Week in Review — 1/21 - 1/28
Thriends, countrymen, lend me you, a…eyes. It was quite a week we just had in the NBA, and NBAThreads, and I’m here with your week in review.
On Monday, we started the week with two 60-point nights (Towns-62, Embiid-70) on the anniversary of Kobe’s 81. And the Timberwolves managed to turn a career night into a referendum on selfish play. Ouch.
On Tuesday, we had controversies galore. #Tacogate threatened the very fabric of some social media relationships, if not physical ones. But I think we can all agree that while we honor our mayor, we don’t have to fully align with his questionable culinary politics. Adrian Griffin was unceremoniously fired despite having a 30-13 record. I’ve heard of failing upward, but this may be the first case of succeeding downward. Terry Rozier was traded, and the only thing scary in Miami has been his shooting percentages—30% from the floor; 18.2% from three, yikes!
On Wednesday, the G-League Grizzlies had a surprising upset win over the Heat, confirming that this league is deep enough to demand expansion now. Or that this was just a rough week for the culture. And honestly, if a poor week of play results in them retiring that floor, I’m here for it.
On Thursday, Wes Unseld Jr. was let go by the Washington Wizards, and I think we can all applaud a mercy firing.
On Friday, we found out that Sabrina Ionescu and Steph are set to face off in a three-point shootout over all-star weekend, and for those of you not familiar with Sabrina’s game, Steph should be worried. Book went for 62 and lost. Luka went for 73 and won. For those keeping score at home, teams with players scoring 60 or more points went 2-2 for the week.
On Saturday, things got batty in San Antonio, as The Coyote pulled out the net to hunt a freeloader hanging in the rafters. And no, I don’t mean Avery Johnson’s retired jersey. Julius Randle dislocated his shoulder late in a win Saturday. I think we can all agree that the Knicks just are not allowed to have nice things. The Lakers and Warriors played in an instant classic, and about half of y’all lost your damn minds on Threads.
By Sunday, Devin Booker had scored 106 points over two games after lighting up Atlanta for 44, and his team was 0-2 in those meetings. I’m no coach, but perhaps less is more? With a surprising win over Oklahoma City, the Detroit Pistons celebrated their second week of .500 or better basketball this season. Wings for everyone! And if you don’t like wings, God help you this week.
Until next Monday, friends: earlier Bat-time, but the same Bat-channel.