BBNBA: Trouble in paradise for Anthony Davis and the Lakers

On3 imageby:Eric Decker10/23/21

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Every team is back and the NBA is in full swing once again. We had some familiar sights last night with former ‘Cats going off to lead their teams to victories. We also had teams fighting a whole two days into the new season. Usually a bold move if trying to build team chemistry to be honest. In all, it was an eventful night for those who once called Lexington home, lets dive in.

Davis and Howard fight each other rather than the Suns

The immediate, quick-witted jokes that arose as soon as the video of Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard getting into a slight kerfuffle on the bench arose were as expected. Who knew that beef between the NBA75 team selection was real?

In all honesty though, what happened last night was just strange. I don’t know how you can rub someone the wrong way so fast two games into the season, it’s really almost impossible. It’s odd too because of the people involved.

Dwight Howard was at one point the best center in the league, but that’s over a decade ago and he lost his clout soon after his downfall. Anthony Davis is literally the best player on the team, Lebron just isn’t the same anymore. Whatever happened last night, it clearly affected Davis’ game. AD had 22 and 14 on the night but it came from poor shooting numbers, going 6-18 from the floor.

If we learned anything from what happened in LA last night, it’s that ‘Cats are ready to ride for their own. The two people in the middle of the scuffle trying to break it up was Rajon Rondo and Malik Monk. In the game, Rondo ended up with six points and four assists in 14 minutes while Monk dropped seven in his 17 minutes of action.

The Lakers weren’t the only representation of the BBN last night in Los Angeles. Devin Booker, while a little off, still put up good numbers in the 115-105 victory for the Suns. Book ended up with 22, 5 and 4 on an average shooting night from the star. Doesn’t hurt when you get to troll the other team’s star players either.

Kentucky Knicks keep rolling

As it’s going to be for most nights, the Knicks had the most former ‘Cats going for them in their 25 point blowout over the Magic in Orlando.

Julius was Julius once again. Randle wasn’t at his best self from beyond the arc last night, but that hardly matters when he’s turning into one of the best playmaking forwards in the league. Randle nearly turned in a triple double last night, going for 21, 10 and 7 in a measly 30 minutes before being taken out to get some rest.

Immanuel Quickley may be finding his form after struggling throughout the preseason and opening night. Nobody is shocked though, with Quickley’s top-tier work ethic. Coming off the bench, Quickley added 16 points on 4/8 from deep to help the Knicks set a franchise record of made three’s in a game.

Nerlens Noel was out once again due to a sore left knee. And hey, we got a Kevin Knox sighting last night for the first time this year.

Mr. America tries his best to carry the Spurs

Olympic Gold Medalist Keldon Johnson went off last night as the Spurs fell to the Nuggets 96-102. Johnson went 12-16 from inside the arc last night on his way to a 27 point, three steal performance. To the public, this may come off as a breakout performance and season for Keldon, who looks ready to fully take over Greg Popovich’s team. To anyone who’s been following his career, he’s been on this path a long time.

Sixers need a point guard, you say?

The underlying good of this whole Ben Simmons debacle is that it’s opening the opportunity for Tyrese Maxey to take over full time as the starting point guard in Philly. He was good enough for it last season, but he was stuck on the bench because of the 6-11 Ricky Rubio that won’t change his ways for anybody. Now with that distraction reaching absolute crisis levels, Tyrese has the perfect opportunity to make his mark in the starting linuep.

The second-year player didn’t have his best night, putting up 15 points but on some inefficient shooting numbers in 36 minutes against the Nets . He also only dished out two assists, which will need to change if he wants to excel as we all think he will.

PlayerResultPointsFG (3PA)ReboundsAssistsStealsBlocksTOsMins+/-
Julius Randle121-96 W vs. ORL219-16 (2-6)1072043024
Immanuel Quickley121-96 W vs. ORL165-10 (4-8)231002011
Kevin Knox121-96 W vs. ORL00-0010014-7
P.J. Washington123-112 W vs. CLE83-8 (0-2)530012411
Nick Richards123-112 W vs. CLE00-0000001-5
Tyrese Maxey114-109 L vs. BKN15 7-17 (1-5)2210036-9
Enes Kanter115-83 L vs. TOR21-2100005-15
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander124-91 L vs. HOU136-15 (1-6)4200526-27
Keldon Johnson102-96 L vs. DEN2712-18 (0-2)42301376
Devin Booker115-105 W vs. LAL225-10 (1-6)54004348
Anthony Davis115-105 L vs. PHX226-18 (0-1)14312238-6
Malik Monk115-105 L vs. PHX72-5 (1-4)1100117-19
Rajon Rondo115-105 L vs. PHX62-5 (2-3)43003141
De’Aaron Fox110-101 L vs. UTA125-19 (0-5)35503352

Today in The NBA

7:00: Heat (Herro, Adebayo) @ Pacers (Jackson)

7:30: Mavericks (Cauley-Stein) @ Raptors

7:30: Pelicans @ Timberwolves (Anthony-Towns, Vanderbilt)

8:00: Pistons (Diallo, Lyles) @ Bulls

8:30: Bucks @ Spurs (Johnson)

10:00: Suns (Booker) @ Trail Blazers

10:30: Grizzlies @ Clippers (Bledsoe, Boston)

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2024-03-28