Tag: Jakob Poeltl

WATCH: Xavier Tillman throws down poster dunk for Grizzlies

Along with almost getting his first career double-double, he also hammered down a ferocious poster dunk over Jakob Poeltl last night.

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Xavier Tillman has been making quite the name for himself early on in his NBA career. Tillman his quickly inserted himself as a key piece of the team after only playing 15 games this season. He’s even assumed starting duties after key injuries to the team and he has rewarded the Grizzlies belief in him. He came one rebound away from his first career double-double last night. Not only that, but he also made a highlight play on the offensive end.

He brought out his inner Miles Bridges for this big poster dunk on 7’1″ center Jakob Poeltl. Tillman takes the ball down the lane with a chasing Poeltl right beside him. Poeltl jumps up and takes a swipe at Tillman and the ball, but can’t block it. Tillman rises up and above and hammers it home to put Poeltl on a poster. The dunk got the Grizzlies to stand up in awe of Tillman’s athleticism.

Tillman has quickly put his name in the conversation as a potential rookie of the year candidate. Will Tillman be able to finish the season strong and become the first Spartan to win the illustrious award?

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Nets face unpredictable opponent in Spurs on Thursday

The Brooklyn Nets can’t overlook Gregg Popovich’s coaching ability — even with this year’s disappointing San Antonio Spurs team.

The San Antonio Spurs are off to a strong start in their candidacy for 2019-20’s most disappointing team.

The Spurs were a playoff team just last season and, as the No. 7 seed, took the Denver Nuggets to game seven in the first round of the playoffs. And they still have the majors pieces from that team: DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge, Derrick White, Bryn Forbes and Rudy Gay. Plus, San Antonio has Dejounte Murray back from his ACL tear. Marco Belinelli and Patty Mills are still around, too. Jakob Poeltl is a tough interior defender.

Now, this group has knocked off the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers, but they also lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Not to mention the Pistons blew them out of Detroit to the tune of 34 points.

The Pistons have beaten Brooklyn, too, but only by four and in the early stages of the season, when the Nets didn’t have an identity. Now Brooklyn does, though. The Spurs, not so much.

But unlike the Cavs, San Antonio has what should be a strong core. The Spurs can absolutely steal a win on Thursday, especially since the game is on their turf.

Also, if the Nets play like they did in New Orleans, they’ll be in trouble.

Though, the fact the Nets were sloppy against the Pelicans could work to their own benefit in San Antonio. Kenny Atkinson wanted to go over the offense before the game, so Brooklyn should be a bit more refined on Thursday.

RELATED: David Nwaba listed on Nets injury report vs. Spurs, probable to play