Freaky foul problem.
The Bucks looked excellent in their win over the Spurs, scoring 113 points in 40 minutes, but Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared to have a little trouble bearing in mind that NBA basketball is played with referees. The Greek Freak got 5 fouls in simply 12 first-half minutes, an impressive accomplishment for any level. He managed to prevent getting another foul in the second half and finished with 22 points, four assists, 3 rebounds and 3 steals in 21 minutes, including a no-look dime to Robin Lopez for a third-quarter 3-pointer.
This either means that LeBron is embracing his 35 years on this earth, or he forgot to pack his Just For Men beard color prior to he left for the bubble. Either method, its clear the despite the brand-new appearance, were still visiting the very same LeBron James in Orlando.
LeBron the Gray.
Lakers fans, and NBA fans in basic, were excited to see LeBron James in game action as soon as again, but he had a slightly various appearance. He appeared to the Lakers first skirmish video game versus the Mavericks on Thursday with popular gray patches on his beard, something we havent seen all season.
He likewise showcased his playmaking ability as a facilitator, establishing colleagues for easy pails.
Lineups with both Collins and Nurkic performed well last season, as did lineups with Collins and Hassan Whiteside in a small sample size to start the 2019-20 season. The absence of Trevor Ariza hurts, but Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum will clearly have some additional aid with Nurkic and Collins, which must make Portlands pursuit of the No. 8 seed completely entertaining.
Phantom fans.
While gamers continue to change to the absence of fans, the Trail Blazers decided to have some fun as they took the court prior to their loss to the Pacers, indicating imaginary fans in the stands and hyping up the non-existent crowd.
James just played the very first half of the Lakers bubble opener, putting up 12 points, 5 assists and three rebounds in 15 minutes. He ended up with a game-high 23 points in 15 minutes.
The bigs are back.
The Blazers looked re-energized and ecstatic for their very first scrimmage game, probably due to the long-anticipated return of big males Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins. Nurkic hasnt played because suffering a brutal leg injury in March of 2019, and Collins has actually missed all however three video games this season with a shoulder injury. Nurkic, who finished with 14 points and 8 rebounds in 20 minutes, right away showed how his size and post-up skills can lead to easy baskets for Portland. Sure, the Pacers didnt have their two best big guys, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner, however it was still remarkable for a man who hasnt played NBA basketball in practically a year and a half.
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Oladipo hasnt stated openly whether hell be on the court when seeding games start, however the fact that hes playing in scrimmages is an excellent sign for Pacers fans. Oladipo clearly raises the ceiling for an Indiana team that has played well without him all season if healthy.
CJ takes the L.
Hey, it happens to all of us. CJ McCollum sought to put a little additional sauce on his dunk after a fantastic pass from Jusuf Nurkic … sadly McCollums legs didnt get the memo.
Collins put up 6 points, 4 rebounds and a block in 19 minutes, looking nimble and athletic at the same time.
The NBA formally returned with skirmish games on Wednesday, and while Bol was an absolute pleasure, some much bigger names took the stage on Thursday. LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and Damian Lillard were amongst the stars to make their bubble debuts, and it was nice to see some familiar faces on our screens.
Things continued to be a bit weird and uncomfortable as the gamers and production crews get utilized to games with no fans, but in general it was another great, complete day of NBA hoops. Lets have a look at ball games, and some of the important things that stood out from Thursdays games.
NBA skirmish scores for Thursday, July 23.
Oladipos a go … for now.
After announcing in early July that he wouldnt play in the NBA reboot, Pacers guard Victor Oladipo has considering that had a change of mind, and he played 19 minutes in the groups win over the Blazers on Thursday. He looked understandably rusty, however got hot for a stretch in the 3rd quarter to end up with eight points and 6 rebounds on 3-of-10 shooting.
Nurkic, who ended up with 14 points and eight rebounds in 20 minutes, right away showed how his size and post-up abilities can lead to easy baskets for Portland.
James just played the first half of the Lakers bubble opener, putting up 12 points, five assists and 3 rebounds in 15 minutes. He and Anthony Davis integrated for 24 points on 9-for-13 shooting in 30 minutes. The Lakers look prepared to embark on their postseason trek.
Virtual Laker women.
Yeah, this entire thing is gon na take some getting utilized to … however kudos to the Lakers for making the effort.
The Bucks looked terrific in their win over the Spurs, scoring 113 points in 40 minutes, however Giannis Antetokounmpo seemed to have a little difficulty remembering that NBA basketball is played with referees. He managed to avoid choosing up another foul in the second half and ended up with 22 points, 4 assists, three rebounds and three steals in 21 minutes, including a no-look dime to Robin Lopez for a third-quarter 3-pointer.
Give McCollum credit for laughing it off, however this is among a basketball gamers most significant problems. Can you utilize the bubble snitch hotline to report the rim for uncommon and terrible penalty?
Lest you believe Marjanovic is simply putting up fluky numbers in a meaningless scrimmage video game, do not forget that he went off for 31 points and 17 rebounds in the Mavericks final video game prior to the hiatus back in March, a 113-97 win over the Nuggets.
Seth Curry with the shot.
You might not have the ability to see Warriors star Stephen Curry in the bubble because his group was so bad they didnt get invited, but his sibling Seth was just as entertaining on Thursday. The Mavericks guard had a perfect night, striking all nine of his shots, including 6-for-6 from 3-point variety and 1-for-1 from the complimentary throw line. He ended up with a game-high 23 points in 15 minutes.
Dont tinker the Boban.
Not only is Boban Marjanovic a co-star in John Wick 3– hes likewise a respectable basketball gamer. The 7-foot-4 fan preferred dominated in the Mavericks win over the Lakers on Thursday, ending up with 17 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks in 23 minutes, including a no-hesitation, nothing-but-net 3-pointer.
