This week’s NBA action has provided some early match ups that have shown some teams we’ve had questions on who may be the real deal. One of the hottest teams in the NBA, the Atlanta Hawks, traveled to L.A. Monday to take on The Clippers and pulled out a 107-98 victory. Paul Millsap and Jeff Teague led the way for the team showing a Spurs-esque type of ball movement. The Hawks sit at 26-8 with the number one seed in The Eastern Conference. Who called that one?
More on Atlanta:
The Atlanta Hawks have gotten the job done on offense becoming one of the most talked about teams due to the ball movement they’ve shown early on, but the real reason for their success has come from the defensive side of the ball. Allowing opponents to only score 96 points per game which is fifth in the league and they are only allowing ten fast break points per game which is first in the league. Final stat that’s impressed me is the Hawks are only allowing 39 points per game inside the paint which is impressive for not having a true defensive anchor. The Hawks have shocked the NBA but can they keep it up? I think so.
Golden State Warriors Continue Hot Start:
Monday night also proved to have another excellent match up between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors. Oklahoma City may have gotten Durant and Westbrook back in action last month, but Oklahoma City seems out of sync at the moment. A part of that was the effort Golden State put in Monday and really all this season was proving to be the best defensive team in the league right now, and the best team in The Western Conference.
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson provided the highlights below:
Golden State’s Head Coach Steve Kerr may be coaching talent that was already on the roster, but he’s got them playing defense only giving up 96.2 points per game, which is number one in the league. Steve Kerr has certainly gotten the most out of his players. Guys like Draymond Green and Marreese Speights contributing to the team is guiding their early success and gives the team more than one option on offense so the team isn’t so one dimensional with Curry and Thompson.
Nowitzki Moves to No. 7 on NBA’s All Time Scoring List:
On Monday, Dirk Nowitzki passed Moses Malone to become 7th on The NBA’s all time scoring list. Nowitzki’s shown he’s one of, if not the best, player from overseas and has showed that to us over his career. Dirk is now 36 years of age, but has yet to show signs of falling off. Now to question is, how far will he rise onto the all time list? The next player he can pass is Shaquille O’Neal at #6.
The New York Knicks begin early stages of rebuild:
Monday night The New York Knicks traded Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith to The Cleveland Cavaliers in a deal that involved Oklahoma City. This move dumped J.R. Smith’s massive contract giving The Knicks room to hopefully add a big contract in the off season, but this move could be just the first domino to fall. The Knicks still have pieces to move to get the cap more flexible for Team President Phil Jackson to work with, and one of the pieces that may be moved by the trade deadline is Jose Calderon. The point guard is set to make $7 million until the 2016/2017 season and certainly would help the team get to the salary cap to make some serious moves this off season. This move sent disappointing guard Dion Waiters to Oklahoma City where he will provide some scoring off the bench for the Thunder where Waiters will be wearing #23.
RUMORS:
-Thunder Guard Reggie Jackson could be on his way out if the team cannot reach a deal. The guard is being pursued by The New York Knicks.
-After Cleveland’s move to acquire Shumpert and Smith, the Cavs are still examining their options to get a big man. The team is reportedly not done making trades and could use the first round pick acquired in Monday’s trade to get the rim protector they need.
-Brooklyn Nets and Oklahoma City Thunder have talked trade that would send Brook Lopez to Oklahoma City. This move could help set the franchise into a legitimate championship contender if the big man could stay healthy. This move though could help second year Center Mason Plumlee develop with the Nets even more with added minutes and he’s looked excellent since receiving more playing time in the rotation.
-The Portland Trailblazers have entered the sweepstakes to possibly sign Jermaine O’neal for depth at the Center position. The Blazers join teams like the Cavaliers, Clippers, and the Mavericks to sign the veteran Center.
Brandon Jennings layup gives The Pistons a 105-104 victory
Jennings layup gave the Pistons another victory to add to the team’s winning streak which is now at 6 games! Since cutting Josh Smith the team has looked excellent and Stan Van Gundy shed some light stating the team expected to improve after releasing Smith after several failed attempts to trade him. Pistons have looked like an excellent team and the Josh Smith move looks borderline genius, but getting Jodie Meeks back from injury helps space the floor out to give Brandon Jennings and Andre Drummond room to operate.
Carmelo Anthony Not Ready To Call It A Season Yet:
Carmelo Anthony has been battling a knee injury all season and has not looked himself at all. Anthony reportedly has been told by the Knicks to rest his knee for the rest of the year and comeback next year when the roster is established and ready to make a splash in the East, but Anthony so far has refused in doing so.
Biggest News Of The Week: 100% of The Atlanta Hawks Franchise is up for sale. News came along Monday that the franchise is up for sale, but will they remain in Atlanta once they’re sold? That’s the real question.
Highlight of The Week (So far):
These are your biggest stories, highlights, and rumors of the week stay tune to Def Pen Radio and follow us on @NBAonDefPen for all your up to date news and articles. Also keep a lookout for Steve O’s statement every Wednesday to keep everyone up to date on what’s happening in The NBA.
