Lebron reaches unprecedented scoring milestone
In Saturday's matchup against the Denver Nuggets Lebron came in just nine points short of a milestone that once seemed unfathomable for any player to reach. In a testament to Lebron James' greatness he has somehow done the impossible several times in his career and this is just latest example. At 39 years of age Lebron's 21st season is simply incomparable to the rest and his latest individual accomplishment is equally as monumental.
Lebron wasted no time giving the fans what they wanted as he scored the history making bucket to become the first player to cross the 40,000 point plateau in NBA history. He finished with 26 points putting his career scoring total to 40,017 with no end appearing to be in sight as his longevity continues to reach new heights. After the game, Lebron spoke candidly about where his game is at this point in his career given the way his body has held up so well. "I feel like I'm still that threat out on the floor and I am still able to do the things that I was doing 10 years ago,"
Unfortunately with another milestone for Lebron comes another Lakers loss as the Nuggets defeated the Lakers 124-114. The loss marks their eighth straight loss to the defending champions who also swept them in last year's Western Conference finals
Clippers lose the final Lakers matchup in the Crypto arena: Can they be trusted down the stretch?
The Clippers took on the Lakers for the final time in the regular season marking the final time the Lakers and Clippers will share an arena as they move to Intuit Arena next season. Despite the success of Clippers this season they came into the game down 2-1 in the season series against their division rival Lakers. The Clippers appeared to have the game well in hand as they entered the fourth quarter with a 21 point lead. However, from there it became the Lebron James show as he outscored the Clippers 19-16 in the fourth quarter as the Lakers stormed back to cap off a disappointing loss for the Clippers.
Next game, the Clippers bounced back in a blowout win over the struggling Wizards but lost one of their key players in Russell Westbrook who fractured his hand. Though the Clippers are still one of the best teams in the West at 39-20 they are just 5-5 in their last 10 games. They also face tougher competition over the next couple weeks including two matchups with a surging Bucks team. With that said, it will be interesting to see how they handle their final 23 games as they sit just two games back of the first seed in the West. Health will be a major factor as it has been for the Clippers in the Leonard-George era which could impact faith in their playoff chances. As for now, the Clippers are still the biggest threat to the Nuggets but how they overcome the loss of Westbrook will be something to watch closely.
Are the Kings still a playoff threat in the West?
The Kings have been an interesting team to say the least as despite the continued success of their team this year after finishing as the third seed last year they haven't been quite as consistent this year. Sacramento is team that I feel is underrated despite having a extremely talented duo in Fox and Sabonis who did not make the All-Star team despite having great individual season. So far, they have hung just outside the play-in spot as they currently the sixth seed in the West. The issue is despite keeping most of the roster that helped them win 48 games last year their consistency has been an issue. They are 5-5 in their last 10 wins and are a team that has some impressive wins and and some perplexing losses. For example, they have some impressive wins over teams like the Nuggets and Clippers but managed to lose at home to a nine win Pistons team. With that said, their likelihood of being a viable playoff threat has come into question despite their talent.
Similar to last season, the Kings validity as a playoff threat will likely come down to matchups as despite coming away with the third seed in the West they were defeated by a more experienced team in the Warriors. If the playoffs started today they'd be facing the defending champion Denver Nuggets in the first round who they have had success against this season. In their four games against each other the Kings have come away victorious three times but were blown out in their most recent matchup on Wednesday. Though they have had success this season against the Nuggets avoiding them as a first round matchup should a focus for them. Getting into a top 4 seed is unlikely due to them being a top 4 seed as they are still five games back of the Clippers for the 4 spot. Matchup wise id rather see them face a young team like the Timberwolves or Thunder who have been elite but don't have the playoff experience of the Nuggets and Clippers. Still, getting out of the first round in a competitive Western Conference will once again be a challenge for them which is why it is hard to call them a real playoff threat as things stand right now.
Game of the week- Max Strus served as the unlikely hero for the Cavaliers hitting five three pointers in the fourth quarter including a miraculous 59 foot shot at the buzzer to give the Cavaliers a 121-119 win.
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