Draymond Green still believes Jonathan Kuminga could have a very bright NBA future.
The Warriors forward discussed on the latest episode of his podcast, “The Draymond Green Show,” Golden State trading Kuminga, along with guard Buddy Hield, to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline and shared his appreciation for how Kuminga handled himself throughout his four-plus seasons with Golden State, despite not receiving consistent playing time after he was selected with the No. 7 pick in the 2021 draft.
“When you’re the seventh pick in the NBA draft, you usually go to a place where they’re going to give you the ball, they’re going to allow you to make a ton of mistakes, and you grow through those mistakes in hopes that you become a key, cornerstone, franchise piece to the rebuild of the team that drafted you with the seventh pick,” Green said of Kuminga.
“You’re usually not drafted to a team that’s good enough to compete and win a championship that year. That’s the hand Jonathan Kuminga was dealt. And so I appreciate the way he handled it, the maturity he showed in handling the situation the entire time, even when the writing was on the wall and everybody in the world kind of knew a trade was going to happen.
Kuminga showed flashes of star potential with the Warriors but ultimately was a difficult scheme fit with Golden State and was unable to establish a consistent role in coach Steve Kerr’s rotations, leading to a plethora of DNP-CDs (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision) over the years, especially throughout his final season in the Bay.
It’s unclear exactly what his role will be with the Hawks or how much he will see the floor throughout the remainder of the season, but Atlanta, which has multiple young, athletic wings, highlighted by fifth-year breakout forward Jalen Johnson, should be a better scheme fit for Kuminga.
“I wish him well on the journey to Atlanta,” Green added. “[I hope] he can go thrive, that he can go become a cornerstone of that franchise with Jalen Johnson. Those two guys running down at full speed in transition, good luck.”
The Hawks on Saturday announced Kuminga, who dealt with a knee bruise in the weeks leading up to the deadline, will remain out through the All-Star break and will be re-evaluated shortly after.
Then we will see what the 23-year-old can do with his new team.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 7: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles during the game against the Golden State Warriors on February 7, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
When the NBA made the schedule, they probably had a much different game in mind than the one that played out on Saturday.
On one side, Luka Dončić was out after a recent hamstring injury while, on the other side, Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler both were out. That left Austin Reaves, who was still on a minutes restriction, and LeBron James against Draymond Green and…Pat Spencer?
It wasn’t exactly the star-studded showdown everyone had hoped for.
The Lakers weren’t great for much of the game but did enough to hold off the Warriors and come away with the win. Perhaps this should serve as another reminder to cherish every LeBron and Steph meeting we have left.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
While we should cherish the games, we should also probably forget this one. A really bizarre LeBron game where he was bad in the first half, fantastic for the first 90 seconds of the third quarter, then faded away again.
This has been a gradual process, but we’re now at the point where, when Rui gets the ball swung to him for an open three, everyone just expects it to go in.
It wasn’t an awful return for Hayes, but I still haven’t forgiven him for a dumb decision to tackle the Wizards mascot. And his explanation was pretty awful, too.
Jaxson Hayes apologized to his teammates and the Wizards mascot for the incident leading to a one-game suspension. However, he explained that the shove was prompted by his foot being stepped on by the mascot. pic.twitter.com/vXHPsxG4RY
It’s pretty clear at this point that LaRavia is going to mix in some stinkers like this with his scoring outbursts. Reaves will likely move into the starting lineup soon and it seems pretty clear LaRavia will be the one going to the bench.
It wasn’t quite as big of a scoring night as Thursday, but it also felt like he made more than five field goals, too. I guess every one of his field goals was a highlight play on Saturday. The Lakers looked significantly better with him on the floor.
If Vando makes multiple threes, you almost certainly got a great game from him, which was the case on Saturday. He went toe-to-toe with Draymond Green at times and held his own. It was a really good rebounding night from him, too.
A very encouraging debut for Kennard, who immediately showed his value to the team with his first touch as a Laker. As his comfort level and knowledge of the Lakers system grows, I expect his production will, too.
After a standout game against the Sixers, Kleber parlayed it into another strong showing against the Warriors. The stats show a bit more of what he did in this contest, the biggest being him again leading the team in plus-minus.
Grade: A+
JJ Redick
Redick is really trying all he can defensively to get something out of this group. But even then, the Warriors were “breaking down” the zone defense with one pass leading to an open look from three. I also have to imagine that there was plenty of discussion about the Warriors and their offensive system, but just about every player on the court allowed a backdoor cut leading to a basket.
This team is just really, really bad defensively and I’m not sure how much blame I can place on Redick for that.
Also, he gets credit for not playing Gabe Vincent.
Grade: B+
Saturday’s DNPs: Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, Drew Timme, Nick Smith Jr.
Saturday’s inactives: Luka Dončić, Adou Thiero, Chris Mañon, Deandre Ayton
Alperen Sengun is averaging 20.8 points per game this season [Getty Images]
Houston Rockets centre Alperen Sengun says he has apologised to the female official he aimed a sexist remark at during a defeat by the Boston Celtics.
The Turkish player was ejected in the fourth quarter of his side's defeat on Wednesday after angrily making the derogatory comment multiple times to Jenna Reneau, who is in her first season as an NBA staff official.
"That was immature by me," said the 23-year-old Sengun, who was frustrated at no foul being called on him on a drive to the basket.
"That was just in the moment, and I said some stuff I shouldn't say, but I felt bad about it."
The incident involving Sengun occurred on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, with the Rockets posting a message from Kevin Durant to mark the occasion.
"Sometimes, you can't control yourself, but I should have known better," added Sengun, who was speaking after registering a triple double of 17 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in a 112-106 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.
"But I fixed it, and then I went to the locker room and I apologised. I shake [her] hand and said that would never happen again.
"It just happened in the heat of the moment. Then, she understood, and it was good on both ends."
HONOLULU (AP) — Isaac Johnson scored 20 points to help Hawaii hold on for a 72-67 victory over UC San Diego on Saturday night.
Johnson made 8 of 14 shots with two 3-pointers for the Rainbow Warriors (17-5, 9-3 Big West Conference). He added nine rebounds. Isaac Finlinson had 15 points and reserve Gytis Nemeiksa added 11 points, five rebounds and three blocks.
Tom Beattie scored 14 and Hudson Mayes totaled 12 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Tritons (16-9, 6-7). Alex Chaikin and Bol Dengdit both scored 11.
Johnson had 17 points and Hawaii led 34-32 at halftime despite scoring the first 11 points of the game. The Rainbow Warriors sank 3 of 4 foul shots in the final 13 seconds to clinch it.
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 6: Kobe Bufkin #6 of the South Bay Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Capital City Go-Go on February 6, 2026 at CareFirst...
LOS ANGELES — Just hours after Rob Pelinka, the Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager, said the team would likely fill their vacant 15th roster spot, the team brought back a familiar face.
The Lakers are signing Kobe Bufkin to a two-year deal with a player option for 2026-27, a source confirmed to the California Post on Saturday evening.
The Lakers are signing Kobe Bufkin to a two-year deal with a player option for 2026-27. NBAE via Getty Images
Bufkin starred for the Lakers’ South Bay G League affiliate, averaging 26.7 points on 51.3% shooting (43.1% on 3-pointers) to go with 4.3 assists and 4.1 rebounds.
He tied a season-high 41 points, to go with eight assists, in South Bay’s Wednesday win over Capital City Go-Go.
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Bufkin signed a 10-day contract with the Lakers in early January. He played four games for the Lakers before returning to South Bay. Bufkin also signed a 10-day hardship deal with the Grizzlies in November.
The No. 15 pick out of Michigan in the 2023 draft, Bufkin played two seasons for the Atlanta Hawks before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets last September before being waived in October and traded to South Bay in November.
Philadelphia 76ers (30-22, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (25-28, ninth in the Western Conference)
Portland, Oregon; Monday, 10 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Portland Trail Blazers host the Philadelphia 76ers in non-conference play.
The Trail Blazers are 15-13 on their home court. Portland has a 14-22 record against teams over .500.
The 76ers are 15-9 in road games. Philadelphia has a 12-18 record against teams over .500.
The Trail Blazers average 14.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.6 more made shots on average than the 12.7 per game the 76ers give up. The 76ers average 116.7 points per game, 1.3 fewer than the 118.0 the Trail Blazers allow.
TOP PERFORMERS: Donovan Clingan is averaging 11.4 points and 11.5 rebounds for the Trail Blazers. Jerami Grant is averaging 15.0 points over the last 10 games.
Tyrese Maxey is averaging 28.8 points, 6.9 assists and two steals for the 76ers. Joel Embiid is averaging 26.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 4-6, averaging 113.7 points, 47.8 rebounds, 24.1 assists, 8.1 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.4 points per game.
76ers: 7-3, averaging 117.1 points, 41.3 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 9.1 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 49.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.0 points.
INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Deni Avdija: out (back), Matisse Thybulle: out (knee), Scoot Henderson: out (hamstring), Shaedon Sharpe: out (calf), Robert Williams III: out (knee), Kris Murray: out (lumbar), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).
76ers: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Detroit Pistons (38-13, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (25-28, 10th in the Eastern Conference)
Charlotte, North Carolina; Monday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Charlotte hosts Detroit looking to continue its four-game home winning streak.
The Hornets are 15-19 against Eastern Conference opponents. Charlotte scores 116.0 points while outscoring opponents by 2.0 points per game.
The Pistons are 24-7 in conference games. Detroit is third in the Eastern Conference scoring 117.5 points per game and is shooting 48.0%.
The 116.0 points per game the Hornets score are 6.3 more points than the Pistons allow (109.7). The Pistons average 117.5 points per game, 3.5 more than the 114.0 the Hornets give up to opponents.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Pistons won 112-86 in the last matchup on Dec. 21.
TOP PERFORMERS: Miles Bridges is shooting 45.1% and averaging 18.4 points for the Hornets. LaMelo Ball is averaging 3.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Ausar Thompson is shooting 51.3% and averaging 10.4 points for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Hornets: 9-1, averaging 114.3 points, 48.6 rebounds, 26.1 assists, 7.1 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 103.6 points per game.
Pistons: 7-3, averaging 118.0 points, 43.3 rebounds, 27.3 assists, 11.4 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.0 points.
INJURIES: Hornets: Coby White: out (calf), Malaki Branham: out (not injury related), Xavier Tillman: out (not injury related).
Pistons: Dario Saric: day to day (not injury related), Jalen Duren: day to day (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Milwaukee Bucks (21-29, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (27-24, seventh in the Eastern Conference)
Orlando, Florida; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Orlando hosts Milwaukee trying to extend its three-game home winning streak.
The Magic are 18-17 in conference games. Orlando is sixth in the league with 52.5 points in the paint led by Franz Wagner averaging 11.4.
The Bucks have gone 16-17 against Eastern Conference opponents. Milwaukee averages 13.7 turnovers per game and is 8-8 when winning the turnover battle.
The Magic are shooting 46.3% from the field this season, 0.3 percentage points lower than the 46.6% the Bucks allow to opponents. The Bucks are shooting 48.1% from the field, which equals what the Magic's opponents have shot this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Paolo Banchero is averaging 21.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the Magic. Desmond Bane is averaging 2.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Bobby Portis is scoring 13.4 points per game and averaging 6.7 rebounds for the Bucks. Ryan Rollins is averaging 18.7 points and 4.9 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Magic: 4-6, averaging 110.5 points, 38.1 rebounds, 26.4 assists, 9.4 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.2 points per game.
Bucks: 4-6, averaging 109.2 points, 43.7 rebounds, 26.8 assists, 5.8 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.9 points.
INJURIES: Magic: Franz Wagner: out (ankle), Colin Castleton: out (thumb).
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo: out (calf), Kyle Kuzma: day to day (calf), Taurean Prince: out (neck).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Chicago Bulls (24-29, 11th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Brooklyn Nets (14-37, 13th in the Eastern Conference)
New York; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Chicago hits the road against Brooklyn looking to break its three-game road skid.
The Nets are 10-21 against Eastern Conference opponents. Brooklyn is 5-24 against opponents with a winning record.
The Bulls are 16-20 in Eastern Conference play. Chicago is sixth in the Eastern Conference scoring 117.0 points per game and is shooting 47.2%.
The Nets average 107.3 points per game, 13.2 fewer points than the 120.5 the Bulls allow. The Bulls' 47.2% shooting percentage from the field this season is 2.2 percentage points lower than the Nets have given up to their opponents (49.4%).
The two teams play for the fourth time this season. The Bulls defeated the Nets 124-102 in their last meeting on Jan. 19. Matas Buzelis led the Bulls with 17 points, and Nolan Traore led the Nets with 16 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Michael Porter Jr. is averaging 25 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Nets. Egor Demin is averaging 10.8 points over the last 10 games.
Buzelis is averaging 15.1 points and 5.4 rebounds for the Bulls. Patrick Williams is averaging 1.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Nets: 2-8, averaging 100.6 points, 42.4 rebounds, 24.2 assists, 6.8 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 42.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.4 points per game.
Bulls: 3-7, averaging 113.3 points, 43.4 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 6.2 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.6 points.
INJURIES: Nets: None listed.
Bulls: Jalen Smith: out (calf), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Tre Jones: out (hamstring), Zach Collins: out (toe), Josh Giddey: out (hamstring).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Eastern Conference foes Washington and Miami will play on Sunday.
The Wizards have gone 2-5 against division opponents. Washington allows the most points in the Eastern Conference, giving up 122.7 points and is allowing opponents to shoot 47.7%.
The Heat are 3-5 against the rest of their division. Miami is 6-3 in one-possession games.
The Wizards average 112.4 points per game, 5.2 fewer points than the 117.6 the Heat allow. The Heat average 13.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.5 fewer makes per game than the Wizards allow.
TOP PERFORMERS: Bub Carrington is averaging 10.1 points and 4.6 assists for the Wizards. Will Riley is averaging 12.8 points over the last 10 games.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is scoring 15.4 points per game and averaging 5.4 rebounds for the Heat. Bam Adebayo is averaging 21.9 points and 10.4 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Wizards: 4-6, averaging 110.9 points, 42.0 rebounds, 25.6 assists, 9.5 steals and 6.1 blocks per game while shooting 44.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.6 points per game.
Heat: 5-5, averaging 120.1 points, 50.2 rebounds, 29.0 assists, 9.2 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.9 points.
INJURIES: Wizards: Dante Exum: out for season (knee), Anthony Davis: out for season (finger), Alex Sarr: out (ankle), Jaden Hardy: out (not injury related), Bilal Coulibaly: out (back), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), D'Angelo Russell: out (illness), Tre Johnson: out (ankle), Kyshawn George: out (knee), Trae Young: out (knee).
Heat: Norman Powell: day to day (hand), Tyler Herro: out (ribs), Pelle Larsson: day to day (elbow), Bam Adebayo: day to day (hip).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Memphis Grizzlies (20-31, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Golden State Warriors (28-25, eighth in the Western Conference)
San Francisco; Monday, 10 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Golden State hosts Memphis looking to stop its three-game home skid.
The Warriors are 18-15 in Western Conference games. Golden State is 2-3 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Grizzlies are 16-19 in conference play. Memphis ranks eighth in the NBA with 45.5 rebounds per game. Santi Aldama paces the Grizzlies with 6.7.
The Warriors are shooting 46.0% from the field this season, 0.6 percentage points lower than the 46.6% the Grizzlies allow to opponents. The Grizzlies average 115.3 points per game, 1.8 more than the 113.5 the Warriors give up to opponents.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Warriors won 131-118 in the last matchup on Oct. 28.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brandin Podziemski is averaging 11.9 points and 3.5 assists for the Warriors. Moses Moody is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Walter Clayton is scoring 6.9 points per game and averaging 2.0 rebounds for the Grizzlies. Olivier-Maxence Prosper is averaging 1.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Warriors: 4-6, averaging 112.9 points, 40.6 rebounds, 29.2 assists, 12.3 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.3 points per game.
Grizzlies: 2-8, averaging 116.1 points, 42.2 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 8.8 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.2 points.
INJURIES: Warriors: Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Kristaps Porzingis: out (achilles), LJ Cryer: out (hamstring), Stephen Curry: out (knee), Seth Curry: out (back).
Grizzlies: Cam Spencer: out (ankle), Jaylen Wells: out (shoulder), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Zach Edey: out (ankle), Santi Aldama: out (knee), Cedric Coward: out (shoulder), Brandon Clarke: out (calf), Scotty Pippen Jr.: out (toe).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
MORAGA, Calif. (AP) — Paulius Murauskas scored 20 points and Andrew McKeever and Joshua Dent posted double-doubles as Saint Mary's rolled to a 79-54 victory over San Francisco on Saturday night.
Murauskas made 9 of 18 shots with two 3-pointers, adding eight rebounds and four assists for the Gaels (20-4, 9-2 West Coast Conference). McKeever finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds off the bench, while Dent contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds. Mikey Lewis hit four 3-pointers and scored 15, while Dillan Shaw pitched in with 11 points and nine rebounds.
Junjie Wang had 14 points to lead the Dons (14-11, 6-6). David Fuchs totaled 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Mookie Cook added 10 points and five boards off the bench.
Lewis had 10 points and Murauskas scored nine to guide Saint Mary's to a 40-29 lead at halftime.
GUADALAJARA, México (AP) — Reliever Guadalupe Chavez threw a couple of wild pitches with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning and the Jalisco Charros defeated the Culiacan Tomateros 12-11 on Saturday to win the Caribbean Series championship for the first time in their history.
The Charros, who lost last year's final against the Escogido Leones from the Dominican Republic, led 9-1 after four innings. But the Tomateros rallied and tied it at 10 to send the game into extra innings when they took a 11-10 lead. But Jalisco loaded the bases and Chavez's erratic throws gave them the win.
The Charros' victory gave Mexico its first Caribbean Series title since 2016, when the Mazatlan Venados won.
The Caribbean Series was set to be played in Venezuela, but political turmoil forced organizers to move it to Guadalajara.
Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Mexico had decided not to attend the tournament in Venezuela due to tensions between that country and the United States.
Mexico played with two teams in the tournament after the Venezuelans declined to play this year.
PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 7: Blake Hinson #42 of the Rip City Remix drives to the basket during the game against the South Bay Lakers on December 2, 2025 at at Chiles Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Suhela Hassan/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
According to Shams Charania, the Utah Jazz have signed Blake Hinson to a two-way deal.
The Utah Jazz are signing forward Blake Hinson to a two-way NBA deal out of the G League's Rip City Remix, agent Paolo Zamorano of Gersh Sports tells ESPN. Hinson has averaged 21.8 points and 5.8 rebounds in the G League.
In the 2025-26 G-League season, Hinson is averaging 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 44.1% from the field and 32.5% from three.
Probably the most interesting thing about this signing is Hinson’s size. He stands 6’8” with a 6’10.25” wingspan. Those are great numbers for a player who’s doing nice things in the G-League. These types of signings are smart because you never know when a player like this can work his way into your rotation. And it becomes more and more likely when you’re adding players with top-tier tools. We’ll see how Hinson does and whether he can earn a standard contract. It would be nice if Utah was able to find more talent in the G-League as they move towards contention next season.
It’s also a reminder that the Jazz are looking for players with size and length. The Jazz are looking huge with the Signing of Jaren Jackson Jr., and this type of signing seems to fit with the Jazz’s teambuilding philosophy.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is guarded by #42 of the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers took over in the fourth quarter to win a thriller in Sacramento. Let’s see who won and lost the night.
WINNER – The Fourth Quarter
This one came down to the wire. That’s in part because of Sacramento’s lights-out shooting and Cleveland’s poor rebounding. But when push came to shove, the Cavs had two stars they could turn to.
Donovan Mitchell and James Harden combined for 32 points in the fourth quarter, just when the team needed it most. It was devastating shot after devastating shot, as Mitchell got the ball rolling before Harden buried the Kings with his three-point shooting.
This wasn’t seamless. Mitchell and Harden took turns dicing up the Kings in a game where they might have led earlier if they had more synergy between each other. But hey, it’s their first game together. It took both Mitchell and Harden a few quarters to find each other’s groove. But with one prolific quarter, we saw how special this duo can be.
WINNER – James Harden’s Pick-and-Roll
There’s a new maestro in town, and he has a big fuzzy beard.
Harden is one of the best playmakers in the NBA. That’s something you probably already knew. But until you see him in a Cavs uniform dishing the ball to some of your favorite players — you don’t really understand just how great he is.
This wasn’t anything incredible. Harden finished with 23 points and 8 assists. But he consistently delivered the ball to his teammates in the pick-and-roll. Harden was finding them on their way to the rim, whether it be Jarrett Allen, Jaylon Tyson, or Craig Porter.
Harden’s instincts as a 6’5” dimer give this offense a new wrinkle. He shredded Sacramento’s attempts at trapping him, showing supreme poise in accepting the pressure and then getting the ball out at precisely the right time. He’s a basketball savant who is now surrounded by connective passers and competent play finishers.
The Cavaliers have always, in my opinion, been at their best when the offense is leading the charge. Sure, they’ve had the backbone of a defensive team for years, but it’s their offensive explosions that took them from good to great last season.
Getting back to that level hasn’t been easy. Injuries and poor shooting held them back early in the season. But now? They have a brand new engine that’s ready to get them burning rubber again.
LOSER – Three-Point Defense
I’ll cut the Cavs a little bit of slack. You can’t always control when the other team has an outlier night shooting the ball. For example, Russell Westbrook and Nique Clifford are shooting below 35% from deep this season, yet they combined for 9-13 shooting in the first three quarters.
No one else on the Kings had more than one three-pointer entering the fourth quarter. That’s tough.
Westbrook and Clifford’s outlier nights almost single-handedly kept the Kings in this one. But I can’t completely dismiss this as poor shooting luck for the Cavs. After all, it’s their job to contest and limit shots. Especially once an opponent is in a rhythym.
Cleveland’s rotations were a step slow tonight. Their defensive rebounding was also an issue, as the Kings had 15 offensive rebounds. Tighter rotations and a better effort on the glass would have cleaned up a handful of the open three-point attempts Sacramento generated.
WINNER – Jarrett Allen
Speaking of Harden’s passing in the pick-and-roll, let’s talk about the player who will benefit the most from the Beard’s arrival.
Allen is going to be living in paradise for the foreseeable future. It felt like he received a paint touch on every screen he set for Harden, often catching the ball with enough space to go straight up for a layup. That’s a testament to Harden’s threat as a scorer, as the Kings spent more time worrying about him than covering Allen’s roll.
But I don’t want to give Harden all of the credit.
We’ve seen that Allen can be a crafty and creative finisher around the rim. Getting the ball to him in the short roll is one part of the equation. From there, we saw Allen score using his post-hook, drop-step, and up-and-under move.
Allen finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and didn’t miss on his first 11 shot attempts.
The Cavs have leaned on Allen heavily with Evan Mobley on the sidelines. He’s taken more offensive responsibility in stride and deserves all the credit in the world for holding down the fort.
