TEAM-SPECIFIC STORIES
- ATL: The Hawks Are Putting It Together And Looking like Last Season's Team (from Chris Kirschner, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3101233/2022/01/30/hawks-are-putting-it-all-together-defensively-and-looking-like-last-seasons-team/
- BKN: Kessler Edwards Is Stepping Up (from Christian Arnold, The Brooklyn Game): https://thebrooklyngame.com/kessler-edwards-brooklyn-nets-3-and-d/
From Kristian Winfield, Daily News: https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/ny-rookie-kessler-edwards-defense-20220130-mhvhncsdwvb5bhkorfnxx35sxm-story.html
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-BOS: Celtics Still Eyeing Luxury Tax (from Sean Deveney, Forbes): https://www.forbes.com/sites/seandeveney/2022/01/30/heading-toward-nba-trade-deadline-boston-celtics-still-eyeing-luxury-tax/?sh=3aa7a4c92de8
- BOS: Player Of The Week (from Daniel Poarch, Celtics Blog): https://www.celticsblog.com/2022/1/31/22909731/celticsblog-boston-celtics-player-of-the-week-robert-williams-iii
- BOS: Smart Pushes Celtics To Believe In Their Potential (from Gary Washburn, Boston Globe): https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/01/30/sports/marcus-smart-continues-push-celtics-believe-their-potential/
BOS: Celtics ATOs: Hammer Sets (from Gibson Pyper, Half Court Hoops):
- CHI: Injuries Mean That Bulls Need Defensive Help Ahead Of Trade Deadline (from Jason Patt, Forbes): https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonpatt/2022/01/31/chicago-bulls-need-for-defensive-help-apparent-ahead-of-2022-nba-trade-deadline/?sh=51d05ee53d8f
- CHI: The Banged-Up Bulls Need The Vucevic They Traded For (from James Jackson, FiveThirtyEight): https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-banged-up-bulls-need-the-nikola-vucevic-they-traded-for/
From Joe Cowley, SunTimes: https://chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2022/1/30/22909506/bulls-coach-billy-donovan-defends-mental-toughness-nikola-vucevic
- DAL: Bullock Is Turning The Corner (from David Trink, Mavs Moneyball): https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2022/1/30/22908707/why-reggie-bullock-is-turning-the-corner
From Eddie Sefko, Mavs.com: https://www.mavs.com/bullock-has-a-shot-to-make-hardaways-role-his/
- DEN: How Hyland's Growth Has Changed The Equation For The Nuggets (from Mike Singer, Denver Post): https://www.denverpost.com/2022/01/30/nuggets-rookie-bones-hylands-growth/
- DET: Killian Hayes Seeing Results Coming Off Bench (from Steve Kornacki, Detroit News): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2022/01/29/killian-hayes-seeing-results-coming-off-bench-detroit-pistons/9269217002/
- DET: Cory Joseph An Aggressive Backcourt Complement To Cade (from Steve Kornacki, Detroit News): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2022/01/30/cory-joseph-complements-detroit-pistons-starting-backcourt/9276437002/
- DET: Saddiq Bey: Foundational Piece In Pistons' Restoration (from Jack Kelly, Detroit Bad Boys: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2022/1/25/22894553/detroit-pistons-saddiq-bey-is-a-foundational-piece-in-detroits-restoration
- GSW: Should The Dubs Add Another Big Man? (from Connor Letourneau, SF Chronicle): https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/warriors/article/Should-Warriors-add-another-big-man-It-s-more-16817821.php
- GSW: Dubs, Klay Soaring Again (from Monte Poole, NBC Sports): https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/warriors-klay-thompson-soaring-again-after-punctuating-strong-homestand
GSW: “Thumb Out: Dubs’ Go To Play For Steph (from Gibson Pyper, Halfcourt Hoops):
- IND: Isaiah Jackson Show Promise (from Zach Pearson, 8 Points, 9 Seconds): https://8points9seconds.com/2022/01/30/indiana-pacers-isaiah-jackson-growth
- LAC: Clippers' 2nd Unit Is Connected, Clicking (from Mirjam Swanson, OC Register): https://www.ocregister.com/2022/01/30/clippers-second-unit-is-connected-clicking/
- LAC: 10 Thoughts On The Clippers (from Sabreena Merchant, Clips Nation): https://www.clipsnation.com/2022/1/31/22910052/la-clippers-10-thoughts-check-in-amir-coffey-luke-kennard-brandon-boston
- LAL: Lakers Return Home From Disappointing Trip (from Jovan Buha, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3099876/2022/01/31/we-gotta-get-rolling-lakers-return-home-from-a-disappointing-trip-searching-for-momentum/
- MIA: "Heat Culture" Is Real (from Ryan Yousefi, New Times): https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/miami-heat-culture-is-real-13755266
- MIA: How Spoelstra Has Turned The Heat Into A "Monster Of The East" (from Ira Winderman, SunSentinel): https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/fl-sp-miami-heat-main-sunday-20220130-hwsgguk5x5didnjptbtqlrhheq-story.html
- MIL: Interview: Donte DiVincenzo (from Eric Nehm, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3097200/2022/01/31/one-on-one-with-the-milwaukee-bucks-donte-divincenzo-i-can-control-my-attitude-and-my-effort-every-day/
- MIN: With Russell Out, Wolves Turn To McLaughlin At PG (from Jerry Zgoda, Star Tribune): https://www.startribune.com/dangelo-russell-out-timberwolves-turn-to-jordan-mclaughlin-at-point-guard/600141352/
- OKC: What Will Change With SGA Out? (from Joe Mussatto, The Oklahoman: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2022/01/30/okc-thunder-shai-gilgeous-alexander-injury-will-not-change-team-radically/9277111002/
- SAC: No Simple Route To Fixing Kings (from James Ham, The Kings Beat):
https://kings-beat.beehiiv.com/p/sunday-musings-uphill-climb-facing-monte-mcnair
- SAS: Interview: Devin Vassell (from Bruno Passos, Pounding The Rock): https://www.poundingtherock.com/2022/1/31/22902745/devin-vassell-interview-san-antonio-spurs-hitting-stride-breaking-mold
- TOR: 5 Things About The Raptors (from Adon Moss, Raptors Republic): https://www.raptorsrepublic.com/2022/01/28/five-things-i-dig-and-dont-dig-about-the-toronto-ratpors/
- TOR: Barnes Thriving In Swinging Pendulum Of Expectations (from Yasmin Duale, Yahoo Sports): https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/raptors-scottie-barnes-thriving-in-swinging-pendulum-of-rookie-expectations-220353752.html
- UTA: Ingles Will Be Hard To Replace (from Tony Jones, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3102108/2022/01/31/joe-ingles-presence-in-the-jazz-locker-room-and-on-the-court-will-be-hard-to-replace/
From Andy Larsen, Salt Lake Tribune: https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/01/30/triple-team-after-joe
- WAS: Takeaways From Loss To Grizzlies (from Josh Robbins, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3100938/2022/01/30/daniel-gafford-benched-for-thomas-bryant-the-wizards-right-idea-at-the-wrong-time/
LEAGUE-WIDE STORIES
- The Week That Was (from John Hollinger, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3102644/2022/01/31/when-do-we-worry-about-the-bucks-plus-cavs-cap-exception-and-how-it-might-be-used-hollingers-week-that-was/
- Power Rankings, Week 16 (from ESPN): https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33180499/nba-power-rankings-week-16-philadelphia-76ers-climbing-eastern-conference
From Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic: https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/2022/01/30/nba-power-rankings-defending-champion-bucks-still-top-5/9274393002/
- Rookie Ladder (from Nathan Grubel, No Ceilings):
- The Cunningham-Mobley Showdown Game (Kelsey Russo,/James Edwards III, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3101885/2022/01/30/cade-cunningham-evan-mobley-showdown-watching-two-of-the-drafts-top-picks-in-real-time-as-cavs-took-on-pistons/
- 3 Things To Know (from Kurt Helin, NBC Sports): https://nba.nbcsports.com/2022/01/31/three-things-to-know-put-some-respect-on-the-suns-name-they-are-the-best-in-nba/
- The Assn's Most Effective 2nd Units (from Ian Levy, The Step Back): https://fansided.com/2022/01/31/nba-best-second-units-power-ranking/
- 2022 Draft: 5 Mid-Major Prospects Improving Their Draft Stock (from Jerran Anderson, Busting Brackets ): https://bustingbrackets.com/2022/01/31/nba-draft-2022-5-mid-major-basketball-prospects-improving-draft-stock
- 2022 Draft Prospects: Weekend Update (from Adam Spinella, The Box And One):
- Vasilije Micic Should Be In The NBA (from BasketNews): https://basketnews.com/news-164715-too-good-for-europe-why-vasilije-micic-should-be-playing-in-the-nba.html
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TAKEAWAYS FROM YESTERDAY'S GAMES
- ATL 129, LAL 121:
From Kyle Goon, OC Register: https://www.ocregister.com/2022/01/30/lakers-stumble-in-fourth-vs-hawks-lose-third-straight-at-end-of-road-trip/
From Graham Chapple, Peachtree Hoops: https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2022/1/30/22909551/atlanta-hawks-los-angeles-lakers-analysis-offense-defense-video-stats-trae-young-anthony-davis-nba
From Sarah Spencer, AJC: https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-hawks/okongwu-excels-in-fourth-quarter-as-hawks-down-lakers/3JAQPIYYSREMFGNYOZCFCFUSVU/
From Dan Woike, LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-01-30/lakers-hot-shooting-not-enough-in-129-121-loss-to-hawks
- CHI 130, POR 116:
From Darnell Mayberry, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3101799/2022/01/30/nikola-vucevic-coby-white-step-up-and-bulls-use-balanced-scoring-to-defeat-blazers/
From Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune: https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-chicago-bulls-portland-trail-blazers-20220131-rn4hjqzljrgj7mvkmfexu47imi-story.html
From Rob Schaefer, NBC Sports: https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/10-observations-bulls-match-20-21-win-total-rout-blazers
From Joe Cowley, SunTimes: https://chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2022/1/30/22909690/bulls-trail-blazers-defensive-issues-linger
From Aaron Fentress, Oregon Live: https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2022/01/portland-trail-blazers-at-chicago-bulls-live-updates.html and https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2022/01/portland-trail-blazers-no-match-for-chicago-bulls-trio-of-stars-fall-130-116.html
- DEN 136, MIL 100:
From Eric Nehm, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3101962/2022/01/31/double-trouble-bucks-defensive-strategy-plays-into-nuggets-hands-in-lopsided-loss/
From Mike Singer, Denver Post: https://www.denverpost.com/2022/01/30/nuggets-buck-five-game-winning-streak/
From Jim Owczarski, Journal Sentinel: https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2022/01/30/bucks-vs-nuggets-fiserv-forum-milwaukee-game-score-updates-january-30-2022/9260374002/
Form Dalton Sell, Behind The Buck Pass: https://behindthebuckpass.com/2022/01/31/takeaways-milwaukee-bucks-blowout-loss-denver-nuggets/
- DET 115, CLE 105:
From James Edwards III/Kelsey Russo, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3101885/2022/01/30/cade-cunningham-evan-mobley-showdown-watching-two-of-the-drafts-top-picks-in-real-time-as-cavs-took-on-pistons/
From Keith Langlois, pistons.com: https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/jacksons-hot-start-leads-to-cunninghams-heroic-finish
From Chris Fedor, cleveland.com: https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2022/01/cleveland-cavaliers-loss-to-detroit-pistons-a-needed-wake-up-call-we-thought-it-was-going-to-come-easy.html
From Omari Sankofa II, Free Press: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2022/01/30/cade-cunningham-detroit-pistons-score-cleveland-cavaliers/9279786002/
From Lauren Williams, MLive: https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2022/01/bey-cunningham-stewart-lead-pistons-in-115-105-comeback-win-over-cavaliers.html and https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2022/01/cade-cunningham-shows-that-gene-in-pistons-comeback-win-over-cavaliers.html
- LAC 115, CHA 90:
From Mirjam Swanson, OC Register: https://www.ocregister.com/2022/01/30/clippers-pull-off-unusually-drama-free-win-over-charlotte/
From Luca Evans, LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2022-01-30/clippers-put-on-defensive-effort-in-win-over-hornets
From Rod Boone, Charlotte Observer: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/charlotte-hornets/article257640208.html
- MIN 126, UTA 106:
From Jake Paynting, Howls And Growls: https://howlsandgrowls.substack.com/p/player-ratings-game-50-utah-jazz
From Andy Larsen, Salt Lake Tribune: https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/01/30/triple-team-after-joe
From Sarah Todd, Deseret News: https://www.deseret.com/2022/1/30/22909268/instant-analysis-utah-jazz-lose-fifth-straight-on-tough-night-against-timberwolves
From Ryan Kostecka, Jazz.com: https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/were-just-trying-survive-hits-keep-coming-loss-minnesota
From Jack Borman, Canis Hoopus: https://www.canishoopus.com/2022/1/30/22909889/wolves-126-jazz-106-triple-double-kats-sunday-service
From Jace Frederick, Pioneer Press: https://www.twincities.com/2022/01/30/timberwolves-run-away-from-utah-in-second-half/
From Jerry Zgoda, Star Tribune: https://www.startribune.com/karl-anthony-towns-triple-double-timberwolves-utah-jazz-jaden-mcdaniels/600141363/
- ORL 110, DAL 108:
From Philip Rossman-Reich, Orlando Magic Daily: https://orlandomagicdaily.com/2022/01/31/orlando-magic-turn-corner-winning-homestand/
From Lauren Gunn, Mavs Moneyball: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2022/1/30/22909888/3-things-from-a-dallas-mavericks-loss-to-the-orlando-magic-110-108
From Callie Caplan, Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2022/01/30/luka-doncic-mavericks-end-their-most-magical-month-in-a-decade-with-a-dud/
From Khobi Price, Orlando Sentinel: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-sp-magic-mavericks-sunday-20220131-iio2iz4ulzbsti62t7j3o53qh4-story.html
- PHO 115, SAS 110:
From Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic: https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2022/01/30/5-takeaways-suns-comeback-win-secure-monty-williams-all-star-nod/9280629002/
From Gerald Bourguet, GO PHNX: https://gophnx.com/2022/01/31/ish-wainright-offers-phoenix-suns-different-look-small-ball-lineups/
From Kellan Olson, Arizona Sports: https://arizonasports.com/story/2993510/small-ball-lineup-ignites-phoenix-suns-past-spurs-for-10th-straight-win/
From Jesus Gomez, Pounding The Rock: https://www.poundingtherock.com/2022/1/30/22909789/shorthanded-spurs-collapse-late-in-close-loss-to-the-suns
From Jeff McDonald, Express News: https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/The-triple-take-Suns-115-Spurs-110-16818173.php
FOUR YEARS AGO TODAY: from the BI archives: http://basketballintelligence.net/2018/01/31/todays-best-nba-reporting-analysis-13118/
QOTD (from Draymond Green): "When it comes to players in different eras, saying a guy is the greatest of all time is ridiculous. Just like I say I'm the greatest defender of all time. I don't really mean I'm the greatest. I can't say I'm a better defender than Bill Russell. I never saw Bill Russell play. How can I possibly say I'm a better defender than him?"