🏀 3 Things We Learned in the NBA on Xmas

We were treated to some really good basketball on Xmas day, but what did we learn from all the action?

The Knicks, and Wemby, are Legit: The New York Knicks got off to a relatively slow start to the year, but as of this morning the team currently sits at 20-10. Not only are they hot, but their stars are shining, BRIGHT! Brunson had 20 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds, KAT had 21 points, 9 rebounds, but they were led by Mikal Bridges. Their big offseason addition got HOT in the second half, dropping 41 total points. Those 3 guys can take over the game at any moment, an obvious challenge for other teams. The Spurs, although losers on Christmas, have truly won the lottery with Wemby. He is as good as advertised and did not blink at all in the bright lights of MSG on Christmas. 42 points (game high), 18 rebounds, 6 threes! Gave it all he could.

The Mavs Can, and Will Have To, Compete Without Luka: Early indications show that the Mavs may be without Luka Doncic for a few weeks after he left yesterday’s game early with a strained left calf. Without him, the Mavs fell behind 28 points but roared back behind Kyrie Irving and some clutch shots from Klay Thompson. The game got as close as 2-points before the Timberwolves pulled away late. What the Mavericks, and Kyrie, showed that they will be able to compete with some of the best even without Luka. They’ll lean on guys like Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall, and others to fill in.

The Sixers Will Go as far as Tyrese Maxey Takes Them: Joel Embiid himself even said it after the game, their win over the Celtics showed just how good they can be. Even with Paul George’s struggles (12 points and 0-7 from three), the 76ers played at such a high level. Embiid had 27, but man, Tyrese Maxey was unreal. He was the best player on the court, especially with Joel and PG playing less minutes in the second half. Maxey had 33 to go along with 12 assists. He was a floor general, a scorer, and defender, and the emotional leader. With Embiid and PG being injury-prone, Maxey will be the catalyst for this team, even when those two come back. He has to be the guy.

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