The Bucks are the only team still undefeated
After about 2 weeks of competition, the NBA is starting to see a small hierarchy forming. While some confirmed that the season started well, others confirmed its shortcomings. Only one team is still undefeated, the 2021 NBA champion, the Milwaukee Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo on a mission. At the last stage of the tournament, “Lakers” and “Nets” are already sounding the alarm. Here’s a recap of week two in the NBA!
Bucks start well, Cavs in ambush
We have been waiting for them and they are ready from the beginning! The Milwaukee Bucks (5-0), without Khris Middleton, are still undefeated this season, aided by a soft schedule (4 of 5 at Wisconsin). But that’s not an excuse not to acknowledge that Giannis Antetokounmpo (see below) is also going in the League. As dominant as he was during the last Eurobasket, the Greek freak crushed everything in his path, both offensively and defensively. If this is only the beginning of the season, the Bucks are showing confidence in the eyes of their opponents. A team behind him manages to follow the rhythm Cleveland Cavaliers (5-1). With Darius Garland injured, the Cavs are showing a collective face like Donovan Mitchell at the beginning of the game (32 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds). Finally, Boston Celtics (4-2) and Atlanta Hawks (4-2) also shows positive signs that they will be one to be reckoned with this 2022/2023 season in the Eastern Conference.
The standings in the Western Conference are still surprising. Speaking of surprises this week, the teams loved it Portland Trail Blazers (5-1), the Utah Jazz (5-2) and San Antonio Spurs (5-2) did not tremble! Without real stars other than Damian Lillard and the Blazers, these teams deserve to be at the top of the Western Conference to give us a good game. In the midst of these surprising franknesses Phoenix Suns (5-1) resistance! Last year’s best regular season team, Devin Booker’s Suns always find colors with their collective (Chris Paul, Mikal Bridges, Camerone Johnson and others). Be careful not to bury them! The Memphis Grizzlies (4-2) and New Orleans Pelicans (4-2) are not far from the leading teams and without necessarily making noise, they continue their way with a solid team. Have a great week too OKC Thunder Shai Gilgeous Alexander (31.7 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists), who was chosen as the player of the week in this conference, won 3 ranks (3-3).
California in trouble, Nets down
Currently, California is not the state where NBA teams win in the United States! The Los Angeles Lakers Finally, they opened up their counter (1-5) in the last matchup against the Nuggets, but that does not erase the shortcomings observed by Lebron James, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis, who still lack shooting and collective play. An equally disturbing observation for the neighbor Clippers (2-4). With four straight losses, Paul George’s teammates will still have to do without Kawhi Leonard, who is out with a knee injury, but above all, they are weak in the game. Among the defending champions, Golden State Warriors (3-4), the lack of defensive intensity becomes a major problem. 3 defeats in the last 4 matches angered Steve Keer, who did not hesitate to make a lot of noise in the dressing room.
The Brooklyn Nets (1-5) are still disappointing in the Eastern Conference. Steve Nash’s troops are not defending a dime and problems are mounting. Kyrie Irving keeps talking about off the court and Ben Simmons doesn’t know what a shot is. It’s hard to see improvement in the short term. Also a poor record for the Miami Heat (2-5). Inconsistent in their efforts, Jimmy Butler and co must step up their defense to find the DNA that has brought them success in recent years.
NBA Player of the Week: Giannis Antetokounmo
The Greek Freak warned that this season would be a season of conquest again, and so far the Greek is not wrong. The Milwaukee Bucks are still undefeated with 5 wins in as many contests, averaging 36 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists per game (as well as an undeniable defensive presence). While waiting for his lieutenant Khris Middleton to return, Giannis assumes the leadership role that will lead the Bucks to the top of the NBA.
French’s week in the NBA
A mixed week among our tricolor representatives. After a very productive first week with the new Minnesota Timberwolves team, Rudy Gobert had more difficulty as his team alternated between good and less good. Next to the brilliant Jalen Brunson, Evan Fournier He continues to cause the Knicks a gap. 4c attacking option, the Blues captain may get less flash but his performances are more consistent. A nice surprise this week Theo Maledon Able to get and optimize playing time at the Hornets. The French leader is above all more aggressive in attack and Steve Clifford is no longer afraid to give him minutes.
Aggressiveness and skill, that’s what’s missing Killian Hayes. In a major loss of confidence, the Pistons’ leader has always struggled to be productive offensively. His place in the rotation could be in question because he lost so many balls. on his side, Nikolay Batum like his struggling Clippers team. Incapacitated, Batman knows he’ll have to bring more than he already has.
French player statistics
Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves): 14.1 points, 14.7 rebounds, 1.8 blocks
Evan Fournier (New York Knicks): 11.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Nikolay Batum (Los Angeles Clippers): 4.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1 assist
Theo Maledon (Charlotte Hornets): 6.8 points, 1.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists
Killian Hayes (Detroit Pistons): 2.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists
Ousmane Dieng (Oklahoma City Thunder): 1.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1 ast
Moussa Diabate (Los Angeles Clippers): 1.5 points, 1 rebound, 0.5 ast
Frank Ntilikina (Dallas Mavericks): injured
Olivier Sarr (Portland Trail Blazers): injured
