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.
Guys, I know we had a historic day last night in this country but I’m going to keep it basketball here.
11/08/2016
THE GAMES
ATL 110 (5-2) @ CLE 106 (6-1)
MIN 110 (1-5) @ BRK 119 (3-4)
DEN 107 (3-4) @ MEM 108 (4-4)
PHX 121 (2-6) @ POR 124 (5-3)
DAL 109 (2-5) @ LAL 97 (4-4)
NO 94 (0-8) @ SAC 102 (4-5)
(PHOTO CREDIT: Mark J. Terrill/AP.)
A WARRIOR FOR THE MAVS
Harrison Barnes is starting to cook, guys.
In two straight victories, Barnes scored 34 against the Bucks and then put in 31 against the Lakers. He’s scored 30 points three times overall this season. He’s starting to embrace the #1 option for Dallas. Overall, he’s averaging 22.3 points and is shooting .508 from the field. Dallas is 2-5 but, really, he’s the one that’s keeping the Mavs in games.
Lots of eyebrows were raised when Dallas decided to sign him to a maximum deal. Barnes had been used to being the fourth or fifth option in Golden State. But let’s remember that he was supposed to be destined to be a great player. Barnes was touted to be a #1 pick in the draft. He didn’t; he went 7th in 2012. But we all assumed that he was going to be great in Golden State.
He didn’t get off to a great start there. Barnes became more confident when he became a starter under Steve Kerr. But the Warriors had him be a role player because of the stunning ascension of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. He did his part and he helped the Warriors win the 2015 NBA championship. A historic collapse prevented the Warriors from repeating. For Barnes’ career to go forward, he needed to have an expanded role somewhere else.
That’s what he has in Dallas and despite a weak preseason, he’s capitalized on the increased playing time and opportunities. Say what you will about his role in Golden State but being there meant he knew what it took to get through the battles. And sometimes, all players need are a new situation and a fresh start. Barnes got that. There was a team that believed in him and that vote of confidence can take him a long way.
I’m not ready to say he’s the next franchise player for the Mavericks. But so far, he’s proving he can handle the burden of being the #1 guy. Let’s see how he is come February and March.
THE REST OF THE LEAGUE
And there’s the inexperience of the Lakers. They lost their first home game against Dallas. Barnes, as mentioned, had a big game and Seth Curry went for 23 points to avenge his brother’s defeat (not really but let’s go with that). We saw the Lakers get careless and get too excitable on some stretches. They had 17 turnovers for the game and that’s what’s been getting them into trouble this entire season. If they can just calm down a little bit, they should be fine. That’s the next step in their progress.
Minnesota is another team that is full of youth. Andrew Wiggins scored a career-best 36 points but once again, their youth and inexperience will be exploited by everyone else. Once the T-Wolves put it all together, they’re going to be a force so the entire league better get their licks in while they can.
Cleveland finally lost their first game as they fell short against Atlanta. Atlanta is a good team; let’s not discount that. The Cavs shot 37 percent overall against the good defense of ATL. East teams better hope they shoot like that more often if they want to stand a chance of dethroning them.
The Pelicans are now 0-8. Someone is going to get axed soon. Anthony Davis is getting increasingly unhappy, guysh.
LINE CROSSER
(PHOTO CREDIT: Sean Meagham/The Oregonian.)
Damian Lillard does it again.
38 points and 5 rebounds.
WATCH THIS PLAY
(VIDEO CREDIT: NBA.)
Of course, we’d pick a game-winner. Marc Gasol catches the inbounds pass and tips it in for the win.
I just ate a grape and I… GRIZZ IN MY PANTS.
Follow Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass for all tweets about the NBA and terrible pop music. Also, check out his podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental.
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