Basketball Intelligence For 11/23/21
Today's Best NBA Reporting And Analysis
- ATL: Reddish Is A Difference Maker (from KL Chouinard, hawks.com): https://www.nba.com/hawks/cam-reddish-being-key-factor-these-next-few-weeks
- ATL: Wing Depth Will Be A Big Factor In Hunter's Absence (from M Brown, Peachtree Hoops ): https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2021/11/23/22794182/atlanta-hawks-wing-depth-kevin-huerter-cam-reddish-deandre-hunter-injury-delon-wright-lou-williams
- BKN: Aldridge Thriving In Bench Role Despite Difficult Adjustment (from Brian Lewis, NY Post): https://nypost.com/2021/11/21/nets-lamarcus-aldridge-thriving-in-newfound-bench-role/
- BOS: Breaking Down The Celtics' Offensive Progress (from Jack Simone, Celtics Blog): https://www.celticsblog.com/2021/11/23/22796433/boston-celtics-offense-ime-udoka-jayson-tatum-dennis-schroder-jaylen-brown-progress-improvement
- BOS: Why The Celtics' Turnaround Will Have Staying Power (from Brian Robb, Mass Live): https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2021/11/five-reasons-celtics-midseason-turnaround-will-have-staying-power-brian-robb.html
- CHI: Q & A: Alex Caruso (from Bryan Kalbrosky, Hoops Hype): https://hoopshype.com/lists/alex-caruso-los-angeles-lakers-chicago-bulls-lonzo-ball-austin-reaves/
- CLE: Lack of A Pull-Up Game Still Hinders Okoro (from Dan Gilinsky, King James Gospel): https://kingjamesgospel.com/2021/11/23/cavs-lack-pull-up-game-hinders-isaac-okoro/
- CLE: Bickerstaff Wants More Respect For Cavs From Officials (from Chris Fedor, cleveland.com): https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2021/11/jb-bickerstaff-stands-up-for-players-calls-out-officials-and-believes-cleveland-cavaliers-deserve-more-respect.html
- DAL: Q & A: Marc Cuban (from Mark Medina, NBA.com): https://www.nba.com/news/mark-cuban-offers-early-impressions-on-mavs-start-and-coaching-changes
- DAL: How Will The Mavs & KP Look When Luka Returns? (from Tim Cato, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/2969752/2021/11/22/how-will-the-mavericks-and-kristaps-porzingis-look-when-luka-doncic-returns
- DAL: Sparks' Kristi Tolliver Returns To Staples As Mavs' Asst. (from Mirjam Swanson, OC Register): https://www.ocregister.com/2021/11/22/sparks-kristi-toliver-returns-to-staples-center-as-mavericks-assistant/
- DET: Cunningham Is Living Up To Expectations (from Jack Kelly, Detroit bad Boys): https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2021/11/22/22747805/detroit-pistons-cade-cunningham-rookie-season-check-in
- GSW: Inside The Construction Of The NBA's Best Defense (from Anthony Slater, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/2939010/2021/11/23/how-do-the-warriors-have-the-nbas-best-defense-inside-its-construction/
- GSW: 3rd Quarter Dominance Gives Starters Needed Rest (from Nick Lozito, SF Chronicle): https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/warriors/article/Third-quarter-dominance-gives-Steph-Curry-16639992.php
- GSW: Film Breakdown: Steph Is Fine With Being A Decoy (from Joe Viray, Golden State Of Mind): https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2021/11/22/22795914/warriors-raptors-stephen-curry-jordan-poole-andrew-wiggins-kevon-looney-film-breakdown
From Josh Schrock, NBC Sports: https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/steph-currys-warriors-impact-seen-raptors-janky-defenses
From Jannelle Moore, Mercury News: https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/11/22/with-the-warriors-pick-your-poison
From Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News: https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/11/22/kurtenbach-steph-curry-is-getting-some-help-and-thats-changed-everything-for-the-warriors
- HOU: Is This The Right Approach To Player Development? (from Xiane, The Dream Shake): https://www.thedreamshake.com/2021/11/22/22797925/boston-batters-rockets-108-90
From Ben Golliver, Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/11/22/houston-rockets-most-losses-nba-history/
- IND: Myles Turner On What What Wrong With The Pacers &Bjorkgren (from Matthew VanTryon, Indy Star): https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2021/11/22/myles-turner-former-pacers-coach-nate-bjorkgren-ego/8726337002/
- LAL: How Carmelo Anthony Went From #1 Option To Top Reserve (from Dave McMenamin, ESPN): https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32669506/inside-carmelo-anthony-19-year-scoring-evolution-here-doing-it
- LAL: Why LBJ Feels Better When He Plays More (from Dr. Rajpal Brar, Silver Screen And Roll): https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2021/11/23/22797468/lakers-lebron-james-feels-worse-playing-low-minutes-does-that-make-any-sense-video
- MIL: Portis Proving Last Season Wasn't A Mirage (from Bradshaw Furlong, Behind The Buck Pass): https://behindthebuckpass.com/2021/11/23/bobby-portis-last-season-mirage-milwaukee-bucks/
- MIN: Wolves Starting Lineup Has The NBA's Highest Net Rating (from Chris Hine, Star Tribune): https://www.startribune.com/timberwolves-starting-lineup-leads-the-nba-in-one-important-metric/600119907/
- NYK: Toppin Hasn't Changed; The Knicks Have Adjusted (from Zamir Bueno, Hoops Habit): https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/23/new-york-knicks-obi-toppin/
- NYK: Knicks' Notes (from Fred Katz, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/2973290/2021/11/23/julius-randles-ineffective-post-ups-rj-barretts-shooting-woes-knicks-up-and-down-defense/
- NYK: Randle May Have Rediscovered Himself Vs The Bulls (from Daniel Lubofsky, posting And Toasting): https://www.postingandtoasting.com/2021/11/22/22796226/julius-randle-may-have-rediscovered-himself-against-the-bulls
- ORL: Q & A: Mo Bamba (from Michael Scotto, Hoops Hype): https://hoopshype.com/lists/mo-bamba-free-agent-future-orlando-magic
- PHI: Maxey's Breakout Gives Sixers A New Dimension (from Bryan Toporek, Forbes): https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryantoporek/2021/11/22/tyrese-maxeys-breakout-could-help-sixers-expedite-a-ben-simmons-trade/?sh=4f97d09c9990
From Keith Pompey, The Inquirer: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/the-76ers-tyrese-maxey-continues-to-impress-with-his-improved-play/ar-AAQYhjZ
- SAC: It Will Take More Than A Coaching Change To End Kings’Playoff Drought (from Marc Stein, The Stein Line):
From Sam Amick, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/2973455/2021/11/23/cleaning-up-the-kings-mess-on-deaaron-fox-roster-construction-and-why-more-change-may-be-needed/
- TOR Nurse: "Protect The Paint First & Then Get Out And Challenge Hard" (from Josh Lewenberg, TSN): https://www.tsn.ca/josh-lewenberg-raptors-should-consider-simplifying-defensive-system-for-young-team-1.1724872
- TOR: Raptors Have Big Plans For Achiuwa. One Step At A Time (from Doug Smith, Toronto Star): https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2021/11/22/the-raptors-have-big-plans-for-precious-achiuwa-one-step-at-a-time.html
- WAS: Wizards' Iso Defense Has Been Elite This Season (from Chase Hughes, NBC Sports): https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/wizards-elite-isolation-defense-year-no-accident-wes-unseld-jr
- WAS: Wizards' Mailbag (from Josh Robbins, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/2972177/2021/11/22/montrezl-harrell-free-agency/
- After Another Fracas, The NBA Had To Hit Back (from Tim Reynolds, AP): https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-new-york-detroit-basketball-f8d3cd64f3c185bfa3396bc62b338748
- Observations From Around The Assn (from Kevin O'Connor, The Ringer): https://www.theringer.com/nba/2021/11/22/22796292/tyrese-maxey-karl-anthony-towns-russell-westbrook
- Power Rankings, Week 6 (from John Schuhmann, NBA.com): https://www.nba.com/news/power-rankings-2021-22-week-6
- Rookie Rankings 1.0 (from Sam Vecenie, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/2960921/2021/11/22/2021-22-nba-rookie-rankings-1-0-evan-mobley-the-clear-no-1-struggles-for-the-jalens-hello-franz-wagner/
From Mike Schmitz, ESPN: https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/32692397/nba-rookie-power-rankings-our-10-best-freshmen-evan-mobley-push-no-1-big-guards-more
From Corey Rausch, Hoops Habit: https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/23/nba-rookie-ladder-week-5
- 2022 Mock Draft (from Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated): https://www.si.com/nba/2021/11/23/nba-mock-draft-paolo-banchero-chet-holmgren-jabari-smith
From Aaron Pearlstein Silver Waves Media, : https://www.silverwavesmedia.com/page/show/6848325-nba-big-board-2021-november-edition
From Bryan Kalbrosky USA Today: https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nba-mock-draft-paolo-banchero-jabari-smith-jaden-ivey
- Film Room: Favorite Sets From The Early Season (from Gibson Pyper, Half Court Hoops):
- Isaiah Austin Has Returned To The NBA In A New Role (from Randi Richardson, NBC News): https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/isaiah-austins-nba-dreams-shattered-now-s-returned-league-new-role-rcna6153
- G League: The Mexico City Capitanes (from Scott Cacciola, NY Times): https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/22/sports/mexico-city-capitanes-nba-texas.html
- ATL 113, OKC 101:
From Sarah Spencer, AJC: https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-hawks/hawks-polish-off-homestand-sweep-with-win-vs-thunder/TYYL5RM6VFF3RIUIV3VUQLLMQ4/
From Logan Newman, USA Today: https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/lists/takeaways-thunder-lose-to-hawks-without-shai-gilgeous-alexander/
From Joe Mussatto, The Oklahoman: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/thunder-at-hawks-five-takeaways-from-okcs-loss-against-trae-young-atlanta/ar-AAR1cmQ
- BKN 117, CLE 112:
From Joe Vardon, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/2973423/2021/11/23/andre-drummond-23-rebounds-and-a-balanced-cast-help-short-handed-sixers-rally-past-kings/
From Kristian Winfield, Daily News: https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/ny-nets-comeback-win-over-cavs-allen-20211123-zeunzk7shzgkrlixc7ehrpgtku-story.html
From Chris Fedor, cleveland.com: https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2021/11/jarrett-allen-and-lauri-markkanen-returning-not-enough-as-cleveland-cavaliers-falter-in-the-second-half-lose-to-brooklyn-nets-117-112.html
- BOS 108, HOU 90:
From Tim Bontemps, ESPN: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32693201/boston-celtics-jaylen-brown-minutes-restriction-vs-houston-rockets-return-8-game-injury-absence
From Tom Westerholm, Boston.com: https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2021/11/22/takeaways-celtics-rockets-jaylen-brown-returns/
From Bobby Krivitsky, Sports Illustrated: https://www.si.com/nba/celtics/top-stories/what-stood-out-in-the-celtics-win-vs-rockets
From Adam Himmelsbach, Boston Globe: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/celtics-ride-dominant-third-quarter-to-roll-past-rockets-in-blowout-win/ar-AAR1atA
From Brian Robb, Mass Live: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/four-takeaways-as-boston-celtics-dominate-houston-rockets-108-90-in-jaylen-brown-e2-80-99s-return-from-hamstring-injury/ar-AAR1ci8
From Keith Smith, Celtics Blog: https://www.celticsblog.com/2021/11/23/22798516/another-blowout-victory-10-takeaways-from-boston-celtics-houston-rockets
From Mark Murphy, Boston Herald: https://www.bostonherald.com/2021/11/22/celtics-blow-out-houston-in-jaylen-browns-return-108-90/
From Jake Levin, NBC Sports: https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/celtics-vs-rockets-takeaways-jaylen-brown-solid-return
- CHA 109, WAS 103:
From Chase Hughes, NBC Sports: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/sports/nbcsports/wes-unseld-jr-bradley-beal-offer-honest-assessment-after-wizards-loss-to-hornets/2890623 and https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/wizards-3-point-shooting-struggles-continue-second-loss-hornets-five-days
From Jackson Filyo, WashingtonWizards.com: https://www.nba.com/wizards/wizards-hornets-recap-112221
From Ava Wallace, Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/11/22/wizards-hornets-late-rally/
From Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/charlotte-hornets/article256038062.html
- IND 109, CHI 77:
From James Boyd, Indy Star: https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2021/11/22/pacers-vs-bulls-pace-caris-levert-rebounds-and-3-s-lead-indiana-win/8652690002/
From Darnell Mayberry, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/2973341/2021/11/23/just-a-bad-day-bulls-suffer-home-blowout-by-division-rival-pacers/
From Nathan S, Indy Cornrows: https://www.indycornrows.com/2021/11/22/22797895/pacers-final-score-pacers-blow-out-bulls-109-77-malcolm-brogdon-domantas-sabonis
From Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune: https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-chicago-bulls-indiana-pacers-20211123-5kxs7yhhi5dhtleqq2a7mxyjoq-story.html
From Rob Schaefer, NBC Sports: https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/10-observations-shorthanded-bulls-thrashed-pacers-home
- MEM 119, UTA 118:
From Sarah Todd, Deseret News: https://www.deseret.com/2021/11/22/22795923/instant-analysis-jaren-jackson-jr-3-pointer-seals-memphis-grizzlies-win-over-utah-jazz
From Andy Larsen, Salt Lake Tribune: https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2021/11/22/triple-team-mistakes/
From Joe Mullinax, Grizzly Bear Blues: https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/2021/11/22/22797979/grizzlies-earn-redemption-defeat-utah-memphis-jazz-game-recap-nba
From Evan Barnes, Commercial Appeal: https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/nba/grizzlies/2021/11/23/memphis-grizzlies-score-vs-utah-jazz-live-updates-nba/8592755002/
- MIL 123, ORL 92:
From Josh Cohen, magic.com: https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-chicago-bulls-indiana-pacers-20211123-5kxs7yhhi5dhtleqq2a7mxyjoq-story.html
From Philip Rossman-Reich, Orlando Magic Daily: https://orlandomagicdaily.com/2021/11/23/orlando-magic-grades-milwaukee-bucks-send-orlando-magic-home-beaten/
From Dalton Sell, Behind The Buck Pass: https://behindthebuckpass.com/2021/11/23/takeaways-milwaukee-bucks-dominant-win-orlando-magic/
- MIN 110, NOP 96:
From Jace Frederick, Pioneer Press: https://www.twincities.com/2021/11/22/timberwolves-hammer-pelicans-for-fourth-straight-win/
From Chris Hine, Star Tribune: https://m.startribune.com/timberwolves-win-fourth-straight-pelicans-stifling-defense/600119814/
- PHI 102, SAC 94 (from Derek Bodner, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/2973423/2021/11/23/andre-drummond-23-rebounds-and-a-balanced-cast-help-short-handed-sixers-rally-past-kings/
From Mirann Tsumura, Kings Herald: https://kingsherald.com/articles/76ers-102-kings-94-its-sometimes-sunny-in-philadelphia/
From Ali Thanawalla, NBC Sports: https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/kings/alvin-gentry-critical-kings-players-debut-loss-76ers
From Keith Pompey, The Inquirer: https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-kings-best-worst-milton-thybulle-20211123.html
From Gina Mizell, The Inquirer: https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-kings-instant-analysis-20211123.html
From Noah Levick, NBC Sports: https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/sixers/sixers-win-kings-tyrese-maxey-matisse-thybulle-andre-drummond-shake-milton
From Ky Carlin, USA Today: https://sixerswire.usatoday.com/lists/sixers-player-grades-tyrese-maxey-leads-shorthanded-group-past-kings/
From Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee: https://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article256003112.html
From Kyle Neubeck, Philly Voice: https://www.phillyvoice.com/sixers-kings-instant-observations-tyrese-maxey-doc-rivers-andre-drummond/
From Paul Hudrick, Liberty Ballers: https://www.libertyballers.com/2021/11/23/22797905/sixers-kings-final-score-game-recap-tyrese-maxey-andre-drummond-isaiah-joe-deaaron-fox-buddy-hield
- PHO 115, SAS 111:
From Kellan Olson, Arizona Sports: https://arizonasports.com/story/2906191/bakers-dozen-deandre-ayton-bench-propel-suns-to-win-no-13-in-a-row/
From Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic: https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2021/11/23/5-takeaways-spurs-dramatic-road-victory-spurs-win-13-th-straight/8730514002/
FOUR YEARS AGO TODAY: from the BI archives:
http://basketballintelligence.net/2017/11/23/todays-best-nba-reporting-analysis-112317/