This week’s edition of the recap is an all-Western Conference package. And for good reason—five teams out west sport a winning streak of at least three, and the interconference record between the East and West is massive. In head-to-head matchups this year, the West has 45 more wins than the East and sports a 56.3 percent win rate. This is a historic trend, as the West has been better in interconference games in eight of the last 10 years.
Back in the weekly recap for the second straight week, the Timberwolves have continued their hot run of form by going 3-0. This pushes heir win-streak to a season and current league-best eight straight.
With an average point differential of over 14 points over the three contests, the Wolves have been gashing teams. Their most impressive win, March 12 against the Nuggets, saw them go into Ball Arena and reproduce their efforts that landed them in last year’s Western Conference Finals.
The Wolves led wire-to-wire, with all eight players with at least 10 minutes of court time finishing with a plus-minus of at least +10.
Julius Randle posted a week high 25 points on 9/12 shooting, and has been efficient over the win streak, averaging 18.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6 assists on 51 percent from the field.
Anthony Edwards once again displayed his long-range proclivity, hitting 13 threes over the week and capping it off with a 41-point outburst against the Utah Jazz on March 16.
With the second best win-streak in the league, the Warriors continue to run hot post All-Star break.
Now winners of seven straight and 14-2 since acquiring Jimmy Butler, the tenor of the once floundering Dubs has flipped.
Over those last 16 games, the Warriors are second in net rating (12.6), only trailing the Cleveland Cavaliers. Ranking fifth in offense (122.6) is impressive, but what has been the most dramatic shift is their return to defensive form. They rank third over that span (110.0) and are now up to eighth over the entire season (111.9)
And this is borne out in Jimmy Butler’s box score metrics. Even though he hasn’t put up gaudy counting numbers (16.4 points/5.7 rebounds/5.9 assists), he still registers a +6.9 while on the floor.
And of course, any discussion of the Warriors must also include the exploits of Stephen Curry. The man turned 37 this week and is celebrating the start of his late 30s with immense output.
Since the acquisition of Butler, Curry has slashed 28.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6 assists on 48.4 /41.4/92.1 percent shooting. Talks of his potential decline rumbled after a woeful 2-point December outing against the Memphis Grizzlies, but the trade and his recent play have quieted those remarks.
Owners of their own six-game winning streak, the rockets have climbed back to second in the West after falling to fifth on February 8.
After missing the last 16 games due to ankle issues, veteran guard Fred VanVleet returned against the Phoenix Suns on March 12 en route to a 111-104 victory.
But, as has been the identity of this team the entire year, it’s been the defense that has carried the Rockets through their current run of form. They rank first in defensive rating over the last 16 games (109.1) in spite of losing one half of the Terror Twins, Amen Thompson, for the last five contests.
The other half, forward Tari Eason, had a career night in the March 14 drubbing of the Dallas Mavericks, posting 30 points on 11/15 shooting.
First time All-Star Alperen Sengun (18.5 points/12 rebounds/4.8 assists) and team-leading scorer Jalen Green (23.8 points/7.3 rebounds/5.0 assists) also continued to lead the upstart Rockets over the 4-0 week.
Stay tuned for more NBA content, including midseason moves, contract updates, and more pieces about every team.
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