The trade deadline is tomorrow and not a move in sight. Someone tell Adam Silver to make some calls. At least we’ve had some high-quality hoops the last couple days to tide us over…

Today’s Lineup

Last Night’s Action

Bulls complete the Wind City comeback, beat Wolves 129-123 in OT

In a season that’s been the textbook definition of up and down, of course the Bulls (24-27) couldn’t let their biggest W of the year be just any normal win.

In the first half, it seemed like the Timberwolves starters (35-16) had their eyes set on an early night, with Anthony Edwards explosive play leading Minnesota to a 22-point lead at the break.

It was only then that somebody remembered to flip the “Michael Jordan mode” switch they have hidden under the United Center. Coby White started hitting anything and everything, Andre Drummond gobbled up boards for breakfast, and DeMar DeRozan sealed it in OT by casually outscoring Minnesota by himself.

Monday Night Notes

• The Cavs have been making things look easy as of late. Cleveland is 14-1 in their last 15, including a 136-110 drubbing of the Kings on Monday. No wonder Donovan Mitchell is confident enough to throw up a self-lob. 🔥

• Fun fact, the Clippers have a +37.8 net rating over their last ten games when James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George are on the court together. That fact turns slightly less fun if you’re the Hawks, who had 149 hung on them including this ridiculous 4-point-play from the beard to ice it.

• With 41 points, 9 assists, and zero turnovers Brandon Ingram came to PLAY in the Pelican’s demolition of the Raptors. There’s nothing quite like hitting back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back threes is there?

• AD was downright dominant in the Laker’s win over the Hornets, posting his third career triple-double, but the real story of the night has to be Buzz City’s Brandon Miller. The 2nd overall pick proved the doubters wrong again, putting up a smooth 33 and nearly reading Charlotte to a furious 21-point comeback.

• The Jonathan Kuminga era is finally here in Golden State, and it might be just in time to save the Warriors season. He’s averaging 25 and 7 over his last 10, including a 28-10 double-double in the Dubs W over Brooklyn.

Buried deep on the bench in Milwaukee is the closest NBA equivalent to the Flash.

Andre Jackson Jr. might only be playing just over 11 minutes a night on a loaded Bucks roster, but he still manages to lead the entire league when it comes to raw speed. #1 in the NBA in average court speed and distance traveled per 36, Jackson Jr has been the definition of a live wire when he gets to touch the hardwood.

The 6’6” guard out of UConn might be rough around the edges, but he’s already making a serious impact in the transition game with his speed. Jackson Jr ranks 2nd on the Bucks in fast break points per possession and first in effective field goal percentage. Just look at this explosive drive from earlier this season where he carves through the Cav’s transition D like a hot knife through butter.

And all that quickness doesn’t just apply to his feet. Jackson Jr would be an absolute sharpshooter in the Wild West with his lightning-fast hands. Plays like this strip on Malachi Flynn and his insane double chase-down block sequence in Summer League showcase his tantalizing potential on the defensive end.

If you’re reading this Coach Doc, get the kid some minutes ASAP!

Three in the key

Signing Off

Well would you look at the time, we have to go practice our moves for the dunk contest. Is it the NBA one? Maybe not. Is it on a mini hoop in our living room? No comment.

Until next time,

-Spencer Poole