Can De'Aaron Fox lead the Sacramento Kings out of their longtime playoff drought
The Kings have been on fire as of late having won 6 straight games for the first time since 2005 after having an 0-4 start to the year. With their recent surge, they are currently the eighth seed in the west and have a talented young roster that seems poised to end their longstanding playoff drought. Star guard De'Aaron Fox has been one of the most underrated players in the NBA for a couple years due to the Kings lack of success. All that could change this year if he is able to put up his usual stellar numbers while leading the Kings to their first playoff berth in 16 years. Fox is the Kings leading scorer and playmaker averaging over 24.8 points and 6.4 assists per game. Unlike previous years, Fox has a lot of help offensively as the Kings average 120.3 points per game and have scored 120+ in six straight games. Their offense has also been highly efficient as they have the highest team field goal percentage at 49.9%
Next week, the Kings will try to add to their win streak as they take on the injury riddled Memphis Grizzles then the Atlanta Hawks before closing out the week against a hot Boston Celtics team.
Are the Celtics the best team in the NBA?
The Boston Celtics are the hottest team in the NBA right now having won their 9th game in a row after defeating the Pelicans on Friday. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown been arguably the best duo in the NBA this year as both are playing the best basketball of their careers thus far. Tatum is currently the 7th leading scorer in the NBA at 30.3 points per game and is having an MVP caliber season so far. The other" Jay" in Jaylen Brown was the best player in the Finals for the Celtics last year and has been just as impressive so far this season. He currently averages 25.3 points per game along with 6.9 rebounds per game. The Celtics have been dominate as a team all season as they have a league high point differential, winning by an average of 7.1 points. They've simply been unstoppable offensively, coming in at 2nd in team scoring averaging 120.2 points per game. As impressive as they have been thus far, they will likely be even better once they get back defensive anchor and lob threat in Robert Williams who has yet to play this season.
Next week, the Celtics will look to win their 10th straight game as they take on the Bulls. Mavericks, Kings, and Wizards
NBA Rookie Spotlight: Bennedict Mathurin
Indiana Pacers rookie, Bennedict Mathurin is a special talent and has been a big reason why the Pacers have won 5 of their last 6 game putting them at 5th in the east. The 6'6'' guard is making noise as a rookie of the year candidate and could possibly make even more history in the process. Mathurin is averaging 19.1 points per game and shooting 42.7% from three point range all while coming off the bench so far this season. Despite his early success, Pacers coach Carlisle does not plan to put him in the starting lineup as he has meshed well with the second unit. This has put Mathurin in uncharted territory as he could become the first player to win both rookie of the year and sixth man of the year in the same season. Mathurin is currently averaging more points than all but five of the previous 40 sixth man year award winners. That list includes Ricky Pierce in 1990 (23.0), Lou Williams in 2019 and 2018 (22.6 and 20.0), Eddie Johnson in 1989 (21.5) and Tyler Herro last season (20.7). With Mathurin's success so far in an unusual role for a rookie it is very likely he could come away with at least 1 of the awards especially if the Pacers make the playoffs.
Next week, Mathurin will continue his possible rookie of the year and 6MOTY year run while looking to keep the Pacers win streak going, The Pacers take on the Magic, Timberwolves, Nets, before closing out the week against the Clippers
Game of the Week- Devin Booker drops a season high 49 points but falls short to the Utah Jazz, Markannen scores a season high 38 points in the win.
Source- NBA YouTube Channel
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