Warriors Win 15th Straight
The Golden State Warriors continue to be the hottest team in the league and the dynamic backcourt duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson impressed liked always.
Curry finished with 29 points and 3 three-pointers, while Thompson added 25 points and 5 three-pointers.
Also, its a shame they didn’t count Tyson Chandler’s ’shoe block' in the block category.
Howard/Harden Duo is Back
Dwight Howard finally returned from his one-month absence, totaling 26 points and 13 rebounds - including his 10,000 career rebound, while James Harden notched the third triple double of his career with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. And its not just Howard and Harden. Donatas Motiejunas — who has been hot in his last five, stayed hot in Howard’s return, scoring a career high 25 points.
And the result? Another victory for the Rockets, with last night’s 108-96 victory over the Nuggets raising their record to 18-5.
Harden remains a top three fantasy player, with his only weaknesses being field goal percentage and turnovers, though his field goal should obstinately increase a bit as the year goes on.
Conley’s Scores Career High
The 19-4 Grizzlies needed a late game comeback to force overtime, but eventually beat the lowly 76ers, who drop to 2-21.
In the process, Mike Conley scored a career high 36 points on 13/22 shooting, while also adding 9 assists and 5/9 shooting from three.
For the 76ers, small forward Robert Covington stayed hot with 24 points and 9 rebounds(he is now averaging 19.3 points over his last six), and Michael Carter Williams notched his second triple double of the season. Though Carter-Williams’ nightly triple dub potential looks nice on paper — averages of 15.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, his field goal and free throw shooting still leave a lot to be desired. Carter right now is at a .388 field goal clip and .625 from the line.
Almost 5x5 for Josh Smith
Josh Smith almost notched the fantasy gem — the 5x5 line, with 21 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 5 blocks(plus an ominous 7 turnovers. If you count that, he completed his 5x5). Like with Carter-Williams, the problem with Smith is his percentages. Somehow, the above 50% fg shooter in the 09-10 season is averaging .389 from the field, and his .485 free throw clip is about the same as teammate Andre Drummond, who is heralded as one of the league’s worst free throw shooters.
Speaking of Drummond, he hasn’t taken that leap forward in his third year at all, but owners will have to stay patient. Things could get better as his field goal gradually increases back to last year’s sub 60% mark(Drummond is at a 478 field goal clip right now).
On the Kings side, DeMarcus Cousins remains out due to illness, and could remain out until the New Years. As expected, most of the volume went to Rudy Gay, who scored 2o points on 22 shots while adding 8 rebounds and assists. Carl Landry added 14 points, and continues to be sub-par as the biggest benefactor to Cousin’s injury.
