Welcome to the Basketball Hangover. I write about what’s happening in the NBA daily, even when COVID has ravaged the league.
The Nuggets had a chance to tie the game but went for the win instead.
(PHOTO CREDIT: NBA.)
So this bothered me a lot on Thursday. Press play on this play, please:
(VIDEO CREDIT: House of Highlights.)
It’s a combination of overthinking, today’s habits, and maybe even ballsiness to go for the win. But you see that picture above. It’s a four-on-two but clearly, the Wizards were focused on stopping Jamal Murray on this fastbreak.
The first mistake was that Jamal didn’t attack the rim. The defense had already converged on him, anyway. But him stopping kind of set the tone for the rest of the Nuggets.
What’s more egregious is the three other Nuggets stopping behind the three-point line. And I DO KIND OF get this (I mean, I wouldn’t do it but I get it). Sure. Go for the win. No need for overtime, right?
Except look how empty it is under the basket. It’s nearly a GUARANTEE for them to score. Facundo Campazzo and Michael Porter, Jr. had all the space to cut inside for an easy two. Neither of them did (especially Porter, who is an incredible finisher at the rim). Monte Morris was on the way down, too, and he also didn’t cut but he was behind the other two. I can understand him NOT cutting. Except, well, they didn’t.
If this goes in, some might call them ballsy for going for the win. Sure. I can accept that. But we’d also point out how no one was inside the key when this was happening. Obviously, we’d be talking about this differently if it DID go in.
But man, in a situation like this, you just go for the lay-up. It’s not like they were down three; the Denver Nuggets were only down two. If they lose in overtime, fine. But to lose like this when they could’ve easily tied the game just hurts worse.
This is their second loss to the Wizards by two points, too. Meanwhile, congrats to the Wizards for winning 6 of their last 7 games. I try to focus on the winners of the night in the main column every time I write. Today was one of those exceptions but I wanted to make sure to give Washington their props.
Bullet Passes
The Kings were 12-11 at one point. They have now lost 9 straight games. I mean, it would be great if they could stop anybody.
We had a hell of a duel between two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and sophomore monster Zion Williamson. Giannis finished with 38-10-4 while Zion had 34-8-6. Also, the Bucks won by four.
It was one of those nights for the Clippers. The Grizzlies needed this win in the worst way, though, as they try to stay in the TOUGH playoff picture in the West.
The Nets have won 8 straight games. If Philadelphia didn’t take care of biz against Dallas, Brooklyn would be #1 in the East. But man, are they getting it all together right now.
NBA Scoreboard
Feb. 25, 2021
Watch This Play
In the meantime, before that disastrous play, Porter did something here that he should’ve done in that last play. Take a look at this ferocity.
(PHOTO CREDIT: NBA.)
If he did that, there would’ve been OT. Whoops.
Everyone, please take care of yourselves during this pandemic. And that goes for everyone involved with the NBA as well.
You can find Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
You can also check out Rey-Rey’s podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental, for more basketball content and, really, whatever else.