🏀 Domas the Destroyer

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Be honest, you were too busy watching your March Madness bracket get busted yesterday (thanks, Princeton) to watch any of the NBA action. Don’t worry, we promise we won’t judge. Let’s get you caught up in the world of pro hoops. 🏀

Today’s Lineup

Domas Dominates 👑: Sabonis drops a monster 20-20 in critical Kings W!

Setting the Pace 🏃: Indy’s second half surge powers them to surprise win over contender…

How did he do that? 🤯: Breaking down five of the best passes of all time.

A quick detour before we get into all the hardwood action: take our survey so we can know which NBA team you ride with and do fun things like give you a birthday shoutout! We promise it only takes a minute, and it will 100% level up your newsletter experience! 👇

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Last Night’s Action

Five great games last night! Click here for all the numbers—let’s get into it.

Nuggets get back on track with 119-110 win over Pistons

Nikola Jokic might have put the ball in his own basket, but does that really matter when the Nuggets (47-23) cruised to a 19 point W? Outside of the mishap, the Joker put together the type of complete performance (30 PTS, 9 AST, 78% FG) that we’ve come to expect of him over his multi-year run of offensive dominance. For the Pistons (16-55), a loss is a win at this point. And how about that Jalen Duren guy? We already knew he was a beast inside, but did you know he could throw lobs like this? Look out.

Kings escape Brooklyn with 101-96 win

Even though it wasn’t pretty, these are the types of wins that should encourage Kings (42-27) fans. De’Aaron Fox couldn't buy a shot, Kevin Huerter got injured six minutes in, and yet Sacramento still managed to win this game by dominating the boards and getting to the line at will. Domantas Sabonis was the maestro that orchestrated a symphony on the inside. 24 points and 21 boards on DPOY candidate Nic Claxton? Turning into a Sa-bonafide superstar before our very eyes.

Pacers can't miss in second half, take down Bucks 139-123

Maybe Brook Lopez is the only thing holding the Bucks (50-20) defense together? While Milwaukee's DPOY-level center rested for the night and Giannis Antetokounmpo got into foul trouble, the Pacers (32-38) attacked the basket with impunity and opened up space outside to rain threes upon threes en route to 84 second half points. It's impossible to point out just one player, but special shout-outs to TJ McConnell for his elite playmaking, Aaron Nesmith for basically not missing all night, and Myles Turner for throwing down the dunk of the night.

Fultz’s big night not enough as Suns squeak past Magic 116-113

Despite the loss, Markelle Fultz was everywhere on the court last night for the Magic (28-42). The 2022 Enjoy Basketball breakout candidate (only real ones remember) was making stuff happen all game, whether it was taking the ball coast to coast in transition or stripping Devin Booker on a critical possession in the final minute. But the Suns (38-32) did just enough to eke out a win by the skin of their teeth despite mediocre performances from their stars. Two names to mention are Cam Payne, who had 18 off the bench, and Josh Okogie, who got it done on D with six stocks (steals+blocks) including the game-sealing swat on Paolo Banchero.

Well-rounded Raptors blow by Thunder 128-111

The Raptors (34-36) kept their playoff window open by trading for Jakob Poeltl at the deadline, and games like last night certainly made it seem like the right decision. The Austrian big man was a huge reason why Toronto maintained a commanding +20 margin on the glass, and he threw down a huge slam for good measure. But he certainly wasn’t alone—six different Raptors scored 15 or more points, tied for the most in a single game this season. The Thunder (34-36) would certainly like to have this one back, but at least Josh Giddey made the most of his one and only assist.

Wednesday Night Notes

The highlight of Wednesday night was undoubtedly a dazzling 50-piece from Steph Curry in the Warriors’ loss to the Clippers, including this acrobatic tight-rope act that has to be seen to be believed. The Celtics won a tight one over the Timberwolves, but the real story ended up being the officiating, capped off by this totally legal jump ball. And De’Aaron Fox continues to be simply ridiculous at the end of the games. Sacramento’s star guard shouldn’t just be the inaugural Clutch Player of the Year—it should be unanimous because of plays like this, which took down the Bulls in Chi-Town.

Elsewhere, Joel Embiid continued his MVP crusade with a monster 36 point, 18 board performance to give Philly a massive win in Cleveland. The Heat had a rare offensive outburst, dropping 138 against a usually stringent Memphis defense. San Antonio ran a late game inbound play to perfection against a shorthanded Dallas team to send the game to OT, but eventually took the L. And the Lakers must be kicking themselves for resting Anthony Davis, as they dropped a must-win game to a surprisingly hot Houston squad.

Top Five Friday

As satisfying as a rim-rattling poster dunk or a 40-foot bomb might be, there’s nothing quite like a gravity-defying pass that would leave Isaac Newton scratching his head. For this week's Top Five Friday, we’ll be breaking down five passes that seem to defy the laws of physics.

5. Pau channels his inner Magic

Starting off at number five, how about this beautiful no-look fastbreak dime from Lakers legend Pau Gasol? There’s just something hypnotizing about a 7’1” player dribbling so fluidly, not to mention finishing it off with an absolutely FILTHY dish to Trevor Ariza. And just imagine Pau patrolling the paint for the Showtime Lakers… somebody get us a time machine.

4. Rondo the Human Beyblade

Rajon Rondo is certainly on the Mount Rushmore of all-time great playmakers, and his magnum opus surely has to be this gravity-defying assist right around a young Klay Thompson. The full-body spin is impressive enough, but then following it up with a gorgeous behind the back flick to an open Ray Allen in the corner? Perfection.

3. Prime Westbrook threads the needle

Why dribble through your own legs when you can put the rock through someone else's? Russell Westbrook had more assists than just about anyone at the height of his career, and this beautifully threaded pass is a perfect example of what makes him so dangerous with the ball. Even if it’s through the legs of the opponent half a court away, and no matter how tight the window, Russ will always find the open man.

2. Wizardry from White Chocolate

It’s basketball sacrilege to make a list of the best passes in league history and not include at least one dime from the legendary Jason Williams. White Chocolate could make up this entire list on his own, but this pass to Raef LaFrentz stands above the rest, and just for its sheer creativity. A behind the back pass off the elbow? Be for real.

1. Peja’s Pinpoint Precision

Yeah, we included two passes from the early 2000’s Kings. Got a problem with that? You won’t after you watch this video. Peja Stojakavic was known for being one of the NBA’s premier perimeter threats, and with a career average of 1.8 assists per game, you wouldn’t expect him to make one of the greatest passes in hoops history. Nevertheless, he pulled it off—three quarters court, behind the back, off the bounce. Chef’s kiss.

Frozen Moments

• Markelle Fultz with some interesting last-second defense on Terrence Ross.

• Kevin Love took taking one for the team to the extreme.

• This hilarious uncharacteristic pass form Joel Embiid.

Good Reads

NBA now seeing 'real' version of Jabari Smith Jr. - Michael Shapiro (Houston Chronicle)

Kevin Durant’s deep connection to Prince George’s County shines with Suns - Kellan Olson (Arizona Sports)

Basketball is about feelings: Superstars all become villains eventually - Mette Robertson (Mavs Moneyball)

What We’re Enjoying

Luck of the Irish: Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Enjoyers! To celebrate, we’ve been listening to some music from folk/soul artist Hozier, one of the great Irish musicians of our era. Check out the title track from his newest project, Eat Your Young, which he JUST dropped in commemoration of St. Patrick’s Day:

Signing Off

Another newsletter in the books. Thanks for sticking with this us and reading all about the NBA, even when college hoops are on. We appreciate you. 🫂

Until next time,

- Spencer Poole

Trivia Answer: The answer to today’s trivia is Shake Milton! The Sixers super-sub made 14 straight threes across multiple games during the 2019-20 NBA season.

Before you go…