Scoreboard
- Raptors 110, Bucks 96
- Heat 118, Kings 110
- Nets 109, Lakers 98
What went down
With a free throw in the second quarter, LeBron James became only the third player to score 35,000 points in the NBA, joining legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone.
The moment he reached 35,000 pic.twitter.com/DfeCMJabtr
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 19, 2021
Had the Los Angeles Lakers not been down 20 and had there been fans in Staples Center, this moment would have felt more electric. But, in what has been a frantic season, this is one moment we shouldn't take for granted.
The players LeBron joined in the 35k club were both pictures of consistency and longevity. Kareem towards the end of his career was still vital to the ‘80s Lakers run to five titles, but was significantly slower as he reached 40 years old. Malone, on the other hand, milked every bit of his sweet midrange jumper when his athleticism faded in the early 2000s.
LeBron, in his 18th season, is still dominant and putting up MVP numbers. He's even added a consistent 3-point shot. Reaching 35k for LeBron represents his inevitable climb to the top of the scoring list in two or three seasons. Before we get there, let's savor every bit of greatness LeBron still has left.
Big-time baller
The Toronto Raptors have been one of the hottest teams in the league lately and Norman Powell has been a key catalyst.
Playing without starting point guard Kyle Lowry, Powell filled in and hung 29 points on 9-for-12 shooting on the Milwaukee Bucks.
After looking washed to start the season, the Raptors are picking up the pace, even if they’ve had starters like Lowry and OG Anunoby miss significant time and it's thanks to Powell's always-ready-to-drop-20 mentality.
What he said
KD was non-verbal comedy gold in Brooklyn's decisive win over LA.
KD's face after Harden hit the 3 was amazing 😂 pic.twitter.com/A5iB33nY0n
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 19, 2021
KD's bench reactions have been gold all game 🤣 pic.twitter.com/NKcKCqzRxZ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 19, 2021
Sitting out the Nets' last three games due to calf strain, Durant has had plenty of reasons to make nasty faces. Another win against the Clippers on Monday gives the Nets a sweep of a tough Pacific Division, giving them plenty of momentum heading into the All-Star game.
The Nets were so good, LeBron immediately had to talk to Anthony Davis about them.
LeBron pulled AD aside to talk things over before the Lakers' loss to the Nets. pic.twitter.com/EnDRe6VD1X
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 19, 2021
Did you see that?
Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo took twinning to another level as the Miami Heat's core duo each tallied triple-doubles in a win against the Sacramento Kings.
Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo become the first pair of teammates in NBA history to both record triple-doubles in the same game on multiple occasions.@JimmyButler: 13 PTS, 10 REB, 13 AST@Bam1of1: 16 PTS, 12 REB, 10 AST pic.twitter.com/gxOd6vtnXd
— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2021
Apparently, being an all-around threat is a pillar of Heat Culture, right beside 4 a.m. workouts. Miami might need more nights like this from their stars to get into the playoffs, since they only have a 12-17 record.
