Muslim Basketball

Nazareth continues to ebb and flow from week to week. This week, their offense resembled the form shown in Week 2, highlighted by fluid ball movement, strong defense, and high energy on both ends of the floor. They answered the lingering question of whether the offense could function without Jamal as the primary scorer. Captain Anwar led all scorers with an efficient 19-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Jamal and L also contributed effectively. This performance showcased Nazareth’s potential, even when some players are not at their best.

Nazareth came into the season looking like the most explosive offense in the league, but Week 3 exposed their volatility. Shooting 31% from the field (20–64) and just 21% from deep is tough to overcome, especially against a defense like Shatila’s. Even with the cold shooting night, Jamal Malik led all scorers with 17 points and 7 rebounds while shooting 38%. The talent is obviously there with the big four of Anwar, Yaseen, Jamal, and L, but the question remains: Can they all produce efficiently at the same time? Or will the offense lean too heavily on Jamal to carry them through tight games?

Projected Finish: #4–5 Range</e

Nazareth opened Week 1 with a tough offensive slump where Jamal had to shoulder nearly all of the scoring load. Week 2, however, showed exactly what this group can achieve when every scorer is active, available, and fully in rhythm. Their ball movement improved, their spacing opened the floor, and multiple players stepped into confident scoring roles.

A flaw they still need to address is their tendency to fall asleep defensively and allow opponents to score in simple ways. Even with that issue present, Nazareth displayed one of the most explosive offensive performances of the season so far. Their team chemistry looked much sharper, and their shooters played with a level of confidence that can carry them far.

Projected Ranking for Week 4: 2 to 3, depending on how well the defense improves.