The Utah Jazz are once again leaders of the NBA’s Western Conference as they beat the Portland Trail Blazers in their top of the table clash. On the back of another strong game from Lauri Markkanen, the Jazz continue to defy everyone’s expectations this season and don’t seem ready to go away just yet.
Similarly, Myles Turner is having a terrific year, and the Los Angeles Lakers – who have been linked with him in the past – might want to take a hard look at him.
Read on blow as SBOTOP lists down five main takeaways from the five games on the NBA schedule.
Jazz just won’t go away
The Jazz just keep winning. They improved to 12-6 after coming up on top in their big battle against the Portland Trail Blazers, who have dropped two games in a row after a narrow defeat in their duel with the Brooklyn Nets.
Jordan Clarkson came up clutch with eight straight points to carry the Jazz to victory. He and Malik Beasley combined for 57 points, while Lauri Markannen followed up his brilliant 38-point performance against the Suns with a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Those two wins against two of their top competitors in the West show just how impressive these Jazz have been this season. Markannen, who is averaging 22 points and 8 rebounds per game, has been an absolute revelation, and rookie head coach Will Hardy has been able to make the most out of a limited roster.
Another tough test is set to come as they visit the improving LA Clippers in a couple of days, but it’s clear that they are not ready to go away anytime soon.
Maybe Myles Turner was right about Lakers
A few weeks ago when asked what he thought about a potential trade to the Lakers, Myles Turner bluntly told LA that they needed to take a very hard look at him. As it turns out, Turner might be talking the truth.
That’s because the Pacers big man has been absolutely brilliant of late. He dropped a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double in the Pacers’ 114-113 win over the Magic and is now averaging over 20 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3 blocks this month.
While the Lakers are starting to get on a roll even without the injured LeBron James thanks to Anthony Davis’ big performances, getting another talented big man in Turner would be a significant boost for LA’s NBA 2022 odds of contending for a play-in spot.
Turner is a unique player in that he is a big man who can provide a ton of rim protection while also being capable of spacing the floor on offence with his shooting.
The big concern with Turner is his health, an issue the Lakers already have to worry about with Davis and LeBron. But still, few players with his talent level are available for a trade, so the Lakers will be wise to explore that possibility.
Clippers can wait for Kawhi with PG-13 playing well
The Clippers are steadily climbing up the West standings. After starting out 2-4, they have gone 8-3 in their last 11 games, and they’ve won mostly without Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard is finally back in the lineup after another lengthy layoff, but he is still not close to his best. But the Clippers keep winning thanks to Paul George.
PG-13 had another stellar game with 21 points to lead LA to a comfortable win over the Spurs, although he had to leave the game at half-time due to right knee soreness.
Hopefully, George’s knee issue isn’t too serious since he is in sensational form of late. He’s averaging 26 points, 6 rebounds and nearly 5 assists during their 11-game run.
With PG playing this well, the Clippers can afford to take their time with Kawhi, since his health will make or break them as serious NBA title contenders.
Timberwolves turning things around? Too soon to tell
The Minnesota Timberwolves are back on track… or are they? The Wolves went back to .500 on the season at 8-8 as they beat the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers for their third win in a row.
Anthony Edwards had a rough shooting game (7-21 FG, 2-10 3-PT FG) but still had a team-high 25 points. Meanwhile, D’Angelo Russell added 19 points and 7 assists.
With two of their three wins coming against the Cavs, Magic and Sixers, who were all missing key players, it’s still too early to tell whether the Timberwolves are finally starting to turn things around after a rough start.
Although, it should still be encouraging to see both Russell and Edwards playing better after their recent struggles. Edwards is crucial to their success as he is the one capable of making plays and other NBA 2022 highlights from the perimeter.
Scottie Barnes sure loves playing the Hawks
The Raptors lost a close overtime battle with the Hawks, 124-122, which was a shame because it spoilt another great night from Scottie Barnes.
Barnes, who was named Rookie of the Year last season, once again showed his immense potential as he had a season-high 28 points, with 11 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal. And while he went just 11-of-29 from the field, he still hit four 3-pointers, which is a promising sign.
This performance was reminiscent of Barnes’ first game against the Hawks this season, where he had another all-around performance with 21 points (five 3-pointers), 7 rebounds, and 8 assists.
There’s something about the Hawks that brings the best out of Barnes, and with enough time, Barnes may just bring that sort of all-around greatness against every opponent.
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