Karl-Anthony Towns was disappointed when Nix stop extension talks before the start of the season. Big man Nicks didn’t let it affect his game, Zach Brasiler of the New York Post notes. He is averaging 19.9 points, 13.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists on 57.3 percent shooting from the field.
“I came into the season wanting to defend the championship at all costs.” he said. “Like I said before, the city hasn’t seen that trophy here in New York for 53 years, and all of us in this locker room, especially me, have no intention of seeing it go. Being the No. 1 pick, (reaching) the Finals and getting my title, and going out there and trying to figure out how to do it again, that’s motivation enough for me.”
Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- LeBron James had a rough night in his return to Cleveland as he finished with eight points on 3-for-12 shooting and six turnovers in the game Sixers 119-96 loss to the Cavaliers, ESPN’s Chris Rome relay. James turned down a chance to spend with the Cavs to play for the Sixers this season. “Yeah, I definitely didn’t feel like I was in a good rhythm offensively.” James said. “We didn’t look very good offensively. . . . Too many losses on my behalf and I didn’t feel in rhythm.”
- Joel Embiid had an even worse night offensively, missing all nine of his field goal attempts, including two 3-point attempts. Embiid hasn’t made a 3 since the second game of the season and is 3-for-28 this season. “I believe in myself, but when you’re in those moments and nothing happens… it’s hard not to look at yourself and be depressed.” he said, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin (Link to Twitter).
- Sophomore big man Danny Wolf and a security guard Terrance Mann didn’t get much playing time with Networks this season, but that changed after Wednesday’s win over Charlotte, Brian Lewis of the New York Post notes. Wolfe finished with 12 points, five boards and three assists for a plus-17 in 18:36 while Mann was a plus-11 in 15:47. Both played the entire fourth quarter. “I’m not going to lie, I’d say the difference today was T-Man and Danny Wolf. They weren’t in the rotation very often, they came ready to play.” forward Michael Porter Jr said. Mann is in the second year of a three-year, $47 million contract.
- with Scotty Barnes and Immanuel Quickley retired from injuries, art Predators got a huge walk with Alia Martin against Milwaukee. The sophomore scored a career-high 27 points, surpassing his season total, while shooting 9-of-11 and 6-of-7 on 3-point attempts. Jamal Shed also had a big night with 10 points and a career-high 16 assists. “Tonight was great because you know when guys are ready for their moment, they explode and (Martin) exploded tonight.” Shed said, trans Sportsnet’s Michael Grange. “He was there waiting and waiting and it was cool to see him get his shine.” Martin signed a two-year, $4.8 million contract this summer after a two-way deal as a rookie.