NBA NEWS - Preview for Week 23

Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: The two-time reign- ing Kia NBA MVP has become the first player in league history to record a triple-double in each of 10 consecutive home games - (NBA - photo)

Charles Barkley was a member of the 1992 USA Olympic Dream team BUT… he was never a member of an NBA title winning team ALL TIME NBA NEVER WON-NA TITLE TEAM

Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain exemplified how to play the game without Showtime hot-dogging. The two battled for over a decade during the 60's. Since that time no NBA center could compare to their brute talent - (Library of Congress photo) NR's All-time NBA's GREATEST TEAM

Nikola Jokic, first player in league history to record a triple-double in each of 10 consecutive home games - After starting the season 18-18, the Knicks have gone 21-9 in their last 30 games - LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook needs 10 assists to pass Isiah Thomas for ninth place on the NBA’s all-time assists - THIS DAY IN THE NBA

NEW YORK, NEW YORK USA

Monday March 6, 2023

KNICKS KNACK

The New York Knicks have won nine consecutive games to move 12 games above .500 for the first time since the 2012-13 season. At 39-27, they have closed within one game of the Cleveland Cavaliers for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

After starting the season 18-18, the Knicks have gone 21-9 in their last 30 games. The only two teams with a better record than New York during that latter stretch are the conference leaders, the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets.

Led by NBA All-Star forward Julius Randle and guard Jalen Brunson, the Knicks have climbed to fifth in the league in offensive rating. New York ranked 19th in that category last season.

On Tuesday, the Knicks go for their first 10-game winning streak in 10 years when they play host to the Charlotte Hornets (NBA App). Then comes a four-game road trip, which includes matchups against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday (TNT) and the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday (ESPN)

IN THE ZONE

• Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers: The NBA All-Star guard is averaging 38.1 points in his last 25 games – nearly six more points than any other player in that span.

• Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets: Bridges has posted the two highest-scoring regular-season games of his five-year career (45 points and 38 points) and four of his top six since joining the Nets on Feb. 9.

• Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: The two-time reign- ing Kia NBA MVP has become the first player in league history to record a triple-double in each of 10 consecutive home games.

• James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers: With his 38-point performance against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 4, Harden passed Ray Allen for 25th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

• Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns: Booker is averaging 36.0 points and 7.7 assists and shooting 56.0% from the field during the Suns’ current three-game winning streak.

• Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls: LaVine has scored at least 40 points in two of his last three games.

LOOKING AHEAD

Feeling Minnesota: After three consecutive road victories, the Minnesota Timberwolves return home to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday (TNT). Minnesota begins the week in sixth place in the Western Conference, half a game behind the Golden State Warriors and half a game ahead of the Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers.

• Honoring Pau: The Los Angeles Lakers will retire Pau Gasol’s No. 16 jersey when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday (TNT).

• Westbrook Milestone: LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook needs 10 assists to pass Isiah Thomas for ninth place on the NBA’s all-time assists list. The Clippers’ next game is against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday (ESPN).

• Champions Club: The last two NBA champions – Golden State (2022) and the Milwaukee Bucks (2021) – meet on Saturday in San Francisco in the season finale of NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC. The NBA-leading Bucks have won 17 of their last 18 games. The Warriors are 27-7 at home.

THIS DAY IN THE NBA

March 6, 1982 The Spurs defeated Milwaukee 171-166 in triple-overtime in San Antonio in what was then the highest scoring game in NBA history. The mark of 337 points was erased when Detroit beat Denver 186-184, also in triple-overtime, on December 13, 1983 for a total of 370 points.

March 6, 2000 Shaquille O’Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers scored an NBA season-high of 61 points to go with 23 rebounds, in the Lakers’ 123-103 triumph over the Los Angeles Clippers.

March 6, 2001 The Portland Trail Blazers retired the No. 22 jersey worn by versatile guard Clyde Drexler, who played for the team for more than 11 seasons from 1983 to 1995.