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After losing two straight and then losing their All-Star Devin Booker , the Phoenix Suns really wanted a win.In came the youth moving, injury-deep Portland Trailblazers. The Blazers started the year with high hopes, but Damian Lillard got hurt, the team struggled to win games, and by the trade deadline the tank was on. Somehow the tanky Blazers had amassed four straight wins, including wins over the streaking Grizzlies and Bucks but recently have hit a skid.The Book-less, Paul-less Suns say thank you.Cameron Payne returned to the Suns lineup with his usual high-energy game, and distributed the ball very well as the new starting point guard , but still needs to find his shot.The Suns were buoyed by young core pieces Deandre Ayton , Mikal Bridges  and Cameron Johnson  among five Suns in double figures by the end of the third quarter with a lead that approached 30.Bismack Biyombo got a loud cheer from the crowd when he got some fourth quarter run as the lead went well over 30, and the final eight minutes featured Elfrid Payton, Holiday, Shamet, Wainright, Craig and Biyombo.Suns win in a blowout, 120-90.Cameron Payne led the team with 8 assists, Aaron Holiday notched 9, and the Suns had another 32-assist game that's becoming more the norm than not. Six Suns players had 10+ points, and all 12 players who touched the court scored.The Suns now have 50 wins on the season , and a 7-game lead on the next closest team in the Association  with 20 games left before the playoffs in a race for the top seed https://www.psprostore.com/Custom_Jersey-21.Game FlowWith Book and CP both out, Monty Williams went back to his intuition anyway and moved Cameron Johnson back to a bench role to balance out the scoring between the first and second units.Off the bench with CamJo will be JaVale McGee, Aaron Holiday, Elfrid Payton and Torrey Craig.The Suns took an early 6-0 lead as the Rockets started the game either missing everything or turning it over https://www.psprostore.com/Jimmer_Fredette_Jersey-16, but the lead wasn't bigger because the Suns were taking shots out of their comfort zone .Eventually, they got into a rhythm and took a 17-10 lead over a really struggling Blazers team without almost all of their best players.The Blazers stayed close in the game by making some threes, including a 3-3 start by Anfernee Simons for 11 points.Eventually, Monty Williams decided to give Simons the Book treatment of blitzing him whenever he got the ball, forcing it out of Simons' hands. Sure, Simons will get his points  but the rest of that team just can't hold up the whole game. I'm sure Monty doesn't like doing gimmick defenses like that, but he values winning over all so here we are.Meanwhile, the Suns are really sharing the ball seven different players scored in their first 26 points, no one more than Cam Johnson's six.Play got muddy when the full second unit got together Landry Shamet Jersey. The group of Aaron Holiday, Torrey Craig, Cameron Johnson, Ish Wainright and JaVale McGee had never taken the floor together and it showed, allowing Portland to close the quarter on a 12-3 run.Suns led only 29-28 after one quarter.Monty started the second quarter with that we can assume is the preferred bench unit when everyone's healthy Chris Paul Jersey, though this is the first time that group has ever taken the court as a unit: Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet, Cameron Johnson, Torrey Craig and JaVale McGee. Just need to get them some run from here on out, and they will start to gel. Theoretically that's a good shooting unit, but Payne and Shamet aren't making enough shots yet.We have yet to see Elfrid Payton  and Bismack Biyombo .Halfway through the second quarter, the Suns were making only 31% of their threes and 41% overall, and the Suns held only a tenuous 41-36 lead. Payne and Shamet were 4-for-13 between them.The cover came off the rim for Jae Crowder, who drained a pair of threes to help the Suns go up 49-40 with 3:45 left in the half. Then Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson drained a pair of their own, and the Suns lead was 55-42 with just under three minutes left.The Suns lead got up to 15 at halftime, 63-48. Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder both had 13 points, while Cameron Johnson had 11 off the bench https://www.psprostore.com/Elfrid_Payton_Jersey-13. Eight different Suns players have scored so far. Simons did not score again after the Suns shifted their defense to take the ball out of his hands.Second halfThe Suns had a slow start coming out of halftime, giving up a three to Josh Hart and then turning it over on their end.Still, they kept the lead because Portland simply wasn't very good. They were active, for sure. Tried super hard. Just not very good.Suns led 75-58 halfway through the third quarter. Cam Payne couldn't shoot straight , but has 8 assists to only 2 turnovers so far. Ayton is up to 16 points now, with 8 rebounds.The lead ballooned to 20+ by late third quarter and the Blazers spirit was broken.Big props to fans who packed the arena on a Wednesday night, late start, to watch a game that's otherwise available on streaming  for those without cable. They had a great time, cheering every Suns score all the way to end.

Darius Garland scored 21 information, Isaac Okoro more 20 and the Cleveland Cavaliers gained their 5th specifically activity, a 124-89 rout of the Houston Rockets upon Wednesday night time.Ricky Rubio experienced 7 details and a year-significant 12 aids, and Dean Wade scored 16 specifics for Cleveland, which led 84-39 halfway during the 3rd quarter and experienced 100 facts getting into the fourth. It was the greatest victory margin of the period for the Cavaliers and the Rockets' maximum lopsided decline.Cleveland's final 5-video game successful streak happened versus March 28-April 5, 2018, with LeBron James upon the roster. The Cavaliers contain the fourth-least difficult history within the East at 18-12.Houston educate Stephen Silas walked off the courtroom late within the very first quarter and was dealt with for dehydration. The son of longtime NBA practice Paul Silas motioned toward assistant John Lucas in the direction of consider more than as he headed over and above the bench.Silas, 48, acquired fluids in opposition to the Rocketsprofessional medical workers and put in the remainder of the match within the locker area.Newbie Alperen Sengun experienced year highs of 19 specifics and 11 rebounds. Josh Christopher scored 17 information and KJ Martin excess 14 for Houston Garrison Mathews Jersey. The Rockets comprise shed a few of their remaining 4 just after profitable 7 within a row, shedding in direction of 9-19.Garland scored 17 information inside of the initial 50 percent as the Cavaliers constructed a 69-38 contribute, their greatest at intermission given that staying up 34 upon Nov. 25, 2016, towards Dallas. All 5 game titles within their successful streak incorporate been as a result of double digits.Cleveland performed with out starter Evan Mobley, who bruised his straight hip Monday versus Miami. The 3rd in general opt for is averaging 13.8 information, 8.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocked pictures. The Cavaliers are 1-4 the moment he isn within uniform.Heart Christian Picket was a sport-working day scratch with still left knee tendinitis https://www.hrprostore.com/Eric_Gordon_Jersey-12, leaving Houston with 10 accessible gamers. Shield Eric Gordon sat out for the instant period within 3 video games with a limited groin.Sengun dished out 5 will help and Jae'Sean Tate experienced 12 info and 6 rebounds. Houston was termed for 4 specialized fouls, 2 as a result of D.J. Augustin, and was 5 of 29 upon 3-tips.Idea-INSRockets: G Jalen Environmentally friendly , F Danuel Dwelling Jr.  and G Kevin Porter Jr.  moreover ended up out. Silas mentioned Environmentally friendly is the nearest in the direction of returning, adopted through Space. Eco-friendly incorporates ignored 10 video games, though Space includes been sidelined for 5 https://www.hrprostore.com/Garrison_Mathews_Jersey-34. Porter put in his starter year with Cleveland, still was introduced inside 2020 when a sequence of disciplinary things to consider, together with an arrest within Jap Ohio.Cavaliers: Garland is 1 of a few gamers averaging at bare minimum 18.0 information and 7.0 helps even though taking pictures far better than 46%. Lakers F LeBron James and Nuggets C Nikola Jokic are the other individuals. C Tacko Drop and G RJ Nembhard, equally upon 2-course contracts, are upon G League projects with the Cleveland Cost. Cleveland includes a .356 all-season successful share in opposition to Houston, its instant-worst driving San Antonio  Jae'Sean Tate Jersey.

For the third straight season Steven Adams Jersey, the Memphis Grizzlies are one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. However, this time not only should it come as no surprise that Memphis continues to build on success after success, but their winning ways are occurring as a sustainable winner getting closer to contention than as a rebuilding team. Even more impressive is that the Grizzlies have done it while shuffling through different players being available on a game-by-game basis due to league protocols and injuries. While it is true every team in the NBA is dealing with large amounts of absences to key players, few continue to win at the level the Grizzlies have since Thanksgiving. A big reason for that success is that Memphis, in a season where it doubled-down on the young talent on its roster, has been rewarded by seeing nearly every significant rotation piece become a valuable contributor. Though some have been on the court significantly more than others, nearly every starter and consistent rotation member has succeeded in their roles and remained successful when asked to fill a bigger role. In fact, several of these talents have grown to compliment each other well on both ends of the court as well. Without a doubt, the most important developments on the roster center on Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. This trio is the foundation of the future for Memphis, and their continued growth on both ends of the court will be the biggest factor in determining the Memphis ceiling for the future. First round picks such as Ziaire Williams and Santi Aldama will also be extremely important to the Grizzlies success https://www.mgprostore.com/Desmond_Bane_Jersey-28, as those are skill sets  the Grizzlies have high hopes of complimenting Morant, Jackson Jr., and Bane for years to come. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports            Yet, for the Grizzlies franchise, one characteristic that continues to shine and gain significance is their ability to identify and develop talents at all levels of their roster. Beyond the cast of regular contributors, players such as Killian Tillie and John Konchar have shown continued improvement and have stepped into bigger roles as other roster members have been absent. Both Konchar and Tillie arrived in Memphis as undrafted, two-way talents with similar  backgrounds. In terms of collegiate competition, Tillie and Konchar experienced varying journeys with Tillie attending Gonzaga and Konchar attending Purdue-Fort Wayne. However, both players played four years in college, and showed unique skill sets for their positions that attracted the attention of the Grizzlies. In the case of Tillie, his consistency as a shooter at his size was eye opening in terms of what Taylor Jenkins seeks from his big men when they are on the court. For Konchar, his ability to add value outside of scoring in a myriad of ways, especially rebounding and defense from the guard position, was highly intriguing. For both players, their basketball IQ and overall awareness also made it seem as if they could become more at the NBA level than many anticipated. Beyond their talents and projections, it was simply about getting a chance. For Tillie, it was overcoming injuries to finally put his natural talent, which many considered worthy of first round consideration, on display. For Konchar, it was simply gaining an opportunity to show his work ethic and skill set in an NBA development track. For both players, it was the patience and perseverance to trust in the tutelage of the Grizzlies and know their opportunities would come. Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports            As time has progressed, both Konchar and Tillie have not only seen their opportunities but their skills grow. From being used sparingly in each of their rookie seasons to both being trusted as a starter multiple times this season, the trust they have gained from Jenkins and his staff is evident. Whether it comes as a starter, a critical rotation piece off the bench, or making a difference in the closing moments of a game to earn a win, both Tillie and Konchar have shown their value on multiple occasions. Numbers also show that Konchar and Tillie are not simply earning more playing time due to effort and persistence. Both players have shown clear improvement in their games. While Konchar’s rebounding, defense, and playmaking all remain productive to elite for his size, his value as a scorer has progressed this season. Among players with 50 or more 3 point attempts this season, Konchar leads the NBA in 3P%. Sure, the rest of the league may not see Konchar on the level of Desmond Bane as a three point threat any time soon. However, when he is given the chance, Konchar’s improved scoring ability makes him even more valuable in terms of how he can impact the game. Though quality is still developing for Tillie’s game, his ability to add impact also stands out beyond the box score Tony Allen Jersey. While his overall shooting numbers may not be that impressive, he has hit plenty of big shots this season. He has displayed versatility in his defense. Tillie can certainly defend the rim with good shot blocking instincts; however, he also has shown the ability to guard on the perimeter against smaller, quicker opponents. This allows Jenkins to get creative in utilizing Tillie in different lineups and schemes, which is highly valuable when more significant talents are unavailable. The efforts and improvements of both Konchar and Tillie have resulted in both players earning long-term commitments from the Grizzlies. Konchar is in the second year of a four-contract, while Tillie agreed to a two-year contract a few weeks ago. While both players will continue to step up when needed this year, their roles could become even bigger beyond this year as the Grizzlies have decisions to make on several other roster members over this summer. Roster decisions and commitments will continue to become more critical, and costly, for the Grizzlies as the future progresses. With a major commitment already in place with Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies will also need to make long-term decisions on Morant, Kyle Anderson, Tyus Jones, Brandon Clarke, and Dillon Brooks, among others, over the next year or so. Those decisions will result in bigger parts of future payrolls going to a smaller number of players Gorgui Dieng Jersey. A byproduct of that natural development is a higher level of importance for the Grizzlies to gain value from cost efficient sources. This is why the development of players such as Tillie and Konchar are so important now and moving forward. Neither player may ever be a starter for a significant stretch or a key part of a future Grizzlies’ playoff rotation. However, both players will remain important as quality depth pieces. Both Konchar and Tillie are productive in the roles they are asked to fill https://www.mgprostore.com/Deanthony_Melton_Jersey-19, and remain productive as they are asked to fill more significant roles Jaren Jackson Jr. Jersey. While that productivity may only come in the regular season moving forward, it remains critical as it plays a part in the Grizzlies maintaining the positioning they want for a playoff push while missing their best players over significant stretches Sean McDermott Jersey. The emergence of both Tillie and Konchar this season has been so much fun to witness, two of the many amazing narratives from this roster. From highlight reel dunks to game changing performances, such as Konchar’s 15-point, 17-rebound line that earned the Grizzlies a win this past Thursday, both players have shown they can impact winning in multiple ways.  Without a doubt, Tillie and Konchar will continue to benefit and improve from the Grizzlies investment in each of them, while Memphis will continue to benefit from the valuable play and efforts of both players. Overall, the Grizzlies “skill” to develop talents such as Konchar and Tillie will only grow in value as it becomes more critical to gain significant contributions from cost-efficient roster pieces in the future.

In a new piece focused mainly on James Harden’s interest in testing free agency and perhaps migrating from Brooklyn to Philadelphia in the offseason there is also an interesting trade rumor regarding Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant. Both the Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings “have emerged as strong suitors for Jerami Grant,” writes Jake Fischer. Other teams with Grant on their radar include the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks, Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Fischer. Atlanta has been mentioned off and on as a potential landing spot should Grant be dealt Cade Cunningham Jersey, but this is the first time I recall them being called a “strong suitor.” What Fischer writes next is even more intriguing for Pistons fans. While there’s been no direct indication on particular trade frameworks for Atlanta’s pursuit of Grant Jerami Grant Jersey, the Hawks have grown more active in searching for a new home for John Collins, sources said, and Collins’ salary works in a direct swap for Grant. Put simply, Collins would be a pretty perfect fit for Detroit alongside rookie guard Cade Cunningham, and his combination of athleticism, shooting and rim gravity could even help maximize struggling young players like Killian Hayes and Isaiah Stewart. However, Collins would not come cheap, and while a Grant for Collins swap works salary-wise, it’s unclear if it would work from a talent acquisition standpoint for Atlanta. If they require more to pry Collins away from them, Detroit has to consider what else they’d be willing to give up. On the other hand, there have been several reports of Collins’ general dissatisfaction with Atlanta and his role in the offense. During Atlanta’s four-game winning streak, Collins is fourth on the team in shots and minutes. Collins is in the first year of a five-year, $125 million deal. Grant is making $20 million but looking for an extension this offseason that would pay him north of $100 million over four years Saben Lee Jersey.Atlanta could get a defensive lift from Grant as the team’s power forward and serve as the second-ish option behind Trae Young who can use his ability to drive the line and create some individual offense to score and kick out to Atlanta’s collection of perimeter shooters. The fit for Detroit couldn’t be better. Collins is the sort of elite athlete that the Pistons are desperate for and would pair perfectly alongside Cunningham’s passing, and give the team a true lob threat for the first time since Andre Drummond was a young, hungry player. Collins is also a quality 3-point shooter who is hitting at a 42% rate this season and nearly 39% for his career. Importantly, he’s a proficient perimeter shooter above the break as a pick-and-pop big and isn’t only effective from the short corners Frank Jackson Jersey. Also, despite playing three-quarters of his time on the floor at power forward alongside bigs like Clint Capela, 52% of Collins’ field goal attempts are at the rim. He also consistently ranks among the elite finishers at the rim of players with at least four attempts in the past three seasons. Collins’ defense is poor, and he doesn’t seem like a player who could shoulder playing a small-ball five role for longer than intermittent spurts. However, his high-end efficiency and elite athleticism more than make up for any defensive struggles. The rosy picture I’m painting of Collins again forces us to step back and ask why Atlanta would be interested in a straight up swap of Jerami for John. The answer is, they probably aren’t. So is there a larger deal that could actually work for Atlanta? I’m sure Detroit could be willing to part with any or all of Cory Joseph, Frank Jackson or Josh Jackson to help Atlanta shore up its wing position. Thinking bigger, there are few players who seem to fit the Travis Schlenk ethos in Atlanta better than Kelly Olynyk as a dynamic, perimeter-oriented big man who can handle the ball. Would a Jerami Grant, Kelly Olynyk and Frank Jackson package in exchange for John Collins and Danilo Gallinari deal work for Atlanta? Gallinari's deal is only partially guaranteed so perhaps that isn’t a good enough incentive for Atlanta. It doesn’t seem like they’d want to move on from Capela’s big contract but perhaps they’d want to move off of Bogdan Bogdanovic. Bogdanovic is already 29, has missed 17 of the past 24 games with knee issues and is owed $18 million each of the next two seasons Cade Cunningham Jersey. That would take a chunk out of Detroit’s offseason salary cap space, which they already ate into in a trade for DeAndre Jordan for draft picks earlier this season, but you’re unlikely to attract players near the talent level or age of Collins in free agency. One thing is for certain, Detroit is not in a position to send out additional draft picks to the Hawks to cement a deal, and Cade Cunnnigham is untouchable and Saddiq Bey is probably too valuable of an asset to throw into the deal Isaiah Livers Jersey.