LA Clippers

Durant tops Kia MVP Ladder Once again: Followed by Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, Paul George and DeMar DeRozan by Hussein Abdullahi

Kevin Durant tops the KIA MVP ladder in early-season mvp chase

Photo Credit: Nicole Sweet (USA TODAY SPORTS)

The early-season MVP chase is one of the constant changes after four weeks of games, Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant has been a clear candidate for the MVP award. Durant has carried the load for the Nets as they posted a 3-1 record in the last week, with wins over the Orlando Magic, New Orleans Pelicans, and Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant is simply playing his best brand of basketball, averaging 32.2 points on 62.9 % shooting from the field, 56.2 % shooting from 3-point range, 91.2 % from the free-throw line, 7.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Durant has scored 30+ points in four of his last five games while leading the league in mid-range field goals. It’s safe to say that the NBA is better when Durant is healthy and playing at a peak level. Despite the absence of Kyrie Irving, Durant has taken an immense leadership role for the Nets ball club. Earlier this week, Durant received the Eastern Conference Player of the Week honours for the 28th time in his NBA career. On Tuesday night Stephen Curry led all scorers with 37 as the Nets fell to the Golden State Warriors 117-99.

Stephen Curry Anchors the Warriors Golden Start

Photo Credit: Matt Kelley (Associated Press)

After one month of playing, the Warriors are off to a “Golden” start. Anchored by Stephen Curry, the Warriors has posted a league-best 11 wins and is looking apparent to a championship contender. Despite underachieving the last two seasons, The Warriors are back in the discussion and playing a championship brand of basketball. Stephen Curry erupted for an NBA season-high 50 points, ten assists in a 127-113 win against the Atlanta Hawks.

“It means we’re headed in the right direction. Like I said last game, you can’t win a championship or anything like that in November. But you can put yourself in a really good position for the regular season to start thinking about playoff position and all that once you get there.”- Stephen Curry

At the ripe age of 33, Curry becomes the oldest player in NBA history to score 50 or more and ten assists in a single game. Curry is second in scoring (28.7) behind Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets. Curry is second in the KIA MVP race and was recently named the Western Conference Player of the Week after leading the Warriors to a 6-1 record during an eight-game homestand. Curry put on a show at the Barclays Centre leading all scorers with 37 as the Warriors win big 117-99 over the Nets.


Jokic looks to defend his MVP Crown

Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports

Without the Nuggets stars Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., Jokic has posted put the team on his back, averaging 25.4 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 5,7 assists. The reigning MVP climbed the KIA MVP ladder from #10 to #3 behind Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. Aside from the 9-5 start, Jokic will embrace a leadership role for the Nuggets ball club. With no timetable on Murray’s return, the Nuggets will look for players like Will Barton, Monte Morris, and veteran Jeff Green to step up. Will Jokic defend his MVP trophy? or will the NBA have a new MVP?

Paul George emerges as an early-season MVP candidate

Photo Credit: Michael Gonzales (Getty Images)

After a 1-4 start, many doubted the Clippers as a favourite to make it out of the Western Conference. With the absence of their franchise player Kahwi Leonard, Clippers magnified some of their deficiencies. A big part of changing that narrative was Paul George. In November, the Clippers have won eight of their last nine games. George is ranked third in scoring (27.0 ppg) and fifth in steals (2.2), all in a winning effort. In recent years George has been criticized for his post-season shooting slums and inconsistencies, but we can’t deny, is the stellar play from George this season. Without superstar Kahwi Leonard, the Clippers relied heavily on George’s scoring ability and defensive prowess. George finally makes his way on the NBA KIA MVP ladder despite being ranked last week. With no definite timetable for Leonard’s return, George will need to sustain his level and play in hopes of leading the Clippers for a deep with this season.


DeMar DeRozan fuels bulls with fire this season

Photo Credit: NBA

DeRozan has given the NBA a subtle reminder as to why he’s one of the top shooting guards in the league. Coming off a season-high 38 points that led to Bulls to a 121-103 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, DeRozan is silencing his critics. Following the victory in LA, DeRozan quoted “having so many chips on his shoulders” as he referred to the media at his press conference interview.

“I can go down the list of just being counted out, being looked over,So many chips that's on my shoulder that I carry. And just wanting to be a winner and wanting to enjoy this ride.” - DeMar DeRozan

In his 13th season, DeRozan is ranked 4th in scoring (26 ppg) while shooting in at 51% from the field. The four-time All-star has fueled the Bulls this season, followed by Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine. The trio of Ball, LaVine and DeRozan has created a potent offence that contributes to nearly 60% (58.3) of the Bulls total points (108 ppg), ultimately making them a top contender in the NBA.

Written by: Hussein Abdullahi

Published by: TGQ Inc.


Underground King | Lou Williams by Hussein Abdullahi

Clipper Guard Lou Williams stopped by the All The Smoke podcast to chat hoops culture with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. The Underground Goat shared his experiences in the NBA playing alongside his idol Allen Iverson to winning his first Sixth Man Award in Toronto. Lou Williams is in the discussion for the best 6th Man in NBA history winning the award 3 times in his career. Watching Williams over the course of his career you’d see flashes of an emerging superstar. Lou doesn’t shy away from the big moments; His ability to seize opportunity is just the story of his life. Williams has earned the respect from players such as Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, and Allen Iverson. With all his unprecedented success Lou Williams wants to add a NBA Championship to his resume. With the addition of their 2 megastars (Paul George and Kawhi Leonard) Williams believes the Clippers are a top contender.

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SWEET LOU

Clippers Guard @louwillville

A lot of the young guys on our team follow our lead because of how we carry ourselves.
— Lou Williams
  1. Star In Your Role: Prior to joining the LA Clippers Lou Williams had complications fulfilling a role on a team, he played on 3 teams during a 6 month span. It wasn’t until Coach Doc Rivers and Williams had a meeting to discuss his role and responsibilities as an intricate part of their ball club. In his last 2 season as a Clipper Williams average 20 + points and 5 assists as the 6th man. Williams has embraced his role as a 6th man throughout his career and gives credit to Doc Rivers for providing him with that golden opportunity to flourish. Williams won his first NBA Sixth Man Award in 2015 playing with the Toronto Raptors; He marks that as his most memorable award.

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6 MAN

Lou Williams has won 3 Sixth Man Of The Year Awards.

2. “One and Done”: The NCAA system has continued to benefit off its student-athletes. Lou Williams isn’t a fan of the whole “one and done” rule because it inhibits players from pursuing their dreams and getting paid. If you go to college for a year, you’re not getting an education so there isn’t really a point for this rule. Williams was a McDonald’s All-American and joined Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James as players who made that jump into the NBA. With the wave of new talent (LaMelo Ball, R.J. Hampton, Bronny James) we’re starting the see players find different routes to the NBA, ultimately foreseeing the option of college. Personally, I think it’s time for the NBA to consider revoking the “One-and Done” rule or create a vehicle for student-athletes to go pro.

I never been a fan of the NCAA. My senior year in high school I couldn’t find a reason to go to college.
— Lou Williams
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U.G.K.

Slam Mag x Louwillville

3. Upcoming NBA Stars: Now in his 15th Season, Lou Williams is the vet in the locker room; he’s is paying it forward just like his vets did to him during the early stages of his career. When asked about some of his favourite upcoming NBA players he spoke highly about Rookie sensation Ja Morant. Morant has made an easy debate for Rookie of the Year. Morant leads all rookies in scoring and assists. Another emerging star Lou mentioned is Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the two spend a lot of time over the summer working out and playing in pick-up runs. Williams expects nothing but great things for his former teammate and has high hopes for his future in the NBA.

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Rookie & The Vet

Guards Lou Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

It hurt when Shai left because you can see him get better everyday. You literally watched him grow!
— Lou Williams

Lou Williams continues writing his story; from a late second round pick to winning three Sixth Man Awards. Williams never loses sight on the importance of putting in the work each year and it shows. Williams scored over 13,000 career points and is currently averaging 22 points per contest. The Georgia native shares his insights about how much the NBA game continues to develop throughout its course. Williams is one who never played for any recognition and that’s what keeps him on edge; Williams has never been named an all-star but his numbers would state otherwise. When we start the debate for the best sixth man in NBA history names such as Jamal Crawford, Manu Ginobili, Tony Kukoc, and Lamar Odom all come to mind. You can make the argument that Williams is the NBA’s best sixth man. Some call him Sweet Lou, Uncle Lou, but he’s an Underground Goat.

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Special Thanks: @allthesmoke , @slamonline, @laclippers

Athlete: Lou Williams (@louwilliams)

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgqeMEVQLAk&t=3122s

Producer: TGQ INC.