~ [10-6] Motor City | Monthly recap - NOVEMBER.

[Martti.]

Ouch, tough blow, luckily it's just a couple of games. Impressive week there, a lot of points put up, though I'm used to seeing that, I always score 110-120 points because of my 7 seconds or less offense.

[Oskar]

Ouch, tough blow, luckily it's just a couple of games. Impressive week there, a lot of points put up, though I'm used to seeing that, I always score 110-120 points because of my 7 seconds or less offense.

I also tend to have rather quick offensive sets. I'll probably start running more plays and stuff when I get bored of the usual run and gun system, but for now, this is quite enjoyable. Plus the team I have is quite athletic (other than Monroe), so there's no reason to slow down.

Anyway, finished the final three games of November, going to recap them in a moment and probably going to do the monthly recap later tonight, as well. Stay tuned!

[Oskar]

Two of the NBA's hobbits battling underneath the basket.




27nd November, 2014. @ Detroit


Wall, Wizards take advantage of Stephenson's absence - crush the Pistons.



Notable performances:


John Wall - 40 points, 3 rebounds, 12 assists, 4 steals, 19-26 FG, 2-2 FT
Nate Robinson - 21 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 8-15 FG
Bradley Beal - 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 5-13 FG
Wilson Chandler - 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 5-11 FG, 2-5 3PT
Emeka Okafor - 10 points, 14 rebounds, 5-6 FG
Andrew Harrison - 10 points, 5-9 FG
Trevor Booker - 7 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 3-4 FG

Isaiah Thomas - 26 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 turnovers, 8-16 FG, 5-9 3PT, 5-5 FT
Brandon Jennings - 22 points, 6 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 10-19 FG, 2-8 3PT
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 4-7 FG, 2-4 3PT, 4-4 FT
Andrew Wiggins - 11 points, 5 rebounds
Andre Drummond - 8 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, 4-12 FG
Lance Stephenson - DNP, dislocated finger.






9th November, 2014. @ Charlotte


Pistons beat the Hornets for the second time within a week.



Notable performances:

Andre Drummond - 20 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 9-16 FG, 2-8 FT
Isaiah Thomas - 20 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 turnovers, 8-19 FG, 3-10 3PT
Andrew Wiggins - 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 7-12 FG
Brandon Jennings - 13 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, 5-13 FG, 2-2 3PT
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4-11 FG, 2-7 3PT
Lance Stephenson - DNP, dislocated finger.

Kemba Walker - 22 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 10-22 FG, 2-5 3PT
Al Jefferson - 14 points, 10 rebounds, 6-15 FG
Aaron Afflalo - 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 4-11 FG, 2-5 3PT
Ben Gordon - 10 points, 5-7 FG
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 4-7 FG
Kobe Bryant - DNP, broken index finger.







30th November, 2014. @ Detroit


Isaiah Thomas with another solid output as the Pistons hold off the Celtics.



Notable performances:

Isaiah Thomas - 27 points, 5 rebounds, 11-22 FG, 3-8 3PT, 2-2 FT
Andrew Wiggins - 23 points, 4 rebounds, 5-16 FG, 3-7 3PT, 10-14 FT
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - 16 points, 5 rebounds, 5-12 FG, 4-5 3PT
Greg Monroe - 9 points, 8 rebounds (5 OR), 4 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks, 2-4 FG, 5-8 FT
Andre Drummond - 8 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 blocks, 3-11 FG, 2-8 FT

O.J. Mayo - 30 points, 5 assists, 9-21 FG, 4-11 3PT, 8-11 FT
Dante Exum - 14 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 5-7 FG, 1-1 3PT, 3-4 FT
Earl Clark - 14 points, 9 rebounds, 7-9 FG
Brandon Knight - 14 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 6-14 FG
John Henson - 10 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks, 5-10 FG





Around the league:

Nikola Vucevic (ORL) vs ATL, 26th Nov (W) - 21 points, 20 rebounds, 4 blocks, 6-11 FG, 9-12 FT
Kevin Martin (MIN) vs POR, 27th Nov (W) - 40 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 14-23 FG, 10-16 3PT, 2-3 FT
LeBron James (MIA) vs IND, 27th Nov (L) - 37 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 12-16 FG, 2-6 3PT, 11-14 FT

- Howard scores 15000th point as Rockets lose to Memphis (97-96).

[Martti.]

Oh man, I'd love to see Kobe in that Hornets uniform, sucks he was injured in both games. After that blowout you picked up 2 solid wins, not too bad without Lance. Caldwell-Pope hit double-digits in all the games, that's very good to see.

[Oskar]

Oh man, I'd love to see Kobe in that Hornets uniform, sucks he was injured in both games. After that blowout you picked up 2 solid wins, not too bad without Lance. Caldwell-Pope hit double-digits in all the games, that's very good to see.

Yeah, I'll most definitely try to do a full recap of some Charlotte game if Kobe is healthy. He looks odd in any other jersey other than the Lakers. KCP is great, almost all of his points come from assists, either from the fast break or spot up, but he excels in such scenarios, so he's a great spark as the third man off the bench (behind Jennings and Varejao).

[Oskar]

The New Orleans Pelicans have surprised everyone with the NBA's best record through November.

Standings:

Once again, Kevin Durant and LeBron James lead the MVP race, with Durant arguably having the slight edge.

MVP Ladder:


1. Kevin Durant - Oklahoma City Thunder (12-6)


28.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.7 BPG, .503 FG, .415 3PT, .91 FT, 30.3 PER, .625 TS%

After ages of finishing second in the MVP Race, Durant has started off the season on a level of his own. His offensive statistics are great, as usual, but what gives him the edge is the defensive intensity he has shown to start off the season. He is one of the three players this season that's averaging over 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game, next to Anthony Davis' 1.9 steals and 1.8 blocks and Eric Bledsoe's surreal 2.4 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. If Durant continues to shine on the defensive end as he has thus far, he is definitely entering his name in the Defensive Player of Year candidates list.

2. LeBron James - Miami Heat (9-8)


27.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.1 BPG, .56 FG, .445 3PT, .775 FT, 29.8 PER, .654 TS%

LeBron seems to be heading for another statistically great season, especially when you look at his flawless shooting outside of the free throw shot. His TS% ranks fifth in the league and amongst the high usage players, he's ahead by quite a bit. What's lacking for LeBron, is team record. Miami seems to be coasting too early to start the season, as they're 9-8 through the first 17 games. Clearly, there's room for improvement for Miami, and LeBron is playing a big role in that.

3. John Wall - Washington Wizards (13-5)


21.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 8.6 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.1 BPG, .532 FG, .167 3PT, .816 FT, 25.1 PER, .59 TS%

John Wall has improved a lot over last year, his scoring has gone up by more than 3 points, and his rebounds and assists are on the rise as well. His aggressive style of play fits the Wizards quick game plan perfectly, and his success as the leader of the team has helped them to a great record, as they have won 13 out of the first 18 games. As has been the case for years now, the only thing that seems to be missing from John Wall's game is a consistent shot, but with such great all-around game combined with elite slashing ability and athleticism, he kind of seems to make up for it without problems.

4. Dwight Howard - Houston Rockets (12-6)


23.7 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.7 BPG, .636 FG, .545 FT, 24.1 PER, .632 TS%

Through November, Howard has been an excellent option for the Rockets. His offensive game seems to have improved by quite a lot and his defensive presence is definitely a huge factor for the Rockets positive record. The big 4 of Howard, Harden, Parsons and Lin seem to have found their way so far and should definitely be considered as legit NBA title contenders this year.

5. Derrick Rose - Chicago Bulls (14-4)


25.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG, .459 FT, .34 3PT, .824 FT, 20.6 PER, .55 TS%

Derrick Rose is once again leading the Bulls offensively, as their defense seems to take care of itself, no matter what. Tom Thibodeau's complex defensive schemes combined with the offensive creativity and ability of Derrick Rose have led the Bulls to the best record in the NBA (tied with the Pelicans), at 14-4. Rose is scoring a lot, as usual, but a lot of people give him flack for the lack of assists. According to Thibodeau, who spoke on the topic, the Bulls offensive scheme is not really a great fit for Derrick Rose to get big assist numbers, as the offense includes a lot of "hockey assists" and passing underneath the basket, often times through Joakim Noah, who is often labeled as the best passing big man in the game.

Honorable mention: Blake Griffin (LAC); James Harden (HOU); Tony Parker (SAS); Chris Paul (LAC); Lance Stephenson (DET); Bradley Beal (WAS)

Julius Randle, who many questioned before the draft, has done a wonderful job for Phoenix.

Rookie Ladder:


1. Julius Randle - Phoenix Suns


17.8 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG, .519 FG, .400 3PT, .663 FT

Randle, who's position in the NBA was questioned before he stepped on the court, has actually played majority of his minutes as a so-called "stretch 5". The Suns run at an incredibly high pace, and Randle's physical tools are a perfect match with what Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe need alongside them. Despite his limited size, Randle has been averaging at an extremely high rate, is scoring at will from the post and from outside, and has actually excelled at setting up others for good looks, as well.

2. Andrew Wiggins - Detroit Pistons


16.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.6 BPG, .498 FG, .310 3PT, .719 FT

Within just a month, Andrew Wiggins has earned a lot of praise from the opposing coaches and players for his abilities on the defensive end of the floor. Among small forwards, Wiggins ranks fourth in total shots blocked and is tied for second in blocks per game. He has also been an extremely efficient option for the Pistons offensively, as he's scoring more than 16 points a game on pretty much 50 percent shooting from the field. With his physical tools and understanding of the game, the sky is the limit.

3. Jabari Parker - Sacramento Kings


15.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG, .393 FG, .358 3PT, .815 FT

Despite being labelled as the best pure scorer in the draft, the first pick hasn't really shown us too much volume scoring, or efficiency. However, he has done a solid job rebounding the ball and has also been solid at facilitating the ball. Thus far, his poor shooting percentages portray the Kings basketball perfectly, as they shoot only 44 percent as a team, clearly leaving a lot to be desired.

Honorable mention: Aaron Gordon (CHA); Russ Smith (ORL); Dante Exum (MIL); Joel Embiid (BOS)

LeBron James is putting up great numbers across the board, but where does he rank amongst the league leaders?

Scoring leaders:


1. Kevin Durant (OKC) - 28.9 PPG
2. LeBron James (MIA) - 27.2 PPG
3. Derrick Rose (CHI) - 25.9 PPG
4. Kevin Martin (MIN) - 23.9 PPG
5. Dwight Howard (HOU) - 23.7 PPG
6. O.J. Mayo (MIL) - 22.8 PPG
7. Russell Westbrook (OKC) - 22.7 PPG
8. Blake Griffin (LAC) - 22.1 PPG
9. Kyrie Irving (CLE) - 22.0 PPG
10. James Harden (HOU) - 21.6 PPG
19. Lance Stephenson (DET) - 20.1 PPG

Rebounding leaders:


1. Nik Vucevic (ORL) - 11.8 RPG
2. Tyson Chandler (NYK) - 11.7 RPG (3.1 PPG lel)
3. DeMarcus Cousins (SAC) - 11.4 RPG
4. Kenneth Faried (LAC) - 10.9 RPG
5. Anthony Davis (NOP) - 10.6 RPG
6. Robin Lopez (POR) - 10.5 RPG
7. J.J. Hickson (DEN) - 10.3 RPG
8. Dwight Howard (HOU) - 10.1 RPG
9. Emeka Okafor (WAS) - 9.9 RPG
10. Andre Drummond (DET) - 9.9 RPG

Assist leaders:


1. Ricky Rubio (MIN) - 11.1 APG
2. Rajon Rondo (BOS) - 9.4 APG
3. Mike Conley (MEM) - 8.9 APG
4. John Wall (WAS) - 8.6 APG
5. Trey Burke (UTA) - 8.5 APG
6. James Harden (HOU) - 8.2 APG
7. Eric Bledsoe (PHO) - 7.9 APG
8. Tony Parker (SAS) - 7.9 APG
9. Chris Paul (LAC) - 7.9 APG
10. Kyrie Irving (CLE) - 7.8 APG
11. Isaiah Thomas (DET) - 7.6 APG

Stealing leaders:


1. Chris Paul (LAC) - 2.5 SPG
2. Eric Bledsoe (PHO) - 2.4 SPG
3. Isaiah Thomas (DET) - 2.1 SPG
4. Anthony Davis (NOP) - 1.9 SPG
5. John Wall (WAS) - 1.8 SPG
6. Jimmy Butler (CHI) - 1.8 SPG
7. Michael Carter-Williams (PHI) - 1.8 SPG
8. Mario Chalmers (MIA) - 1.8 SPG
9. Kyrie Irving (CLE) - 1.8 SPG
10. LeBron James (MIA) - 1.8 SPG

Blocking leaders:


1. Andre Drummond (DET) - 2.9 BPG
2. Robin Lopez (POR) - 2.8 BPG
3. Serge Ibaka (OKC) - 2.3 BPG
4. John Henson (MIL) - 2.1 BPG
5. Eric Bledsoe (PHO) - 2.1 BPG (!!!)
6. Roy Hibbert (IND) - 2.0 BPG
7. Omer Asik (HOU) - 2.0 BPG
8. Anthony Davis (NOP) - 1.8 BPG
9. Kendrick Perkins (OKC) - 1.8 BPG
10. Dwight Howard (HOU) - 1.7 BPG

So far, Andrew Wiggins has done a magnificent job for Detroit.

Player stats:


Isaiah Thomas - 16.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 7.6 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 3.9 TOPG, .439 FG, .394 3PT, .92 FT
Lance Stephenson - 20.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 2.0 TOPG, .542 FG, .375 3PT, .816 FT
Andrew Wiggins - 16.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 1.6 TOPG, .498 FG, .310 3PT, .719 FT
Greg Monroe - 11.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 0.7 TOPG, .628 FG, .000 3PT, .612 FT
Andrew Wiggins - 16.6 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 2.9 BPG, 1.3 TOPG, .565 FG, .000 3PT, .453 FT

Brandon Jennings - 12.7 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 1.1 TOPG, .444 FG, .449 3PT, .800 FT
Anderson Varejao - 4.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 0.6 TOPG, .478 FG, .000 3PT, .870 FT
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - 8.1 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 0.7 TOPG, .538 FG, .475 3PT, .786 FT
Josh McRoberts - 1.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 0.7 TOPG, .414 FG, .000 3PT, .778 FT

Tony Mitchell - 1.3 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.4 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 0.2 TOPG, .348 FG, .250 3PT, .500 FT
Quincy Acy - 0.6 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 0.1 TOPG, .556 FG, .000 3PT, .000 FT
Shabazz Napier - 1.8 PPG, 0.3 RPG, 0.4 APG, 0.1 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 0.0 TOPG, .462 FG, .200 3PT, 1.000 FT
Steve Novak - 1.6 PPG, 0.4 RPG, 0.2 APG, 0.0 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 0.2 TOPG, .214 FG, .200 3PT, .000 FT
Will Bynum - 1.0 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 0.5 TOPG, .333 FG, .000 3PT, .000 FT

etc.

[Martti.]

Damn, Bledsoe is killing it defensively.

Third in the East is all right, though I expect Miami to climb up.

[Oskar]

Damn, Bledsoe is killing it defensively.

Third in the East is all right, though I expect Miami to climb up.

He's a beast, definitely the leading DPOY candidate thus far.

And third is pretty good, although I expect both Miami and Charlotte to surpass me. I'm quite sure Miami will, but I'm not sure how Charlotte will start clicking. Kemba Walker is leading them, surprisingly, and I'm not sure how Kobe will do for them. Plus Al Jefferson hasn't played nearly as well as he's capable of, nor Afflalo. The Hornets are definitely the most intriguing team in this story, really exciting.

[gohornetsgo]

[quote="Oskar"]

[list]
18 years later, Kobe Bryant signs a stunningly cheap contract with the Charlotte Hornets.

I have that same 1996 charlotte hornets draft hat.

It's a sports specialties shadow snapback

and a carolina panthers one too.


hmm I wonder what a old or new logo new orleans hornets version of that hat would look like

or a okc hornets version.