LeBron James highlighted an entertaining week of NBA action by reaching another impressive career milestone. Top performers and MVP candidates Nikola Jokić, Karl-Anthony Towns and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered more mind-blowing statlines, while CJ McCollum and Anthony Edwards both reached the 50-point mark. Finally, there were a few notable injuries, including two that call for extended absences.
In this article, we will discuss all of the above and more!
Historic Achievements
On Friday, LeBron James reached the 30-point mark in regular-season play for the 563rd time in his career, passing Michael Jordan for most 30-point games all time. It took James 1,523 games and 22 seasons to pass Jordan, who set the record in 1,072 games over 15 seasons.
On Monday, Russell Westbrook joined Nikola Jokić and Domantas Sabonis to become the third player to ever record a “perfect triple-double”. He finished with 16 points on 7-for-7 shooting and 2-for-2 from the foul line, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and zero turnovers in a win over the Jazz.
On Thursday, Stephen Curry shot 8-for-8 from long range for the first time in his career, topping his previous high of six threes without a miss. Totaling 30 points, six rebounds and 10 assists in the win over the 76ers, Curry also became the first player to ever score 30 points with at least eight made threes without a miss and 10 assists in a game.
Injuries … and Jimmy Butler
On Wednesday, Jaden Ivey broke his fibula on a collision with Cole Anthony and is expected to remain out until at least March. Marcus Sasser, Malik Beasley and Ron Holland should each see additional playing time in Ivey’s absence.
Cameron Johnson suffered a sprained ankle on Thursday and is expected to remain out until Friday. Cam Thomas is also out for at least two weeks following a hamstring injury. Ziaire Williams, Keon Johnson, Noah Clowney and Jalen Wilson could all see added opportunity.
Jabari Smith suffered a broken hand during shootaround on Friday and is expected to be out until late February. Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore and Tari Eason (when he returns to the lineup) should all pick up more minutes during Smith’s absence.
Jimmy Butler received a seven-game suspension from the Heat due to “conduct detrimental to the team”. The suspension came as a result of comments that he made after a loss on Thursday, which implied that he was no longer enjoying his time with the team. Meanwhile, there have been rumors swirling over the last coupe of weeks regarding…