As the NBA season begins to wind down, a group of former Blue Devils have begun to elevate their play and help their respective teams prepare for the closing stretch of the season.
Jabari Parker, Milwaulkee Bucks
It has become evident that Parker is almost fully recovered from the ACL tear he suffered a year ago. In his past three games, Parker has averaged 22 points per game and is shooting 58 percent from the field. The forward’s best performance of his career came Monday, when he scored 36 points against the Houston Rockets in a 128-121 win. In that game, Parker shot 16-of-25 from the floor, including some nifty post moves and accurate mid-range jumpers.
Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
It’s been a rough week for the former Blue Devil. Despite shooting just 9-of-20 from the floor, the guard managed to score 28 points Sunday in a 14-point loss to Washington without the services of LeBron James. Reports surfaced later in the week suggesting the fifth-year professional is not happy in Cleveland and would welcome a change in scenery.
The former top pick responded by shooting 5-of-13 from the floor, and connecting on all 11 of his free throws in a 100-96 win against Indiana. Although he is averaging 25 points per game since his return from injury, Irving needs to shake off the rumors and develop the ability to serve as a true point guard for his team to remain a championship contender as the year progresses.
Jahlil Okafor, Philadelphia 76ers
Okafor’s strong rookie campaign has temporarily come to a halt. After scoring 21 and 26 points against Washington and Orlando, respectively, the center has been out for the 76ers last two games with a right shin contusion. The center collided with teammate Isaiah Canaan and was initially ruled out one game, but the injury did not heal as quickly as the team hoped—forcing the team to let him sit for longer. In a lost season for the 76ers, look for Okafor to take as long as he needs to fully heal.
J.J. Redick, L.A. Clippers
With all-star forward Blake Griffin still out of the Clippers’ lineup, Redick continues to produce steadily. The former Duke standout has averaged 17 points per game over his past three games. But more importantly, Redick's performances in his last three contests—including a huge comeback victory against Oklahoma City Wednesday—have carried his team to an unblemished record. With the Clippers trying to lock down a top four seed and home court advantage for the first round of the playoffs, they will need more of Redick’s heady play and clutch shooting to stay successful.
Justise Winslow, Miami Heat
In his last three games, Winslow has struggled to make an impact on the offensive end of the floor. On Sunday against the Knicks, the forward failed to score a single point in 36 minutes played. Although he grabbed 13 rebounds and continues to compete on the defensive end, Winslow has appeared to get lost in the fray with the addition of free-agent Joe Johnson to the team. In his game Tuesday against the Bulls, Winslow put up eight points and two rebounds in 27 minutes of play. With the Heat charging towards the postseason, Winslow will need to make an impact on both ends of the floor for his team to be successful.
Kyle Singler, Oklahoma City Thunder
The former Blue Devil has become a key cog in the Thunder's rotation as the year has progressed. Although he is averaging only 3.2 points per game this season, Singler is competing on the defensive end and taking some of the toughest assignments in the league. Of course, sometimes the best defense can do very little against the NBA's cream of the crop
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