Wake Forest Athletics
Wednesday Morning Basketball Report
11/4/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 4, 2009
With the National Basketball Association season tipping off last week, the former Demon Deacons in the league immediately are making their presence felt.
Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs had his best individual game of the week in a loss at Chicago on Oct. 29. He recorded 28 points on 13-of-19 shooting, in addition to his 16 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and two assists.
In both of Duncan's other games this week, he reached double digits in rebounds, averaging 22 minutes and eight points. Duncan recorded 10 rebounds against Sacramento and 12 against New Orleans in Spurs' victories. He has 12.7 rebounds a game, which ranks fourth in the NBA.
For New Orleans, Chris Paul again has started off the season among the league leaders in multiple categories. Currently sixth highest in the league, Paul is averaging 27.8 points per game with 8.5 assists, which is tied for fourth in the NBA. In four games, Paul has shot 66 percent from the floor, netting a remarkable 82 percent (9-of-11) from behind the arc.
On Monday night against the Knicks, Paul had his season-high best in points and assists, totaling 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting with 13 assists.
Teammate Darius Songaila has seen time in all four games for the Hornets. Coming off the bench, he averages 10.8 minutes and 2.5 points.
Jeff Teague of the Atlanta Hawks began his NBA career with a five-point performance against Indiana. He played 14 minutes, shooting 2-of-7 from the floor. He added four assists, three rebounds and a steal.
Teague followed that performance two nights later with two points and an assist in nine minutes of action against the Wizards.
On Sunday at the Lakers, he bested his totals in nearly every category. He had 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals in 17 minutes of action.
Chicago Bulls rookie James Johnson debuted at Boston last Friday, resulting in four points and three rebounds in 11 minutes of playing time. He did not play in other Bulls action this week.
Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks is on target to return from his ankle injury sometime this week, according to ESPN's Ric Bucher.
Four of the five NBA teams which currently boast a Demon Deacon on the roster will be featured on national television the next two days.
Tonight, the ESPN double-header features Dallas and New Orleans in the second game, with tipoff at 9:30 p.m. On Thursday, Chicago will be at Cleveland. Game time is scheduled for 8 p.m., and the matchup will be aired on TNT. The Spurs take on the Jazz beginning at 10:30 p.m. on TNT.
For more updates on the former Deacs now competing in the NBA, please check back to WakeForestSports.com.
