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.
01/04/2017
THE GAMES
OKC 112 (21-15) @ CHA 123 (20-16)
ATL 111 (19-16) @ ORL 92 (16-21)
MIL 105 (18-16) @ NY 104 (16-19)
CHI 106 (18-18) @ CLE 94 (26-8)
MEM 106 (22-16) @ LAC 115 (24-14)
POR 117 (15-22) @ GS 125 (31-5)
MIA 107 (11-26) @ SAC 102 (15-20)
(PHOTO CREDIT: AP.)
FEAR THIS DEER
For a while, Giannis Antetokounmpo was that adorable, wide-eyed foreigner who just seemed like he was happy to be in America, let alone the NBA (SMOOTHIES!). He was a curiosity. He was 6’9″ when he was drafted. Giannis was picked 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2013 NBA Draft. He was picked that late because, while he was athletic, he was super raw.
But as the years went on, we saw improvement on his game. His lengthy strides were amazing. He could get to the rim. He was becoming a good passer and playmaker. He even grew a couple of inches. Then Bucks coach Jason Kidd decided he should be the tallest point guard in the league.
Giannis added more to his game. He could go to the post. He could lead and finish the break. He’s becoming an improved shotblocker. And if you look at his averages, they’re basically MVP numbers!
23.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 2.0 blocks, 1.9 steals.
And then he owns Madison Square Garden with two highlights. I’ll only put one in this section as I’ll save the other one for last.
I mean, look at this guy take off from just inside the foul line. That’s incredible.
Giannis Antetokounmpo takes off from just inside the FT line https://t.co/hTmyHHzrlN
— The Cauldron (ICYMI) (@CauldronICYMI) January 5, 2017
Before long, Giannis could be the best player in the league. If he gets a consistent jumper, this guy will be so difficult to stop.
THE REST OF THE LEAGUE
Russell Westbrook got a technical foul for this.
https://youtu.be/59fHpprGfLs
(VIDEO CREDIT: Ximo Pierto.)
He’s a good quarterback in addition to being quite the basketballer. By the way, the ref that got beaned didn’t call the tech. That’s what makes it so bizarre. This tech will be rescinded.
The Kings lost but the Blazers also lost (they were going against the Warriors. The bottom of the West playoff picture is just so bad.
The Warriors are 31-5. Of course, they’re on pace for 70 wins.
Stephen Curry scored 35 points. It feels like it’s been a while since he scored that much. But he also doesn’t have to score that much when he has so many stars around his team.
LINE CROSSER
(PHOTO CREDIT: AP.)
Westbrook didn’t shoot well at all but let’s not ignore the rest of his statline:
33 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists.
I know. It’s not a triple-double.
WATCH THIS PLAY
(VIDEO CREDIT: NBA.)
Giannis finishes the show at Madison Square Garden and makes the game-winner. (Let’s ignore the obscure five-second backdown violation.)
Carmelo Anthony didn’t like that.
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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