Nickeil “Hell NAW” Alexander-Walker was, prior to this game, shooting a positively frigid 26 percent from the field. That’s like me, when I’m playing against people who can actually play and not just randoms at the park. I’m sure the issues currently plaguing Alexander-Walker are the same ones I face: the opposition is bigger and quicker than he’s ever seen, normal shot attempts are challenged a lot tighter, and nothing is really ever wide open. The NBA is a whole different beast from college, and it takes some players longer than others to adjust to it.
Tonight was different. I don’t know how, because the Heat are one of the best defensive teams in the league, but NAW was hitting almost everything. His three-point stroke looked as good as ever, nice and high, but this time they were going in. He had some fancy finishes that probably shouldn’t have gone in (and probably haven’t, in all the games previous), but they did. The whole thing smells like some sort of a fluke, but we’ll wait until the next few games have happened before making that judgment.
DOWNTOBUCK’S OFFICIAL PREDICTION FOR HOW HELL NAW’S NEXT THREE GAMES WILL GO:
11/17 vs Warriors: 17 points, 6-for-17 shooting, 5-13 from three. He’ll be flush with confidence after this performance, and the Warriors suck, so he’ll for sure be ready to shoot a lot.
11/19 vs Blazers: 2 points, 1-for-9 shooting, 0-5 from three. And then he’ll go right back to missing everything. That’s what rookies do; they’re up and down.
11.21 vs Suns: DNP, coaches decision. The Pelicans are pretty banged up but somehow he’ll get a DNP anyway, his first of the season. This is my bold prediction, my hot take.