KeedaHoops: Win streaks abound
Today’s KeedaHoops covers the return of Rubio, issues with the point guards and more.
Two years ago this could have been a preview of the NBA Finals. Today it’s just the squeak of creaky joints. Yes, the numbers will tell you that the Knicks are the oldest team in the league, but the Celtics and Spurs are two teams which rely a lot on their overage superstars. Take Kidd and Thomas out and the Knicks are still a team to beat. Take Duncan or Garnett out and the Spurs and Celtics are nothing.
Said Doc Rivers, bitter coach: “It’s hard to win games on the road when a team goes to the line like that and we don’t go to the line.”
The Spurs were 15-20 from the line and the Celtics went 6-8. Rivers does have a point. Another point is pointing the finger at the point guard. Rajon Rondo only had 6 points to go with his 9 assists. He needs to attempt more than 7 shots if the Celtics are to win consistently.
Tell me this is not the most fun team to watch in the NBA. The most athletic frontcourt with Griffin and Jordan. Chris Paul, Jamaal Crawford and Eric Bledsoe make for one of the most electrifying backcourts. And best of all, they are winning now. Only the Thunder have a longer win streak going currently with 10 games. The Clippers routed the Bucks 111-85 with Matt Barnes leading the way with 21 points. Blake Griffin had 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Clippers are now on their longest win streak since the 1974 season, back when they were the Buffalo Braves.
Brendon Jennings’ name has been thrown around in trade talks. The dynamic young point guard could thrive in the right system, but his shoot first mentality may not go over well with established teams. He could be the perfect quick fix for stumbling teams though.
Finally! The young dynamo took to the court. After tearing two ligaments in his left knee nine months ago, Rubio returned to help the Wolves defeat the Dallas Mavericks. Although he only played 18 minutes, he had 8 points, 9 assists and 3 steals to pace the Wolves when they were down early. For the Mavericks, OJ Mayo and Derek Fisher had 20 points each. When old man Fisher is the leading scorer for your team, you know you need Dirk back soon. The Mavericks lost in overtime, 114-106.
Bargnani claims to have been misquoted. As it is his English is choppy, the reporter had asked him if he was satisfied with the season thus far. He replied how can I be satisfied when we have the worst record in the league? Bargnani says he will have people look into him being misquoted and that there will be repercussions.
Here are the scores from today’s matches:
Warriors 115-93 Hawks
Magic 107-98 Bobcats
Cavaliers 102-103 Knicks
Wizards 72-102 Heat
Pacers 88-77 Pistons
Nets 82-83 Bulls
Mavericks 106-114 Timberwolves
Clippers 111-85 Bucks
Celtics 88-103 Spurs
Grizzlies 99-86 Jazz
Here are the day’s highlights: