Player Recognition
All-Star Synopsis:
LeBron James, SF, Cavaliers
This website contains many great opinions and information on the Cleveland Cavs and of course LeBron James, so I am going to join the party after James was named NBA Player of the Week for a record 47th time. James led Cleveland to a perfect 3-0 record this past week, averaging 25.7 points per game on .51% shooting, including 24-30 from the foul line, 5.3 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 2.3 steals in 33 minutes per game.
We’re slowly trying to figure out the Cavs’ identity while the players do the same. James has delivered as the leader, obviously, and has taken control of this team that has struggled to find any kind of consistency.
Blake Griffin, PF, Clippers
Photo Credit: Chuck Burton/AP Photo
Like James, Blake Griffin contributed big in his teams’ perfect 4-0 week showing off his array of skills. Griffin averaged 23.8 points per game, 9.8 rebounds, 5 assists on 51.3% shooting. Side note: he did this all on the road. Griffin benefitted off his low-post game with the majority of his domination covering the colored area. The four-time All-Star continues to show a vast improvement year to year and is on pace to have his best in 2014-15.
Rookie Rundown:
KJ McDaniels, SG, 76ers
Shooting guard KJ McDaniels continues to impress in his underrated rookie season. As a 6’6’ guard with an improved shooting ability, McDaniels looks to have a nice future and also had a fine week at that. McDaniels had a three-game stretch in which he averaged 16.3 points, 1.3 steals, 1.6 blocks, and 9.3 rebounds per game. Unfortunately, the 76ers trend of losing has continued and will contend to tie the NBA record for worst record to start the season (0-18) and McDaniels has gone unnoticed, but his high flying ability has made many highlight reels this season so far.
Like this one versus the Mavericks on Saturday:
Flying Under the Radar:
Wesley Matthews, SG, Trail Blazers
Wesley Matthews has been on fire as of late hitting on all cylinders averging 25.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over the past three games. Matthews has continued to try and develop as a consistent knockdown three-point shooter and he is currently 40% from behind the arc this season. Matthews is and will be a key component to the Blazers’ success in 2014-15.
Team Outlooks
Top Five:
1. Golden State Warriors (14-2)
Steve Kerr’s team continues to win and running smoothly on offense knocking down 48% of their shots. The defense sees improvement each week and leads the league in field goal percentage defense at 40.7%. The nine-game winning streak is impressive enough, but the improvement of key bench players in Harrison Barnes, Marreese Speights, and Draymond Green have been huge plusses and continue to thrive when called upon. Upcoming Games: vs. ORL, vs. NO, @ CHI
2. Memphis Grizzlies (15-2)
Going into Portland and winning convincingly is no easy task and the Grizz came away unblemished. Memphis is 11-0 versus the West and is neck and neck with the dubs at No. 1. Memphis will, once again, go to prove themselves against a few of the top teams in the league starting off the week with a road trip to Houston. Upcoming Games: @ HOU, vs. SA, vs. MIA
3. San Antonio Spurs (12-4)
Photo Credit: Soobum Im/USA TODAY Sports
3. San Antonio Spurs (12-4)
Remember when the Spurs slipped up to the Kings in Novemeber and people thought this might be the end? Well, San Antonio has ripped off seven straight wins since and has defeated the Cavs, Grizz, and Kings giving them the 12-4 overall record. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if this team has the best record on Christmas Day. Upcoming Games: @BRK, @ MEM, vs. MIN
4. Portland Trail Blazers (13-4)
The Blazers remain at four for another week. Wesley Matthews has been tearing it up as stated earlier and has picked up the slack for the injured Nic Batum. The Blazers could have really solidified themselves as possibly the top dogs in the NBA if capturing wins at home over an earlier game versus Golden State and last Friday to Memphis. Instead , they lost both. Even though the Blazers still have a cushy upcoming schedule, and will until Christmas rolls around, don’t count these guys out yet as serious contenders in the West. Upcoming Games: @ DEN, vs. IND, @NYK
5. Los Angeles Clippers (11-5)
I kept wondering when LA was finally going to crack my top five. Many chatter occurred when LA was yet to travel outside the state of California and what did they do? Won four straight road games and that’s what gives them the nod over Houston and Dallas. Upcoming Games: vs. ORL, vs. NO
Bottom Three:
28. Charlotte Hornets (4-14)
I wonder if it’s still OK to consider them the Bobcats, because that’s what I see when watching this team play. The team holds the longest active losing steak in the NBA despite that team at 30. Yeah, they belong in that category with that team. Upcoming Games: vs. CHI, vs. NYK
29. Detroit Pistons (3-15)
With a decent starting lineup, a great coach, and a somewhat struggling division, I thought Detroit would be a major sleeper in 2014. Instead, the team continues to lose and is on a nine game losing streak entering Wednesday night. Upcoming Games: vs. LAL, @ BOS, vs. PHI, vs. OKC
30. Philadelphia 76ers (0-13)
Yup. Yeah. OK.
Upcoming Games: Does it matter?