Page 41 - Sports Illustrated Kids (October 2018)

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Crucial Class: Crucial Class: ALGEBRA Crucial Class: Crucial Class:
ECONOMICS Solving for X is not a FRESHMAN SCIENCE
The Lakers problem for the Clippers. ORIENTATION The 2017–18
got their SG Lou The Suns were terrible last Sacramento WEST
man, Williams won season, losing a league- season seemed
LeBron the players high 61 games. That like one ongoing
James, association landed them the top pick experiment.
who X-Factor in the draft, which they Coach Dave
agreed Award as the used on athletic 7-footer Joerger used 31
to a four- league’s best Deandre Ayton. Phoenix different starting PACIFIC
year sixth man. also swung a draft-night lineups. Only five
deal in Despite only deal for Mikal of those
the offseason. starting 19 Bridges, groups
But Los Angeles games, Williams a forward started
didn’t land another led Los Angeles who helped more Win the lottery
elite free agent. in scoring Villanova to than
GARRETT ELLWOOD/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES (KUZMA); ANDY LYONS/GETTY IMAGES (WILLIAMS); BRIAN BABINEAU/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES (AYTON); ROCKY WIDNER/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES (FOX); GREG NELSON (DURANT)
Thanks to some solid (22.6 ppg) two national four
financial planning, and assists titles. games, and
though, the Lakers (5.3 apg). Assuming they none of the
have the funds to go after a But while have a smooth 31 really worked. The Kings
big name in free agency next the Clippers’ transition to finished last in scoring, and
summer. Until then, LeBron bench is the league, their leading scorer, PF
will be playing alongside strong, their they’ll team Zach Randolph, averaged a
a collection of journeyman starting five is with SG Devin paltry 14.5 ppg. They added
veterans and promising not imposing. Booker (24.9 an offensive threat, PF
youngsters. While PG Lonzo The departure of ppg) to give Marvin Bagley III (21.0 ppg
Ball was the most hyped free agent DeAndre Jordan the Suns at Duke), in the draft. But
rookie in L.A. last year, to Dallas means that the last three exciting talents— Sacramento will need
PF Kyle Kuzma was the of the high-flying dunkers none of whom is older than improvement from
most effective. He averaged who turned Los Angeles into 21. There are certain to be PG De’Aaron Fox, a
16.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg, and Lob City is gone. What’s left bumps in the road, but at 2017 first-rounder, who
he should thrive even more is a team now sorely in need least that road is leading shot poorly (41.2%) and
playing with James. of an identity. somewhere promising. struggled defensively.
&- ) ## ) B- &- ) ## ) C &- ) ## ) C- &- ) ## ) C-

&# % *+ + foot injury and

won’t be available
until late in
P:KKBHKL Win the Finals (again) putting a scoring
the season. But

and rebounding
machine into the
Crucial Class: HISTORY No
team has ever won the West Warriors’ lineup in the
five years in a row. The Warriors, playoffs doesn’t seem fair. PG Steph
who have been the conference’s Curry and PF Kevin Durant each
representative in the Finals in averaged 26.4 ppg while dealing with
each of the past four seasons, injuries. But they were both healthy in
have a shot at making history— the playoffs, where Golden State lost
and their chances got a lot better just five games en route to its third title
when they added another star in four years. With Cousins waiting in the
to their roster. Golden State wings, a fourth title—and an even higher
signed free agent C DeMarcus place in the sport’s pantheon—
Cousins to a one-year contract. seems certain.

The four-time All-Star is nursing a &- ) ## ) A+