Warriors shine in key battles, Spurs rise with Wembanyama, while Grizzlies & Suns face setbacks in NBA’s Week 23 highlights.

HIGHLIGHTS

 The Golden State Warriors strengthened defense key to their unbeaten week, extending their Play-In advantage.
 The Memphis Grizzlies face challenges with injuries, and youth development amidst a tough season.
 The San Antonio Spurs shine with Victor Wembanyama’s standout performance, hinting at a bright future.

In the constantly shifting landscape of the NBA, week 23 has unfolded as a rollercoaster of highs and lows, encapsulating the essence of what it means to be part of this relentless and unpredictable league.

This week’s edition of Winners and Losers highlights the contrasting fortunes of teams as they navigate the critical junctures of their seasons, with some solidifying their championship aspirations while others grapple with setbacks that could shape their postseason trajectories. T

he Golden State Warriors and the Miami Heat have bolstered their positions as formidable contenders, underlining their intent to make deep playoff runs. Meanwhile, the emergence of Victor Wembanyama has provided a tantalizing preview of what’s to come for the San Antonio Spurs, offering hope and excitement for their future.

On the flip side, teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and the Phoenix Suns have encountered obstacles that have tested them, with injuries and performance dips posing significant challenges.

Winner – Golden State Warriors

Last week’s record: 4-0

This week, the Golden State Warriors emphatically stamped their authority as one of the teams to watch, soaring through week 23 with an unbeaten 4-0 record. Their victories weren’t just wins; they were statements of intent at a crucial juncture of the season. With the Houston Rockets breathing down their necks on an 11-game winning streak, the Warriors’ flawless week extended their lead to a slightly more comfortable two-game cushion in the race for the coveted Play-In Tournament spot.

Defense has been the name of the game for the Warriors over the past week. They’ve turned their attention to tightening up their defensive strategies, and the results speak volumes. Posting the third-best defensive rating in the league at 103.9 during this span compared to their season average of 115.0. This focus on defense is particularly noteworthy given the Warriors’ already potent offense. With the likes of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Jonathan Kuminga, and Andrew Wiggins, Golden State is not short of scorers. However, it’s their commitment to defense that has sparked their recent surge.

Golden State Warriors-Key Offensive Players

PLAYER
PPG
FG%
3P%

Stephen Curry
22.5
45.9
38.6

Klay Thompson
18.7
47.8
36.7

Jonathan Kuminga
18.0
61.5
0.0

Andrew Wiggins
16.0
41.4
31.6

The timing of this run couldn’t be more perfect. As they gear up for a pivotal showdown against the Rockets on April 4th, the Warriors have positioned themselves as a team hitting their stride at just the right moment. This upcoming clash isn’t just another game; it’s a must-win for both teams, with significant playoff implications on the line. Given their current form and strategic pivot towards a more balanced game, the Warriors are not just winners of the week, but also a formidable force as the season reaches its climax.

Loser – Memphis Grizzlies

Last week’s record: 0-3

The Memphis Grizzlies’ season narrative continued its downward spiral in week 23, with the team suffering a disheartening 0-3 record, further embedding themselves in a troubling trend that has seen them lose 8 of their last 10 games. This stretch of games underscores a season rife with struggles, both on and off the court. Jaren Jackson Jr., tasked with being a primary offensive option, has notably struggled to find consistency in his performance, a trend that unfortunately persisted this week.

Jaren Jackson Jr-Struggles This Week

PLAYER
PPG
FG%
3P%
+/-

Jaren Jackson Jr.
10.7
25.6
7.1
-27.3

Injuries have mercilessly plagued the Grizzlies, setting them apart as possibly the most injury-impacted team in the league this season. Key players like Desmond Bane and Ja Morant have missed significant chunks of the season, with Bane out for 32 games and Morant only appearing in nine games due to a mix of suspension and injuries. This epidemic of absences has rippled through the roster, leaving the team to navigate the majority of their campaign severely undermanned.

However, within this cloud of misfortune, there’s a silver lining. The forced absence of key players has paved the way for Memphis’s younger talents to step up and assume more significant roles. Among these emerging talents, GG Jackson stands out. As the youngest player in the NBA, Jackson has seized the opportunity to showcase his potential, hinting at a bright future for the Grizzlies. His development is a key takeaway from an otherwise bleak season, offering a glimmer of hope as the team looks to rebuild and come back stronger next season.

Furthermore, the Grizzlies’ struggles have positioned them for a likely top-10 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, adding another potential cornerstone to a team eager to return to full strength. While this season may be one to forget, the foundation is being laid for a resurgence, with the Grizzlies poised to bounce back with a healthier lineup and a bolstered roster, ready to leave their mark on the next NBA season.

Winner – Miami Heat

Last week’s record: 2-1

The Miami Heat turned up the heat in week 23, showcasing their prowess and reminding everyone why they’re a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. Finishing the week with a 2-1 record, the Heat’s performance was highlighted by their historic victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. The 142-82 win wasn’t just a win; it was a demolition, marking the ninth-largest margin of victory in NBA history. This game was a clear statement of the Heat’s offensive firepower and defensive solidity.

A significant factor behind the Heat’s impressive week has been their defensive masterclass. With the second-best defensive rating in the league at 101.0, Miami has been stifling opponents, making it extremely difficult for them to find any rhythm offensively. This defensive dominance is a testament to the team’s collective effort and the consistent effort that the Heat are known for.

Moreover, the Heat’s meticulous attention to ball security has played a pivotal role in their week’s achievements. Averaging only 10.7 turnovers per game, the fourth-best in the league, and committing just 13.7 fouls per game, Miami has effectively minimized their opponents’ opportunities to score easy points in transition and from the free-throw line. This discipline has been crucial in maintaining control over the pace and flow of their games.

Miami Heat-Offensive and Defensive Consistency Last Week

TEAM
OPP 3P%
Rank
OPP TOV
Rank
OPP STL
Rank
OPP BLK
Rank

Miami Heat
27.4
1st
17.3
2nd
5.3
3rd
5.3
2nd

Currently, positioned just half a game behind the Indiana Pacers for the 6th spot, the Heat’s prospects of bypassing the Play-In Tournament are very much alive. With their recent performances, especially their record-setting victory, Miami has underscored their potential to climb further up the rankings. As the season inches closer to its end, the Heat’s blend of defensive rigor, offensive efficiency, and strategic discipline makes them a formidable contender, signaling their readiness to challenge for a deeper playoff run.

Loser – Utah Jazz

Last week’s record: 0-4

The Utah Jazz’s week 23 performance extended a distressing trend for the team, culminating in a 0-4 record and stretching their losing streak to nine consecutive games. Since the All-Star break, the Jazz’s descent has been stark, entering the break just four games under .500 but subsequently plummeting with a dismal 3-16 record. This sharp decline has raised concerns about the team’s direction and cohesion as they struggle to find a winning formula.

Offensively, the Jazz have hit a significant slump, evidenced by their offensive rating of just 108.0 over the past week. Despite individual scoring efficiency from their top players, the team’s overall offensive machinery has sputtered. The inability to maintain a consistent lineup has been a glaring issue, disrupting the team’s chemistry and flow. This challenge has been further compounded by the news that Lauri Markkanen, one of their best players this season, will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a re-aggravated shoulder injury. Markkanen’s absence is a significant blow to the Jazz, robbing them of a key offensive and defensive presence.

Utah Jazz- Key Player Efficiency

PLAYER
GP
PPG
FG%
3P%

Lauri Markkanen
2
29.5

Collin Sexton
4
24.3
52.9
31.6

John Collins
3
23.0
60.0
57.1

The Jazz’s struggles are multifaceted, ranging from offensive inefficiencies to lineup inconsistencies, culminating in a season that has rapidly unraveled post-All-Star break. The loss of Markkanen only exacerbates their challenges, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill. As the season progresses, the Jazz face the daunting task of navigating these turbulent waters without one of their anchors, underscoring a period of self-examination and potential rebuild for the franchise. The remaining games offer an opportunity for younger players to step up and continue to develop for next season.

Winner – San Antonio Spurs

Last week’s record: 3-1

The San Antonio Spurs emerged as one of the standout winners of week 23, notching a commendable 3-1 record. The highlight of their week was undoubtedly the extraordinary performance of Victor Wembanyama, who has quickly proven himself to be a generational talent in the NBA.

Wembanyama’s prowess was on full display in an electrifying overtime victory against the New York Knicks, where he notched an impressive stat line of 40 points, 20 rebounds, and seven assists, shooting at a remarkable 59.1 percent from the field. This performance wasn’t just a statement game; it was a declaration of Wembanyama’s arrival as a top-tier talent in the league.

Only Rookies Since 1975 with a 40-20 Game

Name
Year
PTS
REB
FG%

Victor Wembanyama
2024
40
20
59.1

Shaquille O’Neal
1993
46
21
76.0

Supporting Wembanyama’s standout week, teammates Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan have also made significant contributions, each shooting an efficient 50.0% from the field. Their performances have complemented Wembanyama’s dominance, showcasing the Spurs’ potential depth and the emergence of a core group that could be pivotal for the franchise’s future.

Despite sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the Spurs’ success this week offers a tantalizing glimpse into the team’s future. It’s a clear indication that, with Wembanyama leading the charge, the Spurs are laying the foundations for a resurgence. The young core’s development and chemistry are promising signs, suggesting that the team’s current position in the standings belies the potential impact they could have in the coming seasons.

Wembanyama’s remarkable week solidifies his status not just as a rookie sensation but as a top player in the league. His ability to dominate games at such an early stage in his career, combined with the emerging talent around him, points to a bright future for the Spurs. As they continue to develop and build around their young star, the Spurs’ week 23 performance is a harbinger of the exciting basketball and potential success that lies ahead for the franchise.

Loser – Phoenix Suns

Last week’s record:1-2

The Phoenix Suns experienced a challenging week 23, concluding with a 1-2 record. Their performance highlighted a noticeable dip in their offensive production, a departure from their season’s norm. With an offensive rating of 108.0 for the week, they fell significantly short of their season average of 117.1. This drop in offensive efficiency underscores the struggles the Suns faced with finding their rhythm and capitalizing on scoring opportunities, which has been a cornerstone of their gameplay throughout the season.

Despite the team’s broader offensive woes, Kevin Durant stood out as a beacon of efficiency and scoring prowess. Averaging 28.3 points per game over the week, Durant showcased his elite scoring ability, shooting an impressive 63.0 percent from the field and an even more remarkable 64.7 percent from beyond the arc. His performance not only highlighted his individual talent but also raised questions about the Suns’ reliance on him for offensive output during periods of collective struggle.

On the other end of the spectrum, Bradley Beal’s struggles epitomized the Suns’ offensive difficulties. Averaging just 11.3 points on 37.1 percent shooting, Beal’s inability to find his usual scoring touch added to the Suns’ challenges in maintaining their offensive flow and consistency.

Suns Big Three-Shot Attempts

PLAYER
FGA
FG%
3PA
3P%

Kevin Durant
18.0
63.0
5.7
64.7

Devin Booker
18.0
42.6
6.0
27.8

Bradley Beal
11.7
37.1
5.3
43.8

The Suns find themselves at a pivotal juncture in the season, currently tied for 7th in the Western Conference. With the end of the regular season approaching, every game has added significance, especially as they sit two games behind the New Orleans Pelicans, seeking to avoid the Play-In Tournament.

The upcoming week is particularly critical, featuring two games against the Pelicans themselves. These games not only present an opportunity for the Suns to climb the standings but also to regain their offensive identity. As they navigate this crucial period, the Suns will need to address their offensive inconsistencies and leverage the individual talents of players like Durant, while seeking more balanced contributions across the roster to secure their playoff positioning.