The Drop | Cavs Deserve Four All-Stars, Ant's Poster, NBA Trade Deadline Players To Watch
No Dunks
Deep Dive
Why are the Cleveland Cavaliers considered for having four All-Stars this season?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have an impressive 33-4 record through 37 games, tied for the fifth-best start in NBA history. Their dominance in the Eastern Conference and the performances of players like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen have sparked discussions about the possibility of having four All-Stars. Garland, in particular, has stepped up with a season-high 40-point game, showcasing his growth alongside Mitchell.
What was notable about Anthony Edwards' dunk against the Orlando Magic?
Anthony Edwards had a massive poster dunk over Anthony Black in the third quarter, which helped propel the Minnesota Timberwolves to victory. The dunk, scored at 103.5, was considered his best of the season. Edwards himself ranked it in his top five career dunks but believes his dunk against the Utah Jazz last year was better. The dunk was a highlight of an otherwise subpar shooting night for Edwards.
How did Alperen Sengun perform in the Rockets' win over the Grizzlies?
Alperen Sengun had a monster game with 32 points and 14 rebounds, leading the Houston Rockets to a 119-115 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Sengun showcased his versatility with tricky finishes using both hands and even banked in a shot from the free-throw line. Despite a poor free-throw shooting night (7 of 15), his performance was crucial in securing the win.
What are the key takeaways from the second fan returns of NBA All-Star voting?
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic lead the Eastern and Western Conferences in fan voting, respectively. LaMelo Ball remains the top vote-getter among Eastern Conference guards, though his chances of making the All-Star team are slim. Steph Curry has jumped Luka Doncic to move into second place among Western Conference guards. The voting results highlight the popularity of established stars and the potential for surprises in the final selections.
Which under-the-radar players are being discussed as potential trade deadline targets?
Three lesser-known players mentioned as potential trade deadline targets are Cole Anthony of the Orlando Magic, Chris Boucher of the Toronto Raptors, and Cam Whitmore of the Houston Rockets. Anthony could be moved for better shooting, Boucher for his defensive versatility, and Whitmore for his athleticism and scoring potential. These players could provide depth or fit specific needs for playoff-bound teams.
- Cleveland Cavaliers' 33-4 record
- Darius Garland's season-high 40 points
- Comparison to the 14-15 Atlanta Hawks with four All-Stars
- Debate about whether Jared Allen deserves an All-Star spot