DOG BAG (11/15)
A few, current storylines in the Association…
MELO TO PORTLAND!
Carmelo Anthony is set to join the Portland Trail Blazers! At 4-8, POR will turn to Melo to salvage their season…or, you know, provide an offensive punch to a struggling lineup.
At his peak, there’s no questioning Melo’s place as one of the game’s most dynamic scorers. His new role will test his ability to adapt his game (more spot ups instead isolation) - if so, he takes some pressure off Dame & CJ, which Portland desperately needs.
He’ll join the Blazers on their current road trip - his productivity is a storyline worth watching over the next few weeks.
PAUL GEORGE MAKES HIS DEBUT
The Paul George era has officially begun in Los Angeles. Last night, PG-13 made his season debut v. Jrue Holiday & the New Orleans Pelicans. Without Kawhi in the lineup, Clipper faithful instantly saw a glimpse of PG’s capabilities as a #1 option/DIFFERENT BREED scorer - finished w/ 33! pts, 9 boards & 4 dimes in just under 25 minutes.
Though LAC fell 132-127, his performance serves as a major confidence booster as he settles into his new surroundings.
Doc’s dynamic duo could see its first pairing this Saturday at home v. Atlanta.
Miami Heat: 8-3
It’s officially time to apologize to the Miami Heat. Though not many picked them to finish last in the East, it’s also safe to say not many pegged them as potential conference contenders this soon. A mixture of savvy lineup combinations, strong defense & balanced scoring has led to one of the best stories in basketball in the first stretch of the season.
Rookies Kendrick Nunn (avg. 17.5! ppg) & Tyler Herro (avg. 13.4! ppg) are playing above & beyond as first-years, while Jimmy Butler’s toughness & all-around game has played a significant role in Miami’s aggressive play style on both ends.
Most impressively, however, is the emergence of Bam Adebayo into a bonafide two-way threat & Miami’s top big - avg. 13.5 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 4.6 app, 1.4 spg & 1.4 bpg!
Miami has the coaching, depth & defensive discipline to stay relevant near the top of the East.
TEAMS AT 7-4
PHOENIX SUNS
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
INDIANA PACERS
TEAMS AT 4-7
ATLANTA HAWKS
ORLANDO MAGIC
Cleveland Cavaliers
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
BROOKLYN NETS
Oklahoma City THUNDER
Memphis Grizzlies
NOTES AROUND THE LEAGUE
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 6th straight game of 30! or more in win v. CHI (11/14)
Eric Bledsoe: 31! & 8 dimes in win v. CHI (11/14)
Luka Doncic: 33! 11 & 10 boards in loss @ NYK (11/14)
Coby White: rookie-record for most threes in a 2 game span (13)
Jrue Holiday: season-high 36! pts, 7 dimes, 6! steals & 4 boards in W v. LAC (11/14)
Derrick Favors: DD - 20 & 20! boards in win v. LAC (11/14) • 1st career 20-20 game
F. Jackson: 23! pts off bench in win v. LAC (11/14)
K. Oubre Jr: 30!, 7 & 3 dimes in win v. ATL (11/14)
DEN (8), MIL (8), MIA (8), PHX (7), NYK (3) & NOP (3) all picked up victories on 11/14
(info via nba.com/stats)