A 22-0 run, an ethical 40-piece, and a(nother) masterclass from a 2X MVP? That’s a good night in the Association. Let’s get to it ⬇️

Today’s Lineup

Sunday’s Slate

How to win an NBA game, according to the LA Clippers (27-14) on January 21st:

• Go down by 18 points to Brooklyn (17-25) in the fourth quarter.

• Go on a 22-0 run in the final 5:33 of the game.

That’s it, apparently. Clips stay hot: 7-2 in January, 19-4 in their last 23.

Suns starting to find rhythm, beat Pacers 117-110

It hasn’t happened overnight, but Phoenix (24-18) is starting to click. They won their fifth straight game on Sunday, thanks to 91 PTS from their Big Three—40 of which came from Kevin Durant. New Pacer Pascal Siakam looked solid in his second game, posting 15 points and seven assists, but Indy is now 0-2 with its new star—though we’re confident the Pacers will find their groove soon.

🏀 🏀 🏀

Jokic masterpiece propels Nuggets past Wizards, 113-104

Stop us if you’ve heard this before: Nikola Jokic posted an outrageous stat-line and the Nuggets won… you didn’t stop us. Are you new here? Anyway, 42 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, and three blocks from the Joker helped Denver (29-14) hold off Washington (7-35).

Russell gets hot, Lakers beat Blazers 134-110

Are the Showtime Lakers back? Probably not… but this bounce-oop from DLo (34 PTS) to LeBron (28 PTS) was still pretty nice. Los Angeles (22-22) took care of Portland (13-29) in this one, and if you’re looking for your “I feel old” stat of the night, here it is:

Magic use huge second half to put away Heat 105-87

Holding any team to under 90 points in 2024 is a feat. Orlando (23-20) has slowed down a bit after a scorching start to the season, but they can still lock opponents down better than most other teams. Miami (24-19) shot just 37.5% in this one.

Porzingis powers Celtics past shorthanded Rockets 116-107

A 32-point outing from Kristaps Porzingis and a triple-double from Jaylen Brown (13 PTS, 11 REB, 10 AST) got the job done for the Celtics (33-10), who were squared off against a youthful Rockets (20-22) team that was without some key starters. On the bright side? How about 15 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists for rookie Amen Thompson in his first career start?

Weekend Wrap-Up

• The Nuggets want to remind you that they’re still defending champs… and they did that by completely locking down the Celtics in the fourth quarter on Friday night and winning a 102-100 thriller. Jamal Murray lives for the big moments.

• The Cleveland Cavaliers are quietly the hottest team in the NBA. Seven straight wins for Donovan Mitchell & Co.

• Pascal the Pacer looked good in his debut. Spicy P had 21 points and six rebounds in his first game with his new crew, but 67 combined points from Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon helped Portland spoil the occasion.

• If you’re playing against Atlanta and you see Dejounte Murray with the ball in his hands as the clock is winding down… RUN!

• We know players are scoring more than they ever had in today’s NBA, but 52 points is still 52 points. That’s how many Devin Booker scored on Friday in a Phoenix win. We’re gonna have to agree, coach:

Sam Merrill is on the court to do one thing—shoot the ball. Luckily, he’s really good at that.

Merrill is shooting 41.4% from 3PT this season, and 38.9% this month on nine attempts per game. The former Utah State Aggie has scored in double figures seven times this month… in eight games played. After playing only 41 games total in his three previous seasons, Merrill has found a home in Cleveland, and he’s helping the Cavs rise in the Eastern Conference standings while they’re still without Evan Mobley and Darius Garland.

Three in the Key

Signing Off

We always hate saying goodbye, but unfortunately that time has come yet again. We’ll see you in a few days, but until then… go to your local library and get a library card! Public libraries are one of the best resources in our communities, so utilizing them is 🔑. Talk soon!