NBA Roundup: Giddey’s Defensive Growth, Holiday Sidelined, Alexander-Walker Fuels Hawks Comeback
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CHICAGO — Bulls coach Billy Donovan says guard Josh Giddey is starting to answer questions about his defense while continuing to post eye-catching numbers.
Donovan compared Giddey’s early struggles on that end to those once faced by Coby White, noting that opponents “were targeting him” until he learned to shut down the tactic. The 6-foot-8 Giddey, according to Donovan, now uses his size to match up with larger forwards and has become “much more physical” than a year ago.
The improvement showed in Chicago’s 114-106 road victory over Denver on Sunday, the Nuggets’ first home defeat of the season. Giddey finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds and six assists as the Bulls halted a five-game slide.
Trail Blazers
Portland guard Jrue Holiday missed Sunday’s loss to Dallas with right calf soreness and is listed as doubtful for the Blazers’ visit to Phoenix on Tuesday. His absence is magnified by injuries to the team’s other point guards, forward Deni Avdija said.
“Jrue is our core. He puts us in our positions. He’s a true point guard and a leader. When he’s out, it’s definitely felt,” Avdija remarked.
Hawks
Atlanta completed a perfect 4-0 West Coast trip by erasing a 22-point deficit to beat the Suns in Phoenix. Newly acquired guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 16 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter to secure the 118-115 win.
“I just think we have a resilient group,” Alexander-Walker said. “We put our head down and came together this entire trip.”
Source: Hoops Wire
