about last season.

“And so, didn’t finish like we wanted to obviously. But at the end of the day, it was a great year for us to set the tone moving forward.”  

Best Case Scenario: Lakers are a No. 3 Seed in the West. They remain healthy. James and Davis are healthy. Davis becomes the Lakers best player and wins Kia MVP. The Lakers are Top 5 offense and defense. They represent the West in The Finals.  

Worst Case Scenario: Lakers battle injuries all season again, particularly Davis and James. They rank outside the Top 10 defensively. The supporting cast struggles. The Lakers have an early exit in the postseason.

Grade: A+

Memphis Grizzlies: 51-31 Record; 1^st Southwest Division (No. 2 Seed West); 35-6 at home, 16-25 on the road; Lost to No. 7 Los Angeles Lakers 4-2 in Western Conference Quarterfinals.

-116.9 ppg-10^th; opp. ppg: 113.0-11^th; 46.6 rpg-2^nd    

They won 50-plus games for the second straight season. They won their second straight Southwest Division title. They were the No. 2 Seed in the stacked Western Conference for the second straight season. But the youthful swagger and immaturity of the Memphis Grizzlies got the better of them a season ago they crashed and burned in six games in the opening-round to the lower seeded boys from the “City of Angels.” Their headlining star floor general while having solid season was specifically undone by his immaturity off the hardwood and will miss the first quarter of 2023-24 for his missteps on his Instagram account. With the addition of two veteran guards, their two other headlining youngsters needing to step up with their star floor general; and a new perspective from how last season ended, the plan for the Grizzlies is to hold the fort without their said star headliner finish a top the West again and finally translate their regular season success in the postseason this spring.

After starting 2022-23 12-9 mark the first two months, the Grizzlies opened December 2022 with seven straight wins (Dec. 2-15, 2022) to be ten games over .500 at 19-9 following a thrashing win (142-101) versus the Bucks on Dec. 15, 2022.

Following a 1-4 mark over their next five games (Dec. 17-27, 2022), the Grizzlies posted a season-best and franchise tying 11-game winning streak (Dec. 29, 2022-Jan. 18, 2023) that was capped by a nail-biting win (115-114) Jan. 18 versus the Cavaliers. They also won 11 in a row last season (Dec. 26, 2021-Jan. 14, 2022).  

After going 1-8 their next nine games, which was bookended by a five-game (Jan. 20-27, 2023) losing streak and a three-game losing streak (Fen. 1-5, 2023) punctuated by a 106-103 loss Feb. 5 versus the Raptors.

That was followed by a 6-2 mark over their next eight games (Feb. 7-Mar. 1, 2023) capped by a 113-99 victory to open March at the Rockets. Following a three-game skid (Mar. 3-7, 2023) to be 38-26 following a 112-103 loss Feb. 7 at the Lakers (TNT).

Starting with a win (131-110) Mar. 9 versus the then defending NBA champion Warriors (TNT), the Grizzlies closed 2022-23 13-5, which consisted of a three-game winning streak and a seven-game winning streak (Mar. 17-28, 2023) which clinched the No. 2 Seed holding off the surprising Kings, who were right on the Grizzlies heels post All-Star break.

How close was the race for the No. 2 spot in the West, the Grizzlies were tied with the Kings and 76ers for the fourth best mark in the league post All-Star break.

The Grizzlies posted 50-plus wins in consecutive seasons for the first time since doing it three straight seasons (2012-15). It also was their sixth season with at least 50 win in franchise history, with the first coming in 2003-04, their first season making the Playoffs.

The Grizzlies earned that No. 2 Seed in the West by going an NBA-best 35-6 mark at home, their most home wins in a season in franchise history. They posted their best winning percentage at home (.854) in a season in their history. It was also their seventh season in franchise history posting 30-plus home wins, all have come in Memphis since the start of 2003-04.

Following their previously mentioned home loss versus the Raptors in early February, their second home loss following an eight-game home winning streak, the Grizzlies closed 2022-23 with a 14-1 mark at FedExForum, which included a 12-game home winning streak (Feb-Mar. 29, 2022). The loan at home came Mar. 29 141-132 versus the Clippers.

                                              Record      Win%      Season  
Seasons In Grizzlies              35-6          .854         2022-23
History With 30-Plus            32-9          .780         2012-13
Home Wins                           31-10         .756         2014-15
                                               31-10         .756         2003-04
                                               30-11         .732         2021-22
                                               30-11         .732         2010-11
                                               30-11         .732         2005-06

The Grizzlies also went 13-3 against their Southwest Division opponents, with their three losses coming at the Mavericks (137-96) Oct. 22, 2022; Nov. 15, 2022 at the Pelicans (113-102); and in overtime at the Pelicans Apr. 5 (138-131) in overtime.

The Grizzlies sparkling home record covered the awful stench of their poor mark away from FedEXForum where they went 16-25.

Their road win (130-112) Jan. 14 at the Pacers put the Grizzlies one game over .500 on the road at 11-10. They closed with a 5-15 mark their final 20 road games, which included an 0-5 mark during a five-game road trip (Jan. 20-27, 2023) at the Lakers (122-121), Suns (112-110), Kings (133-100 NBATV), Warriors (122-120 ESPN), and Timberwolves (111-100) that was part of an eight-game road losing streak. They finished with a 9-15 mark over their final 24 road games of 2022-23.

In their win at the Spurs (126-120) in overtime Mar. 17, the Grizzlies overcame a 23-point deficit in the third quarter.

The Grizzlies in their 128-107 loss Apr. 2 at the Bulls, they led by as many as 23 and led 68-53 at intermission. The visitors from Memphis, TN were outscored 75-39 in the second half, including 40-16 in the third quarter registering 18 turnovers that led to 31 Bulls points.

The Grizzlies were once again led by now two-time All-Star floor general Ja Morant (26.2 ppg, 8.1 apg, 5.9 rpg, 46.6 FG%), who averaged over 26 points per game for the second straight season with his acrobatic feats in the open court and in half court sets with his ability to get to the rim with ease and more often than not posterize those wanting to close the door to those acrobatic feats at the rim.

The 2022 Kia Most Improved Player recipient and All-NBA Second Teamer shot over 45 percent from the floor for the third time in his first four NBA seasons. He was No. 9 in the league in free throw attempts a season ago (8.1) shooting 74.8 percent at the charity stripe. While his marksmanship from three-point range is still a work in progress, Morant made a career-high 92 total triples in 2022-23 (92/300 3-Pt.) at a clip of 30.7 percent.

Double-Doubles By        2019-20: 15    2021-22: 10
Season By Ja Morant     2020-21: 14   2022-23:  20

Of Morant’s career-high 20 double-doubles he had a season ago, that included seven of his now franchise record 11 triple-doubles.

The 2019-20 Kia Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie First Teamer in the Grizzlies’ win (129-122) at the Rockets on Oct. 21, 2022 had 49 points, eight assists, and two block shots on 17/2 from the field, including 5/6 from three-point range, and 10/13 at the free throw line, set the franchise-record for most points over the first two games of a season (83).

In the team’s 123-102 triumph Nov. 27, 2022 at the Knicks, Morant registered 27 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds on 9/20 shooting and 9/11 at the foul line. His fifth career triple-double tied Marc Gasol for most career triple-doubles in Grizzlies history with five.

Morant surpassed Gasol for most career triple-doubles in franchise history with his sixth when he registered 26 points, 11 assists, and 13 boards on 8/16 from the floor and 8/10 at the foul line in the Grizzlies’ 123-102 victory versus the Thunder.

When the Grizzlies won versus the Pacers (112-100) on Jan. 29, Morant in posting his seventh career triple-double of 27 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds became the first player in franchise history to author a game of at least 25/15/10 (points/assists/rebounds).

In front of a national televised audience, Morant registered his sixth triple-double on the season and 10^th of his career scoring a franchise-record 28 of his 39 points in the third quarter with 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, and two steals on 15/29 shooting and 9/11 at the charity stripe.

20-Point Games By        2019-20: 29   2021-22: 46      40-Point Games By      2020-21: 1
Season By Ja Morant    2020-21: 25   2022-23: 49      Season By Ja Morant   2021-22: 6
                                                                                                                                2022-23: 1

30-Point Games By        2019-20: 1   2021-22: 24   
Season By Ja Morant    2020-21: 8   2022-23: 21

In the 2020 NBA Draft, the Grizzlies at the end of the First-Round (No. 30 overall) selected a relatively unknown guard out of Texas-Christian University (TCU) who played all four years in college (a rare things now a days) and improved his game across board each season.

Well Richmond, IN native Desmond Bane (21.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.4 apg, 47.9 FG%, 40.8 3-Pt.%) took that progress he had with the Horned Frogs and used that to make his mark in “The Association” where he had a breakout third season averaging career-highs across the board.

20-Point Games By        2020-21:    3                        30-Point Games By       2021-22: 4
Season By Desmond      2021-22:  35                        Season By Desmond      2022-23: 8
Bane                                2022-23:  34                        Bane

The All-Rookie Second-Team selection in 2021 continued his high marksmanship from three-point range where he made 166 total triples a season ago.

Three-Pointers           2020-21: 43.2 3-PT.% (117/271 3-PT.)
By Season By             2021-22: 43.6 3-PT.% (228/523 3-PT.)
Desmond Bane          2022-23: 40.8 3-PT.% (166/407 3-PT.)

In the Grizzlies’ win (134-124) Oct. 24, 2022 versus the Nets, Bane scored a career-high 38 points with seven assists on 14/21 shooting, including 8/11 on his triple tries.

Bane notched his first career double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds on 8/16 from the field in the Grizzlies’ 131-107 triumph Jan. 4 at the Hornets.

Back in 2018, the Grizzlies believed they found one of their cornerstones moving forward. The pick they made that June at No. 4 overall out of Michigan State University in forward/center Jaren Jackson, Jr. (18.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.0 bpg, 50.6 FG%, 35.5 3-Pt.%) has turned out to be a good one as he averaged career-highs in scoring, rebounding, and free throw attempts, and tied in field goal percentage and double-doubles. He also for the second straight season led the league in blocks per contest.

20-Point Games By   2018-19:  11   2021-22: 27     30-Point Games By   2018-19: 1
Season By Jaren        2019-20:  23   2022-23: 24     Season By Jaren       2019-20: 3
Jackson, Jr.                2020-21:    2                           Jackson, Jr.               2022-23: 6

Double-Doubles By   2018-19: 2   2021-22:
Season By Jaren        2019-20: 3   2022-23: 7
Jackson, Jr.               2020-21: 0

Authoring the best all-around season of his career earned the son of former NBA Player Jaren Jackson, Sr., who played in the NBA for 13 seasons (1989-90; 1993-2002) with the Nets, Warriors, Trail Blazers, 76ers, Rockets, Bullets (now Wizards), Spurs, where he won a title, and Magic and Director of WNBA’s Player’s Association Terri Jackson earned his first All-Star selections of his career and won Kia Defensive Player of the Year. Jackson, Jr. also earned his second straight All-Defensive First Team selection.

In the Grizzlies 128-103 victory Dec. 12, 2022 versus the Hawks, the man dubbed “Block Panther” lived up to his nickname as Jackson, Jr. had 15 points, seven rebounds, and a career-high eight block shots.

Jackson, Jr. in the Grizzlies’ win (123-115) at the Magic had a double-double with a then season-high of 31 points with 10 rebounds, and three blocks on 12/14 from the floor.

He scored his season-best of 40 points with nine rebounds, and four blocks on 13/28 from the field, including making three triples (3/9 3-Pt.) and 11/12 at the foul line in the Grizzlies 138-131 loss in overtime Apr. 5 at the Pelicans.

Behind the trio of Morant, Jackson, Jr., and Bane, the Grizzlies made their mark offensively last season by being dominant in the restricted area and in the hustle areas.

Last season, they led the NBA in paint points (58.4). Ranked No. 2 in the league in fastbreak points (18.0). Were No. 4 in offensive rebounds (12.0); No. 6 in Second Chance points (15.3); and No. 8 in points off turnovers.

The Grizzlies a season ago were 51-27 when they scored at least 100 points, including 46-13 when they scored 110 points or more. They were 29-7 when they scored 120 or more; 13-2 when they scored 130 or more.

Those hustle areas where they Grizzlies generated offense came from their ability to get stops defensively, leading the league in 2022-23 in opponent’s field goal percentage (45.3%) and were No. 9 in opponent’s three-point percentage (35.5%).

Their ability to score in the paint and on their open court chances, mainly because of  Morant came in part of the Grizzlies ability to protect the basket thanks to Jackson, Jr as the Grizzlies were No. 3 in the league in block shots per game (5.8) and were No. 3 in steals per contest (8.3).  

While the Grizzlies went 41-31 a season ago when they allowed 100 points or more, they were a perfect 8-0 when they held the opposition under the century mark. They were also 36-16 in 2022-23 when they outrebounded their opponent.

Alongside Jackson, Jr. in defending the paint; being a terror on the glass at both ends, while also setting screens to get his teammates open is veteran center Steven Adams (8.6 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 59.7 FG%), who averaged a career-high in rebounds per game and averaged double-digit boards in his second season with the Grizzlies.

Dating back to his fourth season with the Thunder (2016-17) to his lone season with the Pelicans (2020-21), Adams has registered double-digit double-doubles for seven straight seasons and in eight of his first 10 NBA seasons, including the 15 he registered a season ago.

In the Thunder’s aforementioned win in the middle of January versus the Cavaliers, Adams capped his performance of 13 points and 10 rebounds with the game-winning tip-in at the final buzzer.

Unfortunately, Adams was lost for the rest of 2022-23 when in the Grizzlies’ 112-110 loss Jan. 22 at the Suns he suffered a right knee injury which ended up being PCL sprain in his right knee that was supposed to sideline Adams for 3-4 weeks but it ended his season premature missing the final 36 games of 2022-23.

They also lost their super-sub big man Brandon Clarke (10.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 65.6 FG%), who tore his left Achilles in the Grizzlies’ 113-97 loss Mar. 3 at the eventual NBA champion Nuggets (ESPN). He missed the final 20 games (26 total missed games) of 2022-23.

What the Grizzlies lost in the No. 21 overall pick out of Gonzaga University in 2019 was a solid scorer who averaged double-figure points in his first four NBA season and shot over 60 percent from the floor in three of those seasons. Has totaled 16 double-doubles so far in his career with a career-high of six coming in 2022-23.

In place of Adams and Clarke was fellow understudy in Xavier Tillman (7.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 61.4 FG%) who averaged career-highs in his third season also out of Michigan State.

The No. 35 overall pick in 2020 from the Spartans totaled four of his six career double-doubles in 2022-23 and totaled 17 double-digit scoring nights a season ago after totaling 19 games with 10 points or more his first two seasons in the league.

In his 29 starts last season, Tillman averaged 9.7 points and 6.7 rebounds on 63.8 percent from the field.

He scored a career-high of 20 points with nine rebounds in the Grizzlies’ 113-108 victory Mar. 28 versus the Magic.

That also opened up more minutes for youngster Santi Aldama (9.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 47.0 FG%, 35.3 3-Pt.%), who showed in his second season that he could hold his own in the league.

He showed his great improvement right out the gates with his third career double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds in the Grizzlies’ season opening 115-112 victory in overtime Oct. 19, 2022 versus the Knicks (ESPN) in his first career start.

The No. 30 overall pick in 2021 out of Loyola University had another double-double with career-high of 21 points with 10 rebounds on 7/15 shooting and 4/7 from three in the Grizzlies’ 128-113 loss Feb. 2 at the Cavaliers (TNT).

Last season, Aldama tallied four of his six career double-doubles, while also registering 31 of his 34 career games scoring in double-figures, which included three of his four career 20-plus point games. 

While by the numbers he has been underwhelming so far in his NBA career, John Konchar (5.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg) when he has seen the court has had his moments, particularly over the past two seasons.

The undrafted player in 2019 out of Purdue FW University over the past two seasons has improved as a three-point shooter going from 26 total made threes his first two NBA seasons to making 52 total triples at 41.3 percent in 2021-22 (52/126 3-Pt.) and last season hitting 60 total threes (60/177 3-Pt.) even though he hit them at a 33.9 percent clip.

Konchar also registered five career double-doubles over the past two seasons, with two of the five coming in 2022-23. That included a career-high of 19 points with 10 boards on 7/10 from the floor, which included a 5/7 performance from three in the Grizzlies’ 121-110 victory Nov. 18, 2022  versus the Thunder.

The main issue for the Grizzlies over the past couple of seasons had been their inaccuracy from three. While they ranked No. 11 in three-point attempts in 2022-23 (34.2), they were in the middle of the pack in made triples per game at No. 16 (12.0) and were No. 23 in three-point percentage (35.1).

On top of that, while they got to the foul line at a solid average (23.8 FT Attempts: 13^th NBA), they were dead last, No. 30 in free throw percentage (73.3%).

To try to rectify their perimeter shooting issues, the Grizzlies at the Feb. 9 trade deadline acquired sharp-shooter Luke Kennard (11.3 ppg, 49.2 FG%, 49.4 3-Pt.%-Led NBA) in a three-team deal from the Clippers along with the right to swap 2026 Second-Round pick from L.A.

The Grizzlies in the deal sent veteran forward/guard Danny Green to the Rockets and their 2024 Second-Round pick, the Raptors 2024 Second-Round pick, and their 2027 Second-Round pick also to L.A.

Luke Kennard   W/Clippers (35 Games: 11 Starts): 7.8 PPG, 46.4 FG%, 44.7 3-PT.%
2022-23               (59/132 3-PT.).
                            W/Grizzlies (24 Games: 3 Starts): 11.3 PPG, 52.6 FG, 54 3-PT.%
                            (74/137 3-PT.)

The Grizzlies from Kennard’s debut to the close of 2022-23, they were ranked No. 15 in three-point percentage (36.2%); No. 8 in threes attempted (37.5); and No. 7 in three-pointers made per contest (13.6).

Two of the Grizzlies Top 4 Scoring Performances in their history came last season where they put their full game together on full display at both ends.

In their aforementioned thrashing victory versus the Bucks in the middle of December 2022, the Grizzlies 142 points were the fourth most in a game in their history.

On this night, the Grizzlies shot 54.9 percent from the field (56/102 FGs). Were 12/32 from three-point range and 18/23 at the foul line. They outrebounded the Bucks  56-39 including 14-11 on the offensive glass. They registered 30 assists on their 54 made shots with just eight turnovers and outscored the Bucks 86-38 in the paint and 27-14 in fastbreak points.

In the second highest scoring game in their history, the Grizzlies hung a 151 points in their 151-114 triumph Mar. 24 versus the Rockets. They fell one point shy of equaling their highest single-game point total of 152 points, which came in their 152-79 victory Dec. 2, 2021 versus the Thunder.

The Grizzlies on this night shot 61.3 percent from the field (57/93 FGs). Made a single-game franchise record 25 three-pointers, going 25/42 on their triple tries. Registered 36 assists on their 57 made field goals with just 11 turnovers. They scored 20 points off the Rockets 16 miscues, with 12 of those 16 turnovers coming on steals. They scored 33 fastbreak points and 62 paint points, which is the second most points in the paint they registered in a game in their history.

In the win, the Grizzlies became the first team in NBA history to score 150-plus points on 60 percent shooting or better from the field and make 25 threes.

Kennard in the win tied his career-high with 30 points and set the single-game franchise record with 10 made triples (10/11 3-Pt.), surpassing the previous single-game franchise mark of nine made threes held by Mike Miller and by Jackson, Jr.

While they entered the Playoffs as the No. 2 Seed in the West with homecourt advantage, the Grizzlies as mentioned were entering without two key members of their front court in Adams and Clarke. Their absence was felt immediately as the Grizzlies lost home court advantage right away in dropping Game 1 128-112 Apr. 16 versus the Lakers (ABC).

After overcoming a 10-point deficit early in the first quarter, the Grizzlies outscored the Lakers 38-27 in the second quarter to lead 65-59 at intermission and were up by eight early in the third quarter. But the Lakers outscored the homestanding Grizzlies 37-25 in the third to lead 96-90 after three quarters. The Grizzlies led 101-100 with 8:36 left but were outscored 28-11 to close the game and 69-47 in the second half.

Jackson, Jr. led the way with 31 points, five rebounds and two block shots on 13/21 shooting. Bane had 22 points, also five boards, and six assists and a perfect 7/7 at the foul line but was just 6/18 from the field and 3/10 from three. Morant had 18 points with six rebounds, and two steals on 8/14 shooting.

Tillman had just two points and three boards in 22 minutes, while Aldama had eight points and six rebounds on 2/3 from three off the bench in 24 minutes.

Morant left with 5:49 left in the game after re-aggravating his injured right hand that he suffered in the regular season and did not return.

The Grizzlies in Game 1 shot 47.2 percent from the field and were 13/36 from three and 15/16 at the charity stripe with 24 assists on their 42 made shots. But were outrebounded by the Lakers 45-34 including 10-6 on the offensive glass. The paint points were even 56-56 and the Grizzlies were outscored 26-17 in fastbreak points and 22-10 in Second Chance points.

The Grizzlies during 2022-23 had not lost back-to-back home games all season. They kept that mark intact with a 103-93 win versus the Lakers three nights later (TNT) to tie the series at 1-1.

The win improved the Grizzlies to 5-0 at home all-time in Game 2s, now having won their last three Game 2s at home dating back to the 2022 NBA Playoffs.

The Grizzlies led from early in the opening period on up 30-19 after the first quarter and 59-44 at intermission. Were up 66-46 in the third quarter and held off a Lakers rally in the fourth period where the drew to within 94-88 with 3:10 left. The Grizzlies closed the game scoring nine of the final 14 points.

With Morant out due to an injured right hand, Tillman led the way with a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds on 10/13 shooting. Jackson, Jr. added 18 points and nine rebounds with three blocks on 7/10 at the foul line. While Bane had 17 points, he shot just 6/18 from the field and just 1/6 from three.

While the Grizzlies shot just 42.7 percent from the floor in Game 2 (38/89 FGs) and just 11/36 on their triple tries, they were 16/21 at the charity stripe. Had 243 assists on their 38 made field goals and just 10 turnovers.

They outrebounded the Lakers 49-47 (11-11 off. rebs). The points in the paint were even 50-50. The Grizzlies though were four down in Second Chance points (15-11) and a minus two-fastbreak points (12-10). The Grizzlies did score 20 points off 13 Lakers turnovers.

A horrible start to Game 3 despite having Morant back in the lineup put the Grizzlies behind the eight ball as their road woes from the regular season continued in the postseason falling at the Lakers 111-101 Apr. 22 (ESPN) to fall behind 2-1 in the series.

The Grizzlies managed just nine points in the opening period, trailing 35-9 after the first quarter. But outscored the Lakers 28-18 in the second quarter to pull within 53-37 at the half. The Grizzlies were outscored in the third quarter 35-31 and trailed 88-68 after three quarters. They closed to win 10 of the Lakers late in the fourth quarter but never got closer.

The Grizzlies scored just nine points on 3/25 shooting, including 1/13 from three in the opening period, registering just 35 points on 13/50 from the floor and 5/21 on their triple tries in the opening half. They were outscored 34-16 in the paint at intermission and had 11 turnovers.

Final 1:30    MEM: 10 Points, 2/3 FGs (2/2 3-PT.), 4/4 FTs
Of 1^st Half   LAL:   0 Points 0/4 FGs (0/2 3-PT.) 0/0 FTs

The Grizzlies had a chance in the final period because of Morant who scored 24 points in the final period, including 22 straight points at one point in the fourth quarter.  

In registering his third career 40-plus point performance of his postseason career, Morant led the Grizzlies with a near triple-double of 45 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds on 13/26 from the floor, 6/10 from three, and 13/14 at the free throw line.

Ja Morant In             1^st 3 QTRS: 21 Points, 10 Assists, 6 Rebounds, 4/14 FGs, 2/4 3-PT.
Game 3 At Lakers                         13/14 FTs
                                    4^th QTR:     24 Points, 3 Assists, 3 Rebounds, 9/12 FGs, 4/6 3-PT.

Scoring 22 Consecutive        LeBron James (LAL) 25 Points 2007 W/Cavaliers
Points In A Playoff              *Kobe Bryant              23 Points 2010 W/Lakers
Game Last 25 Postseasons   Ja Morant (MEM)     22 Points 2023

While the Grizzlies played like their usual selves outrebounding the Lakers 50-48, including 18-11 on the offensive glass, outscoring the home team 58-42 in the paint; 17-13 in Second Chance points and 19-18 in fastbreak points. 

The Grizzlies undoing in Game 3 was that they shot just 37.6 percent from the floor (35/93 FGs) and just 13/39 from three-point range, even though they went 18/20 at the charity stripe. While they scored 14 points off 16 Lakers turnovers, the Grizzlies registered 18 turnovers that led to 26 Lakers points.

Bane, who went 7/14 shooting, including 3/7 from three scored 18 with five boards.

Jackson, Jr. though scored just 13 with five rebounds, two steals and no block shots on just 4/12 from the floor. Tillman had just six points, but 12 rebounds and two blocks. Aldama only had six point on 2/7 shooting (2/4 3-Pt.), while Kennard scored just four points 0/1 from three.

The Grizzlies, who were down double-digits midway through the second quarter and gave themselves a chance to tie the series when they were up late in the fourth quarter. They could not hold the lead and were dominated in overtime in dropping Game 4 117-111 Apr. 24 (TNT).

After they led by seven early in the first quarter, the Grizzlies were down 15 midway through the second quarter but outscored the Lakers 29-25 in the second quarter to only trail 54-52 at the half. They outscored the Lakers 31-27 in the third quarter to lead 83-81 after three quarters and were up by seven midway through the fourth quarter and went up 104-102 with 06.1 seconds left in regulation. The Lakers tied it on a layup by LeBron James with 00.1 seconds left to force overtime.

After a close first three-plus minutes in overtime with the Grizzlies down 109-108, they were outscored 8-3 to close the extra five minutes.

Bane, who had his breakout game of the series with a playoff career-high 36 points with seven rebounds on 13/29 from the field and 7/7 at the foul line. But shot just 3/12 from three-point range.

Desmond Bane In     1^st 3 QTRS:   22 Points, 5 Rebounds, 8/20 FGS, 2/7 3-PT. 4/4 FTS
Game 4 At Lakers    4^th QTR:        14 Points, 5/7 FGS, 1/3 3-PT.
                                   OVERTIME: 0 Points, 0/2 3-PT.

Morant came back to earth in Game 4 with 19 points, seven assists, and three steals on just 8/24 shooting, including 1/6 from three with four turnovers.

Jackson, Jr. had his first double-double of the series with 14 points and 14 rebounds and five block shots, but was just 5/15 from the floor, missing all five of his triple tries.

Tilman, who battled foul trouble in Game 4 had 12 points, eight boards, and six assists.

Kennard had just six points going 2/4 from three in 13 minutes off the bench, while Aldama had just two points with two steals in seven minutes.

The Grizzlies again had difficulty finding their shooting touch. While they shot 18/21 at the charity stripe, they were just 39.6 percent from the floor in Game 4 (42/106 FGs) and just 9/42 from three.

In overtime, the Grizzlies shot just 3/9 from the floor, including 1/5 from three-point range. That included Morant going just 1/4 from the field in the extra five minutes scoring just two points.

They registered 26 assists on their 42 shots made. While they were outrebounded by the Lakers 52-49, the Grizzlies outrebounded the Lakers 16-13 on the offensive glass and outscored them 58-54 in the paint and 24-12 in Second Chance points. The fastbreak points were even 16-16.

The Grizzlies staved off elimination in Game 5 back home leading for pretty much the entire game winning 116-99 Apr. 26 (TNT).

They led 38-24 after the first quarter. Led by as many as 17 in the second quarter and led 61-52 at the half. After the Grizzlies saw their lead cut to 75-74 with 4:26 left in the third quarter blew the game open with a 26-2 run as part of 31-8 run from late in the third quarter to early in the fourth quarter scoring on 15 of 16 possessions to lead 94-76 after three quarters and led by 25 (101-76) early in the fourth quarter.

Bane had his second straight 30-plus point game with 33 points and 10 rebounds and five assists on 12/21 from the floor and 4/9 from three. He entered the 2023 Playoffs with just one 30-point game in his first 20 career Playoff games.

Bane began Game 5 scoring 14 points and 5/6 from the floor, making both of his triples in the opening period.

Morant also had a double-double with 31 points and 10 boards with seven assists on 13/26 from the field. He scored 10 points with three assists in the second quarter and followed that with 11 points, three assists, and three rebounds on 5/9 shooting in the third quarter.

Morant and Bane scored and assisted on 99 of the Grizzlies 116 points in Game 5. They became the first teammates to register at least  30 points and 10 rebounds in the same game in Grizzlies postseason history.

The Grizzlies shot 44.4 percent from the field in Game 5 (44/99 FGs) with 24 assists on their 44 made field goals with just 11 turnovers. After going a combined 22/81 on their triple tries in L.A. in Games 3 and 4, the Grizzlies shot a respectably 14/40 from three-point range in Game 5. They began Game 5 5/10 from three. Then went 4/18 on their triple tries but finished going 5/12 from three.

The Grizzlies, while they were outscored 19-17 in fastbreak points, outscored the Lakers in Game 5 56-48 in the paint. The Grizzlies were outrebounded 54-52, including being even 14-14 on the offensive glass but were outscored 18-17 in second chance points.

The Grizzlies two nights later with their season hanging in the balance again did not bring it at the start of Game 6 and were obliterated to start the second half as their season ended with a 125-85 loss, losing the series 4-2.

It was the largest margin of defeat (40 points) in a game in Grizzlies postseason history. They fell to 0-4 all-time in their Playoff history when they trail a best-of-seven series 3-1. They also counting the regular season lost all five trips to the Lakers. 

After an early four-point lead in the first quarter, the Grizzlies trailed from that point on down 31-20 after the first quarter; 59-42 at the half and were put out of their misery getting outscored 41-25 in the third quarter and 66-43 in the second half where they trailed by as many as 40.

The Grizzlies were led by Aldama who had 16 points and five rebounds off the bench. Bane scored just 15 with five boards on just 5/16 shooting, including 2/6 from three. Jackson, Jr. had just 14 points with only four rebounds and zero blocks on just 3/12 from the field, including 1/6 on his triple tries. Morant had just 10 points, six assists, five boards, and three steals on just 3/16 from the floor, including 2/7 from three.  

Morant’s 19 percent shooting from the floor in Game 6 was his worst field goal percentage in a game in his postseason career.

The Grizzlies in Game 6 shot just 30.2 percent from the floor (29/96 FGs) and 12/38 from three, and 15/20 at the foul line. They were outrebounded 52-45 (MEM: 14-9 off. rebs). Were outscored by the Lakers 52-32 in the paint; 24-14 in fastbreak points; and 20-9 in Second Chance points.

There was a lot that happened with the Grizzlies this offseason that had brought a couple of moves they made in terms of the additions to their roster that will impact on how they do in 2023-24, especially in the first quarter of this season.

In a three-team deal with the Celtics and Wizards, the Grizzlies acquired veteran guard Marcus Smart (11.5 ppg, 6.3 apg w/Celtics) and dealt their understudy to Morant in guard Tyus Jones to the Wizards; the draft rights to guard Marcus Sasser (No. 25 overall pick) out of University of Houston and the Warriors 2024 First-Round pick.  

At the start of free agency on June 30 (officially July 6), they signed veteran guard Derrick Rose to a two-year, $6.5 million deal.

In a five-team deal with Thunder, Hawks, Clippers, and Rockets on July 8, Grizzlies acquired guard Josh Christopher from the Rockets, who they waived on September 30 and sent Dillion Brooks in a sign-and-trade (four-year, $80 million deal).   

Three days later in a deal with the Suns, the Grizzlies acquired forward Isaiah Todd, who was also waived on September 30 along with two future First-Round pick swaps in exchange for three future Second-Round picks.

The Grizzlies following their early postseason exit made it very clear according to “The Athletic’s” and “The Stadium’s” Shams Charania that they told Brooks during exit meetings, who they drafted No. 45 overall out of the University of Oregon in 2017 “will not be brought back under any circumstances.”

Both sides, according to Charania, determined that it was in the best interest of both sides to go their separate ways.

The Grizzlies reached this point where they wanted to break ties with Brooks from his actions during their postseason series loss to the Lakers.

Following the Grizzlies win in Game 2, Brooks called LeBron James “old” and that he was “not at the same level” as he was at the height of his powers with the Cavaliers and Heat.

Brooks also said that he has no respect for the guy he guards in a game until he scores “40” on him.

In the Game 3 loss at the Lakers where he scored just seven points on 3/13 shooting, Brooks was ejected 17 seconds into the third quarter after he struck James in the groin area near midcourt.

In the postgame, Brooks blamed the perception of him being a “villain” as the reason he got the boot in Game 3. It was the sixth time that Brooks had been ejected from a game in six NBA seasons, the only player in Grizzlies history to have been ejected from multiple games.

During 2022-23, Brooks was suspended twice for accumulating his 16^th and 18^th technical fouls.

Things went from bad to worse for the Grizzlies in the offseason as following the 2023 NBA Finals, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver suspended Morant the first 25 games of 2023-24 for conduct detrimental to the league.

The suspension came on the heels of the second time being caught on Instagram Live intentionally displaying a firearm while in a car with other individuals leaving a social gathering in Memphis, TN on May 13.

“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended eight games,” Commissioner Silver said. “The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.”

The first incident came in March when Morant received an eight-game suspension without pay after on Mar. 4 social media post had Morant holding a firearm in an intoxicated state at a Denver, CO area nightclub in the early part of the morning. 

“Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous,” Commissioner Silver said of Morant. “It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him. He has expressed sincere contrition and remorse for his behavior. Ja has also made it clear to me that he has learned from this incident and that he understands his obligations and responsibility to the Memphis Grizzlies and the broader NBA community extend well beyond his play on the court.”

That investigation by NBA officials did not conclude that the firearm at issue did not belong to Morant, who brought the firearm into the adult nightclub or was displayed by him beyond a brief period. The investigation also did not find that Morant possessed the firearm while traveling with the team or in any NBA facility. Also, Glendale, CO authorities did not find any evidence that was sufficient to charge Morant with a crime.

Morant stepped away from the team and reportedly attended a counseling program in Florida but returned shortly after meeting with Commissioner Silver.

Following the second social media post with a firearm, the Grizzlies suspended Morant from all team activities in anticipation of the harsh sanctions that the NBA was going to lay down on Morant.

The 25-game suspension of Morant, who is due to make $33.5 million this upcoming season stands to lose just over $300,000 per game or approximately $7.5 million.

The suspension also with certainty takes Morant out of the running for any 2024 postseason awards such as for All-NBA and Kia MVP under the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement which went into effect on July 1, where a player must appear in 65 games in the regular season, with limited exceptions to be eligible for those awards.

In a statement following his suspension, Morant said, “I’ve had time to reflect and realize how much hurt I’ve caused. I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates, and the city of Memphis. To Adam Silver, Zach Kleiman [Grizzlies’ GM] and Robert Pera [Grizzlies’ Governor] who gave me the opportunity to be a professional athlete and have supported me-I’m sorry for the harm I’ve done. To the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I’m going to be better. To all my sponsors, I’m going to be a better representation of our brands. And to all my fans, I’m going to make it up to you, I promise.”

“I’m spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision making.”

“I’m also going to be training so that I’m ready to go when I can be back on the court…I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove to you over time I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing.”   

The good news is that Morant will still be able to be able to practice and travel with the team while serving his 25-game suspension.

Coach Jenkins at Media Day said to NBATV’s Shaun Powell that Morant has an “awareness”  on what he needs to “improve” on both on and off the hardwood. He added that his star floor general has been “really committed” to improving in all areas of his life. That his “presence” around the team is “going” to allow them to “push him” to be at his best so when he does come back, he and the Grizzlies can really hit the ground running.

“He and I talked about, you know, how good do you want to be? And how good do you want the team to be? You have a big responsibility in that,” Coach Jenkins said to Powell about the conversation he and Morant had with one another about this upcoming season.

With Morant on the shelf for the first quarter of 2023-24 makes the acquisition of Smart and the signing of Rose, who played his college ball at the University of Memphis and then head coach John Calipari, now at the University of Kentucky.

In Smart, who spent his first nine seasons in “Beantown” will be uplifting and helpful for the Grizzlies.

The 2021-22 Kia Defensive Player of the Year, four-time All-Defensive selection, and three-time NBA Hustle Award recipient brings toughness, accountability, cleverness that will be a big help for the Grizzlies until Morant returns.

“Definitely, I’m able to do that and feel more comfortable because at the end of the day, it’s bigger than me and it’s bigger than us,” Smart said on Media Day to Powell on being the emotional leader in his first season with the Grizzlies.

“We’re trying to do something that hasn’t been done here for you guys and that’s just how I feel and being able to do that is because I also hold myself accountable and I expect those guys to hold me accountable as well.”

For four consecutive season, Smart averaged double-figure points (which he has done in six out of the last seven seasons), nearly two steals, and at or over five assists.

While he has his ups and downs as a perimeter shooter from the field overall and from three-point range, at 41.8 percent from the field and 33.6 from three a season ago, he has totaled over 110 made triples the last two seasons (115/342 3-Pt. 2022-23) and in four of the previous six seasons.

When the Grizzlies were without Morant the last two seasons, they had Jones to lean on and they were able to still play at a high level and win games. In 2021-22, the Grizzlies were 20-5 without Morant (36-21 with Morant) but were just 11-10 last season without Morant (40-21 with Morant).

In terms of playing alongside Morant when he returns, Smart said to Powell that it will be “very, very easy.” That it will be a “a smooth transition.”

Smart added to that saying in his presser at Media Day, that he and Rose are “coming here to push” him and team and to “each other great.”

“I’ve dealt with suspensions. I’ve dealt with, you know, stuff of my own. So, you know, for Ja to be able to come to and talk to me, you know, is a big part of this for me as well, you know?”

He also said that he “cares” for Morant as a “human” and as a “teammate,” and that he wants to see him “succeed.” If for nothing else if Morant is “not succeeding,” one thing is for sure, the Grizzlies is “not succeeding.”

Rose feels the same way saying at his Media Day presser that he told Morant that he did not join the Grizzlies to “babysit” him or “follow him” around but to “push” him.

“A lot of people look at his game and they kind of compare our games,” Rose, the league’s MVP in 2010-11 with the Bulls said in terms of his style of play in the early part of his career.

“But he’s on a whole another level. So, with me seeing that, it’s my job to push him and let him know that when in time like whenever he’s being reckless to calm down.”

Without Morant it will be up Jackson, Jr., who played for Team USA at FIBA World Cup over the summer and Bane, who the Grizzlies signed the richest contract in Grizzlies history, a five-year, $207 million max extension on July 1 to step up their games up another notch with Morant on the shelf.

In the case of Jackson, Jr., he has to become a consistent 20-point scorer and close to a double-digit rebounder for the Grizzlies. At the offensive end specifically, JJJ has to be make his impact on the post while also being able to get the foul line at an even higher clip than he did a season ago along with taking shots from three when they present themselves.

Jackson, Jr.’s averages in the six-game series setback against the Lakers of 18 points, 7.8 rebounds, two block shots on 42.2 percent from the field and 28 percent from three-point range (7/25 3-Pt.) will not cut it. What he did at the charity stripe averaging six free throw attempts has to come up to eight to 10 attempts at the charity stripe without and when Morant returns.

Defensively, Jackson, Jr. has to cut down the unnecessary fouls going for shot blocks that has put him in foul difficulty so far in his career.

They also need Jackson, Jr. to stay healthy, who has missed 24, 16, 61, 4, and 19 games his first seasons in the NBA. He missed the first 14 of the 19 games missed a season ago following offseason surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot.

At Media Day, Jackson, Jr. noted that last when Adams went down the final 36 games last season that he needed to rebound at “a higher rate,” adding that his rebounding “needs to increase.” 

“It needs to become more of a staple of things I think about all the time…It’s on my mind. It’s on my brain. You always think about things you get better and I have so many responsibilities on the floor. That’s a big one for our team. I just got to be that anchor. I got to be that guy, especially, you know, I’m going into Year 6. So, I’m coming into my size. Coming into body. I’ve got to use it in the right way. There’s really no more talk about, like me growing into my body. I just got to be kind of grown into it. I just turned 24. That’s how it’s got to be. Your grown completely.”

Jackson, Jr. will have to make good on that as the Grizzlies will be without Adams for all of 2023-24 season as he will have season-ending surgery on to repair the PCL injury to his right knee that cut his 2022-23 season short.

For Bane, he showed a season ago that he can be the Grizzlies’ No. 1 scoring option. While he scored well in the series against the Lakers at 23.5 points with six rebounds, he only shot 42.2 percent from the floor and 32 percent from three-point range (16/50 3-Pt.).

The hope that Bane can stay healthy unlike last season where he missed 17 of 24 games (Nov. 13-Dec. 13, 2022) with a right foot injury.

Bane at Media Day said that every season once it concludes you have to “sit back and reflect” and take “a hard look in the mirror” on the things you did well and the areas you can “improve” on.

For Bane, his focus during the offseason was working on his “cardio” because seeing All-Star guard, especially two-way guards like the Heat’s Jimmy Butler and Suns Devin Booker, and the “Splash Brothers” in the Warriors Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are guys who are always in exceptional shape, which allows them to move around all game long.

“So, really getting to that level where I can do it, you know, whether I am on the ball or off the ball as well as on the defensive end of floor to. That’s an area that I want to take a step in this year,” Bane said.

In their first six seasons of existence in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada (1195-2001), the Grizzlies never made the Playoffs under top draft picks of Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Bryant “Big Country” Reeves, and Mike Bibby, and coaches in Brian Winters, Stu Jackson, Brian Hill, Lionel Hollins, and Sidney Lowe.

It was not until Year 9 of existence, their third year in Memphis under Hall of Fame head coach Hubie Brown and fellow Hall of Famer Jerry West as their GM, who won Kia Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year respectably in 2003-04 that the Grizzlies made the Playoffs with their first 50-win season. The lost in the Playoffs 4-0 in the opening-round to the Spurs.

That was the first of three straight postseason appearances under Brown, now Clippers’ color analyst in Mike Fratello but they lost in the opening-round 4-0 the next two seasons to the Suns (2005) and the Mavericks (2006). They would miss the Playoffs the next four seasons (2006-10), coached by Fratello, Toney Barone, Marc Iavaroni, and Johnny Davis.   

Then came the 2010s where under head coach Lionel Hollins where the Grizzlies got back on track making the Playoffs three straight seasons, which included a franchise record 56- win season in 2012-13, where they reached the West Finals but lost 4-0 to the Spurs.

In what has been dubbed the “Grit ‘N’ Grind,” the Grizzlies first under Hollins (2009-13), then Dave Joerger (2013-16) and finally under now Suns’ assistant coach David Fizdale (2016-17), and headliners in Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, now Timberwolves lead guard Mike Conley, and Tony Allen, the Grizzlies made the Playoffs seven straight seasons but were knocked out in the First-Round in five of those seven appearances.

After missing the Playoffs over the next three seasons, the Grizzlies got back in 2020-21 through the Play-In Round taking down the Warriors to earn that Playoff berth but lost in the opening-round 4-1 to the Jazz.

Two seasons back, the Grizzlies reached the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2015. But like that season, they lost in six games to the eventual NBA champion Warriors.

The Grizzlies through the draft to close the 2010s and at the start of this current decade have built the core pieces of their current roster through the draft in Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson, Jr., and Desmond Bane. They added to the roster through smart trades as well as late draft picks in Steven Adams, Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard, John Konchar, Xavier Tillman, Sr., David Roddy, Ziaire Williams, and Santi Aldama. They have the right coach in Taylor Jenkins, who cut his teeth in this league in the Spurs’ system.

They have now graduated to the point where anything less than a championship is considered a failure of a season.

Considering that they are in a stacked Western Conference and that they will not have Morant the first 25 games to start 2023-24, how they navigate this part of the upcoming season and how they put it all together when they get their star player back will decide if they are still a top seed in the West by this spring or if they are in the middle of the pack or fighting to just make the Playoffs.

“The game is really played on the court,” Jackson, Jr. said on being a not talked about as one that can make a lot of noise this season.

“I can say that I don’t pay attention…Everyone says they don’t pay attention. But I legit like don’t just because I am not good with my phone. I’m not good anything like…”

“We’re just going to make it about hoop. We’re going to make it about hoops and that’s our core. That’s what we do and—It’s going to be fine.”   

Best Case Scenario: The Grizzlies are in the middle of the pack in the rugged Western Conference. Ja Morant returns from suspension and is All-Star form. Jackson, Jr., and Bane are in the conversation of being All-Stars. The Grizzlies become a more efficient perimeter shooting team, especially from three-point range. Smart has a major impact on the Grizzlies being more mature. The Grizzlies reach the Western Conference Semifinals.

Worst Case Scenario: The Grizzlies either make the Playoffs as a lower Seed in the stacked Western Conference or through the Play-In. Morant has more downs than ups when he returns. Jackson, Jr., and Bane struggle to raise their games in the absence of Morant.  

Grade: B

Minnesota Timberwolves: 42-40; 2^nd Northwest Division (No. 8 Seed West); 22-19 at home; 20-21 on the road; Lost In Play-In Game (108-102) In Overtime Apr. 11, 2023 (TNT); Won In Play-In Game Apr. 14, 2023 (ESPN) Versus Oklahoma City Thunder; Lost to No. 1 Seeded Denver Nuggets 4-1 in Western Conference Quarterfinals.

-115.8 ppg-13^th; opp. ppg: 115.8-18^th; 41.9 rpg-23^rd

The Minnesota Timberwolves punched their ticket to the Playoffs courtesy of the West Play-In Tournament two straight springs after missing out in 16 of the previous 17 seasons. The expectations were very high thanks to the expensive trade made by the boys from the “Twin Cities” to bring in a perennial All-Star center and one of the league’s top rim protectors. A serious injury to the team’s other All-Star big man put a serious monkey wrench into the plans of the Timberwolves. But a breakout season by the No. 1 overall pick three seasons back, the Timberwolves made the Playoffs but lost in First Round to the eventual NBA champs from the “Colorado Rockies.” In the opening round of 2023 Playoffs. With the league’s newest young star fresh of a productive summer and a new contract extension. A new season for their All-Star starting big men, coupled with two new wings, the plan for the Timberwolves is to make the Playoffs outright and make their most serious Playoff run in two decades.

Following a 5-8 start to 2022-23, the Timberwolves won a season-high five straight wins (Nov. 13-23, 2022) to improve to 10-8. They went 3-7 their next 10 games (Nov. 25-Dec. 14, 2022), registering two three-game losing streaks to drop to 13-15 (Nov 25-28, 2022 & Dec. 10-14, 2022). They followed a three-game winning streak (Dec. 16-19, 2022) with a six-game losing streak (Dec. 21-31, 2022) to be 16-21 to close 2022.

Behind a heavy home schedule, head coach Chris Finch’s squad went 11-5 the first month of 2023 (January), including a 9-2 mark at home, beginning with a 5-0 mark at Target Center (2-3) on the road.

The Timberwolves over the final three months of 2022-23 with a 15-14 mark, starting with a 4-4 mark the first eight games. The had three three-game losing streaks (Feb. 16-26; Mar. 15-18; Mar. 29-Apr. 2, 2023) in this stretch. Two three-game winning streaks (Feb. 28-Mar. 4 & Apr. 4-9, 2023) and a four-game winning streak (Mar. 20-27, 2023) to be 39-37.

The Timberwolves closed the season with a 3-3 mark, starting with a three-game losing streak followed by a three-game winning streak.

They began 2022-23 with an 18-11 mark their first 29 home games, including going as mentioned 9-2 at the Target Center in January. They closed their home schedule 4-8 their final 12 home games.

After beginning last season with a 9-15 mark on the road, the Timberwolves closed with an 11-6 mark away from Target Center.

The Timberwolves clinched their second straight Play-In berth by winning their regular season finale 113-108 Apr. 9 versus the Pelicans to win the season-series 2-1 and earned the No. 8 spot in West Play-In Tournament.

The Timberwolves struggles throughout the season was in large part to the fact that their All-Star starting big-man duo of Karl-Anthony Towns (20.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 4.8 apg, 49.5 FG%, 36.6 3-Pt.%) and Rudy Gobert (13.4 ppg, 11.6 rpg-4^th NBA, 65.9 FG%-3^rd NBA) could not find any real cohesion together on either end of the hardwood.

A big reason for that was Towns missed 52 straight games (Nov. 30, 2022-Mar. 22, 2023) after suffering a non-contact right calf injury in the third quarter in the Timberwolves 142-127 defeat Nov. 28, 2022 at the Wizards, which turned out to be a Grade 3 right calf strain. The Timberwolves went 26-26 without the No. 1 overall pick in 2015 out of University of Kentucky.

While the three-time All-Star and 2016 Kia Rookie of the Year averaged 20-plus points for the seventh consecutive season registered his lowest scoring average since his rookie season of 18.3 points in 2015-16. He also a career-low nine double-doubles after registering at least 24 double-doubles his first seven NBA seasons. He also registered a career-low 20 games scoring 20-plus points, including three 30-plus point games.

The two-time All-NBA Third Team selection did register six games of 20/10/5 (points/rebounds/assists) in 2022-23.

Last summer, the Timberwolves acquired Gobert, the three-time All-Star and three-time Kia Defensive Player of the Year along now 76ers guard Patrick Beverly, guard Malik Beasley, forward Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, and the draft rights to center Walker Kessler (No. 22 overall pick) out of Auburn University, and four First-Round picks and a 2026 First-Round pick swap.

The hope was that the six-time All-Defensive First Team selection; the league’s leading rebounder (2021-22) and the league’s leading shot blocker (2016-17) would be the kind of defensive anchor that would make the Timberwolves a top-notch defensive team where it came to rebounding and opponent’s field goal percentage.

That did not happen and the four-time All-NBA selection had his ups and downs in a new system after nine seasons playing in Salt Lake City, UT.

Yes, Gobert he registered 35 double-doubles for the seventh straight season with exactly 35 and registered 20-plus double-doubles in nine out of his first 10 seasons. Yes, he shot 60-plus percent from the floor for the seventh consecutive season and in nine out of his first 10 NBA seasons. Yes, he averaged a double-double for the seventh straight season. But for the first time since his rookie season of 2013-14 Gobert averaged under two block shots per contest at 1.4.

Gobert did miss 12 games in 2022-23 due to injury or illness. He also did register five of his six career 20/15 (points/rebound) games in 2022-23.  

Gobert also registered two of his nine career 20/20 (point/rebound) games in 2022-23. He had 22 points and 21 rebounds with two blocks on 7/11 from the field and 8/12 at the charity stripe in the Timberwolves’ win (111-102) Oct. 28, 2022 versus Lakers. In the Timberwolves 128-115 victory Jan. 6 versus the Clippers, Gobert had 25 points and 21 rebounds, with two blocks on 11/15 shooting.

Towns and Gobert when they did play together, they were two games where they both registered at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.

In the Timberwolves’ win (115-101) Nov. 23, 2022 at the Pacers, Towns had 23 points and 11 rebounds, with eight assists, while Gobert had 21 points and 16 rebounds on 9/11 shooting.  

The absence of Towns from late November 2022 to late March 2023 allowed for a career year by reserve center Naz Reid (11.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 53.7 FG%, 34.6 3-Pt.%), who set career-highs in scoring and rebounding average, field goal percentage, three-pointers made at 75 (75/217 3-Pt.) and tied a career-high from last season of four double-doubles. The undrafted big man out of LSU entered 2022-23 with seven career double-doubles.

In the 11 games Reid started in 2022-23, particularly when Towns was on the shelf, he averaged 16.5 points and seven rebounds on 50 percent shooting.

What allowed the Timberwolves to remain in postseason contention a season ago was the  emergence of Anthony Edwards (24.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.6 spg, 45.9 FG%, 36.9 3-Pt.%) as the league’s next star attraction.

The 2021 All-Rookie First Team selection earned his first All-Star selection registering career-highs across the board, including in free throw attempts (5.3) and in double-doubles with nine, two more than what he registered his first two NBA seasons.

The No. 1 overall pick in 2020 out of the University of Georgia after totaling 215 made triples a season ago (215/602 3-Pt. 2021-22) made 213 total three-pointers a season ago (213/578 3-Pt.).

In the Timberwolves’ win (121-116) versus the Suns Jan. 13, Edwards had 31 points with six rebounds, and two steals on 12/24 shooting. He tied, now Warriors’ All-Star swingman Andrew Wiggins for the most 30-plus point games in Timberwolves history before age 21 at 23.

Edwards reached 37 career 30-plus point games before age 21, the most in Timberwolves history, that surpassed the most such games by Towns before age 21 in Timberwolves history.

20-Point Games         2020-21: 36  2022-23: 55     30-Point Games By   2020-21:   4
By Season By             2021-22: 39                          Season By Anthony   2021-22:   9
Anthony Edwards                                                   Edwards                     2022-23: 24

40-Plus Point                2020-21: 2 2022-23: 1
Games By Season         2021-22: 3
By Anthony Edwards 

In the Timberwolves’ 113-104 victory Jan. 21 versus the Rockets, Edwards scored a season-high 44 points with six boards, three steals and three blocks on 17/29 shooting, including making a season-best eight triples (8/16 3-Pt.).

That was the fifth career 40-plus point game, the second most such games by a player before turning age 21 in NBA history.

Along with the growth Edwards displayed offensively a season ago, he also grew at the defensive end, ranking third amongst guards a season ago with 58 block shots.

In the Timberwolves previously mentioned regular season finale victory versus the Pelicans, Edwards had 26 points, 13 rebounds, four steals, and four blocks. He became the fourth youngest player in the last 40 seasons to with 25/10/4/4 (points/rebounds/steals/blocks).  

The other youngster that the Timberwolves drafted the same year along with Edwards that emerged a season ago was Jaden McDaniels (12.1 ppg, 51.7 FG%, 39.8 3-Pt.%), who made a career-best 107 total triples in 2022-23 (107/269 3-Pt.), after totaling 152 total made threes his first two NBA seasons.

To put the growth of the late First-Round pick in 2020 (No. 28 overall by the Lakers) out of the University of Washington, he registered all four of his career 20-plus point games a season ago.

Jaden McDaniel’s          Nov. 9, 2022 (129-117) Win Versus Suns: 24 Points, 8 Rebounds,
20-Plus Point Games    10/14 FGs
In 2022-23                      Feb. 28, 2023 (108-101) Win At Clippers (TNT): 20 Points
                                        6 Rebounds, 8/12 FGs
                                        Mar. 17, 2023 (139-131) 2 OT Loss At Bulls: 25 Points, 6 Rebounds,
                                        7/15 FGs, 4/9 3-PT.
                                        Mar. 22, 2023 (125-124) Win Versus Hawks: 25 Points, 6 Rebounds
                                        2 Blocks, 9/17 FGs

When McDaniels made five field goals or more in a game a season ago, the Timberwolves went 28-13 and were just 14-27 when he made under five field goals or was missing in action, which he was for just three games.

The steadiness and stabilization for the young Timberwolves came from veteran forward Kyle Anderson (9.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.9 apg, 50.9 FG%, 41.0 3-Pt.%), who in his first season with the Timberwolves was their Swiss Army knife on the hardwood where at times he was their facilitator.

Double-Digit Scoring Games           W/Spurs        2015-16: 10; 2017-18: 26
By Season By Kyle Anderson          W/Grizzlies   2018-19: 14; 2019-20: 13; 2020-21: 45
                                                                                   2021-22: 20;
                                                            W/Timberwolves: 2022-23: 31

Along with registering a career-high in terms of his three-point percentage, the former        Spurs and Grizzlies forward/guard set a career-high with 10 double-doubles, after totaling 14 double-doubles entering 2022-23. He also registered three of his four career triple-doubles a season ago. In the seven games where Anderson authored double-digit assists, the Timberwolves were just 4-3.

In the Timberwolves’ win (118-108) Dec. 9, 2022 at the Jazz, Anderson had a double-double of 15 points with a season-high of 12 assists with seven rebounds going 7/9 at the foul line.

Triple-Double Games     Jan. 16, 2023 (126-125) Loss Versus Jazz: 13 Points, 11 Rebounds,
By Kyle Anderson In      10 Assists
2022-23                             Mar. 13, 2023 (136-115) Win At Hawks: 14 Points, 10 Rebounds,
                                          12 Assists-Tied Season-High
                                          Mar. 17, 2023 (139-131) 2 OT Loss At Bulls: 11 Points,
                                          10 Rebounds, 12 Assists-Tied Season-High.

Anderson played a major role in the Timberwolves registering a season-high 39 assists on their 54 made field goals, which led to them scoring 82 points in the paint in their dominant 136-115 triumph Mar. 13 at the Hawks. Those 82 paint points were the second most in a game in franchise history.

The Timberwolves though with all the ups and downs they went through early last season they were still in need of a pure floor general but a true legit veteran leader.

They found that leader in veteran lead guard Mike Conley (11.9 ppg, 6.7 apg, 38.5 3-Pt.% w/Jazz & Timberwolves), who they acquired along with guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (6.2 ppg, 44.4 FG%, 38.4 3-Pt.% w/Jazz & Timberwolves) from the Jazz in a three-team deal with the Lakers. The Timberwolves also acquired the Lakers’ 2024 Second-Round pick and pick swaps in 2025 and 2026 from the Jazz. Timberwolves starting lead guard in All-Star D’Angelo Russell, who the Timberwolves acquired from the Warriors in 2019-20 in the deal for Andrew Wiggins was dealt to the Lakers. 

Mike Conley In    W/Jazz (43 Games-42 Starts): 10.7 PPG, 7.7 APG, 36.2 3-Pt.%
2022-23                  (77/213 3-PT.); One 20-Point Game. Six Double-Doubles.
                               W/Timberwolves (24 Games-All Starts): 14.0 PPG, 5.0 APG, 46.0 FG%
                               42.0 3-Pt.% (58/138 3-PT.); Had Five Of His Six 20-Point Games In
                               March. One Double-Double

The Timberwolves went just 12-12 following the acquisition of Conley.

When the Timberwolves were at their best offensively, they were shooting it accurately from the field  at 49 percent (3^rd NBA). They were scoring at a very high clip in the paint at an average of 54.3 (T-7^th NBA W/Hawks) created offensive chances at a high rate in the open floor registering 18 fastbreak points (7^th NBA).

Timberwolves Offense    114.7 PPG-12^th      25.4 APG-11^th
By NBA Ranks 1^st 41       49.1 FG%-3^rd         24.3 FT ATT-12^th
Games Of 2022-23           34.3 3-PT.%-24^th   77.6 FT%-19^th
Record: 20-21

Timberwolves Offense    116.9 PPG-12^th     23 FT ATT-18^th
By NBA Ranks Last        49.0 FG%-9^th       73.4 FT%-30^th
41 Games Of 2022-23      38.6 3-PT%-5^th    26.9 APG-8^th
Record: 22-19

The Timberwolves in 2022-23 were 41-36 when they registered 100 points or more and were 36-15 when the outshot their opponent by field goal percentage.

They went 36-21 when they scored 110 or more; 17-7 when they scored 120 or more ; 7-1 when they scored 130 or more; 4-0 when they scored 140 or more; and 2-0 when they scored 150 or more. But were just 4-20 when they scored under 100 points in 2022-23.

In the Timberwolves 150-126 victory Dec. 18, 2022 versus the Bulls, their 150 points represented their most in a game in franchise history. They scored 30-plus points in any quarter, including outscoring the Bulls 39-31 in the second quarter and 42-32 in the third quarter.

On this evening, the Timberwolves shot a season-best 65.5 percent from the field (57/87 FGs) and made a season-high 23 triples (23/43 3-Pt.). They outscored the Bulls 62-48 in the paint; registered 38 assists on their 57 made field goals; scored 20 points off 11 Bulls turnovers.

Edwards in the win registered then season-highs of 37 points and 11 assists with seven rebounds, and two steals on 13/24 from the floor, including 4/10 from three. This occurred without Gobert, who was out with a sprained ankle and Towns with the aforementioned right calf strain.

In their 143-118 victory Feb. 8 at the Jazz, the Timberwolves blew the game open outscoring the Jazz 44-36 in the second quarter and 40-21 in the third quarter. They led by as many as 31.

The Timberwolves shot 57.1 percent from the field in the victory (56/98FGs) and tied a season-best with 23 made triples (23/43 3-Pt.). Had 35 assists on their 56 made field goals; Scored 60 paint points and outscored the Jazz 27-2 in fastbreak points.

Edwards in the win scored 31 points with seven rebounds, and eight assists on 13/27 from the field and 4/9 from three.

In their next to last game of 2022-23, the Timberwolves set a franchise-record scoring 151 points in their 151-131 victory Apr. 8 at the Spurs.

They blew the game open outscoring the Spurs 45-33 in the second quarter to lead 80-68 at the half and 39-23 in the third quarter to lead 119-91 after three quarters. They led in the contest by as many as 33.

They shot 55.4 percent from the floor (56/101 FGs) and made a season-high 24 triples (24-43 3-Pt.). They set a new season-high with 42 assists on their 56 made shots and had just seven turnovers. They outscored the Spurs 22-11 in fastbreak points and scored 18 points off 13 Spurs turnovers.

Their 80 first half points were a season-high and they made a franchise-record 10 threes in the third quarter.

Edwards in the victory led the way with 33 points with five boards and two steals on 13/25 from the field and 4/9 from three. Towns had 22 points with eight boards, and eight assists with two blocks on 10/199 shooting. Conley had 20 points and five assists on 5/7 from three. McDaniels and Alexander-Walker off the bench each had 16 points on 4/5 from three. Gobert had a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds with five assists and four blocks.

Defensively, the Timberwolves were a respectable No. 11 in opponent’s field goal percentage (47.1%) and were No. 4 in block shots (5.4); No. 5 in steals (8.0) and forced turnovers (15.4). That was the good.

The bad defensively for the Timberwolves in 2022-23 was that they ranked No. 24 in opponent’s three-point percentage (36.9%). Were just 26^th in opponent’s free throw attempts (26.0); No. 20 in opponent’s fastbreak points (14.4) and opponent’s points off turnovers (17.7); and No. 17 in paint points allowed (50.8) and second chance points allowed (13.7).

Last season, the Timberwolves were 39-39 when they allowed 100 points or more. While they were 22-7 when they held the opposition under 110 points. Were just 20-33 when they allowed 110 points or more, including 9-20 when they allowed 120 points or more; 2-8 when they allowed 130 or more points.

They were also just 14-14 with Edwards, Towns, and Gobert in the lineup a season ago, and were 7-3 when all three were out of the lineup.

In the aforementioned loss in late November 2022 at the Wizards (142-127) where they lost Towns, the Wizards blew the game open outscoring the Timberwolves 39-25 in the second quarter.

While the Timberwolves in the loss shot 50 percent from the field (42.84 FGs), were 36/42 at the charity stripe, and outrebounded the Wizards 45-34, including 15-7 on the offensive glass, they allowed the Wizards to shot 57.1 percent (52/91 FGs) and 15/31 from three and 23/27 at the foul line. Gave up 62 paint points and had 18 turnovers that led to 29 Wizards points (WAS: 12 Steals). The Wizards had 31 assists on their 52 field goals made.

After blowing out the eventual NBA champion Nuggets (128-98 on Feb. 5), the Timberwolves blown out of Ball Arena in the opening quarter in their 146-112 loss on Feb. 7.  

The visitors from Minneapolis, MN trailed 49-19 after the first quarter and trailed by as many as 40. They allowed the Nuggets to register season-highs 146 points and 44 assists on their 58 shots made (58/93 FGs), connecting on 62.4 percent of their shots, including 13/27 from three. The Timberwolves were outscored 74-54 in the paint and 22-11 in fastbreak points and were outrebounded 44-36. Their 17 turnovers led to 23 Nuggets points.

Last season, the Timberwolves were 19-12 when they outrebounded their opponent and 24-14 when they registered fewer turnovers than their opponent.

While they had a solid record against the good teams, 25-22 against teams with a .500 record or better, the Timberwolves were just 17-18 against sub .500 teams. Yes, they were 28-20 in clutch games a season ago, the Timberwolves were just 1-4 in overtime contest and were 6-7 in games decided by three points or less.

In 2022-23, the Timberwolves were 28-18 when they led at the half. But were 13-21 when they were down at intermission (1-1 when tied). Were 32-9 a season ago when ahead after three quarters and were 2-1 when tied entering the fourth quarter. But were just 8/30 when down after three quarters.

In their 128-126 victory Jan. 19 versus the Raptors, the Timberwolves overcame an 18-point deficit, their 24^th win in their history overcoming a deficit of at least 18 points.

That also includes a 104-96 win by the Timberwolves on Jan. 8 at the Rockets. Of their 24 wins in their history overcoming at least an 18-point deficit, it was the Timberwolves fourth against the Rockets.

The Timberwolves were also a team that could not hold big leads a season ago as they lost 14 games after leading by double-digits, including three games that they led by 15-plus points.

The ups and downs the Timberwolves experienced a season ago where they could defeat any team in the NBA as well as get beaten by any team was the result of the immaturity at times by the squad.

That was evident in their previously mentioned regular-season finale victory Apr. 9 versus the Pelicans that clinched their Play-In berth.

In the second quarter of that win, Gobert was sent home after getting into an altercation with Anderson on the bench in the second quarter during a timeout where he threw a punch and was sent to the locker room.

They also lost McDaniels due to a broken right hand after punching the tunnel wall towards the Timberwolves’ locker room in frustration because the Pelicans’ All-Star Brandon Ingram was scoring at will on him.

“I don’t tolerate that particular behavior by anybody…Certainly not something we condone,” Coach Finch said after the win about Gobert’s actions. “Veterans can get upset too. So, I really don’t want to be too hard on him [Gobert]. But obviously, it’s not something we’re going to be able to tolerate here. And I’m sure he’s already remorseful. I haven’t got a chance to speak with him about it.”

Gobert was contrite about his actions after the game apologizing on Twitter @rudygobert27, “Emotions got the best of me today. I should not have reacted the way I did regardless of what was said. I wanna apologize to the fans, the organization and particularly to Kyle, who is someone that I truly love and respect as a teammate.”

Anderson when asked about the incident after the game said, “You know tempers flare. You’re in the middle of a game. A game you want to win…It is what it is. Like, it happened. It’s not the first time something like that has happened. We move forward. We want to win games. It is what it is. It ain’t the first time someone’s swung at me. But it is what it is.”

“We keep it in house. I mean, I think tempers just flared, that’s all. It is what it is. We’ll speak about it. We’re grown men. It is what it is. Let’s move on.”

It was not enough for the Timberwolves’ GM and President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly, who suspended Gobert for the team’s Play-In Game (No. 8 versus No. 7) at the Lakers.

The Timberwolves were in position to win that contest two days later after their win versus the Pelicans, but they self-destructed down the stretch and lost in overtime 108-102 Apr. 11 (TNT).

The Timberwolves led for the majority of regulation, leading 28-22 after the opening period and 60-49 at intermission. Were up by 15 in the third quarter and led 86-79 after three quarters. The Timberwolves were outscored 19-12 in the final period but tied it with 01.4 seconds left at the foul line by Conley after he was fouled shooting a three-pointer by the Lakers’ Anthony Davis. The Timberwolves though were outscored 10-4 in overtime and dating back to the fourth period scored just seven point the final 11 minutes midway through the final period and overtime missing 11 consecutive shots before a dunk by Edwards with 2:36 left in the extra five minutes. The Timberwolves were outscored 43-22 after leading 80-65 with 4:23 left in the third quarter.  

Towns led the Timberwolves in the loss with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists on 8/12 from the floor. Conley had 23 points and three steals on 6/8 on his triple tries. Anderson had a double-double with 12 points and 13 assists with five rebounds, four steals and four blocks. Alexander-Walker scored 11. Edwards struggled with just nine points on 3/17 shooting, missing all nine of his threes with eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks, with four turnovers.

Final Six Minutes         MIN               LAL        Final 11 Minutes    MIN              LAL
Of Fourth Quarter         3     Points      10          Fourth Quarter        7     Points    20
                                        0/8     FGs      3/10        & Overtime             2/16    FGs    6/16
                                        0/6    3-Pt.       2/5                                           0/9     3-Pt.    3/6
                                                                                                                  8       TOs      6

Timberwolves shot just 43.4 percent in the loss at the Lakers (36/83 FGs) and were just 16/41 from three-point range and shot just 14/15 at the charity stripe.

While they had 30 assists on their 36 field goals made; had 11 block shots; 13 steals and scored 19 points off 21 Lakers turnovers. But had 24 turnovers that led to 30 Lakers points and were outscored by the homestanding 17-time NBA champions 54-36 in the paint and 15-12 in fastbreak points.

The Timberwolves punched their postseason ticket three nights later winning their Play-In tilt 120-95 versus the Thunder (TNT) to clinch the No. 8 and final Playoff spot in the Western Conference.

With the win, the Timberwolves registered their first consecutive postseason appearances since 2003 and 2004, which was part of eight consecutive postseason appearances (1997-2004) and just their third postseason appearance in the last 19 seasons.

After leading by five early in the opening period led from early in the second quarter on outscoring the Thunder 96-72 the final three quarters, leading 57-47 at the half, and 95-78 after three quarter, and outscored the Thunder 25-17 in the fourth quarter.

Towns had another double-double with 28 points and 11 rebounds with three blocks on 11/16 shooting. Gobert in his return from his one-game suspension also had a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds on 9/14 at the foul line. Edwards bounced back from a rare rough night at the Lakers also tallying a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds with six assists and two steals on 8/19 from the field and 3/8 from three. Conley had 14 points with three steals. Alexander-Walker who started had 12 points with six assists, three steals, and two blocks. Anderson off the bench scored 11 points with six rebounds.

The Timberwolves shot 51.8 percent from the floor versus the Thunder (43/83 FGs) and were 13/32 from three-point range and were 21/26 at the foul line. They had 29 assists on their 43 made field goals and outscored the Thunder 58-30 in the paint.

Timberwolves Offense          At Lakers                    Vs Thunder
In The Paint In Play-In              36          Points               58
Tournament                             18/37          FGs               29/48
                                                    49%         FG%              60%
                                                    -18        Point Diff.         +28

The homestanding Timberwolves also outrebounded the Thunder 47-42 and overcame 17 turnovers that led to 15 Thunder points by forcing 18 Thunder miscues, 12 of those off of steals that they turned into 16 points.  

The Timberwolves had a rough welcome to the 2023 Playoffs dropping Game 1 109-80 at the No. 1 Seeded Nuggets two nights later (TNT).

Down 26-23 after the opening period where they allowed the first eight points, the Timberwolves were outscored 29-21 in the second period to trail 55-44 at the half and were outscored 32-14 in the third quarter where they allowed the first nine points to open the second half and trailing by as many as 32 in the final period.

Edwards had 18 points with five boards and two steals going just 6/15 from the field. Towns had a double-double but had just 11 points with 10 rebounds on 5/15 shooting, including 1/7 from three with four turnovers. Anderson also had 11 points with two steals. Gobert had eight points with 13 boards and two blocks and Conley had just eight points and three assists.

The Timberwolves 29-point loss in Game 1 was their second largest margin of defeat in a Playoff game in their history behind their 120-90 defeat in Game 5 of the First-Round Apr. 29, 2003 versus the Lakers.

Timberwolves shot just 37 percent from the field (30/81 FGs) and just 11/36 from three and 9/16 at the charity stripe. Were outscored by the Nuggets 48-36 in the paint and outrebounded them 54-38, including 11-5 on the offensive glass, getting outscored 12-5 in second chance points.

The Timberwolves brought a better effort in Game 2, especially in the third quarter. But did not have it in the fourth quarter and lost 122-113 Apr. 19 (TNT) to fall behind 2-0 in the series.

After they trailed 31-22 after the opening period and 64-49 at the half, the Timberwolves outscored the Nuggets 40-23 in the third quarter overcoming a once 21-point deficit to lead 89-87 after three quarters. They were outscored by the Nuggets 35-24 in the fourth quarter, including getting outscored 24-13 to close the contest. 

The Timberwolves scoring 40 points in the third went 17/21 from the field, including 5/7 from three with 10 assists on their 17 made shots with just one turnover. They had a 14-0 run in the and at one point in the third shot 8/10 from the floor and 3/3 from three with five assists on those eight made shots.

The script was flipped in the fourth quarter for the visitors from Minneapolis, MN, who scored just 24 points going 7/17 from the field, including 3/8 from three with just four assists and five turnovers where they trailed by as many as 10.

Edwards led the way with 41 points, two steals and three block shots on 14/23 from the field, including 6/10 from three and 7/8 at the foul line. Gobert had 19 points and eight boards on 7/11 shooting. Conley had 14 points and seven assists. Anderson had 10 points and seven rebounds and Towns had a double-double with just 10 points and 12 rebounds on 3/12 shooting.

The 41 points by Edwards set a new single-game franchise Playoff record breaking out of a slump where he averaged 15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds on 33 percent from the field (17/51 FGs; 4/21 from three) dating back to the final game of 2022-23 and the two Play-In Games.

                                                                                                     Years/Days
Youngest Players With   *Earvin “Magic” Johnson                 20/176
40-Plus Points In A           LeBron James (LAL)  W/Cavs        21/119
Playoff Game In NBA      LeBron James (LAL)  W/Cavs        21/124
History                               Luka Doncic (DAL)                          21/171
                                            Luka Doncic (DAL)                          21/177
                                            Anthony Edwards (MIN)                 21/257 

Timberwolves In       1^st Half: 16/41 FGs (29 FG%); 6/16 3-PT.; 7 Turnovers; 
Game 2                       6 Bench Points; 3 Fastbreak Points; 7 Turnovers.
                                    2^nd Half: 24/38 FGs (63FG%); 8/15 3-PT.; 13 Bench Points;
                                    13 Fastbreak Points; And 6 Turnovers.

In Game 2, the Timberwolves shot 50.6 percent from the field (40/79 FGs), 14/31 3-Pt. and 19/23 at the foul line. Had 24 assists on their 40 made field goals and just 13 turnovers. Were only outrebounded 36-35 (9-9 off. rebs), were outscored 56-44 in the paint; 19-16 in fastbreak points; and 15-8 in Second Chance points. 

Trailing from midway in the first quarter on, the Timberwolves dropped Game 3 at home Apr. 21 versus the Nuggets 120-111 (ESPN) to fall behind in the series 3-0.

After leading by seven midway through the opening period, the Timberwolves trailed from that point on down by as many as 13 and never got closer than six in the second half. 

Edwards in defeat had 36 points with seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals on 10/22 shooting but just 3/11 from three. Towns after quite first two games scoring wise had 27 points with seven rebounds on 10/17 from the floor. Gobert had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds on 7/10 from the field and 4/8 at the foul line. Conley had 12 points and five assists.

The Timberwolves shot 45.6 percent from the field (36/79 FGs) but were only 10/27 from three and 29/35 at the charity stripe. While they outscored the Nuggets 15-13 in fastbreak points, they outrebounded the Nuggets 40-32 and 60-52 in the paint.

The Timberwolves staved off elimination taking down the Nuggets 114-108 in overtime Apr. 23 (TNT) to cut their series deficit to 3-1. 

After trailing 52-48 at intermission, getting outscored 30-25 in the second quarter, the Timberwolves outscored the Nuggets 32-22 in the third quarter, where they led by as many as nine closing the quarter on a 23-9 run to lead 80-74 after three quarters. They led by 12 (90-78) following a three-pointer by Conley with 7:04 left. They were outscored 18-6 to close regulation and force overtime. The Timberwolves outscored the Nuggets 18-12 in the extra five minutes, including 13-6 to close OT ignited by a three-pointer by Alexander-Walker.

Edwards in setting a franchise-playoff record with 30-plus points for the third straight game with 34 points with six boards, five assists, two steals, and three blocks on 12/27 from the floor and 5/12 from three. He scored 16 of his 34 points on 6/11 from the floor in the third quarter.

Most Career 30-Point            LeBron James        (LAL) 8 W/Cavs
Games In A Player’s             Anthony Edwards  (MIN) 5
Postseason Career Before   *Kobe Bryant                      4
Age 22                                     Luka Doncic (DAL)          3
*Hall Of Famer                     Derrick Rose (NYK)         3 W/Bulls
                                              *Tracy McGrady                3 W/Magic

Conley had 19 points and eight assists on 7/13 shooting and 3/7 from three. Towns had his third double-double of the series with 17 points and 11 rebounds going 7/10 at the charity stripe. Gobert also had a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds and two blocks on 7/14 from the floor. Anderson off the bench had 11 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

Alexander-Walker scored six of his eight points in Game 4 in overtime going 2/2 from three.  

Anderson left in the fourth quarter after suffering a left eye/facial contusion in the fourth quarter of Game 4 and did not return.

In the first three games of the series, the Timberwolves averaged 101.3 points on 44 percent from the floor and 37 percent from three, registering 44 paint points and 11.3 fastbreak points.

In Game 4, the Timberwolves shot 45.2 percent from the field (42/93 FGs) and 13/34 from three-point range and 17/22 at the foul line. They outrebounded the Nuggets 51-47 (14-10 off. rebs). They were even in points in the paint 54-54.

Defensively, the Timberwolves held the Nuggets to 108 points after allowing 117 points the first three games of the series on 52 percent from the floor, 42 percent from three-point range; 16 fastbreak points and a league-leading 54.7 paint points in the postseason.

In Game 4, the Timberwolves held the Nuggets to 44.2 percent from the field (42/95 FGs) and 12/35 from three and 14 fastbreak points.

Facing elimination again, the Timberwolves put their best foot forward in Game 5 at the Nuggets and were in position to extend their season. But missing the game-tying triple to force overtime missed at the final buzzer to fall 112-109 Apr 25 (NBATV) to lose the series 4-1.

After leading for much of the first half, up by as many as 15 in the opening period, the Timberwolves were outscored 26-18 in the second quarter to trail 48-47 at the half. But outscored the Nuggets 30-29 in the third quarter to tie it 77-77 after three quarters. With a chance to tie it and force overtime for a second straight game, Edwards missed the three from the top of the key that rimmed off at the final buzzer.

Edwards in defeat led the Timberwolves with 29 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists on 13/27 from the floor, missing all six of his triple tries. Towns had his fourth double-double of the series with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Gobert had his second straight double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds with two steals on 6/9 at the foul line. Alexander-Walker, who started in place of the injured Anderson had 14 points making three triples (3/9 3-Pt.).

The Timberwolves shot 50.6 percent in Game 5 (41/81 FGs) and were 19/25 from the charity stripe. But shot just 8/33 from three-point range. Had 24 assists on their 41 made field goals and outscored the Nuggets 58-40 in the paint. They scored 22 points off 12 Nuggets turnovers, registering nine steals. The Timberwolves though had 14 turnovers that led to 18 Nuggets points. They were also outrebounded by the Nuggets 47-40, including 16-8 on the offensive glass, getting outscored 21-13 in Second Chance points.

In the offseason, the Timberwolves resisted the urge to make any major changes after an underachieving season. Instead, they made two no-brainer decisions to extend their rising star while keeping their reserve big man and reserve guard acquired at the trade deadline, while making precise additions in free agency.

On draft night of this June’s draft, the Timberwolves acquired the draft rights of forward Leonard Miller  (No. 33 overall pick) from Canada and the NBA G League Ignite in exchange for the Jazz’s 2026 Second-Round pick and the Timberwolves 2028 Second-Round pick.

On June 25, five days before the start of free agency (official July 6) agreed on a three-year, $42 million deal to keep Reid, who missed 14 total games in 2022-23, including the final five games and the entire First-Round five-game series defeat to the eventual NBA champion Nuggets due to a left wrist fracture suffered in the Timberwolves Mar. 29 loss (107-100) at the Suns (ESPN).

On July 3, the Timberwolves rewarded Edwards for the magnificent start to his NBA career with a five-year, $260 million contract extension.

“To just be a little more mature. Come in ready to play every night. Come in, do the right things. Being the leader that we need. Being the voice in the locker room,” Edwards said back in July to ESPN’s host of “NBA Today” Malika Andrews, Richard Jefferson, and former teammate Austin Rivers on the July 7 edition of the show at Las Vegas Summer League.

The Timberwolves also brought back Alexander-Walker on a two-year, $9 million deal.

In adding to their second unit alongside Reid and Alexander-Walker, the Timberwolves added forward/guard Troy Brown, Jr. (7.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 38.1 3-Pt.% w/Lakers), on a two-year, $10 million deal.

Last season with the Lakers Brown, Jr. set career-highs in three-point percentage and total made threes in a season with 107 (107/281 3-Pt.). He also registered two of his nine career double-doubles in 2022-23. The No. 15 overall pick 2018 out of University of Oregon who by the Wizards (2018-21) and Bulls (2021-22) breakout season came in his second season in 2019-20 where he averaged 10.4 points and 5.6 rebounds.

They also brought in guard Shake Milton (8.4 ppg, 47.9 FG%, 37.8 3-Pt.% w/76ers) on a two-year, $10 million deal. His addition gives the Timberwolves an accurate sniper from three off the bench, who last season hit 50-plus threes for the third time in his five-year career with the 76ers (56/148 3-Pt. 2022-23). He set a career-high with 71 made threes (71/203 3-Pt.) on a marksmanship of 35 percent in 2020-21, where he averaged a career-high of 13 points on 45 percent from the field.

Even with the new additions of Brown, Milton, and Miller, the Timberwolves hopes of having a bounce back season depend on the continued superstar growth of Edwards. The growth of McDaniels into one of the best two-way wings in the league. And cohesion between the frontcourt trio of Towns, Gobert, and Reid. 

With Edwards’ extension, the Timberwolves along with the Suns and Nuggets are the three teams in the league that have three players on max contracts with Towns (signed through 2027-28) and Gobert (signed through 2025-26) are making a combined $77 million in 2023-24 and $94 million in 2024-25.

Connelly and the Timberwolves front office wanted to re-sign Reid. But he plays power forward and center, two positions that the Timberwolves are already stacked at with Towns and Gobert. Reid though enjoys being on the team that took a chance on him as an undrafted rookie in 2019-20.

Also, he is an easy plug-in starter in case either Towns or Gobert as we saw this past season get injured and are out for a period of time.

Last season, the Timberwolves were just 16-16 last season (counting the Play-In Tournament and their First-Round setback to the Nuggets).

With Towns, Edwards, and Gobert together in 2022-23, the Timberwolves were just 14-14 and 7-3 without all three in the lineup. 

Towns had to make the biggest adjustment becoming more of a jump shooter as supposed to finding a way to mix it up scoring both inside-and-out.

There were rumblings this offseason that Connelly would trade Towns out of Minneapolis, MN as part of a move to turn the keys of the franchise completely over to Edwards.

That did not happen But another slow start to this season and that could change.

“We’ve got everything we need. We’ve just got to continue to work with each other,” Towns said at Media Day on Oct. 2 about the Timberwolves entering this season.

“Getting back together, I think we have that experience of wanting more time with each other is going to pay dividends.”

Gobert as last season went on played like he did in this first nine seasons with the Jazz. He got back to being a relentless rebounder and shot blocker. The hope is that he can continue to do that while being able to find some cohesion with Towns and Reid.

“It was a process, you know? Getting to experience moving. The trade. New franchise. New fanbase. New coaching staff, new teammates,” Gobert, who averaged 15 points and 12.2 rebounds on 63 percent from the floor in the series against the Nuggets said about last season at Media Day.

“It was a fun process. But it was a process….We’ve been through a lot last year. I thought it was a really interesting year. I think we’ve grown a lot individually, collectively and you know, I feel really excited, you know, being back here with this group and yeah. I can feel the energy. I can feel it’s going to be a good year with us. So, really excited.” 

He added that the cohesion on the floor with Towns will “always a work in progress.” But was “grateful” that they played together in the postseason against the Nuggets and two-time Kia MVP Nikola Jokic. That they will “keep learning” one other every day and try to “make each other” better every day.   

Edwards, who averaged 31.6 points, five rebounds, 5.2 assists and two blocks on 48.2 percent from the field and 34.9 percent on his triple tries said to Andrews, Jefferson, and Rivers back in July that if the team had Reid and McDaniels in their series against the Nuggets it would have been a “different series.”

He called Reid the “staple” between Towns and Gobert. How Gobert is “great” for the team with his ability to “alter” shots in the paint and how he “protects” the rim. How Towns is a “superstar” that they hope to get back into the “MVP” conversation in 2023-24.

He added that his next step to becoming a top wing player in the NBA is to just “kill” anyone that is playing him defensively each night and the other way around.

“Anytime I match up with any of those guys, I’m going to guard them. Hopefully they guard me and I show case that I’m better than them.”

Edwards surely showed that for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup despite the fact that they did not medal in the tournament and now have to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France during the exhibition games next summer.

As far as this upcoming season, Edwards said to Andrews, Jefferson, and Rivers that it is about having him, Towns, Gobert, and McDaniels to have “their best years” together moving forward. Getting Gobert back to the level where he was “Defensive Player of the Year” three times. Having Reid be the “best backup 5 [center]” in “The Association” and making sure everyone on the roster is ready to play each night in the stacked Western Conference.

Edwards also said that McDaniels is “the most important person” on the Timberwolves. He brings a versatility that makes him an All-Defensive candidate with his ability to check guards and forwards while having the ability to stroke it from the perimeter and score off the dribble. He has raised his scoring by three points in each of his first three seasons and if he can keep his emotions in check, there is no reason that cannot continue.

The Timberwolves felt the same way by agreeing on a five-year, $136 million extension on McDaniels.

When asked at Media Day on what he worked on to improve his game, McDaniels said he improved his “ball handling” and “playing with the ball” in his hands while finding “different ways to score” and “create” his own shot and getting to his “own” spot on the floor and on catch-and-shoot jumpers, especially from three-point range.

“I mean, I’m so tall, I feel like a lot of the shots I can get to, they won’t be contest that much,” McDaniels said.

Helping to organize all of this on the hardwood will be Conley, who entering Year 15 said at Media Day left that Game 5 loss wondering how competitive they could have made their series against the eventual NBA champion Nuggets because they were without Reid and McDaniels. Not to mention that Edwards, Gobert, and Edwards were on the shelf because of injury.

When asked at Media Day about if Minnesota is the place where he can achieve his ultimate dream of winning a title on the back nine of his career, Conley said that he’s “excited” to reach that or to “have the opportunity” to reach a goal like that with the team that is assembled.

“That’s the goal for our team. That’s the goal for the management. Coaches. Like, nobody’s out trying to just play and make money,” Conley said. “It’s like we’re trying to win championships. So, I’m where I’m supposed to be.”

It took the Minnesota Timberwolves seven years before they finally made the Playoffs when Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett and the late head coach Ryan Saunders go them there for eight straight seasons (1997-2004), reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2004 led by Garnett, now Celtics assistant coach and 2004 All-Star lead guard Sam Cassell, and four-time All-Star Latrell Sprewell, and current Knicks studio analyst for Madison Square Garden Network (MSG) in 2002 All-Star Wally Szczerbiak, where they lost in six games to the Lakers led by Hall of Famers Shaquille O’Neal, current NBA studio analyst for Turner Sports, the late Kobe Bryant, and head coach Phil Jackson.

In the years that have followed, the Timberwolves as mentioned have only made the Playoffs in three out of the last 19 seasons.

They have cycled through eight head coaches following Saunders (1996-2005; 2014-15); Hall of Famer Kevin McHale (2005; 2008-09); Dwane Casey (2005-06); Randy Wittman (2006-08); Kurt Rambis (2009-11); Hall of Famer Rick Adelman (2011-14); Sam Mitchell (2015-16); now Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau (2016-19); Ryan Saunders (2019-21); and now Chris Finch.

It has taken winning in the Play-In the past two seasons for the Timberwolves to make the Playoffs.

Simply put, they have the talent to be a real threat in the Western Conference. They have a rising star in Anthony Edwards. An All-Star tandem in the front court in Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert if cohesive can be dominant on both ends. They have a veteran guard that is as selfless and talented as you can have in Mike Conley. They have a supporting cast in Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kyle Anderson, Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels, Shake Milton, and Jordan McLaughlin.

Their hopes of being a threat in the stacked Western Conference comes down to them being healthy, focused on both ends, and understanding that adversity is going to happen. It is how they react to it that will decide if they will live up to their potential or have another season end in more questions and the possibility of major changes to the roster.

“I mean, it’s certainly our goal is to advance in the Playoffs. We’ve been there twice now,” Coach Finch said when asked by John Krawczynski of “The Athletic” at Media Day about the Timberwolves advancing in the Playoffs for the first time since 2004. “So, I think getting there is the first step. Obviously, being able to navigate through the Playoffs is something that we feel like we should be able to do if we, you know, are able to build the right habits through the rest of the season.”

“We have to have a great camp and, you know, look for a good start."    

Best Case Scenario: The Timberwolves are fighting for homecourt in a stacked Western Conference. The Towns/Gobert tandem in Year 2 is cohesive and the Timberwolves are a Top 10 offense and Top 15 Defense. They have a Top 5 scoring bench in the league with Reid, Brown, Jr., Milton, Alexander-Walker, and Anderson. Are a more efficient three-point shooting team. They each the West Semifinals for the first time since 2004.   

Worst Case Scenario: They Timberwolves have to make the Playoffs through the Play-In Tournament a third straight season. The defense is still an issue. The Towns/Gobert struggles again and Towns ends up being trade either at the February trade deadline or next offseason.

Grade: B+

New Orleans Pelicans: 42-40 record (2^nd Southwest Division; Missed Playoffs); 27-14 at home, 15-26 on the road; Lost In Play-In Tournament (123-118) Apr. 12, 2023 Versus Oklahoma City Thunder (ESPN).  

-114.4 ppg-15^th; opp. ppg: 112.5-9^th; 43.7 rpg-13^th

It takes a lot to be a legitimate good team in sports, specifically the NBA. The organization of the front office, the coaching staff to the players all have to be moving in the same direction. The star headliners have to be healthy and productive. More than anything, there has to be a collective willingness to be at their best to produce consistent results. When the New Orleans Pelicans were healthy, whole, and focused at the start of last season, they were right atop the Western Conference. That did not last as after the first of this new year. Their best player was injured as well as their second-best player early last season. They were very inconsistent on both ends. That resulted in them falling in the Play-In Tournament and missing the Playoffs for the fourth time in the last five seasons and seven times in the last decade. With a more serious approach by their best player this offseason and keeping the core of the team intact, the plan for the Pelicans for 2023-24 is to make the Playoffs and be a force when they get there.  

After an 11-8 their first 19 games of 2022-23, the Pelicans won seven in a row (Nov. 28-Dec. 11, 2022) to go 10 games over .500 and were neck-and-neck with the eventual NBA champion Nuggets atop the stacked Western Conference.

Following a four-game losing streak (Dec. 13-19, 2022), head coach Willie Green’s squad responded with a five-game winning streak (Dec. 22-30, 2022) capped by a 127-116 victory versus the 76ers to be 23-12 right before New Year’s Eve.

At the start of 2023 though, the Pelicans prospects of remaining atop the West changed with a 2-5 start their first seven games of January.

Pelicans After 42 Games    2021-22: 16-26 Record On Jan. 13, 2022 No. 12 West
Last Two Seasons                2022-23: 25-17 Record On Jan. 11, 2023 No. 3   West

Dating back to Dec. 31, 2022 to Mar. 8, 2023, the Pelicans compiled just a 9-22 mark, which included a 10-game losing streak (Jan. 16-Feb. 4, 2023) which put them under .500 for the first time in 2022-23. It was the team’s longest losing skid since dropping nine in a row from Oct. 27-Nov. 17, 2021.

The team’s 3-13 mark in January was their second worst for a month in franchise history (minimum of seven games played).  

The Pelicans responded with a three-gamer winning streak and a 4-1 mark their next five games to be 30-28 following a 103-100 victory Feb. 13 at the Thunder.

A four-game losing streak (Feb. 15-27, 2022) which began a 3-9 mark the Pelicans’ next 12 games dropped them to a 33-37 mark following a disappointing 114-112 loss Mar. 17 at the Rockets.

A five-game winning streak (Mar. 19-27, 2023) was the start of a 9-3 finish their final 12 games of last season. That included key wins at the Clippers (131-110) Mar. 25. A win (107-88) at the Nuggets Mar. 30 (TNT). A 122-114 victory Apr. 1 versus the Clippers. Wins in their final two home games of 138-131 in overtime Apr. 5 versus the Grizzlies and 113-105 two nights later versus the Knicks.

Their loss (115-100) in the regular-season finale Apr. 9 at the Timberwolves dropped the Pelicans into the West Play-In Tournament as the No. 9 Seed.

The Pelicans following that 10-game skid went 16-13 to close 2022-23, but that included a mark of 12-11 post All-Star break.  

Pelicans By West         Dec. 14, 2022     18-9   Record    No. 1 West
Standings In 2022-23     Jan. 1, 2023   23-13  Record    No. 3  West
                                         Jan. 8, 2023   24-16  Record    No. 3  West
                                      Jan. 22, 2023    26-25  Record    No. 7  West
                                        Feb. 5, 2023    28-27  Record    No. 9  West
                                        Feb. 26, 2023  30-31  Record    No. 10 West
                                       Mar. 16, 2023  33-36  Record    No. 12 West
                                       Mar. 27, 2023  38-37  Record    No. 7   West
                                       Apr. 10, 2023  42-40  Record     No. 9   West

On Dec. 30, 2022, the Pelicans and the eventual NBA champion Nuggets were tied for the No. 1 spot in the West at 23-12. While the Nuggets ascended from the last day of 2022 to the close of the season at 30-17, the Pelicans went just 19-28.    

The Pelicans 27-14 mark at home was their best since going 28-13 at the Smoothie King Center in 2014-15. They closed 2022-23 going 7-3 their final 10 and were 10-5 their final 15 home following a five-game skid at home.

While they 3-2 their last five and 6-8 their final 14 road games of 2022-23, the Pelicans following a 6-6 beginning to their road schedule went just 9-20 their final 29 game away from Smoothie King Center.

When the Pelicans were humming last season on offense, they were dominant in the paint, ranking No. 9 in paint points per game (53.4); No. 10 in free throw attempts (24.4) and No. 11 in free throw percentage (79.3%) and fastbreak points (14.7).

Pelicans Offense           First 35 Games                          Last 47 Games
2022-23 (NBA Rank)          23-12              Record                 19-28
                                           118.1 (3^rd)           PPG                 111.6 (14^th)
                                          T-1^st W/DEN   West Seed               10^th
                                                27               Williamson’s             2
                                                                      Games
                                                                      Played    

Pelicans’ Production                              NBA Rank
In January 2023          *3-13 Record            28^th
(*.188 Win%)               109 PPG                   28^th
                                       33.0 3-Pt.%              28^th
                                       41.7 REBS                22^nd
                                       24.4 ASTS                21^st

Defensively, the Pelicans were about forcing turnovers and guarding the three-point line. The Pelicans led the NBA in opponent’s three-point percentage (33.9%). Were No. 2 in steals (8.3), trailing only the Raptors (9.4) and were No. 9 in forced turnovers (15.0). That led to the Pelicans registering 18.2 points off turnovers a season ago, ranking No. 5 in “The Association.”

The Pelicans slide in the new year came as a result of another season where the body of All-Star Zion Williamson (26.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 4.6 apg, 60.8 FG%) betray him once again that saw him play just 29 games in 2022-23.

Things started well for the now two-time All-Star who earned Western Conference Player of the Week for Week 8 of last season (Dec. 5-11, 2022) where he averaged 33 points and 8.3 rebounds on 70.4 percent from the floor in leading the boys from “The Big Easy” to a 3-0 mark.

In December 2022, Williamson averaged 29.8 points, the ninth highest scoring average in a month in Pelicans’ history.

               Highest Scoring Average For A Month By A Player In Pelicans History                   
Anthony Davis    37.7 PPG  October    2016    Anthony Davis       31.0 PPG  November 2016
Anthony Davis    35.0 PPG  February  2018    Eric Gordon          31.0 PPG  February   2016
Anthony Davis    32.6 PPG  January    2019    Zion Williamson   30.7 PPG  May           2021
Julius Randle      32.5 PPG  April         2019    Zion Williamson   29.8 PPG  December  2022
Anthony Davis    32.0 PPG  April         2017

In the Pelicans’ win (119-118) Dec. 28, 2022 versus the Timberwolves, Williamson scored a career-high of 43 points on 14/21 shooting and 14/19 at the foul line with five assists.

In the 29 games that the No. 1 overall pick in 2019 out of Duke played a season ago, he registered 23 games of 20-plus points, including nine 30-plus point games.

Zion Williamson        Free Throw Attempts: 2019-20: 7.4; 2020-21: 8.7; 2021-22: 8.6
Free Throws First     Free Throw Percentage: 2019-20: 64.0%; 2020-21: 69.8%;
Three NBA Seasons  2022-23: 71.4%

Once again though, Williamson’s season came to a conclusion just two days into the new year when a hamstring injury in the Pelicans’ 120-111 loss at the 76ers.

Williamson never was on the shelf for the remainder of the last season, missing the final 45 games with the Pelicans going 19-26 without their star player.

With Williamson in the lineup in 2022-23, the Pelicans were 17-12 and just 25-28 in the 53 games in total without him.

Counting the 2021-22 season which Williamson missed completely due to a Jones fracture in his right foot that required what would be season-ending surgery, Williamson has played (counting the Play-In & Playoffs) in a total of 114 out of a possible 328 regular season games over his first four NBA seasons. Counting the Play-In and the team’s loan Playoff appearance in 2021-22, Williamson has played in just 36 percent of the Pelicans’ games.

Pelicans First Four    With Williamson                              Without Williamson
Seasons Of Zion                   114                    Games                         194
Williamson                         57-57            Pelicans Record              86-116
(Regular Season)                .500                     Win%                         .426
                                            116.6                     PPG                           111.5

Zion Williamson           Games Played                    Games Missed
By Availability His                24               2019-20             48
First Four NBA                     61               2020-21              11
Seasons (Including                  0               2021-22              90
Play-In & Playoffs)               29               2022-23              54
                                               114                Total               203

It also did not help the Pelicans that 2020 All-Star Brandon Ingram (24.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.8 apg, 48.4 FG%, 39.0 3-Pt.%) missed 37 games in total due to injury.

Dating back to his second season with the Lakers, the No. 2 overall pick in 2016 also out of Duke who made 2016-17 All-Rookie Second Team, who was a key part of the Anthony Davis trade has missed 20-plus games since his rookie season of 2016-17 where he played 79 games.

Ingram missed 29 of those 37 games in 2022-23 (Nov. 28, 2022-Jan. 24, 2023) with a sprained left big toe. The Pelicans went 15-14 without Ingram in that stretch of the season. The Pelicans last season were just 23-22 with Ingram in the lineup and just 19-18 without the 2020 Kia Most Improved Player.

To put into context the Pelicans difficulties for the Pelicans without Williamson and Ingram in the lineup the past two seasons, they went 7-20 in 2021-22 without their All-Star duo and just 9-11 without both in 2022-23.

Brandon Ingram       W/Lakers:  2016-17: 3; 2017-18: 23; 2018-19: 30  
Missed Games By     W/Pelicans: 2019-20: 10; 2020-21: 11; 2021-22: 27 2022-23: 37
Season

When Ingram did play, he had the best all-around season of his career, which included him averaging 20-plus points in his first four seasons in “The Big Easy.”

20-Point Games By   W/Lakers:   2016-17: 2; 2017-18: 16; 2018-19: 20
Season By Brandon  W/Pelicans: 2019-20: 46; 2020-21: 45 2021-22: 35;
Ingram                       2022-23: 32

30-Point Games By   W/Lakers: 2017-18: 1; 2018-19: 3
Season By Brandon  W/Pelicans: 2019-20: 11; 2020-21: 12; 2021-22: 10;
Ingram                       2022-23: 13

40-Point Games       W/Pelicans: 2019-20: 2; 2020-21: 1; 2022-23: 2
By Season By
Brandon Ingram

He set career-highs in scoring average and assists per contest and field goal percentage. He also set a career-high in free throws attempted at six on a career-high accuracy of 88.2 percent at the charity stripe, where he has shot over 80 percent at the foul line in each of his four seasons with the Pelicans, including making 85-plus percent in three of those four seasons.

Brandon Ingram’s   2019-20: 5.9 FT ATT At 85.1 FT%
Free Throws With   2020-21: 5.2 FT ATT At 87.8 FT%
Pelicans                    2021-22: 5.9 FT ATT At 82.6 FT%
                                  2022-23: 6.0 FT ATT At 88.2 FT%

After totaling eight double-doubles in his first three seasons with the Lakers (six double-doubles in 2017-18), Ingram has registered at least four double-doubles per season with the Pelicans, including six in 2022-23. Those six also included his first two career triple-doubles.

In the Pelicans’ win (115-96) versus the Hornets, Ingram had his first career triple-double with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists on 10/23 from the field and 9/9 at the foul line.

His second career triple-double came in the Pelicans 107-88 triumph Mar. 30 at the Pelicans (TNT) with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists on 13/22 shooting.

In the final 10 games of last season, Ingram totaled 90 assists compared to just 31 turnovers.

He scored 22 points or more in 13 of the final 14 games of 2022-23. That included scoring 26-plus points in eight of the final 11 games of last season.

It included a stretch from Feb. 7-Mar. 1 where Ingram totaled 234 points over eight games, a career-high for an eight-game stretch of his career.

That stretch included a performance of 40 points with six rebounds, five assists and two steals on 18/29 shooting in the Pelicans 121-110 victory Mar. 1 at the Trail Blazers (ESPN). Ingram in that contest scored 24 of his 40 points in the paint.  

Ingram also to close last season scored 25-plus points and four-plus assists in 11 of the final 13 games of 2022-23, which included a streak of nine straight such games (Mar. 17-Apr. 4, 2023), setting a new franchise record surpassing the previous mark of seven straight such games set by perennial All-Star Chris Paul in March 2009. During those final 13 games, Ingram registered six 30-plus point games, which came in the final 11 games of 2022-23.

When the Pelicans acquired CJ McCollum, along with Larry Nance, Jr. Feb. 8, 2022 for four players, and protected 2022 First-Round pick, the better of the Pelicans’ and Trail Blazers 2026 Second-Round picks and a 2027 Second-Round pick, they were brought here to bring leadership and stability to a talented but young Pelicans squad.

Because of the injuries to Williamson and Ingram, McCollum (20.9 ppg, 5.7 apg, 4.4 rpg, 38.9 3-Pt.%) had to be a major contributor at the offensive end, which he has done the past two season in “The Big Easy” as he averaged over 20 points for the eighth straight season.

Last season, the trio of Williamson, Ingram, and McCollum played a total of 172 minutes together across 10 games.

Seasons With 40-Plus Games   W/Trail Blazers: 2015-16: 40; 2016-17: 51; 2017-18: 47
With 20-Plus Points By CJ       2019-20: 47;
McCollum                                  W/Pelicans: 2022-23: 45

30-Plus Point Games     W/Trail Blazers: 2015-16: 8; 2016-17: 15; 2017-18: 7
By Season By CJ            2018-19: 14; 2019-20: 11; 2020-21: 6; 2021-22: 2
McCollum                      W/Pelicans: 2021-22: 8; 2022-23: 8

McCollum had two of his eight 40-plus point games in 2022-23.

The former No. 10 overall pick out of Lehigh University has also averaged five-plus assists the past two seasons and over four assists the last four seasons.  

Last season, the 2016 Kia Most Improved Player set a career-high in total made threes and attempted (211/543 3-Pt.) and totaled at least 180 made threes for the eight straight season.

From Dec. 9, 2022 to Jan. 24, 2023, McCollum made a three-pointer in 22 consecutive games, including making multiple triples in 19 of those 22 games.

        Highest Scoring Months In CJ McCollum’s Career (Minimum 10 Games Played)         
January    2017  25.8  PPG  In  15 Games W/Trail Blazers
March       2022  24.8 PPG   In  13 Games W/Pelicans
February  2022  24.7 PPG   In  10 Games W/Pelicans
January    2023  29.6 PPG   In  14 Games W/Pelicans
February  2020  24.6 PPG   In  12 Games W/Trail Blazers
January    2018  23.9 PPG  In   16 Games W/Pelicans

This stretch also included two of McCollum’s five career games with 25-plus points, eight-plus assists, at least two block shots, and five-plus made threes, which tied Lonzo Ball for the most such games in Pelicans’ history.

He had 40 points with nine assists and eight boards and two blocks on 14/27 from the field and 7/14 from three-point range in the Pelicans 126-117 victory Dec. 22, 2022 versus the Spurs. McCollum also on this night joined Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, and Tyreke Evans as the only players in Pelicans’ history to register a game with 40/8/8 (points/rebounds/assists). 

In the Pelicans (126-117) win eight days later versus 76ers, McCollum had 41 points with five assists and two steals on 13/20 from the floor, including 11/16 from three. This was one of six games last season by McCollum where he scored 30-plus points and six-plus made threes, a new single-season Pelicans’ record.      

McCollum also registered a career-high six of his 20 career double-doubles in 2022-23. That included four games with 10-plus assists, equaling his total such games his first nine NBA seasons.

Nance. Jr. (6.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 61.0 FG%) since his arrival to “The Big Easy” has spent more time on the shelf than on the hardwood. In 2021-22, the son of NBA great with the Suns and Cavaliers Larry Nance, Sr. had arthroscopic right knee surgery that shelved him for all but nine games with the Pelicans. Last season, Nance, Jr. had some action last season playing 65 games. But registered only three double-doubles in 2022-23. 

The real positive from last season in a disappointing one for the Pelicans was the breakout second season by Trey Murphy III, who increased his scoring average (5.4-14.5), field goal percentage (39.3-48.4%) and three-point (38.2-40.6%).

After starting just one of 62 games played in 2021-22, the No. 17 overall pick had 65 starts in 79 games in 2022-23. That resulted him in going from 71 total made threes as a rookie to 202 total made threes in his second NBA season.

In the Pelicans 127-110 victory Mar. 12 versus the Trail Blazers, Murphy had a career-high of 41 points with seven rebounds on 13/20 from the field and a then career-high nine made threes (9/14 3-Pt.).

On Mar. 25, Murphy III scored 32 points with two steals on 11/14 shooting and 10/12 from three in the Pelicans 131-110 triumph at the Clippers.

The Pelicans as a team in that triumph at the Clippers, they went 21/34 from three, which tied a single-game franchise record.  

Players To Make Double-Digit Threes In A Game In New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans History
Dec. 30, 2022 Win Versus 76ers (127-116): CJ McCollum: 42 Points, 11/16 3-PT.
Mar. 25, 2023 Win At Clippers (131-110): Trey Murphy III: 32 Points, 10/12 3-PT.
Nov. 6, 2007 Win At Lakers (118-104): Peja Stojakovic 36 Points, 10/13 3-PT.

Last season, Murphy III registered two of his highest scoring months in the early part of his NBA career at the close of 2022-23 at 18.7 in March and 23.4 in April respectably.

In March, Murphy III totaled 60 made threes (60/133 3-Pt.) on an accuracy of 45.1 percent. Those 60 total triples in the next to last month of the 2022-23 set a new franchise-record for a single month. He also was a major reason the Pelicans led the league in three-point percentage in March at 41.1 percent.

Most Made Three-Pointers     Stephen Curry    (GS) 72  Tyrese Maxey      (PHI) 60
In NBA By A Player In            Klay Thompson  (GS) 66  Trey Murphy III (NOP) 60
March 2023

       Most Made Three-Pointers In A Single Month In Hornets/Pelicans History (45-Plus)    
Trey Murphy III March 2023:    60             CJ McCollum March         2023:  47
Baron Davis November 2003:      57            CJ McCollum January      2023:  47
Lonzo Ball February 2021:          56            CJ McCollum December   2022:  47
JJ Redick November 2019:          52            Peja Stojakovic January    2008:  47
Peja Stojakovic March 2008:       50           Ryan Anderson November 2012:  46
Ryan Anderson December 2012: 48           Ryan Anderson January    2013:  45

NBA Team Leaders                Pelicans 41.1 3-PT.%
In Three-Point Percentage     76ers      40.4 3-PT.%
In March                                  Bulls      39.6 3-PT.%

The Pelicans last season along with the Nuggets, Rockets, 76ers, Raptors, Bucks, and Pacers have a player in the pivot that they count on to be productive.

For the Pelicans, their man in the pivot Jonas Valanciunas (14.1 ppg, 10.2 rpg-7^th NBA, 54.7 FG%), who may not get the shine like most recent league MVPs in perennial All-Star big men in Joel Embiid of 76ers and reigning Finals MVP and NBA champion Nikola Jokic but has been just a productive as those three.

Dating back to the first of three seasons with the Grizzlies (2018-21), Valanciunas has averaged a double-double for the fifth straight season. He posted 30-plus double-doubles for the fourth straight season and registered double-digit double-doubles for the 10^th time in his first 11 NBA seasons with the Raptors (2012-19), Grizzlies (2018-21) and Pelicans (2021-present). That includes 40-plus double-doubles for three straight seasons, including 43 double-doubles in 2022-23, which was No. 5 in the league.

Valanciunas in his first two seasons with the Pelicans has totaled six of his 12 career 30-plus point games, with three coming in 2022-23.

In the Pelicans’ 124-112 victory Oct. 21, 2022 at the Hornets, Valanciunas registered his 13^th 30-point game of his career with 30 points and 17 rebounds on 13/17 at the foul line.

In the team’s Dec. 19, 2022 defeat (128-119) versus the Bucks, Valanciunas had 37 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists on 14/24 from the floor and 7/10 from the charity stripe.

Most Career Games With 15-Plus    Anthony Davis        79   Tyson Chandler 18
Points And 15-Plus Rebound             Jonas Valanciunas  22  David West         16
Double-Doubles In                              DeMarcus Cousins 19
Pelicans History

For the second straight season, the 2013 NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection with the Raptors shot 80-plus percent at the charity stripe for the second straight season at 82.6 percent and shot 80-plus percent at the foul line for the fifth time in his career.

In recent seasons, the Pelicans found gems in the draft and in free agency that have made an impact even though it has not panned out in terms of team success as of yet.

Herbert Jones (9.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 46.9 FG%), the No. 35 overall pick in 2021 out of University of Alabama came into the league as a legit defender, who has been a steady at the offensive end.

Double-Digit Scoring    2021-22: 38        20-Point Games By  2021-22: 3
Games By Season By    2022-23: 32        Season By Herbert   2022-23: 3
Herbert Jones                                            Jones

           Most Steals By A Player Their First Two NBA Seasons With The Pelicans                  
Chris Paul     293 First 143 Career Games   Tyreke Evans  184 First 151 Career Games
Herb Jones    233 First 144 Career Games   David Wesley  180 First 134 Career Games
Baron Davis  249 First 117 Career Games   Lonzo Ball       170 First 114 Career Games
Trevor Ariza 189 First 151 Career Games   Anthony Davis 164 First 131 Career Games

In the Pelicans’ overtime win (138-131) Apr. 5 versus the Grizzlies, Jones and Murphy III  with McCollum did something that had not ever been done in NBA history.

On this night, the Pelicans joined the Knicks as the second team with three players each scoring 30-plus points and making five-plus threes pointers made in the same game.

Jones led the way with a career-high of 35 points with seven rebounds and three block shots. He shot 11/21 from the floor, including 5/8 from three and 8/9 at the charity stripe.

McCollum had a double-double in that contest with 31 points and 10 rebounds with six assists on 10/16 from the floor and 6/9 from three. He had 12 points and five rebounds on 4/4 from the field, including 3/3 from three in the third quarter.

Murphy III had 30 points with three steals on 9/18 from the field and 7/13 from three and 5/6 at the foul line. He scored 15 of those points on 4/4 from three and 3/4 at the foul line in the fourth quarter, adding six points on 2/3 from three in OT.

The Pelicans in this victory over the Grizzlies in overtime tied their franchise-record with 21 made threes, going 21/39 from three.

Back in 2020, the Pelicans took a flyer on undrafted forward Naji Marshall (9.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg), who played three years of collegiate ball at Xavier University, on a two-way deal and because of the injuries the team sustained to key personnel that season late in January 2021, he received consistent minutes, which resulted in him having that two-way converted into a multi-year deal in May 2021.

Last season, Marshall averaged a career-highs across the board and while his shooting accuracy was still subpar at 43.3 percent from the floor and 30.3 percent on his triple tries, he set a career-high with 66 total made threes (66/218 3-Pt.).

Most Productive Months         October 2022:     10.7 PPG, 52.2 FG%
In Naji’s Marshall’s Career    December 2022:  11.5 PPG, 44.1 FG%   
With Pelicans                           January 2023:     13.6 PPG, 41.8 FG%

Another player the Pelicans signed on a two-way an earned a standard NBA deal with his play was fellow undrafted guard Joes Alvarado (9.0 ppg) out of Georgia Tech University.

In the Pelicans’ 121-106 triumph Dec. 4, 2022 versus the eventual NBA champion Nuggets, Alvarado scored a career-high 38 points on 12/19 shooting, including 8/11 from three and 8/9 at the free throw line.

Unfortunately, a right tibial stress reaction shelved the Brooklyn, NY native the final 20 games of 2022-23.

The loss of Alvarado along with as mentioned other key injuries to key personnel of the Pelicans, they acquired in a deal from the Spurs veteran guard Josh Richardson in exchange for guard Devonte’ Graham, along with Second-Round picks in 2024, 2026, 2028, and 2029.

The Pelicans effort to make the Playoffs for a second straight season went by the wayside as a poor second half finish doomed them in their 123-118 loss versus the Thunder in the No. 10 versus No. 9 West Play-In game Apr. 12 (ESPN).

After leading by as many as nine in the opening quarter (19-10), the Pelicans were outscored 22-10 to close the period and trailed 32-29 after the first. They outscored the Thunder 34-25 in the second quarter to lead 63-57 at the half. The Pelicans though were outscored 39-24 in the third quarter where they trailed by as many as 10 and were down 96-87 after three quarters. The Pelicans regained the lead 101-100 with 7:59 left in the fourth and a three-pointer by Valanciunas put the Pelicans up 104-103 with 6:58 left. A putback by Ingram put the Pelicans 110-108 with 3:12 left. The Pelicans were outscored 15-8 to close matters after that.

Ingram led the way scoring 20 of his 30 points in the second half with six rebounds and seven assists on 10/19 from the field and 9/11 at the foul line. Murphy III had 21 points on 4/10 shooting from three but was just 6/16 overall from the field. Jones had 20 points with five boards and five assists. Valanciunas had a double-double of 16 points and 18 rebounds on 7/9 from the floor. McCollum scored 14 with two steals but was just 5/15 shooting.

On a night they shot 48.3 percent from the floor (42/87 FGs) and were 25/30 at the free throw line, the Pelicans were just 9/28 from three. While Murphy III was 4/10 on his triple tries, the rest of the team was 5/28 from three.

While the Pelicans outrebounded the Thunder 48-38 (14-13 off, rebs) and had 27 assists on their 42 made shots, they were outscored by the visitors from OKC 58-52 in the paint and had their 11 turnovers converted into 21 Thunder points.

For the Pelicans, this offseason was about keeping the core intact and hoping good health, particularly with their All-Star forwards will allow the Pelicans to be the team that was atop the West in the early part of 2022-23.

With their lone draft choice in June’s NBA Draft, the Pelicans selected guard Jordan Hawkins No. 14 overall out of the UConn (University of Connecticut).   

Last season, the Pelicans while ranking No. 11 in field goal percentage (48.0%), they were No. 15 in three-point percentage (36.4%) and were next to last in three-point attempts (30.1) and threes made per contest (11.0), ranking No. 29 and No. 23 respectably.

Hawkins last season averaged 16.2 points and 3.8 boards shot 39 percent on his triple tries for the Huskies in 29.3 minutes. A mark improvement from his freshmen season the year prior where he averaged just 5.8 points on 35 percent from the floor in 14.7 minutes. His 10.4 scoring improvement is the largest by a Husky player in the last 25 years.

The 109 total made threes a season ago by the 2022 Big East All-Freshmen team member were the second most in a season in Huskies’ history, trailing only NBA Hall of Famer Ray Allen.

During the Huskies six-game run to the title in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, Hawkins, the 2023 First-Team All-Big East selection shot 50 percent from three-point range (21/42 3-Pt.).

Along with the ability to shoot either off the catch, catch-and-shoot, or off the dribble, Hawkins can score off the dribble. Is a great cutter and is a good finisher at the rim. He also brings good size at 6-foot-5 at 186 pounds.

“This by far has been the best year of my life. I’m about to play in the NBA. I mean, that’s crazy,” Hawkins, while in tears said to ESPN’s Monica McNutt back in late June after getting drafted. “Not many people can say that. So, I’m blessed. I’m blessed.”

This was the Pelicans second straight draft selecting a big guard. They chose Dyson Daniels (3.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg) in the 2022 Draft from Australia and the NBA G League Ignite who really struggled his rookie season and with an even more stacked squad cracking the lineup will be even more of a challenge.  

That is because forward E.J. Liddell, the No. 44 overall pick in 2022 out of Ohio State University, who missed all of last season due to a torn ACL sustained in the 2022 NBA Summer League in July 2022 had his two-way deal converted to a three-year, $6.2 million deal that he signed on July 6.

The Pelicans made a major commitment to a member of their core group where Jones’ $1.8 million team option was declined on June 28 and two days later (official July 6) signed him to a new four-year, $54 million deal.

While they made a commitment to a player they drafted, the Pelicans said goodbye in free agency to Richardson, forward/center Jaxson Hayes, who signed with the Lakers, and center Willy Hernangomez.

Hayes moving on is the most notable because the Pelicans selected him No. 8 overall out of University of Texas in 2019, who had ample chances to establish himself as a key part of the Pelicans moving forward. His minutes went down in a major way a season ago and it did not help either he had his issues away from the hardwood.

The Pelicans replaced Hayes with the addition of veteran center Cody Zeller on a one-year, $2 million deal also on July 6.  

There were rumblings over the offseason after another subpar season by the Pelicans that might make substantial changes to the roster. Instead, Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin decided to keep the main headliners of the roster intact in the hope that if they remain healthy, specifically their headliners in their All-Stars in Williamson and Ingram, and McCollum.

There has been no question about Williamson’s talent as he has averaged 25.8 points, seven rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 60.5 percent shooting so far in his young career.

His issue has been getting into the kind of shape that will allow him to stay on the hardwood and maximize that potential.

Over the summer, Williamson pledged to be more professional in how he goes about his business. For starters he made for the first time in his professional career a serious commitment to eating better and getting his conditioning up to snuff.

Williamson called himself “a hooper” early in the offseason and said that being on the sidelines watching his team struggle without him was no fun.

“I don’t know how else to say it. It just sucks. I love this game,” Williamson said back in the middle of April before the Pelicans eventual Play-In Game loss versus the Thunder.

“For those people that think I just want to sit on the sideline just to sit over there, I don’t know why people think that.”

“From my perspective, I just want to play basketball. I want to hoop. I want to play the game I love,” Williamson added. “But the reality of it is, whether I check my cell phone or I’m just watching TV, no matter what it is, I can’t really escape what the world thinks, what people’s opinions are. So, it’s frustrating.”

Williamson, who re-signed with a five-year, $193 million rookie max extension that could be worth $231 million in early July 2022 also said that his series of long absences from the hardwood have taught him is that “nothing’s really guaranteed.”

“It it’s God’s plan to be who I feel like I should be, then it’s in his plan. If not, then you’ve got to live with it.”

Williamson does have something to live for. He will become a father when his partner of three years in social media influencer Ahkeema announced on social media that she and Williamson will be welcoming a girl in the middle of this November.

When asked at Media Day at the start of this month on what he worked on this offseason he worked on “being unguardable.”

Griffin confirmed that by saying to WWL-TV in late September that he was in the Pelicans facility “more” than any other time in the early part of his career over the summer. That he “stayed” in New Orleans, LA “longer” and more “often,” working on his own.

The next step for Williamson Griffin said is “finding a way to get himself” into the “right space” and just as important “the right frame of mind.”

Griffin on Media Day highlighted how Ingram and McCollum how throughout their careers have “always employed” people that handle their nutrition. That during two-a-days during training camp that after practicing with the team during the day they would get with their own people at night.

He added that Ingram and McCollum are “very vested” and “invested” in their profession as basketball players and that this was the first summer that he saw Williamson apply that.

As great as it is that Ingram and McCollum have displayed the kind of effort and work ethic that they put into being the best during the offseason, they both have to show, particularly Ingram that he can stay healthy and display that hard work on the hardwood.

“We know that this past summer was a long summer for all of us and we don’t’ want that to happen again,” Ingram said at Media Day about the sense of urgency to have a great 2023-24 following missing the Playoffs a season ago. “We would to be healthy and have all of our guys. But we also want to have an identity when guys do go out or we have an ankle injury that we stay the same team. And we can bounce back in some ways and we some guys can hold the bargain up when guys are out or if guys are out.”  

“So, we would love to be healthy. We would love to be in the postseason, and we have expectations of going past the postseason for sure.”

For McCollum, last season was the first time in his 10-year NBA career not making the Playoffs. This was also the first offseason that he had surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb and a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

When McCollum recovered enough to get ready for this season, which was 10 weeks and he was back in the gym about six days a week for most of this past summer.

When asked about him, Williamson, and Ingram can be as a trio if healthy, McCollum said at Media Day that he is “not sure.”

He added that they have the potential to be “very potent” and “very dangerous.” But they have to put together “a body of work” of more than 10 games to really find out.

“I think the more we play together, the better we’ll be from a continuity standpoint to a comfort standpoint,” McCollum also said. “I’m looking forward to the season and I think it’ll be a good year for us.”

The Pelicans will need a good start from Williamson, Ingram, and McCollum because Murphy III will be out 10-12 weeks after having successful surgery to repair his injured meniscus in his left knee sustained during a workout at the Pelicans practice facility on Sept. 5.

“We’re definitely going to miss Trey and his ability to shoot the cover off the ball. So, that’s tough, No. 1 for him. That’s tough for us,” Coach Green said at Media Day about Murphy III being out. “So, hopefully he can continue to rehab and be on the right recover path.”

“But there’s opportunity in injuries. And so, it’s going to be collective. It’s not just on one of our guys that’s coming in off the bench. It’s not just on the starters. But it’s on all of us to collectively just do a bit more.”

In the two decades the New Orleans Pelicans, first as the Hornets (2002-13) have been in “The Big Easy,” have reached the postseason only eight times, only going as far as the West Semis twice in 2008, where they lost to the then defending NBA champion Spurs 4-3 and 2018 where they lost to the eventual back-to-back NBA champion Warriors 4-1.

During this period, they have had a star headliner that they have drafted but then wanted to take their business elsewhere in Baron Davis after the 2004-05 season; now Warriors’ perennial All-Star guard Chris Paul following the 2010-11 season; and the aforementioned Anthony Davis following the 2018-19 season.

Entering this season, the Pelicans are under serious pressure to register a successful season where they make the Playoffs and at least get past the opening-round, even in a stacked Western Conference.

The Pelicans have the talent to do it with headliners in All-Star Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum. A talented and youthful supporting cast of Jonas Valanciunas, Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy III, Jose Alvarado, Naji Marshall, Larry Nance, Jr., Kira Lewis, and rookie Jordan Hawkins.

The Pelicans held off on a fire sale of their roster opting to run it back for the 2023-24 season. But another season with no postseason hoops this spring could lead to major changes to the roster of a franchise that enters this season $2.9 million over the luxury tax.

The Pelicans front office of David Griffin, GM Trajon Langdon, and Governor Gayle Benson have to make a decision on Valanciunas who is entering the final year of his current contract.

They have decisions to make on the draft picks (2024 right to swap First-Round pick; 2025 First-Round pick; 2026 right to swap First-Round pick’ & 2027 First-Round pick) acquired from the Bucks in the Jrue Holiday trade and the 2024 First-Round pick left from the Lakers they got in exchange for Anthony Davis.

When it comes to making the roster work on the court that is on head coach Willie Green, and his coaching staff of new associate head coach James Borrego, Jarron Collins, Aaron Miles, Fred Vinson, and Casey Hill.

“We’re all excited to get this group back on the floor. In the brief games that all of our guys were healthy and played, it was fun to watch more than anything,” Coach Green said of last season. “That’s exciting to see a larger scope of what we can do.”

“So, you know, we’ve got a lot of work to do…All of these experiences that we go through, you sit back, you learn from them. You listen and it’s an opportunity for growth. And do, that’s where we are. Is what did we do well? What can we do better? How can we continue to improve?”  

Best Case Scenario: The Pelicans make the Playoffs between the No. 3 and No. 6 Seed in the stacked Western Conference. Williamson, Ingram, and McCollum are injury free. Williamson and Ingram are All-Stars and are in the conversation for one of the three All-NBA squads. Jones, Murphy III, Hawkins, and Alvardo are major contributors. Valanciunas anchors the Pelicans on both ends. The Pelicans become a balanced team on both ends. They win a round in this spring’s postseason.

Worst Case Scenario: The Pelicans have to make the postseason through the West Play-In. Williamson, Ingram, and McCollum battle injuries again. The supporting cast is subpar. Williamson is possibly traded in the summer of 2024. a have to make the Playoff through the Play-In Tournament. Williamson and Ingram miss time because of injury. The defense is still in need of repair.

Grade: B+

Oklahoma City Thunder: 40-42 record; (3^rd Northwest Division; Missed Playoffs); 24-17 at home, 16-25 on the road; Won Play-In Game (123-118) Apr. 12 at the New Orleans Pelicans (ESPN); Lost Play-In Game (120-95) Apr. 14 at Minnesota Timberwolves.  

-117.5 ppg-5^th; opp. ppg: 116.4-19^th; 43.7 rpg-14^th      

During a rebuilding situation in pro sports, particularly the NBA, there comes a point where you need to see a sign to where things are going in the right direction. For the Oklahoma City Thunder, they saw those signs of hope last season, where they positioned themselves to end their three-year Playoff drought. Those dreams were denied in the Play-In Tournament when the fell in Minneapolis, MN. With the return of their No. 1 draft choice in 2022; their All-Star guard poised to take another step to becoming a legit Top 10 player; and a young cast hungry to improve, the plan for the Thunder in 2023-24 is to make the postseason in a stacked Western Conference.

After starting 2022-23 11-18, which was capped by a five-game losing streak (Dec. 7-16, 2022), the Thunder registered an 11-5 mark their next 16 games, which included a four-game winning streak (Jan. 12-18, 2023) and a three-game winning streak (Dec. 17-21, 2022) that pulled the Thunder to within a game of .500 with a 126-106 victory versus the Pacers on Jan. 18.

A 6-11 mark by the Thunder their next 17 games that was capped by a five-game losing streak (Feb. 23-Mar. 1, 2023) brought them six games under .500 at 28-34.

Head Coach Mike Daigneault’s squad responded with an 8-2 mark their next 10 games, which included two three-game winning streaks (Mar. 3-7, 2023 & Mar. 11-14, 2023) to bring them back to .500 at 36-36 for the first time since they were 4-4 their first eight games of last season.

The Thunder however, dropped six of their next eight games, which included disappointing setbacks Mar. 28 versus the Hornets (137-134), where they overcame a 13-point deficit to lead by 13 and led 68-57 at half. But they blew that halftime lead, getting outscored 80-66 in the second half, including 44-35 in the fourth quarter.

The Thunder three days later blew a 10-point lead getting outscored 31-23 in the fourth quarter in their 121-117 Mar. 31 at the Pacers.

With their Play-In hopes hanging in the balance, the Thunder won their final two games of 2022-23 at the Jazz (114-98) Apr. 6 and at the Jazz (115-100) Apr. 9 to secure a spot in the West Play-In Tournament.

The Thunder positions themselves to possibly make the Playoffs after a three-year absence by going 24-17 at home, which included 14-7 mark their final 21 games at Paycom Center.

While the Thunder were just 16-25 on the road in 2022-23, they concluded their road schedule going 3-3 their final seven and 11-10 their final 21 road games.

The optimism the Thunder had entering 2022-23 took a hit when forward Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick in 2022 suffered a Lisfranc injury to his foot in a Pro-Am game in Seattle, WA that put him on the shelf for all of last season.

Without their prized draft pick, that gave opportunity for the rest of the Thunder roster to make major progress in their own individual games which helped them be in position to make the Playoffs.

While Josh Giddey and Luguentz Dort made major progress in their careers a season ago, it was the emergence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.4 ppg-4^th NBA, 5.5 apg, 4.8 rpg, 51.0 FG%) from a borderline star to becoming a first time All-Star and his first All-NBA selection making the 2022-23 First Team.  

Players To Average           Kevin Durant 2013-14: 32 PPG Won League MVP
30-Plus Points In A           Russell Westbrook 2016-17: 31.6 PPG Won League MVP
Season In Seattle               Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 2022-23: 31.4 ppg Finished 5^th MVP
Supersonics/Oklahoma    Kevin Durant 2009-10: 30.1 PPG
City Thunder History

Top 10 Scoring Averages    Kevin Durant                   27.4   Russell Wesbrook   23.0
In Seattle Supersonics/        Paul Geoge                       25.0   Bob Rule                 21.4
Oklahoma City Thunder    *Spencer Haywood          24.9   Dale Ellis                 20.9
History *Hall Of Famer     Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 24.7   Xavier McDaniel    20.7
                                              *Ray Allen                         24.6  Tom Chambers       20.4

How good was the guy affectionately called SGA a season ago? He joined Hall of Famer and six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan as the only two guards in NBA history to average at least 30/4/4 (points/rebounds/assists) a steal and a block shot on at least 50 percent from the field for a season.

SGA also a season ago became the youngest guard in league history at age 25 to average 30 points on 50 percent from the field, surpassing Jordan.

The former No. 11 overall pick by the Clippers in 2018 out of the University of Kentucky, who the Thunder acquired  in July 2019 along with five First-Round picks registered a career-best 65 games with 20-plus points. led the NBA with 45 games scoring 30-plus points. That included six of his seven career 40-plus point games in 2022-23. Those six such games was No. 8 in “The Association” in 2022-23.

SGA set career-highs in scoring average; field goal percentage; free throw attempts (10.9-3^rd NBA) and free throw percentage (90.5%).

He put the league on notice early last season when he averaged 31.7 points, 7.7 assists and 5.3 boards in leading the Thunder to a 3-0 record from Oct. 24-30, 2022 to earn Western Conference Player of the Week for the second time in his career.

Gilgeous-Alexander tied his career-high of 42 points with seven assists and six boards on 14/22 from the field and 12/17 at the foul line, hitting the game-winning three-pointer with 01.1 seconds left in the Thunder’s 121-120 victory Nov. 16, 2022 at the Wizards.

He equaled that career-high of 42 points with three steals on 14/23 from the floor and 13/13 at the charity stripe in the Thunder’s 121-114 setback Dec. 12, 2022 at the Mavericks.

Gilgeous-Alexander set a new career-high with 44 points and set a career-high with 10 rebounds with six assists and two steals on 17/29 from the field, including 3/4 from three and 7/9 at the foul line in the Thunder’s 128-125 overtime loss Dec. 23, 2023 versus the Pelicans.

He tied that career-high of 44 points with seven assists, and two steals on 13/16 from the floor and 18/19 at the free throw line in the Thunder’s 138-129 victory Feb. 10 versus the Trail Blazers. SGA became the first player in franchise history with 40-plus points on 80 percent from the field.   

Gilgeous-Alexander averaged at least 20/5/5 (points/rebounds/assists) for the third consecutive season. He shot at least 50 percent from the floor for the second time in the last three seasons and averaged six-plus free throw attempts as well for the third straight season.

SGA’s 9.8 scoring average in the first quarter a season ago trailed only 76ers Joel Embiid (10.2) and Mavericks’ Luka Doncic (11.2). Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA with a 10.2 scoring average in the third quarter in 2022-23, scoring in double-figures 39 times after intermission a season ago.  

While he displayed his exceptional all-around play as a rookie, Giddey (16.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 6.2 apg) shooting accuracy left a lot to be desired at 41.9 percent from the floor overall and 26.3 percent from three (56/213 3-Pt.).

The No. 6 overall pick from Australia in 2021 got his shooting from the floor overall up to snuff last season at 48.2 percent and made some progress as a three-point shooter at 32.5 percent (76/234 3-Pt.), while becoming an even more exceptional all-around player.

After registering 16 double-doubles, including four triple-doubles as a rookie in 2021-22, Giddey totaled 28 double-doubles and another four triple-doubles a season ago. He also more than tripled the amount of 20-plus point games from his rookie season (3) to what he registered a season ago (19).

In the Thunder’s 112-111 loss Jan. 10 at the Heat (TNT), Giddey had a triple-double with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists on 8/18 from the floor. He joined the Doncic, the Nets Ben Simmons, and Hall of Famer Grant Hill as the lone four players in league history to register at least 1,000 points, 700 rebounds, and 500 assists in their first 100 career games.

In March, Giddey averaged 18.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 7.3 assists on 49.4 percent from the floor and 38.2 percent from three. In the month, Giddey scored in double-figures in all 17 games, where the Thunder registered a 10-7 mark. He registered six-plus boards in 16 of the 17 games and five-plus assists in 13 of the 17 games in March. He also had 10 games where he shot 50-plus percent from the field and had two of his six career 25-plus point games in March. 

In the aforementioned late March defeat versus the Hornets, it wasted the career-high performance of 34 points with 10 boards and nine assists by Giddey on 14/22 from the field.

Four days prior, Giddey had 27 points with a season-high of 17 rebounds and seven assists on 12/24 shooting in the Thunder’s 116-111 defeat at the Lakers on Mar. 24.

With Holmgren out a season ago, that opened up time for the Thunder’s two other first-year players in forward Jalen Williams (14.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 52.1 FG%, 35.6 3-Pt.%), the No. 12 overall pick out of University of Santa Clara and Jaylin Williams (5.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 43.6 FG%, 40.7 3-Pt.%), the No. 34 overall pick out of University of Arkansas.

Williams out of Santa Clara showed his versatility on both ends of the hardwood. He showed his prowess to score at all three levels and holding his own at the defensive end with his length and defensive instincts.

The eventual All-Rookie First Team selection for 2022-23 displayed that right from the start winning NBA Rookie of the Month for October/November 2022 behind averages 10.7 points on 52.4 percent from the field, joining Russell Westbrook  and Giddey as the players in Thunder history to win Rookie of the Month.

His 14.1 scoring average ranked No. 4 amongst the 2022-23 rookie class. His 52.1 percent from the field ranked No. 3 amongst the 2022-23 rookies trailing the Pistons’ Jalen Duren (64.8%) and the Jazz’s Walker Kessler (72.0%).

Jalen Williams   Pre-All-Star Break: 12.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.2 SPG 50.8 FG%, 
2022-23               32.4 3-PT.%
                            Post All-Star Break: 18.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 54.6 FG%,
                            42.9 3-PT.%

After registering just one 20-point game in his first 32 career NBA games (Oct. 19-Dec. 31, 2022) and eight 20-point games his first 57 career NBA games, Williams registered 11 20-point games in the final 21 games of 2022-23, including eight such contest in the final 18 games of last season. That included two games with 30-plus points.

Rookies In 2022-23        Paolo Banchero (ORL) 6    Jalen Williams (OKC)         2
With Multiple                Jaden Ivey (DET)          3    Bennedict Mathurin (IND)  2
30-Plus Point Games 

Williams won NBA Rookie of the Month again in March behind averages of 19.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 56.6 percent from the floor and 46.3 percent from three-point range. He also won the honor in Apr. behind averages 13.3 points on 40 percent from three-point range.

In the Thunder’s 124-119 victory Mar. 5 versus the Jazz, Williams set a season-high of 32 points with five boards, and five assists with two steals and two blocks on 12/15 from the floor and 4/5 from three. 

In the previously mentioned defeat near the close of March versus the Hornets, Williams had 31 points with four steals on 11/16 from the floor and 8/9 at the foul line.

The Thunder bounced back one night later with a close win (107-106) versus the Pistons thanks to the game-winning putback by Williams off a missed layup by Giddey. That capped a performance of 27 points, eight rebounds, and six assists on 11/19 from the floor by Williams. He joined Kevin Durant and Westbrook as the three Thunder players with three or more games with at least 25/5/5 (points/rebounds/assists) in their respective rookie season.

In a time in the league where most team’s offensive production comes from the paint, from three-point range, or at the foul line, the Thunder’s offense was courtesy of their ability to score in the paint or off of turnovers.

They ranked No. 3 in the league in 2022-23 in scoring average in the paint (55.2) and only the Raptors averaged more points off their opponent’s turnovers than the Thunder did at 20.6 a season ago.

The Thunder in 2022-23 scored 10-plus points off their opponent’s turnovers in every game. That came most off of steals, which they ranked No. 4 last season (8.2).

Williams out of Arkansas not the score that his namesake is, he brought an ability to rebound and set screens to get his teammates open.

In the Thunder’s win (133-130) Feb. 7 at the Lakers (TNT), Williams had a season-high of 14 points with seven rebounds, and seven assists with two steals making both of his triple tries.

He had a season-best of 16 rebounds with eight points and two steals in the Thunder’s dominant 133-96 victory Feb. 15 versus the Rockets.   

For the third straight season, Dort (13.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg) averaged in double-figures while also being the Thunder’s top perimeter defender. While his shooting accuracy continues to be up and down at 38.8 percent a season ago and 33 percent from three, the undrafted swingman out of Arizona State University made a career-high 135 total triples in 2022-23 (135/409 3-Pt.). 

Luguentz Dort’s        2019-20: 29.7 3-PT.% (30/101 3-PT.)
Three-Pointers By    2020-21: 34.3 3-PT.% (113/329 3-PT.)
Season                        2021-22: 33.2 3-PT.% (130/391 3-PT.)
                                    2022-23: 33.0 3-PT.% (135/409 3-PT.)

Dort also registered all five of his career double-doubles in 2022-23, which included a performance of 22 points with 11 rebounds on 8/14 shooting, including 3/5 from three in the Thunder’s aforementioned win in late January versus the Pacers.

Whether because of injury or players being shuffled back-and-forth between the main roster and the Thunder’s G League affiliate (The Oklahoma City Blue), the rest of the Thunder roster when they got minutes showed they have the talent to play in the NBA.

Thunder also knew last season who to move on from as they dealt forward Darius Bazley to the Suns at the Feb. 9 trade deadline in exchange for Dario Saric, a 2029 Second-Round pick and cash considerations.

In another deal at the trade deadline with the Celtics, the Thunder acquired forward Justin Jackson and two future Second-Round pick in exchange for sharp-shooting forward/center Mike Muscala.

After one-plus seasons where he did not see much time with the 76ers, the Thunder picked up guard Isaiah Joe (9.5 ppg, 44.1 FG%, 40.9 3-Pt.%) off waivers on Oct. 16, 2022 and had a breakout third season out of Arkansas as No. 49 overall pick in 2020.

He registered all nine of his career 20-plus point games in 2022-23, including a career-high of 28 points with seven rebounds on 11/17 shooting, including 6/12 from three.

Joe registered nine games making five or more threes, including five games with six made triples and three games with seven made threes.

Games With Seven        Nov. 23, 2022 (131-126 OT) Loss Vs. Nuggets: 21 PTS, 7/10 3-PT.
Made Threes By            Jan. 18, 2023 (126-106) Win Vs. Pacers: 23 PTS, 2 STLS, 7/12 3-PT.
Isaiah Joe With             Jan. 20, 2023 (118-113) Loss Vs. Kings: 21 PTS, 6 REBS, 7/12 3-PT.
Thunder 2022-23

While the Thunder were ranked at the bottom in field goal percentage (46.5%), the Thunder because of Joe and Dort ranked in the middle of pack in the league last season in three-point percentage (35.6%-17^th); No. 12 in threes attempted (34.1-12^th); and No. 15 in threes made (12.1).

Last season, the Thunder were 40-40 when they scored 100 points or more. That included a 34-29 mark when they scored 110 or more. Were 22-8 when they scored 120 or more. Went 11-3 when they scored 130 or more; 3-0 when they scored 140 or more; and 2-0 when they scored 150 or more.  

Highest Scoring Averages                Kings       2022-23: 123.4 PPG
In A Single-Season At Home            Nuggets   1988-89: 122.5 PPG
Since 1988-89 Season                        Bucks      2019-20: 121.7 PPG
                                                            Warriors 1989-90: 121.4 PPG
                                                            Thunder 2022-23: 120.8 PPG

Three of the eight highest scoring games in Supersonics/Thunder history were authored in 2022-23.

In their win on Nov. 13, 2022 at the Knicks (145-135), the Thunder shot 62.5 percent from the floor (55/88 FGs) and 17/31 from three and 18/20 at the foul line. They registered 31 assists and scored 66 points in the paint.  

On Jan. 3, the Thunder laid a thumping on the eventual Eastern Conference runner-up Celtics 150-117 blowing the game open outscoring the visitors from “Beantown”  40-21 in the second quarter and 48-37 in the third quarter leading by as many as 37 points.

The Thunder shot against the Celtics 59.2 percent from the field (58/98 FGs), including 20/40 from three-point range with 31 assists on their 58 made shots. They outscored the Celtics 21-9 in fastbreak points; 70-46 in the paint; and registered 27 points off 17 Celtics turnovers, which included 14 Thunder steals.

In the Thunder’s 153-121 triumph Feb. 4 versus the Rockets where they led 38-19 after the first quarter and were outscored 41-34 and 44-28 the middle two quarters leading wire-to-wire up by as many as 45 points.

The Thunder in that victory shot 57.7 percent from the floor (56/97 FGs) and 21/46 on their threes and 20/23 at the charity stripe. They registered 39 assists on their 56 made field goals and just nine turnovers. They outscored the Rockets 27-12 in fastbreak points and scored 62 points in the paint. Scored 25 points off 16 Rockets turnovers, which include 11 Thunder steals.

When he has played, Aleksej Pokusevski (8.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 36.5 3-Pt.%) has displayed an ability to score, rebound and be a facilitator while being a presence defensively with his length. He registered three of his nine career double-doubles in 2022-23.

Double-Doubles 2022-23  Nov. 9, 2022 (136-132 2 OT) Loss Vs. Bucks: 17 PTS, 10 REBS
By Aleksej Pokusevski     2 STLS, 2 BLKS
                                           Nov. 14, 2022 (126-122) Loss At Celtics: 16 PTS, 14 REBS,
                                           3 BLKS
                                           Dec. 10, 2022 (110-102) Loss At Cavaliers: 16 PTS, 14 REBS
                                           5 ASTS, 3 BLKS, 3/3 3-PT.

While he missed 29 total games in 2022-23, including the final 21 games due to a left wrist injury that required surgery, Kenrich Williams (8.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 51.7 FG%, 37.3 3-Pt.%) always made an impact on the game when he came off the bench. In three of his first five season with the Pelicans and Thunder, Williams has made at least 50 threes (50/134 3-Pt.).

As a rookie the previous season, Tre Mann (7.7 ppg) showed an accuracy from three that opened the eyes of the Thunder coaching staff. But his production from three dropped and his overall shooting accuracy dropped as well. After averaging in double-figure points (10.4) on 36 percent from three (98/272 3-Pt.) in 2021-22, the No. 18 overall pick out of the University of Florida only shot 31.5 percent on his triple tries (81/257 3-Pt.) and overall shot just 39.3 percent for a second straight season.

In the Thunder’s regular season finale victory as mentioned versus the Grizzlies, Mann registered his first career triple-double with 24 points, 12 assists and 12 rebounds.

After starting out on a two-way deal, Aaron Wiggins (6.8 ppg) progressed in such a way that the Thunder in the middle of February 2022 converted that two-way deal into a standard NBA deal.

After shooting 46.2 percent and 30.4 percent from three (42/138 3-Pt.) as a rookie in 2021-22, the No. 55 overall pick in 2021 out of University of Maryland shot 51.2 percent from the floor and 39.3 percent from three (48/122 3-Pt.) a season ago.

Wiggins registered his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds with three steals in 28 minutes in the Thunder’s 108-94 victory Oct. 25, 2022 versus the Clippers.

Of all the Thunder youngsters that has seen the early part of their career ravaged by injuries than Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (6.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 44.4 FG%, 33.3 3-Pt.%), who has missed 33 and 39 games his first two NBA seasons because of injury.

When he did play, the No. 32 overall pick out of Villanova showed he can score and shoot from the perimeter and rebound.

In the Thunder’s 105-101 setback on Nov. 28, 2022 versus the Pelicans, Robinson-Earl had his fourth career double-double with 10 points with 13 rebounds with two made threes.     

The problem for the No. 17 overall pick in 2020 is that he has battled one injury after another, including in 2022-23 where he missed 48 total games, including 41 straight contests (Dec. 29, 2022-Mar. 26, 2023) due to a non-displaced tibial fracture of his left leg.

The Thunder moved a step closer to their first postseason appearance since 2020 with a 123-118 victory at the Pelicans in the No. 10 versus No. 9 Play-In tilt on Apr. 11 (ESPN).

The Thunder joined the Bulls this season as the first No. 10 Seeds to win a game in the short three-year history of the Play-In Tournament.

The Thunder overcame a nine-point deficit midway through the first quarter behind a 22-10 run to lead 32-29 after the opening period. They were outscored by the Pelicans 34-25 in the second quarter to trail 63-57 at the half. The Thunder outscored the Pelicans 39-24 in the third quarter, leading by as many as 10 late in the period and were up 96-87 after three quarters. They closed out the Pelicans with a 15-8 run after they pulled within 110-108 late in regulation.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 32 points and five assists with three steals  on 11/22 from the floor and 8/8 at the foul line.

Giddey had a near triple-double with a career-high of 31 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds on 11/22 from the floor, including 3/7 from three and 6/7 at the charity stripe.

Dort scored a season-high of 27 points with five boards on 8/14 from the field and 4/8 from three and 7/8 at the foul line. Jalen Williams, who was just 4/14 from the field and missed all five of his threes scored 11 with two steals.

Giddey, who had his first career 30/10 (points/assists) game. He scored 19 of his 31 points in the second half, including 12 of those 19 second half points in the third quarter with five assists on 5/5 shooting.

Shai Gilgeous-        1^st Half: 7 Points (Season-Low), 3/10 FGS, 0/0 FTS
Alexander By         2^nd Half: 25 Points, 8/12 FGS, 8/8 FTS (17 PTS, 6/9 FGs,
Half                         4/4 FTs 3^rd QTR

The Thunder Playoff dreams ended with a rough final three quarters in their 120-95 defeat three days later at the Timberwolves (ESPN) missing the postseason for a third consecutive season.

After leading by five early in the first quarter, the Thunder trailed from that point on getting outscored 96-72 the final three quarters after trailing by just one (24-23) after the opening period. They trailed 57-47 at the half and 95-78 after three quarters.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 22 points and seven rebounds with two steals on 12/12 at the foul line but was just 5/19 from the field. Giddey had just six points with five boards and four assists on just 2/13 shooting, including 0/4 from three.

Dort scored 17 points with eight boards and two steals going 4/8 from three. Jalen Williams also scored 17 with five assists and three steals, going 4/8 from three.

The Thunder managed just 36 percent from the floor (32/89 FGs) and 13/40 from three. Had just 19 assists on 32 made shots and had 18 turnovers that led to 16 Timberwolves points.

They allowed 51.8 percent from the field (43/83 FGs) and 13/32 from three to the Timberwolves along with 21/26 at the foul line. The Thunder were outrebounded 47-42 and were outscored 58-30 in the paint.

The Thunder ended last season with 16 more wins compared to 2021-22 (24-58 record) with the second youngest team (23.14 years of age) in the league in 2022-23 behind only the Rockets.

This three-year postseason drought is the longest since the Thunder moved from Seattle, WA in 2007-08. They entered 2022-23 according to ESPN Analytics with a 0.1 percent chance of making the Playoffs.   

Since June 2019 offseason, there has been one constant on the day of NBA Draft, Thunder General Manager Sam Presti is finding a deal or deals that will put the Thunder in position to improve the roster. And true to form, the Thunder personnel leader made another deal at the NBA Draft.

In a deal with the Mavericks on Draft Night of June 23 (official July 6), the Thunder acquired the draft rights to guard Cason Wallace (No. 10 overall pick) out of University of Kentucky and the contract of sharp-shooting forward/center Davis Bertans, which has two years and $33 million dollars left, with $22 million guaranteed.

In a four-team deal with the Pacers, Lakers, and Nuggets, the Thunder acquired a 2029 protected First-Round pick from the Nuggets. They sent to the Pacers their 2024 First-Round pick and their 2024 Second-Round pick to the Nuggets along with the draft rights to forward Hunter Tyson (No. 37 overall pick) out of Clemson University.  

Another trade the Thunder made on July 6 was with the Heat where they acquired former All-Star guard Victory Oladipo and the Heat’s Second-Round picks in 2029 and 2030 in exchange for cash considerations.

In a five-team deal on July 8 with the Hawks, Rockets, Clippers, and Grizzlies, the Thunder acquired veteran guard Patty Mills from the Rockets along with their 2024, 2029, and 2030 Second-Round picks.

Four days later, the Thunder flipped Mills to the Hawks for center Usman Garuba, veteran forward/guard Rudy Gay, guard TyTy Washington, Jr. and the Grizzlies 2026 protected Second-Round pick. Gay was waived by the Thunder on July 15. Garuba was waived by the Thunder on Aug. 21 and Washington, Jr. was waived three days prior.

The acquisition of Bertans was less about taking on his salary but more about getting the player that they wanted in Wallace, who averaged 11.7 points and 4.3 assists on 45 percent from the floor for head coach John Calipari and the Wildcats in 2022-23.

This was the 16^th straight draft that one of Coach Calipari’s players was chosen in the First-Round of the NBA Draft.

In this past springs NCAA Tournament, Wallace, who will turn 20 in November joined is now teammate Gilgeous-Alexander and former Clippers, Suns, and Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe as the three Wildcat freshmen to score 20 points on 80 percent from the field.

The Hamilton Park, TX native is a complete guard who brings good size at 6-foot-4; length with a 6-foot-8 wingspan. Is a versatile defender, who is very disruptive and has a high IQ. He is also a versatile player that can play both guard positions. He can shoot from mid-range and from three.   

“It’s definitely expectation for me. Pressure, it just builds diamonds in my opinion. Kentucky guards. Kentucky players in general, they get to the league. They stick for a while and Kentucky, they set me up very nicely,” Wallace said to ESPN’s Monica McNutt after getting drafted about being another Wildcat player to be drafted.

“Let me play point. Let me play wing. I got to display many talents.”

With the surplus of youngsters still on their rookie deals, Bertans’ salary is more of a benefit than an issue because it helps the Thunder reach their required salary floor.

The same can be said for bringing back Oladipo for his second stint with the Thunder. With his recent injury history, his stay in OKC is likely a short one. But his $9 million salary for now will be used to pad the Thunder’s salary cap.

The two other additions along Bertans, Oladipo, and Wallace were All-Euroleague MVP in 2021 guard Vasilize Micic, the No. 52 overall pick in 2014 by the 76ers on a three-year, $23.5 million deal on July 18.

Two days later, the Thunder signed forward Jack White, who was on a two-way deal last season with World Champion Nuggets on a two-year, $3.9 million deal.

In the middle of this month, the Thunder acquired Kevin Porter, Jr. along with a 2027 and 2028 Second-Round picks in exchange for Oladipo and forward/center Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.  

The Thunder announced that they waived Porter, Jr. following the trade, even though he is owed nearly $15.9 million for the 2023-24 season and an additional $1 million guaranteed for 2024-25 season. Porter, Jr.’s future in the NBA is uncertain because of his arrest on Sept. 11 following his arrest for allegedly attacking his girlfriend in former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick at New York City hotel.   

The best news for the Thunder this offseason was that Holmgren made it through the summer and looked solid as both a scorer and rim protector during Summer League in Las Vegas, NV back in July, where he averaged 20.5 points, 9.5 boards, and 3.5 block shots on 56 percent shooting.

Holmgren’s presence gives the Thunder another player who can score, especially in the paint and from three. He will also bring rim protection, which should improve the Thunder dramatically compared to last season.

Thunder Defensive     47.4 Opp. FG%-17^th        50.7 Opp. Paint PTS-16^th
Ranks NBA 2022-23   35.8 Opp. 3-Pt.%-15^th     15.5 Opp. 2^nd Chance PTS-30^th
                                     25.5 Opp. FT ATT-26^th

At Media Day on Oct. 2, Holmgren said that he feels “great” entering this season and is very “thankful” to start the professional part of his basketball journey.

The advantage that he has entering is official rookie season is that he learned the ins and outs of the NBA having been around the Thunder while he rehabbed. He was in team meetings and around the team on the bench during games. Now he can be a full participant and find out his true fit amongst this talented and young Thunder roster. 

Holmgren also mentioned at Media Day how he wanted to “take” advantage of every moment to get better like being selected for Team USA. Despite his foot injury last summer, the former Gonzaga product did not want to “shy away” from any opportunity to play against “good players” and still play even when it is not during the regular season.

“There has to be an understanding and awareness of the situation, time, and place and everything. I feel like I did a really good job this summer of really calculating where I was playing. The situations. The settings. But still going out and really chasing the competition and opportunity to get better,” Holmgren said about his preparation for this season.

Along with Holmgren, the Thunder’s postseason aspirations will hinge on the continued individual and collective growth of Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey, and Jalen Williams.

SGA over the summer helped lead Team Canada to a third-place finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, securing a birth for the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France next summer.

At Media Day in speaking with Andrew Schlecht of the “Down To Dunk” podcast that making First-Team All-NBA was something that he got to “check” of his list of personal accomplishments. That is was “an honor” to be one of 15 players to be selected for one of the three All-NBA teams. But it is something that “doesn’t” hold as much weight to him.

“There’s so much more I want to accomplish and there’s so many goals above this that I want to accomplish,” Gilgeous-Alexander added about making All-NBA. “It’s nice that I get to check this one off but I’m not even close to where I want to be. So, it’s a good feeling. But I’m so hungry for so much more.”

Giddey also played in FIBA World Cup over the summer with Team Australia, where he averaged 19.4 points, five boards and six assists and was recognized at the tournament’s World Cup Rising Star.

He told Schlecht that being a part of Team Australia was “a lot of fun” to play alongside the likes of NBA veterans like the aforementioned Patty Mills, Matthew Dellavedova, and Joe Ingles’ international careers.

“It’s always a lot of fun being with the guys. It’s a great group and it was a great time playing in the World Cup,” Giddey added.  

As far as coming into his third NBA season what he is better at compared to his last game played at the Timberwolves was “drawing fouls.”

Giddey said the one thing entering the FIBA tournament that he “put an emphasis” on was getting to the foul line consistently. He said that improvement came from consistently putting pressure on the rim and putting the pressure on the refs to blow their whistle on drives to the hoop.

The 2022 All-Rookie Second Team selection added that in his first two NBA seasons he “settled” for floaters and short jumpers from five to 10 feet as opposed to getting completely downhill to the basket.

“I think with my size [6-foot-8] I’m letting teams off the hook by shooting these floaters. And by all means it’s not a bad shot if it’s there and you take it. But I think I settled too much and just put an emphasis on getting to rim. And that puts pressure on the refs to make the call and blow the whistle,” Giddey added.

At the end of last season, Jalen Williams showed he can not only initiate the Thunder offense but can be the focal point and makes plays for himself or for his teammates. He also showed the ability to guard the opposing team’s best perimeter player.

In speaking with at Media Day with Gideon Hamilton and Matt Ravis of WWLS “The Sports Animal,” Williams said he likes to “win” and he places no importance on whether he is a top of the Thunder’s offensive chart, in the middle, or the end.

“I don’t see myself as like a three [small forward] or four [power forward]. I just play basketball,” Williams added.

Then there is Coach Daigneault. When a team is at the precipice of going from a team rebuilding to being a team ready to truly compete for a spot in the postseason.

Coach Daigneault has had a steady climb with the Thunder going from head coach of their G League affiliate in Oklahoma City Blue (2014-19) and then being an assistant coach with the Thunder (2016 & 2019-20) and now entering his fourth season as Thunder head coach.

With the Thunder having better talent with headliners in Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey, Jalen Williams and a very talented young group, the question for Coach Daigneault and his staff of Chip Engelland, David Akinyooye, Dave Bliss, Grant Gibbs, Connor Johnson, Eric Maynor, and Mike Wilks entering this season is how ready are to take that next step to make the Playoffs and become a Playoff perennial moving forward?

“We’re still building, you know. Let me be very clear on that,” Coach Daigneault said about his Thunder squad entering 2023-24. “We’re still building. This is a young team and the building process, you know, transcends an individual season, you know. We’re always trying to evolve and become better and this is no different.”

Dating back to their time as the Seattle Supersonics, this franchise now the Oklahoma City Thunder has always been able to build itself into a team that has competed for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

That was the case in the late 1970s where the Supersonics squad led by Hall of Famers Jack Sikma and head coach Lenny Wilkens, Fred “Downtown” Brown, and the late Paul Silas got them to the NBA Finals twice losing to the then Washington Bullets (now Wizards) in 1978 4-3 and then defeated them 4-1 in 1979.

In the early 1980s, they only came close to competing for another title only once when they lost in the West Finals to the “Showtime” Lakers in 1980 in five games.

A rebuilt Supersonics squad in the 1986-87 NBA campaign headlined by All-Stars Tom Chambers, Dale Ellis, and Xavier McDaniel, Maurice Lucas, Alton Lister, and Clemon Johnson and head coach Bernie Bickerstaff, the father of current Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff got them back to the West Finals, but they were taken down by the “Showtime” Lakers who would go on to be the first team then to win back-to-back titles in 19 years and the fourth of five titles in the 1980s.

It would seven years before the Supersonics to the precipice of the Larry O’Brien trophy when All-Star headliners in Hall of Famer Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp and McMillan and Hall of Fame head coach George Karl led them to the West Finals in 1993 where they lost in seven games to Hall of Famer and 1993 Kia MVP Charles Barkley, current studio analyst for Turner Sports in seven games.

Payton, Kemp, and Coach Karl got the Supersonics back to the West Finals three seasons later where they defeated the Hall of Fame trio of Karl Malone, John Stockton, and the late head coach Jerry Sloan and the Jazz 4-3 to reach the Finals for the first time since 1979.

Their championships were snatched away by another Hall of Fame trio of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, head coach Phil Jackson and the Bulls 4-2.

The now Thunder headlined by now Suns perennial All-Star Kevin Durant, now Clippers lead guard and fellow perennial All-Star Russell Westbrook and now 76ers perennial All-Star James Harden and then head coach Scott Brooks (now assistant coach with the Trail Blazers) reached The Finals in 2012 but were taken down in five games by the Hall of Famers Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and future Hall of Famers in current Lakers four-time Kia MVP LeBron James and current Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra.

On Apr. 23, 2019, then perennial All-Star guard Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, now of the Bucks sank a long three-pointer that won not just Game 5 but the series 4-1 and sent Westbrook and Paul George led Thunder home in the opening-round for a fourth consecutive season.

It also marked the end for Westbrook was traded to the Rockets in the summer of 2019 reuniting with former Thunder teammate James Harden in exchange for now 12-time All-Star guard Chris Paul of the Warriors, two protected First-Round picks and two First-Round pick swaps. George was traded to the Clippers for Gilgeous-Alexander, five First-Round picks and the rights to swap two other First Round picks.

Through careful, precise, and strategic maneuvers, the Oklahoma City Thunder have crafted a team that in terms of their salary cap is in the red. Is loaded with 13 First-Round picks over the next five drafts. Has a dynamic headliner in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Complimentary young stars in Josh Giddey, and Jalen Williams. They have youngsters that have serious potential to be major contributors in Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, Jaylin Wiliams, Tre Mann, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins. They also have glue guys that keep it together in Luguentz Dort and Kenrich Williams.

The Thunder took a major step in their maturation in just missing out on the Playoffs. While there is still room for this team to grow and improve. Time is on their side to get to that championship level like they have been in the past when they were in Seattle, WA and now in Oklahoma City, OK. They have a plan to build themselves into a title contender and they will follow that plan step by step. No shortcuts.

“The maximization of talent, you know, is nothing magical. It’s no secret. It’s professionalism. It’s commitment to a program. Guys competing together. Learning how to be efficient players. Growing through all their experiences,” Coach Daigneault about his Thunder team building themselves into a Playoff perennial and hopefully an NBA champion.

Giddey added to that by saying for the Thunder this upcoming season, “It takes, you know, sacrifice on a team like we got that you’re not going to have the ball every possession. You’ve got to be willing to do things that do not show up on the stat sheet to get your teammates looks and to make the game easier for everybody else.”   

Best Case Scenario: Thunder win 40-plus games and make the Playoffs through the West Play-In. Gilgeous-Alexander is a Top 5 MVP candidate. Giddy is in the conversation of making his first All-Star team. Holmgren is a top candidate for Kia Rookie of the Year. The Thunder have a Top 15 offense and defense. They have a Top 5 scoring bench in the NBA.  

Worst Case Scenario: The Thunder miss the Playoffs for a fourth straight season.  

Grade: B

Phoenix Suns: 45-37 Record; (2^nd Pacific Division; No. 4 West); 28-13 at home, 17-24 on the road; Defeated 4-1 the No. 5 Seeded Los Angeles Clippers in West Quarterfinals; Lost 4-2 the No. 1 Seeded Denver Nuggets in West Semifinals.

-113.6 ppg-17^th; opp. ppg: 111.6-6^th; 44.2 rpg-11^th   

Back in 2018-19, the Phoenix Suns were cellar dwellers in “The Association.” Two seasons later they remade themselves into a championship level squad where they fell two wins short of winning their first title in franchise history. Two seasons prior they set a franchise record for regular season victories but had their season conclude in embarrassing fashion in Game 7 of the West Semis to the eventual runner-up in the West in the boys from “Big D.” The same thing happened last season where they got smashed in Game 6 of the 2023 West Semis to the eventual NBA champions from the “Colorado Rockies.” Under new ownership for a full season. A full season with their prized acquisition last February, along with the acquisition of another perennial All-Star from said star’s hometown of D.C.; along with a deep but unproven supporting cast, the plan for the Suns is simply. Win the franchise’s first Larry O’Brien Trophy.

The Suns entered 2022-23 with a major cloud over their skies when then Suns’ Governor Robert Sarver since 2004 was suspended by the NBA in the middle of September for the entire 2022-23 season and fined $10 million by the NBA as a result of an investigation that found over his nearly two decades as the front office leader of Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury two pro basketball squads where he used the N-word at least on five occasions as well as allegations of racism and misogyny.

The investigation by the NBA was commissioned after ESPN’s Baxter Holmes back on Nov. 4, 2021 published a very detailed story on those allegations of racism and misogyny during Sarver’s tenor.

Suns named Sam Garvin, who has been with the Suns since Sarver led an ownership group that purchased the Suns back in 2004 interim Governor for the next year while Sarver serves his suspension.

The decision to suspend Sarver instead of ousting him from his position with the Suns and the entire NBA permanently triggered outrage amongst the Phoenix faithful and the entire NBA.

Suns perennial All-Star lead guard Chris Paul, who served two terms as the President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) me Kia MVP and four-time NBA champion LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers also tweeted their harsh feelings towards Sarver’s punishment.

“Like many others, I reviewed the report. I was and am horrified and disappointed by what I read,” Paul tweeted @CP3 on evening of Sept. 14. “This conduct especially towards women is unacceptable and must never be repeated.”

“I am of the view that the sanctions fell short in truly addressing what we can all agree was atrocious behavior. My heart goes out to all of the people that were affected.”

James in his tweet about Sarver’s suspension after reading through the report “a few times” that the NBA “definitely got this wrong.”

He also said in his tweet @KingJames, “I don’t need to explain why. Y’all read the stories and decide for yourself. I said it before and I’m gonna say it again, there is no place in this league for that kind of behavior.”  

One of the Suns’ sponsors, their jersey patch partner PayPal said on Friday that it would not renew its sponsorship with the team if Mr. Sarver does get reinstated as the team’s Governor following his one-year suspension.

The Suns jersey patch sponsor PayPal since 2018, who partnership was set to expire after this upcoming NBA season was one of the Suns first business partners to threatened to conclude their partnership if Mr. Sarver remained a part of the organization. That would have meant $3 million that was made by the Suns in 2021-22 would have gone out the door.

In a statement regarding Mr. Sarver, PayPal CEO and President Dan Schulman said, “PayPal’s sponsorship with the Suns is set to expire at the end of the current season. In light of the findings of the NBA’s investigation, we will not renew our sponsorship should Robert Sarver remain involved with the Suns organization, after serving his suspension.”

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and some of the city’ councilmembers also released a statement  how they are “appalled” by the actions detailed in the released report on Mr. Sarver. They called it in the letter “unacceptable” for the Suns leadership to have any association in any matter with a person that would display the “despicable actions” that were detailed in the report.

“We have asked the city staff to investigate any actions we, as leaders of the City of Phoenix, can take in the light of the details substantiated in the report,” Gallego added in the statement.

She and the city councilmembers added, “We are equally concerned about a culture that would enable these actions to occur time and again, with—at most—ineffective disciplinary actions.

With the public pressure mounting and major sponsors threatening to pull out Sarver on in late Sept. announced his plans to sell his stake in the Suns as well as the Mercury.

“As a man of faith, I believe in atonement and the path to forgiveness,” Mr. Sarver said in a statement Wednesday. “I expected that the Commissioner’s [Adam Silver’s] one-year suspension would provide the time for me to focus, make amends and remove my personal controversy from the teams that I and so many fans love.”

“But in our current unforgiving climate, it has become painfully clear that that is no longer possible—that whatever good I have done, or could still do, is outweighed by things I have said in the past. For those reasons, I am beginning the process of seeking buyers for the Suns and Mercury.”

Commissioner Silver said he “fully supports” Mr. Sarver’s decision to sell the Suns and Mercury adding that, “This is the right next step for the organization and community.”

Robert Sarver Timeline of Events
Nov. 4, 2021: ESPN’s Baxter Holmes publishes story of an investigation into Sarver and Suns’ workplace culture.
Sept. 13, 2021: NBA releases report of an independent investigation on Sarver, suspends Sarver for 2022-23 season and fines him $10 million.
Sept. 15, 2021: Suns minority owner Jahm Najafi calls for Sarver’s resignation.
Sept. 16, 2021: Suns’ Jersey sponsor PayPal says it will not renew after 2022-23 season if Sarver remains involved with team.  

The Suns after all that to start last year’s Media Day began 2022-23 6-1 anchored by a five-game winning streak (Oct. 23-Nov. 1, 2022). They went 7-1 over an eight-game period that included a six-game winning streak (Nov. 20-Dec. 4, 2022) to be the top seed in the rugged Western Conference at 16-7 capped by a dominant 133-95 victory versus the Spurs.

Injuries coupled with their cohesiveness on both ends of the hardwood contributed to the Suns’ 4-10 mark to close out 2022 and a 5-14 mark (Dec. 5, 2022-Jan. 10, 2023) that consisted of a five-game losing streak (Dec. 5-13, 2022); a three-game skid (Dec. 20-25, 2022); and a season-worst six-game losing streak (Dec. 28, 2022-Jan. 8, 2023) to fall to the .500 mark with a 21-21 record. During their six-game slide, the boys from the “Valley of the Sun” lost by an average of 12.8 points per contest.

The Suns, who were 19-12 following a three-game winning streak (Dec. 15-19, 2022), the Suns went 2-12 their next 14 games (Dec. 20, 2022-Jan. 16, 2023) to be three games under .500 at 21-24 to be No. 12 in the West standings. Only the Rockets’ 1-13 mark during this stress had a worse mark during this stretch by the Suns.

                                                              NBA Ranks                                                     NBA Ranks 
Suns Offense                2-12 Record         29^th               Suns Defense    115.6 PPG         16^th
From Dec. 20, 2022-   105.4 PPG            30^th               From Dec. 20,    48.5 FG%        19^th
Jan. 17, 2023                44.7 FG%            28^th               2022-Jan. 17      35.8 3-PT.%    15^th   
                                      39.8 3-PT.%          3^rd               2023                     5.9 SPG          27^th
                                      20.3 FT Att.         29^th
                                      25.9 APG             11^th
                                      42.0 Paint Pts      29^th
                                      13.6 2^nd Chance   13^th
                                      Pts

The Suns got themselves back on track closing 2022-23 going 24-13 from Jan. 19 to Apr. 9 that was ignited by a 6-1 mark the first seven games, starting with a four-game winning streak (Jan. 19-24, 2023) and another four-game winning streak (Mar. 1-8, 2023). That closing stretch included a two-game winning streak; and a three-game winning streak (Feb. 3-7, 2023).

Following a 1-6 mark (Mar. 11-24, 2023), that consisted of two three-game losing streaks (Mar. 11-14, 2023 & Mar. 19-24, 2023), the Suns responded with a season-best seven-game winning streak (Mar. 25-Apr. 6, 2023) to be a season-best 10 games above .500 at 45-35.

The went from being on the outside the West Play-In portion of the standings to finishing as the No. 4 Seed and earn homecourt advantage in the West.

                                                             NBA Rank                                                        NBA Rank      
Suns Offense          24-13 Record    T-3^rd W/BOS       Suns Defense    110.9 PPG        5^th
Jan. 19-Apr. 9        114.9 PPG             16^th                   Jan. 19-Apr. 9   45.6 FG%       2^nd
2023                         47.2 FG%             20^th                   2023                   25.0 3-PT.%    8^th
                                 36.2 3-PT.%         15^th                                              45.7 RPG         6^th
                                 23.1 FT Att.          19^th                                             47.7 Paint Pts   6^th
                                 78.4 FT%             14^th                                             
                                 12.7 Turnovers      6^th
                                 27.9 APG                3^rd
                                 14.7 2^nd Chance     7^th
                                         Pts

The Suns finished with the eighth-best recording in “The Association” in 2022-23 at home, going 13-6 their final 19 games, including a six-game winning streak to close out 2022-23 at Footprint center.

After going a franchise-best 32-9 on the road in 2021-22, the Suns were seven games under .500 on the road (17-24). However, following a 136-106 blowout loss Jan. 22 at the Grizzlies Martin Luther King (TNT) to fall to 7-17 away from Footprint Center, they went 10-7 their final 17 games on the road. That included a 4-1 mark during a five-game East Coast road trip (Feb. 3-10, 2023), which included a 106-94 win to start the road trip at the East runner-up Celtics Feb. 3 (NBATV).

Leading the Suns offensive attack in 2022-23 was All-Star Devin Booker (27.8 ppg, 5.5 apg, 4.5 rpg, 49.4 FG%, 35.1 3-Pt.%, 85.5 FT%), who averaged 20-plus points for the seventh consecutive season, including averaging 25-plus points for the fifth consecutive season.

Booker set career-highs in scoring average and field goal percentage. He made over 110 total threes (111/316 3-Pt.) for the seven straight season, including making 135-plus threes in five out of the last seven season. The 2022 All-NBA First Team selection also averaged five-plus free throw attempts (6.8 FT Attempts 2022-23) for the seventh straight season.

In the Suns’ win (124-115) versus Thunder (ESPN), Booker made his 1,052 career three-pointer, passing Hall of Famer and two-time league MVP Steve Nash for the most in franchise history.

                             Most Career Total Made Threes In Suns History (500-Plus)                         
Devin Booker      1,084          Raja Bell              622
Steve Nash           1,051         Channing Frye    594
Dan Majerle           800         Jared Dudley       543
Leandro Barbosa   751         Mikal Bridges      525
Shawn Marion       652

Booker registered 41 20-plus point games, including 20 30-plus point games and seven 40-plus point games. He also registered two of his five career 50-point games.

He rose his totals to 161 career 30-plus point games, most in Suns history; 25 career 40-plus point games, most in Suns history; and five career 50-plus point games, most in Suns history.

In the Suns 132-123 victory Nov. 30, 2022 versus the Bulls, Booker had 51 points with six assists on 20/25 shooting and 6/7 from three. He scored those 51 points in just three quarters, where after scoring 25 points in the opening half with five assists on 10/14 FGs, he scored 26 points in the third quarter on an astonishing 10/11 from the floor and 5/5 from three.

Booker, according to ESPN Stats & Info, joined 76ers’ James Harden (2017 w/Rockets) as the just the second player in the last 25 seasons to score 50 points on 80 percent from the floor through three quarters.

In the Suns’ win (118-114) Dec. 17, 2022 versus the Pelicans (NBATV), Booker scored 58 points with five assists, and six boards on 21/35 from the field, 6/12 from three, and 10/15 from the foul line. He registered his third career 55-point game, tied for No. 7 with Mavericks perennial All-Star guard Kyrie Irving. This was also the first Suns win of Booker’s career when he scored 55-plus points.

The Suns on this night overcame a 24-point deficit (83-59) midway through the third quarter using a 25-6 run to lead 89-84 after three quarters. The 24-point comeback was the largest deficit overcome in a win by the Suns since a 26-point comeback victory in 2012 against the Cavaliers.

Devin Booker Versus            1^st  Quarter  22 Points, 8/13 FGs, 3/5 3-PT.
Pelicans Dec. 17, 2022           3^rd  Quarter 20 Points, 8/12 FGs, 2/3 3-PT.
                                                4^th  Quarter 16 Points, 5/10 FGs, 5/8 FTs

Three Highest Scoring          70 Points March 2017 At Celtics
Games of Devin Booker’s     59 Points March 2019 At Jazz
Career                                    58 Points December 2022 Versus Pelicans

At age 26 years and 48 days old, Booker became the youngest player in NBA history with five career 50-point games since the late Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant reached that mark in 2003.  

He also on this night became the sixth youngest player in NBA history to reach 12,000 career points, trailing only Lakers’ LeBron James; Nets’ Kevin Durant; late Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant; Carmelo Anthony; and Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady.

Booker is tied with Mavericks’ Luka Doncic; Celtics’ Jayson Tatum; 76ers’ Joel Embiid; Wizards’ Bradley Beal; and Lakers Anthony Davis for the eighth most 50-point games amongst active players with five. That only trails the 23 most such games by 76ers James Harden (23); Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard (15); Lakers’ LeBron James (14); Warriors Stephen Curry (12); Nets Kevin Durant (9); Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo (6) and Nets’ Kyrie Irving (6).

Booker registered the second highest scoring output by a Suns player at home in their history. That trails on the 60-point game on 22/32 from the field and 16/18 at the foul line by pregame and postgame studio analyst for Bally Sports Arizona Tom Chambers in the Suns’ 121-95 triumph Mar. 24, 1990 versus Seattle Supersonics.

                     Most Career 55-Point Games (3-Plus Games) In NBA History                             
*Wilt Chamberlin      72       *Elgin Baylor             6
James Harden (PHI)  11       LeBron James            5
*Kobe Bryant               9       *Rick Barry                5
*Michael Jordan          9       Devin Booker (PHX)  3
Damian Lillard (MIL) 6       Kyrie Irving   (DAL)  3

                    Most Points In  20-Plus Point Comeback Win Last 25 Years                                 
                                                      Year        Team        Points       Opponent
Jayson Tatum                              2021         BOS            60                 SA
Devin Booker                              2022         PHX            58               NOP
James Harden                             2019         HOU           58               MIA
Russell Westbrook  (LAC)         2017         OKC           57               ORL

What held Booker back from having an even better season in 2022-23 was he missed a career-high 29 games, which included missing 21 consecutive games (Dec. 27, 2022-Feb, 7, 2023) with a left groin strain. Suns went 10-11 without Booker in that stretch and were 11-18 overall in 2022-23 without Booker (34-19 w/Booker).

Missed Games By      2015-16:   6    2018-19: 18    2021-22: 14
Season By Devin        2016-17:   4    2019-20:   3    2022-23: 29
Booker                        2017-18: 28    2020-21:   5

The Suns were also without perennial All-Star lead guard Chris Paul for 23 games due to injury and illness, and the Suns went 12-11 without him. His understudy Cameron Payne missed 34 games, while starting center Deandre Ayton missed 15 games.

Just two days before the NBA trade deadline, the Suns completed the acquisition of governorship control of the franchise as well as the Mercury, and operating entity of Footprint Center and its affiliated entities to Matt Ishbia, while his brother Justin Ishbia, CEO and Founder of Shore Capital Partners, becoming the second largest shareholder and Alternate Governor in the NBA.

“This is the culmination of a lifelong dream. I love the game of basketball deeply but it’s so much more than that for me,” Matt Ishbia, the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), the nation’s No. 1 overall mortgage lender said in early February.

“Throughout my life, basketball has given me a second family, an education, and so much joy. I am honored to the net steward of this community’s franchises in the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury and am totally committed to building an incredible organization on and off the floor.”

Matt Ishbia also pledged that he will do whatever he can to keep the Suns in championship contention.

Two days after becoming the Suns’ leader in the front office, Ishbia true to his word made a blockbuster three-team deal with the Bucks and Nets acquiring 13-time All-Star and 2014 Kia MVP in forward Kevin Durant (29.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 5.0 apg, 56.0 FG%, 40.4 3-Pt.% w/Nets & Suns) from Brooklyn. Dealing Jae Crowder, who missed the entire season to that point because of a contract dispute to the Bucks. They sent talented and young forwards Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson to the Nets along with First-Round pick sin 2023, 2025, 2027, and 2029 along with First-Round pick swap in 2028.  

Durant made his debut in the Suns’ 105-91 victory Mar. 1 at the Hornets as he returned dating back with the Nets a 19-game absence, including missing his first 14 games with the Suns because of a sprained right knee sustained at the Heat Jan. 8.

The Suns and Durant mixed well the first three games he played winning all three contest at the Hornets. At the Bulls (125-104) Mar. 3, and at the Mavericks (130-126) Mar. 5 (ABC).

In those first three games with Durant, the Suns averaged 120 points (11^th NBA). Shot 50.8 percent from the floor (11^th NBA), 38.7 percent from three-point range (12^th NBA), 81.5 percent from the free throw line (10^th NBA), averaged 28.7 assists (6^th NBA) and just 11 turnovers (T-6^th NBA w/Bucks).

The Suns was just as outstanding at the defensive end with Durant on board allowing in those first three contest 107 points (3^rd NBA), 44.0 percent from the field (4^th NBA), 33.0 three-point percentage (T-2^nd w/Hornets & Grizzlies), and 34.7 paint points (1^st NBA).

Devin Booker             Mar. 1, 2023 At Hornets (105-91 Win): 37 Points, 7 Assists,
First Three Games    6 Rebounds, 15/26 FGs, 3/7 3-Pt.
With Kevin Durant   Mar. 3, 2023 At Bulls (125-104 Win): 35 Points, 6 Assists, 5 Rebounds
In The Lineup           12/24 FGs, 6/10 3-Pt.
                                    Mar. 5, 2023 At Mavericks (130-126 Win; ABC) 36 Points, 10 Assists,
                                    5 Rebounds, 15/25 FGs

The good times though with Durant in the lineup came to a halt three days after the win at the Mavericks to start that week as the two-time Finals MVP (2017 & 2018) injured his left ankle in pregame warmups Mar. 8 versus his former team in the Thunder that sidelined him for 10 straight games (Mar. 8-27, 2023). The Suns went 4-6 without Durant.

                                                  NBA Rank                                                         NBA Rank
Suns Offense        118.3 PPG         8^th              Suns Defense       117.0 PPG      20^th
Mar. 8-27, 2023    48.2 FG%       17^th             Mar. 8-27, 2023    48.2 FG%      17^th         
W/O Kevin            36.4 FG%       15^th             W/O Kevin           36.7 3-Pt.%   16^th
Durant                  28.8 APG           6^th             Durant                50.2 Paint Pts  11^th
                              12.6 TOs             7^th                                               7 SPG       T-19^th

In the Suns’ win (132-107) versus the Thunder Mar. 8 without Durant, Booker scored 44 points on 17/23 shooting, and 6/10 from three. He became the first player in Suns history with four straight games with 35-plus points.

Durant returned from his 10-game absence where he struggled with just 16 points and eight rebounds in 29 minutes in the Suns 107-100 victory versus the Thunder (ESPN) on just 5/18 shooting.

Kevin Durant Final           Mar. 31, 2023 (100-93) Win Versus Nuggets (NBATV): 30 Points,
Four Games Played          2 Blocks, 11/15 FGs, 6/7 FTs
To Close 2023 W/Suns      Apr. 2, 2023 (128-118) Win At Thunder: 35 Points, 5 Rebounds,
                                            5 Assists, 2 Blocks, 13/21 FGs, 3/7 3-PT., 6/6 FTs
                                            Apr. 4, 2023 (115-94) Win Versus Spurs: 18 Points,
                                            5 Rebounds, 6/14 FGs
                                            Apr. 6, 2023 (119-115) Win Versus Nuggets (TNT): 29 Points,
                                            7 Rebounds, 91/8 FGs, 6/10 3-Pt.

Suns 2023 With                 W/Durant                       W/O Durant
& Without Kevin                   8-0            Record            7-10
Durant                                   116.1            PPG             116.1
                                                27.4             APG              27.8
                                               48.9%          FG%            47.2%
                                               37.9%         3-Pt.%           35.0%
                                               24.0              FTA               20.8

Kevin Durant            W/Nets (39 Games Played): 29.7 Points, 6.7 Rebounds, 5.3 Assists 
2022-23                       55.9 FG%, 37.6 3-Pt.% (71/189 3-Pt.).
                                    W/Suns (8 Games Played): 26 Points, 6.4 Rebounds, 3.5 Assists,
                                     57 FG%, 53.7 3-Pt.% (22/41 3-Pt.).

The Suns got off on the wrong foot to start the 2023 Playoffs dropping Game 1 of the First-Round 115-110 Apr. 16 (TNT) versus the Clippers, to have their six-game winning streak in Game 1s snapped. It was also their first loss since acquiring Durant.

After they trailed the first two-plus quarters down by as many as 16 in the second quarter but used a 15-0 run to lead 77-68 but were outscored by 13-4 at the close of the third quarter to be tied 81-81 after three quarters. Down 109-103 late in the fourth quarter, a three-pointer by Durant and a pair of free throws cut the deficit to 109-108 with 1:08 left. Booker had his layup attempt with the Suns down 111-108 with 17.7 seconds left, was blocked by Clippers’ Russell Westbrook and then he swatted the ball of Booker to get the possession back for the Clippers, who closed the game out of the foul line.

Durant had a near triple-double of 27 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds with two blocks on 7/15 shooting, including 3/7 from three, and 10/10 at the foul line. Booker had 26 points, four steals, and three blocks on 10/19 shooting and 6/8 from the foul line.

Suns In 2^nd Quarter             Kevin Durant 17 Points, 4/6 FGs, 8/8 FTs
Game 1 Versus Clippers      Devin Booker 10 Points, 3/4 FGs, 4/4 FTs

Suns were down 30-18 after the opening period going 7/21 from the floor and 2/6 from three, getting outrebounded 13-10.

They shot 47.6 percent from the floor (39/82 FGs) and 26/33 at the foul line, registering 27 assists and just 10 turnovers but just 6/19 from three. While they outscored the Clippers 25-12 in fastbreak points and 50-48 in the paint, the Suns were outrebounded by the visiting Clippers  49-42 (15-6 off. rebs)

The Suns after another slow start in the first quarter of Game 2 were dominant the final three quarters to win 123-109 two nights later (TNT) to tie the series 1-1.

They outscored the Clippers 99-80 the final three quarters after trailing 29-24 after the opening period and overcame a 13-point deficit closing the second quarter on a 13-4 run to tie it 59-59 at the half and outscored 64-50 in the second half.

Booker led the way with 38 points and nine assists on 14/21 from the floor and 4/7 from three-point range and 6/6 at the foul line. Durant had 25 points, six boards, five assists and two blocks on 10/19 shooting.

Devin Booker Game 2    1^st Half:   13 Points, 3 Assists, 4/8 FGs, 4/4 FTs
Versus Clippers               3^rd QTR: 18 Points, 4 Assists, 7/8 FGs, 2/2 3-PT.

Booker scored or assisted on 28 of the Suns 33 Points in the third quarter on 7/8 from the floor. The rest of the Suns combined to score 15 points on 6/11 from the floor in the third quarter.

Booker had his 14^th career 30-plus point game in the postseason.

The Suns starting five totaled 110 of their 123 points in Game 2, their most in a Playoff game since 2006 West Finals.

They shot 58.8 percent from the field (50/85 FGs) in Game 2, including 10/24 from three with 30 assists and just 11 turnovers. They held the Clippers to 43.8 percent from the floor (35/80 FGs) and outrebounded the Clippers 35-32 (LAC: 12-7 off. rebs). After getting outscored 12-7 in Second Chance points in Game 1, the Suns outscored the Clippers 15-7 in Second Chance points in Game 2.

The Suns reclaimed homecourt advantage winning Game 3 129-124 at the Clippers Apr. 20 (NBATV) to take a 2-1 series lead.

Overcoming a six-point deficit in the opening quarter, the Suns led for majority of the game after that outscoring the Clippers 27-24 in the second quarter to lead 54-51 at intermission and outscored the Clippers 40-34 in the third quarter, using a 17-8 start to the period and never trailed in the second half, holding off a Clippers rally closing the game by going 7/7at the foul line after the Clippers pulled to within 119-116 with 1:44 left.

Booker led the way with 45 points with six rebounds, three steals , and two blocks on 18/24 from the floor, including 3/7 from three and 6/7 at the foul line. Durant who made four of the Suns final seven free throws in clutch time had 28 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals on 8/15 from the floor and 11/11 at the foul line.

Devin Booker Game 3          45 Points: Second Highest Scoring Performance Of His
At Clippers                            Postseason Career: 47 Points-Playoff Career-High Game 6
                                                First-Round Clincher At Lakers
                                                1^st Half:  21 Points, 2 Steals, 9/15 FGs, 2/3 3-PT.
                                                2^nd Half: 24 Points, 2 Blocks 9/14 FGs, 5/6 FTs

Booker 2^nd Half                     3^rd QTR: 13 Points, 4/5 FGs, 4/5 FTs
Game 3 At Clippers              4^th QTR: 11 Points, 5/9 FGs

Suns shot 47.7 percent overall from the floor (42/88 FGs) and 10/27 from three-point range and were 35/46 at the charity stripe. They outrebounded the Clippers 45-40, including 15-6 on the offensive glass. Scored 54 paint points and 15 fastbreak points. They scored 25 points off 18 Clippers turnovers, with 12 of those 18 turnovers via steals and outscored the Clippers 14-5 in Second Chance points.

The Suns took command of the series overcoming a deficit after the opening period to earn a 112-100 triumph in Game 4 at the Clippers two days later (TNT) to take a 3-1 series lead.

Overcoming an 11-point deficit (34-23) in the second quarter after trailing 30-23 after the first quarter, the Suns outscored the Clippers 89-70 the final three quarters.

They outscored the Clippers 25-17 in the second quarter to lead 48-47 at the half. Suns were outscored 9-0 to start the third period to trail 56-48 but then trailed 66-65 with 5:52 left in the period. A three-pointer by Durant began a 28-12 spurt by the Suns to close the third to lead 83-78 after three quarters and led the entire fourth period up by as many as 13 outscoring the Clippers 64-53 in the second half.

Durant had his 24^th career 30/10 (point/rebound) double-double in the postseason with 31 points and 11 rebounds with six assists on 9/17 shooting, including 3/4 from three, and 10/11 at the charity stripe. Booker scored 30 points with seven assists, and nine rebounds with three steals on 10/21 shooting and 3/6 from three and 7/8 at the charity stripe.

The Suns stayed close in the opening period behind Booker’s 11 points 4/9 shooting as the rest of the Suns combined 12 points on 3/16 from the floor.

Suns 1^st Half         Kevin Durant 14 Points, 6 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 3/9 FGs, 7/8 FTs
Game 4 At             Devin Booker 13 Points, 3 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 4/12 FGs, 4/5 FTs
Clippers

Suns In                 Kevin Durant 12 Points, 4/5 FGs, 2/2 3-PT.    
3^rd Quarter          Devin Booker 11 Points, 4 Rebounds, 4/6 FGs
Game 4

Suns 1^st Half     17/45 FGs (37.8 FG%); 2/9 3-PT.; 12/15 FTs; 12 Assists; 8 Turnovers That
Game 4              Led To 11 Clippers Points; Outrebounded Clippers 27-22 (9-6 Off. Rebs).

Suns 3^rd QTR  Outscored Clippers 35-31 In Period; 12/18 FGs (66.7 FG%); 4/7 3-PT.
Game 4             7/10 FTs; Outrebounded Clippers 9-7.

Booker and Durant scored and assisted on 58 of the Suns 83 points the first three quarters of Game 3.

Suns shot 48.8 percent from the field (41/84 FGs) and 21/27 at the foul line with 25 assists on those 41 made field goals.

The Suns overcame being outscored 50-46 in the paint and 18 turnovers that led to 21 Clippers points by scoring 15 points off 13 Clippers turnovers, 10 of which were the result of steals. They outrebounded the Clippers 49-33 (14-9 off. rebs).

The Suns after a sluggish first half had a dominant third quarter and held on to win the Game 5 First-Round clincher 136-130 Apr. 25 (TNT) to win the series 4-1.

After a close opening period where the Suns led 32-30 after the first period, they were outscored by the Clippers 40-29 in the second quarter, including 12-4 to close the period to trail 70-61 at intermission. The Suns trailed 71-61 early in the third quarter but outscored the Clippers 50-23 to close the period to lead 111-94 after three quarters and were up 114-94 just seconds into the fourth quarter before a Clippers rally that cut the deficit down to 130-128 with 2:19 left. A Booker layup put the Suns up 132-128 and a pair of free throws by Durant put the cap on the bottle of the series clincher.

Booker had his second 40-plus point game in the last three games of the series with a double-double with a Playoff Career-High tying 47 points and 10 assists with eight boards and two steals on 19/27 shooting, including 4/7 from three and 5/6 at the foul line in 42 minutes. Durant has his second straight 30-plus point game with 31 points and six boards on 10/19 from the field, including 4/6 from three and 7/7 at the foul line in 44 minutes. Okogie had 11 points and two steals. 

First Half       LAC                 PHX           3^rd QTR             LAC               PHX
Game 5             70    Points       61             Game 5                24     Points     50
                        26/52   FGs      25/45                                      5/21     FGs     17/27
                         50%  FG%     55.6%                                     1/5       3-Pt.     8/11
                         6/18   3-Pt.        3/7                                       13/17     FTs       8/9
                          10  Off. Rebs    2                                          10       Rebs       16
                         21  2^nd Chance  5                                            5    Off. Rebs    4
                                    Pts                                                         4   Turnovers    0
                         27  Bench Pts   11                                           0  Pts Off TOs  10
                                                                                                  0    Fastbreak   13
                                                                                                             Pts
                                                                                                  10  2^nd Chance   8
                                                                                                              Pts

Suns became the fourth team in NBA Playoff history to score 50 Points in a quarter.

Booker became the first player in NBA Playoff history to register a 45-point double-double in a postseason series clincher.

Teammates To Each Score 25 Points In Every Game Of A Best-Of-Seven Series NBA Playoff History: Elias Sports Bureau *Hall of Famers
2023: Devin Booker and Kevin Durant With Suns In First-Round Against Clippers
*1968: Jerry West and Elgin Baylor With Lakers In West Divisional Finals Against San Francisco (now Golden State) Warriors

Booker scored 25 of his 47 points in the third quarter on 10/11 shooting and 3/4 from three-point range in the period playing all 12 minutes of the quarter.

Players To Score At      Devin Booker (PHX)     25 Points In 2023
Least 25 Points In A     Damian Lillard (POR)  25 Points In 2019
Quarter In A Playoff    *Allen Iverson                26 Points In 2001 W/76ers
Game Since 2001

The Suns in Game 5 shot 54.3 percent from the field (51/94 FGs) and 13/26 from three-point range, including 10/19 from three in the second half, and 21/24 at the foul line. Had 31 assists on 51 made shots and just nine turnovers.

They outscored the Clippers 22-10 in fastbreak points overcoming being outscored 34-17 in Second Chance points and 50-46 in the paint.

The good vibes from their First-Round clinching win concluded with a 125-107 setback in Game 1 of their West Semis tilt at the Nuggets Apr. 29 (TNT).

The game turned in the second quarter when the Suns were outscored 37-19 in the period to trail 68-51 at intermission and the game was put out of reach when they were outscored 14-3 in the fourth quarter to go from being down 106-92 to 120-95.

While Durant led the way with a double-double of 29 points and 14 rebounds with three block shots on 12/19 shooting, he had seven turnovers. Booker tallied 27 points and eight assists on 10/19 from the field and 7/8 at the foul line.

The Suns in Game 1 shot 51.2 percent from the field (43/84 FGs), while going 14/17 at the foul line and outscored the Nuggets 60-48 in the paint and 23-20 in fastbreak points. But were just 7/23 from three-point range and had 16 turnovers (DEN: 14 steals) that led to 18 Nuggets points.

The Suns got things together defensively in Game 2 two nights later. But they struggled offensively, particularly in the fourth quarter in falling at the Nuggets 97-87 (TNT) to trail the series 2-0. Their first 0-2 deficit in a Playoff series since 2000 West Semis against the eventual NBA champion Lakers.  

After leading 21-18 after the first quarter; 42-40 at the half; and 73-70 after three quarters, the Suns were outscored by the homestanding Nuggets 27-14 in the fourth quarter where they trailed by as many as 12.

The Suns in the fourth quarter of Game 2 were just 7/25 shooting, including 0/9 from three-point range. Were outrebounded 12-6 and had zero free throw attempts.

For the game, the Suns shot just 40 percent (38/95 FGs) and were an abysmal 6/31 on their triple tries and attempted just five free throws (5/5 Fts). They were outrebounded 41-39.

Booker led the way in defeat with 35 points, six assists, and five boards on 14/29 shooting, including 4/8 from three-point range. But only managed just four points on 2/8 shooting in the final period.

Durant scored 24 points with eight rebounds and two blocks but was just 10/27 from the field, including 2/12 from three. He scored eight of those 27 points on just 4/10 from the field in the fourth period, including missing all three of his triple tries.  

This was the first game the Suns failed to score 100 points since acquiring Durant from the Nets at the aforementioned Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline.

Outside of Booker and Durant, the rest of the Suns were 0/11 on their triple tries. Durant’s 2/12 performance from three consisted of the most misfires from three (10) in a game in his postseason career.

Paul left Game 2 in the third quarter with tightness in his left groin and did not return.

Final 6:30 Of                          PHX                 DEN
Game 2 Without                      28     Points      41
Chris Paul With                    12/32    FGs     13/23
Suns Up 59-56                        38%    FG%    57%
                                                 1/12     3-Pt.      4/9
                                                  3/3      FTs      11/12

The Suns back on their home floor four night later took a double-digit lead in the first half and held off the Nuggets for a win (121-114) in Game 3 (ESPN) to cut the series deficit to 2-1.

After trailing 31-29 after the first quarter, where they led by four early and trailed by as many as 5, the Suns outscored the Nuggets 38-21 in the second quarter, where they led by as many as 16 and were 67-52 at the half. They were outscored though 36-23 in the third quarter to only lead 90-88 after three quarters. The Suns opened the fourth period on a 9-0 to lead 99-88 and led the entire period.

Booker was dynamite with 25 of his Playoff career-high tying 47 points in the first half  with nine assists, six rebounds, and three steals on 20/25 from the field and 5/8 from three.

                                     Devin Booker In Game 3 Versus Nuggets                                    
Had His 3^rd 45-Point Game In 2023 Playoffs: The Most In Single Postseason In Suns History.

First Player Since Hall Of Famer Dirk Nowitzki In 2011 To Score 45-Plus Points On 80
Percent Shooting In A Playoff Game And The Fourth Player To Do That In NBA Playoffs All-Time.

First Player With 20 Made Field Goals On 25 Field Goal Attempts Or Fewer In A Playoff Game Since Field Goals Were First Tracked In 1954-55 Season.

First Player Since Hall of Famer Michael Jordan To Average 35-Plus Points Through Their First Eight Playoff Games

Most Total Points In                                                 Postseason Year        Points
First Eight Games In          *Jerry West                           1965                    349
A Post Season In NBA        *Michael Jordan                   1990                    325
History                                 *Michael Jordan                   1988                    315
                                              *Elgin Baylor                        1961                    301
                                               Devin Booker (PHX)           2023                    295
                                              *Wilt Chamberlin                1962                    295

Durant recovered from a slow start to register 39 points with nine rebounds, eight assists, and two block shots. He recovered from a three-point beginning on 1/7 shooting in the opening period of Game 3, the second worst field goal percentage (14.3%) on a minimum of five shot attempts in a quarter of his postseason career. After a 1/9 beginning, Durant went 11/22 shooting to finish Game 3.

While Booker and Durant combined to go 17/31 shooting for 48 points of the 67 first half points, the rest of the Suns totaled 19 points on 9/18 shooting. Durant and Booker combined to score or assist on 57 of the Suns 67 first half points. 

The Suns in Game 3 shot 50.5 percent from the floor (48/95 FGs) but struggled again from three at just 9/28. They got to the charity stripe in Game 3 going 16/18, with Durant (14/16) and Booker (2/2) carrying that area. The Suns had 24 assists on their 48 made baskets and just nine turnovers. 

                  Most Combined Points By A Duo In A Playoff Game Since 2000                            
2018  Anthony Davis & Jrue Holiday  88 Points W/Pelicans
2023  Devin Booker & Kevin Durant  86 Points W/Suns
2016  LeBron James & Kyrie Irving   82 Points W/Cavaliers
2021  Kevin Durant & Kyrie Irving    81 Points W/Nets
2021  Kevin Durant & James Harden 80 Poins W/Nets
2000  *Reggie Miller & Jalen Rose      80 Points W/Pacers

The Suns squared the series with another incredible offensive effort led by their dynamic All-Star duo as they won Game 4 129-124 May 7 (TNT) to tie the series 2-2.

The Suns overcame a nine-point deficit in the first quarter outscoring the Nuggets 31-27 in the second quarter to lead 63-61 at the half. They also outscored their visitors from the “Colorado Rockies” 35-31 in the third quarter to lead 98-92 after three quarters. They pushed the lead to 10 in the final period and held off a late rally.

Durant had a double-double with 36 points and 11 rebounds with six assists and two steals on 11/19 from the field and 12/13 at the foul line. It was his 25^th career 20/10 (point/rebound) double-double of his postseason career, the third most amongst active players behind the Bucks’ perennial All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo (27) and Lakers’ four-time Kia MVP LeBron James (60).

Booker also had a double-double with 36 points in the first period with 12 assists with six boards on 14/18 shooting, including making three of his four triple tries and going 5/6 at the foul line.

He had his sixth 35-point game of 2023 Playoffs, a new single-season franchise record and the most since Michael Jordan in 1990. He shot a combined 34/43 from the floor (79 FG%) in Games 3 and 4 averaging 41.5 points.

Durant (11 Points, 3/7 FGs, 4/5 FTs) and Booker (13 Points, 5/6 FGs, 3/3 FTs) in Game 4 combined for 24 of the Suns 32 points in the opening period of Game 4.

Booker and Durant became the first duo in NBA Playoff history to each author 35/5/5 (points/rebounds/assists) in consecutive games.

They combined to score or assist on 49 of the 63 first half points and on 101 of the 129 points they combined to score or assist on in Game 4.

Most Career Multiple Games          Devin Booker      11   Chris Paul, *Steve Nash, 
With 35-Plus Points & 5-Plus         *Charles Barkley  8   *Paul Westphal, Amar’e
Assists In Suns Playoff                     Kevin Johnson      8    Stoudemire 2 Each
History                                               Kevin Durant       3

For the second straight game, the Suns reserves of Landry Shamet, Jock Landale, and Terrence Ross outscored the Nuggets second unit 40-11 in after outscoring them 25-20 in Game 3. Entering action, the Suns’ understudies were outscored by a total of 223-100 the first seven games of 2023 Playoffs.

Most 30-Plus Point        Devin Booker        20       Most 40-Plus Points   Devin Booker      7
Games Suns Playoff    *Charles Barkley    16       Games In Suns          *Charles Barkley 5
History                         Amar’e Stoudemire 15       Playoff History      Amar’e Stoudemire 4
*Hall of Famer            Kevin Johnson           4       *Hall of Famer  

Most 40-Plus Point                Devin Booker 7 *Charles Barkley 5 Amar’e Stoudemire 4
Games In Suns Playoff
History *Hall of Famer

The Suns like the first two games of the series at the Nuggets did not have in the second half as they fell 118-102 May 9 (TNT) to fall behind 3-2 in the series.

Suns trailed for the majority of the game down by as many as 15 in the opening period and trailed 35-24 after the first quarter. They outscored the Nuggets 25-17 in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 52-49 at intermission. The Suns got off to a slow start in the second half getting outscored 39-25 in the period and were down by as many as 24 in the second half.

Booker in the defeat led the Suns with 28 points and six boards on just 8/19 from the floor in 41 minutes. After scoring 19 points on 5/8 from the field and 8/8 at the charity stripe in first half of Game 5, Booker had just nine points on 3/11 from the floor, including 3/5 from three in the second half, which included a three-point effort on 1/8 from the floor in the third quarter.

Durant had his fifth double-double of 2023 Playoffs with 26 points and 11 rebounds with seven assists but had five turnovers on 10/24 shooting and 6/9 at the foul line.  He had 13 points in the opening half but shot just 5/16 from the floor, going 0/3 from three, which included a 10-point effort on 4/11 from the floor in the second quarter.

Devin Booker &            Game 4: 72 Points, 25/37 FGs, 5/8 3-Pt.
Kevin Durant Last       Game 5: 54 Points, 18/43 FGs, 4/10 3-Pt.
Two Games of Series

The Suns shot just 43.2 percent from the floor (38/88 FGs) and were just 9/27 from three, while going 17/24 at the charity stripe including just 5/10 at the foul line in the second half compared to the Nuggets 13/16 effort.

The Suns’ 2022-23 season came to a crashing conclusion for the second straight postseason at home as the Nuggets routed them 125-100 in Game 6 May 11 (ESPN) to lose the series 4-2.

After the score was tied 24-24 with 3:49 left in the opening period were outscored 20-2, including 17-0 to trail 44-26 after the first period and trailed 81-51 at the half and trailed by as many as 32.

Payne paced the Suns in defeat with 31 points and six rebounds on 12/16 shooting, including 7/9 from three. Durant had 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists on just 8/19 shooting and 7/7 at the foul line. Booker had just 12 points with eight boards on just 4/13 from the field.

Durant’s 23 points were his fewest points in a game in 2023 Playoffs. He started Game 6 1/10 from the field, finishing making seven out of his last nine shots.

Booker’s streak of consecutive games scoring at least 25 points in 2023 Playoffs ended at 10. He entered Game 6 totaling 359 points the first 10 games of 2023 Playoffs, the fourth most in any 10-game stretch in last 20 postseasons.

Suns In First              Cameron Payne 19 Points, 7/8 FGs, 5/5 3-Pt.
Half Of Game 6         Devin Booker     11 Points, 4 Assists, 4/12 FGs
                                    Kevin Durant       8 Points, 3 Rebounds, 2/11 FGs

This was the second straight season the Suns were blown out at home facing elimination in the West Semifinals. They lost 123-90 in Game 7 of 2022 West Semis versus the eventual West runner-up in the Dallas Mavericks.

In the 24-Second Shot Clock Era (Since 1954-55 Season), the home team has trailed by 30-plus points in a potential elimination contest just three times in NBA Playoff history. Two of those three such instances have occurred at the Suns. The other was the 2015 Bucks.

                     Largest Halftime Deficit Of A Playoff Game When Facing Elimination              
                             Postseason          Margin At Half        Opponent          Round             
Warriors                 1971                         -34                      Bucks               Semis
Bucks                      2015                          -32                       Bulls              1^st Round       
Suns                        2023                          -30                     Nuggets             Semis
Suns                        2022                          -30                    Mavericks          Semis

The Suns while they shot 48.1 percent from the floor in Game 6 (38/79 FGs) and a decent 11/28 from three. But were just 13/20 from the foul line. Were outrebounded by the Nuggets 41-29. Had just 20 assists and 14 turnovers that led to 21 Nuggets points. Were outscored 19-14 in fastbreak points and 62-46 in the paint.

Paul, who left Game 2 with a left groin tightness missed the final four games of the series. Ayton missed Game 6 with a rib injury.

The Suns as mentioned took care of extending Coach Williams the reign Kia Coach of the Year. A possible Kia MVP candidate in Devin Booker. One of the best centers in the game in Deandre Ayton, who did get paid, maybe one year short on his deal, he got paid. They also have Chris Paul, who got paid last summer on a four-year, $120 million deal.

After two disappointing finishes the past two postseasons, there was no question that there were going to be some major changes to help get the Suns get back to The Finals.

After signing him to a multi-year contract extension last summer, the Suns gave head coach Monty Williams the pink slip two days (May 13) after their Game 6 thumping loss versus the Nuggets after four seasons, where he compiled a 194-115 record (.628) in the regular season and a 27-19 mark over the past three postseasons.

                          Most Wins By A Head Coach In Phoenix Suns History                                     
                                                   Wins           Record
John McLeod                             37               37-44
Monty Williams                         27               27-19
Mike D’Antoni                           26               26-25
Paul Westphal                            25               25-19
Lowell “Cotton” Fitzsimmons  22               22-22
Alvin Gentry                               10               10-6

On June 6, the Suns hired Frank Vogel as the 21^st head coach in franchise history.

Coach Vogel, who last coached in 2021-22 with the Lakers, leading them to their 17^th NBA title in 2019-20, has a 431-389 record (.526 win%) in his 10-plus seasons with the Pacers (2010-16), Magic (2016-18), and Lakers (2019-22).

At the introductory presser introducing Vogel, Suns GM James Jones said that the organization “set out” a few years ago to “build a foundation of excellence.” That they wanted to become a franchise that many would call “elite.” That while they have taken some positive steps towards the goal of winning a championship.

“But as we looked forward, we needed another leader that could elevate us to the next level. And through this process after talking to many great candidates, many amazing coaches, we settled on the guy who we think has all the qualities, leadership, honesty, integrity, championship experience, a love for the game and passion for the community,” Jones added about why the Suns hired Frank Vogel as their new sideline leader.  

Coach Vogel in his time with the Pacers and Lakers specifically he built those teams from the defensive end and an offensive attack that was based on getting things started on the inside and then out.

The other great advantage of Vogel is his ability to connect with star players on the team, which he did with Paul George while with the Pacers along with Lance Stephenson. With the Lakers, he built a great connection with superstars Anthony Davis and LeBron James, which resulted as mentioned in the Lakers taking the championship in the 2020 restart in Orlando, FL during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Coach Vogel’s coaching staff consists of former Heat assistant coach, who won titles in 2012 and 2013 in David Fizdale, who also was the head coach of the Grizzlies (2016-17) and the Knicks (2018-19) and was an assistant with the Lakers (2021-22), Hawks (2004-08), and Warriors (2003-04). They kept Kevin Young from Coach Williams’ staff, who will be the Suns Associate Heat Coach. Dru Anthrop, Quinton Crawford, John Lucas III, Jon Pastorek, Miles Simon, who coached the Lakers G League squad the South Bay Lakers (2021-23) and was a Lakers assistant (2017-21), and Greg St. Jean.

“This is the beginning of a new era in Phoenix Suns basketball and it’s going to be an exciting one. And we are committed to bringing in championship level talent,” Coach Vogel said at his introductory presser.

“I will be committed to bringing a championship level culture both on and off the court. A culture centered around hard work, toughness, intelligence, teamwork, and when we get out there and play, we’re going to be scrapy as hell. Like we’re going to have talent out there but we’re going to be a scrappy team that plays harder than our opponent every night. And we’re going to be a team that makes this community very proud.”

With not much in draft capital as well as any salary cap space, Suns GM James Jones and Governor Ishbia managed to make another blockbuster deal acquiring a third star player to alongside Booker and Durant, while also adding solid rotational players via trades and free agency.

The first move was acquiring that third star in three-time All-Star guard Bradley Beal (23.2 ppg, 5.4 apg, 3.9 rpg, 50.6 FG%, 36.5 3-Pt.% w/Wizards), along with guard Jordan Goodwin and forward Isaiah Todd in exchange for Paul, Shamet, the right to swap First-Round picks (2024, 2026, 2028, & 2030); Second-Round picks (2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 &, 2030, & cash considerations).

The Suns on July 11 dealt Todd and the right to swap First-Round pick in 2024 and 2030 in exchange for the Pelicans’ 2025 Second-Round pick and the Grizzlies’ 2028 and 2029 Second-Round picks.

Beal, 30, who spent his first 11 NBA seasons with the Wizards who averaged 22-plus points for the seventh consecutive season, including at least 23 points for the fifth consecutive season and for the sixth time in the last seven seasons.

“It’s surreal. Bittersweet being somewhere for so long. Now you transition,” Beal said on Media Day to NBATV’s Steve Smith on being dealt to the Suns. “Now you transition. You’re putting on new threads and you’re in a new environment. Getting acclimated. But I’m excited about it. I would say that.”

Beal, a 2021 All-NBA Third Teamer, showed in recent seasons in D.C. that he can put up big numbers but it did not always lead to wins for the Wizards. But as a legit No. 3 option, Beal gives the Suns a guy who will make you pay if you double Booker or Durant or both. He can score at all three levels: at the hoop off the dribble; from the mid-range or from three-point range, where he has totaled over 105 total made threes for eight straight seasons (2013-21).

For Beal like the other two parts of this trio in Booker and Durant, it is all about staying healthy. In the early part of Beal’s career, he dealt with some injuries that shelved him for part of his first four NBA seasons (2012-16) in D.C. Beal changed that narrative playing 77, 82, and 82 games the next three seasons playing 77, 82, and 82 respectably (2016-19). In the last four seasons though, Beal has had his struggles staying on the hardwood missing 15 (2019-20), 12 (2020-21), 42 (2021-22) and 32 games (2022-23) in each of the past four seasons.

“It’s a new mindset in some ways. It changed my mindset. Propelled me to really be locked in and understand every single day you’re building a culture that’s championship caliber,” Beal said to Smith about what has been like since being acquired by the Suns.

“So, just being around K and Book every single day from Day One, never been a part of anything like it.”

Then there is the matter of how Beal, Booker, and Durant are going to make it work offensively while also making defense a priority in their pursuit to win a championship. 

The Suns were willing to say goodbye to Paul and right now lack a true floor general on the roster.

In a July 17 deal with the Spurs, the Suns dealt Paul’s understudy the previous two seasons in Payne, now with the Bucks along with the Pelicans’ 2025 Second-Round pick and cash considerations in exchange for the Spurs 2024 heavily protected Second-Round pick and the Spurs $6.5 million player trade exception.

The Suns also that day in a deal with the Magic sent the rights to swap 2026 First-Round pick in exchange for the Nuggets’ 2024 Second-Round pick and either the Pistons,’ Bucks,’ or Magic’s 2026 Second-Round pick.

That means Booker and Beal will be the team’s top ball handlers, along with Durant in a pinch when called upon.

That might sound problematic when you first hear it and let it marinate in your mind. However, Booker was the Suns lead guard before the arrival of Paul in 2019. Beal played at the point guard spot at times the last two seasons with Wizards. Also, Durant is a very gifted facilitator and he, Booker and Beal have shown the ability to create their own shot over the years as well.

Coach Vogel said to ESPN host of “NBA Today” Malika Andrews on Media Day that Booker and Beal will be the Suns “primary ball handlers,” this season.

“We’re going to be a multiple ball handling attack where really anybody can bring it [up the floor] and get guys in off ball actions,” Coach Vogel added. “We have an early offense flow to what we’re trying to do that guys will be on an off the ball a ton.”

What it also means of having Booker and Beal as the Suns’ main ball handlers, they will also have to check some of the top floor generals in the league, which neither has done in quite a while.

Beal said to Smith that Coach Vogel is a “defensive minded coach” anyone who does not buy in to that, they will be spending more time in games on the sidelines with the other coaches.

“He’s made that a point of emphasis and I think that’s something we’re also homing in ourselves because we do have to guard. We’ve got to defend,” Beal added.

“As much as we can score this ball, it’s going to be up to me and Dev to setting the tone offensively…Understanding that we’ve got to be two-way guys, you know? We’ve got to contribute on both ends of the floor. But I think we’re both willing and able to do both.”

Among the guys the Suns brought back, they kept guard Damion Lee on a (8.2 ppg, 44.2 FG%, 44.5 3-Pt.%), who made a career-high 110 total threes (110/247 3-Pt.) on a two-year, $5.3 million deal, with the second year of the deal being a player option. Unfortunately, Lee will be out indefinitely after undergoing a procedure on the meniscus in his right knee.

They also brought back forward Josh Okogie (7.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg), who will be counted on to continue being one of the Suns top defensive players on the perimeter while also knocking down open jumpers off the double teams that Booker, Durant, and Beal will create. While his shooting accuracy continues to be up and down like it was last season at 39.1 percent from the floor and 33.5 percent from three, the former No. 20 overall pick by the Timberwolves out of George Tech University hit a career-high 66 total triples (66/197 3-Pt.)  

In terms of who Booker, Durant and Beal will be facilitating for it will be for the likes of center Drew Eubanks (6.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 64.1 FG% w/Trail Blazers), who the Suns signed on a two-year, $5 million on June 30 (officially July 6).

Last season, the undrafted Eubanks had three of his 13 career double-doubles totaling nine of those 13 in his one-plus seasons with the Trail Blazers after spending his three-plus seasons with the Spurs.

In adding more depth to their front court, particularly in the pivot, the Suns agreed on a one-year, $2 million deal with center Bol Bol (9.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 54.6 FG% w/Magic), who after being a benchwarmer his first three seasons with the Nuggets had a breakout season in 2022-23 with the Magic, where he registered all six of his career double-doubles.

Eubanks and Bol Bol were supposed to be the backups to Ayton, who seemed geared for a new beginning with the team that took him No. 1 overall in 2018 out of the University of Arizona.

Over the past couple of seasons specifically, the Suns and Ayton seemed to just want to move on from each other. That writing seemed to be on the wall after the previous summer where they did not want to for some reason want to give him a max extension and he had to get an offer from the Pacers in the summer of 2022 that the Suns matched. 

The Suns felt this was the moment to move on from Ayton and did so in the middle of this month as part of a three-team blockbuster deal with the Bucks and Trail Blazers that sent perennial All-Star Damian Lillard to the Bucks and Ayton along with the draft rights to forward Toumani Camara (No. 52 overall pick) out of Dayton University to the Trail Blazers in exchange for sharp-shooting Grayson Allen (10.4 ppg, 44.0 FG%, 39.9 3-Pt.% w/Bucks) from the Bucks and center Jusuf Nurkic (13.3 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 51.9 FG% 36.1 3-Pt.% w/Trail Blazers), forward Nassir Little (6.6 ppg, 44.2 FG%, 36.7 3-Pt.% w/Trail Blazers), and guard Keon Johnson from the Trail Blazers.

“I was really excited to be a part of this group,” Nurkic said to Suns pregame and postgame commentators Tom Leander and Tom Chambers at Media Day about being dealt to the Suns.

Nurkic added in talking about joining a squad with Booker, Durant, and Beal, “As a big, you can’t get better than that.”

“Having three people that can score 30 a night and to having my role to help them, you know, facilitate, play defense, set screens and just to do those little things that matter and I think it’s really exciting for me.”  

The ownness now on being the Suns’ last line of defense is in the hands of Nurkic, whose nowhere the athlete or possesses the kind of lateral quickness Ayton did to guard in the paint as well as on the perimeter on switches.

At the start of his time with the Trail Blazers, when he was dealt to them from the Nuggets in 2016-17, the “Bosnian Beast” was a remarkable double-double machine who could score and rebound and was a decent rim protect. But the injuries to his lower extremities has made him not as effective, even though in his six-plus seasons in “Rip City,” he has averaged a double-double in four of those seasons and nearly did so a season ago.

Double-Digit Double        2016-17 w/Nuggets & Trail Blazers :13
Doubles By Season By     2017-18: 27   2021-22: 30
Jusuf Nurkic                     2018-19: 36   2022-23: 18
                                           2020-21: 13

20-Plus Point Games       W/Nuggets 2015-16: 1
By Season By Jusuf         W/ Nuggets & Trail Blazers 2016-17: 4
Nurkic                               W/Trail Blazers 2017-18: 16; 2019-20: 3 2020-21: 4; 2018-19: 22
                                           2019-20: 3 2020-21: 4; 2021-22: 12; 2022-23: 13

Nurkic’s effectiveness this season, particularly defensively will depend on how he is deployed by Coach Vogel, who had a player similar to Nurkic with the Pacers in All-Star Roy Hibbert and he was very effective. Vogel will have to employ every tactic he can because if the Suns are going to have a chance against the defending NBA champion Nuggets and slowing down Nikola Jokic, they will need Nurkic, his former teammate to have the confidence and the will to slow down the two-time MVP this season when they match up.

“I’m looking forward to working with Frank Vogel, coach, and his system,” Nurkic said to Leander and Chambers. “In the past when you look at through his bigs and how he accomplished that, I think I really fit that system that he want to do it. And I’m looking forward to work with that.”

The Suns also in late June (officially July 6) added on another two-year, $5 million deal with forward Keita Bates-Diop (9.7 ppg, 50.8 FG%, 39.4 3-Pt.%) w/Spurs), who had a breakout season in his fourth season in the NBA, where he made a career-high 56 total threes (56/142 3-Pt.).

When it came to addressing the lack of snipers on the perimeter, the Suns added Yuta Watanabe (5.6 ppg, 49.1 FG%, 44.4 3-Pt.% w/Nets) on a two-year, $5 million deal.

After cups of coffee with the Grizzlies and Raptors his first four NBA seasons, the undrafted rookie guard out of the University of Washington found minutes with the Nets and proved he can make shots, especially from three, where he made a career-high of 60 total threes (60/135 3-Pt.).

The Suns also added one of the best three-point shooters in the past decade in Eric Gordon (12.4 ppg, 44.6 FG%, 37.1 3-Pt.% w/Rockets & Clippers) on a two-year, $6.5 million deal.

Gordon, 34 entering his 16^th NBA season after a couple of tough losing season in trying to be that staple of maturity for a young Rockets’ squad the past one-plus season after being a part of those James Harden led squads that were competing for titles in the stacked West, Gordon has another crack at winning the long thing missing from his career resume, the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Eric Gordon              W/Rockets (47 Games: All Starts) 13.1 PPG, 43.9 FG%, 34.7 3-PT%
2022-23 W/Rockets   (85/243 3-Pt.)
& Clippers                 W/Clippers (22 Games: 11 Starts) 11.0 PPG, 46.3 FG%, 42.3 3-PT%
                                    (47/111 3-Pt.)

“This could be the best jump shooting team that I’ve been a part of and, you know, it’s going to be exciting as long as we play fast. Have the guys, you know, play downhill, and kick it out to—just find the open man. I mean, it should be smooth sailing throughout the season,” Gordon said to Suns television analyst Tom Leander and former Suns player Tom Chambers.

One person excited to have Gordon join the Suns is Beal, who he called Gordon the Suns’ “darkhorse” because of his ability to shoot and defend.

“I’ve been an EG fan since I was in high school,” Beal said to Smith about Gordon. “Just to see where his career has grown and for him, he chose us. He didn’t have to, you know? He literally sat there and chose us.” 

There are two things you can count on when you have Allen on your time, an accurate shooter, making over 107 total threes the past three seasons with the Grizzlies (107/274 3-Pt. 2020-21) and Bucks, where he made a career-high 159 total threes in 2021-22 (159/389 3-Pt. 2021-22) and followed that up by making 146 total threes a season ago (146/366 3-Pt.).

Grayson Allen          W/Grizzlies 2020-21: 10.6 PPG, 41.8 FG%, 39.1 3-Pt.% (107/274 3-Pt.)
Last Three Seasons  W/Bucks     2021-22: 11.1 PPG, 44.8 FG%, 40.9 3-Pt.% (159/389 3-Pt.)
                                                       2022-23:  10.4 PPG, 44.0 FG%, 39.9 3-Pt.% (146/366 3-Pt.)

Also, a guy that will defend and make you feel his presence, even when he will cross the line a time or two like fouling you hard if you have clear drive to the hole.

On top of that Allen knows how to fit in with star players on the floor playing with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday with the Bucks and now looking to make his mark with Booker, Durant, and Beal.

“I was really excited,” Allen said at Media Day about when he called his agent to find out where he got traded to. “Beautiful city. Contending team with great players. It doesn’t get much better than that. I know getting traded is tough. It doesn't get any easier switching cities up, especially now that I’m married. Makes it tougher. But a lot of worse places to go. I feel very blessed to be here.”

As far having a reputation for being a dirty player, dating back to his college career at Duke, Allen said whenever asked that he did a lot of self-reflection back then and “99 percent” of it was the result of being immature and not ready to handle being an adult in those circumstances.

Allen, No. 21 overall pick out of Duke University in 2018 by the Jazz said that he for the most part in the NBA he has conducted himself well, even though he had a similar incident where he committed a hard foul that he injured the Bulls Alex Caruso on a drive to the hoop.

There are two ways you can describe the early part of the career of Little in “Rip City.” Injuries and inconsistency when he has gotten on the floor.

It seemed like two seasons back Little seemed to figure things out where he averaged 9.8 points and 5.6 rebounds 46 percent from the field and made a then career-best 51 total threes (51/154 3-Pt.). But a labral tear in his left shoulder suffered Jan. 27, 2022, which required season-ending surgery. The No. 25 overall pick out of University of North Carolina also underwent abdominal surgery on his left side in May of that year.

Missed Games By      2019-20: 32    Games Scoring In Double    2019-20:   4
Season By Nassir       2020-21: 24    Figures By Season By           2020-21:   7
Little                           2021-22: 40    Nassir Little                           2021-22: 20
                                    2022-23: 28                                                    2022-23: 14 

Last season though, the Trail Blazers extended Little on a four-year, $28 million deal. While he made a career-high 58 triples a season ago (58/158 3-Pt.), his numbers overall were subpar. However, with the Suns, he will be required to bring a steady presence on both ends of the hardwood off the bench.

As important as each new addition and the couple of players the Suns re-signed, their success this season hinges on the health and productivity of Durant and Booker.

Ever since his final season with the Warriors in 2018-19, Durant has had to battle injuries and as a Nets environment where headlines were made for what has happening off the hardwood than on it.

In 2019-20, Durant missed the entire season recovering from a ruptured Achilles suffered in Game 5 of the 2019 Finals at the Raptors. In 2020-21, there was the shortened season because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. In 2021-22, Durant had the situation with Kyrie Irving not wanting to comply with New York City’s COVID-19 Vaccination rules and that James Harden, who the Nets acquired the previous season wanted out. Then last season as mentioned Durant had to miss time from early January until early March because of a knee injury and then three games into his Suns career, he injures his ankle in pregame warmups.

Missed Games By      2019-20: 72  2020-21: 37     
Kevin Durant Since   2021-22: 27  2022-23: 33
2019-20

“Being around talent is what this game has always been about,” Durant said at Media Day about being on a team with Booker and Beal. “Putting yourself in position to be around the best of the best. Coaches, players. I think that’s important for my development as a player to be around greats. And these guys [Booker & Beal] portrayed that in this league for a long time.”

Booker, who is the lone player left from the Suns squad that reached The Finals in 2021 said at Media Day he is “ready to get to it.” That everyone from the front office, the coaching staff to the roster is “ready to get after it,” this season.

“We know how much talent we have. We know it’s not going to be easy at the same time,” Booker said about the Suns’ goal of winning their first title in franchise history.

“So, you know, just hold each other accountable. Keep competing at a high level, and you know, I think it’s a domino effect from everybody once you see K.D. or Brad getting after it every day in practice, you know, it just, you know, how am I going to be the one not to? I think everybody feels that same way?”

At three points in their history, the Suns were knocking at the door of becoming NBA champions only to have that door slammed in their faces. 

That occurred in 1976 when led by Rookie of the Year Alvan Adams and coached by John MacLeod they lost in six games to the Celtics. It took until 1992-93 when Hall of Famer and Kia MVP that season Charles Barkley along with the late head coach and fellow Hall of Famer Paul Westphal along with Kevin Johnson, Dan Majerle, Chambers, Mark West, now Jazz front office man Danny Ainge, Cedric Ceballos got the Suns back to The Finals, only to be denied by the Bulls fellow Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Head Coach Phil Jackson in six games.

In the early 2000s, the high-scoring seven seven-seconds or less high-volume three-point shooting Suns led by two-time Kia MVP and Hall of Famer Steve Nash with Amar’e Stoudemire and head coach Mike D’Antoni first and then head coach Alvin Gentry reached the Western Conference Finals three times (2005, 2006, & 2010) but lost twice to the eventual NBA champion Spurs and the eventual NBA champion Lakers led by Jackson and the late Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant.

It took them until just two seasons back before they got their third shot at winning it all in 2021 led by Paul, Booker, Ayton, and Coach Williams, now with the Pistons but lost Game 5 at home and then Game 6 at the Bucks who won the title in six games.

The Suns went all in with their two blockbuster trades back in February and late June respectably along with the free agency moves they made with the small salary cap space left in their coffers to have a team that can win a title.

As Ishbia said to host of ESPN’s “NBA Today” Malika Andrews earlier this month that the Suns are “trying to win.”

“We’re trying to win. Everything we do. Whether it’s a game, sponsorship deal. Whether it’s a championship. Like, we’re trying to win,” He added.

“And I think the players love that. I know the coaches love that. And then I think the whole city of Phoenix love that we’re trying to win.”

“I’m not mixing words. Doesn’t mean we’re going to win. But we’re going to try and don’t think for one second that we’re not putting our best foot forward every day.”

Best Case Scenario: The Suns are a Top 3 Seed in the stacked Western Conference. Booker, Durant, and Beal are All-Stars. The Suns new addition fit into their roles well. Coach Vogel is in the running for Coach of the Year. The Suns are a Top 5 offense and a Top 10 defense. They win the Western Conference but lose in The Finals

Worst Case Scenario: The Suns are fighting for homecourt in the First Round. Have injuries to key personnel. They struggle defensively. They have an early playoff exit outside of the Western Conference Finals.  

Grade: A+ 

Portland Trail Blazers: 33-49 Record; 5^th Northwest Division (No. 13 West; Missed Playoffs); 17-24 at home; 16-25 on the road.

-113.4 ppg-19^th; opp. ppg: 117.4-23^rd; 40.5 rpg-28^th  

They had made the playoffs for the eight straight season (2014-21), reached the Western Conference Finals appearance four springs ago. After two First-Round exits following that West Finals appearance, the Portland Trail Blazers have missed out on the postseason the last two springs. Not even having three 20-plus point scorers, which included a career-year by their perennial All-Star floor general could make up for their poor defense. After an offseason where they said goodbye to their long-time starting floor general turning him into a new starter at center, three First-Round picks and two pick swaps, the plan for the Trail Blazers is to turn this new era led by a promising rookie lead guard into one of promise down the road.

The 2022-23 season began promising for head coach Chauncey Billups’ squad with a 10-4 beginning that was powered by their first 4-0 start since the start of this century (1999-2000) and a three-game winning streak (Nov. 7-10, 2022). They were a season best four games over .500 at 17-13 following a 107-95 victory Dec. 17, 2022 at the Rockets.

The boys from “Rip City” went 4-12 their next 16 games, registering two three-game losing streaks (Dec. 19-23, 2022 & Jan. 17-22, 2023) and a five-game losing streak (Jan. 4-12, 2023 to be 21-25 following a 121-112 loss versus the Lakers on Jan. 22.

Going 5-1 over their next six games got the Trail Blazers back to .500 at 26-26 and being No. 8 Seed in West, right in the thick of the West Play-In race.

The Trail Blazers ended the season going 7-23 to close 2022-23, that consisted of a three-game losing streak (Feb. 28-Mar. 3, 2023); a season-worst six-game losing streak (Mar. 8-19, 2023); a five-game losing streak (Mar. 24-31, 2023); and a four-game losing streak (Apr. 4-9, 2023).

They were 3-13 their final 16 home games of 2022-23, including closing 2022-23 with 10 straight defeats at the Moda Center. Their final home victory was a 131-114 triumph Feb. 26 versus the Rockets.

The Trail Blazers dropped their final three road games of 2022-23, going 6-10 their final 16, 7-19 their final 26 road games.

                                                                          Record        Finished 2022-23
Western Conference   7) Timberwolves         28-27                    14-13
Standings (7-12) on     8) Trail Blazers           26-26                     7-23
Feb. 3, 2023                  9) Jazz                         27-27                   10-18
                                     10) Pelicans                  26-27                   16-13
                                     11) Warriors                 25-26                   19-12
                                     12) Lakers                    25-27                   18-12

The slide by the Trail Blazers the final 30 games of 2022-23 was because their offense really took a slide and their defense continued to slide.

                                                                        NBA Rank                                             NBA Rank             
Trail Blazers Offense            114.5 PPG             14^th            Defense   113.8 PPG         16^th     
First 52 Games 2022-23        48.2 FG%               8^th            First 52    47.9 FG%         22^nd
                                                37.8 3-PT.%           6^th            Games      36.3 3-PT.%     20^th  
                                                79.3 FT%               9^th            2022-23    24.2 FT ATT     21^st
                                               25.3 FT ATT           9^th                             13.6 2^nd              16^th
                                               13 3-PT. MADE      8^th                             Chance Pts        19^th
                                               34.3 3-PT. ATT      10^th                            17.5 Pts Of
                                              14.7 Fastbreak Pts  11^th                            TOs
                                              14.8 Turnovers       19^th

                                                                        NBA Rank                                             NBA Rank             
Trail Blazers Offense          111.6 PPG             26^th                Defense    123.8 PPG           28^th  
Final 30 Games                    46.0 FG%             27^th             Final 30     51.1 FG%          30^th
2022-23                                 34.4 3-PT.%         25^th             Games       40.4 3-PT.%       30^th
                                              23.5 FT ATT        14^th             2022-23      24.0 FT ATT      19^th
                                              80.2 FT%               8^th                                13.8 Turnovers   12^th
                                              13.8 TOs               18^th                                  7.4 SPG             14^th
                                                                                                                     5.1 BPG            10^th
                                                                                                                   55.3 Paint Pts     26^th
                                                                                                              16.5 Fastbreak Pts  28^th
                                                                                                              13.8 2^nd Chance Pts 17^th

                                                                                                              17.9 Pts Off TOs      23^rd                                                                        

Last season, the Trail Blazers went 28-23 when they scored 110 points or more, including a 23-7 mark when they scored 115 points or more. They were 18-6 when they scored 120 or more; 9-0 when they scored 130 or more.

In their 140-123 victory Jan. 15 versus the Mavericks, the Trail Blazers blew the game open outscoring the visitors from “Big D” 18-7 to start the fourth quarter, outscoring the Mavericks 47-28 in the period, where they led by as many as 26. Shot 50.6 percent from the field (43/95 FGs). Were 17/44 from three and 37/42 at the foul line, with 28 assists and just eight turnovers. Scored 46 points in the paint.

When the Trail Blazers walked over the Spurs (147-127) Jan. 23, their 147 points were their most in a game decided in regulation since Feb. 2, 1992. They registered 119 points in the first three quarters, a new franchise record.

The Trail Blazers in the win over the Spurs shot 59.8 percent from the floor (55/92 FGs) and 20/33 from three. Had 34 assists on their 55 made field goals. Outscored the Spurs 63-54 in the paint; 24-6 in fastbreak points and scored 24 points off 15 Spurs turnovers (POR: 11 Steals).

When the Trail Blazers won versus the Jazz (134-124) Jan. 25, they went 17/36 from three, including 11/14 from three in the second quarter, their season-best in a quarter.

In their 127-115 victory Feb. 13 versus the Lakers, the Trail Blazers went 23/47 from three, with a 10/14 mark from distance in the opening quarter.

The offensive attack of the Trail Blazers in 2022-23 was anchored by seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard whose 32.2 scoring average was not only third in NBA and set a new single-season franchise record.

The seven-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection became franchise’s all-time leading scorer on Dec. 19, 2022 where his 28-point effort in a 123-121 loss at the Thunder moved him past Hall of Famer Clyde “The Glide” Drexler a top the team’s all-time scoring list.
                                                                            Trail Blazers Ranks
Damian Lillard’s           19,376 Points                       1^st     
Career Ranks With       2,387 3-PT. Made               1^st
Trail Blazers                  4,427 Made FTs                  1^st
                                        5,151 Assists                        2^nd

Only Terry Porter registered more career assists (5,319) than Lillard, a past winner of the J. Walker Kennedy Citizenship Award and the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award. He also won a Gold Medal with the 2021 USA Men’s Olympic Basketball squad.

From the start of 2023 until his last game played on Mar. 28, Lillard, also a member of the NBA’s 75^th Anniversary squad averaged a league-leading 35.1 points and 7.5 assists and 5.3 rebounds on 47.6 percent from the field and 36.9 three-point percentage.

Lillard’s 4.2 made threes in this stretch (on league-leading 11.4 3-Pt. Att.) trailed only the “Splash Brothers” All-Star duo of the Warriors of Stephen Curry (4.7) and Klay Thompson (4.8).

The seven-time All-NBA selection registered 11 double-doubles in this stretch. Registered 33 consecutive 20-plus point games since the start of January, the longest streak of his career.

Lillard’s 11.1 foul shot attempts in this stretch, where he shot 91.8 percent at the charity stripe trailed only All-Stars in Thunder floor general Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (11.6); Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo (11.6) and 76ers’ Joel Embiid (11.7).   

Last season, Lillard authored the second of the 31 highest scoring 13-game stretch in franchise history. From Jan. 15-Feb. 9, 2020, Lillard totaled 508 total points for that 13-games stretch. From Jan. 8-Feb. 1, 2023, he totaled 494 points in that 13-game stretch.                                                                                                        

Anfernee Simons (21.1 ppg, 4.1 apg, 44.7 FG%, 37.7 3-Pt.%), rewarded the Trail Blazers signing him to four-year, $100 million deal in early July by registering his first season averaging 20-plus points with a career-best in assists, and set a career-high in total made threes at 212 (212/562 3-Pt.).

After registering five total 20-plus point games in his first three NBA seasons, the No. 24 overall pick out of IMG Academy in 2018 has had 19 and 35 20-plus point games respectably the last two seasons. After just one 30-plus point game in his first three NBA seasons, Simons had seven and 11 30-plus point games respectably the last two seasons.

Last season, Simons registered two games where he made six triples in a quarter, tying eight players for the most such happenings in the NBA in 2022-23. Simons joined the Nets’ Joe Harris (twice), Grayson Allen (MIL), Derrick White (BOS), D’Angelo Russell (LAL) with Timberwolves, Darius Garland (CLE), Jayson Tatum (BOS), and Damian Lillard (POR).

In the Trail Blazers 135-110 victory Oct. 24, 2022 versus the now defending NBA champion Nuggets, Simons scored 29 points with five assists on 11/17 from the field and 7/12 from three. He scored 22 of those 29 points on 8/9 from the field and 6/7 from three in the third quarter.

Simons in the Trail Blazers 124-116 comeback win at the Wizards, where scored 20 of his 33 points in the third quarter with six assists and five boards on 11/19 shooting and 9/12 from three. He scored those 20 points on 7/8 from the floor, including 6/7 from three in the third.

The Trail Blazers in that win went 17/41 from three, including 9/14 on their triple tries in the third quarter, their third most in a quarter last season.

Simons had his second career 40-plus point performance with a career-high of 45 points on 15/25 shooting, including 7/12 from three and 8/8 at the foul line in the Trail Blazers’ win (116-111).

Jerami Grant (20.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 47.5 FG%, 40.1 3-Pt.%), who averaged 20-plus points for the second time in the last three seasons and averaged double-digit points for the fifth straight season. He accuracy from three and marksmanship from distance at 144 total made threes (144/359 3-Pt.) were career-highs, making 115-plus threes in three out of the last five seasons.

Grant last season authored seven of his 14 career games with five-plus made a season ago.

After totaling 25 20-plus point games to start his in 2014-15 with 76ers, Thunder, and Nuggets, has registered 35 and 25 20-plus point games the prior two seasons with the Pistons and totaling 33 such games last season with the Trail Blazers. 

The son of former Trail Blazers Harvey Grant and uncle of four-time NBA champion in the 1990s and early 2000s with the Bulls and Lakers Horace Grant, who totaled 14 30-plus point games the prior two seasons with the Pistons had seven such games in 2022-23 with the Trail Blazers.

In the Trail Blazers’ win (132-129) in overtime at the Knicks Nov. 25, 2022, Grant had his third career 40-plus point game with a career-high of 44 points on 10/20 from the field, making three triples and going 21/28 at the charity stripe.                                

After a slow start to his rookie season while trying to find his footing in the league, Shaedon Sharpe (9.9 ppg, 47.2 FG%, 36.0 3-Pt.%) found his footing to close 2022-23.

Of the 37 times the No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 draft scored in double-figures last season, 13 of those came in the final 16 games, including in the last 11 games he played. That included 10 games scoring 20 or more, with eight of those 10 such games coming from Mar. 22-Apr. 9.

The 102 total made threes by Sharpe in his first NBA campaign was the third rookie in franchise history with at least 100 total threes made in a single-season behind the 109 by Rudy Fernandez (2008-09) and the 185 by Lillard (2012-13).

                                                                              Made 3-Pt.     3-Pt.%
Rookies That Shot   Keegan Murray (SAC)         206              41.1%
36 3-Pt.% 2022-23   AJ Griffin (ATL)                   101             39.0%
                                  Shaedon Sharpe (POR)         102             36.0%
                                  Ochai Abaji (UTA)                  81             35.5%
                                  Jaden Hardy (DAL)                63             40.4%

In the Trail Blazers 120-80 defeat Mar. 29 versus the Kings, Sharpe scored a season-high 30 points with seven rebounds and seven assists on 10/27 shooting, including 6/13 from three. He joined the Lakers LeBron James; the Suns Kevin Durant; and Mavericks Luka Doncic as the only three teenagers in NBA history to achieve those stats in an NBA game.

What doomed the Trail Blazers a season ago when their offense went south, they got even worse defensively.

While they had 14 double-digit comeback wins in 2022-23, the Trail Blazers had a league-leading 19 losses after leading by 10-plus points, including three defeats after leading by 20-plus points.

When the Trail Blazers scored 114 points or fewer, they were just 10-41, including 1-18 after Feb. 3. They were just 30-44 in 2022-23 when they allowed 100 points or more, including 22-42 when they allowed 110 points or more. They were 6-24 when they allowed 120 or more and 0-4 when they allowed 130 points or more. 

In their 121-112 loss Jan. 22 versus the Lakers, led by as many as 25 in the second quarter, where they outscored their Conference rivals from L.A. 45-13 in the second quarter to lead 71-46 at the half, going 14/23 from the field and 9/12 from three in the period with 12 assists, four steals, three block shots and just two turnovers. The Trail Blazers forced 13 Lakers turnovers in the period that they turned in 19 points in the first half.

In the opening half, the Trail Blazers shot 53.2 percent from the floor (25/47 FGs) ; were 12/24 from three; outscored the Lakers 24-22 in the paint; 19-13 in bench points; and 9-2 in second chance points. They were just minus two (23-21) on the boards (5-4 offensive glass).

The Trail Blazers margin of +32-point differential in the second quarter set a new franchise-record.

In the second half, the Trail Blazers were outscored 75-41 in the second half, including (40-20 3^rd Qtr. & 35-21 4^th Qtr.) on just 12/39 shooting (30.8%), including 5/22 from three with just five assists and eight turnovers that led to 10 Lakers points. The Trail Blazers were outrebounded 28-17 (POR 7-5 offensive glass). Were outscored 40-14 in the paint; 13-7 in second chance points; and 13-2 in fastbreak points.

In the Trail Blazers 123-105 loss Feb. 28 at the Warriors, they were up by 23 in the second quarter, where they led 41-27 after the first period and were up 65-48 at the half but were outscored 75-40 in the second half (39-17 3^rd Qtr. & 36-23 4^th Qtr.) where they went from being up 23 to down by 19 in the fourth quarter.

The Trail Blazers were outrebounded by the Warriors 46-33 (12-9 offensive boards) and were outscored 66-40 in the paint and 17-4 in second chance points.

First Half     POR                   GS                 Second Half     POR                        GS       
Stats             22/44    FGs      18/45               Stats                 15/42     FGs           31/46
                      50%    FG%     40%                                        35.7%   FG%          67.4%
                      8/19     3-Pt.       5/16                                          4/20     3-Pt.            7/14
                    13/15     FTs         7/8                                            6/7       FTs              6/8
                       21      Rebs         20                                             12       Rebs             26
                       16      Asts          11                                             10       Asts               23
                         5      TOs          11                                               8        TOs                7
                       16  Pts Off TOs   5                                               6     Pts Off TOs      7
                       22    Paint Pts     26                                             18    Paint Pts          40

In their Mar. 10 loss (120-119) at the 76ers, the Trail Blazers blew a 21-point first half lead. After they led 71-56 at intermission, the Trail Blazers were outscored 64-48 in the second half, including 35-23 in the fourth period. The visitors from “Rip City” in the final period were shot just 38.9 percent from the floor (7/18 FGs), going 1/6 from three, 8/13 from the foul line with three assists and three turnovers. They were outrebounded 9-6 and were outscored by the Sixers 10-8 in the paint and 10-0 in fastbreak points. 

First Half    POR                 PHI                 Second Half     POR                  PHI    
Stats            26/42    FGs     20/44                Stats                 16/38    FGs     23/39
                    61.9%  FG%   45.5%                                        42.1%  FG%  59.0%
                    11/19    3-Pt.     5/18                                            4/17     3-Pt.     6/12
                     8/11     FTs      11/16                                         12/19    FTs     12/13
                      22      Rebs       20                                               14      Rebs       22   
                      16      Asts        14                                                 8      Asts         11
                      26  Paint Pts    24                                               18   Paint Pts   28
                      12 Fastbreak   10                                                  1 Fastbreak   15
                                 Pts                                                                        Pts

In an effort to spark the Trail Blazers, the Trail Blazers at the Feb. 9 trade deadline in a three-team deal with the Pistons and Warriors acquired from the Pistons Kevin Knox II (6.6 ppg, 45.8 FG%, 34.9 3-Pt.% w/Pistons & Trail Blazers) and five future Second-Round picks.

The other deal the Trail Blazers involved the 76ers, Hornets, and Knicks, acquired forward/guard Cam Reddish from the Knicks; guard Matisse Thybulle from the 76ers; Ryan Arcidiacono from the Knicks and a 2023 First-Round pick that is protected. They sent guard Josh Hart from the Knicks; a 2027 Second-Round pick to the Hornets; and a 2029 Second-Round to 76ers.  

Those deals, which sent a serious signal about the Trail Blazers future that will be touched on shortly gave no real spark to them.

After closing 2021-22 with a dismal 2-21 record post All-Star break, the Trail Blazers were just 5-19 post All-Star break, including just a 2-15 mark their final 17 games of 2022-23, including a 1-9 mark their final 10 games.

That 1-9 record to close 2022-23 followed the Trail Blazers’ victory (127-115) Mar. 22 at the Jazz. Lillard had 30 points, 12 assists and seven boards going 12/14 at the foul line. Sharpe had a then season-high of 24 points with season-highs of nine boards and four steals on 9/19 shooting and 4/9 from three in 40 minutes.  

The Trail Blazers finished with their worst record since registering a 21-61 mark in 2005-06. They concluded 2021-22 with 11 straight defeats from Mar. 23-Apr. 10. Their last win of last season came on Mar. 21 (119-115) at the Pistons as they dropped 15 of their final 16 games of 2021-22, going just 2-21 post All-Star break.

To close 2022-23, Grant missed the final 14 games with a left quad contusion. Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic both missed the final 10 games of 2022-23 with respectably right calf tightness and right knee soreness. Reserve guard Justise Winslow missed the final 50 games due to a serious ankle injury that required surgery.

Entering the offseason, the one big question facing the Trail Blazers was the future of Damian Lillard  in whether he would request a trade out of “Rip City.”

In late June, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on “Get Up” reported that Lillard “absolutely did not” request to be traded in his meeting on June 26 with Gm Joe Cronin.

“There is nothing more than we want than for Damian to return a Trail Blazer and to put a winner around him.”

The direction of where the Trail Blazers wanted to be moving forward though occurred after their aforementioned win in late March at the Jazz and then, where they lost nine of their final 10 games, which improved their odds of having a high pick in the NBA Draft Lottery in May.

On the night of NBA Draft on June 22 when the Trail Blazers with the No. 3 overall pick selected guard Scoot Henderson from the NBA G League Ignite.

A little over a week later on July 1, Lillard, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne requested the Trail Blazers front office brass to trade him. Lillard told Hall of Famer and Andscape’s Marc J. Spears that he wanted to be traded to the Heat.

Lillard had thought about asking to be traded the day after the draft but he wanted to give the Trail Blazers a chance to make the kind of deals that would bring championship caliber talent to the Trail Blazers.

What made trading Lillard a task for Cronin is that last summer he signed a two-year, $122 million extension, which put him under the Trail Blazers control up to the 2026-27 season, which was a player option.

                                                           Salary             Age
Damian Lillard’s        2023-24       $45.6M              33       
Remaining Contract  2024-25       $48.8M              34
                                     2025-26       $58.5M              35
                                     2026-27       $63.2M              36
                              (Player Option)

Cronin said on Feb 10 when it came to building around Lillard, “You won’t see from this group a lack of trying. Lack of innovation. Lack of creativity.”

“We’re going to be ridiculously aggressive to the point where once we push our chips all the way in like deal to deal, you might look at that deal and say, ‘Well, they lost. They gave a lot for that guy. But no, that’s just us pushing our chips in.”

Well, the only chips the Trail Blazers pushed to the table in the offseason was re-signing Grant to a five-year, $160 million deal and matched the offer made by the Mavericks to bring back Thybulle on a three-year, $33 million deal, with the third year at $11.5 million a player option.  

Cronin also said at Summer League in the middle of July when it came to building around Lillard and falling short and after Lillard requested to be traded, “The effort being there which it was. That’s one thing. But actually, following through and getting the result is a whole another and to that extent, I do feel like I failed Dame.”

“Our goal was always to build around him and be as high level as possible as quickly as possible. And whether even internally we thought, ‘Well we’re going  in the right direction here. We can get there pretty quickly. If he didn’t feel that, it was still a failure on my end, and just not finding that right deal.”

It took all the way up to the start of training camp before the Trail Blazers found a deal, they were comfortable with and gave them everything that they coveted for Lillard.

That moment came near the end of September as perhaps the one of the Top 3 players in Trail Blazers history was traded in a three-team deal to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for All-Star guard Jrue Holiday and the Bucks 2029 First-Round pick and two First-Round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030. 

The Trail Blazers also in the deal acquired from the Suns former No. 1 overall pick in 2019 in center Deandre Ayton (18.0 ppg, 10 rpg-10^th NBA, 58.8 FG%) and second-year forward Toumani Camara in exchange for Nurkic, Nassir Little, and guard Keon Johnson to the Suns.  

They flipped Holiday in a deal with the Celtics on Oct. 1 into veterans in center Robert Williams III and guard Malcolm Brogdon and the Warriors 2024 First-Round pick and Celtics 2029 unprotected First-Round pick.

At Media Day, Coach Billups said how he and Cronin in conversations talked about the kind of team that they “wanted to have.” That everything all the way up to trade request was about “how we could we put the best team around Dame?”

“And obviously, you know, we weren’t able to do it, you know, up until then. So, after then, it’s ‘Alright so where do we go? What do we do?’”

Billups also said at Media Day on Oct. 2 that if they were going to young, they needed athletics guys that will be able to play fast. That they need to talk about the players they do have instead of what they lacked.

Well, the first thing they have is Lillard’s predecessor in Henderson, who at age 17 became the youngest player to every play in the NBA G League.

                           Highest Drafted Players NBA G League Ignite                                     
2021 Jalen Gree Rockets                             No. 2 Overall
2023 Scoot Henderson Trail Blazers          No. 3 Overall
2021 Jonathan Kuminga Warriors            No. 7 Overall
2022 Dyson Daniels Pelicans                      No. 8 Overall

To bring into context who the Trail Blazers took at No. 3 overall this past June, He had in the anticipated tilt with the Mets 92 and the highly touted Victor Wembanyama of 28 points and nine assists.

Henderson (17.6 ppg, 6.6 apg, 5.1 rpg w/Ignite) brings to the table the ability to create and score off of penetration behind his great first step off the dribble. He is a powerful finisher at the rim. Brings great court vision. Is a dynamic scorer and is ultra-competitive.

“They’re getting  a dog,” Henderson said to ESPN’s Monica McNutt after being drafted on what the Trail Blazers drafted. “They’re getting a dog that going to be hungry. I’m young but I got a mature mindset and that’s to work and that’s to come in and make a real impact and that’s not just the basketball side but in the community. They’re getting a special player. A special person.”

At No. 27 overall, the Trail Blazers selected forward Kris Murray (20.2 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 48 FG% w/Hawkeyes) out of University of Iowa, who improved his scoring in his three seasons as a Hawkeye.

While he is not the shooter as his brother Keegan Murry of the Kings, not yet at least, Kris brings to the table not just the ability to shoot but is a solid defender and rebounder that is fundamentally sound. Has a high motor and is very versatile.

“I think for me, the biggest thing in just my role is just being able to kind of adapt to it,” Murray said at Media Day about what his role will be as a rookie. “I’ve been someone who kind of found a role throughout college and then had a couple of different ones then to now. It’ll be different then it was in college obviously. But for me, it’s just being able to knock down open shots, play defense, rebound. Those are the things that will get me on the court and just try to be the best I can be in those areas is going to help me.”

In his five seasons with the Suns, Ayton has been solid registering 30-plus double-doubles in four out of those five seasons. His 18-point average in 2022-23 with the Suns was a career-high and has been a consistent 55-plus percent shooter from the floor.

The problem was as the Suns offense revolved around All-Star Devin Booker and Chris Paul over the past couple of seasons, Ayton role on offense was diminished to a more secondary role to where he was counted on to defend the rim and rebound.

Things really took a turn for the negative for Ayton over the last couple of seasons as the Suns following their run to the 2021 NBA Finals have had their seasons end in rough fashion getting blown out in Game 7 of the 2022 West Semis to the Mavericks and then in 2023 to the eventual NBA champion Nuggets in six games.

The real friction though came between Ayton and now former Suns head coach Monty Williams, especially over these last two seasons.

Last summer the Suns had Ayton, a restricted have the market set his salary which the Suns matched at four years, $133 million.

The Suns tried to repair their relationship with Ayton. But it just seemed like change on both sides was necessary.

“A new beginning,” Ayton said at Media Day about his new opportunity with the Trail Blazers. “I get to show the world. Show you guys who I am as a player on and off the court. When it comes to leading, especially the young guys on this team win. Teaching them how to win. Teaching them how tough it is to win in this league as well.”

The other big thing that Ayton will bring besides his experience is the fact that he will give the Trail Blazers an offensive option down low, something they have not had on a consistent basis since LaMarcus Aldridge.

While he has not shown to do this so far in his career with the Suns is be a consistent rebounder and rim protector. On top of that, to how to fit in like he seemed to struggle with as a Sun.

“Look at the position I was playing in. The environment I was playing,” Ayton said about how he felt playing with the Suns. “Sometimes it can put a toll on your mental, you know?”

“To be honest, I think I checked every list in the box. So, a motor should not be anything of that, you know? I have accomplished a lot of things where my motor is not a questions. Playoffs, no matter what it is. I play hard as I can play, you know? That won’t be a question at all.”

Along with Ayton, the other so-called veteran pillars that will be a big part of how the Trail Blazers this season and moving forward are Grant and Simons.

Grant said at Media Day that being one of the elder statesman on the team is “different.” But this is part of the NBA and he plans to “embrace” this new role.

“I am excited about a lot. Looking forward to hurrying up and getting it started,” Grant said about playing with his new teammates.

He added about the youngsters on the team that he likes is that their “head on straight” and understand that they must “work” in order to have a long NBA career.

For Simons, the longest tenured player on the Trail Blazers entering this season has emerged the past couple of seasons being mentored by Lillard now has the chance to establish himself as a central figure of the Trail Blazers.

“Now it’s just [about] turn the page and move on to new journeys,” Simons said at Media Day about this upcoming season without Lillard. “I’m just excited about this year and this opportunity that I have and like I’ve said each and every year I’m going to, you know, take advantage of the opportunity that’s ahead of me. So, I think it’s no different for this year. 

The other part of this new era that will be answered about the Trail Blazers is whether Billups can coach. In his first two seasons, injuries and a lack of defense gave Billups a pass. But as the Trail Blazers strive for a brighter future, the 2004 Finals MVP with the Pistons and perennial All-Star during his playing career will be under the microscope along with his coaching staff of his brother Rodney Billups, Scott Brooks, Roy Rogers, Jonah Herscu, and Steve Hetzel if he they can get this young collection of talent to mesh together on both ends of the hardwood.

At Media Day, Billups said since coming to “Rip City” three years ago he has been trying to build a culture of “competitiveness.” What brings excitement to Billups entering 2022-23 is that a “reset” has occurred the Trail Blazers can start building “continuity,” which has not been the case the past two seasons.

“I’m so competitive and I want our guys to compete every single play. Every single practice to help each other out, you know. That’s how you get the best out of each other,” Billups said. “So, that’s the kind of culture that I’m trying to build.”

When the Trail Blazers won their loan NBA title in 1977, they were centered, literally and figuratively around Hall of Famer Bill Walton and flanked by Maurice Lucas, Larry Steele, Lionel Hollins, Dave Twardzik, and fellow Hall of Famer in the late head coach Dr. Jack Ramsey.

In the years that followed, the Trail Blazers from 1977-89, which was part of an NBA-record 21 straight seasons in the Playoffs, they only reached the West Semis three times (1978, 1983, & 1985).

Through the draft, free agency and trades the Trail Blazers built a starting five in the aforementioned Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, the late Kevin Duckworth and Jerome Kersey, Buck Williams and had reserves in the late Drazen Petrovic and Clifford Robinson, current Jazz executive Danny Ainge, Mark Bryant, Wayne Cooper, Robert Pack, and Enes Whatley. They lost in the Finals first to the Pistons 4-1 in 1990 and to Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and head coach Phil Jackson and the Bulls 4-2.  

It would not be until the end of the 1990s and the start of the 2000s when the Trail Blazers got back to a championship level with the cast of Pippen, Rasheed Wallace, Dale Davis, Brian Grant, Stacey Augmon, Damon Stoudemire, NBATV/TNT’s Steve Smith and Greg Anthony, fellow Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis and Bonzi Wells.

Those two seasons though, the Trail Blazers title runs ended in the West Finals to the eventual NBA champions in the Spurs in 1999 and the Lakers in 2000.

There was hope when the Trail Blazers drafted Aldridge, Brandon Roy, and Greg Oden in the late 2000s that there would be chances to compete for titles in the future. But those dreams due to career ending injuries to Roy and Oden derailed those dreams.

Damian Lillard and now Pelicans guard CJ McCollum hoped to reignite those dreams for the Trail Blazers, and they too got close in 2019 but were swept by the Warriors in that year’s West Finals.

The responsibility of getting the Trail Blazers back to the Playoffs and hopefully a championship is in the hands of Deandre Ayton, Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons.

Also, a part of that future is who they acquire in terms of players and assets, possibly if or when they deal Brogdon and/or Williams III. Having them though will be major for the young Trail Blazers who can show them the ropes of what it takes to be a great pro both on and off the court. 

“So, nothing has changed with that. Obviously, the roster has. Nothing has changed with me. I’m going to preach that. I’m going to continue for us to try to be the most connected group. But I’m also patient to know that takes time…And so, we all have to have a level of patience with this roster,” Coach Billups said. 

Best Case Scenario: Trail Blazers win over 30 games. Henderson is a top candidate for Kia Rookie of the Year. Murray has a solid rookie season. Grant stays healthy and is the team’s top scorer and becomes a better rebounder. Ayton averages another double-double and is even more of a force as a rim protector and on the glass. Coach Billups’ philosophy takes shape.  

Worst Case Scenario: Trail Blazers win 25 games or fewer. They have a plethora of four-plus game skids. Henderson struggles to find his footing as a floor general. Coach Billups and his coaching staff and the players do not connect.

Grade: A 

Sacramento Kings: 48-34 record; (1^st Pacific Division; No. 3 Seed West) 23-18 at home, 25-16 on the road; Lost 4-3 to No. 6 Seeded Golden State Warriors in Western Conference Quarterfinals.  

-120.7 ppg-1^st; opp. ppg: 118.1-25^th; 42.5 rpg-20^th

It had been 16 years since the Sacramento Kings had played hoops pasted the second week of April. In that period of time since 2006, they had First-Round draft picks that turned out to be bust. They cycled through 11 different head coaches. Behind their All-Star headliners, one that was drafted and another acquired via trade the season before and the addition of a no-nonsense defensive minded experience championship coach got the boys from California’s capital city back into the postseason ended the longest postseason drought in NBA history. They would go down though in a hard fought seven games to the then reigning NBA champs, who also were their interstate rivals. With the return of two key contributors off the bench coupled with; a new contract for one half of their All-Star duo and another season under their head coach’s system, the plan for the Kings is to make it back to the postseason this spring and make some serious noise.  

The Sacramento Kings began 2022-23 0-4 and it felt like another season of northern California pro hoops was going to the 17^th consecutive rough one to stomach.

Things turned rather quickly as the Kings won 10 of their next 12 games behind a season-best seven-game winning streak (Nov. 9-22, 2022) to be 10-6 following a 113-109 win versus the Grizzlies. A 7-9 mark over their next 16 games had the Kings just two games above .500 at 17-15 and were at that same number at 20-18 due to consecutive defeats versus the Hawks (120-117) Jan. 4 and two nights later versus the Lakers (136-134).

From that point on, the Kings got it in gear going 28-16 mark their final 44 games of 2022-23, ignited by a six-game winning streak (Jan. 9-20, 2023). They also had a five-game winning streak (Feb. 23-Mar. 3, 2023) and two three-game winning streaks (Mar. 6-11, 2023 & Mar. 15-18, 2023).

The Kings went 16-9 post All-Star break, which tied the 76ers for the fourth best mark in the league. That mark helped the Kings, who were 8-2 the first 10 games post All-Star break move from No. 5 in the Western Conference and were within striking distance of the Grizzlies for the No. 2 Seed until the close of regular season.

The Kings clinched their first postseason berth since 2005-06 season with a 120-80 victory Mar. 29 at the Trail Blazers. They not only ended the longest postseason drought in NBA history at 16 but they ended the longest Playoff drought in the five major North American Professional Sports (NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB), that now belongs to the NFL’s New York Jets and the NHL’s Buffalo Sabers.

Longest Postseason               Sacramento Kings                  16  2007-23
Droughts In NBA                  Los Angeles Clippers             15  1977-91
History                                   Minnesota Timberwolves      13  2005-18
                                                Golden State Warriors          12  1995-07
                                                Phoenix Suns                          10  2011-21
                                                Dallas Mavericks                   10  1991-01

The Kings registered their most victories (48) in a season since their last postseason appearance in 2005-06 (44 wins) came in part because of their stellar road record. It was also their most wins in a season since winning 50 games in 2004-05.

After they began 2022-23 8-8 on the road, they won 17 of their final 25 road games, tying the Celtics and 76ers for the second-best road mark in “The Association” at 25-16, with the Bucks being better by just one road victory (26-15). That road mark by the Kings included a 19-7 mark their final 26 and a 20-11 mark their final 31 road games of last season.

What got in the way of the Kings from achieving their first 50-win season since winning that exact number of games in 2004-05 was the fact they were just 23-18 at home a season ago.

They began 2022-23 18-12 at Golden 1 Center and finished just 5-6 their last 11 and 8-9 their final 17 home games.

Kings Tough    Jan. 4, 2023 (120-117) Versus Hawks
Home Defeats  Jan. 25, 2023 (113-95) Versus Raptors
In 2022-23        Feb. 10, 2023 (122-114) Versus Mavericks
                          Mar. 4, 2023 (138-134) Versus Timberwolves
                          Mar. 27, 2023 (119-115) Versus Timberwolves
                          Apr. 2, 2023 (142-134 OT) Loss Versus Spurs

The road back of having postseason hoops in the capital city of California this past spring came three seasons back when the Kings then General Manager (GM) in Hall of Famer Vlade Divac and fellow former teammates with the Kings in Assistant GM Peja Stojakovic and GM of their G League affiliate the Stockton Kings Anthony McClishand stepped down in late 2020 after missing the Playoffs for 14 consecutive seasons-the longest active postseason drought which and surpassed the previous record of 15 held by the Buffalo/San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers.

During this 16-year Playoff drought, the Kings cycled through 12 different head coach since Hall of Famer Rick Adelman took them to the postseason eight straight seasons (1999-2006).

Those sideline leaders consisted of current Men’s Basketball Head Coach of the University of Arkansas Eric Musselman (2006-07) and his assistant coach  Keith Smart (2011-13). Now Bethune-Cookman University Men’s Basketball Head Coach Reggie Theus (2007-09). Kenny Natt (2008-09). The late Hall of Famer Paul Westphal (2009-12). Now head coach of the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets Michael Malone (2013-15). Assistant coach on Steve Clifford’s staff with the Hornets Tyrone Corbin (2014-15). Hall of Famer George Karl (2015-16). Dave Joerger (2016-19). Assistant Coach for J.B. Bickerstaff of the Cavaliers Luke Walton (2019-22). Alvin Gentry (2022).

The climb back began with the hire of Monte McNair on Sept. 17, 2020 as the Kings’ new GM and President of Basketball Operations.

McNair had spent the previous 13 seasons with the Rockets’ front office beginning as a Senior Analyst I their Basketball Operations. In 2013 he was promoted to Director of Basketball Operations. Three seasons later became Vice President of Basketball Operations and then Assistant GM in 2018.

In his 13 seasons in Houston, McNair was part of an organization that made the Playoffs eight straight seasons, including two appearances in the Western Conference Finals (2015 & 2018).

Current President of Basketball Operations With the 76ers Daryl Morey, who was the Rockets GM at the time said of McNair in 2018 that McNair was “critical” to the success the Rockets had over “his tenure.”

Kings’ Governor Vivek Ranadive said of the hiring of McNair, “I am excited to bring his extensive experience and vision onboard to lead our basketball operations department.”

One month later after McNair’s hire, the Kings added to their front office former Hawks GM Wes Wilcox as Assistant GM. Former 76ers Director of Scouting Phil Jabour as Vice President of Player Personnel and GM Paul Johnson of Thunder’s G League affiliate Oklahoma City Blue as the Kings Director of Basketball Operations. Those new hires joined Ken Catanella, who remained with the Kings as their assistant GM.

In filling the role of their sideline leader, the Kings on May 9, 2022 hired Mike Brown as their 31^st head coach in franchise history.

In Coach Brown, the Kings believed they found the right man that would bring accountability as well as commitment to playing the right brand of basketball on both ends of the floor. They also brought in a coach who was a part of building championship caliber squads. He was part of that first as an assistant with the Spurs (2000-03), where he won a title as an assistant on Hall of Fame head coach Gregg Popovich’s staff. He helped build a championship caliber squad as an assistant with the Pacers (2003-05) on now head coach Rick Carlise’s staff. Coach Brown did that as the sideline leader with the Cavaliers (2005-10). He helped the Warriors (2016-22) win three titles (2017, 2018, 2022) as the Associate Head Coach on head coach Steve Kerr’s staff.

Upon his arrival to the Kings, Coach Brown had his players and his coaching staff of former Suns and Warriors guard Leandro Barbosa, former Kings great Doug Christie, Jay Triano, now head coach of Kings’ G League affiliate the Stockton Kings Lindsay Harding, Associate Head Coach Jordi Fernandez, Luke Loucks, and Deividas Dulkys sign an “All-In” contract.

The “All-In”    “I’m selflessly connected to team because we are stronger together.”
Contract By     “I’m committed to being present while accountable to being present
Head Coach     while accountable to doing what’s best for the team.”
Mike Brown     “I embrace adversity in a positive way to earn that trust of the team,
                          every play and every day.”

With their first big decision under McNair, the Kings in 2020 NBA Draft selected guard Tyrese Haliburton out of Iowa State, who had a stellar rookie season and was sparkling the season prior. On February 8, 2022, Haliburton along with Buddy Hield were dealt to the Pacers for All-Star center Domantas Sabonis, now Nuggets forward/guard Justin Holiday, and a 2023 Second-Round pick.

It was a deal at the time that Kings fans did not take well to at the time because Haliburton was a rare draft pick by the Kings that was panning out and said that he wanted to be a part of the Kings uprise to becoming a postseason perennial.

Sabonis (19.1 ppg, 12.3 rpg-Led NBA, 7.3 apg, 61.5 FG%-10^th NBA) through his play got Kings’ nation on his size and what he did a season ago made fans quickly forget about Haliburton as the son of Hall of Famer and former Trail Blazer Arvydas Sabonis had one of the best seasons of his career, mainly because he was healthy playing 79 games in 2022-23.

That good health by Sabonis earn him his third career All-Star selection and his first All-NBA selection making the 2022-23 Third Team.

Those honors were on the heels of Sabonis setting career-highs of field goal percentage, assists per game, and a league-leading 65 double-doubles as he averaged a double-double for the fourth straight season. He also set a career-high and single-season Kings’ era record with 14 of his 32-career triple-doubles a season ago. Only Nuggets’ perennial All-Star Nikola Jokic had more triple-doubles (29) last season than the 14 by Sabonis.  

Sabonis also averaged 12 boards and five-plus assists for the fifth straight season. He also led the league in total rebounds (973) and was No. 5 in total assists (573) a season ago.

Only the Bulls All-Star center Nikola Vucevic (50) had more point/rebound double-doubles a season ago than the 47 such games by Sabonis.

         NBA’s Total Rebound Leaders (Top 11: 500-Plus Total Rebounds) In 2022-23             
Trae Young    (ATL)                     741    Darius Garland (CLE)      538
Nikola Jokic  (DEN)                     678    Luka Doncic      (DAL)      529
James Harden  (PHI)                   618    Chris Paul     (PHX)           524
Tyrese Haliburton (IND)              585   Spencer Dinwiddie (BKN) 515
Domantas Sabonis (SAC)             573   Draymond Green (GS)       500
Russell Westbrook (LAL/LAC)   551

He also shot over 50 percent from the floor the sixth straight season, including shooting over 55 percent from the field in three out of the last five seasons.

Sabonis’ 65 double-doubles also set a single-season record in the Sacramento era, surpassing the 53 double-doubles by four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins in 2013-14.

Those 65 double-doubles by Sabonis included a league-leading four of his seven career games with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds.

NBA Leaders In Multiple 20/20        Domantas Sabonis (SAC) 4
(Points/Rebounds) Games                 Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) 3
In 2022-23                                           Nikola Jokic (DEN) 2
                                                             Anthony Davis (LAL) 2
                                                             Rudy Gobert (MIN) 2

Sabonis set the single-season double-double mark in the Kings’ era with his 54^th double-double with his 10^th triple-double on the season with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 15 assists in the Kings’ 133-124 loss Mar. 13 versus Bucks joining Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson (26 points, 16 assists, 15 rebounds Jan. 8, 1965 against the 76ers) as the two players in franchise history to have a 20/15/15 (points/rebounds/assists) game. 

Most Triple-Doubles         Oscar Robertson (1961-62)  41   Oscar Robertson   (1962-63)  20
In A Season In Royals/     Oscar Robertson (1963-64)  26   Domantas Sabonis (2022-23) 14
Kings History                    Oscar Robertson (1960-61)  26   Oscar Robertson    (1965-66) 13
                                            Oscar Robertson (1964-65)  22   Norm Van Lier      (1970-71) 12

            Most Career Triple-Doubles In Kings/Royals History (3-Plus) *Hall of Famer           
*Oscar Robertson (1960-70)           176       Rajon Rondo (2015-16)          6
Domantas Sabonis (2022-Present)   14       DeMarcus Cousins (2010-17) 6
*Chris Webber (1998-2005)             14       *Vlade Divac (1999-04)           4
Norm Van Lier (1969-71)                 13        Brad Miller (2003-09)             3
*Maurice Stokes (1955-58)               11       Mitch Richmond (1991-98)     3
Sam Lacey (1970-81)                           9       *Jerry Lucas (1963-69)           3

Sabonis from Dec. 4, 2022 to Jan. 25, 2023 set a new Kings’ era record with 23 consecutive double-doubles, which included six triple-doubles.

                        Most Consecutive Double-Doubles In Sacramento Era                                       
Domantas Sabonis   23  Dec. 4, 2022-Jan. 25, 2023
DeMarcus Cousins  15  Dec. 21, 2013-Jan. 21, 2014
DeMarcus Cousins  13  Jan. 6-30, 2017
LaSalle Thompson  13   Dec. 30, 1985-Jan. 23, 1986
DeMarcus Cousins  11   Jan. 4-25, 2016

The Kings during their long postseason drought had many lottery picks that have flamed out. In fact, since the start of the Sacramento era in 1985-86, outside of a few instances, most of their lottery picks either were bust or played well enough to get to free agency and moved on.

Back in 2017, the Kings selected De’Aaron Fox No. 5 overall out of the University of Kentucky.

While the Katy, TX native improved his individual game over his first five NBA seasons, those individual exploits did not get the Kings out of their postseason doldrums.

That all changed when Coach Brown arrived in “Sactown” and Fox (25.0 ppg, 6.1 apg, 4.2 rpg, 51.2 FG%) took his game to heights that led him to earn his first career All-Star selection and his first All-NBA nod of his career joining Sabonis on the Third Team.

Sabonis and Fox also became the first pair of Kings to make the All-Star Game since Brad Miller and the aforementioned Stojakovic did it in 2004.

It went beyond the fact that Fox averaged 20-plus points for the fourth straight season. It is the fact that he shot over 50 percent from the field for the first time in his career.

He earned Western Conference Player of the Week (Nov. 14-20, 2022) where he averaged 25.7 points and eight assists in leading the Kings to a 3-0 record.

While his three-point accuracy continued to be below the league average at 32.4 percent, he got comfortable in taking them and it resulted in him totaling a career-best 119 made threes on a career-high 367 attempts (119/367 3-Pt.).

Fox also found the right mix of being a more comfortable shot taker from the perimeter, he continued to use his worldly speed and quickness to get to the free throw line, where he averaged over six free throw attempts for the fifth straight season at six connecting on a career-high 78 percent.

Fox played a major role in the Kings ranking No. 5 all NBA Playoff teams in the most time spent in the bonus at 11:36.

Most Time Spent In              Lakers:             12:18             Grizzlies: 11:42        
The Bonus Per Game           Timberwolves: 11:52            Kings:      11:36
Amongst NBA Playoff          Clippers:           11:49
Teams In 2022-23
(Top) 5
                                                    FT Attempts                  FT Percentage
Free Throw Attempts                       5.1           2018-19          72.3%
By Season By De’Aaron                   6.7           2019-20          72.7%
Fox                                                      7.2           2020-21          70.5%
                                                            5.9           2021-22           75.0%
                                                            6.0           2022-23           78.0%

That combination of scoring at the rim, the mid-range, and from three is how Fox registered a career-high 50 20-plus points games and 25 30-plus point games.

20-Point Games By     2017-18:   5    2020-21: 46   30-Point Games  2018-19:   3  2021-22: 12
Season By De’Aaron   2018-19: 27    2021-22: 37   By Season By      2019-20:   7  2022-23: 25
Fox                                2019-20: 30    2022-23: 50   De’Aaron Fox    2020-21: 18

Along with scoring the ball at a high level a season ago, Fox continued his growth as a facilitator as he registered 11 double-doubles for the second time in his career (2020-21), five short of his career-best of 16 double-doubles in 2018-19.

During an eight-game stretch (Feb. 8-Mar. 4, 2023), Fox scored 30-plus points, the longest such streak by a player in the Sacramento era.

The true mark of a great player in any sport, particularly in the NBA, is the ability to perform at your best with the game in the balance and no one was better at that than Fox a season ago.

Only Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving totaled more points in the fourth quarter a season ago (551) than the 547 in the final period by De’Aaron Fox.

Fox’s 7.8 scoring average in the fourth period was No. 6 in the NBA in 2022-23.

                       NBA Leaders In Fourth Quarter Scoring (Top 10) In 2022-23                           
Kyrie Irving (BKN/DAL)            9.5            De’Aaron Fox (SAC)        7.8
Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL)  8.6           LaMelo Ball    (CHA)        7.6
LeBron James (LAL)                   8.4           Donovan Mitchell (CLE)  7.5
Damian Lillard (POR)                 8.0           Bradley Beal (WAS)          7.4
Stephen Curry (GS)                     7.9            Zion Williamson (NOP)    7.2

In the Kings’ win (117-115) Jan. 3 at the Jazz, Fox had 37 points, with six assists, and two block shots on 15/22 shooting, scoring 22 of those 37 points in the fourth quarter.

Most Points By A      Kevin Martin   Feb. 23, 2009 Vs. New Orleans Pelicans 24 PTS
Kings Players In        Isaiah Thomas Dec. 14, 2012 At Thunder 23 PTS
The 4^th Quarter         De’Aaron Fox  Jan. 3, 2022 At Jazz 22 PTS
Since 1996                  *Mitch Richmond Jan. 22, 1997 Vs. Pistons 22 PTS
*Hall of Famer

                  Double-Digit Scoring Leader In Fourth Quarter In NBA In 2022-23                      
De’Aaron Fox (SAC)                   26        LeBron James (LAL)                   19
Kyrie Irving (BKN/DAL)            25        Stephen Curry (GS)                     17
Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL)  23        Donvan Mitchell (CLE)               16
Jayson Tatum (BOS)                    22       Franz Wagner (ORL)                   14
DeMar DeRozan (TOR)               21       Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) 12

In clutch time, meaning the score within five points the final five minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime, no player was better at this moment of the game than Fox last season.  

The winner of the NBA’s inaugural Jerry West Trophy as NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year Award led the NBA in 2022-23 in clutch time with 194 total points; 72 made field goals on 52.9 percent from the floor (72/136 FGs); 88 total paint points; 18 fastbreak points; and 31 total points off turnovers.

Where Fox really showed some serious stones late in the game in the final seconds of a game a season ago.

Fox put the Kings on the right side of the scoreboard where he hit the game-winning three-pointer at the final buzzer to win 126-123 in overtime Nov. 5, 2022 at the Magic, to compete a 37-point night on 14/24 from the field.

He broke the hearts of the Bulls on their home floor Mar. 15 with a late three-pointer to help the Kings pull out a 117-114 win. It capped a 32-point performance by Fox on 12/17 shooting and 4/6 from three.

Because of Fox’s heroics in closing moments a season ago, the Kings went a decent 9-7 in games decided by three-points or less. Compiled a 25-19 mark in clutch games and were 4-1 in overtime games.

                                     NBA Leaders In Clutch Points In 2022-23                                               
De’Aaron Fox (SAC)        194          Joel Embiid   (PHI)                        131
DeMar DeRozan (CHI)    159          Luka Doncic (DAL)                       131 
Jimmy Butler (MIA)        151           Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) 128
Jalen Brunson (NYK)      139           Kyrie Irving (BKN/DAL)             125
Donovan Mitchell (CLE) 138           Anthony Edwards (MIN)             121
Trae Young (ATL)            138           Jordan Clarkson (UTA)               120

Behind their dynamic All-Star duo of Fox and Sabonis, the Kings led the NBA in total points with 9,941 total points, which also set a new franchise-record for a single-season.

Most Total Points In A     Kings   2022-23: 9,941  Points  Royals 1967-68:  9,562
Season In Kings/Royals    Royals 1961-62: 9,845  Points  Royals 1962-63:  9,527
History                               Royals 1969-70: 9,616  Points

Kings Offense By           49.4 FG%-2^nd                   79.0 FT%-12^th
NBA Ranks In                36.9 3-Pt.%-9^th                 13.5 TOs-T-9^th (W/Heat)
2022-23                            37.3 3-Pt. Att.-6^th              52.3 Paint Pts-14^th
                                         13.8 3-Pt. Made-5^th           14.9 Fastbreak Pts-7^th
                                         25.1 FT Att.-7^th

Only the eventual NBA champion Nuggets registered more games they shot 50 percent or better a season ago then the 42 such games by the Kings.

Most Games Shooting           Nuggets     44    76ers 35
50 Percent Or Better             Kings         42    Nets  34
From The Field In                Cavaliers   36
2022-23

Last season, the Kings were 48-30 when they scored 100 points or more, including 46-18 when they scored 110 points or more. That also included a 36-7 mark when they scored 120 or more; 18-3 when they scored 130 or more; 3-0 when they scored 140 or more; and 2-0 when they scored 150 or more.

In the first four games of their six-game winning streak (Jan. 9-20, 2023), the Kings scored 130-plus points, doing so in five games of an eight-game stretch (Jan. 9-25, 2022).

At home, the Kings were 24-13 when they scored 110 points or more, including 20-6 when they scored 120 or more, and 12-3 when they scored 130 or more.

The Kings in the early part of the season showed just how potent scoring 153 points in their 153-121 victory Nov. 15, 2022 versus the Nets (TNT).

The Kings outscored the Nets 117-91 over the final three quarters, including 42-28 in the third quarter.

This was the Kings highest scoring output in regulation since scoring 154 points in their 154-98 victory Jan. 2, 1993 against the 76ers. This was the most points scored in the Sacramento era.

The Kings 109-70 lead with about four minutes left in the third quarter versus the Nets gave them their largest lead in a game (39 points) since leading by 44 points in their Mar. 3, 2015 contest against the Knicks.

In their win versus the Nets, the Kings shot 59.6 percent from the floor (56/94 FGs). Were 20/41 from three-point range and 21/25 at the charity stripe with 39 assists on their 56 made field goals. They also scored 25 points off of 17 Nets turnovers. The Kings outscored the Nets 66-44 in the paint; 26-10 in fastbreak points; and 83-63 in bench points.

Kings Offense               123.4 PPG-1^st          28.0 APG-3^rd
Ranks At Home              50.7 FG%-2^nd       13.0 Turnovers-6^th
In 2022-23 Amongst       38.1 3-Pt.%-7^th     53.6 Paint Pts-10^th
NBA                                25.7 FT ATT-7^th     17.8 Pts Off Turnovers-10^th
                                         79.7 FT^%-10^th 

Kings Offensive             113.7 PPG-7^th                24.9 FT Att.-6th
NBA Ranks Their         46.5 FG%-13^th               77.7 FT%-20^th
First 16 Road Games    33.2 3-Pt.%-24^th            15.2 Turnovers-18^th
2022-23                           15.8 Fastbreak Pts-7^th  25.4 APG-9^th

Kings Offensive             120.8 PPG-2^nd               27.4 APG-7^th 
NBA Ranks Their         49.1 FG%-7^th                13.1 Turnovers-12^th
Final 25 Road Games   37.3 3-Pt.%-7^th             14.1 Fastbreak Points-14^th
2022-23                           78.8 FT%-12^th                                          

Along with Fox and Sabonis, the Kings high-octane offense, particularly their marksmanship from three-point range was complimented the stellar seasons of new additions in Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk, Keegan Murray, elder statesman Harrison Barnes, and fellow veteran forward Harrison Barnes.

As mentioned earlier, the Kings have had plenty of misses in the lottery part of the NBA Draft for over three decades except for a few instances.

Along with getting it right with Fox and the aforementioned Haliburton, Murray (12.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 45.3 FG%, 41.3 3-Pt.%), the No. 4 overall pick in 2022 out of University of Iowa established himself as a top notch three-point shooter not just amongst the 2022-23 rookie class but one of the best three-point shooters in league history amongst first-year NBA players. 

The 2022-23 All-Rookie First Team selection ranked No. 4 amongst the rookies in minutes per game (29.8), which allowed him to rank No. 5 amongst the rookies in scoring. Was tied for No. 10 amongst his rookie peers in field goal percentage and led all rookies in three-point percentage.

Last season, the 2022 First Team All-Big-Ten for the Hawkeyes registered 13 20-plus point games and 11 games with five or more made triples.

In the Kings’ 140-120 triumph Feb. 6 at the Rockets, Murray registered a season-high of 30 points with six rebounds and two steals on 11/17 from the field and 8/12 from three.

Murray eight made triples set a new single-game rookie franchise-record, surpassing the previous record of seven made triples by Ricky Berry’s seven made threes on Feb. 9, 1989 (34 points, eight rebounds, on 11/23 FGs, 7/14 3-Pt.) in the Kings’ win (142-127) versus the Warriors.

In the Kings’ 121-103 victory Apr. 4 versus the Pelicans, Murray had 21 points and six rebounds on 7/10 from three, with the seven made triples tied the second-best mark by a rookie in franchise history.

In the aforementioned Kings triumph at the close of March at the Trail Blazers that clinched their first postseason berth since 2006, Murray had 13 points with five rebounds on 3/7 from three, reaching 188 total triples made setting a new NBA single-season record for total made threes by a rookie, finishing 2022-23 with 206 total made threes (206/501 3-Pt.). He surpassed the previous record of 187 total made threes by now Cavs All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who did it in 2017-18 with the Jazz.

      Most Total Made Threes In A Season By A Rookie IN NBA History *Hall of Famer       
Keegan Murray                  206   2022-23 W/Kings
Donovan Mitchel (CLE)    187   2017-18 W/Jazz
Damian Lillard                   185   2012-13 W/Trail Blazers
Saddiq Bey (ATL)              175   2020-21 W/Pistons
Anthony Edwards              171   2020-21 W/Timberwolves
Luka Doncic                       168   2018-19 W/Mavericks
Landry Shamet (WAS)     167   2018-19 W/76ers & Clippers
Stephen Curry                   166   2009-10 W/Warriors
Rudy Fernandez                159   2008-09 W/Trail Blazers
Kyle Kuzma (WAS)          159   2017-18 W/Lakers
Kerry Kittles                      158  1996-97  W/Nets (NJ)
Jalen Green                        157  2021-22 W/Rockets
Juan Carlos Navarro        156   2007-08 W/Grizzlies
Trae Young                        156   2018-19 W/Hawks
*Allen Iverson                   155   1996-97 W/76ers
Matt Maloney                    154   1996-97 W/Rockets

Flanking Murray at the other forward position was Barnes (15.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 47.3 FG%, 37.4 3-Pt.%), who has been both steady and consistent with his play and his veteran leadership since his acquisition from the Mavericks in February 2019.

For the ninth straight season, the member of the Warriors 2014-15 title squad averaged in double-figures and has totaled over 100 total threes for six straight seasons, including making over 140 total triples in three out of the last five seasons (132/353 3-Pt. 2022-23).

Last season, the Kings were 27-14 when Barnes scored 15-plus points, including 6-1 when he scored 25-plus points.

Huerter (15.2 ppg, 48.5 FG%, 40.2 3-Pt.%), who was acquired in the summer of 2022 after spending his first four seasons with the Hawks had career-highs across the board from his scoring and accuracy from the field and from three, where he made over 200 total threes for the first time in his career (205/510 3-Pt.).

The No. 19 overall pick by the Hawks in 2018 out of University of Maryland made over 120 threes his first five NBA seasons while averaging double-figure points for the fourth straight season.

After four disappointing seasons with the Hornets, Monk (13.5 ppg, 3.9 apg, 44.8 FG%, 35.9 3-Pt.%) turned his breakout season in 2021-22 with the Lakers (13.8 ppg, 47.3 FG%, 39.1 3-Pt.%) and back it up with another solid season where he played a big role in why the Kings ranked No. 9 in bench points per game (37.3) a season ago.

The No. 11 overall pick in 2017 out of University of Kentucky not only showed improved his shot selection but he also continued his evolution as a playmaker and a more focused defender to where he was more accountable for how he played defensively.

Teaming back up with Fox, who Monk played with at Kentucky also played a role in Monk’s consistency that he showed with the Lakers the season prior.

Monk in 2022-23 scored in double-figures 50 times, which included 12 20-plus point games, and a career-best 30-point games.  

While his scoring took a dip from his rookie season of 2021-22 (11.5 ppg), Davion Mitchell (5.6 ppg, 45.4 FG%) was a more accurate shooter compared to his rookie season (41.8 percent). He even improved his three-point accuracy slightly going from 31.6 percent as a rookie (101/320 3-Pt.) to 32 percent (63/197 3-Pt.) in 2022-23.

The real value of the No. 9 overall pick out of Baylor University in 2021 came at the defensive end, which for a team as mentioned that was very weak in a season ago proved to be invaluable.

In the Kings first game post All-Star break, Fox and Monk were major figures in the Kings highest scoring output in their history in the second-highest scoring game in NBA history when they registered a thrilling 176-175 double-overtime win Feb. 24 at the Clippers.

They overcame a 14-point deficit (145-131) with 4:25 left and an 11-point deficit (147-136) with 3:18 left using a 17-6 run to tie it 153-153 to force overtime. The Kings overcame a four-point deficit (162-158) with 2:54 left in the first overtime scoring six of the final eight points to tie it 164-164 to force a second overtime. A three-pointer by the Kings went ahead 167-166. But went down by four (173-169) with 2:17 left in the second overtime. They closed matters with a 7-0 run to win the contest.

Monk led the way with a career-high of 45 points with six assists on 15/24 from the field and 6/12 from three. Those 45 points represented the highest scoring output by a reserve in 2022-23 and tied the sixth highest by a player off the bench in NBA history.

Fox had a double-double of 42 points and 12 assists with five boards and five steals on 17/27 shooting. It represented his sixth of what would be eight consecutive 30-plus point games (Feb. 8-Mar. 3, 2023) and his sixth career 40-plus point game. He also became just the 12^th player in the league history since the 1973-74 season and the first since 76ers James Harden (2019 W/Rockets) to register 40/10/5 (points/assists/steals).

This was the first time in Kings/Royals history that they had two 40-point scorers and became just the third team in NBA history with a 40-point scorer that started and a 40-point scorer off the bench.  

Another key player off the bench for the Kings a season ago was Trey Lyles (7.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 45.8 FG%, 36.3 3-Pt.%), who the Kings acquired through a four-team deal that sent former Kings First-Round pick Marvin Bagley III to the Pistons in February 2022.

In his previous stops with the Jazz, Nuggets, Spurs, and Pistons, the former No. 12 overall pick in 2015 also out of Kentucky where he fell short of expectations, Lyles was impressive in his 24 games with the Kings in 2021-22 (10.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 48.9 FG%, 36.5 3-Pt.%).

Last season, Lyles found a role under Coach Brown to where he carved a role as a backup forward and center to where he showed himself to being an excellent floor spacer, setting a career-high with 87 made threes in 2022-23 (87/240 3-Pt.).

The Kings’ prolific offense last season really put a real mask on their horrific defense, which is a big reason why they fell two win short of the 50-win mark.

Kings Defense            49.2 FG%-29^th          53.5 Paint Pts-26^th
(NBA Ranks) In        37.3 3-Pt.%-26^th       11.5 Fastbreak Pts-1^st           
2022-23                       23.0 FT Att-10^th       12.7 2^nd Chance Pts-6^th
                                                      3.4 BPG-29^th     7.0 SPG-T-20 (W/Pistons)
                                   53.5 Paints Pts-26^th   

Last season, the Kings held their opponent under 100 points just four times, going a perfect 4-0. They were 44-34 in 2022-23 when they allowed 100 points or more. That included though an 11-1 mark when they held their opponent under 110 points. They were just 38-31 when allowing 110 points or more; 13-19 when they allowed 120 points or more; 1-6 when allowing 130 points or more; and 1-1 when allowing 140 points or more.

In a late season loss in overtime (142-134) Apr. 2 versus the Spurs, allowing 30-plus points in each of the first three quarters and were outscored 19-11 in overtime.

The Kings gave up 53.1 percent shooting (52/98 FGs), 13/34 from three and 25/29 at the foul line. The Spurs also registered 31 assists on their 52 made field goals. Scored 66 paint points and forced 15 Kings turnovers that led to 2 Spurs points.

The Kings kicked off their first postseason appearance in style with nail-biting 126-123 victory in Game 1 of their opening-round series against their I-80 tilt versus the Golden State Warriors Apr. 15 (ABC), winning their first postseason contest since Game 4 of 2006 First Round versus the Spurs. The Kings lost that series in six games.  

The Kings ended a 16-year, 350-day Playoff drought, the second longest such streak in NBA history.

Overcoming a first half deficit that was by as many as seven and trailed 61-55 at intermission and by as many as 10 in the third quarter outscored the Warriors 36-29 in the third to take a 91-90 lead after three quarters, closing the period on a 15-4 run. Fox scored seven straight points after the Kings were down 114-112 and a pair of free throws that clinched the game for Kings as the Warriors missed the game-tying three-pointer at the final buzzer.

Fox in his postseason debut scored 38 points with five assists and three steals on 13/27 from the field, 4/8 from three, and 8/12 at the foul line.

Most Points In                                     Luka Doncic  (DAL)     42 Points 2020
Playoff Debut In                                  De’Aaron Fox (SAC)    38 Points 2023
NBA History                                        John Williamson           38 Points 1979
*Hall of Famer                                    *George Mikan             38 Points 1949   

Monk also in his Playoff debut scored 32 points off the bench on 8/13 from the floor and 14/14 from the charity stripe.

The former Kentucky backcourt stars also made some history in the win. Fox scored a career-best 29 of his 38 points in the second half. He scored14 points on 5/9 shooting in the third quarter and 15 points in the fourth and final period.

Monk also ignited in the fourth quarter scoring 13 of his 32 points, registering the most points by a Kings’ reserve in their postseason history. His 14/14 effort at the charity stripe tied Ed MaCauley (1957) for the most made free throw in a Playoff game in Kings’ history.

                                                                                                                                            Team
Most Combined Points     De’Aaron Fox & Malik Monk           2023  70 Points         SAC
By A Duo In Their            John Williamsson & Bernard King  1979  63 Points         NJN
Postseason Debut              *Alonzo Mourning & Kendal Gill     1993  60 Points        CHA
NBA History

The Kings shot 44.9 percent from the field in Game 1 (44/98 FGs) and were 26/32 at the free throw line. They outrebounded the Warriors 50-41, including 17-9 on the offensive glass.

They outscored the Warriors 60-44 in the paint; 21-16 in Second Chance points and scored 16 points off 15 Warriors turnovers, which consisted of 10 Kings steals.

While they began Game 1 missing their first 15 triple tries, the Kings following Fox’s three-pointer for their first connection of the contest late in the third quarter went 12/17 from three to close the win.

The Kings outlasted the Warriors taking Game 2 at home 114-106 two nights later (TNT) to take a 2-0 series lead for the first time in a best-of-seven series since winning the first two contest of 2004 First-Round against the Mavericks, who they defeated 4-1. 

Trailing 23-17 after the first quarter, where they were down by as many as seven, the Kings led from early second quarter on outscoring the visiting defending NBA champs 41-29 in the second quarter to take a 58-52 lead at the half and led by as many as 14 in the third quarter. After the Warriors tied it 93-93  with 6:07 left, the Kings closed the game on 21-13 run, including 12-5 the final three minutes when up 102-101 with 3:11 left.

Fox led the way with 24 points, nine assists, and five boards on 10/23 from the field. He scored 15 points with five assists and two steals on 7/15 shooting in the second half of Game 2, with 11 of those points on 5/9 from the field in the fourth quarter.

Fox triple with 2:17 left put the Kings up 107-101 and Mitchell’s trifecta put the Kings ahead 112-103 with 1:18 left.

He scored or assists on 97 of the Kings 240 points the first two games of the series.

Sabonis had 24 points and nine rebounds on 8/12 from the field and 8/12 at the foul line. Monk scored 18 with six assists on 3/7 from three. Huerter scored 15 points with five rebounds. Davion Mitchell scored 14 with two steals. Barnes had 13 points with six rebounds and three steals.

Following the ejection of Warriors Draymond Green for a Flagrant 2 foul for stopping on the chest of Sabonis with 7:04 left, the Kings outscored the Warriors 23-8, going 10/15 from the floor and outrebounded them 7-3.

The Kings in Game 2 shot 45.7 percent from the floor (42/92 FGs); were even with the Warriors on the glass 41-41 but outrebounded the Warriors 12-5 on the offensive boards.

They outscored the Warriors 54-40 in the paint; 17-12 in fastbreak points; 20-11 in Second Chance Points; and scored 25 points off 22 Warriors turnovers.

That made up for the 9/38 shooting performance from three in Game 2 where the Kings missed their first 11 triple tries before Fox broke the seal making his team’s first triple late in the first quarter.

The Kings just did not have it for Game 3 trailing wire-to-wire in their 114-97 defeat at the Warriors Apr. 20 (TNT) to have their series lead cut to 2-1.

Fox led the way in the loss with a near triple-double with 26 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds. He went just 9/22 from the field, including 3/9 from three and 5/8 at the foul line. Barnes scored 17 on 3/7 from three. Sabonis had 15 points and 16 rebounds on 7/14 from the floor. Huerter scored 13 but was just 1/6 from three.

The Kings shot just 38 percent from the floor (25/92 FGs) and were just 11/47 from three and 16/23 at the charity stripe. Were outscored by the Warriors 40-38 in the paint and were outrebounded 59-53, including 18-13 on the offensive glass, getting outscored 24-12 in Second Chance points. The Kings also had 15 turnovers that the Warriors scored 22 points off of.

After totaling 26 of his 62 total points in the fourth quarter the first two games, Fox scored just two points on 1/4 shooting in the final period of Game 3.

The Kings were right on the doorstep of taking Game 4 but came up short in the 126-125 loss Apr. 23 (ABC) which squared the series at 2-2.

The Kings suffered their 11^th straight setback in the postseason on the road, the longest active losing streak in the league.  

Overcoming an early seven-point deficit in the opening period, the Kings led 69-65 at the half, leading by as many as nine in the second quarter and were up by seven early in the third quarter. The Kings were outscored 37-23 in the third and trailed 102-92 after three quarters. A three-pointer by Murray ignited a 7-0 run at the start of the fourth that pulled the Kings within 102-99. A layup by Monk moments later put the Kings up 107-106 with 9:03 left. A three-pointer by Fox following a free throw by Monk pulled the Kings with 126-124 with 28.7 seconds left. Barnes’ game-winning triple missed in the final seconds.

Fox led the Kings with 38 points with five assists, and nine rebounds on 14/31 shooting, making four threes (4/11 3-Pt.) and 6/8 at the charity stripe. Fox entered action 5/19 from three since going 4/8 from distance in Game 1.

Murray, who was 3/13 shooting, including 1/8 from three in the first two games of the series had 23 points and seven rebounds on 9/13 from the floor and 5/7 on his triple tries.

Monk scored 16 with five rebounds, and five assists. Sabonis scored 14 with seven rebounds, eight assists, and two steals on 7/13 from the field. Mitchell scored 12.

Harrison Barnes after a solid performance in the Game 3 defeat had just 9 points with 3 rebounds, 3/11 FGs, 1/6 3-Pt. in Game 4.

The Kings shot 47.1 percent from the floor (48/102 FGs) and were 14/35 on their triple tries, while going 15/18 at the charity stripe. They were even with the Warriors on the glass 44-44 and even in paint points at 50-50. They outscored the Warriors 18-11 in Second Chance points and 17-15 in fastbreak points.

After starting Game 5 strong back home in front of their fans three nights later, the Kings faded down the stretch and were taken down 123-116, to trail the series for the first time 3-2.

After leading by as many as 10 in the opening period to lead 36-33 after the first quarter, the Kings were outscored by the Warriors 27-20 in the second quarter to be down 60-56 at the half and trailed virtually the entire second half down by as many as 12. The Kings closed to within 111-110 with 4:14 left on a pair of free throws by Monk but never got the lead.     

Fox had another near tripled-double with 24 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, going just 9/25 shooting and only 3/10 from three.

Sabonis had a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds, and three steals on 9/15 shooting. Monk had 21 points with five boards on 8/10 at the foul line. Barnes scored 13 on 7/7 at the charity stripe.  Murray (6 rebounds) and Mitchell each scored 10.

While the Kings shot 46.7 percent from the field (42/90 FGs) in Game 5, they were just 10/34 from three, including 2/22 on their triple tries after the first quarter. That included an 0/9 mark from three in the second quarter.

Fox, who went 0/6 shooting in the fourth quarter played Game 5 with a splint on the tip of his index finger on his left hand, which is his shooting hand that he suffered in Game 4.

Facing elimination, the Kings brought their best back to San Francisco, CA taking down the Warriors at Chase Center 118-99 Apr. 28 (ESPN) to tie the series 3-3 to force a decisive Game 7 back at Golden 1 Center.

The visiting Kings, who avoided just their second for-game losing streak all season led virtually the entire game outscoring the Warriors 95-74 the final three quarters after being down 25-23 after the opening period. That included outscoring the Warriors 35-26 in the second quarter to lead 58-51 at intermission and 28-19 in the fourth quarter.

After seeing their lead cut to 99-89 on a 19-10 run by the Warriors with 9:28 left, the Kings closed matters on a 19-10 run of their own to put a lid on their 11-game postseason road losing streak, the longest road losing skid in recent NBA postseason history.

The 19-point win in Game 6 was the Kings largest margin of victory in their postseason history and snapped their six-game losing streak at the Warriors. Their last win prior at the Warriors was Feb. 25, 2020 at old Oracle Area in Oakland, CA.

Monk led the Kings with 28 points, seven boards and two block shots going 8/14 from the floor, 3/6 from three, and 9/10 at the charity stripe. 

Fox had a double-double with 26 points and 11 assists with three steals on 10/18 shooting. He became just the third player in NBA postseason history to register at least 20 points with five assists in each of one’s first six career postseason games and became only the second player to do it in Kings/Royals postseason history to score 20-plus points in one’s first six career Playoff games, joining Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson.

Murray, who was just 5/17 from the floor, including 4/13 from three also had his first career postseason double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds.

With Sabonis registering just seven points with 11 rebounds on 3/12 shooting before following out with 5:17 left for the 10^th time on the season (led NBA), Lyles picked up the slack with 12 points and nine rebounds and two steals on 5/10 shooting, including making a couple of threes. Huerter also scored 12 with two blocks making 3/8 from three.

On a night where the Kings shot just 40.4 percent from the field (40/99 FGs), they were 17/45 on their triple tries, going 13/29 from distance after a 4/16 beginning from three in Game 6.

They registered 25 assists on their 40 made field goals and were 21/25 at the charity stripe. They outrebounded the Warriors 53-42, including 18-11 on the offensive glass, outscoring the homestanding defending champs 44-36 in the paint; 18-9 in fastbreak points; 52-21 in bench points; and 18-8 in second chance points.

The Kings overcame 20 turnovers that led to 17 Warriors points by forcing 18 Warriors miscues, with 10 of them off of steals that they scored 23 points off of.   

The magical carpet ride of 2022-23 for the Kings concluded in Game 7 back home as the Warriors used their championship experience in the second half to take down the homestand Pacific Division champions 120-100 to win the opening-round series in seven games.

After a close first half where the Kings led by as many as five and trailed by as many as six were up 58-56 at intermission. But were outscored 13-4 to start the third quarter by the Warriors and 35-23 in the period and 64-42 in the second half, where the Kings trailed by as many as 24.

3^rd Quarter Summary              GS                  SAC  
Game 7                                      35      Points     23
                                                 12/30    FGs      7/21
                                                 4/11     3-Pt.      1/9
                                                  22       Rebs       9
                                                  13   Off. Rebs   3
                                                  14   Paint Pts   10
                                                  11 2^nd Chance   6
                                                              Pts
                                                   8       Fouls       11

Kings In         Harrison Barnes 4 Points 1/4 FGs, 0/2 3-Pt. 2/4 FTs
Game 7           Trey Lyles           6 Points, 7 Rebounds, 2/5 FGs, 1/4 3-PT.
                        Huerter               7 Points, 9 Rebounds, 2 Blocks, 2/9 FGs, 1/6 3-PT.

Sabonis in defeat scored a team-high 22 points with eight rebounds, seven assists and two blocks on 10/16 from the field. Fox had 16 points with six assists on just 5/19 shooting and 3/10 from three. Monk scored 14 off the bench with nine rebounds but too short poorly going 4/14 from the floor and 2/8 on his triple tries. Murray scored 210 with seven rebounds and two steals.  

For the Kings, this offseason was about keeping their core group together, particularly their starting five; making additions that would add the proper depth to their bench and maintained their salary cap flexibility.

In a trade with the Celtics, the Kings dealt the boys from “Beantown” the draft rights to forward Jordan Walsh (No. 38 overall) out of Arkansas along with the Mavericks 2024 Second-Round pick.

In a deal with the Pacers, the Kings acquired guard Chris Duarte (7.9 ppg, 2022-23 w/Pacers) in exchange for the Mavericks 2028 Second-Round pick their own 2030 Second-Round pick.

As a rookie with the Pacers in 2021-22, Duarte, the No. 13 overall pick out of University of Oregon had a solid rookie season where he averaged 13.1 points and shot 36.9 percent from three-point range (94/255 3-Pt.) in 55 games to earn a 2021-22 NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors.

Injuries again limited 2020-21 Pac-12 Player of the Year to 46 games a season ago with the Pacers along with the fact that the likes of Hield, Aaron Nesmith, and Andrew Nembhard passed Duarte on the depth chart.

With good health, Duarte can be a solid compliment off the bench alongside Monk.

The other plus for Duarte is being reunited with Sabonis, who he played with for the first part of his rookie season before he was dealt to Kings.

At Media Day, Duarte said of his time around Sabonis during the offseason was “great.” That Sabonis was a big help to him as a rookie and Durate is “excited” to be reunited with him and being a part of the Kings.

“We’ve got something going on right now really, really good. Which I am excited for that,” Duarte added about joining the Kings. “We’ve got a lot of good guys and guys that want to win and I’m look forward to that.”

“I’m just going to go out there and play my game, you know? Just play my game. Just go out there and help the team. Contribute anyway I can.”

In early July, the Kings added 2022-23 EuroLeague MVP and the Alphonso Ford EuroLeague Top Scorer Aleksandar “Sasha” Vezenkov (17.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 65.5 FG%m 37.8 3-Pt.% in 40 Games w/Olympiacos).

For a team that already had guys that can strike a match from the perimeter at a high clip a season ago, Vezeknov gives them another quality marksman from three-point range, who in the past few seasons overseas has not only been productive from an individual standpoint but has helped the teams he’s been on win.

Career Resume of    2011: Panhellenic Youth Championship MVP,  Champion, &
Sasha Vezenkov                  Top Scorer
                                   Two-Time: Catalan League Champion (2015-17) & Greek League
                                   Champion; Greek League Top Scorer (2015 & 2022); Most Improved
                                   Player (2015, 2022)
                                   Three-Time: Greek League MVP: (2015, 2022, 2023); Catalan League
                                   Champion (2015-17); Greek League Best Young Player (2013-15);
                                   All-Greek League First Team (2015, 2022, 2023)

“I feel great.” Vezenkov said at Media Day about his start with the Kings. “Everything is going well. This whole organization of Sacramento made me feel like my second family here. So, I’m really thankful. Thankful to family too who are here with me and helping me. I can’t wait to start. I’m here for my dream. For my work and the team to win.”                        

In late June (official July 6), the Kings picked up the $1.9 million team option on forward/guard Kessler Edwards, who was acquired from the Nets back on Feb. 7 along with cash considerations.

As far as the key core parts of the roster over the summer, the Kings at the start of free agency on June 30 (official July 6) agreed on a two-year, $16 million deal to bring back Lyles. Agreed on a three-year, $54 million deal to bring back Barnes. On July 1 agreed on a one-year, $3.2 million deal to bring back center Alex Len.

The major news of the 2023 offseason by the Kings was terminating the remaining one -year, $19.4 million deal on Sabonis’ contract and signing him to a five-year contract extension at $217 million, which includes $195 million in new money as the three-time All-Star’s deal will be renegotiated and four more seasons will be added to the deal.

To improve their poorest defense from a season ago, the Kings added veteran center JaVale McGee, who was waived Aug. 29 by the Mavericks on a one-year, $5.7 million deal.

While he may not play big minutes during the season, McGee brings championship experience and familiarity with Coach Brown as member of the Warriors (2016-18), where he helped the boys from the “Bay Area” win their second of their four NBA titles in 2017-18. McGee also won a title in 2019-20 with the Lakers adding depth to their frontcourt.

Last season, the Kings did not have a legit rim protector to defend the paint outside of Sabonis. They will have that in certain portions of the game in 2023-24.

The hopes of the Kings though taking that next step this upcoming season rest of the continued improvement of Sabonis and Fox not just on their individual games but how they present leadership and how they use their voice at key times to keep their Kings teammates on the right path.

While Fox was impressive in his first postseason appearance (27.4 ppg, 7.7 apg, 5.4 rpg, 2.1 spg), scoring 25-plus points in four out of the seven games, he only shot 42.4 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from three-point range (21/63 3-Pt.).

Sabonis only averaged just 16.4 points and 11 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on 49.5 percent shooting in the First-Round versus the Warriors.

While what they did in the regular season got the Kings back into the Playoffs as mentioned for the first time in nearly two decades, they know that they must take their games to an even higher level on both ends of the hardwood if they want to one day call themselves NBA champions.

“I think we learned a lot. I think it was the right stepping-stone for us to keep going forward,” Sabonis said about the team’s season in 2022-23 to ESPN’s Christine Williamson on the Aug. 3, 2023 edition of “NBA Today.”

“We played against the defending champs. They’re a dynasty. Just learning how every player. How they carried themselves. How they prepare. How they get ready for every game. It really opened our eyes. It was the first time for a lot of us out there and just to follow that blueprint of what they did…They’ve been amazing for a long time. So, I think it was a good test. Now we’ve got to put that to work this year.”

Fox concurred that at Media Day saying that he and the Kings “surprised” a lot of people but that will be a “non-factor” for 2023-24 because the Kings to many people know that they are a “good” team.

“So, I think bringing guys that we had last year, especially what we did offensively it’s exciting. I think it’s definitely exciting,” Fox said to NBATVs Laura Jbara at Media Day about the possibility of Kings’ offense being even more potent than a season ago because of their continuity heading into this season. “But we know if we want to be  a better team, we have to be a better defensive team.”

Along with the continued emergence of Fox and Sabonis, the Kings also need Murray to emerge himself as this squad’s hands down third best player.

While Barnes, Huerter, Mitchell, and Lyles have been solid in their roles along with being solid contributors at the offensive end, they struggled with their shooting accuracy as well scoring in the series against the Warriors. 

Kings Others In 2023   Harrison Barnes 10.7 PPG, 41.7 FG%, 24 3-PT.% (6/25 3-Pt.)
First-Round Series       Kevin Huerter 9.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG 34.7 FG% 20.5 3-PT.% 
Against Warriors         (8/39 3-Pt.)
                                       Davion Mitchell 7.1 PPG, 41.3 FG%, 25.9 3-PT.% (7/27 3-Pt.)
                                       Trey Lyles 6.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 42.5 FG% 33.3 3-PT.% (9/27 3-Pt.)

To Murray’s credit, he showed well in Summer League both in the California Classic and in Las Vegas, NV. On top of that he worked out a great deal with Fox this summer to improve on his game and build chemistry with the Kings’ All-Star floor general.

At Media Day, Murray said he spent most of this offseason in Sacramento where he spent  a great deal of time with a lot of the Kings’ coaching staff learning and figuring out “different” ways of being successful within the offensive sets to counter when the opposition takes away his three-point attempts whether it is taking more mid-range shots or getting to the rim off the dribble.

Murray seemed to figure things out during the Kings’ series against the Warriors where after averaging 10 points going 3/13 shooting and 1/8 from three the first three games, he averaged 14.5 points on 23/45 from the floor and 11/24 from three the final four games of the series.  

“I mean, I feel like I’ve had a lot of breakthrough moments. But I feel like the Playoffs kind of exemplified the rest of them. And I feel like the last three games or so I found something in myself,” Murray said of how he ended the Warriors series.

“To have it end, I feel like brought more hunger and more confidence in me into the offseason and know that I can play at the highest level in basketball. So, just continuing that and looking back at that and knowing what I did those last couple of games.”   

Coach Brown said to Jbara that in their opening-round seven game aforementioned setback to the Warriors, the Kings were “very physical” at the defensive end against their more experienced opponent, championship-talented opponent, which they “weren’t” over the course of last season.

Because the Kings made flipped the switch in that regard Brown said was “a big, big alteration” to how they played in the regular season.

“So, for me, you know, going into this year staring in the summertime, we’ve been preaching the word physicality,” Coach Brown added to Jbara on the attitude he wants his team to bring game-after-game to the hardwood.

“We have to bring that level of physicality to the table every single time we touch that floor.”

Last season, the Kings made the postseason for just the 10^th time in the Sacramento era and registered just their 14^th postseason appearance since being the Kansas City Kings (2975-85).

Specifically, when it comes to the Sacramento Era, the Kings have as mentioned flopped on many lottery picks that they hoped would turn into the franchise’s headliner that would be the bridge to success.

When they acquired the previously mentioned Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond in exchange for the draft rights to Billy Owens on Nov. 1, 1991, it took the Kings until 1995-96 season to make the Playoffs after a 10-year absence.

It would be the lone postseason appearance by the Kings in the seven-year era of Richmond  (1991-98).

Richmond along with veteran forward Otis Thorpe who were traded to the Wizards in exchange for now Hall of Famer Chris Webber.

That move along with the additions of previously mentioned Coach Adelman, Divac and Stojakovic, Jason Williams via draft, and through free agency and other trades brought in previously mentioned Christie, Scott Pollard, Nick Anderson, Bobby Jackson, Hedo Turkoglu, Lawrence Funderburke, and eventually Mike Bibby.

They reached the West Finals in 2002 but just like the 2001 West Semis and the 2000 First-Round, they lost the to eventual NBA champion Lakers.

The Kings have the makings of another championship squad headlined by De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Flanked by Head Coach Mike Brown and the supporting cast of Keegan Murray, Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter, Davion Mitchell, Harrison Barnes, Trey Lyles, Sasha Vezenkov, and Chris Duarte.

But just like those Kings squads from 1999-2002, it took them three seasons to understand that yes offense wins games but defense wins championships. Also understanding that you have a target on your back every night you take the floor has to be something you cherish and relish.

“Any expectations out there, it’s our reality because our reality is we’re competing for a championship,” Coach Brown said to Jbara on the high expectations the Kings have this upcoming season and moving forward.

“So, there are no expectations out there that we can’t handle because ours are either higher or at least aligned with all the other ones out there. And I’m looking forward to seeing if our guys can handle it. I feel they can. But this is going to be new just like going into the Playoffs last year was new for all of us.”

“I’m excited that we have guys coming back so that we can starting a nucleus in Sacramento that we can build on.” 

Best Case Scenario: The Kings are a Top 3 Seed again in the stacked Western Conference. Fox and Sabonis are All-Stars again and All-NBA selections. The Kings become even more potent offensively and better defensively. Keegan Murray becomes the Kings third consistent top offensive player. Duarte, Vezenkov, Monk, Lyles, McGee, and Mitchell make up a Top 10 scoring bench in the league. The Kings reach the West Semifinals.

Worst Case Scenario: The Kings are a bottom seed in the West. They continue to be a bottom level defense. They have another First-Round exit.

Grade: A

San Antonio Spurs: 22-60; 5^th Southwest Division (No. 15 West; Missed Playoffs) 14-27 at home; 8-23 on the road.

-112.0 ppg-23^rd; opp. ppg: 123.1-30^th; 43.7 rpg-12^th  

In the Junes of 1987 and 1997, the San Antonio Spurs had the No. 1 overall pick. The selected in each of those drafts a big man. In the 30 seasons that followed, the boys from the “Alamo City” missed the postseason just once and won five NBA titles along with way. After having one of the worst records in the league again in 2022-23, they won the No. 1 overall pick again and selected another big man. That big man coupled with their other promising young players and led by their Hall of Fame head coach, the plan for the Spurs is to use this season as the start of a bridge towards hopefully more titles.

The golden anniversary season for the five-time NBA champion Spurs was an unforgettable one in terms of wins and losses. It was their third season in franchise history registering 60 defeats or more, including their first since 1996-97.

Their 22-60 mark was their third worst record for a season in franchise history.

Three Worst Seasons         1996-97  20-62 Record .244 Win%
By Winning Percentage     1988-89  21-61 Record .256 Win%
In Spurs History                2022-23 22-60  Record .268 Win%

After starting 2022-23 5-2, which included a three-game winning streak (Oct. 21-24, 2022), the Spurs lost 16 of their next 17 games and were never above the .500 mark the remainder of last season. That began with a five-game skid (Nov. 2-9, 2022) and following a 111-93 victory Nov. 11, 2022 versus the Bucks, the Spurs lost 11 in a row (Nov. 14-Dec. 4, 2022).

Following a three-game winning streak (Dec. 8-14, 2022) that followed that 11-game skid, the Spurs outside of a two-game winning streak (Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2023), the Spurs did not win consecutive games.

From Dec. 14, 2022-Jan. 6, the Spurs went just 4-8 and then lost five in a row (Jan. 7-15, 2023) and following a 106-98 win versus the Nets on Jan. 17 at put them at 14-31, the Spurs registered a franchise-record 16-game losing streak (Jan. 20-Feb. 25, 2022).

The Spurs following that 16-game skid, the Spurs went 5-5 their next 10 games and then lost six in a row (Mar. 21-31, 2023). They closed the season with a 3-2 mark in their final five games of 2022-23.

With their win (138-117) in their season-finale at the Mavericks on Apr. 9, the Spurs avoided equaling their second-worst record for a season in their history.

Two of the Spurs double-digit losing streaks in their history came in 2022-23.

                                     Streak                         Dates                            Margin Of Defeat
Spurs Longest                5                         Nov. 2-9, 2022                            16.6
Losing Streak               11                    Nov.14-Dec. 8, 2022                        19.5
Of 2022-23                      3              Dec. 31, 2022-Jan. 4, 2023                   13.3
                                         5                       Jan. 7-15, 2023                            12.6
                                       16                   Jan. 20-Feb. 28, 2023                      15.6
                                         6                       Mar. 21-31, 2023                         23.8              

Spurs Double-  16 Straight Defeats In 2022-23 Jan 20-Feb. 28, 2023
Digit Losing     13 Straight Defeats In 1988-89 Feb. 4-Mar. 4, 1989
Streaks In        11 Straight Defeats In 2022-23 Nov. 14-Dec. 8, 2022
2022-23            10 Straight Defeats In 1986-87 Mar. 27-Apr. 15, 1987

Last season, Hall of Fame head coach Gregg Popovich had the youngest roster in his 25 seasons (24 full seasons) with an average age of 23.8. That included five rookies that were 19 when the 2022-23 season began. 

Those five rookies that were age 19 in Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham, Dominick Barlow, and Blake Wesley totaled 196 games played the most in a season age 19 or younger in NBA history.

            Most Combined Games From Players Age 19 Or Younger In NBA History                
                                  Seasons             Games Played
Spurs                        2022-23                      196
Rockets                    2021-22                       149
Bulls                         2001-02                       143 
Suns                         2016-17                       133
Warriors                 2021-22                       122
Lakers                     2016-17                       111
Timberwolves         2014-15                       111

Prior to last season, the Spurs had just two players age 19 that played for them in a season in their history in the 50 games the prior season by Joshua Primo and the 77 games by the floor general of four of their five title squads Tony Parker.

Those five players were part of 21 players that were still in their teens that played in the league in 2022-23, the most in NBA history. That was three more than played in total (18) in 2004-05 and five more (16) than in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

While injuries limited him to just 56 games (53 starts) in his rookie season, Sochan (11.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 45.3 FG%), 20 registered six 20-plus point games, which was 10^th amongst the 2022-23 rookies.

In the Spurs 128-118 overtime loss versus the Spurs, Sochan scored a season-high 30 points with eight boards and five assists on 11/25 shooting including 3/6 from three.

The No. 9 overall pick out of Baylor University had his first career double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds and two steals on 11/26 shooting in the Spurs 110-99 win versus the Pacers. His second double-double came versus the Magic with 29 points and 11 rebounds on 11/19 from the floor and 3/6 from three in the 132-114 triumph on Mar. 14.

In the final three months of last season, Branham (10.2 ppg, 44.0 FG%), No. 20 overall pick in June 2022 out of Ohio State really came on, particularly with his overall shooting accuracy from the field. That led to him having five of his 10 20-plus points games in February.

20 Point                      Malaki Branham (SA)  5   Bennedict Mathurin (IND)  2
Games Amongst        Jalen Williams (OKC)  4   Keegan Murray (SAC)         2
2022-23 Rookie          Paolo Banchero (ORL) 3   Jalen Ivey (DET)                  2
Class

Malaki Branham       February 16.8 PPG, 50.0 FG%
Last Three Months   March 11.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 42.1 FG%
Of 2022-23 Season    April 15.0 PPG, 45.5 FG%

Barlow (3.9 ppg, 3.6 , 53.5 FG%), who went undrafted in April averaged 8.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 58.1 FG% the final five games of 2022-23.

In the Spurs 142-134 victory Apr. 2 at the Kings had his first career double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, with five assists and two blocks. He set new season-highs with 21 points and 19 rebounds on 8/11 shooting in the aforementioned season finale at the Mavericks.

While Hall of Famers in David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker and current Clipper in 2014 Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard got the headlines when they won their five titles, it was their supporting cast of Avery Johnson, current Spurs television color analyst Sean Elliott, Avery Johnson, Michael Finley, Stephen Jackson, Bruce Bowen, current Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, Steve Smith, Kevin Willis, Robert Horry, Brent Barry, Matt Bonner, and current Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn played major roles to help the Spurs win those titles.

Over the past four seasons where the Spurs have missed the Playoffs, their longest Playoff drought in their history, they have been able to draft and sign players who they hope are a part of their next run to the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Keldon Johnson (22.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 45.2 FG%), who averaged career-high in scoring average and for the third straight season averaged and at least five rebounds. While his three-point accuracy dropped from 39.8 percent (159/399 3-Pt.) to 32.9 percent from three (134/407 3-Pt.).

The No. 29 overall pick in 2019 also set a career-high of 5.2 free throw attempts.

20-Point Games   2019-20: 3  2021-22: 27    30-Point Games      2021-22: 3
By Season By       2020-21: 9  2022-23: 44    By Season By          2022-23: 8
Keldon Johnson                                              Keldon Johnson

While he missed 19 games in 2022-23 due to injury, Johnson made his 200^th career start in his 219^th career game played with the Spurs in their 137-128 overtime win Mar. 15, 2023. He joined Duncan, Robinson, Parker, Elliott, and Willie Anderson to accomplish that in Spurs history, with those five doing it in fewer games.

Devin Vassell (18.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.6 apg, 43.9 FG%, 38.7 3-Pt.%), the No. 11 overall pick out of Florida State University in 2020 also set career-highs in scoring average, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage.

3-Pt. Shooting           2020-21: 52/150   3-PT. (34.7 3-PT.%)
By Season By            2021-22: 137/380 3-PT. (36.1 3-PT.%)
Devin Vassell             2022-23: 103/266 3-PT. (38/.7 3-PT.%)

10-Point Games  2020-21: 62     20-Point Games  2020-21:   7
By Season By      2021-22: 71     By Season By      2022-23: 18
Devin Vassell      2022-23: 38     Devin Vassell

In his most productive month of 2022-23, Vassell averaged 20.9 point on 48.1 percent from the floor and 42.3 percent on his triple tries.

Career-High              Nov. 4, 2022 Versus Clippers (113-106 Loss): 29 Points 12/16 FGs
Scoring Games          4/5 3-PT.
By Devin Vassell       Nov. 17, 2022 At Kings (130-112 Loss): 29 Points, 11/19 FGs 4/9 3-PT.
In 2022-23                 Mar. 19, 2023 Versus Hawks (126-118 Win): 29 Points, 3 Steals
                                   12/17 FGs, 5/8 3-PT.

Vassell missed 44 total games in 2022-23, including missing 25 consecutive games (Jan. 4-Mar. 2, 2023) due to arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

Tre Jones (12.9 ppg, 6.6 apg, 3.6 rpg, 45.9 FG%), the No. 41 overall pick out of Duke University in 2020 had a breakout season putting up career-highs across the board, including six of his nine career double-doubles in 2022-23, including his first two career triple-doubles.

After registering 14 total games in double figures his first two seasons, Jones registered 49 such games in 2022-23, which included a career-high of eight 20-plus point games.

He scored a career-high of 26 points with five assists on 10/16 shooting in the Spurs 118-109 victory Dec. 8, 2022 versus the Rockets.

Jones’ first career triple-double of 17 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds came in the previously mentioned Spurs overtime victory at the Kings in early April. His second career triple-double of 21 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds on 9/14 shooting in the Spurs 151-131 loss Apr. 8 versus the Timberwolves.

Jones was a big reason the Spurs in 2022-23 ranked No. 5 in the league in assists per game at 27.2. They had 58 games in 2022-23, but went just 18-40 record, where they averaged in those games 116.7 points on 48.4 percent from the floor and 36.6 percent from three. That included a 9-17 mark when they registered 30 or more assists.

In the Spurs’ win (132-114) versus the Magic, they registered a season-high of 39 assists. 

Last season, Zach Collins (11.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 512.8 FG%, 37.4 3-Pt.%), who missed parts of the last two seasons due to foot fracture and ankle injury had the best season of his five-year NBA career registering nine of his 10 career double-doubles.

While he dealt with injuries again in 2022-23 missing 19 total games, the No. 10 overall pick by the Trail Blazers out of Gonzaga in 2017, Collins after registering 37 total games scoring in double-figures in three of his first four seasons plays. He totaled that number in 2022-23. That included all six of his career 20-plus point games.

In the Spurs’ 138-131 double-overtime loss Feb. 10 at the Pistons, Collins had a career-high of 29 points and 11 rebounds on 11/16 from the floor and 6/9 at the foul line.

Steady is the best way to describe sharp-shooter Doug McDermott (10.2 ppg, 45.7 FG%, 41.3 3-Pt.%), who made over 108 total threes for the fourth straight season and for the fifth time in his nine-year career (123/298 3-Pt.). He shot 40-plus percent from three in five out of the last six seasons, and for the sixth time in his career.

Last season for the Spurs while finding out their future with the young guys they have drafted over the past few seasons, they also took flyers on guys to see if they can be a part of their future.

One of those guys was Julian Champagnie who averaged 11 points and 3.5 boards in 15 games after he joined the Spurs after being waived by the 76ers on Feb. 14 and claimed two days later on a two-way deal.

The undrafted forward out of St. John’s University scored a career-high 26 points with six boards on 9/14 shooting and 4/7 from three in 28 minutes in the Spurs win Apr. 2 at the Kings.

Four days later in the Spurs 129-127 victory versus the Trail Blazers, Champagnie scored 24 points with five rebounds and two steals on 8/14 from the field and 5/9 from three.

In the Spurs loss versus the Timberwolves, Champagnie had another 24-point game on 8/16 from the field and 5/9 from three.

He had his first career double-double in the season finale at the Mavericks with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

In a couple of trades where they gathered future assets, the Spurs in a deal Jan. 5 with the Celtics acquired forward Noah Vonleh, who they waived and cash considerations. In their Feb. 7 deal with the Heat, they acquired center Dewayne Dedmon, who they waived, the Heat’s 2028 Second-Round pick.

At the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline, the Spurs acquired from the Raptors center Khem Birch, who was out and injured and a 2024 First-Round pick and 2023 and 2025 Second-Round picks in exchange for center Jakob Poeltl.

The Spurs also at the trade deadline acquired guard Devonte Graham (7.4 ppg, 35.2 3-Pt.%) from the Pelicans along with Second-Round picks in 2024, 2026, 2028, and 2029 in exchange for guard Josh Richardson.

Devonte Graham W/Pelicans 53 Games 5.3 PPG, 36.8 FG%, 34.7 3-PT.%-66/190 3-PT.
In 2022-23            W/Spurs 20 Games (8 Starts) 13.0 PPG, 38 FG%, 35.8 3-PT.%
                              53/148 3-PT.

In his eight starts with Spurs, Graham averaged 14.5 points on 44.7 percent from the field and 44.1 percent from three.

In the Spurs previously mentioned double-overtime loss at the Pistons, Graham scored a season-high 31 points on 6/16 from three and 7/7 at the charity stripe.

Along with ranking No. 5 in assists, the Spurs were also No. 5 in second chance points (15.8) and were No. 2 in bench points (41.9).

Spurs Offensive        46.5 FG%-25^th            21.2 FT ATT-29^th       11.1 3-PT. Made-22^nd
Woes In 2022-23       34.5 3-Pt.%-26^th         74.3 FT%-28^th
                                   15.3 Turnovers-26^th   32.2 3-PT.ATT-20^th

Last season, the Spurs were 19-3 when they outshot their opponent by field goal percentage but were just 6-10 when shot 50 percent or better in 2022-23.

They were 19-33 when they scored 110 points or more including 11-13 when they scored 120 or more and 4-3 when they scored 130 or more. But were just 2-27 when they scored under 110 points, including 0-12 when they scored under 100 points.

In the Spurs win in the previously mentioned early April at the Kings, they shot 53.1 percent (52/98 FGs), 13/34 from three and 25/29 at the charity stripe. Had 66 paint points and 31 assists on their 52 made field goals. While they had 18 turnovers that led to 24 Kings points, the Spurs forced 15 Kings turnovers that they scored 20 points off.

From Coach Popovich’s first season to 2018-19, what made the Spurs special, especially when they won their five titles (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, & 2014) was their ability to defend the opposition. Last season, the Spurs defensively were nowhere close during those seasons.

The Spurs were dead last, No. 30 in opponent’s field goal percentage (50.7%) and three-point percentage (39.1%), and paint points (56.7). They were No. 22 in steals (7.0) and No. 26 in steals (3.9).

Last season, the Spurs were 13-57 when they allowed 110 points or more, including 7-41 when allowing 120 points or more; 3-24 when they allowed 130 points or more; and 1-6 when they allowed 140 points or more.

Spurs Games        Nov. 2, 2022 (143-100) Loss Versus Raptors
Allowing 140         Nov. 16, 2022 (143-138) Loss Versus Lakers
Points Or More    Jan. 13, 2023 (144-113) Loss Versus Warriors (ESPN)
In 2022-23             Jan. 23, 2023 (147-127) Loss Versus Trail Blazers
                               Feb. 23, 2023 (142-116) Loss At Mavericks
                               Mar. 5, 2023 (142-110) Loss at Rockets
                               Apr. 2, 2023 (142-134) Win At Kings

In the Spurs 20-point loss Apr. 8 versus the Timberwolves (151-131), they allowed the most points in a contest decided in regulation under Coach Popovich. They surrendered 55.4 percent shooting to their visitors from Minneapolis, MN (56/101 FGs). Gave up 24/43 from three-point range. They were outscored 45-33 in the second quarter, which put the game in Timberwolves favor from that point on.

The most points allowed by the Spurs in a game ever under Coach Pop in their 157-153 double-overtime setback Feb. 25, 2022 at the Wizards.

In the previous two instances the Spurs finished the regular season with the worst record or one of the worst marks in the league that season, they won the No. 1 overall pick in that season’s NBA Draft Lottery. That is what occurred in 1987 and they selected the aforementioned David Robinson No. 1 overall out of Navy. A decade later, they selected No. 1 overall Tim Duncan out of Wake Forest.

The Spurs got their chance again winning the NBA Draft Lottery back in May and with the No. 1 overall pick in this past June’s draft, the Spurs selected big man Victory Wembanyama from France, who in 2022-23 averaged 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and three blocks on 47 percent from the field and 83 percent at the foul line for the Metropolitans 92, leading that French basketball league in points, rebounds, on his way to winning LNB Pro A MVP.

He is the second tallest player to be selected No. 1 overall in NBA Draft history behind only the 7-foot-6 Hall of Famer Yao Ming by the Rockets in 2002.

Tallest Players           Manute Bol 7’7’                     Taco Fall 7’6”
In NBA History         Georghe Muresan 7’7”          Shawn Bradley 7’6”
*Hall of Famer          *Yao Ming 7’6”

“It’s just accomplishing something that I’ve been dreaming of my whole life. Hearing that sentence from Adam Silver,” Wembanyama, 19 said ESPN’s Monica McNutt after getting drafted while crying tears. “I’ve dreamed of it so much that I’ve got to cry.”

To put into context how major of a moment this was for the Spurs, a plethora of fans packed the Frost Bank Center, formerly the AT&T Center to see the drafting of Wembanyama.

What did the Spurs get in drafting the most hyped prospect since Pelicans Zion Williamson in 2019 and the Lakers LeBron James in 2003, a long, tall athletic, multi-skilled player who can impact the game on both ends of the court.

He has a height of 7-foot-5 in sneakers and an eight-foot wingspan, which is the tied for the second longest in league history.  

He can score from the perimeter and he can attack the basket off the dribble, who has an excellent shooting stroke at the foul line. He can defend the paint with his long reach where he can block shots at the basket and on the perimeter.

Wembanyama on offense is a shot creator with shooting guard skills in a center’s physique. Is very mobile to where he can defend the paint as well as guards in the pick-and-roll on the perimeter.

There was a play during the season where a shot went up by one of his teammates for the Metropolitans 92 and he scored on a follow with one hand that had anyone that watched on the internet buzzing. There were also highlights of him blocking jump shots of perimeter players.

It was those kinds of moments by Wembanyama that some of the NBA’s current best, guys that were MVPs over the last decade plus gushing.

“He reminds me of the unicorn over the last few years. But he’s more like an alien,” Four-time Kia MVP, perennial All-Star, and four-time NBA champion LeBron James of the Lakers said of Wembanyama. “He’s for sure a generational talent.”

“How can you miss him,” Suns perennial All-Star, 2014 Kia MVP and two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant added of the Spurs No. 1 overall pick. “The league is really in trouble when he comes in.”

Two-time Kia MVP and four-time NBA champion with the Warriors Stephen Curry said Wembanyama’s game has “cheat code type vibes.”

Fellow two-time Kia MVP, perennial All-Star and NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo said of Wembanyama, “You got to get ready for this kid. He has the chance of being one of the best to ever play this game.”

With this great hype also comes great expectations, which means it takes a certain kind of maturity to be able to reach those expectations which is something that Wembanyama has shown he has so far to start his NBA career.

A perfect example of this is that he forgone playing for the French national team in this past summer’s FIBA World Cup to get ready for his rookie season.

He said to NBATV’s Michael C. Wright at Spurs Media Day on Oct. 2 that his focus was on basketball. That this was the first summer since becoming a professional basketball player in his early teens that he had a chance to work on his game while also building up his mental endurance for what is to come in what hopefully will be a long and successful NBA career.

That he along with his personal team as well as the Spurs have been working “harder” and “smarter” than ever before. That his expectation was that the “expertise”  and the other “test” were going to be more thorough. But he was still “surprised” how “technical” and “serious” those workouts by the Spurs were.

“This offseason that I just spent is going to make a huge difference in my life,” Wembanyama added to Wright.

When it comes to his expectations for this season, Wembanyama said to Wright that the only ones that “matter” are from his “teammates” and “coaches,” and himself. But did ad what is “realistic” and “ambitious” to me would be making the Playoffs.

“Everyone here accept for the rookies is more experienced than me,” the native of France said at Media Day about his new teammates. “So, I’ve got a whole lot to learn. I can just turn to whoever really. Even the guys who have just two to three years in this league, I know they’ve got good advice for me and they’ve already proven it in this past month.”

Along with the drafting of Wembanyama, the Spurs on Draft night of June 23 dealt away the draft right to forward Leonard Miller (No. 33 overall pick) out of Canada and the NBA G League Ignite to the Timberwolves for their 2028 Second-Round pick and the Jazz’s 2026 Second-Round pick.

With a roster loaded with young talent on cheap contracts, the Spurs had room under their salary cap. But because they are far from a team that has a realistic chance of winning a title, they decided to wisely spend what they had in their coffers.

That began at the end of June (official July 6) by signing Jones to a two-year, $20 million on Jones, a restricted free agent.

“We’re just going to keep building on, you know, what we had last year,” Jones said at Media Day about one of the Spurs objectives for this season. “We’re getting older. We have more experience from all the things last year.” 

“But I think something we’ll see is, you know, a lot of different guys bringing up the ball. That’s the kind of how the game of basketball is kind of moving towards is, you know 1-4, even 1-5 sometimes, guys can bring up the basketball at any point. And so, I think we’ll see a lot this year. A lot of guys can handle. A lot of guys can shoot it. We have a lot of guys like I said think the game at a high level. And so, we’ll be able to use that to our advantage.”

The Spurs also in the offseason (officially July 6) agreed on a four-year, $12 million deal to bring back Champagnie and forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili (6.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg w/Bucks & Spurs), who the Spurs took a flyer on last season after being released from the Bucks on a one-year, $2 million deal.

In 19 games with the Spurs (seven starts) last season, the No. 54 overall pick out of Seton Hall in 2021 averaged 10.8 points and 6.8 boards on 45.3 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from three-point range (23/67 3-Pt.).

In the Spurs 130-115 defeat at the Warriors on Mar. 31, Mamukelashvili had his second career double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds. In the aforementioned season-finale victory in April at the Mavericks he scored a career-high of 23 points with 11 rebounds on 8/17 shooting, including 4/7 from three.

In a three-team deal with the Cavaliers and Heat, the Spurs acquired forwards Cedi Osman (8.7 ppg, 45.1 FG%, 37.2 3-Pt.%) and Lamar Stevens, who was waived on July 17; the Heat’s 2026 Second-Round pick; the Cavaliers 2030 Second-Round pick and cash considerations also from the Cavs.

Osman, the NO. 31 overall pick in 2015 will bring veteran experience along with stellar marksmanship from three-point range having made over 115 total triples in four out of the past five seasons (116/312 3-Pt. 2022-23 w/Cavs) on an accuracy of 35.3 percent from three in his first six NBA seasons.  

In another three-team deal with the Mavericks and Celtics on July 12, the Spurs acquired forward/guard Reggie Bullock, who was waived on Sept. 30; along with an unprotected 2030 First-Round pick swap. The sent to the Celtics a 2024 Second-Round pick and they dealt to the Mavericks the Raptors 2025 Second-Round pick and the Heat’s 2028 Second-Round pick.

Five days later in a deal with the Suns, the Spurs acquired lead guard Cameron Payne, who was waived on Sept. 11; and the Pelicans 2025 Second-Round pick and cash considerations.    

The moves the Spurs made this offseason was a clear indication that they want to get a good look at how the likes of Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones, and Jeremy Sochan fit together with Victor Wembanyama this season and then decide where to go after.

The Spurs showed their commitment as one of the Spurs’ future cornerstones by agreeing on a five-year, $146 million rookie extension on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Vassell said at Media Day that his surgically repaired knee is “great.” While last season was “tough” battling that troublesome knee. Having to battle back-and-forth and being in and out of games and having to sit out games that ultimately led to surgery.

“But you know, I took a lot away from that. Was always in good spirits and high spirits, you know, talking with the team. But I feel great. I’m ready to get the season going,” Vassell added.

Johnson said at Media Day spoke on the Spurs and his excitement of the additions to the Spurs as well as moving into a new state-of-the-art training and practice facility that according to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski cost $500 million that the Spurs moved into Oct. 3.

“I’m definitely excited. We’re going into a new building. Start a fresh leaf and we know we’re ready to work,” Johnson said. “We’ve been working all summer and I feel like for us training camp is just going to be another day.”

Sochan expanded on Johnson’s point of the Spurs’ players had a bunch of “mini-camps” over the summer where a plethora of the team, sometimes the entire team was in the Spurs facility getting work in. He even mentioned the team spent time off the court going to dinner or bowling.

“It’s been great,” Sochan said of the bonding and on court time the Spurs have had this summer. “I feel like there’s been, you know,  a different kind of energy. I feel like everyone wants to come to the gym. Everyone wants to learn. Everyone wants to grow. And I feel like that’s an exciting to have, you know.”

Wojnarowski also reported that the Spurs on Monday agreed on a two-year, $35 million extension on Collins through the 2025-26 season.

Perhaps the biggest question for the Spurs, which has been a question over the past several seasons is how long will Coach Popovich be their sideline leader?

That was answered on July 8 when the 73-year-old Popovich, who is entering his 28^th overall season with the team and 27^th full season signed on to be the Spurs’ head coach on a new five-year, $80 million deal. 

To put how long Coach Popovich has been with the Spurs into context, he has been a part of their organization in 34 out of their last 36 seasons. He began as an assistant coach (1988-92) under his mentor in Hall of Famer Larry Brown. He spent the next two seasons (1992-94) as an assistant coach on fellow Hall of Famer Don Nelson’s staff with the Warriors. Popovich returned to the Spurs as their General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations after now former CEO Peter Holt purchased the team in 1994. He took over as head coach after firing Bob Hill on Dec. 10, 1996 and has been the Spurs sideline leader ever since.

In speaking the day after the Spurs drafted Wembanyama, Coach Popovich said of him becoming one of the greats to ever play on the hardwood that it is about “not skipping steps.” That it is about doing “A,B,C,D” and so forth in a variety of levels the Spurs No. 1 overall pick has to master.

“Because of all the hype, he’ll have a target on his back, more than Os and Xs to begin with. We’ll be interested in setting the homework and an environment where he’s comfortable where he can be Victor,” Coach Popovich added. “He’s not LeBron [James], or Tim [Duncan], or Kobe [Bryant], or anyone else. He’s Victor. That’s what we want him to be.”

When they entered the NBA in 1976-77 NBA/ABA Merger after nine seasons first as the Dallas Charparrels, then the Texas Chparrals, the Spurs reached the Western Conference Finals three times led by Hall of Famer and four-time scoring champion George Gervin. They unfortunately lost to the then Washington Bullets (now Wizards) in 1979 4-3; the eventual NBA champion Lakers in 1982 and then to them again in 1983 4-2.

When David Robinson came into the picture in 1990 after serving a two-year commitment with the U.S. Navy, the Spurs went from a 21-win squad in 1988-89 to 56 wins in 1989-90. Their season though concluded at the hands of the eventual Western Conference champion Portland Trail Blazers in the 1990 West Semis in seven games.

With Robinson as the headliner, the Spurs had a number of seasons winning 50-plus games. But only reached the West Finals once in his MVP season of 1994-95 and were taken down by Kia MVP of the previous season in fellow Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon and the eventual back-to-back champion Houston Rockets 4-2.

Robinson had a broken foot that limited him to six games in 1996-97 and the Spurs finished that season 20-62.

As previously mentioned, the Spurs won the No. 1 overall pick in 1997 and selected Tim Duncan. The Spurs went from 20 wins in 1996-97 to 56 wins in 1997-98.

From that season, the Spurs were a postseason regular with 22 consecutive postseason appearance, tied the Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers (1950-71) for the longest such streak in NBA history.

The Spurs were also regular from 1999-2014 in the Conference Finals, appearing in 1999, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2017, winning their five titles in this span, all under head coach Gregg Popovich.

Since then, the Spurs have missed the postseason the last four springs. But with Victor Wembanyama in the fold now alongside Tre Jones, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan, Spurs nation has hope that better days are ahead to where Playoff basketball is regular occurrence again in the “Alamo City” as well as another championship run. The chance of them having a 30-plus win improvement from 2022-23 to 2023-24 is highly unlikely.

As with anything worth having though, it will take hard work and dedication, which is something the Spurs have shown from the summer to now and as Coach Popovich said at Media Day that while there are “more pieces” to work with unlike the previous four seasons, it is up to Coach Popovich and his assistants Brett Brown, Mitch Johnson, Matthew Nielsen, and Darius Songaila to put those “pieces” together to “figure out what the whole is going to be.”

When the Spurs had Robinson and Duncan, they had ready-made teams that they knew what fit around them, which allowed them to come into those seasons primed for success.

From the individual standpoint, Robinson’s Hall of Fame resume consisted of 10 All-NBA selections, a Kia MVP and two titles. That came also because he had the likes of Avery Johnson, and Sean Elliott and many other great teammates to work with. 

Duncan’s Hall of Fame resume of 15 All-NBA selections, two Kia MVPs and five titles was the result of having Coach Popovich his entire career and had great teammates including Hall of Famers in Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.

The Spurs have the foundational piece they hope in Victor Wembanyama. It is about seeing now how great he is willing to work to be from an individual standpoint and can the Spurs put players around him that have that same willingness and commitment to be great from an individual standpoint in their roles and mesh those to be great as a team.

“We always had a core and we would fit everyone else around that whether they were new or just one or two-year players. Now we have a lot of young players. But we’re not exactly sure that the moment how they’re going to fit. What the rotation should be. Who should start or come off the bench,” Popovich said about building this Spurs group into the successful ones in the past.

“It’s an exciting time, you know. Guys been working hard all summer. They’ve been in the gym for the last whatever five to six weeks and they just want to get to the next step, which is being coached and putting the team together and getting ready for the season.”

Best Case Scenario: The Spurs win 35-plus games and are in the hunt to make the Playoffs through the Play-In Tournament. Wembanyama is a first-time All-Star and wins Kia Rookie of the Year. Jones, Vassell, Johnson, and Sochan establish themselves as cornerstones of the Spurs future. The Spurs become a middle of the pack on offense and defense.

Worst Case Scenario: The Spurs have a rough season winning under 30 games. Wembanyama missed a lot of games because of injury. The Spurs have another season where they are ranked at the bottom defensively.

Grade: A

Utah Jazz: 37-45 record (4^th Northwest Division; Missed Playoffs) 23-18 at home, 14-27 on the road.

-117.1 ppg-7^th; opp. ppg: 118.0-24^th; 45.9 rpg-5^th      

They made the Playoffs for six consecutive seasons (2017-22) in the stacked and rugged Western Conference, producing 50-plus wins in three of those six seasons. They never went further than the West Semis and after a First-Round flameout to the boys from “Big D,” the front office of the Utah Jazz decided last offseason was the time to break the roster up.  They also had their head coaching position open as their sideline leader decided it was also time for him to move on. Initially last season was seen as a tank job for a chance to get the top pick in last summer’s draft in a certain generational Frenchmen. Things started off well for the Jazz in 2022-23, with their eventual fade to black coming later under their first-year head coach. With that positive momentum from last season behind the Kia Most Improved Player and the addition of three talented the rookies, the plan for the Jazz is to keep building themselves into a team that can become a Playoff perennial again and eventually win a title in the future.

The Jazz began 2022-23 with a 10-3 mark their first 13 games under first year head coach Will Hardy, who spent the last six seasons as an assistant coach first for the Spurs (2015-21) and the previous season with the Celtics (2021-22). That 10-3 beginning was on the heels of  a 3-0 start and was bookended with a five-game winning streak (Nov. 4-9, 2022).

They were 12-6 their first 18 games of last season before a five-game winning streak (Nov. 21-28, 2022) brought them back to Earth to be 12-11 after a 114-107 loss at home versus the Bulls back on Nov. 28, 2022. They went 7-5 their next 12 games to be 19-16 following a 120-112 triumph versus the Wizards Dec. 22, 2022.

After another five-game skid to fall to 19-21, the Jazz went 8-5 their next 13 games to be 27-26 following a 131-128 victory  Feb. 1 versus the Raptors.

A 4-5 mark their next nine games had the Jazz at 31-31 following a 118-102 win versus the Spurs. That was the final time in 2022-23 the Jazz were at .500 as they closed 2022-23 with a 6-14 mark that included three four-game losing streaks (Feb. 28-Mar. 7, 2023; Mar. 22-27, 2023; and Mar. 31-Apr. 6, 2023).

Their defeat on Apr. 6 (114-98) versus the Thunder in the team’s 80^th contest of last season officially eliminated the Jaz from postseason contention.

The Jazz began 2022-23, 18-9 at home, which allowed them to keep in the Play-In hunt. But  5-9 mark to close last season and then Vivint Arena, to be renamed the Delta Center for this upcoming season.

That home mark to start last season was major for the Jazz who were just 9-17 to startr 2022-23 on the road. That 14-27 road record included just an 8-18 mark away from home against the Western Conference.

What allowed the Jazz to get off to that 10-3 start and be 31-31 after 62 games, being tied for the No. 7 position with the then defending NBA champion Warriors in the West Play-In ranks, they were No. 5 at the time in points per game (117.6); No. 5 in assists per game (25.8); No. 4 in second chance points (16.1) and No. 5 in threes-attempted (38.9) and made (14.0). They were also in the middle of the pack in paint points (51.4).

For the season, Coach Hardy’s squad ranked No. 5 in threes attempted (37.8) and were No. 7 in threes made (13.3). Were No. 4 in second chance points (15.9) and were 10 in paint points (53.1).

Outside of that, the Jazz a season ago were No. 18 in field goal percentage (47.8%); No. 20 in three-point percentage (35.3 %); No. 12 in free throw attempts (23.8) and No. 14 in free throw percentage (78.6%). They were also No. 28 in turnovers (15.4).

Over the final 20 games of last season, the Jazz while they ranked in the middle of the pack in points at No. 16 (113.4); No. 12 in three-point attempts (34.5); No. 2 in paint points (58.5); and No. 6 in second chance points (15.2), they were No. 23 in field goal percentage (47.2%); No. 30 in three-point percentage (32.8%) and No. 27 in turnovers (15.4).

In 2022-23, the Jazz were just 37-40 when they scored 100 points or more, including just 35-30 when they scored 110 points or more (2-15 when they scored under 110 points). They were though 26-6 when they scored 120 or more and 9-1 when they scored 130 or more.

Their lone defeat when they scored 130 or more came on Apr. 4 (135-133) in their overtime defeat versus the Lakers.

The Jazz scored at least 100 points in 29 straight games (Dec. 20, 2022-Feb. 28, 2023) and in 38 out of the final 49 games of 2022-23. They also registered 63 games with five or more players scoring in double-figures.

The Jazz in 2022-23 25-15 when they outshot their opponent by field goal percentage. That included a 17-8 mark when they shot 50 percent from the field or better.

However, the Jazz were just 11-13 in 2022-23 when they had fewer turnovers than the opposition.

Anchoring the Jazz’s offensive attack, particularly from three-point range was anchored a season ago by first time All-Star Lauri Markkanen (25.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 49.9 FG%, 39.2 3-Pt.%), who came over as part of the trade for four-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell along with guard Collin Sexton, three First-Round picks, and two pick swaps. 

Markkanen, a native of Finland became the first player from a Nordic country to be named an NBA All-Star, set career-highs in scoring, threes made in total at 200 (200/510 3-Pt.), and in free throw attempts (6.0) and free throw percentage (87.5%). He started the 2023 All-Star Game that was in Salt Lake City, UT in place of the injured Stephen Curry of the Warriors and Zion Williamson of the Pelicans.

The 2022-23 Kia Most Improved Player improved his scoring by 10.8 points per contest from his lone season with the Cavaliers in 2018-19 (14.8) to what he averaged last season with the Jazz (25.6). His three-point accuracy (39.2%) was the second-highest for a season of his six-year career and has made over 105 total threes in all six of his NBA seasons, including making over 120 triples the past two seasons and in three out of the last five seasons.

Markkanen also set a career-high with 28 double-doubles, surpassing his previous high of 20 double-doubles in his second season with the Bulls, who acquired his draft rights from the Timberwolves, who took him No. 7 overall out of the University of Arizona.

To bring into focus how exceptional Markkanen was a season ago, he registered a career-high 52 20-plus point games, with his previous high of 22 20-plus point games with the Bulls in 2018-19. He scored 20-plus points in 35 out of the final 37 games he played in 2022-23. When he scored at least 18 points a season ago, the Jazz went 30-26.

Those 52 games included a career-high 16 30-plus point games, one better than the 15 total such games in Markkanen’s first five NBA seasons.

Markkanen scored a then career-high 38 points with six boards on 15/18 shooting in the Jazz’s 134-133 victory Nov. 18, 2022 versus the Suns.

On Dec. 20, 2022 in the Jazz’s win (126-111) at the Pistons, Markkanen tied his career-high 38 points with five rebounds on 13/20 shooting, including 9/13 from three. His nine made triples tied for the most made by a seven-footer in a game and the first seven-footer in league history with multiple games with eight or more made threes. Markkanen equaled his career-best scoring 16 of his 38 points in the opening period.

That also included all three of Markkanen’s 40-point games of his NBA career.

Markkanen scored a career-high of 49 points in the Jazz’s victory (131-114) Jan. 5 at the Rockets with eight boards on 15/27 from the floor, 6/15 from three and 13/13 at the foul line, becoming the first player in franchise history with 45-plus points and zero turnovers.

He scored a career-best for a quarter of 18 points on 7/11 from the field and 4/7 from three as part of his 23 points on 7/14 from the field, 4/9 from three, 5/5 at the foul line in the first half. Markkanen had an ever better second half with 12 points (3/5 FGs, 6/6 FTs) in the third quarter and 14 points (5/8 FGs) in the fourth quarter.

Most Points In A Game Without A Turnover, Personal Foul, Or Missed Free Throw Since Turnovers Became An Official Stat In 1977-78 Seasons
Lauri Markkanen (UTA) 2023   49 Points
J.R. Smith 2009                            45 Points w/Nuggets
Damian Lillard (MIL) 2021        44 Points w/Trail Blazers
*George Gervin 1989                   42 Points w/Spurs

In the 120-119 victory by the Jazz versus the Thunder Feb. 23, Markkanen scored 43 points with 10 boards on 15/28 shooting and 10/10 at the foul line. He scored 18 of his 43 points in the fourth quarter going 8/12 from the floor.

In his second to last game played last season, Markkanen scored 40 points with 12 rebounds on 14/23 shooting making four triples (4/12 3-Pt.) and 8/9 at the foul line in the Jazz’s 127-115 loss on Mar. 22 versus Trail Blazers. It was his second 40/10 (points/rebound) performance on the season.

Markkanen’s stellar season was in large part that he played in the most games in a season (66) since his rookie season (68) in 2017-18 with the Bulls.

Games Missed By      W/Bulls: 2017-18: 14; 2018-19: 30; 2019-20: 15; 2020-21: 21
Lauri Markkanen     W/Cavaliers: 2020-21: 21
In His Career            W/Jazz: 2022-23: 16

Markkanen missed 16 total games in 2022-23 with illness; left hip contusion; and a left- hand contusion, which shelved him the final four games and for six of the final seven games of last season.

The other new starting forward alongside Markkanen was veteran Kelly Olynyk (12.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.7 apg, 49.9 FG%, 39.4 3-Pt.%), who set career-highs in scoring and rebounding, while also registering a career-best 45 games scoring in double-figures, that also consisted of nine 20-plus point games. The former Gonzaga Bulldog also registered nine double-doubles last season, the second most in a season of his career (12 double-doubles in 2020-21 w/Heat & Rockets).

The former Celtic, Heat, Rocket and Piston hit the game-winning layup in overtime in the Jazz’s 122-121 victory Nov. 23, 2022 at the Pelicans.  

Sexton (14.3 ppg, 50.6 FG%, 39.3 3-Pt.%), the other player that was a part of the Mitchell deal had a career-season in terms of shooting accuracy from the floor was saddled by a hamstring issues all last season that cost him 34 games, including missing 21 out of the final 22 games.

20-Point Games By               W/Cavs: 2018-19: 27; 2019-20: 34; 2020-21: 48; 2021-22: 3
Season By Collin Sexton       W/Jazz: 2022-23: 6

30-Point Games By               W/Cavs 2019-20: 5; 2020-21: 7; 2021-22: 1
Season By Collin Sexton 

With the constant absence of Sexton, that put a lot of the offensive initiation on the shoulder of veteran Mike Conley, Jr., who was exceptional.

But with the Jazz no longer being a legit title contender, it seemed just a matter of time before Conley was moved.

That came at the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline where Conley was dealt as part of three-team deal to the Timberwolves along with guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker and sent guard Malik Beasley to the Lakers acquiring center Damian Jones and forward Juan Toscano-Anderson from the Lakers, along with perennial All-Star guard Russell Westbrook, who they reached a contract buyout with on Feb. 20 and a 2027 First-Round pick.

That left the ball-handling responsibilities as well as scoring to Jordan Clarkson, Kris Dunn, Talen Horton-Tucker, and rookie Ochai Agbaji.

Dunn (13.2 ppg, 5.6 apg, 4.5 rpg, 53.7 FG%, 47.2 3-Pt.%), who spent the first part of last season with the Wizards G League affiliate the Capital City Go-Go signed two 10-day contracts (Feb. 22  & Mar. 4, 2023) and was eventually signed the remainder of 2022-23.

The former No. 5 overall pick in 2016 with the Timberwolves, playing also with the Bulls (2017-20), Hawks (2020-21), and Trail Blazers (2021-22) over the previous five seasons, set career-highs in shooting from the floor. He also registered three of his 10 career double-doubles and scored in double-figures 17 times in 20 games with the Jazz a season ago.

In the Jazz’s 128-120 win versus the Kings on Mar. 20, Dunn had 18 points and 10 assists on 7/12 shooting.

On Apr. 6 in the aforementioned loss in early April versus the Thunder, Dunn had 22 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds on 9/10 from the floor. Two days later in the Jazz’s win versus the eventual NBA champion Nuggets, Dunn had 19 points and 14 assists with eight boards and three steals. In the regular season finale loss (128-117) at the Lakers (ESPN), Dunn had 26 points, 10 boards and eight assists on 11/18 from the field.

When the Jazz made the major changes last offseason, there was the thinking that Clarkson (20.8 ppg, 4.4 apg, 44.4 FG%) was also going to be on the move.

He remained and averaged a career-high in points and assists, while shooting a decent percentage from the field for just the second time in his first four seasons with the Jazz since being dealt to them from the Cavaliers in late December 2019 (46.2 FG% w/Jazz).

Last season, Clarkson made over 155 total triples for the third straight season (155/459-33.3 3-Pt.% 2022-23); making over 150 total threes four straight seasons and 110 total made threes for the eighth time in his first nine seasons. 

20-Point Games By  W/Lakers: 2014-15: 11; 2015-16: 20; 2016-17: 17
Season By Jordan    W/Lakers & Cavs: 2017-18: 15
Clarkson                   W/Cavs: 2018-19: 25
                                   W/Cavs & Jazz: 2019-20: 19
                                   W/Jazz: 2020-21: 24 2021-22: 22; 2022-23: 39

30-Point Games By  W/Lakers: 2014-15, 2015-16, 2017-18: 1 Each; 2016-17: 2
Season By Jordan    W/Cavs: 2018-19: 1
Clarkson                   W/Cavs & Jazz: 2019-20: 3
                                   W/Jazz: 2020-21: 5; 2021-22: 2; 2022-23: 4

Another reason why the Jazz struggled to close 2022-23 is because Clarkson missed the final 17 games with a sprained fourth left finger, missing 21 games in total a season ago.

The loss of Clarkson allowed Horton-Tucker (10.7 ppg, 3.8 apg) to get major minutes and while his shooting stroke was subpar (41.9 FG%, and 28.6 3-Pt.%), his floor game was solid as he registered two of his seven career double-doubles as season ago as well as his ability to score because of his ability to get to the rim.

His 29 games in double-figures, including nine 20-plus point games came in 2022-23. That also consisted of three of his four career 30-plus point games.

Over the final 19 games of 2022-23, Horton-Tucker averaged 18.2 points and six assists and 5. 1 rebounds on just 43.3 percent from the floor and 32.1 percent from three.  

In the Jazz’s 119-111 victory at the Hornets on Mar. 11, Horton-Tucker had a season-high of 37 points, 10 assists, and eight boards on 14/24 shooting and 7/8 at the charity stripe. He scored 22 of those 37 points on 7/12 from the floor and 7/8 at the line in the second half (15 points six rebounds, four assists, 7/12 FGs 1^st Half).

Later in the month, Horton-Tucker scored a career-high of 41 points with five assists on 15/25 shooting, including 6/11 from three in the Jazz’s win (128-117) at the Spurs.

He scored 32 points with eight assists on 12/25 shooting, including 3/7 from three in the Jazz’s Apr. 2 defeat (111-110) at the Nets.

The loss of Clarkson also opened up time for Agbaji (7.9 ppg, 35.5 3-Pt.%), who too had his shooting struggles in his rookie season.

Ochai Agbaji             February: 8.2 PPG, 47.8 FG%, 43.8 3-PT.% (21/48 3-PT.)
Final Three                March: 12.4 PPG, 39.3 FG%, 35.5 3-PT.% (33/93 3-PT.)
Months 2022-23        April: 18.0 PPG 39.3 FG%, 24.3 3-PT.% (9/37 3-PT.)

After not having a 20-point game the first five months of his rookie season, the No. 14 overall pick by the Cavs bac in June 2022, who draft rights were a part of the Mitchell deal, had two 20-point games in each of the final three months of 2022-23.

In the Jazz’s aforementioned win versus the Kings back in late March, Agbaji scored a season-high of 27 points with five boards on 8/14 from the floor, including 6/10 from three. Five days later at the Kings (121-113 loss) scored 20 points with three blocks on 8/15 from the field, including 3/7 from three.

He scored 22 points with two blocks on 7/15 from the field and 4/8 from three in the Jazz’s 135-133 double-overtime defeat versus the Lakers.

Agbaji set a new season-high of 28 points in the Jazz’s aforementioned victory in April versus the Nuggets.

The other major deal the Jazz made in the summer of 2022 was sending their other three-time All-Star in center Rudy Gobert to the Timberwolves on July 6 in exchange for Patrick Beveraly, Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, and Beasley, four future First-Round picks and a pick swap and the draft rights of center Walker Kessler (No. 22 overall pick) out of Auburn (2021-22), who spent his first collegiate season at University of North Carolina (2020-21).

Last season, Kessler (9.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.3 bpg, 72 FG%) had a stellar rookie season. His 8.4 rebounds a season ago trailed only the Pistons Jalen Duren (8.9) amongst the 2022-23 NBA rookie class, while leading the entire rookie class in shooting accuracy from the floor (72.0 %), earning NBA All-Rookie First-Team honors. He also finished third in the Kia Rookie of the Year voting.

In the first 40 games of 2022-23 (Oct. 19, 2022-Jan. 3, 2023), Kessler, who started in six of those contest averaged 6.8 points, 6.5 boards, and 1.8 blocks on 72.8 percent from the field with five double-doubles. The final 42 games, Kessler, who started 34 times averaged 11.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.9 blocks on 71.5 percent from the field with 15 double-doubles.

NBA Rookie Leaders      Walker Kessler (UTA)    20  Paolo Banchero (ORL) 14
In Double-Digit Double-  Jalen Duren (DET)         19  Mark Williams (CHA)  11
Doubles In 02022-23       Jabari Smith, Jr. (HOU) 16

Along with his ability to rebound, Kessler last season showed his prowess in being a solid rim protector as a rookie for the Jazz.

Last season, Kessler registered 59 games with at least one block shots. He had 48 games with at least two blocks; 31 games with at least three blocks; 14 games registering at least four blocks; 11 games with at least five blocks; five games with at least six blocks; and four games with at least seven block shot. 

Games With At Least     Jan. 8, 2023 (123-118 Loss) At Grizzlies: 10 Points, 11 Rebounds,
Seven Blocks Shots By    6 Blocks.
Kessler In 2022-23          Jan. 13, 2023 (112-108 Win) Vs. Magic: 13 Points, 9 Rebounds,
                                          7 Blocks.
                                          Feb. 1, 2023 (131-128 Win) Vs. Raptors: 17 Points, 14 Rebounds,
                                          7 Blocks.
                                          Feb. 23, 2023 (120-119 OT Win) Vs. Thunder: 7 Points,
                                          18 Rebounds, 7 Blocks.
                                          Mar. 27, 2023 (117-103 Loss) Vs. Suns: 18 Points, 8 Rebounds,
                                          7 Blocks.                                          

In the Jazz’s 126-125 victory at the Timberwolves on Jan. 16, Kessler had a then season-best 20 points with 21 rebounds and two blocks on 9/13 shooting.

Rookies To Register 20-Plus Points and 20-Plus Rebounds on 65-Plus FG% In A Game Since 1982-83
Terry Cummings W/Clippers 1982-83: 32 Points And 24 Rebounds
*Alonzo Mourning W/Hornets 1992-93: 36 Points And 22 Rebounds
Greg Anderson W/Spurs 1987-88: 29 Points And 21 Rebounds
*Shaquille O’Neal W/Magic 1992-93: 46 Points And 21 Rebounds
Walker Kessler W/Jazz 2022-23: 20 Points And 21 Rebounds

Kessler registered a new season-high of 31 points with 11 rebounds on 14/16 shooting in the aforementioned late March loss at the Kings, which tied for the fourth most points amongst the 2022-23 rookies.

Kessler’s rim protection was the lone bright spot for a Jazz team that had their issues at the defensive end a season ago.

In the first 62 games of 2022-23, the Jazz were ranked No. 8 in block shots and were No. 7 in opponent’s threes made (11.6) and attempted (32.4).

Jazz Defense The  121.1 PPG-26^th                    5.1 Steals: 30^th   
Final 20 Games     46.4 FG%-3^rd                      48.7 Paint Pts-7^th
Of 2022-23.            37.1 3-Pt.%-19^th                 15.7 Fastbreak Pts-25^th
                               41 3-Pt.Att.-30^th                  14.4 Second Chance Pts-22^nd
                               15.2 3-Pt. Made-30^th           19.9 Points Off TOs-29^th
                               5.7 Blocks-5^th                      24.5 FT Att.-25^th

While they ranked No. 7 in blocks (5.2) in 2022-23, the Jazz were No. 18 in opponent’s field goal percentage (47.3 %); No. 20 in opponent's three-point percentage (35.3%); No. 22 in opponent’s free throw attempts (24.3); No. 24 in opponent’s paint points (53.); No. 29 in opponent's fast break points (16.8); and No. 28 in opponent's second chance points (15.2).

The Jazz a season ago joined the 1990-91 Nuggets as the only two teams in NBA history to allow at least 100 points in all 82 games in a season.

The Jazz in 2022-23 were 10-3 when they held the opposition under 110 points. But were 27-42 when they allowed 110 points or more. That included an 11-23 mark when they surrendered 120 points or more and were just 1-4 when they gave up 130 points or more.

The Jazz’s overall offensive struggles because of a lack of consistent point guard play coupled with their defensive issues a season ago led to their struggles, the Jazz played in a plethora of close games and more often or not were on the wrong end of those contest.

While they were 10-8 in games decided by three-points or less, the Jazz in clutch games in 2022-23 were 23-29 in games decided by five points in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter/overtime.

Only the Mavericks (55) and the Heat (54) played in more clutch games than the 52 such games by the Jazz. Only the Heat amongst those three teams (32-22) had a winning record in such games in 2022-23.

When the Jazz led at the half in 2022-23, they were 26-9. When they were tied at intermission, they were 1-1. But if the Jazz were down at the half, they were just 10-35.

Last season, when the Jazz led after three quarters, they were 27-9. When tied after three quarters, the Jazz were just 2-2 and were only 8-33 when they trailed after three quarters a season ago.  

In the offseason of 2023, Jazz CEO of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge (Since Dec. 2021); Assistant GM Justin Zanik (Since May 2019), Co-Governor Ryan Smith added talented rookies they drafted that have some upside. Added a veteran piece to their front court as well as young big. They also kept a key member from the previous roster that made a serious impact before an aforementioned injury cut his season short.

In this past June’s draft, the Jazz used on of those picks they acquired in the Gobert deal from the Timberwolves to draft forward Taylor Hendricks No. 9 overall out of Central Florida. Four picks later, the Jazz drafted No. 13 overall guard Keyonte George out of Baylor University. Near the end of the First-Round of the draft, the Jazz selected at No. 28 overall Brice Sensabaugh out of Ohio State University.

Hendricks, who played in high school at Nova Southern University School in Davie, FL with current Raptor Scottie Barnes, and First-Round pick Jett Howard of the Magic and Jace Howard, both sons of NBA legend and University Michigan head coach Juwan Howard averaged 15.1 points, seven boards, and 1.7 steals on 48 percent from the floor in becoming the first one-and-done player in the history of the Bulls program.

Hendricks, a native of Fort Lauderdale, FL is a 6-foot-10, 241-pound forward who really improved his draft stock thanks to how he performed in his pre-Draft workouts.

The Second-Team All-AAC (American Athletic Conference), who played for former NBA player and former Duke University Blue Devil Johnny Dawkins is multi-versatile long-winged (7-foot-1 wingspan) player, who can defend, rebound and shoot (39 3-Pt.% w/Bulls 2022-23) and plays with a high motor at all times.

In speaking with ESPN’s Monica McNutt after being drafted back in late June, Hendricks said that the “effort” he played with on both ends in his lone season at Central Florida that he will easily be able to translate on both ends of the NBA hardwood.

“The effort that I give on the offensive end and the defensive end. My shooting ability. My ability to block shots and just guard every position,” Hendricks added to McNutt is what he will bring to the Jazz. “And just the ability to fit in with a lot of different lineups is something I would love to bring to the Jazz.”

Last season, George averaged 15.3 points for head coach Scott Drew and Bears’ squad on his way to winning the Big 12 Freshmen of the Year.

He is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound lead guard who can create his own shot. He is a crafty scorer, who can shoot from range and showed the ability to score against tough on ball defense at Baylor in 2022-23. George is a good ball handler who has a good feel for things on the hardwood.

While Summer League a lot of times is not the best indicator on how well a rookie will play once the lights are on for real in the regular season, if George is anything close to what he displayed in July in Las Vegas, he should get serious minutes at the lead guard spot right away for Coach Hardy.

“It’s a real feeling, you know? It’s a blessing,” George said at Media Day on Oct. 2 about having his dream come true about being in the NBA. “A lot of people dream, you know, about being in this seat and not a lot of people get to do it, you know? Of course, you put this goal on your wall or whatever, you know? But a lot of times it doesn't come true. So, it’s a credit to my circle and everybody that’s pushed me to get here and, you know, tried to be the best version of myself.”

As far as his goal for this season, George also said at Media Day his own personal goal is to be Kia Rookie of the Year. For his rookie season, George said it is about getting “one percent better” each every day.

Two other goals for George for his rookie season that should also be a focus of his staying health and being engaged at the defensive end.

Sensabaugh in 2022-23 averaged 16.5 points and 5.4 rebounds on 48 percent from the floor and 41 percent from three-point range in his lone for the Buckeyes, where he became the first freshmen since 2014-15 to lead them in scoring.  

In the Buckeyes season-opening victory (91-53) over Robert Morris University, Sensabaugh had 17 points and nine rebounds off the bench becoming just the third freshmen in the last in the last 40 Buckeye seasons to score in double-figures in their first career collegiate game.  

That was the springboard for the Orlando, FL native used to be named the Freshmen of the Year in the Big Ten Conference, while also being named to the All-Big Ten Third Team and the Big Ten All-Freshmen Team.

Sensabaugh is also a versatile scorer, that can score at the hoop, from mid-range and from three-point range with his strong physique that allows him to create space off the bounce against a defender. He also has a long with a 6-foot-11 wingspan.

He has a chance to carve out minutes but the forward position is very crowded with Olynyk, Markkanen, the aforementioned Hendricks, and Simone Fontecchio (6.3 ppg).

He also has to remain healthy as he dealt with a knee injury last season that kept him out of Summer League in July.

“For me, I like to be a winning player. So, you know, whatever it is that they need me to do…I don’t mind taking a step back at all if it means winning games,” Sensabaugh said at Media Day about adjusting to not having his usage high as it was at Ohio State. “Obviously, it a different level So, I have to adjust and things like that. But, you know, from Day One, I’m just looking at making an impact wherever I can. Whatever that may look like.”

That competition at the forward spot got even more crowded with the acquisition of forward John Collins from the Hawks on July 7 in exchange for veteran forward Rudy Gay and the Grizzlies 2026 protected Second-Round pick.

While he may not be the force in the paint like he was in the early part of his six seasons in the “ATL,” Collins, the No. 19 overall pick out of Wake Forest is a solid veteran who will provide leadership and accountability to a young Jazz squad. He should also fit well and provide balance for Markkanen.    

This move should also provide a fresh start for Collins, whose production has dipped since 2019-20 for the Hawks where he averaged career-highs of 21.6 points and 10.1 boards on 58.3 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from three-point range (59/147 3-Pt.).

20-Point Games By     2017-18:   2  2020-21: 21    30-Point Games By   2018-19: 6 
Season By John           2018-19: 33  2021-22: 19    Season By John         2019-20: 7
Collins With Hawks   2019-20: 24  2022-23: 16    Collins With Hawks  2020-21: 7
                                                                                                                       2021-22: 1
                                                                                                                       2022-23: 0

In what was now his final season with the Hawks, Collins registered 11 double-doubles, that equaled the lowest for him in a season since he was a rookie in 2017-18. The previous four seasons, Collins registered 32, 22, 16, and 16 double-doubles.

The Last Three           2020-21: 17.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 55.6 FG%, 39.9 3-PT.% (83/208 3-PT.)
Seasons By John         2021-22: 16.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 52.6 FG%, 36.4 3-PT.% (64/176 3-PT.)
Collins With Hawks   2022-23: 13.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 50.8 FG%, 29.2 3-PT.% (70/240 3-PT.)

The Jazz dealt Jones, who they acquired last season from the Lakers as mentioned at the Feb. 9 trade deadline exercised his $2.58 million player option on June 20 and then on July 8 was dealt to the Cavaliers for cash considerations.

The Jazz replaced Jones’ spot in the front court with the addition of center Omer Yurtseven on a two-year, $5.83 million deal.

An impingement bone spur and stress reaction of the left ankle that required surgery in the middle of November 2022 is what slowed the now third-year undrafted center out of Georgetown in 2022-23 after he played really showed out with the Heat the previous season. While he averaged just 5.3 points and 5.3 boards in 56 total games in 2021-22, in his 12 starts for the Heat, Yurtseven registered averages of 12.1 points and 12.7 rebounds on 50.8 percent from the field.

He at least gives the Jazz another option to go alongside Kessler, Olynyk, and Luka Samanic.

The Jazz also this offseason kept some of their core in place with Horton-Tucker opting into his player option in the final year of his deal at $11 million for this season.

Clarkson, the 2020-21 Kia Sixth Man of the Year came back on a new three-year, $55 million deal, which will keep him with the Jazz adding to this upcoming season through 2025-26.

It was another feather in the cap of a great summer for Clarkson, who played for the Philippines during the FIBA World Cup.

“I think we’re going to come in here and compete, you know? Win and try to make some noise,” Clarkson said at Media Day about the Jazz’s expectations for 2023-24. “I remember last year we kind of were just like didn’t really know what was going on or what was going to happen. Everything kind of new. So, I think this year we got a good mix of guys who are going to come in here and compete and try to win games.”

A big part of the Jazz taking that step to make it back to the Playoffs is if Markkanen can follow up his career-season of 2022-23 with what he did a season ago.

Markkanen at Media Day said that his military experience he had to do this summer, for his home country of Finland said it was a “good experience” to have that will help him in maturation as a leader for the Jazz moving forward hopefully for years to come.

He was able to perform his military service in the morning and worked on his basketball game in the evening.

When asked about making the Playoffs this spring, Markkanen said “that’s the goal.”

“That’s what we’re trying to work towards to,” he added. “I still haven’t made the Playoffs. So, that’s really one thing that I’m looking forward to getting on that stage and really experience. But yeah, that’s the one motivator for us at least.”

A season ago, Coach Hardy was a relative unknown unless you were really deep in NBA circles. But last season, he won 34 of his first 70 games as an NBA head coach. Only the late great Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan, whose 1,221 career wins are the fourth most in NBA history has more wins after his first 70 games in Jazz history with 44 (44-26 mark). That 34^th career win as a coach by Hardy ironically enough came on Mar. 18 versus his former employer the Celtics 118-117.

This offseason Hardy stated at Media Day was a lot steadier, compared to last season where he, his wife and kids had to move from Boston, MA to Salt Lake City, UT.

He was still “learning” people’s names that worked for the Jazz, while developing relationships with the front office, the players, support staff, and the public relations group, and Zanik. Those relationships Hardy said are at a “whole different level,” which has allowed the “foundational pieces of trust” has been built and that knowing what the day-to-day as the Jazz’s sideline leader has made Hardy a “little bit calmer” than a season ago. The “excitement” like the previous seasons when he was an assistant with the Celtics and Spurs is “still the same” and is ready for the 2023-24 season to start.

“This has been a very long offseason and I know that I can speak for our [coaching] staff and our players, everybody’s ready to get going,” Hardy. “We’re glad that the open gym phase is over and that we can actually get to work.”

That coaching staff of Coach Hardy consist of Lamar Skeeter. Scott Morrison, who coached the Jazz’s G League affiliate the Salt Lake City Stars in 2022-23 and worked for the Celtics as well as for Team Canada, college, and overseas. Jason Terry, who played in the NBA with the Hawks, Mavericks, Celtics, Nets, Rockets, and Bucks (1999-2018). Chad Forcier, whose coached entering his 22^nd season in the NBA with the Pistons (2001-03), Pacers (2003-07), Spurs (2007-16), Magic (2016-18), Grizzlies (2018-19), and the past four seasons with the Bucks (2019-23). Rick Higgins, who began in the NBA as video coordinator with Bobcats/Hornets (2003-18), Magic (2018-20), and Rockets (2020-23). Sean Sheldon. Mike Williams, who coached the last two seasons for the Wizards G League affiliate the Capital City Go-Go.

“We’ve got a really, really bright staff and the energy that they’ve had all summer. The energy in our gym every day is a credit to them,” Hardy said of his staff in developing the players. “Our staff has run an incredible program this summer in terms of setting guys up  for workouts and going to visit them and having people in our gym.”

“So, we’re lucky. We’re lucky that we have an energetic, hungry [coaching] staff that I also happen to think is incredibly bright.”

When it comes to the team, Hardy said that Markkanen is “ready” to be the “leader” of the team. That he has the right temperament even though by nature is an “introvert.”

That he is ready to take on the challenge of dealing with the responsibility of being a leader. How he reacts after big wins and tough losses. His communication with the media in those scenarios? What is his temperament during a film session or an early morning shootaround.

“It matter to the team. And he’s getting use to sort of carrying that weight,” Hardy said of Markkanen’s new role. “It’s something that I can very much empathize with. I’m not used to everybody looking at me still after a year. And it’s still a little bit odd to sit up here and have you guys all looking at me asking me questions. But I’m getting used to it.”

For Kessler and Agbaji Coach Hardy said as they enter their second NBA seasons respectably, it is about their “reliability.”

They showed as rookies, they showed they can play at this level. It is now about being consistent for 82 games in their roles.

Starting off as the New Orleans Jazz (1974-79), they were built around the late Hall of Famer Pete “Pistol” Maravich for six seasons (1974-80) but he never led them to the postseason.

It would not be until their fifth season in Salt Lake City, UT as the Utah Jazz that they made their first playoff appearance in franchise history in 1983-84 led by Hall of Famer Adrian Dantley, John Drew, the late Mark Eaton, Ricky Green, Darrell Griffith, and current Jazz television color analyst Thurl “Big T” Bailey. They reached the West Semis that season and lost the Nuggets 4-1.

Over the next two Junes, the Jazz would draft two guys who would be the headliners for the next two plus decades in Hall of Famers John Stockton (No. 16 overall pick 1984) and Karl Malone (No. 13 overall pick 1985).

In 1987-88, the Jazz new headliners, coached then by Frank Layden got them past the First-Round for the third time in the last five seasons but they lost again in the West Semis to the eventual back-to-back NBA champion “Showtime” Lakers.

It would not be until 1991-92 when the Jazz, now coached by Sloan were in position to compete for their first title as they earned their first trip to the Western Conference Finals where they lost in six games to the eventual Western Conference champion Portland Trail Blazers. They were denied the West Finals two more times to the eventual NBA champion Rockets in 1994 and 1996 to the eventual NBA runner-up in the Seattle Supersonics.

The Jazz finally got their shot at the Larry O’Brien trophy in 1997 and 1998 but were denied by fellow Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and head coach Phil Jackson in six games respectably.

In the years that followed the Jazz still made the Playoffs but were not good enough to get passed the Trail Blazers in the West Semis in 1999 and 2000 and had First-Round exits first to the Mavericks in 2001 and to the upstart Kings in 2001 and 2002.

The Jazz led by All-Stars Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer got the West Finals in 2007 but were denied by the eventual NBA champion Spurs in five games.

Not even the Jazz squads led by Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, coached by the now Hawks sideline leader Quinn Snyder in the previous six seasons never got further than the West Semis.

The trading of Mitchell and Gobert by Ainge that has brought them draft capital to use as they choose and foundational pieces like Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton to go alongside Walker Kessler, Ochai Agbaji, and hopefully Taylor Hendricks, Keyonte George, and Brice Sensabaugh has the Jazz in position to build themselves into a title contender properly.

They have three First-Round picks in 2025. Two in 2026. Five in 2027. Two in 2028, which includes a pick swap. Six in 2029 and two in 2030.

Even with that said, the Jazz if they want that eventual title, it starts what they do this year and moving forward.

It took the Jazz a quarter century of existence of climbing to be in position to reach the champion top of the NBA mountain. It took them 24 years to position themselves to have the assets to build themselves into a title team again.

They have the assets now from the draft capital to the core players. Now they have to learn how to win in the regular season in a stacked Western Conference that will deep for quite a while. They also have to show once they become a postseason perennial like they did the previous six season prior to last season.

Getting the assets to position themselves to win was only half the battle. The next part is putting it together on the court, which is the task for head coach Will Hardy as the Jazz enter season No. 50.   

“I want to be clear that while we say we want to figure out what this group is and we’re trying to figure out the best path forward and who fits together, that doesn’t mean we’re trying to win every night," Coach Hardy said about the Jazz’s approach to 2023-24.

“We’re going to come at this season like we did last year with a very highly competitive spirit and we’re trying to win every night.”

“Whether that results in us making the Playoffs, the Play-In, so on and so forth, we’ll find out. We’ve got to remain healthy and we’ve got to have some guys play well, and I need to coach better. All those things have to happen.” 

Best Case Scenario: The Jazz win 40-plus games. Markkanen is on the conversation for All-NBA. Sexton stays healthy and becomes one of the Jazz’s top scorers. Clarkson is in the conversation for another Kia Sixth Man of the Year honor if he is a reserve. Kessler, and Agbaji progress in their second respective NBA seasons. George, Hendricks, and Sensabaugh earn regular rotation minutes. The Jazz learn to win clutch games. They are in the mix for a spot in the West Play-In Tournament.

Worst Case Scenario: The Jazz miss out on the Playoffs. Markkanen takes a step back from his progress a season ago. The Jazz have defensive improvement. Hendricks, George, and Sensabaugh struggle in their rookie seasons

Grade: A 

Information, quotations, and statistics are courtesy of

Websites: www.statemuse.com; www.landofbasketball.com; www.basketball-reference.com; www.nba.com/draft/2023/team-profiles; https://www.nba.com/draft/2023/teams; www.espn.com/nba/history/awards/_/years/2023; www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34098541/nba-grades-details-every-deal-2023-24-season; www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34098541/nba-trade-tracker; www.nba.com/standings?GroupBy=conf&Season=2023-24&Sectionnews/nba-trade-tracker; https://www.nba.com/standings?Section=ab&Season=2022-23; https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/traditional?Conference=&Season=2022-23; www.espn.com/nba/standings/_/season/2023; https:// www.nba.com/news/nba-off-season-every-reported-deal-2023; https://www.nba.com/news/30-teams-in-30-days-index-2023-24; .  

Regular Season NBA Coverage

In-Season Stories: 1/1/2018 www.espn.com story, “DeMar DeRozan First-Ever To Post 50-Poing Game On New Year’s Day;”2/8/2021 https://raptorsrapture.com story, “Toronto Raptors: The Other 50-Point Games In Raptors History,” By Avishai Sol; 4/5/2023 www.cbssports.com story, “Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell Makes History With Fourth Consecutive  40-Points Game In Win Over Magic,” By Jack Maloney; www.espn.com story; 4/13/2023 www.sportsskeeda.com story, “Which Is The Youngest NBA Team In 2022/23 Season?” By Seddhart Gupta;  

TV Shows:

NBATV’s “#Handles” With Kristen Ledlow and Channing Frye: 12/7/2022 1:30 a.m.; 1/19/2023 1:30 a.m.  

ESPN’s “NBA Today” at 3 p.m. 3/7/2023 Presented By Navy Federal Credit Union With Malika Andrews, Chiney Ogwumike, Kendrick Perkins, Becky Hammon, Jalen Rose, and Zach Lowe.

12/7/2022 2 p.m. ESPN”s “This Just In” With Max Kellerman.

ESPN’s “Sportscenter:” 11/24/2022 12:35 a.m. With Max McGee and John Anderson; 12/5/2022 1:30 a.m. “With Scott Van Pelt” from Washington, D.C.; 12/13/2022 1 a.m. With Michael Eaves and John Anderson; 12/18/2022 2 a.m. from Los Angeles, CA With Neil Everett and Stan Verrett; 12/21/2022 1 a.m. from Los Angeles, CA With Ashley Brewer and Stan Verrett; 12/22/2023 “With Scott Van Pelt,” from Washington, D.C.; 12/28/2022 1:30 a.m. from Los Angeles, CA With Ashley Brewer and Stan Verrett; 1/3/2023 1 a.m. With Michael Eaves and Zubin Mehenti; 1/6/2023 1 a.m. from Los Angeles, CA With Ashley Brewer and Stan Verrett; 1/6/2023 10 a.m. With Gary Striewski and Randy Scott; 1/22/2023 1:30 a.m. With Michael Eaves and John Anderson; 1/26/2023 12:30 a.m. “With Scott Van Pelt,” from Washington, D.C. 1/31/2023 1 a.m. With Michael Eaves and John Anderson; 4/5/2023 1 a.m. (EST) from Los Angeles, CA With Ashley Brewer and Stan Verrett; 2/24/2023 6 p.m. With Kevin Negandhi; 2/27/2023 12:35 a.m. “With Scott Van Pelt,” from Washington, D.C.  3/9/2023 12:35 a.m. “With Scott Van Pelt,” from Washington, D.C. 3/16/2023 1:30 a.m. “With Scott Van Pelt” from Washington, D.C.; 3/20/2023 2:30 a.m. With Zubin Mehenti and John Anderson; 4/13/2023 12 a.m. 3/30/2023 1:30 a.m. (EST) from Los Angeles, CA With Neil Everett and Stan Verrett; and 4/9/2023 10 p.m. With Kevin Connors and John Anderson.

NBATV’s “Gametime:” 12/5/2022 1 a.m. presented by Kia With Kristen Ledlow, Steve Smith, and Shaun Powell; 12/18/2022 1 a.m. presented by Kia With Stephanie Ready, Shaun Powell, and Jim Jackson; 12/28/2022 1 a.m. presented by Kia With Matt Winer, Grant Hill, and Jamal Crawford; 1/2/2023 1 a.m. from Los Angeles, CA With Ashley Brewer and Stan Verrett; 1/3/2023 1 a.m., presented by Kia With Chris Miles, Dennis Scott, and Shaun Powell; 1/31/2023 12:30 a.m. presented by Kia With Kristen Ledlow, Candace Parker, and Jamal Crawford; 2/3/2023 1 a.m., presented by Kia With Kelly Cruel, Steve Smith, and Greg Anthony; 2/27/2023 1 a.m. With Nabil Karim, Steve Smith, and Sam Mitchell; 3/20/2023 12 a.m. presented by Kia With Jared Greenberg, Dennis Scott, and Terry Stotts; 3/25/2023 1 a.m. presented by Kia with Nabil Karim, Isiah Thomas, and Renee Montgomery; 4/1/2023 1 a.m., presented by Kia With Kristen Ledlow, Isiah Thomas, and Dennis Scott; and 5/4/2023 1 a.m. With Ashley Shahahmadi, Isiah Thomas, and Sam Mitchell.  

Pregame/Postgame Coverage

7 P.M. TNT’s “NBA Tip-Off” Presented By Carmax With Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, And Shaquille O’Neal: 1/12/2023; and 1/26/2023. 

7 P.M. TNT’s “NBA Tuesday Pregame,” Presented By Carmax & 12:30 a.m. “NBA On TNT Tuesday Postgame Show,” Presented By Kia With Adam Lefkoe, Candace Parker, Jamal Crawford, and Shaquille O’Neal: 1/11/2023; 4/5/2023; and 3/2/2023 12:30 a.m.

7 P.M. ESPN’s “NBA Countdown,” Presented By Draftkings Sportsbook: 1/19/2023 7 p.m. With Malika Andrews, Chiney Ogwumike, Jalen Rose, and Richard Jefferson; and 4/9/2023 12:30 p.m. With Malika Andrews, Stephen A. Smith, Jalen Rose, Michael Wilbon, and Adrian Wojnarowski.  

NBATV’s “Pregame,” Presented By Carmax: 12/30/2022 7 p.m. With Kristen Ledlow, Steve Smith, and Brendan Haywood; and 4/1/2023 7 p.m. With Matt Winer, Shaun Powell, and Sam Mitchell.

NBA On TNT Gamebreak: 3/30/2023 “NBA On TNT Tuesday” Presented By Casamigos Tequila With Adam Lefkoe, Isiah Thomas, Channing Frye, and Jamal Crawford.  

TNT’s “Inside The NBA,” Presented By Kia With Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, And Shaquille O’Neal: 1/16/2023 8:30 p.m.

“Brooklyn Nets Pregame” YES [Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network], Presented By Fanduel With Nancy Newman, Frank Isola, and Meghan Triplett; Nancy Newman, Rebecca Lobo, and Meghan; Chris Shearn, Andraya Carter, and Meghan Triplett: 11/5/2022 10 p.m.; 11/23/2022 7:30 p.m.; 1/2/2023 7 p.m.; 1/17/2023 7:30 p.m.; 2/4/2023 5:30 p.m.; 2/13/2023; 3/23/2023 7 p.m.; and 4/4/2023 7 p.m.  

“Hornets Live” Bally Sports Southeast, presented by The Fresh Market With Ashley Shahahmadi, George Lynch, Dell Curry, and Eric Collins: 1/31/2023 7:30 p.m.; 3/3/2023 6:30 p.m.; 3/3/2023 6:30 p.m.; and 3/5/2023 6:30 p.m.

“Cavaliers Live” Bally Sports Ohio, Presented By Toyota With Cayleigh Griffin, Campy Russell, Brad Daugherty, John Michael, and Serena Winters: 11/20/2022 6:30 p.m.; 1/2/023 7 p.m. 2/5/2023 4:30 p.m.; 3/8/2023 7 p.m.; and 4/2/2023 10:30 p.m.  

“Mavericks Live” Bally Sports Southwest, Presented By Smoothie King With Dana Larsen, Brian Dameris, Devin Harris, Jeff “Skin” Wade, Raymond Felton, and Marc Stein: 11/10/2022 6:30 p.m.; 12/16/2022 8 p.m.; 1/14/2023 9:30 p.m.; 2/6/2023 8:30 p.m.; 3/7/2023 8 p.m.; and 3/24/2023 8 p.m.

“Heat Live” On Bally Sports Sun, Presented By Xfinity With Will Manso, Amy Audibert, Eric Reid, John Crotty, and Jason Jackson: 11/27/2022 4:30 p.m.; and 1/20/2023 6:30 p.m.

“Wolves Live” On Bally Sports North With Marney Gellner,  Katie Storm, Kevin Lynch, Lea B. Olsen, Michael Grady, and Jim Petersen: 1/11/2023 6:30 p.m.; and 4/2/2023 3 p.m.  

“Knicks Gamenight,” MSG [Madison Square Garden Network], presented by Doordash With Bill Pidto, Wally Szczerbiak, Rebecca Haarlow, Monica McNutt: 1/13/2023 6:30 p.m.;  2/3/2023 6:30 p.m.; 2/13/2023 7 p.m.; 1/17/2023 7:30 p.m.; 1/22/2023 3 p.m.; 1/28/2023 7:30 p.m. 3/3/2023 9:30 p.m. 3/14/2023 7:30 p.m. and 4/27/2023 9:30 p.m.  

“Magic Live” Bally Sports Florida With Dante Marchitelli, Quentin Richardson, Jeff Turner, and David Steele: 4/2/2023 6:30 p.m.

“Thunder Live” On Bally Sports Oklahoma, Presented By COX Communications With John Rhadigan, Nancy Lieberman, Chris Fisher, Michael Cage, Nick Gallo, and Paris Lawson:  12/3/2023 7:30 p.m.; and 3/26/2023 6:30 p.m.  

“Pelicans Live” On Bally Sports New Orleans, Presented By Fanduel With Erin Hartigan, David Wesley, Madison Hock, Antonio Daniels, and Jennifer Hale: 1/2/2023 6:30 p.m.;  1/14/2023 6:30 p.m.; 2/2/2023 8 p.m.; 3/3/2023 9:30 p.m.; 3/17/2023 7:30 p.m.; and 3/22/2023 9:30 p.m.

“Toyota Tip-Off Show: Portland Trail Blazers” ROOT Sports Northwest With Brooke Olzendam, Michael Holton, Terry Porter, Kevin Calabro, Lamar Hurd: 3/29/2023 9:30 p.m.

“Kings Pregame Live” On NBC Sports California, Presented By California Ford Dealers: 10/19/2022 9:30 p.m.; 12/3/2022 7 p.m. With Morgan Ragan and Matt Barnes; 1/4/2023 9:30 p.m.; and 2/3/2023 6: 30 p.m. (EST) With Kyle Draper and Kenny Thomas.

“Suns Live” Bally Sports Arizona, Presented By Fanduel With Tom Leander, Tom Chambers, and Eddie Johnson: 12/1/2023 8:30 p.m.

“Spurs Live” Bally Sports Southwest With Dan Weiss, Matt Bonner, And Sean Elliott: 10/19/2023 7:30 p.m.

“Wizards Pregame Live,” NBC Sports Washington, presented by Fanduel With Wes Hall, Christy Winters-Scott, Meghan McPeak, Chris Miller, Jason Smith, Chase Hughes, and Drew Gooden: 2/3/2023 6:30 p.m. 3/8/2023 6:30 p.m.; and 3/24/2023 6:30 p.m.

Websites: https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameid/401469176; https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameid/401468348; https://www.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameid/40168350; and https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameid/401360654.  

NBA Regular Season Game Coverage:

NBA On TNT, Presented By State Farm: 11/29/2022 7:30 p.m. “Warriors versus Mavericks” With Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Candace Parker, and Stephanie Ready;  12/6/2022 7:30 p.m. “Lakers versus Cavaliers,” With Brian Anderson, Stan Van Gundy, and Jared Greenberg; 12/6/2022 10 p.m. “Mavericks versus Nuggets” With Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, and Stephanie Ready; 12/20/2022 10 p.m. “Grizzlies versus Nuggets” Kevin Harlan, Stan Van Gundy, and Stephanie Ready; 1/10/2023 7:30 p.m. “Thunder versus Heat” With Brian Anderson, Grant Hill, Stan Van Gundy, and Stephanie Ready; 1/10/2023 7:30 p.m. “Thunder versus Heat” With Brian Anderson, Grant Hill, Stan Van Gundy, and Stephanie Ready; 1/16/2023 3:30 p.m. “Heat versus Hawks” With Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Chris Haynes; 1/21/2023 10 p.m. “Grizzlies versus Nuggets” With Spero Dedes, Stan Van Gundy, and Jared Greenberg; 1/25/2023 10 p.m. “Clippers versus Lakers” With Brian Anderson, Stan Van Gundy, and Stephanie Ready; 1/26/2023 7:30 p.m. “Knicks versus Celtics” With Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Jared Greenberg; 1/31/2023 7:30 p.m. “Lakers versus Knicks” With Ian Eagle, Jim Jackson, and Stephanie Ready; 1/31/2023 10 p.m. “Grizzlies versus Nuggets” With Spero Dedes, Stan Van Gundy, and Jared Greenberg; 2/7/2023 10 p.m. “Thunder versus Lakers” With Brian Anderson, Stan Van Gundy, and Stephanie Ready; 2/9/2023 10 p.m. “Bucks versus Lakers” With Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, and Chris Haynes; 2/14/2023 10 p.m. “Warriors versus Clippers” With Ian Eagle, Reggie Miller, and Chris Haynes; 2/16/2023 “Bucks versus Bulls” 7:30 p.m. With Brian Anderson, Stan Van Gundy, and Nabil Karim; 2/16/2023 10 p.m. “Clippers versus Suns” With Spero Dedes, Jim Jackson, and Dennis Scott; 2/28/2023 10 p.m. “Timberwolves versus Clippers” With Brian Anderson, Stan Van Gundy, and Chris Haynes 3/2/2023 7:30 p.m. ‘76ers versus Mavericks” With Spero Dedes, Reggie Miller, and Stephanie Ready; 3/2/2023 10 p.m. “Clippers versus Warriors” With Brian Anderson, Stan Van Gundy, and Chris Haynes; 3/7/2023 7:30 p.m. “76ers versus Timberwolves” With Ian Eagle, Jim Jackson, and Chris Haynes; 3/9/2023 7:30 p.m. “Warriors versus Grizzlies” Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, and Jared Greenberg; 3/9/2023 10 p.m. “Knicks versus Kings,” With Brian Anderson, Stan Van Gundy, and Stephanie Ready; 3/15/2023 7:30 p.m. “76ers versus Cavaliers” With Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke, and Cassidy Hubbarth; 3/28/2023 10 p.m. “Pelicans versus Warriors” With Brian Anderson, Stan Van Gundy, and Chris Haynes; 3/30/2023 7:30 p.m. “Celtics versus Heat” With Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, and Allie LaForce; 3/30/2023 10 p.m. “Pelicans versus Nuggets” With Brian Anderson, Stan Van Gundy, and Stephanie Ready; and 4/6/2023 7:30 p.m. With Brian Anderson, Stan Van Gundy, and Jared Greenberg.   

NBATV’s “Center Court:” 1/16/2023 10:30 p.m. “Rockets versus Lakers” With Matt Winer, Brendan Haywood, and Jared Greenberg; and 2/3/2023 7:30 p.m. “Suns versus Celtics” With Matt Winer, Brendan Haywood, and Dennis Scott. 

NBA On ESPN/ABC Games: 1/14/2023 1 p.m. “Bucks versus Heat” “ABC Saturday Primetime,” Presented by Meta Quest With Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, and Monica McNutt; 1/18/2023 7:30 p.m. “Hawks versus Mavericks” With Mark Jones, Jeff Van Gundy, and Cassidy Hubbarth; 12/25/2022 10 p.m. “Suns versus Nuggets,” Presented By State Farm With Beth Mowins, Richard Jefferson, and Jorge Sedano; 1/28/2023 3 p.m. “Nuggets versus 76ers” “ABC Saturday Primtime,” Presented by Meta Quest With Dave Pasch, Hubie Brown, and Cassidy Hubbarth; 2/1/2023 10 p.m. “Hawks versus Suns” With Dave Pasch, Mark Jackson, and Ros Gold-Onwude; 2/8/2023 7:30 p.m. “76ers versus Celtics” With Mark Jones, Jeff Van Gundy, and Cassidy Hubbarth; 2/12/2023 2 p.m. “Grizzlies versus Celtics” ABC Sunday Showcase, presented by Reese’s With Mark Jones, Doris Burke, and Cassidy Hubbarth; 2/25/2023 8:30 p.m. “Celtics versus 76ers” “ABC Saturday Primetime,” Presented By Meta Quest With Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, and Lisa Salters; 2/26/2023 1 p.m. “Suns versus Bucks” “ABC Sunday Showcase,” Presented by Resse’s With Dave Pasch, Hubie Brown, and Cassidy Hubbarth; 2/26/2023 10 p.m. “Clippers versus Nuggets” With Ryan Ruocco, JJ Redick, and Jorge Sedano; 3/1/2023 10 p.m. “Pelicans versus Trail Blazers” With Beth Mowins, Mark Jackson, and Ros Gold-Onwude;  3/4/2023 8:30 p.m. “76ers versus Bucks” “ABC Saturday Primetime,” Presented By Meta Quest With Mark Jones, Doris Burke, and Malika Andrews; 3/8/2023 7:30 p.m. “Mavericks versus Pelicans” With Beth Mowins, Doris Burke, and Cassidy Hubbarth;  3/11/2023 8:30 p.m. “Bucks versus Warriors” “ABC Saturday Primetime,” Presented By Meta Quest With Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, and Lisa Salters; 3/15/2023 10 p.m. “Warriors versus Clippers” With Dave Pasch, JJ Redick, and Richard Jeffereson; 3/22/2023 7:30 p.m. “Warriors versus Mavericks” With Dave Pasch, Jeff Van Gundy, and Ros Gold-Onwude; and 4/9/2023 3:30 p.m. “Jazz versus Lakers” With Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, and Katie George.    

Eastern Conference Teams Regular Season Coverage

Brooklyn Nets On YES [Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network]: 11/25/2022 8 p.m. “Nets vs. Pacers” With Ian Eagle, Sarah Kustok and Meghan Triplett; 11/28/2022 7:30 p.m. “Magic versus Nets” With Ian Eagle, Richard Jefferson, Meghan Triplett; 12/18/2022 6 p.m. “Nets versus Pistons” With Ryan Ruocco, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 12/31/2023 7 p.m. “Nets versus Hornets” With Justin Shackil, Sarah Kustok, Meghan Triplett; 1/2/2023 “Spurs versus Nets” With Ian Eagle, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 1/4/2023 8 p.m. “Nets versus Bulls” With Ian Eagle, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 1/20/2023 7 p.m. “Grizzlies versus Nets” With Justin Shackil, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 1/30/2023 7:30 p.m. “Lakers versus Nets” With Ian Eagle, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 2/3/2023 7:30 p.m. “Nets versus Celtics” With Ian Eagle, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 2/4/2023 6 p.m. “Wizards versus Nets” With Ryan Ruocco, Richard Jefferson, and Meghan Triplett; 2/15/2023 7:30 p.m. “Heat versus Nets” With Ian Eagle, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 2/26/2023 3 p.m. “Nets versus Hawks” With Ian Eagle, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 3/3/2023 7:30 p.m. “Nets Versus Celtics” With Ian Eagle, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 3/5/2023 6 p.m. “Hornets versus Nets” With Chris Carrino, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 3/9/2023 8 p.m. “Nets versus Bucks” With Ian Eagle, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 3/10/2023 8 p.m. “Nets versus Timberwolves” with Justin Shackil, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 3/16/2023 7:30 p.m. “Kings versus Nets” With Ryan Ruocco, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 3/19/2023 3:30 p.m. “Nets versus Nuggets” With Ryan Ruocco, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 3/25/2023 8 p.m. “Nets versus Heat” With Justin Shackil, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 3/29/2023 7:30 p.m. “Rockets versus Nets” With Ian Eagle, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett; 3/31/2023 7:30 p.m. “Hawks versus Nets” With Ian Eagle, Richard Jefferson, and Meghan Triplett; 4/2/2023 3:30 p.m. “Jazz versus Nets” With Ian Eagle, Tim Capstraw, and Meghan Triplett; 4/4/2023 7:30 p.m. “Timberwolves versus Nets” With Ryan Ruocco, Richard Jefferson, Meghan Triplett; and 4/7/2023 7:30 p.m. “Nets versus Magic” With Ian Eagle, Sarah Kustok, and Meghan Triplett.

Charlotte Hornets On Bally Sports Southeast, Presented By Sharonview Federal Credit Union With Eric Collins, Dell Curry, and Ashley Shahahmadi: 12/1/2022 7 p.m. “Mavericks versus Pistons” With George Blaha, Greg Kelser, Natalie Kerwin; 12/3/2022 6 p.m. “Bucks versus Hornets;” 1/8/2023 5 p.m. “Hornets versus Pacers;” 1/10/2023 7:30 p.m. “Hornets versus Raptors;” 2/2/2023 8 p.m. “Hornets versus Bulls; and 3/28/2023 8 p.m. “Hornets versus Thunder;”

Chicago Bulls On NBC Sports Chicago With Adam Amin and Stacey King: 2/15/2023 7 p.m. “Bulls versus Pacers.”

Cleveland Cavaliers On Bally Sports Ohio With John Michael, Brad Daugherty, Austin Carr, and Serena Winters: 1/2/2023 7 p.m. “Bulls versus Cavaliers.”

Detroit Pistons On Bally Sports Detroit: 11/18/2022 10:30 p.m. “Pistons versus Lakers” With Johnny Kane, Greg Kelser, and Natalie Kerwin; and 12/30/2022 8 p.m. “Pistons versus Bulls” With Johnny Kane, Greg Kelser, and Natalie Kerwin.

Indiana Pacers On Bally Sports Indiana With Chris Denari, Quinn Buckner, and Jeremiah Johnson: 1/16/2023 2:30 p.m. “Pacers versus Bucks;” and 3/25/2023 p.m. “Pacers versus Hawks.”  

Miami Heat On Bally Sports Sun With Eric Reid, John Crotty, Will Manso, Jason Jackson, Kelly Saco, and Kristen Hewitt: 4/4/2023 7 p.m. “Heat versus Pistons.”

Milwaukee Bucks On Bally Sports Wisconsin With Lisa Byington, Steve Novak, Marques Johnson, Zora Stephenson, Melanie Ricks, and Dario Melendez: 12/3/2022 6 p.m. “Bucks versus Hornets;” 3/16/2023 8 p.m. “Pacers versus Bucks;” 3/22/2023 8 p.m. “Spurs versus Bucks;” 3/24/2023 9 p.m. “Bucks versus Jazz;” 3/29/2023 7 p.m. “Bucks versus Pacers;” and 4/2/2023 8 p.m. “76ers versus Bucks.” 

New York Knicks On MSG [Madison Square Garden Network], Presented By Chase: 10/30/2022 6 p.m. “Knicks versus Cavaliers” With Mike Breen, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bill Pidto, Wally Szczerbiak; 11/27/2022 6 p.m. “Grizzlies versus Knicks” With Mike Breen, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bill Pidto, and Rebecca Haarlow; 11/29/2022 7 p.m. “Knicks versus Pistons” With Mike Breen, Walt “Clyde” Fraizier, Bill Pidto, and Wally Szczerbiak; 12/3/2022 12:30 p.m. “Mavericks versus Knicks” With Kenny Albert, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bill Pidto, and Rebecca Haarlow; 12/9/2022 7 p.m. “Knicks versus Hornets” With Kenny Albert, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bill Pidto, and Wally Szczerbiak; 12/21/2022 7:30 p.m. “Raptors versus Knicks” With Mike Breen, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bill Pidto, and Rebecca Haarlow; 12/29/2022 8 p.m. “Knicks versus Spurs” With Mike Breen, Alan Hahn, Bill Pidto, and Wally Szczerbiak; 1/2/2023 3:30 p.m. “Suns versus Knicks” With Mike Breen, Wally Szczerbiak, Bill Pidto, and Rebecca Haarlow; 1/9/2023 7:30 p.m. “Bucks versus Knicks” With Mike Breen, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bill Pidto, and Rebecca Haarlow; 1/11/2023 7:30 p.m. “Pacers versus Knicks” With Ed Cohen, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bill Pidto, and Rebecca Haarlow; 1/13/2023 7 p.m. “Knicks versus Wizards” With Kenny Albert, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bill Pidto, and Wally Szczerbiak; 1/15/2023 1 p.m. “Knicks versus Pistons” With Kenny Albert, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bill Pidto, and Wally Szczerbiak; 1/16/2023 3 p.m. “Raptors versus Knicks” With Mike Breen, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bill Pidto, and Rebecca Haarlow; 2/4/2023 7 p.m. “Clippers versus Knicks” With Kenny Albert, Walt “Clyde” Fraizer” Bill Pidto, and Rebecca Haarlow; 2/27/2023 7:30 p.m. “Celtics versus Knicks” With Mike Breen, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bill Pidto, and Rebecca Haarlow; 3/9/2023 3/11/2023, 4 p.m. “Knicks versus Clippers” With Ed Cohen, Alan Hahn, and Bill Pidto;  3/23/2023 7 p.m. “Knicks versus Magic” With Mike Breen, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bill Pidto, and Monica McNutt; 4/5/2023 7 p.m. “Knicks versus Pacers” With Ed Cohen, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bill Pidto, and Wally Szczerbiak; 4/2/2023 6 p.m. “Wizards versus Knicks” With Mike Breen, Alan Hahn, Bill Pidto, and Rebecca Haarlow; and 4/7/2023 8 p.m. “Knicks versus Pelicans” With Mike Breen, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bill Pidto, and Wally Szczerbiak.  

Orlando Magic On Bally Sports Florida With David Steele, Jeff Turner, and Dante Marchitelli: 11/25/2022 7 p.m. “76ers versus Magic;” 12/11/2022 6 p.m. “Raptors versus Magic;” 2/14/2023 7:30 p.m. “Magic versus Raptors;” and 3/18/2023 3 p.m. “Magic versus Clippers.”

Philadelphia 76ers On NBC Sports Philadelphia With Kate Scott and Alaa Abdelnaby: 12/13/2022 7 p.m. “Kings versus 76ers;” 12/11/2022 6 p.m. “Hornets versus 76ers;” and 12/27/2022 7:30 p.m. “76ers versus Wizards.”  

Washington Wizards On NBC Sports Washington With Chris Miller, Drew Gooden, and Meghan McPeak: 1/11/2023 7 p.m. “Bucks versus Wizards;” 2/14/2023 10 p.m. “Wizards versus Trail Blazers;”  3/2/2023 7 p.m. “Raptors versus Wizards;” and 4/9/2023 1 p.m. “Rockets versus Wizards.” 

Western Conference Teams Regular Season Coverage

Dallas Mavericks On Bally Sports Southwest With Mark Followill, Derek Harper, Jeff “Skin” Wade, and Lesley McClasin: 10/30/2022 7:30 p.m. “Magic versus Mavericks;” 1/22/2023 2:30 p.m. “Clippers versus Mavericks;” 1/30/2023 8:30 p.m. “Pistons versus Mavericks;” 2/6/2023 9 p.m. “Mavericks versus Jazz;” “Pelicans versus Mavericks;” 3/24/2023 8:30 p.m. “Hornets versus Mavericks;” and 3/26/2023 1 p.m. “Mavericks versus Hornets.”   

Denver Nuggets On Altitude Sports With Chris Marlowe, Scott Hastings, Katy Winge, Chris Dempsey, Bill Hanzlik, and Vic Lombardi: 1/23/2023 8 p.m. “Thunder versus Nuggets;” and 3/25/2023 9 p.m. “Bucks versus Nuggets” (NBATV).

Golden State Warriors On NBC Sports Bay Area With Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike: 1/16/2023 3 p.m. “Warriors versus Wizards;” and 4/9/2023 3:30 p.m. “Warriors versus Trail Blazers.”   

Houston Rockets On AT&T Sportsnet Southwest With Craig Ackerman, Ryan Hollins, And Vanessa Richardson: 12/8/2022 8:30 p.m. “Rockets versus Spurs;” and 2/9/2023 8 p.m. “Kings versus Rockets.”

Los Angeles Clippers On Bally Sports SO CAL: 1/22/2023 2:30 p.m. “Clippers versus Mavericks” With Brian Sieman, Mike Fratello, and Jaime Maggio; 3/21/2023 & 3/23/2023 10:30 p.m. “Thunder versus Clippers” With Brian Sieman, Mike Fratello, and Kristina Pink; 3/27/2023 10 p.m. “Bulls versus Clippers” With Brian Sieman, Mike Fratello, and Kristina Pink; and 4/8/2023 4 p.m. “Trail Blazers versus Clippers,” With Brian Sieman, Jim Jackson, and Kristina Pink.

Los Angeles Lakers On Spectrum Sportsnet With Bill Macdonald, Stu Lantz, and Mike Trudell: 12/30/2022 7:30 p.m. “Lakers versus Hawks” (NBATV); and 1/25/2023 10:30 p.m. “Spurs versus Lakers.”

Minnesota Timberwolves On Bally Sports North With Michael Grady, Jim Petersen, Katie Storm, and John Krazcynski of “The Athletic:” 11/25/2022 5 p.m. “Timberwolves versus Hornets;” 1/14/2023 8 p.m. “Cavaliers versus Timberwolves;” 1/21/2023 8 p.m. “Rockets versus Timberwolves;” 2/16/2023 8 p.m. “Wizards versus Timberwolves;” 3/3/2023 10:30 p.m. “Timberwolves versus Lakers;” and 3/15/2023 8 p.m. “Celtics versus Timberwolves.”

New Orleans Pelicans On Bally Sports New Orleans, Presented By Smoothie King With Joel Meyers, Antonio Daniels, and Jennifer Hale: 10/23/2022 7 p.m.  “Jazz versus Pelicans;” and 4/1/2023 8 p.m. “Clippers versus Pelicans.”

Oklahoma City Thunder On Bally Sports Oklahoma With Chris Fisher, Michael Cage, Nick Gallo, and Paris Lawson: 3/3/2023 7 p.m. “Jazz versus Thunder;” and 3/24/2023 10 p.m. “Thunder versus Lakers.”

Phoenix Suns On Bally Sports Arizona With Kevin Ray and Eddie Johnson: 11/18/2023 10 p.m. “Suns versus Jazz;” 3/19/2023 3:30 p.m. “Suns versus Thunder;” and  3/31/2023 10:30 p.m. “Nuggets versus Suns” (NBATV). 

Portland Trail Blazers On ROOT Sports Northwest With Kevin Calabro, Lamar Hurd, Brooke Olzendam, Francis Williams, and Cory Jez: 1/22/2023 9 p.m. “Lakers versus Trail Blazers;” 1/25/2023 10 p.m. “Jazz versus Trail Blazers;” 2/3/2023 7 p.m. “Trail Blazers versus Wizards;” 2/4/2023 8 p.m. “Trail Blazers versus Bulls;” 2/8/2023 10 p.m. “Warriors versus Trail Blazers;” and 3/17/2023 10 p.m. “Celtics versus Trail Blazers.”  

Sacramento Kings On NBC Sports California With Mark Jones or Kyle Draper and Kayte Christensen: 12/3/2023 4 p.m. “Kings versus Clippers;” 3/18/2023 8 p.m. “Kings versus Wizards;” 4/7/2023 10 p.m. “Warriors versus Kings;” and 4/9/2023 3:30 p.m. “Kings versus Nuggets.”

San Antonio Spurs On Bally Sports Southwest: 10/19/2022 8 p.m. “Hornets versus Spurs” With Bill Land and Sean Elliott; 2/6/2023 8 p.m. “Spurs versus Bulls” With Dan Weiss, P.J. Carlesimo, and Michelle Beadle; and 2/25/2023 9 p.m. “Spurs versus Jazz,” presented by Nerdwallet With Dan Weiss and Sean Elliott.  

Utah Jazz On AT&T Sportsnet Rocky Mountain With Craig Bolerjack, Thurl Bailey, Holly Rowe, Alema Harrington, Ron Boone, and Michael Smith: 10/19/2022 9 p.m. “Nuggets versus Jazz;”12/7/2022 9 p.m. “Warriors versus Jazz;” 12/20/2022 7 p.m. (EST) “Jazz versus Pistons;” and 3/20/2023 9 p.m. “Kings versus Jazz.”

Play-In Tournament/Postseason Games Coverage

TV Shows Playoff Coverage

4/12/2023-5/11/2023 12:30 a.m. or 1 a.m. & 5/17/2023-5/29/2023 11 p.m. “Inside The NBA,” presented by Kia on TNT With Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal.

4/13/202-512/2023 1 a.m., 4 a.m., 5 a.m. NBATV’s “Gametime:” With Nabil Karim, Matt Winer, Lauren Jbara, Kristen Ledlow, Dennis Scott, Brendan Haywood, Lloyd Pierce, Sam Mitchell, Steve Smith, Jamal Crawford, Isiah Thomas, Rick Mahorn, and Renee Montgomery.

4/12/2023-6/13/2023 1 a.m., 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. ESPN News Crawl and “Sportscenter With Scott Van Pelt,” from Washington, D.C.; “Sportscenter:” With Zubin Mehenti and John Anderson; Zubin Mehenti and Max McGee, Zubin Mehenti and Michael Eaves; Zubin Mehenti and Nicole Briscoe; and Michael Eaves and Nicole Briscoe; Gary Striewski and Randy Scott; Ryan Smith and David Lloyd; Christine Alexander and Randy Scott; 5/4/2023 6 p.m. With Christine Williamson and Jay Harris with reports from Brian Windhorst, Mike Greenberg, Stephen A. Smith, Michael Wilbon, Jalen Rose, Tim Bontemps, and Adrian Wojnarowski “Sportscenter” From Los Angeles, CA:” With Ashley Brewer and Stan Verrett; Neil Everett and Stan Verrett; Neil Everett and Linda Cohn; and Stan Verrett and Linda Cohn.

5/12/2023 8 a.m. ESPN’s “Get Up” With Ryan Smith, Alan Hahn, Jay Williams, and Monica McNutt.

2023 NBA Play-In Tournament, Presented by AT&T: 4/11/203 7:30 p.m. No. 8 Atlanta Hawks vs. No. 7 Miami Heat (TNT) With Ian Eagle, Jim Jackson, and Jared Greenberg.

4/11/2023 10 p.m. No. 8 Minnesota Timberwolves versus No. 7 Los Angeles Lakers (TNT) With Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, and Allie LaForce.

4/12/2023 7 p.m. No. 10 Chicago Bulls versus No. 9 Toronto Raptors (ESPN) With Mark Jones, Doris Burke, and Cassidy Hubbarth.

4/12/2023 9:30 p.m. No. 10 Oklahoma City Thunder versus No. 9 New Orleans Pelicans (ESPN) With Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, and Lisa Salters.

4/14/2023 7 p.m. No. 10 Chicago Bulls versus No. 8 Miami Heat (TNT) With Brian Anderson, Stan Van Gundy, and Jared Greenberg.

4/14/2023 9:30 p.m. No. 10 Oklahoma City Thunder versus No. 8 Minnesota Timberwolves (ESPN) With Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, and Lisa Salters. 

-2023 NBA Postseason Coverage 

Playoff Pregame/Postgame Shows

4/15/2023-5/14/2022 12:30 p.m. 7 p.m. & 8 p.m. ESPN/ABC’s “NBA Countdown” presented by Chime with Mike Greenberg, Stephen A. Smith, Michael Wilbon, Jalen Rose, Adrian Wojnarowski, Kendrick Perkins.

5/14/2023-5/22/2023 7:30 p.m. ESPN/ABC’s “NBA Countdown,” of Eastern Conference Finals, presented by Linkedin; and 6/1/2023-6/12/2023 7:30 p.m. For NBA Finals With Mike Greenberg, Stephen A. Smith, Jalen Rose, Michael Wilbon, and Adrian Wojnarowski. 

4/16/2023-5/14/2023 7 p.m. TNT’s “NBA Tip-Off,” presented by Carmax With Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal.

5/17/2023-5/29/2023 7:30 p.m. TNT’s “NBA Tip-Off” Western Conference Finals, presented by Carmax With Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal.

2023 NBA Playoff Coverage, Presented By Google Pixel:  4/15/2023-6/12/2023 (ESPN) First-Round presented by Starry; Semifinals presented by Chipotle; Western Conference Finals presented by AT&T 5G.                                                                                                                   

NBA On ESPN/ABC Playoff Commentators:  Beth Mowins and JJ Redick; Ryan Ruocco and Richard Jefferson; Dave Pasch and Hubie Brown; Mark Jones and Doris Burke; Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, and Mark Jackson; Ryan Ruocco and JJ Redick; Dave Pasch and Hubie Brown; Dave Pasch and Richard Jefferson Ryan Ruocco, Richard Jefferson, and JJ Redick. 

Sideline Reporters: Monica McNutt, Ros Gold-Onwude, Cassidy Hubbarth, Lisa Salters, Malika Andrews, Jorge, Sedano, and Katie George.

NBA On TNT Playoff Coverage, Presented By Google Pixel: First-Round, presented by Nerdwallet; NBATV’s First-Round coverage, presented by AT&T 5G; Semifinals presented by Google Pixel; Eastern Conference Finals presented by AT&T 5G.

NBA On TNT/NBATV Playoff Commentators: Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller; Brian Anderson and Stan Van Gundy; Gus Johnson and Greg Anthony; Spero Dedes and Grant Hill; Matt Winer and Brendan Haywood.  

Sideline Reporters: Allie LaForce, Chris Haynes, Nabil Karim, Stephanie Ready, Ashley Shahahmadi.

Postseason Stories: 6/12/2023 www.nba.com story, “Finals Alterations: 3 Potential Adjustments Heading Into Game 5” By Brian Martin; 6/13/2023 www.nba.com story, “Numbers Game: 5 Key Stats From Nuggets Title Clinching Victory,” By John Schuhmann; 6/14/2023 www.nba.com story, “5 Takeaways: Nuggets Drop Heat For 1^st NBA Championship,” By Shaun Powell.

Off-Season Stories: 5/14/2023 www.sactownsports.com story, “Domantas Sabonis Sets Sacramento-Era Single-Season Double-Double Record,” By Frankie Cartoscelli; 6/3/2023 foxsports.com story, “Pistons Hire Monty Williams To Reported Six-Year, $78.5M Coaching Deal,” Information from “The Associated Press;” 6/17/2023 www.nba.com story, “Michael Jordan Selling Majority Ownership Stake In Charlotte Hornets,” By Steve Reed and Tim Reynolds of “The Associated Press;” 6/24/2023 www.nba.com story, “NBA Board Of Governors Approves Michael Jordan’s Sale Of Hornets,” By “The Associated Press;” 6/25/2023 www.sportscasting.com story. “Which NBA Players Have Played For The Most Teams During Their Careers,” By Jack Dougherty; 7/2/2023 www.espn.com story, “Source: Bulls Apply For Designated Player Exception For Lonzo Ball,” By Jamal Collier; 7/24/2023 www.nba.com story “NBA Board Of Governors Approves Michael Jordan’s Sale of Hornets” By The Associated Press; 8/3/2023 www.espn.com story, “Kings Sign Center JaVale McGee To One-Year Deal, Sources Say,” Also By “The Associated Press;” 10/2/2023 www.nba.com “Rockets GM Says Kevin Porter, Jr. No Longer Part Of Team After Arrest,” By Kristie Rieken of The Associated Press; and 10/17/2023 www.nba.com “Thunder To Waive Kevin Porter, Jr. After Trade With Rockets,” By Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.

5/16/2023 8 p.m. “NBA Draft Lottery” ESPN, from McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, presented by State Farm With Malika Andrews, Brian Windhorst, Zach Lowe, Monica McNutt, Richard Jefferson, and Adrian Wojnarowski.

6/14/2023 3 p.m. “NBA Today” ESPN 2, Presented by Xfinity Mobile With Malika Andrews, Jonathan Givony, Zach Lowe, Kendrick Perkins, Vince Carter, Adrian Wojnarowski, and Marc J. Spears

6/22/2023 5 p.m. “NBA Today: NBA Draft Red Carpet” ESPN With Cassidy Hubbarth, Stephen A. Smith, Richard Jefferson, Kendrick Perkins, and Adrian Wojnarowski.

6/15-2023-10/18/2023 3 p.m. “NBA Today” on ESPN & ESPN 2: With Malika Andrews, Ramona Shelbure, Chiney Ogwumike, Kendrick Perkins, Ros Gold-Onwude, Richard Jefferson, Zach Lowe, Brian Windhorst, Andraya Carter, Ohm Youngmisuk, Adrian Wojnarowski, Tim MacMahon, Kevin Pelton, Jonathan Givony, Austin Rivers, and Bobby Marks

6/22/2023 7:30 p.m. “NBA Draft Pre-Show” & 8 p.m. “2023 NBA Draft” At Barclays Center In Brooklyn, NY on ESPN, Presented by State Farm With Malika Andrews, Andraya Carter, JJ Redick, Jay Bilas, Bobby Marks, Adrian Wojnarowski, Monica McNutt, and Marty Smith.

6/23/2023 9 a.m. NBATV’s “2034 NBA Draft Review,” Presented by State Farm With Jared Greenberg, Andy Katz, Brendan Haywood.

6/23/2023 ESPN’s “NBA Draft Round 1: Hoops Collective Podcast” With Christine Williamson, Kirk Goldsberry, Kevin Pelton, King McClune, Pelicans’ forward/guard Trey Murphy III.

7/1/2023 2 p.m. “NBA Today: Free Agency Special,” On ESPN, Presented By Kia With Malika Andrews, Zach Lowe, Ramona Shelburne, Vince Carter, Kendrick Perkins, Adrian Wojnarowski, Richard Jefferson, Tim Bontemps, Ohm Youngmisuk, Marc J. Spears, and Stephen A. Smith. 

10/2/2023 1 p.m. NBATV’s “Media Day” Coverage With Matt Winer, Sam Mitchell And Brendan Haywood, With Reports From Jared Greenberg, Nabil Karim, Dennis Scott, Michael C. Wright, Chris Haynes, and Allie LaForce. 

10/6/2023-10/12/2023 NBATV’s “Team Previews:” With Jared Greenberg and Dennis Scott; Nabil Karim & Steve Smith; Lauren Jbara and Greg Anthony; Stephanie Ready & Grant Hill; Stephanie Ready & Greg Anthony; Jared Greenberg & Sam Mitchell; Chris Miles & Channing Frye; Nabil Karim and Jamal Crawford; Nabil Karim & Sam Mitchell; & Allie LaForce & Isiah Thomas; 10/3/2023 7 p.m. “NBATV Forecast: Kia Rookie Of The Year Preview,” With Chris Miles, Shaun Powell, Breandan Haywood with reports from Michael C. Wright, Steve Aschburner, and Tim Doyle of Fanduel.