Here are five things you may have missed during this week in the NBA.
We’re now entering the thick of holiday season. It’s a busy time of year, one where family takes priority to all sports. It’s easy to get caught up in the pandemonium that is Christmas and New Year’s Day. While you may take a break, the NBA stops for nobody. A full slate of Christmas Day games entertained — to say the least. Christmas is now behind us, meaning contender conversations are now legitimate. We’re getting ready to head down the home stretch of the NBA season and the next few months are integral to how the postseason shapes up. And yes — MVP conversations can now legitimately be held, it isn’t too early anymore.
If one were to take a peak at the headlines for the week, said individual would not guess the year was 2017. Some of the headlines from around the week saw former stars turn back the clock. Even though one is a no-doubt future NBA Hall of Fame player and one has had a career filled with success, the performances were impressive nonetheless. Meanwhile, Devin Booker returned from injury and dropped 32 in his first game back. Jimmy Butler put up 39 against the Nuggets and Russell Westbrook has seven 30-plus-point games since the start of the month (two games remain).
The NBA is now entering the most important and entertaining stretch of the season. Conference races heat up, real contenders emerge and all eyes are on the stars. Here are five things you may have missed during Christmas week in the NBA.