The National Basketball Association (NBA) breaks have been significant for the NBA coaches and players. The Covid-19 pandemic is still a thing to worry about and the NBA went on a short break - from March 5th, 2021, to March 10th, 2021. This was quite a short time, but imperative nonetheless.
While the NBA took a break, one thing NBA and Utah supporters cannot forget is the scene when Donovan Mitchell, Utah’s star players, angrily pushed away a Gatorade cooler when he was ejected. Donovan lamented that the referee wasn’t fair during their loss to the Philadelphia 76ers and accusing the referees of being “fucking ridiculous” in how they officiate the matches.
Utah Still Amazing
All the same, Utah Jazz is still one of the best teams with a good winning streak - a nine-and an 11-game streak in the first half of the season. Utah head coach Quin Snyder welcomed the NBA break and said they had not had time off since November - in fact playing four games in just six days in the past week. And he believes that this might have resulted in their back-to-back losses.
The NBA has been a marathon - there has been no break in between the games. Players have been on training grounds to get up shots or treatment, even when they should be taking some time off. The test protocols are also slowing things down. Most teams have considered winning as a secondary need because of all these squeezes.
In a statement by Utah Jazz boss, after the Wednesday tie, Snyder said that this was an opportunity for the boys to have some time off and come back fresh again on March 10th.
This is not the only positive comment coming from a coach in the NBA; other coaches have also welcomed the idea of taking a break and are optimistic that their players will come back fresh and ready to take their opponents.
Doc River, the Philadelphia head coach, also came out publicly to support the idea and stated that he would be looking forward to such breaks if he was still a player. This shows how NBA players and coaches needed just this break, despite being one of the shortest breaks the NBA will have.
First Half of the Season Analysis
The second half of the NBA season will return on Wednesday, which is why we need to reflect on the first half of the season’s happenings.
Utah has been incredibly impressive and dominated in the first half of the season. The Lakers, who have been topping the league for the better part of the season, dropped to fourth place after Davis Injury blow.
The Suns have also been incredibly impressive after bringing on Chris Paul to an already looking tired and uninterested team. Devin and Paul are forming a good partnership, while Mikal Bridges is becoming the ideal 3-and-D complement.
Will LeBron James Be Available After the Break?
LeBron James sat the last Lakers game before the break and fans feel that he needed a rest. According to fans who took their comments on Twitter, age is catching up with the NBA star, and this is the right call by the Lakers management. LeBron has been one of the best players on the Lakers side this season, despite having a series of losses.
Some fans, however, think that the Lakers need James now more than ever. Some fans think that James is abandoning his team right now that they will have a hard time. One fan took to Twitter claiming that LeBron James avoided another tie and was scared of another loss.
The Lakers have lost five matches out of seven and this is a poor run of form that no fan would love. Many fans will be hoping to see James back after the break, but no injury update has been issued up to now. James returning will be a significant boost to the Lakers’ side, but that is more unlikely with a sprain on his left ankle.
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