Crazy fourth quarters and Devin Booker, name a more iconic duo. While last night’s game against the Nuggets was on Chris Paul’s return after 15 games due to a thumb fracture, Booker continued to perform like he has most of the season putting up 49 points, 4 rebounds and 10 assists, leading the Suns to their 60th win. And with that win, the Suns have now clinched first place overall (home court advantage through the playoffs) and are now on pace to become the 14th team ever in the history of the NBA to win more than 67 games. And if you didn’t believe me about Booker, the Suns, and the fourth quarter, they are now 44-0 when leading after three quarters. I’m not even sure how to live in a world where the Suns are this good.
Here’s what else I saw during last night’s games…
Pascal Siakam – 32 MIN, 12-20 FG, 6-7 3PT, 5-5 FT, 5 REB, 6 AST, 2 TO, +9, 35 PTS. So, he was definitely playing injured all of last season, right? Because this All-NBA Siakam looks like the old Siakam, but better.
Armoni Brooks – 19 MIN, 2-6 FG, 2-6 3PT, 3 REB, 1 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO, +8, 6 PTS. Big part of the win with his solid, if not spectacular, showing at both ends of the floor and has been a great addition for the Raptors so far.
Desmond Bane – 24 MIN, 12-15 FG, 5-7 3PT, 1-1 FT, 5 REB, 5 AST, 1 BLK, 1 TO, +40, 30 PTS. Grizzlies are 17-2 without Morant this year, just saying. And yes, that is also a +40, just saying.
Steven Adams – 23 MIN, 3-7 FG, 17 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL, 3 BLK, 3 PF, +25, 6 PTS. So that stat line was in just 23 minutes. I know it says it right there, but it bears re-typing. Other than “bare repeating”, which not only is incorrect, but also sounds like we’re more naked. But can incorrect nakedness be a bad thing?
Jrue Holiday – 33 MIN, 10-18 FG, 3-6 3PT, 1-1 FT, 3 REB, 10 AST, 1 STL, 6 TO, +15, 24 PTS. What did the Wizards ever do to this guy? Even without Giannis and Khris, the Bucks look very-very strong and, despite what the consensus says, they don’t seem interested in dodging the Nets, who should be careful what they wish for.
Zach LaVine – 40 MIN, 12-23 FG, 4-11 3PT, 11-13 FT, 3 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 5 TO, -1, 39 PTS. Just feels sometimes that this Bulls team is all over the place. Bad defense, bad post everything, not so great ball control and movement, but elite bailing out play by DeRozan and LaVine is always there. Definitely a playoff team, but can they beat anyone good? I don’t think they have and don’t think they will.
Devonte’ Graham – 29 MIN, 8-12 FG, 5-7 3PT, 9-9 FT, 2 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, +28, 30 PTS. Common sense dictates that Pelicans can and will fly over Bulls in nature, so baskets should come easy. Just basic science and bird law folks, the two essentials.
Chris Paul – 30 MIN, 6-10 FT, 1-3 3PT, 4-4 FT, 4 REB, 13 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 3 TO, -5, 17 PTS. Speaking of his return, Paul continues to show why he’s the assist leader right now. Shades of Stockton…
Jay is a longtime Razzball everything who consumes an egregious amount of Makers Mark as a vehicle to gain wisdom and augment his natural glow. Living in the D.C. area, he also likes spending time visiting the local parks and feeding lettuce to any turtles he encounters, including Mitch McConnell. You can follow him on Twitter @jaywrong.
