This is the Hangover. This is where I get drunk on the NBA as I recap last night’s action as well as a few things going on around the league. Here’s your word vomit.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images.)
01/12/2017
THE GAMES
IND 112 (20-19) @ DEN 140 (15-23) [played in London]
NO 104 (16-24) @ BRK 95 (8-30)
CHI 89 (19-21) @ NY 104 (18-22)
LAL 94 (15-28) @ SA 134 (31-8)
DAL 113 (12-27) @ PHX 108 (12-27) [played in Mexico City]
DET 107 (18-23) @ GS 127 (34-6)
(PHOTO CREDIT: Fox Sports Indiana.)
THE GOOD AND SOMEWHAT BAD OF NBA GAMES IN OTHER COUNTRIES
This is a weird thing. Obviously, if I were an NBA player, I would LOVE it if I played in London, Mexico City, Manila, Sydney, or wherever else.
But for the one that was scheduled to be the home team, it does take away from one of their home games.
In the grand scheme of things, it may not matter. But there is that miniscule chance that it could affect their standings whether they’re one game away from a playoff berth or one game away from a certain playoff seed.
It probably didn’t affect this season, though. The Nuggets were the home team in London but they did plaster the Pacers on Thursday afternoon (well, afternoon in America). The Suns are a lowly team this season and lost the first of a “two-game home stand in Mexico City” against the Mavs.
But the NBA is a global brand so playing in other countries is pertinent for the league. And of course, for everyone involved on the team (players, coaches, training staff, announcers, etc.), this is an opportunity they just cannot pass up. How often do people say they got to go to London to play basketball? It’s also a great chance to explore the world, get cultured, and have an experience to remember for a lifetime.
And that’s way more important than any basketball game.
THE REST OF THE LEAGUE
Funny enough for the Knicks and their embattled point guard Derrick Rose, they get a win against Rose’s old team, the Bulls. Also, Carmelo Anthony, no matter how bad things get in New York, isn’t going anywhere. He has a no-trade clause and he’s not willing to waive it. Well, it is home so I get it.
Devin Booker hasn’t been the greatest player this season but you see glimpses of it once in a while. He’s a second-year player so he’s obviously not a polished product. But scoring 28 points in the fourth quarter can give everyone pause.
The Warriors are 34-6 as they continue to tinker and experiment with line-ups and plays. It must be nice to be afforded that luxury when you win 85 percent of your games.
Kenneth Faried said that the atmosphere in London was way better than they had in Denver. Definitely a shot at the city his team represents but I’m not sure if I can blame him. They’re last in home attendance and other crowds aren’t exactly rushing out to go see them. London (and Mexico City) is a different story because they’ll watch any NBA game.
And, oof, the Lakers were hit with that reality check called the Spurs.
LINE CROSSER
(PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images.)
Booker’s statline stood out.
39 points, 6/7 from three.
Again, he scored 28 points in the fourth quarter.
WATCH THIS PLAY
(VIDEO CREDIT: NBA.)
Dwyane Wade is turning 35 on Tuesday and he’s still doing this sort of thing.
Follow Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass for all tweets about the NBA. Also, check out his podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental.
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