Ballin': Victor Oladipo's 360 Dunk and Andrea Bargnani's Missed Dunk
By Jason McIntyre
Orlando 107, Brooklyn 86: Victor Oladipo’s steal from Deron Williams and 360-degree dunk highlighted this blowout. The spin cycle move above was real nice. The rookie from Indiana scored 19 points and six rebounds in 21 minutes.
Oklahoma City 103, Phoenix 96: Russell Westbrook’s first game post-surgery was an impressive one – 33 minutes, 21 points and seven assists. Explosive and aggressive as ever, he made 11 of 14 FTs. Kevin Durant led everyone with 33 points. You already knew this, but Eric Bledsoe is the best player on the Suns, and it isn’t close: 26 points, 14 assists, seven rebounds. Eventually, he’ll cut the turnovers (8) … maybe when his teammates improve?
Minnesota 109, New York 100: The Timberwolves are 3-0 on the strength of Kevin Love’s 34 points and 15 rebounds and a 40-19 blitzkrieg of the Knicks in the first quarter. Kevin Martin tossed in 30 points. Andrea Bargnani attempted this dunk, and failed spectacularly. Without JR Smith to help Melo (22 points, 17 rebounds), New York’s offense is woefully inconsistent.
Detroit 87, Boston 77: Brandon Jennings made his debut with the Pistons (14 points, four assists, four steals) and Detroit coasted to a victory over the winless Celtics (0-3).
Miami 103, Washington 93: Everyone loved the Wizards to make the playoffs, and it could obviously happen, but they’re 0-3. Nene sat out with a calf injury, and his return would hopefully bolster a putrid defensive unit.
LA Lakers 105, Atlanta 103: The Lakers nearly collapsed in the 4th quarter, but Pau Gasol sank a couple free throws in the final minute for the win. LA’s starting lineup: Xavier Henry, Shawnee Williams, Steve Blake, Steve Nash and Gasol. I don’t even know where to begin, but this team is unwatchable without Kobe.