NBA.com Duke Stats
Top Performer
Mike Dunleavy, Jr. started for the Golden State Warriors for over three years, and Sunday, in his first trip back to the Bay Area since last year’s trade sent him to the Indiana Pacers, he made sure the Golden State fans knew what they were missing. Finishing three assists shy of a triple-double, Dunleavy stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, one steal and one block. That performance came on the heels of a 23-point, 6-rebound, 3-assist, 2-steal night in a win against Sacramento the previous evening. Mike continues to lead the Pacers in scoring and is second in assists, steals, three-point percentage, and free-throw percentage.
Mike Dunleavy, Jr. started for the Golden State Warriors for over three years, and Sunday, in his first trip back to the Bay Area since last year’s trade sent him to the Indiana Pacers, he made sure the Golden State fans knew what they were missing. Finishing three assists shy of a triple-double, Dunleavy stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, one steal and one block. That performance came on the heels of a 23-point, 6-rebound, 3-assist, 2-steal night in a win against Sacramento the previous evening. Mike continues to lead the Pacers in scoring and is second in assists, steals, three-point percentage, and free-throw percentage.
Line of the WeekWith All-Star Elton Brand sidelined all season thus far in Los Angeles, fellow Blue Devil alum Corey Maggette has become the go-to guy for the Clippers, leading them in scoring at 19.9 points per game. He is also second on the team in rebounding (6.0) and steals (1.2), and fifth in the NBA in free throws made per game at 7.3. Maggette put together perhaps his best all-around game of the season January 9th against the Magic with 27 points (12-of-13 from the free-throw line), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Maggette can opt out of the final year of his contract following this season and will certainly be getting a big raise next year. Here’s more from the OC Register about the Clippers’ hopes to resign their star swingman.
Grant Hill Sidelined by Surgery
Seven-time NBA All-Star Grant Hill has seen his share of operating rooms, but last week’s visit was a little different. After undergoing multiple surgeries on his ankle over the past several years, Grant had an appendectomy on Wednesday after being evaluated for what was thought to be a flu-like illness. Hill had started every game this season for the 26-11 Phoenix Suns, averaging 15.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Grant is expected to miss 2-3 weeks while he recovers.
Giving Dahntay His Due
In his short time since joining the Sacramento Kings, Dahntay Jones has established himself as a regular part of the Kings’ rotation. Dahntay is no stranger to highlight reels. In fact, this spectacular Jones dunk in only his second game with Sacramento was recently named one of the Top Ten Dunks so far in the NBA season. But Dahntay is eager to prove that his game is about more than just unbelievable athleticism and solidify a key role with the Kings, as this feature from the Sacramento Bee explains.
Redick Looking for a Change?
J.J. Redick has proven he can score in the NBA. His 10-point game in less than eight minutes of action last Tuesday is just the latest example. When he gets playing time, he can score from all over the court. However, on an Orlando Magic team full of shooters, Redick hasn’t seen regular minutes. According to this interview the ACC’s all-time leading scorer remains eager for the opportunity to assume a bigger role.
McRoberts Gets Stint in NBDL
After sitting out all of training camp and much of the early season with a severely sprained ankle, Josh McRoberts is spending some time with the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Developmental League to get some valuable playing time. In his two games so far, McRoberts showed off his versatility, with 9.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, to go along with a steal and block in each.
Duke Blue Planet NBA Fantasy League Update
Luol Deng returned to action for the Bulls Sunday with a terrific 28-point performance after missing three games with a sore Achilles tendon. Deng’s absence, combined with the loss of Grant Hill due to an appendectomy, and of course Elton Brand’s continued absence, left Duke without three of their top contributors last week. It certainly puts the Blue Devils in a larger hole, but could set the stage for a bigger comeback once everyone returns healthy.
1. Connecticut Huskies: 8981.50
2. North Carolina Tar Heels: 8922.00
3. Duke Blue Devils: 8058.00
4. Florida Gators: 6410.20
5. Arizona Wildcats: 5997.20
6. Kentucky Wildcats: 5669.90
7. Kansas Jayhawks: 5096.60
Quote of the Week
“(Dunleavy) was three assists away from a triple-double; that speaks for itself. He’s been a wonderful, wonderful addition to our team. I wouldn’t trade him for anybody.”
-Indiana Pacers Coach Jim O’Brien, when asked how Mike Dunleavy, Jr. handled Sunday’s return to Golden State, his first since last year’s trade
