The Clippers are still the team to beat
Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers had a bit of trouble against the Hornets in the first half, taking in a small 3 point lead at the half. However, they showed the gulf in depth and skill in the second half of the game, taking away a 111-96 victory.
Balance is the story of the day for the Clippers again, in a game that saw no one reach double figures in assists or rebounds. Leonard was his usual excellent self with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Lou Williams chipped in 23 points off as well.
Opposing teams must be wondering how good the Clippers will be when Paul George comes back.
The Suns are no pushovers this season
The Suns continue to show that they’re no easy W this season, taking the game to the Jazz to the wire in a 96-95 loss. The Suns actually held the lead for most of the game until the Jazz made a late comeback.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the winning team with 29 points, while Rudy Gobert posted an effective double double with 15 points and 18 rebounds.
The Warriors picked up a much needed win
If anyone needed a win, it was probably the Dubs. They survived another good offensive games from the Pelicans, who were led by 27 points from Brandon Ingram. They had six people score in double figures. They’re going to be a tough guard for any team throughout the season.
The Dubs also answered with six players in double figures, with Steph Curry and D’Angelo Russell combining for 50. Draymond Green was his usual excellent self with a triple double and young gun Damion Lee put up a big 23 points.
Russ and Harden stay hot
The Russell Westbrook and James Harden experiment continues to show positive returns. They won a second game in a row thanks to their superstar duo. Harden scored 40 points while Westbrook missed a triple by one assist (21/9/12). PJ Tucker has continued to feast on open shots as well, hitting five three pointers en-route to 17 points.
The Thunder’s youngsters continued to look promising, with Shae Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schroder both posting up 22 points. One begins to wonder, now, if a Chris Paul trade is an inevitability. His presence and massive contract don’t fit in with the Thunder’s youth movement. You can’t really say anything bad about them either, having only lost by four points.
Other results:
Raptors def. Magic 104-95
Pistons def. Pacers 96-94
Knicks def. Bulls 105-98
76ers def. Hawks 105-103
Bucks def. Cavaliers 129-112
Spurs def. Blazers 113-110
Nuggets def. Kings 101-94
