All the need-to-know info from Thursday’s slate.
Haters Will Say It’s Fake
Observe below, as LeBron James’s behind-the-back pass nutmegs his teammate Tristan Thompson, only to bounce into a pass back to himself:
LeBron James behind the back dribble between Tristan Thompson's legs HOW??????????????? pic.twitter.com/m7HBBf94t8
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) March 2, 2018
Could this have possibly been drawn up in LeBron’s mind? Or was this move, one that will end up on his all-time highlight reel, a happy accident? Let’s investigate.
Reasons to believe this was a fluke:
1. First of all, there’s no way that nutmeg was premeditated. Thompson’s legs open just before the ball bounces.
2. LeBron wasn’t looking at TT when he passed—he was facing left. That’s never stopped him before, except the last thing he saw Tristan do was move to set a pick, not stand still with his legs parted at the perfect angle.
3. Shit was unnatural. I’m sorry.
Here’s a nice summary by my colleague Riley McAtee:
— Riley McAtee (@Riley_McAtee) March 2, 2018
Reasons to believe this was done on purpose:
1. It’s LeBron James.
2. LeBron has a PhD in no-look passes.
3. LeBron knows where everyone, including Tristan and Tristan’s legs, is on the court at all times.
3. See Item 1.
4. He’s proved many dimes before that he can see the future.
5. He’s
LeBron’s two cents, FWIW:
♂️ The young generation would say I was in my bag and haters will say it’s fake. https://t.co/hCXa7OctWR
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 2, 2018
LeBron led all scorers with 30 points in the Cavaliers’ 108-97 loss to the Sixers. Only one of his fellow starters, Rodney Hood, ended in double digits. (Where have we heard that one before?) Philly’s roster ended far more balanced: Six players ended with at least 10 points, and four with nine or more boards. (J.R. Smith was very mysteriously suspended without any additional information given.) Once again, LeBron can’t do it alon—
LeBron James behind the back dribble between Tristan Thompson's legs HOW??????????????? pic.twitter.com/m7HBBf94t8
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) March 2, 2018
—never mind.
Lonzo Got Lost Away From Home
Vet move!#FatherPrime ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/y1PjvuRWtP
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 2, 2018
Love Is the Name of the Game
Before the Lakers’ 131-113 win over the Heat, Isaiah Thomas got romantic. “All you need is one team to love you,” he said about his upcoming free agency. “That’s what I’m working towards.”
IT upped his Basketball Bumble game on Thursday, scoring a season-high 29 points on a highly efficient (I’m serious!) six 3s and shooting 11-for-20 overall off the bench. The Lakers put up 73 points in the first half alone. The contest ended with Miami giving up the most points it has in a game all season, and with the Lakers’ 27th win—many congrats to them, who have already bettered last season’s 26-56 record. It’s March 1.
It’s Recruiting SZN
Philadelphia is not shy. Here’s proof. Here’s more:
I just saw this in downtown Cleveland. ‘HEY PHILLY, #THELANDOFTHEKING pic.twitter.com/FZjPWvK0e7
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) March 1, 2018
To help you decide whether LeBron to the Sixers is a good idea, read Justin Verrier and Chris Ryan … process it. But know that it’s what Joel Embiid wants.
LeBron and Embiid show each other some love. pic.twitter.com/jJzUtAHts1
— Leading NBA (@LeadingNBA) March 2, 2018
And Embiid is as shameless as the city he plays for.
Trust The Process??? Always a great time playing against one of the best to ever play the game #summer2018goals pic.twitter.com/4bY941yyRO
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) March 2, 2018
I also choose to believe that the Sixers trying to steal Bron away is what made Jordan Clarkson so upset in the final moments of the game, not Dario Saric’s garbage-time dunk.
Safe to say Jordan Clarkson was not a fan of Dario Saric dunking in the final seconds of the game. pic.twitter.com/BRpXgNh7mT
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) March 2, 2018
Portland Blazes for One Half and One Half Only
The Blazers walked to the locker room at halftime with zero 3s to their name. They had missed all 13 that they attempted and were still somehow down only five to the Wolves.
Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum just don’t stay that way for long.
— Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) March 2, 2018
Dame secured 23 of his 35 points in the second half, going 4-for-6 from deep, while McCollum finished with 19 in the game.
Let em know, @Dame_Lillard ⌚️ pic.twitter.com/ROomzJJAtw
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 2, 2018
Minnesota got lucky three times from deep in the second half. But even more deflating for the Wolves is that they collectively tried and looked convincing on defense without Jimmy Butler. A quality two-way game from Karl-Anthony Towns is like two-for-one wings. One order is great (in this case, his dynamic offense). But when the man also Ds up?
KAT's out here blocking people like he's SPF 50! pic.twitter.com/kuCd6HDc4D
— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) March 2, 2018
Chef’s kiss. He took on an even heavier load when Taj Gibson left the court with a hip contusion at the start of the fourth quarter, eventually finishing with 34 points and 17 rebounds. But Minnesota couldn’t help but flinch the moment Dame and C.J. flexed, falling 108-99 to the Blazers.
Bazz to the Bucks
Shabazz Muhammad finally left the Wolves bench—but not because he got in the game. Bazz and Minnesota agreed to a buyout on Thursday. He is reportedly signing next with Milwaukee, which is waiving Sean Kilpatrick to make room. It’s exactly what the Bucks need: a wing with lousy defense shooting 21 percent from 3 and averaging 0.8 assists per 36 minutes. Because the Bucks don’t have enough of those guys.
Embiid Hits a Two-for-One Jumper
Joel Embiid to extend the @sixers lead!#HereTheyCome 103 / #AllForOne 94 with 34 seconds remaining.
— NBA (@NBA) March 2, 2018
: @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/iyfFpXZbmp
De’Aaron Fox Missed the Tanking Memo
*clutch rating increases*
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) March 2, 2018
sends it to OT! pic.twitter.com/R1INGnbDTd
But that’s OK, as long as he keeps pulling stuff like this:
De’Aaron Fox is filthy pic.twitter.com/y5jRaObmoX
— Tony Xypteras (@TonyXypteras) March 2, 2018
The Kings beat the Nets in overtime 116-111, thanks to Fox forcing it to the extra period.