The Daily Three-Pointer: Triple-Doubles Galore, Frank Vogel’s Job in Jeopardy

January 20th, 2022:

 

Stat(s) of the Night:

So many players put up amazing stat lines last night, we can’t just focus on one. Let’s go through the most impressive rapid fire:

Joel Embiid dropped 50 points in only 27 minutes and 3 seconds played, the second-fewest minutes for a player who had a 50-point game.

Nikola Jokic put up 49 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, with one of those assists being to Aaron Gordon, who made the game winning shot in overtime.

Domantas Sabonis put up 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win for the Pacers.

Dejounte Murray put up 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists, along with three steals. He had some amazing highlights along the way during the Spurs’ 118-96 win over the Thunder.

Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 33 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in a 12-point win for the Bucks.

 

Trade of the Day:

In a three-team deal, the Boston Celtics are receiving Bol Bol and PJ Dozier. The Denver Nuggets are acquiring sharpshooter Bryn Forbes, and the Spurs are taking Juancho Hernangomez and a 2028 second-round pick. Also, if you’re wondering why Bol failed his physical? It was likely because of his foot, for which he had surgery on Tuesday. This will keep him out for several weeks, if not the rest of the season. Dozier is also out with a torn ACL.

 

Question of the Day: Is Frank Vogel on His Way Out?

The Los Angeles Lakers, despite playing at home and having both LeBron James and Russell Westbrook, lost to the Indiana Pacers 111-104. It’s bad enough to get beat in your own building, but by a team that by its own admission is intentionally rebuilding? Caris LeVert dropped 30, Malcolm Brogdon had 19, and Justin Holiday along with Chris Duarte off the bench had 11 points; but no one else scored in double-digits. James put up 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists, but his real impact was shown by his box plus/minus: -20.

There have been reports that if Vogel doesn’t start winning again (and consistently), he’ll be on his way out (the Lakers are currently 22-23). He is quite literally coaching for his job right now. Considering the next three games the Lakers face are against the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, and Brooklyn Nets, I think Vogel can’t afford to lose a game. If the Lakers manage to lose to the Magic on January 21st, I think he’s fired, simple as that.

 

Don’t forget to follow the NBA Blog, and as always, have an awesome day!