In Kyrie Irving’s first game back from injury, he helped the Cavs beat the Lakers. Surprised? You shouldn’t be, because the Lakers stink right now. Now a confession… the headline was lying. Now are you surprised? Irving punished the Lakers going 28/6/11/1 with four 3PM and shooting 11-21 from the field. Now that he has shaken off the rust, we should expect him to score 100 points in his next game. Sorry that’s irrational me. Rational me says if you own Irving then be very happy, and if you traded for him, then make fun of the owner that traded him to you immediately. Like right now. DO IT NOW. Yikes! That was irrational me again. Here’s what else happened in the NBA last night:
Kobe Bryant – I’d attempt to write about someone from the Lakers that isn’t universally owned here but everyone else outside of Metta World Peace is a steaming pile of crap. Kobe once again went 1 on 5 because he doesn’t like being upstaged by a sophomore guard returning from injury. The fantasy results were fruitful, scoring 42 points, 5 boards, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 5 TOs, and three 3PM on 16-28 shooting. Until Steve Nash (2 more weeks) comes back, I’d be shocked if Kobe didn’t at least attempt going after Wilt’s single game record. They’re going to lose anyway.
C.J. Miles – Man the Lakers are terrible on defense. Seriously start any player that gets major minutes against them (unless their name is Tristan Thompson). Miles blew up for 28 points including FIVE 3PM, 5 boards, 1 steal, and 1 block.
Jason Kidd – Before someone in the comments yells at me… Carmelo Anthony scored 45 points. There I mentioned it. Hey diddle diddle, Carmelo Anthony right up the middle. I mentioned it again and now I’m moving on. I really don’t know what to do with Kidd. I just can’t believe he’ll continually put up lines like last night (18/6/6/1 with SIX 3PM). Ride it while he’s hot.
Andray Blatche – BLATCHE ATTACK! 23 points, 4 boards, and 2 steals on 9-13 shooting. Just like Kidd, ride him while he’s hot (basically till Brook Lopez comes back).
Reggie Evans – Kris Humphries 2.0. What? Humphries is on the bench on the same team and younger?! Awkward! Evans got 33 minutes compared to Humphries non-injury 8 minutes. He was productive too with 5 points, 18 boards, 1 steal, and 1 block. If you need boards, this is your man.
Ty Lawson – YES! YES! YES! There’s my ridiculous preseason love! 26/5/7/4 with one 3PM and shooting 9-17 from the field. I hope this continues. If it doesn’t, he may need to file a restraining order.
Kenneth Faried – The manimal has been caged over the past 3 games and last night was no exception. Attempted only ONE shot in 23 minutes. His final line was 3/6/1/1/2. Just might show up in the buy section this Friday.
Brandon Knight – Wow, a couple weeks ago this knight was playing like Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir Launcelot and now the guy is straight up killin’ it. 20 points, 4 boards, 5 assists, 1 steal, and two 3PM on 8-16 shooting. It’s about damn time.
Rodney Stuckey – 17/3/2/1 with two 3PM (and five TO’s), he is doing enough to convince you to pick him up again. Stay away from his siren’s call, he’ll be making you curse again soon enough.
Anthony Davis – It must be a new thing. Return from an injury and have the best line on your team. In case you were worried about Davis, 13/8/0/3/3 in 25 minutes should alleviate any concern. Outside of Ryan Anderson, everyone else on the Hornets was awful.
Kevin Seraphin – Many people consider Seraphin to be one of the better players on the Wiz. Strangely he received only 16 minutes of action but he made the best of it with 8 points, 8 boards, and one assist. I’ll keep a lookout as to any reason why he saw so little action since Chris Singleton was terrible.
Jordan Crawford – Should be owned if you can take the FG% hit. 26/6/4/0/1 with two 3PM and 9-24 shooting in 42 minutes.
Carlos Boozer – With a line of 24/13/3/1/1, Boozer has put up 5 double doubles in his past 6 games. He had a bit of a down November but has been looking strong in December. Maybe he gets juiced by all the holiday spirit.
Marco Belinelli – The Italian stallion has been ridden hard the past four games, playing at least 40 minutes in each. If he gets that much playing time every night you will see lines like this: 18/7/5/2 with four 3PM. Of course you may see things like this as well: 6 for 22 shooting. Ah free agents… always have to take something away from the table don’t you?
Matt Barnes – Ah, the LA Clippers bench. The problem with having a deep bench is that you get sporadic lines from guys like Barnes and Eric Bledsoe. Barnes was very solid last night with a 14/4/2/2 with 2 3PM, but he tends to be up and down. Be wary.
