NBA storylines worth paying attention

By: Milith Batchu

The NBA script is at an all time peak. With comeback victories, historic scoring performances, and heartbreaking injuries, this season has been eventful, to say the least. Here are some of the most interesting stories to date: ​

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Clippers continue stellar play as of late with win over Heat

Don’t look now, but the Los Angeles Clippers are only a game behind the top spot in the Western Conference as of Feb. 4. Winning eight of their last 10, the Clippers look more legit than ever. Watching Kawhi Leonard (25 points) consistently play in games this season has been an absolute joy. James Harden (21 points) was 2 rebounds shy of a triple-double and extremely efficient from the floor. With solid play from Paul George (15 points), Norman Powell (16 points), and the team staying healthy, don’t be surprised if they happen to make some real noise once the post-season comes around.

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Embiid to undergo procedure for meniscus

Unfortunate news for the 76ers organization and fans dropped early evening reporting that Joel Embiid (meniscus injury) will undergo a procedure and is expected to miss extended time. However, the team did announce that “the door isn’t closed” on a return this season (via ESPN). The reigning MVP had another monstrous season, averaging an efficient 35-11-6 stat line. Embiid, who is ranked third in the MVP running as of the latest Kia MVP ladder, will not be able to meet the newly instated 65 games played award requirement, allowing him to miss out on a potential MVP and an all-NBA team. It will be interesting to see how Philadelphia manages the rest of their regular season and rotation, as they are bound to continue to decline with the loss of the main man, especially considering the rapidly approaching trade deadline.

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Thunder outlast raptors In double-overtime thriller

The fans in OKC got their money’s worth and then some in the Feb. 4 contest between the Thunder and Raptors. Neither regulation nor one singular overtime period was enough for these two teams as the game went right down to the wire in double OT. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (23 points) continued to make his case for MVP as he took over the game with his playmaking, tying his career-high in assists (14) to go along with only 2 turnovers. Toronto was ultimately unable to find ways to close out the match. Lu Dort (22 points) and Josh Giddey (24 points) came up big for OKC down the stretch, with both continuing to make winning plays down the stretch. The Thunder continue to find ways to succeed, winning 8 of their last 10. If their success continues, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could find himself in serious talks for MVP conversations. With Embiid sidelined for the near future, the SGA for MVP agenda will only continue to rise going forward.

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Bradley Beal shines in return to Washington

A familiar face was in town on Feb. 4 as the Suns traveled to Washington. In his first game back in D.C. since the blockbuster trade last summer, Beal (43 points) didn’t show any mercy to the team he played 11 seasons for. He was unstoppable from the tip, scoring double-digit points in the first quarter. The Suns continue to be a rather inconsistent team to say the least, but this was a dominant showing from the start. It was also a much needed game for Beal, who hadn’t scored 20 in five straight before that game. It’s possible that Phoenix is a team to keep a close eye on as the trade deadline approaches.

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