NBA Shakeup: Anunoby Leaves Toronto for New York, Knicks Beat Timberwolves

The year 2023 could not close peacefully, one day before changing the year the NBA shook strongly, Anunoby left Toronto for New York. That day criticism rained down on the New York franchise after sending Barrett and Quickley in that move to receive Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn in addition to the English. The acid test came last night with the title against the best team in the Western Conference and second in the NBA, the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Knicks led by a good Julius Randle beat the Timberwolves 106-112. Randle scored 39 points, Anunoby, who was expelled for fouls, finished with 17 and Brunson with 16 points and 14 assists, the highest in his career. A match where they withstood the first push and knew how to take advantage of their cards, the arrival of the English forward has given a new breath to the team both in attack and defense. Brunson spent several minutes commanding the second unit, Thibodeau’s plan worked like a charm. Anthony Edwards played his third consecutive game with over 30 points, this time he left the number at 35. Karl Antony Towns, key in bringing his team closer in the last quarter, stayed at 29. Minnesota did not know how to take advantage of its great start where it started with 10 baskets in 15 attempts.

Achiuwa also debuted, giving Hartenstein a rest, although he failed to score, he had three sacks. It will be important how he adapts to the backup role on this team, which he won’t be able to play against Mitchell Robinson this season. The versatility of the starting five varies with the entry of a shooter like DiVincenzo or an all-around player like Josh Hart.

CLEVELAND 121 – 124 TORONTO

The other part of the transfer also made their debut in front of their fans. RJ Barrett scored 19 points and Quickley went up to 14. The Canadian with 50% shooting was one rebound away from the double-double, although the star was the Cameroonian Pascal Siakam. Rumors about an exit are growing, increased by Anunoby’s move and the player continues to show what he is capable of, 36 points with great percentages. He could become an all-star again, a position that his teammate Barnes, yesterday’s 20th scorer, also wants to occupy.

The Cavaliers continue to leave many doubts, Donovan Mitchell full of rumors about an exit was once again the best with 26, 7 assists, 4 steals and 7 rebounds. Without Garland and without Mobley he once again had his squire in Levert, with 31 points. Cleveland may be one of the teams that moves the most in the final part of the market in search of moving up positions. In the next games they will have a schedule (vs Wizards, Spurs and Nets) that could allow them to return to playoff positions.

DETROIT 113 – 136 ROCKETS

The Pistons, after breaking their losing streak, returned to the path of defeat, in a game where the Rockets surpassed them. Cunningham didn’t have his night, just six points. The Pistons’ top scorer was Alec Burks with 21. While the Rockets, who recovered their players, except for Oladipo who is still out, dominated in all facets. 26-9 from Sengun who is on his way to becoming the next all-star of the Texan franchise since the departure of James Harden in 2020. Good feelings from the two rookies who are having few opportunities: Amen Thompson who won the duel against his brother Ausar 12-4-6 and Cam Whitmore, after his time in the Development League, 9 points and 4 sacks .

The Rockets’ losing streak remains at three, now they will have to string together several victories if they want to get out of the play-in spots, they are three and a half games away from the playoff spots.

BLAZERS 88 – 109 SUNS

New victory for the Suns, the return of Bradley Beal is being key in the last games. This time we couldn’t see Big Threre on the court, Durant was out due to some discomfort. Another one who missed the duel was DeAndre Ayton against his former teammates, although Nurkic did play it. Beyond Beal’s 21 points, up to 7 players surpassed double figures in scoring. Minutes for the less common with flashes of Bol Bol, the Suns’ unicorn, with 11 points and 9 rebounds.

Without Ayton, Simons or Toumani Camara, Scoot was the top scorer (17) although with quite low percentages.

HORNETS 93 – 111 NUGGETS

5-1 is Denver’s winning streak when Jokic scores less than 15 points this season, and it is becoming more and more common for the Serbian to cede the number of shots to his teammates. In three quarters he played, 13-11-6, Jamal with 25, Michael Porter Jr with 22 points and Reggie Jackson with 15. After the incident with a dog, Aaron Gordon returned, 10 points for him. The defeat against Oklahoma left a different feeling than what his results indicate, 10 wins and 2 losses in the last games. They continue to chase Minnesota and Thunder.

The Hornets, who have not had a streak of games since Lamelo’s injury, had Mark Williams and Rozier missing, Bridges was the best with 26 points.

BUCKS 113 – 122 PACERS

CLIPPERS 121 – 104 HEAT

JAZZ 127 – 90 MAVERICKS

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2024-01-02 10:37:40
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