Good mid-morning. Let’s basketball.
DeMarcus Cousins had a strange day
That and more in Wednesday’s newsletter.
Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
PEAK BOOGIE: In case you needed one night to sum up the DeMarcus Cousins experience, he provided it. Fifty-five points. An ejection that was later rescinded because it wasn’t clear he spit his mouthpiece at the Blazers’ bench on purpose. An angry postgame interview cut off by a failing mic. Instagramming a video of Denzel Washington railing about the failing news media. You couldn’t fake this if you tried.
ALSO LAST NIGHT: Thank you NBA for the early League Pass Christmas present! You had the Spurs’ historic comeback in Houston, LeBron’s eff-it 33-foot three to beat a feisty Bucks team, Isaiah Thomas scorching the Grizzlies, Serge Ibaka’s no-look game-tying shot, and whatever this JaVale McGee sequence was. (Also, this sequence!)
SCORES!
Pelicans 108 76ers 93
Lakers 113 Hornets 117
Nets 104 Raptors 116
Pacers 111 Knicks 118
Magic 136 Heat 130
Cavaliers 114 Bucks 108
Celtics 112 Grizzlies 109
Spurs 102 Rockets 100
Nuggets 102 Clippers 119
Jazz 74 Warriors 104
Blazers 121 Kings 126
THE EAST’S NEWEST RIVALRY: Giannis Antetokounmpo brought it when the Bucks beat the Cavaliers earlier this year, so LeBron responded with a signature performance on Tuesday. Please let this be the 1-8 matchup.
MALCOLM CAN BRAGDON ABOUT THIS: The Bucks’ rookie crammed on LeBron and Kyrie Irving in the same game!
WE (KINDA) PAY THEIR SALARY ALREADY: Some media members are uncomfortable with the idea of now having a say in All-Star voting when that determines stars’ contracts. In response, Tom makes an important point: The mere act of making editorial decisions on what stories to cover and how to cover them has an indirect impact on players’ contracts. It’s a good reminder to all of us and we need to stop being naive about our role in shaping the reputations of the people we cover. That said, it’s still uncomfortable to have that direct a role on an honor that determines a player’s salary.
YUP: Flanns and John Gonzalez on the 76ers’ need to solve their big man dilemma. Speaking of ...
UH OH: J.R. Smith may have a broken thumb. That’d be a big loss for the Cavaliers.
WELL ALRIGHT THEN: The 76ers’ crowd gave Nerlens Noel a standing ovation when he finally checked into the game against the Pelicans. Then, Joel Embiid vociferously defended Noel in a postgame conversation with reporters. Where’s the thinking face emoji when you need it?
THE ENGINE IS STALLED: Kristian Winfield on the Pistons’ troubles since Reggie Jackson returned from injury.
SO IS THIS SHAQ STATUE: Though I have no idea how the physics will work.
HOW KEMBA TOOK A JUMP: Friend of the program Michael Pina on Kemba Walker’s improved jump shot.
SURPRISE, SURPRISE: Hassan Whiteside isn’t happy with the number of touches he’s getting.
Until tomorrow.
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