NBA Monday Social: Jayson Tatum is building a strong Most Improved Player resume
By Alex Mcewen
This week in the association, Jayson Tatum continued his rapid ascension, the LA Clippers righted the ship, plus so much more
Sometimes a player is pegged as a superstar before he enters the league. Such as LeBron James and Zion Williamson. Jayson Tatum was not. However, the Celtics third-year forward has literally taken a massive leap forward and risen to superstar level. Check out some amazing things he did this past week along with many other great highlights below:
KG is a legend
KG shows up to STAPLES Center and still had to let it be known with the Cs uniform — Still not down with the Purple and Gold
— FanSided NBA (@FanSidedNBA) February 23, 2020
(via @espn) pic.twitter.com/Tkv6uAjCnN
The Greek Freak doing freaky things
30/15/5 games in 30 minutes or fewer:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 23, 2020
3 — Giannis this season
3 — Rest of NBA combined since 1983 pic.twitter.com/ybG9smw85W
Game respect game
Wow!!! What a game!!! Nothing like winning vs your Rival!!!!! We have to dig deep for that one! Glad we could pull this one out for LakerNation!
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) February 23, 2020
Inside jokes
Rookie Keldon Johnson was checking in and his jersey was untucked. Ref Derek Richardson blew his whistle to call delay of game. Chris Paul started waving his hands yelling “don’t call it! Don’t call it!” Richardson called it and Paul looked at Johnson and said, “Damn.”
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) February 24, 2020
This team is so fun
Chris Paul was asked about coming up a rebound short of a triple-double while sitting the final 8:25 of the game: "What I finish with?" Told he was a rebound shy, he said, "Ah, that's Billy then. He won't let be great."
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) February 24, 2020
(He was very much joking.)
Gaining closure on the recent tragedy
James Harden, Russell Westbrook and P.J. Tucker are attending the memorial service for Kobe and Gianna Bryant in Los Angeles. They plan to fly to Houston on a private jet after the service and play against the Knicks tonight.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 24, 2020
MJ speaks from the heart
Classic Mamba humor
Shaquille O’Neal mentioned the time he reminded Kobe Bryant there is no “I” in “team.”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 24, 2020
Bryant had a retort.
“I know, but there’s a ‘M-E’ in that motherf—er.”
Humor helps the soul heal
“Now he’s got me. I'll have to look at another crying meme for the next…”
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 24, 2020
MJ on Kobe
(via @SNYtv)pic.twitter.com/8G6Te8kUUy
Everyone makes mistakes, especially NBA executives
Last season I thought Lauri Markkanen was -- and projected to be -- better than Jayson Tatum.
— Mark K (@mkhoops) February 23, 2020
This season I think I'm an idiot for ever thinking such things.
EIGHT!
How many Thunder players in double-digit scoring tonight? pic.twitter.com/s8ZiYMsh6O
— Jon Hamm (@JonMHamm) February 24, 2020
Tatum is taking flight
February averages for Jayson Tatum (through 10 total games)
— Matt Ravis (@mattravis) February 26, 2020
29.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.2 blocks, 2.3 turnovers
48.3 FG%, 46.8 3PT%, 77.8 FT%
20 FGAs, 8.8 three-point attempts, 8 FTs per game https://t.co/bIxdmxlICj
Facts
Hard to get hyped over Alex Caruso when you watch Dennis Schröder every other night 🥱
— Olivia (@olivianba) February 26, 2020
One of my new favorite tweets to feature
LeBron put up 40 then ate Red Vines on bench as Zion impressed with 29 in their 1st meeting; Jayson Tatum hit a career-high 8 3s; Coby White became 1st Bull to have 3 straight 30-point games off bench; Bucks improved to 50-8.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) February 26, 2020
Almost every night something great happens in the NBA
The Sacramento Kings ladies and gentlemen
Over the last 11 games, Harry Giles - the same 21-year old Harry Giles who had his third-year option declined by a team that hasn't made the playoffs since 2006 - is averaging 9.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in under 19 minutes a night, while shooting 65.7%.
— Brady Klopfer (@BradyKlopferNBA) February 26, 2020
Just double-checking
Bradley Beal said the league drug tested him after his back-to-back 53 point games earlier this week. 😂😅
— Chris W. Crouse (@ChrisWCrouse) February 27, 2020
He had 30 tonight #RepTheDistrict pic.twitter.com/0vfu0w9Igr
Can’t script things like this…
The Sixers are in trouble
Tobias Harris And Al Horford are making 60 million combined this year to play like prime Luke Walton and Ed Curry
— Robert (@JRAMNOTTHAGOAT) February 27, 2020
This was a beatdown
😶😶😶⚪️
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) February 27, 2020
Us: 88 | @HoustonRockets: 111 @dillonbrooks24 leads the way with 22 points. pic.twitter.com/3HYMxZsCD6
Bob Myers is probably already making calls
My prediction is that Dragan Bender will be on the Warriors roster when the 2020-21 season begins. I don't see the team saying goodbye to a 7-footer who can pass the way he can and shoot threes.
— Brady Klopfer (@BradyKlopferNBA) February 26, 2020
More inside jokes
"I've been DeAndre Jordan'd. Send help."
— Adi Joseph (@AdiJoseph) February 26, 2020
A beautiful sight for Thunder Nation
Jazz's loss to the Celtics tonight bumps the Thunder up to the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. pic.twitter.com/5g5OY40zwY
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) February 27, 2020
A little perspective
ESPN experts’ preseason predictions: OKC will finish #13 in the West.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) February 27, 2020
CP3, Shai, Gallo, Schroder, Adams and Dort: lol pic.twitter.com/OG2QtAESc2
Just a little more
If the Jazz lose this one to the Celtics, OKC will be tied for the 8th best record in the league. Just bonkers.
— JPOSU (@JPOSU) February 27, 2020
Followed by some good advice
Good question. Ideally, the Thunder keeps the pick.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) February 27, 2020
But my advice would be to just enjoy the season.
If OKC finishes as the 5 seed + get a better playoff matchup but don’t get their pick this year, bummer, but oh well.
A surprising, successful season will make it worth it.
Yes, yes it is…
It's pretty funny (and telling) that it's easier to watch NBA games illegally than it is to watch them legally.
— Matt Ravis (@mattravis) February 27, 2020
Happy Mardi Gras
Alvin Gentry started his availability addressing a certain media member wearing this costume during Mardi Gras.
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) February 27, 2020
“Not every costume is for everyone” pic.twitter.com/jBHJ6Tc3OB
I think LeBron will be just fine
Just going to point out that groin injuries notoriously linger and are tricky, particularly with aging players, and this is the same groin that cost him a bunch of time last year.
— Stephen Dolan (@SteveThunderfan) February 27, 2020
It's totally possible this is just load management and nbd/nothing. Just going to point that out. https://t.co/XD87j4Nidw
Yes, I agree with Morant
Do you agree with Ja Morant that Russell Westbrook is disrespected? @SportsMorning @sportsanimal #WWLS
— Matthew Meyer (@Bluto51) February 27, 2020
The definitive answer is yes, BTW I think Milwaukee is going to win it all
“Would 70 wins place the Bucks among the all time great teams?”
— Spurs Legacy (@spurs_legacy) February 27, 2020
“No, they have to win the CHIP, even a game 7 loss to LA wouldnt matter!”
So the 73-9 Warriors weren’t an all time great team lolololol??? pic.twitter.com/GBnlCi3teH
Interesting question?
Seriously though, this would be an epic series, with endless storylines
Hey @NBA can y’all rig the standings and make this happen? The fans NEED it! pic.twitter.com/eTfEMMCyfu
— TC⚡️ (@ThunderCounty) February 27, 2020
Cool story bro
JJ Redick was late to practice as a rookie, so his teammates' duct-taped him to a chair, put him in the shower with cold water, to only be found by the equipment manager an hour later😬https://t.co/gMFvL9sxgg
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 28, 2020
I would love this prize
Some guy just won a yearly supply of BREAD at the Sixers game.
— Josh Wilson (@J_WilsonSports) February 28, 2020
What.
You don’t say?
OKC’s 59th game last season: a home game vs the Kings.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) February 28, 2020
The Thunder lost, bringing their record to 38-21.
Subtract arguably their 3 best players & fast forward 1 year.
OKC’s 59th game this season: a home game vs the Kings.
The Thunder win, bringing their record to 37-22.
Double standard
So Stephen A. was irked that Russ doesn't care what media thinks about his game. He brought up his playoff Ls, Dame, etc. This is why it's smart Russ doesn't let media run him cray. They want him to be like KD and cling to their every word. Nah. Screw that.
— Taทɣa🕊️ (@Litsome_Dove) February 28, 2020
Sweet moves
Kuz is in his bag 🤭
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 28, 2020
(via @Lakers)pic.twitter.com/m0gxOyAaUv
Comeback kids
Idk if there's such a thing as a "routine 18-point second-half comeback" but #ThunderUp
— Stephen Dolan (@SteveThunderfan) February 28, 2020
Presented without comment
SGA over his last 10 Games
— Thunder Heads (@OKCThunderHeads) February 28, 2020
18.5 PPG
7.5 RPG
4.4 APG
10.6 SPG
47.4 FG%
39 3P%
76 FT%
35.6 MPG https://t.co/xSBfcQHIas
Agreed. Either everyone can do it, or no one can do it.
I don’t care if teams want to employ load management. The Thunder have been doing it with Danilo Gallinari to great effect this season. But if you’re going to fine somebody, fine EVERYBODY, not just the teams that are easy to pick on. Horrible look. https://t.co/u5pUZFKaQa
— Matt Ravis (@mattravis) February 28, 2020
Yes
I mean...he won’t win it, but Chris Paul should absolutely be on the MVP shortlist.
— Carson Cunningham (@Carson_OKC) February 28, 2020
*Inserts looking eye emoji
Harry Giles III could be a good option for the Thunder if Nerlens Noel walks this summer.
— Alex Roig (@AlexRoig_NBA) February 28, 2020
I think Luke Walton‘s days are numbered in Sacramento
Buddy Hield’s full postgame interview following OKC’s win over Sacramento: pic.twitter.com/WZ1nDAYiRo
— Derek Parker (@DParkOK) February 28, 2020
Interesting argument
Jason Tatum has improved “In Season” more then any other player in league history.
— Brian Scalabrine (@Scalabrine) February 28, 2020
It feels good to be recognized
Don’t mind me. Doing a happy dance around my living room forever! 😳💪 https://t.co/ORNitb4Ucp pic.twitter.com/hsAahlDmME
— SKSInThePaint (@SarahRebuild) February 28, 2020
It’s Hami time
Chris Paul on Hamidou Diallo: “Hami was amazing. His energy doesn’t show up on the stat sheet.” pic.twitter.com/OZcCEoVWTe
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) February 28, 2020
Nice kick collection Bazley
https://twitter.com/BazleyDarius/status/1233287083072069634?s=20
Two losses make a world of difference I guess
Rockets - 38-20- "They're so good they look unstoppable they are going to win it all!"
— ⚡️ JM ⚡ (@WeAreOKC) February 28, 2020
Thunder - 36-22- "They're not going far in the playoffs they don't stand a chance. They're going to be a first round exit."
Gonna start watching AD more closely
We don’t talk enough about how offensively gifted Anthony Davis is. Low key he has no flaws on either end of the court. Just saying...
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) February 28, 2020
Road Warriors
Lakers, Road Warriors
— Justin Kubatko (@jkubatko) February 28, 2020
✅ Overall road record of 24-5 this season, tied with the Bucks for the best in the NBA.
✅ NBA-record 18 straight road wins versus Western Conference opponents.
✅ Only road loss this season versus a Western Conference team came on their home court. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/4vjS8n4TgS
This tweet did not age well
Why does tonight's regular season game against the Bucks have me feeling like it's Game 7 of the playoffs? 😂 Can't wait for this Thunder team to shock the world tonight 👀
— Olivia (@olivianba) February 28, 2020
Fun question with endless answers
Who is the most overrated player in the NBA?
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 28, 2020
Reply or Quote👇
Kinda petty from Harden. However, this could make HOU vs. Bucks a REALLY fun Finals
James Harden doing OKC a solid and telling the Thunder how to stop Giannis tonight.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) February 28, 2020
1. Don’t let him run.
2. Stop him from being 7 feet.
3. No dunking.
Easy peasy. https://t.co/TwscoN3vJe
Checking back in on the Clippers
When the Clips added Jackson, I said it would make them, or break them, so far the latter has transpired.
Names can be tricky
Bill Simmons wrote one of the most definitive NBA books, hosts the No. 1 sports podcast and still can’t pronounce Nowitzki or Horry correctly. How can this be?
— Carson Cunningham (@Carson_OKC) February 29, 2020
It’s amazing what health can do to a team
Clippers looking scary good against Denver. ESPN crew full of high praise. 76ers and Lakers up next. The Fun is just beginning!
— Ralph Lawler (@Ohmeomy) February 29, 2020
Fan Favorites need love too
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 21 years old and is the leading scorer on an OKC team that is 5th in the West.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) February 28, 2020
SportsCenter, Bleacher Report, and ESPN have Tweeted about Shai a total of 4 times this season. Those same accounts have combined for 43 Caruso posts.
What a joke. https://t.co/wFPnQSsUWu
Full perspective view
This is why the Clips have a chance to win the West
I was not expecting the Clippers to blowout the Nuggets by 32 points tonight.
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) February 29, 2020
With so much on the line in terms of tiebreakers, and seeding, I expected this game to be an absolute dog fight.
The Clippers really showed what they're capable of when fully healthy tonight.
This is far and away the best the Clippers have looked. Just an outstanding performance on both ends of the court.
— Ryan Snellings (RS25) (@rsnellings25) February 29, 2020
More comments on Jackson
Reggie Jackson again has been fantastic since he's joined LAC. The upgrade from McGruder/Robinson/Mann/DWJR to him has been extremely tangible, to say the least.
— Justin W. (@LAClippersFilm) February 29, 2020
Sticking it out, where he signed a contract to play
Why is DRose still on the Pistons? That man deserves to be playing for Championship! My God
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) February 29, 2020
Maybe the Wolves can finally do something. Next year.
it's like @kelan30_ & @dloading have been doing this since childhood... pic.twitter.com/uAU2whQNlF
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 29, 2020
Apparently health is a cure all
The Clippers crush the Nuggets 132-103 to improve to 40-19 and tie Denver for the No. 2 seed. LA is now 3-0 w/ their new core healthy and 7-0 w/ their full squad. Paul George, who didn't play vs. Denver last time, led the Clips with 24 points.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 29, 2020
Up next: vs. Philly on Sunday.
More Love for Tatum
Check out my Top 3 players 21 & under...
— Caron Butler (@realtuffjuice) February 29, 2020
1-Luka
-2 Jayson Tatum
-3 Zion
Honorable Mention Trae Young🔥@YahooSportsNBA 📈#TheBounce pic.twitter.com/3kzltigSGW
And an awesome answer!
Reporter: "Trez, would you rather have a block, or a crossover dunk?"
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) February 29, 2020
Trez: "It doesn't matter to me. I try to be in the right place for my guys on the defensive end of the floor.
Team first answer.
Another intriguing question
What do you think is the greatest basketball movie ever made?
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 29, 2020
Interesting statement
https://twitter.com/JoshEberley/status/1233844630204055565?s=20
Technically, Kevin Durant was not the number one overall pick, but he should have been and he is the closest comparison to Zion Williamson in this sense.
Destiny Awaits
I need this to happen and I’ve praying about this since July! https://t.co/MUpCn5zUAd
— RED is here♒️ (@shesforRussy) March 1, 2020
Walking a unique road
I think the feeling of inevitability masked just how wild and unprecedented it was that KD left Golden State. We spent a year feeling like it would happen so it wasn’t a shock, but in a vacuum, that is one of the wildest FA moves in NBA history. Right up there with joining GSW.
— Brady Klopfer (@BradyKlopferNBA) February 29, 2020
The Clippers are rounding into form
“I don’t think it’s about scoring for him” is right.
— Garrett Chorpenning (@gachorpenning) February 29, 2020
Patrick Beverley finished tonight’s game with 0 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists and was a +13. He plays winning basketball. https://t.co/FyHOVrCX0C
The Shade is real with this one
This statement fits so many NBA game scenarios
This game is giving me heart palpitations...lol
— RED is here♒️ (@shesforRussy) March 1, 2020
Gotta Love the Brotherhood
Kendrick Perkins drops by so now there are five former Thunders in the Rockets locker room. No sign of Kevin Ollie yet.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) March 1, 2020
Despite the historic margin, it still only counts as one loss
So, OKC lost by 47 points last night.
— Daily Thunder (@dailythunder) March 1, 2020
The last time a team with a winning record lost by 47+ was Utah against Dallas on 11/14/18.
Utah went on to win 50 games that season, but Dallas missed the playoffs.
So, we good. Bucks might be in trouble though.
True
Damian Lillard is not better than Russell Westbrook
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) March 1, 2020
Never was
Brown’s shot was impressive
JAYLEN SENDS IT TO OT!!! pic.twitter.com/E5SMOss32I
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 1, 2020
However, it never happens without Tatum’s perfectly executed miss.
A reminder anything is possible
Happy 3-1 day! 😅 pic.twitter.com/fIOGNKPSHs
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 1, 2020
This is how all siblings should be
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9FLzpKgHZ7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
This week’s high note is brought to you by The King himself, LeBron James shared this video of his two teenage sons on Instagram, most teens would be mortified for their dad to post videos of them on social media, this duo was not. It seems the James Gang — as James often refers to he and wife Savannah’s family — is as close as ever!
Have a great day, I’ll be here again next week, back to the usual Sunday schedule bringing you some of the best posts from around the web.