If you love close games, this week in the NBA has been for you. Monday started off with a narrow 103-101 Denver win over Utah by Ty Lawson’s late shot. Tuesday followed with a double overtime thriller between Dallas and Chicago, with Ellis leading the Mavericks to the eventual victory. Portland defeated Denver 105-103, and Stephen Curry pulled up on a transition 3 and scored with 2.2 seconds left, to keep the Warriors win streak alive. And on Wednesday, Monta Ellis came clutch again, as he knocked down a buzzer-beater over O.J. Mayo to give the Mavs consecutive victories. Thursday was no different as Portland won a close won over Indiana.
And with all these games, Golden State remains on top of the West, with an unbelievable 16-2 record. Memphis isn’t far behind, standing at 15-3, but with news of Marc Gasol’s knee bone bruise, many wonder if the Grizzlies can continue their hot start. Portland, Houston, and Dallas haven’t cooled down a bit, all looking like serious contenders. San Antonio and Los Angeles have overcome rocky starts to their season with comfortable victories in the past two weeks, to be level at 13-5. However, where it starts to get really exciting for most NBA fans is that last 8th spot, which, at this early in the season, is really up for grabs. Phoenix currently holds the spot, but Sacramento, Denver, New Orleans, and even an Oklahoma City team with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook back from injury hope to challenge for the 8th spot.
The two individual players that made noise this week would have to be Steph Curry and Monta Ellis, no question. Steph Curry continues to prove his superstardom with complete games, even showing his ability in the clutch. Monta Ellis came through in the waning moments twice this week, drawing a foul on Kirk Hinrich from behind the arc against the Bulls and nailing a buzzer-beater over O.J. Mayo against the Bucks.
On the other hand, Minnesota showed why it will not reach the playoffs this season, losing against the Clippers, in addition to handing the Philadelphia 76ers their first win of the season. They have been plagued by injuries, and with only Mo Williams and Corey Brewer healthy to lead a young, inexperienced group, there cannot be much to be done for the Timberwolves.
Photo Credit: Kelley L Cox / USA TODAY Sports
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