If Nikola Jokic is going to win a third consecutive Kia MVP, it must show up in the standings now, not just in the analytics, and falling shy of 50 victories yet again wasn’t going to get it done .
Depth and defense took dings, definitely, but the wonders opened up offensively with Chris Paul deploying Durant, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton will make it difficult for anyone to outscore Phoenix.
Now it’s up to the brash, underappreciated-in-their-minds Grizzlies to stop running so hot, flatten out the streakiness and ready themselves to make playoff noise.
That presumes, of course, that Durant, Chris Paul and Devin Booker get healthy after all three have nursed injuries this season.
Denver strengthened its depth by acquiring Thomas Bryant from the Lakers and dealing intriguing-yet-frustrated youngster Bones Hyland to the Clippers.
The Kings have already shown they are a potential contender with one of the league’s most talented duos in All-Stars Domantas Sabonis and guard De’Aaron Fox.
And while Irving remains unpredictable elsewhere, he has a dependable on-court track record of blending his talent well with other star teammates.
Until the trade, the Suns even with a healthy Devin Booker had seemingly lost their place in line and Chris Paul’s chances at that elusive title appeared slim to none.
The Clippers did well at the deadline by adding Eric Gordon, Bones Hyland and Mason Plumlee for virtually nothing and also will go buyout shopping.
That said, Denver has the best record and remains on top in the West for two very compelling reasons: Nikola Jokic is realistically gunning for a third straight MVP and the Nuggets’ core remains unchanged and intact.
Kevin Durant is having a historically good year, registering the highest true-shooting percentage , but this team now has the ability to have either Durant or Devin Booker on the floor for all 48 minutes.
Aaron Gordon can only guard one man at a time and Nikola Jokic will be put in a bevy of pick and rolls, which will either result in open looks for three great mid-range shooters or bend the Denver defense away from an elite scorer.
The Grizzlies have obviously slipped a bit, but curiously got some help from the Clippers at the deadline and now have the two best 3-point shooters over the last two seasons.
He has scored 32 points or more in his last three outings and the trade deadline brought needed depth and physicality to the bench in the form of Thomas Bryant.
Naturally, the addition of Durant makes the Suns a contender, especially when added to a core that includes veteran Chris Paul, young star Devin Booker and big man Deandre Ayton.
In the Grizzlies’ case, they’ve lost eight of their last 10 and you wonder whether the team’s overall youth and brashness is finally catching up to them.
The concern regarding Dallas stems from Kyrie Irving’s potential availability due to past volatility, as well as the fact the Mavericks sent away their best perimeter defender in Dorian Finney-Smith to land him.
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