Welcome to the NBA Hangover. We jot down NBA stuff mostly from last night that we want to talk about. Check it out.
The Pacers have kept up the pace with Malcolm Brogdon leading the team in scoring.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Justin Ford/USA Today.)
The Indiana Pacers are doing pretty good at 13-7. That is 6th place in a surprisingly top-heavy Eastern Conference and they’re due to get back Victor Oladipo very soon.
Ya know, we had talked about the Bucks‘ loss of Malcolm Brogdon early this season. Obviously, we’ll see if it comes back to bite them in the playoffs but Giannis Antetokounmpo is just doing EVERYTHING for them as Milwaukee leads the league with an 18-3 record.
For the team that acquired Brogdon, I don’t think the Pacers would be at 13-7 without him.
I’m not saying he’s become Oladipo’s replacement but Brogdon has done some things that Oladipo would do. The 2017 Rookie of the Year has led the team in scoring at 19.4 PPG. Not really known for his playmaking ability, Brogdon leads the team in assists at 8.0 per game. What Milwaukee will miss is his consistency; Brogdon has reached double figures in points each game (other than the game against Houston when he left early due to lower back soreness). You know what you’re going to get from Brogdon and a team can count on his production every game.
Brogdon more than makes up what the Pacers had in the recently-retired Darren Collison (yeah, yeah, I know). And it would be nice for Indy once everyone gets healthy. Myles Turner missed the first half of November because of an ankle injury. Jeremy Lamb had been dealing with a bad hip. Domantas Sabonis missed a couple of games due to a calf injury. And we mentioned that Brogdon had problems with his lower back.
But yes, Brogdon gives Oladipo the ideal backcourt mate. Both guys can score, make plays for their teammates, and cover each other on defense.
Again, time will tell if this bites Milwaukee back in the spring. Maybe Indiana and Milwaukee need to face each other in the playoffs.
Bullet Passes
The NBA Players of the Month were named and the East tabbed Giannis as their winner. For the West? Luka Doncic. Honestly, there wasn’t really any doubt for that one.
This is the first time in league history that both conferences named international players for Players of the Month.
Let’s give a shoutout to Devonte’ Graham of the Charlotte Hornets. Yeah, the Hornets aren’t winning (8-14) but Graham has taken advantage of an opportunity and has done incredible. He’s averaging 18 points and 7.7 assists per game in over 33 minutes. I mean, I don’t see why he can’t be a candidate for Most Improved Player. I know people try to avoid giving this award to sophomores but it’s not like players suddenly become amazing if they were given playing time. There’s a reason why they got the PT.
The Knicks are 4-17. Two of those wins came against Dallas. You just look at them and shake your head.
Watch This Play
Giannis throws it down in front of poor Julius Randle.
(VIDEO CREDIT: Bleacher Report.)
Say it with me. CREAM CITYYYYYYYYYYYYY.
Rey-Rey is on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
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