February 28, 2024 NBA Games

Dallas Mavericks 136 (34-25) @ Toronto Raptors 125 (22-37)

The Mavs have now won 5 of their last 7 games post-trade deadline. Luke and Kyrie have been playing well and their rookie, Lively, is looking to be getting back into shape coming back from his nose injury. With lively and their newly acquired Gafford, they can consistently run their pick and rolls with a lob threat always in the game for Kyrie and Luka to pass it to.

New Orleans Pelicans 114 (35-25) @ Indiana Pacers 123 (34-26)

I feel like the Pelicans gave up a lot of corner 3's this game. It's interesting because they rank 11th in defending the corner 3 this season, with their opponents only shooting 38% from that spot. On top of that, the Pelicans lead the league in defending the 3 overall, with their opponents shooting 34% from the 3. Credit to the Pacers too who are fifth in 3-point percentage this year and they made three more 3's today compared to the Pels. Anyways, this was a fun game and I'm looking to see how the Pelicans evolve with Zion running more point guard and how the Pacers build their chemistry heading into the playoffs.

Cleveland Cavaliers 123 (38-20) @ Chicago Bulls 132 (28-31)

After the insane Strus game winner yesterday, the Cavs came out playing well taking an early lead. It was generally a close game throughout and somehow went to two overtimes where Derozan took over with 11 points in the second overtime. The Bulls out-rebounded the Cavs 74-39 with Drummond of the Bulls getting 26(!!!) of those. You really can't expect to have that kind of disadvantage and to win the game.

Memphis Grizzlies 101 (20-39) @ Minnesota Timberwolves 110 (42-17)

Anthony Edwards is the real deal. He's going to be the next superstar as he's shown time and time agin. Pretty close game throughout with the Wolves taking control down the stretch and ultimately getting the win.

Sacramento Kings 96 (33-25) @ Denver Nuggets 117 (40-19)

To be honest, I thought the Kings were going to pull this win out, but then Nuggets took over in the second quarter and didn't look back after. That's four straight triple doubles for Jokic now and the Nuggets are finding some momentum post All Star break.

Los Angeles Lakers 116 (32-28) @ Los Angeles Clippers 112 (37-20)

WHAT A FOURTH QUARTER LEBRON!!!!! Insane comeback from the Lakers after being down 98-77 when the fourth quarter started. If it wasn't for Lebron doing GOAT things, this was going to be a comfortable win for the Clippers because yeah man, the Lakers suck. They don't know what they're doing. If the lob to AD isn't there or Lebron doesn't score, then it's incredibly hard for them to find another point of attack. On the other end, they can't guard anybody. AD is deserving of Defensive Player of the Year award, but everyone around him is a liability on defense. The Clippers have something good going and once Paul George gets back healthy, they'll continue building on their chemistry which should translate to more consistent winning heading into the playoffs, something they've lacked the past few games.