The Eastern Conference isn't very good this year compared to its Western counterpart -- we all know this. Only two of the league's top eight records are in the conference, and the team everyone thought was going to be the most fun this season, the Cavaliers, has been rough for long stretches this season. But don't think for a second that the East is a complete wasteland void of fun basketball.
NBA scores 2014: Magic beat Hawks at the buzzer and 3 other things we learned Saturday night
The Eastern Conference isn’t as talented as the West, but it’s very capable of fun basketball.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Just take Orlando's 100-99 win against Atlanta, a game that showcased everything that's great about the NBA. With 2:57 left in the fourth quarter, Kyle Korver was fouled on a three-point attempt and converted at the line to put the Hawks up 92-86. That six-point advantage was the biggest lead for either team in the entire game.
That six-point edge quickly evaporated for the Hawks, who were down two points with seven seconds to play. For a moment, it looked like Kyle Korver had the game-winner when he pulled the trigger and buried a left wing three-pointer. But too much time was left on the clock -- just enough for Tobias Harris to beat the buzzer with this falling, fading jumper.
Neither Orlando nor Atlanta have any NBA superstars. How many players could an average NBA fan even name from these rosters, maybe four or five? But this game was genuinely fun, with 15 lead changes and 10 ties. The Hawks had won nine straight games coming into the game, while the Magic are quietly just two games out of the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Orlando's roster is full of players with intrigue -- guys who aren't quite polished enough but aren't far away. After some awkwardness trying to use Channing Frye early this season, the Magic are now deploying him effectively to space the floor on pick-and-pop plays -- he was 3-for-6 from deep tonight. On one instance, he attracted so much attention flashing out to the three-point line off a staggered double screen that he was able to hit Harris on a backdoor cut for an easy layup.
Harris, the man of the hour, did more than just hit that final shot. He finished with 20 points on 16 shots, adding six rebounds and five assists. He is quietly averaging 18.4 points for the Magic on 47-percent shooting, setting himself up for a big payday next summer from anyone looking for a do-it-all small forward.
The Hawks’ winning streak may be over, but they’re still third in the conference with a 16-7 record. They’ve been fun to watch, and even more fun to follow on Twitter.
Most of the NBA’s true contenders lie to the west, but the East still has some great basketball being played if you know where to look.
3 other things we learned
Mike Conley denies the Sixers their third win. Both teams were on the second night of a back-to-back, but Memphis' win against the Hornets on Friday went to two overtimes. It made sense that Philadelphia came out strong against a tired team. They led most of the game and were up by 18 points in the fourth quarter.
But it's hard to maintain a lead for 48 minutes, especially for a young team that barely understands what it's like to be ahead in an NBA game. The Grizzlies slowly but surely came back. Down by three with 4.6 seconds left, Mike Conley hit a ridiculous one-footed three-pointer (see below) and Memphis closed out the game in overtime.
Golden State wins 15th straight game with a phenomenal first quarter. The Mavericks outscored the Warriors 80-66 in the second, third and fourth quarters, which usually would put a team in position to win a game. Then again, teams don't usually get outscored 39-18 in a quarter like Dallas did to start the game. Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry outscored the Mavericks by themselves with a combined 23 points and five three-pointers. While Dallas made the final score respectable, it was a late effort that never truly put Golden State's lead in danger.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is right now. On back-to-back plays up seven points in the final two minutes of the Bucks-Clippers game, Jason Kidd let Antetokounmpo isolate the ball at the top of the floor and go to work. On the first play, the Greek Freak rewarded his coach with a layup. On the second, he committed an offensive charge.
Okay, so he still has growing pains to work through, but for the rest of the game Antetokounmpo scored 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting with five rebounds, three assists and two steals in 31 minutes. He is becoming a highlight sensation thanks to his crazy Euro steps and incredible reach, but he is also a good NBA player right now for a Milwaukee team that is currently the No. 6 team in the Eastern Conference.
Play of the Night
That’s not fair and, frankly, pretty mean of you, Mike Conley. He shoots the ball off of one foot! There is no reason that shot should go in, but it’s a perfect swish. The poor Sixers have now lost twice to buzzer beaters, also falling to the Magic (and our friend Tobias Harris!).
3 fun things
Stephen Curry tries to toss Marreese Speights his shoe, but Tyson Chandler swats it away.
Not the beer! Mike Conley's errant pass spills a courtside fan's cup.
Congratulations to the Nets' Jarrett Jack, who graduated college Saturday.
Final scores
Warriors 105, Mavericks 98 (Golden State of Mind recap | Mavs Moneyball recap)
Trail Blazers 95, Pacers 85 (Blazer's Edge recapp | Indy Cornrows recap)
Nets 114, Hornets 87 (Nets Daily recap | At the Hive recap)
Magic 100, Hawks 99 (Orlando Pinstriped Post recap | Peachtree Hoops recap)
Rockets 108, Nuggets 96 (The Dream Shake recapp | Denver Stiffs recap)
Bucks 111, Clippers 106 (Brew Hoop recap | Clips Nation recap)
Pistons 95, Kings 90 (Detroit Bad Boys recap | Sactown Royalty recap)
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