Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma et Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Washington Wizards)
The Wizards recovered three players from the Lakers by sending Russell Westbrook to Los Angeles. Three good basketball players capable of giving depth to a team that has been far too light for several seasons. Three men who contribute heavily to the DC franchise’s strong start to the season Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were all crucial supporters of Bradley Beal in the win over the Hawks (122-111) last night.
With 25 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists for Harrell. The interior finds pleasure in playing basketball and it shows. He is probably better suited for this kind of team, a little less ambitious, where he can bring with his scoring below. Kuzma and KCP scored 21 points each.
Suddenly, Washington is already 4 wins in 5 matches. His best start since 2015. The Wizards are still a long way from the playoffs but at least they’re consistent and that’s already a change.
Real or Fake: 10 hasty conclusions scrutinized
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia Sixers)
The 21 more games played by Nikola Jokic probably weighed in the MVP election last season. The Serbian did not miss a single meeting before being elected while his runner-up, Joel Embiid, stopped at 51. So there is no question for the Cameroonian to join the infirmary at the slightest injury. Even when it comes to his knee. Particularly embarrassed since the start of the season, he insists on keeping his rank.
Because the Sixers need him, even more so in the absence of Ben Simmons. And luckily for his team he didn’t rest against the Pistons, the last team to have yet to win this season. Doc Rivers’ players wasted a 22-point lead. And who came to restore calm in the hottest times? Embiid, of course.
???? 30 points
???? 18 boards
???? @sixers W@JoelEmbiid did his thing tonight. pic.twitter.com/nVRJhFE5rH– NBA (@NBA) October 29, 2021
30 points and 18 rebounds for the interior All-Star, author of four free throws and especially a decisive three-pointers in the last minutes. As a result, the Sixers avoided the mishap. But hey, it will now be necessary for Embiid’s body to hold the shock all season and that is another story.
Jalen Green (Houston Rockets)
Life as a rookie is not easy, even for the second pick in the draft. Jalen Green shone in the G-League last season. But he has faced much tougher opposition since joining the NBA. If he has already hit his perf ‘at 30 points, the young man suffers during most of his passages on the field. He can hardly tell the difference.
New illustration last night with the villain 3 out of 16 with the shots of the guy. Including 0 out of 8 behind the arch. Fortunately he was able to cause mistakes to finish at 13 points. Also with 3 assists, 1 interception and 1 block. There is no reason to question his talent. He’s even already showing flashes of the scorer he may become in the near future. But Green is still learning and it’s not always very nice to see.
Killian Hayes (Detroit Pistons)
When the Pistons give Killian Hayes responsibility and playing time, that changes everything. The Frenchman can finally speak a little more ball in hand. At least for two matches. Suddenly, he tried his luck 11 times against Philadelphia, for 4 baskets. 9 points with 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in 32 minutes. It will not make crowds jump but it is by being aggressive and having opportunities to attack that the sophomore can get into the rhythm.
Damion Lee (Golden State Warriors)
For the third game in a row, Stephen Curry did not score in the fourth quarter. The most improbable statistic of the start of the season. But that didn’t stop the Warriors from winning two out of three times. Why ? Because Steph’s brother-in-law Damion Lee has taken over every time.
The full-back has made a place for himself in the Golden State rotation and it’s fully deserved. He plays with passion and pulls away in defense… except that he also makes the difference in attack. And Thursday night, it was his decisive three-point baskets that allowed the Californians to snatch an overtime despite their many losses.
Lee finished with 14 points. He has always scored more than 10 points since the start of the season. It was not enough to chain a fifth victory in a row but the Warriors have an increasingly deep squad. It’s going to be good for the entire season.
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