Quote from: inthelongrun on December 24, 2023, 06:26:09 AM

Wow! The Lakers are back in the winning column at the expense of the Oklahoma Thunder. What a game by Lebron James, he made a season-high 40 points. OKC still played well but it was too late. OKC just couldn't stop the Lakers' momentum starting in the 2nd quarter and it was around 30 points lead in the 3rd quarter. This could be an off-night for OKC and the Lakers were on the road determined to end their losing streak. Still, OKC should learn from games like this. They need to be better, especially during the playoffs when they are facing teams that have deep experiences.

For sure the Los Angeles Lakers will have a hard time winning every game it is not because their opponent is hard to beat, or the Lakers are a struggling team, but it was because of LeBron James and Anthony Davis's ages as we all know LeBron James is turning 39 next year, and we don't know if he will still be the same, while both Anthony Davis and Bron James are prone to injuries so most if they are not playing in the court they are resting because of an injury so, for the most part, these two are not consistent in playing for sure they need all the help they can get and all the rest they can rest if they want their team to be consistent and that is if they have a deeper bench,

Quote from: Yamifoud on December 24, 2023, 11:12:36 AM

Indeed, he was one of their best players that played consistently with them, so missing him against one of the best teams in the NBA is really huge.

Here's his status, https://www.foxsports.com/nba/josh-giddey-player

He exit during the game with LA Clippers due to twisted ankle, but there was no report of a fracture or whatsoever, so I'm expecting that it's just a sprained ankle, he might miss few games but he'll come back for sure. I'm sure OKC won't struggle hard even without him, they are not like the Memphis though, but against strong teams, they will miss the service of Giddy. Hope he'll get back soon.

Josh Giddey can become a main player for the Oklahoma City Thunders, and if he continues to perform well, then he could surely help the Thunders in making it on the play-offs, but right now he needs to really rest a lot, but for sure because of him the Oklahoma City Thunders is consist of new players that are progressing a lot in this season,

Quote from: danherbias07 on December 24, 2023, 06:28:35 PM

Quote from: YuginKadoya on December 24, 2023, 06:24:04 AM

-snip

Yeah, I watched the highlights of that game, and damn, Sabonis was a monster there. Triple-double, and then he did one more against the Timberwolves but sadly they lost. Defense is the difference, The Timberwolves are too big and with only Sabonis at the center, they are being punished in the rebounding section. Gobert made 21 points and 17 important rebounds and then Anthony Edwards made 34 while he kept on attacking the painted area. Their guards should start making more efforts on the defensive end too and help out Sabonis so that no one can enter the paint. 66 points in the paint for the Timberwolves while 52 only for the Kings.
One of their good guards with a better defense is out, Malik Monk, someone must fill that hole for him.

Then the Timberwolves are the Kryptonite for the Kings, well, even if Domantas Sabonis did a pretty much great performance it is not enough as the Minnesota Timberwolves have many big men on their team, and it is clear that they can not likely be winning even if Domantis Sabonis had a triple-double on this game it was not enough as the Timberwolves is one of the best defensive team in the NBA they are currently on the 3rd place so yeah the Sacramento Kings had a hard time keeping up to them,

Quote from: jossiel on December 24, 2023, 11:50:31 PM

JJJ is just way too different from the other rookies. This guy has a quick development and he's got a good foot work. Most of his attacks under they ring doesn't show that he's fearing these superstars and old veterans in the league.

I think that the Miami Heat took this guy on a steal and was able to scout properly. And an early achievement he's got as he's being named rookie of the month by Kia.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. Named KIA Eastern Conference Rookie Of The Month

For sure the Memphis Grizzlies wanted the best players they could get and Jaren Jackson Jr. they got a steal when they picked him up since then he has helped along with Desmond Bane for the Grizzlies,