Team of the week: Toronto Raptors
The Eastern Conference is extremely competitive, and while the Pistons seemed to have built a comfortable lead in top spot, nothing is set in stone. The Raptors look ready to take advantage. With plenty of talent on the roster, Darko Rajakovic finally seems to have found the right chemistry.
Riding a hot streak, the Raptors have just notched four straight wins, the latest being the most impressive as they managed to take down the Thunder. It was a victory without any one star dominating, but with a flawless team effort: six players scored 10 points or more.
One thing remains constant: Scottie Barnes continues to be the team’s leader and most valuable all-around player, but when Immanuel Quickley is playing well, so are the Raptors. The former Knick is in great form, just like his team.
Still, the Raptors are constantly mentioned in trade rumours involving Anthony Davis or Domantas Sabonis. Will the roster look the same after the trade deadline?
Underperformers of the week: Minnesota Timberwolves
It’s been a tough week in Minneapolis, especially off the court, with a legal case involving the death of a local resident and possible police involvement, which cast a shadow over the city and led to a game being postponed. As for the Wolves, they’re in free fall.
They’ve lost five straight, including two disappointing defeats to the Bulls and the Jazz, and most recently a 26-point blowout against the Warriors, who are also struggling.
While Anthony Edwards is holding his own, the rest of the squad is having a tough time, and it’s no surprise that Minnesota is expected to be a major player at the upcoming trade deadline.
The Wolves are now tied for sixth, and could drop out of the direct playoff spots - a worrying sign as the Western Conference battle heats up as usual.
Player of the week: Donovan Mitchell
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been largely disappointing this season, but they’ve just found some momentum, winning five of their last six games. This run has put them back in the top six in the East. And as is often the case, when the team’s leader is firing on all cylinders, everything falls into place.
Donovan Mitchell has stepped up, posting back-to-back games of 33 and 36 points. Even though he wasn’t selected as a starter for the All-Star Game, 'Spida' is reminding everyone what he’s capable of.
Still, it will take more for the Cavs to become true contenders again, and it’s worth noting that these two performances came while Darius Garland was out. Something to think about for the future…
Play of the week: Victor Wembanyama
Back in top form, Victor Wembanyama is once again delighting highlight fans. Against the Pelicans, he made headlines with a determined play - after hitting the floor, he got up and threw down a poster dunk just seconds later.
It's the kind of moment that goes viral in the basketball world.
Story of the week: Derrick Rose
No matter the franchise, retiring a jersey is always a huge moment. And the question came up in Chicago for Derrick Rose, possibly due to off-court issues. But the United Center rafters aren’t exactly crowded, with only four players honoured so far: Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Scottie Pippen, and, of course, Michael Jordan.
Now, D-Rose will be up there forever. It makes perfect sense, as he’s only the second player to win MVP as a Bull, after MJ. The #1 jersey will never be worn in Chicago again - a fitting tribute to a player whose career was cut short by injuries, but who left a lasting mark on the NBA.
Spectacular and unforgettable, Derrick Rose will always be one of the league’s biggest 'what ifs', but he’s more than earned his banner. The only question left: will he make the Hall of Fame?