NBA Game Reviews: December 26, 2020

1. The Hawks have built a legit playoff contender in Atlanta

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The Hawks enjoyed a busy offseason this year. The team began by drafting Onyeka Okongwu with the sixth pick in the draft, a young Big Man out of USC, who some believed to be the best potential player in the draft. The team then added Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari, Rajon Rondo, Kris Dunn, and Solomon Hill in free agency, surrounding Trae Young and the rest of their young core with proven veterans that could help them make some noise in the Eastern Conference. So far, they’ve looked good despite not having much time to gel together.

The Hawks have opened their season 2-0, with a dominant win over the Bulls on Wednesday, and a gritty victory over the Grizzlies on Saturday in Memphis. The Hawks are averaging 123 points in these two contests, while Young is putting up 36.5 PPG and 8.0 APG, while shooting 27-31 (87.1%) from the FT line. A blowout of the Bulls may not have turned many heads, but a 10-point win in Memphis, the eighth seed in the West last year before Jaren Jackson Jr.’s injury, was impressive for a team that lacks continuity early in the season. The Hawks will look to move to 3-0 on Monday when the 0-2 Detroit Pistons come to town.

2. 6’6″ DeMar DeRozan is the new starting PF for this small-ball team under Gregg Popovich

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The San Antonio Spurs are understandably not on many people’s radars right now. Last season’s unsuccessful trip to the bubble snapped the Spurs consecutive playoff streak at 22 seasons, but early season wins against the Grizzlies and Raptors have demonstrated what Popovich’s new small-ball team is capable of. The Spurs aren’t flashy, they don’t have a true “superstar” leading the way and they may be disregarded in the crowded Western Conference. But that’s exactly how Gregg Popovich likes it while he continues to make innovative adjustments to win games.

Demar Derozan has led the way for the Spurs, averaging 27.5 points, 8.5 assists and seven rebounds over their first two contests. He’s also found a stroke from the three-point line, knocking down three triples on Saturday, after hitting a total of nine all of last season. The Spurs have showcased their depth over the first two games, with LaMarcus Aldridge, Patty Mills, Dejounte Murray and Lonnie Walker all playing key roles. The Spurs will have a long way to go to compete in the talented Western Conference, but at least for now, they can enjoy their hot start thanks to their new small-ball approach.

3. Even amidst off-court controversy, James Harden is still a high-level hooper on the court

Controversy has surrounded James Harden’s name over the past few weeks. The Beard has been seen violating the NBA’s Covid protocols, he’s been fined and would’ve missed a game (and game check) if their first game wasn’t postponed and his trade request has been extremely publicized. Put all that aside for now, as James Harden suited up for the Rockets on Saturday in their first game of the season. Whether he wants to be there or not, Harden showed up like the walking bucket he is. 

James Harden did everything he could for the Rockets in a 126-128 overtime loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, with close-contacts Demarcus Cousins and John Wall unable to play. Harden put up 44 points and 17 assists, and took over down the stretch to keep his team in the game. James Harden does not want to be in Houston. He’s made that clear. How soon the Rockets trade him will depend on what they can accumulate as a return. Either way, Harden showed that as long as he’s with Houston, he’ll do what he can to lead them to victory, and is still very capable of taking over games on the offensive end.