Hello everyone, and this is your daily dose of NBA. (note: This is something I plan on using for the site, sorta like a prototype but would obviously be more refined.)
NBA playoffs:
Philadelphia beats Toronto 112-97, now leading the series 2-0.
Joel Embiid had 31 points and 11 rebounds, Tyrese Maxey had 23 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists and James Harden had 20 points and 10 assists. For Toronto, OG Anunoby came back and had 26 points, Pascal Siakam had 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists, Fred VanVleet had 20 points and 7 assists and Chris Boucher had 17 points and 8 rebounds off the bench. It was close at the end of the 1st quarter but a 35-19 2nd quarter meant Philly started running with it. Philadelphia did shoot 18 more FTs and made 16 more compared to Toronto. The Raptors dominated in the paint though with 48-36 points in the paint. OG did have 2 buzzer beaters, one at the end of the 3rd and one at the end of a shot clock. Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes may miss game 3 as well due to a sprained ankle he suffered in the 3rd quarter of a tight game 1, that Philly ended up taking.
Dallas wins 110-104 against Utah, the series is now tied up 1-1.
Jalen Brunson of Dallas did all he could for them with 41 points and 8 rebounds! Along with that, Maxi Kleber had 25 points off the bench and Spencer Dinwiddie had 17 points and 6 assists. For Utah, Donovan Mitchell had a valiant effort with 34 points. Bojan Bogdanovic had 25 points and Jordan Clarkson came off the bench to drop 21 points. Many are considering the fact of Clarkson starting at the PG position after his game and Mike Conley had 0 points. Despite Dallas losing by 19 rebounds, mainly due to Rudy Gobert's 17, they pulled away victorious as they forced Utah to 10 turnovers compared to their 3. This one was pretty close but a clutch 3 with 4 minutes left by Maxi Kleber to make it 102-98 was a major blow to Utah. Dallas dominated the 4th by winning it 33-23. The main question for Dallas is still Luka Doncic's groin status and if he'll be able for Game 3 in Utah. But as for now, this will be an interesting series to watch.
Warriors blow out Nuggets 126-106, now leading 2-0 in series.
Golden State absolutely destroyed Denver which is starting to build some tension in the Nuggets locker room. Surprisingly, Steph came off the bench but he still had 34 points in 23 minutes. The starting guards were Jordan Poole (29 points and 8 assists) and Klay Thompson (21 points) in place of Curry. The Warriors went small ball by running a lineup of Curry-Poole-Klay-Wiggins-Draymond which ultimately led to success for the Dubs. As for Denver, trouble is arising. The reigning MVP Jokic had 26 points and 11 rebounds, Will Barton had 12 points and 10 astounding rebounds and the big 3 guard trio for Denver playing in Jamal Murray's place, combined for 34 points. As we saw during the game, a scuffle broke out mid game and Boogie Cousins and Will Barton weren't on the same side. Could this tension eventually ruin the relationships of the team? Obviously the question for both teams is injuries. Warriors are without Wiseman, who's expected to be back sometime in the 2nd round. And for Denver, Murray and MPJ will sit out the postseason which alternates this series by quite a lot. The Nuggets shot only 42% from FG but had 12 more rebounds to GSW's 35. But having 16 turnovers really costs them. Golden State really took this one in the 3rd and Warriors fans can hope that they can take this next 3rd as game 3 is on Thursday.
Other news:
The award finalists were announced recently, you can check this link out for the official list and my opinions: https://fanspo.com/nba/s/general/p/E17IgRYxE2yZis/the-nba-award-finalists-have-been-announced
Marcus Smart wins 2022 DPOY.
Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics wins the 2022 DPOY. Smart is the first guard to win it since Gary Payton won it in 1996. Payton averaged a league leading 2.9 steals along with 0.2 blocks. He amassed 231 steals and 19 blocks over all 82 games. Smart averaged 1.7 steals and 0.3 blocks this year whilst totaling 121 steals and 21 blocks. Smart is a notorious pesky defender that's been averaging at least 1.5 STLs and 0.3 BLKs his entire career. Payton presented Smart with the award live on TNT and Smart became the first perimeter defender to win it since Kawhi Leonard in 2016.
Will eventually add more to the site, I have too much rn to do all of it lol.
Bleacher Report article reaction of the day: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2955428-1-trade-every-nba-playoff-team-wishes-it-could-make
We'll do half of it today and the rest tomorrow
Atlanta: Yes please! I love the idea of Brogdon and Trae in the backcourt with Gallo slotting into John's role at the 4.
Boston: This is a must need but Theis has been solid too. I would give up someone else like Grant Williams plus an SRP for Noel or even their TPE. They've been missing Williams' presence down low since his injury.
Brooklyn: I say this a lot, Brooklyn will and should not trade Cam unless it's for a star. I'd give up picks, Kessler and Sharpe in his place but the big 3 with Beal would be amazing. I do worry he'll have a Harden attitude though.
Bulls: Is this selling low? A pick in the early 20s, alright salary filling wing and a young PG for a very good PF. I think Detroit would've taken anything by now for Grant, considering his play is decreasing from many factors and it would've allowed Bagley to get more playing time.
Mavericks: Sure? It seems like every Mavs trade adds shooting and I don't think Gordon plays the same role as THJ as a quirky shot creator. Houston accepts most likely but would Dallas do this? After all, Josh Green has had some promise this year as of recent to the end of the year.
Denver: I like it TBH, but it's nothing too extravagant. I was expecting more considering the drama as of recent with the team.
Golden State: Wiseman's value is very underappreciated. He can still become great and whilst Poeltl is good, I think they should go for someone bigger. But it makes sense since they can't trade for a big salary without adding Wiggins and Draymond.
Grizzlies: Our final one is an L. Melton has been great so far for Memphis as a lockdown so no point giving him up. KCP is cool but that's another average wing added to their rotation. They need specialists or a star in my opinion more than just more average.
Re-drafting section:
Top 5 from 2021:
DET: Scottie Barnes
HOU: Cade Cunningham
CLE: Evan Mobley
TOR: Franz Wagner
ORL: Jalen Green
NBA draft news:
Chet Holmgren, Duke roster, Caleb Houstan and Patrick Baldwin Jr remain top amongst undeclared list
NBA trade:
Nothing
NBA Free Agency:
Jalen Brunson to Pacers is a realistic possibility, Marc Spears reports
Trivia:
What was Dan Majerle's nickname? Answer will be revealed tomorrow!
LMK how I did, I'll probably add more probably? Anything missing? LMK!