DOG BAG (10/24)

A few, current storylines in the Association…

Early Season Averages (Offense)

A little over a week into the 2018-19 campaign, we've already seen a slew of big games from unexpected sources. Across the league, offensive arsenals have expanded ft. a(nother) surge in three point shooting.

Here’s a look at a few early stats leaders:

(via stats.nba.com)

Blake Griffin (36! pts/night): gamed Philly + crossed the 50-pt threshold (for the 1st time ever) in the same sequence (see more below)

Kemba Walker (33! pts/night): Perpetually underrated, maybe K. Walker will finally get some love in a contract yr.

Zach LaVine (32! pts/night): Over 30 pts in the first 3 games of the season, 1st Bull to do so since Michael Jordan; Is LaVine already a go-to guy? If not, he’s well on his way

Anthony Davis (30 pts & 3 blocks/night!): AD’s coming for that MVP trophy, Pels are 3-0 to start the year

DeMar DeRozan (9! dimes/night): It’s safe to say DeRozan’s adjusting well to his new surroundings. With Dejounte Murray out for the season (along w/ injuries/ailments to SA’s other PGs), he’s made a point to make plays for teammates

Blake Griffin Goes Off For 50! in OT Victory

Blake Griffin’s been on an absolute tear to start the season.

In last night’s OT victory v. Philly, he poured in a career-high 50! pts w/ 14 boards & 6 dimes. Somehow, the point total is a less impressive than the manner he did it: faceups, posting, scoring from distance & around the rim.

So far, he’s looked every bit as unstoppable as he did during his prime years w/ the Clips.

36! pts/night isn’t sustainable but don't be surprised to see BG amongst the league’s scoring leaders all year long.

Most importantly, however, Detroit remains undefeated.

Yesterday in the Association…

• J. Redick (PHI): 30!, 6! & 5 boards (off bench) @ DET

• L. Shamet (PHI): 1st career start! @ DET

• R. Jackson & I. Smith (PHI): combined for 44! pts v. PHI

• NOP: 5 in double figures (Davis: 34, Payton: 20, Mirotic: 18, Randle: 18, Moore: 14) v. LAC

• DEN: 8! in double figures (Murray: 19, Harris: 18, Millsap: 15, Jokic: 14, Lyles: 12, Morris: 11, Beasley: 11, Plumlee: 11) v. SAC

• M. Bagley III (SAC): career-highs of 20! pts & 5! blocks @ DEN

• DET (3-0), NOP (3-0) & DEN (4-0) all picked up Ws*

*Denver, Toronto, Milwaukee, Detroit, & New Orleans remain undefeated