BBNBA: SGA records triple-double, Bledsoe and Cousins lead wins

Got a lot of BBNBA dudes in health and safety protocols at the moment, but with them and many stars throughout the league sitting out, some opportunity has opened for guys such as DeMarcus Cousins. Let’s talk about a somewhat light night of NBA hoops.

SGA records second career triple-double in third straight OKC win

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the healthiest teams in the NBA, and it’s showing on the scoreboard. The Thunder are winners of three straight and have catapulted themselves back into the playoff discussion now just a game and a half behind Portland for the final play-in spot.

I wouldn’t expect the postseason contention to last, but if SGA is going to continue recording 27-point, 11-rebound, 12-assist triple-doubles, perhaps OKC can ride him to extended success. He out-dueled the reigning NBA MVP in their win over Denver yesterday.

Check out his highlights:

DeMarcus Cousins holds down the fort for reigning champs

It was business as usual in the Bucks-Rockets matchup last night. The current NBA champions predictably blew out the Rockets, of course led by a former ‘Cat and Card. DeMarcus Cousins and Jordan Nwora each scored 18 points as the Bucks sailed to a 20-point victory over Houston.

In the last two games in Giannis Antetoukounmpo’s absence, Boogie is scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds a game. Watch out, Giannis. You may be Finals MVP, but DeMarcus is campaigning to take your starting spot.

Eric Bledsoe leads Clippers over Kings

Unlike most, the Los Angeles Clippers aren’t missing their superstar. Paul George has avoided entering the NBA’s health protocols, but he sat passenger seat to Eric Bledsoe in the Clips win last night.

Bledsoe led the team in scoring with 19 points and nearly made it a triple-double with eight rebounds and seven assists. He’s in the midst of his worst statistical season since his first stint with LAC but has still been effective as a defender and ballhandler.

Brandon Boston Jr. hasn’t exploded for another 27-point game like he did earlier this month, but he’s remained a steady rotation piece for a playoff contender in Los Angeles. He’s played in all 11 Clipper games in December and eclipsed the 15-minute mark in all but two.

That rookie connection. 💪@iamkeonjohnson ➡️ @bboston_ pic.twitter.com/El4Q3GVkbd

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) December 23, 2021

De’Aaron Fox didn’t play in the loss as he’s been locked up in NBA health protocols for about a week. But that hasn’t stopped the Fox Trade rumor mill. Now folks are calling for the former ‘Cat to be shipped to the New York Knicks.

As much as I dislike hearing Fox’s name thrown into flimsy trade conversations over and over, a move to the Big Apple to team up with the quartet of other former ‘Cats and assistant Kenny Payne sounds perfect.

Today in the NBA

7:00 p.m. Rockets (Wall-OUT)

7:00 p.m. Pelicans @ Magic (Mulder)

7:00 p.m. Hawks @ 76ers (Maxey)

7:30 p.m. Pistons (Diallo, Lyles) @ Heat (Adebayo, Herro)

7:30 p.m. Wizards @ Knicks (Randle, Noel, Quickley, Knox)

8:30 p.m. (NBATV) Bucks (Cousins) @ Mavericks (Cauley-Stein)

9:00 p.m. Hornets (Washington, Richards) @ Nuggets (Murray-OUT)

9:00 p.m. Thunder (Gilgeous-Alexander) @ Suns (Booker)

9:00 p.m. Timberwolves (Towns) @ Jazz

10:00 p.m. Grizzlies @ Warriors

10:30 p.m. Spurs (Johnson) @ Lakers (Davis, Monk, Rondo)