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  • 🏀 Warriors' Recovery, Giannis' Rampage, and LaMelo's Magic: NBA's Night of Surprises and Controversies - 11/21/23

🏀 Warriors' Recovery, Giannis' Rampage, and LaMelo's Magic: NBA's Night of Surprises and Controversies - 11/21/23

Catching you up on last night’s NBA narratives

Author

Vikram Dimba
November 21, 2023

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

11/21/2023

Warriors Edge Out Rockets: Sengun Shines, Curry Sparkles

In an physical game, the Golden State Warriors clinched a victory over the Houston Rockets, 121-116.

Alperen Sengun was a force to reckon with for the Rockets, notching an impressive double-double with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists. What really stood out was his dominance on the offensive glass, pulling down 7 rebounds - he was too big in the paint for the Warriors.

But on the other side, Steph Curry was Steph, scoring 32 points on an 8/14 from the field and didn’t really seem to force the issue. Steph is averaging 5.5 threes made per game this season - which would be the highest mark in NBA history (which is currently held by…Steph Curry).

Klay Thompson, also finally hit some level of a stride with his first 20+ point game of the season. The Warriors' bench also made significant contributions, with CP3 delivering a solid 15/6/12, and Saric adding 18 points off the bench.

This game ended the Warriors' six-game losing streak, providing a much-needed boost for their standing in the West. However, for the Rockets, the loss marks their third consecutive defeat in California, despite their competitive play. The Rockets have shown considerable improvement, especially with Sengun's rise and Coach Udoka's top-5 defensive strategies. However, the reality of the talent-packed Western Conference poses a tough challenge for them. As they navigate through this competitive landscape, games like these are reminders of both the potential and challenges ahead for this young and evolving Rockets squad.

LaMelo's OT Magic

LaMelo Ball dazzled in an overtime victory against the Celtics, not just winning the game but also shattering any lingering doubts about his shooting prowess. Dropping a spectacular 36 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, along with 2 steals and a block, LaMelo's performance was nothing short of phenomenal. Over the last eight games, he's been on fire, averaging 32/7/8 on incredible 50/45/89 shooting splits. It's almost ironic to think that his perimeter shooting was once questioned. Now, he stands as one of the NBA's elite from beyond the arc, combining high volume with deadly accuracy. LaMelo's transformation into a three-point assassin is a testament to his work ethic and skill development, proving that he's not just a flashy playmaker, but a well-rounded threat every time he steps on the court.

Giannis Unleashed

Giannis Antetokounmpo, after a somewhat muted start to the season, has roared back to life in classic 'Greek Freak' fashion. Last night, he turned the game against the Washington Wizards into his personal highlight reel, dropping a mammoth 42 points, snatching 13 rebounds, and dishing out 8 assists.Giannis terrorizes the Wizards with 42/13/8 on 87%(!) from the field in the Bucks win, making it 5 straight wins. Giannis was everywhere - orchestrating plays with sleek no-look passes, sinking mid-range jumpers, and asserting absolute control in the paint, where he racked up 30 of his points. His recent performances have been nothing short of phenomenal, averaging 37.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists over the last six games, while shooting over 71% from the floor.

Duncan Robinson's Heat Wave

Duncan Robinson is sizzling hot right now, and he's turning up the heat in Miami in a big way. In his last nine outings, Robinson has been lighting it up with averages of 17.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. But here's the real kicker – his three-point shooting is off the charts, hitting a blistering 47.1% on nearly eight attempts per game. And all this sharpshooting contributes to an impressive 69% true shooting percentage.

But it's not just his shooting that's been turning heads. His improved dribble pull-up game is leaving defenders guessing, and his enhanced passing skills are making him a more versatile threat on the court. This isn't the Duncan Robinson of old; this is a more dynamic, more dangerous version, and he's proving to be a key factor in the Heat's recent 8-1 success over this stretch.

We love bold way-too-early takes

Miles Bridges' had a game-winner last night but who cares — this is overshadowed by a deeper, more troubling narrative. Returning to NBA action for the first time since April 2022 (and receiving a huge applause…), his comeback follows a period marked by serious domestic violence charges. In June 2022, Bridges faced felony domestic violence allegations in California, accused of causing significant injuries to his then-partner. One disturbing incident involved Bridges reportedly throwing billiard balls at his ex-partner's vehicle, with their children inside. Avoiding jail time, he received three years probation and a 10-year protective order, which he was later accused of violating.

The NBA's investigation, involving domestic violence experts, resulted in a 30-game suspension. Bridges, having not signed for the 2022-23 season, effectively served 20 games of this suspension, sitting out just the first 10 games of the 2023-24 season after rejoining the Hornets.

While the Hornets have expressed their comfort with Bridges' return, citing an ongoing understanding of the allegations, the situation raises significant concerns. The league's response to such grave off-court issues, especially when juxtaposed with his on-court achievements, paints a complex picture. Bridges' game-winning performance cannot overshadow the serious nature of his off-court actions, challenging the NBA's and fans' perspectives on accountability and the intersection of professional sports with personal conduct.

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