NBA Roundup: Nash Update, Two Undefeated Teams: Knicks, Spurs 4-0
NBA teams are settling in with their teammates with some are already finding great chemistry and some wondering when and if they’ll get it.
New Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash is still recovering from an injury and his return date is uncertain but many have said he’ll be out for 7 to 10 days.
Two teams are enjoying perfect seasons but how long will it last?
The New York Knicks are 3-0 for the first time since 1999 and with their win over the Indiana Pacers (2-2), the San Antonio Spurs now sit at 4-0–a new franchise record.
Nash Update
Lakers guard Steve Nash
Upon fracturing his left fibula last week, Nash’s return date is still questionable–but it depends on what your read.
The Los Angeles Lakers (1-3) said on Saturday that the player would miss “at least” a week of play but by Sunday evening, the L.A. Times suggested that “at least” could really mean four weeks. His coach Mike Brown also said that day there’s no pressure for Nash to return too early.
Darius Morris and Steve Blake will pinch hit for the veteran.
New day, new timeline and on Monday, Nash could be out for less time. CBS Sports’ Ken Berger tweeted, “7 to 9Â Latest info from Lakers’ medical staff has Steve Nash missing about 7-10 days, according to a person briefed on the point guard’s prognosis.”
How much of a loss is it without Nash’s play? His total points per game for the season is an over/under of 13.
Meanwhile after said he’d like to continue playing until he’s 40, Kobe Bryant may be taking those words back after sitting out of practice on Monday. He received additional treatment on a sore right foot to help prepare him for the team’s upcoming game against Utah on Wednesday.
Knicks Sit at 3-0
Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony
After defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 110-88 on Monday night, the Knicks now find themselves at 3-0.
Contributing to the win was double-digit scoring all around with Carmelo Anthony leading the way with 21 points and JR Smith adding 17. Factor in Raymond Felton’s 16 points, Tyson Chandler’s 14 and former Chicago Bulls Ronnie Brewer’s 13 points and you have a dominant win.
Anthony had a simple answer for the team’s wins, “We’re just playing good ball right now. We really locked in what we need to lock in on.”
Going 19 for 19 in free throws on Monday also helps and a first since 2006 without any missed attempts.
What else did the Knicks do? They took a 21-point lead by the third quarter and veteran Rasheed Wallace stepped up for the night, scoring eight points in the quarter and hitting his three-pointers.
And you have to say this team is playing with some good chemistry.
Looking ahead to the Knicks’ schedule, they’ll take a break until Friday night and then host the Dallas Mavericks.
Is the team good enough to go all the way? The bettors give them +2500 to win the NBA Championship.
Spurs Have Franchise Record 4-0 Start
Spurs forward Tim Duncan
On Monday night after the team’s 101-79 win, the Pacers have a 4-0 record, which is a first for the franchise.
Tim Duncan had 14 points with 11 rebounds and Tony Parker added six points, seven assists with one turnover even with his nine-minute rest on the bench in the second period. But the real points and action came from the Spurs’ bench.
Gary Neal had 17 points; DeJuan Blair added 14 and Stephen Jackson contributed 12. With these numbers, the Spurs’ bench outscored the Pacers’ 57-35.
At halftime the Spurs led 47-38 but in the second half, they kept a double-digit lead for almost all of it, while also forcing 14 turnovers.
Can the Spurs, who seemed unimpressed by the record, keep rolling along with wins? On Wednesday, they’ll play the Los Angeles Clippers (2-2).
The bettors give the Spurs +1200 to go all the way to the league championship.
