CRYSTALIZED WORDS

Before the 4th quarter, Jalen Brunson had a rough night trying to score the basketball and draw enough space to make a play. He was 5/16 from the field prior to the 4th.  JB's kryptonite throughout the season has remained taller defenders that can quickly react to his dribble counters.

When Will gets to the league, the main talking point was always his inability to play in the interior, which he gets warned that he will be “killed” in. His coach, Dennis Cooper, makes it clear during a film study session that Will is best utilized on-ball as a ball handler and a contested shooter, and he doesn’t actually need to get past his man.

For many fans, this may come as surprising advice. Shaedon is known for his athleticism, but mainly on the offensive end, as he isn’t well-regarded for his defensive ability. However, when eye-popping athleticism like Shaedon’s shines on the offensive end, it can most certainly translate to the defensive end.

Bryant’s defensive potential is there, but his offensive floor needs much work. Via Basketball Reference, he boosts an Offensive Rating of just 88. Usually, he is spotted up in the corner as a catch and shoot guy, but he only shoots 30% from 3. Until Carter takes an offensive jump — likely during the All-Star break or the off–season — he’ll best be used as a defensive specialist when a stop is needed. Judging by his enthusiasm and tenacity to play, I’d bet on it coming soon.

The 2023 Clutch Player of the Year is holding the reins steady in the absence of the franchise player, reminding fans that San Antonio does not have only one superstar. Fox is just a year removed from being Sacramento’s franchise player, and hasn’t lost his touch one bit.

And in a beautiful last second play, Brandon Ingram out-dueled Pascal Siakam for the game winner. Driving straight before stopping and immediately pulling-up, Ingram hit the contested middy over Pascal to secure the Raptors’ 9th win in their (at the time) win streak and a trip to the Emirates NBA Cup.

Blake’s speed was seen as one-dimensional, with many fans wondering about his future as a rotational guard. However, that speed is what is helping him thrive on the Blazers, helping contribute to a playoff pictured team ranked 3rd in pace. While his 6 points and 3 assists per game aren’t exactly eye popping, his basic stats don’t do him justice.

LaVine ended the game with 30 points on 54% shooting, but only 20% from 3 on 10 attempts. The majority of his points were scored on Booker. He logged 22 points in the first half, but failed to catch as well of a rhythm in the second.

While I think Brandon will mainly remain an open catch and shooter throughout the season, the increase in release speed is a strong positive. Especially on a team like the Toronto Raptors: a Point 5 offense that is filled with secondary playmakers and guys who can make the extra pass. Playing alongside passers like Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, I would not be shocked if BI’s 3-point numbers reach or exceed the 39% from his 2020 All-Star campaign.