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.
12/19/2016
THE GAMES
WAS 105 (12-15) @ IND 107 (15-14)
DET 82 (14-16) @ CHI 113 (14-13)
ATL 110 (14-14) @ OKC 108 (16-12)
PHX 108 (8-20) @ MIN 115 (8-19)
DAL 107 (7-21) @ DEN 117 (12-16)
(PHOTO CREDIT: AP.)
ALL-STAR VOTING HAS CHANGED
I actually have been sort of clamoring for this kind of voting for this exhibition. But this All-Star game is a game that shouldn’t matter but it matters but it shouldn’t matter but it matters but it shouldn’t matter but it matters because of money. I know; I just confused myself.
The breakdown goes like this:
*50 percent fans.
*25 percent media.
*25 percent players.
This is funny because some players and fans think the media shouldn’t vote because some sportswriters might vote for players in their own market. Plus we do know some of the media members don’t pay attention to everything.
Then there’s that side where the players only pay attention to the big stars. Or themselves. And they’ll also only take heed to their personal experience. But I mean, they’re also the ones taking on everybody so they SHOULD know, right?
And then of course, we have complained in the past that the fans always miss out on one or two spots. They tend to vote for players who have only played four games this season. But let’s face it; this game is for the fans. People would rather see Kevin Durant than, say, Derrick Favors. Even if Durant only played one game this season. Plus Durant is obviously the bigger name.
Another big problem with these all-star berths. They look better on a resume (whether this affect them for Hall of Fame voting or not is another story, I suppose) and getting to the all-star game gets players more money as part of an incentive-laden contract. So of course, players want to make the game. In the grand scheme of things, the game is just an exhibition so it shouldn’t matter. But you can see why players want to make it.
Well, you can’t make everybody happy. In fact, the outrage I see on social media is kind of funny.
And whatever happened to paper voting? Does the world have currently existing technology? I can still see some places in this country use rotary phones.
THE REST OF THE LEAGUE
Geez, Pistons.
Stan Van Gundy is NOT happy about his team.
Pistons LIVE Postgame – 12.19.16 – Stan Van Gundy pic.twitter.com/O3zqo2b19K
— FOX Sports Detroit (@FOXSportsDet) December 20, 2016
I can’t help but agree with him. Nothing seems to be working the last few games. Also, notice that Reggie Jackson, who has been pretty much pointed at as the culprit for why the Pistons aren’t playing well, only shot five times against the Bulls. It seemed like the classic rebellious game where the accused only shoots a few times to prove a point.
I’m not personally accusing Jackson of anything. After all, they played well WITH him last season. There IS the evidence that the other guys on the line-up don’t get involved in each play because Jackson plays a ton of pick-and-roll so the other three guys on the floor end up doing nothing.
With that said, SVG GUARANTEED there will be a new starting line-up. But if Jackson ends up sitting, he might end up sulking. We shall see.
Again, it’s good to see all the teams NOT actively tanking at the moment. Look at the West. Portland is on the 8th spot with a 13-16 record. Dallas, the team at last place, is 7-21. That’s NOT too far back. The Pacers are 15-14 and they’re 8th in the East. Philly is 7-20 and that’s not hopelessly out of it.
Yay, competitive balance of some sort!
LINE CROSSER
(PHOTO CREDIT: Mark D. Smith/USA Today.)
Russell Westbrook did this in a close game that they lost:
46 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists.
Shoutout to Nikola Jokic, who went for 27-15-9.
WATCH THIS PLAY
(VIDEO CREDIT: NBA.)
Thaddeus Young wins it for Indy with 0.9 seconds left in a game between two underachieving teams. I think the Pacers are underachieving? I know the Wiz certainly are.
Anyway, good shot by Thad.
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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