Category / Last night in the atlantic

Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers, Sixers
by Alex Fischbein

Last night in the Atlantic (11/9/21)

Yes, we know we’re a little with the LNITA today, today has been a rough one. The short-handed Sixers came very close to dispatching the reigning champs last night. Doc Rivers did say he was expanding to a 10-man rotation for this game but all of a sudden only played 7 plus barely Charles Bassey…

Standings:
Philadelphia 76ers 8-4
Brooklyn Nets 7-4
New York Knicks 7-4
Toronto Raptors 6-5
Boston Celtics 4-6

Let’s talk about last night!

Tyrese Maxey

Tyrese Maxey was outstanding last night! Pull-up threes, side-step threes, step-back jumpers, and of course his usual drives and floaters were all working! On top of that, it was against a VERY good defender in Jrue Holiday. When it’s all said and done, these minutes with half the team out could prove to be vital for Maxey’s growth. His confidence is pretty much forced to stay high because he’s had to be the main scorer and facilitator. When you think about it, he has a ton of pressure on his shoulders in only his second year in the NBA. He has to replace Ben Simmons before that situation is resolved, he’s now the biggest offensive contributor with everyone hurt, and the fans are expecting him to help carry this team further in the playoffs than last season. Hopefully, people don’t get too rowdy if he has some growing pains. He’s just incredibly fun to watch when he can get anywhere on the court in the blink of an eye.

Georges Niang

Who would have known that in a few short weeks of this season, we all would find out that Georges Niang is a better scorer and a quicker fan favorite than Ben Simmons has ever been. Niang was egging the crowd on as he scored near the end of the game and they LOVED it. He’s been hitting all sorts of shots and all of his teammates have nothing but praise for him. Watching him in Philly has been a lot of fun!

Julius Randle, New York Knicks
by Alex Fischbein

Last night in the Atlantic (11/8/21)

Something was very off last night as all three Atlantic teams either barely scored 100 or didn’t even reach 100. The New York Knicks did bounce back though as the Brooklyn Nets dropped hard to the Bulls.

Standings:
Philadelphia 76ers 8-3
Brooklyn Nets 7-4
New York Knicks 7-4
Toronto Raptors 6-5
Boston Celtics 4-6

Let’s talk about last night!

Julius Randle

Julius Randle is the sole reason for the Knicks’ win. If it wasn’t for his 31p, 12r performance, then they were destined to fall to the shorthanded Sixers. He stepped up each time that it mattered most though. There were a few times that the Sixers looked like they were ready to finally take the lead, but Randle either hit a three or a tough layup. Other than him, only three other Knicks scored in the double digits as they just squeaked by the Sixers with a seven-point win.

Andre Drummond

Andre Drummond is exactly what the Sixers have needed in a backup center for Joel Embiid ever since he entered the league. Admittedly, I’ve been very skeptical of Drummond after his past couple of stops in Los Angeles and Cleveland. The way he’s been playing, however, is perfect for the role he was given. On a night that the Sixers were without all of their other rebounders, Drummond cashed in a 14p, 25r night! His offensive rebounds gave them many more chances than they probably even deserved and he was a key component to limit the chances for the Knicks too.

Kevin Durant

We’re back again, talking about Kevin Durant. This man is just unreal, yet again. His teammates just did not help him, yet again! KD had 38p, 10r, 4a and the rest of the starters had only 25p combined… Throw that in with the fact that they played the Chicago Bulls and anyone can see why they lost in a blowout fashion. Especially with the fact that the Bulls had six players in double digits compared to the Nets three. Durant is really going to need some more consistent help if they really want to win a ring this year!

James Harden, Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets
by Alex Fischbein

Last night in the Atlantic (11/7/21)

The Knicks fall victim to Ricky Rubio’s insane 37 points while the Nets spoil Pascal Siakam’s return!

Standings:
Philadelphia 76ers 8-2
Brooklyn Nets 7-3
New York Knicks 6-4
Toronto Raptors 6-5
Boston Celtics 4-6

Let’s talk about last night.

James Harden

James Harden is slowly, but surely getting back to cooking up defenses. His 3-point shot isn’t exactly up to par just yet, but shooting 10-20 from the floor overall and finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists with only 2 turnovers is still pretty great. There has been a handful of moments over the last few games that makes us all question his hamstring’s health and even his is physical shape, but at least he’s getting better. By the mid-point of the season, we’ll probably know how he’s going to end up this season.

Pascal Siakam

Pascal Siakam is finally back! Yes, we know he’s on a bit of a restriction, and the first game of his return wasn’t exactly the greatest game. Either way, it was great seeing him back on the court! 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks in 25 minutes isn’t too bad and we’re looking forward to him gelling with Scottie Barnes!

Obi Toppin

As mentioned before, the Knicks fell victim to an insane 37-point performance from Rubio. Obi Toppin was one of the only couple of Knicks players that finished with a positive +/-. When he was aggressive and attacking the rim, Cleveland wasn’t able to stop him. If he can continue that and build his repertoire from it, he’ll definitely deserve more minutes and be held higher in the depth chart than Gibson.

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
by Alex Fischbein

Last night in the Atlantic (11/6/21)

Philadelphia kept it rolling with 6 wins in a row now as the Celtics just barely missed out on beating the Mavs!

Standings:
Philadelphia 76ers 8-2
Brooklyn Nets 6-3
New York Knicks 6-3
Toronto Raptors 6-4
Boston Celtics 4-6

Let’s talk about last night!

Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid was back to his normal self last night after a lot of speculation about his knee and whether he could return to his level from last season. Well, last night was definitely the EMVPIID. He’s a dominant force, especially whenever he faces the Bulls. Vucevic was never really able to guard Embiid during their matchups anyway, so that was a recipe for disaster whenever he’s in the game. He finished with 30p, 15r, 3a.

Furkan Korkmaz

Furkan Korkmaz was living up to his Turkish Delight nickname! This man is turning out to be an elite bench player that every single team would want especially when they’re making a playoff run. His shooting from three has been great, his limited point guard play has been great, and his defense is still improving. Especially when other shooters are on the floor and Embiid is occupying the middle, Korkmaz opens up a lot of the floor.

Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum did everything he could to will the Celtics to a win. Jaylen Brown was out so the offense naturally had to run through only Tatum. They really need a major move to happen soon or else this season could be a big boost. Tatum did finish the game with 32p, 11r, 2a, 2s.

Julius Randle, New York Knicks
by Alex Fischbein

Last night in the Atlantic (11/5/21)

The trio of Atlantic games last night was highlighted by a big-time win by the Knicks. Both New York teams actually got a win with Toronto’s game ending in a little bit of a controversial way.

Standings:
Philadelphia 76ers 7-2
Brooklyn Nets 6-3
New York Knicks 6-3
Toronto Raptors 6-4
Boston Celtics 4-5

Let’s talk about last night.

Julius Randle

Julius Randle, after a bit of a rough streak, finally got back to his ways from last season. He dropped 32p, 12r, 4a, 2b in an awesome comeback win against one of the top teams in the East! Randle was leading the way for the offense again and it shows that this team really fires on all cylinders when Randle is going. The biggest question is if he can stay consistent and if he doesn’t, can this team win despite that.

Gary Trent Jr.

Gary Trent Jr is really proving to be an awesome return for the Norm Powell trade. He’s been playing some great basketball and making sure he’s playing his way into the starting lineup. His defense has improved and his quick trigger on offense has given the Raptors some great shooting to go along with their main core. He finished with 17p, 2r, and SIX steals!

Blake Griffin

Kevin Durant had another great scoring night, James Harden had another triple-double, but this time we’re showing love to Blake Griffin. The guy that’s bringing his hard hat and lunch box to the game and doing a lot of the hard, dirty work. He even has a celebration that goes along with that. He deserves even more of a shoutout because he has bought into his role and has been playing it perfectly for this team.

Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers, Sixers
by Alex Fischbein

Last night in the Atlantic (11/4/21)

The star players on both of the Celtics and Sixers didn’t exactly look star-ish in their respective games. Which does seem to be a common theme throughout the league. Some blame the new basketball, others blame the new foul rules, but people like Seth Curry just keep getting buckets anyway.

Standings:
Philadelphia 76ers 7-2
Toronto Raptors 6-3
Brooklyn Nets 5-3
New York Knicks 5-3
Boston Celtics 4-5

Let’s talk about last night.

Tyrese Maxey

Tyrese Maxey, on his 21st birthday, looked every bit of dynamic that has been advertised. His first step is already elite and he can hit a burst of speed at any time that not many other NBA players can do. In this game, however, he was flashing his three-point shooting ability along with his finishing skills at the rim. If he can keep these kinds of games going, all they need is a backup point guard in that department!

Shake Milton

Shake Milton had himself a very nice game in his spot start. Harris, Korkmaz, Simmons, Green, and Isaiah Joe were all out so it was his chance to really shine. Shine he did with a stat line of 16p, 8r, 5a, & 2s. His offense came at very timely possessions and he gave the team another creator on the floor. Sometimes he still just needs to take the open shot instead of always pump faking and driving into the defense.

Aaron Nesmith

Aaron Nesmith had the kind of game that tells his coach, “Hey, you should play me more!” In a game where neither team could hit the broad side of a barn, Nesmith provided some MUCH needed shot-making. He put up 13p, 3r on 5-8 FG & 3-5 3P. Honestly, I’m not really sure why he isn’t playing all that much because it can’t be much worse than what’s going on right now. Especially when you have Tatum and Brown going a combined 8-27… Shout out the Boston Celtics defense though that did have a second consecutive good outing!

Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors
by Alex Fischbein

Last night in the Atlantic (11/3/21)

All five Atlantic teams were in action, but the Knicks were the only ones to not grab a win. A lot of teams debuted their city edition jerseys and courts as well!

Standings:
Philadelphia 76ers 6-2
Toronto Raptors 6-3
Brooklyn Nets 5-3
New York Knicks 5-3
Boston Celtics 3-5

Let’s talk about last night!

Fred VanVleet

Fred VanVleet was nearly unstoppable last night! He shot 50% or better from the field overall and from three. His separation on any of his dribble moves was insane and he was consistently giving himself open shots all night long. On top of that, he worked the pick and roll to perfection and even attacked the lane with ease. He finished with 33 points & 6 assists.

Seth Curry

Here’s your reminder that the Dallas Mavericks really traded away Seth Curry for Josh Richardson. Yes, the same Richardson who isn’t even on the team anymore! Curry has proven to be one of the most underrated offensive talents in the league right now. Plus, he’s played a big part in showing that Ben Simmons is quite expendable as he keeps contributing to winning more and more games. This win against a very good Chicago team was huge as they didn’t even have their second-leading scorer in Tobias Harris either. Curry finished 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists on 9-14 FG & 2-4 3P.

Jaylen Brown

This game was Jaylen Brown’s turn to go crazy in the scoring department as he put up 28 points on 58.8% shooting compared to Jayson Tatum’s 14 points on 25%. It was reported that the team had ‘an emotional’ meeting after Smart’s comments. Not sure if we can say the meeting changed anything in terms of on-the-court production, but they did get a much-needed win!

RJ Barrett

The Knicks had a really tough night shooting the three as they went 5-24 as a team. RJ Barrett was the high-man, as he has been the last couple games, with 23 points on 40% shooting. His defense has improved and his offense is coming along too. As a team though, it looks like they’re hitting a little wall at the moment. To be fair, the Pacers couldn’t miss in this latest game as they shot 46.2% from the floor as a team.

Kevin Durant

There’s not much more to be said about Kevin Durant that hasn’t already been said. He’s a walking video game. He’s a cheat code. He’s not human. If you don’t have him in your top 3 of greatest scorers ever, you’re just wrong.

OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors
by Alex Fischbein

Last night in the Atlantic! (11/1/21)

Honestly, all three Atlantic games ended with quite surprising results! Didn’t really see the Raptors pulling out a tough win over the Knicks and swore the Sixers had no chance without Joel Embiid nor Tobias Harris. Let’s talk about last night!

Standings:
New York Knicks 5-2
Philadelphia 76ers 5-2
Toronto Raptors 5-3
Brooklyn Nets 4-3
Boston Celtics 2-5

OG Anunoby

OG Anunoby cashed in a big-time night! In a game where the Raptors especially weren’t supposed to win without Scottie Barnes over a good New York Knicks team, Anunoby took control. This is the exact kind of performance that the Raptors were hoping to see more of and what will move him up the MIP ladder. The fact he was able to score like he did, in all of the various ways that he did, against a defense like the Knicks bodes well for the Raptors future. His slow start is starting to turn into a scorching hot streak that could even last a whole season if he starts to turn into what we predicted him to be this season.

Georges Niang

Georges Niang was that guy last night! He was the one to step up outside of the normal starters for the Sixers. His offensive production and timely buckets were needed ten-fold as the team didn’t even have Joel Embiid nor Tobias Harris for a tough matchup against the Blazers. As the fans chanted for Lillard, who shot 7-20, Niang was going to work to the tune of 21p, 5r, 5a on 43.8% from the field. The funny thing is that he does look slow a lot of the time, but his anticipation and his shooting prowess allow him to counterbalance that a lot of the time.

Al Horford

Boston drops yet another game, but Al Horford definitely gave it his all to keep the lead they built up until the end of the third quarter. Once it hit the final quarter, all bets were off as Chicago outscored Boston 39-11. Horford, however, was trying to be the steadying force outside of Brown/Tatum as he put up 20p, 10, 3a. It got so bad with this game that even Marcus Smart called out Tatum and Brown for not involving the rest of the team on offense enough. Usually, that’s the kind of thing a team hopes that Horford would do since he’s supposed to be the veteran leader, but I guess that’s Marcus Smart’s thing instead.