NBA season already exceeds expectations
From the moment Kevin Durant made his free agency decision this summer to join the Golden State Warriors, the NBA world was flipped upside down.
Other than Golden State faithfuls and I use that term loosely, NBA fans everywhere were turned off by Mr. Durant’s decision. The narrative from casual NBA fans and analysts alike was that this season was a foregone conclusion.
A third straight finals match-up between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers was on the horizon and every other team should just concede ahead of time.
Subsequently, the rest of the league didn’t get the message, because this has arguably been the most exciting season since the 2012-13 season. We are just third into the season, but a season that was written off before it even began has exceeded viewers expectations.
From prolific scoring outings by big names, to story-lines worth following, this season has had a little bit of everything. Now, let’s take a look at the notable talking points and moments this NBA season has already given us.
The Golden State Super Villains
The obvious starting point for this season would have to be the Golden State Warriors. It’s hard not to talk about a team with a top five power forward, arguably one of the best shooters of all time, and two former MVP’s on the roster. At 22-4, the Warriors have mostly dominated their opponents and the “there’s only one ball” narratives have all but vanished.
Durant has quickly become the best player on the court on a nightly basis and is putting together a career year. Durant is averaging 25.8 PPG, followed by Stephen Curry’s 25.4 PPG and Klay Thompson rounds out the big three with 21.8 PPG. These averages go hand and hand with their NBA league leading 118 points per game as well.
Every night, the Warriors are getting every team’s best effort and has embraced the “super villain” role the media has given them. Similar to the effort the Warriors’ have seen from their opponents on the court, they are seeing off the court from the media as well.
Every Warriors game has and will continue to be dissected thoroughly by viewers everywhere, because this team is looked at as a juggernaut no one will be making excuses for them. Although the Warriors’ are still flawed with a underwhelming bench, when this team is clicking on all cylinders they are the most exciting team in basketball by miles.
Anything Russell Westbrook
Where do I begin? We’ve all seen the season Russell Westbrook has been putting together and it has been nothing short of amazing. With a chance to finally see what Westbrook can do as the main leader in Oklahoma City, he has not disappointed. Westbrook is averaging a triple double with 31.1 PPG, 10.9 RPG, and 11 APG. These are averages we haven’t seen since the likes of Oscar Robinson was in the league.
Not impressed yet? Along with averaging a triple double so far this season, Westbrook has notched a total of 12 triple doubles this season alone, with the next closest player only having five.
To put the final ribbon on Westbrook’s triple double resume, he tied Michael Jordan for most triple doubles in a row since 1989 with seven straight. There is no question that Westbrook is one of the top MVP candidates, because of his play and he has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The man gives 110 percent effort each night and is truly the energizer bunny of the NBA.
It is clear that Kevin Durant’s surprise departure lit an even bigger fire under Russell Westbrook and for that NBA fans can collectively thank him for it.
James Harden the Point Guard
James Harden has made the transition to point guard look effortless by his play this season. Being in a scoring friendly Mike D’Antoni system and being the scoring threat that he is, Harden’s success at the point guard position actually makes a lot of sense.
Having Harden at the point draws more defenders towards him and allows him to kick it to the array of 3-point shooters he has around him. Either Harden draws two defenders and kicks it or he goes to work on a lone defender.
Teams are stuck deciding what to do and are at the mercy of Harden making him one of the toughest covers in the NBA. Per 36 minutes, Harden is averaging 27.4 PPG and 11.3 APG.
Harden is also leading the lead in total assists with 290 ahead of established point guards like Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul and John Wall.
The Rockets are 9-1 in their last 10 games and are sitting at the 4th seed in the Western conference. The resurgence of the Rockets is because of the outstanding play of James Harden and that’s why he’s getting a lot of MVP considerations.
New Kawhi Leonard
Another season has passed and Kawhi Leonard's responsibilities, for the Spurs, has risen even higher from the time he entered the league. With Tim Duncan retired and veterans Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli taking a backseat, Greg Popovich has handed the keys to the franchise to Leonard.
The often quiet and reserved Leonard is now being looked at to lead the Spurs and he hasn't disappointed.
Leonard is averaging 24.7 PPG, 6 RPG, 3 APG and 2 steals a game for the Spurs. Kawhi is also flirting with the 50% from the floor, 40% from three and 90% from the free throw line club, that Stephen Curry accomplished last season. The defending 2x defensive player of the year has the Spurs sitting at 19-5 and 2nd in the Western conference.
Leonard doesn't exactly fit the mold of what a leader should look like, but instead Leonard leads by example and as always let's his progressive play do all the talking for him.
Staying Healthy
Before naming some of the players who have managed to stay healthy and put together a good season, I please ask everyone to collectively knock on wood. Let’s start this list off with none other than Derrick Rose.
After being traded to the Knicks, Rose was given the chance to revitalize his injury riddled career and he hasn’t disappointed. Although he isn’t the MVP Rose (let’s face it he’ll never be back to that status), he has quietly put together a pretty solid year. Appearing in 22 games so far, Rose has put up games of 30, 27, 25 and 24 points.
Rose is also shooting 56% when driving at the rim, so his ability to finish at the rim still remains a threat. A healthy Derrick Rose will always be good for the NBA and I’m happy he’s out there playing.
Next up is “The Brow” aka Anthony Davis. Unfortunately, the New Orleans Pelicans have had a disappointing season so far, but Anthony Davis is having a career season and it’s because he’s stayed healthy.
Davis not only is averaging a career high 30.6 PPG and 11.4 RPG, he also leads the league in player efficiency rating at 30.60 this season. In his first 4 games of the season, Davis totaled 148 total points most notably his 50 point performance on opening night. All I ask is can we please get Anthony Davis some help in New Orleans?
We could be here all day if we named every player who managed to stay healthy, so some notable honorable mentions include Marc Gasol, Bradley Beal and Eric Gordon.
To end this list, who else but the entire Clippers roster? The nucleus of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan have all managed to stay healthy.
The Clippers have shown early glimpses of being a real threat in the Western conference and if all goes according to plan and they stay healthy, the Clippers will be a hard match-up for any team in the playoffs.
Trusting The Process
After waiting two years and trusting the process, Joel Embiid was well worth the wait. In his first official season for the 76er’s, Embiid has already taken the spot as the Sixers best player, with Ben Simmons debut on hold for right now. He not only has solidified his spot as the best player, but Embiid has helped the Sixers rise to relevancy.
Yes, I’m aware the Sixers are 6-18, but they haven’t been an easy outing like they were in previous seasons.
Embiid has averaged 18.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG and the most impressive stat of all is he’s shooting 44% from three. Another eye raising stat is he’s ranked 10th among rookies with 353 total minutes, but is ranked 2nd among rookies in total points scored.
Embiid’s impact goes beyond stats; however, his presence and personality has given Sixers and NBA fans everywhere something to cheer about in Philadelphia. With the impressive play of Embiid and the potential of Ben Simmons, the Sixers are poised to have a bright future.
The Young Lakers
At 10-7, the Lakers have had it rough lately, but there is no denying the young nucleus and coach Luke Walton could have something special soon. At the point, D’Angelo Russell has looked more poised and mature compared to last season.
His stellar play, before going out with an injury, leads me to believe he has the potential to be a charismatic leader for the Lakers as this team grows together.
The next key piece is power forward Julius Randle. He is slowly becoming a poor man’s Draymond Green in Luke Walton’s system. His mobility, rebounding ability and willingness to pass the ball will take his game to the next level in due time.
Although Brandon Ingram has struggled this season, I don’t believe this is a cause for concern. Ingram is still 19 years of age and is still trying to find his niche which is OK! The Lakers aren’t by any means a contender, so let’s pump the breaks and give Ingram some time to fully develop his game because he has shown flashes of his potential.
The final pieces of the Lakers young core and important bench players is Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. Clarkson has accepted his sixth man role for the Lakers and was a key contributor to the Lakers early season success.
While Nance Jr is an energetic big, off the bench, that will give you constant effort to keep your bench production afloat. The potential on the Lakers roster is undeniable it’s just a question of, when will they put it all together? Only time will tell.
23 and Under's
This season, we have been treated by the play of the 23 and under's. These players that have shown us glimpses of what we have to look forward to in the future and proves the NBA is trending in the right direction. Instead of breaking down every player, I’ll just leave the list of names of the 23 and under's, because the list speaks for itself.. Enjoy!
23 years and under: Anthony Davis (Age 23), Karl-Anthony Towns (Age 21), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Age 22), Kristaps Porzingis (Age 21), Joel Embiid (Age 22), Andrew Wiggins (Age 21), Jabari Parker (Age 21), Ben Simmons (Age 20), Andre Drummond (Age 23), Myles Turner (Age 20), Jamal Murray (Age 19), Jaylen Brown (Age 20), Brandon Ingram (Age 19), Bradley Beal (Age 23), Zach Lavine (Age 21), Devin Booker (Age 20), D’Angelo Russell (Age 20), and Steven Adams (Age 23)
Upcoming match-ups
The main match-up everyone will be watching will be on Christmas day, when the Warriors take on the Cavaliers in Cleveland. You aren’t a fan of NBA basketball if you aren’t keeping an eye on this match-up on Christmas day.
The matchup people should be watching in this game is Kevin Durant vs LeBron James. Durant has a career 3-13 record against James and that could be one of the main reasons he joined the Warriors. There is no doubt that neither of these teams like each other and will be looking for a statement win.
The next big match-up on Feb 11th will see Kevin Durant returning to Oklahoma City for the first time as a member of the Warriors.
The Warriors got the best of the Thunder 122-96 in their first match-up, but with the return of KD to OKC the stakes will be high and expect a rowdy Thunder crowd. Durant should expect to be boo’d almost every time he touches the rock.
Eyes will also be on Westbrook and Durant to see if they show any sign of acknowledgement towards each other.
Noteworthy Performances/Achievements
- LeBron passes Elvin Hayes for 9th All-time in scoring with 27,359
- Stephen Curry record 13 3-pointers in one game.
- Klay Thompson 60 points on 21 of 33 shooting from the floor.
- John Wall 52 points on 18 of 31 shooting from the floor.
- Anthony Davis 50 point opening night.
- Karl-Anthony Towns 47 points and 18 rebounds.
- Westbrook 41/16/12.
- Kevin Love 34 point 1st quarter.
- Chris Paul 20 points, 20 assists, 0 turnovers.
- DeMar DeRozan 179 points in first 5 games.
