Wemby Drops 52 as the Spurs Hold Their Ground.
Spurs 112 - 111 Mavericks Highlights
What happened?
Two former number one overall picks battled it out last night. One was clearly on top. Victor Wembanyama just had one of the best games of his career: 52 points, 24 rebounds, 8 blocks, and 2 steals. That sounds like a stat line from MyPlayer on 2k. Cooper Flagg shrank under his spotlight, only dropping 19 points, and was quiet all night. The game was kept close through heroics from Kyrie Irving, who had 30 points with 5 threes, but Kyrie couldn’t get the mid-range fadeaway to fall at the buzzer. This Texas matchup has been exciting every time they have played and is definitely one to watch as these two young stars blossom into the faces of the league.
Did Wemby just make his MVP statement?
After a quiet start to the season and a 0-2 start, the San Antonio Spurs have not looked back. 6 straight wins, and they look like the best team in the NBA. Who is leading them? None other than Victor Wembanyama. Since the 2 losses, he is averaging 32.5 with great efficiency. He is also far and away the best defender in the league and is a young star that can sell out arenas. Luka Doncic is also in the race, averaging 38 points and 8 assists, but the MVP is going to be a dogfight.
My prediction: They give it to Wemby. Luka won’t keep up the scoring, and Wemby is simply more consistent for a better team. It’s gonna be close, but Wemby gets his first of many this season.
Granda Klay Hits Overtime Dagger over the Clippers
Heat 117 - 116 Clippers after OT Highlights
What happened?
The Heat came into this game as favorites. Although they have had a slow start to the season, they are beginning to figure things out. They could easily beat the Clippers through their stars, Bam and Giannis. Sure, they both had great games, but who really stole the spotlight? Klay Thompson. 30 points, 8 threes, and the game-winner in overtime. It doesn’t get much better for a veteran shooter on a mediocre team. Good job, Klay?
Are the Heat back?
Short answer: No. A gritty overtime win against a terrible Clippers team does not constitute ‘being back’. They have good players who are playing good basketball, but they just can’t seem to bring it all together and look like a contender. If they don’t figure it out, they’re at risk of being a play-in or worse, and Giannis will have to look at himself in the mirror and think to himself, “Am I just on the Red Buck?”
Daily Recap
NBA
Knicks 135 - 105 Bulls
The Knicks are finally looking like a championship-winning team again after their disastrous 0-3 start. Brunson dropped 33 points, and most of those came in the first quarter. The Knicks look like they could make a push for the one seed and hunt down the 76ers.
Kings 103 - 116 Lakers
Luka just can’t stop scoring. 40 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists is just an insane stat line. And the crazy part is that it’s just above his average. That’s considered an average game for him. Wow.
Raptors 109 - 128 Nuggets
Another Jokic triple-double gives the Nuggets yet another big win over a good team. Whoever said the Nuggets can’t win with Jokic anymore (that’s on me) is wrong (my bad).
Trail Blazers 132 - 119 Suns
Ever since Ja Morant left, the Blazers’ stars have shone. Clingan, Dame, and Deni all had 20+ and led the Blazers to a big win.
Wolves 117 - 107 Rockets
The 7-1 Rockets came into Minnesota as heavy favorites. Turns out no Ant, no problem, as the Wolves handed Houston their second loss of the season.
Pacers 107 - 103 Grizzlies
The Grizzlies, who are cooking this season, probably expected more out of this game. Even with Haliburton out, the Pacers got a much-needed win to stay relevant in the East.
Jazz 113 - 120 Pelicans after OT
The Pelicans get yet another win over a struggling Jazz team, surviving a Keyontae 30 bomb.
Cavs 116 - 124 Thunder
Last time the Cavs played the Thunder, they let Shai have 43; this time, they improved. He only had 42 in the win. The Cavs are now .500 and need some big wins to keep rolling.
Bucks 102 - 109 Celtics
The Celtics get another win to stay very relevant even with Tatum being caught by the injury bug. They look great right now.
Hornets 104 - 114 Nets
Mikel Brown Jr. breaks out with 18 points to lead the Nets to a win over the Hornets.
76ers 112 - 106 Pistons
The Pistons are the only team to have beaten the new-look 76ers. Today, they couldn’t repeat their fortune as all the 76ers stars were flowing tonight.
Hawks 120 - 105 Wizards
The Hawks go above .500 with a 5-4 record. NAW led the way with 26 points to beat the Wizards in a 15 point win.
The Crystal Ball - NBA
Magic vs. Suns. Magic Win
Heat vs. Warriors. Warriors Win