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NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal clarified his criticism of LA Lakers star forward Anthony Davis following the latter's recent stretch of improved play.
In other news, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green isn't worried about his right ankle injury.
On that note, here's the latest news from around the NBA as of Mar. 13, 2023.
Shaquille O’Neal clarifies comments about Anthony Davis falling off
Shaquille O’Neal has been a harsh critic of the NBA's top big men since his retirement.
That includes Anthony Davis, who O’Neal said had fallen off this season. Davis has stepped up in the absence of co-star LeBron James, who is out with a right foot injury. However, it appears that O’Neal still isn’t 100% satisfied. The big man recently discussed Davis’ improved play on an episode of “The Big Podcast With Shaq,” explaining that Davis still has more to prove:
“Then my plan is working. See, he’s still top-10, he’s still a great player. But I’m talking status-wise. I remember when we were saying ‘Yo he’s the best player in the league.’ No excuses in this league. Don’t matter why you fell off. You still fell off. Everything’s up to AD. Even when LeBron’s back, it’s all up to AD."
Over Davis’ last six games without James, he is averaging 26.7 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game on 53.7% shooting. LA (33-35, 11th in the West) has gone 3-3 during this stretch.
Draymond Green says ankle injury won't cost him any games
Draymond Green suffered a right ankle injury during the third quarter of Saturday's matchup against Milwaukee.
That came after Green stepped on the foot of Bucks star guard Jrue Holiday. Green later returned to the game, finishing with five points, 13 rebounds and nine assists as the Warriors pulled off a 125-116 overtime win.
Following the win, Green spoke about how his ankle is feeling sore, but he doesn’t expect it to cost him any games moving forward:
“It's just an ankle roll. I'll be alright. It will be pretty sore tomorrow for sure. Ain't nothing a few anti-inflammatories can't handle. I 100 percent expect to play. We're not in a position to be missing no games. Just got to tape it up and figure it out, but I'll be alright."
The Warriors (35-33, sixth in the West) will next play on Monday (Mar. 13) versus Phoenix (37-30, fourth in the West). Green is listed as probable to play.
Andrew Wiggins may not return before end of season
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins has been out since Feb. 13 due to personal reasons. According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Wiggins still has no timetable to return and could miss the Warriors’ remaining 14 games this season.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr recently spoke about Wiggins’ absence, explaining that the team will let him take his time to return:
“We’re giving him his space as we’ve talked about. As he deals with something that’s way more important than a game. If he’s able to come back then that would be great, and if not then that’s the case. Whatever happens, we’ll handle it accordingly."
Wiggins is averaging 17.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.8 bpg and 2.4 3pg on 47.3% shooting through 37 games.
Golden State (35-33, sixth in the West) has gone 6-5 without Wiggins. However, the team is still just one game up on the seventh seed, which would put them in play-in position. So every game will be of importance for the Warriors.
Cam Reddish calls out Knicks
Portland Trail Blazers wing Cam Reddish has offered the Blazers solid production since being acquired from New York at the trade deadline.
Reddish is averaging 13.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.3 spg and 2.0 3 pg on 46.6% shooting in 13 games with Portland. That comes after he fell out of the Knicks’ rotation earlier in the season. However, according to Reddish, his benching had more to do with favoritism than his skillset.
In an interview with the New York Daily News’ Stefan Bondy, Reddish spoke about his struggles in New York and called out his former team:
“It was tough but at the same time, it ain’t even about basketball. It had nothing to do with basketball. It was all the politics, all the favoritism. s**t like that. That’s why I wasn’t too worried about it.
“I’m in a completely different place. Now I’m blessed. Not everybody gets another opportunity so it’s refreshing. I got some great teammates. Great staff. It’s real positive around here. Win, lose or draw. It’s not somebody beating you over your head — not that that was happening in New York — but it’s more my style."
Portland (31-37, 13th in the West) has gone 4-9 with Reddish. They will take on New York (40-30, sixth in the East) on Tuesday (Mar. 14).
Mike Brown becomes 2nd Sacramento Kings coach to reach 40 wins
The Sacramento Kings have long been considered one of the most destitute franchises in the NBA.
The team last made the playoffs in the 2005-06 NBA season. That was also the last time they won 40-plus games. However, the Kings have made a big turnaround this time in their first season under coach Mike Brown.
Following their 128-119 win over Phoenix on Saturday, Brown became just the second Kings coach to lead the franchise to 40-plus wins. Brown joins Rick Adelman as the only other Kings coach to do so since the franchise moved to Sacramento in 1985.
The Kings (40-26) are now tied for second in the Western Conference and look poised to end their 16-year playoff drought.
Guess the Lakers players!
