Deandre Ayton, Giannis Antetokounmpo named Players of the Week

Marc J. Spears: Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for Week 6 of the 2022-23 season (Nov. 21-27). Source: …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Bam Adebayo and Caleb Martin were nominees for the Eastern Conference Player of the Week award that just went to Giannis Antetokounmpo. – 3:34 PM
Danny Cunningham @RealDCunningham
Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
#Cavs Donovan Mitchell was among the other nominees. – 3:32 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Myles Turner and rookie Bennedict Mathurin were nominees for Eastern Conference Player of the Week for last week — which was awarded to Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. – 3:32 PM
Cody Taylor @CodyTaylorNBA
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for Week 6 of the 2022-23 season (Nov. 21-27). pic.twitter.com/c7USUTpC973:31 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Deandre Ayton has been named Western Conference Player of the Week:
23.7 PPG
16.0 RPG
67.4 FG%
3-0 record – 3:31 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for Week 6 of the 2022-23 season (Nov. 21-27). pic.twitter.com/BS4nn0YA4i3:30 PM

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Deandre Ayton and Giannis Antetokounmpo were just named West and East Player of the Week by the NBA.
More NBA from me: marcstein.Substack.com3:30 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
The #Bucks have formally (again) assigned Khris Middleton, MarJon Beauchamp and Thanasis Antetokounmpo to the #Herd for a practice today.
Mike Budenholzer said his team did a ‘very, very, very light practice’ that Middleton participated in also. – 3:04 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
New words (and videos) on how Deandre Ayton is turning around his uneven start to the season with physicality, adjusting to new guard play, and thriving by attacking the O-boards: https://t.co/Cz8FmNvPF2 pic.twitter.com/MtTnri2BoN2:06 PM

Erik Slater @erikslater_
Top Field Goal Percentage among NBA players attempting 18 or more shots per game:
1. Kevin Durant: 53.4%
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 53.4%
3. Steph Curry: 52.2%
4. DeMar DeRozan: 51.7%
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 51.5%
6. Jaylen Brown: 50.7%
KD leading the best of the best. – 12:17 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Steph shooting this season:
— 66% in the paint
(better than Giannis)
— 55% from midrange
(better than DeRozan)
— 63% on twos
(better than Zubac)
— 56% on isos
(better than Durant)
We haven’t even mentioned his 3-point shooting. pic.twitter.com/rZcgZ0b96O11:58 AM

NBA Math @NBA_Math
Nov. 28 RPR MVP rankings:
1. Luka Doncic: 16.8
2. Stephen Curry: 16.6
3. Jayson Tatum: 15.9
4. Kevin Durant: 15.8
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 15.6
6. Donovan Mitchell: 14.6
7. Joel Embiid: 13.9
8. Devin Booker: 13.1
9. Anthony Davis: 12.5
10. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 12.4 pic.twitter.com/aA6GX4wsNM11:25 AM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
From last night: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks take down Mavericks #NBA
pic.twitter.com/Pn7Ew3S6nO11:14 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Doncic calls Antetokounmpo ‘the best player in the NBA right now’ nba.nbcsports.com/2022/11/28/don…9:40 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Deandre Ayton didn’t get off to the hottest start this season, but something’s clicked over the last 5 games. For @PHNX_Suns, I wrote about how he’s been playing with force and whether he can sustain this new norm: https://t.co/Fq0dJoXrYh pic.twitter.com/GBSaXEEqFE9:02 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Everyone is a brother to Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Greece national team 🇬🇷🗣️ pic.twitter.com/BduIo2A1Pk6:10 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Luka Doncic named Giannis Antetokounmpo the best player in the NBA right now ⭐️
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/NXdnVrFFee4:41 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Not the first time Giannis Antetokounmpo was toying around with Raptors 😅🦖
🎥 @NBATV pic.twitter.com/x4E4kQXQkC2:23 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Not the first time Giannis was toying around with Raptors 😅🦖
🎥 @NBATV pic.twitter.com/V82PwHpnsz2:22 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
The force of Giannis Antetokounmpo was too powerful for Luka Doncic ⚡️
🎥 @NBATV pic.twitter.com/RzZuENkoUr1:57 AM

CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Luka Doncic says Giannis Antetokounmpo ‘the best player in the NBA’ after Bucks hand Mavs fourth straight loss
cbssports.com/nba/news/luka-…12:53 AM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Grayson Allen: 🎰🎰+1
Jrue Holiday on Luka 🛑
Giannis Antetokounmpo 📈 at the free throw line in the #Bucks 124-115 win over #Mavericks jsonline.com/story/sports/n… via @journalsentinel12:49 AM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Grayson Allen combined for 55 points and the Mavericks couldn’t keep pace with the Milwaukee Bucks. Here’s what the Mavs had to say about the 124-115 loss and the winless road trip.
mavs.com/bucks-beat-mav…11:37 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Mavs lose fourth straight as Luka Doncic unable to outgun MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo dallasnews.com/sports/maveric…11:23 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
FINAL: Bucks 124, Mavericks 115
– Antetokounmpo 30pts/11reb/4ast
– Allen 25pts/2reb/5ast
– Holiday 16pts/6ast
– Portis 15pts/10reb
– Carter 14pts/3reb/6ast
– Lopez 13pts/4reb/2ast – 10:24 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Dallas still has its starters in, and Giannis Antetokounmpo picks up his fifth foul with 3:26 to go. #Bucks lead by 15. – 10:16 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Most 30/10 since 1990:
247 — Shaq
242 — Mailman
142 — LeBron
133 — D-Rob, Giannis pic.twitter.com/YXcbP7bS9I10:15 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
I think that this has to be the smallest lineup I’ve seen the Bucks use this season.
Jrue Holiday, Jevon Carter, George Hill, Wesley Matthews and Giannis Antetokounmpo out there to close this game against Dallas.
Bucks up, 122-106, with 3:59 left. – 10:13 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
With 7:04 left, Brook Lopez just picked up his fifth foul.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was already waiting at the table though, so he just took Lopez’s spot. – 10:05 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
After three quarters, the Bucks lead, 104-96.
And the superstar duel is living up to the hype thus far.
Antetokounmpo: 29 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists
Doncic: 21 points, 5 rebounds, 12 assists – 9:51 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Quick timeout as we have some blood on Giannis Antetokounmpo after that foul.
Antetokounmpo to the line for two more. He already has 26pts/7reb/2ast and the Bucks lead, 98-92, with 2:15 left in the third quarter. – 9:42 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
The Mavericks just cut the Bucks lead down to one, 86-85, and the Bucks responded with a 7-0 run.
Jevon Carter for 3. Giannis Antetokounmpo with a massive dunk on a steal. And Bobby Portis with a tip-in. Hustle plays holding the Mavericks off for now. – 9:35 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Dallas got to within 86-85, but another Jrue Holiday steal off Luka Dončić leads to a Giannis Antetokounmpo dunk and Bobby Portis sneaks in for an offensive putback and it’s 93-85 #Bucks9:35 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Grayson Allen finally misses a 3 here in the third quarter on a tough one off the bounce. Airballed it.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has tallied a quick six points in the first four minutes of the third quarter, but the Mavericks won’t go away.
Bucks 81, Mavericks 77. 8:08 left in Q3. – 9:27 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Giannis Antetokounmpo picks up his third foul with 10:44 to go in the third quarter — Grayson Allen missed the three. But, that didn’t count. – 9:21 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Side note: Giannis Antetokounmpo passed Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) for 4th on the #Bucks all-time offensive rebounds list. – 9:17 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Nothing wrong with Mavs offense 58% shooting 11-22 3ptrs, but struggling to keep up w/MIL 59% shooting 11-21 from 3pt & trail 73-62. 2nd time in 3 gms allowing 70+ in 1st half. Grayson Allen with a season hi 22, 7-7 from 3. Giannis w/14. Luka 15-4-8. 2nd half soon @971TheFreak9:10 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Giannis right past Luka for the slam 😤 pic.twitter.com/HgFo06QJXT9:04 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Half: Bucks 73, Mavericks 62
– Allen 22pts (7-7 3pt)
– Antetokounmpo 14pts/6reb
– Holiday 11pts/4ast
– Carter 7pts/4ast – 9:03 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Our friend @Eddie Sefko timed how long it took Giannis to attempt those free-throws once he was given the ball.
First attempt: 16:53 seconds.
Second attempt: 15:38 seconds. – 9:03 PM
Michael Dugat @mdug
I’m sorry, but the amount of time they allow Giannis to shoot a FT is ridiculous – 9:03 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
If you were wondering, it was 15.38 seconds on that second Giannis free throw from the time that he got the ball to the time he released it. – 9:02 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I told him I need your energy. I knew when you get in this thing, you’re going to turn this up. I need that energy.”
Deandre Ayton’s message to Jock Landale as he sparked Phoenix #Suns win Saturday vs Utah #Jazz after not playing in three straight games. bit.ly/3OE7QNO8:44 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Two tough calls in a row against Giannis Antetokounmpo. One on an offensive rebound and the second on a charge.
He now has two personal fouls with 4:40 left in the first quarter. – 8:29 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Consecutive tough calls on Giannis. A loose-ball whistle that was late and a charging call, drawn by Dorian Finney-Smith. Antetokounmpo sits with two fouls and 4:40 left in the first quarter. – 8:29 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Giannis Antetokounmpo picks up two quick fouls in the last few seconds – 4:40 remain in the first quarter. Brook Lopez returns to the court, but he also has two fouls. – 8:29 PM
Frank Madden @fmaddenNBA
My only complaint about Jevon Carter since arriving is that he’s been comically bad at getting Giannis the ball in transition — that time he sees Giannis and gets it to him with a head of steam for the finish slicing past Luka. – 8:18 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Early Bucks avalanche: 15-5 and Giannis only has two points. Doncic has yet to take a shot. – 8:16 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
It’s a 7:10 tip time here in Milwaukee tonight.
Giannis vs. Luka.
Bucks vs. Mavericks.
Might end up being the best game played by a professional sports team based in Wisconsin. – 7:55 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Mavs starters: Hardaway, DFS, Powell, Dinwiddie, Doncic
MIL starters: Allen, Giannis, Lopez, Carter, Holiday
7:10 tip @971TheFreak7:38 PM
Sarah Todd @NBASarah
Here’s the play where Markkanen and Ayton hit knees. Markkanen was limping for a bit after this but stayed in the game. He’s listed as questionable (right knee contusion) for Monday’s Jazz game vs. Bulls pic.twitter.com/E4t14NYUU37:10 PM

Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
JKidd says in our pre game talk despite size of Giannis & Lopez, there was no consideration given to starting Wood vs Hardaway. On 1 hand they need his scoring off the bench. On the other, they just got outrebounded 48-34 inc 17 off rebs, & MIL +6.0 reb diff is best in @nba – 7:01 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Will Mavs have. Stopwatch when Giannis is at the FT line?
“No,” Kidd says with a laugh. “They’ (refs) are not going to call 10 seconds. They don’t call traveling, so why would they call 10 seconds?” – 6:37 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
Jazz injury report. Lauri Markkanen sustained his knee contusion when he hit knees with Deandre Ayton in the second quarter on Saturday night. pic.twitter.com/Lry4cEyLQY6:29 PM

Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Lauri Markkanen suffered a knee contusion last night against Phoenix when he collided with DeAndre Ayton in the second quarter. He is questionable for tomorrow night against the Chicago Bulls – 6:26 PM
Ryan Miller @millerjryan
Lauri Markkanen is questionable tomorrow with a right knee contusion.
He sustained the contusion when he hit knees with Deandre Ayton in the second quarter of last night’s game. – 6:26 PM

More on this storyline

After the Milwaukee Bucks secured a 124-115 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night, Mavs star Luka Doncic had some high praise for former two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, calling him the best player in the league. “It’s hard to go against a guy like that,” Doncic said. “He’s the best player in the NBA right now. He’s almost impossible to stop. It’s really fun to see him play, but it’s not that fun to go against him.” -via ESPN / November 28, 2022
Former back-to-back NBA MVP averaged 29.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists under Itoudis. But Giannis team was stopped by Germany in the quarterfinals 96-107. “You need to make certain adjustments in strategy, spacing, and how your opponents play and build the wall in Europe without a three-second violation. It’s more an adjustment for Giannis because he plays a lot from his instincts,” Itoudis explained his first coaching experience building a team around Antetokounmpo. -via BasketNews / November 27, 2022
“There’s a lot of development there to happen. He needs to evolve his game in the European scene, working with certain adjustments that other teams are doing because of the characteristics, skills, advantages, and disadvantages he might have in his game. He is open to discussing and discovering new ways to help the team and his teammates, which makes him very important to the team and chemistry,” he continued in an interview with BasketNews. “But regarding cooperation, I would say it was very smooth. Giannis wants to be coached. It starts with his humbleness. He has both his feet on the ground. He has a lot to grow as a player, and he knows that. The fact is that he likes the sport, and he’s a living example. In that term, it was easy,” the coach emphasized. -via BasketNews / November 27, 2022
Duane Rankin: Devin Booker says he doesn’t have a comment on Patrick Beverley’s three-game suspension, but did say he doesn’t like to see anyone “lose money.” Beverley was suspended three games w/o pay for shove of Deandre Ayton in #Suns win over Lakers. -via Twitter @DuaneRankin / November 25, 2022
Lakers guard Patrick Beverley was ejected for pushing Suns center Deandre Ayton to the floor late in Los Angeles’ 115-105 loss. However, the veteran guard said his actions were prompted by how Phoenix players were treating his teammate Austin Reaves. “Got a person on the ground, two people looking over mean-mugging and puffing their chest out and referees don’t get into it to kind of separate it, control the game, so I’m going to stand up for my teammate,” Beverley said. -via EuroHoops.net / November 23, 2022

Anthony Davis likely to return on Monday

Brad Turner: Lakers say that Anthony Davis (left calf contusion) has been upgraded to PROBABLE for tonight’s game vs. Indiana. Source: Twitter @BA_Turner What’s the buzz on Twitter? Mike Trudell @ LakersReporter Anthony Davis is probable for …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Anthony Davis is probable for tonight’s game vs. Indy (upgraded from questionable) after missing the last game vs. SAS. – 3:28 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Per the Lakers, AD is now listed as probable for tonight’s game against the Pacers. AK – 3:26 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Lakers say that Anthony Davis (left calf contusion) has been upgraded to PROBABLE for tonight’s game vs. Indiana. – 3:26 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Anthony Davis, who is questionable with a left calf contusion, is wearing a black sleeve on his leg at shootaround pic.twitter.com/dJdK3NbzMA1:53 PM

NBA Math @NBA_Math
Nov. 28 RPR MVP rankings:
1. Luka Doncic: 16.8
2. Stephen Curry: 16.6
3. Jayson Tatum: 15.9
4. Kevin Durant: 15.8
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 15.6
6. Donovan Mitchell: 14.6
7. Joel Embiid: 13.9
8. Devin Booker: 13.1
9. Anthony Davis: 12.5
10. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 12.4 pic.twitter.com/aA6GX4wsNM11:25 AM

Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Got to yell about Anthony Davis on the episode I just recorded. Today is a good Sunday – 11:04 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
LeBron James is probable and Anthony Davis is officially questionable for Monday’s game against Indiana, Lakers say.
More NBA from me: https://t.co/LGN9cV7Dif pic.twitter.com/CHMxgVvFl56:11 PM

Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Monday vs Lakers, LeBron James is listed as probable and Anthony Davis is questionable. – 6:10 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Anthony Davis (left calf contusion) is expected to return to the lineup Monday vs. the Pacers, sources told ESPN. – 10:41 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Final: Lakers 143, Spurs 138
The Lakers win without Anthony Davis to improve to 7-11. LeBron James had a season-high 39 points on a season-high seven 3s. Dennis Schroder had 21 points. Six Lakers scored in double figures. LA has won 5 of 6.
Up next: vs. Indiana on Monday. – 10:36 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Austin Reaves is 5-for-5 tonight. He came into the game shooting 50.5% — second best on the team among all the guys averaging at least five shot attempts per game, behind only Anthony Davis. He’s really sharpened his game from Year 1 to Year 2. – 9:45 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Haven’t mentioned the Pacers guys yet tonight so here’s the obligatory “they wouldn’t have given up 70 first-half points to the Spurs if they’d had Myles Turner” tweet.
The gap between AD and every other supposed rim-protector on this team is staggering. – 9:09 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Jakob Poeltl, who had 12 pts and 9 reb in 10 mins already, is out for the rest of the game with right quad soreness, per the Spurs. The Lakers, without AD, catch a break. – 9:00 PM
Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Poeltl, taking advantage of the absence of Anthony Davis (bruised calf, is in the locker room with 12 points on 6 of 8 in 10 minutes to go along with 9 rebounds and a block. – 8:46 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Jakob Poeltl, who has taken advantage of AD’s absence for 12 points and 9 rebounds already, just limped to the locker room after apparently hurting himself on a dunk. – 8:43 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
The Lakers held the Spurs to 94 points last night with Anthony Davis on the floor.
With no Anthony Davis tonight, the Spurs are on pace for 147 with 8:40 remaining in the second quarter. – 8:41 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Spurs were doubling LeBron in the post last night, when Anthony Davis was playing. Tonight they can more or less throw all of South Texas on him with the spacing the Lakers have put around him. – 8:38 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Spurs we’re doubling LeBron in the post last night, when Anthony Davis was playing. Tonight they can more or less throw all of South Texas on him with the spacing the Lakers have put around him. – 8:38 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Wenyen Gabriel with a steal and buzzer three, his second 3-pointer of the game.
AD era over. Gabriel era has arrived. – 8:33 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
… yeah the Lakers are missing AD – 8:21 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
New story: Anthony Davis (left calf contusion) is out for the second time this season, opening the door for Thomas Bryant to start es.pn/3F4S2R38:20 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
With no Anthony Davis patrolling inside, San Antonio has 12 points in the paint in the first 3+ minutes, including B2B layups to put them up 14-12 into the first Lakers time out. – 8:16 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Anthony Davis is out for Lakers at Spurs because of bruised left calf. LeBron James is playing tonight – 6:42 PM
Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
LeBron is in tonight, but Anthony Davis is out with a bruised calf after getting kicked in the second half last night. – 6:41 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Anthony Davis (left calf contusion) is out for tonight’s game vs. San Antonio. pic.twitter.com/cOiR6JqZO06:38 PM

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Anthony Davis is out tonight, per Lakers. – 6:35 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Los Angeles Lakers say Anthony Davis (left calf contusion) is out for tonight’s game against the San Antonio Spurs. – 6:35 PM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Anthony Davis (calf contusion) has been ruled OUT for tonight’s game. – 6:34 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Lakers say Anthony Davis (left calf contusion) has been downgraded to OUT for tonight’s game at San Antonio. – 6:34 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Lakers say Anthony Davis (left calf contusion) has been downgraded to OUT for tonight’s game at San Antonio. – 6:34 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Anthony Davis (left calf contusion) is out against San Antonio tonight. – 6:34 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Darvin Ham says Anthony Davis will be out. He was kicked in the calf last night; the Lakers are being cautious, Ham calls it “the smart and right thing to do.” – 6:34 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Anthony Davis will be out tonight with a calf injury, per Darvin Ham. He was kicked in the calf on Friday, per Ham. – 6:34 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Anthony Davis is out tonight with a left calf contusion that he suffered last night against San Antonio.
LeBron James officially a game-time decision, but plans to play. – 6:33 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron is probable for tonight’s game with the left adductor strain he came back from to play in last night’s game. He said afterwards that he expects to play tonight.
AD is questionable with a left calf contusion suffered vs. SAS last night. No longer on report w/back soreness. – 1:53 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Lakers say LeBron James (left adductor strain) is probable and Anthony Davis (left calf contusion) is questionable for game tonight at Spurs. – 1:47 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
AD this season:
26.3 PPG
12.8 RPG
57.0 FG%
3.8 S+BPG
Those numbers are either career high or best since his Pelicans days. pic.twitter.com/qWrQSrWLBD11:34 AM

Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Anthony Davis last night:
✅ 25 PTS
✅ 15 REB
✅ 10-13 FG
Davis has recorded five straight 25p/15r games in which he’s shot at least 60% from the field.
The only player in NBA history with a longer such streak is Charles Barkley (6, 1990).
More here: open.substack.com/pub/statitudes…10:14 AM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron said AD was playing like the best player in the league over the last several games when he was out.
Davis took only 13 shots tonight, but went for 25 and 15 with four assists and three blocks. – 10:58 PM
Bryan Kalbrosky @BryanKalbrosky
Anthony Davis said he wished he had gotten a tribute video from New Orleans (like the Spurs gave to Lonnie Walker tonight). 🤨
https://t.co/p7mpfaC0Qw #LakeShow #Pelicans pic.twitter.com/iEeYfjp1Bc10:55 PM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
LeBron and AD combined for 46 points tonight.
Myles Turner and Buddy Hield combined for 49. – 10:37 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Anthony Davis on LeBron: I think it was really good for us. It looked like he felt good out there, and hopefully he continues to feel good and he’ll be out there for us tomorrow. – 10:35 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Final: Lakers 105, Spurs 94
The Lakers win their first road game of the season to improve to 6-11. LA has won 4 of its past 5 games. AD had 25 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks. LeBron had 21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in his return.
Up next: at San Antonio tomorrow. – 10:19 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Wherever you thought Anthony Davis fell in the NBA hierarchy in March, 2020 is where you should slot him back in now.
The bubble shooting ain’t coming back but otherwise he’s the exact same guy he was in the championship season. – 10:19 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Anthony Davis’ streak of 30-plus ends, but he still had 25 points (19 in the second half), 15 rebounds, 3 blocks and was plus-16. – 10:15 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
The Lakers didn’t score in the final 3:44 of the 3rd Q, as SAS ripped off an 8-0 run to trim the LAL lead to 4, with LeBron and AD on the bench.
LAL led by as many as 20 in the 1st half, before a 34-20 3rd Q for San Antonio nearly made it a new ball game. – 9:44 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Seems like the Lakers came out with a mandate to get Anthony Davis (who has 30-plus in four straight) more involved on offense. Davis looks a little more engaged, too. – 9:21 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Lakers’ starters vs. the Spurs:
Dennis Schroder
Lonnie Walker IV
Troy Brown Jr.
LeBron James
Anthony Davis – 7:37 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Lakers starters:
Dennis Schroder
Lonnie Walker IV
Troy Brown Jr.
LeBron James
Anthony Davis – 7:30 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Lakers say that Anthony Davis (low back tightness) and LeBron James (left adductor strain) have been upgraded to AVAILABLE for tonight’s game at San Antonio. – 7:02 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both playing tonight in San Antonio, per the Lakers. – 6:56 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The Lakers say LeBron James (left adductor strain) is AVAILABLE tonight in San Antonio, making his return after five games out.
Anthony Davis is also available. – 6:55 PM

More on this storyline

The Los Angeles Lakers expect star big man Anthony Davis to return Monday night against Indiana, sources told ESPN. The eight-time All-Star sat out the 143-138 win Saturday night over the San Antonio Spurs because of a left calf contusion. -via ESPN / November 27, 2022
“Just it being a back-to-back, the load he was carrying, specifically with [LeBron James] out, it’s just the smart and right thing to do,” Ham said of the decision to rest Davis. “We don’t want to push him this early in the season. And when you’re talking about different muscles and ligaments, it’s something that can easily turn into a year-long issue. So just to avoid that, we don’t want to put any additional strain on the area. -via ESPN / November 27, 2022

Mavericks officially waive Facundo Campazzo

Marc Stein: The Mavericks just officially waived Facundo Campazzo as a prelude to signing Kemba Walker as I reported earlier this morning. Source: Twitter @TheSteinLine What’s the buzz on Twitter? BasketNews @ BasketNews_com If Facundo Campazzo …

Marc Stein: The Mavericks just officially waived Facundo Campazzo as a prelude to signing Kemba Walker as I reported earlier this morning.

Source: Twitter @TheSteinLine

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
If Facundo Campazzo returns to EuroLeague, which team would you like to see him on? 👀 pic.twitter.com/aBdt5GxzOn8:34 AM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Facundo Campazzo to become a free agent
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/14…8:20 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Short-lived stint: Facundo Campazzo is about to become a free agent 😬
His replacement in the Dallas Mavericks is already known:
basketnews.com/news-181576-ma…8:19 AM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
The Dallas Mavericks will waive Facundo Campazzo, per @Shams Charania. – 8:07 AM

More on this storyline

Dallas Mavericks PR: The Dallas Mavericks have waived guard Facundo Campazzo. -via Twitter @MavsPR / November 28, 2022
Shams Charania: The Dallas Mavericks plan to sign Kemba Walker and waive Facundo Campazzo, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium . -via Twitter @ShamsCharania / November 28, 2022
The Mavericks would have to create a roster spot to sign Walker, which is most easily be done by waiving Facundo Campazzo. The Argentinean guard, who played alongside Mavericks star Luka Dončić at Real Madrid in Spain, has been used sparingly in seven games since Dallas signed Campazzo to a non-guaranteed contract just as the season was starting in mid-October. -via marcstein.substack.com / November 28, 2022

Jayson Tatum will return against Charlotte

Cameron Tabatabaie: Per Celtics: Jayson Tatum is BACK for tonight’s game against CHA Jaylen Brown is QUESTIONABLE with neck stiffness, Al Horford is OUT with back stiffness Source: Twitter @CTabatabaie What’s the buzz on Twitter? John Karalis @ …

Cameron Tabatabaie: Per Celtics: Jayson Tatum is BACK for tonight’s game against CHA Jaylen Brown is QUESTIONABLE with neck stiffness, Al Horford is OUT with back stiffness

Source: Twitter @CTabatabaie

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

John Karalis @John_Karalis
Jaylen Brown is questionable tonight with neck stiffness.
Al Horford is out with low back-to-back stiffness.
Jayson Tatum is not on the injury report and will play – 1:00 PM
Cameron Tabatabaie @CTabatabaie
Per Celtics:
Jayson Tatum is BACK for tonight’s game against CHA
Jaylen Brown is QUESTIONABLE with neck stiffness, Al Horford is OUT with back stiffness – 12:58 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
The Celtics say Jaylen Brown is questionable for tonight’s game with neck soreness, and Al Horford will once again sit out the second half of a back-to-back as he has all year.
Jayson Tatum, who didn’t play yesterday with a sprained ankle, isn’t listed on the injury report. – 12:58 PM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBA
Per the Celtics, Jaylen Brown is questionable with neck stiffness. He looked a little uncomfortable at times yesterday.
Al Horford is out with back stiffness. Jayson Tatum is not listed, so looks like he’s back. – 12:57 PM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
Nov. 28 RPR MVP rankings:
1. Luka Doncic: 16.8
2. Stephen Curry: 16.6
3. Jayson Tatum: 15.9
4. Kevin Durant: 15.8
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 15.6
6. Donovan Mitchell: 14.6
7. Joel Embiid: 13.9
8. Devin Booker: 13.1
9. Anthony Davis: 12.5
10. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 12.4 pic.twitter.com/aA6GX4wsNM11:25 AM

Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
☘️🎙️ NEW POSTGAME POD 🎙️☘️
Jayson Tatum gets a day off and the Celtics still put up 130 points. Plus, Jaylen Brown on how he and Marcus Smart turned off-court headlocks into on-court chemistry.
https://t.co/nroPprIfqc pic.twitter.com/tgPlU16c2p9:04 AM

Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Some players look thrilled to be on the sideline showing off their outfits and chilling. Jayson Tatum looked uncomfortable being in the building & not on the floor. But the #Celtics got him some much-needed rest and still won easily: clnsmedia.com/celtics-succes…1:24 AM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
The Celtics got an absurd 1.383 points per possession in their win Sunday (and did it without Jayson Tatum).
And while these numbers don’t feel sustainable, the Celtics through 20 games are simply lapping the all-time NBA field as the best offense in the history of ever. pic.twitter.com/FCagIIf9Ui10:49 PM

Cameron Tabatabaie @CTabatabaie
Jaylen asked about Tatum being out calls JT “our leader, our big dog” – 9:11 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
The Wizards entered the day 8th in the East and the Celtics 1st, a potential playoff series. But Boston proved an especially tough matchup once again, this time without Jayson Tatum.
5 takeaways: nbcsports.com/washington/wiz…8:43 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
I kind of wonder if Jaylen Brown gets a day off tomorrow on the back-to-back against Charlotte. Would make sense, especially if Jayson Tatum can play tomorrow. – 8:34 PM
A. Sherrod Blakely @ASherrodblakely
No Jayson Tatum? No problem for @Jaylen Brown and the rest of the #Celtics in defeating the Washington Wizards 130-121 in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score might indicate. sherrod.substack.com/p/what-can-bro…8:27 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
Celtics get outscored 33-17 in the 4th quarter.
Wizards come to Boston, shoot 54% with 23 assists and 4 turnovers against the Tatum-less Celtics.
And it still wasn’t close.
Celtics have won 12 of 13, 8 straight at home.
Boston hits the quarter-pole 16-4, best in the NBA. – 8:23 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Wizards lose to the Celtics without Jayson Tatum. Losers of three straight, the Wiz reach the quarter mark of the season at 10-10. – 8:20 PM
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbach
With Tatum out, seven Celtics have scored 12 points or more. – 8:14 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Celtics having a casual 60/50/100 shooting night without Jayson Tatum tonight – 7:54 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Celtics just put up 113 points in three quarters without Jayson Tatum. – 7:47 PM
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbach
Celtics with the casual 59.3/46.4/100 shooting splits late in the 3rd even with Tatum out.
This offense has been a true force. – 7:39 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
I figured the Celtics would still move and score the ball without Jayson Tatum. I was a little worried about who would get on the boards.
Grant Williams with seven first half rebounds is good stuff. His career-high of 10 rebounds is definitely in play tonight. – 7:06 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Wizards go into halftime down 72-55 against the Jayson Tatum-less Celtics. Boston is 11-23 3PT (47.8%) and outrebounding the Wizards 24-12. – 7:04 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Celtics lead the Wizards 35-26 at the end of the 1st. Jayson Tatum is out, but Boston’s offense has been just fine so far. Porzingis leads all scorers with 11 pts. – 6:36 PM
Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoop
Jaylen Brown has attempted 19.2 field goals per game this season. With Jayson Tatum out, he’s gotten up six shots in the first 5:24 against Washington. #timetoeat6:24 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Deni Avdija draws Jaylen Brown as his primary defensive matchup with Jayston Tatum out. – 6:23 PM
A. Sherrod Blakely @ASherrodblakely
With Jayson Tatum out tonight, the Celtics starting five consists of Marcus Smart; Jaylen Brown; Derrick White; Grant Williams and Al Horford. – 6:08 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Very curious to see who gets Jayson Tatum’s minutes tonight. There aren’t all that many more for the other guys, so I’m guessing both Payton Pritchard and Luke Kornet see some time tonight. – 6:08 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
At TD Garden, where Boston will be without Jayson Tatum against Washington. That usually means a big night for Jaylen Brown. Brown last season in games Tatum missed: 30.4 points, ten rebounds, 4.4 assists. – 5:45 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
Wizards at Celtics – TD Garden – Nov. 27, 2022 – Starters
Boston – Smart, White, Brown, Horford, G. Williams
Washington – Monte Morris, Bradley Beal. Corey Kispert, Deni Avdija, Kristaps Porzingis
OUT: Boston: Tatum, R. Williams, Gallinari Washington: Kuzma, Wright, Hachimura pic.twitter.com/XMEEYSRnsI5:37 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
No Jayson Tatum for the Celtics tonight.
Rui Hachimura, Kyle Kuzma and Monte Morris all remain gametime decisions for the Wizards. – 4:48 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
Doesn’t seem like Joe Mazzulla is going to change Jaylen Brown’s substitution pattern with Tatum out, noting he’s comfortable in it and the team has depth to handle things with Brogdon & bench – 4:20 PM
Jay King @ByJayKing
Joe Mazzulla didn’t commit one way or another whether Jayson Tatum will play tomorrow. He’s sitting out tonight as a “precaution” though and had played two games after tweaking his ankle, so read into that what you please. – 4:18 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Greetings from Boston where the Wizards face the Celtics without Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/psE06mN3SZ3:44 PM

More on this storyline

Bobby Manning: Jayson Tatum on biggest difference offensively: “A lot of randomness. Not a lot of playcalling, but trust. Just trusting that each guy’s going to make the right read …” If you make the right play, you’re going to get it back, he says, which was a struggle early last year. -via Twitter @RealBobManning / November 24, 2022

De’Aaron Fox officially joins Klutch Sports Group

Klutch Sports Group: Welcome @De’Aaron Fox! #Klutch Source: Twitter @KlutchSports What’s the buzz on Twitter? John Karalis @ John_Karalis An earlier De’Aaron Fox shot that was ruled a 2 is now a 3, so the score is actually 43-33 – 8:47 PM Keith …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

John Karalis @John_Karalis
An earlier De’Aaron Fox shot that was ruled a 2 is now a 3, so the score is actually 43-33 – 8:47 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
That should have been a foul on Derrick White. Mike Brown and De’Aaron Fox were both right to complain there. – 8:22 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Technical fouls on Mike Brown AND De’Aaron Fox continuing to complain after White ran Smart’s steal on Fox. – 8:22 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Tech on De’Aaron Fox as well. – 8:22 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Kings are livid after Derrick White clearly tripped De’Aaron Fox and scored off the turnover. Yikes. – 8:21 PM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Kings coach Mike Brown stands up for his guy and gets hit with a technical foul. De’Aaron Fox clearly got tripped up from behind there. Celtics up 13-6 early. Kings are 2 of 12. – 8:21 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
De’Aaron Fox just got a tech during the timeout. #Celtics #Kings8:20 PM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Kings starters vs. Celtics:
G De’Aaron Fox
G Kevin Huerter
F Harrison Barnes
F Keegan Murray
C Domantas Sabonis – 7:36 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Celtics starters tonight:
Al Horford
Jayson Tatum
Jaylen Brown
Derrick White
Marcus Smart
Kings starters:
Domantas Sabonis
Keegan Murray
Harrison Barnes
Kevin Huerter
De’Aaron Fox – 7:34 PM

More on this storyline

Joel Embiid upgraded to questionable against Atlanta

Philadelphia: Joel Embiid (left mid-foot sprain) and Matisse Thybulle (left ankle tenosynovitis) have been upgraded to questionable for Monday’s game against Atlanta. PJ Tucker (left ankle soreness) has been downgraded to probable. Source: Alberto …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
#Sixers‘ Joel Embiid and Matisse Thybulle have been upgraded to Questionable for tonight’s game against the #Hawks12:32 PM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
Nov. 28 RPR MVP rankings:
1. Luka Doncic: 16.8
2. Stephen Curry: 16.6
3. Jayson Tatum: 15.9
4. Kevin Durant: 15.8
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 15.6
6. Donovan Mitchell: 14.6
7. Joel Embiid: 13.9
8. Devin Booker: 13.1
9. Anthony Davis: 12.5
10. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 12.4 pic.twitter.com/aA6GX4wsNM11:25 AM

Evan Dunlap @BQRMagic
Wonder where the Sixers will trade Embiid so they can retool around Reed. – 6:57 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers’ Joel Embiid (left mid-foot sprain), Matisse Thybulle (left ankle inflammation), Jaden Springer (right quad strain), James Harden (right foot tendon strain) and Tyrese Maxey (left foot fracture) are listed out for tonight’s game vs. the #OrlandoMagic. – 8:00 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers center Joel Embiid (left midfoot sprain) will remain sidelined for tomorrow’s game vs. the #OrlandoMagic4:52 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Joel Embiid and Matisse Thybulle are listed out for tomorrow’s game vs Magic.
Rivers said before last night’s game that Embiid + Harden are working out at team’s practice facility.
@StephanieReady reported on Tuesday’s broadcast that Harden is ramping up for a return to play. – 4:44 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid remains out for tomorrow’s rematch with the Magic due to the left mid-foot sprain #Sixers4:44 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Some continued huge play from Shake Milton, De’Anthony Melton, and Tobias Harris propelled them to a win with all three of the team’s best players out once again.
Now, we wait to see if Embiid returns on Sunday.
Likes and dislikes from another team win:
thepaintedlines.com/shake-miltons-…10:11 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
The Magic have 28 points in the paint. They’re taking advantage of no Joel Embiid and using their size against this smaller #Sixers team at the moment. Philly trails it 45-39 in the 2Q. – 7:51 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Doc Rivers gave a quick update on Joel Embiid and James Harden as he revealed that they are working on the floor at the practice facility #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/11/25/doc… via @SixersWire6:48 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Saben Lee is expected to join the Sixers tonight, per team official.
Embiid, Harden, Maxey, Springer and Thybulle are still out with injuries. – 4:40 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Sixers say new two-way signing Saben Lee is expected to join the team in time for the game in Orlando tonight.
As a reminder, Joel Embiid and Matisse Thybulle are still listed as out. – 4:40 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Top 4:
Luka Doncic
Joel Embiid
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Anthony Davis
Guess the stat. pic.twitter.com/pVe2evv6vb2:32 PM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Where Tyrese Maxey comes from: theathletic.com/3051734/2022/0…
Teammates tell their best Joel Embiid stories: theathletic.com/3207423/2022/0…
Two of my favorites from the past year. If you missed, you can check them out with our Black Friday special ($1/month for a year for new subscribers). – 1:19 PM

More on this storyline

Justin Grasso: Joel Embiid and Matisse Thybulle remain out for tomorrow’s game against the #Magic. Marks the fourth-straight absence for Embiid and the second for Thybulle #Sixers -via Twitter @JGrasso_ / November 26, 2022
Keith Pompey: Ben Simmons on if his return to Philly is anti-climatic with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and James Harden not playing for the #Sixers: “I mean the fans will make up for it. Yeah, so I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be fun.” Simmons knows he’ll hear a lot of boos. -via Twitter @PompeyOnSixers / November 22, 2022

Mark Cuban confirms Kemba Walker signing: We wanted to add some flexibility to our offense

Brad Townsend: Mark Cuban to me on addition of Kemba Walker: “We wanted to add some flexibility to our offense. Like last year at this point, we have great shot quality, particularly from the 3, but we have struggled to make enough of them. Kemba …

Brad Townsend: Mark Cuban to me on addition of Kemba Walker: “We wanted to add some flexibility to our offense. Like last year at this point, we have great shot quality, particularly from the 3, but we have struggled to make enough of them. Kemba will give J-Kidd more offensive flexibility.”

Source: Twitter @townbrad

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Mavericks reportedly plan to sign former Knicks PG Kemba Walker.
➡️ https://t.co/Gshmssmrx8 pic.twitter.com/GT9dEQYJPA10:48 AM

Brad Townsend @townbrad
Mark Cuban to me on addition of Kemba Walker:
“We wanted to add some flexibility to our offense. Like last year at this point, we have great shot quality, particularly from the 3, but we have struggled to make enough of them. Kemba will give J-Kidd more offensive flexibility.” – 10:45 AM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Souces confirm, In: Kemba Walker, 32. Out: Campazzo. Campazzo played 3 minutes in Milwaukee last night and was told afterward of his impending release.
Walker’s knee issues are well-chronicled, but the Mavs’ need for a third creator has been glaring from moment Brunson left. – 10:17 AM
Jeff Wade @SkinWade
“It’s never been basketball [performance]. It’s just been my knee. I don’t have [anything] to prove. Everybody knows what I’m about over the years, what I have done in this league.” – Kemba
Snatched from the @Marc Stein email blast. You should subscribe if you don’t already – 10:06 AM
Cameron Tabatabaie @CTabatabaie
Kemba Walker reportedly joining Dallas Mavericks
Via @TheCelticsWire
celticswire.usatoday.com/2022/11/28/rep…9:23 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
On @Adrian Wojnarowski Pod earlier this month, Kemba Walker said he was training in Florida to prepare for a bench contributor role. Walker: “I just know that I have the ability to help someone, to help a team. I know I can still play basketball at a high level.” open.spotify.com/episode/6GSId6…9:09 AM
Jeff Stotts @InStreetClothes
Re: Kemba Walker: The talent isn’t a question, it’s the knee. I previously discussed the injury with @Jared Weiss in 2020. Casey Smith and his crew are one of the best medical groups in the NBA and should be up for the challenge. theathletic.com/2235643/2020/1…8:48 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Source confirms Mavs’ plan to sign Kemba Walker to address the glaring need for another creator in Luka Doncic’s supporting cast. @Marc Stein first – 8:47 AM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
I think Kemba is worth a look in Dallas. I’ve got some concern with both him and Luka on the court defensively. If anything I think it could be key for the non-Luka minutes, him and Chris Wood project to be a good PnR duo. Kemba played with Wood in Charlotte in 2017 – 8:39 AM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
New: Former Celtics guard Kemba Walker has found a new home per @Marc Stein masslive.com/celtics/2022/1…8:35 AM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
Hornets fans will have to wait until the end of the season to see Kemba Walker play against his former team. Charlotte play Dallas in a Home/Away back to back on March 25th/26th. pic.twitter.com/35xk2xR9XJ8:26 AM

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Mavs set to sign Kemba Walker, as @Marc Stein reported. Interested to see what Walker has left. Just has not been the same since the second half of his first season in Boston. Still has some offensive firepower but will need to defend to stay on the floor. – 8:14 AM
Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
If the Mavericks think that Kemba Walker is the answer, they’re likely not asking the right question. – 7:41 AM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Mavericks are nearing a deal to sign former All-Star guard Kemba Walker, league sources tell me.
Full story here via my Substack: marcstein.substack.com/p/mavericks-cl…6:57 AM

More on this storyline

Shams Charania: The Dallas Mavericks plan to sign Kemba Walker and waive Facundo Campazzo, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium . -via Twitter @ShamsCharania / November 28, 2022
The Mavericks would have to create a roster spot to sign Walker, which is most easily be done by waiving Facundo Campazzo. The Argentinean guard, who played alongside Mavericks star Luka Dončić at Real Madrid in Spain, has been used sparingly in seven games since Dallas signed Campazzo to a non-guaranteed contract just as the season was starting in mid-October. -via marcstein.substack.com / November 28, 2022
Eric Smith: Jason Kidd re: Anunoby _____ OG is playing at a high level on both ends He’s going to be talked about as defensive player of the year  I’d say he’s having an all star year -via Twitter @Eric__Smith / November 26, 2022

Lauri Markkanen: ‘I’m smarter and better now’

“You always hope to play for one team for your whole career. But it just didn’t work out,” said Markkanen, who grew disenchanted with his role and lack of a contract extension in December 2020. “I think I’ve definitely got better from those years, …

“You always hope to play for one team for your whole career. But it just didn’t work out,” said Markkanen, who grew disenchanted with his role and lack of a contract extension in December 2020. “I think I’ve definitely got better from those years, just mentality-wise and physically being in a better place. . . . I’m smarter and better now.”

Source: K.C. Johnson @ Yahoo! Sports

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

KC Johnson @KCJHoop
“Being here right now is a good spot for me.”
In advance of Bulls-Jazz, I caught up with Lauri Markkanen, off to a strong start in his first season with Utah.
For ⁦@NBCSChicago⁩: nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/…9:34 AM
Josh Martin @Bulls_Wire
The Bull take on old friend Lauri Markkanen and the Jazz on Monday night. bullswire.usatoday.com/lists/bulls-vs…9:20 AM
Sarah Todd @NBASarah
Jazz could be even more shorthanded as Lauri Markkanen is added to injury report https://t.co/q7m5eIpTjr pic.twitter.com/fJIZfqpwOe8:54 PM

Eric Walden @tribjazz
Jazz injury report. Lauri Markkanen sustained his knee contusion when he hit knees with Deandre Ayton in the second quarter on Saturday night. pic.twitter.com/Lry4cEyLQY6:29 PM

Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Lauri Markkanen suffered a knee contusion last night against Phoenix when he collided with DeAndre Ayton in the second quarter. He is questionable for tomorrow night against the Chicago Bulls – 6:26 PM
Ryan Miller @millerjryan
Lauri Markkanen is questionable tomorrow with a right knee contusion.
He sustained the contusion when he hit knees with Deandre Ayton in the second quarter of last night’s game. – 6:26 PM
Ben Anderson @BensHoops
The @Utah Jazz injury report vs. @Chicago Bulls:
QUESTIONABLE – Lauri Markkanen
(knee contusion)
QUESTIONABLE – Leandro Bolmaro (concussion protocol)
OUT – Mike Conley (strain left leg)
OUT – Rudy Gay (MCP joint sprain)
OUT – Johnny Juzang (wrist sprain)
OUT – Micah Potter – 6:25 PM
Sarah Todd @NBASarah
Lauri Markkanen has been added to the Jazz injury report and is questionable for tomorrow’s game at home against the Bulls with a right knee contusion – 6:24 PM
Andy Larsen @andyblarsen
Lauri Markkanen is listed as questionable vs. Chicago tomorrow due to a right knee contusion. – 6:24 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Patrick Williams on likely matchup with former teammate Lauri Markkanen: “It’ll definitely be fun. I’ve been watching the games, and I know he’s playing really well. Proud of him on that end. He knows what I bring. And I know what he brings. So I think it will be a good battle.” – 1:52 PM

More on this storyline

So while his four seasons with the Chicago Bulls definitely produced some highs, they also featured trying times. And all those experiences, both high and low, helped form who he is today. “I have very good memories from Chicago playing-wise and off the court—my kids being born there, growing as a family in the city of Chicago and playing with one of the most historic franchises. Obviously, there were definitely hard times as well, missing the playoffs four years straight,” Markkanen said in a phone conversation with NBC Sports Chicago that will also appear on the Bulls Talk podcast. “But I think now it’s just easy to say I needed that kind of experience to fight through that kind of stuff and get here where I am today.” -via Yahoo! Sports / November 28, 2022
The Utah Jazz have already been operating without their full compliment of players but they could be even more shorthanded on Monday when the Chicago Bulls visit Vivint Arena. Lauri Markkanen, the Jazz’s leading scorer, is listed as questionable for Monday night’s game with a right knee contusion. -via deseret.com / November 28, 2022

Mavs about to sign Kemba Walker

The Dallas Mavericks are in advanced talks to sign Kemba Walker and could complete the signing of the former All-Star guard as early as this week pending physical examinations, league sources tell The Stein Line. Source: Marc Stein @ …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Jeff Stotts @InStreetClothes
Re: Kemba Walker: The talent isn’t a question, it’s the knee. I previously discussed the injury with @Jared Weiss in 2020. Casey Smith and his crew are one of the best medical groups in the NBA and should be up for the challenge. theathletic.com/2235643/2020/1…8:48 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Source confirms Mavs’ plan to sign Kemba Walker to address the glaring need for another creator in Luka Doncic’s supporting cast. @Marc Stein first – 8:47 AM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
I think Kemba is worth a look in Dallas. I’ve got some concern with both him and Luka on the court defensively. If anything I think it could be key for the non-Luka minutes, him and Chris Wood project to be a good PnR duo. Kemba played with Wood in Charlotte in 2017 – 8:39 AM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
New: Former Celtics guard Kemba Walker has found a new home per @Marc Stein masslive.com/celtics/2022/1…8:35 AM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
Hornets fans will have to wait until the end of the season to see Kemba Walker play against his former team. Charlotte play Dallas in a Home/Away back to back on March 25th/26th. pic.twitter.com/35xk2xR9XJ8:26 AM

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Mavs set to sign Kemba Walker, as @Marc Stein reported. Interested to see what Walker has left. Just has not been the same since the second half of his first season in Boston. Still has some offensive firepower but will need to defend to stay on the floor. – 8:14 AM
Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
If the Mavericks think that Kemba Walker is the answer, they’re likely not asking the right question. – 7:41 AM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Mavericks are nearing a deal to sign former All-Star guard Kemba Walker, league sources tell me.
Full story here via my Substack: marcstein.substack.com/p/mavericks-cl…6:57 AM

More on this storyline

Shams Charania: The Dallas Mavericks plan to sign Kemba Walker and waive Facundo Campazzo, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium . -via Twitter @ShamsCharania / November 28, 2022
The Mavericks would have to create a roster spot to sign Walker, which is most easily be done by waiving Facundo Campazzo. The Argentinean guard, who played alongside Mavericks star Luka Dončić at Real Madrid in Spain, has been used sparingly in seven games since Dallas signed Campazzo to a non-guaranteed contract just as the season was starting in mid-October. -via marcstein.substack.com / November 28, 2022
Darren Wolfson: There was this report, I don’t know even where it originated, that Kemba Walker had a workout scheduled coming up with the Timberwolves. I’m told that is false. I am told nothing going on on the Kemba Walker front. -via Spotify / November 22, 2022

Dallas will waive Facundo Campazzo to make room for Kemba Walker

Shams Charania: The Dallas Mavericks plan to sign Kemba Walker and waive Facundo Campazzo, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium . Source: Twitter @ShamsCharania What’s the buzz on Twitter? Jeff Stotts @ InStreetClothes Re: Kemba Walker: The talent …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Jeff Stotts @InStreetClothes
Re: Kemba Walker: The talent isn’t a question, it’s the knee. I previously discussed the injury with @Jared Weiss in 2020. Casey Smith and his crew are one of the best medical groups in the NBA and should be up for the challenge. theathletic.com/2235643/2020/1…8:48 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Source confirms Mavs’ plan to sign Kemba Walker to address the glaring need for another creator in Luka Doncic’s supporting cast. @Marc Stein first – 8:47 AM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
I think Kemba is worth a look in Dallas. I’ve got some concern with both him and Luka on the court defensively. If anything I think it could be key for the non-Luka minutes, him and Chris Wood project to be a good PnR duo. Kemba played with Wood in Charlotte in 2017 – 8:39 AM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
New: Former Celtics guard Kemba Walker has found a new home per @Marc Stein masslive.com/celtics/2022/1…8:35 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
If Facundo Campazzo returns to EuroLeague, which team would you like to see him on? 👀 pic.twitter.com/aBdt5GxzOn8:34 AM

James Plowright @British_Buzz
Hornets fans will have to wait until the end of the season to see Kemba Walker play against his former team. Charlotte play Dallas in a Home/Away back to back on March 25th/26th. pic.twitter.com/35xk2xR9XJ8:26 AM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Facundo Campazzo to become a free agent
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/14…8:20 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Short-lived stint: Facundo Campazzo is about to become a free agent 😬
His replacement in the Dallas Mavericks is already known:
basketnews.com/news-181576-ma…8:19 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Mavs set to sign Kemba Walker, as @Marc Stein reported. Interested to see what Walker has left. Just has not been the same since the second half of his first season in Boston. Still has some offensive firepower but will need to defend to stay on the floor. – 8:14 AM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
The Dallas Mavericks will waive Facundo Campazzo, per @Shams Charania. – 8:07 AM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
The Dallas Mavericks plan to sign Kemba Walker and waive Facundo Campazzo, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. – 8:07 AM
Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
If the Mavericks think that Kemba Walker is the answer, they’re likely not asking the right question. – 7:41 AM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Mavericks are nearing a deal to sign former All-Star guard Kemba Walker, league sources tell me.
Full story here via my Substack: marcstein.substack.com/p/mavericks-cl…6:57 AM

More on this storyline

The Mavericks would have to create a roster spot to sign Walker, which is most easily be done by waiving Facundo Campazzo. The Argentinean guard, who played alongside Mavericks star Luka Dončić at Real Madrid in Spain, has been used sparingly in seven games since Dallas signed Campazzo to a non-guaranteed contract just as the season was starting in mid-October. -via marcstein.substack.com / November 28, 2022
Darren Wolfson: There was this report, I don’t know even where it originated, that Kemba Walker had a workout scheduled coming up with the Timberwolves. I’m told that is false. I am told nothing going on on the Kemba Walker front. -via Spotify / November 22, 2022
Eddie Sefko: Tim Hardaway Jr. (right foot soreness) is out tonight. Jason Kidd was mum on who might inherit those minutes, but some will likely go to newcomer Facu Campazzo, who is available after visa issues were resolved. -via Twitter @ESefko / October 25, 2022