6 NBA things to know for Dec. 4

1. Bucks target lucky No. 13:

Quick: name your favorite Bucks player from the 1973-74 season. Can’t think of one? That’s understandable, but know that was the last time Milwaukee was cooking winning streak-wise like it is these days. The Bucks hit the road tonight (7 ET, League Pass) in search of their 13th straight win and if they get it, they’d tie the ’73-74 team (which went on to lose 4-3 in The Finals to Boston). Additionally, if they can manage to beat the Pistons by 40 or more points tonight, they’d become the first team to win three straight games by 40 or more points.

2. Next steps from Harden’s dunk?:

The Rockets-Spurs game on Tuesday may go down as one of the season’s most memorable games. Even if it doesn’t it will undoubtedly linger in Houston’s mind for a while. James Harden had a dunk with 7 minutes, 50 seconds disallowed in a 135-133 double-overtime loss that had the NBA world abuzz last night and into today. Who knows what will happen next, but the storyline will surely live on for at least a few more days.

3. Miami can play spoiler (again):

The Raptors got a front row seat for the Jimmy Butler show last night as the Heat star piled up a triple-double en route to Miami’s 121-110 overtime win. That victory halted Toronto’s 10-0 start at home and Miami gets a shot at blemishing Boston’s 7-0 home mark next (7:30 ET, League Pass). This one could get exciting if it gets into a clutch situation: the Celtics have the No. 1-rated offense in clutch scenarios, while the Heat are tied for 9th in clutch defense.

4. Jazz out of tune lately:

Utah was fancied — by itself and outsiders — as a Western Conference contender this season. While the Jazz aren’t exactly lottery-bound, they aren’t lighting the NBA on fire lately with their play. A showdown with the West-leading Lakers looms (9 ET, NBA TV) after Utah’s road-heavy November and a win tonight could get it on the right track. Easier said than done, though, of course. Since starting the season 4-1, Utah ranks 22nd in Offensive Rating and 13th in Defensive Rating — both of which are well worse than last season’s finish (14th Off. Rtg; 2nd Def. Rtg).

5. When Steph joined the 2K club…:

Given the injury pile-up on the current roster, fond memories of the past are just about all Warriors fans have to think about these days. In an effort to keep the spirits high in the Bay, we remind Warriors fans that on this date two years ago, Stephen Curry became the fastest player to reach 2,000 career 3-pointers. He accomplished the feat against the Pelicans in what was his 597th career game, surpassing Ray Allen’s 824 career games.

6. Happy 63rd birthday, Bernard King!:

One of the most explosive scorers of his era, Hall of Famer Bernard King had a fascinating career. At the peak of his abilities, he suffered a major knee injury yet returned to the court against great odds and remained an effective scorer. He was a four-time All-Star, a four-time All-NBA player and won the NBA’s scoring crown in 1984-85 and had a career marked by his memorable scoring outbursts.