Last Night In The NBA: It's Time For Overreactions!
Good morning everybody happy Wednesday and welcome to another edition of Last Night In The NBA where we catch you up on everything that went down from the night before in the Association. There really is nothing better than your favorite team’s opening night, and that’s especially true if they play well. All the hype you feel leading into the season, there are fan bases right now thinking crazy things and I say let it ride. Nothing like first game hope, and sadly for some, this may be the happiest you are all season. With 11 total games on the docket we have a lot to get do, so let’s put off all the things we have to do at work this morning and get started.
Milwaukee Bucks (1-0) 113 vs Charlotte Hornets (0-1) 112
I said it last night and I’ll say it again. The Hornets knocked it out of the goddamn park with their throwback jerseys and court. Before the game even started I was so drunk of nostalgia it was incredible. Then, once the basketball actually started, that didn’t disappoint either. There are a lot of questions surrounding MIL now that the East is open and they have a new coach who seems to know what he’s doing. Could this be the year they finally don’t underachieve? Well, their defense may still have issues, but offensively they look pretty great. Especially that Giannis guy
Not a bad start for the MVP candidate I’d say. I can’t stress how excited I am to see Giannis take a leap into a legit MVP type player. Granted he did also have 8 TOs but I wouldn’t be too concerned. When you have 6 guys in double figures there was obviously more than Giannis, and his running mate in Khris Middleton wasn’t all that bad either with 19/9.
If I’m a Bucks fan I’m pretty pleased with what rookie Dante DiVincenzo gave you in his 22 minutes, 8 points on 50/50% splits with a couple 3PM. He and Ilyasova held down the second unit scoring with 21 combined points, I really like what Divincenzo’s athleticism brings to this team. Bledsoe was efficient as well with his 17 points and impressive 53/60% splits and for a team that had real problems on the road last year, this was a great start for them.
Now for CHA, you have to feel like you blew this game. I can’t believe Kemba missed that layup at the end considering how on fire he was all night
Remember this is Contract Year Kemba, so my guess is we’re going to get a shit ton of these type of performances. Who could hate that. You know what else I am positive Hornet’s fans didn’t hate? Watching Malik Monk become the player they dreamed about when they drafted him last year
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insane this dude couldn’t find minutes last year. He is a stone cold shooter with ice in his veins which is exactly what he needs to be for this team.
Brooklyn Nets (0-1) 100 vs Detroit Pistons (1-0) 103
What did I tell you, there were close games all over last night and while in years past this may have been a matchup between two bottom feeders, both BKN and DET could be fighting for a playoff spot in the East this year. Now I’ll remind any Pistons fan feeling overly optimistic, remember your start from last season. Enjoy this sure, but keep that in mind. I can get why you’re excited though, I mean Blake looks healthy and that means he could have a Top 10 season
I’d say it was a pretty successful day for the DET frontcourt, because in addition to Blake you had Andre Drummond becoming the first Pistons player ever to throw up a 20/20 in an opener
Together they combined for nearly half of DET’s points, and just like I said in the preseason, getting Reggie Jackson back is going to make a difference for this team. He wasn’t all that efficient, just 35/22% splits, but he did have 19/4 with some big time free throws late, and he took decent care of the basketball which all helped Dwane Casey get his first win as the Pistons coach.
For BKN, this reminded me a lot of what we saw from them last year. Competitive games, just can’t quite get over the hump down the stretch to pull out a win. Spencer Dinwiddie had a strong showing with 23/4/6 on 55% shooting, backing up the claim that maybe sleep on him a little too much. He has great size and the dude can play
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But the story has to be the career night for Caris LaVerte, who had a great night with 27/4/4 on 55% shooting
add that with the beastly night from Jarrett Allen, again owning Blake, and dare I saw the Nets young talent looks…….good?
I can’t say I loved their late game execution, but look there’s time for that to improve. I don’t want to get ahead of myself but it appears as though the dark days in BKN may be coming to an end.
Memphis Grizzlies (0-1) 83 vs Indiana Pacers (1-0) 111
I tried telling you guys over the summer, IND is going to be a force in the East. I know, I know they played MEM but look this is the opening night overreaction blog so let Pacers fans have this will ya. You saw what their depth can do as they had 7 players in double figures and as a team shot 56.6/38.5%. That’s an offensive explosion I’m not sure we’re used to yet. Dropping that many points and shooting that well when Oladipo/Turner only combine for 24 points is impressive, and that’s possible when new additions Tyreke Evans and Dougie McBuckets combine for 28.
Also we need to talk about how good of a player Domantas Sabonis is turning into
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he finished with 14/15 right after also having a double double against this team in the preseason, and I think it’s safe to say he is a MUCH better player than Pacers fans initially thought they were getting when that trade went down.
For MEM, look they are going to be on the wrong end of these type of games pretty often, so you may as well get used to it. Some would argue they could have used Tyreke Evans. With not much to be excited about, there is still Jaren Jackson Jr who became the youngest Grizzlie to ever play in a game
He finished with 10/5/1/3/1 and was really the only bright spot. Look when Gasol/Conley/Temple go a combined 9-35 I’m not sure what you’re expecting to happen. Don’t be mean.
Miami Heat (0-1) 101 vs Orlando Magic (1-0) 104
What a battle in Florida! The Magic are one of those teams rich on talent and potential, but I wouldn’t say they are quite ready just yet. Well, shame on me because Aaron Gordon showed out
Big follow up season on deck for Gordon. Was last year legit? Can he be that true #1 option that Magic fans need him to be? I’m excited to find out. But my excitement with the Magic is about more than just Gordon, obviously it’s Mo Bamba making his NBA debut. The result? Pretty good!
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13/7 with 2 blocks, he was pretty much as advertised in my opinion, even making a three. When he got drafted he was one of those high risk high reward talents, and I saw nothing last night that tells me he isn’t going to be an absolute force. What you love is that he was making key plays during a very important fourth quarter run. That’s the stuff that gets your blood flowing as a Magic fan.
For MIA, as a team I would imagine has playoff hopes, sneaky a bad loss for them to open their season. I would imagine their playoff seeding is going to be tight, so while this was the first game of the season, it may come back to bite them. Anyway, Dragic led the way with 26 on 9-14 shooting
and he got help from Josh Richardson and Hassan Whiteside who had 21 points and 12/18 respectively
But guys, close a game better would ya? Can’t be dribbling out of bounds with 2 seconds left. Just can’t do it, it’ll kill you every time. Wade was pretty good in his limited minutes off the bench with 9 points, but any Heat fan will tell you this was a game they threw away.
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Atlanta Hawks (0-1) 107 vs New York Knicks (1-0) 127
Look you’re going to have to wait for Clem/Reags’ blog about the Knicks, no chance I could steal the thunder from my internet pals. They have a long season ahead, and last night the Knicks looked fucking awesome so you should go to the source for that. Instead we’ll just touch quickly on the Hawks, which as we know stink and stink out loud. All eyes were on Trae Young in his NBA debut, so let’s see how he did
14/6/5 with 4 TOs on 35/20% splits. Not exactly blowing your dick off ya know? Taurean Prince was their best player with 21/6/6 but it’s not like that mattered. The hawks did typical Hawks things and next thing you knew THE KNICKS looked like a team to be reckoned with. Imagine that shit.
Cleveland Cavaliers (0-1) 104 vs Toronto Raptors (1-0) 116
To be honest, I was a little surprised this was so close. I mean A) the Raptors were at home where they are insanely good, and B) they are so much better than CLE. Obviously all eyes were on a healthy Kawhi, making his Raptors debut and the first chance the people of TOR had to try and convince him that this is where he should stay long term
Yeah I’d say that looks like the Kawhi we all know and love. This was our first reminder that a healthy Kawhi is a hell of a player, and his 24/13/2 is exactly what should have Raptors thinking they can go toe to toe with anyone. Well not LeBron but that’s over and done with. Kawhi and Lowry look like a duo that has been playing together forever, as Lowry as just as dominant with his 27/8
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As we know, when it comes to TOR it’s also about their bench, and Fred VanVleet was the man there with 14 points on the second unit, and it’s always a good sign when you can win convincingly and get almost nothing from important players like OG and CJ Miles. Just imagine what this team looks like when they show up.
For CLE, it’s a rebuilding year so no one is going to be upset that they lost in a tough place to play. In fact, if I’m a Cavs fan I feel OK, with Love leading the way with 21, and their new prized SF Cedi Osman throwing up 17/10/4, there’s a lot to like there
Cavs fans love Cedi, and for good reason. He isn’t a joke or a gimmick or anything like that. The kid can play.
Colin Sexton had a rough debut with 9 points on 2-7 with 4 TOs, but I don’t blame him because TOR is a tough place to have your NBA debut. I’m sure he’ll bounce back.
New Orleans Pelicans (1-0) 131 vs Houston Rockets (0-1) 112
Hands down, this had to be the biggest shock of the entire night. I mean HOU got destroyed. And this isn’t a Melo thing either although his 3-10 didn’t help, their whole team played like dogshit. It’s not often that they can make 16 3PM and still lose, but it was just that sort of night. This is what happens when you give Michael Carter-Williams real minutes. He fucks you. The Rockets were one of the best defensive teams all year last season, well what the hell happened? I know the Pelicans have AD but even still, giving up 131 points? At home? That’s unacceptable.
It felt like the Rockets approached this game in a manner that they were just automatically going to win 60+ games. Hopefully this was a wake up callf or them.
Now for NO, great win. Best win of the season if you ask me. Offensive explosion like you read about, and AD/Mirotic/Randle looked awesome
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A big question mark was how would they handle their new guard rotations with Elfrid Payton coming home, and I dunno I mean I guess triple doubles are good you could say
Maybe all he needed all these years WAS a new haircut. Imagine that.
Minnesota Timberwolves (0-1) 108 vs San Antonio Spurs (1-0) 112
You know what, maybe, just maybe the Spurs will figure this whole thing out. Sure they don’t have a point guard on their roster but clearly that means nothing because the Spurs are a goddamn machine. DeMar DeRozan stepped right in and looked like he’s been a Spur his whole life with 28/4/4/4 on 10-21 shooting, and this was a team that never really had to panic
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Don’t sleep on LMA though, he had a near 20/20 performance with 21/19, and it has to be nice when you don’t even have to shoot all that well, just 7-23 and you still beat a playoff team from a year ago. In fact him and DeRozan were 17-44 and yet they still put up 112.
Not bad!
For MIN, we all wanted to see what the hell would happen. Would they ice Jimmy out, would he fight everyone on the team, how would they look? Well, they sort of looked like they did last year. What I mean by that is sure maybe Teague/Wiggins/Butler all had 20+, but their best fucking player still couldn’t get a shot, as KAT ended the night with just 6 FGA. How is that STILL a thing? No wonder he didn’t want to sign that extension.
But of course, with this team nothing on the court matters, we want to see the drama, so let’s check in with Jimmy after the game
Utah Jazz (1-0) 123 vs Sacramento Kings (0-1) 117
Here we have a great matchup between two very fun League Pass teams. I would say given then offensive explosion on both sides, that they lived up to the hype. The Jazz, as I said all preseason, look absolutely for real and they stepped right in and backed that up
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I’m talking 52.9/48.1% splits, 13 3PM, 38 FTA, and 30+ in three of the four quarters. It was the starters, it was the bench, who also had three guys with at least 13 points, and this all happened with Ricky Rubio scoring 1 point on n0-4 shooting. I know it’s against the Kings but they still play in the NBA and I will not stand for you trying to discredit this Jazz performance. They are going to be so fun to watch I can’t wait.
For SAC, even though they lost, we all know I’m riding with the Baby Kings. I love them. They were let down by their bench a little bit, but still shot 51% for the night and only turned it over 9 times. Those are encouraging signs
Dallas Mavericks (0-1) 100 vs Phoenix Suns (1-0) 121
Is it me or did this have a mid 2000s feel when both of these teams were good? Get ready because I feel like we’re going to see that rivalry kick back up again. Obviously the biggest thing for DAL was the debut of Luka Doncic, who once again showed us maybe trust the 19 year old who destroyed Europe when thinking of who to pick
Scoring was an issue though as no starter had over 15 points and they weren’t all that efficient either. Their slow start and lack of defense in the fourth is ultimately what did them in, and I imagine Carlisle is pretty mad about that last part. Still think they win in the high 30s though.
Now for PHX, if you want to get over excited here I won’t stop you because I’m right there with you. Deandry Ayton? Looked dominant
I would say 18/10/6 on 8-11 shooting is one hell of a debut. There has been no dropoff with him from Summer League until now. Guy is a legit beast.
Then you have the big money man Devin Booker. It sure as hell looks like we’re going to be getting a big leap year out of him doesn’t it? Just a little 35/4/7 on 12-19 shooting including 6-10 from deep. The hand looks A OK to me
Hell even new guys like Ariza were locked in with 21/8/7 on 7-12, and then Jackson and Warren, two guys who usually start, had 35 points combined off the bench.
This was about as perfect a debut for PHX as you could want and I am very much here for it. Need the Suns to be good again.
Denver Nuggets (1-0) 107 vs Los Angeles Clippers (0-1) 98
The Nuggets didn’t puke on themselves late! I repeat, the Nuggets didn’t puke on themselves late! Maybe this year will actually be different!
The 107 points wasn’t the typical Nuggets offensive bukkake we’re used to, but it’ll work on the road against a team they are going to be battling for a playoff spot with. Remember these head to heads ALWAYS matter, just ask MIN. They made the playoffs basically because Wiggins hit a halfcourt shot on like the 3rd day of the year last year. You never know how the standings might shake up.
Now Jamal Murray was a rough 3-12, but the other guy Gary Harris held it down with 20, and Will Barton had 19. The Nuggets led basically wire to wire which is a great way to start off the year.
For LAC, it was the Bobi and Tobi show that’s for sure
but let’s not sleep on SGA. A very solid debut for the rookie with 11/4 on 5-6 shooting in his bench high 28 minutes. Very weird to see Doc play a young guy so much, but maybe he’s evolving too
Sadly though, 40/28% splits isn’t going to get it done, and the Clips drop their first at home. Only can get better from here though.
And that’s it! You’re now all caught up on what was a FULL ass night of basketball. Man does it feel awesome to be back. Tonight we have three games on the schedule including CHI/PHI, MIA/WSH, and LAL/POR. As always feel free to watch the baseball just check back here tomorrow morning and I’ll bring you up to speed on what you missed.