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Jazz vs Thunder – Don’t Even Need Westbrook For This
The Oklahoma City Thunder knew what they were doing giving Russell Westbrook a bit of rest as they hosted the Utah Jazz. Against the worst team in the NBA, without a single starter scoring more than 8 points, Kevin Durant for half a game is more than enough to pick up a 95-73 victory.
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Bulls vs Clippers – Hard Adjusting to Playing Without Derrick Rose
The Chicago Bulls handled the absence of Derrick Rose just fine last season, but they were prepared for that. His absence coming as a bit more of a surprise this time around, they completely collapsed against the Los Angeles Clippers, winning comfortable 121-82, led by an impressive effort from Chris Paul, including 16 points and 17 assists.
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Pistons vs Nets – Most Expensive Team Might Also be the Worst
One of the most interesting things about the early failures of the Brooklyn Nets despite all of the money and expectations is that everyone, from the last bench player to the head coach, seem to think that this isn’t a systematic thing, but more of “our luck will change” issue by what they’re telling the media after losses, which didn’t change after losing 109-97 to the Detroit Pistons.
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Mavs vs Nuggets – Randy Foye Actually Comes Through For Once
You never expect Randy Foye to be a hero of a victory; not now for the Denver Nuggets, and not before on his previous NBA stops. A hot night from beyond the arc and one big shot to win the game in a 102-10 win over the Dallas Mavericks slightly changed the early perception about the 7-year veteran.
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Houston Rockets – Jeremy Lin Makes Them Look Like a Team
Like a trail of breadcrumbs left for Kevin McHale to pick up and understand the hints, each time he uses Jeremy Lin the way he’s supposed to be used, the Houston Rockets look like a very good basketball team. It doesn’t matter that Aaron Brooks starred for the team in their 112-101 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, but it does mean something that James Harden didn’t play, and unless something is done about his playing style the potential of this squad will continue to be wasted.
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Knicks vs Wizards – John Wall Makes Things Even Worse
After reaching the conference semifinal, finding themselves with a 3-9 record just wasn’t something the New York Knicks planned. No Tyson Chandler, no Raymond Felton and a Carmelo Anthony getting more and more frustrated by the minute following a 89-98 loss to the Washington Wizards, led by John Wall with 31 points.
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Blazers vs Warriors – The Best Brawl of the Season
As long as fights and brawls don’t end up with anyone actually hurt, we’re all for them. The Portland Trail Blazers continued their impressive start with a 113-101 win over the Golden State Warriors, but most of the attention went to the brawl that had three players (Mo Williams, Wesley Matthews and Draymond Green) ejected.
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Miami Heat – LeBron James Saving the Day Again
Not clutch? That shouldn’t be an issue anymore. In a tough game that forced the Miami Heat to dig deeper than expected, coming back from 16 points down, LeBron James was the one who pulled of the late seconds magic by hitting the game winning shot and leading the NBA champions to a 101-99 win over the Orlando Magic, left wondering how Victor Oladipo didn’t hit a wide open potential game-tying shot as the buzzer went off.
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Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker Prank Tim Duncan
With the game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Cleveland Cavaliers (126-96) all sewn up way before the final quarter, it’s only natural to see players pulling pranks on each other to pass the time, like Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker did to Tim Duncan. It also gives players like Matt Bonner a chance to play point guard.
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DeMarcus Cousins Doesn’t Let Isiah Thomas Shake Hands With Chris Paul
For those who love to see a little bit of bad blood in their sports between players and teams, DeMarcus Cousins is probably a godsend, not allowing teammate Isiah Thomas shake hands with Chris Paul after the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Sacramento Kings.