Scoreboard
Suns 101, Hornets 97
Trail Blazers 122, Raptors 117
Nuggets 126, Hawks 102
Lakers 96, Magic 93
What went down
Aaron Gordon, the Denver Nuggets’ prized acquisition at the trade deadline, had an okay debut. He tallied numbers that are just slightly below his season average: 13 points, two rebounds, and two assists in less than 21 minutes of action.
But despite the pedestrian numbers, Denver couldn’t have imagined a better way to start the Gordon era. The versatile forward fit like a glove and made an impact on both ends of the floor. He was running pick-and-rolls, both as the shooter and screener. He also found different ways to affect the game on offense, whether as a lob threat for Nikola Jokic or running backdoor and yamming on the hapless defense of the Atlanta Hawks.
But the Nuggets need Gordon on the defensive end the most, and in that regard, Gordon did an excellent job as well. He helped hold John Collins to only 11 points on 3-9 from the field, and showed the versatility that comes with his athleticism. The best illustration of his presence with the Nuggets can be seen in the lineup of Jokic-Murray-Porter-Gordon: a 92.7 defensive rating, which would make it one of the best in the league if it can hold up.
There will still be an adjustment period for Gordon—every player that moves midseason has to go through it. But it’s clear that he landed on a team that understands his skillset and how it can affect the game. The challenge for Gordon will be whether he can accept being a role player on a team with title dreams. Will he be willing to find his offense off rolls to the rim and backdoor cuts, instead of him handling from top of the key with the ball in his hands? If Gordon accepts that role, then the move could help the Nuggets remain in the upper echelon of the NBA.
Big-time baller
We haven't talked about the team in awhile, but here’s your Phoenix Suns update: they’re still really very good. And so is Devin Booker, who led the Suns to 101-97 overtime win against the pesky Charlotte Hornets. Booker had a team high 35 points, and added six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
What he said
Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson after the Lakers officially signed Andre Drummond:
Congratulations to @AndreDrummond for signing with the @Lakers and welcome to Los Angeles! Andre is just what the Lakers need; a big man who can score, rebound, and defend.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 28, 2021
Did you see that?
Despite missing LaMelo Ball, the show goes with the Hornets. And as long as they have Miles Bridges doing this, the show will still be worth the price of admission.
Miles Bridges SOARS to spark a 15-5 @hornets run.. 6-point game with 4 to play on NBA LP! pic.twitter.com/PXm2DCs4Au
— NBA (@NBA) March 28, 2021
