Basketball Intelligence For 11/30/21

Today's Best NBA Reporting And Analysis

Nov 30, 2021

- ATL: Collins Is Playing The Best Ball Of His Hawks Career (from Chris Kirschner, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/2974600/2021/11/29/john-collins-is-playing-the-best-basketball-of-his-hawks-career-i-want-to-be-great-at-everything/

- ATL How Hawks Adjust Without Bogdanovic, Hunter & Possibly Reddish (from Sarah Spencer, AJC): https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-hawks/how-hawks-adjust-with-bogdanovic-hunter-potentially-reddish-out/GU3KZYRDQ5FADKST25MPOV2YWY/

- BKN: What Harris' Absence Means For The Nets (from Alex Schiffer, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/2986412/2021/11/29/what-joe-harris-extended-absence-means-for-the-nets/

- BKN: Bembry Bringing Energy & Production To Nets (from Adam Zagoria, NJ.com): https://www.nj.com/nets/2021/11/ex-patrick-school-star-deandre-bembry-bringing-energy-and-production-to-1st-place-nets.html

- CLE: Observations Re Mobley's Return (from Kelsey Russo, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/2986085/2021/11/29/cyber-mobley-monday-is-on-his-return-from-injury-anthony-davis-comparisons-and-being-a-real-hooper/

- CLE: The Cavs' Week In Review (from Jackson Flickinger, Fear The Sword): https://www.fearthesword.com/2021/11/29/22806824/cleveland-cavaliers-what-we-learned-nov-22-nov-28

- DEN: MPJ's 3rd Back Surgery Puts Nuggets' Bright Future In Jeopardy (from Dan Devine, The Ringer): https://www.theringer.com/nba/2021/11/29/22808626/michael-porter-jr-back-surgery-nikola-jokic-jamal-murray

From Rohan Nadkarni, Sports Illustrated: https://www.si.com/nba/2021/11/29/denver-nuggets-injuries-michael-porter-jr-nikola-jokic-jamal-murray

From Ryan Blackburn, Denver Stiffs: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/instant-analysis-76ers-struggle-before-making-magic-boos-disappear/ar-AARhs5k

- GSW: How The Dubs Use Data & Analytics To Engineer Wins (from Jeff Elder, SF Examiner): https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/how-the-warriors-use-data-analytics-to-engineer-more-wins/

- GSW: Klay Finds His Groove In Santa Cruz (from Ron Kroichick, SF Chronicle): https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/warriors/article/Warriors-Klay-Thompson-finds-his-groove-16661323.php

From Evan Webeck, Mercury News: https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/11/30/what-is-klay-thompson-up-to-in-santa-cruz-g-league-coach-details-first-practice-scrimmage

- GSW: Steph On The Dubs' Trek Back To The Top (from Chris Haynes, Yahoo Sports): https://sports.yahoo.com/steph-curry-on-warriors-trek-back-to-top-watching-the-bubble-was-the-lowest-point-184950342.html

- GSW: The Keys To The Dubs' Defense (from Evan Webeck, MercuryNews): https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/11/30/the-keys-to-the-warriors-nba-leading-defense

From Kendra Andrews, NBC Sports: https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/how-steph-curry-improved-his-defense-be-warriors-two-way-force

- GSW: How The Dubs Are Doing It (from Neil Paine, FiveThirtyEight): https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/how-the-warriors-are-wrecking-the-rest-of-the-nba-and-our-forecast-model/

From Kellan Olson, Arizona Sports: https://arizonasports.com/story/2916085/warriors-provide-suns-elite-test-heres-how-golden-state-started-18-2/

- GSW: Q & A: Gary Payton II (from Jake Fischer, Bleacher Report): https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2950911-i-know-i-can-make-it-here-1-on-1-with-warriors-sparkplug-gary-payton-ii

- IND: Carlisle's Creativity: Pairing Goga & Domas (from Tony East, Forbes): https://www.forbes.com/sites/tonyeast/2021/11/29/rick-carlisle-turned-to-a-surprising-pairing-for-success-and-it-showed-how-creative-the-indiana-pacers-head-coach-can-be/?sh=1788dc7b631a

- LAL: Who Is To Blame For Lakers' Struggles? (from Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated): https://www.si.com/nba/2021/11/30/lakers-struggles-russell-westbrook-frank-vogel-hot-seat

- LAL: Lakers' Week In Review (from Kyle Goon, OC Register): https://www.dailynews.com/2021/11/29/lakers-reset-in-a-mediocre-season-frank-vogel-is-feeling-the-heat/

- LAL: The Spacing With LBJ At Center (from Alex Regla):

Alex Regla @AlexmRegla

There's a simplicity to the spacing that comes with LeBron at center that is a breath of fresh air for L.A. Here LeBron starts off in the dunker, operates out of the elbow, Reaves sets a ghost screen (cuts/exits), pitch to THT leads to a pocket pass finish. Two open corner men.

- MEM: Brooks Needs To Be Grizzlies' Defensive Savior (from Kyle Irving, NBA.com): https://ca.nba.com/news/grizzlies-defence-needs-dillon-brooks/pkofqqb6bo5a1ncfailnsqzx1

- MIA: Do The Heat Have Room To Improve? (from Naveen Ganglani, Hot Hot Hoops): https://www.hothothoops.com/2021/11/30/22809924/do-the-miami-heat-have-room-to-improve-nba

- MIA: Emerging Concern: Duncan Robinson No Longer At Home At 3-Point Line (from Ira Winderman, SunSentinel): https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/fl-sp-miami-heat-main-tuesday-20211130-ppool4nrcfffvlmhi35tsbmlay-story.html

From Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald: https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article256217422.html

- MIA: Q & A: PJ Tucker (from Wes Goldberg, The Wes Side):

The Wes Side

Q&A: P.J. Tucker on his move from Milwaukee to Miami, and why 'all good teams are like this.'

MIAMI — Sweating through his grey shirt, P.J. Tucker took a seat on a stool to the side of the Miami Heat’s practice court at FTX Arena. As he wiped the moisture from his temple with a towel, Tucker reflected on his first few weeks with the Heat, a marriage of organization and player he called “perfect…

2 years ago · 1 like · Wes Goldberg

- MIL: Bucks' Player Grades At The Quarter Season Mark (from Dalton Sell, Behind The Buck Pass): https://behindthebuckpass.com/2021/11/30/grades-milwaukee-bucks-quarter-mark-season/

- MIL: Giannis Is Changing His Game & His Body May Thank Him (from Jim Owczarski, Journal Sentinel): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2021/11/30/giannis-antetokounmpo-mvp-changing-his-game-milwaukee-bucks/8803119002/

- MIN: Finch Has The Wolves On The Rise (from Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/2987155/2021/11/30/after-a-rocky-start-in-minnesota-chris-finch-has-the-timberwolves-on-the-rise/

- MIN: Why The Wolves Are Back On Track (from Jack Borman, Canis Hoopus): https://www.canishoopus.com/2021/11/29/22790901/much-like-their-fans-the-timberwolves-needed-a-reset-karl-anthony-towns-dangelo-russell-nba

- MIN: How Bolmaro Can Help The Wolves (from Jake Paynting, Howls And Growls):

Howls and Growls

Deep Dive: Leandro Bolmaro's Connector Archetype Can Help Minnesota

There was an audible gasp around the Minnesota Timberwolves fan base when Leandro Bolmaro walked to the scorer’s table in the first quarter of the double-overtime thriller against the Philadelphia 76ers. A loud thud as many a jaw smashed against the floor. It wasn’t because the fan base didn’t believe in the rookie and it wasn’t because he didn’t deserve real rotation minutes, the it was because his time to emerge from the end-of-bench basement still seemed so far away…

2 years ago · 5 likes · 3 comments · Jake Paynting

From Kent Youngblood, Star Tribune: https://www.startribune.com/timberwolves-guard-leandro-bolmaro-gets-a-chance-to-apply-what-hes-been-learning/600122059/

- NYK: Thibs Removes Kemba From The Rotation (from Fred Katz, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/2987066/2021/11/29/knicks-coach-tom-thibodeau-removes-kemba-walker-from-rotation-i-have-to-do-whats-best-for-the-team/

From Jackson Frank, DIME Mag: https://uproxx.com/dimemag/kemba-walker-knicks-out-of-rotation/

From Chris Forsberg, NBC Sports: https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/moving-on-from-kemba-walker-is-looking-good-but-it-shouldnt-cause-joy

- OKC: Giddey's Season, 20 Games In (from Benyam Kidane, Sporting News): https://www.sportingnews.com/au/nba/news/josh-giddey-thunder-rookie-20-games/35wxbpk7a4a51fksmquduaiue

- ORL: The Magic Are Finding Their Frontcourt Of The Future (from Jackson Frank, Basketball News): https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/the-orlando-magic-are-finding-their-front-court-of-the-future

- PHI: Sixers' Next Step: Growing The Maxey-Embiid Pairing (from Rich Hofmann, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/2987772/2021/11/30/growing-the-tyrese-maxey-joel-embiid-pairing-will-be-next-step-for-sixers/

- PHO: What's Behind The Suns' Red Hot Start? (from Chris Herring, Sports Illustrated): https://www.si.com/nba/2021/11/30/suns-winning-streak-daily-cover

- PHO: CP3 & Devin Booker's Clutch-Time Dominance (from Brian Windhorst, ESPN): https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/32747313/chris-paul-devin-booker-phoenix-suns-master-class-clutch-dominance

- SAC: The Kings Are Killing Themselves From Beyond The Arc (from Tim Maxwell, Kings Herald): https://kingsherald.com/articles/sacramento-kings-stats-three-point-shooting/

- TOR: Nurse Rewarding Raptors Who Play Hard With Minutes (from Doug Smith, Toronto Star): https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2021/11/29/upset-nick-nurse-rewarding-raptors-who-play-hard-with-minutes-others-are-nailed-to-the-bench.html

- UTA: Jazz Aim To Play Selfless Basketball Again (from Eric Walden, Salt Lake Tribune): https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2021/11/28/tight-stressed-utah-jazz/

- WAS: Wizards' Defensive Issues Creating Smaller Margin For Error (from Chase Hughes, NBC Sports): https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/wizards-recent-inconsistency-defense-creating-smaller-margin-error

- Previewing The GSW-PHO Matchup (from Anthony Slater, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/2986726/2021/11/30/warriors-suns-preview-breaking-down-the-nbas-early-season-marquee-matchup/

- Does Getting To The Rim Matter As Much As It Used To? (from Joe Wolfond, The Score): https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/2235394

- Teams With The Messiest Cap Situations (from Eric Pincus, Bleacher Report): https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2950850-nba-teams-with-the-messiest-cap-situation

- Each Team's 2022 Championship Chances (from Ricky O' Donnell, SBNation): https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2021/11/30/22789819/nba-championship-contenders-ranked-2022

- 1st Quarter Grades (from Zach Harper, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/2970687/2021/11/30/nba-power-rankings-suns-surge-continues-plus-first-quarter-grades-and-a-look-back-at-my-preseason-predictions/

- Takeaways At The Quarter Pole (from Brad Botkin, CBS Sports): https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/takeaways-at-nba-quarter-point-lakers-russell-westbrook-gamble-looking-bad-warriors-firing-on-all-cylinders/

- Updated Power Rankings (from Marc Stein, The Stein Line):

Marc Stein

'Round the NBA we go: Power Rankings!

This Newsletter Tuesday is a Power Rankings Tuesday. A special one, too. I'm sure the schedule has played out this perfectly before, but of course I'm too old now to remember the last time this happened: No. 1 vs. No. 2 in the NBA Power Rankings squaring off mere hours after The Committee (of One) posts a fresh batch of rankings…

a year ago · 6 likes · Marc Stein

- 2022 Draft Prospect Stock Watch (from Jonathan Givony/Mike Schmitz, ESPN): https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/32745808/2022-nba-draft-top-100-stock-watch-the-move-feast-week

From Matt Babcock, Basketball News: https://www.basketballnews.com/draft

- 2023 Draft Prospect Scoot Henderson (from Chad Ford, NBA Big Board):

Chad Ford's NBA Big Board

Prospect Watch: Is Scoot Henderson the best NBA Draft prospect in the world?

During the NBA, college and international seasons, my Tuesday newsletter will focus on NBA rookies and sophomores as well as prospects for the 2022 NBA Draft, especially those who have helped or hurt their stock in the past week. My reports will be based on my own observations as well as information I receive from NBA scouts, executives and agents…

a year ago · 1 like · 2 comments · Chad Ford

- NBL: Bryce Cotton's Puzzling Path To Greatness (from Brad Winter, Fox Sports): https://www.foxsports.com.au/basketball/nbl/from-nba-misfit-to-the-lebron-james-of-the-nbl-bryce-cottons-puzzling-path-to-greatness/news-story/dd425509196af6ad6181a9f1552097ab

- Euro Prospects Eye Australian Springboard To NBA (from Ken Maguire, AP): https://www.union-bulletin.com/seattle_times/european-prospects-eye-australian-springboard-to-nba/article_c0fbe6fd-778b-5d42-882b-4bce717e9a19.html

- CHI 133, CHA 119:

From Darnell Mayberry, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/2987659/2021/11/30/nikola-vucevic-shines-lonzo-and-lamelo-ball-battle-in-bulls-win-over-hornets/

From Rob Schaefer, NBC Sports: https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/10-observations-bulls-nikola-vucevic-break-out-against-hornets

From Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/charlotte-hornets

- CLE 114, DAL 96:

From Tim Cato, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/2987432/2021/11/30/the-mavericks-havent-given-luka-doncic-enough-help-to-be-taken-seriously-just-ask-their-opponents/

From Brad Townsend, Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2021/11/29/mavericks-loss-to-cavaliers-showed-that-moses-brown-has-it-but-aint-it-just-yet/

- DEN 120, MIA 111:

From Eric Spyropoulos, Nuggets.com: https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2021/11/29/mavericks-loss-to-cavaliers-showed-that-moses-brown-has-it-but-aint-it-just-yet/

From Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald: https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article256174982.html

- HOU 102, OKC 89:

From Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/rockets/article/A-homestand-sweep-and-an-attitude-adjustment-16661816.php

From Joe Mussatto, The Oklahoman: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/2021/11/29/thunder-vs-rockets-five-takeaways-okc-loss-houston-score-recap/8802372002/

- MIN 100, IND 98:

From Kent Youngblood, Star Tribune: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/3-players-down-patched-together-wolves-beat-pacers-to-move-above-500/ar-AARhA3m

From James Boyd, Indy Star: https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2021/11/29/pacers-vs-timberwolves-5-reasons-domantas-sabonis-didnt-lift-indiana/8790140002/

From Jace Frederick, Pioneer Press: https://www.twincities.com/2021/11/29/wolves-get-back-over-500-with-win-over-pacers/

- NOP 123, LAC 104:

From Mirjam Swanson, OC Register: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/instant-analysis-76ers-struggle-before-making-magic-boos-disappear/ar-AARhs5k

From Andrew Greif, LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2021-11-29/clippers-have-no-answers-to-jonas-valanciunas-pelicans-in-loss

From Christian Clark, The Advocate: https://www.nola.com/sports/pelicans/article_831e2df0-5183-11ec-8b99-4f51804f75ab.html

- PHI 101, ORL 96:

From Ky Carlin, USA Today: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/sixers-discuss-struggles-against-zone-defense-magic-employed-in-win/ar-AARiyR0

From Keith Pompey, The Inquirer: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/instant-analysis-76ers-struggle-before-making-magic-boos-disappear/ar-AARhs5k

- UTA 129, POR 107:

From Ryan Kostecka, Jazz.com: https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/big-fourth-quarter-leads-utah-victory-over-portland

From Tony Jones, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/2987579/2021/11/30/jazz-put-it-all-together-in-lopsided-win-over-blazers/

From Aaron Fentress, Oregon Live: https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2021/11/portland-trail-blazers-fizzle-in-second-half-lose-129-107-at-the-utah-jazz.html

From Andy Larsen, Salt Lake Tribune: https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2021/11/29/triple-team-jazz-shut/

From Sarah Todd, Deseret News: https://www.deseret.com/2021/11/29/22807900/rudy-gobert-continues-to-shut-down-opponents-to-the-surprise-of-no-one-utah-jazz

FOUR YEARS AGO TODAY: from the BI archives:

http://basketballintelligence.net/2017/11/30/todays-best-nba-reporting-analysis-113017-part-one/

Basketball Intelligence Newsletter

Basketball Intelligence For 11/30/21

Today's Best NBA Reporting And Analysis