The start of the week showcased some tight match-ups, intense games, and great individual performances from up and coming players. Let’s hop right into it.
Russel Westbrook was absent from the Washington Wizards Monday night game against the Chicago Bulls. While Westbrook usually is the deciding factor of wether or not his team will win, it did not stop the Wizards from taking a narrow lead and holding on to it, with Bradley Beal dropping 35 points to close out the Bulls, 105-101.
The Toronto Raptors were not short handed going into their match-up against the Memphis Grizzlies, but in the second quarter, their star Point Guard Kyle Lowry left the game due to back spasms, and did not return. This did not stop the Raptors from winning the game after Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and Norman Powell dropped around 30 points each to close out the Grizzlies 128-113. Ja Morant struggled from the field, having 18 points on 29% shooting.
After their narrow win over Golden State on Saturday, the Dallas Mavericks faced off Monday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. D’Angelo Russel, after starting the game 2 for 2 from the three point line, ended up leaving the game due to leg soreness and did not return. The Mavericks took advantage of his absence to close out the game and take the W 127-122.
Chris Paul sat out during the Monday night match-up between the Phoenix Suns and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Suns have the superior record this season, and even with the absence of Chris Paul, Devin Booker dropped 36 points to hand the Cavs the L, 119-113.
The Denver Nuggets, who have been having a fantastic season, faced off against the Milwaukee Bucks, and while Nikola Jokić had 35 points on the night, every starter for the Bucks had double digit scoring. In addition Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 30 points to close out the Nuggets 125-112.
The Los Angeles Lakers went up against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and with the absence of Anthony Davis, this game went down to the wire. This is the second game in a row where the Lakers were pushed in to overtime, and this game went very much like the last. LeBron James had a triple double dropping 28 points, 14 rebound, and 12 assists to seal the deal in OT to beat the Thunder 119-112.
The Houston Rockets were missing John Wall in the Monday night match-up against the Charolette Hornets, and as for Charolette, let’s just say that LaMelo Ball is finding his rhythm as a starter. He had 24 points and 7 three pointers, to help his team blow out the Rockets 119-94.
The Rockets played back to back nights, going into their Tuesday night game against the New Orleans Pelicans. With the return of John Wall, we thought their might be a different outcome from the day before, but once again the Rockets were blown out 130-101, with 7 of the Pelicans players having double digit scoring.
The Brooklyn Nets having only 2 out of the Big 3 on the court with the absence of Kevin Durant, exposed some major problems. As they faced the Detroit Pistons who have the worst record in the league, Brooklyn’s offense couldn’t outrun their terrible defense and as a result they lost the game 122-111.
An old rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat took place Tuesday night. With the recent addition of Derick Rose to the Knicks line-up, they have begun adjusting and he had a solid start with 14 points in 20 minutes of play. Jimmy Butler for the Heat had a near triple double, just 2 rebounds short as he led his team to a narrow victory 98-96.
Donovan Mitchell had a big game as the Utah Jazz faced the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. While Jaylen Brown dropped 33 points to try and help his team win, it ultimately failed. Mitchell had a 36 point game to help the Jazz close out the Celtics 122-108.
The Orlando Magic went up against the Portland Trail Blazer missing their starting Shooting Guard Aaron Gordon. His absence definetly had a negative impact on the Magic, and with Carmelo Anthony having 23 points and Damion Lillard having 36 points, they did not have enough to stop the Blazers from winning 106-97.
The Philadelphia 76er’s have been playing fantastic. Their record to start the season is 19-7 and their looking like the favorites to come out of the East. Their Tuesday night match-up against the Sacramento Kings left them back in the W column. Despite De’Aaron Fox dropping 34 points, it was not enough to overcome the 76er’s as they won, 119-111.
The Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs played back to back games on Monday and Tuesday. The games were split 50/50 as San Antonio won the first and Golden State won the second. The only thing that was consistent over the two day period was Stephen Curry as he had 32 points both nights.
This has been the Mid Week Report for Briefly In Depth
Check back in Friday to hear about the Week’s Closeout
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