The Emirates NBA Cup (formerly known as the In-Season Tournament) is here.
The event, which gives teams something to fight for early in the season, is in its second year. Last year’s winner, the Los Angeles Lakers, will now be trying to defend their crown.
Let’s focus on some of the blunders and bone-headed plays that happened in the first week (Nov. 12 through 15) of the tournament. With so many to choose from, we might as well narrow it down to five. Here they are, in no particular order.
The Missing Timeout
When the Detroit Pistons tied the game in overtime, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra immediately called a much-needed timeout. The problem, of course, was that they had no more timeouts left. The technical free throw Spoelstra gave up was enough for the Pistons to break the tie.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra calls a timeout while the team has none left… the Pistons win it on a technical free throw. 🏀😬 #NBA pic.twitter.com/0O0ka7smmE
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 13, 2024
The Slow Start
Joel Embiid is back in action and his first two games happen to be NBA Cup contests. He might have to shake off the rust soon because he is clearly having a rough start to the season. So far, in two games, he is 7-for-26 from the field. He is also 1-for-10 when shooting three-pointers.
Knicks have done an excellent job taking advantage of a rusty Joel Embiid by double-teaming him early and often. Throwing length at him. He’s rarely made them pay
— Matt Spendley (@mattspendley) November 13, 2024
The Missed Free Throws
If the Boston Celtics were to look for someone to blame in their close loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the team would have to point at Jaylen Brown. Brown missed three free throws in the closing moments of the game. When you lose by a point, you know those missed free throws would have made a difference.
jaylen brown & 4th quarter free throws 😒
— sean ☘️ (@seaaandon) November 13, 2024
No Good From Downtown
Brandon Miller went 3-for-18 from the field, including a lowly 1-for-11 from three-point land, as his Charlotte Hornets lost to the Orlando Magic. Miller was not alone, though. Gradey Dick, of the Toronto Raptors, would make just one of his 10 three-pointers in a loss against the Detroit Pistons a few days later.
Brandon Miller last 3 games:
– 12 PTS on 18.3 FGA
– 25.5 FG%
– 2.3 2PM on 33.3 2PT%
– 2.3 3PM ( 11.3 3PM ) on 20, 3PT%
– 32.5 TS%
– 31.8 eFG%
– 35 MPG pic.twitter.com/KL1KnoJN1N— MeloHive 🛸💕 (@Meloleague) November 18, 2024
Zero Field Goals Club
Derrick Jones Jr., Jusuf Nurkic, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Luke Kennard were some of the players who couldn’t find any rhythm at all during Day 2 of the NBA Cup. All of these players went at least five field goal attempts without success. It was only natural that their respective teams went on to lose.
That’s enough Derrick Jones for tonight. His worst game as a clipper.
— Mark Thompson (@mathomp_501) November 16, 2024
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