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There’s a lot to say about what teams have done to compete with the reigning champs. But at the end of the day, there’s a reason the C’s have a seat on the throne.

Today’s Lineup

🎉 Happy birthday to Talen Horton-Tucker, Dennis Smith Jr., and Enjoyers Billy and Eric! 🎉

Weekend Wrap-Up

Boston downs Minnesota 107-105 behind big day from the Jays

A few short years ago, the discourse surrounding Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown was about whether they’d ever win a title. Now, the question is whether they’ll ever be stopped.

After one of the most even duo performances in championship history during last years’ Finals, the Jays have the Celtics favored to take this year’s chip thanks to performances like Sunday’s. Against Minnesota, Tatum (26 PTS) and Brown (29 PTS) combined for 55 points to hold off a late Timberwolves surge and emerge with their 14th win in 17 games. Tatum, who’s had an MVP-type start to the year, struggled from the field but was picked up by Brown, whose 7/10 shooting from three was enough for a Celtics victory. We’ve been knowing that the C’s are scary, but every game is a new reminder.

LaMelo Balls, Bucks Win 125-119

It feels like LaMelo Ball has been in the league for ages, but the newest member of the 50-point club is actually just 23 years old. He gained his membership card on Saturday against the Bucks, with exactly 50 big ones and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough to knock off Milwaukee—they’re now near .500 after a rough start to the season.

Brandon Miller also dropped 32 in Deer Country, part of an electric start for the sophomore player that has given Charlotte reason to believe he and Ball are the future of the franchise. Only time will tell if that’s true, but one thing is for sure… this duo has the league buzzing. (Get it?)

Elsewhere around the NBA…

• Cam Thomas getting buckets. Fork in the kitchen. The Nets dispatched the Kings 108-103 on Sunday night thanks to 34 PTS from Thomas, who has filled the Mikal Bridges-sized hole in Brooklyn fans’ hearts. But don’t look past 34 PTS from De’Aaron Fox, who may be having the best season of his career.

• Last time on Portland Ball Z, the Blazers were riding young guns like Shaedon Sharpe and Dalano Banton to a respectable record. Now, Portland has fallen to 6-10, but not without their fair share of interesting storylines—including stud rookie Donovan Clingan, who recorded 19 REB in 26 minutes to help Portland beat the Rockets 104-98.

• For all the accomplishments Nikola Jokic has accrued during his illustrious career, this season may be his greatest act. The Joker is averaging career highs across the board, most recently leading the Nuggets to a comfortable win over the Lakers. MVP #4 on the way?

Stock Market

Let’s check in on some of the major storylines on the rise this NBA season.

Non-Lottery Picks 📈

The two betting favorites for this year’s Rookie of the Year award? The 16th and 17th overall picks. Jared McCain and Dalton Knecht have blossomed in their roles with the Sixers and Lakers, making instant impacts especially from a scoring standpoint. With Jared at 16.5 PPG and Knecht at 11.5, it’s tough to believe these guys were playing college hoops just a few short months ago.

Heating Up 📈

Miami has endured an up-and-down start to the season, but if Jimmy Butler keeps having games like he just did against the Mavericks, it will be a lot more of the former. In an OT clash with the reigning West champs, JB dropped 33 PTS, 9 REB, and 6 AST to remind the world just what Heat Culture means.

Terrific Ty 📈

There’s plenty of people to credit for the Cavaliers’ incredible 17-1 start, but one player who especially deserves his flowers is Ty Jerome. The UVA product is in the midst of a career year, putting up a career high in both points (11.8 PPG) and efficiency (59.2 FG%). And with two 24+ point performances in his last three games, there’s reason to believe his best is yet to come.

Three in the Key

Signing Off

And we out! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us. This week, don’t forget the importance of having fun! It’s so easy to forget the role joy plays in our lives, and prioritizing it a little bit each day can go a long way. See you soon!

-Walker Carnathan