Team of the Week: New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have been a bit inconsistent in the NBA this season, but they look to finally be clicking and getting some momentum going.
With four wins on the spin against the Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets, the Knicks have moved up to second in the Eastern Conference, while also making their home court a fortress.
Incredibly, their record at Madison Square Garden reads 10-1 this season, and if they want to be a force in the playoffs, this statistic makes for superb reading.
Underperformers of the Week: Cleveland Cavaliers
Despite going into the season with really big ambitions, the Cleveland Cavaliers have perhaps been the most underwhelming team of the NBA season.
Simply put, they look miles away from being serious contenders, and three losses last week to the Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors saw their record fall to 12-9, while only occupying a play-in spot currently.
They lack a lot of creativity, while defensively, they aren't great either, particularly in the rebounding department. There is plenty of work to do.
Player of the Week: Luka Doncic
While a lot of eyes are on Nikola Jokic and the season he is having, Luka Doncic is also having a truly special campaign so far.
The Slovenian looks fit and settled in Los Angeles after his move to the Lakers last February. He has forged an incredible backcourt partnership with Austin Reaves, with the duo being instrumental in their seven-game winning streak, which has seen them move into second in the Western Conference.
Last week, Luka had 34 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists against the New Orleans Pelicans, 35 points, five rebounds and 11 assists against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, and 43 points, nine rebounds and 13 assists against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Luka is the scoring leader so far this season, averaging 35.1 points a game. He is a real contender for MVP.
Play of the Week: Nikola Jokic
What else is there to say about Nikola Jokic? The Serb is the best player in the world and has been the best player in the NBA this season, and seems to be delivering highlight reel passes every other day.
This otherworldly behind-the-back assist to Peyton Watson in the Denver Nuggets' victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves is unquestionably our Play of the Week.
Story of the Week: Cooper Flagg
As everyone knows, it has been a nightmarish season for the Mavericks. However, their rookie Cooper Flagg is one of the very few bright spots, and last week, he made two pieces of history on back-to-back nights.
At 18 years old, the number one pick registered 11 assists in a defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record a 10+ assist game.
The following day, he guided the Mavericks to a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring 35 points. As a result, he also became the youngest player ever to record 35+ points in a game.
A generational talent, the Mavs now have to build around Flagg, even if it means tearing the team up completely.
