... about the NBA:
1. The Jermaine O'Neal trade hasn't worked out for the Heat just yet. A few days after he was eaten up by Dwight Howard, Al Horford took him apart, putting up 21 points and 22 rebounds against O'Neal's eight and 11 in a 91-83 win Friday for the Hawks. It's no sin to allow big nights to either guy, but the Heat would like for their center to at least be competitive against the league's best. O'Neal's averages of 11.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game are all down from his season numbers of 13.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks. It's natural to have some transition period after a trade, but the Heat, who are 2-3 since acquiring O'Neal from Toronto for Shawn Marion, have only a one-game lead on Philadelphia for fifth place and can't afford to slip in the standings if they want to advance past the first round in the playoffs.
2. The Lakers-Denver game from Friday is a perfect example of what happens when one team is prepared and motivated and the other isn't. The Lakers came in on the second night of a back-to-back, and even though they probably should have been relatively rested given Thursday's game with the Suns was fairly non-competitive, L.A. was flat. The Nuggets, meanwhile, had to be geared up for a game against the league's best, particularly they're trying to establish themselves as a contending team as well. It was the role players who stepped up for Denver, as the bench went 18-for-30 from the field, led by J.R. Smith's 22 points and Chris Anderson's 11 points and 12 rebounds. The Lakers' vaunted reserves meanwhile scored only seven points and eight rebounds altogether, contributing 3-for-18 shooting to the team's dreadful 30 percent shooting night.
3. How can Phoenix score 133 points and win by 20 with Steve Nash out? Vintage Shaq, that's how. The Diesel, already experiencing something of a renaissance this year, came out with a truly throwback performance Friday against the Raptors, throwing down 45 points, making 20 of his 25 shots, and grabbing 11 rebounds. Shaq was a model of efficiency, even converting on better than 50 percent of his free throws. Of course, Louis Amundson put up 20 points and 10 rebounds, too, so it wasn't exactly the most difficult night to get points in the paint. Still, it's nice to see big numbers from the big man a week shy of his 37th birthday.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. Intriguing result Thursday from Houston, where the Rockets blew the Cavs away 93-74. It was a double loss for Cleveland, which lost Ben Wallace for at least a month and probably more with a broken right fibula, which he sustained guarding Yao Ming in the second quarter. Yao was devastating in more ways than one, hitting 13 of 15 shots for 28 points and eight rebounds. When it wasn't Yao, it was the 3-point shooters, and Von Wafer in particular, who was 4-for-6 from behind the arc and provided a surprising 19 points off the bench. It was the kind of game that makes you believe Houston is better without Tracy McGrady and Rafer Alston than it was with them. It was also a night that must have left Orlando salivating. The Magic, who play a game that relies on a dominant center in Dwight Howard and plenty of outside shooting, saw a perfect blueprint for beating the Cavs if they meet in the playoffs.
2. It seems like the Lakers, and not the Cavs, are the team that's starting to get some separation from everyone else at the top of the league. Kobe, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom have all increased their production significantly to make up for Andrew Bynum since he's been out. And the bench, with most of its parts healthy, is blowing games open against teams that aren't as deep, like Phoenix last night. The Lakers hold a lead of two and a half games over Boston and three over Cleveland now, and they hold the tiebreaker having swept both teams. A slump may be the only way for anyone to catch the Lakers, but they haven't lost more than two games in a row all year.
3. It was a tough day for the Chicago Bulls family Thursday, when word came out that Red Kerr and Norm Van Lier had both died. Kerr was the first coach in Bulls history, winning Coach of the Year honors for taking the Bulls to the playoffs in their inaugural season, but he will be better remembered as their affable color announcer, gaining nationwide fame calling WGN-TV broadcasts during the Michael Jordan era. Jordan, Pippen and a host of other Bulls greats attended a tribute earlier this year that had been moved up because of Kerr's worsening prostate cancer, and Jordan clapped his hands together with chalk in front of Kerr's face one more time, a good-luck ritual that preceded tipoff of Bulls games during the Jordan era. Van Lier's contributions came after Kerr's coaching stint but before Jordan, when Chicago was a perennial contender that could never quite break through in the Western Conference during the '70s. He began his career with the impossible task of trying to replace Oscar Robertson while playing for Bob Cousy in Cincinnati, and then came to the Bulls, where he teamed with Jerry Sloan to carve out their own legends as one of the grittiest backcourt combos in the history of the league. He later, like Kerr, became a broadcaster for the team.
1. Intriguing result Thursday from Houston, where the Rockets blew the Cavs away 93-74. It was a double loss for Cleveland, which lost Ben Wallace for at least a month and probably more with a broken right fibula, which he sustained guarding Yao Ming in the second quarter. Yao was devastating in more ways than one, hitting 13 of 15 shots for 28 points and eight rebounds. When it wasn't Yao, it was the 3-point shooters, and Von Wafer in particular, who was 4-for-6 from behind the arc and provided a surprising 19 points off the bench. It was the kind of game that makes you believe Houston is better without Tracy McGrady and Rafer Alston than it was with them. It was also a night that must have left Orlando salivating. The Magic, who play a game that relies on a dominant center in Dwight Howard and plenty of outside shooting, saw a perfect blueprint for beating the Cavs if they meet in the playoffs.
2. It seems like the Lakers, and not the Cavs, are the team that's starting to get some separation from everyone else at the top of the league. Kobe, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom have all increased their production significantly to make up for Andrew Bynum since he's been out. And the bench, with most of its parts healthy, is blowing games open against teams that aren't as deep, like Phoenix last night. The Lakers hold a lead of two and a half games over Boston and three over Cleveland now, and they hold the tiebreaker having swept both teams. A slump may be the only way for anyone to catch the Lakers, but they haven't lost more than two games in a row all year.
3. It was a tough day for the Chicago Bulls family Thursday, when word came out that Red Kerr and Norm Van Lier had both died. Kerr was the first coach in Bulls history, winning Coach of the Year honors for taking the Bulls to the playoffs in their inaugural season, but he will be better remembered as their affable color announcer, gaining nationwide fame calling WGN-TV broadcasts during the Michael Jordan era. Jordan, Pippen and a host of other Bulls greats attended a tribute earlier this year that had been moved up because of Kerr's worsening prostate cancer, and Jordan clapped his hands together with chalk in front of Kerr's face one more time, a good-luck ritual that preceded tipoff of Bulls games during the Jordan era. Van Lier's contributions came after Kerr's coaching stint but before Jordan, when Chicago was a perennial contender that could never quite break through in the Western Conference during the '70s. He began his career with the impossible task of trying to replace Oscar Robertson while playing for Bob Cousy in Cincinnati, and then came to the Bulls, where he teamed with Jerry Sloan to carve out their own legends as one of the grittiest backcourt combos in the history of the league. He later, like Kerr, became a broadcaster for the team.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. Rough night for Steve Blake. Portland's starting point guard goes scoreless on nine shots and dishes out a lone assist in 24 minutes, while the man he was supposed to guard, Tony Parker, busts out for 39 points, nine assists, five rebounds and just one turnover. It came in the midst of a 99-84 win for San Antonio despite the absence of Tim Duncan, out for the night with a quad injury. It was a defining loss for Portland, which has lost 11 straight in San Antonio, and apparently still can't get over the hump even with Duncan out. The Blazers better hope they don't match up with the Spurs in the playoffs.
2. That was a big win for Denver against the visiting Hawks last night. The Nuggets had lost three in a row, including their worst loss in 11 years on Monday to the Celtics, and have a tilt with the Lakers coming Friday. They entered the night just a game up on Houston for the West's third seed. They were matched up against a Hawks team missing Mike Bibby, who was ill, and Josh Smith, tending to a family matter. They were in a dogfight until a 19-0 run put them up by 17 in the third quarter, but saw that lead dwindle down the stretch. Chauncey Billups, whose 33 points otherwise made him the hero, missed an 18-footer with 6.9 seconds left that opened the door for the Hawks to win at the buzzer. Bibby's replacement, Flip Murray, was unable to hit his shot, and Denver escaped with a 110-109 victory they really needed.
3. The effect of Kevin Garnett's absence had to show up sometime, and Wednesday night it finally did. There's no way Zach Randolph gets the 30 points and 12 rebounds he got for the Clippers in a 93-91 win over the defending champs last night if Garnett was there to defend him. No one provided the offensive firepower to make up for the Big Ticket last night either, and his replacement, Glen Davis, tied for the team high in turnovers on a night when the Celtics had an uncharacteristic 21 giveaways as a team. Rajon Rondo also had four turnovers against only three assists. Off the court, reserve Gabe Pruitt was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, and the impending Stephon Marbury signing probably served to further distract the team. About the only good news for the road-weary Celtics today is they're done with their six-game West Coast trip, and they're one day closer to the return of Garnett, whose knee injury should be healed in no longer than two more weeks.
1. Rough night for Steve Blake. Portland's starting point guard goes scoreless on nine shots and dishes out a lone assist in 24 minutes, while the man he was supposed to guard, Tony Parker, busts out for 39 points, nine assists, five rebounds and just one turnover. It came in the midst of a 99-84 win for San Antonio despite the absence of Tim Duncan, out for the night with a quad injury. It was a defining loss for Portland, which has lost 11 straight in San Antonio, and apparently still can't get over the hump even with Duncan out. The Blazers better hope they don't match up with the Spurs in the playoffs.
2. That was a big win for Denver against the visiting Hawks last night. The Nuggets had lost three in a row, including their worst loss in 11 years on Monday to the Celtics, and have a tilt with the Lakers coming Friday. They entered the night just a game up on Houston for the West's third seed. They were matched up against a Hawks team missing Mike Bibby, who was ill, and Josh Smith, tending to a family matter. They were in a dogfight until a 19-0 run put them up by 17 in the third quarter, but saw that lead dwindle down the stretch. Chauncey Billups, whose 33 points otherwise made him the hero, missed an 18-footer with 6.9 seconds left that opened the door for the Hawks to win at the buzzer. Bibby's replacement, Flip Murray, was unable to hit his shot, and Denver escaped with a 110-109 victory they really needed.
3. The effect of Kevin Garnett's absence had to show up sometime, and Wednesday night it finally did. There's no way Zach Randolph gets the 30 points and 12 rebounds he got for the Clippers in a 93-91 win over the defending champs last night if Garnett was there to defend him. No one provided the offensive firepower to make up for the Big Ticket last night either, and his replacement, Glen Davis, tied for the team high in turnovers on a night when the Celtics had an uncharacteristic 21 giveaways as a team. Rajon Rondo also had four turnovers against only three assists. Off the court, reserve Gabe Pruitt was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, and the impending Stephon Marbury signing probably served to further distract the team. About the only good news for the road-weary Celtics today is they're done with their six-game West Coast trip, and they're one day closer to the return of Garnett, whose knee injury should be healed in no longer than two more weeks.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. The ship be sinkin' for a lot of teams, but none faster than the Pistons. Their current seven-game losing streak has rendered them sub-.500 this late in the season for the first time since the '01 season, and one more loss matches their longest losing streak since the mid-1990s. It's clear the Iverson-for-Billups trade wrecked the team more than anyone imagined it would. What appeared to be, at worst, a first-round exit at the time has become a struggle just to make the playoffs. What's worse, anointed point guard of the future Rodney Stuckey hasn't exactly lit it up now that's he's been given a chance to shine. The guy had eight points, a pair of turnovers, and nothing else -- no rebounds, assists, steals or blocks, in 31 minutes Tuesday in a 103-91 loss to the Heat.
2. The loss Tuesday in Chicago exposed a major weakness for Orlando. The Magic's bench was thoroughly outplayed by the veteran bunch the Bulls have. Tim Thomas, John Salmons, Kirk Hinrich and Brad Miller, all former starters in the league, outscored Orlando's reserves 43-26, outrebounded them 19-13 and, most glaringly, distributed 14 assists against three for the Magic, who need people who can create offense with Jameer Nelson out. Orlando will get Mickael Pietrus back soon from a wrist injury, but the likes of J.J. Redick, Tony Battie, Marcin Gortat and Anthony Johnson won't scare anybody come the playoffs.
3. It was quite a clash of styles in Phoenix last night, where Larry Brown's slow-down Bobcats went up against the Suns, who are having a Seven Seconds or Less renaissance. Speed ruled the day for most of three quarters, when Steve Nash, who already had a team-high 22 points, turned an ankle. Nash's injury did not appear serious, but it kept him out for the rest of the game and slowed the pace considerably. Both teams scored only 18 points in the fourth quarter, but with Shaq's 20 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks dominating the middle, the Bobcats were unable to rally. It's worth noting that, not coincidentally, the Bobcats were led by Boris Diaw, who had 27 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and got 23 points from Raja Bell, two players who came over from Phoenix in a midseason trade. Jason Richardson, who went the other way, put up 20 points of his own.
1. The ship be sinkin' for a lot of teams, but none faster than the Pistons. Their current seven-game losing streak has rendered them sub-.500 this late in the season for the first time since the '01 season, and one more loss matches their longest losing streak since the mid-1990s. It's clear the Iverson-for-Billups trade wrecked the team more than anyone imagined it would. What appeared to be, at worst, a first-round exit at the time has become a struggle just to make the playoffs. What's worse, anointed point guard of the future Rodney Stuckey hasn't exactly lit it up now that's he's been given a chance to shine. The guy had eight points, a pair of turnovers, and nothing else -- no rebounds, assists, steals or blocks, in 31 minutes Tuesday in a 103-91 loss to the Heat.
2. The loss Tuesday in Chicago exposed a major weakness for Orlando. The Magic's bench was thoroughly outplayed by the veteran bunch the Bulls have. Tim Thomas, John Salmons, Kirk Hinrich and Brad Miller, all former starters in the league, outscored Orlando's reserves 43-26, outrebounded them 19-13 and, most glaringly, distributed 14 assists against three for the Magic, who need people who can create offense with Jameer Nelson out. Orlando will get Mickael Pietrus back soon from a wrist injury, but the likes of J.J. Redick, Tony Battie, Marcin Gortat and Anthony Johnson won't scare anybody come the playoffs.
3. It was quite a clash of styles in Phoenix last night, where Larry Brown's slow-down Bobcats went up against the Suns, who are having a Seven Seconds or Less renaissance. Speed ruled the day for most of three quarters, when Steve Nash, who already had a team-high 22 points, turned an ankle. Nash's injury did not appear serious, but it kept him out for the rest of the game and slowed the pace considerably. Both teams scored only 18 points in the fourth quarter, but with Shaq's 20 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks dominating the middle, the Bobcats were unable to rally. It's worth noting that, not coincidentally, the Bobcats were led by Boris Diaw, who had 27 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and got 23 points from Raja Bell, two players who came over from Phoenix in a midseason trade. Jason Richardson, who went the other way, put up 20 points of his own.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. It's not the Big Three in Boston any more, and not just because the "Big Three" name was already taken 25 years ago. Rajon Rondo showed why he is every bit as important to the Celtics as Garnett, Pierce and Allen are Sunday when his career-high 32 points against former MVP Steve Nash sparked a blowout 128-108 win in Phoenix. Rondo wasn't just looking for his shot, either, passing out 10 assists as he more than made up for the absence of Garnett. His continued development is overlooked by those who assume the Celtics are no better or even worse than they were last year. Four is better than three.
2. We know Charlotte is a defensively oriented team, but that does them no good if they continue to have nights like they did Sunday. Every Bobcat missed more shots than they made, and no one scored more than 13 points. The team as a whole shot 36 percent in a 99-78 loss to the Rockets, who shot an even 50 percent. Charlotte forced 14 turnovers, a decent number, but committed an egregious 21 of their own. Playing ugly is only effective when you win, and by that measure, the Bobcats still have a long way to go.
3. Dwyane Wade has to feel frustrated. He goes out and scores 50 points, but no one else on the team can find their shot and Miami gets blown out by Orlando 122-99. Of particular concern for the Heat is the way new acquisition Jermaine O'Neal was not even competitive with Dwight Howard. Superman shot 11-for-14, got to the line 15 times and grabbed 17 rebounds to go along with 32 points. O'Neal went only 2-for-10 from the floor, shot two free throws, and wound up with six points and two rebounds. Miami better finish at least fifth in the East so they can avoid the Magic and have any hope of making it past the first round.
1. It's not the Big Three in Boston any more, and not just because the "Big Three" name was already taken 25 years ago. Rajon Rondo showed why he is every bit as important to the Celtics as Garnett, Pierce and Allen are Sunday when his career-high 32 points against former MVP Steve Nash sparked a blowout 128-108 win in Phoenix. Rondo wasn't just looking for his shot, either, passing out 10 assists as he more than made up for the absence of Garnett. His continued development is overlooked by those who assume the Celtics are no better or even worse than they were last year. Four is better than three.
2. We know Charlotte is a defensively oriented team, but that does them no good if they continue to have nights like they did Sunday. Every Bobcat missed more shots than they made, and no one scored more than 13 points. The team as a whole shot 36 percent in a 99-78 loss to the Rockets, who shot an even 50 percent. Charlotte forced 14 turnovers, a decent number, but committed an egregious 21 of their own. Playing ugly is only effective when you win, and by that measure, the Bobcats still have a long way to go.
3. Dwyane Wade has to feel frustrated. He goes out and scores 50 points, but no one else on the team can find their shot and Miami gets blown out by Orlando 122-99. Of particular concern for the Heat is the way new acquisition Jermaine O'Neal was not even competitive with Dwight Howard. Superman shot 11-for-14, got to the line 15 times and grabbed 17 rebounds to go along with 32 points. O'Neal went only 2-for-10 from the floor, shot two free throws, and wound up with six points and two rebounds. Miami better finish at least fifth in the East so they can avoid the Magic and have any hope of making it past the first round.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. So Kevin Garnett and Manu Ginobili are gone for up to three weeks, Andrew Bynum's probably done until the playoffs, and Jameer Nelson is likely out for the rest of the year. Yes, their starting shooting guard, Delonte West, is injured, too, but this is Cleveland's time. All of the other legitimate title contenders have critical parts of their machinery down for significant periods of time. The Cavs are 42-11, a game behind the Lakers in the loss column for best record in the league. If they don't enter the playoffs with the No. 1 overall seed, they will have only themselves to blame. They have a golden opportunity to take advantage of a home court where they have lost only once this year. In a season otherwise defined by injury, it's starting to look like the year belongs to LeBron's team.
2. The Rockets probably aren't going to win the title this year, but that doesn't mean they won't make some noise in the playoffs. The season-ending injury to Tracy McGrady isn't quite as devastating as it might have been in previous years because McGrady's frequent absences have decreased his value to the team, which is used to dealing with injuries to just about everyone by now. Playing 6-foot-7, 260-pound Ron Artest at starting shooting guard is an intriguing move by coach Rick Adelman that should cause matchup difficulties for other teams, and the deal that sent Rafer Alston to the Magic gives Aaron Brooks a chance to shine. Brooks, in his second year, was impressive in his debut as the team's starting point guard Friday, scoring 19 points, dishing out eight assists and grabbing six rebounds in a 93-86 win over the Mavericks. He put up those numbers despite suffering a cut over his left eye in the third quarter that required two stitches but did not prevent him from returning to the game.
3. Dwyane Wade is a favorite of those who take a strict interpretation of the word "valuable" in the Most Valuable Player award. He was the leading scorer of course Saturday for Miami, shooting 8-for-14 from the floor and a perfect 9-for-9 at the line for 25 points in a 97-91 win over Philadelphia. What made his performance notable was that he served as the primary distributor, as he is often asked to do with no one higher than rookie Mario Chalmers on the depth chart for the Heat. Wade dished out nine assists and blocked three shots as Miami picked up a crucial victory over another team vying for position in the Eastern Conference.
1. So Kevin Garnett and Manu Ginobili are gone for up to three weeks, Andrew Bynum's probably done until the playoffs, and Jameer Nelson is likely out for the rest of the year. Yes, their starting shooting guard, Delonte West, is injured, too, but this is Cleveland's time. All of the other legitimate title contenders have critical parts of their machinery down for significant periods of time. The Cavs are 42-11, a game behind the Lakers in the loss column for best record in the league. If they don't enter the playoffs with the No. 1 overall seed, they will have only themselves to blame. They have a golden opportunity to take advantage of a home court where they have lost only once this year. In a season otherwise defined by injury, it's starting to look like the year belongs to LeBron's team.
2. The Rockets probably aren't going to win the title this year, but that doesn't mean they won't make some noise in the playoffs. The season-ending injury to Tracy McGrady isn't quite as devastating as it might have been in previous years because McGrady's frequent absences have decreased his value to the team, which is used to dealing with injuries to just about everyone by now. Playing 6-foot-7, 260-pound Ron Artest at starting shooting guard is an intriguing move by coach Rick Adelman that should cause matchup difficulties for other teams, and the deal that sent Rafer Alston to the Magic gives Aaron Brooks a chance to shine. Brooks, in his second year, was impressive in his debut as the team's starting point guard Friday, scoring 19 points, dishing out eight assists and grabbing six rebounds in a 93-86 win over the Mavericks. He put up those numbers despite suffering a cut over his left eye in the third quarter that required two stitches but did not prevent him from returning to the game.
3. Dwyane Wade is a favorite of those who take a strict interpretation of the word "valuable" in the Most Valuable Player award. He was the leading scorer of course Saturday for Miami, shooting 8-for-14 from the floor and a perfect 9-for-9 at the line for 25 points in a 97-91 win over Philadelphia. What made his performance notable was that he served as the primary distributor, as he is often asked to do with no one higher than rookie Mario Chalmers on the depth chart for the Heat. Wade dished out nine assists and blocked three shots as Miami picked up a crucial victory over another team vying for position in the Eastern Conference.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. The second half of the season for the reconfigured Miami Heat didn't start auspiciously on Wednesday. Newly acquired center Jermaine O'Neal exited in the third quarter with a cut near his right eye, and then James Jones, who started at small forward, suffered a bruised right hand moments later. The Timberwolves took advantage, as Sebastian Telfair put up 30 points, a career high, and dished out eight assists, while Minnesota outrebounded the Heat 49-24 en route to a 111-104 upset in Miami. It was quite a thud, considering the Heat are expected to improve following the O'Neal trade. Now the Heat play four consecutive Eastern teams who are above .500, including three against teams they'll be competing directly against for playoff position down the stretch.
2. It was an interesting juxtaposition in New Orleans, where two 23-year-olds who are already the league's best at their positions met last night. The Hornets' Chris Paul was matched up against the void left by the injury to Orlando point guard Jameer Nelson, while Orlando center Dwight Howard faced what was left after New Orleans traded away Tyson Chandler (and before it was revealed Chandler is coming back). It was the pre-eminent stars of each team pitted against the deficiency that will prevent the other from winning a title this year. Paul made hay, racking up 36 points, 10 assists and six rebounds while Howard looked tired after an incredible performance Tuesday, and the Hornets ran away with a 117-85 victory.
3. Don't be surprised if the Lakers swoop in and grab a big man at the trading deadline. Such a move would serve the dual purpose of replacing Andrew Bynum while he recovers from his knee injury and undermining the Celtics and Cavs, both of whom are known to be seeking depth at the post positions. The unloading of Chris Mihm to the Grizzlies opened up some cap space as well as a hole in the rotation in the form of a backup center. Joe Smith is a possibility now that he has been returned to Oklahoma City. Jason Collins has apparently been shopped by the Timberwolves. And then of course there's Shaq, in case the Suns want to continue to hold down the reset button on the last 12 months and the Lakers are willing to take on his $21 million salary. That reunion with Kobe in the all-star game could have been just the beginning of Hollywood's latest Back to the Future production.
1. The second half of the season for the reconfigured Miami Heat didn't start auspiciously on Wednesday. Newly acquired center Jermaine O'Neal exited in the third quarter with a cut near his right eye, and then James Jones, who started at small forward, suffered a bruised right hand moments later. The Timberwolves took advantage, as Sebastian Telfair put up 30 points, a career high, and dished out eight assists, while Minnesota outrebounded the Heat 49-24 en route to a 111-104 upset in Miami. It was quite a thud, considering the Heat are expected to improve following the O'Neal trade. Now the Heat play four consecutive Eastern teams who are above .500, including three against teams they'll be competing directly against for playoff position down the stretch.
2. It was an interesting juxtaposition in New Orleans, where two 23-year-olds who are already the league's best at their positions met last night. The Hornets' Chris Paul was matched up against the void left by the injury to Orlando point guard Jameer Nelson, while Orlando center Dwight Howard faced what was left after New Orleans traded away Tyson Chandler (and before it was revealed Chandler is coming back). It was the pre-eminent stars of each team pitted against the deficiency that will prevent the other from winning a title this year. Paul made hay, racking up 36 points, 10 assists and six rebounds while Howard looked tired after an incredible performance Tuesday, and the Hornets ran away with a 117-85 victory.
3. Don't be surprised if the Lakers swoop in and grab a big man at the trading deadline. Such a move would serve the dual purpose of replacing Andrew Bynum while he recovers from his knee injury and undermining the Celtics and Cavs, both of whom are known to be seeking depth at the post positions. The unloading of Chris Mihm to the Grizzlies opened up some cap space as well as a hole in the rotation in the form of a backup center. Joe Smith is a possibility now that he has been returned to Oklahoma City. Jason Collins has apparently been shopped by the Timberwolves. And then of course there's Shaq, in case the Suns want to continue to hold down the reset button on the last 12 months and the Lakers are willing to take on his $21 million salary. That reunion with Kobe in the all-star game could have been just the beginning of Hollywood's latest Back to the Future production.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. Dwight Howard got a lot of credit during All-Star Weekend for letting Nate Robinson dunk over his head, allowing the diminutive purveyor of kryptonite (you know what I'm talking about if you were watching) to win the slam-dunk contest. Well, Howard got his Tuesday night. He bolted out of the break with 45 points, 19 rebounds and eight blocks to lead the otherwise lethargic Magic to a win they needed to have, 107-102 in overtime. Howard was a truly dominant force in the paint, and his ability to get to the line was the difference, as Orlando attempted and made 20 more free throws than Charlotte.
2. The dunk contest had an empowering effect for Robinson, too. He popped for 32 points and 10 rebounds, the latter figure quite eye-popping for a 5-foot-9 guy, as the Knicks outlasted the Spurs in a 112-107 win. Robinson played 38 minutes off the bench as New York went super-small to foil San Antonio. Manu Ginobili was absent with a sore right ankle, while Tony Parker shot 5-for-20 and went to the line only four times, a tough combination for the Spurs to overcome when they play an up-tempo team.
3. Fans of teams along the western Gulf Coast were stabbed in the heart Tuesday. First, the Hornets admitted they weren't a title contender this season by trading away center Tyson Chandler in a move to avoid paying the luxury tax this offseason. They brought back the expiring contracts of Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox from Oklahoma City, but while Smith was much sought after for the frontcourt depth he can provide, he cannot compare with what Chandler could do as a starter. The Rockets, another team with legitimate title hopes before the season began, aren't going anywhere because Tracy McGrady's balky left knee has worsened to the point that he admitted Tuesday he needs microfracture surgery. That means he's out for this year and the first half of next year, too. Houston was rumored to be shopping him to the Nets for Vince Carter, but the surgery scuttles that deal.
1. Dwight Howard got a lot of credit during All-Star Weekend for letting Nate Robinson dunk over his head, allowing the diminutive purveyor of kryptonite (you know what I'm talking about if you were watching) to win the slam-dunk contest. Well, Howard got his Tuesday night. He bolted out of the break with 45 points, 19 rebounds and eight blocks to lead the otherwise lethargic Magic to a win they needed to have, 107-102 in overtime. Howard was a truly dominant force in the paint, and his ability to get to the line was the difference, as Orlando attempted and made 20 more free throws than Charlotte.
2. The dunk contest had an empowering effect for Robinson, too. He popped for 32 points and 10 rebounds, the latter figure quite eye-popping for a 5-foot-9 guy, as the Knicks outlasted the Spurs in a 112-107 win. Robinson played 38 minutes off the bench as New York went super-small to foil San Antonio. Manu Ginobili was absent with a sore right ankle, while Tony Parker shot 5-for-20 and went to the line only four times, a tough combination for the Spurs to overcome when they play an up-tempo team.
3. Fans of teams along the western Gulf Coast were stabbed in the heart Tuesday. First, the Hornets admitted they weren't a title contender this season by trading away center Tyson Chandler in a move to avoid paying the luxury tax this offseason. They brought back the expiring contracts of Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox from Oklahoma City, but while Smith was much sought after for the frontcourt depth he can provide, he cannot compare with what Chandler could do as a starter. The Rockets, another team with legitimate title hopes before the season began, aren't going anywhere because Tracy McGrady's balky left knee has worsened to the point that he admitted Tuesday he needs microfracture surgery. That means he's out for this year and the first half of next year, too. Houston was rumored to be shopping him to the Nets for Vince Carter, but the surgery scuttles that deal.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. It's tough to play the up-tempo Warriors on the second night of a back-to-back. Portland realizes that after a comeback attempt fell short in a 105-98 loss at Golden State. The Blazers got a performance befitting his star from Brandon Roy, who had 37 points, but 23 turnovers and an uncharacteristically poor performance by the Portland's reserves left the door open for the Warriors, who were led by Corey Maggette's 24 points off the bench. Travis Outlaw pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds, but his 3-for-14 shooting performance was a major part of the struggles for the Blazers' second unit, which barely wound up with more made shots (eight) than turnovers (seven).
2. Miami has to find a way to get more playing time for Michael Beasley. Yes, he's a rookie, and prone to mistakes, but that's no excuse for having perhaps your second-best scoring option play just 13 minutes each in back-to-back games, as he did against Charlotte and Denver this week. The Heat was dealt a disappointing loss to a traveling Denver squad that showed they're still a step behind the contenders. Coach Eric Spoelstra, also in his first year, responded by giving Beasley 31 minutes Thursday in a 95-93 win against the Bulls, during which he hit nine of his 10 shots for 21 points, pulled down seven rebounds, had three assists (including a pair in the fourth quarter) and blocked two shots.
3. We hear all kinds of Amare Stoudemire trade rumors these days, but he's not the one the Suns should trade. They got into trouble when they acquired Shaq, and he's the one who should be going out the door. It's not because Shaq is playing poorly, since he's giving Phoenix 17.3 points and 8.9 rebounds a game, his best numbers since he was the second option on the Heat's '06 championship team. It's because the Suns can get his $21 million off the books after this season by swapping him to Cleveland for Wally Szczerbiak ($13.77 million) and Eric Snow ($7.3 million). Snow and Szczerbiak have contracts that expire after this season, so the Suns can begin their rebuilding effort quickly. The Cavs can have the extra big man they lack, not to mention a guy who is still one of the best center in the game, for this year and next to help them win a title before LeBron becomes a free agent in 2010. It's a win-win, and the salaries match. Why don't we hear more about this possibility?
So we're at the All-Star break. No promises, but I'd like to do a special All-Star edition of Three Random Observations ... So we'll probably have something fun up this weekend. Enjoy H-O-R-S-E and the dunks, tolerate the All-Star Game itself, and have a nice nap during the celebrity game tonight!
1. It's tough to play the up-tempo Warriors on the second night of a back-to-back. Portland realizes that after a comeback attempt fell short in a 105-98 loss at Golden State. The Blazers got a performance befitting his star from Brandon Roy, who had 37 points, but 23 turnovers and an uncharacteristically poor performance by the Portland's reserves left the door open for the Warriors, who were led by Corey Maggette's 24 points off the bench. Travis Outlaw pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds, but his 3-for-14 shooting performance was a major part of the struggles for the Blazers' second unit, which barely wound up with more made shots (eight) than turnovers (seven).
2. Miami has to find a way to get more playing time for Michael Beasley. Yes, he's a rookie, and prone to mistakes, but that's no excuse for having perhaps your second-best scoring option play just 13 minutes each in back-to-back games, as he did against Charlotte and Denver this week. The Heat was dealt a disappointing loss to a traveling Denver squad that showed they're still a step behind the contenders. Coach Eric Spoelstra, also in his first year, responded by giving Beasley 31 minutes Thursday in a 95-93 win against the Bulls, during which he hit nine of his 10 shots for 21 points, pulled down seven rebounds, had three assists (including a pair in the fourth quarter) and blocked two shots.
3. We hear all kinds of Amare Stoudemire trade rumors these days, but he's not the one the Suns should trade. They got into trouble when they acquired Shaq, and he's the one who should be going out the door. It's not because Shaq is playing poorly, since he's giving Phoenix 17.3 points and 8.9 rebounds a game, his best numbers since he was the second option on the Heat's '06 championship team. It's because the Suns can get his $21 million off the books after this season by swapping him to Cleveland for Wally Szczerbiak ($13.77 million) and Eric Snow ($7.3 million). Snow and Szczerbiak have contracts that expire after this season, so the Suns can begin their rebuilding effort quickly. The Cavs can have the extra big man they lack, not to mention a guy who is still one of the best center in the game, for this year and next to help them win a title before LeBron becomes a free agent in 2010. It's a win-win, and the salaries match. Why don't we hear more about this possibility?
So we're at the All-Star break. No promises, but I'd like to do a special All-Star edition of Three Random Observations ... So we'll probably have something fun up this weekend. Enjoy H-O-R-S-E and the dunks, tolerate the All-Star Game itself, and have a nice nap during the celebrity game tonight!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. The chances that the Cavs will make a deal at the deadline just shot up Tuesday night. LeBron is surely kicking himself for what happened at the end of the game, when his foul on Danny Granger with less than a second to go sealed the 96-95 win for the Pacers. Yet he was essentially a one-man show in Indiana, scoring 47 points on 15-for-21 shooting and a 13-for-14 performance at the line, while Mo Williams and Zydrunas Ilgauskas got a similar number of shot opportunities but finished with only 15 and 10 points, respectively. The Cavs, apart from LeBron's numbers, shot 34 percent, including 2-for-14 from 3-point range and made only eight of 15 free throws. LeBron will surely push for more help, and he should get it if Cleveland GM Danny Ferry can pull something off.
2. What in the world has gotten into Matt Bonner? Is that guy on the juice? Well, probably not, but it's not often you see a second-round pick who has been buried on the bench for most of his four-plus seasons in the league turn into a difference-maker for a title contender. His three 3-pointers were key to turning a 54-51 halftime lead into a 73-59 bulge as San Antonio pulled away in the third quarter en route to a 108-93 win at New Jersey. Bonner wound up with 22 points on 8-for-10 shooting two days after scoring 23 in a win at Boston. His emergence as more than just a placeholder at starting center gives the Spurs one more edge that suggests they're a favorite for the title again this year.
3. You had to know when the Warriors got together with the Knicks this year, it was going to be fun. That it was, at least if you like a lot of points, as Nellie Ball beat Seven Seconds or Less 144-127 in a matchup of up-tempo teams. Is eight players in double figures for Golden State enough for you? How about some other wacky stats from this one: The Warriors took 94 shots and made 52 of them, good for 55 percent shooting. The Knicks went 49-for-90 for 54 percent shooting. The teams took a combined 49 3-pointers, nailing 23 of them. The Warriors beat the Knicks solidly in the turnover battle, committing just half the total of New York's 16 giveaways. The Warriors had not one but two 40-point quarters, and scored another 39 in the fourth quarter.
1. The chances that the Cavs will make a deal at the deadline just shot up Tuesday night. LeBron is surely kicking himself for what happened at the end of the game, when his foul on Danny Granger with less than a second to go sealed the 96-95 win for the Pacers. Yet he was essentially a one-man show in Indiana, scoring 47 points on 15-for-21 shooting and a 13-for-14 performance at the line, while Mo Williams and Zydrunas Ilgauskas got a similar number of shot opportunities but finished with only 15 and 10 points, respectively. The Cavs, apart from LeBron's numbers, shot 34 percent, including 2-for-14 from 3-point range and made only eight of 15 free throws. LeBron will surely push for more help, and he should get it if Cleveland GM Danny Ferry can pull something off.
2. What in the world has gotten into Matt Bonner? Is that guy on the juice? Well, probably not, but it's not often you see a second-round pick who has been buried on the bench for most of his four-plus seasons in the league turn into a difference-maker for a title contender. His three 3-pointers were key to turning a 54-51 halftime lead into a 73-59 bulge as San Antonio pulled away in the third quarter en route to a 108-93 win at New Jersey. Bonner wound up with 22 points on 8-for-10 shooting two days after scoring 23 in a win at Boston. His emergence as more than just a placeholder at starting center gives the Spurs one more edge that suggests they're a favorite for the title again this year.
3. You had to know when the Warriors got together with the Knicks this year, it was going to be fun. That it was, at least if you like a lot of points, as Nellie Ball beat Seven Seconds or Less 144-127 in a matchup of up-tempo teams. Is eight players in double figures for Golden State enough for you? How about some other wacky stats from this one: The Warriors took 94 shots and made 52 of them, good for 55 percent shooting. The Knicks went 49-for-90 for 54 percent shooting. The teams took a combined 49 3-pointers, nailing 23 of them. The Warriors beat the Knicks solidly in the turnover battle, committing just half the total of New York's 16 giveaways. The Warriors had not one but two 40-point quarters, and scored another 39 in the fourth quarter.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. That was a funky-looking lineup Charlotte used last night. They went with their two point guards, D.J. Augustin and Raymond Felton, starting together in the backcourt again, and loaded the frontcourt with centers Desagana Diop and Emeka Okafor with the versatile Boris Diaw at small forward. They were playing the Clippers, so the fact the lineup was successful enough to produce a 94-73 win doesn't mean too much. It'll be interesting, though, to see how it works against legitimate competition, particularly if they keep a short bench like they did last night, when forwards Vladimir Radmanovic and Cartier Martin made up the rest of the seven-man rotation.
2. Speaking of lineup oddities, there was another in Milwaukee where 6-foot-8, 230-pound Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, who was the team's starting power forward earlier this year, started at shooting guard. The move appeared to be a gem on the defensive end, as Tracy McGrady and Shane Battier combined for just six points. It didn't work out for Mbah a Moute offensively, as he shot 0-for-5 and went scoreless, but the rest of the team worked around him brilliantly, as four Bucks scored at least 21 points a piece in a 124-112 upset of Houston that wasn't as close as the score indicated. Ramon Sessions had 26, Richard Jefferson and Villanueva had 25 apiece and Charlie Bell, who might have been a more traditional choice at two-guard, had 21.
3. Another night, another less-than-stellar affair in Memphis, where injuries and suspensions marred the Hornets-Grizzlies matchup. Ticketholders hoping to see visiting attractions Chris Paul and David West were disappointed, and the hometown crowd missed out on Rudy Gay and rookie Darrell Arthur. So players like Quinton Ross, Sean Marks and Ryan Bowen wound up starting in lineups that might have given some the idea that the CBA had restarted its season. At least those who stuck outthe combined 33 percent shooting performance for both teams in Memphis at least saw the home-team Grizzlies come away with an 85-80 victory.
1. That was a funky-looking lineup Charlotte used last night. They went with their two point guards, D.J. Augustin and Raymond Felton, starting together in the backcourt again, and loaded the frontcourt with centers Desagana Diop and Emeka Okafor with the versatile Boris Diaw at small forward. They were playing the Clippers, so the fact the lineup was successful enough to produce a 94-73 win doesn't mean too much. It'll be interesting, though, to see how it works against legitimate competition, particularly if they keep a short bench like they did last night, when forwards Vladimir Radmanovic and Cartier Martin made up the rest of the seven-man rotation.
2. Speaking of lineup oddities, there was another in Milwaukee where 6-foot-8, 230-pound Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, who was the team's starting power forward earlier this year, started at shooting guard. The move appeared to be a gem on the defensive end, as Tracy McGrady and Shane Battier combined for just six points. It didn't work out for Mbah a Moute offensively, as he shot 0-for-5 and went scoreless, but the rest of the team worked around him brilliantly, as four Bucks scored at least 21 points a piece in a 124-112 upset of Houston that wasn't as close as the score indicated. Ramon Sessions had 26, Richard Jefferson and Villanueva had 25 apiece and Charlie Bell, who might have been a more traditional choice at two-guard, had 21.
3. Another night, another less-than-stellar affair in Memphis, where injuries and suspensions marred the Hornets-Grizzlies matchup. Ticketholders hoping to see visiting attractions Chris Paul and David West were disappointed, and the hometown crowd missed out on Rudy Gay and rookie Darrell Arthur. So players like Quinton Ross, Sean Marks and Ryan Bowen wound up starting in lineups that might have given some the idea that the CBA had restarted its season. At least those who stuck outthe combined 33 percent shooting performance for both teams in Memphis at least saw the home-team Grizzlies come away with an 85-80 victory.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. So the Lakers look like they'll be OK, Bynum or no Bynum. They just knocked off the Celtics and Cavs on the road in less than 72 hours. The story Sunday was the performance of Lamar Odom, who was there for 17 rebounds, seven of them on the offensive glass, to go with a game-high 28 points in the 101-91 victory in Cleveland. And you thought this game was about Kobe and LeBron. If he plays anywhere close to this level, the Lakers look like the favorites to win it all. The Lakers' defense, too, deserves a nod after limiting the Cavs to 39-percent shooting and LeBron to 5-for-20 from the floor.
2. Greg Oden delivered one of those difference-making games we have been waiting for from him last night. He was a force on the offensive glass, picking up six of his rebounds on that end, blocked six shots and scored 17 points. His all-around performance was pivotal for the Blazers as they avoided what would have been a damaging loss to an inferior Eastern Conference team that just endured a draining "Dream Week" at Madison Square Garden. Granted, Oden's performance came the small-ball Knicks, but it's still representative of major progress for a guy who's missed more than half of his two-season career so far to injury.
3. We know the line about the Spurs "knowing how to win." Sunday's game in Boston demonstrated exactly what that means. They got a 23-point, eight rebound bonus from Matt Bonner to offset a rough night for Tony Parker, and got another clutch shot from offseason acquisition Roger Mason to go ahead with 20 seconds to play. Then they sealed the 105-99 win with a steal by Manu Ginobili off the subsequent inbounds pass. Gregg Popovich has a team that expects to win, and indoctrinates that idea into each of San Antonio's new acquisition. It's not just the mainstays with championship experience who act like they've been there before. It's everybody.
1. So the Lakers look like they'll be OK, Bynum or no Bynum. They just knocked off the Celtics and Cavs on the road in less than 72 hours. The story Sunday was the performance of Lamar Odom, who was there for 17 rebounds, seven of them on the offensive glass, to go with a game-high 28 points in the 101-91 victory in Cleveland. And you thought this game was about Kobe and LeBron. If he plays anywhere close to this level, the Lakers look like the favorites to win it all. The Lakers' defense, too, deserves a nod after limiting the Cavs to 39-percent shooting and LeBron to 5-for-20 from the floor.
2. Greg Oden delivered one of those difference-making games we have been waiting for from him last night. He was a force on the offensive glass, picking up six of his rebounds on that end, blocked six shots and scored 17 points. His all-around performance was pivotal for the Blazers as they avoided what would have been a damaging loss to an inferior Eastern Conference team that just endured a draining "Dream Week" at Madison Square Garden. Granted, Oden's performance came the small-ball Knicks, but it's still representative of major progress for a guy who's missed more than half of his two-season career so far to injury.
3. We know the line about the Spurs "knowing how to win." Sunday's game in Boston demonstrated exactly what that means. They got a 23-point, eight rebound bonus from Matt Bonner to offset a rough night for Tony Parker, and got another clutch shot from offseason acquisition Roger Mason to go ahead with 20 seconds to play. Then they sealed the 105-99 win with a steal by Manu Ginobili off the subsequent inbounds pass. Gregg Popovich has a team that expects to win, and indoctrinates that idea into each of San Antonio's new acquisition. It's not just the mainstays with championship experience who act like they've been there before. It's everybody.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. A perfect storm of factors led to the Nuggets' worst loss in 12 years, a 114-70 shellacking Saturday at New Jersey. Denver was dominant against Washington in a blowout win on Friday, and perhaps boarded the train that took them up the east coast late that evening with too much of a sense of complacency. The Nets then put up one of their all-around best efforts, getting 28 points from Devin Harris, 15 points and 9 rebounds from Brook Lopez, and a surprising 13-point, 12-rebound night from Ryan Anderson. The Nuggets meanwhile played about as poorly as ever, getting only 15 points from Carmelo Anthony and a clunker of a nine-point, three-assist effort out of Chauncey Billups. Then there was the disparity at the line, where Denver went 14-for-23 and New Jersey was 32-for-41.
2. There are nights when it's hard to imagine Dirk Nowitzki was the MVP of the league just two years ago. Last night was not one of them. Nowitzki turned into a one-man show in overtime, scoring 14 of his 44 points to avoid a damaging loss at home on a night the Mavericks sustained an even bigger hit with the loss of Jason Terry. Halftime X-rays revealed that Terry, the leading sixth-man candidate with a 20.2 points-per-game average off the bench, broke a bone in his left hand, and with Josh Howard in foul trouble, the onus was on Nowitzki. He delivered, taking 34 shots and making 16 of them from the field and going a perfect 11-for-11 from the line, grabbing nine boards along the way. Dallas also got 20 points and six assists from J.J. Barea, but with Terry out for what would appear to be a long stretch, the Mavs' playoff chances rest squarely with Nowitzki.
3. Say what you will about O.J. Mayo's 12-point fourth quarter, but the 11,498 who paid to see the Raptors-Grizzlies game in Memphis wasted their money on one of the worst basketball games in quite some time. The Grizzlies shot 39 percent and had only three players in double figures, which is usually more than enough to lose. The Raptors though, playing with Chris Bosh, stunk it up even worse, shooting just 30 percent, including just 5-for-23 from behind the arc, and Toronto sustained the 78-70 loss. Yuck. Memphis is talked about as the NBA market in the worst shape right now, and last night did little entice more of a following.
1. A perfect storm of factors led to the Nuggets' worst loss in 12 years, a 114-70 shellacking Saturday at New Jersey. Denver was dominant against Washington in a blowout win on Friday, and perhaps boarded the train that took them up the east coast late that evening with too much of a sense of complacency. The Nets then put up one of their all-around best efforts, getting 28 points from Devin Harris, 15 points and 9 rebounds from Brook Lopez, and a surprising 13-point, 12-rebound night from Ryan Anderson. The Nuggets meanwhile played about as poorly as ever, getting only 15 points from Carmelo Anthony and a clunker of a nine-point, three-assist effort out of Chauncey Billups. Then there was the disparity at the line, where Denver went 14-for-23 and New Jersey was 32-for-41.
2. There are nights when it's hard to imagine Dirk Nowitzki was the MVP of the league just two years ago. Last night was not one of them. Nowitzki turned into a one-man show in overtime, scoring 14 of his 44 points to avoid a damaging loss at home on a night the Mavericks sustained an even bigger hit with the loss of Jason Terry. Halftime X-rays revealed that Terry, the leading sixth-man candidate with a 20.2 points-per-game average off the bench, broke a bone in his left hand, and with Josh Howard in foul trouble, the onus was on Nowitzki. He delivered, taking 34 shots and making 16 of them from the field and going a perfect 11-for-11 from the line, grabbing nine boards along the way. Dallas also got 20 points and six assists from J.J. Barea, but with Terry out for what would appear to be a long stretch, the Mavs' playoff chances rest squarely with Nowitzki.
3. Say what you will about O.J. Mayo's 12-point fourth quarter, but the 11,498 who paid to see the Raptors-Grizzlies game in Memphis wasted their money on one of the worst basketball games in quite some time. The Grizzlies shot 39 percent and had only three players in double figures, which is usually more than enough to lose. The Raptors though, playing with Chris Bosh, stunk it up even worse, shooting just 30 percent, including just 5-for-23 from behind the arc, and Toronto sustained the 78-70 loss. Yuck. Memphis is talked about as the NBA market in the worst shape right now, and last night did little entice more of a following.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. Last night gave a perfect example of the effect of Jameer Nelson's injury on the Magic. The Pacers went small and pushed the pace against bigger Orlando, which in Anthony Johnson doesn't have a point guard at all suited to the transition game now. The Magic ran the ball through Hedo Turkoglu, who had 11 assists, but that took away from his role as a scorer, and they had no one who could match the output of Danny Granger, who had 33 points for the Pacers. Dwight Howard had a field day on the boards against Troy Murphy, finishing with 20 rebounds, but it wasn't enough in a 107-102 loss at Indiana. The phrase "it wasn't enough" may repeatedly haunt the Magic until Nelson heals.
2. The Blazers gave an inexplicable performance last night, losing 102-93 to the Thunder in the much-anticipated first meeting between Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. Oden was clearly spooked, scoring four points and grabbing two rebounds in just 16 minutes of playing time. Brandon Roy, who led the team in points, rebounds and assists, Travis Outlaw and LaMarcus Aldridge were the only players who looked like they so much as showed up at the arena for Portland. The Blazers were dominated in the post by the less-than-imposing Nick Collison, who had 21 points and and 13 points. It's performances like these that keep Portland from joining the Nuggets and Spurs in the contending tier of the Western Conference.
3. That was an odd game in Charlotte last night. Joe Johnson missed a second game with a viral infection, and with Al Horford easing back into the lineup after missing 12 games with a bone bruise in his right knee, the onus falls on Josh Smith, right? No, Smith had only nine points, and it was Marvin Williams, with 29 points and seven rebounds, who was the dominant force for Atlanta in 102-97 victory. He went to the line 20 times and had 18 makes, enough to frustrate Larry Brown, who compared the calls Williams got to those usually reserved for superstars like LeBron and Kobe. Brown has a player who's playing like a star himself in Raymond Felton, who scorched Mike Bibby for 15 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. But while he was perfect from the line he got there four only times, and the Bobcats as a team shot 11 fewer free throws than the Hawks.
1. Last night gave a perfect example of the effect of Jameer Nelson's injury on the Magic. The Pacers went small and pushed the pace against bigger Orlando, which in Anthony Johnson doesn't have a point guard at all suited to the transition game now. The Magic ran the ball through Hedo Turkoglu, who had 11 assists, but that took away from his role as a scorer, and they had no one who could match the output of Danny Granger, who had 33 points for the Pacers. Dwight Howard had a field day on the boards against Troy Murphy, finishing with 20 rebounds, but it wasn't enough in a 107-102 loss at Indiana. The phrase "it wasn't enough" may repeatedly haunt the Magic until Nelson heals.
2. The Blazers gave an inexplicable performance last night, losing 102-93 to the Thunder in the much-anticipated first meeting between Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. Oden was clearly spooked, scoring four points and grabbing two rebounds in just 16 minutes of playing time. Brandon Roy, who led the team in points, rebounds and assists, Travis Outlaw and LaMarcus Aldridge were the only players who looked like they so much as showed up at the arena for Portland. The Blazers were dominated in the post by the less-than-imposing Nick Collison, who had 21 points and and 13 points. It's performances like these that keep Portland from joining the Nuggets and Spurs in the contending tier of the Western Conference.
3. That was an odd game in Charlotte last night. Joe Johnson missed a second game with a viral infection, and with Al Horford easing back into the lineup after missing 12 games with a bone bruise in his right knee, the onus falls on Josh Smith, right? No, Smith had only nine points, and it was Marvin Williams, with 29 points and seven rebounds, who was the dominant force for Atlanta in 102-97 victory. He went to the line 20 times and had 18 makes, enough to frustrate Larry Brown, who compared the calls Williams got to those usually reserved for superstars like LeBron and Kobe. Brown has a player who's playing like a star himself in Raymond Felton, who scorched Mike Bibby for 15 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. But while he was perfect from the line he got there four only times, and the Bobcats as a team shot 11 fewer free throws than the Hawks.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. So let me get this straight: The Lakers just lost their starting center long-term, they're playing on the second night of a back-to-back, they shoot 58.6 percent from the line in a one-point overtime game and they wind up beating the Celtics in Boston? That shows you how important it is that Kevin Garnett be at or near 100 percent for the Celtics. He has been saddled with a severe flu for the past several days, and it was clear he didn't have the unmatched energy he usually brings to the court. He fouled out with 4:22 to go in regulation, and Boston was forced to go with Big Baby Davis, who missed a pair of open looks in the last two minutes that could have put the Celtics in front. The result is a season sweep for the Lakers and the tiebreaker for home-court advantage in the not-so-unlikely scenario the teams finish the regular season tied.
2. I give the Magic credit for making a trade that addresses the mere dearth of point guards on the team in the wake of Jameer Nelson's injury, but Tyronn Lue does nothing to put this team back in the upper echelon of the league. He's a veteran backup who can moonlight as a two-guard if Nelson makes it back. Keith Bogans, whom the Magic gave up, is a former starter for the team who had fallen out of the rotation behind newcomers Courtney Lee and Mickael Pietrus.
3. Don't weep for the Sixers, at least in a basketball sense, on the heels of the announcement that Elton Brand is out for the season with more surgery due on his injured shoulder. There are plenty of tears to be shed about the salary cap implications of $80 million due a guy who has missed most of the last two seasons, but the Sixers play just fine without him. Samuel Dalembert pulled down 20 rebounds last night, albeit against the Pacers, and Andre Iguodala was just two boards shy of a triple-double in a 99-94 win. Andre Miller had 12 assists, and Willie Green led all scorers with 23 points, a bonus that Philadelphia is glad to take.
1. So let me get this straight: The Lakers just lost their starting center long-term, they're playing on the second night of a back-to-back, they shoot 58.6 percent from the line in a one-point overtime game and they wind up beating the Celtics in Boston? That shows you how important it is that Kevin Garnett be at or near 100 percent for the Celtics. He has been saddled with a severe flu for the past several days, and it was clear he didn't have the unmatched energy he usually brings to the court. He fouled out with 4:22 to go in regulation, and Boston was forced to go with Big Baby Davis, who missed a pair of open looks in the last two minutes that could have put the Celtics in front. The result is a season sweep for the Lakers and the tiebreaker for home-court advantage in the not-so-unlikely scenario the teams finish the regular season tied.
2. I give the Magic credit for making a trade that addresses the mere dearth of point guards on the team in the wake of Jameer Nelson's injury, but Tyronn Lue does nothing to put this team back in the upper echelon of the league. He's a veteran backup who can moonlight as a two-guard if Nelson makes it back. Keith Bogans, whom the Magic gave up, is a former starter for the team who had fallen out of the rotation behind newcomers Courtney Lee and Mickael Pietrus.
3. Don't weep for the Sixers, at least in a basketball sense, on the heels of the announcement that Elton Brand is out for the season with more surgery due on his injured shoulder. There are plenty of tears to be shed about the salary cap implications of $80 million due a guy who has missed most of the last two seasons, but the Sixers play just fine without him. Samuel Dalembert pulled down 20 rebounds last night, albeit against the Pacers, and Andre Iguodala was just two boards shy of a triple-double in a 99-94 win. Andre Miller had 12 assists, and Willie Green led all scorers with 23 points, a bonus that Philadelphia is glad to take.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. Yao Ming reminded everyone last night why he'd be an All-Star even if he didn't have a billion Chinese voting for him every year. Yao was dominant against inferior competition inside against the Bulls, finishing with 28 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Perhaps more impressive was his performance at the line, a perfect 10-for-10 night that few other 7-footers can match. He's an 86 percent free-throw shooter for the season, a number that could mean plenty late in a few playoff games this year.
2. The Raptors are going with their giant frontline experiment again with Jermaine O'Neal back, teaming him with Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani in the starting lineup, but it's difficult to assess them when the guards play as poorly as the did against the Cavs last night. Starters Jose Calderon and Anthony Parker shot a combined 2-for-16, while backup Jason Kapono went 1-for-5 in a 101-83 loss. That's 3-for-21 altogether, enough offensive ineptitude to cancel 20-point performances from Bosh and O'Neal and a double-double for Bargnani. And certainly enough to scuttle any chance Calderon (1-for-9, 2 points) had at replacing Jameer Nelson in the All-Star Game.
3. Tuesday was a great day to be a Cavs or Celtics fan, and not just because those teams won. The specter of perhaps losing Jameer Nelson for the season is a blow to the Magic, who stand little chance of winning unless he comes back or the team is able to swing a major deal before the Feb. 19 trading deadline. Nelson's leap in production, highlighted by a 5.8-point surge in points per game this season, gave the frontcour-dominated Magic a dimension they haven't had in the last couple of years. Orlando without Nelson now is no better than the team that was dumped by the Pistons in the Eastern Conference Semifinals last year. The onus is on the front office to somehow salvage what appeared to have been a breakthrough season without mortgaging a promising future.
1. Yao Ming reminded everyone last night why he'd be an All-Star even if he didn't have a billion Chinese voting for him every year. Yao was dominant against inferior competition inside against the Bulls, finishing with 28 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Perhaps more impressive was his performance at the line, a perfect 10-for-10 night that few other 7-footers can match. He's an 86 percent free-throw shooter for the season, a number that could mean plenty late in a few playoff games this year.
2. The Raptors are going with their giant frontline experiment again with Jermaine O'Neal back, teaming him with Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani in the starting lineup, but it's difficult to assess them when the guards play as poorly as the did against the Cavs last night. Starters Jose Calderon and Anthony Parker shot a combined 2-for-16, while backup Jason Kapono went 1-for-5 in a 101-83 loss. That's 3-for-21 altogether, enough offensive ineptitude to cancel 20-point performances from Bosh and O'Neal and a double-double for Bargnani. And certainly enough to scuttle any chance Calderon (1-for-9, 2 points) had at replacing Jameer Nelson in the All-Star Game.
3. Tuesday was a great day to be a Cavs or Celtics fan, and not just because those teams won. The specter of perhaps losing Jameer Nelson for the season is a blow to the Magic, who stand little chance of winning unless he comes back or the team is able to swing a major deal before the Feb. 19 trading deadline. Nelson's leap in production, highlighted by a 5.8-point surge in points per game this season, gave the frontcour-dominated Magic a dimension they haven't had in the last couple of years. Orlando without Nelson now is no better than the team that was dumped by the Pistons in the Eastern Conference Semifinals last year. The onus is on the front office to somehow salvage what appeared to have been a breakthrough season without mortgaging a promising future.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. So Kobe would like to remind Knicks fans that he is just as worthy of getting worked up for as that other star visiting attraction named LeBron. It was only the Lakers' 13th game in Madison Square Garden during Kobe's career, so he hasn't had the chance to make himself a Jordan or Reggie Miller-like supervillian in New York, but he will go down as the most potent performer in a single game. His 61 points breaks Bernard King's record for most points scored in a game in the NBA's oldest arena, and it's Kobe's fifth 61-point game, second-most all-time behind Wilt Chamberlain. The Lakers needed a jolt like this just hours after they learned Andrew Bynum will be out until at least April, and Bryant, whose body rolled into Bynum's legs to cause the injury, quickly made everyone forget all about it, at least for a night. The Knicks's starting backcourt, by the way? Ten points combined for Chris Duhon and Quentin Richardson.
2. Monday was a bad day to be a rising NBA star. We learn Bynum is out for a while, and then Chris Paul and Jameer Nelson leave their games with injuries. Both point guards will have MRIs today. Their teams took a turn for the worse once they left the game last night, most notably the Hornets, who blew a 20-point lead in a loss to the Blazers. More such deflating losses may well follow for New Orleans and Orlando if the two All-Stars are out for any length of time.
3. A lot of teams would fold when they're behind 89-77 with 8:39 to go, particularly when it's a veteran team trying to keep up with the go-go Warriors. Not the Spurs, who relied on their big three (and 15 rebounds from Kurt Thomas) to force overtime and then pull away for a 1101-05 win, even as Tim Duncan, who went for 32 points, 15 rebounds and five assists, fouled out with 3:17 left in the extra period. Manu Ginobili went for 32 points, and Tony Parker had 23 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Nights like this are why the Spurs are in prime position to be the team that overtakes the Lakers if they falter without Bynum.
1. So Kobe would like to remind Knicks fans that he is just as worthy of getting worked up for as that other star visiting attraction named LeBron. It was only the Lakers' 13th game in Madison Square Garden during Kobe's career, so he hasn't had the chance to make himself a Jordan or Reggie Miller-like supervillian in New York, but he will go down as the most potent performer in a single game. His 61 points breaks Bernard King's record for most points scored in a game in the NBA's oldest arena, and it's Kobe's fifth 61-point game, second-most all-time behind Wilt Chamberlain. The Lakers needed a jolt like this just hours after they learned Andrew Bynum will be out until at least April, and Bryant, whose body rolled into Bynum's legs to cause the injury, quickly made everyone forget all about it, at least for a night. The Knicks's starting backcourt, by the way? Ten points combined for Chris Duhon and Quentin Richardson.
2. Monday was a bad day to be a rising NBA star. We learn Bynum is out for a while, and then Chris Paul and Jameer Nelson leave their games with injuries. Both point guards will have MRIs today. Their teams took a turn for the worse once they left the game last night, most notably the Hornets, who blew a 20-point lead in a loss to the Blazers. More such deflating losses may well follow for New Orleans and Orlando if the two All-Stars are out for any length of time.
3. A lot of teams would fold when they're behind 89-77 with 8:39 to go, particularly when it's a veteran team trying to keep up with the go-go Warriors. Not the Spurs, who relied on their big three (and 15 rebounds from Kurt Thomas) to force overtime and then pull away for a 1101-05 win, even as Tim Duncan, who went for 32 points, 15 rebounds and five assists, fouled out with 3:17 left in the extra period. Manu Ginobili went for 32 points, and Tony Parker had 23 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Nights like this are why the Spurs are in prime position to be the team that overtakes the Lakers if they falter without Bynum.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. Wow. Andrew Bynum is out for two or three months. That's a huge blow to the Lakers, who just got back to full strength after injuries depleted their bench for a couple of months. Bynum should be back sometime in April, just as the playoffs are starting. That was about the same time he was due back from a different knee injury last year, and he never came back. His absence in the playoffs would be devastating to the Lakers' chances to overcome the Celtics or beat the improved Cavaliers in the Finals. L.A. would be too reliant on the perimeter and the high-post game of Pau Gasol. Bynum was their only full-time low-post presence, and the Lakers can only hope he'll be ready for the stretch run.
2. Yes, the Thunder lost again last night, 122-118 in overtime to the Kings, but they have to be excited by what they got out of Russell Westbrook. The rookie point guard got to the line a whopping 22 times en route to a career-high 34 points, supplementing that total with eight assists and six rebounds. Oklahoma City's second-year forwards were sparkling, too, as Kevin Durant had 33 points and Jeff Green had 28 plus 13 rebounds. They are in a lot better shape than many believed when they got off to a 2-24 start.
3. Yes, that's a fork sticking out of the Detroit Pistons, who are 0-2 on a critical three-game homestand. They were thoroughly outclassed Friday by a Celtics team they met in the Eastern Conference Finals last year, and Sunday they blew a lead to the Cavs when Mo Williams and Boobie Gibson went on a two-man 15-2 run against them in the fourth quarter. That was on the heels of their first losing month as a franchise since February 2004, which just so happens to have been the month they acquired Rasheed Wallace and became a truly elite, title-contending team. Wallace, perhaps not coincidentally, played poorly Sunday, with only nine points on 4-for-11 shooting, six rebounds and not a single assist. They face Miami on Wednesday, a team that's caught them in the standings and with a win could relegate the Pistons, who have been in six straight conference finals, to sixth place in the East.
1. Wow. Andrew Bynum is out for two or three months. That's a huge blow to the Lakers, who just got back to full strength after injuries depleted their bench for a couple of months. Bynum should be back sometime in April, just as the playoffs are starting. That was about the same time he was due back from a different knee injury last year, and he never came back. His absence in the playoffs would be devastating to the Lakers' chances to overcome the Celtics or beat the improved Cavaliers in the Finals. L.A. would be too reliant on the perimeter and the high-post game of Pau Gasol. Bynum was their only full-time low-post presence, and the Lakers can only hope he'll be ready for the stretch run.
2. Yes, the Thunder lost again last night, 122-118 in overtime to the Kings, but they have to be excited by what they got out of Russell Westbrook. The rookie point guard got to the line a whopping 22 times en route to a career-high 34 points, supplementing that total with eight assists and six rebounds. Oklahoma City's second-year forwards were sparkling, too, as Kevin Durant had 33 points and Jeff Green had 28 plus 13 rebounds. They are in a lot better shape than many believed when they got off to a 2-24 start.
3. Yes, that's a fork sticking out of the Detroit Pistons, who are 0-2 on a critical three-game homestand. They were thoroughly outclassed Friday by a Celtics team they met in the Eastern Conference Finals last year, and Sunday they blew a lead to the Cavs when Mo Williams and Boobie Gibson went on a two-man 15-2 run against them in the fourth quarter. That was on the heels of their first losing month as a franchise since February 2004, which just so happens to have been the month they acquired Rasheed Wallace and became a truly elite, title-contending team. Wallace, perhaps not coincidentally, played poorly Sunday, with only nine points on 4-for-11 shooting, six rebounds and not a single assist. They face Miami on Wednesday, a team that's caught them in the standings and with a win could relegate the Pistons, who have been in six straight conference finals, to sixth place in the East.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Three random observations ...
... about the NBA:
1. The Nets have major holes, but there's little reason to believe they aren't on the upswing long-term. Rookie Brook Lopez recorded a line of 24 points, 17 rebounds and four blocks, numbers the franchise has not seen in a single game in almost 15 years, as New Jersey amazingly held the Sixers without a field goal for the final 10:37 in an 85-83 win. The Nets trailed by a dozen before Philadelphia missed its final 18 shots in a row. New Jersey limited the Sixers to just five second half baskets in an amazing second half defensive performance and turnaround. And this was a Sixers team that was playing its best basketball of the season coming in.
2. There are times Chris Paul must feel as though it's him against the world. The MVP candidate put up 38 points in San Antonio, putting on a dazzling 15-for-22 shooting performance, including 5-for-6 from behind the arc, but no Hornet other than David West, with 16 points and 10 rebounds, could run with him, as New Orleans fell 106-93 to the Spurs, who had three 20-point scorers.
3. Want to know why Chicago won in Phoenix last night? Look at the offensive rebounding category. The Bulls pulled down a dozen, including an impressive four from point guard Derrick Rose. The Suns had four as a team. Statistically at least, you have to point the finger at Amare Stoudemire, who had six rebounds, all of them on the defensive end, in 43 minutes of play. He only had 12 points and a single assist on a night that's symbolic of a season in which his numbers are mysteriously down.
1. The Nets have major holes, but there's little reason to believe they aren't on the upswing long-term. Rookie Brook Lopez recorded a line of 24 points, 17 rebounds and four blocks, numbers the franchise has not seen in a single game in almost 15 years, as New Jersey amazingly held the Sixers without a field goal for the final 10:37 in an 85-83 win. The Nets trailed by a dozen before Philadelphia missed its final 18 shots in a row. New Jersey limited the Sixers to just five second half baskets in an amazing second half defensive performance and turnaround. And this was a Sixers team that was playing its best basketball of the season coming in.
2. There are times Chris Paul must feel as though it's him against the world. The MVP candidate put up 38 points in San Antonio, putting on a dazzling 15-for-22 shooting performance, including 5-for-6 from behind the arc, but no Hornet other than David West, with 16 points and 10 rebounds, could run with him, as New Orleans fell 106-93 to the Spurs, who had three 20-point scorers.
3. Want to know why Chicago won in Phoenix last night? Look at the offensive rebounding category. The Bulls pulled down a dozen, including an impressive four from point guard Derrick Rose. The Suns had four as a team. Statistically at least, you have to point the finger at Amare Stoudemire, who had six rebounds, all of them on the defensive end, in 43 minutes of play. He only had 12 points and a single assist on a night that's symbolic of a season in which his numbers are mysteriously down.
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