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I love a good jersey retirement party. Congratulations, Bao!
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Big night around Los Angeles
Now don’t look, but the Lakers are finally in line for the Play-In Championship. It took 66 games for this to happen. seriously. Their 112-103 win over Memphis, along with Utah’s loss to Dallas, moved the Lakers all the way to ninth in the west.
It happened the night they honored Pau Gasol’s Lakers career and Kobe Bryant’s ordinance from 2018, when he said the franchise would one day stick Pau’s No. 16 next to Kobe’s numbers. That’s exactly what they did in the first half. Beau tearfully spoke of the absence of Bryant, who had died just over three years ago.
“I can’t go on without talking about the person and the face I don’t see. The brother who lifted me up, inspired me, challenged me to be a better player. Just to be a better guy in general. I miss him so much, like so many of us. I love him. I wish he was here with Gigi. I think He would be proud. He was looking forward to this moment.”
During the game, Anthony Davis suffered bloody tissue and a facial laceration in the first half after being hit by Memphis rookie David Roddy, but that didn’t stop him from scoring 30 points and 22 rebounds. The Lakers still have a tough road ahead, but this progression was urgently needed.
More from last night:
Breaking news from Shams
I was told that The Pistons are considering precautionary measures to manage Bojan Bogdanovic’s health And he could close it soon until the end of the season.
- Bogdanović played in just one of the team’s last five games, playing 39 minutes while scoring 34 points on March 1 against the Bulls. He’s dealt with Achilles problems this season, which still need to be managed.
- It was also a popular business target before last month’s deadline. The Pistons currently have the worst record in the NBA at 15-51.
Nix line, revised
Charlotte ends up having fun, but let’s talk about New York
All fun things must come to an end. I guess that’s what the saying goes, and that was certainly the case with the Knicks last night. With a nine-game winning streak going into a home game against the lowly Hornets, it felt like an easy night to extend the streak. Unfortunately, she was not considered the basketball gods either.
The Hornets rallied from a 16-point deficit in the third to win 113-105. The Knicks scored 45 in the second quarter but managed only 39 points in the second half. While that’s disappointing, the Knicks still appeared to catch the league’s attention with a nine-game winning streak, tied for eighth in franchise history.
How realistic is this, and what does it mean now that it’s over? Let’s ask ourselves some questions.
Was it Tom Thibodeau’s defense?
Not as offensive! Yes, the Knicks defense has been midway all season and tied for seventh during this streak. But the offensive rating went through the roof. they 124.6 offensive rating It was only surpassed by kings (126).
Well, the opponents have to be easy?
Yes and no!
Is this a confusing answer?
you are right. The Knicks played two mediocre teams. They beat Utah, a disjointed Brooklyn (twice) and a reeling Pelican. However, the Knicks also beat the Celtics twice and Miami tough.
So is this what a healthy Knicks team looks like?
not exactly! Jalen Bronson has missed the last two games, and as we saw in the Charlotte game, they needed him to shut up.
Who carried them all the way?
Bronson, Julius Randle and Emmanuel Kwikli each shot over 50 percent from the field and averaged 75.9 points.
You mean to tell me that Nix is good?
You are so right! This team is not just good. it’s dangerous.
Additional listening: Chuck D joins neighborhood Hoops to talk about the history of the Knicks and hip hop.
Happy birthday!
Please pass the ball to Victor
The NBA app on Tuesday showed some great midday action by Victor Wimpanyama. correct; French professional basketball was shown live on the NBA app, even though the league was never Tank reinforcement.
The soon-to-be number one-placed Metropolitans 92 had a game against Ilan Bernet Pau-lac-Orthez (that’s a team name, not a prospect). It was also dramatic. Mets92 was below double digits in the second half before bouncing back. They ended up winning 78-76. Former Celtics guard Tremont Waters has made an impressive comeback.
One problem with the final round? Wembanyama is not enough.
Wimpy got off to a slow start with only eight points, three rebounds and two blocks in the first half due to a foul problem. (Remember: you only get five in FIBA.) But he finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and six blocks. He also played the entire second half and did not commit a fourth foul.
Along the way, Waters seemed to freeze him. He never sent the ball to him in the final minutes. Wimpanyama’s lone bucket down the stretch was a hint of recovery, as his unspeakably endless reach worked in his favour.
Tremont, I understand you’re competitive and you played well. Maybe use this opportunity to get back in the NBA. But this is Wimpanyama show. We are preparing to see him. Pass the damn ball to him, please!
Bounce passes
Want to see Steve Ballmer get excited about toilets? Here you are.
James Edwards III loves developing Jaden Ivey at the moment.
Lakers winger Troy Brown Jr. is a survivor, via Jovan Buha.
Harrison Wind says Michael Porter Jr.’s maturity is Denver’s biggest success.
The Cavs will see a familiar face this week in Miami.
DJ Dunson says Jalen Williams is a gem of the junior class.
Doug Haller explains that Kevin Durant really fit in with the Suns.
Screen game (all times eastern)
- main screen: Mavs-Pelicans (7:30 p.m. EST). Both teams desperately need a win in order to determine the playoff spots.
- Second screen: Cavs Heat (7:30 p.m.). The Cavs are trying to battle the Knicks, while the Heat is trying to get into the top six.
- League Pass of the Night game: Thunder-Suns (8 p.m.). Never miss KD Games.
- Check out the full schedule here.
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(Photo: Gary A Vasquez/USA Today)
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