NBA Week 10: Five things we learnt as Jimmy Butler shows MVP credentials

Jimmy Butler is becoming an outside MVP contender

With his side down by 12 at half-time and 15 midway through the third quarter, the Chicago Bulls looked set to have their three-game win streak snapped in Toronto. That was until Jimmy Butler decided to take over. He broke Michael Jordan's 17-year franchise record for most points in a half by scoring a remarkable 40 points after the break to help his side to a thrilling 115-113 win against the Raptors. Butler shot 65 per cent from the field as he helped his side rally in the absence of Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. The win took his side up to second in the Eastern Conference and means they’ve now won five of their last six after a tough period in which Butler criticised new first-year coach Fred Hoiberg for being ‘too nice’.

The hamstring injury suffered by Rose a week ago has seemed to help Butler take over for the Bulls, with his former-MVP teammate struggling throughout this season. In the last three games without Rose, 26-year-old Butler has averaged 31 points per game while still shooting over 54 per cent. Last night’s 42-point game was just one shy of his career high which came a fortnight ago in a remarkable quadruple overtime loss against the Detroit Pistons. The way he has carried his side over the past week has led to increasing discussions over the possibility of Butler becoming a possible MVP candidate.

The top of the West is heating up

With so much quality in the West over the past couple of years there was a hope that as many as five or six different sides from the conference could legitimately challenge for a championship this season. But with the Golden State Warriors starting 24-0 and the likes of the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies disappointing, it seemed as if a rematch of last year’s Finals was the only possibility. But the San Antonio Spurs have continued to go about their business quietly and sit 29-6 having remained undefeated at home so far this year, while the Oklahoma City Thunder are beginning to find form. Add the Los Angeles Clippers to that mix who are finally winning after a turbulent start and the top of the West is really beginning to heat up.

Indeed the Spurs are now just three games back from the Warriors after the current Champions were blown out in Dallas by the Mavericks, largely due to the absence of reigning MVP Stephen Curry. They also needed overtime to defeat the Denver Nuggets despite leading by over 20 points midway through the game. Meanwhile, Spurs, Thunder and Clippers have won all of their games this week, with the Clippers particularly impressing with impressive road wins in Washington and Charlotte despite the continued absence of star man Blake Griffin, they have now won six straight. If the form of these sides continues it could lead to a fascinating final four in the West.

The Knicks continue to seek consistency

Arron Afflalo’s explosive performance at Madison Square Garden was a joy to watch as he hit a career-high 38 points, knocking down 14 of his 17 shots, including an impressive seven of eight three-pointers. It was in stark contrast to a disappointing night in Chicago two nights earlier where he shot just 22 per cent from the field and failed to make a three. It is these inconsistencies that continue to haunt the Knicks as they search for a winning streak that can lift them into the play-offs. They currently sit 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 16-19 record, two wins behind the Boston Celtics who occupy the eighth and final seed.

They won four straight games in mid-December that could have been a turning point in their season, but then suffered four consecutive losses – including defeats at conference rivals Boston and Orlando. This week they won two important games against the Pistons and Hawks, but sandwiched in between was a blowout loss in Chicago. Although the Knicks tend to rely on eight-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony and rookie Kristaps Porzingis, it seems that Afflalo has a big say for his side, with the shooting-guard making a remarkable 63 per cent of his shots in his side’s wins this month. This compares to just 37 per cent in games the Knicks have lost. Both Afflalo and the Knicks must become more consistent over the next few weeks if they want to stay in contention for a play-off berth heading into next month’s All-Star break.

Next week’s game at the O2 could be something special

The NBA returns to London on January 14 when the Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors visit to play out an intriguing regular season game. In truth, it could be Brooklyn Nets against the Philadelphia 76ers and there would still be great excitement surrounding the game, but this pits together two franchises sitting in play-off spots and could be a classic. Last year’s game was a little disappointing in truth as the Milwaukee Bucks comfortably defeated Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks. This time, however, one of the most exciting back-courts in the league are coming to London and they face an exciting young team who narrowly defeated them earlier in the season.

This will be the sixth regular season game held in London, with the Toronto Raptors visiting for a second time after they played back-to-back games against the New Jersey Nets in 2011. The second of those games was an incredible occasion with the Nets eventually winning 137-136 after three overtimes. No one can expect that to be replicated, but each of the last three games have been decided by over 15 points so there is a hope this one will be a closer affair. If their earlier match-up this season is anything to go by then it has every chance, with Orlando prevailing 92-89 in a narrow encounter. Both sides are in decent form and relatively injury-free so expect the excitement to continue to increase over the next few days.

Lakers prove that there’s life after Kobe

Despite an abysmal start to the season there has been some signs that this young Los Angeles Lakers side are beginning to progress. D’Angelo Russell is playing at a decent level as you’d expect from a No 2 draft pick and is forming a nice back-court partnership with Jordan Clarkson when on the court. The introduction of Lou Williams into the starting line-up has been an inspired move, with the guard scoring 30 points last night in a win over Phoenix. Even Roy Hibbert seems to be back playing at something close to his Indiana days.

Their improved performances have seen them pick up three consecutive wins this week, not bad for a side that possessed a 5-27 record heading into those games. The win in Boston was particularly impressive as they begin to look as though they might not be condemned to the foot of the conference all season. Many have put the Lakers struggles down to Kobe Bryant’s decreasing efficiency in his final year in the NBA and they showed that maybe they’re better off without the 17 time All-Star after he missed their last two wins with a shoulder injury. It seems that this young squad have potential to challenge for the play-offs again in the next few years, but they may not be able to move on properly until Kobe hangs up his boots for good