Novak Goes Off

[MU B2002]

Great game last night from Novak, 23 points (6-8 3pt), 7 boards, and a picture of him hugging Eric Gordon.


http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=290211012

[The Lens]

Note the beard...the transition is under way, by the time he's 30 he will win a team a play-off game or two.  He just needs to get "old man".  Once his body fills out he'll be able to hang with 4s.  I would actually recommend a lot of beer.

[lurch91]

I'm amazed that Ricky Davis is in any NBA starting line-up.  I give it another 2 weeks before Davis plays his way out of that spot.  I'm not saying Novak would become the starter, I think Novak is still a 6th Man at this point, but Novak's showing he's certainly more deserving of more minutes then Davis.

[StillAWarrior]

He scored 19 against the Cavs a couple of weeks ago.  He's playing pretty well (at least scoring-wise).

Over the last 10-15 games he's averaging 12.5 ppg (his last 15 are 23, 13, 6, 6, 11, 7, 17, 19, 2, 21, 13, 10, 14, 18, 7).  He's averaging about 23 minutes per game over that stretch.

[MU B2002]

Note: I do not intend to show any disrespect to Novak with the following question...


What is the reason for the sudden upswing in minutes?
A. Injury to another player
B. Clippers just that bad
C. Novak played his way into the minutes.

I only asked because it seemed in Houston he only saw significant PT is someone was hurt.

[Hards Alumni]

A

[79Warrior]

Note: I do not intend to show any disrespect to Novak with the following question...


What is the reason for the sudden upswing in minutes?
A. Injury to another player
B. Clippers just that bad
C. Novak played his way into the minutes.

I only asked because it seemed in Houston he only saw significant PT is someone was hurt.

Actually all three are correct. Dunleavy likes Steve and wants him to shoot as much as possible.

[bma725]

Probably all of the above.  

Chris Kaman got hurt, which means Zach Randolph has to play some 5.  That opens up minutes for Novak at the 4.  He plays well, earns more minutes.  It also helps that minutes are available at the 3 because Ricky Davis is the worst regular starter in the league.

[Wade for President]

Dunleavy likes Steve and wants him to shoot as much as possible.

I think Coach Dunleavy sees a lot of his son, in Steve.  Obviously Novak isn't as agile with the ball as Mike, but plays with heart on every play, and has a killer stroke.

KILLS ME every year to see Novak not among the 3 Point Contest participants in the NBA All-Star weekend.  He would win or challenge for first place, every single year.

Eyes are starting to open around the league with Novak's range, but a birth in the 3 pt contest would put his name in lights.

[DoubleMU0609]

Any idea how the participants in the 3-pt contest are selected? 

[CAINMUTINY]

There should be little doubt that if invited to the 3-PT contest that he would have to be considered a strong contender.  If there is any one thing that the man does well it is shooting the ball from deep.

[77ncaachamps]

Ahhhhhhh.......Just in time for Valentine's day, Steve!