NBA games of the week: The Sixers are peaking

Sunday, April 1: Philadelphia at Charlotte, 1:00 p.m. ET

Matinee games in the NBA can be funky. Players spend most of the season in the rhythm of being at their peaks at the early evening to early night, and an afternoon game on a holiday, despite the day off in between could produce sluggish play.

Aside from the start time, let’s take a moment to appreciate Dwight Howard. As a fan of comedy, I don’t think he’s funny. As a player, he’s entered the territory of what-have-you-done-for-me-lately. Part of it is his problem. He reaped what he sowed. He’s been toxic on four teams now, including the Orlando Magic, whom he asked to be traded, then rescinded his request in typical Howard fashion.

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However, never forget he averaged over 20 points and led the league in rebounding and blocks while carrying the Orlando Magic to the Finals and eliminating the best chance we ever had to get a Kobe-LeBron NBA Finals. He dominated offensively and defensively and on the glass. Since 2000, he’s had 72 games of at least 15 points and 20 rebounds. Second place is Andre Drummond, with 38. Howard has almost double second place! Overall, Howard’s 72 games with that statline is fifth all-time, behind Wilt (of course), Jerry Lucas, Nate Thurmond and Bill Russell. All four of them are Hall of Famers. Howard should join them in Springfield when his career ends.

Howard played two games last week. He finished with 50 points and 53 rebounds. In two games. That includes a 30-30 night against the Nets. He’ll never be early ’10s Howard again, but those moments he enters that territory is great for a fit of nostalgia. Just remember he used to do that all the time.