LaMelo Ball’s Kobe-like Shooting, Zion Williamson’s Woes, and a Wild Ejection

The weekend in the NBA brought a mix of thrilling performances, bizarre moments, and unfortunate setbacks. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners and losers that defined this action-packed slate of games.

LaMelo Ball’s Shooting Frenzy

LaMelo Ball has been on fire, proving that his scoring prowess is among the league’s most dynamic. In Saturday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, Ball dropped a career-high 50 points, with an eye-popping 40 coming in the second half.

• Key Stat: Ball has taken 384 shots this season, a league-high, averaging 24 attempts per game.
• Context: This puts him on pace to match historic volume scorers like James Harden in his prime. Despite his inefficiency (shooting just 43% from the field), Ball’s relentless scoring is captivating fans and defenders alike.

The grind doesn’t stop for Ball’s right arm—it’s clearly getting a serious workout.

Zion Williamson’s Frustrating Injury Update

Zion Williamson continues to face challenges staying healthy. Reports indicate he may miss a significant portion of this season due to a lingering hamstring issue.

• Impact: Zion has played fewer than 29 games in three of his six NBA seasons.
• What’s Next: Optimistic timelines suggest a mid-December return, but delays could extend into 2025.

For fans, the absence of Zion’s electrifying presence is a major disappointment, leaving the Pelicans and the NBA community longing for his dominant performances.

Donovan Clingan’s Historic Rebounding Night

Portland Trail Blazers rookie Donovan Clingan etched his name into NBA history with an unusual feat: snagging 19 rebounds without scoring a single point in just 25 minutes.

• Historical Context: This hasn’t been done since 2012, and only eight players have ever achieved it.
• Potential: As Clingan develops, his rebounding prowess could make him a defensive anchor despite his limited offensive contributions.

Clingan joins the likes of Dennis Rodman and Marcus Camby in this rare statistical club, showcasing his potential for dominance on the glass.

Fred VanVleet’s Ugly Ejection

Fred VanVleet’s fiery competitiveness crossed the line during the Houston Rockets’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

• What Happened: VanVleet was ejected after verbally abusing officials and dangerously pointing near an official’s eye.
• Consequence: The league fined VanVleet $50,000, sending a clear message about sportsmanship.

While passion is part of the game, this episode left a sour note for the Rockets guard.

Jared McCain’s Self-Promotion

Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain declared himself the “Rookie of the Year” mid-game against the Brooklyn Nets, and his confidence is backed by impressive stats.

• Standout Numbers: McCain leads all rookies with 16.6 points per game on phenomenal shooting splits (46/40/94).
• Consistency: He’s scored at least 18 points in nine straight games.

McCain’s bold proclamation adds flair to his standout rookie season, keeping fans engaged and excited about his future.

Trevor Booker’s Forgotten Glory

While Nikola Jokic’s near-full-court volleyball-style shot wowed fans over the weekend, it overshadowed Trevor Booker’s iconic over-the-head buzzer-beater from 2015.

• The Move: Booker’s legendary shot, executed with just 0.2 seconds on the clock, remains one of the NBA’s most creative plays.
• Why It Matters: While Jokic’s attempt was incredible, Booker’s successful execution deserves more recognition.

Let’s give credit where it’s due—Booker’s moment was pure magic.

Conclusion

The NBA continues to deliver jaw-dropping performances, controversial moments, and unforgettable history-making plays. Whether it’s LaMelo Ball’s relentless shooting, Zion Williamson’s continued absence, or Donovan Clingan’s rebounding mastery, every weekend brings new stories for fans to savor.

Who were your biggest winners and losers? Share your thoughts!