Four Teams Starting 2022 Off on the Right Foot
The new year has brought newfound success for quite a few teams, from GMs finding gems of replacement players to big wins changing up the standings. Despite COVID-19 cases hampering rosters, some teams have continued to weather the storm and build some streaks midway through the season.
These three teams have done just that, starting the new year on the right foot and building on their momentum to take 2022 by storm.
Chicago Bulls
The red-hot Chicago Bulls have won nine straight to propel their way to first in the Eastern Conference, including two wins to begin 2022. That has come with sensational play from franchise cornerstone Zach LaVine and phenomenal heroics from DeMar DeRozan. LaVine has averaged 27.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG and nearly 5 APG in the eight-game stretch, while DeRozan has put up 28.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG and 5.8 APG. The latter also drilled back-to-back game-winning threes against the Pacers and Wizards, respectively.
Chicago’s star tandem is not the only one to thank for their recent success. Nikola Vucevic has been holding it down in the paint, averaging 1 SPG and 1.6 BPG while also boasting nearly 18 PPG and 14.5 RPG. Coby White, who recently returned from offseason shoulder surgery, has had an immediate impact for Billy Donovan in this stretch, posting 16 PPG, 2.6 RPG and 3.5 APG. His strong play helped immensely as several Bulls were in Health and Safety Protocols; it has a good chance to continue once everyone is healthy (knock on wood).
With a dynamic duo lighting opponents up surrounded by a great supporting cast, it’s really no surprise that Chicago has performed this well. Sitting high atop the Eastern Conference will certainly be a boost for a team that has high postseason aspirations, and the momentum will only continue to grow this month.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have also been on a tear recently, winning six straight and sitting alone at fourth in the West. Though they too have been impacted by Health and Safety Protocols (six players out), Memphis has responded extraordinarily well, thanks in most part to the electrifying play of Ja Morant, who, according to some, might be on the cusp of “superstar” status. The 6’3” All-Star hopeful has averaged nearly 31 PPG, 6 RPG and 6 APG in the Grizz’s recent streak while oozing tons of confidence in the process. Morant knows he is worthy of an All Star selection, and after scoring 36 against Brooklyn on Monday and leading Memphis to a 118–104 win, his teammate Desmond Bane echoed that sentiment.
Morant has been leading the charge while assisted by strong play from Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr, among others. Bane has posted nearly 23 PPG, 5 RPG and 3 APG, including a career-high 32 points against the Suns on Dec. 27. He most recently had 29 points against the Nets. Jackson Jr. has been key in the middle for Memphis so far, putting up 14 PPG and 5 RPG in addition to 1.3 SPG and 1.8 BPG.
The Grizzlies have surprised everyone this season, from winning without Ja Morant to thriving with him. Now, the young ones look to make some noise in a veteran-laden Western Conference, led by Morant’s astounding play that has put him in the conversation for “best point guard this season.”
Los Angeles Lakers
I plan on writing a more extensive article about the Lakers (no surprise there), but it’s safe to say they have responded well and started 2022 on a high note. Winners of three straight, the LakeShow have been led by none other than LeBron “He’s nearly 38” James, who has begun the new year averaging 28.5 PPG, 6 RPG and 5 APG in two contests. He came into 2022 scoring 30 or more points in seven straight games, being the oldest player to do so and making more history in the process.
The King is not alone in the Lakers’ recent streak. Malik Monk has been averaging 20.7 PPG while shooting 45.5% from deep. Russell Westbrook has been collecting his triple doubles and finally had one game without a turnover for the first time since 2016. Carmelo Anthony has also come up clutch with multiple double-digit outings in the last week. Again, there’s more to come in a later article (e.g. Talen Horton-Tucker and Avery Bradley), but it’s nice to see the Lakers showing up to start the new year.
Philadelphia 76ers
No Simmons? No problem! That’s been the story of the Philadelphia 76ers, who have won four straight and are currently fifth in the East. Joel Embiid has taken matters into his own hands, averaging 34.3 PPG, 11.5 RPG and 4 APG in those four latest wins. He has also logged 1.5 SPG and 1.5 BPG in that span.
Aside from Embiid’s dominance, Tyrese Maxey has effectively replaced Ben Simmons and broken out for Philly, putting up nearly 17 PPG, 3.5 RPG and 4.5 APG while shooting 38% from deep this season. In the Sixers’ latest streak, he has posted a modest 15–3–3 statline with 43–42–80 splits. The other notable Sixers — Tobias Harris and Seth Curry — have also been putting points on the board, but that has come with less-than-desired field goal percentages. Despite this, they have still played their roles well, which has clearly translated to success for the Sixers.
The Simmons-less Sixers have still found a way to thrive without him, and Embiid’s phenomenal play along with the emergence of Tyrese Maxey will continue to contribute to more wins for Philly, who faces the 11th strongest schedule for the remainder of the year.
In summary, these four teams have been riding high waves to begin the new year, and time will tell if they can continue their momentum as the second half of the season begins.
