Welcome to the Basketball Hangover. I write about what’s happening in the NBA daily, even when COVID has ravaged the league.
The Bucks won their 5th straight game after beating the Clippers.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Morry Gash/AP.)
About 10 days ago, the Milwaukee Bucks weren’t exactly looking like title contenders. They had just lost 5 straight games and most people were wondering what the heck was wrong with them.
Well, fast forward to now and they made up all those losses by winning 5 straight. They had to win those games against inferior opponents like Oklahoma City, Sacramento, Minnesota, and New Orleans. But on Sunday, they defeated the Clippers and the Bucks seem to be back.
Throughout all of this, man, has Giannis Antetokounmpo played so well over the last week or so. He’s averaged 37.3 points, 12.5 boards, 5.3 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.0 steals in his last 4 games. And while it’s fun to talk about LeBron James winning his 5th MVP or maybe either Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid getting that award for the first time, what about Giannis winning his third straight MVP?
It’s extremely comparable to his previous two seasons. 29.2 points (5th), 11.8 rebounds (4th), 5.9 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. Granted, we’re not even halfway through the season but there’s no reason why he can’t keep up those numbers. Heck, he might even improve on those. And if the Bucks stay in the top 3, I won’t argue if you think Giannis should win that award again.
I did tell my friends previously that I probably like Brooklyn and Philadelphia over the Bucks at the moment. Milwaukee did just get Jrue Holiday back; he’ll definitely make a difference once playoffs come around. But I do think that the Sixers have a more dynamic squad and the Nets are just so top-heavy that it’s going to be a challenge for Milwaukee to get through either (or both) of them. And Miami is also starting to catch fire and they’re likely going to get back in the mix when the postseason comes.
Still, this is a tremendous squad. Khris Middleton continues to be an underrated two-way player. Holiday is that steady veteran they needed. Brook Lopez is a rock inside. They hope Donte DiVincenzo can continue to build himself. And they have a tremendous bench in Bobby Portis, Bryn Forbes, D.J. Augustin, and Pat Connaughton.
And maybe it’s better for the Bucks that they’re going a little under the radar. No more contract extension distractions for Giannis. Brooklyn and Philadelphia are taking all the headlines. Heck, even the New York Knicks are starting to get that pub with the way they’ve played as of late.
But as it’s been mentioned in the past, it’s the quiet ones you gotta watch out for.
Bullet Passes
Celtics needed that win to stay into a three-way tie with the Heat (who won against Atlanta) and the Raptors at 17-17. Jayson Tatum made 6 straight points to erase that 5-point deficit, including a clutch lay-up with 4 seconds left.
Bradley Beal scored 46 in the loss but wishes he made that game-winner.
The Lakers smashed the Warriors on Sunday. Draymond Green left the game with a sprained ankle.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry mentioned that teams want to beat the Warriors bad because of their recent dynasty. I mean, sure? I kind of get that. But the only Warriors remaining from that run are Curry, Green, and Klay Thompson. And Thompson hasn’t played since their 5-year run ended.
The Kings were up on the Hornets, 123-115, with a minute left. Then Terry Rozier scored 6 straight points (a three-pointer and then three free throws after getting fouled on a three), a three from P.J. Washington, and then a three-point play by Malik Monk that sealed the deal in an incredible run. Also, Buddy Hield split his free throws that helped Charlotte tremendously. Hornets went on a 12-3 run in basically 52 seconds.
Washington scored a career-best 42 points.
The Suns now have fewer losses than the Clippers. But the standings still have Clips at third since they won two more than the Suns. Still, what a year it’s been for Phoenix.
The Bucks may have won 5 straight but the team that eliminated them in the playoffs have a longer streak. The Heat have won 6 in a row.
Oh, those poor Rockets. I didn’t see it like this for them.
NBA Scoreboard
Feb. 28, 2021
Watch This Play
Malik Monk completes the comeback with this lay-up. He would convert the game-winning foul shot afterwards.
MALIK MONK.
AND 1.
BALLGAME. #AllFly pic.twitter.com/DAarh2py6B
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2021
We’ve seen the Hornets on the losing side of this before. So good for them that it’s their turn to do this.
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.