NBA Updates 5: The Game
Adu Reghuram
The National Basketball Association follows certain criteria which every single player and team must follow. Rules ranging from how to play the game to how to even dribble the basketball can be more complicated than you think. If you remember from my past articles, basketball is evolving into something that flashes before our eyes. We can analyze ball movement and how teams run their offense and defense to score one possession at a time. Although these are special evolutionary changes that we are witnessing, there is something else we have been missing. As I mentioned before, the NBA sets rules every player and team must follow, right? Ladies and gentlemen, ball movement and the way teams run their plays aren't the only ways the game has been evolving. Back in the 1900s, referees were remarkably strict when it came to rules such as carrying the basketball. Players such as Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, who was known for his ball-handling skills, and Ja Morant, who carries the ball every single possession when striding to the rim, are still considered superstars.
Let’s take a look at Kawhi Leonard’s career highlight in game 7 of the 2019 conference finals against the 76rs!
Kawhi Leonard's BUZZER BEATER IS A TRAVEL VIOLATION
Kawhi Leonard traveled right? Did the referee just miss this call or did he not want to call a travel in front of a packed stadium on a multi-millionaire athlete? Let's take a look at another example.
Ja Morant Carries The Ball On Every Play
Ja Morant got away with a carry as well when it came down to the Warriors. These are all calls that refs should be making. Games and even legacies can be affected by the decision of these calls. Now let's look back at Allen Iverson.
Allen Iverson's Crossover Move is Actually a Carry
Like the commentator said, “I think that dribble is a carry every single time he goes to the basket, but it is his signature move and they are gonna let him get away with it.” Evolution can be expressed in many ways. You can express it in good ways and bad ways. What do you think? Should this “complication” be taken into consideration?
Welcome back basketball fans! This week, you will be reading another in-depth analysis covering the MVP ladder, everything you need to know about week five, and the games of the week. Every week is filled with action whether it comes to us witnessing the bad or good drama. Without further ado, let's dive into the analysis!
MVP Ladder
Jokic has proved his talents by exhibiting his unique skill of playmaking and shooting which separates him from the rest of the centers. Not only does he not continuously prove to us that he is the two-time MVP, but he also analyzes the court and looks for the opponent's weakness. This is a trait that not many players have in today's modern NBA. Jokic does not only have all the skills that an elite superstar needs, but he also has the IQ. Jokic is on top of this ladder and he would make history if he wins it three consecutive times!
Although the Bucks have broken their winning streak by losing to the Spurs and the Hawks, this didn't stop Giannis from having another stupendous performance. The 27-year-old continues to have left-knee soreness which is common among most players. Giannis also won Player of the Week and he ranks number two on this list. Giannis has accomplished a lot in seven years. Awards such as an NBA title, Finals MVP, Defensive Player of The Year, All-Star MVP, two-time MVP, and MIP of the year are awards not everybody can put on their NBA resume. Although these are tremendous awards that require a lot of time and hard work, Giannis is still not finished and the rest of Milwaukee can't wait to see what he has left in him.
The Dallas Mavericks have had their wins and losses in the past. Luka Doncic has been a big factor in their success. Luka is averaging an astonishing 33.6 ppg, 8.3 RPG, and 7.9 APG. When watching Luka, you are witnessing an art. You are witnessing a man who loves the sport. Playing professional sports can be very stressful. The eyes of 100,000 people in the stands looking at you can put more pressure than you think. On top of this, there are analysts, many distractions, and coaching stressors that are constantly affecting your every move. When watching Luka play, he dominates the opponent by using trickery and slithery to maneuver around and somehow manage to score. He turns all that pressure into something that helps him. This is by far one of the best skills he carries around him out of the many skills he has.
Everything You Need To Know About For Week 5
Who will be the first to score 60 points this week? It started with Darius Garland, who scored 27 of his career-high 51 points. Joel Embiid put together a shooting clinic finishing with 59 points. Career highs and scoring 50+ is an incredibly difficult task. When faced with an NBA defense, it can be hard to get past defenders and score, especially off the dribble.
The Boston Celtics enter week five riding a six-game win streak. They are 10-3 and are just a half-game behind the East-leading Milwaukee Bucks. Boston's offense has been on another level these past couple of games. They are first in the NBA, ranking 3.5 points per 100 possessions better than the second-ranked Denver Nuggets. The Boston Celtics are always coming close to winning the Finals in the playoffs. They are a strong contender for the playoffs, can they close it out this year?
Games Of The Week
Golden State Warriors Vs. Phoenix Suns (11/16, 9:00 PM)
Milwaukee Bucks Vs. Philadelphia 76ers (11/18, 6:30 PM)
Denver Nuggets Vs. Dallas Mavericks (11/18, 7:30 PM)
Boston Celtics Vs. New Orleans Pelicans (11/18, 7:30 PM)
Minnesota Timberwolves Vs. Philadelphia 76ers (11/19, 6:30 PM)
