In this weeks 13 Rules: Random NBA Thoughts Steve Purciello dives shares more random NBA thoughts. 13 Rules: Heat Injury Controversy, Hawks Strategy, Suns Redemption, and Warriors Dynasty Questions and more. Make sure to listen and add the 13 Rules: NBA Random Thoughts podcast the Shot Clock Pod to your list!
Heat vs. Hornets Controversy and Bam Adebayo Injury
The Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets game featured a controversial moment. The play couldn’t be reviewed because of NBA rules on when you can review something. The play, early in the game, was flagrant, and LaMelo Ball should have been thrown out. Instead, Bam Adebayo, the Heat’s best player, was lost for the rest of the game due to injury, and Ball stayed in and, in fact, made a driving layup to win the game with a few seconds left in overtime.
Atlanta Hawks Tanking Strategy Raises Questions
The Atlanta Hawks tanked Sunday by not playing their starters. By doing so, they are playing the third-place New York Knicks instead of the fourth-place Cleveland Cavaliers, something I have trouble understanding. The only reason I can come up with is that the Hawks’ biggest starter, Onyeka Okongwu, is 6’8″, and the Cavs have two big men starting, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, while the Knicks only have one on the court, even though they have two good bigs in Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson.
Orlando Magic Bounce Back Into Playoff Form
Here’s to the Orlando Magic, a team I thought had quit on the season. Instead, they went out and blew out the upstart Charlotte Hornets and earned their way into a series against the Detroit Pistons. I thought after getting beat by the Boston Celtics’ bench last Sunday and then losing to the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night, they had packed the season in. Their series against Detroit will definitely be the most physical series of the first round.
Warriors Dynasty: Loss Signals Possible End of Dynasty
The Golden State Warriors’ loss to the Phoenix Suns may have been the end of the dynasty. Steve Kerr was heard on the mic telling Steph Curry and Draymond Green he “loved them.” To me, this means he doesn’t know if he will be back. The Warriors, with Kerr, have had a great run, and the franchise should be proud of their accomplishments. If Kerr doesn’t return, we will be seeing him in a few years at his Hall of Fame induction.
Phoenix Suns Return to Playoffs Through Team Chemistry
Speaking of the Phoenix Suns, they should be proud of getting into the playoffs, and it was done by displaying the importance of team chemistry. Last year, they had Kevin Durant and traded him for lesser players. That team didn’t come close to the playoffs. This year, they are in the playoffs.
Matt Ishbia’s Leadership and Suns Rebuild
Staying with Phoenix for a bit, let’s look at their owner, Mat Ishbia. A few years ago, as a new owner, Ishbia thought he could come into the league and be the smartest guy in the room by creating his own big three: Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker. The team went nowhere, and after a few years, he realized his mistakes and made the moves necessary to begin the rebuild, culminating in a spot in the playoffs. Ishbia deserves credit for changing his methods because, in that situation, most owners double down on their mistakes.
Miami Heat Outlook and Giannis Speculation
Finally, let’s look at the Miami Heat. The team continues to trend downward. I understand Pat Riley is in his eighties and doesn’t want to rebuild by starting over again, but it’s very rare that a team goes from being in the middle of the standings to being a title contender. Usually, it takes an overhaul of your team. Knowing Riley, I would expect him to offer the moon for Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason. As Giannis ages, he plays fewer games each year. This year, he played 36 games, though the Bucks sat him out at the end of the season while he was healthy.