Official 2025 NFL Off Season Discussion!!!
- Thread starter darth frosty
- Start date
@Tdot_firestarta - that’s what happens when you get in a solid CFO and a GM that knows what he is doing.
Shit blew my mind when I saw this and they legit have 2 decent WRs that are rookies and a solid 1-2 punch at rb.
Dude has a history
but it's sort of wild how a hit got three and Von Miller can choke his chick and get four
Get em Ju
Broncos fans get on my nerves. When will they realize that Russell Wilson and Jerry Jeudy weren’t the fucking problem. Clearly the coaching scheme/gameplan wasn’t meant to set them up for success. Sean Payton is a shit coach and he’s lucky Bo Nix saving him from being Josh McDaniels 2.0
Ten Takeaways From 12/2/24
ONE) Dejounte Murray Not That Vengeful
His first game against Atlanta since the trade didn’t go so well. Murray finished with 7 points on 22.0 TS% (2-15 FG, 19.4 USG%) and was tied for a team-worst -15. Yeah, I know what you’re wondering… Dyson Daniels was defending. This kind of performance was predictable though. Was his first B2B and his fifth game of the season. They also traveled but he got up to 38 minutes, which was unexpected but also encouraging. He did get cheers during the tribute video but also got some boos whenever he touched the ball. Fandom is the best.
CJ McCollum (29 points) and Yves Missi (23 points, 12 rebounds) were the only reasons this wasn’t a bigger blowout than it was and there have been a lot of those recently. In this nine-game losing streak, they’ve lost games by 41, 33, 28 and 26 points. At least Herb Jones (shoulder) looks like he’s close to returning. Was upgraded to doubtful earlier today before being ruled out. Maybe Thursday?
“He’s getting better and better. A true bright spot for our team.” - Willie Green on Yves Missi
TWO) The Dyson Daniels Trade?
Think it’s fair to ask if we start calling it that instead of the Dejounte Murray trade. Dyson (19 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block, +18) had another game with multiple steals (4). He’s the first Hawk to have 60 steals through the first 20 games of a season since Doc Rivers in 1989. He also got some boos in this one but for different reasons. During a timeout, they showed him on the big screen doing the bracket challenge of Atlanta rappers. The winner of his bracket was Gunna over Young Thug, Future, and Lil Baby. The place lost it and rightfully so. Unforgivable offense.
Jalen Johnson (19 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 21.7 USG%) grabbed his 1,000th rebound in the win. What a season he’s having, huh? It’s insane to think he averaged just 4.9 PPG in 12.6 MPG over the first two seasons of his career. De’Andre Hunter (22 points, 73.9 TS%) has scored 18+ in every game of Atlanta’s four-game winning streak. Was also his 27th birthday.
"We appreciated everything Dejounte did while he was here, and what he provided this franchise. From a coaching standpoint, he was always someone [that was] competitive, and I think his competitive spirit is the thing, as much as anything that for me is when I think of Dejounte, that's what I think of, and we wish him the best." - Quin Snyder on Dejounte Murray
Hawks beat the Pelicans 124-112.
THREE) Bam, WTF?
Miami was without Jimmy Butler (knee) against Boston. It felt over before it began and not just because there was no Jimmy. It’s cause I have no idea what this version of Bam Adebayo (15 points, 8 rebounds, 39.7 TS%) is. We’re 18 games into the season and Bam is averaging 15.7 PPG on 50.1 TS%. Last year, he averaged 19.3 PPG on 57.6 TS%. Not amazing but def not this. He made his first shot of the game and followed that with eight straight misses. He continues to rebound and defend well but the Heat aren’t going to do much if these offensive struggles continue.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (19 points, 10 rebounds) got the start for Jimmy and recorded his first double-double of the season. He hasn’t been any better than Bam (9.3 PPG, 49.8 TS%). Dru Smith (8 points, 4 rebounds) started the second half in place of Duncan Robinson (5 points, -20). Tyler Herro was repeatedly getting hunted because that’s what happens when they play Boston. Whatever happened to this rivalry anyway? Boston swept them last season and embarrassed them again today.
“He’s built a career being able to make those shots and make those look easy. It’s just one of those stretches that sometimes you can’t explain.” - Erik Spoelstra on Bam
FOUR) Payton Pritchard (-230)
The bad news for the rest of the 6MOY candidates is that the Celtics are fully leaning into it. They’ve had multiple chances for Pritchard to start, like today with no Jrue, Porzinigs, or Horford. Nope, they started Jordan Walsh instead after getting a DNP-CD last night. Every Celtic starter had an injury designation entering the game.
Payton Pritchard (25 points, 5-12 3PT, 73.5 TS%) has scored 20+ in four straight games now. First Celtic with four straight 20-point off the bench since Isaiah Thomas in 2015. I honestly don’t know why Miami kept helping off him like they haven’t been watching what he’s been doing. He even had another buzzer-beater but on a layup, not a heave.
Luke Kornet had six blocked shots and the funniest quote of the night…
“Him and I both know a thing or two about rejection in our lives.” - Luke Kornet on why he and Derrick White block shots
“I like the quote that Joe said, ‘Lead by principle, not by feeling. - Payton Pritchard
Celtics beat the Heat 108-89.
FIVE) Two New Nets
Nets traveled to Chicago on the second leg of a B2B so you knew there’d be some weird shit. Already without the usuals, both Cams, Ben Simmons, and Ziaire Williams were all out. All this did was introduce us to some more chaos. Day’Ron Sharpe (4 points, 2 rebounds) made his season debut and was able to get up to 16 minutes. He said said that we was told last week to target this game against the Bulls. You gotta remember that he was out with a pretty serious hamstring strain so I wouldn’t expect big minutes anytime soon. Was kinda surprised people wanted to use him in his first game back. It’s gonna take a minute.
Dariq Whitehead (23 minutes, 19.7 USG%, 6-10 3PT) is worth getting excited about though. He got his first real run of the season and scored 18 points on 81.8 TS%. He’s barely gotten a chance to play yet because of injuries and being an awful basketball player but he’s back from the G League and the Nets need bodies. I’m not really a fan of his game but Gallagher likes to say that he was a 5-star recruit coming out of high school so maybe there’s something there. He’s the first player in franchise history to make four or more 3-pointers in a game within the first five games of their NBA career.
“Me personally, I played ass. But it’s my first game, so just keep building from here.” - Day’Ron Sharpe
"It was a huge part, me scoring that 26 or whatever it was in the G League. It just, you know, brought back confidence that I've been missing for two years, dealing with the injuries and stuff, just not believing in myself.”- Dariq Whitehead on his recent G League experience
SIX) MATAS!
I try to not bring my fandom into these things but Matas is my guy. I’ve been begging for minutes since day one. I know this is a process and you need to be patient with rookies. I’m trying here but man, he looked awesome against Brooklyn. His first 20-point game as a pro on 91.9 TS% (4-5 3PT). You can just tell that the game is slowing down for him and he’s not forcing anything. The weaknesses are obvious. He needs to get in the weight room and continue working on his shot but until then, do the little things and don’t be a liability.
Julian Phillips (5 points, 5 rebounds) got his first career start filling in for Coby White (ankle). Nikola Vucevic continues to shoot lights out (21 points, 3-5 3PT). Josh Giddey (20 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists) recorded his first triple-double with the Bulls. It’s a lot easier for him to stay on the court when the opposing team can’t take advantage of his shitty defense. He’ll also have an easier time closing games but on that note, looks like Patrick Williams is close to returning, He participated in portions of shoot around and has begun the ramp-up process to return to play. Giddey won’t close for long. Lonzo Ball played 13 minutes but that’s only because of the blowout. Probably could have gotten up to 18 had the game stayed close.
“He earned his minutes.” - Billy Donovan on Matas’ career night
"I just keep learning, keep striving, keep progressing. I think it’s just gotten better – every time I play, I keep learning. I keep getting more comfortable on the court. - Matas Buzelis on his rookie season
Bulls beat the Nets 128-102.
SEVEN) Ugh, LeBron
Are the signs starting to show? Have we been spoiled way too long? Is this how it ends? Am I gonna keep asking vague questions?
LeBron James in his last four games:
16.3 PPG
0.00 3PT% (0-19 3PT)
41.2 TS%
4.8 TOV
The worst part is that his body language has been agreeing with the numbers. You can tell that he’s mentally going through it. He gave a couple of frustrated shrugs after misses and air-balled two three-pointers. Yeah, he tends to be streaky but I can’t remember a streak this ugly. One of the worst games I’ve ever seen him play. Scored 10 points on 28.2 TS% with six turnovers. He has 51 turnovers in his last ten games. He was a team-worst -28 in a 29-point loss. The Lakers are 21 points per 100 possessions worse when he’s on the court this season. It’s all bad.
At least he kept his double-digit scoring streak alive. Was really sad seeing him in the game, down 33 in the fourth just to get that final basket though. Almost makes you depreciate it.
"I don't know if it's in the best interest of him and us if he does that." - JJ Redick on LeBron playing all 82 games
"We're just not good offensively right now. I think we've been so focused on our defense that it took a toll and our offense took a back seat.” - LeBron James
I’m 100% gonna eat my words in a week, aren’t I?
EIGHT) Lakers Low Point
Sorry, we’re not done with LA. They scored 80 points. It’s their lowest-scoring game of the LeBron era and the fewest for the Lakers since January 22, 2017. Their offensive rating over their last five games is 102. 9. Third worst behind Washington and New Orleans.
Without Austin Reaves (left pelvic contusion) for the second straight game, D’Angelo Russell replaced Gabe Vincent in the starting lineup and was actually their best player. He scored 20 points on 83.3 TS%. Became the 51st player in league history to make 1,500 threes. Anthony Davis (12 points, 11 rebounds, 4-14 FG, 38.1 TS%) has done well against Rudy Gobert in the past but Rudy owned him here. AD was only able to get two shots off at the rim, making just one. Donte DiVincenzo wouldn’t let Dalton Knecht (6 points, 0-5 3PT) breathe. The Lakers drop to 12-9. They’ve lost five of seven.
“We had games where we were phenomenal and we had games where we were disgusting like tonight.” - Anthony Davis
NINE) The Timberwolves Bench
Anthony Edwards (8 points, 28.8 TS%) is in a bit of a slump. He’s now failed to score 30 points in seven straight games. Shit, he couldn’t even touch 10 on “AE1 Night”. They were supposed to be celebrating a new shoe colorway but instead, celebrated his first game this season scoring single digits.
Luckily they didn’t need him cause the bench kicked ass.
Donte DiVincenzo - 11 points, 9 assists, +21
Naz Reid - 15 points, 3 stocks, +22
Nickeil Alexander-Walker - 15 points, 4 assists, +14
Also, Mike Conley (9 points, 6 assists) set the tone with three first-half 3-pointers. Wolves are now 42-13 all-time when he makes at least 3+ threes. Chris Finch talked about the importance of getting him going…
“It's hard to (overstate) how important he is to us in everything we continue to do. He's best when he's aggressive… instead of only trying to set people up and run the offense.” - Chris Finch on Mike Conley
Timberwolves beat the Lakers 109-80.
TEN) Sixers Small Ball
The Sixers aren’t allowed to have a good day. The only thing they got going for them (Jared McCain) was sent to the bench on Saturday for some reason. McCain’s 14.5 USG% that game was his lowest of the season by the way. Joel Embiid’s already been ruled out for tomorrow (injury management/personal reasons). Now they’ll be without Andre Drummond for at least three games after spraining his ankle against the Pistons. Three games might be on the optimistic side of things but let’s take his word for now…
"Weeks? Days. I recover fast, man. I’m staying on top of it. Just doing what the doctors tell me to do and when it’s time for me to come back, I’ll come back. My plan is to come back soon." - Andre Drummond on how long he’ll be out
This means Philly is gonna be relying on Guerschon Yabusele and Adam Bona until Joel gets right. KJ Martin should also be in the mix.
"I would say now the depth chart would Yabu, Bona, KJ at the 5, right? It takes two of our 4s and slides them up. That means some of our wings will move to the 4. Kind of the domino effect of pushing people up." - Nick Nurse on the updated center rotation
The good news is that Paul George isn’t listed on the injury report… for now.
ONE) Dejounte Murray Not That Vengeful
His first game against Atlanta since the trade didn’t go so well. Murray finished with 7 points on 22.0 TS% (2-15 FG, 19.4 USG%) and was tied for a team-worst -15. Yeah, I know what you’re wondering… Dyson Daniels was defending. This kind of performance was predictable though. Was his first B2B and his fifth game of the season. They also traveled but he got up to 38 minutes, which was unexpected but also encouraging. He did get cheers during the tribute video but also got some boos whenever he touched the ball. Fandom is the best.
CJ McCollum (29 points) and Yves Missi (23 points, 12 rebounds) were the only reasons this wasn’t a bigger blowout than it was and there have been a lot of those recently. In this nine-game losing streak, they’ve lost games by 41, 33, 28 and 26 points. At least Herb Jones (shoulder) looks like he’s close to returning. Was upgraded to doubtful earlier today before being ruled out. Maybe Thursday?
“He’s getting better and better. A true bright spot for our team.” - Willie Green on Yves Missi
TWO) The Dyson Daniels Trade?
Think it’s fair to ask if we start calling it that instead of the Dejounte Murray trade. Dyson (19 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block, +18) had another game with multiple steals (4). He’s the first Hawk to have 60 steals through the first 20 games of a season since Doc Rivers in 1989. He also got some boos in this one but for different reasons. During a timeout, they showed him on the big screen doing the bracket challenge of Atlanta rappers. The winner of his bracket was Gunna over Young Thug, Future, and Lil Baby. The place lost it and rightfully so. Unforgivable offense.
Jalen Johnson (19 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 21.7 USG%) grabbed his 1,000th rebound in the win. What a season he’s having, huh? It’s insane to think he averaged just 4.9 PPG in 12.6 MPG over the first two seasons of his career. De’Andre Hunter (22 points, 73.9 TS%) has scored 18+ in every game of Atlanta’s four-game winning streak. Was also his 27th birthday.
"We appreciated everything Dejounte did while he was here, and what he provided this franchise. From a coaching standpoint, he was always someone [that was] competitive, and I think his competitive spirit is the thing, as much as anything that for me is when I think of Dejounte, that's what I think of, and we wish him the best." - Quin Snyder on Dejounte Murray
Hawks beat the Pelicans 124-112.
THREE) Bam, WTF?
Miami was without Jimmy Butler (knee) against Boston. It felt over before it began and not just because there was no Jimmy. It’s cause I have no idea what this version of Bam Adebayo (15 points, 8 rebounds, 39.7 TS%) is. We’re 18 games into the season and Bam is averaging 15.7 PPG on 50.1 TS%. Last year, he averaged 19.3 PPG on 57.6 TS%. Not amazing but def not this. He made his first shot of the game and followed that with eight straight misses. He continues to rebound and defend well but the Heat aren’t going to do much if these offensive struggles continue.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (19 points, 10 rebounds) got the start for Jimmy and recorded his first double-double of the season. He hasn’t been any better than Bam (9.3 PPG, 49.8 TS%). Dru Smith (8 points, 4 rebounds) started the second half in place of Duncan Robinson (5 points, -20). Tyler Herro was repeatedly getting hunted because that’s what happens when they play Boston. Whatever happened to this rivalry anyway? Boston swept them last season and embarrassed them again today.
“He’s built a career being able to make those shots and make those look easy. It’s just one of those stretches that sometimes you can’t explain.” - Erik Spoelstra on Bam
FOUR) Payton Pritchard (-230)
The bad news for the rest of the 6MOY candidates is that the Celtics are fully leaning into it. They’ve had multiple chances for Pritchard to start, like today with no Jrue, Porzinigs, or Horford. Nope, they started Jordan Walsh instead after getting a DNP-CD last night. Every Celtic starter had an injury designation entering the game.
Payton Pritchard (25 points, 5-12 3PT, 73.5 TS%) has scored 20+ in four straight games now. First Celtic with four straight 20-point off the bench since Isaiah Thomas in 2015. I honestly don’t know why Miami kept helping off him like they haven’t been watching what he’s been doing. He even had another buzzer-beater but on a layup, not a heave.
Luke Kornet had six blocked shots and the funniest quote of the night…
“Him and I both know a thing or two about rejection in our lives.” - Luke Kornet on why he and Derrick White block shots
“I like the quote that Joe said, ‘Lead by principle, not by feeling. - Payton Pritchard
Celtics beat the Heat 108-89.
FIVE) Two New Nets
Nets traveled to Chicago on the second leg of a B2B so you knew there’d be some weird shit. Already without the usuals, both Cams, Ben Simmons, and Ziaire Williams were all out. All this did was introduce us to some more chaos. Day’Ron Sharpe (4 points, 2 rebounds) made his season debut and was able to get up to 16 minutes. He said said that we was told last week to target this game against the Bulls. You gotta remember that he was out with a pretty serious hamstring strain so I wouldn’t expect big minutes anytime soon. Was kinda surprised people wanted to use him in his first game back. It’s gonna take a minute.
Dariq Whitehead (23 minutes, 19.7 USG%, 6-10 3PT) is worth getting excited about though. He got his first real run of the season and scored 18 points on 81.8 TS%. He’s barely gotten a chance to play yet because of injuries and being an awful basketball player but he’s back from the G League and the Nets need bodies. I’m not really a fan of his game but Gallagher likes to say that he was a 5-star recruit coming out of high school so maybe there’s something there. He’s the first player in franchise history to make four or more 3-pointers in a game within the first five games of their NBA career.
“Me personally, I played ass. But it’s my first game, so just keep building from here.” - Day’Ron Sharpe
"It was a huge part, me scoring that 26 or whatever it was in the G League. It just, you know, brought back confidence that I've been missing for two years, dealing with the injuries and stuff, just not believing in myself.”- Dariq Whitehead on his recent G League experience
SIX) MATAS!
I try to not bring my fandom into these things but Matas is my guy. I’ve been begging for minutes since day one. I know this is a process and you need to be patient with rookies. I’m trying here but man, he looked awesome against Brooklyn. His first 20-point game as a pro on 91.9 TS% (4-5 3PT). You can just tell that the game is slowing down for him and he’s not forcing anything. The weaknesses are obvious. He needs to get in the weight room and continue working on his shot but until then, do the little things and don’t be a liability.
Julian Phillips (5 points, 5 rebounds) got his first career start filling in for Coby White (ankle). Nikola Vucevic continues to shoot lights out (21 points, 3-5 3PT). Josh Giddey (20 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists) recorded his first triple-double with the Bulls. It’s a lot easier for him to stay on the court when the opposing team can’t take advantage of his shitty defense. He’ll also have an easier time closing games but on that note, looks like Patrick Williams is close to returning, He participated in portions of shoot around and has begun the ramp-up process to return to play. Giddey won’t close for long. Lonzo Ball played 13 minutes but that’s only because of the blowout. Probably could have gotten up to 18 had the game stayed close.
“He earned his minutes.” - Billy Donovan on Matas’ career night
"I just keep learning, keep striving, keep progressing. I think it’s just gotten better – every time I play, I keep learning. I keep getting more comfortable on the court. - Matas Buzelis on his rookie season
Bulls beat the Nets 128-102.
SEVEN) Ugh, LeBron
Are the signs starting to show? Have we been spoiled way too long? Is this how it ends? Am I gonna keep asking vague questions?
LeBron James in his last four games:
16.3 PPG
0.00 3PT% (0-19 3PT)
41.2 TS%
4.8 TOV
The worst part is that his body language has been agreeing with the numbers. You can tell that he’s mentally going through it. He gave a couple of frustrated shrugs after misses and air-balled two three-pointers. Yeah, he tends to be streaky but I can’t remember a streak this ugly. One of the worst games I’ve ever seen him play. Scored 10 points on 28.2 TS% with six turnovers. He has 51 turnovers in his last ten games. He was a team-worst -28 in a 29-point loss. The Lakers are 21 points per 100 possessions worse when he’s on the court this season. It’s all bad.
At least he kept his double-digit scoring streak alive. Was really sad seeing him in the game, down 33 in the fourth just to get that final basket though. Almost makes you depreciate it.
"I don't know if it's in the best interest of him and us if he does that." - JJ Redick on LeBron playing all 82 games
"We're just not good offensively right now. I think we've been so focused on our defense that it took a toll and our offense took a back seat.” - LeBron James
I’m 100% gonna eat my words in a week, aren’t I?
EIGHT) Lakers Low Point
Sorry, we’re not done with LA. They scored 80 points. It’s their lowest-scoring game of the LeBron era and the fewest for the Lakers since January 22, 2017. Their offensive rating over their last five games is 102. 9. Third worst behind Washington and New Orleans.
Without Austin Reaves (left pelvic contusion) for the second straight game, D’Angelo Russell replaced Gabe Vincent in the starting lineup and was actually their best player. He scored 20 points on 83.3 TS%. Became the 51st player in league history to make 1,500 threes. Anthony Davis (12 points, 11 rebounds, 4-14 FG, 38.1 TS%) has done well against Rudy Gobert in the past but Rudy owned him here. AD was only able to get two shots off at the rim, making just one. Donte DiVincenzo wouldn’t let Dalton Knecht (6 points, 0-5 3PT) breathe. The Lakers drop to 12-9. They’ve lost five of seven.
“We had games where we were phenomenal and we had games where we were disgusting like tonight.” - Anthony Davis
NINE) The Timberwolves Bench
Anthony Edwards (8 points, 28.8 TS%) is in a bit of a slump. He’s now failed to score 30 points in seven straight games. Shit, he couldn’t even touch 10 on “AE1 Night”. They were supposed to be celebrating a new shoe colorway but instead, celebrated his first game this season scoring single digits.
Luckily they didn’t need him cause the bench kicked ass.
Donte DiVincenzo - 11 points, 9 assists, +21
Naz Reid - 15 points, 3 stocks, +22
Nickeil Alexander-Walker - 15 points, 4 assists, +14
Also, Mike Conley (9 points, 6 assists) set the tone with three first-half 3-pointers. Wolves are now 42-13 all-time when he makes at least 3+ threes. Chris Finch talked about the importance of getting him going…
“It's hard to (overstate) how important he is to us in everything we continue to do. He's best when he's aggressive… instead of only trying to set people up and run the offense.” - Chris Finch on Mike Conley
Timberwolves beat the Lakers 109-80.
TEN) Sixers Small Ball
The Sixers aren’t allowed to have a good day. The only thing they got going for them (Jared McCain) was sent to the bench on Saturday for some reason. McCain’s 14.5 USG% that game was his lowest of the season by the way. Joel Embiid’s already been ruled out for tomorrow (injury management/personal reasons). Now they’ll be without Andre Drummond for at least three games after spraining his ankle against the Pistons. Three games might be on the optimistic side of things but let’s take his word for now…
"Weeks? Days. I recover fast, man. I’m staying on top of it. Just doing what the doctors tell me to do and when it’s time for me to come back, I’ll come back. My plan is to come back soon." - Andre Drummond on how long he’ll be out
This means Philly is gonna be relying on Guerschon Yabusele and Adam Bona until Joel gets right. KJ Martin should also be in the mix.
"I would say now the depth chart would Yabu, Bona, KJ at the 5, right? It takes two of our 4s and slides them up. That means some of our wings will move to the 4. Kind of the domino effect of pushing people up." - Nick Nurse on the updated center rotation
The good news is that Paul George isn’t listed on the injury report… for now.
Ten Takeaways From 12/2/24
ONE) Dejounte Murray Not That Vengeful
His first game against Atlanta since the trade didn’t go so well. Murray finished with 7 points on 22.0 TS% (2-15 FG, 19.4 USG%) and was tied for a team-worst -15. Yeah, I know what you’re wondering… Dyson Daniels was defending. This kind of performance was predictable though. Was his first B2B and his fifth game of the season. They also traveled but he got up to 38 minutes, which was unexpected but also encouraging. He did get cheers during the tribute video but also got some boos whenever he touched the ball. Fandom is the best.
CJ McCollum (29 points) and Yves Missi (23 points, 12 rebounds) were the only reasons this wasn’t a bigger blowout than it was and there have been a lot of those recently. In this nine-game losing streak, they’ve lost games by 41, 33, 28 and 26 points. At least Herb Jones (shoulder) looks like he’s close to returning. Was upgraded to doubtful earlier today before being ruled out. Maybe Thursday?
“He’s getting better and better. A true bright spot for our team.” - Willie Green on Yves Missi
TWO) The Dyson Daniels Trade?
Think it’s fair to ask if we start calling it that instead of the Dejounte Murray trade. Dyson (19 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block, +18) had another game with multiple steals (4). He’s the first Hawk to have 60 steals through the first 20 games of a season since Doc Rivers in 1989. He also got some boos in this one but for different reasons. During a timeout, they showed him on the big screen doing the bracket challenge of Atlanta rappers. The winner of his bracket was Gunna over Young Thug, Future, and Lil Baby. The place lost it and rightfully so. Unforgivable offense.
Jalen Johnson (19 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 21.7 USG%) grabbed his 1,000th rebound in the win. What a season he’s having, huh? It’s insane to think he averaged just 4.9 PPG in 12.6 MPG over the first two seasons of his career. De’Andre Hunter (22 points, 73.9 TS%) has scored 18+ in every game of Atlanta’s four-game winning streak. Was also his 27th birthday.
"We appreciated everything Dejounte did while he was here, and what he provided this franchise. From a coaching standpoint, he was always someone [that was] competitive, and I think his competitive spirit is the thing, as much as anything that for me is when I think of Dejounte, that's what I think of, and we wish him the best." - Quin Snyder on Dejounte Murray
Hawks beat the Pelicans 124-112.
THREE) Bam, WTF?
Miami was without Jimmy Butler (knee) against Boston. It felt over before it began and not just because there was no Jimmy. It’s cause I have no idea what this version of Bam Adebayo (15 points, 8 rebounds, 39.7 TS%) is. We’re 18 games into the season and Bam is averaging 15.7 PPG on 50.1 TS%. Last year, he averaged 19.3 PPG on 57.6 TS%. Not amazing but def not this. He made his first shot of the game and followed that with eight straight misses. He continues to rebound and defend well but the Heat aren’t going to do much if these offensive struggles continue.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (19 points, 10 rebounds) got the start for Jimmy and recorded his first double-double of the season. He hasn’t been any better than Bam (9.3 PPG, 49.8 TS%). Dru Smith (8 points, 4 rebounds) started the second half in place of Duncan Robinson (5 points, -20). Tyler Herro was repeatedly getting hunted because that’s what happens when they play Boston. Whatever happened to this rivalry anyway? Boston swept them last season and embarrassed them again today.
“He’s built a career being able to make those shots and make those look easy. It’s just one of those stretches that sometimes you can’t explain.” - Erik Spoelstra on Bam
FOUR) Payton Pritchard (-230)
The bad news for the rest of the 6MOY candidates is that the Celtics are fully leaning into it. They’ve had multiple chances for Pritchard to start, like today with no Jrue, Porzinigs, or Horford. Nope, they started Jordan Walsh instead after getting a DNP-CD last night. Every Celtic starter had an injury designation entering the game.
Payton Pritchard (25 points, 5-12 3PT, 73.5 TS%) has scored 20+ in four straight games now. First Celtic with four straight 20-point off the bench since Isaiah Thomas in 2015. I honestly don’t know why Miami kept helping off him like they haven’t been watching what he’s been doing. He even had another buzzer-beater but on a layup, not a heave.
Luke Kornet had six blocked shots and the funniest quote of the night…
“Him and I both know a thing or two about rejection in our lives.” - Luke Kornet on why he and Derrick White block shots
“I like the quote that Joe said, ‘Lead by principle, not by feeling. - Payton Pritchard
Celtics beat the Heat 108-89.
FIVE) Two New Nets
Nets traveled to Chicago on the second leg of a B2B so you knew there’d be some weird shit. Already without the usuals, both Cams, Ben Simmons, and Ziaire Williams were all out. All this did was introduce us to some more chaos. Day’Ron Sharpe (4 points, 2 rebounds) made his season debut and was able to get up to 16 minutes. He said said that we was told last week to target this game against the Bulls. You gotta remember that he was out with a pretty serious hamstring strain so I wouldn’t expect big minutes anytime soon. Was kinda surprised people wanted to use him in his first game back. It’s gonna take a minute.
Dariq Whitehead (23 minutes, 19.7 USG%, 6-10 3PT) is worth getting excited about though. He got his first real run of the season and scored 18 points on 81.8 TS%. He’s barely gotten a chance to play yet because of injuries and being an awful basketball player but he’s back from the G League and the Nets need bodies. I’m not really a fan of his game but Gallagher likes to say that he was a 5-star recruit coming out of high school so maybe there’s something there. He’s the first player in franchise history to make four or more 3-pointers in a game within the first five games of their NBA career.
“Me personally, I played ass. But it’s my first game, so just keep building from here.” - Day’Ron Sharpe
"It was a huge part, me scoring that 26 or whatever it was in the G League. It just, you know, brought back confidence that I've been missing for two years, dealing with the injuries and stuff, just not believing in myself.”- Dariq Whitehead on his recent G League experience
SIX) MATAS!
I try to not bring my fandom into these things but Matas is my guy. I’ve been begging for minutes since day one. I know this is a process and you need to be patient with rookies. I’m trying here but man, he looked awesome against Brooklyn. His first 20-point game as a pro on 91.9 TS% (4-5 3PT). You can just tell that the game is slowing down for him and he’s not forcing anything. The weaknesses are obvious. He needs to get in the weight room and continue working on his shot but until then, do the little things and don’t be a liability.
Julian Phillips (5 points, 5 rebounds) got his first career start filling in for Coby White (ankle). Nikola Vucevic continues to shoot lights out (21 points, 3-5 3PT). Josh Giddey (20 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists) recorded his first triple-double with the Bulls. It’s a lot easier for him to stay on the court when the opposing team can’t take advantage of his shitty defense. He’ll also have an easier time closing games but on that note, looks like Patrick Williams is close to returning, He participated in portions of shoot around and has begun the ramp-up process to return to play. Giddey won’t close for long. Lonzo Ball played 13 minutes but that’s only because of the blowout. Probably could have gotten up to 18 had the game stayed close.
“He earned his minutes.” - Billy Donovan on Matas’ career night
"I just keep learning, keep striving, keep progressing. I think it’s just gotten better – every time I play, I keep learning. I keep getting more comfortable on the court. - Matas Buzelis on his rookie season
Bulls beat the Nets 128-102.
SEVEN) Ugh, LeBron
Are the signs starting to show? Have we been spoiled way too long? Is this how it ends? Am I gonna keep asking vague questions?
LeBron James in his last four games:
16.3 PPG
0.00 3PT% (0-19 3PT)
41.2 TS%
4.8 TOV
The worst part is that his body language has been agreeing with the numbers. You can tell that he’s mentally going through it. He gave a couple of frustrated shrugs after misses and air-balled two three-pointers. Yeah, he tends to be streaky but I can’t remember a streak this ugly. One of the worst games I’ve ever seen him play. Scored 10 points on 28.2 TS% with six turnovers. He has 51 turnovers in his last ten games. He was a team-worst -28 in a 29-point loss. The Lakers are 21 points per 100 possessions worse when he’s on the court this season. It’s all bad.
At least he kept his double-digit scoring streak alive. Was really sad seeing him in the game, down 33 in the fourth just to get that final basket though. Almost makes you depreciate it.
"I don't know if it's in the best interest of him and us if he does that." - JJ Redick on LeBron playing all 82 games
"We're just not good offensively right now. I think we've been so focused on our defense that it took a toll and our offense took a back seat.” - LeBron James
I’m 100% gonna eat my words in a week, aren’t I?
EIGHT) Lakers Low Point
Sorry, we’re not done with LA. They scored 80 points. It’s their lowest-scoring game of the LeBron era and the fewest for the Lakers since January 22, 2017. Their offensive rating over their last five games is 102. 9. Third worst behind Washington and New Orleans.
Without Austin Reaves (left pelvic contusion) for the second straight game, D’Angelo Russell replaced Gabe Vincent in the starting lineup and was actually their best player. He scored 20 points on 83.3 TS%. Became the 51st player in league history to make 1,500 threes. Anthony Davis (12 points, 11 rebounds, 4-14 FG, 38.1 TS%) has done well against Rudy Gobert in the past but Rudy owned him here. AD was only able to get two shots off at the rim, making just one. Donte DiVincenzo wouldn’t let Dalton Knecht (6 points, 0-5 3PT) breathe. The Lakers drop to 12-9. They’ve lost five of seven.
“We had games where we were phenomenal and we had games where we were disgusting like tonight.” - Anthony Davis
NINE) The Timberwolves Bench
Anthony Edwards (8 points, 28.8 TS%) is in a bit of a slump. He’s now failed to score 30 points in seven straight games. Shit, he couldn’t even touch 10 on “AE1 Night”. They were supposed to be celebrating a new shoe colorway but instead, celebrated his first game this season scoring single digits.
Luckily they didn’t need him cause the bench kicked ass.
Donte DiVincenzo - 11 points, 9 assists, +21
Naz Reid - 15 points, 3 stocks, +22
Nickeil Alexander-Walker - 15 points, 4 assists, +14
Also, Mike Conley (9 points, 6 assists) set the tone with three first-half 3-pointers. Wolves are now 42-13 all-time when he makes at least 3+ threes. Chris Finch talked about the importance of getting him going…
“It's hard to (overstate) how important he is to us in everything we continue to do. He's best when he's aggressive… instead of only trying to set people up and run the offense.” - Chris Finch on Mike Conley
Timberwolves beat the Lakers 109-80.
TEN) Sixers Small Ball
The Sixers aren’t allowed to have a good day. The only thing they got going for them (Jared McCain) was sent to the bench on Saturday for some reason. McCain’s 14.5 USG% that game was his lowest of the season by the way. Joel Embiid’s already been ruled out for tomorrow (injury management/personal reasons). Now they’ll be without Andre Drummond for at least three games after spraining his ankle against the Pistons. Three games might be on the optimistic side of things but let’s take his word for now…
"Weeks? Days. I recover fast, man. I’m staying on top of it. Just doing what the doctors tell me to do and when it’s time for me to come back, I’ll come back. My plan is to come back soon." - Andre Drummond on how long he’ll be out
This means Philly is gonna be relying on Guerschon Yabusele and Adam Bona until Joel gets right. KJ Martin should also be in the mix.
"I would say now the depth chart would Yabu, Bona, KJ at the 5, right? It takes two of our 4s and slides them up. That means some of our wings will move to the 4. Kind of the domino effect of pushing people up." - Nick Nurse on the updated center rotation
The good news is that Paul George isn’t listed on the injury report… for now.
umm I think you meant to post this in the NBA thread
Dude is a trip!! I hate they he gets so disrespected in the media by calling him a lovable fuck up, but he kind of brings it on his self.
A racist man coaching a Black gay quarterback, yeah that sounds like a great idea in a city like Chicago.
The Broncos paid Russell Wilson $39 million to go away — now he's starting for a Super Bowl contender
The veteran quarterback is averaging 271 yards per game this season in Pittsburgh, a career high.
www.nbcnews.com
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