Weekly Update on Spartans in the NBA

 

 

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to leave basketball fans wondering if they are still the team to beat in the NBA. This “True Hollywood Story” has been anything but kind to the Lakers as they continue to lose against the league’s best teams. This week was no different, and Shannon Brown struggled. Brown was largely ineffective this week. He only shot 38 percent from the floor, and failed to make good on any of his 3 point attempts. Defense has also been a problem for Brown, who was continually scorched by Celtic guard Ray Allen. The Lakers continue to beat teams on the lower end of the totem poll, but have lost in convincing fashion to Miami, San Antonio, and Boston. The Lakers improved their record to 35-16, and still have a stranglehold on the Pacific Division.

 

This week was anything but magical for Jason Richardson and the Orlando Magic. The Magic fell to 5th place in the Eastern Conference rankings. They also lost three out of their four contests for the week. At the beginning of the season, the Magic seemed as though they would at least challenge the superiority of the Boston Celtics. The hopes of that happening are quickly fading. Despite the team’s struggles, Richardson played solid basketball. He reached double digits in the scoring column in all four of the contests. He also shot 45 percent from the field, and 37 percent from behind the arch. Orlando continues to rely heavily on their 3-point shot, and their porous defense would make a sponge jealous. Hope still remains out here in “Spartan Nation” that the Magic can correct their problems in time for the playoffs. The Magic are now third place in their division. Their record is 32-20.

 

The Memphis Grizzlies continue to look hungry in their quest to make the playoffs, thus making good on their owners guarantee. Zach Randolph has been a huge part of this success with his dominating post presence. He shot an amazing 54 percent from the field, and averaged 21 pts and 13 rebounds for the week. The Grizzlies are now two games above .500, and are only a half a game behind the Portland Trailblazers. With the lingering injuries that continue to devastate the Blazers, it is a real possibility that we may see Zach in the playoffs this year. The Grizzlies have a 27-25 record heading into the all-star break.

 

Charlie Bell returned to action this week. Prior to this week, Bell hadn’t played in a game since December 13th. He logged in six minutes off the bench and shot 0-1 from the field.

 

Morris Peterson did not play this week. He hasn’t played since December 12th.

 

Idong Ibok is no longer in the “Developmental League“, however Drew Naymick continues his quest to play in the NBA. He is averaging 6.5 ppg and 6.4 rpg with the Bakersfield Jam.