We’ve let this go on long enough; this Paul George wreckin’ crew situation. He’s killing it lately, and if he’s on your fantasy team, he’s killing it for you lately. And if he’s not on your team, you might not have noticed how he killed you lately. Last night he ended with 14/5/2, with 3 steals and a pair of treys. Not a flashy line, but it’s sneaky solid. Just like the Pacers. Everyone on this roster plays 30 minutes. Top scorers rotate from night to night like a high school volleyball roster. But when all is said and done, George has averaged 18.2 pts/ 5.8 rbd/ 3 ast/ 3.4 stl/ 3.2 3ptm in his last five. That’s top 20-production, kids. The scary thing is that he’s doing this amidst Granger doing Granger things, West’s migration to the East and Hibbert on the cusp of all-stardom. In just 12 short months, this went from Granger’s team to possibly David West‘s team to maybe Hibbert’s team to about-to-be George’s. Not only do I think George can maintain this, but I also think he can improve on it this season. Definitely next season. ‘Cause that’s what he does. He improves things like the Pacers, your fantasy team and my normally crusty demeanor. Here’s what else happened Tuesday.
Darren Collison – 25/4/5, with no turnovers and a three-pointer in exactly 36 minutes. It would have been nice if he’d stolen the ball, but considering this year has represented his second backward step in as many seasons, a game like this is enough to make you weep. You know what else is enough to make you weep? Stubbing your toe in the dark.
Danilo Gallinari – Out a month with an ankle sprain. You knew that yesterday, but we didn’t cry about it appropriately together. You get the scotch and the Ben & Jerry’s, I’ll go get my fuzzy pajamas. While you’re waiting, maybe grab Rudy Fernandez.
Carmelo Anthony – Out 1-2 weeks. Grab Shump Shump and Bill Walker after you apologize for dumping them in the first place.
Reggie Williams – Let’s discuss Reggie Williams, shall we? Not only did he tie his season-high in points (21) for the second time in two games, he’s draining threes and adding more than his fair share of rebounds and assists (10 rbd/11 ast over his last two). The word is slowly starting to filter out and that he’d be a fine, fine, super fine pick-up in deeper leagues.
Derrick Brown – 10-for-10, with 20 points. I know, I know, but still … ignore it. It wasn’t real. Fold this performance up into a nifty paper aeroplane, open a window (be sure you don’t knock over the flower boxes), toss this game into the heavens and never speak of it again.
Tyrus Thomas – Shot 1-for-6 and ended with 2/3/0 in 20 minutes. I just wanted to point out once again how intensely disappointing Thomas’ career has been up to this point.
Stephen Jackson – Played 30 minutes. Whatever you were doing with Jackson, keep doing it for another game or two … unless what you’ve been doing is weird. Then stop sooner than a game or two from now.
Alonzo Gee – 17/1/1, with 2 steals, a block and a trey. Grab him, because why not? I’d give more of a shout-out to Gee if I was sure the kids were still giving shout-outs to things.
Jared Dudley – 19/4/3, with 3 3ptm. He’s up. He’s down. He’s been more up than down lately. All we are say-ing, he gives Phoenix a chance.
Nikola Pekovic – 23/10, with 3 stl and 2 blk. Ride his flow, dude. (Gross.)
Derrick Williams – 14/8, with 3 blk starting in place of Kevin Love, who’s on a timeout.
Jason Thompson – Seven points, three rebounds, sadness and a little bit of shame. That’s two games in a row JT’s grabbed fewer than four boards. If it happens a third consecutive time, he’ll shrink down and live in the model of Sacramento I keep in my attic along with the ghosts of the people that used to live in my house.
David Lee – He’s had 222 career double-doubles, but only two triple-doubles. He dropped 25/11/10 last night. His first since his 37/20/10 explosion against his current team back on April 2, 2010. I’m pretty sure that’s when Golden State first fell in love.
Monta Ellis – I only watched portions of this game, but it seems like every three minute period I watched featured Monta scoring 50 points. Anyway, he ended with 48 points. Not sure how that happened. Doesn’t matter. What matters is that this game easily featured the best collection of cowboy nicknames of any other possible NBA matchup. If I were casting a cowboy movie during the golden age of Hollywood going solely on NBA names, Monta Ellis and Russell Westbrook would be my stars. David Lee and James Harden would be the co-star. And if Kevin Durant changed his name to Gus or Jack Durant, we’d really be in business!
