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.
01/02/2017
THE GAMES
OKC 94 (21-14) @ MIL 98 (17-16)
NO 82 (14-22) @ CLE 90 (26-7)
UTA 101 (22-13) @ BRK 89 (8-25)
ORL 115 (16-20) @ NY 103 (16-18)
CHA 111 (19-16) @ CHI 118 (17-18)
WAS 91 (16-17) @ HOU 101 (27-9)
PHX 98 (10-25) @ LAC 109 (23-14)
DEN 119 (14-20) @ GS 127 (30-5)
50-POINT GAMES ON THE RISE
With Jimmy Butler being the latest to hit that target on Monday night, that made him the 8th different player to score 50 points this season. The calendar year just changed.
Last season also had eight different players score 50 or more. Two seasons ago, the number was at six. But again, the difference is that we’re only at January 3rd.
We talked about the game being more geared towards offense. We had talked about the three-pointers being used more than ever. And of course, the pace of the game has gotten faster. Defenses in general seem to be having a tougher time stopping these offenses that are getting more and more high-powered.
Am I complaining? Heck, no. And besides, there will always be a team or two that will buck a trend. And like I said before, the NBA is a copycat league. Once a championship team figures out something that works for them, whether it’s offense or defense, every other team will proceed to copy them because they think that’s their ticket to the title.
But I digress. The funny thing about the 50-point games is that none of them are from Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Damian Lillard. And you know what? You KNOW there’s a chance we’ll get that random 50-point game, too (Terrence Ross, Corey Brewer, etc.).
Look out for more 50-point explosions this season.
THE REST OF THE LEAGUE
How about the Rockets? They just keep on chugging along. They’re 27-9 and, at this point, I don’t think anyone’s doubting them to falter in the regular season. Of course now, pundits will be all, “Prove it in the playoffs!”
Wasn’t it quite a joy to watch two monsters on the court in Russell Westbrook and Giannis Antetokounmpo? You got one blazing with gunpowder and another who comes at you like a graceful gazelle.
The Clippers finally broke their skid. The Suns were easy pickings, though. Also of note, Brandon Knight has played exponentially less in the last few games. Hmmmm.
And of course, the Warriors are 30-5. But compared to last regular season, everything pales in comparison.
LINE CROSSER
Back to Jimmy Butler. He did this to the Hornets.
52 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals
And he was four assists short of the third 50-point triple-double this season. Draymond Green and James Harden DID get triple-doubles so shoutout to him.
WATCH THIS PLAY
(VIDEO CREDIT: NBA.)
Pelicans need to get out of the way for LeBron James.
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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