Tag: statistics

Ranking: The players with the most Conference Finals in NBA history

The Lakers advanced to the Conference Finals for the 24th time in their history by beating the Warriors Friday night. That’s a league record, so you will not be surprised to know that the list of players with the most Conference Finals made is …

The Lakers advanced to the Conference Finals for the 24th time in their history by beating the Warriors Friday night. That’s a league record, so you will not be surprised to know that the list of players with the most Conference Finals made is filled with Laker legends as well, including LeBron James, who moved to No. 3 all-time after eliminating Golden State. That’s no small feat considering the NBA has had 30 teams each of his years as a pro.

Anyway, here’s the all-time ranking for most Conference Finals made:

Seahawks among NFL’s 5 most overperforming offensive units

The Seattle Seahawks are a perfect example of a team who exceeded preseason expectations last year.

NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Freland took a look at some very important statistics from last season to determine the five most overperforming offenses in the league last year. Based on her model, which measured the difference between preseason expectations and actual game outputs, the Seattle Seahawks topped her list.

“I don’t have a way to isolate the win share of deep passes, but I can say that Geno Smith’s deep passing, especially early in the season, drives much of this final ranking,” Frelund writes. “Next Gen Stats shows that Smith’s 13 deep touchdown passes (20-plus air yards) paced the NFL in 2022. Nine of those came in the first eight weeks, and that hot start (Seattle went 5-3) changed the course of the Seahawks’ season. In the category of downfield passes (all pass attempts of 10-plus air yards downfield), Smith’s 27 TDs are tied for the most, with Josh Allen — and Smith had one fewer interception than Allen on those attempts (eight to Allen’s nine). Smith’s 112.8 passer rating on such passes ranked third among all QBs who attempted more than 50 downfield passes.”

“The Seahawks’ pass catchers ranked 14th in win share before the season, but the combination of the O-line (which started ranked 30th and ended the season at 25th) and uncertainty at QB drove the low forecasted effectiveness of the passing offense,” Frelund continues. “Smith far exceeded that forecast, setting a franchise season record for completions (399), attempts (572), completion percentage (69.8) and passing yards (4,282). He was also the first Seattle QB to lead the NFL in completion percentage since Dave Krieg in 1991 (65.6 percent).”

In the simplest terms  . . . while the Seahawks failed to go deep into the playoffs, Seattle logged a much, much better season than most predicted.

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Luka Doncic beats Magic Johnson to the 50 triple-double milestone by a game

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic beat Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson to the 50 triple-double milestone by a game. Doncic’s 33-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist performance in Friday’s 127-99 win over the visiting Denver Nuggets made him …

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic beat Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson to the 50 triple-double milestone by a game. Doncic’s 33-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist performance in Friday’s 127-99 win over the visiting Denver Nuggets made him the 10th player in NBA history to record 50 career triple-doubles. Doncic accomplished the feat in his 278th career game, one fewer than it took Johnson. Only Oscar Robertson (111) needed fewer games to get 50 triple-doubles.

Source: Tim MacMahon @ ESPN

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
MVP of the Night: Luka Doncic
American Player of the Night: Anthony Davis
Breakout of the Night: Lauri Markkanen
Rookie: Jalen Williams pic.twitter.com/2UBn24ON8Q – 6:47 AM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
An #NBA night to remember for Markkanen and Doncic
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/14… – 4:40 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Luka Doncic reaches 50th triple-double mark in his NBA career and he’s still only 23-years-old 🤯 pic.twitter.com/F3lcfAWbrL – 3:24 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
It’s clear that Luka Doncic started his Harry Potter binge party and learned a few tricks 🪄
🎥 @NBATV pic.twitter.com/OePrYqTT4A – 1:32 AM

Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Best part of Luka’s 50h triple double. Was it the FT shooting (9-11 tonight. 35-40 in his last 3. 77% for the season) or the 11:2 Asst/TO ratio (2.57 for the season)? Two huge areas of improvement for him this year. – 12:06 AM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Luka Doncic after he and Christian Wood combined for 61 points, 20 rebounds tonight: “The chemistry is going to go up and up with us to understand each other, but as you see on the court, I think we understand each other good.” – 11:58 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
“Every possession it’s the Luka show.”
Doncic dominated en route to his 50th triple-double of his career. Despite Bruce Brown’s best efforts, the undermanned #Nuggets couldn’t do anything to stop him.
denverpost.com/2022/11/18/luk… – 11:54 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Luka Doncic didn’t pay attention to his career triple-double count until Mavs PR guru @scootertomlin informed him after the game about No. 50.
His reaction: “I told him that was great.”
Pure Luka form. – 11:24 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Players with 40 points and 10 assists in a game this season:
— Luka Doncic
— Devin Booker
That’s it. pic.twitter.com/XCX3AeawFn – 11:11 PM

Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Jason Kidd after Luka’s 50th career triple-double: “He’s already rewriting the record books.”
Asked Jason if he remembers his 50th (of 107 in career triple-doubles): “March 23 I turn 50. That’s the only 50 I know.” – 11:08 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Wizards beat Heat by 1
Suggs hits deciding 3, Magic beat by Bulls by 1
Lowry: 24-15-10
Rozier forces OT with 3, but Hornets fall to Cavs in 2OT
Giannis 4 for 15 from line; Bucks lost by 8
Luka 33-12-11
Celtics win 9th straight, now 13-3
45 and counting for Book, game still going – 11:05 PM
Mark Followill @MFollowill
In a 127-99 Mavs win over Denver, Luka Dončić had 33 pts, 12 rebs, and 11 assists for his 50th career triple-double. Luka is the 2nd fastest player in NBA history to 50 triple-doubles. Oscar Robertson did it in 111 games, Luka in 278 games, Magic Johnson in 279 games. – 10:54 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
5️⃣0️⃣ career triple-doubles.
Luka is the 2nd fastest player to 50 triple-doubles in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/19KLbbVxpu – 10:53 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Final rotations for the Nuggets as they get waxed without Jokić/Murray/Gordon, lose 127-99 to Dallas:
-Luka got his numbers
-MPJ was 4/15 and had some bad defensive lapses
-Brown/KCP each had 18 efficient points
-Bench scored just 35 points in extended garbage time pic.twitter.com/6SJF5N2mZ1 – 10:49 PM

Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
A list of every single triple-double by Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 10:48 PM
Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
It’s over. Mavericks 127, Nuggets 99. Too much Luka. KCP and Bruce Brown lead the Nuggets with 18 points apiece. Bones Hyland adds 17. Round 2 on Sunday. – 10:46 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Mavericks blow out Nuggets as Doncic earns his 50th triple-double. Here’s the quick recap:
mavs.com/doncic-powers-… – 10:45 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Luka tonight:
33 PTS
12 REB
11 AST
Leading the league in triple-doubles and 30-point games. pic.twitter.com/O9OqqrNbp8 – 10:42 PM

Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Luka Doncic is finished (finally) at 33 points (11-22 FG), 11 assists, 12 rebounds in 35 mins.
Another day in the life. – 10:30 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
This also is Doncic’s 25th 30-point triple double, 5th-most in history:
Oscar Robertson 106
Russell Westbrook 48
LeBron James 37
James Harden 35
@Luka Doncic 25 – 10:26 PM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Luka Doncic has four 30-point triple-doubles this season. The rest of the NBA? Pascal Siakam has the only other one. (Via @ESPNStatsInfo) – 10:25 PM
Tim Cato @tim_cato
luka doncic has 50 career triple-doubles at 23 years old. not sure i had 50 of anything when i was that old. – 10:24 PM
Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Luka now has 31-10-10, and 50 triple-doubles for his career. The fastest to 50 triple-doubles in NBA history is Oscar Robertson at 111 games. Luka is second on the list in 278 games. Magic is 3rd, after doing it in 279 games. – 10:21 PM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Luka Doncic has his 50th triple-double in his 278th career game. That’s one game faster than Magic Johnson hit the milestone. Only Oscar Robertson (111 games) got to 50 faster. – 10:21 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
And Luka has his triple-double, a minute into the fourth quarter. – 10:20 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Luka Doncic just became the second-youngest and second-fastest NBA player to 50 career triple-doubles.
31 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists tonight at 23 years-263 days old in his 279th career game.
Only Oscar Robertson (23 years-32 days old in 106 games) got there quicker. – 10:20 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Luka Doncic has his 50th career triple-double. He’s the 10th player to reach that milestone. Doncic and Oscar Robertson are the only players to reach 50 at age 23 or younger.
All other players in Mavericks history have combined for 40 triple-doubles, 21 of them by Jason Kidd. – 10:20 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Mavs lead Nuggets 105-83 after Q3, and this might be the rare triple-double they hope Luka Doncic (31 pts-9 rebounds-10 assists) doesn’t finish. – 10:17 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
One more rebound will make it 50 career triple-doubles — 25 of them with at least 30 points — for Dallas’ Luka Dončić.
More NBA from me: marcstein.Substack.com – 10:16 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic finishes the third quarter one rebound shy of his 50th career triple-double. Remains to be seen whether he’ll play in the 4th, with Dallas leading by 22. – 10:16 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Mavericks up 105-83 after three. Luka has 31 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds. Only question is whether he’ll be needed to play in the fourth. – 10:15 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Luka now one rebound from the 50th triple-double of his career. – 10:12 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
In another life, Luka Doncic would make a great lawyer. – 10:07 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Somehow, Luka’s allowed to absolutely wear out the officials, but the moment Bruce Brown says something, it’s a tech. – 10:03 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic better cool down. On verge of another tech. – 10:02 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Luka eyeing a triple-double already at 19-8-9 midway through the third quarter. – 10:00 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
A season hi 44 pts in the 2nd for Mavs, leading to a season hi 73 1st half pts & a 73-55 lead over depleted DEN. Doncic 13 of his 18 in last 5 of 2nd after Wood had 13 of his 18 in last 5 min of 1st. Nice lift from McGee as well 8 pts in 7 2nd qtr min. 2nd half soon @971TheFreak – 9:37 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Halftime rotations for the Nuggets as they trail 73-55.
-Luka: 18 points on 15 shots, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 turnover (travel)
-MPJ: 5 points, 2/11 FG, -17 +/-
-Bruce Brown: 13 points, 4 assists as starting PG, playing well pic.twitter.com/Wy5aIvJQSi – 9:36 PM

Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
luka vs. deandre jordan is quite the mismatch – 9:32 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
7 points, 5 assists and 8 rebounds for Doncic. Already zeroing in on career triple-double No. 50. – 9:23 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Mavs lead the star-less Nuggets 29-27 after Q1, and Luka Doncic is already on triple-double pace: 5 points (2-8 FG), 5 rebounds, 4 assists and one reluctant smile after Slovenian pal Vlatko Cancar hit a 3 at the quarter buzzer for Denver. – 9:05 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
By rough count Doncic threw 4 or 5 no-look passes in the first quarter. – 9:05 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
So far Bruce Brown, Jeff Green, Zeke Nnaji, Vlatko Cancar, Christian Braun and Bones Hyland have all tried their hand at guarding Luka Doncic, and we’ve played one quarter. Doncic just 2-of-8 so far but with 4 assists and 5 rebounds. Overall, not terrible. Mavs up 29-27 after 1. – 9:04 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Luka finishes first quarter with five points, four rebounds, four assists. At least three of those assists went to C-Wood, who has 13 first-quarter points as Mavericks lead 29-27. – 9:03 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Dear Luka: Passes off the backboard can’t be assists, nor can airballs count as assists. Nice try, though. – 9:03 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Luka missed that shot so badly it flew right to Christian Wood under the basket. That’s tough. – 9:01 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Luka Doncic just air-balled a 3-pointer, Christian Wood grabbed it under the hoop, drew a foul on the putback, and Luka immediately turned toward the scorer’s table and made his case for that actually being a pass.
Always one step ahead, that kid. – 9:01 PM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Luka Doncic airballs a stepback 3 that Christian Wood rebounds and then looks to the scorer’s table and tries to claim it was a pass. – 9:01 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
The Luka-Wood combo is a tough cover. Especially for DJ. – 8:57 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Great recognition by Luka early in this game. He fed Christian Wood for the second of two dunks, then understood the big man was filled with confidence. Luka passed up a point-blank shot and got a wide-open 3-pointer for Wood, which he made. Mavs tied with Denver at 18. – 8:55 PM
Michael C. Wright @mikecwright
That’s like three Luka-Wood connections in a row. Undermanned Nuggets still just fine though. – 8:55 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
MPJ with two stops on Luka 1 v 1 is a development. – 8:46 PM
Michael C. Wright @mikecwright
Let’s see what’s goin on in Luka-land. pic.twitter.com/lkzCniCBWE – 8:40 PM

Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Mavs starters: Bullock, DFS, Powell, Dinwiddie, Doncic
DEN starters: Porter, Green, Jordan, KCP, Brown
7:40 tip @971TheFreak – 8:15 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
Coach Malone said he had Vlatko Cančar speak to the Nuggets today about what it’s like playing with and against Luka. The two were national team teammates for Slovenia this summer. – 7:12 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Nuggets coach Michael Malone on Luka Doncic: “You’re watching film and it’s like you’re watching a horror movie because you’re scared as hell.”
Said he asked forward Vlatko Cancar, Luka’s Slovenian national team teammate, shared tips with teammates during prep for tonight. – 7:06 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Michael Malone says he had Vlatko Cancar, his Slovenian teammate, speak to the team about how Luka Doncic plays. – 7:04 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Mentioned this last night, but the Mavericks are currently ranked 15th in offense and 4th in defense on CTG. They’ve surrounded Luka with a bunch of defenders and it’s worked reasonably well.
Not sure whether it’s smarter to start Bones or Bruce Brown in place of Murray either. – 7:02 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Most 30+ points on 50%+ shooting games this season:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 10
Luka Doncic – 9
Donovan Mitchell – 7
Kevin Durant – 7
Jayson Tatum – 6
Steph Curry – 6 pic.twitter.com/s0V0zdhESM – 5:09 PM

Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Gilbert Arenas says the two players who remind him most of himself in today’s game are Damian Lillard and James Harden. He said if he had to choose one player to take the last shot, it’s Dame with “Luka as a close second.” – 5:01 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
earlier this week i wrote about the evolving and intriguing pick-and-roll chemistry between @Christian Wood and luka doncic. they’re very good together, create myriad problems for the defense, and should probably play more than they do: theringer.com/nba/2022/11/16… – 4:15 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Doesn’t look like any of Jokić, Murray, or Gordon will be available against Luka Dončić and the Mavs tonight.
That may change in the Sunday matchup, but at least tonight, Denver’s gonna be at a major disadvantage. Getting just one win over this two-game stretch would be big. – 3:02 PM
Alykhan Bijani @Rockets_Insider
Jalen Green played the 82nd game (one season worth) of his career at Dallas on 11/16. He is the 8th player 20 or younger to have posted his totals of points, rebounds and assists through the first 82 games played of a career joining Melo, Luka, ANT, Kyrie, Lebron, Zion, and Trae. – 1:55 PM
Tas Melas @TasMelas
The Drop | One Month In NBA Awards
• MVP: Luka, Tatum or Giannis?
• Most Improved: SGA, Markkanen or Bol Bol?
• DPOY: Brook Lopez, OG or Jarrett Allen?
📼: https://t.co/lpdqYcGEij
🍎: https://t.co/XjSclz1zbq
✳️: https://t.co/YpCkqbFeOa
🅰️: https://t.co/v1qudLaLWE pic.twitter.com/nWikTngpqX – 12:43 PM

Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Dyson Daniels on facing elite scorers: “It’s been good. Obviously challenging matchups, some great players. Matched up on Ja a few times, Zach LaVine, Luka Doncic. Going against the best of the best is what I want to do. I want to prove myself, that I can compete and hold my own” – 11:16 AM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
A look at West standings finds the top NINE teams seperated by 1.5 games. You have to think, at some point, this will somewhat thin out, but it does make every game crucial, & the thought of load managing (not just for Mavs & Luka, but for every team) more loathsome than usual – 10:35 AM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
One-of-a-kind Luka Doncic rookie card sells for record $3.12 million in public auction dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 9:48 AM

More on this storyline

“He’s already rewriting the record book,” said Mavs coach Jason Kidd, who took 649 games to record 50 triple-doubles in his playing career. “That’s pretty cool. … Oscar is pretty special, so now to be right there behind Oscar being second fastest to 50 just shows you how special he is.” It was also the 25th time that Doncic has scored at least 30 points in a triple-double. That ranks fifth in NBA history, according to ESPN Stats & Information research, trailing only Robertson, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and James Harden. -via ESPN / November 19, 2022
Dwain Price: Here’s what Nuggets coach Michael Malone said about game-planning to face Luka Doncic: “There’s certain guys as a head coach when you watch film it’s like watching a horror movie, because you get scared as hell. How the hell are you going to stop this guy?” -via Twitter @DwainPrice / November 19, 2022
Nick Angstadt: A reporter asked Luka Doncic if he’d been paying attention to any of the changes on Twitter. Luka: “No, I just play chess on my phone” -via Twitter / November 17, 2022

Kevin Durant becomes 19th player to reach 26,000 career points

Clutch Points: Congratulations to Kevin Durant on becoming the 19th player in NBA history to score 26,000 career points  pic.twitter.com/8St73cvEIw Source: Twitter @ClutchPointsApp What’s the buzz on Twitter? Eric Pincus @ EricPincus Pistons have …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Eric Pincus @EricPincus
Pistons have some young OKC in them, back when they had baby KD and all that. They ran “better” vet teams off the floor with Russ, Harden, Ibaka, etc. Don’t think DET has that level of transcendent talent but I like the direction… And that’s without Cade, Stewart, etc tonight – 2:48 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Jusuf Nurkic expressed his feelings about Kevin Durant’s size 😅
🎥 @NBATV pic.twitter.com/zhgSyDKQap – 1:12 AM

Sean Highkin @highkin
Shaedon Sharpe: “I looked up to KD growing up. So guarding him is like, ‘Welcome to the NBA.’ For real.” – 1:08 AM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Simmons, Yuta, KD frontline was overwhelming Portland’s offense down the stretch.
Some really impressive defensive possessions that I can’t wait to dive into. – 1:00 AM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Kevin Durant is fired up after Brooklyn closes out the road trip with a gritty win. pic.twitter.com/wJ2cgeJjpS – 12:56 AM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
That’s the kind of win that goes a long way towards Kevin Durant’s trust in his teammates.
KD had a bad offensive foul, missed FT, atrocious foul on Nurkic, and missed game-winner.
His teammates picked him up big time. Everyone needs that sometimes. – 12:47 AM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Best win of the season for the Nets.
KD and Simmons give Yuta a high five and a hug as the Nets’ bench celebrates together. – 12:40 AM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Final: Nets 109, Blazers 107
Durant: 35 pts, 13/22 shooting
Watanabe: 20 pts, 7 reb, 5/7 from 3
Simmons: 15 pts, 12 reb, 7 ast
KD carries early on. Ben Simmons plays his best game as a Net. Yuta Watanabe clutch as can be down the stretch. Royce tip-in.
Outstanding win. – 12:39 AM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
How you feel about Royce O’Neale now, KD? – 12:36 AM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Royce O’Neale just tipped in a KD miss that may have just sealed a Nets win — and a triple double. A clutch play.
O’Neale has 11 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in 37 minutes. – 12:36 AM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Durant misses but O’Neal gets the tip in to go with 0.7 seconds to play – 12:35 AM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
That is so mind-numbingly bad by KD. – 12:33 AM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Durant at the line, misses the first, so the Blazers should have a chance to at least tie this one with 14.9 seconds to play – 12:32 AM
Chris Palmer @ChrisPalmerNBA
Let’s do the poll. Would you trade Jermai Grant and Anfernee Simons for Kevin Durant straight up? – 12:31 AM
Sean Highkin @highkin
Jerami Grant just blocked a KD fadeaway. Not too often that happens. – 12:11 AM
Chris Palmer @ChrisPalmerNBA
Portland is off to a great start. But would you trade Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons straight up for Kevin Durant to become a legit contender? – 12:08 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Longest streak of 25-point games to start a season:
16 — MJ in 1988-89
16 — KD this season
The record is Wilt (80 in 1961-62). pic.twitter.com/ThT5SDdlGq – 12:07 AM

Barbara Barker @meanbarb
KD has 27 points, reaching 25 in all of the #Nets first 16 games. That’s the longest such run since Michael Jordan in 1988-89. Up next? Rick Barry who had 25 in a row in 1966-67. – 11:55 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Moving on up 📈
Kevin Durant becomes the 19th player to reach 26,000 career points 👏 pic.twitter.com/kDcZnyXa45 – 11:53 PM

Erik Slater @erikslater_
Two blatant missed calls from the refs on KD.
Complete momentum shifters. Awful. – 11:42 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Vaughn was standing up for KD there. KD thought he got fouled on the last possession and a couple possessions before that. He’s been chirping at ref James Williams — and instead of giving KD a tech, he gave one to Vaughn. – 11:42 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Kevin Durant is the 19th player in NBA history to score 26,000 points. Only other currently rostered player to reach 26K is LeBron James. If Durant scores 25 pts vs POR, he’ll join Michael Jordan as the only NBA players in past 55 yrs to score 25+ in their teams first 16 games – 11:41 PM
Eric Pincus @EricPincus
ICYMI: After my new colleague’s (@Chris Haynes ) excellent interview with Kevin Durant @BleacherReport – I thought through the “what if KD asks for a trade again?” question with how I’d see that market shaking out: bleacherreport.com/articles/10055… – 11:41 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Two poorly timed turnovers from KD.
Ball is not bouncing the Nets way tonight. – 11:39 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
With that basket, Kevin Durant (19 points) is the 19th player in NBA history to score 26,000 career points.
The only other player currently on an NBA roster to reach the 26,000-point mark is LeBron James. – 11:31 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
With that basket, Kevin Durant became the 19th player in #NBA history to score 26,000 points. #Nets – 11:29 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
Kevin Durant still quite good, it turns out – 11:03 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
The Nets offense when they had success of late was predicated on getting KD the ball in the mid-post.
The good teams since have made those entries very difficult. – 10:56 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Kevin Durant should really work with Nic Claxton on defending bigger bodies down low.
KD knows how to anchor his base and provide pretty decent resistance when he wants to. – 10:22 PM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Nurk and ZDurant getting into it, with Nurk holding up his thumb and pointer finger (I was hoping there would be an emoji for this) as KD says his piece – 10:22 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
KD and Nurkic exchanging a few pleasantries heading into that time out. Joe Harris already has 10 points and has three triples. A little intensity early in this one. – 10:21 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant and Nurkic jawing. Nurkic motions telling KD he’s too little. – 10:21 PM
Kevin Pelton @kpelton
Despite our expectations, a lineup of Sumner, Harris, O’Neale, Durant and Claxton (with a brief Seth Curry sub) leads Portland 17-10 early. – 10:19 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
On today’s @PHNX_Suns pod, we talked Eric Gordon, Cam Payne, KD and plenty more!
Listen here: https://t.co/ewVh6HiOLI pic.twitter.com/RVNpzmiRtm – 9:09 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Chauncey Billups calls KD a “matchup nightmare.” Says when he misses a shot, it’s more because he just missed rather than the defense. #Nets – 8:25 PM
Austin Burton @Amaar_206
NBA League Pass Game of the Day: Nets at Blazers
Last time out, Brooklyn gave up 150+ to Sacramento, then Kevin Durant actually admitted he’s playing with a subpar supporting cast. Will the role players have something to prove against a solid Portland squad? pic.twitter.com/NmAtlwcZWD – 6:13 PM

Barbara Barker @meanbarb
If KD scores 25 or more tonight against Portland, he will tie the mark Michael Jordan set in 1988-89 when he opened season with 16 straight games of 25 or more. pic.twitter.com/HJDI3xGlfP – 4:50 PM

Kerith Burke @KerithBurke
On the next episode of the Dubs Talk podcast, would you enjoy a conversation outlining the reasons Kevin Durant will not play for the Warriors again? – 4:32 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
Most isolations per game, via @SecondSpectrum:
1. Luka Doncic: 16.7 isos/game, 54.2 eFG%
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 14.7, 52.1%
3. Pascal Siakam: 11.7, 53.6%
4. James Harden: 10.7, 52%
5. Joel Embiid: 10.3, 58.6%
6. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 10.1, 44.5%
7. Kevin Durant: 9.3, 58.1% pic.twitter.com/Seauc1IJ4f – 3:14 PM

Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Kevin Durant doesn’t hold back in a conversation with Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes
@TermineRadio & @Eddie Johnson have some advice for the Nets All-Star forward. pic.twitter.com/sH7eY0SSrV – 3:00 PM

Barbara Barker @meanbarb
KD On the news Kyrie could be back Sunday: “it’s exciting for everybody. i mean we miss KAI. we miss his presence on the floor.” pic.twitter.com/58H8gRrIBk – 2:33 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant on Kyrie: “I don’t know the details about anything that’s going. I should know I guess because I’m part of the team, but I’ve been totally focused on the road trip. Once we get back home I’m sure that stuff will figure itself out. But hopefully it’s soon.” #nets pic.twitter.com/XrRzMfwT7x – 2:16 PM

Paul Pierce @paulpierce34
It’s a possibility we can have a NBA playoffs with no KD no Lebron and no Steph Curry . Is there a changing of the gaurd happening right before our eyes ,speak on it .🤷🏾‍♂️ – 1:47 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Top 4:
Kevin Durant
Steph Curry
Jalen Green
DeMar DeRozan
Guess the stat. pic.twitter.com/c9q0AYDKuv – 1:43 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant on Kyrie’s potential return: “I haven’t talked to him since we’ve been on the road trip about it, the last couple of days. But we’re looking forward to his return to the team. Definitely gonna give us a much needed spark.” #nets – 1:42 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
KD on possibility of Kyrie being back Sunday. “It’s exciting for everybody. We miss Ky, miss his presence on the floor.”
KD says he hasn’t spoken to Kyrie since the road trip started. He said he hasn’t been in contact with Marks/Tsai about the situation. – 1:30 PM
Kylen Mills @KylenMills
Stephen A Smith has some interesting advice for the Warriors after their early season woes: “Go ahead and make the trade for Kevin Durant. … You can’t waste the greatness of Steph Curry.” #DubNation pic.twitter.com/oyOkvnXM4M – 1:28 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Shai this season:
More PPG than
— Tatum
— Giannis
— Durant
More SPG than
— Holiday
— Butler
— Dort
More BPG than
— Capela
— Allen
— Giannis
Doing it on both ends of the floor. pic.twitter.com/aJHFllLb14 – 10:58 AM

NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Imagine a world where Steph, LeBron and KD all start the season with a .400 or less win pct 😳 pic.twitter.com/WBTpQKMbCv – 10:57 AM

Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
NBA’s top 2-man lineups (minimum: 100 minutes played):
1. Jayson Tatum/Sam Hauser +29.9
2. Luke Kornet/Sam Hauser +29.2
3. Kevin Durant/Cam Thomas +28.6
Hauser is an NBA best +24.0 net rating this season (minimum: 15.0 MPG). And no one is within 5 points of him. – 10:27 AM
Sean Deveney @SeanDeveney
Would the @Brooklyn Nets trade Kevin Durant in-season? It hasn’t come to that yet, according to NBA execs … but if it did, where do they see him landing?
At @HeavyOnSports
heavy.com/sports/brookly… – 9:47 AM

More on this storyline

Nick Friedell: KD on Simmons: “Incredible. I’m just happy for him because he’s been trying to get his form back, trying to figure his rhythm out. Tonight I think he did a good job just talking up, commanding the offense, commanding the team on the defensive side of the ball. He was incredible.” -via Twitter @NickFriedell / November 18, 2022
StatMuse: KD tonight: 35 PTS 8 REB 13-22 FG Averaging 30/8/6 on 54 FG% in his last 10 games. pic.twitter.com/p78AB9ZWd2 -via Twitter @statmuse / November 18, 2022
Brian Lewis: KD has 27 points, reaching 25 in all of the #Nets first 16 games. That’s the longest such run since Michael Jordan in 1988-89. The last player with 17 straight was Rick Barry with 25 in a row in 1966-67. -via Twitter @NYPost_Lewis / November 18, 2022

Josh Giddey joins Wilt Chamberlain as one of two players to record triple-double in first game at Madison Square Garden

Tim Bontemps: Quite the stat from Thunder PR: Two players have recorded triple-doubles in their first two games at Madison Square Garden. Wilt Chamberlain … and Josh Giddey. Source: Twitter @TimBontemps What’s the buzz on Twitter? Rob Perez @ …

Tim Bontemps: Quite the stat from Thunder PR: Two players have recorded triple-doubles in their first two games at Madison Square Garden. Wilt Chamberlain … and Josh Giddey.

Source: Twitter @TimBontemps

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Thunder fans: you will be pleased to know Josh Giddey has broken MSG’s postgame show crew. pic.twitter.com/aIZtPyhaxk – 3:55 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Josh Giddey racks up his 5⃣th career triple-double tonight in Madison Square Garden 😳
24 PTS
10 REB
12 AST
Can OKC fight for the playoffs this season? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/zmmISeakqv – 3:50 PM

Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Daigneault said Giddey found his rhythm late in the second Milwaukee game with those offensive rebounds.
Daigneault: “He really used effort to try to get himself on track and I thought that was very encouraging. Ever since he’s done that, he’s been back in a good way.” – 3:01 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
37 points
8 assists
5 rebounds
3 steals
2 blocks
Josh Giddey
24 points
12 assists
10 rebounds
2-3 from 3
Young OKC backcourt put on an absolute show in NYC. pic.twitter.com/ek4XuNDbRp – 2:31 PM

Royce Young @royceyoung
Thunder drop 145 points on 62.5% shooting, 17-31 from 3, and a second straight game with 31 assists.
– SGA: 37-5-8, plus 3 steals and 2 blocks
– Giddey: 24-10-12
– Dort: 24
– J-Rob: 17 and 7 rebounds – 2:30 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
FINAL: Thunder 145, Knicks 135
SGA – 37 points on 13/22 shooting
Giddey – 24 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds
Dort – 24 points on 8/11 shooting
JRE – 17 points on 7/9 shooting
Poku – 12 points
OKC shot 55/88 (62.5%) from the field and 17/31 (54.8%) from 3
OKC is now 6-7 – 2:28 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Final: Thunder 145, Knicks 135.
Knicks fall to 6-7 on the season. They begin a five-game road trip Tuesday.
• Randle 25-10-3
• Reddish 26 pts
• Quickley 24 pts, 5 asts
• Giddey 24-10-12
• SGA 37-5-8
Thunder got 63% from the field, 17-31 on 3s, 90% at the line. – 2:28 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Late game drama: the stat guys took a rebound away from Josh Giddey…
…but he gets another one with 14 seconds left.
Giddey and Wilt history still stands. – 2:27 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Josh Giddey today:
24 PTS
10 REB
12 AST
10-14 FG
His 5th career triple-double, only KD (7) and Russ (138) have more in OKC history. pic.twitter.com/EvI1Hz3Y9R – 2:27 PM

Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Josh Giddey is back to 9 rebounds on the official NBA and ESPN box scores – 2:25 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Josh Giddey and Wilt Chamberlain are the only players to record triple-doubles in their first 2 games at Madison Square Garden. – 2:24 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Thunder PR:
Josh Giddey joins Wilt Chamberlain (1968) as the only other player in NBA history to record triple-doubles during their first two games at Madison Square Garden. – 2:22 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Per Thunder PR:
Josh Giddey joins Wilt Chamberlain (1968) as the only other player in NBA history to record triple-doubles during their first two games at Madison Square Garden. – 2:21 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Quite the stat from Thunder PR:
Two players have recorded triple-doubles in their first two games at Madison Square Garden.
Wilt Chamberlain … and Josh Giddey. – 2:21 PM
Royce Young @royceyoung
Triple-double for Josh Giddey: 21-10-11. That’s two career games at MSG for Giddey, and two triple-doubles. – 2:21 PM
Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Per Thunder: Josh Giddey joins Wilt Chamberlain (1968) as the only other player in NBA history to record triple-doubles during their first two games at Madison Square Garden. – 2:21 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Josh Giddey has played two games in his career at MSG.
He’s had triple-doubles in both of them. – 2:20 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Josh Giddey just earned another Triple Double in Madison Square Garden. He has played here twice in his career, two triple-doubles. – 2:20 PM
Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Two games for Josh Giddey at Madison Square Garden. Two triple-doubles. – 2:20 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Josh Giddey collects his first triple-double of the season with 22 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds – 2:20 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Josh Giddey has his first triple double of the season.
Giddey’s best games last season and this season were both in Madison Square Garden. – 2:20 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Giddey needs to Westbrook this and stat pad for that final reb – 2:18 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Josh Giddey makes the game of basketball way more beautiful. Outstanding assist… #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/b88C8EXTdN – 2:14 PM

Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Knicks fans yelling “airball” at Josh Giddey down by 15 points while he has a 22-11-9 line is hilarious – 2:12 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Oh my god that bounce pass from Giddey to JRE – 2:06 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Through three quarters, the Thunder lead the Knicks 122-106.
• Reddish 19-3-2
• Brunson 17 pts, 7 asts
• Randle 17 & 6
• SGA 35-5-8
• Giddey 16-6-10, 7-8 FGs
Thunder are shooting 69-63-93. They’re 17-27 from deep. – 1:56 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
End of the 3Q: Thunder 122, Knicks 106
SGA – 35 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds
Giddey – 16 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds
Dort – 18 points
JRE – 13 points
Poku – 12 points – 1:56 PM
Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Josh Giddey has 14 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. He’s shooting 6-of-7 and is 2-of-2 from three.
He seems to like the Garden. – 1:27 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Josh Giddey has a double double 1 minute into the 3rd quarter.
He’s offically on triple double watch: 5 rebounds away. – 1:26 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Josh Giddey has a double double 1 minute into the 3rd quarter.
He’s offically on triple double watch: 6 rebounds away. – 1:25 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
I’ve been stressing on Locked on Thunder don’t panic about Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s fit it’s a small sample size. They look good together these last few games, and can open up for each other more when 3’s fall, and next year Chet Holmgren certainly makes 3’s. – 1:23 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Josh Giddey’s best game as a rookie was in Madison Square Garden.
Josh Giddey’s best half as a sophomore so far is in Madison Square Garden.
14 points
8 assists
3 rebounds
1 steal
6-7 shooting
2-2 from 3 – 1:10 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
WOW. what a 3 by Giddey in the corner. Spinning around to the Knicks bench for a second. I love the edge he plays with. Josh Giddey ends the half with 14 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds in 17 minutes. OKC leads 79-73 after a disappointing close to the 1st they recovered. – 1:09 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
HALF: Thunder 79, Knicks 73
SGA – 14 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds
Giddey – 14 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds
OKC is shooting 31/46 (67.4%) from the field and 12/20 (60%) from 3
After giving up 48 1Q points to the Knicks, they held them to 25 points in the 2Q – 1:08 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
At halftime of this preposterous game, the Thunder lead the Knicks 79-73.
• Randle 13 & 5
• Brunson 13 pts, 3 asts
• Hartenstein 12 & 7
• Quickley 8 pts
• SGA 14-3-4
• Giddey 14-3-8
Thunder are shooting 67% from the field 60% from 3 and 100% from the line. – 1:08 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Ooh. Josh Giddey just hit a 3-pointer and stared down the Knicks bench.
Halftime:
Thunder 79, Knicks 73. – 1:07 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
OKC was down 13 points in the 1st quarter.
SGA hits a stepback 3 to tie it and Josh Giddey hits a floater to take the lead in the 2nd quarter.
Just a typical Thunder game. – 12:57 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
End of the 1Q: Knicks 48, Thunder 36
SGA – 6p
Dort – 6p
Giddey – 7p – 12:38 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Josh Giddey follows up maybe his two best games of the season with a hot start.
Giddey leads OKC with 7 points and 4 assists after the 1st quarter. – 12:37 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Really good pass by Josh Giddey to set up that Aleksej Pokusevski 3. Giddey has had a strong couple of games looks like he has his groove again. Poku inbound steal gets OKC within 1. Fun Sunday afternoon! – 12:23 PM
Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Thunder starters at Knicks
– SGA
– Giddey
– Dort
– Pokusevski
– JRE
Most-used lineup of the season (34 minutes) for the Thunder. – 12:08 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Thunder starting lineup today:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Josh Giddey
Lu Dort
Aleksej Pokusevski
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl – 12:02 PM
Royce Young @royceyoung
Thunder play the Knicks at 11 am CT today. Flashback to last season’s trip to MSG where Josh Giddey went for 28-11-12 and Tre Mann had 30 in an overtime win. youtu.be/o95tZGq1Sqo – 10:54 AM
Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Put together a list of the top-10 individual Thunder performances at Madison Square Garden.
(Josh Giddey and Tre Mann both made it)
oklahoman.com/story/sports/n… – 9:14 AM

More on this storyline

However, Giddey has backed Simmons to be a key player in the World Cup and Olympics campaigns, although the two are likely to compete for the same place in the starting five. “Obviously he was dealing with some things with Philly and then [made] a fresh start in Brooklyn,” Giddey said. “People forget that Ben is an All-Star. He’s one of the best players in the league. He’s obviously going to need time to get on his feet, he hasn’t played in the NBA for a long time. I’m excited for what he can do and hopefully soon we can be part of the Boomers together and help Australia win a gold medal,” Giddey continued. -via BasketNews / November 8, 2022

Nikola Jokic on passing Wilt Chamberlain in triple-doubles: ‘It’s nice’

Nikola Jokic logged a triple-double, his third in the 2022-23 NBA Regular Season and 79th in his career. The Serbian superstar, back-to-back season MVP, now ranks sixth in the all-time list of players with the most triple-doubles, leaving Wilt …

Nikola Jokic logged a triple-double, his third in the 2022-23 NBA Regular Season and 79th in his career. The Serbian superstar, back-to-back season MVP, now ranks sixth in the all-time list of players with the most triple-doubles, leaving Wilt Chamberlain in the seventh spot. He was also presented with the game ball signed by his teammates. “It’s nice. It’s not just my success. I cannot do it without my teammates. I just wanted to remember one day, when I find that ball in a closet, just to see who I played with,” mentioned the Joker after his 15 points, 14 assists, and 13 rebounds pushed the Denver Nuggets to the win, 122-110, against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Paycom Center Wednesday.

Source: EuroHoops.net

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Michael Singer @msinger
The #Nuggets are presenting a signed game ball to Nikola Jokic on the night he passed Wilt Chamberlain for most triple-doubles in NBA history by a center. Joker’s now got 79. pic.twitter.com/JpGWjXefbZ – 10:37 PM

Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Mark Daigneault on Nikola Jokic: “He’s a really unique player in what gives him energy is the involvement of his teammates.” – 10:30 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Jokic finished one turnover shy of a quadruple-double. Really need that chemistry to improve but the Nuggets came out hot, coasted for a quarter, played listlessly then found half a quarter of good basketball in them to get the win.
Some days the win is enough. On to the next. – 10:17 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Nikola Jokic tonight:
15 PTS
13 REB
13 AST
Most triple-doubles ever by a center. pic.twitter.com/e08XFwm1xe – 10:15 PM

Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
FINAL: Nuggets 122, Thunder 110
SGA 37p on 13/17 & 11/11 from FTs
Giddey 16p 5a
Dort 19p
Jokic 15p 13a 12r
Gordon 27p
Murray 24p – 10:15 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
That was an all-time Jokic-directing-traffic play.
No one seemed to know what to do, Jokic pointed exactly where everyone should go, creates a layup for Bruce Brown. – 10:04 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Moving on up 📈
Nikola Jokic’s 79th triple-double surpasses Wilt Chamberlain for the most triple-doubles by a center in @NBA history. pic.twitter.com/7jjprjAeXQ – 10:01 PM

Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
With that assist, Nikola Jokic has the 79th triple-double of his career, more than any other center in NBA history. Aaron Gordon with the historic bucket. – 9:39 PM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
With that assist, Nikola Jokic passes Wilt Chamberlain for the most triple doubles by a Center in NBA history.
He’s now 6th All-Time. pic.twitter.com/DZgNva1jpn – 9:39 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Jokic surpasses Wilt Chamberlain for most triple-doubles in NBA history by a center with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists tonight.
That’s his 79th of his career. – 9:39 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Jokic missing a pass by 6 feet because that person is in the wrong place is so indicative of this team on both sides of the ball, really. Not enough connection yet to stop runs on defense or create the right looks when they’re not volcanically hot.
Just get hot again, I guess. – 9:38 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Jokic is officially better than Wilt Chamberlain. – 9:37 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic just passed Wilt Chamberlain for most career triple-doubles. He now has 79 and the 6th most all time. – 9:37 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Poor Mike was alone on Jokic there lmao – 9:29 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Halftime rotations for the Nuggets as they lead the Thunder 71-57.
-AG: 23 points on 10 shots, hitting from everywhere
-Joker: 2-9-8, you know, the usual
-Murray: Thought he wasn’t great. Denver’s spamming PnR with him in 2Q
-13/20 from 3 as a team pic.twitter.com/UHq5mCrHkI – 9:08 PM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
The ball is poppin for the Nuggets as they go up 71-57 at the halftime intermission.
Denver has 17 assists and 13 3-pointers. Gordon has 23 points and Jokic has a line of 2 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists.
If you’re Malone, what’s your message to the team? – 9:07 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic at the half: 2 points (1-2 FG’s), 9 rebounds, 8 assists.
Nuggets have 71 points. – 9:06 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
#Nuggets up 71 (!) – 57 at the break, shooting 13-of-20 from 3-point range. AG with a game-high 23, Joker with a very Joker line of 2 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists.
SGA leads OKC with 21. – 9:06 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
HALF: Nuggets 71, Thunder 57
SGA 21p
Jokic 8a 9r
Gordon 23p – 9:06 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Aaron Gordon is on fire, and Jokic is directing the offense again. pic.twitter.com/TgX0tgqDLS – 8:59 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
I am always curious when Denver has possessions without a PG on the floor and Jokic doesn’t touch the ball. How is that a thing?
Also, MPJ took two shots in the 2nd while he was in, both off the dribble rather than spot-up. Not ideal. – 8:57 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Nuggets dropped 42 points in the first quarter.
Lead 42-29
Jokic 0-4-6
Murray 3-1-1
MPJ 8-3-1 2/2 3FG
Gordon 15-1-1 3/3 3FG
KCP 6-1-1
Shai 17-1-1 – 8:37 PM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
If the Thunder can keep this close, Jokic is SURELY on pace to get a triple double and break Wilt Chamberlain’s record
Already has 5 assists and 4 rebounds in 6 minutes. – 8:24 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic has 5 assists in his first 5 minutes tonight. – 8:22 PM
Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
The Thunder don’t double Nikola Jokic on the first possession. He still fires a cross-court assist to Jamal Murray for a 3. Aaron Gordon adds a dunk, and it’s 5-0 Nuggets. – 8:14 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets starters at Thunder:
Jamal Murray
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Michael Porter Jr.
Aaron Gordon
Nikola Jokic – 7:32 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Pregame show is live. Come join me, @DLineCo & @Harrison Wind.
✅ Is tonight a triple-double night for Jokic?
✅ Power Ranking the NBA
✅ Bones in or out?
youtube.com/watch?v=haexzH… – 7:31 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Nikola Jokic working on his middy pic.twitter.com/K1sOxCicKU – 6:43 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Vladimir Lucic learned a few tricks from Nikola Jokic this summer 🤭
pic.twitter.com/mYYgQVKSEx – 5:15 PM

Christian Clark @cclark_13
The only player averaging more post-ups per game than Zion is Nikola Jokic. Williamson can score this way, but there are other ways to use him.
New Orleans should use Zion in the pick-and-roll more, especially with CJ. nola.com/sports/pelican… – 3:25 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
#Nuggets head strength-and-conditioning coach Felipe Eichenberger on managing Jamal Murray/Michael Porter Jr.’s workload, Nikola Jokic’s MVP seasons & more. Felipe on Jokic’s chances for a third MVP: “‘I often tell him, ‘You’re going to win 10 in a row.'” https://t.co/RQMEbLxlKB pic.twitter.com/JL9l8GebnA – 10:50 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
David Blatt says that even Nikola Jokic couldn’t compare to Arvydas Sabonis 😲 pic.twitter.com/hPqe54otzf – 8:42 AM

More on this storyline

The Blazers outscored the Nuggets 44-25 in the third, taking control of the game. “It was a great win for us against a great team,” Billups said. Portland held Denver center Nikola Jokic to nine points on 3-of-4 shooting, but he also had nine assists and nine rebounds. Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 26 points. The Blazers last opened a season 4-0 during the 1999-2000 season. -via Oregonian / October 25, 2022
Justin Kubatko: Nikola Jokic last night: ✅ 19 PTS ✅ 16 REB ✅ 13 AST Jokic has 78 career triple-doubles, tying Wilt Chamberlain for the most in NBA history by a center. It’s the 38th time he’s recorded a triple-double on 60% shooting from the field, the third-most such games in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/tTWt3ug1UK -via Twitter @jkubatko / October 23, 2022

Zion Williamson post double-double in return after injury

Christian Clark: Final: Pelicans 112, Clippers 91. Zion with 21-12-7 in his return. Dominant second half. New Orleans improves to 4-2. Source: Twitter @cclark_13 What’s the buzz on Twitter? Jake Madison @ NOLAJake Zion Williamson returns as New …

Christian Clark: Final: Pelicans 112, Clippers 91. Zion with 21-12-7 in his return. Dominant second half. New Orleans improves to 4-2.

Source: Twitter @cclark_13

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Zion Williamson returns as New Orleans Pelicans roll Los Angeles Clippers and Paul George pic.twitter.com/sCBmilIhhs – 5:31 PM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Pelicans coach Willie Green on Zion Williamson’s growth as a passer pic.twitter.com/cZDmusdcO7 – 5:29 PM

Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Zion Williamson returns to the court and registers 21 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, as #Pelicans dominate second half in LA, beating Clippers 112-91 after a halftime tie. CJ McCollum 22 pts, Naji Marshall 17 pts. @PanzuraNews postgame wrap: https://t.co/mJCKmEJ2Ee pic.twitter.com/890Hbl0BFo – 5:24 PM

Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
CJ McCollum hugging Zion Williamson in mid-interview with Bally Sports.
The vibes are going to be special all season. – 5:14 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Final: Pelicans 112, Clippers 91
McCollum 22 pts & 5 rebs
Williamson 21 pts, 12 rebs & 7 assts
Marshall 17 pts
Pels outscore the Clips 60-39 in the second half to improve to 4-2 this season. Really impressive 2nd half showing from the Pels. Now they get the Lakers on Wednesday. – 5:12 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
#Pelicans on the road so far:
Beat Bkn by 22
Beat Cha by 12
Beat LAC by 21
Lost Phx by 13 (but no Zion, Ingram, Herb) – 5:11 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
FINAL: Pelicans 112, Clippers 91
– Zion: 21p, 12r, 7a
– CJ: 22p, 5r, 3a
– Trey: 15p, 4r
– Larry: 15p, 9r
– Graham: 9p, 7a, 4r
– JV: 11p, 7r, 5a
– Naji: 17p, 6r, 4a
Pels: 49.5 FG%, 15/36 3P, 5/8 FT
Clips: 41.9 FG%, 11/39 3P, 8/13 FT – 5:11 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Final score: Pelicans 112, Clippers 91. Strong return for Zion Williamson (21-12-7). Paul George, not so much. – 5:10 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Final: Pelicans 112, Clippers 91
Zion with 21-12-7 in his return.
Dominant second half.
New Orleans improves to 4-2. – 5:10 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Zion today:
21 PTS
12 REB
7 AST
Please stay healthy this season. pic.twitter.com/PIjAMqSsQM – 5:09 PM

Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Pels call a timeout to get all of their main guys out of the game. Zion Williamson’s final stat line:
21 points
12 rebounds
7 assists
1 steal
9-17 FG
3-4 FT
31 minutes – 5:06 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
There’s been solid balance, but the Pelicans have still looked to pound the ball inside often, outscoring the Clippers 44-28 in points in the paint. Yet only 8 free throw attempts.
Has there ever been fewer FT attempts by the team in a Zion Williamson played game? – 5:04 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Zion rifles a pass to Devonte’ Graham, who hits from the left wing. Zion needs 3 assists for his first career triple-double. – 4:45 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Zion now one assist away from tying his career-high. Three more would give him the first triple-double of his career. – 4:44 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
That’s 3 assists to go for Zion’s first career triple-double. – 4:43 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Clippers 1-12 from 3 in third, Pelicans get 14 in the paint in the third and lead by 11 heading into fourth.
Zion with 19 and 10. – 4:41 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of the 3rd: Pelicans 78, Clippers 67
Williamson 19 pts, 10 rebs & 6 assts
McCollum 18 pts
Valanciunas 10 pts & 7 rebs
Pels held the Clippers to 15 pts in the 3rd. Effort on that end was really impressive most of the period. – 4:41 PM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
The look Zion gave that ref…and then he gets the and 1 – 4:39 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
That Zion dunk set up by Jose Alvarado getting first offensive rebound of the season. If the Clips are giving up offensive boards to Alvarado, you know where things are headed today. – 4:39 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Watching Zion overpower 7-footers never gets old. – 4:38 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
It was a 21-point turnaround for the Pelicans since the 7:42 mark of the second quarter when they took a 10-point lead. And now Zion has an alley-oop and and-1. – 4:38 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Pelicans outscored Clippers 27-16 in last 7:42 of first half to tie game at 52.
New Orleans started getting that possession battle back in their favor while hitting 5 2nd quarter 3s.
Morris and Powell have 12 each for Clippers, Williamson and Marshall have 10 each for Pelicans. – 4:04 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Halftime, tied at 52. Zion halfway to a triple double for Pels, Norm Powell has returned to the living for Clips. I didn’t see what happened to Jose Alvarado. – 4:03 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
HALF: Pels 52, Clippers 52
– Zion: 10p, 6a, 6r
– Naji: 10p, 2r, 2a
– JV: 8p, 4r
– CJ: 8p, 2/3 3P
– Larry: 6p, 4r
Pels: 44.7 FG%, 7/15 3P, 3/5 FT
Clippers: 48.8 FG%, 6/18 3P, 4/5 FT
Pels: 26p in the paint – 4:03 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of the 1st half: Pelicans 52, Clippers 52
Williamson 10 pts, 6 rebs & 6 assts
Marshall 10 pts
Valanciunas 8 pts & 4 rebs
Pels manage to go into halftime despite not playing very well for most of the half. Zion is also on triple-double watch in his first game back – 4:03 PM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Touch is still coming back but Zion looks excellent. Particularly on the 2nd quarter. Scoring when he can and recognizing others are open and making the right pass. 6 assists so far – 4:02 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Pels looked out of sync offensively for most of the first half. It’s somehow tied at 52. Zion and CJ both started to heat up at the end. – 4:01 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Zion has a couple really impressive passes in this fist half – 4:00 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Zion can pass, man. – 4:00 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
Activate Zion Trip Dub Watch. – 4:00 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Zion showing off some smart decision making with his passing (four assists). He’s done a good job with being aggressive and then adjusting to the Clippers’ defense. – 3:56 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Zion throws some sick passes on the move for a dude who weighs…well, whatever he weighs. – 3:55 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
There was some bad Norm in there (fastbreak turnover that led to Zion Big Easy, back foot out of bounds)
But Norm made up for it with a fast break lay followed by his second 3. He has 8 off the bench.
LA up 34-25 with 8:01 left in first half. – 3:43 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
That’s the second time that Zion Williamson has gone high-flying for a blocked shot. That time he got it, rejecting Norman Powell.
Love seeing that effort from him because he has a ways to go in other defensive areas. – 3:41 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
This is the first time in four games that the Clippers have led after one quarter. Up 25-18 on Pelicans. They’ve been solid in keeping Zion from overpowering them, and from keeping Alvarado from disrupting them. – 3:37 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of the 1st: Clippers 25, Pelicans 18
Williamson 5 pts & 4 rebs
Nance 4 pts
McCollum 3 pts (1-5 FG)
Pels shot 36.8 percent from the floor in the 1st. Also turned it over 5 times. – 3:37 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Norm Powell just did the “too small” to Zion after hitting a catch-and-shoot 3 pointer over his closeout, which… I mean …. sure, I guess. – 3:33 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
John Wall took a Zion Williamson charge – 3:32 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Zubac doing a respectable job on Zion, but he is such a craft scorer inside there is only so much anyone can do. – 3:21 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers wanted to get off to a better start after being down 11-0, 8-0, and 8-2 last three games.
This qualifies! 10-9 lead for LA with 6:34 left.
Watching Zion live for the first time, and it is an experience for sure. Enjoying him attempt to size up Zu with mixed results. – 3:19 PM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Even injured Zion is still nearly unstoppable at the rim – 3:16 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Zion Williamson is trying to attack Ivica Zubac anytime he has the ball. Should be a fun matchup – 3:15 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Zion Williamson is making fans in Crypto.com Arena audibly “ooh” and “ahh” whenever he takes a leap around Zubac. – 3:15 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Zion’s first step looking very quick to start this one – 3:14 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Zion Williamson gets a friendly whistle on a drive to the rim 22 seconds into this game.
Watching how the referees call the game is always something to monitor. – 3:13 PM
Eric Patten @EricPatten
Only 4th time Zion has ever faced @Los Angeles Clippers – 3:13 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Pretty big cheers for Zion as he’s introduced. Clippers fans want to see him too. – 3:07 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
We’re back to big cheers for Zion in the starting lineup from the opposing crowds. – 3:06 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
I wonder if we see Marcus Morris Sr. start today’s game on Jonas Valanciunas while Ivica Zubac takes on Zion Williamson. – 2:53 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Greetings from No Way In Hell This Crypto Company Naming Rights Deal Runs to Completion Arena. Matinee between Clippers and Pelicans tipping soon; Zion and PG both expected to return. pic.twitter.com/Sg02QRtzXn – 2:51 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers second unit could be John Wall, Luke Kennard, Norman Powell, Amir Coffey, Nicolas Batum tonight.
Will be interesting to see if that unit is on the floor at the same time. Offensively intriguing. But the rebounding is a massive concern today with Zion Williamson back. – 2:46 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Pelicans starters:
CJ McCollum
Naji Marshall
Trey Murphy
Zion Williamson
Jonas Valanciunas – 2:27 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Starters:
CJ McCollum
Naji Marshall
Zion Williamson
Trey Murphy
Jonas Valanciunas – 2:26 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
Pels starters:
CJ McCollum
Naji Marshall
Trey Murphy
Zion Williamson
Jonas Valanciunas – 2:26 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Zion Williamson is available to play for #Pelicans at Clippers. Herb Jones is out – 2:19 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Zion Williamson makes his return to the lineup today in LA against the Clippers but Herb Jones (knee) remains out, Pelicans say.
More NBA from me: marcstein.Substack.com – 2:18 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Zion is in, but Herb Jones will miss a third straight game after hyperextending his right knee. – 2:17 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Zion Williamson will make his return to the lineup today vs the Clippers, per the Pelicans.
Herb Jones remains out. – 2:16 PM
NBA Kicks @NBAKicks
The Jordan Zion 2, worn by the man himself! #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/7GsbzpTXXJ – 2:07 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Per usual, Willie Green will not tip his hand and says Zion Williamson is a game time decision. – 1:43 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
No update yet. Zion and Herb are game time decisions, per Willie Green. – 1:32 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
CJ on being teammates with Zion and his direct leadership style https://t.co/Xc4TsQcvNP pic.twitter.com/W76ERAzRL4 – 12:05 PM

Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Willie Green uttered perhaps the greatest speech in franchise history when the Pelicans last met the Clippers.
Don’t expect for today’s matchup to be as intense, but Zion and Herb feel more likely than not to return — and BI may not be far behind them. https://t.co/FuL88h7IhR pic.twitter.com/rjjUYZLEiH – 7:03 AM

Larry Lage @LarryLage
Zion Brown hit Donovan Edwards so hard it kind of hurt me up in the press box. Ouch. – 8:55 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Zion Williamson and Herb Jones listed as questionable tomorrow against the Clippers.
Dyson Daniels will miss a second straight game with an ankle sprain. – 7:51 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Zion Williamson, Herb Jones listed as questionable for Sunday’s afternoon game at Clippers. Four #Pelicans players listed as out on @MorrisBartLLC injury report: https://t.co/h35zEpbPFa pic.twitter.com/wqEHOhMS4d – 7:45 PM

Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
Zion Williamson & Herb Jones are questionable for Sunday’s game against LAC.
Zion to ESPN: “I’m gonna wake up tomorrow and see how I’m feeling. If I feel great, I’m gonna go. If I feel like it’s too much soreness or it got worse, then I’m not gonna go.”
espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 6:09 PM

More on this storyline

Adrian Wojnarowski: Zion Williamson will return to the New Orleans lineup vs. the Clippers today, sources tell ESPN. -via Twitter @wojespn / October 30, 2022
Andrew Lopez: Status for Zion Williamson and Herb Jones has yet to be determined, Willie Green says. Both are warming up to see if they can go. -via Twitter @_Andrew_Lopez / October 30, 2022

DeMar DeRozan reaches 20,000 points in the NBA

KC Johnson: DeMar DeRozan just became the 50th NBA player (54th counting ABA/NBA combo players) to score 20,000 points. Source: Twitter @KCJHoop What’s the buzz on Twitter? Darnell Mayberry @ DarnellMayberry DeMar DeRozan reaches 20,000-point …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
DeMar DeRozan reaches 20,000-point milestone: What it means for his legacy theathletic.com/3741036/2022/1… – 9:05 PM
Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
DeMar DeRozan just surpassed 20,000 career points on a midrange pull-up jumper with 5:43 left in the first quarter at San Antonio.
DeRozan is the 50th player in NBA history to reach this scoring milestone. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich immediately calls timeout to honor DeRozan. – 8:53 PM
Tom Petrini @RealTomPetrini
Big ovation for DeMar DeRozan, who just scored the 20,000th point of his career.
He’s the 50th player in NBA history to reach the milestone. – 8:53 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
There it is.
DeMar DeRozan reaches 20,000 points with a signature pull-up from the midrange. – 8:53 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
DeMar DeRozan just became the 50th NBA player (54th counting ABA/NBA combo players) to score 20,000 points. – 8:52 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Big applause for DeMar DeRozan in player introductions … they still love him here. – 8:37 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Gregg Popovich calling DeMar DeRozan “a beautiful, wonderful human being” and “just a sweet man” before this game, really something else. – 8:22 PM
Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
“He can shoot highly contested shots at a level that I don’t think we’ve seen since Dirk Nowitzki.”
He is DeMar DeRozan. And tonight in San Antonio, the Chicago Bulls All-Star will become the newest member of the 20,000-point club.
✍🏾 via @TheAthletic theathletic.com/3738836/2022/1… – 4:32 PM
Josh Martin @Bulls_Wire
DeMar DeRozan had spectacular 2021-22 regular season stats, punctuated by game-winning shots and new NBA records. bullswire.usatoday.com/2022/04/28/why… – 4:00 PM
Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
Jakob Poeltl, on longtime former teammate DeMar DeRozan coming to town seven points shy of 20,000:
“Obviously that’s a big milestone for him and we’re happy for him, but hopefully we can hold him to six.” – 2:01 PM

More on this storyline

Joe Cowley: Pop calls timeout. Spurs have stopped the game to honor DeRozan’s milestone and will now show a video montage to congratulate him. Pure class. Says how much of an impact he made with the organization and how important his relationship with Pop was. Mr. 20,000! -via Twitter @JCowleyHoops / October 28, 2022
How did you develop the 5 a.m. workout? DeMar DeRozan: From Kobe. You know what’s crazy; I was watching The Redeem Team (documentary) the other day, when he was up early in the morning working out. And that’s kind of when it kind of started. I got that from Kobe, before I was in the league. I just stuck to it. And I laughed when I watched it. That’s exactly where I got it from, exactly where I got it from. It all started with him, just seeing his work ethic and how he approached it. -via The Athletic / October 28, 2022

LeBron James on scoring record: ‘It’s a huge thing’

James will enter the season, his 20th in the NBA when the Lakers open play at Golden State on Tuesday, with 37,062 points, 1,325 fewer than the record. If he matches his scoring average with the Lakers (27.0 points), he’ll pass Abdul-Jabbar’s …

James will enter the season, his 20th in the NBA when the Lakers open play at Golden State on Tuesday, with 37,062 points, 1,325 fewer than the record. If he matches his scoring average with the Lakers (27.0 points), he’ll pass Abdul-Jabbar‘s milestone 49 games into the season. “It’s a huge thing, I believe,” James told The Times. “I think it’s one of the most sought-after records in sports. And me personally, I’ve never even like set a goal of doing it. It makes zero sense to me. But it’s something that’s bigger, and bigger than people think.”

Source: Dan Woike @ Los Angeles Times

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
GAME THEORY PODCAST: @TheBoxAndOne_ is here!
-Warriors Extend Poole/Wiggins. What now?
-Clarke Extension!
-Any more rookie extensions?
-Is Wembanyama in LeBron’s class as a prospect?
-2023 NBA Draft Bigs Preview.
APPLE: https://t.co/hIOdTGnsom
WATCH: https://t.co/OVofgZt57s pic.twitter.com/2Q9V1Zk2Vn – 7:15 AM

LeBron James @KingJames
Hey @EAMaddenNFL when I get a pick why can’t I choose to take the gang to the end zone with me?? 🤷🏾‍♂️😁 – 9:25 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
NBA ranking: The top preseason scorers (on record).
(LeBron James is only No. 9).
hoopshype.com/lists/nba-pres… – 2:58 PM
Josh Martin @Bulls_Wire
In a video with Uninterrupted, Lonzo Ball revealed the best advice ever given to him but former teammate LeBron James. bullswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/11/lon… – 10:00 PM
LeBron James @KingJames
WOW!! WHAT A GAME!!!! #BAMAvsTEN – 7:37 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Chima Moneke discusses his defensive assignment against his childhood idol LeBron James last night in the Kings preseason finale, his first extended minutes in the NBA & his training camp experience with Sacramento.
FULL VIDEO: https://t.co/fkiqxjEOZe pic.twitter.com/JDjwarXk9r – 4:02 PM

Sam Amick @sam_amick
What does the most important Laker of them all think about the decision to bring Russell Westbrook off the bench? I asked LeBron James to share his view after the ugly preseason finale against the Kings.
More here, at @TheAthletic
https://t.co/GoLMnvb67q pic.twitter.com/myTXHfmRd4 – 3:57 PM

Lev Akabas @LevAkabas
The gap in earnings between the #1 highest-paid basketball player in the world, LeBron James, and #7 Damian Lillard is bigger than the gap between Damian Lillard and me, a NYC rec league participant pic.twitter.com/0S5rsTILYG – 12:00 PM

KC Johnson @KCJHoop
ICYMI: Alex Caruso talks Chicago pride, Lonzo Ball, LeBron James, All-Defense, and his hometown court dedication in this Bulls Q&A.
For ⁦@NBCSChicago⁩: nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/… – 9:55 AM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Fantasy Basketball draft with @MasonGinsberg and he’s already drafted LeBron James AND Anthony Davis… – 8:25 AM
Mark Haynes @markhaynesnba
LeBron James on the Lakers preseason:
“I thought we had some great moments in this preseason. We had some not-so-good moments, but we’re a team that’s going to continue to learn each other every day. We have to stack days, and we have to get better.” – 2:57 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
LeBron James tonight acknowledging that Clippers are among the top teams in West and have built up chemistry that Lakers are catching up to pic.twitter.com/FzDCqeS2Vc – 1:06 AM

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Ham said the biggest thing for the Lakers is getting whole.
Westbrook and Schröder need to be evaluated with respective injuries, but Ham will have most of his veteran players for the opener:
LeBron, AD, Beverley, Reaves, Walker, Nunn, JTA, Gabriel, Bryant and Jones – 12:52 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Chima Moneke minutes are one of the best parts of tonight’s game. Especially seeing him guarding LeBron James, one of the athletes he admires. With Moneke in their roster the Kings have a gem. #SacramentoProud – 11:51 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
20-year vet LeBron James is still out there in the 3rd quarter of this preseason game – 11:34 PM
Brad Botkin @bradbotkincbs
Pelinka has to make that Pacers trade man. Give LeBron a fighting chance at least. This looks BAD – 11:24 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Kings lead the Lakers at the half 65-44. Stats are down but here’s what stood out to me:
– De’Aaron Fox leading the team in scoring, finding his shot early.
– Terence Davis continues to sizzle from 3-point.
– Chima Moneke looked tremendous defensively against LeBron James. – 11:14 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
LeBron and Pat Bev Lakers down 54-29 in Sacramento after 18 minutes
The first two Clippers opponents. – 10:56 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Chima vs. LeBron – 10:42 PM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
LeBron missed badly against KZ Okpala and Domantas Sabonis gets a bucket. 2-0 Kings. – 10:12 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Lakers starters tonight for the preseason finale:
Austin Reaves
Pat Beverley
Max Christie
LeBron James
Damian Jones – 9:30 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
More than half of the Top 30 sales ever feature LeBron James.
But he’s not at No. 1…
hoopshype.com/lists/most-exp… – 5:34 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
After his first game in the NBA, LeBron was behind 2,708 people on the NBA scoring ladder.
He’s passed 2,707.
One to go.
apnews.com/article/kobe-b… – 12:33 PM
Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
Russell Westbrook has started 1,004 consecutive games in the regular season.
The only players with longer active streaks are:
Chris Paul (1,155, every game of his career)
LeBron James (1,033, since 2007) – 11:55 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
If the Lakers just wanted to tether LeBron to AD fully, play them 32-34 minutes together per game, and then just give Russ free reign over the rest of the game without them, I’d be okay with that. – 11:14 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Most NBA starts since 2009:
1,004 — Westbrook
975 — LeBron pic.twitter.com/CZPGFwR16y – 11:07 AM

More on this storyline

Who were the players you studied the most or maybe just your favorite players? Paolo Banchero: LeBron [James] and Carmelo [Anthony], growing up, were by far my two favorites like my whole childhood. And then as I got older I started to know about Anthony Davis and Jayson Tatum — dynamic forwards who are able to play inside or outside. But then I also want to have my own style of play with my own flair. I’m just trying to be myself. -via marcstein.substack.com / October 16, 2022

Dejounte Murray, Trae Young combine for 47 points in preseason debut

Lauren L. Williams: Final: Hawks 123-Bucks 113 Dejounte Murray: 25 pts, 8 rebs, 9 asts., 2 blocks Young: 22 pts, 2 rebs, 3 asts Hunter: 17 pts, 7 rebs Collins/A. Holiday 16 pts. each Source: Twitter @WilliamsLaurenL What’s the buzz on Twitter? …

Lauren L. Williams: Final: Hawks 123-Bucks 113 Dejounte Murray: 25 pts, 8 rebs, 9 asts., 2 blocks Young: 22 pts, 2 rebs, 3 asts Hunter: 17 pts, 7 rebs Collins/A. Holiday 16 pts. each

Source: Twitter @WilliamsLaurenL

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Trae Young vs Bucks
22 pts / 8-19 FG / 6-8 FT / 2 rebs / 3 asts
Dejounte Murray vs Bucks
25 pts / 9-13 FG / 7-8 FT / 8 rebs / 9 asts
Dynamic duo! #TrueToAtlanta #NBAinAbuDhabi – 2:14 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Dejounte Murray preseason debut as a Hawk:
25 PTS
8 REB
9 AST
2 BLK
9-13 FG
This backcourt is gonna be fun. pic.twitter.com/PloyY41Lq4 – 2:12 PM

Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
If we can assume both are done after each played a hair over 30 minutes:
Trae: 22 points, 3 assists
Dejounte: 25 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds – 2:11 PM
Lauren L. Williams @WilliamsLaurenL
Dejounte Murray preseason triple-double watch… He’s got 23 pts, 7 rebs, 9 asts. – 2:06 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
It’s too early in the season but the Trae Young – Dejounte Murray duo is very good and fun to watch. #TrueToAtlanta #NBAinAbuDhabi – 1:48 PM
Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
End of first half. Hawks lead, 71-67.
Dejounte: 19 points, 4 assists
Trae: 16 points, 2 assists
Hunter: 10 points, 5 rebounds – 1:15 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Trae Young just did some push-ups after Jrue Holiday hit him with “The Jrue” and got whistled for a foul. theathletic.com/3203712/2022/0… – 1:12 PM
Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
Really interesting set from the Hawks with about 3:00 left in 2Q. Trae on ball on right side, DJM pulls out of left corner around Capela screen, immediately reverses for a fake back cut.
Then Trae and Clint run a Spain pick-and-roll with DJM screening the screener. – 1:10 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Bucks and Hawks are filling it up today. Hawks lead, 67-62, with 1:49 left in the first half.
Dejounte Murray leading the way with 19 points already. – 1:05 PM
Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
Dejounte Murray has 19 points with a little more than 3 minutes left in the 1st half. – 1:01 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
MarJon Beauchamp getting his first run here in the second quarter.
And fellow Seattle hooper Dejounte Murray quickly welcomes him to the game with a quick crossover and take to the rim. – 12:48 PM
Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
“We’ve tried to build chemistry by keeping those guys together.”
–Nate McMillan, via Zoom, on the starting five of Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, De’Andre Hunter, John Collins and Clint Capela – 10:35 AM
Lauren L. Williams @WilliamsLaurenL
In the Hawks preseason game notes, the probable starters are listed as:
Trae Young
Dejounte Murray
De’Andre Hunter
John Collins
Clint Capela – 10:25 AM
Trae Young @TheTraeYoung
Another Day, Another Opportunity💯 – 2:24 AM
Trae Young @TheTraeYoung
Another Day, Another Opportunity💯 – 1:37 AM
Chris Vivlamore @CVivlamoreAJC
NBA just released annual GM survey.
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 72%
2. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 14%
3. Chris Paul, Phoenix – 10%
4. Trae Young, Atlanta – 3% – 10:09 AM
Trae Young @TheTraeYoung
I got too much Love to Hate ! – 8:00 AM
Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
Trae Young breaks out his 2nd @adidas Basketball signature shoe — the Trae Young 2 — at #NBAinAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/SXOb4utu3M – 4:23 PM

Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
Some of the potential success of the Dejounte trade will come down to the Trae/Dejounte on-court chemistry, so I asked Trae and Nate McMillan about the part-time shift off the ball. on.nba.com/3M9mTOb – 3:09 PM

More on this storyline

Sirius XM NBA: “It just gives us different avenues to continue to build our team” #Spurs GM Brian Wright on the decision to trade Dejounte Murray. @Rick Kamla| @adaniels33| @San Antonio Spurs pic.twitter.com/Qvowsi70It -via Twitter @SiriusXMNBA / October 5, 2022
The Hawks already had one in Trae Young, who averaged 28.4 points and 9.7 assists last season in his second All-Star season. Now they have another in Dejounte Murray, who had 21.1 points, 9.2 assists and 8.3 rebounds per game in his first All-Star season. Clint Capela and John Collins have been close in the past, and healthy, constructive seasons could easily see them competing for spots. “He’s good at everything: defense, scoring, passing, rebounding, playmaking,” Trae said of Dejounte. “Having someone just as competitive as I am in the backcourt, it’s going to be fun. I can’t wait to start playing games.” -via NBA.com / October 3, 2022