Daily Zap 22-11-14

Orlando Magic (6-8) @ Charlotte Hornets (4-9)

The Charlotte Hornets are currently struggling after falling to their fourth straight defeat in the league. They should have won this one as well; holding a 23 point lead going into the final quarter. However, the Magic used a four guard line-up to great effect, wiping out this deficit nine minutes later, and then going into a lead of their own.

Magic 105 -100 Hornets

Key Performers

Tobias Harris - 17 points, 16 rebounds, 2 blocks

Nikola Vucevic - 14 points, 10 rebounds

Al Jefferson - 24 points, 11 rebounds

Kemba Walker - 15 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists

Phoenix Suns (8-5) @ Philadelphia 76ers (0-12)

The worst team in the league kept their record up as they fell at home to the Phoenix Suns. The 76ers were dominated all game, with a 41-17 second quarter meaning they could never get near the lead. If Philadelphia keep going like this, the Kentucky Wildcats may be looking for a match…

Suns 122 - 96 76ers

Key Performers

Eric Bledsoe - 13 points, 7 assists

Isaiah Thomas - 23 points, 8 assists

Michael Carter-Williams - 18 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists

Alexy Shved - 15 points, 5 assists

Detroit Pistons (3-10) @ Atlanta Hawks (6-5)

The Detroit Pistons are another team who are on a four game losing streak after leading just once in this game. Atlanta’s Jeff Teague led by example on both ends of the court, even managing two blocks, despite being just 6’2”. The Pistons shot poorly as usual, scoring just four three-pointer attempts from 21 attempts.

Pistons 89 - 99 Hawks

Key Performances

Andre Drummond - 13 points, 16 rebounds

Josh Smith - 16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists

Paul Millsap - 15 points, 12 rebounds

Jeff Teague - 28 points, 6 assists, 2 blocks

 

Milwaukee Bucks (7-6) @ Toronto Raptors (10-2)

The best team in the East continued their dominance as last night, with another blow out. They were better than the Bucks in every way, leading by 52 at one point, while the Bucks biggest lead was one. The Raptors scored 15-25 from deep in this game, an impressive percentage led by Lou Williams’ efforts.

Bucks 83 - 124 Raptors

Key Performers

Jabari Parker - 15 points, 6 rebounds

Kyle Lowry - 20 points, 9 rebounds

Lou Williams - 22 points, 5-7 shooting from three-pointers

Jonas Valanciunas - 18 points, 12 rebounds

Boston Celtics (4-7) @ Memphis Grizzlies (11-2)

The league’s best record was improved once again by a Memphis Grizzlies side who defeated the Boston Celtics at home. Boston never led the game and only the tied the score once; three minutes into the first quarter. The Grizzlies are now 7-0 at home this season.

Celtics 100 - 117 Grizzlies

Key Performers

Jared Sullinger - 13 points, 3 blocks

Kelly Olynyk - 18 points, 6 rebounds

Zach Randolph - 16 points, 16 rebounds

Marc Gasol - 32 points, 8 rebounds

San Antonio Spurs (8-4) @ Minnesota Timberwolves (3-8)

The old boys blew out the new pretenders in Minnesota, to win their third game in a row. The Spurs’ rotation worked brilliantly, with bench players like Aron Baynes and Jeff Ayres contributing to this win as well. The Spurs got past 20 turnovers by shooting well; 55% from the field and 62% from deep. 

Spurs 121 - 92 Timberwolves

Key Performers

Austin Daye - 13 points, 11 rebounds

Tony Parker - 28 points, 3-3 from three-pointers

Gorgui Dieng - 9 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks

Anthony Bennett - 20 points

Brooklyn Nets (5-7) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (3-11)

The Thunder’s woes deepened last night, as their depleted squad lost again. They were trailing by two points with 4.9 seconds left, and had a chance to win the game when Reggie Jackson shot a buzzer beater three-pointer.  Unfortunately his shot was off meaning the Thunder have now lost five in a row.

Nets 94 - 92 Thunder

Key Performers

Brook Lopez - 16 points, 10 rebounds

Jarrett Jack - 23 points, 5 assists

Serge Ibaka - 16 points, 10 rebounds

Reggie Jackson - 21 points, 8 assists

Cleveland Cavaliers (5-6) @ Washington Wizards (8-3)

Things are still rocky in Cleveland, as they fell to Eastern Conference rivals the Wizards. Even Head Coach David Blatt and star player Lebron James admitted the team was bad, as they turned the ball over 19 times in the game.

Cavaliers 78 - 91 Wizards

Key Performers

Kyrie Irving - 22 points, 6 rebounds

LeBron James - 22 points

John Wall - 28 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds

Nene - 10 points, 7 rebounds

Los Angeles Lakers (3-10) @ Dallas Mavericks (10-3)

The worst defence in the league were up to their old tricks again last night, as they shipped 140 points to the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs took full advantage of this, as they played all of their available players, with none of them playing for more than 30 minutes. Eight Dallas players ended with double figures in scoring.

Lakers 106 - 140 Mavericks

Key Performers

Kobe Bryant - 17 points, 7 assists

Jordan Hill - 16 points, 10 rebounds

Monta Ellis - 20 points, 10 assists

Dirk Nowitzki - 23 points

New Orleans Pelicans (6-5) @ Denver Nuggets (5-7)

Anthony Davis couldn’t lift his team to another win as Denver won their fifth game in their past six attempts. Six players scored double digits for each side, but Denver’s field goal percentage (52%) was superior to New Orleans’ (40%).

Pelicans 97 - 117 Nuggets

Key Performers

Anthony Davis - 18 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks

Alexis Ajinca - 12 points, 8 rebounds

Kenneth Faried - 19 points

Ty Lawson - 11 points, 9 assists

Utah Jazz (5-8) @ Golden State Warriors (9-2)

Utah never led in this game against the Warriors, who had a four day rest before this game. This break evidently worked in Golden State’s favour, as their players looked fresh and raring to go, winning the first quarter by 15 points. After that there was no real competition as Golden State continued their dominance of the Pacific division.

Jazz 88 - 101 Warriors

Key Performers

Enes Kanter - 18 points

Derrick Favors - 10 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks

Harrison Barnes - 14 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks

Andre Igoudala - 17 points

Chicago Bulls (8-5) @ Portland Trail Blazers (9-3)

The Bulls were under-staffed in this game, missing Pau Gasol, Kirk Hinrich and Derrick Rose. It proved to be costly as their offence looked poor - aside from Nikola Mirotic’s efforts. Portland on the other hand were impressive from the floor as their starting five shot 63%.

Bulls 87 - 105 Trail Blazers

Key Performers

Nikola Mirotic - 24 points, 11 rebounds

Aaron Brooks - 12 points

Damian Lillard - 21 points, 9 assists

LaMarcus Aldridge - 16 points, 9 rebounds

Daily Zap 09-11-14

Portland Trail Blazers (3-3) @ Los Angeles Clippers (4-2)

A high scoring first quarter set the scene for a matchup between two teams who are fast becoming heavyweight contenders in the West. The Trail Blazers seemed in control of the first half, Robin Lopez was key to them scoring 62 in the first two periods, although J.J. Redick scored a buzzer beater at the end of the second quarter to bring the Clippers within ten. And Redick continued his scoring in the second half as his team brought the game back, and even began to lead early in the third quarter. The Clippers opened this lead up to eight points but it was soon cut down to two thanks to some great play from Damian Lillard. With less than eight seconds left, the Clippers missed the chance to extend their lead, but DeAndre Jordan got one of his six offensive boards which prevented the Trail Blazers from attacking with the final possession. 

Trail Blazers 102 - 106 Clippers

KEY PERFORMERS

LaMarcus Aldridge -21 points, 10 rebounds

Damian Lillard - 25 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds

Chris Paul - 22 points, 11 assists

DeAndre Jordan - 8 points, 14 rebounds, 5 steals

Washington Wizards (5-2) @ Indiana Pacers (1-6)

The Pacers’ woes continued after losing another game, this time at the hands of the Wizards. Nene scored 15 points in the first quarter, which was enough to outscore the whole Pacers team in this time. This performance meant that the Wizards took a 19 point lead going into the half. To make matters worse, Roy Hibbert left the game early after clashing knees with his teammate Solomon Hill, and didn’t return. The Pacers - led by Hill - did mount a comeback of sorts in the third, bringing the lead back to just three points. But the Wizards didn’t let this get the better of them, they re-extended their lead, and got their first win in Indiana in the past 12 attempts. 

Wizards 97 - 90 Pacers

KEY PERFORMERS

Nene - 17 points, 5 steals, 5 assists, 7 rebounds

Kevin Seraphin - 13 points, 6 rebounds

Solomon Hill - 29 points, 6 rebounds

Luis Scola - 5 points, 8 rebounds

Minnesota Timberwolves (2-4) @ Miami Heat (4-2)

Both the Timberwolves and the Heat lost their biggest star to the Cleveland Cavaliers in this off-season, but that is where the similarities end between Minnesota and Miami. While the Timberwolves are a rebuilding side - based around young players such as Ricky Rubio and Andrew Wiggins - the Heat are still contending for playoffs, and this difference in class was clear to see in the first quarter. The Heat won it 29-13, but amazingly they actually lost the next three quarters. Luckily they held on to snap their two game losing streak.

Timberwolves 92 - 102 Heat

KEY PERFORMERS

Nikola Pekovic - 19 points, 11 rebounds

Thaddeus Young - 16 points, 6 rebounds

Dwyane Wade - 25 points, 8 rebounds

Chris Bosh - 24 points, 7 rebounds

New York Knicks (2-5) @ Atlanta Hawks (2-3)

After a tough beginning to the season the New York Knicks got off to a great start in this game, leading the game by 13 at the half mainly thanks to the efforts of Iman Shumpert and Carmelo Anthony. But the Hawks had a run of their own in the third, winning the quarter by 27-13, giving them the lead going into the final quarter. Kyle Korver continued his fine shooting form, knocking down 6-9 from outside to give the Hawks the W.

Knicks 96 - 103 Hawks

KEY PERFORMERS

Carmelo Anthony - 20 points, 9 rebounds

Iman Shumpert - 19 points, 7 assists

Paul Millsap - 11 points, 13 rebounds

Kyle Korver - 27 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks

Boston Celtics (3-3) @ Chicago Bulls (5-2)

A game that could’ve been so much more interesting if it weren’t for the exclusion of two of the best point guards in the league. Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose have both been battling injuries over the past few years, and unfortunately they both missed out on this matchup. With Marcus Smart also out for the Celtics it was left to Evan Turner to lead the team, and he did well, as he topped Boston’s scoring charge with 19. The Celtics took a lead after winning the second quarter 36-16 and won the third as well, but only by one point. But the Bulls didn’t give up, in the fourth Aaron Brooks worked his magic scoring four three-pointers to bring the game within two with 30 seconds left. Although Turner missed the next, pivotal lay-up, Kelly Olynyk was there to grab the offensive rebound and cap an impressive game for the Canadian center. The Bulls fouled, but it wasn’t enough as they slipped at home to the Celtics. 

Celtics 106 - 101 Bulls

KEY PERFORMERS

Kelly Olynyk - 18 points, 11 rebounds

Evan Turner - 19 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds

Joakim Noah - 13 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists

Aaron Brooks - 26 points, 6 assists

Golden State Warriors (5-0) @ Houston Rockets (6-1)

Yet another unbeaten record was to fall in the Toyota Center when the Warriors faced the Rockets, with both teams facing their toughest challenge yet. And the Rockets had to do it without three of their starters, including Dwight Howard who missed the game due to flu-like symptoms. This didn’t bother them early on though; winning the first half by eight, despite Stephen Curry’s fantastic scoring efforts. The third quarter, however, belonged to Curry and the Warriors. With his fellow Splash Brother, Klay Thompson, struggling on the offensive side of things, Curry took it upon himself to lead his team. Andre Igoudala provided help after coming off the bench, and the Warriors dominated the third 28-13 - including a 22-4 run. The two teams traded blows tit for tat early in the fourth, but Curry took over once again after a few minutes to put the game out of Houston’s reach.

Warriors 98 - 87 Rockets

KEY PERFORMERS

Stephen Curry - 34 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists

Andrew Bogut - 8 points, 18 rebounds, 4 blocks

James Harden - 22 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds

Trevor Ariza - 7 points, 11 rebounds

New Orleans Pelicans (3-2) @ San Antonio Spurs (2-3)

With both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili back after being rested for the previous game, it looked almost inevitable that the Spurs would win this game. But the Pelicans apparently didn’t get the memo as they won the first quarter by seven. The Spurs reduced the lead in the second, led by Tony Parker’s 14 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent them trailing going into the locker room. Tyreke Evans scored a tough buzzer beating three-pointer gave the Pelicans a ten point lead going into the final quarter. This didn’t faze the Spurs, as they slowly but surely brought the deficit down to just two points. Danny Green was then fouled on the three point line, and after making all three free throws, the Spurs led by one with 12 seconds left. With Tim Duncan surprisingly left on the bench on the final play, it allowed Anthony Davis to drive past Aron Baynes and put the Pelicans up by one. Kawhi Leonard then had a chance to win the game, but his first attempt was blocked by Jrue Holiday, and his second rimmed out, giving the Pellies the win. This is the first time since the 2009-10 season that the Spurs have had a losing record.

Pelicans 100 - 99 Spurs

KEY PERFORMERS

Anthony Davis - 27 points, 11 rebounds, 6 blocks

Jrue Holiday - 15 points, 11 assists

Tim Duncan - 11 points, 10 rebounds

Kawhi Leonard - 14 points, 14 rebounds

Memphis Grizzlies (6-1) @ Milwaukee Bucks (3-4)

The Houston Rockets weren’t the only team to lose their 100% record last night, as their Western Conference contenders the Memphis Grizzlies fell on the road to the Milwaukee Bucks. The two sides were fairly even throughout the first three quarters - the Grizzlies had a slight advantage through 30 minutes of play. But after a turnover in the final quarter, Giannis Antetokounmpo could slam it home to put Milwaukee in the lead. The lead then changed hands with almost every play - it changed sides 16 times in the game - with Antetokounmpo and Zach Randolph leading both their teams on the offensive end of things. On the last possession, with the Grizzlies up by two, Brandon Knight drove to the hole, got fouled, and converted the lay-up. The game was tied as Knight went to the free throw line with 1.1 seconds left. He made the shot from the charity stripe, which pretty much sealed the deal, and when Courtney Lee missed his three-point attempt, the win was official.

Grizzlies 92 - 93 Bucks

KEY PERFORMERS

Zach Randolph - 22 points, 14 rebounds

Courtney Lee - 11 points, 8 rebounds

Ersan Ilyasova - 11 points, 9 rebounds

Brandon Knight - 14 points, 6 assists

Wild Wild West

The race to play-offs is heating up in both conferences, but it's the battle in the West that is grabbing the headlines.

This is because there are 3 teams, the Dallas Mavericks (47 wins-31 losses), the Phoenix Suns (46-31) and the Memphis Grizzlies (45-32), competing for 2 spots left in the post-season.

To add to this already close fight, all three teams still have to play each other. The Mavs are home to the Suns before travelling out to Memphis to face the Grizzlies in the last fixture of the season. Memphis and Phoenix meet in Phoenix for the penultimate match in the 2013-14 campaign.

The Mavs have one less game left, with matches against the Jazz and the Spurs to add to the games named above. The Suns also have to face the Spurs with winnable games against the Kings and the Pelicans filling out their schedule. The Grizzlies also have two "easy" games left, with a trip to Philadelphia preceding a visit from the Lakers. They also have to face the Eastern Conference topping Miami Heat.

It looks like the games against the Spurs could be the key to who gets the places. With Gregg Popovich's managerial style of resting some older key players for certain games, one of their competitors could catch a lucky break. The Grizzlies couldn't, as their 20 point defeat at the hands of the Spurs last night proved.

As the other fixtures go, it looks pretty clear cut as to who will win. However, the Suns beat the Thunder last night, so it is feasible that a similar upset could happen in the Grizzlies-Heat match-up, especially with Miami's stuttering form. Also, they could be saving stars like LeBron James and Dwayne Wade for the play-offs.

If Grizzlies are tied with any of the teams when the season's done, they will be guaranteed a play-off spot, as they are 3-0 against both the Mavericks and the Suns. If the Mavs and Suns tie, whoever wins the last remaining fixture between the sides will make the play-offs.

Dirk Nowitzki, Goran Dragic and Zach Randolph have all been pivotal to their team's play-offs chances this year.

Looking at the fixtures still to be played, here are my predicted records.

7 - Dallas Mavericks (50-32)
8 - Phoenix Suns (49-31)
9 - Memphis Grizzlies (48-34)

I made quite a bold prediction, saying that the Suns would beat the Spurs. I said this because the Spurs have to play their rivals Rockets after this game. This means they may rest some stars such as Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan, in the hope that they can defeat Houston. Despite making my play-offs, I have the Suns down as losing both crunch matches. But due to the Grizzlies losing to both the Mavs and the Heat, they miss the cut.

With all these uncertainties, it's almost impossible to guess who will make the post-season out West. But one thing is for sure. Fans around the world will be thrilled by this race to the playoffs.


Out East, the play-off battle is much less entertaining, but still worth writing about. There are two teams in the running, the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks. The Cleveland Cavaliers have a mathematical chance, but it's about as slight as the chances of Anthony Bennett winning Rookie of the Year. The Knicks are two games back with two games in hand over the Hawks. It seems that New York blew their best chance to catch Atlanta last night when they lost to the Heat (not helped by J.R. Smith's 22 3-point attempts). This loss was made worse by the fact that the Hawks defeated a poor Pacers team on the same night.

The Knicks have the harder schedule, having to play 4 teams already in the play-offs (Nets, Raptors twice and the Bulls) whereas the Hawks have to play "easier" sides with games against the Pistons, Celtics and the Bucks. It's hard to see a way for the Knicks to make their way into play-offs, a sentence that shouldn't be said when you look at their roster for this year.

Have Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks left it too late to make a playoff run? On the other hand, Paul Millsap and the Hawks look like they are going to make it into their 7th consecutive post-season.