Fresh Out Of The Oven: NBA Fresh Takes

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We are officially two weeks into the 2018-2019 NBA season. The season has already provided the fans with shocking headlines and excellent play. Here are five observations from the young NBA season.

 

1.) The Milwaukee Bucks Are Legit

The Milwaukee Bucks are currently undefeated at (7-0) behind their MVP (Most Valuable Player) candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak is averaging 25 points, 14.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game, while shooting 50.8% from the field. The role players are playing well around him as the Bucks rank fourth in offense, scoring 120 points per game. The other players are also shooting well around Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee ranks sixth in three-point field goal percentage and they are making 38.4% of their shots from behind the arc.

The Bucks are defending just as well as they are scoring by ranking fourth in defense, giving up 104 points per game. Milwaukee is doing a tremendous job of defending the three-point line, opponents are only making 28.8% of their three-point shots against the Bucks.

 

2.) Golden State Will Cruise To The NBA Finals

It is a depressing thought but as of right now, there is no team in the western conference who can give the Warriors cause to pause on their way to the NBA Finals. Stephen Curry has already had a game where he scored 51 points in just three quarters. Klay Thompson hit 14 three-pointers against the Chicago Bulls breaking Curry’s record for most threes made in a game. Golden State also have a guy named Kevin Durant on their team, its truly an embarrassment of riches.

The one team who gave them a true challenge last season was the Houston Rockets but they do not look like the same team as they are struggling on defense and dealing with injuries. The Denver Nuggets are playing well but have not been in this position as a contender before. The New Orleans Pelicans look good but we saw what happened when they ran into the Golden State Warriors in second round last season. The western conference is deep but lacks competition at the top.

 

3.) Kawhi Leonard Would Be Crazy To Leave Toronto

Last season, Kawhi Leonard wanted out of San Antonio and his location of choice was Los Angeles but instead he got traded to the Toronto Raptors. Toronto may be the furthest from where he wanted to be location wise but may be the closest to where he should be basketball wise. The Raptors are the class of the eastern conference so far this season at (7-1).

As a team, they are not missing a beat after the roster moves in the off-season and Leonard is balling on both ends of the court. Leonard is averaging 27.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and two steals per game, while shooting 50% from the field and 44% from behind the three-point line. Toronto is making a fantastic free agency pitch right now.

 

4.) Blake Griffin Is Extremely Underrated

Blake Griffin is the most underrated player in the NBA. Fans do not appreciate how good Griffin is as an all-around player. The former Clipper dropped 50 points on the Philadelphia 76ers earlier in the season and has lead the Detroit Pistons to a (4-3) record this year. Griffin is as versatile as they come. He can lead the break with his dribbling skills, find the open man with his passing skills or pull up for a three-pointer. Griffin is averaging 27 points, 10.8 rebounds and a team leading 4.3 assists per game. The former dunk contest champion is also very efficient as he is shooting 50% from the field and 48% from three-point range.

 

5.) Watch out of for the Grizzles

The Memphis Grizzles had a tough season last year as they went through a coaching change and had several injuries. This team is loaded with veterans who know how to play the game without making the big mistake. The Grizzles are currently (4-2). Memphis is going against the grain as the league is all about scoring and pace. The Grizzles are ranked second in defense, giving up 100 points per game and they also play at a slow pace, which ranks 29th in the league. Savvy veterans like Mike Conley and Marc Gasol along with their style of play can shake up things in the western conference.