Nightly Recap- Jan. 2

Top Performances

Rajon Rondo (Dallas PG)- Scored 29 points in a 119-101 win over the Boston Celtics. Rondo was playing his first game in Boston since being traded, and shined, hitting 12 of 19 field goals, as well as grabbing six rebounds. He also received a heart-warming video tribute from the Celtics, as he was the last remaining player from their 2008 championship roster before he was traded.

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Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City SF)- Dropped 34 points and eight rebounds in a 109-102 win over the Washington Wizards. Durant was on his game versus one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, as he hit four 3-pointers, and more importantly, several key shots down the stretch to down the team that plays in his hometown. Barring any other freak injuries, KD should be set to have another season like his MVP one last year.

Jeff Teague (Atlanta PG)- Tallied 26 points and eight assists in a 98-92 win against the Utah Jazz. Teague was efficient on both sides of the ball Friday, as he hit 9 of 17 shot attempts and did not commit and single turnover. He has scored over 20 points in three consecutive games for the Hawks.

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Draymond Green (Golden State SF/PF)- Recorded a triple-double of 16 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds in a 126-105 win over the Toronto Raptors. Green, who has been playing exquisitely in all areas this season, had yet another strong performance, as he hit 6 of his 12 shot attempts while recording two steals and two blocks. The young forward continues to shine, and putting up his first triple-double of his career is just another step in the right direction.

Stephen Curry (Golden State PG)- Posted a double-double of 32 points and 12 assists in the Warriors' win over the Raptors on Friday. Curry made 10 of his 18 field goal attempts, including five 3-pointers, and did not turn the ball over once. His play continues to be top-notch, and the Warriors are looking like a legitimate title-contending team.

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Elfrid Payton (Orlando PG)- Flirted with a triple-double Friday, scoring 16 points, dishing out 10 assists and grabbing nine rebounds in a 100-98 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. It was Payton's most complete game of his career, as he went toe-to-toe with Deron Williams and Jarrett Jack for most of the game, and showcased his talents on both ends of the court.

Play of the Night

Rajon Rondo shined in his return to Boston, scoring 29 points in the Mavericks' win.

Link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB7seYkCQZY 

2014-15 NBA Standings 

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Rajon Rondo Traded to the Mavericks

The first blockbuster trade of the 2014-15 NBA season has happened. ESPN has reported that the Boston Celtics have traded point guard Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks for Jameer Nelson, Brandan Wright, Jae Crowder, a 2015 first round pick, and a future second round pick.

The man leading the league with 10.6 assists per game will now join a prolific starting lineup that consists of Monta Ellis, Chandler Parsons, Dirk Nowtizki and Tyson Chandler. Dallas is currently 19-8, good for sixth in a tightly-packed Western Conference.

Rondo will look to win another title, this time with the Dallas Mavericks.
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Rondo is having another consistent season, averaging 8.3 points, 10.2 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game for Boston, who are currently 9-14 on the year (9th in the East). He had been rumored to be on the trading block for about the last years, but no major discussion had taken place until recently. The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets were all rumored to be trying to acquire the 28-year-old floor general, but Dallas appeared to have taken the lead over the past week.

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

The move is a gamble for Dallas, as Rondo has the option to leave for another team in free agent during the upcoming offseason. However, the thinking around the league is that the Mavs would not have pulled the trigger if they did not have reassurances that Rondo would resign with the team.

His first game as a Maverick will be on Saturday, Dec. 20, when Dallas hosts the defending champion San Antonio Spurs in a rematch of last years' Western Conference first round matchup.

During Rondo's tenure in Boston he averaged 11 points, 8.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game in a little over eight seasons with the Celtics.

Stay tuned for any additional updates.

Link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXcNgF4eq3c

2014-15 NBA Standings

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Daily Recap- Dec. 10

Who Was Hot

Jrue Holiday (New Orleans PG)- Tallied 30 points and 10 assists in a 112-107 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Holiday shot 12 of 22 from the field, and hit five 3-pointers in the loss. It marked the first time all season that he reached the 30-point plateau, which should be an encouraging sign for Pelicans' fans moving forward.

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Pau Gasol (Chicago PF/C)- Put together another solid game, scoring 16 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in a 105-80 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Gasol shot 5 of 9 from the field, hit all six free throw attempts, and added four blocks in the win. He continues to be one of the most consistent players in the league, and is showing no signs of slowing down on this Bulls team.

Anthony Davis (New Orleans PF/C)- Had another monster game of 31 points and 11 rebounds in a loss to the Mavericks. It was back to business as usual for Davis, who had failed to grab double-digit rebounds in three straight games coming into the Dallas matchup.

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Rajon Rondo (Boston PG)- Recored his second triple-double in three game by scoring 12 points, dishing out 10 assists and grabbing 10 rebounds in a 96-87 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Rondo continues to put up phenomenal passing and rebounding numbers for the Celtics, and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Al Jefferson (Charlotte C)- Scored 23 points (9-15 FG) to go along with 14 rebounds in a 96-87 win over the Boston Celtics. Jefferson has been up and down all season long (much like the Hornets), so this game will hopefully be a sign of good things to come for the big man.

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Play of the Night

Washington Wizards' guard Bradley Beal put in the game-winning layup off of an lob to give the Wizards a 91-89 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Beal finished the game with only nine points, but none were bigger than his last two.

Link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff_oH3Td1-A

2014-15 NBA Standings

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Daily Recap- Nov. 7

Who Was Hot

Jon Leuer (Memphis PF)- Scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a 103-87 win over the Miami Heat. It was Leuer's highest scoring and rebounding totals of the season, as the Grizzlies played a terrific all-around game agains the Heat. Memphis shot 59% from the field, 62% from 3-pt range and 82% from the foul line in the win.

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John Wall (Washington PG)- Flirted with a triple-double, scoring 17 points, dishing out 14 assists and tallying eight rebounds in a loss to the Celtics. Wall put up a great game against Boston point guard Rajon Rondo, but did not get a ton of help from his supporting cast.

Rajon Rondo (Boston PG)- Recorded a triple-double (13 pts, 13 reb and 11 ast) in a 101-93 win over the Washington Wizards. Rondo had handed out double-digit assists in four of his past five games, and continues to impress in all statistical categories.

Wilson Chandler (Denver SF)- Tallied 29 points and 10 rebounds in a 96-84 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Chandler scored 20 or more points for the second consecutive game, and pulled down 10 rebounds for the second time in three games. He continues to grow on both ends of the floor, and is a big reason for the Nuggets' early season success.

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Who Was Not

Bradley Beal (Washington SG)- Hit only 4 of 18 shots in a loss to the Celtics on Sunday. It was the second lowest scoring output for Beal this season, but should only be considered a bump in the road for the skilled sharpshooter.

Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles SG)- Struggled from the field, shooting 6 of 18 (14 points) in a 104-87 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans Bryant had a quiet scoring game, as the Lakers fell behind early and never recovered.

Play of the Night

Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook threw down a monstrous dunk in a 96-94 win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Westbrook has played well in all facets of the game this season, and continues to be one of the most athletic guards in game.

Link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjT9c5168iA

Daily Recap- Nov. 12.

Who Was Hot

Rajon Rondo (Boston PG)- Posted a strong stat line (20 pts, 12 ast, 9 reb) in a 109-94 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Rondo had a strong shooting night, hitting 8 of 15 shots, including four three-pointers.

Source- http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/3026.png&w=350&h=254 

Reggie Jackson/Anthony Morrow (Oklahoma City PG/SG)- Scored 28 points apiece and combined to hit six three-pointers in a 109-94 win over the Boston Celtics. The Oklahoma City backcourt dominated Boston, shooting 61% combined from the field. Jackson chipped in eight assists, while Morrow pulled down five rebounds in the win.

Paul Millsap (Atlanta PF)- Led the way with 32 points (13-23 FG) and 17 rebounds in a 100-97 win over the Utah Jazz. Millsap has hit seven three-pointers in the last two games combined, showing the versatility in his game.

Source- http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/3015.png&w=350&h=254 

Portland Trail Blazers- Scored 84 points in the first half of a 130-113 win over the Denver Nuggets. Portland hit 16 three-pointers and shot 51% from the field in a game they controlled start to finish. Six Trail Blazers scored in double figures, led by Damian Lillard, who tallied 29 points (10-16 FG) and nine assists.

Who Was Not

Al Horford (Atlanta PF/C)- Scored only eight points (4-10 FG) and grabbed four rebounds in Atlanta's win over the Jazz Wednesday night. It was a rather quiet night for Horford, who was overshadowed by his teammate Paul Millsap's monster performance.

A.J. Price (Indiana PG)- One game after scoring 23 points, Price registered only seven on 3-12 shooting from the field.

Thaddeus Young (Minnesota PF)- Scored six points on 2-10 shooting from the field in a 113-101 loss to he Houston Rockets. Wednesday night marked only the second time all season that Young failed to score at least 12 points.

Source- http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/3244.png&w=350&h=254 

Daily Recap- Nov 5.

Who Was Hot

Rajon Rondo (Celtics PG)- Posted his first triple-double of the season (13 pts, 15 ast and 10 reb) in a 110-107 loss to the Toronto Raptors. There will be many nights like this for Rondo, as his teammates will not offer much help, especially on the defensive end.

Kyle Lowry (Raptors PG)- Scored a game-high 35 points (12-17 FG) in a 110-107 win over the Boston Celtics. In a battle of talented point guards, Lowry came away the victor in a high-scoring affair.

Ricky Rubio (Timberwolves PG)- Flirted with a triple-double (14 pts, 12 ast, 8 reb) in a 98-91 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

John Wall (Wizards PG)- Dominated the Indiana Pacers in a 96-94 overtime win Wednesday night. Wall scored 31 points (11-21 FG), recorded 10 assists and grabbed six rebounds, and looked to be in control the whole night.

Tim Duncan (Spurs PF)- Scored 17 points, pulled down 13 rebounds and blocked six shots in a 94-92 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

Mike Conley (Grizzlies PG)- Scored 24 points, dished out 11 assists and committed only one turnover in a 102-91 win over the Phoenix Suns.

DeMarcus Couins (Kings PF/C)- Abused the Denver Nuggets' front court, scoring 30 points (10-14 FG) and grabbed 11 rebounds in a 131-109 win Wednesday night.

Who Was Not

C.J. Miles (Pacers SG/SF)- Scored only six points on 2-13 shooting from the field in a 96-94 loss to the Washington Wizards.

Goran Dragic (Suns PG)- Shot 3-9 from the field and scored only six points in a 102-91 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Jeff Teague (Hawks PG)- Struggled from the field (5 points on 2-8 FG), and recorded five turnovers in a 94-92 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Teague still managed to put up seven assists, so it wasn't a completely terrible night on his part.


Image sources (In order of appearance):
http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/3026.png&w=350&h=254
http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/215.png&w=350&h=254
http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/3195.png&w=350&h=254

Daily Recap- Oct. 29th

Who Was Hot

Rajon Rondo- The Boston Celtic's point guard surprisingly started the first game of the season, and dropped 13 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds in a 121-105 blowout win over the Brooklyn Nets. For the C's to have any chance at success this year, Rondo must control the tempo on offense and lead the team on defense.

Brandon Knight- Even though he struggled from the field (5-17 field goals), and the Bucks lost 108-106, Knight showcased high potential. He finished with 22 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds, proving to head coach Jason Kidd that he is capable of leading this young team.

Chris Bosh- No LeBron? No problem. The Georgia Tech product looked like he did in his Toronto Raptors days, scoring 26 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in a 107-95 win over the Washington Wizards. Bosh hit three three-pointers and dished out four assists, and looks to be the number option going forward for the Heat.

Memphis Big Men- Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph combined to shoot 24-33 from the field and pull down a combined 22 rebounds in a 105-101 Grizzlies win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. If the duo can consistently put up close to double-doubles on a nightly basis, the Memphis Grizzlies will have a good chance to contend for a top six seed in the Western Conference.

Source- http://www.memphisconnect.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/grizz-5.jpg 

Who Was Not

Los Angeles Lakers- Back-to-back nights the Lakers have come out and looked clueless on both ends of the ball, as the Phoenix Suns dominated them 119-99. Kobe Bryant posted a game-high 31 points, but looked frustrated throughout the game, receiving a technical foul after he believed he was fouled. It's early, but the Lakers look like a lottery team already.

Bryant scored 31 points, but failed to get any help from his teammates. Source- http://s1.ibtimes.com/sites/www.ibtimes.com/files/styles/v2_article_large/public/2013/04/13/bryant_lakers_.jpg?itok=UKT4CMy2 

Perry Jones III- Given a chance to play big minutes due to Kevin Durant's injury, the small forward from Baylor shot 1-9 from the field in 31 minutes of play in a 106-89 loss to the Portland TrailBlazers. Chalk it up to nerves and playing against a stingy Portland defense, but Jones will need to contribute more on both ends of the floor for the Thunder to post a winning record during Durant's absence.

Ben McLemore- The second-year guard was supposed to have an improved jumper coming into the season. Instead, McLemore posted a stat line of 0-5 from the field, two rebounds, two turnovers and one assist in 26 minutes Wednesday. In order for Sacramento to have a shot at the playoffs, he will have to prove he can be a viable third scoring option behind DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay.

Stat of the Night- The Hornets came back from 24 points down to beat the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, making it the largest comeback in Charlotte's history.

All stats and info courtesy of espn.com
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