As January comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the NBA’s winners and losers during the fourth month of the calendar. From stellar individual performances to team dynamics and coaching changes, here’s a snapshot of the league’s landscape.
Winners:
Fans of Scoring
- The month featured an extraordinary display of scoring with 30 individual performances of 40 points or more.
- Five games witnessed players scoring 50-plus points, four with 60, and two with an astonishing 70 points.
- The league’s skill level and offensive capabilities were on full display, resulting in historic single-game performances.
OG Anunoby
- Anunoby’s impact on the New York Knicks has been impressive, contributing to the team’s success.
- With positive plus-minuses in every game played, Anunoby brings defensive prowess and fits well within the team’s offensive dynamics.
- The trade that brought Anunoby to the Knicks is proving beneficial, with the team boasting a 12-2 record when he plays.
Los Angeles Clippers
- The addition of James Harden to the Clippers has elevated the team’s performance.
- A 12-3 record in January showcases a balanced offensive approach with contributions from Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George.
- The supporting cast is finding their roles, making the Clippers contenders in the league.
Victor Wembanyama
- Wembanyama’s exceptional performance as a rookie has made him the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.
- Averaging 24.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 3.2 blocks, and 1.6 threes in January, Wembanyama has showcased his diverse skill set.
- His impact extends beyond traditional rookie expectations, making him a standout player in the league.
Losers:
Fans of Defense
- The focus on offensive skills and rule changes has led to a decline in defensive performances.
- Several teams in the current season have recorded historically poor defensive ratings, emphasizing the offensive-centric nature of the game.
- Calls for a balance between offense and defense are rising, with expectations of rule changes in the future.
Vets Stuck on Tankers
- Veterans on teams headed to the lottery face challenges in preparing for the postseason, especially if traded close to the deadline.
- Limited time to acclimate to new teams and build chemistry can impact their contributions in the playoffs.
- Players like Bojan Bogdanović, Alec Burks, Kyle Kuzma, Tyus Jones, Jerami Grant, and Malcolm Brogdon face uncertainties as they navigate through challenging seasons.
Golden State Warriors
- The Warriors have faced adversity on and off the court, including the passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojević.
- Draymond Green’s suspension and the team’s sub-.500 record in January contribute to a challenging season.
- The once-dominant Warriors now find themselves in 12th place in the Western Conference with a limited chance of making the playoffs.
NBA’s Biggest Winners and Losers from January https://t.co/cTKRViRITz
— Mike & McGourty Show (@MikeandMcGourty) January 31, 2024
In the ever-changing landscape of the NBA’s winners and losers of January provide insights into individual and team performances, coaching dynamics, and the ongoing evolution of the game. As the season progresses, these narratives will continue to unfold, shaping the league’s narrative for the 2023-24 campaign.
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