Welcome to the Basketball Hangover. I write about what’s happening in the NBA daily, even when COVID has ravaged the league.
Chris Paul passed Magic Johnson in the all-time assists list.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Jeff Hanisch/USA Today.)
So many things happened in that Suns/Bucks game. This is going to be a little scattered.
But we really should start with the call that most people were talking about last night.
(VIDEO CREDIT: House of Highlights.)
I think they made the right call…
Almost like the ref had a better angle than twitter pic.twitter.com/YZXogwFDos
— Dee Barksdale (@DeeMcnutty) April 20, 2021
And I continue to admire the officials when it comes to seeing this stuff in real time. Players are faster and stronger than ever and there’s only so much you can see when these world class athletes are competing.
Could the refs easily not call a foul? Sure. And then the criticism would still be there. It’s maddening.
But I also say that players shouldn’t get themselves into a position like this where the refs could potentially call something. I must say that Jrue Holiday did an incredible job defending Devin Booker in that play (all game long, really). PJ Tucker, who got called for the foul, almost felt he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Yes, referees let go of some things and miss some calls. But once again, the last foul call is the one that gets scrutinized. That’s just the way it’s always been. And as I mentioned before, maybe try not to get into that position? Yeah, it’s easier said than done, it’s easier from an outside view, and it’s easier to say when everything’s over.
Other things that I want to mention about this game? Giannis Antetokounmpo is still a top player in this league. Jrue Holiday continues to be a defensive pest this deep into his career.
Chris Paul has passed Magic Johnson in the all-time assists leaderboard.
(Data from Basketball Reference.)
Mark Jackson and Steve Nash are next should Paul continue to play into next season.
And also, while I don’t think it’s going to happen, imagine this as your NBA Finals. Man, that would be SO fun.
Bullet Passes
Stephen Curry has once again torched another basketball court. He went for 49 points and made 10 three-pointers. He’s made 10 THREES in FOUR OF THE LAST FIVE GAMES. What?
He’s averaging 40.0 points and shooting .497 in his last 11 games. What a run. He’s also taken over as the leading scorer in the league at 31.4 PPG.
Oh, and G. State beat Philly. Woof.
Don’t look now but the Wizards have won 5 straight. Chicago upsetting Boston made them hold on to the 10th spot but the Wizards have pulled into a tie. We still have a month left.
Russell Westbrook also got his 26th triple-double with 13-11-17.
With that loss, it’s Oklahoma City‘s 11th in a row. NOW they may never win.
Nikola Jokic went for 47-15-8 and made the tiebreaking 3 to help give Denver a double OT win against Memphis. Ja Morant didn’t do so bad himself at 36-8-12.
I mentioned the Bulls defeating the Celtics. Boston had their 6-game win streak stopped.
Myles Turner has a tear on his toe. That sounds excruciating. He is out indefinitely.
NBA Scoreboard
Apr. 19, 2021
Watch This Play
Matisse Thybulle decides to show off.
(VIDEO CREDIT: House of Highlights.)
Love it when they put on a show like that.
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.