Russell Westbrook makes his Clipper debut
In a move that appeared to be for the better of parties, the long discussed trade of Russell Westbrook sent him from Los Angeles to Utah. In a move that appears to be a true turning point in Westbrook's career as he pondered where he would continue his playing career. Multiple teams were reportedly interested but Westbrook ultimately signed with the Clippers in a move that was pushed for by Clippers star Paul George. The move instantly gives the Clippers a playmaking point guard who can push the ball in transition which was a major need for them.
Westbrook made his Clipper debut on the road against the Kings in what was a excellent performance from him in a spectacular game. Westbrook made his presence felt with a big double double scoring 17 points with 14 assists but the Clippers fell short in an instant classic double overtime game. Still, the Clippers showed how dangerous of a team they can be and how great a fit Westbrook is for them. The Clippers scored a franchise record 175 points in Westbrooks debut helping the two superstars in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George get easier looks on the offensive end. With the addition of Westbrook, the Clippers appear to have their best chance to make a run to the Finals in the Leonard-George era.
Next week, the Clippers face a tough test as they go on the road to take on the Denver Nuggets followed by matchups with the Timberwolves, Warriors, Kings, and Grizzlies.
How far can Luka & Kyrie lead the Mavericks?
With the acquisition of Kyrie the Mavericks now have arguably the most talented backcourt in the league in a season where Irving is having one of the best seasons of his career. Adding Kyrie fixes the obvious problem for the Mavericks which was a lack of offensive talent around Luka. Kyrie's 26.2 points per game while shooting 40.8% from three point range in his first 6 games as a Maverick is a major need. However, the Mavericks are now just 3-3 after a loss to the Lakers on Sunday where they gave up a 27 point first half lead.
The loss to the Lakers exposed some of the problems they might have the rest of the season despite their improved offense. The Mavericks lack of an interior presence defensively had an effect as they were outrebounded 56 to 48 and were dominated in the paint 62 to 32 by the Lakers. The loss also came with the Mavericks shooting an excellent 40.8% from three point range while the Lakers shot an abysmal 17.6%. For the Mavericks to make the most of their opportunity with their dynamic duo they will have to improve defensively especially in the interior. Either way with the roster they have their are still to many contending teams better than them which is why I don't see the Mavericks going further than the conference Finals.
Next week, the Mavericks will be up against the Pacers, Sixers, and Suns as the two former Nets in Irving and Durant play each other for the first time since their respective trades.
What is the Sacramento Kings ceiling this season?
The Kings have easily been one of my favorite teams in the NBA season due to their explosive offense and exciting players like De'Aaron Fox and Malik Monk. Earlier in the season, I gave them credit for how much better they look as a team and seemed likely to break their longstanding playoff drought. Now that we are past the All-Star and just a few weeks left in the season the Kings have proved they are more than just a feel good story but a legitimate threat in the west. With the west as wide open as its been in several years and the Kings maintaining the 3rd seed in the west its time we discuss how far this team can go come playoff time.
The Kings have a talented young roster with little playoff experience but don't expect them to be afraid of anyone come playoff time. With the talent in their All-Star duo in Fox and Sabonis the Kings have their most talented playoff team since the early 2000's Kings led by De'Aaron Fox. For the Kings to go on a run having home court advantage will be a major factor for this young team looking to make noise in the playoffs. With the west standings shifting seemingly everyday their ceiling will likely come down to matchups as I don't see them getting past the experienced teams like Phoenix and Denver. Still, in a wide open western conference the Kings have shown they fear no opponent which is why I would not count them out on making an unlikely run to the conference finals.
Next week, the Kings continue their season with a second consecutive game against Oklahoma before heading back home for another matchup with the Clippers followed by the Timberwolves.
Game of the week- Kings win an instant classic as Malik Monk and De'Aaron Fox combine for 87 points outdueling Kawhi Leonard who dropped 44 points in the double OT loss. Kings defeat Clippers 176-175.
Source- NBA YouTube Channel
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