NFL
By: Stephen Garner
1.) MVP Race 
The MVP ladder is heating up as week nine concludes.
KD claims the top spot on this week’s @Kia MVP ladder
@AschNBA | https://t.co/ElCplsiwNS pic.twitter.com/riB4frEi6j
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 17, 2021
My pick for this season was Kevin Durant and the way he has continued to dominate, now sans both Irving and Harden (the last three games), is absurd.
In this stretch, he’s averaging 39.7 PPG 9.7 APG 10.3 RPG on 48.8% from the field, and 42.9% from three on 7 attempts.
THAT mode has been activated. The MVP and scoring title race between him and Steph will be fun, but with Durant leading the league in scoring also at 29.7 PPG (2.7 points more than 2nd place and 2.8 more than Steph), it’s his award to lose.
Marvel at his shot chart for a second and appreciate the efficiency on volume of attempts. He’s enjoying yet another career year, independent of his superstar teammates.
2.) Suddenly Crowded at the Top 
It is still the Suns and Warriors atop the West, however, the slightest of slippage from these two combined with a rapid run from the Grizzlies and Jazz have things becoming interesting amongst the West’s top four.
The Jazz now lead the league in differential, passing the Dubs with a now +13.1 with their defense resurfacing.
The Grizzlies have, in now 10-games since Morant went down, gone 9-1 and have had the leagues best defense in that stretch. They’re a WHOPPING +186 in these games. Even if you completely take away the 73-point win vs Oklahoma City, that leaves them at +113. Taylor Jenkins and company are putting it together and adding parity to the top of the West.
3.) Health & Safety Protocols 
Quite simply, the NBA needs to strongly consider a brief hiatus.
50+ players now out, stretched across over 20 teams at this point… https://t.co/t4eyLTYGtz
— Stephen PridGeon
(@StayTrueSDot3) December 17, 2021
Yes the NBA is revenue-driven and still recovering from the disaster (financially) that was the 19-20 season. However, to what extent will this money recovery mindset cost the league in it’s product and the long-term health and investment in it’s players?
A two to four weeks hiatus should be implemented after the Christmas slate of games (presuming it can make it that far without completely derailing).
It’s not trendy or pretty, but it’s necessary. This was already a caveat contemplated with the start of this season, so no hesitation should be involved in temporarily pulling the plug for the betterment of the product.
A gradual progression like limiting fans in stadiums will likely ensue, followed by potential team bubbles again, but ultimately a complete stoppage will be the best decision.
4.) Draymond and the Warriors Defense 
Much has been made of the Dubs and their resurfacing elite defense.
Small sample-size taken into account, but the Warriors are allowing just 85.6 points/100 poss. in the halfcourt.
For context, in their now 8 seasons since their 14-15 title, this comes in at 2nd only to the halfcourt defense they had in their 1st title run, in 14-15 (84.2)
— Stephen PridGeon
Questions about sustainability for them this season are valid, but if recent history is any indication, they'll be relevant on that end. Which will give them a chance against anyone. & we all see what this core does when given a chance..
— Stephen PridGeon
They’ve gotten back to the little things in communication, deflections, and continuity on that side of the ball, all of which were absent last season.
Even more, Draymond has seen a resurgence in his lateral quickness and mobility in the backline, which is what makes their defense so versatile and effective.
He had a sit-down with ESPNs Doris Burke on NBA Today which was a great watch.
I spoke about his communication and present-moment awareness that unlocks their timely defensive stops on Twitter two weeks ago:
Watch him communicate as Paul calls the set, then slide strong side of Johnsons screen w/o losing track of Ayton rolling. Green drops to the perfect spot to take away the rolls angle (you can see CP3 reading him), then takes another perfect angle to contest on Aytons final dive https://t.co/zyDqGLmuTJ pic.twitter.com/V57a5I4phC
— Stephen PridGeon
With the former Spartan Dawg, it’s the minor details, anticipation, and understanding of the opponent that make him otherworldly on defense.
He can viably guard 1-5 and function as a defender at the point of attack, at the nail, as a rover in space, as the help or low man, and in rim protection.
Having a player that can do all of these things is downright invaluable. He’s the defensive player of the year without question.
5.) Appreciate their Longevity of Greatness 
x
What Chris Paul and LeBron James are doing, both at 36 years old, has to be appreciated.
As recently as Tuesday, Chris Paul put together another one of his absolutely masterful game managing performances, followed by his signature finishing touches from the mid-range.
What he’s done this season, leading the league with 10.1 APG and one of the leagues absolute best in the clutch, is unprecedented at his age.
Chris Paul in the clutch this season:
60.9 FG% (1st in NBA)
14-23 FG
15 AST
3 TOVThe Suns are +60 in the clutch with CP3, the best mark in the league. pic.twitter.com/2h2II7qYRC
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 15, 2021
James on the other hand has been THEE walking revelation for the Lakers. They look extremely listless and lack functionality when he’s resting or out, but with him they suddenly become formidable, and the entire outlook of their roster changes.
LeBron is averaging 26.7 PPG 7.3 RPG 7.2 APG 1.7 SPG & 1.2 BPG the last 6 games on 54/39/78 shooting. It might look a little different, but his standards STILL his standard. & he's still there
— Stephen PridGeon
As he continues to put up number only he can, they’ll continue to have a chance. Chances have historically gone in his favor when he’s given one.
Expect for him to make it happen again with this team. To what extent remains to be seen, but assure he’ll have a loud say so in their ultimate fate as we push through this season.
Come playoff time, you know what time it is.
Games to Watch:
The Friday ESPN Slate:
Warriors @ Celtics, 6:30pm CST; Lakers @ Wolves, 9:00pm CST
Sunday: Cavs @ Hawks, 6:30 pm CST NBALP
@StayTrueSdot3 
