Sam Amick: The Kings are also expected to come to quick…
April 18, 2021 | 8:02 pm EDT Update
Chris Paul doesn't want to miss games for load management
Duane Rankin: Monty Williams said they haven’t talked about resting guys as of yet. Talked about Chris Paul is someone you think about when talking about resting guys, but said the 35-year old (16-year NBA veteran) doesn’t want to miss games. Williams said Phoenix is relatively young. #Suns
Brandon Rahbar: Per the Thunder: Lu Dort is now the 7th player in Thunder history to score 20+ points in a single quarter. He’s got 21. In one quarter. An undrafted “defensive specialist.”
Late in each Charlotte Hornets season, coach James Borrego opens up the rotation to see what a second-round rookie has got. Three seasons ago, it was Devonte Graham. Last March, it was Jalen McDaniels. Friday, it was emphatically Vernon Carey Jr. “Based on what I saw tonight, I’ve got to look very hard at Vernon” the rest of the season, Borrego said, after Carey’s NBA debut as a starter.
Carey was stunningly good with 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting, plus six rebounds. The Hornets selected former the former Duke center early in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft, and prior to Friday he had amassed all of 33 minutes. He played 35 minutes in the 130-115 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, and totally looked like he belonged. Carey learned Friday morning that he was starting, even though the decision had been made the night before. Borrego didn’t want Carey fretting all night instead of sleeping.
What does Carey think drew Borrego’s attention? “Showcasing what I did in the G-League,” Carey guessed, “and working every day. Just showing my feel for the game. I think that played into me starting today.”
On Feb. 27, 2016, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry pulled up from 40 feet in overtime and broke basketball. The game-winner heard around the world was a triumph of skill, practice, gusto and necessity. Curry never knew how far he was from the hoop. He just knew the clock was dwindling, and it was time to shoot.
