Steve Jones, Jr. and Zach discuss Wembanyama's breakout game, the impact of the James Harden trade in Philly and LA, and their rapid-fire thoughts on the NBA landscape.
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Quick takeaways
The Bucks need to tighten up their defense quickly to avoid further issues.
James Harden's playmaking and scoring abilities will benefit the Clippers' offense.
The Sixers need to address defensive breakdowns and improve team defense.
The absence of Chris Middleton has been noticeable for the Bucks.
The Bucks have struggled in transition defense.
The utilization of pick-and-roll plays between Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo is important for the Bucks to maximize offensive output.
Deep dives
Bucks defense needs improvement
The Bucks defense has been struggling, with breakdowns in their rotations and communication. They need to tighten up their defense quickly to avoid further issues.
James Harden's fit with the Clippers
James Harden's playmaking and scoring abilities will benefit the Clippers' offense, particularly in pick and roll situations. His presence will also help alleviate defensive pressure on Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Sixers' defensive issues
The Sixers need to address defensive breakdowns and improve their team defense. They must clean up communication and rotational issues to ensure a strong defensive foundation.
Chris Middleton's absence impacting the Bucks
The absence of Chris Middleton has been noticeable for the Bucks, as they lack a consistent secondary perimeter player. They need him to return and perform at a high level to enhance their offensive capabilities.
The butts' struggles in transition defense
The butts have struggled in transition defense, ranking last in both frequency and points allowed in transition. It may be due to shot selection and not having an effective plan to get back on defense after quick shots.
Lack of pick-and-roll usage between Lillard and Giannis
There has been a surprisingly low usage of pick-and-roll plays between Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Considering the potential of their two-man game, it's important for the Bucks to incorporate more pick-and-roll sets to maximize their offensive output.
Clippers' Offense and Lineup Considerations with James Harden
The addition of James Harden to the Clippers' roster brings the importance of offensive distribution and movement into focus. While having another player who can generate offense and draw help is positive, it is crucial to spread the touches and create movement instead of relying solely on one-on-one play. The key is mixing the capabilities of multiple players, such as Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden, to create pressure points and force defensive rotations. Utilizing different lineups and staggering players can help maintain balance and maximize efficiency.
Assessing the Boston Celtics' Strong Offense and Spacing
The Boston Celtics have showcased impressive offensive spacing and cohesion this season. Their ability to catch at the elbow and have everyone spaced behind the three-point line has been notable. Jason Tatum's improved decision-making in pick-and-rolls, along with improved defensive effort, has contributed to their success. The versatility of their lineup, including players like Kelly Oubre, has provided shooting and scoring options. The Celtics' offensive improvements and commitment to a shared system make them a formidable team in the challenging Eastern Conference.
Expectations and Potential of the Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have started the season strong, with notable contributions from players like Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris. The team has emphasized fit, generating better movement, and increasing tempo. The influx of wing players like Nicolas Batum and Robert Covington provides lineup versatility, while Maxey's growth in the pick-and-roll with Joel Embiid holds promise. The 76ers' improved play and cohesive performances indicate their potential for success this season, even if they might fall short of winning the title in a competitive Western Conference.
Impressions of the Memphis Grizzlies' Struggles and Defensive Breakdown
Despite injuries and a 0-5 start, the Memphis Grizzlies still possess talented players like Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Brandon Clarke. However, they have faced defensive breakdowns, particularly after losing Stephen Adams. The team's offensive struggles and lack of ball and body movement have further hampered their performance. In order to stay competitive, Memphis needs players like Ziaire Williams and Marcus Smart to elevate their game, improve defense, and start winning games to avoid falling too far behind in the Western Conference standings.
The Excitement and Potential of the NBA In-Season Tournament
The upcoming NBA in-season tournament offers the opportunity for unique courts, increased competition, and better matchups. While the group structure may be difficult to remember, the elimination games and standings will add intrigue and competitiveness to the tournament. The tournament allows teams to face each other in unexpected scenarios, potentially leading to exciting games and surprising outcomes. While there may be some skepticism, the tournament has the potential to provide great moments throughout the season.
Reflection on Hakeem Olajuwon's Impact and Dominance
Amidst recent NBA milestones, such as Kevin Durant surpassing Hakeem Olajuwon in all-time scoring, it's important to recognize Olajuwon's historical dominance. As one of the most skilled and versatile players, he humiliated opponents and showcased finesse, power, defense, and passing during his career. Olajuwon's impact went beyond his famous dream shake, with his influence extending to modern players like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Remembering and appreciating Olajuwon's greatness is essential amid discussions of contemporary players and achievements.
Zach and Steve Jones, Jr. of The Dunker Spot discuss Victor Wembanyama's breakout game against Phoenix, the repercussions of the James Harden trade in both Philly and LA, and then go rapid-fire around the early NBA landscape.
Wembanyama's coming out party (1:11)
Early takeaways on Phoenix (10:51)
Mavs'4-0 start (16:11)
Thoughts on Minnesota (20:53)
Harden's fit in LA (22:25)
Lakers getting defensive effort from Reddish and Wood (32:50)
