Kawhat? Kawhere? Kawhi!!!

All hail the King of the North. Kawhi Leonard looking like his old Finals MVP self Sunday night against the Process(76ers). Kawhi Leonard scored 39 points and a clutch three point field goal with one minute left on the clock to tie up the series 2-2. Marc Gasol scored 16 points and Kyle Lowry had 14 points. Jimmy Butler led the 76ers with 29 points followed by JJ Redick who scored 19 points. The 76ers are trying to reach the NBA Conference Finals, they haven’t been there since Allen Iverson in 2001. Toronto has been bounced out the semi finals for two straight years due to LeBron and the Cavaliers.

Joel Embiid had a tough night playing through a illness, he only scored 11 points. Embiid was 2-7 from the field and received most of his points from the free throw line going 7-10. Embiid was their key to winning the game, it was his 33 points from the previous game that ensured their win.

Tobias Harris scored 16 points while Simmons scored 10 points with a plus/minus of -16. Toronto has played tremendous defense on Simmons to clog the paint so he can’t go the basket and forces him to shoot which they know he won’t because he shoots under 30 percent from farther than 10 feet.

Kawhi Leonard is man among boys, each shot he has taken were all good looks and gets to the spots that he want at ease. The best part about it is that he single handedly destroy teams with no face expression. With Leonard contract coming to a end the Raptors will be pressured to find creative ways to retain their superstar.

Celtics luck not enough to beat Siakam and the Raptors

Celtics and the Raptors are one of the most anticipated teams to watch as the season comes to a end. Last year the celtics went seven games with LeBron James without Kyrie Irving. With Irving healthy this seasons they plan to make it to their First NBA finals since 2008 when Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Rondo won against the Los Angeles Lakers.

On the other hand the Raptors traded away their franchise player Demar DeRoazan for the best two player in the league Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green. These two teams are the favored other than Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Pascal Siakam lead the Raptors with 25 points and eight rebounds with a plus/minus of +22 followed by Kawhi Leonard with 21 points, six rebounds, four assist with a plus/minus of +12. The Raptors had a slow first half although they held the Celtics to 13 points in the second quarter and stepped the second half outscoring the Celtics 52 to 50.

The Celtics are 0-3 since their all star break and starting on a bad note. The Celtics leading scorer was Marcus Morris who scored 17 points followed by Jayson Tatum and Terry Rozier who each had 11 points. The Celtics seemed to be struggling and had a lack of mental toughness. “Nobody is together,” Smart said. “We’ve got to have everybody on the same page doing the same things at the same time.” Kyrie Irving responded to Smarts comment saying,”That’s Marcus’ opinion,” Irving said, declining to answer after being asked whether he agreed with his teammate.

The Unlucky Irish

Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics, who were favored to at least be in the eastern conference finals this year, could not get the job done against the Greek Freak. Or maybe the Greek God, Giannis Antetokounpo. A team who, on paper, should be way better than they’ve shown this season and in the play offs were bounced in the 2nd round of the NBA play offs after only winning game one.

A gentleman’s sweep is what they call it. Kyrie Irving who was once the hero in a blazing Cavaliers/ Warriors NBA finals came up with abysmal numbers in not only last nights game, but the entire series. The Celtics alleged leader, in a close out game, recorded a whopping 15 points on 28% shooting from the field as well as 14% from the three point line. Other Celtics players at times during last night’s game lacked chemistry and just seemed over powered by the number one seeded Bucks.

The Bucks beat the Celtics in every statistical category. Jayson Tatum, who was supposed a huge part of the Celtics offense shot just 30% from the field. It would seem as if the Celtics, who started to get hot at the end of the season would make a great push as a contender during these playoffs and after a disappointing loss there are many questions raised as to what the team would look like next season. With Free Agency looming upon us, the Celtics may need to revisit changing the team around moving forward.

Jokers 36 leads Denver past OKC

Nikola Jokic is making his name as one of the most versatile big man to ever play the game. At seven feet tall he is one of the many few big man who has a vision like a point guard, dribbles the ball, can shoot from the three point line, and play great defense. Now in this era of basketball big men who can stretch the floor on offensive and defensive are the ones who will get the minutes and the big bucks. Jokic was playing professional basketball since 19 in the Serbian basketball league. He received an MVP before parting ways and entering the NBA Draft in 2014-2015.

Nikola Jokic finished the game with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assist. He also went 10-13 from the free throw line and had a plus/minus of +22. Jamal Murray also scored 20 points, five rebounds, and five assist with a plus/minus of +16.

Paul George had 25 points, eight rebounds, seven assist, and six steals and Russel Westbrook had 22 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assist with a plus/minus of -22. The Nuggets defense is what caused the Thunder to lose.

What makes the match up between the two so interesting is that these teams have a chance to face off during the playoffs as the season comes to an end. Nuggets coach Michael Malone says, “When the games on the line were going to one guy. Nikola Jokic”. The coach has a lot of confidence in the young big man due to his versatility.

“He’s been able to score in the post against single coverage, double teams. We’ve won so many close games … and a lot of those you can attribute to Nikola being effective and efficient in the post and score, make the right play or go to the foul line and make a free throw.” Nikola basketball IQ is like no other and he also anticipates that he will be doubled and knows where to get the ball to so his team mate can score. The Nuggets are top three in the Conference and is dominating the NBA although their team is very young.

Thompson and Cousins lead Warriors pass Hornets 121-110

This year Klay Thompson and Demarcus Cousins haven’t been averaging the numbers that they usually do. Demarcus is coming off a torn Achilles injury and is looking to get back into shape to become the dominant big man he once was.

Thompson on the other hand hasn’t had any significant injuries, he’s had his most inconsistent season. Due to the star studded team the coaches and players have to design unique ways to ensure all of their stars are putting up a decent amount of shots that ensure their satisfactory and wins for the team.

Warriors teammate has told Cousins numerous times that, “He needs to stop thinking and play his game– be aggressive”. Cousins finally took his advice and put up a season high 24 points and 11 rebounds. Steve Kerr acknowledged Cousins agreeing that this was the most comfortable he seen Cousins play in a Warriors jersey. This was the first game Cousins has played 30 minutes in a game and starting to get his agility back. Although Cousins received a technical foul for throwing one of the opposing players shoe his response was, “Next time I will just step on the shoe, roll my ankle, break it, tear an Achilles”. Cousins is not 100 percent fully injured and is taking special precautions to ensure he heals correctly. The whole reason for him coming to Golden State to ensure another NBA Championship. Thompson lead the team with 26 points and five assist shooting 11-19 from the field with a plus/minus of +19. The Warriors now have a starting five who are all Allstars, is this the greatest team ever?

Gordon Leads Rockets passed Warriors 118 to 112 without Harden

Eric Gordon and the Houston Rockets slip pass Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors without their franchise player James Harden due to illness. Both teams were playing very good on the floor, Golden States Trio Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson all had a great game scoring over 20 points. The Warriors big man Demarcus Cousins had a tough game, although he had 13 points and 14 rebounds he is still not 100 percent coming off of a town Achilles. He proved to be a defense liability when it came down to the wire.

Chris Paul stepped up and had 23 points and 17 assist with two steals and converted two clutch free throws with 1:08 left on the clock in the fourth quarter. Eric Gordon finished the game with 25 points and hit crucial three point field goals when he was needed. Clint Cappella didn’t have a big scoring game but was huge impact on the defensive end. He finished with eight points and 15 rebounds with a plus/minus of +13.

The Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors are two teams that are favored to face off in the upcoming 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs to advance to the NBA Finals. In the playoffs last year they played a tough seven games. Although the Warriors won the world had much love and respect for Harden and the Rockets to force the powerhouse Warriors to seven games. Some people say that the Rockets only lose due to Chris Paul hamstring injury in Game six. Now that it is a new year and the players are now fully rested and recovered this matchup is very much anticipated.

LaVine & Markkanan combine for 75 to beat Irving and the Celtics 126-116

Zach LaVine is a SG for the Chicago bulls who scored a career high 42 points, six rebounds, and four assist to defeat the Boston Celtics. Lavine and Irving battled today, he finished with 37 points, 10 assist, and five rebounds going 14 for 24 from the field. LaVine has truly evolved from an explosive dunker to a complete player. When he first entered the league the only thing you heard about Lavine was that he had a 46 inch vertical. He also won back to back Slam Dunk contest during the All-Star festivities. But now you see Lavine as a young player who changes the game, LaVine now is a six foot six inches guard who can pass, shoot the ball and defend. He has developed his skills since joining the league in 2014.

This game for the bulls was a historical one, Lavine and his teammate Lauri Markkanan combined for 75 of the teams 126 points. They became the first teammates since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen to score more than 35 points or more in the same game. Jordan and Pippen last accomplished this achievement in Nov of the 1996 season they both scored 37 points. Although both Lavine and Markkanan don’t measure up the duo like Jordan and Pippen, it sure is cool to share an achievement that they did. Markkanan is a second year player in the NBA and has had a great season as well. These games are good to remember and keep the Bulls spirits high despite their 16-44 record. Since the Bulls have no chance making the playoffs they can use this game and season as a time to find out what works and what don’t so they can lay out milestones for the next season.

D’ Lo scores 40 to beat Walker and the Hornets

D’Angelo Russel is fresh off his first all star appearance and his confidence is at a point we never seen. Russel said, ” I feel like when you have that all-star badge, you have to be aggressive”. Many people remember Russel for his times on the Los Angeles Lakers when he leaked a video of former teammate Nick Young flirting with females when he was in a relationship with his now former girlfriend Iggy. His nickname was the chemistry killer and was one of the main reasons he was traded from Los Angeles. It seems like those times are now in Russel’s rear view mirror. He is having his nest season of his career as a member of the Brooklyn Nets and is fighting to lead his team to their first playoff appearance since moving to Brooklyn.

This conference game was a must-win game according to Russel and he’s delivered.The Nets defeated the Hornets 117-115. Russel teammate Caris LeVert blocked Walkers three point field goal attempt at the end of the fourth quarter that would ensured the Hornets the win if he’d made it. To make it even sweeter Russell is celebrating his 23rd birthday while also tying his career high with 40 points. Russel was 14 for 31 from the field and knocked down 6 crucial three point field goals. The Nets now sit at 6th place on the eastern conference and is also beating the Hornets in a season series two to one. At this time during the season the Brooklyn Nets are doing better than the Lakers that traded their former franchise player away.

George Leads Thunder in 2 OT Win VS Jazz

Paul George erupts in Utah for 45 points, nine rebounds, and seven assist. Paul George has had a hell of a season for the Oklahoma City Thunder. George cuts through two defenders and throws up a floater over the two time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Golbert to win the game. George was traded here from Indiana and signed during free agency for a four year 137 million dollar contract. During the season you seen MVP flashes in George , he’s been mentioned along with superstars James Harden and Giannis Anteketokounmpo.

All five starters on the Thunders were in double digit in scoring. Russel Westbrook was second in scoring he had 43 points 15 rebounds and eight assist. The two are duo when at times can’t be stopped due to Westbrook explosiveness and vision and George being a two way player who can light you up on the offensive then go back on defense and lock down the opponents best player.

The Thunders as a team shot 46.6 percent from the field goal, 40 percent from the three and 80 percent from the field. When the team plays so efficient its very difficult to defeat them they are currently one of the top five teams in the rough rider western conference. With the season more than 50 percent done the Thunders are fighting to secure their playoff position.

DeRozan returns to Toronto ends in a loss

DeMar DeRozan is a 6’7 guard who was traded from the Toronto Raptors to the San Antonio Spurs on July 18, 2018. Demar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a protected first round pick was traded for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green. Sources say that Kevin Lowry Point Guard for the Toronto Raptors was also unaware of the trade. 

When it was time for Derozan to play against the Raptors in Toronto the emotion in the building was on a different scale. DeRozan passes to Marco Belinelli to knock the three point down to put the Spurs ahead of the Raptors 117 to 115 with 44 seconds left on the clock. DeRozan now has the ball 117 to 116 with 23 seconds on the clock and before he gets a chance to shut out his former team he fumbles the ball after Leonard strips him and scores a layup to put the Raptors up 118 to 117 with 15 seconds left on the clock. The Raptors end up defeating the Spurs 120 to 117.

DeRozan was the face of the Raptors organization prior to being traded players and fans were devastated but at the same time they were ecstatic.

Due to the trade the Raptors has a legitimate chance to make the NBA Finals. The Raptors kryptonite LeBron James has relocated to a different conference and Kawhi Leonard is arguably a top five athlete in the NBA.

Leonard is a versatile player who is who plays elite defense and Offense. Leonard has an NBA Championship with the San-Antonio Spurs as well as an NBA finals MVP and a Defensive Player of the Year. Leonard teammate who was also traded with him is a two way player. Danny Green plays great defense and is a sharpshooter from the three point line. Green also has a NBA championship with his former team the San-Antonio Spurs. Despite the team switch the love that the Raptors organization have for DeRozan will always  be there.