👑 LeBron's Time Warp, Suns/Jazz OT Madness, and Brooks' Cinderella Story - 11/20/23

Catching you up on last night’s NBA narratives

Author

Vikram Dimba
November 20, 2023

Welcome to Hoop’d There It Is - Catching you up on last night’s NBA narratives

10/20/23

LeBron vs. Father Time: The One-Sided Battle

Remember those off-season commercials where LeBron James was humorously duking it out with Father Time?

Well, fast forward to the regular season, and it seems like the battle isn't as fierce as advertised. In fact, it's looking more like a one-sided show where LeBron is not just winning; he's dominating.

In last night’s game against the Houston Rockets, LeBron put up a stat line that would make Father Time himself start taking notes: 37 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists on an eye-popping 73.6% shooting from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. Oh, and let's not forget the 3 steals, just for good measure.

Now, let's put this into perspective. LeBron is in his 21st NBA season. Twenty-first. His efficiency isn't just good relative to his career; it's the best it's ever been.

Check out this funny Reddit thread, I wouldn’t put it out of question anymore.

Double OT Drama: KD's Heroics and Lauri's Unlucky Break

The game ended with Lauri being ‘fouled’ on a three point attempt that would have gave him 3 FT’s with a chance to tie the game
.or so the Jazz thought. The Suns called a challenge, and WON the challenge, claiming Durant got the block first and Suns win.

KD: The Suns' Savior in a Double OT Thriller

In a game that felt more like a high-octane action movie than a basketball match, Kevin Durant reminded everyone why he's one of the game's greatest. The Phoenix Suns faced off against the Utah Jazz in a nail-biting double-overtime showdown, and KD was the star of the show. Scoring an impressive 39 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists, Durant was everywhere. His shooting splits? A smooth 52/44/100, including the game-winning block that left fans speechless.

But it wasn't just about the points; Durant was a maestro, facilitating plays and making his teammates better. And let's talk about his knack for flirting with 40-point games – 38, 39, 38, 39. It's like he's teasing us, coming oh-so-close to that 40-point mark, and then pulling back at the last second. With an average of 31 points per game, the highest since his 2014 season, KD is not just playing; he's putting on a basketball clinic, proving that age is just a number and clutch is a state of mind.

Lauri Markkanen: The Underappreciated Star

On the other side of the court, Lauri Markkanen put up numbers that demand more attention and respect. Despite Utah's loss, Markkanen's 38 points and 17 rebounds were dominant. He's not just a league leader in spot-up three-pointers; he's a potent finisher in the pick and roll, showcasing skills that would be amplified with another playmaker on the team.

This is even more highlighted how the Jazz's offense has transformed with rookie Keyonte George stepping up as the point guard. George is averaging a notable 8.8 assists and 10.2 points per game over the last five games, bringing a fresh dynamic to the team. Markkanen, in this rejuvenated setup, has been a force to reckon with. His performance against the Suns, though ending in a controversial 'non-foul' call, highlighted his underrated status in the league. Markkanen's not just a good player; he's a game-changer who's quietly making a case for being one of the most impactful players in the NBA.

Sabonis and Fox: Kings' Offensive Juggernauts

The Sacramento Kings' Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox have turned into an unstoppable force. In their blowout win over Luka Dončić and the Mavericks, Sabonis was a scoring machine with 32 points and 13 rebounds, missing only two shots all game. Fox, not to be outdone, added 30 points, including an impressive 6-10 from three-point range, complemented by seven assists. This dynamic duo has catapulted the Kings to six consecutive wins, showcasing some of the best offensive chemistry in the league right now.

Anthony's $55K Half-Court Misadventure

There was a moment of over-ambitious bravado turned painful reality when a fan, Anthony, confidently claimed to an entire arena, "This is what I do," before attempting a half-court shot worth $55,000. The result? A comedy of errors and injuries, as he managed to hurt his back, knee, and ankle in one fell swoop. Check out the mishap here.

We love bold way-too-early takes

In a surprising redemption arc forming in the NBA this season, Dillon Brooks continues his efficient play from behind the arc scoring 21 points on 6-11 from three last night. Brooks was the villain of the NBA last season- a toxic cancer and distraction both on and off the court to a young Memphis Grizzlies team - with some of the worst efficiency and shot selection you’d find of any starter in the league. He’s shooting 14% better from the field today and 17-18% better from three. Now he’s shooting over 50% from three with career high efficiencies and a leader for a surprisingly good Houston Rockets team that was dysfunctional last season in need of veteran presences.

Brooks' story of redemption in the NBA made me think of another player who's undergone a similar transformation: JaVale McGee. Once the regular target of Shaquille O'Neal's 'Shaqtin' a Fool' segment, McGee provided plenty of comedic content. However, his journey from being the laughing stock of the league to a respected veteran is impressive. McGee has become a key rotation player on contending teams, winning multiple championships along the way. With stints on the Kings, Lakers, Warriors, and Mavericks, McGee has evolved into a player who knows his role and plays it well.

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