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TSN Basketball Analyst

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TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong returns with five thoughts to start the week, taking a look at Anthony Davis' recent play, Andrew Wiggins hitting his stride, and more.

1. END OF RAPTORS/KINGS GAME: The NBA should be ashamed of itself for the way they handled the end of the Raptors-Kings game. Bottom line, there was a clock malfunction (clock started slightly late due to poor recognition of the ball being touched in bounds). Common sense should prevail. Either you go to overtime based upon the made shot and human error or you replay the final 2.4 seconds on the clock again between the two teams. You don't allow people in a replay centre in New Jersey to do the 'guesstimation' and say the made Terrence Ross shot came after the time. How is he supposed to know that in live action? He could have easily shot the ball earlier. Bottom line, common Sense should always overrule the rules. Either OT or replay it right then and there.

Sterner: I've never seen a call like that

Former Raptors assistant coach Tom Sterner joins Naylor & Landsberg with guest host Matt Cauz to discuss if the Raptors got screwed by the officials and if they should be concerned at giving up 100 points for seven straight games.

2. ANTHONY DAVIS (Pelicans): The man is on a tear lately, averaging 32 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 50%, and with three blocks per game. Those are elite numbers from a guy stuck with a floundering franchise. Every time I watch him, I think-HOF (Hall of Famer). If he stays healthy, the sky is the limit. Imagine if he had a good supporting cast? He’s a joy to watch.

3. ANDREW WIGGINS (Timberwolves): His game has taken a significant step forward. When I watch him, I see a guy with supreme confidence in his shooting stroke. We know he can score in a multitude of ways. He's got great explosiveness and can get to the rim. He's shooting 49% from three-point range right now and averaging 26 points per game. He's in the zone right now for a young team still figuring itself out.

4. HARRISON BARNES (Mavericks): For a team with major injuries and issues, he's been a bright spot averaging 21 points per game in an expanded role coming over from the Warriors. He guards, plays very hard, and you can see that the tools are there. In my opinion, he’s an upgrade on Chandler Parsons who is injury prone. He defends better as well.

5. KENNY FARIED (Nuggets): He’s back in the starting lineup for coach Mike Malone and deservedly so - he plays so hard and rebounds like a beast on both boards. He averages more than four offensive rebounds a game out of his 10 total. If the Nuggets continue to struggle, I can see a scenario where teams make a play for him. He can help a winning team. I also think his teammates Wilson Chandler and Danilo Galinari would be good trade bait for solid teams to look at if the Nuggets’ decision is to move older assets.

6. NIK STAUSKAS (Sixers): Nice to see him hit his stride a bit of late. Bottom line, he must be an elite three-point shooter to bring sound value to a team and he's doing just that, shooting 45% from distance. He has good size and a real sound feel for the game. He has excellent vision and passes it well.  He’s been more aggressive off the bounce and looks stronger. He's been in tough situations in Sacramento and Philadelphia yet you've got to overcome that as well. It looks like he's getting it together on the floor. Terrific young man who puts the work in.