They are three. Three teams still undefeated after almost a week of competition in the NBA. Three Eastern Conference franchises. And, honestly, not the ones we imagined would get off to a perfect start. Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers. Three teams which therefore prance at the top of the standings, even if that obviously does not matter at this stage of the competition.
It remains interesting. Surprising, too. Mostly. So how do you explain these rapid successes? Can they keep the Cape? Overview, team by team.
Indiana Pacers
Vs Knicks : 121-107
@ Bulls : 125-106
Vs Celtics : 108-107
When a player registers a game winner, he often avoids drawing cover on him. Question of modesty, more or less honest. In these moments, the heroes of the evening want to salute the work of their teammate. Like a cyclist who releases his competitors one by one in a 12% climb but ensures that it is thanks to his teammate who rode 500 meters at the head of the peloton at the foot of the pass.
Domantas Sabonis, he preferred to put his coach, Nate bjorkgren, ahead after his game winner against the Celtics last night. And it’s rare enough to be highlighted.
“The coach is a genius. He has a different system for each situation. He trusts each of us and he makes our life easier. We all trust him and we try to perform as well as possible ”, confided the Lithuanian after the great victory of the Pacers on the wire.
The Indianapolis franchise surprised some observers by replacing Nate McMillan during the offseason. Indeed, the former coach had been able to lead the Pacers in the playoffs and, a priori, he had best exploited the potential of a limited workforce of super talents. Nevertheless, the leaders wanted to bet on a fresh look. A more modern coach. So by going to find one of the brilliant assistants Nick Nurse aux Toronto Raptors.
Domantas Sabonis at full power
For now, it’s taking, even if it’s far too early to draw a real conclusion. But it’s already playing better. With a perfectly used Sabonis. The 24-year-old All-Star inside last year is off to a hot start to the season with 24 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists after three games.
He is the engine of this team. But around, it’s full of good players. Victor Oladipo (absent yesterday) must prove that he can regain his All-Star level. He showed surreal skill in the first two matches. It won’t hold up, at least not at 70% at three points, but it’s a pretty good sign. Malcolm Brogdon and TJ Warren are two good basketball players, each in a different register.
Myles Turner patina and this is the big question for this roster. He struggles to find his marks in attack but… he’s still a very solid circle protector in defense. Another 5 blocks last night. Aaron Holiday, his brother Justin but also Doug McDermott are interesting bench players. The set is nothing sensational – no Kevin Durant or from Giannis Antetokounmpo not even a Jayson Tatum – but it is homogeneous. And above all, with a coach who seems able to be able to take this group a step further.
Indiana faced two weak conference teams before passing their first test against Boston. The Pacers may not have the means to really settle permanently in the top three in the East. But they will probably be there, in the playoffs, while some imagined them to regress. It should hold.
Orlando Magic
Vs Heat : 113-107
@ Wizards : 130-120
@ Wizards : 120-113
Basketball is sometimes down to the little things. Possessions better managed than others. Today, the Magic are 3-0. ” But we could easily be 0-3 “, Considers the coach, Steve Clifford. Except that the Floridians have just made the difference when needed during each of their three outings. In the fourth quarter time.
“We played three good fourth quarters. This is where the meetings were decided each time. The way you earn can help you build confidence. I think these are good victories, ”continues the coach.
Last night, for example, the Wizards were 17 points ahead of the Magic. But rather than crumble, Markelle Fultz and his partners did not panic. They came back with a bang to finally win. With 26 points from the first choice of the 2017 draft. His new career record. The illustration of its rise to power.
Markelle Fultz, future revelation of the season?
Already a few weeks ago, we promised you a great season for the leader, for us one of the big favorites for the MIP trophy. Fultz’s setbacks, his physical but also psychological glitches, seem to be behind him. He feels confident and that is exactly what he needs. Moreover, the Magic extended it (50 million over 3 years, which could quickly become a very good deal).
Markelle Fultz, the player who will break the house at the Magic this season?
The coach and the leaders trust him. He can therefore play free. And that makes all the difference. After three matches, he points to more than 20 pawns per game. It brings the touch of explosiveness ball in hand that was precisely lacking in Orlando’s attack. The rotation at post one is also particularly attractive with the rookie Cole Anthony which has been showing since the preseason. Around, it’s even better with the solid Evan Fournier at his side, more relaxed, and Nikola Vucevic a safe bet in painting.
A bit like Indiana, it’s a very clean team. With good everywhere. But less strong, compared to the Pacers. Magic boxing still a notch below, unless Markelle Fultz really explodes. We do not necessarily imagine the franchise to take a big step forward and recover the home advantage in the playoffs. It will calm down. But it’s important for Orlando to get ahead of the top-eight race.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Vs Hornets : 121-114
@ Pistons : 128-119
Vs Sixers : 118-94
Silence it grows. Quietly, the Cavaliers, holders of the second worst record behind the Golden State Warriors last season, are slowly starting to win games. At least their first three. But beyond the raw results, not always good indicators for the rebuilding teams, there is the way.
“We want some. We want it to death ”, remark Andre Drummond, who already has 20 points and 14 rebounds on average. “We play hard every time and everyone is ready to play. “
The Cavs still won back-to-back against a formation of the Sixers admittedly deprived of Joel Embiid but a priori stronger on paper. Encouraging for the future. The Ohio franchise project is taking shape little by little. Its hard core of young people is, for example, ahead of those of other franchises in reconstruction like Charlotte or Detroit, two opponents already beaten last week.
Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, it rocks
Collin Sexton is entering his third season in the league. A pivotal year for most prospects. Because that’s traditionally when they explode. After three matches, he slams 27 points at 59% on shots and 66% at three points. It will obviously not keep this hellish pace but that tends to confirm the 38% behind the arc of last year. Mostly, Darius Garland He is also progressing alongside him.
The duo of young guards is the big positive point of these first three outings. Very elegant ball in hand, comfortable in the creation, the leader drafted last year compiles almost 20 points and more than 8 assists for the moment. With him also very good percentages. If this trend continues, the Cavaliers will be able to consider the future with the two players. Without forgetting Isaac Okoro, fifth draft pick with intriguing potential.
Now we have to put these three victories into perspective. Two of them are against opponents at the bottom of the table in the East. Cleveland should fall in line. But the team can hope to keep moving forward as they establish a culture in Ohio.
