About Last Night: Paul George's Moment



[ad_1]

Paul George was already at the MVP Kia table. On Thursday, he moved his chair blatantly and without regret, closer to the head of the table.

The Thunder star also took a sweet revenge in the 148-147 epic victory over Utah in the 148-147 victory over OK, who was hoping to see George beat the Jazz in the 4- 2 against the Jazz last year.

This man is gone, replaced by the real alpha star, thought George a lot could to be but not necessarily would have be. The edition of this year is no problem to keep Donovan Mitchell (14 for 35 FG), nor scruples to turn a message into a message, the fatigue of overtime is cursed.

Most important of all, George took – and did – the big blow after years of missing them in Indiana. And what shot is bigger or more unthinkable than a player who won the match against defensive Kia player of the year, Rudy Gobert?

Paul George lofts Rudy Gobert for the victory.

It's a moment, a day that allowed the MVP's candidate to spend at least one night of 50 minutes, 45 points and zero rotation, which can no longer be ignored or explained.

George actually became what Thunder fans feared to have lost forever when Kevin Durant left in 2016: a versatile forward who can coexist with Russell Westbrook and dominate both sides. Both combined for 88 points, this is only the fifth time in 22 years that two teammates have each scored more than 40 years. And although both were stars last year, this year 's edition seems more menacing in May.

Especially if George continues to play as an MVP.

the The return of the raptor

The brevity of the contracts and the era of green grass make franchise icons a rare event. By the seventh or eighth year, a star talent is ready to move on.

No DeMar DeRozan. The nine-year-old Raptor had no intention of leaving the only team he had ever known. Only the availability of Kawhi Leonard, defensive player of the year for the Kia twice, has prevented this feeling of being reciprocal.

On Thursday night, DeRozan the Spur returned to the Scotiabank Arena for the first time since he was treated shockingly last summer. His former team drowned him with the kind of homage and ovation of the best raptor in the history of the franchise.

And although he did not win, DeRozan reminded everyone how he had won four All-Star selections and two All-NBA honors. The swingman veteran scored 23 points on just 12 shots (all inside the arc). Raptors fans cheerfully applauded their "opponent" during his 360-degree rim attack:

DeRozan has more than deserved the warm welcome of Toronto. He is their oldest player, the best scorer of all time and had moments in a rapacious uniform. Guys like that are the blocks on which the story of a franchise is built.

Tuna does it

Thon Maker has not seen a real change of scenery, but the former 10th overall has taken advantage of its first strong moment with its new team. The seven foot tall man was found catching a pass near the right corner while there was less than 20 seconds left to settle. The manufacturer simulates a pump, launches and manufactures the winning 3-pointer to give the Pistons a 125-122 win in Atlanta.

Thon Maker drills 3 to give Detroit the win in Atlanta.

And the ball goes to …

The victory of the Pistons was at least partly inspired by their hosts. According to several Detroit players, after the match, Atlanta's music artist and celebrity, Quavo, unintentionally motivated visitors.

"I told (Quavo) that he was feeding that," Andre Drummond told the press. "He was talking too much."

"Quavo started talking and saying that I could not hold Trae [Young]Added Pistons rookie Bruce Brown. "I just did what I had to do. It was fun. "

Detroit goaltender Reggie Jackson (32 points) went one step further by immediately throwing the ball to Quavo at the end of the allotted time.

Trave made it, however …

How many guys are forcing a defender to make a complete circle in confusion before realizing that he was fooled? Trae Young is one of them.

Buzz City Edge

The Hornets are not considered contenders, but the East Elite should beware of taking them lightly when a series of the first round passes to Charlotte. Recent hosts in the league have recently posted a 20-9 home record, a surprisingly strong mark given their overall record under the .500 mark.

Coach James Borrego made a change in the hope of boosting more universal success by integrating rookie Mikal Bridges into the starting lineup for Jeremy Lamb. The move has worked at Charlotte back victory over Washington. The Hornets' top five rookies earned 19.5 net points on the ground and 11 of 16 brands.

The size of the sample is small, but any consistency that the Hornets can slide alongside Kemba Walker, star of the All-Star program, would be welcome.

[ad_2]

Source link