🏀 Game of The Year in SLC?

Happy Monday to you all! We hope your weekend was a success. If it wasn’t, just watch this video the Mavericks released and you’ll probably feel better. Let’s recap the weekend!

Today’s Lineup

Madness in SLC: Suns v. Jazz is an early contender for game of the year. ☀️

A New Force In The West? Oklahoma City just keeps winning… 🌩️

Unsung Heroes: This former lottery pick is finding his stride in the Motor City 💡

Wild Scenes in SLC As Suns Win 2OT Thriller

For the first time in 21 years, the Utah Jazz hosted a game on a Sunday. We really hope that we don’t have to wait 21 more years for another because that was fun. Very fun. Phoenix (7-6) prevailed eventually against Utah (4-9), but it took two OTs. The game got to OT number one because of a “right place, right time” moment from Lauri Markannen, who finished with 38 and 17 (reverse Fetty Wap). The game was sent to double OT thanks to Collin Sexton doing essentially the same thing. Phoenix finally outlasted Utah in part because Kevin Durant is, well, incredible. Phew.

Thunder Up

Like, way up. To the top of the West standings. After a thriller in the Bay on Saturday, Oklahoma City (10-4) dominated Portland (3-10) on Sunday, 134-91, becoming the first Western Conference team to reach 10 wins—and this team is far from a fluke. Shai Gilegeous-Alexander is the clear superstar on OKC’s roster (28 PTS in 22 minutes on Sunday), but Chet Holmgren (16 PTS, 6-6 FG) and Jalen Williams (DNP Sunday) are such good second and third options that it won’t be long before we’re using the words B*g Thr*e (we don’t want to jinx it.)

Scintillating Sunday Slate

Sixers get double-doubles from both of their stars, handle Nets 121-99

Philadelphia (10-3) needed Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to develop as passers this season. They both have—in a big way. The duo combined for 19 assists in a comfortable win against Brooklyn (6-7) on Sunday. The 57 combined points don’t hurt, either.

Raptors score a LOT of points (142), Pistons score a lot fewer points (113)

This game was, in short, never close. Toronto (6-7) set a franchise record for assists in a game with 44(!) as they decimated Detroit (2-12) who has now lost 11 in a row.

Cavs beat Nuggets 121-109 in inaugural “Battle of the Porter Jr.’s”

Okay, that’s not an official event, but we don’t care. Both Porter Jr.’s (Craig and Michael, no relation) scored 21 points—a career-high for the former—and Cleveland (7-6) secured a quality win against Denver (9-4).

Magic jump on Pacers early, win 128-116

It wasn’t actually that close. Orlando (8-5) was up by 38 at one point, and the result of this game was never really in doubt. Indiana (7-5) could not get its high-powered offense in gear, partly because Orlando’s defense is equally high-powered. Magic starters shot 1-6 from three—combined. This is a very strange, enjoyable team.

Sabonis, Fox shine as Kings knock off Mavs 129-113

Anytime your two best players combine to go 23-35 from the field, you’re probably in pretty good shape. That’s what Sacramento (8-4) got from Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox on Sunday night as they used a huge second half to beat Luka Doncic and the Mavs (9-5). Fox is on a heater right now—he’s averaging 34 PPG over his past six.

Celtics hold on for dear life, beat feisty Grizzlies 102-100

Well, all wins count the same. Boston (11-2) finally fought off an undermanned Memphis (3-10) team, but it took all of 48 minutes. A Kristaps Porzingis dunk followed by a Kristaps Porzingis block sealed the W for the C’s. It wasn’t pretty—well, actually, this Jayson Tatum dunk was.

LeBron hits game-winning free throw as Lakers survive Rockets, 105-104

After Alperen Sengun (23/10/5) posted up LeBron James and tied the game at 104, the Lakers (8-6) star responded by hitting one of two free throws after he was fouled by the Rockets’ (6-5) Dillon Brooks on a baseline drive with just a few seconds remaining. A Brooks halfcourt heave missed wide and LA escaped with a win—the biggest shot belonged to Austin Reaves, though, who very calmly stepped into this 31-footer.

Weekend Update

• What’s the best way to silence critics for a few days? Probably a step-back game-winning four-point play. James Harden abides. Clips finally get a win with The Beard.

• Oklahoma City’s rebuild is over, and it ended with a Chet Holmgren game-tying three at the buzzer in Golden State. That’s a big moment. OKC wants to compete now.

• DeMar DeRozan…ONIONS! Chicago was down 20-1 in the first quarter but rallied hard to beat Miami.

• Karl-Anthony Towns and Minnesota simply refuse to die, always. How many 7-footers possess the body control he showed on this game-winner?

Daily Trivia

Unsung Heroes: Kevin Knox

We’re seeing numerous high draft picks find roles in the NBA long after they’ve been dismissed as “busts.” Kevin Knox is hoping to join that group. Knox has bounced around the league since he was drafted 9th overall by New York in 2017. Already a journeyman by NBA standards, Knox is back in Detroit for a second stint, and he’s balled out in his first three games with the Pistons by averaging 13.7 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 53.8% from deep. He’s scored in double figures all three games—here’s to hoping Knox can find a long-term home for himself in the league.

Three in the Key

• Okay, turns out Brandon Miller was a good draft pick after all…

• Kevin Durant dagger. You know it’s coming…but you can’t stop it.

• Early dunk of the year candidate from Tari Eason…vicious.

What We’re Enjoying

Six Trophies with Jason Concepcion and Shea Serrano: Two of the most entertaining voices in NBA media have teamed up for a podcast, and it’s just as fun as you’re expecting. The two hand out weekly “trophies,” including the “Daniel Plainview: I’ve Abandoned My Son, I’ve Abandoned My Boy” trophy and the “Catalina Wine Mixer” trophy. It’s great content.

Signing Off

We’re being told that our time is up, so this is, unfortunately, where we must depart. We’re heading into the holiday season, which means a lot of people are spending time with their families—which is great! But it’s also the toughest time of year for folks who can’t do that. Reach out to those around you who may need it this holiday season. It’s the Enjoyer way. 🧡 

Trivia Answer: The most wins in NBA history without a championship? That would be Don Nelson, who won 1335 games, the second-most ever.

Before you go…