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.
12/17/2016
THE GAMES
PHX 101 (8-19) @ OKC 114 (16-11)
IND 105 (14-14) @ DET 90 (14-15)
CHA 107 (15-13) @ ATL 99 (13-14)
LAL 108 (11-19) @ CLE 119 (19-6)
HOU 111 (21-7) @ MIN 109 (7-19) [OT]
NY 114 (14-13) @ DEN 127 (11-16)
POR 90 (13-16) @ GS 135 (24-4)
(PHOTO CREDIT: Ken Blaze/USA Today.)
STATUS OF TEAMS
It’s funny how some teams act depending on what status they are. There are teams like the Warriors, Spurs, and Cavaliers that know they’re really good and can take it easy at times. We don’t feel nervous for them because they have those golden rings shining on them since they won them recently.
There are teams like the Clippers, Grizzlies, Rockets, and the Raptors. They are teams that have never won a ring or haven’t won a ring with this current core. They’re going to do whatever it takes to get all those wins and get home court.
There are some fringe playoff teams like the Pistons, Blazers, and Pacers. They’re trying to hold on because they want to make the next step on their progress.
And then there’s a team like the Lakers. We’re aware that they’re not supposed to be a playoff team this season. But if they did, it would be a bonus for them. They’re a team that is very young and judging themselves on their play instead of the results. The wins would be great, of course. But they’re trying to get that identity together when they’re ready to make that push. The Wolves are in that boat, too, but, somehow, some pundits expected them to make the playoffs.
So some fans should understand where there team is currently at. It might be easier on their blood pressure and stress levels.
THE REST OF THE LEAGUE
The Rockets followed up their record-breaking game with another flingfest. They put up 51 three-pointers against the T-Wolves. Houston did win the game in OT and they have now won 10 straight.
The Warriors destroyed the Blazers by 45. I’m sure they remembered the time when Damian Lillard said their defense wouldn’t be as good because they lost some guys like Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli (who ended up joining Lillard and the Blazers). Well, the Warriors are now a Top 5 defense. Kevin Durant, who had just admitted he’s 7 feet with shoes (which we already kind of knew), is doing a good job with rim protection.
By the way, Ezeli is likely going to end his season with knee surgery. Yikes.
Carmelo Anthony has not won in Denver since he went to the Knicks.
Oh, and we already mentioned what’s wrong with the Hawks and the Pistons. It’s really too bad. I thought they would make some sort of noise in the East playoffs.
LINE CROSSER
(PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images.)
Russell Westbrook, of course. Let’s relive that line again.
26 points, 11 rebounds, 22 assists.
That’s just insane. He’s only the seventh player to get a triple-double with 20 assists and the fourth player to get a 20-10-20 line. Check out the list here.
WATCH THIS PLAY
(VIDEO CREDIT: NBA.)
Westbrook also owns this section with this Shammgod takeaway dribble. He’s a magician.
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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