The Sixers had to have been impressed by the performance of Jason Richardson last night, where he did what the Knicks deep threat couldn’t (more on that later) and scored 6 of 12 from downtown, finishing with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and a block. That’s a high caliber game. That’s the kind of game that walks up to you on the beach and kicks sand on you. That’s the kind of game that parks in a fire lane because it just doesn’t care about society. Here’s what else went on in the NBA preseason…
…right after these messages. Do you love fantasy basketball? Do you like to play fantasy basketball? You should join the Razzball Commenter League, now with one league having already drafted. I hear it went well, everyone had a lot of fun, and there will be a write-up about it soon. Until then, here’s some more recaps:
Steve Novak – He took a flurry of shots from behind the arc, nine in fact. How many did he hit? I’m glad you asked. He hit 2 of them. Add that to 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist and this is why you DON’T want to own Novak.
Carmelo Anthony – He also stunk from downtown, hitting a mere 2 of 8, but he also had 23 points with 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and a block. That’s why you want to own him, despite the terrible FG% last night.
Monta Ellis – How do you become super enticing for fantasy drafts? Post 26 points, 2 of 3 three pointers, 5 assists, and 1 block.
Brandon Jennings – If you get farted on by Tahiry, is that good or bad? Here’s another question, if Brandon Jennings scores 6 points on 3 of 15 shooting but works 10 assists and a steal, is that good or bad? I wish J.R. Smith was around to answer these for us.
Samuel Dalembert – Defense: 11 rebounds, 2 blocks.
Michael Dunleavy – He had an upper echelon game, going for 21 points, 3 threes, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block.
Jonas Valanciunas – It’s hard to ignore a guy that can give you 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Let us never speak of him again. Argh, I can’t, it’s too hard!
DeMar DeRozan – He DeManded respect with 15 points and 6 assists.
Tyson Chandler – 9 points, 11 rebounds, no blocks. It’s just another chapter in The Story of Chandler, written by Tyson.
Jason Kidd – He played nearly 24 minutes and produced 3 points, 1 three, 4 assists, and 1 steal. That sucks.
Lavoy Allen – 8 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block at Center.
Elton Brand – With Dirk Nowitzki out until late November (read that as “early December”), it’s interesting to see who steps up. Brand had 9 points, 4 rebounds and no blocks. Seems like a step down.
Jae Crowder – Crowder was given the chance to start and went over 30 minutes for 12 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and a block. You’d expect more over 30 minutes, but it also explains why he’s third on the depth chart.
Rodrigue Beaubois – Here comes Honey Beau Beau: 12 points, including 2 threes. What else? Well, he got a rebound or two…okay, just the one. Hey, he’s just getting warmed up! Watch out!
New Orleans Hornets – Ugh, somehow this team managed 74 points when the starters combined for a whopping 29 points, including zero from Austin Rivers and Lance Thomas. I know it’s just the preseason, but is anyone expecting much out of this organization? Charlotte should write a thank you note to the NBA and New Orleans.
Thomas Robinson – Played about 25 minutes and had 17 points, 8 rebounds (4 offensive), and a steal.
DeMarcus Cousins – 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, and 1 block in 8 and a half minutes. Imagine the game he could have had if he played, say, the same number of minutes as Thomas Robinson.
Jared Dudley – Dudley did right with 25 points (including 4 of 6 from downtown), 3 boards, 2 takeaways, and a dime.
Marcin Gortat – on the night, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks…and 3 points. So it goes.
Maurice Williams – 15 points, 2 threes, and 7 assists. Mo’ time for Mo, mo’ stats for yo’.
Damian Lillard – A big night for the rookie, he had 21 points (3-4 from way back), 8 assists, and 2 steals. He really should consider adding a “i” to his name, it is easier for me to spell it Lilliard (note: I did spell it right the first time, I am just saying he should consider my convenience). I’ll have to contact his agent.
Nicolas Batum – We may need a good nickname for Nic if he keeps this up throughout the season. Last night, he led his team with 27 points, including 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. Yeah, he only had 2 rebounds and 2 assists, but he also had 3 steals.
Brandon Rush – Coming off a 16 point performance last time out, he scored 0 points with 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 threes…he did have 2 rebounds, though.
David Lee – Patroled for 25 minutes to net 12 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists. No blocks, of course.
Blake Griffin – Ah, the Blake Griffin special: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2-8 on free throws.
DeAndre Jordan – Produced a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. He also threw in 3 blocked shots as well. This is a name to keep in your pocket, or at least a name to watch over the next week or two before the season starts.