Maxey's Rise & Shifting Home-Court Dynamics in the NBA

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

What Stood Out to Me Last Night (11/12/23)

• Minnesota's Defensive Prowess: Being at the game gave me a firsthand view of Minnesota's intense defense. They employ frequent switches, and Rudy Gobert's presence in the paint is a game-changer. Even Karl-Anthony Towns is leveraging his size more effectively on defense. But the real standout is Jaden McDaniels – his versatility is exceptional, making him a strong contender for the All-NBA Defensive Team.

• The Rockets' Surprising Streak: Houston's six-game winning streak is turning heads. Surviving a monstrous 36-point, 21-rebound, 11-assist performance from Nikola Jokic is no small feat. This streak begs the question: are the Rockets emerging as potential contenders for a play-in spot? Their recent performances suggest it's time to start considering them as more than just underdogs.

• Tyrese Maxey's Leap: I've previously mentioned Maxey's elevated game not being a huge surprise, but his recent performances are beyond expectations. Dropping 50-point games and consistently delivering double-digit assists? It’s time to start asking where Maxey ranks among the best combo guards in the NBA. Him with Embiid’s MVP level play are the driving force behind theSixers' claim as potentially the best team in the NBA. It's not just about his scoring; his playmaking abilities are elevating the Sixers to a whole new level.

 Who I’m Watching for Tonight (11/13/23)

1. RJ Barrett's Impressive Comeback: Since returning from a brief absence, RJ Barrett has been nothing short of spectacular for the Knicks. In his last three games, he's averaging an impressive 24.6 points, along with 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists, shooting a scorching 53% from the field and 57.8% from three. This scoring surge, especially from beyond the arc, has been a major boost for the Knicks, showcasing Barrett's evolving offensive game.

2. Alex Caruso's Impact for the Bulls: Alex Caruso's status remains in question for the upcoming Bucks game, but his role with the Bulls deserves a closer look. His on-court impact is staggering: the Bulls are +3.0 with him playing, but fall to a -12.9 without him. This begs the question – why isn't Caruso a starter? His influence on the game, especially on the defensive end, is undeniable and arguably warrants a spot in the starting lineup.

Random Thought

• The Warriors' Home Struggles and Historical Context: The Warriors' current 1-3 home record starkly contrasts with their past dominance, both at home and on the road. From 2015 to 2022, they were spoiled with some of the best teams in NBA history, which partly explains their formidable home-court presence during those years. While high expectations are understandable given this history, the move from Oracle Arena to Chase Center seems to have impacted that unique home-court advantage. The electrifying atmosphere of Oracle, especially evident during the "We Believe" era in 2007, brought an indomitable spirit that Chase Center has yet to replicate.

• The Evolving Nature of Home Advantage: Home-court advantage in the NBA is undergoing a transformation. Traditionally, home teams have benefitted from routine and fan support, but recent trends show a decreasing disparity between home and away performances. Last season's postseason, with crucial away wins by teams like the Warriors and the Heat in Game 7s, underscores this shift. The diminishing disparity points to a broader change in the league's dynamics.

• Season's Home and Road Dichotomies: This season's home and road records paint an intriguing picture. Denver, Minnesota, the Lakers, and Boston remain undefeated at home, aligning with their strong records, except for the Lakers, who have faltered on the road. The Rockets' 6-1 home record versus their winless road outings particularly highlights the impact of playing at home, especially for young teams.

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