Play of the week
Daniel (Boobie) Gibson was trapped along the baseline but hooked a wild pass over the backboard to a trailing Tristan Thompson who slammed it home. Luck or pass of the year so far?
Misplay of the week
A frustrated Kobe Bryant gives now ex-Lakers coach Mike Brown the death stare in the final minute of a loss to the Utah Jazz. The game wound up being Brown’s last as the Lakers gave him the pink slip after starting the season with a 1-4 record,
How Canadians fared
How the Canadians fared (stats are per game)
Tristan Thompson (Cavaliers): 34.5 min, 8.0 pts, 8.5 reb, 2.0 stl, 1.0 ast, 0.5 blk
Samuel Dalembert (Bucks): Still starting somehow; 17.0 min, 6.6 pts, 5.7 reb, 1.0 blk
Andrew Nicholson (Magic): Played career high 27 minutes vs. T-Wolves; 11.8 min, 6.0 pts, 2.8 reb, 0.5 blk
Robert Sacre (Lakers): Played in two of three games; 5.5 min, 1.0 pts, 0.5 ast, 0.5 blk
Joel Anthony (Heat): Played in three of four games; 4.3 min, 0.7 pts, 1.3 reb, 1.0 blk
Cory Joseph (Spurs): Got into first game of season vs. Trail Blazers but didn’t record a full minute
Steve Nash (Lakers): Didn’t play due to broken leg
Kris Joseph (Celtics): N/A
Trending Up (fantasy player)
If you’re looking for three-pointers from a big man, look no further than Byron Mullins of the Charlotte Bobcats. The seven-footer has started every game for the Bobcats, averaging 32.6 minutes per game and has the green light to shoot from distance this season. In five games he has attempted a whopping 34 three-pointers and hit a career-high six threes against the Suns. He’s a decent rebounder too, averaging 8.4 per game but hasn’t attempted a free throw all season.
Trending Down (fantasy player)
A lot was expected of Courtney Lee when he was signed by the Celtics to be their starting shooting guard. Of course, he doesn’t bring much fantasy value to begin with due to his defensive abilities but he has failed to make any presence in the box score despite getting a ton of minutes. On Saturday, Jason Terry took his place in the starting lineup and Lee finished the game with zero points and one assist in 28 minutes off the bench.
Dunk of the week
What Raptors fan doesn’t remember Kevin Durant taking one dribble from the three-point line, only to put rookie Jonas Valanciunas on a poster with a Thunderous dunk? Don’t get down on yourself Jonas, that was just unstoppable.
Block of the week
Glen (Big Baby) Davis has been arguably the Magic’s best player so far this season, but his below-the-rim play can leave his shot vulnerable to being blocked. Joakim Noah had a field day last Tuesday, recording five blocks to go along with 20 points he chipped in on offence.
Line of the week (best stat line)
Greg Monroe is in the midst of a breakout season with the Detroit Pistons. He showed off his passing skills Friday against the Kings when he recorded his first career triple-double with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. It was also the first Pistons triple-double since Chauncey Billups back in 2004.
Tweet of the week
LeBron James was busy on Twitter during the American presidential election last Wednesday, including a shout out for his homes past and present.
Also everyone else who voted for him as well!! U guys are powerful. Way to use it people.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 7, 2012
Ohio and Fla. My favorite states!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 7, 2012
Matchup of the week (Nov. 12-19)
If Steve Nash is available to play on Friday, it will be the first time playing against the team he was the face of for eight years. The Lakers host the Suns at 10:30 pm ET / 7:30 PT.
