Welcome to the Basketball Hangover. I write about what’s happening in the NBA daily, even when COVID has ravaged the league.
The Suns and Jazz went overtime on Wednesday.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today.)
The top two teams in the Western Conference had a dandy on Wednesday. They even went an extra five minutes. In the end, Phoenix prevailed and they are now only a game and a half behind the Jazz.
And these are two of the rare teams that are Top 10 in both offensive rating and defensive rating. They seem to have what it takes to get to the Finals. Maybe the Suns need a bit more seasoning and experience, which gives me pause to pick them to go all the way. But maybe I shouldn’t be surprised; they do have Chris Paul on the helm.
But we’ve talked about Devin Booker being such an excellent all-around player even though a lot of fans look at his scoring. Deandre Ayton has become tha two-way inside player and guys like Mikal Bridges, Dario Saric, Jae Crowder, Cameron Johnson, and Cameron Payne have been very good contributors. They might actually have the personnel to go.
Still, Utah has had a few playoff heartbreakers and are poised to go all the way themselves. Yes, they haven’t reached the WCF with this current crop of guys. But Donovan Mitchell has shown he can be that go-to scorer when the Jazz are stuck. Rudy Gobert is a game-changer on the defensive end. Jordan Clarkson should win 6th man of the year. And Mike Conley is the steady veteran presence; he himself has been to the West Finals. Then you got Joe Ingles, Royce O’Neale, and Derrick Favors backing them up as well. The Jazz have found their identity on both ends. I like their chances better than Phoenix.
Still, you have the two L.A. teams lurking as well as Denver (who has won 7 straight). It’s going to be a fistfight at the top of the West. I can’t wait.
Bullet Passes
Sometimes, there is just that game where you don’t have it. The Mavericks fell behind against the Rockets and never caught them.
It’s a rare bad night from the field for Zion Williamson; 4 for 16 for the sophomore. Big reason why the Nets blew them out.
It’s always someone different for the Grizzlies, right? Grayson Allen went for 30 big points against the Hawks.
Russell Westbrook got his 19th triple-double of the season. I feel that this is getting a bit ignored right now.
This win by the Celtics was really needed. And they got it against the Knicks, too.
Even as someone who is obsessed with the league, it’s still hard for me to recognize the Oklahoma City Thunder roster.
NBA Scoreboard
Apr. 7, 2021
Watch This Play
After the steal, Kyle Anderson could’ve done some slo-mo 360 dunk but he passed it off the backboard to Ja Morant for the fatal flush.
(VIDEO CREDIT: Bleacher Report.)
Ja makin’ me crazy!
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.
R.I.P. Nala.