Get up to speed on the latest NBA news, plus a quick look at some storylines and tidbits worth noting today:
1. Porzingis returns to New York: It was more than 640 days ago that then-Knicks All-Star Kristaps Porzingis last played at Madison Square Garden. He was since dealt to the Dallas Mavericks, who are in New York for his return game tonight (8 ET, TNT). The stats show he’s still up to his “unicorn” ways and knows cheers (or boos) cascading from Knicks fans at MSG tonight are not outside the realm of reality. This game will close out the teams’ season series after New York won in Dallas, 106-102, on Nov. 8.
2. George back tonight (right?): Per the Clippers’ injury report, Paul George is listed as probable tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans (8 ET, League Pass). If he does suit up, it would mark his first game with L.A. Should that happen, George will probably be feeling a little lonely tonight as both star forward Kawhi Leonard (left knee injury management) and defensive-minded guard Patrick Beverley (sore left calf) will both be out against the Pelicans.
3. Scorers collide in desert: Among East players, no one is averaging more points per game against West foes this season than the Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young (34 ppg). On the flip side of that equation, the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker is 4th among West players (29.7 ppg) when facing East opponents. As Atlanta visits Phoenix (9 ET, League Pass), there’s the added bonus of Young going for his fourth straight game with 30 or more points and 10 or more assists. Scoring records might fall in this one!
4. A battle of who’s more clutch: For the uninitiated, clutch games are defined by the NBA as a game within five points with less than five minutes less. Both the Denver Nuggets and Brooklyn Nets have played in eight such games (Brooklyn is 4-4; Denver is 6-2) this season. As these teams meet this evening (10:30 ET, TNT) in Denver, the Nets may be without Caris LeVert but remain potent. Six of Brooklyn’s 10 games this season have been within three points or less in the final minute. Lastly, Nets guard Kyrie Irving is listed as probable with a right shoulder impingement.
Our defense faces another tough challenge tonight. #MileHighBasketball https://t.co/jKaywQI6MJ
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) November 14, 2019
5. Remember when Jennings scored 55?: Ten years can go by fast. We’re at that point now with Brandon Jennings, who as a rookie lit up the Golden State Warriors (and future two-time Kia MVP Stephen Curry!) for 55 points in 2009. Jennings’ career never really could live up to the hype of that kind of moment, but nine seasons, four playoff appearances and a seminal franchise moment are nothing to sneeze at.
