TEAM-SPECIFIC STORIES
- ATL: What Is Wrong With The Hawks? (from Chris Kirschner, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3057562/2022/01/10/what-is-wrong-with-the-hawks-a-lot-more-than-defense-we-cannot-say-were-a-good-team-right-now/
- BKN: KD Looking Forward To Building Chemistry With Kyrie During Nets' Road Trip (from Nick Friedell, ESPN): https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33028983/kevin-durant-looking-forward-building-chemistry-kyrie-irving-brooklyn-nets-road-trip
- BOS: Is It Time To Change The Celtics' Closing Lineup? (from Jared Weiss, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3060462/2022/01/10/its-time-for-the-celtics-to-change-their-closing-lineup-grant-williams-and-josh-richardson-are-making-their-case/
- BOS: Why The Celtics Valued An Open Roster Spot Over Jabari Parker (from Hunter Felt, Forbes): https://www.forbes.com/sites/hunterfelt/2022/01/10/why-the-boston-celtics-valued-an-open-roster-spot-over-jabari-parker/?sh=4330a8f718e5
For now, we are making the full daily edition of BI available every Monday. All other days is partially paywalled with access to the full newsletter limited to paid subscribers. Thanks to all who have registered for a paid subscription. We are edging closer to the number needed to sustain publication. If you haven’t paid for a subscription yet, please help us reach our goal so that we can maintain BI’s ability to provide daily access to the best NBA reporting and analysis by subscribing here: https://basketballintelligence.substack.com/subscribe
- CHA: Takeaways From Win Over Bucks (from Jim Owczarski, Journal Sentinel): https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/hornets-114-bucks-106-antetokounmpo-s-massive-fourth-quarter-isn-t-enough-to-rally-milwaukee/ar-AASzNbu
- CHI: Coach Donovan Is Keeping Patrick Williams Busy With Film Work And Scouting Reports (from Joe Cowley, SunTimes): https://chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2022/1/9/22875670/bulls-forward-patrick-williams-no-choice-but-play-film-critic
- DEN: At 10-Year Anniversary Of Open Heart Surgery, Jeff Green Doesn't Forget (from Mike Singer, Denver Post): https://www.denverpost.com/2022/01/09/jeff-green-heart-surgery-ten-year-anniversary/
- DET: Film Breakdown: Diallo Is Seizing His Opportunity (from James Edwards III, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3059092/2022/01/10/pistons-film-breakdown-how-hamidou-diallo-is-seizing-his-opportunity-in-detroit/
- GSW: The 2nd Coming Of Steph (from Hanif Abdurraqib, GQ): https://www.gq.com/story/stephen-curry-february-cover-profile
GSW: BI will publish a special edition with links to Klay’s Return stories later today. Stay tuned.
- LAC: Amir Coffey Follows His Sister's Lead (from Mirjam Swanson, OC Register): https://www.ocregister.com/2022/01/09/clippers-amir-coffey-follows-his-sisters-lead/
- LAC: Lou Williams' Unique Place In Clippers' Franchise History (from Law Murray, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3059040/2022/01/09/lou-williams-caps-a-week-of-point-guard-reunions-for-the-clippers-but-his-place-in-franchise-history-is-unique/
From Tomer Azarly, Clutch Points: https://clutchpoints.com/clippers-news-lou-williams-breaks-silence-on-trade-return-to-la/
- LAL: Monk's Offensive Versatility Is Fueling Lakers' Resurgence (from Jackson Frank, The Basketball News): https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/malik-monks-offensive-versatility-is-helping-fuel-the-lakers-resurgence
- MEM: Ja's Chase-Down Block (from Dave McMenamin, ESPN): https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33033327/ja-morant-highlight-reel-chase-block-leaves-memphis-grizzlies-los-angeles-lakers-awe
From Micah Wimmer, The Step Back: https://fansided.com/2022/01/10/ja-morant-impossible-block
- MIA: Heat Observations (from Wes Goldberg, The Wes Side):
- MIA: Herro Busts Slump With Confidence That Never Wavered (from Ira Winderman, SunSentinel): https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/heat-e2-80-99s-tyler-herro-busts-slump-with-a-confidence-that-never-wavered/ar-AASAXWw
- MIN: Vanderbilt Helping Make Wolves One Of The Best Offensive Rebounding Teams (from Chris Hine, Star Triune): https://www.startribune.com/jarred-vanderbilt-helping-make-wolves-one-of-best-offensive-rebounding-teams-in-nba/600134267/
- NYK: A Look At The Knicks' Offensive Process Using Shot Quality (from Jack Huntley, The Strick.land): https://www.thestrick.land/strick/a-look-at-the-knicks-offensive-process-using-shotquality
- NYK: Thibodeau Confident In Knicks' Defense (from Marc Berman, NY Post): https://nypost.com/2022/01/09/tom-thibodeau-remains-confident-in-knicks-defense
- OKC: How Giddey Can Maximize His Potential (from Ross Lovelace, Sports Illustrated): https://www.si.com/nba/thunder/news/how-josh-giddey-can-elevate-his-game-to-all-star-status#gid=ci0296c88be000275d&pid=offensively
- PHI: Why Embiid Has Been So Dominant During Win Streak (from Ky Carlin, USA Today): https://sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/01/09/sixers-explain-why-joel-embiid-has-been-so-dominant-during-win-streak
- PHI: With Maxey Out, Sixers Are Thriving With PG By Committee (from Noah Levick, NBC Sports): https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/sixers/sixers-tyrese-maxey-covid-19-protocols-nba-doc-rivers-danny-green
- PHO: Ayton Details Time In Protocols (from Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic): https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/felt-like-an-innocent-man-who-went-to-jail-deandre-ayton-details-time-in-protocols/ar-AASBsJ6
- POR: Time For The Blazers To Shut Down Lillard? (from Sean Highkin, Bleacher Report): https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952295-its-time-for-the-portland-trail-blazers-to-shut-down-damian-lillard
- SAC: Fixing Kings Won't Be Easy (from James Ham, The Kings Beat):
https://kings-beat.beehiiv.com/p/sunday-musings-fixing-kings-wont-easy
- TOR: Nurse: Still Room To Trim Inefficient Shots (from Aaron Rose,Sports Illustrated): https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/toronto-raptors-nick-nurse-trim-inefficient-shots-from-siakam-trent-barnes
- WAS: Unseld Has To Sort Out Rotation With Players Returning (from Chase Hughes, NBC Sports): https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/rui-hachimura-and-others-returning-wes-unseld-jr-has-rotation-sort-out
- WAS: Hachimura Returns (from Josh Robbins,The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3061011/2022/01/10/rui-hachimura-returns-for-the-washington-wizards-i-just-missed-this-feeling/
From Ed Odeven, Japan-Forward: https://featured.japan-forward.com/sportslook/rui-hachimura-makes-season-debut-in-wizards-40th-game/
From Ava Wallace, Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/01/10/rui-hachimura-return-personal-things/
LEAGUE-WIDE STORIES
- The Week That Was (from John Hollinger, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3061568/2022/01/10/grizzlies-have-arrived-suns-jalen-smith-dilemma-scouting-johnny-davis-josh-primo-hollingers-week-that-was/
- 7 Observations (from Kevin O'Connor, The Ringer): https://www.theringer.com/nba/2022/1/10/22876169/klay-thompson-golden-state-warriors
- Power Rankings, Week 13 (from ESPN): https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33028264/nba-power-rankings-week-13-return-klay-thompson-plus-streaking-memphis-grizzlies-dallas-mavericks
From Zach Harper, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3048184/2022/01/10/nba-power-rankings-heat-rise-to-contenders-tier-grizzlies-are-a-bear-and-hardship-takeaways-for-all-30-teams/
From John Schuhmann, NBA.com: https://www.nba.com/news/power-rankings-2021-22-week-13
- G League: Q & A: Joe Young (from Zach Pearson, 8 Points, 9 Seconds): https://8points9seconds.com/2022/01/10/indiana-pacers-joe-young-nba-comeback/
- Nobodies To Love (from Jared Dubin, Last Night In Basketball):
- 2022 Trade Deadline: The Stepien Rule Explained (from Sam Quinn, CBS Sports): https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-trade-deadline-2022-how-complex-stepien-rule-decides-which-teams-can-and-cant-deal-first-round-picks/
- 2022 Draft: Is Johnny Davis Worthy Of First Overall Consideration? (from Nathan Grubel, No Ceilings):
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TAKEAWAYS FROM YESTERDAY'S GAMES
- BKN 121, SAS 119 (OT):
From Kristian Winfield, Daily News: https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/ny-cam-thomas-20220109-uizpktoiabfxjfnkhvnowwtkdm-story.html
From Peter Botte, NY Post: https://nypost.com/2022/01/09/cam-thomas-nets-rookies-come-up-big-in-win-over-spurs
From Tom Orsborn, Express News: https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Undermanned-young-Spurs-hold-their-own-in-Big-16762067.php and https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-Keita-Bates-Diop-s-defense-holds-16762525.php
From Chris Milholen/Matthew Brooks, Nets Daily: https://www.netsdaily.com/2022/1/9/22874972/cam-thomas-delivers-game-winner-to-snap-five-game-home-losing-streak-defeating-spurs-121-119-in-ot
- DAL 113, CHI 99:
From Darnell Mayberry, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3060898/2022/01/10/bulls-9-game-win-streak-ends-amid-second-half-troubles-luka-doncics-triple-double/
From Rob Schaefer, NBC Sports: https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/10-observations-luka-doncic-mavs-halt-bulls-win-streak-nine
From Grant Afseth, Sports Illustrated: https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks/news/dallas-mavs-luka-doncic-zach-lavine-demar-derozan-bulls
From Brad Townsend, Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2022/01/09/mavs-treaded-water-without-luka-doncic-now-theyre-flourishing-with-him/
From Joe Cowley, SunTimes: https://chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2022/1/9/22875861/bulls-winning-streak-ends-mavericks
From Ben Zajdel, Mavs Moneyball: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2022/1/9/22875768/3-things-from-a-dallas-mavericks-win-over-the-chicago-bulls-113-99
- DEN 99, OKC 95:
From Ashley Nevel, Mile High Sports: https://milehighsports.com/nuggets-blow-18-point-lead-recover-late-to-beat-thunder-99-95/
From Harrison Wind, The DNVR: https://thednvr.com/austin-rivers-should-be-sitting-with-an-injury-hes-winning-games-for-the-nuggets-instead-2/
From Brendan Vogt, The DNVR: https://thednvr.com/grades-austin-rivers-saves-day-okc/
From Joe Mussatto, The Oklahoman: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2022/01/09/thunder-vs-nuggets-score-nba-game-recap-takeaways/9150924002/
From Mike Singer, Denver Post: https://www.denverpost.com/2022/01/10/nuggets-win-over-okc-nikola-jokic/
GSW 96, CLE 82: BI will publish a special edition with links to Klay’s Return stories later today. Stay tuned.
- LAC 106, ATL:93:
From Mirjam Swanson, OC Register: https://www.ocregister.com/2022/01/09/clippers-bounce-back-fueled-by-coffeys-career-high-in-win-over-hawks/
From Sarah Spencer, AJC: https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-hawks/hawks-wrap-up-six-game-road-trip-with-loss-to-clippers/RDWVTGAYQRCZJPHIIKAHLAJYPM/
From Andrew Greif, LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2022-01-10/clippers-respond-to-coach-tyronn-lue-challenge-with-win
- MEM 127, LAL 119:
From Damichael Cole, Commerical Appeal: https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/nba/grizzlies/2022/01/09/memphis-grizzlies-vs-los-angeles-lakers-basketball-live-updates-score/9137463002/
From Kyle Goon, OC Register: https://www.ocregister.com/2022/01/09/lakers-go-cold-fall-to-red-hot-memphis-grizzlies/
From Ricky O'Donnell, SBNation: https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2022/1/9/22875805/ja-morant-block-lakers-vs-grizzlies-video-highlight
From Jacob Rude, Silver Screen And Roll: https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2022/1/9/22875778/grizzlies-lakers-recap-stats-highlights-score-lebron-james-ja-morant-comeback
From Broderick Turner, LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-01-10/lakers-grizzlies-takeaways-lebron-james-gets-little-help-in-loss
From Dan Woike, LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-01-09/lakers-lose-to-grizzlies-lebron-james-35-points
- MIN 141, HOU 123:
From Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/rockets/article/Rockets-hit-halfway-point-of-season-with-loss-to-16762925.php and https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/rockets/article/Run-off-the-floor-Takeaways-from-Rockets-loss-16763047.php
From Chris Hine, Star Tribune: https://www.startribune.com/timberwolves-crush-houston-karl-anthony-towns-40-points-jarred-vanderbilt-eight-dunks/600134304/
From Jace Frederick, Pioneer Press: https://www.twincities.com/2022/01/09/timberwolves-offense-continues-to-roll-in-trouncing-of-houston/
From Mike O’Hagan, Canis Hoopus: https://www.canishoopus.com/2022/1/9/22875734/wolves-141-rockets-123-houston-you-have-a-problem
- POR 103, SAC 88:
From Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee: https://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article257178817.html
From Steve Dewald, Blazer's Edge: https://www.blazersedge.com/2022/1/9/22875922/trail-blazers-kings-defense-win-103-88-jusuf-nurkic-anfernee-simons-nba-analysis-latest
From Aaron Fentress, Oregon Live: https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2022/01/portland-trail-blazers-minus-four-starters-get-31-points-from-anfernee-simons-in-103-88-victory-over-sacramento-kings.html
- TOR 105, NOP 101:
From William Guillory, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3059040/2022/01/09/lou-williams-caps-a-week-of-point-guard-reunions-for-the-clippers-but-his-place-in-franchise-history-is-unique/
From Eric Koreen, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3060579/2022/01/09/raptors-defence-remains-a-worry-even-as-they-continue-piling-up-the-wins/
From Josh Kern, Raptors HQ: https://www.raptorshq.com/2022/1/9/22875545/toronto-raptors-new-orleans-pelicans-recap-vanvleet-siakam
From Christian Clark, The Advocate: https://www.nola.com/sports/pelicans/article_51368cba-719f-11ec-a454-9f74b4b41c71.html
From Mike Ganter, Toronto Sun: https://ottawasun.com/sports/basketball/nba/toronto-raptors/toronto-raptors-lean-heavily-on-vets-in-win-over-new-orleans/wcm/2c5d2c1f-e2f4-420b-aa7a-e9062021f561
From Doug Smith, Toronto Star: https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2022/01/09/chris-boucher-is-learning-his-role-as-the-raptors-keep-rolling-with-sixth-straight-win.html
- WAS 102,:ORL 100:
From Andrew Gillis, NBC Sports: https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/kyle-kuzma-posts-career-best-22-rebounds-wizards-win-over-magic
From Ava Wallace, Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/01/09/rui-hachimura-return-wizards-magic/
FOUR YEARS AGO TODAY: from the BI archives:
http://basketballintelligence.net/2018/01/10/todays-best-nba-reporting-analysis-11018/