Clipper Concerns, Red-hot Mavs, Wemby is here, and 6th Man Candidates
Mar 18, 2024
auto_awesome
The podcast discusses the latest NBA games, including Lakers losses and Mavericks' success. They express concerns about the Clippers and Suns, highlight Victor Wembanyama's skills, and talk about candidates for 6th Man of the Year.
Increasing DeAndre Ayton's involvement can boost Phoenix Suns' offense.
Phoenix Suns need defensive improvements and focus on offensive strength.
Deep dives
Phoenix Suns' Offensive Flow and Creativity
One area of improvement for the Phoenix Suns is seen in increasing DeAndre Ayton's involvement in the offense. With Ayton receiving only 10 shots in a recent game against Milwaukee, a focus on coordinating plays involving Ayton could enhance the team's offensive dynamics. The inclusion of Ayton alongside Devin Booker and Chris Paul in three-man action plays could generate diverse scoring opportunities, particularly with the sharp shooting of players like Grayson Allen to open up the floor.
Defensive Challenges and Rebounding Concerns for Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are facing defensive struggles stemming from their lineup's lack of size and defensive cohesion. They rank 13th in defensive rebounding for the season but face difficulties against stronger competition. Their defensive miscommunications and their inability to secure rebounds effectively highlight critical areas needing improvement. With a below-average defense, the Suns are urged to focus on maximizing offensive strength and creativity to compensate for defensive deficiencies.
Victor Wembe-Nyama's Stellar Performance and Potential
Victor Wembe-Nyama showcased an exceptional performance with a casual 33 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, 7 blocks, and 5 steals. His impressive stats since December 27th include averaging 23 points, 10 rebounds, shooting 49% from the field and 36% from three-point range. Wembe-Nyama's defensive prowess was highlighted by his outstanding play, indicating his star potential in the league. With his remarkable skills and consistent performance, he is poised to become a basketball superstar in the near future.
Top Contenders for the Sixth Man of the Year
In the race for the Sixth Man of the Year award, Malik Monk emerges as a strong contender, contributing 16 points per game and showcasing versatility as the backup point guard for his team. Norman Powell also stands out with his impressive shooting percentages of 44% from three and 54% from two, providing a seamless offensive presence off the bench. Other notable candidates include Bogdan Bogdanovic, averaging 16 points per game with significant contributions to his team's success, and Nas Reed, whose impact is expected to increase in the absence of key players, making them standout contenders for the prestigious award.
Zach and The Athletic's Mo Dakhil discuss the latest Laker losses, the charging Mavericks, their concern for the Clippers and Suns, Victor Wembanyama making highlight plays look routine, and candidates for 6th Man of the Year.
Lakers-Warriors reaction (4:03)
The surging Mavs (15:08)
Concerns about the Clippers (30:47)
Officiating has been tweaked since the All-Star break (44:28)