About Last Night: Thunder rattle Giannis

On Saturday night, with 4:11 left in the fourth quarter of Oklahoma City Thunder’s 118-112 triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks, Russell Westbrook stayed on a switch as Giannis Antetokounmpo began to post from the left block. He spun as Thunder guard Dennis Schroder closed from the weak side. Westbrook held his position and swatted Antetokounmpo’s soft layup off the bottom of the backboard.

An Oklahoma City Thunder player blocked one of Antetokounmpo’s shots for the seventh time, a career-high for the MVP candidate. It was also the most rejections any player has endured in a single game this season.

In the first half, Giannis struggled significantly, with 0-for-6 field goals, three points, and three turnovers. However, he managed to rally and finish with a respectable tally of 27 points, 18 rebounds, and 4 assists, despite the loss.

The Thunder, who moved up from fourth to third in defensive efficiency (from 105.7 to 104.5 points allowed per 100 possessions) during the game, impressed the Bucks who were among the top five offenses when the game started.

“They were just really active tonight,” said Bucks swingman Khris Middleton, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “We knew they were going to be active in the passing lanes, in the paint guys were coming to pack the paint on Giannis and whatnot. I think we tried to do a great job of making the extra pass, those extra plays. Some we just didn’t get the bounce or the roll and some we did.”

However, without Paul George’s heroic performance, none of the defensive victories would have mattered. Although George accomplished other feats, he will be most remembered for his clutch dunk over Giannis, which sent #NBATwitter into a frenzy:

Not exactly PG-13, as ESPN’s Marc J. Spears cleverly put it, and a suitable climax to a commanding 36-point, 13-rebound, three-steal performance. George shot 12-of-21 overall (8-12 3-point FGs) and, among other key plays, deflected a pass to earn a steal and position Westbrook to extend the lead to seven with 31.3 seconds remaining.

In this best individual season to date, George has rightfully claimed an All-Star starting nod and a place in any MVP debate you’d care to have.

Paul returns? Harden gonna Harden

Chris Paul was out for 17 games due to a strain in his left hamstring. Upon his return, he found James Harden performing at a historically high level, a feat unparalleled by any guard or any other player, except Wilt Chamberlain.

When Kenneth Faried assisted an early floater against the Orlando Magic, it was the first bucket Harden hadn’t created for himself in more than seven games, a total of 87 straight makes.

Kenneth Faried ended James Harden’s streak of 87 consecutive unassisted field goals by assisting on his 1st-quarter floater.

Via @EliasSports, that streak was more than twice as long as any other player in the last 10 seasons (Steve Nash: 42). pic.twitter.com/yW62WcAObb

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 28, 2019

Harden finished with 40 points, stretching his 30-plus streak to 23 games and bumping his season average to 36.3 ppg, the highest since Michael Jordan’s 37.1 ppg in 1986-87. He hit several monster shots in a closing rally during Houston’s 103-98 win.

Meanwhile, Paul played for 25 minutes, including the final stretch, where he managed to score 12 points (4-8 FGs, 2-5 3-pint FGs), with five rebounds, six assists and three steals. While there were moments where his rustiness was noticeable, he also had some notable moments.

Familiar, and not just for this observer, either. Said Harden:

He seemed to have an added spring in his step. He executed a spin move, along with a few others, to gauge his physical condition and sensations. He appeared fantastic. It was a pleasure to witness his return to the court.

If Harden continues his momentum and Paul gradually regains his form, Houston could potentially match or exceed their performance of over 60 wins last season, contrary to our initial assumptions based on the chaotic start to the season. We can anticipate more exciting games ahead and, of course, the playoffs are still to come.

Count me in.

Popovich pulls ’em back

Let it never be said that Gregg Popovich can’t find new ways to keep everyone on their toes … just 16 seconds into the 51st game of the this 23rd season as head coach:

That was a friendly greeting to the squad that allowed this rim-rocker from Thomas Bryant on the opening possession against the Washington Wizards.

The San Antonio Spurs went on to a 132-119 victory. Message received, it would seem.

Luka, Luka, Luka!

The rookie that must insipire crippling angst — or whatever passes among pro athletes — for others in his class, Luka Doncic continues to do things that are either casually spectacular or actually record-breaking … like Sunday’s 35-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist showing.

Doncic set a new record as the youngest player to achieve a 30-point triple-double, surpassing LeBron James (who made 40-10-10 at 20 years, 100 days old) and De’Aaron Fox (who made 31-10-15; 20 years, 316 days). The last rookie to reach this milestone was Blake Griffin in 2011.

Tobias takes guff

This postgame interview went sideways quick:

It's called fashion look it up. @tobias31 | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/0VAMtMIPKg

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 28, 2019

Just to clarify: It’s not inside out. But let’s be honest – he was aware when he wore that. The list was so meticulously prepared that I could almost see the flashcards peeking out of his back pocket.

Tough sight for South Beach

Derrick Jones Jr. went down on the break in Miami, and it immediately drew strong concern from the bench:

Heat players saying prayers for Derrick Jones Jr. after he goes down with an apparent knee injury pic.twitter.com/VjY8k8WLY5

— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) January 28, 2019

The Heat later provided a series of updates, first confirming the injury, then indicating X-rays were negative and that Jones will be re-evaluated Monday.

Wishing for a quick recovery. However, it’s been a challenging week for the knees. Oh boy.

A standing (Mel-)O

Though he’s still on hardwood hiatus after a recent trade to the Bulls, Carmelo Anthony returned to his old Eighth Ave. haunt for Sunday’s Knicks-Heat matchup — the first of two #OneLastDance visits for 2003 draft classmate Dwyane Wade. A tribute video covering the six-plus seasons Anthony spent in NYC warmed up the Garden crowd, which showed hearty appreciation for the man they call Melo:

Well earned. Happy Monday, everyone.