This week’s look around the NBA to determine who has been great (tops) and not so great (flops) in the last seven days.
Tops
San Antonio Spurs: The leaders of the West have continued their unstoppable run, extending their win streak to 11 consecutive games. Last year’s Western Conference champions seem fully ready for a deep run into the playoffs, with unbelievable team play and efficiency.
New York Knicks: The Knicks have looked much better recently, and with the arrival of Phil Jackson at the head of the club, the future has brightened for Melo’s side. On the other hand, their current seven game winning streak may have arrived a little too late, as they are still 5 games behind a playoff spot. Considering they have only 14 games remaining, they’re going to have to play near perfect basketball, whilst hoping for Atlanta to lose at least five times.
Lebron James: For Lebron, every game against Cleveland at the Quicken Loans Arena is a very delicate and emotional moment, where his game is scrutinized and very quickly criticized. This expectation and pressure didn’t stop him from scoring 43 points (14/19 FG), and tying his career high in most points in one quarter with 25 points in the first quarter of the game.
Flops
Philadelphia 76ers: The Sixers have just forgotten how to win a basketball game, though that’s assuming that they ever did know. Now on a franchise record 22 game losing streak, I struggle to imagine them winning any game before the end of the season. In fact, they probably don’t want to, as a high Draft pick is all they care about. Pathetic, really.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving injuring his bicep was bad enough. Dion Waiters leaving the game against the Heat after a very violent fall just exacerbates the problem. What used to be a dynamic, efficient and essential backcourt are both out on injury. Add to that list of injuries rookie Anthony Bennett, things aren’t going well for the Cavs. If there was a very small chance of them making the playoffs, there most certainly isn’t one anymore (7 games behind eighth place).
Victor Oladipo: There was a small chance that the Orlando Magic guard could snatch the Rookie of the Year Award from Michael Carter-Williams. With his recent form, however, there is no way that he can challenge the Sixers’ Point Guard. Just like his team, Victor Oladipo has struggled in the last week, with too many turnovers and struggled with his shot. In fact, he has dropped to 4th on the official NBA Rookie Ladder.
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