Nightly Recap- Jan. 1

Top Performances

Jimmy Butler (Chicago SG)- Posted a stat line of 26 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in a 106-101 win over the Denver Nuggets. Butler seemed determined to pickup in 2015 where he left off in 2014, as he shot 7 of 14 from the field, and also chipped in three blocks and two steals. He, along with Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah, are proving to be one of the best teams in the league, and are looking like real title contenders heading into the second half of the season.

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Pau Gasol (Chicago PF/C)- Finished with 17 points, nine rebounds and a career-high nine blocks in the Bulls' win over the Nuggets. Gasol was all over the Nuggets on defense, as his nine blocks were more than he had accumulated in his previous four games combined. His fantastic season continues in Chicago, and will likely be an all-star come February.

Andrew Wiggins (Minnesota SG/SF)- The rookie tallied 27 points, nine rebounds and four steals in a 110-107 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Wiggins had a solid all-around game for Minnesota, and has scored over 21 points in four of his last five games. His game is starting to become more consistent, which is great news for Timberwolves' fans, and bad news for the rest of the teams in the NBA.

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Kenneth Faried (Denver PF)- Scored 18 points and grabbed 19 rebounds in a 106-101 loss to the Chicago Bulls. It was his third time in four games that Faried grabbed 19 or more rebounds, as he is one of the most talented rebounders in the NBA. As long as he is playing enough minutes each night, he is a double-double threat who give nothing less than 110% on the court.

Plays of the Night

Rose to Butler

Derrick Rose connected with Jimmy Butler on an alley-oop that brought the fans to their feet on Thursday night. The alley-oop put the game out of reach with a little under four minutes to play in the game, as the Bulls won 106-101.

Link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nutSHuUONPk

McLemore Slams it Home

Ben McLemore finished a fast-break alley-oop against the Timberwolves on Thursday, showcasing his athleticism and finishing abilities. He finished the game with 14 points (6-9 FG) and four rebounds.

Link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uev6631pLgc

2014-15 NBA Standings 

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