Luka's Brilliance, Lowry's Crossroads, and Adapting Off the Ball - 10/11/23

Welcome to “Hoop’d There It Is” - Your daily 5-6 min dive into all things NBA.

What Stood Out to Me Last Night (11/10/23)

• Luka Doncic's Hate of the Clippers: Luka's disdain for the Clippers was on full display with an unreal 44 points on 17-21 shooting. His history of historic performances against the Clippers in past playoff series continued unabated, solidifying his reputation as their nemesis.

• Wolves' Defensive Prowess: While Anthony Edwards grabbed the spotlight yesterday, the entire Timberwolves defense deserves a shoutout. They've emerged as the #1 defense in the NBA early this season, a feat that shouldn't go unnoticed.

• Wemby’s

  Standout Performance: Despite the loss to the Timberwolves, Victor Wembanyama's 29 points and 9 rebounds shine even brighter against the league's top defense. His talent is undeniable, making his performance all the more noteworthy.

• Rockets' Surge with Sengun: Zion's return couldn't slow down the Rockets, who notched their fifth straight win. Alperen Sengun is drawing comparisons to a pre-MVP Jokic, consistently delivering impressive stats like tonight's 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists.

 Who I’m Watching for Tonight (11/11/23)

1. Anthony Black, the teenage rookie picked 6th overall by the Orlando Magic, has quickly become a valuable rotation player. At 6'7", his ability to guard various perimeter positions effectively adds a defensive edge to the team. Black's scoring might not be high-volume, but it's remarkably efficient — he's hitting 7 points per game at 70% from the floor and an impressive 56% from three. Tonight's game against the Bucks isn't a headline-grabber, but if you're looking for intriguing storylines, keep an eye on how Black matches up defensively against Dame on the perimeter.

2. Keep an eye on Kyle Lowry in tonight's Heat vs. Hawks game. After a sluggish start to the season, averaging a mere 5.4 PPG, Lowry broke out in his last game with an impressive 17 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. This performance raises a crucial question: has Lowry's offense been in a temporary slump, or is it a sign of a deeper decline? His previous scoreless outings add to this intrigue. As the Heat take on the high-scoring Hawks, Lowry's offensive output will be crucial. While it's too early in the season to talk about turning points, this game could provide valuable insights into Lowry's current form.

Random Thought

The Clippers' 0-4 record with Harden is raising some eyebrows, echoing concerns we've previously discussed. Harden's off-ball play—or lack thereof—is glaring. He's stationary, hesitant on spot-up shots, and rarely ventures from the corners. This mirrors Westbrook's struggles, though his issues stem more from decision-making and an inconsistent shot rather than effort.

This situation highlights the challenge high-usage players like Harden and Westbrook face in transitioning to off-ball roles. It's a tough shift, particularly for former MVPs accustomed to dominating the ball.

Contrast this with Luka Doncic. Last night, he dazzled with 44 points on 17-21 shooting, a masterclass in efficiency. This season, he's diversified his attack, taking a higher percentage of threes and receiving more assisted shots than ever (39% of his attempts are threes, 30% of these assisted). It's a throwback to his EuroLeague days, showcasing his adaptable offensive game. The Mavericks are thriving because of it, suggesting that Doncic might just be the blueprint for high-usage stars adapting to more versatile roles.

Interestingly, the list of players who've successfully transitioned to become championship-caliber off-ball threats isn't long. It's ironic to consider that perhaps the greatest off-ball offensive player ever, Steph Curry, underwent a similar transformation. Under Mark Jackson, Curry was more ball-dominant, but with Steve Kerr, he evolved into the off-and-on-ball assassin we know today. Yet, this shift might be more about rectifying a misuse rather than a drastic change in Curry's game. He played in a similar off-ball style at Davidson and thrived.