Empty the Bench

By: Zachariah Blott

Orlando’s JJ Redick lives at the line on his way to 22

Magic SG Redick went for 20+ points for only the third time this season on January 6 against the visiting Raptors. After the most prolific three-point shooting collegiate career ever, and literally writing the book making the video on shooting, he’s finally topping 40% from long range for a season (43%). But instead of getting his 22 from downtown on Wednesday—missing 6 of 8 shots from deep—he rode the free-throw line to glory.

Redick, not known for having the type of game that causes defenders to foul him (i.e. he’s slow and a shooter), got to the line for a career-high 11 free throws, connecting on 10. So in the 108-103 loss to Toronto, JJ ended up scoring a lot (rare), not hitting his triples (rare), and getting to the charity stripe at will (rare).

Got any lottery numbers for us to play, Mr. Redick?

Indiana keeps Timberwolf glass cleaners grounded

It took 17 games, but a team finally kept both Al Jefferson and Kevin Love under double-digit rebounds in the same contest. The Pacers are the first club to accomplish this feat since Love returned on December 4 after sitting out the first month with a broken hand. The Minnesota pair was held to 6 (AJ) and 8 (KL) boards for the game on January 2. Of course Minnesota lost the game, which probably would have happened anyway considering they’re 7-28, but at least they’re not losing 15 in a row anymore. On the season, Love and Jefferson are averaging 12.5 and 9.1 boards, respectively.

Clippers’ Father Time can still board

Marcus Camby will turn 36 years old in two months, and it somehow seems like he’s been in the league even longer than his 14 seasons. Either way, the former skinny Minuteman is still grabbing rebounds at a crazy rate, collecting 11.6 per this year, so it shouldn’t be a big surprise that he pulled down 13 and 15 in two games this past week. What’s notable is that he did this against the Lakers and the Trail Blazers, two of the best rebounding teams in the NBA. And it just so happens the 16-18 Clippers won both of these tough contests.

JJ Redick photo credit: Icon SMI

Zachariah Blott cannot recommend Rick Telander’s “Heaven Is A Playground” enough.

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