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.
01/01/2017
THE GAMES
SA 112 (27-7) @ ATL 114 (18-16)
DET 107 (16-20) @ MIA 98 (10-25)
ORL 104 (15-20) @ IND 117 (17-18)
POR 95 (15-21) @ MIN 89 (11-23)
TOR 123 (23-10) @ LAL 114 (12-25)
(PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images.)
HAWKS MIGHT BE SHAKING UP THINGS
According to ESPN, Paul Millsap is not taking the option year on his current Hawks deal and that Atlanta is open to a trade. There’s no guarantee what’s going to happen next because Atlanta isn’t exactly on the rebuild and Millsap is likely looking for one last payday, no matter what team it’s from. He could still easily stay with the Hawks.
But that might be too much of a risk for Atlanta. They got Dwight Howard over the summer, sure, but they also lost Al Horford to Boston for nothing. They traded Jeff Teague to move Dennis Schroder up to the starter’s spot. It worked out early when they got off to a 9-2 start but the team is now 18-16.
Millsap’s versatility is coveted around the league, plus he’s also an excellent defender. The Hawks reportedly want a lot for the forward but do they lower the price once the trade deadline gets closer? Or do they keep it high and take the risk that Millsap doesn’t bolt Atlanta?
They are also listening to trade offers for the rest of that core that got them to the Eastern Conference Finals. Kyle Korver and Thabo Sefolosha are also talked about being dealt. Maybe a package deal with Millsap could be done?
They got a month and a half to get something done. Or they risk losing Millsap for nothing.
THE REST OF THE LEAGUE
So the Hawks beat the Spurs for the first time in 12 games. SPURS EAST PRIDE.
C.J. McCollum went off for 43 points as the Lillard-less Blazers beat the Timberwolves. Ohhh, growing pains.
Kyle Lowry went off against the Lakers in a track meet.
And the East in the lower playoff tier changes every day. Now Detroit and Indiana won while Orlando lost. Who knows how this will all look by the all-star break?
LINE CROSSER
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kelvin Kuo/AP.)
So once again, Kyle Lowry. He went off for…
41 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists.
He won’t get MVP but he should get some mentions the way he’s been playing.
WATCH THIS PLAY
(VIDEO CREDIT: NBA.)
Good grief. Look at Kris Dunn with that little trickery on the handles. Poor Shabazz Napier didn’t know what went past him.
Follow Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass for all tweets about the NBA. Also, check out his podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental.
us on FaceBook! Thank you!
#SagerStrongForever