Two vets had career nights, and West powers collided this week. Let’s take a look back at this week in the NBA.
---
Mo Williams shocked the NBA world by scoring the most points in a game thus far in the season. Williams dropped 52 on the Pacers in Indiana last Tuesday, and helped the Timberwolves snap their 15-game losing streak in the process.
For Mo, 52 points were a career-high as well as the most points ever scored by a Timberwolves player.
Though Andrew Wiggins has his name atop most Rookie of the Year ballots, his obvious talent hasn’t translated to too many wins for Minnesota. Williams’ feat may be the spark this team needs to translate their talent into wins.
Al Horford has been an All-Star and a formidable player in this league for some time. His career accomplishments make it hard to believe that just this week he netted his first career triple-double.
On Tuesday night, the Atlanta Hawks took on the lowly Sixers in Philadelphia. Horford netted 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists on the night while the Hawks marched to their ninth straight win.
Though the outcome was almost never in doubt, the East-leading Hawks used the performance of their big man to secure the victory. By the end of the week, the Hawks would extend that streak to 12.
Horford and the Hawks have officially established themselves as the team to beat in the East so far this season.
In what could have been considered the most anticipated game of the week, the Golden State Warriors took on the Rockets in Houston on Saturday night.
Stephen Curry and James Harden have both garnered early season MVP consideration, but in this contest Curry separated himself from his competition. Curry finished the game with 27 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists, three steals and a block.
In an incredible sequence with four-and-a-half minutes remaining, Curry blocked Alexey Shved’s outlet pass, collected the steal and provided Harrison Barnes with a no-look assist for an easy basket.
That play pretty much summarized the game: Curry was dominant and the Rockets looked half asleep.
The Warriors executed their defensive game plan to perfection, closing out quick on the Rockets' 3-point shooters. As a result, Houston went a dismal 7-23 from beyond the arc.
Harden struggled from the field, connecting on 4-of-15 shots. The Beard was harassed by Klay Thompson on defense. Thompson ended the game with 27 points of his own and five blocks as the Warriors rolled the Rockets 131-106.
