Jahlil Okafor had an impressive debut.
Source: http://media.philly.com/images/070615-okafor-jahlil-600.jpg
Game 1 between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs: Spurs won 74-71.
Players who made an impression:
1) Jahlil Okafor (76ers, 2015 draft 3rd overall pick): He struggled from the field during the first half as he did not shoot it at a high percentage going 3 for 11. Yet, in the second half, the guy they call Jah went to work. He was impressive and he imposed his will when he eventually settled down. The ability to post up and make plays out of these post up opportunities were evident throughout the game especially during the second half. He was very comfortable with those turn around jumpers, post hooks and drop steps. In addition, he was on attack mode as well. He also showed his ability to crash the boards consistently. Only downside was his free throw shooting. Still, Okafor did not disappoint at all. as he had 20 points, 9 boards, 2 blocks and went 10 out of 21 from the field (7 for 11 in the second half).
2) Davis Bertans (Spurs, Guard): He lighted it up from long distance from the get-go. He seemed very comfortable moving through screens. He was locked in when he got his catch and shoot opportunities. He would fit in with the Spurs perfectly with his ability to shoot the basketball. He made tough, clutch shots during the last 3 minutes of the game. He ended up with 19 points, 2 boards, 3 assists and 1 steal.
4) Cady Lalanne (Spurs, 2015 draft 58th overall pick): Big man with a soft touch. He constantly took those mid- range jumpers that came his way whenever he gave solid screens. He also did not back down from Jahlil Okafor. I liked how he played with confidence out there. Not bad for a late second round pick. He had 12 points, 5 boards, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks.
5) Jerami Grant (76ers, Forward): The athleticism was on display all game long. Yet, he seemed a little out of control at times. Still, the way he handled the ball and attacked the basket by using his length and athleticism were pretty impressive. He could have had a more efficient percentage from the field though. He had 13 points and 6 boards.
6) Jordan McRae (Sixers, Guard): He was their main offensive player from the perimeter. He showed that he could score at ease. He showed that he could score from the inside and the outside. He had 15 points, 5 boards and 1 steal. He could get his chance this season.
7) Livio Jean- Charles (Spurs, Forward): He had a hard time creating shots for himself. Yet, he hustled, ran the floor and jumped all over the place. He had a nice tip dunk from a Bertans pass.
Game 2 between the Utah Jazz and the Boston Celtics: Jazz won 100-82.
Dante Exum versus Marcus Smart
Source: http://ht.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/video/teams/jazz/2015/03/04/ExumSmart3415mov-3534872-1.576x324.jpg
1) Dante Exum (Jazz, Guard): He has put on some much needed weight and he looked way stronger than how he was last year. He showed a consistent effort to attack the basket and to facilitate the offense accordingly. He showed that he has improved his outside shot and looked more confident in taking them. He looked better when he came back in the second quarter as he had two nice looking threes, three impressive attack to the basket moves and just crossed people up. He was so good in the second quarter that he was given an ovation by the 10,215 die hard Jazz fans in attendance. I liked how he attacked, went to the line and made his free throws during the third quarter. Quinn Snyder looked very happy when he had his close up. Exum is only 19 and has legitimate superstar potential. Only downside was he twisted his left ankle late in the fourth quarter. Exum ended the game with 20 points, 5 boards and 5 assists.
2) Marcus Smart (Celtics, Guard): He played with confidence and a lot of swag. He was as strong as ever in attacking the basket. He was more confident with his outside shot as he hit 2 early threes in the first quarter. He played nicely with Rozier. He ran the offense pretty well especially the high pick and roll with Jordan Mickey. He defended like crazy as well. He surely stood out as he had 26 points, 5 boards, 8 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.
3) Rodney Hood (Jazz, Guard): He came out aggressive offensively. He also showed toughness as he played through a shoulder injury. He was on attack mode and was ready to shoot. He had a fancy switch layup that was set up by a slick crossover during the second quarter. He also rebounded well. He had 23 points, 10 boards, 4 assists and 2 steals.
4) Terry Rozier (Celtics, 2015 draft 16th overall pick): A bulldog and a hard-nosed guy. He pushed the tempo very well. He found ways to help the team out with his energy.
5) James Young (Celtics, Guard): He came out a little passive but started showing some aggression during the second quarter. He had a nasty lob pass coming off a screen that led to an alley oop dunk. He started taking some shots as well but struggled in converting them. He seemed like the player with the needed tools to be successful.
6) Jordan Mickey (Celtics, 2015 draft 33rd overall pick): He showed his versatility. He showed that he could hit from the outside and be effective inside. He gave solid screens and took advantage when Smart found him. He looked more like a first round pick than a second round pick. He had 16 points, 5 boards and 3 blocks.
7) Jack Cooley (Jazz, Center): He was very physical and he did not back down from anyone. Anyone would love to have a tough guy as a teammate.
8) Bryce Cotton (Jazz, Guard): He provided the needed support for Exum and Hood. He helped facilitate the offense as well and he just played steady.
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