Another week of the NBA is in the books and a lot happened. Since it is impossible to see everything the league gives us during the week, let’s go over the 10 things I noticed in the NBA this week.
(as of the morning of November 10th)
Week Three in the NBA
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Luka Magic is Back, But Are the Mavs?
It seems that Luka Doncic‘s early-season rust is finally off. Luka has gotten his field goal percentage back up to 40 percent and his three-point shooting to 34 percent. His efficiency is getting better and his overall play is improving. Just in time for Dallas to hit a skid of injuries to major players Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington, and Maxi Kleber that have helped them fall to 5-4.
Clutch Cleveland
Cleveland had three games this week (Milwaukee x2 and Brooklyn) where they were down late in the game, and ended up winning those games by a combined eight points! Now, you can easily say that Cleveland should handle those teams easily being with how the Cavs have played this year, but you can’t win them all. Close games against sub-par teams are always trap games, but Cleveland came through and showed their toughness.
No Paolo, No Magic
All the momentum and hype that the Magic had from the start of the season has quickly gone down the drain. They started 3-2 but were having a great start for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Then Paolo got hurt and Franz Wagner got all the focus. Since Paolo’s injury, the Magic have gone 1-4. The struggles don’t seem to be ending anytime soon because Paolo will be out for a while.
Bucks and 76ers Are Struggling
Both the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers won a COMBINED one, single game last week. That was the Bucks against the worst team in the league, the Utah Jazz. A game that, for three quarters, was close. The Bucks are just sputtering and it doesn’t look like it will end soon. Dame and Giannis are healthy, Doc had a full offseason with the team, but it has gotten worse. The 76ers at least have the excuse of injuries, but even with Paul George returning they struggled. Add in Tyrese Maxey dealing with a bad hamstring and Joel Embiid dealing with his injury AND suspension and it isn’t looking good.
Lakers Have Landed
The Los Angeles Lakers had started off real hot with MVP level of play from Anthony Davis, LeBron James still playing like he is in his early 30s, and a 3-1 record. JJ Redick‘s team has now come back down to Earth. They are 5-4 with losses against great, good, and bad teams alike. This seems like the L.A Lakers we thought they’d be with them relying on the revolving third-star door of Austin Reaves, DeAngelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura. However, Redick isn’t sitting still and letting it happen like a certain coach from last year. Rumors of a desire to trade Reaves and Russell for a third star as well as the benching of Russell at least show they acknowledge that they need more.
Boston Celtics Achilles Heal
The Boston Celtics’ weakness has been found!! Well, to be fair, the weakness was always known. It’s just really hard to consistently do let alone do it four times in a playoff series. Golden State showed that rebounding and efficient three-point shooting is what gives you a chance against the Celtics. Keyword, a CHANCE. Rebounding, especially offensive, allows you to make sure they only get one three-point shot off and you potentially get more. With the three-point shot, you need to shoot at least a high 30 and be efficient with them and you shots in the paint or shoot high 40s and be very efficient with them. Easier said than done.
They Not Like Us
Drake decided to throw his two cents in and say that if DeMar DeRozan ever gets a banner hung in Toronto he will “go up there and rip it down” himself. While the Raptors went on to win that game with DeRozan missing the game-tying three in OT, DeRozan would get the last laugh. DeRozan said in a press after the game that Drake would have a long way to go to rip it down and leave. The next time the Kings and Raptors played, the Kings won with DeRozan leading the scoring with 27. However, the best part was the Sacramento Kings owner wearing a shirt that said “THEY NOT LIKE US” to the game. Gotta love it.
His Name is Zaccharie Risacher
There has been a lot of criticism about this year’s draft class and the lack of talent in it. Particularly a lot of criticism on the number one pick Zaccharie Risacher. Now, he still has a long way to go, and one game a superstar does not make, but everyone got a flash of what the number one pick can be against the New York Knicks where he had 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks, three steals, one personal foul, and zero turnovers. Give the kid his flowers.
Lonzo Hurt…Again
Bad news, Lonzo Ball is hurt again. Good news, it isn’t his knee. Lonzo is dealing with a wrist injury that coach Billy Donavon said that, if he tried to push through and play with it, would lead to season-ending surgery. This is horrible for someone who has already lost so much time due to injury like Lonzo. Hopefully, he’ll get healthy and back on the court soon.
The Alien in Search of Offense
Everybody’s eyes are, somehow even more than last year, on Victor Wembanyama. Defensively, he has looked even better and worth the early predictions of DPOY. Offensively, that is a different story. He is only averaging 17 points per game on 41 percent shooting and 22 percent three-point shooting. The 41 percent is a major concern for a post player who is 7’3″.
What do you think? Comment below!
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
