The symbolic bar of twenty games exceeded for all NBA teams, it is time to learn the lessons of the first quarter of the season. BasketUSA offers you to do it in five parts: the strongholds, the outsiders, the good surprises, the disappointments and the dunces.
After the strongholds and the outsiders at the top of the ranking, then the good surprises, we continue our overview of the start of the season with the disappointments. They are numerous, with the Wolves, the Nets, the Lakers or the defending champions Golden State. Expected in the leading roles, these teams are blending in for the moment, well below expectations.
Brooklyn Nets (13-11)
If there’s a clear improvement in the past week in Brooklyn, which remains on four straight wins, including a spanking against Toronto, and five wins in its last six outings, the Nets are among the disappointments of this beginning of the season, like Ben Simmons (8 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists) long groping and far too timid, in addition to being on the flank again.
Since his promotion to the position of head coach after the voluntary departure of Steve Nash let go by his players, Jacque Vaughn has been able to count on a united group, like soldiers Royce O’Neale (10 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) and Nic Claxton (12 points, 8 rebounds) who are having their best career season, even Yuta Watanabe (8 points, 3 rebounds), who perfectly complement the big individuals of the five majors.
The dynamic is positive for the Nets who can finally focus on the game, and benefit from the great form of Kevin Durant (30 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists), still as regular in his performance.
At the same time, the full-time return of Kyrie Irving (25 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds) also allows the Nets to stabilize their attack, while the bench continues to expand with TJ Warren who has just made his comeback. after two years of absence or that Seth Curry is gradually regaining his seasonal form.
Golden State Warriors (13-11)
Very fragile on the outside, barely balanced at 13 wins for 11 losses, the Warriors are however now virtually qualified for the playoffs, in 6th place in the West. Why ? Because they have a certain Stephen Curry (31 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds). The superstar has already lined up mind-blowing matches at 47 and 50 points, proving if necessary again that he is still at the top of his game.
But apart from Stephen Curry, who could not prevent his team from losing 10 times out of 12 outside, it must be recognized that it has long been grimace soup in the Bay. Author of very good passages, including a peak at 41, Klay Thompson (17 points, 4 rebounds) has not yet really regained all of his basketball. Draymond Green (9 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds) may have found some offensive tinsel, but the Dubs lack bench depth and Steve Kerr had to quickly review his plans.
While Golden State intended to rely on two groups, that of veterans in the five and young people off the bench, the coach quickly stopped the costs with his “kids”, like James Wiseman who was fired make his ranges in G-League and Jonathan Kuminga who rather squatted the bench than the boards.
Suddenly, things are better for the Warriors, who have won 7 of their last 9 outings, and who look like the defending champions we know. While waiting to see how Steve Kerr will reintegrate his young people…
Miami Heat (11-12)
In Miami, we always say that physical preparation is essential. This season, it gets stuck with an infirmary that is always full, with Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Gabe Vincent, Caleb Martin or even Dewayne Dedmon who have all missed one or more games.
When veteran Kyle Lowry (14 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds) is the most consistent player, it’s a bad sign.
Among the worst attacks in the League, 23rd with only 110.0 points scored on average, the Heat simply lack “bodies” (body)! Their leader, Jimmy Butler (21 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists) has already missed 9 of his team’s 23 games and Tyler Herro (19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists) has missed 8. Bam Adebayo (21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists) and Kyle Lowry saved the furniture but the Florida attacks are a nightmare.
In 11th place in the defense rankings, Miami has not been able to travel calmly so far, with only 3 wins in 11 attempts. Once complete, the Heat is hopeful of regaining its rank in the East.
Minnesota Timberwolves (11-12)
Expected at the turn after having made one of the biggest exchanges of the last off-season by bringing in Rudy Gobert, the Wolves are currently floundering in the slush, with a literally average record and a defense at half mast. The association between Rudy Gobert (14 points, 12 rebounds) and Karl-Anthony Towns (21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists) on the one hand and between Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards (23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists) d on the other hand has not really convinced so far. That’s an understatement…
Karl-Anthony Towns’ recent injury further complicates Chris Finch’s affairs but could nonetheless prove to be a blessing in disguise with more space for Anthony Edwards on the outside and Rudy Gobert on the inside. How about a defensive boost?
On the nerves, the Wolves will quickly be fixed as a perilous five-game road trip on the West Coast looms with the Jazz, the Blazers (twice) and the Clippers for a hearty menu.
Dallas Mavericks (11-11)
Not unlike the Rockets of the omnipotent James Harden, the Mavs’ game this season is clearly not one of the most pleasant to follow, “one-man show” dedicated exclusively to the talent of an outstanding player offensively, Luka Doncic . The problem is that basketball remains a collective sport and with such a starving and caricatural background, his teammates clearly remain in the background, even downright behind the scenes.
If Luka Doncic panics the counters with three triple-doubles at 40 points or more, the Mavs do not take off, currently in last place for a jump seat in play-in! The Slovenian star is more involved defensively, with almost 2 interceptions per game, and Dallas is in 8th place among the best defenses. But it is in attack that it blocks with only three players at 10 points or more: Christian Wood (17 points, 8 rebounds), Spencer Dinwiddie (16 points, 5 assists) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (11 points).
JaVale McGee and Reggie Bullock are two important rotations who are currently in distress, just like Davis Bertans or Frank Ntilikina… Jason Kidd’s coaching is going to be put under the microscope this season, while Kemba Walker will soon be making his debut in the Texas tunic .
New York Knicks (10-13)
Not qualified in the playoffs last season, the Knicks are still following the same path this season, currently in the same 11th place in the East. Tom Thibodeau’s men alternate good performances (a victory against the Wolves) and very bad performances (big defeat in Brooklyn). Worse, they remain on five infuriating defeats at home, at the Garden.
The arrival of Jalen Brunson (21 points, 6 assists) was good for the lead, but the chronic instability of RJ Barrett (19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists but 28% from 3-point range) and Julius Randle (21 points, 9 rebounds including 33% from 3-pointers) clearly limit the offensive potential of the Knicks. Who therefore voluntarily deprive themselves of their most prolific shooter last season, Evan Fournier…
The Knicks are dead last at 3-point address (less than 32%), while they rank 11th in the most attempts per game (over 34)! Tom Thibodeau still can’t find his balance between attack and defense, and we have to see how much time management gives him before we really worry…
Los Angeles Lakers (9-12)
Cataclysmic at the start, with no less than ten defeats in their first twelve meetings, the Lakers have placed themselves in a good hole to launch their campaign. Since then, it’s been seven wins in nine games and a real interesting dynamic, with the return to great shape of Anthony Davis (27 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks), followed by LeBron James (29 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists) who also found his legs!
Replaced in sixth man, Russell Westbrook (15 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds) is reborn alongside the spectacular Lonnie Walker (17 points) and the famous “Hillbilly Kobe“, Austin Reaves. The smiles have returned but the marathon has only just begun for the latecomers from California, who have also embarked on a six-game road trip on the East Coast.
Obviously not on his plate in LA, Pat Beverley could well pack his bags soon…
Chicago Bulls (9-13)
Only twelfth after a quarter of the season, Billy Donovan’s Bulls are disappointing because their “Big Three” still can’t find the right fuel. It starts with Zach LaVine (21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists) who has declining stats and is struggling to regain his fitness after further knee surgery over the summer.
At the end of the contract or almost, DeMar DeRozan (26 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) and Nikola Vucevic (16 points, 11 rebounds) are not at their best either and the two veterans know well that they are on harness, ready to pack their bags this season.
With four consecutive two-game losing streak, and another four-game losing streak, the Bulls are clearly not living up to expectations. Will they hope for a recovery, or quickly change course?
