NBA Notes:
Notes from Opening Night:
The season has tipped off. Doesn't it feel great? There is nothing like a full slate of NBA action on a week night. Here are a few notes from last night:
Kobe- forget about the getting old comments. He showed he still has it last night. Though the biggest story in LA had to be the big men, mainly Kaman and Bynum (Jersey boy!!) going for 18pts/16rebs and 20pts/13rebs respectively. Sign of big things to come? Oh, and those rings are ridiculous... enough diamonds?
Agent 0- The league is just a better place when Arenas is healthy. This guy is incredible, pouring in 29 and 9 assists with no TOs. People forget his journey. He was not a heralded recruit... Arizona was able to sign him without much comp. He was an undersized scoring guard and the bill on him was no point guard skills. http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Arenas/Arenas_bio.html
Enjoy a read on him here.... but long story short, he has continued to redefine himself as a player and person which speaks to his character as a competitor.
The Wiz can be veeery dangerous if healthy. Blatche filled in the Jamison gap well last night and Foye adds a very interesting balance to their attack.
Good to see a Jersey boy doing well....
Speaking of Jersey boys, http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3053
He was born in London but played his HS ball at St. Augustine in New Jersey. This kid has worked his butt off to get to the NBA and deserves honorable mention. I remember when he was 16 watching him in a game in Elizabeth and the thought of NBA-bound never crossed my mind. Awesome...
Portland looks good. They have a lot of weapons but I don't know if I see great team chemistry yet. I love Miller and Roy sharing the back court because Roy is a gamer and Miller a distributor. Guys like Fernandez and Outlaw stretch out the floor and offer opportunities for lots of shooters to be present on the floor at once, which is a good thing according to some data miners...
http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/10004/truehoop-network-2009-2010-preview-shooting
One night in and its already too much excitement!!!
Kobe- forget about the getting old comments. He showed he still has it last night. Though the biggest story in LA had to be the big men, mainly Kaman and Bynum (Jersey boy!!) going for 18pts/16rebs and 20pts/13rebs respectively. Sign of big things to come? Oh, and those rings are ridiculous... enough diamonds?
Agent 0- The league is just a better place when Arenas is healthy. This guy is incredible, pouring in 29 and 9 assists with no TOs. People forget his journey. He was not a heralded recruit... Arizona was able to sign him without much comp. He was an undersized scoring guard and the bill on him was no point guard skills. http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Arenas/Arenas_bio.html
Enjoy a read on him here.... but long story short, he has continued to redefine himself as a player and person which speaks to his character as a competitor.
The Wiz can be veeery dangerous if healthy. Blatche filled in the Jamison gap well last night and Foye adds a very interesting balance to their attack.
Good to see a Jersey boy doing well....
Speaking of Jersey boys, http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3053
He was born in London but played his HS ball at St. Augustine in New Jersey. This kid has worked his butt off to get to the NBA and deserves honorable mention. I remember when he was 16 watching him in a game in Elizabeth and the thought of NBA-bound never crossed my mind. Awesome...
Portland looks good. They have a lot of weapons but I don't know if I see great team chemistry yet. I love Miller and Roy sharing the back court because Roy is a gamer and Miller a distributor. Guys like Fernandez and Outlaw stretch out the floor and offer opportunities for lots of shooters to be present on the floor at once, which is a good thing according to some data miners...
http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/10004/truehoop-network-2009-2010-preview-shooting
One night in and its already too much excitement!!!
Notes from 10/28/09
Let's recap last night's action:
Don't look now but the Raptors look great!! Granted they were playing against the new look (read: garbage) Cavs but the energy on the Raptors side was huge. Sign of big things to come? They have better depth now and hopefully that means Bosh can stay healthy...
Magic also cruised as Philly looked anemic. Vince seems to fit in but will he cause drama as he takes more and more shots away from the Howard/Lewis combo? Good side story to watch.
Foot of snow falls in Denver and Melo pours it on in the Pepsi Center... he looks like he is in mid-season form. Look out.
Celtics look ridiculous right now. Sheed pouring in 3s has completely opened the floor up for a team that got stagnant last year. Who do you guard now?
24 and 16 from Al Hortford on 11-16 shooting in a win. So much for the ankle issues...
Danny Granger and Durant living up to their preseason billings... 'nuff said.
I don't know if you have followed any of the Iverson sagas lately but there was an AMAZING article in the Memphis Commercial Appeal yesterday about how Iverson is misunderstood. This made me go back to the archives and pull up an article about Iverson from 2001. He is truly one-of-a-kind... that term gets thrown around often but with Iverson, will we ever see a fearless, no-nonesense, candid superstar all wrapped up in a 6 foot, 160 lbs frame again? I would love to say yes but chances are no... So let's squeeze out every moment we can while we have him, for better or for worse.
From yesterday's Memphis Commercial Appeal (must read)-
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/oct/27/bad-rep-or- bad-rap/
From SI in 2001 (a very highly recommended follow up read)-
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1022362/2/index.htm
Yanks in 6.... I am sticking to it
Don't look now but the Raptors look great!! Granted they were playing against the new look (read: garbage) Cavs but the energy on the Raptors side was huge. Sign of big things to come? They have better depth now and hopefully that means Bosh can stay healthy...
Magic also cruised as Philly looked anemic. Vince seems to fit in but will he cause drama as he takes more and more shots away from the Howard/Lewis combo? Good side story to watch.
Foot of snow falls in Denver and Melo pours it on in the Pepsi Center... he looks like he is in mid-season form. Look out.
Celtics look ridiculous right now. Sheed pouring in 3s has completely opened the floor up for a team that got stagnant last year. Who do you guard now?
24 and 16 from Al Hortford on 11-16 shooting in a win. So much for the ankle issues...
Danny Granger and Durant living up to their preseason billings... 'nuff said.
I don't know if you have followed any of the Iverson sagas lately but there was an AMAZING article in the Memphis Commercial Appeal yesterday about how Iverson is misunderstood. This made me go back to the archives and pull up an article about Iverson from 2001. He is truly one-of-a-kind... that term gets thrown around often but with Iverson, will we ever see a fearless, no-nonesense, candid superstar all wrapped up in a 6 foot, 160 lbs frame again? I would love to say yes but chances are no... So let's squeeze out every moment we can while we have him, for better or for worse.
From yesterday's Memphis Commercial Appeal (must read)-
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/oct/27/bad-rep-or- bad-rap/
From SI in 2001 (a very highly recommended follow up read)-
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1022362/2/index.htm
Yanks in 6.... I am sticking to it
Notes from 10/29/09
Not a lot of action last night. The Bulls semi-shocked the Spurs and Denver took care of Portland.
The Bulls showed great balance with 6 guys in double figures against a vintage Duncan attack (28 and 16).
Should be exciting tonight when the Bull and Celts renew the budding rivalry.
DaJaun Blair is looking like the sleeper of the rookie class.
What word can you use to describe the way Melo is playing right now? Not sure but its clear he is pretty ticked off and out to prove something.
One more final note, the Nets have updated their road unis and removed "New Jersey" and replaced it with "Nets", further separating themselves from their current home and fan base. FOR SHAME! I could never root for this franchise again and it is a shame because they had a good thing going for a while. And the "what if" of a renaissance Nets squad suiting up at the Rock in Newark.... oh well good riddance.
http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2009/08/politician_criticizes_nj_nets.html
The Bulls showed great balance with 6 guys in double figures against a vintage Duncan attack (28 and 16).
Should be exciting tonight when the Bull and Celts renew the budding rivalry.
DaJaun Blair is looking like the sleeper of the rookie class.
What word can you use to describe the way Melo is playing right now? Not sure but its clear he is pretty ticked off and out to prove something.
One more final note, the Nets have updated their road unis and removed "New Jersey" and replaced it with "Nets", further separating themselves from their current home and fan base. FOR SHAME! I could never root for this franchise again and it is a shame because they had a good thing going for a while. And the "what if" of a renaissance Nets squad suiting up at the Rock in Newark.... oh well good riddance.
http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2009/08/politician_criticizes_nj_nets.html
Notes from the Weekend- 10/30-11/1
Did you see this? Manu smacking down a bat on Halloween... can't make this stuff up.
Said Manu, 'When you can't dunk anymore, you've got to find some way to make it to the news,'
http://krmg.com/blogs/krmg_sports_with_rick_couri/2009/11/vi deo-manu-ginobili-swats-a-ba.html
Ariza/Artest swap- Advantage Houston... not even close
Have a word to describe the Knicks right about now?
Boston and Orlando are in another atmosphere right now. Denver is very close and the Lakers may get there soon. But right now, no one can touch Boston or Orlando. Orlando is just so fun to watch... and the unsung hero thus far has been Jameer Nelson. Don't forget, this guy was an all star before his injury last year.
And this deserves its own line... actually, it deserves the rest of the post:
JJ Reddick erupts for 27!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 3's and how about this? 6 ribs and 5 dimes with a steal and only 1 TO. I hope this is a sign of things to come.
Said Manu, 'When you can't dunk anymore, you've got to find some way to make it to the news,'
http://krmg.com/blogs/krmg_sports_with_rick_couri/2009/11/vi deo-manu-ginobili-swats-a-ba.html
Ariza/Artest swap- Advantage Houston... not even close
Have a word to describe the Knicks right about now?
Boston and Orlando are in another atmosphere right now. Denver is very close and the Lakers may get there soon. But right now, no one can touch Boston or Orlando. Orlando is just so fun to watch... and the unsung hero thus far has been Jameer Nelson. Don't forget, this guy was an all star before his injury last year.
And this deserves its own line... actually, it deserves the rest of the post:
JJ Reddick erupts for 27!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 3's and how about this? 6 ribs and 5 dimes with a steal and only 1 TO. I hope this is a sign of things to come.
Notes from 11/2/09
Is there going to be a power forward controversy in Orlando? Rashard Lewis is currently serving out his 10 game suspension in the midst of a quick 3-0 start by the Magic. Over the offseason, the Magic were able to orchestrate a trade for Vinsanity. Unknown at the time, the only reason the trade was able to happen is because one Ryan Anderson was included. The Magic were insistent upon Anderson or no deal. Turns out, they made a good call. In the early season, Anderson has been on fire, averaging 17.3 PPG and 4 rebounds in 3 starts for 3 wins. He has posted a respectable EFF of +15.33. But the big story thus far has been his 3 point production. We all knew he could shoot but no one expected this pace of 55% will 11 3's made over 3 games. With Lewis and Anderson, the Magic have the most impressive wing production out of the 4 spot in the league.
EFF- ((Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks) - ((Field Goals Att. - Field Goals Made) + (Free Throws Att. - Free Throws Made) + Turnovers)).
This brings me to my next point. The prototypical "bruising" power forward who grabs boards, dunks on people and fills the lane is DEAD. For better or worse... Take a look at the three point stats in the early season and 4 of the top 10 three point shooters based on accuracy or 3PM are PF/C. This is a very intriguing trend as the floor is opening up more than ever.
Are people chucking too much? Both Gallinari and Granger have over 10+ attempts a game. That is crazy!! To put this in perspective, George McCloud hold the single season record for 3PA per game. He hoisted up 678 over the course of the 82 game season for an average of 8.2 per game. Not saying Galli and Granger will keep this pace up but def. something to keep an eye on.
Which leads us to... the Knicks, scoring there first win last night! Harrington has been replaced in the starting line up by Gallinari which lead to some great one lines from Harrington (In the most sarcastic voice possible, "I love it".... or this gem, "I will just be the best player on this team coming off the bench, too") The Knicks seem very high on Gallinari having a Dirk-esque quality that they are willing to build around, especially since the Curry and Jeffries contracts look like they will be preventing the Knicks from enjoying the Summer '10 Free Agent Grab. Maybe they pick up Gay which would give them a decent wing combo in Gay/Gallinari.
The Hornets are surely disappointing in the early stretch. Paul has managed a robust +30 EFF but has he been shouldering too much? 28 ppg is going to wear on him as the season stretches on. The Hornets left a huge whole in the roster at the 2 and 3 spot that seem to be their Achilles heal now.
Lastly, I found this to be very interesting. Enjoy...
http://www.82games.com/0809/CSORT11.HTM
Notes from 11/3/09
WOW... greatest night of the year so far.
Let's start in Texas and finish in Oklahoma.
Dirk proved to everyone who has been doubting (myself included) he is a league MVP and worth every penny. Did you see what he did last night? Around 9:00, if you were checking scores, you would have seen the Mavs heading towards a loss at the end of the 3rd with Dirk only putting up a measly 11 points... but then Dirk began to Drizzle... and then he began to rain.... scoring from every single position imaginable... DANKE!!!!
Dirk lit up the Jazz for 29 in the 4th qtr, obliterating the Mavs' team single quarter scoring record. This Dallas team is actually working. They are doing a lot of little things right such as starting defensive ace Quinton Ross and then only giving him about 10 minutes a night but setting a defensive tone early and then just giving the ball to Dirk and stepping back. Yeah, a 7 foot German who shoots from over his head and can land a grapefruit in a trash can from 100 feet away.... this guy is unreal.
Moving on, the Magic stumbled to their first loss. I think we will see losses like this for them. They just could not connect from downtown and that is such a big part of their game.
Let's just bask in the JJ moment while its here... cuz it won't last too long. I love this guy. I really do. Ryan Anderson STUNK it up from the arc going 1 for 11.... 1 for 11!!!! (That is like '94 Starks in game 7 bad). Stop shooting. JJ made it respectable with 3-6 beyond the arc. Come to NY JJ, we will love you here.
This is just more proof of big men chucking the rock from beyond the arc waaaay too much.
On the other side, vintage Ben Gordon with 60% shooting, 11-11 from charity good for 23 whoppers.
Budding rivalry in the midwest- and its between Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings. Jennings is making a strong case for the Euro connection vs. NCAA which def. isn't a good thing but when is change a good thing? Def. not what Stern had in mind when he instituted the age limit. He poured down 25 and outplayed Rose in a game where Rose could not control the TOs. Bulls still sneak out with a win.
WOW, what a night... moving on, the Celts remain perfect as the crush Philly. This is getting scary.
Indy looking mediocre as ever against the EN FUEGO LOS NUGGETS!
Building off of yesterday's post, Granger chucks up 10 threes last night!!!! Let's keep an eye on this. Double Double for Nene and Billups looks solid as ever.
Ok, interesting thing going on with the Hawks... Jamal Crawford is actually making them a better team. Who knew all they needed was an absent-minded, one-dimensional scorer to improve as a team? I don't get this game....
Cavs wizzed on the Wiz. Cavs now are 3-0 after starting 0-2. So much for the abandon ship hoop-la. Shaq had his best game yet as Robin to LeBron's Batman.
Sun scorches Heat... just had to say that.
Last but not least, the game of the night was in Oklahoma but not for the reasons you would expect. Hard fought, overtime contest with 2 missed buzzer beaters... that sounds exciting. But the game was so interesting because of what didn't happen...
First of all Durant showed his age. OKC is only going as far as he takes them and right now, that is not too far which is a shame because this team is... wait for it.... GOOD. Incredible balance and the Etan Thomas/Jeff Green front court works. Their guards are super physical (more on this later) but they are looking to Durant to lead and he isnt. 27 pts sounds like a good game but sprinkle in 7 TOs and a botched final play where instead of taking it to the whole on a smaller defender, he chucked up a 35 foot airball. He is young, give it time.
Second, Kobe did not win it for the Lakers. He was on LOCK DOWN for every big moment by the one and only THABO SHEFALOSA. Watch this guy, please. He is so fun. Gritty, hard nosed defense and a very impressive body for a 2 guard. He smothered Kobe at big spots (don't be deceived by the 31 in the box score), the only reason the Lakers won was equal parts Durant not stepping up and Bynum controlling the paint.
Final summary:
Dirk has something to say.... we better listen
Big men a chucking too many 3's
JJ Redick is awesome
Melo may be the "Week 1 MVP" (whatever that means) but it will still come down to Chauncey.
Thabo is worth watching and worth every penny OKC threw at him to lock him up.
I love this game.
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS MY FRIENDS!!!!!!!!!
In the first game of 2003, Matsui walked into Yankee stadium for the first time and proceeded to blast off a grand slam in a 7-3 Yankee win with Pettitte on the mound. Last night, in the new Yankee Stadium, most likely Matsui's last go-around in the pinstripes, he proceeded to blast off a "middle-decki from Hideki" and pour on 6 RBIs in a 7-3 Yankee win with Pettitte on the mound.... for his signature bookend... a World Series Title. Time to throw that old Yankeeography in the trash heap... He re-wrote his legacy. And isn't that what it was all about last night?
A Rod unloaded the weight of the world from his shoulders and was relegated to "Sandlot status" in what may shape up as the greatest post season run for a Yankee ever. Which means greatest post season for a baseball player... It may.... let's let it marinate.
CC got the "can't win the big games that matter" monkey off his back and suddenly all of the mountain-like accomplishments of his pre-Yankee career don't seem to luster and shine nearly as much as this new brand.
The Old Guard brought it all back home. Pettitte to Posada with Jeter behind him and Mo closing it out. Jeter with ANOTHER multi-hit game and 2 runs scored. Everything about it was right and as much as the feeling is truly unique, it felt so.... similar.
20 rings between them. As the Big Cat said, put those in a bag and shake them around to see what they sound like.
Marte... once a gritty 8th inning shut down man delegated to the dubious task of getting lefties out.... He re-wrote his Yankee legacy with the most dominating bullpen work by a reliever not named Mariano. He is MVP in my heart.
Ok, that's it for the gushing. But seriously, this Yankee team was a truly unique bunch that gelled in a unique way. A combination of talent and character is a rare thing so let's not spoil it with the money talk. Just appreciate it.
On to basketball....
The Lakers with back-to-back OT nights on the road. They keep finding ways to sneak out of arenas with wins. I will tell you this though. Houston is the most fundamental, tough, hard-nosed, scrappy, disciplined, cohesive unit in basketball. And trust me... it is no coincidence that these terms are always used to describe teams Shane Battier is on. I love that guy. I really do. If you told me he saved children from a burning building after the game last night, I wouldn't be surprised.
Monster games for Kobe Bryant (41/6/4). Chris Paul (39/5/7). Dwyane Wade (40/4/5). Kevin Martin (29/11/2). Andrea Bargnani (22/12/2). Hey I own 2 of them.... YAY.
Wade was in a ridiculous zone last night. I was reading an article this morning that talked about this look Wade gets. Spolestra noticed that look last night and realized there was no way Wade was sitting last night for his normal early 4th quarter rest. Wade played all 24 minutes of the 4th qtr again to pull off a clutch win which he described as "one of those games where you have to will your team to victory". And therein lies the greatest attribute and fatal flaw of Wade. He cares too much. No effort is too much and whatever it takes, he will do. That is not cliche. It is why you see him going to the floor in heaps nightly. It is why he is one of the greatest players in the league, but it is also why he breaks down.
A few parting words:
-Derrick Rose/Brandon Jennings article.... http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/69251442.html
Kenyon Martin has the worst tattoos in the league.... after the Birdman of course but that isn't even debatable.
Those lips on Kenyon's neck are his girlfriend's who actually kissed a paper to get the outline for the artist. SAD. Really sad.
9 pts, 5 rebs, 4 assists... the JJ Train chugs on!!!
Ryan Anderson only chucks up 3 3's last night... and they all go in.
Villaneuva (PF)- 6 threes. Sheed Wallace (PF)- 7 3s. combined made 3's.... 4
Granger chucks up 8 more 3's... still on pace.
The Knicks.... ok I won't say it.
Hibbert went for 15 and 14. That says it all.
-And they all rushed to A Rod... seriously, who would have ever thought it?
http://www.yfsf.org/2009/11/27-congratulations-yankees-world -series-champs-of-2009.html
Notes from 11/2/09
Is there going to be a power forward controversy in Orlando? Rashard Lewis is currently serving out his 10 game suspension in the midst of a quick 3-0 start by the Magic. Over the offseason, the Magic were able to orchestrate a trade for Vinsanity. Unknown at the time, the only reason the trade was able to happen is because one Ryan Anderson was included. The Magic were insistent upon Anderson or no deal. Turns out, they made a good call. In the early season, Anderson has been on fire, averaging 17.3 PPG and 4 rebounds in 3 starts for 3 wins. He has posted a respectable EFF of +15.33. But the big story thus far has been his 3 point production. We all knew he could shoot but no one expected this pace of 55% will 11 3's made over 3 games. With Lewis and Anderson, the Magic have the most impressive wing production out of the 4 spot in the league.
EFF- ((Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks) - ((Field Goals Att. - Field Goals Made) + (Free Throws Att. - Free Throws Made) + Turnovers)).
This brings me to my next point. The prototypical "bruising" power forward who grabs boards, dunks on people and fills the lane is DEAD. For better or worse... Take a look at the three point stats in the early season and 4 of the top 10 three point shooters based on accuracy or 3PM are PF/C. This is a very intriguing trend as the floor is opening up more than ever.
Are people chucking too much? Both Gallinari and Granger have over 10+ attempts a game. That is crazy!! To put this in perspective, George McCloud hold the single season record for 3PA per game. He hoisted up 678 over the course of the 82 game season for an average of 8.2 per game. Not saying Galli and Granger will keep this pace up but def. something to keep an eye on.
Which leads us to... the Knicks, scoring there first win last night! Harrington has been replaced in the starting line up by Gallinari which lead to some great one lines from Harrington (In the most sarcastic voice possible, "I love it".... or this gem, "I will just be the best player on this team coming off the bench, too") The Knicks seem very high on Gallinari having a Dirk-esque quality that they are willing to build around, especially since the Curry and Jeffries contracts look like they will be preventing the Knicks from enjoying the Summer '10 Free Agent Grab. Maybe they pick up Gay which would give them a decent wing combo in Gay/Gallinari.
The Hornets are surely disappointing in the early stretch. Paul has managed a robust +30 EFF but has he been shouldering too much? 28 ppg is going to wear on him as the season stretches on. The Hornets left a huge whole in the roster at the 2 and 3 spot that seem to be their Achilles heal now.
Lastly, I found this to be very interesting. Enjoy...
http://www.82games.com/0809/CSORT11.HTM
EFF- ((Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks) - ((Field Goals Att. - Field Goals Made) + (Free Throws Att. - Free Throws Made) + Turnovers)).
This brings me to my next point. The prototypical "bruising" power forward who grabs boards, dunks on people and fills the lane is DEAD. For better or worse... Take a look at the three point stats in the early season and 4 of the top 10 three point shooters based on accuracy or 3PM are PF/C. This is a very intriguing trend as the floor is opening up more than ever.
Are people chucking too much? Both Gallinari and Granger have over 10+ attempts a game. That is crazy!! To put this in perspective, George McCloud hold the single season record for 3PA per game. He hoisted up 678 over the course of the 82 game season for an average of 8.2 per game. Not saying Galli and Granger will keep this pace up but def. something to keep an eye on.
Which leads us to... the Knicks, scoring there first win last night! Harrington has been replaced in the starting line up by Gallinari which lead to some great one lines from Harrington (In the most sarcastic voice possible, "I love it".... or this gem, "I will just be the best player on this team coming off the bench, too") The Knicks seem very high on Gallinari having a Dirk-esque quality that they are willing to build around, especially since the Curry and Jeffries contracts look like they will be preventing the Knicks from enjoying the Summer '10 Free Agent Grab. Maybe they pick up Gay which would give them a decent wing combo in Gay/Gallinari.
The Hornets are surely disappointing in the early stretch. Paul has managed a robust +30 EFF but has he been shouldering too much? 28 ppg is going to wear on him as the season stretches on. The Hornets left a huge whole in the roster at the 2 and 3 spot that seem to be their Achilles heal now.
Lastly, I found this to be very interesting. Enjoy...
http://www.82games.com/0809/CSORT11.HTM
Notes from 11/3/09
WOW... greatest night of the year so far.
Let's start in Texas and finish in Oklahoma.
Dirk proved to everyone who has been doubting (myself included) he is a league MVP and worth every penny. Did you see what he did last night? Around 9:00, if you were checking scores, you would have seen the Mavs heading towards a loss at the end of the 3rd with Dirk only putting up a measly 11 points... but then Dirk began to Drizzle... and then he began to rain.... scoring from every single position imaginable... DANKE!!!!
Dirk lit up the Jazz for 29 in the 4th qtr, obliterating the Mavs' team single quarter scoring record. This Dallas team is actually working. They are doing a lot of little things right such as starting defensive ace Quinton Ross and then only giving him about 10 minutes a night but setting a defensive tone early and then just giving the ball to Dirk and stepping back. Yeah, a 7 foot German who shoots from over his head and can land a grapefruit in a trash can from 100 feet away.... this guy is unreal.
Moving on, the Magic stumbled to their first loss. I think we will see losses like this for them. They just could not connect from downtown and that is such a big part of their game.
Let's just bask in the JJ moment while its here... cuz it won't last too long. I love this guy. I really do. Ryan Anderson STUNK it up from the arc going 1 for 11.... 1 for 11!!!! (That is like '94 Starks in game 7 bad). Stop shooting. JJ made it respectable with 3-6 beyond the arc. Come to NY JJ, we will love you here.
This is just more proof of big men chucking the rock from beyond the arc waaaay too much.
On the other side, vintage Ben Gordon with 60% shooting, 11-11 from charity good for 23 whoppers.
Budding rivalry in the midwest- and its between Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings. Jennings is making a strong case for the Euro connection vs. NCAA which def. isn't a good thing but when is change a good thing? Def. not what Stern had in mind when he instituted the age limit. He poured down 25 and outplayed Rose in a game where Rose could not control the TOs. Bulls still sneak out with a win.
WOW, what a night... moving on, the Celts remain perfect as the crush Philly. This is getting scary.
Indy looking mediocre as ever against the EN FUEGO LOS NUGGETS!
Building off of yesterday's post, Granger chucks up 10 threes last night!!!! Let's keep an eye on this. Double Double for Nene and Billups looks solid as ever.
Ok, interesting thing going on with the Hawks... Jamal Crawford is actually making them a better team. Who knew all they needed was an absent-minded, one-dimensional scorer to improve as a team? I don't get this game....
Cavs wizzed on the Wiz. Cavs now are 3-0 after starting 0-2. So much for the abandon ship hoop-la. Shaq had his best game yet as Robin to LeBron's Batman.
Sun scorches Heat... just had to say that.
Last but not least, the game of the night was in Oklahoma but not for the reasons you would expect. Hard fought, overtime contest with 2 missed buzzer beaters... that sounds exciting. But the game was so interesting because of what didn't happen...
First of all Durant showed his age. OKC is only going as far as he takes them and right now, that is not too far which is a shame because this team is... wait for it.... GOOD. Incredible balance and the Etan Thomas/Jeff Green front court works. Their guards are super physical (more on this later) but they are looking to Durant to lead and he isnt. 27 pts sounds like a good game but sprinkle in 7 TOs and a botched final play where instead of taking it to the whole on a smaller defender, he chucked up a 35 foot airball. He is young, give it time.
Second, Kobe did not win it for the Lakers. He was on LOCK DOWN for every big moment by the one and only THABO SHEFALOSA. Watch this guy, please. He is so fun. Gritty, hard nosed defense and a very impressive body for a 2 guard. He smothered Kobe at big spots (don't be deceived by the 31 in the box score), the only reason the Lakers won was equal parts Durant not stepping up and Bynum controlling the paint.
Final summary:
Dirk has something to say.... we better listen
Big men a chucking too many 3's
JJ Redick is awesome
Melo may be the "Week 1 MVP" (whatever that means) but it will still come down to Chauncey.
Thabo is worth watching and worth every penny OKC threw at him to lock him up.
I love this game.
Let's start in Texas and finish in Oklahoma.
Dirk proved to everyone who has been doubting (myself included) he is a league MVP and worth every penny. Did you see what he did last night? Around 9:00, if you were checking scores, you would have seen the Mavs heading towards a loss at the end of the 3rd with Dirk only putting up a measly 11 points... but then Dirk began to Drizzle... and then he began to rain.... scoring from every single position imaginable... DANKE!!!!
Dirk lit up the Jazz for 29 in the 4th qtr, obliterating the Mavs' team single quarter scoring record. This Dallas team is actually working. They are doing a lot of little things right such as starting defensive ace Quinton Ross and then only giving him about 10 minutes a night but setting a defensive tone early and then just giving the ball to Dirk and stepping back. Yeah, a 7 foot German who shoots from over his head and can land a grapefruit in a trash can from 100 feet away.... this guy is unreal.
Moving on, the Magic stumbled to their first loss. I think we will see losses like this for them. They just could not connect from downtown and that is such a big part of their game.
Let's just bask in the JJ moment while its here... cuz it won't last too long. I love this guy. I really do. Ryan Anderson STUNK it up from the arc going 1 for 11.... 1 for 11!!!! (That is like '94 Starks in game 7 bad). Stop shooting. JJ made it respectable with 3-6 beyond the arc. Come to NY JJ, we will love you here.
This is just more proof of big men chucking the rock from beyond the arc waaaay too much.
On the other side, vintage Ben Gordon with 60% shooting, 11-11 from charity good for 23 whoppers.
Budding rivalry in the midwest- and its between Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings. Jennings is making a strong case for the Euro connection vs. NCAA which def. isn't a good thing but when is change a good thing? Def. not what Stern had in mind when he instituted the age limit. He poured down 25 and outplayed Rose in a game where Rose could not control the TOs. Bulls still sneak out with a win.
WOW, what a night... moving on, the Celts remain perfect as the crush Philly. This is getting scary.
Indy looking mediocre as ever against the EN FUEGO LOS NUGGETS!
Building off of yesterday's post, Granger chucks up 10 threes last night!!!! Let's keep an eye on this. Double Double for Nene and Billups looks solid as ever.
Ok, interesting thing going on with the Hawks... Jamal Crawford is actually making them a better team. Who knew all they needed was an absent-minded, one-dimensional scorer to improve as a team? I don't get this game....
Cavs wizzed on the Wiz. Cavs now are 3-0 after starting 0-2. So much for the abandon ship hoop-la. Shaq had his best game yet as Robin to LeBron's Batman.
Sun scorches Heat... just had to say that.
Last but not least, the game of the night was in Oklahoma but not for the reasons you would expect. Hard fought, overtime contest with 2 missed buzzer beaters... that sounds exciting. But the game was so interesting because of what didn't happen...
First of all Durant showed his age. OKC is only going as far as he takes them and right now, that is not too far which is a shame because this team is... wait for it.... GOOD. Incredible balance and the Etan Thomas/Jeff Green front court works. Their guards are super physical (more on this later) but they are looking to Durant to lead and he isnt. 27 pts sounds like a good game but sprinkle in 7 TOs and a botched final play where instead of taking it to the whole on a smaller defender, he chucked up a 35 foot airball. He is young, give it time.
Second, Kobe did not win it for the Lakers. He was on LOCK DOWN for every big moment by the one and only THABO SHEFALOSA. Watch this guy, please. He is so fun. Gritty, hard nosed defense and a very impressive body for a 2 guard. He smothered Kobe at big spots (don't be deceived by the 31 in the box score), the only reason the Lakers won was equal parts Durant not stepping up and Bynum controlling the paint.
Final summary:
Dirk has something to say.... we better listen
Big men a chucking too many 3's
JJ Redick is awesome
Melo may be the "Week 1 MVP" (whatever that means) but it will still come down to Chauncey.
Thabo is worth watching and worth every penny OKC threw at him to lock him up.
I love this game.
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS MY FRIENDS!!!!!!!!!
In the first game of 2003, Matsui walked into Yankee stadium for the first time and proceeded to blast off a grand slam in a 7-3 Yankee win with Pettitte on the mound. Last night, in the new Yankee Stadium, most likely Matsui's last go-around in the pinstripes, he proceeded to blast off a "middle-decki from Hideki" and pour on 6 RBIs in a 7-3 Yankee win with Pettitte on the mound.... for his signature bookend... a World Series Title. Time to throw that old Yankeeography in the trash heap... He re-wrote his legacy. And isn't that what it was all about last night?
A Rod unloaded the weight of the world from his shoulders and was relegated to "Sandlot status" in what may shape up as the greatest post season run for a Yankee ever. Which means greatest post season for a baseball player... It may.... let's let it marinate.
CC got the "can't win the big games that matter" monkey off his back and suddenly all of the mountain-like accomplishments of his pre-Yankee career don't seem to luster and shine nearly as much as this new brand.
The Old Guard brought it all back home. Pettitte to Posada with Jeter behind him and Mo closing it out. Jeter with ANOTHER multi-hit game and 2 runs scored. Everything about it was right and as much as the feeling is truly unique, it felt so.... similar.
20 rings between them. As the Big Cat said, put those in a bag and shake them around to see what they sound like.
Marte... once a gritty 8th inning shut down man delegated to the dubious task of getting lefties out.... He re-wrote his Yankee legacy with the most dominating bullpen work by a reliever not named Mariano. He is MVP in my heart.
Ok, that's it for the gushing. But seriously, this Yankee team was a truly unique bunch that gelled in a unique way. A combination of talent and character is a rare thing so let's not spoil it with the money talk. Just appreciate it.
On to basketball....
The Lakers with back-to-back OT nights on the road. They keep finding ways to sneak out of arenas with wins. I will tell you this though. Houston is the most fundamental, tough, hard-nosed, scrappy, disciplined, cohesive unit in basketball. And trust me... it is no coincidence that these terms are always used to describe teams Shane Battier is on. I love that guy. I really do. If you told me he saved children from a burning building after the game last night, I wouldn't be surprised.
Monster games for Kobe Bryant (41/6/4). Chris Paul (39/5/7). Dwyane Wade (40/4/5). Kevin Martin (29/11/2). Andrea Bargnani (22/12/2). Hey I own 2 of them.... YAY.
Wade was in a ridiculous zone last night. I was reading an article this morning that talked about this look Wade gets. Spolestra noticed that look last night and realized there was no way Wade was sitting last night for his normal early 4th quarter rest. Wade played all 24 minutes of the 4th qtr again to pull off a clutch win which he described as "one of those games where you have to will your team to victory". And therein lies the greatest attribute and fatal flaw of Wade. He cares too much. No effort is too much and whatever it takes, he will do. That is not cliche. It is why you see him going to the floor in heaps nightly. It is why he is one of the greatest players in the league, but it is also why he breaks down.
A few parting words:
-Derrick Rose/Brandon Jennings article.... http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/69251442.html
Kenyon Martin has the worst tattoos in the league.... after the Birdman of course but that isn't even debatable.
Those lips on Kenyon's neck are his girlfriend's who actually kissed a paper to get the outline for the artist. SAD. Really sad.
9 pts, 5 rebs, 4 assists... the JJ Train chugs on!!!
Ryan Anderson only chucks up 3 3's last night... and they all go in.
Villaneuva (PF)- 6 threes. Sheed Wallace (PF)- 7 3s. combined made 3's.... 4
Granger chucks up 8 more 3's... still on pace.
The Knicks.... ok I won't say it.
Hibbert went for 15 and 14. That says it all.
-And they all rushed to A Rod... seriously, who would have ever thought it?
http://www.yfsf.org/2009/11/27-congratulations-yankees-world -series-champs-of-2009.html
In the first game of 2003, Matsui walked into Yankee stadium for the first time and proceeded to blast off a grand slam in a 7-3 Yankee win with Pettitte on the mound. Last night, in the new Yankee Stadium, most likely Matsui's last go-around in the pinstripes, he proceeded to blast off a "middle-decki from Hideki" and pour on 6 RBIs in a 7-3 Yankee win with Pettitte on the mound.... for his signature bookend... a World Series Title. Time to throw that old Yankeeography in the trash heap... He re-wrote his legacy. And isn't that what it was all about last night?
A Rod unloaded the weight of the world from his shoulders and was relegated to "Sandlot status" in what may shape up as the greatest post season run for a Yankee ever. Which means greatest post season for a baseball player... It may.... let's let it marinate.
CC got the "can't win the big games that matter" monkey off his back and suddenly all of the mountain-like accomplishments of his pre-Yankee career don't seem to luster and shine nearly as much as this new brand.
The Old Guard brought it all back home. Pettitte to Posada with Jeter behind him and Mo closing it out. Jeter with ANOTHER multi-hit game and 2 runs scored. Everything about it was right and as much as the feeling is truly unique, it felt so.... similar.
20 rings between them. As the Big Cat said, put those in a bag and shake them around to see what they sound like.
Marte... once a gritty 8th inning shut down man delegated to the dubious task of getting lefties out.... He re-wrote his Yankee legacy with the most dominating bullpen work by a reliever not named Mariano. He is MVP in my heart.
Ok, that's it for the gushing. But seriously, this Yankee team was a truly unique bunch that gelled in a unique way. A combination of talent and character is a rare thing so let's not spoil it with the money talk. Just appreciate it.
On to basketball....
The Lakers with back-to-back OT nights on the road. They keep finding ways to sneak out of arenas with wins. I will tell you this though. Houston is the most fundamental, tough, hard-nosed, scrappy, disciplined, cohesive unit in basketball. And trust me... it is no coincidence that these terms are always used to describe teams Shane Battier is on. I love that guy. I really do. If you told me he saved children from a burning building after the game last night, I wouldn't be surprised.
Monster games for Kobe Bryant (41/6/4). Chris Paul (39/5/7). Dwyane Wade (40/4/5). Kevin Martin (29/11/2). Andrea Bargnani (22/12/2). Hey I own 2 of them.... YAY.
Wade was in a ridiculous zone last night. I was reading an article this morning that talked about this look Wade gets. Spolestra noticed that look last night and realized there was no way Wade was sitting last night for his normal early 4th quarter rest. Wade played all 24 minutes of the 4th qtr again to pull off a clutch win which he described as "one of those games where you have to will your team to victory". And therein lies the greatest attribute and fatal flaw of Wade. He cares too much. No effort is too much and whatever it takes, he will do. That is not cliche. It is why you see him going to the floor in heaps nightly. It is why he is one of the greatest players in the league, but it is also why he breaks down.
A few parting words:
-Derrick Rose/Brandon Jennings article.... http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/69251442.html
Kenyon Martin has the worst tattoos in the league.... after the Birdman of course but that isn't even debatable.
Those lips on Kenyon's neck are his girlfriend's who actually kissed a paper to get the outline for the artist. SAD. Really sad.
9 pts, 5 rebs, 4 assists... the JJ Train chugs on!!!
Ryan Anderson only chucks up 3 3's last night... and they all go in.
Villaneuva (PF)- 6 threes. Sheed Wallace (PF)- 7 3s. combined made 3's.... 4
Granger chucks up 8 more 3's... still on pace.
The Knicks.... ok I won't say it.
Hibbert went for 15 and 14. That says it all.
-And they all rushed to A Rod... seriously, who would have ever thought it?
http://www.yfsf.org/2009/11/27-congratulations-yankees-world -series-champs-of-2009.html
Notes from 11/5/2009
Quiet night in the L last night.
Jazz got a much needed win over a Spurs team that looked.... old. This is the first game of the year the Jazz thoroughly controlled and I think the difference is attributable to Boozer finally playing his game.
Ok two things from the Cleveland/Chicago maylay...
LeBron goes down in a heap grimacing in pain more than any guy in the league. Tell me one all-time great who allowed the opponents to see his pain so often. I am just saying...
Deng deserves credit. He has been producing on a fantasy level this year but what really stood out last night was the lock down D he played on BronBron, especially forcing the cough up by LeBron on the final play. This is no new rivalry. Deng migrated to the US from England at 14 by way of Blair Academy (NEW JERSEY!!) where he teamed up with Charlie Villanueva to form one of the top Prep programs in the Nation. In his senior year, Deng was considered the second best high school prospect in the nation, behind a 6'8 silky guard from Akron Ohio, LeBron James.
Thinking about the league now and the way things shape out, the common NBA'er has already well-established an identity and formative relationships with his peers long before hitting NBA hardwood.
A good microcosm sample is what takes place in Mouth of Wilson, Va on a yearly basis. Top basketball talent from around the country flocks here, not for an AAU tourney or a basketball camp, or a sneaker promotion but to enroll in Oak Hill Academy which is a Baptist-affiliated boarding school. This 420 campus of approximately 150 students (in the entire school) is somehow the idyllic setting for Steve Smith to set up the most powerful high school powerhouse in the nation. Notable attendees includes the following:
Melo Anthony, Michael Beasely, Steve Blake, Ron Mercer, Kevin Durant, Stephen Jackson, Brandon Jennings, Ty Lawson, Rajon Rondo, Jerry Stackhouse and Marcus Williams... only to name a few.
Rounding out the high school theme, a very little known fact is that the NBA D-League had their draft last night (Wait, the NBA D-League drafts?).
So what is interesting here really ties in to what we saw with Brandon Jennings last year. A prep star opted out of the One-and-done College route (mainly due to grades and money) and chose to play overseas in Italy, in obscurity. This seemed like a flawed plan but it is panning out pretty well for him thus far possibly paving the way for other prep stars to do the same. But lack of notoriety, the difficulties of foreign life and all of the other factors that make the type of leap risky, make it not a welcomed route for most. What if the NBA, like baseball, had a minor league system for young talent to grow and develop before hitting the league? Oh wait, they do... and it's called the D League!! This league is still very infantile but you can see a grand vision unfolding here... and it took a big leap forward last night.
With the 16th pick of the draft, the Tulsa 66ers took Latavius Williams. What is fascinating about this pick is Latavius is straight out of High School, this first player to ever jump from High School to the D-League, making this the first real step towards the D-League becoming a developmental minor league path for high schoolers.
(Interesting side note: their second round pick was Mustafa Shakur who was a standout PG in the same Lower Merion region of Philly that produced Kobe..sorta. And how cool is that name!!!)
Anyway, lets keep an eye on Latavius and be ahead of the trend before it pans out.
Jazz got a much needed win over a Spurs team that looked.... old. This is the first game of the year the Jazz thoroughly controlled and I think the difference is attributable to Boozer finally playing his game.
Ok two things from the Cleveland/Chicago maylay...
LeBron goes down in a heap grimacing in pain more than any guy in the league. Tell me one all-time great who allowed the opponents to see his pain so often. I am just saying...
Deng deserves credit. He has been producing on a fantasy level this year but what really stood out last night was the lock down D he played on BronBron, especially forcing the cough up by LeBron on the final play. This is no new rivalry. Deng migrated to the US from England at 14 by way of Blair Academy (NEW JERSEY!!) where he teamed up with Charlie Villanueva to form one of the top Prep programs in the Nation. In his senior year, Deng was considered the second best high school prospect in the nation, behind a 6'8 silky guard from Akron Ohio, LeBron James.
Thinking about the league now and the way things shape out, the common NBA'er has already well-established an identity and formative relationships with his peers long before hitting NBA hardwood.
A good microcosm sample is what takes place in Mouth of Wilson, Va on a yearly basis. Top basketball talent from around the country flocks here, not for an AAU tourney or a basketball camp, or a sneaker promotion but to enroll in Oak Hill Academy which is a Baptist-affiliated boarding school. This 420 campus of approximately 150 students (in the entire school) is somehow the idyllic setting for Steve Smith to set up the most powerful high school powerhouse in the nation. Notable attendees includes the following:
Melo Anthony, Michael Beasely, Steve Blake, Ron Mercer, Kevin Durant, Stephen Jackson, Brandon Jennings, Ty Lawson, Rajon Rondo, Jerry Stackhouse and Marcus Williams... only to name a few.
Rounding out the high school theme, a very little known fact is that the NBA D-League had their draft last night (Wait, the NBA D-League drafts?).
So what is interesting here really ties in to what we saw with Brandon Jennings last year. A prep star opted out of the One-and-done College route (mainly due to grades and money) and chose to play overseas in Italy, in obscurity. This seemed like a flawed plan but it is panning out pretty well for him thus far possibly paving the way for other prep stars to do the same. But lack of notoriety, the difficulties of foreign life and all of the other factors that make the type of leap risky, make it not a welcomed route for most. What if the NBA, like baseball, had a minor league system for young talent to grow and develop before hitting the league? Oh wait, they do... and it's called the D League!! This league is still very infantile but you can see a grand vision unfolding here... and it took a big leap forward last night.
With the 16th pick of the draft, the Tulsa 66ers took Latavius Williams. What is fascinating about this pick is Latavius is straight out of High School, this first player to ever jump from High School to the D-League, making this the first real step towards the D-League becoming a developmental minor league path for high schoolers.
(Interesting side note: their second round pick was Mustafa Shakur who was a standout PG in the same Lower Merion region of Philly that produced Kobe..sorta. And how cool is that name!!!)
Anyway, lets keep an eye on Latavius and be ahead of the trend before it pans out.
Notes from the Weekend- 11/6-11/8
Trouble in New Orleans... This team has a lot of holes that are easily exploitable and I keep saying it, Chris Paul is forced to do way too much on this squad. Can he hold up at this rate? I think the coaching staff is recognizing this which is why he only played 29 minutes in a blow out against LA last night even though they were only a strong run away from getting back in the game at some points.
Oh by the way, CP3 is shooting 68% from 3. 2.7 attempts per game and 1.9 made.
Renaissance in the dessert- Phoenix is the 2nd best team in the league? Who saw that coming? J Rich is providing a much needed scoring threat you weren't sure they were going to get at the beginning of the season. At this point, he is the difference maker. But the key to their success has been balance... 6 guys averaging double figures and another 3 with 5+. That is spreading the wealth and leaving the defense guessing. They are leading the league in PPG and they are near the top in percentages and spreading the wealth but they are giving up 104+ per game which could come back to bite them. You take teams like Boston or Cleveland who are allowing under 90 a game right now and they will pound Phoenix in a 7 game series. For that matter, going back to NO. If they can pick up 1 more offensive scoring option, they can be in position to compete because their defense has been really solid. They need a 2 or a 3 that can share the scoring load.
So much for writing off rookie, Tyreke Evans after 5 games.... he erupted for 32 on Derron Williams' head this weekend. Apparently, Derron was overhead in a preseason game saying to a team mate that "he can't stop this guy" (talking about 'Reke), Are we still mentioning Derron's name in the best PG ever debate? When will this stop?
'Reke's numbers should benefit from the unfortunate injury to Kevin Martin. I really would like to like this guy but his body is just too frail from the rigors of the NBA.
Checking back in on the chuckers...3 of the top 5 most attempts are by PF/C.... Granger is blowing the field away at a staggering 10.3 attempts per game. I am on record... He will set the record for most attempts, barring an injury. Oh and Sheed is a chucker. We all know this. But he is 0-10 in the last 2 games beyond the arc. I am sorry but is that the sign of quality basketball? Did we see a spike in his assists and offensive rebounds during this slump?
Russell Westbrook is leading the league in Turnovers and is averaging 7 turnovers per 48 minutes. Just thought I would share that.
The Nets still have a 0 in the W column.
What's goin on with AI? Iverson has left the Grizzlies indefinitely for personal reasons. Iverson seems to be completely against playing a role position in any way shape or form. He would rather abandon his team (2 years in a row) then fit in as bench support player. I am just saying. I know he is a warrior and I love him as much as the next guy but really? How selfish are you to not accept a role position at this point in your career? Do you really think you still have enough in the tank to lead a team to success? This is why Iverson never has and never will win a championship. He just does not get along well with others.
One more stat to jump out at you. Nash finished with more assists Sunday then the entire Wizards team.
Oh by the way, CP3 is shooting 68% from 3. 2.7 attempts per game and 1.9 made.
Renaissance in the dessert- Phoenix is the 2nd best team in the league? Who saw that coming? J Rich is providing a much needed scoring threat you weren't sure they were going to get at the beginning of the season. At this point, he is the difference maker. But the key to their success has been balance... 6 guys averaging double figures and another 3 with 5+. That is spreading the wealth and leaving the defense guessing. They are leading the league in PPG and they are near the top in percentages and spreading the wealth but they are giving up 104+ per game which could come back to bite them. You take teams like Boston or Cleveland who are allowing under 90 a game right now and they will pound Phoenix in a 7 game series. For that matter, going back to NO. If they can pick up 1 more offensive scoring option, they can be in position to compete because their defense has been really solid. They need a 2 or a 3 that can share the scoring load.
So much for writing off rookie, Tyreke Evans after 5 games.... he erupted for 32 on Derron Williams' head this weekend. Apparently, Derron was overhead in a preseason game saying to a team mate that "he can't stop this guy" (talking about 'Reke), Are we still mentioning Derron's name in the best PG ever debate? When will this stop?
'Reke's numbers should benefit from the unfortunate injury to Kevin Martin. I really would like to like this guy but his body is just too frail from the rigors of the NBA.
Checking back in on the chuckers...3 of the top 5 most attempts are by PF/C.... Granger is blowing the field away at a staggering 10.3 attempts per game. I am on record... He will set the record for most attempts, barring an injury. Oh and Sheed is a chucker. We all know this. But he is 0-10 in the last 2 games beyond the arc. I am sorry but is that the sign of quality basketball? Did we see a spike in his assists and offensive rebounds during this slump?
Russell Westbrook is leading the league in Turnovers and is averaging 7 turnovers per 48 minutes. Just thought I would share that.
The Nets still have a 0 in the W column.
What's goin on with AI? Iverson has left the Grizzlies indefinitely for personal reasons. Iverson seems to be completely against playing a role position in any way shape or form. He would rather abandon his team (2 years in a row) then fit in as bench support player. I am just saying. I know he is a warrior and I love him as much as the next guy but really? How selfish are you to not accept a role position at this point in your career? Do you really think you still have enough in the tank to lead a team to success? This is why Iverson never has and never will win a championship. He just does not get along well with others.
One more stat to jump out at you. Nash finished with more assists Sunday then the entire Wizards team.
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