🏀 D-Book Silences MSG

Hey! We missed you. It’s been far too long since we last hung out…we hope you’re officially recovered from any food-related hibernating, because we have so much basketball to talk about. Off we go!

Today’s Lineup

🔥 Orlando is HOT: The Magic have forgotten how to lose.

📖 Book is Clutch: The Suns star had a huge moment at MSG.

🗣️ EB Roundtable: Which players have you Enjoyed watching this season?

A Magical Run

The Magic were primed for a leap this season, but even the most optimistic fans couldn’t have seen this coming. After a 130-117 win over Charlotte on Sunday, the Magic are now 12-5, have won seven in a row, and remain just one game behind Boston for first in the East. A different Magic player seems to steal the show each night—on Sunday, it was Cole Anthony with 30 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block. “Magic is for real.”

Point Book Still Gets Buckets

Devin Booker is now averaging nearly nine assists per game. He’s fully embracing a facilitator role that many thought Phoenix was missing. With that being said…he’s still about his buckets. Book scored 28 on Sunday at MSG against the Knicks, including the most important basket of the game with under two seconds left.

Phoenix is on a seven-game winning streak of their own right now, and they haven’t been at full strength for any of it. Their bench players like Nassir Little and Jordan Goodwin have stepped up big time. Scary hours in the desert.

Sunday’s Best

Bucks storm back to beat Blazers, 108-102

Twenty-six point deficit? No problem for Milwaukee (12-5), which outscored Portland (4-12) by 19 in the fourth quarter. Damian Lillard scored 31 in his first ever game against the Blazers. The Bucks don’t look great…but they have won seven of their last eight, which is, in the end, the most important part.

Celtics hold off Hawks 113-103 in playoff rematch

100 three-pointers were attempted in this game. That’s a lot! Too many? Who are we to decide? Anyway, Jayson Tatum scored 34 points for Boston (13-4), which was able to stay undefeated at home this season. Trae Young put up 33 for Atlanta (8-8).

T’wolves start strong, never look back in 119-97 win over Grizz

This Minnesota (12-4) defense is no joke. At all. The Wolves stifled yet another offense, and they now have a full game lead in the West after dominating Memphis (3-13) for 48 minutes. Plus, their point guard made some history!

Cavs survive Mitchell’s off night, beat Raptors 105-102

The year is 2023 and Tristan Thompson is still grabbing offensive rebounds for Cleveland (9-8). He snatched four big O-boards in eight minutes, providing a spark down the stretch. A clutch Darius Garland layup with 20 seconds left put away Toronto (8-9) for good.

Nets get red-hot from deep, beat Bulls 118-109

Brooklyn (8-8) made 25 threes. Chicago (5-13) attempted 32. Not sure what else we really need to say…except that Lonnie Walker IV scored 20 points yet again and continues to play like the best bargain contract in the NBA.

Nuggets stay unbeaten at home with 132-120 win over Spurs

39 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists. Least impressive Nikola Jokic statline. Denver (11-6) improved to 8-0 this season at home with a comfortable win over San Antonio (3-14). Wemby did record six steals and four blocks, though, so we guess it’s not all bad, Spurs fans(?)

Weekend Wrap Up

• Can a win in November count as a statement win? If so, the Magic claiming their sixth straight by beating Boston on Friday was certainly one of them. Paolo Banchero & Co. are here.

• New York was up at the half, down twenty in the third quarter, and then ended the game on a 38-15 run to beat Miami at MSG. (Shout out to the Knicks film crew for the 🔥mini-doc.)

• Brook Lopez loves to have an insane offensive game every once in a while…just for fun. He scored a career-high 39 on Friday (on 14/17 shooting!) as Milwaukee beat Washington.

EB Roundtable

We’re over a month into the NBA season, and we’ve seen some unreal individual performances so far. So we wanted to know…

Who have you been Enjoying?

Efficient RJ Barrett has been a treat. He’s shooting 46.3% from deep, his true shooting percentage is the highest it’s ever been, and he’s knocking down 84% of his free throws. New York’s ceiling raises considerably if the Maple Mamba can keep this up.

Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have received most of the attention during Orlando’s rapid rebuild…but Jalen Suggs and Mo Wagner have been absolutely crucial, too. Suggs is the perfect defensive stopper & energy guy, while Wagner is averaging a career-high 13 points per game. Total team effort in Orlando.

Daily Trivia

Three in the Key

• Cole Anthony talking about his teammates is a must-watch.

• A changing of the guard in Portland? Scoot hits a three over Dame.

• Jaylen Brown drove to the basket will nefarious intent…

What We’re Enjoying

WWE: Two legends returned to WWE on Saturday. Randy Orton made his first appearance back after missing significant time with injury, and when the night appeared to be over…CM Punk arrived, over a decade after he originally departed WWE. In basketball terms: this is like Dirk Nowitzki secretly signing a contract with the Mavericks and showing up to hit a buzzer-beater in a playoff game.

Signing Off

And we’re gone! It’s the season of giving, so if you can, go donate some of your time to a positive cause this week. You’ll feel more connected to your community and the people you help will be truly grateful.

Also, well wishes to LaMelo Ball, who injured his ankle again on Sunday. We hope Melo can get back out there ASAP. 🛸

Talk soon!

Trivia Answer: On April 26th, 2012, Rajon Rondo dished out 15 assists without a point to his name. What a cool player.

Before you go…