When TNT decided to nationally broadcast this game, they thought they were getting Jimmy Butler versus Trae Young. Instead, what they got was Kendrick Nunn versus DeAndre’ Bembry. Ratings through the roof on that, for sure. Probably better than the other TNT game tonight which was supposed to be Zion Williamson versus Nikola Jokic and was instead Jahlil Okafor versus a really-flabby-looking-even-by-his-standards Nikola Jokic.
Well, I was enjoying myself. The more role-players punching above their weight, the better. I don’t even like Bembry that much (probably because he hustles way too hard and it just reminds me of my own overwhelming lassitude), but I must admit that he was impressive in this game. In the absence of Young, he was the engine that made the Hawks go. It wasn’t enough for a win, but with the Hawks, that’s not too big of an issue.
Not to freak you out or anything, but check this out: Bembry, in addition to the statline listed in the title, also had 10 rebounds. Which means that he was only 2 assists away from a triple-double. Try not to freak out at the concept of a guy like Bembry almost getting a triple-double. Russell Westbrook may have devalued the triple-double to near-worthless levels, but still. This is Bembry we’re talking about. I’d almost think he’d be more likely to get one with steals instead of assists.