Nba Overreactions: a Thunder Must-Win, Ja = Trae, Jokic Injury a Blessing in Disguise?

NBA Overreactions: A Thunder Must-Win, Jokic Injury, and More

With less than a month until the February 5 trade deadline, the NBA is already buzzing with potential blockbuster moves. The latest overreactions from around the league reveal that some teams are facing must-win scenarios while others are finding unexpected silver linings in injuries.

The Thunder Must-Win Against the Spurs

Let’s rewind to a month ago: The Oklahoma City Thunder were on pace for an unprecedented season, shattering regular-season wins records and seemingly cruising towards the NBA Finals. However, their dreams of a historic campaign took a hit when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Wemby) joined the San Antonio Spurs’ roster.

Since then, the Spurs have dominated the Thunder, winning three games against them with decisive victories in recent weeks. The Thunder are now barely a .500 team and their hopes of achieving 73 wins are fading fast. This has raised the question: Do the Spurs have the Thunder’s number?

The teams will face off on Tuesday for their second-to-last regular season game, which is a must-win scenario for the Thunder to remind everyone why they were favored before Wemby arrived in San Antonio.

Nikola Jokic Injury: A Blessing in Disguise for the Nuggets

When Nikola Jokic went down on New Year’s Eve, it was feared that the Denver Nuggets would struggle without their superstar center. The team had been 12.3 points per 100 possessions better with Jokic on the floor, making his injury a significant setback.

However, there is reason for optimism among Nuggets fans: Peyton Watson has emerged as a reliable second option in Jokic’s absence. Watson has posted impressive numbers, averaging 23.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game over his last seven games without Jokic.

Watson is also controlling the offense and ball more: 55% of his shots are self-created, and he’s guarding the best scorers on opposing teams every night. The Nuggets are 4-3 without Jokic, and going .500 in his absence is a win.

If Watson can stick with Jokic into the playoffs, this could prove to be a valuable asset for Denver.

Anthony Edwards: A Growing Star

Sunday night’s game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs offered a potential Western Conference playoff matchup. Despite Wemby leading his team with 29 points, Anthony Edwards delivered clutch performance after shaking him off the court. Edwards has been evolving as a scorer, making 56% of his 2-pointers this season.

Edwards is now getting to his spot and feeling himself at closer range, reflected in his 42% jump shots from two in clutch situations. His effective field goal percentage in the clutch stands at 71%, the highest ever since play-by-play tracking began (1997-98 season).

With Edwards diversifying his scoring and improving in clutch moments, he could be a key player for the Wolves as they aim for a third-straight conference finals appearance.

The Memphis Grizzlies Consider Trading Ja Morant

For the first time since Morant came to Memphis, the team seems ready to listen to offers for their franchise All-Star. However, trading Morant is risky given his current form and contract details: he’s locked in for two years at $87 million.

The Grizzlies aren’t asking for much in return, as Morant has played poorly over the past four seasons. Without him, the team is better (11-10 without vs 6-12 with).

If Memphis gets matching salaries and moves closer to their rebuild path, it could be a worthwhile trade.

However, any Memphis fan hoping for a haul for Morant should manage expectations, as the Grizzlies are more focused on securing picks from trades like Desmond Bane going to Orlando.

These overreactions highlight the dynamic nature of the NBA season and how teams can adapt in unexpected ways. The next few weeks could shape the playoff picture significantly, making every game a must-win for some teams.