SWISH SUNDAY VOL. 3
Swish Sunday
Written by Luke Rowntree
Well, this week has been an exciting one. Steph Curry has grabbed the scoring title and is looking to remind everyone why he is the greatest shooter in the history of basketball. Anthony Davis is back for the Lakers. Zion got all of NYC whipped up in a frenzy hinting about how much he loves playing at MSG. However, the biggest story in the association has to be the Knicks...
Empire State of Mind
The New York Knicks are (as of writing) currently on an 8-game win streak and in sole possession of the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference. This is in part due to their complete 180 in culture led by the front office of Rose, Perry, and ‘World Wide Wes’. The defensive coaching of Thom Thibodeau has them ranked as the number defense 1 in the league and a great crop of young prospects like Canadian RJ Barret drafted 3rd overall last year. However, the number one reason to have hope in NYC is the play of Julias Randle and how he’s locked down the Most Improved player award. He’s also become the Eastern conference's best player.
Source: The Players' Tribune | Photo from Elsa/Getty Images
Let's put this season into perspective among great forwards in NBA history. Randle is averaging 24 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6 assists a game in 37.5 minutes. He is shooting 41% from three and played in all but 1 game this season. The only other forwards in NBA history with those numbers are Larry Bird, the late Elgin Baylor, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Charles Barkley. Bird in his two MVP seasons averaged 24ppg, 10rb, and 7 assists while Chuck in his MVP year put up 26ppg, 12rb with 5 assists. Starting in 1965’ Elgin Baylor averaged 25ppg, 10rb, and 5ast for three straight years and the Greek Freak did it in the last three (2018- 2020).
The NBA is better when the legacy franchises are good. That’s always been the case. The Knicks are the most valuable franchise playing in the only remaining original NBA budling left and their fan base is salivating to get back into the playoffs. Don’t be surprised if this team can manage to get into the second round on the back of one of the best forwards in the game or if Randle manages a few MVP votes. At the very least based on NBA history, he needs to be on the All-NBA team.
Source: NY Post
Games of the Week
Tuesday, April 27th
Dallas @ Golden State 9:30 pm
Both Mark Cuban & Luka have made it known they don’t like the idea of a play-in tournament. This game could be a showcase for one of those winner-take-all games. Look for the “Golden State Curry’s” to remain scorching hot as Steph is averaging 42.5ppg against the Mavs this season on 52% shooting.
- Warriors Win
Wednesday, April 28th
LA Clippers @ Pheonix 10:00pm
PG-13 has been a man on a mission this year against CP3 and the Suns. He is averaging 36ppg on 62% shooting in 2 games. While I think the Suns will be getting up for a national TV game and to hold on to the 2nd seed. I am also expecting Kawhi to be back and playing. The Clippers duo will be ready to shine.
- Clippers Win
Friday, April 30th
Portland @ Brooklyn 8:00 pm
Lots of shootouts this week and were going to end on what will probably be the highest scoring total of the week. When the #2 & #6 offense’s meet. Kyrie Irving’s defense is highly underrated and Dame is averaging just 22ppg against the Nets. I Expect Norman Powell to have a big game but it just not being enough.
- Nets Win
SWISH SUNDAY RECORD
4-2Fantasy Pick Up of the Week
Naz Reid (C) – He is putting up some really solid big dude numbers even with KAT healthy. If the Wolves decide to shut him down (they should soon) he could be in line for 20 and 10 every night. His minutes are all over the place but he can score efficiently, rebound and block shots. Even with Towns playing on Wednesday he had 24 points on 11/15 shooting with 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 threes.
Sources:
- The Players' Tribune
- NY Post
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