What to watch in the NBA this week: Week five

Another week NBA action and another week of outstanding moments. For better or worse, there was a lot to clarify and shine a spotlight on this week. Here are 10 Things I saw in the NBA this week: Week five.

*As of: 11/24/24

Week five in the NBA

A lot is happening in Dallas

Luka Doncic is out with a wrist injury, but that hasn’t stopped him Dallas Mavericks from hitting the Oklahoma City Thunder or Denver Nuggets without him. PJ Washington has taken his place averaging 24 points and 15 rebounds in the two games without Luka. PJ reminded everyone how much He loved playing in Oklahoma City with a 27 point, 17 rebound performance. Don’t forget it either Kyrie Irving. At the start of the season, Ky was shooting 53 percent from the field and 51 percent from three in 35 minutes per game.

Denver’s offense is Nikola Jokic

There’s a reason for that Nikola Jokic is a three-time, probably four-time MVP. The all-time best offensive rating in NBA history for a single season is 123.2. When Jokic is on the field for the Nuggets this season, they have an offensive rating of 125.8. However, that’s not the most shocking statistic for Denver. The worst offensive rating in NBA history is 92.2. The Denver’s offensive rating when Jokics isn’t on the floor? 86.6. Human duality can be a cruel thing.

Philly is still trying to get out of the starting blocks

The Philadelphia 76ers The season is getting worse and worse. Tyrese Maxey, Paul GeorgeAnd Joel Embiid FINALLY all return to play together. Then Embiid is a last-second scratch against the Nets (they won). although) due to swelling of the left knee, Paul George hyperextends his knee, that The off-field drama continues, even as all three played together They haven’t won a game and are now 3-12. Only Percentage points separate them from the bottom of the entire league.

The Rookie of the Year race could be fun

The only positive side for Philly? The leading candidate for the title of “Rookie of the Year” is Jared McCain. McCain averaged 26 points per game over the last five games, although the 76ers were 1-4 in those games. Even though the 76ers are struggling with injuries, there could be a glimmer of hope through this give McCain more minutes. However, there is also a rookie for the Los Angeles Lakers across the country Dalton Knecht. Even though Knecht hasn’t played consistently at a high level like McCain recently, But If you’re a rookie and are 12-16 from the field, 9-12 and 37 points in a single game, You will do it attract attention.

Boston still gives up big leads

Don’t get me wrong, that Boston Celtics are a great team. However, this core Celtics team has had the habit of giving Building big leads and allowing teams to get back into the game. The happened against against the Cleveland Cavaliers WHO They led by 20 points at one point in the second half, but ultimately allowed Cleveland to make it a close game. Boston still won 120-117 AndIn terms of a seven-game series, that might not be a big problem. However, there is something to keep in mind.

Elfrid Payton returns

Elfrid Payton returned and played in an NBA game for the first time in 903 days! The New Orleans Pelicans have been decimated through injuries which led them to sign Payton. He was part of a starting lineup that will live on forever in the Hall of Fame with people like “I’ve been a fan since this starting lineup.” Jeremiah Robinson Earl, Yves Missi, Brandon Boston Jr. and Javonte Green. Payton played 22 minutes with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 8 helps in a loss to the Cavaliers.

Point difference change strategies in the NBA Cup

Jason Kidd brought up the concept of point difference when it comes to the NBA Cup and the problem it presents. The Mavericks defeated the Pelicans 132-91 on November 19th. Kidd also had a decent amount of starters outside until the end of the game, inclusive Luka DoncicWhen normally a coach would empty the bench. The reason for this Because The Mavericks were 0-1 in NBA Cup group play And their loss was against the Golden State Warriors WHO were undefeated in group play at this point. If the Mavericks wanted to advance to the knockout rounds of the NBA Cup Thenmost likely they would have to be a wildcard team. The point difference is the second Tie breaker When it depends on Find out which teams are the wild card teams when it comes to ties behind the regular season head-to-head record. Kidd brought it up in his postgame interview, saying he didn’t feel right inflating the score for a week bigger Point difference, but did it anyway for reasons of Tiebreakers.

Oklahoma City takes its problems one-for-two

The Thunder had two glaring issues with their team that could cause problems in the playoffs. One of these problems appears to be be addressedbut one from them seems to be more common than ever. Isaiah Hartenstein returned to the Thunder on November 20 against the Trail Blazers. He had 13 points, but the most important One aspect of his game was his 14 rebounds and four blocks. Since Chet Holmgren went down, the Thunder were forced to play small and have been bounced out. The Thunder still lost the rebounding battle 49-46, but Holmgren gets his turn for once back that gets better. However, the problem that remains is the lack of playmakers Shai Gilgeous Alexander. The Thunder’s offensive identity is efficiency, but what happens when the team doesn’t play efficiently? This was evident in the playoff series against Dallas, the November 17th game against Dallas and the November 19th game against San Antonio. The team, apart from Shai and Jalen Williamsplayed inefficiently. Plays had to be made for others to get shots, but Shai was the only one who could do it could do it consistently.

Reality hits Lakers and Suns

The Phoenix Suns were highly dependent on their big three of Bradley Beal, Devin Bookerand especially Kevin Durant because of insult. The Los Angeles Lakers were strong dependent on it Anthony Davis in her defense. reality has met both The last week. Bradley Beal And Kevin Durant are both injured And The Suns are 1-6 since Durant arrived injured. Anthony Davis is still playing great, but the lack of defense from other teammates has caused them to close games against underperforming teams and are currently on a two-game losing streak.

Star players sit during crunch time

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball and the Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham were not on the field during the crucial time as their respective teams were only a few minutes apart. The Hornets lost to the Brooklyn Nets 116-115, but LaMelo was on the bench for the game last minutes of the game. Hornets coach Charles Lee said the reasoning was this Tre man had the hot hand And Her philosophy is to go with the hot hand. Two days later, when the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Detroit Pistons 123-121 in OT, Cade Cunningham was missing from action at the end of the fourth quarter and the end of over time.

Did I miss something that you noticed? Comment below!!

Main image: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images