Tag: Jonas Valanciunas

Woj: Pelicans acquire Valanciunas, swap picks for Adams, Bledsoe

The Pelicans acquire Jonas Valanciunas while opening up significant cap space with the departure of Stevens Adams and Eric Bledsoe.

The New Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies are finalizing a trade that sends Jonas Valanciunas, the No. 17, and No. 51 picks in Thursday’s NBA draft to the Pelicans for Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe, the No. 10, No. 40, and a top-10 protected 2022 first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers, first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Reported by Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Bledsoe isn’t expected to remain with Memphis.

For the Pelicans, trading both Adams and Bledsoe opens up the needed cap space to be able sign the likes of All-Star Kyle Lowry, who Marc Stein reported last week is at the top of New Orleans’ wish list. Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball is a restricted free agent and reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, is unlikely to have a ‘significant’ offer sheet matched by the Pelicans.

With the trade, which can’t be finalized until Aug. 6 when free agency officially begins, the Pelicans could have between $25-$36 million in cap space, depending on if restricted free agent Josh Hart is resigned.

In Valanciunas, the Pelicans are acquiring an underrated big who averaged 17.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game last season. His improving ability to spread the floor was intriguing over Adams swallowing up space in the paint for Zion Williamson and others to work with.

These are the best players at each offensive play type in the NBA

When we talk about the best basketball players, we often talk about the most well-rounded. But what happens when we get a bit more granular?

When we talk about the best basketball players, we often talk about the most well-rounded. But what happens when we get a bit more granular?

There is obviously a ton of value in versatility, especially when it comes to building the most complete team. Players need to be able to hold their own on both offense and defense. However, when watching the games, it is also incredibly important to know the specific traits of the top talents.

As such, we wanted to take a look at the players who stand out on specific play types within an offense. The main qualifications were that the player discussed has to be both among the leading scorers and also efficient on this particular play type.

You may already know that James Harden is the king of isolation or that Giannis Antetokounmpo is a monster in transition. But some other standouts included below may be more shocking.

Note that all stats are pulled from Synergy Sports Tech unless noted otherwise

Michael Porter Jr. and the Most Improved Players since All-Star break

Especially after such a chaotic year, we could all use a little bit of rest and relaxation, and NBA basketball players are no different.

Especially after such a chaotic year, we could all use a little bit of rest and relaxation, and NBA basketball players are no different.

That is why it is not particularly uncommon for some folks around the league to play their best immediately after All-Star Weekend, which also serves as a built-in break from the constant action, especially for those who did not make All-Star consideration.

Below are some of the folks in the NBA who we believe used the additional time to recharge their batteries and come back to action playing better than ever.

3 observations: Bigger Grizzlies suffocate Joel Embiid-less Sixers

The bigger Memphis Grizzlies took advantage of the Joel Embiid-less Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.

The Philadelphia 76ers were able to have Joel Embiid return to their team on Saturday after a 10-game absence, but since the team is on a back-to-back, they were not able to have him on Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies and it hurt them all night long.

Memphis used their size advantage to start off and then hit a barrage of 3-pointers to knock off the Sixers 116-100 on Sunday to send them back out on the road for a 4-game trip. The Grizzlies were led by Dillon Brooks with 17 points in this one and won pretty easily despite Ja Morant struggling for just eight points on 3-for-8 shooting.

Tobias Harris led Philadelphia with 21 points and eight rebounds, Shake Milton had 14 points, Mike Scott had nine points filling in for Embiid, Dwight Howard had nine points and 12 rebounds, and Ben Simmons had seven points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Paul Reed had 10 points and six rebounds in mop-up duty.

With that said, here are the three observations from this loss:

Kelly Olynyk, Jae’Sean Tate impress as short-handed Rockets push Grizzlies

Houston (13-33) still lost Monday’s game to Memphis, but it wasn’t anywhere near the 49-point embarrassment of a month earlier.

It was approximately one month ago when the Memphis Grizzlies visited Toyota Center and humiliated the host Rockets in a historic and embarrassing 49-point defeat. While the result was still the same in Monday’s rematch, Houston found significantly more reasons for hope.

In Monday’s 120-110 win (box score) by the Grizzlies, the Rockets led by nine in the final stages of the third quarter — even with star center Christian Wood sidelined by illness. Eventually, Memphis (22-22) pulled away, with Jonas Valanciunas (30 points, 15 rebounds) feasting on the interior. His dominance was likely made easier by Wood’s absence. Third-year guard De’Anthony Melton, who was drafted by the Rockets in 2018, added 23 points off the bench in a return visit to Houston.

Nonetheless, the rebuilding Rockets (13-33) — who entered with two wins in their last four games — still had signs of optimism. Veteran big man Kelly Olynyk, who started in Wood’s place, had 25 points (58.8% FG) and 9 rebounds, while rookie forward Jae’Sean Tate added 24 points (50% FG) and 7 rebounds. Veterans DJ Augustin (13 points, 5 assists) and Sterling Brown (10 points) each scored double-figures off the bench, and they both connected on 2-of-4 shots (50%) from 3-point range.

The starting backcourt of John Wall and Kevin Porter Jr. struggled, scoring 19 combined points on 7-of-29 shooting (24.1%).

Overall, though, it was a relatively encouraging night for the Rockets, who held their own deep into the game with a potential Western Conference playoff team — even with Wood sidelined. Wood appears likely to return as soon as Wednesday, when the Rockets have their second and final meeting with the Brooklyn Nets and former teammate James Harden.

For now, here’s a look back at Monday’s highlights and postgame reaction by Olynyk, Tate, and head coach Stephen Silas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv1o5K_zHcA

[lawrence-related id=46969,46964]

Memphis’ Jonas Valanciunas leaves game vs. Nets due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols

After losing two players to COVID-19 safety protocols, the Nets have seen two opposing players depart games early for the very reason.

For the second night in a row, an opposing player has had to depart a game while facing the Brooklyn Nets due to the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols. On Thursday, Philadelphia guard Seth Curry found out he tested positive for COVID-19 early in the 76ers’ loss to the Nets. On Friday, the Memphis Grizzlies announced big man Jonas Valanciunas would not take the floor in the second half due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

However, unlike Curry, Valanciunas did not test positive for COVID-19, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Nets currently have two players themselves sidelined due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Tyler Johnson was first ruled out for that reason on Wednesday. Kevin Durant is in the midst of a quarantine and could return for the Nets as early as Brooklyn’s game on Sunday at Barclays Center against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

https://embed.sendtonews.com/oembed/?SC=1cDg0cF7sw-1101738-7498&autoplay=on&V=2&format=json

Lakers vs. Grizzlies recap: LeBron caps W with dagger jumper and block (Jan. 5)

LeBron James had 21 of his 26 points in the second half as the Lakers won their fourth straight game.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis each scored 26 points to go with double-doubles on Tuesday night as the Los Angeles Lakers completed a perfect 4-0 road trip with a tough 94-92 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies that was made especially interesting by some sloppy play by the Lakers near the end of the game with turnovers. But what was more important was what forced the Grizzlies into desperation mode.

With just over one minute left in the game and the Lakers lead down to three points, James iced the game by making two huge plays during what was a dominant second half for The King. James brought the clock down for a turnaround fadeaway against Dillon Brooks. After the play, LeBron said pushed his hand down as to gesture that Brooks was “too small” to check him.

Then on the next defensive possession, James came up with a block on a floater by Memphis forward Brandon Clarke. 21 of LeBron’s 26 points came in the 2nd half. The Lakers won the game on Tuesday despite a great effort from the Grizzlies and an off night from the 3-point line, as the Lakers shot below 30% for the first time this season but still managed to earn a victory.

[lawrence-related id=36879,36873]

 

Lakers vs. Grizzlies: Live stream, how to watch, TV channel (Jan. 5)

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers face off against the Grizzlies for the second straight game to close out their road trip.

The Los Angeles Lakers will conclude their first road trip of the season later on Tuesday evening against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Lakers are riding a three-game win-streak heading into Tuesday’s second game of a two-game set with the Grizzlies.

The Lakers appear to be hitting their stride after going 2-2 at home during the first few days of the season. On the road, the Lakers have shot the 3-pointer much better as well. The Lakers have shot over 40% from the 3-point line over their last 3 games on this road trip.

As for the Grizzlies, they are a plucky squad even without Ja Morant and jumped out to an early double-digit lead on Sunday against the Lakers. But the Lakers showed them it will take more than one great quarter to push them right now.

As of the latest NBA injury report, LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are both listed as questionable for the Lakers while Alex Caruso remains out due to the league’s health and safety protocols.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS

Grizzlies (2-3)

  • Brandon Clarke
  • Kyle Anderson
  • Jonas Valanciunas
  • Dillon Brooks
  • Tyus Jones

Lakers (4-2)

  • Anthony Davis
  • LeBron James
  • Marc Gasol
  • Dennis Schroder
  • Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

 

Grizz clinch play-in spot behind triple-doubles by Morant, Valanciunas

Morant and Valanciunas became the first pair of Grizzlies teammates to each record triple-doubles in the same game.

[jwplayer wMJMDGff]

Ja Morant and Jonas Valanciunas helped the Memphis Grizzlies clinch a spot in the Western Conference play-in game on Thursday as they became the first pair of players in team history to each record a triple-double in the same game.

Morant accomplished the feat for the second time this season after recording 12 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists while Valanciunas notched his first career triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds and 12 assists in the 119-106 victory.

The Grizzlies entered the matchup needing a win to clinch a spot in the play-in game while a loss would have resulted in elimination from contention. The team received some help after Giannis Antetokounmpo was suspended for the matchup after headbutting Moritz Wagner on Tuesday night.

Memphis can now clinch the eighth seed in the play-in game with a loss by the Portland Trail Blazers later on Thursday. However, a win by the Trail Blazers will drop the Grizzlies to ninth place as the two teams would begin the play-in game on Saturday.

The Grizzlies entered the restart in a good position to secure either an outright playoff berth or a spot in the play-in game after holding a 3.5-game lead over the Trail Blazers in ninth place. However, after starting off 1-6, Memphis nearly missed a chance to be in the play-in and, of course, can still miss the playoffs entirely.

The team has struggled since arriving at Wide World of Sports Complex and has desperately missed Jaren Jackson Jr. after he suffered a torn meniscus on Aug. 3. While teams have used the restart to improve, the Grizzlies have seemingly fallen backward and now face an even tougher road to the playoffs.

The Grizzlies will play either the Trail Blazers or Phoenix Suns in the play-in game, which is scheduled to tip-off on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

[lawrence-related id=21502,21442,21403]

[vertical-gallery id=14282]

Thunder vs. Grizzlies halftime stats: OKC salvages 2nd quarter with late 3s

The Oklahoma City Thunder had a disastrous second quarter but were saved by two 3-pointers at the end by Danilo Gallinari and Chris Paul.

The Oklahoma City Thunder had a disastrous second quarter after an explosive first quarter, but two 3-pointers in the final five seconds of the half allowed them to cut the Memphis Grizzlies’ lead to 63-60.

Over the first 11 minutes of the game Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Oklahoma City Thunder were on fire. They scored 37 points, made seven of 11 3-pointers, and had a double-digit lead.

Then Oklahoma City went cold as the Grizzlies out-rebounded and outscored the Thunder.

After those first 11 minutes, the Thunder made just one of their next 11 3-pointers.

The Grizzlies took advantage of the paint without Steven Adams in the game, as starting center Jonas Valanciunas and power forward Anthony Tolliver combined for 17 points with 10 rebounds, while backup big Gorgui Dieng had a team-high 12 points and three rebounds.

Nerlens Noel got the start for the Thunder and played 14 minutes. He scored eight points and had three rebounds but was unable to record a block or steal.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled to produce for the Thunder.

The guard did not score a point until he got to the free throw line with about 3:30 to go in the second quarter.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished the half with five points on 1-for-8 shooting and was 0-for-5 from deep.

Lu Dort was the leader from 3, making four of his five 3-point attempts and finishing with 14. He was the only Thunder player to make a 3 in the second half — until those final five seconds.

Following Ja Morant free throws with 11 seconds left, Chris Paul pushed the ball down court and found Danilo Gallinari open for 3. Paul then stole the inbound pass and drilled a 3 from the corner at the buzzer.

The Thunder lived and died by the 3 that first half. In the end, it was enough to keep the game close.

Chris Paul had 13 points and five assists in 15 minutes of play. Gallinari had eight points.

Grizzlies guards Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks had 11 points apiece.

[vertical-gallery id=435988]