Stud of the night: Andre Igoudala (G/F, DEN): After a slow start to the season Iggy got his team running early and often in this one. He finished with 20 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 5 steals, and 2 blocks, and even made more than half of his free throws (3/5)!!! His ability to create on offense and force mistakes on defense can really take this Nugget team, who feasts on opponent mistakes, into the upper tier of Western Conference teams.
Vitaly Potapenko Goat of the Night: Zach Randolph (F, MEM) 10 and 5 in 32 minutes for an all-star caliber player probably cost his team the game. While the Grizz did out rebound the Nuggets, the frontcourt trio of Faried, Koufos, and McGee brought an intensity to this one that forced Z-Bo to settle for perimeter jumpers all night. He has to be more aggressive going forward.
Game of the Night: DET @ BKN: Double overtime game decided by 2 points. The Nets' ability to make shots was what ultimately kept the young Pistons from stealing this one on the road. Big games from Brandon Knight and Tayshaun Prince were outdone by monster scoring nights from Gerald Wallace and Joe Johnson. Andre Drummond gave DET some big minutes in the post and is making a strong case for more PT.
Player to watch: Ed Davis and Jonas Valanciunas (F, TOR)- with Bargnani out for the next few weeks look for them both to see increased minutes. Both can bang down low and get boards. Davis is much more polished offensively so on most nights he will shoot with a better percentage. Valanciunas will stay around the basket more so look for him as a source of potential blocked shots.
Game to look forward to: MEM @ UTA; two teams coming off tough in-conference losses last night looking for a rebound effort. I like the Grizz on the road, but if the Jazz can speed up the pace anything can happen. Whoever wins the battle on the boards will have a huge edge as well.
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