Let's use this thread as a place for general topics that don't fit into other threads. In particular, other games we're watching that don't involve the Pistons.

Right now, I'm watching the Bulls down double digits at home in the 4th quarter of what could be an ugly loss to the Sixers.

Let's use this thread as a place for general topics that don't fit into other threads. In particular, other games we're watching that don't involve the Pistons.

Right now, I'm watching the Bulls down double digits at home in the 4th quarter of what could be an ugly loss to the Sixers.

Any loss to the Sixers is an ugly loss. LOL

A double 20 for KG tonight in the Celtics win

:hoops:

Sixers won by 11, in spite of committing 20 turnovers. They outrebounded the Bulls by a pretty stunning margin, 55-36. Maybe all the Kobe trade talk has gotten into their heads, though maybe they're just slow starters. They had that terrible start last year before recovering for a solid season.

Wow, how much weight did Andrew Bynum lose this off-season? He looks majorly slimmed down.

Wow, how much weight did Andrew Bynum lose this off-season? He looks majorly slimmed down.

He is a lot stronger this year.

:hoops:

Big Ben 8 points and 9 boards total in two games in over 60 minutes.

Joe's move not to offer Big Ben enough to keep him in Detroit is starting to look better by the month.

:hoops:

I watched the last part of the Celtics/Wizards game. The big three in Boston looked pretty good. Rajon Rondo had a nice game as well.

I watched the last part of the Celtics/Wizards game. The big three in Boston looked pretty good. Rajon Rondo had a nice game as well.

They also played a lot of minutes. Those minutes will catch up with them.

:hoops:

Big Ben 8 points and 9 boards total in two games in over 60 minutes.

Joe's move not to offer Big Ben enough to keep him in Detroit is starting to look better by the month.

Sigh. You know something? I get it. You are glad Joe didn't pay Ben and that Ben left. I really get it. Ad infinitum.

Sigh. You know something? I get it. You are glad Joe didn't pay Ben and that Ben left. I really get it. Ad infinitum.

I don't think you get it. Sorry.

I am glad that Joe didn't pay Big Ben the money he wanted. I would have loved Big Ben to stay for a lot less money which is what I now think his deteriorating skills are worth.

:hoops:

OMG. Atlanta beats Dallas? Yeah. And the Lakers are absolutely destroying Phoenix, who can't hit a 3 pointer? Yeah. The Bulls lose and look like they aren't playing defense? That too. I'm in an upside-down-inside-out basketball world today. Happily our Pistons look pretty good. Then again...don't we always look like world beaters in the regular season? Please let's just...pace ourselves. LOL.

Chris Rock has a hysterical routine that blames all the inner city crime on the media. I'll take a page from his argument and say that Dallas, Phoenix and Chicago all have "playoff contender" hangovers caused by the relentless eight months of hype last year. They all look like they have a championship hangover but...they didn't win it! The Spurs did. Like Chris says "The media did it! It was the media!" who spoiled these teams with media darling status.

Staying under the media radar is a good thing.

Bynum had a nice game 22 minutes 14 points and 13 boards and most of it was not in garbage time.

:hoops:

Minnesota almost beat Denver too.

The crappy teams seem more competitive this year.

I watched the Warriors/clippers game and a couple standout performances there. Chris Kaman taking advantage of the sidelined Brand was a monster in the middle scoring 26 points and grabbing 18 boards. This was despite sitting in the locker room for 10 minutes in third quarter getting 3 stitches in over his eye. He could have easily exceeded a 30/20 if he had not been cut down briefly.

Although Baron Davis almost had a triple double with 22-8-11, he was a non factor in the 4th qtr and shot a horrid 33% from the floor going 8/24.

The bright star for nellys defenseless dudes was Kelenna Azibuike who scored 33 points on 12/17 shooting from the floor. I quickly checked the free agent wire in the AdV league only to find that 16 Mile had him on his team:messer:.

Good opening night home victory for the Clips, but I know by the time the local 11:20PM sports show comes on it will be all about the Laker victory over the Suns...:eyebrows: and the Clippers will get an oh by the way.....

Yeah the Bulls lost, and it clearly looks like they have been affected by the Kobe trade talks even though Chicago management is now saying that nothing is going to happen. Atlanta beat Dallas - another surprise. But Dallas started our slow last year and that didn't deter them from finishing pretty high in the standings.

Yeah the Bulls lost, and it clearly looks like they have been affected by the Kobe trade talks even though Chicago management is now saying that nothing is going to happen. Atlanta beat Dallas - another surprise. But Dallas started our slow last year and that didn't deter them from finishing pretty high in the standings.

I sure hope they hold off the trade until at least December so that my wife and a couple friend of ours can go see Kobe play in Salt Lake City on Nov 30th. It would be a huge thrill to see the Kobester in person, who I consider the best basketball player alive right now, morals and fan rivalry aside.

Yeah the Bulls lost, and it clearly looks like they have been affected by the Kobe trade talks even though Chicago management is now saying that nothing is going to happen. Atlanta beat Dallas - another surprise. But Dallas started our slow last year and that didn't deter them from finishing pretty high in the standings.

If Kobe goes to Chicago he will become the main man in the locker room, not Big Ben. This could be affecting Big Ben's slow start who has been the main locker room guy and team leader for a number of years now both on the Pistons and the Bulls.

:hoops:

The Bulls laid another egg tonight, losing 78-72 at Milwaukee. I only saw the last 5 minutes or so, but just from the score you can tell it was an ugly game. They were down double digits near the end and almost rallied thanks to some atrocious Bucks defense, but they couldn't get over the hump.

Bulls do get their next three at home, including against the Pistons next Thursday, but then they go on their annual circus road trip for six straight games. They look pretty crappy so far.

I don't want Kobe in Chicago. The Pistons can easily beat the Bulls the way they are right now. Sheed can handle Ben, Tyrus, and Noah. Dice and J Max will help him as well. As far as I see Tayshaun might be better than Luol Deng if he keeps up his offensive agression. Rip and Chauncey will light up the Bulls backcourt too. Kobe in Chicago would make the Bulls a real threat. Even if they give up a lot to get him the Bulls would have the best scorer in the league and heck of a defensive duo.

I don't think you get it. Sorry.

I am glad that Joe didn't pay Big Ben the money he wanted. I would have loved Big Ben to stay for a lot less money which is what I now think his deteriorating skills are worth.

:hoops:

I know it's a business, but I can't help but miss his hustle and drive. When people say that Chauncey, Rip, Tay, Dice, Sheed and all the other Pistons are underdogs they are somewhat right. Ben was in a class of his own though, and it showed on the court. Sometimes you want to see a crappy play fixed by Ben getting an offensive tip in instead of a perfectly executed play.

Surprises so far:

Indiana (3-0): I thought it was a horrible move to fire Carlisle, but it does not look that way so far.

Atlanta (1-0): Beating Dallas in their season opener. It's only one game, but it is against a title contender.

L.A. Lakers (1-1): Embarrassing the Phoenix Suns on their home court. Lakers bench scores 65, and Kobe only scores 16 in the win.

Disappointments so far:

Chicago (0-3): A young team that has "grown up". Many people were predicting this team to be dominant in the East. So far they have not been solid.

Washington (0-3): The Wizards are an above average team that has made the playoffs the last few years. So far they have stumbled in the season.

Cleveland (1-1): The Cavs needed every one of LeBron's 45 points to reach 1-1. The Cavs could not reach agreements with some of their players and it looks like the Eastern Conference Champs will have many tough nights.

What gives with Big Ben?

Another horrendous game for him 27 minutes 5 points 2 rebounds 2 assists 2 blocks and no steals

It is one thing to have your skill deteriorate because of age. It is another thing to have them disappear overnight.

Maybe he is pouting over Kobe possibly coming to the Bulls and taking over the #1 king of hill spot there. I don't know what it is. Maybe he is hurt and playing with some sort of injury. Maybe it is a personal matter that is distracting him.

To tell you all the truth I am a little concerned that something is going on here other than just deterioration of his skill due to aging.

:hoops:

I think he had an ankle sprain recently, but he still only grabbed 2 rebounds. None of the Bulls have done well though.

I think he had an ankle sprain recently, but he still only grabbed 2 rebounds. None of the Bulls have done well though.

Well I sure hope it is just an injury, but not a serious one. If he is out there playing on a bum ankle that is risky stuff which could blow out his career at his age. Look what happened to AJ's Achilles when he came back to soon from his ankle sprain and he is only 20. If they hadn't caught the problem with the Achilles as quickly as they did it could have resulted in some major injury to him.

Marvin Harrison has to make a choice tomorrow. According to the doctors who cleared him because he really wants to play they said that in his current condition he can play but that there is a risk because the injury is not fully healed that if he is hit in the wrong place or cuts too sharply etc, that his knee condition could become chronic and a chronic knee injury for a 35 year old wide receiver basically means he is finished.

I know players in all sports risk career threatening injuries every time they compete, even in practice, and it is tough not to push your body since have been trained to do that your whole life, but I can't imagine anyone wanting to become the next Jim Otto.

:hoops:

It must be an injury with Ben. He may have had a bad game here and there, but now it's three in a row. Just doesn't look good.

If you think Ben Wallace hasn't looked like himself in quietly amassing just nine rebounds, three blocks and zero steals in the Bulls' first two losses, that's because he says he isn't.

Asked if the sprained left ankle that slowed him late in preseason is affecting his jumping, Wallace cocked his eyebrow and gave a telling response.

"Ain't been doing no jumping," Wallace said.

Wallace barely played in the second half of Friday's home loss the 76ers because of his inactivity, not injury. But Wallace said he still is icing and using a stimulation device daily on his ankle.

"When I stop and try to plant, it don't feel stable," Wallace said.

Wallace, one of the few NBA players not to tape his ankles, finished with two rebounds and two blocks against the Bucks and didn't play in the final 14:39.
Fouls come fast, make Hinrich furious on ChicagoSports.com (http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-071103bullsbits,1,1927297.story?coll=cs-home-headlines)

Sunday Nov 4th Game of the day.

Boston at Toronto. 2:30 EST.

An early gage to see how good these EC playoff contenders are. Could be more exciting than the Colts and Pats game

:hoops:

Pats and Colts are undefeated in the middle of their seasons. That is a better game than Toronto against Boston.

Pats and Colts are undefeated in the middle of their seasons. That is a better game than Toronto against Boston.

I understand you. For you better football teams make a better game, whereas for me a good basketball game among the top teams, which TO and Boston are is better than any game in any other sport regardless of who is playing in whatever sport.

Rarely would I ever choose to watch any competitive event in any other sport, except Patrick in IRL and pairs ice dancing, than a basketball game regardless of who is playing in the basketball game, so basketball for me is almost always the better game.

Fair enough.

:hoops:

Doc Rivers' dad passed unexpectedly passed away this morning.

:hoops:

It actually has turned out to be a very good game. 78-78 at the end of the 4th quarter.

Ford hit a 3 to tie the game with 5 seconds left, but Ray Allen hit his 7th 3 pointer for the win right after that. Boston wins 98-95.

Ford hit a 3 to tie the game with 5 seconds left, but Ray Allen hit his 7th 3 pointer for the win right after that. Boston wins 98-95.

Great game.

Check out the minutes of the Boston Big Three. They are each averaging over 38 minutes a game after three games with Allen close to 40. No way they can keep this up for the year.

KG and RA are the keys for Boston. Either one goes down the Celtics might as well mail it in. When KG was out with foul trouble in early part of the 4th Bosh ate up the Celtics.

I don't see the Celtics as a threat to the Pistons at all.

:hoops:

Celtics and Rapts will be in the playoffs no doubt. But Buddha is right because if one of the big three go down whether it is a prolonged injury or foul out with the game still in doubt, they can be beaten. KG sat out crunch time in regulation with 5 fouls, but scored at least 10-11 points in the OT.

Good defensive effort by Delfino who is getting minutes he could only dream about getting in Motown.

Celtics and Rapts will be in the playoffs no doubt. But Buddha is right because if one of the big three go down whether it is a prolonged injury or foul out with the game still in doubt, they can be beaten. KG sat out crunch time in regulation with 5 fouls, but scored at least 10-11 points in the OT.

Good defensive effort by Delfino who is getting minutes he could only dream about getting in Motown.

I almost forgot. The Raptors had Delfino on KG at the end of the game.

:hoops:

I don't see the Celtics as a threat to the Pistons at all.

:hoops:

I think people are over hyping the Celtics, but a team with 3 all stars is a threat to anyone. The Cavs had LeBron and a bunch of role players and look what happened. All it can take is James Posey hitting open threes like Gibson did last year.

I think people are over hyping the Celtics, but a team with 3 all stars is a threat to anyone. The Cavs had LeBron and a bunch of role players and look what happened. All it can take is James Posey hitting open threes like Gibson did last year.

I agree...especially with a coach like Flip. It doesn't take much for a talentless team to outfox him. What makes people think all of a sudden something has changed?

Look, this guy has had umpteen opportunities to win in the playoffs. He screws up every time. Enjoy the regular season wins fellas. Joe can force him to play the rookies all he wants, sure. But in the end we all know how this story will end.

But in the end we all know how this story will end.

The only way things change is if Flip changes. We cannot see that until the playoffs though, which is months away. It's a little bit irritating.

FOX Sports on MSN - NBA - 10 things: Adelman turning it up in Houston (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7409002)

Sometimes it really is just speculation. Rumors persist, perceptions transform into unfounded facts and the NBA world falls off its axis in anticipation of a major trade.

Of course we're talking Kobe Bryant, and the one, two or three teams possibly involved, and maybe throw in a 250-foot yacht and a villa in Bora Bora for good measure. That's not to say talks aren't ongoing about the Lakers moving Bryant.

But just because Allen Iverson and Kevin Garnett have been traded over the past year doesn't mean every superstar of this post-Dream Team era is going to be dealt before their careers are over. The Lakers can't afford to give Kobe away — if the trade happens, the Lakers would have a similar situation of youth and drained talent — so what's the point? And that takes us back to the initial outlook of the depth-deprived Lakers. When Bryant, Lamar Odom and the rest of the young Lakers are healthy, they're actually one of the top dozen or so teams in the NBA.

Lots of interesting things in the article.

T-Mac lit it up again tonight with 35.

I think he may be seriously going after the scoring crown this year.

But Jason Terry, whose value to the Mavs, some fans underrate lit up the Rockets with 31, leading the Mavs to victory.

NBA - Houston Rockets/Dallas Mavericks Box Score Monday November 5, 2007 - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore;_ylt=An4HXeO8xxz5T0XS8luqYum8vLYF?gid=200 7110506)

:hoops:

Noah practiced Monday for the first time since severely spraining his right ankle in the exhibition finale Oct. 25 against the Bucks. Skiles said the first-round pick would be activated and play barring a setback at Tuesday morning's shootaround, likely paving the way for Viktor Khryapa to be inactive.

Noah is a lively, effervescent sort who might inject some energy into some listless Bulls play. But anyone expecting the lottery pick to be the savior as the Bulls begin a critical week of three straight home games need only listen to Skiles — and Noah himself — for some perspective.

"He's got an awful lot to learn," Skiles said.

Noah, who revealed Monday that he had been fined by the coaching staff for arriving late to two team functions, didn't disagree.

"That's always been a problem of mine, especially in the beginning of whatever transition I make," Noah said. "I had a hard time my freshman year [at Florida] with the plays and learning Billy Donovan's system. The same thing a little bit here. But I'm working, I've got a playbook now, so it's on me to be the best I can. I think I'm getting better at it."

Wallace might get a bit of rest on ChicagoSports.com (http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-071105bulls,1,7887606.story?coll=cs-bulls-headlines)

:hoops:

Having watched alot of basketball so far this season on NBA League Pass I firmly believe that Boston is the most dangerous team in the East so far. I predict that they will have the best regular season record in the East this year. They should have lost that game against Toronto, but they ooze with star power. Once the other pieces mesh, the East will have their hands full.

Tues Nov 6, 2007
-----------------
Game of the day.

Spurs at Rockets

Spurs are favored.

:hoops:

D Wade on the mend, back at practice. It will be nice to see him back in action. Except when plays the Pistons, (LOL) he is always a joy to watch on court.


Wade back at practice with Heat, a bit ahead of schedule - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=ArYqofYYjXSU37pK8.ZgTVe8vLYF?slug=ap-heat-wade&prov=ap&type=lgns)

:hoops:

Tues Nov 6, 2007
-----------------
Game of the day.

Spurs at Rockets

Spurs are favored.

:hoops:
It was no contest as Duncan got off to slow start (as did t-Mac). The Rockets built a 14 point halftime lead and the SPurs who are famous for mounting 4th quarter rallies came up short this time as Bonzi and Mike James took care of business down the stretch for Rockets red glare...

It was no contest as Duncan got off to slow start (as did t-Mac). The Rockets built a 14 point halftime lead and the SPurs who are famous for mounting 4th quarter rallies came up short this time as Bonzi and Mike James took care of business down the stretch for Rockets red glare...

I know. I was thinking of posting the Vegas line and my opinion on the what the outcome would be before the game took place, but I don't think that this forum is the place for that sort of thing, because it borders on gambling. Therefore, I just reported that San Antonio was favored, which they were by as I recall 2.5 points. I thought the odds were out of line so the Houston win didn't surprise me in the least.

:hoops:

Possible triple double for Kobe tonight.

My God what has happened to the Bulls? They are so out of it. Joe Smith was the most impressive player out there in terms of composure and productivity tonight.

It's like they forgot how to play defense over the summer. Those defensive rotations (I think that's what I'm talking about) are just late. It's like they are playing one on one bball out there. They remind me of us when we stop playing as at team. All disjointed and no flow to the offense.

I know it's early but man.

After Ben got the headband exception, the team realizes that Skiles has no authority and they have tuned him out. Now they are basically running a pick-up game in Chicago.

After Ben got the headband exception, the team realizes that Skiles has no authority and they have tuned him out. Now they are basically running a pick-up game in Chicago.

Very very possible.

:hoops:

Durant led Sonics still winless. They almost won one tonight against the the Kings, but the Kings pulled it out by outscoring the Sonics by 19 in the second half and saved face on their home court.

:hoops:

Durant is awesome. Jeesh! Is this kid real?

Looks like Hornets are going to 4 and 0. C. Paul 21 assists and Stojakovic 10 threes.

:hoops:

First game this year that Chandler has failed to get a double-double. Only 9 boards tonight.

I wonder how many more losses does Chicago need before Skiles' job is in jeopardy?

Warriors can't seem to win without Jackson. They gave up a few treys to Boobie and Damon and lost to Cavs at home.

First game this year that Chandler has failed to get a double-double. Only 9 boards tonight.

I think that they are going to make some noise in the Southwest even it is the toughest division in the NBA.

Put them in the East and they would definitely be a playoff team.

:hoops:

Durant is awesome. Jeesh! Is this kid real?

No doubt that he is doing very well, but the Sonics are playing worse than last year.

Blowing a 19 point second half lead to the Kings, even in Sacramento, is pretty weak to say the least, and then there is the Sonics record of zip for the season.

:hoops:

No doubt that he is doing very well, but the Sonics are playing worse than last year.

Blowing a 19 point second half lead to the Kings, even in Sacramento, is pretty weak to say the least, and then there is the Sonics record of zip for the season.

:hoops:
Of course they are. They are rebuilding and without two all-stars. I don't think Seattle's record puts a damper on how impressive Durant is so far at all. That kid has game!

Nobody said anything about Toronto getting wooped by Milwaukee. Bosh with 1 point and 2 rebounds. Delfino played over 30 min again. He had 8 pts on 3-9 shooting with 2 reb, 1 ast, and 2 to. Milwaukee shot over 60% from the field for the game.

Wed Nov 7th. Games of the Day

2 Today
---------------

Denver at Boston - Celtics are big favorites

Cleveland at Utah - Jazz are even bigger favorites

:hoops:

Wed Nov 7th. Games of the Day

2 Today
---------------

Denver at Boston - Celtics are big favorites

Cleveland at Utah - Jazz are even bigger favorites

:hoops:
77-39 Celtics over Nuggets at halftime:gun1:Are they for real!!!@##

77-39 Celtics over Nuggets at halftime:gun1:Are they for real!!!@##

When Denver gives up 119 points the night before to the Knicks what does that tell you about their non-existent defense?

These match ups are a disaster for Denver.

AI trying to guard a bigger stronger and equally talented RA
K Martin trying to stay on the same court with P. Pierce yet alone prevent him from scoring
M. Camby who sounds like he has aged five years since last season playing like a D league player trying to guard KG.

Nuggets playing the second of a back to back on a East Coast road trip while the Celtics sat at home and waited.

Still all in all the Celtics are definitely good as long as the Big Three stay healthy.

:hoops:

Anyone want a Pistons - Lakers court side ticket at Staples?

Price to season ticket holders per game is $2,300.00.


The Lakers' average ticket price tilts dramatically upward from there because courtside seats cost $2,300 a game and seats in six lower-level sections between the baskets are $230 a game.

The average price of a Lakers' season ticket is an NBA-high $89.24, according to a survey released Tuesday by Team Marketing Report. The league average is $48.83.

The New York Knicks charge an average of $70.51 a ticket, Boston charges $65.43, and Chicago is fourth in the league with a $63 average ticket cost.

New Orleans, in its first full season back in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, charges a league-low $24.58.
Sign Up (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakerep7nov07,1,4717499.story?coll=la-headlines-sports&ctrack=1&cset=true)

:hoops:

Atlanta beat the Suns

Clippers beat Pacers, we are now in first place.

Kaman had another 20 + rebound game. He is now averaging 16.5 boards a game through the first four games.

:hoops:

Sam "E.T." Cassell will turn 38 in 10 days....he dropped 29 in the 3 quarters and 35 for the game on the previously undefeated Pacers. (104-89)

Chris Kaman is grabbing more boards than Ben wallace use to do with us.

Kaman is averaging 18 and 15 and already, and tonight he threw down 15 and 22.

Since we will be coming off back to back situation with the Bulls, will this be the Clips first chance to win at Motown in a number of years??? No Brand, no Livingston of course, but tonight no Patterson, Knight and Mobley went down in the first qtr....
================================================== ==============
Who said the west was best. The young hawks have already knocked off perennial powers Mavs and Suns, but lost to Nets and Pistons???

Darko vs Durant starting in Seattle.

Neither team has won yet.

:hoops:

First Celtics game where all of the big 3 clicked at once. It was scary good. They were up about 40 a little past halftime against a good Denver team.

Garnett-
10-14 shooting
13 rebounds
7 assists
4 steals
1 block

+33 on the night!

Darko vs Durant starting in Seattle.

Neither team has won yet.

:hoops:

I think the Serbian Gangster won round #1

Grizzlies win

Darko 15 points, 10 boards and 2 blocks

Durant 17 points on 3 for 17 from the field and 2 boards.

Round #1 to the Serbian Gangster, unanimous decision.

Sonics remain winless 0 - 5. Lots of work to do on their rebuilding program.

NBA - Memphis Grizzlies/Seattle SuperSonics Box Score Wednesday November 7, 2007 - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore?gid=2007110725)

:hoops:

Memphis beats Seattle. Darko with 15 and 10. Durant with 17 points on 3-17 shooting and not much else.
Toronto lost again, this time to Orlando at home. They don't look all that hot.

I think the Serbian Gangster won round #1

Grizzlies win

Darko 15 points, 10 boards and 2 blocks

Durant 17 points on 3 for 17 from the field and 2 boards.

Round #1 to the Serbian Gangster, unanimous decision.

Sonics remain winless 0 - 5. Lots of work to do on their rebuilding program.

NBA - Memphis Grizzlies/Seattle SuperSonics Box Score Wednesday November 7, 2007 - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore?gid=2007110725)

:hoops:
That's 15, 10 and 2 that we could use everynight right now if we still had him..... who knew!??:ohwell::frusty::mad: :swear2::pout:

That's 15, 10 and 2 that we could use everynight right now if we still had him..... who knew!??:ohwell::frusty::mad: :swear2::pout:

Just got back from this game. Darko had a decent game... but it was against the worst frontcourt in the NBA. Most of the night he was matched up against Robert Swift, who has been recovering for over a year from knee surgery. I don't think the Pistons really miss Darko at his price tag.


Durant had a bad game. Luke Ridnour was even worse.

Mike Miller was lights out. That guy can really shoot. Call me a new fan. Who knew... besides Slippy.

That's 15, 10 and 2 that we could use everynight right now if we still had him..... who knew!??:ohwell::frusty::mad: :swear2::pout:

I bet Joe did. :stirthepot:

Cleveland lost. They go to 2-3.
James with triple double but 7-15 at the free throw line. Cavs lost by 2. Ilgauskas is having a very good season. He had 18pts and 14 boards. Cleveland played only 8 players with Hughes being out. I wonder how long they will last like that? Ilgauskas played the least of the starters with 32 min. Gooden struggled, as always, against the good frontcourt.

I was really impressed with Mike Miller after watching Team USA this summer. He rebounds rather aggressively too.

Durant had a bad game. Luke Ridnour was even worse.
Mike Miller was lights out. That guy can really shoot. Call me a new fan. Who knew... besides Slippy.

R. Gay was saying afterwards that all you have to do to stop Durant, which he did last night, is to bump him and be physical with him.

Of course this works with a lot of players, provided you can get away with it. I don't think that this will be an effective long term strategy against Durant because

1. He is too valuable a league marketing resource to get bumped around without getting fouls called on the bumpers

2. He makes a very very high percentage of his foul shots.

3. He will get stronger as he gets older.

:hoops:

I bet Joe did. :stirthepot:

Cleveland lost. They go to 2-3.
James with triple double but 7-15 at the free throw line. Cavs lost by 2. Ilgauskas is having a very good season. He had 18pts and 14 boards. Cleveland played only 8 players with Hughes being out. I wonder how long they will last like that? Ilgauskas played the least of the starters with 32 min. Gooden struggled, as always, against the good frontcourt.

Ilgauskas has always been a very good player, as long as he was healthy.

:hoops:

I was really impressed with Mike Miller after watching Team USA this summer. He rebounds rather aggressively too.

Miller is a very good player.


NEW YORK, April 28 -- Mike Miller (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/mike_miller/index.html) of the Memphis Grizzlies has been named the winner of the 2005-06 NBA Sixth Man Award, honoring the league’s top player in a reserve role, the NBA announced today.
So far this year he is rebounding a lot better than in the past, but then again one of his 3 games has been against Seattle's weak front line.

NBA.com Memphis’ Mike Miller Wins the 2005-06 NBA Sixth Man Award (http://www.nba.com/news/awards2006_sixthman.html)

ESPN - Mike Miller Stats, News, Photos - Memphis Grizzlies - NBA Basketball (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?statsId=3404)



:hoops:

NBA Power Rankings for November 8 (Slate Edition) : PROTRADE (http://www.protrade.com/content/DisplayArticle.html?sp=S50cd91f5-8e11-11dc-a62e-d5f846abec2c)

NBA Power Rankings for November 8 (Slate Edition) : PROTRADE (http://www.protrade.com/content/DisplayArticle.html?sp=S50cd91f5-8e11-11dc-a62e-d5f846abec2c)

So who really are the top five teams?? Is Houston the best? or is it he Spurs or the Celtics. How did the Lakers rate # 4 in one poll?

FOX Sports on MSN - NBA - Power Rankings (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/powerRankings)



NBA.com: When 3-0 Isn’t Good Enough (http://www.nba.com/powerrankings/)

I normally go with NBA power rankings for accuracy.

globeandmail.com: Bargnani moves to the bench (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20071109.RAPTORS09/TPStory/Sports)


The Toronto Raptors have started the past three games as if their hands were blocks of ice and their joints as creaky as an old car on a January morning.

The Raptors didn't make a field goal until six minutes into the first quarter on Wednesday night against Orlando. In Milwaukee on Tuesday, they made only nine of their first 21 shots, and that was a significant improvement from the performance on Sunday against Boston, when the Raptors scored only 14 points in the first quarter.
The obvious remedy then is to change the starting lineup and inject more - defence?
That's the plan for tonight's game against the Philadelphia 76ers as the Raptors hope to halt a three-game losing string and improve their record to 3-3.
In place of Andrea Bargnani, the Raptors' leading scorer in their two win and third-leading scorer (14.2 points a game) on the season, Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell is going to start Rasho Nesterovic at centre, even though the veteran has scored 12 points in five games on 37.5-per-cent shooting.

It has been reported by several media outlets that free-agent forward Chris Webber would only consider his hometown Detroit Pistons. According to a source close to Webber, though, he would also consider signing with the Cavs if the role was right. The Cavs are depleted in the frontcourt with Varejao missing and with Donyell Marshall out with injury.
The Cavs have also had some contact with free-agent forward Dale Davis, but currently there are no serious discussions, agent Chubby Wells said.


Ohio.com - Concentrating on the positives (http://www.ohio.com/sports/cavs/11139056.html)

FanHouse Roundtable: Have the Bulls Missed Their Moment? - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog (http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/11/09/fanhouse-roundtable-have-the-bulls-missed-their-moment/)

Before Chicago got its first win (http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/printedition/cs-bulls09nov09,1,6536739.story?coll=cs-sports-print) of the season Thursday night, we discussed the prospects of a big Bulls splash and/or championship. The proceedings are documented below.

Ohio.com - Concentrating on the positives (http://www.ohio.com/sports/cavs/11139056.html)


Webber is the Pistons insurance policy...give him a job working with the trainer or in the Pistons front office until we need him. We don't need him helping out the Bulls, Cavs or Celtics.

If it comes down to the fact that we don't need him to actually suit up and play, then he still gets a ring for being in the organization and they can we give him a championship t-shirt and cap the night we win to party and celebrate with the players :party::pound:

I can see it now. The Cavs pick up Davis and Webber, and make us look foolish for not letting them play to their strengths when they were here. And they beat us in the ECF again.

They may as try to do just that.

They won't have to pay them that much or commit for more than a year. Adding 2 vet big men with tons of playoff experience can't hurt.

I'd still rather have either one of these guys over Dupree, Nazr, or Samb.

I can see it now. The Cavs pick up Davis and Webber, and make us look foolish for not letting them play to their strengths when they were here. And they beat us in the ECF again.

I just wish that they would find a way to pry Nazr and Flip from us. Flip would love to return to the Cavs??

Then we can make fools of them during the playoffs.

:hoops:

Bynum continues to average a double double 10 PPG and 10 RPG, both numbers rounded off, in about 24 minutes a game.

:hoops:

Phil Jackson choses Kobe as Co-Captain.


"I was sitting on the john one day and I said, 'That's a good idea,' " Jackson said "It wasn't very much of a thought process..."


Is this what they call a back office management decision? LOL

Bulletin: Bryant praises Bynum - Los Angeles Times (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakerep10nov10,0,7891889.story?track=mostviewed-sectionfront)

:hoops:

Bulls getting smashed by the Raptors tonight. Raptors up by 34 after 3. Embarrassing for the Bulls playing at home, hearing plenty of boos.

Raptors are looking brilliant, sharing the ball, draining shots, playing D. Delfino has 16 so far, including three 3's in the 3rd Q.

:pound:If the Pistons pulled out a win on Thursday this would be even better.

Bulls are horrible. I still don't get how Pistons managed to lose to those guys. I guess "Any Given Sunday..."

The Pacers had a bizarre loss at home tonight against Denver. Indy went for 46 in the first quarter (!) and led 74-56 at halftime...and still ended up losing 113-106!

From the AP recap of the Bulls' loss to the Raptors:

Bulls coach Scott Skiles cleared his starters from the floor with 9:35 left in the third quarter, but it didn't help as Parker immediately hit another 3 against the Chicago reserves. Chicago starters Luol Deng, Tyrus Thomas (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/4132/;_ylt=Aq7s0KA_ME2Ypm68x6LM0Y6QvLYF), Ben Wallace (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3149/;_ylt=Akq1O02SpOx6vfPnFPj7FE6QvLYF), Ben Gordon (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3820/;_ylt=At.6UAAkycpz3A3aLssQxV.QvLYF) and Kirk Hinrich (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3710/;_ylt=Ajlmn4_F.t0IaCd2yQurwOmQvLYF) never returned to the game.

Wow. They really might be falling apart over there.

Another big win by the Celtics. They are on cruise control and are making the Pats look like a second rate undefeated bunch of cheaters.

I must admit that the Celtics early play has taken me by surprise. I figured that they would be good but except for I believe the Toronto game they have cruised by everyone.

However, the minutes of the Big three continue to pile up.

They all logged at least 40 minutes tonight with RA going all 48 minutes.

Through 5 games

Pierce 38 MPG
KG 39 + MPG
RA 40 + MPG

There career averages before this year

Pierce 37 MPG and 76 games a year over the last 8 years
KG 38 MPG and 77 games a year over his 12 year career
RA 37 MPG and only 59 games a year over the last 7 years

So at this time only RA is playing more minutes per game than he has averaged throughout his career.

Now Karl Malone played in 80 or more games for 17 of his 19 year career and averaged over 37 minutes a game for his career. So there is a precedent, and there may be others, for at least a big man playing almost 40 minutes a game over his entire career and never going down with an injury except during his last year when he really shouldn't have been playing anyway.

Michael averaged over 38 MPG over 71 games a year over 15 years. He was as people might recall injured in two separate seasons that limited his games played during those two years to under 20 games in each season. Other than that he was pretty much injury free

So there are two examples of stars that played heavy minutes over long careers with relatively few injuries. So it might be possible that the Big Three will get through the year unscathed and still have enough to perform admirably in the playoffs.

Which brings me to my question.

If the Pistons are so well conditioned and have such few injuries how come our guys can't play over 33-35 minutes a game without wearing down at the end of the year, especially when a lot of the time the starting unit walks the ball up the court?

It must be that the some NBA players are just capable of handling more time than others without having the same negative affects to their game as those with less stamina and a more fragile body.

Michael Jordan Statistics - Basketball-Reference.com (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jordami01.html)

:hoops:

When people say tiredness is all in your head it is true. Most of the time your body is not physically worn out, but chemicals are released throughout the body that makes you feel tired. Fatigue has been a factor in the Pistons playoff runs after 05, but determination, execution, and leadership failures accounts for majority of the shortcomings. It might not be the 40 mpg, but the fact that opponents figured out the Pistons game plan, which tends to become stagnant. The Pistons don't adjust the game plan or sub in any other players and the Pistons lose.

Even if tiredness is a main factor you cannot judge the Boston Celtics yet. The same goes for the Pistons. We will see what happens later on in the season.

Portland beats Dallas. Didn't expect 3-3 start out of Portland team. Their youngsters are playing better. Dallas didn't look good at all. Probably still basking in the glow of the win against Warriors.

Didn't someone actually ask the question, "Will the Celts be better than the Knicks this year?" lol.

Anyone who thought this team wouldn't be that good was just kidding themselves.

The C's did a great job of filling in the holes with retreads. They didn't have this type of depth on trade day but they managed to put some fringe NBA talent on a team that was 3 stars and a D-league roster

From the AP recap of the Bulls' loss to the Raptors:


Wow. They really might be falling apart over there.


I watched the end of this game.. When I turned it on in the early part of the 4th it was 92-55 Rapts and I had to adjust my glasses to see if the score was correct..I too now wonder how the Pistons lost to the Bulls and how some so called NBA experts pick them to win the title...I think some of these same folks thought that the Kobe trade was a done deal and gave them the benefit of the doubt.

As the camera panned the starters on the bench, I could not tell if they were embarrased or frustrated. I heard some chants of Kobe, Kobe at the end, but wasn't sure if it were the fans or Skiles and his coaching staff that were yelling it:)

I am not sure if Kobe can help this team if Gordon or Deng move to LA.

Portland beats Dallas. Didn't expect 3-3 start out of Portland team. Their youngsters are playing better. Dallas didn't look good at all. Probably still basking in the glow of the win against Warriors.


They open the season with 3 losses and then grab three straght victories. Their defense is actually better than expected. Brandon Roy scored a carrer high 32 points tonight and the last thing he said to the reporter as he left the floor is "we have to keep this winning streak going in our next game vs Detroit." They got two days to rest up for us. Hopefully we don't take them lightly.

The C's did a great job of filling in the holes with retreads. They didn't have this type of depth on trade day but they managed to put some fringe NBA talent on a team that was 3 stars and a D-league roster

Which was expected in my opinion...

I'm sure it didn't take much to sway players on how good the team would be.

What most people have missed is that they have become a terror defensively. Its not just the offensive output from the big 3. This team can really defend and excel in transition as well as half court defense.

Didn't someone actually ask the question, "Will the Celts be better than the Knicks this year?" lol.

Anyone who thought this team wouldn't be that good was just kidding themselves.

People make mistakes. So far I will admit that I did not think that the Celtics would dominate their opponents by this much, even early on.

Big people admit their mistakes. Those who throw them in their face, even it is a rather gentle toss.....

The season is a long one and my main argument against this Celtics team has always been that they are not deep enough and that with one significant injury to any of their Big Three, but mainly Allen will cause a precipitous fall off in their level of play. That along with their lack of skilled depth will be telling by the time May rolls around.

So lets just wait and see. 5 games does not a season make.

Have a nice day.

:hoops:

I watched the end of this game.. When I turned it on in the early part of the 4th it was 92-55 Rapts and I had to adjust my glasses to see if the score was correct..I too now wonder how the Pistons lost to the Bulls

As long as Big Ben is playing and starting for the Bulls, the Bulls will get up for the Pistons.

Other than that I think that on top of Big Ben's injury the team is not too happy with all this Kobe trade stuff and may be laying down on management because of it.

:hoops:

Solid game from the Grizz tonight with Darko and Gasol both playing well together for the first time.

ESPN - Houston vs. Memphis Recap, November 13, 2007 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271113029)

His contributions Tuesday were on both ends of the floor. Milicic was 9-of-14 from the floor, and while Yao scored 22 points, he had to work for them.

"You can't do much about a guy like [Yao], as tall as he is and with the skills he has," Milicic said. "I was just trying to front him, and when he got the ball down low, trying to make it difficult for him."

"We scored 98, and that's OK for us," Yao said. "But when you let them score 105, we had problems on defense. I didn't guard Darko Milicic well in the post, and Pau Gasol got 17 free throws. Those are the keys right there."

Bynum continues to put up double doubles, night in and night out in only 25 minutes a game. 11 points and 12 rebounds last night. Still averaging a double double on the year and shooting almost 60% from the field.

Another Cato. I think not. Another Shaq. Maybe, though I am not sure that he is as tough as Shaq. But then again Bynum just turned 20 and he is already as good a rebounder as Shaq ever was. The most rebounds per 40 minutes that Shaq ever averaged was 14.6 and Bynum is averaging 17 rebounds per 40 minutes this year.

He along with some help from Brown held Mr. Fundamental to only 5 points last night.

Chicago is in trouble according to slamonline. The article has quite a few good points. The writer also got on Big Ben's case. Anyhow, I agree with the author in most points.

SLAM ONLINE | » The Running (Over) of the Bulls (http://slamonline.com/online/2007/11/the-running-over-of-the-bulls/)


So-called experts (including yours truly) thought this would be the year the Bulls pushed over the hump. That Wallace’s lackluster performance last year was just a fluke, and not a sign of permanent decline. That Gordon, Deng and Hinrich would build off their playoff experience, that Thabo Sefolosha and Tyrus Thomas would make tremendous strides from their rookie seasons, that lottery pick Joakim Noah would provide a tremendous burst of energy off the bench. That the Bulls would contend from Day One as an Eastern superpower.
And virtually none of it happened. The Bulls opened the season with a loss to the Nets in New Jersey, and from there it only got worse. They lost at home to the lottery-bound Philadelphia 76ers, then were stomped there by the Toronto Raptors. As Thanksgiving approaches the Bulls sit at 1-5, dead last in the Central Division, with their annual November circus road trip just beginning. Forget winning the East, at this point it’s going to be a challenge for the Bulls to just make the playoffs. How have things gone this wrong? Well, I’m glad I asked.

That's a pretty good article. Still, as rough as things are for the Bulls right now, at least they're not the Heat. Despite Wade's return last night, they still lost at home to the winless Sonics, and by a wide margin. A healthier Wade will obviously make them somewhat better, but they really look brutal. It almost looks like they could miss the playoffs even if Wade and Shaq manage to stay healthy for the whole season, which we know is highly unlikely in Shaq's case. Shaq's decline over the last couple of seasons seems to be continuing pretty rapidly.

That's a pretty good article. Still, as rough as things are for the Bulls right now, at least they're not the Heat. Despite Wade's return last night, they still lost at home to the winless Sonics, and by a wide margin. A healthier Wade will obviously make them somewhat better, but they really look brutal. It almost looks like they could miss the playoffs even if Wade and Shaq manage to stay healthy for the whole season, which we know is highly unlikely in Shaq's case. Shaq's decline over the last couple of seasons seems to be continuing pretty rapidly.
Shaq is turning into an aging Alonzo, but less athletic and not nearly as good of a defender. He doesn't scare the defenses anymore. He can't produce for the entire game.

Shaq's inability to produce for an entire game was already apparent last season, but it seems to have gotten even worse now.

Those who throw them in their face, even it is a rather gentle toss.....

Have a nice day.

:hoops:

Exit sparring session...enter basketball talk.

Boston, in my opinion has been the best looking team in the East so far and I don't think they've even scratched the surface yet as it pertains to soldifying team chemistry. I think the key is that they are all unselfish players who play completely different styles of basketball unlike pairing Melo with AI. There defense has been spectacular and Doc has done a great job of integrating the pieces. Can't wait to see how they stack up against our boys. Should be a great matchup!

Up Close With Mehmet Okur - HOOPSWORLD | NBA News, Rumors and Information (http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=6036)

Mehmet Okur's basketball story is one many would envy after his first All-Star game appearance last season and NBA Championship with the Detroit Pistons. But Utah's talented big man isn't content with his accomplishments so far. He loves learning about the game of basketball from Jerry Sloan and he hopes to win his second NBA Championship with Utah this season.

Prior to Utah's game against Toronto, HOOPSWORLD sat down with Mehmet to talk about some of his memorable experiences in the NBA, both past and present.

2nd quarter of Hornets-Grizzlies now, and Juan Carlos Navarro is going all Microwave for Memphis: 5-5 on threes off the bench!

Watching the Raptors-Pacers game. Make sure you check out sportscenter or whatever. Anthony Parker nailed a shot from 3/4 court at the end of the 3rd Q.

BOS has now played a good defensive team. They looked very beatable.

I only caught the last couple of minutes of the Boston-Miami game. Celtics were up double digits but somehow blew the entire lead and almost lost. They committed all sorts of bonehead plays in the last couple of minutes, and Wade had a chance to win it on the last shot but missed.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies just hit three 3s in the last 13 seconds to send their game to OT!

Wow, Portland was up 17 going into the 4th quarter in Philly but choked it away and lost.

Big win for Cleveland at home tonight over Utah, with Lebron going for 40.

The Nets, sans Vince Carter, are somehow down only 10 at home to Miami at halftime, despite having committed 20 turnovers (!!) in the first half!

Dlev's annual pick to win the East looks good again. :pound:

Ben Wallace is back!

9 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 6 steals, 3 blocks. +17 on the night.

Although Kamen was 10-17 with 21 points.

Ben Wallace is back!

9 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 6 steals, 3 blocks. +17 on the night.I was happy to see his numbers a little while ago. The only unsurprising bummer was to discover he went 1 for 5 at the line. Some things will never change.

Looks like Wade is back to form

4-17,and 15-20 FT'S :rolleyes:

The Bulls might be getting it back together on this long road trip. They lost in Phoenix to start it off the other night, but they played pretty well, and last night they pounded the Clippers. If they can do the Pistons one better and beat the Lakers tonight in Staples, they'll be on their way to a successful west coast swing.

Wade was indeed getting his customary help from the refs. After he missed two of those FTs in the last 10 seconds with the Heat up 2, the Nets had a great chance to force OT, but Jefferson missed a layup!

Well, about the Bulls, hold that thought:

ESPN - Back injury sidelines Deng - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3117011)

The Bulls might be getting it back together on this long road trip. They lost in Phoenix to start it off the other night, but they played pretty well, and last night they pounded the Clippers.

That wasn't the Clippers.

No Brand no Maggette and no Livingston. Clippers minus 3 of their top 4 players.

:hoops:

Clippers did start the season really well minus Brand and Livingston, until the Pistons whipped them last week (though that game was also sans Cuttino). But losing Maggette as well does make it hard for them to compete with anyone half decent.

Big game tonight before the Pistons play: Boston at Orlando. I'll definitely be watching that.

Big game tonight before the Pistons play: Boston at Orlando. I'll definitely be watching that.


Are the Celtics playing that good or they haven’t played that many teams:

Well, I think a couple of things, I think one they are playing that good, I think number one they’ve had a very good schedule, in that they’ve basically been in the east coast, either at home or played maybe an hour away. I think their farthest game they’ve played was Indiana. What’s amazing is they don’t play a west coast team till Christmas Day on the road. So, they're pretty much back east.


FLIP SAUNDERS Q&A: Pistons coach on Rasheed being more aggressive and Celtics' threat (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071118/SPORTS03/311180004/1051)

:hoops:

Sigh. You know something? I get it. You are glad Joe didn't pay Ben and that Ben left. I really get it. Ad infinitum.

No I would have loved to have Joe paid Big Ben $6 million a year instead of Nazr. The fact that Big Ben left was his choice. I am sure that Joe would have kept him for $6 million a year and for $6 million a year I would have loved to have had him stay.

Hopefully you now get it.

Thanks

:hoops:

Maceo Baston got the start for Toronto today!

Weird.

Looks like the Celtics are going to go Poof in the night in the Magic Castle.

:hoops:

Magic blew a 20 point lead but still managed to pull it out, thanks to a couple of late 3s by Hedo and a miss by Pierce on the last possession. The Celtics have had trouble with turnovers even in some of their wins, and I think they had 20 in this game.

The Bulls lost again.

Laker bench scored the most points that a Laker bench has in 19.5 years in the drubbing of da bulls.


Andrew Bynum (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3936/;_ylt=AlCOyHf4pFEcyV8GaziB5NCQvLYF) had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers; Jordan Farmar (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/4154/;_ylt=Ai9xnsg0vusSh.rwK64EE16QvLYF) added 14 points and a career-high eight assists;

NBA - Chicago Bulls/Los Angeles Lakers Recap Sunday November 18, 2007 - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2007111813)

:hoops:

Their starting 5 only scored 33 points, and that included Kobe.

Kwame only played 3 minutes as a starter (injury?).

Kwame only played 3 minutes as a starter (injury?).

Lakers center Brown sidelined indefinitely by ligament injury - Wire Services - NBA - MSNBC.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21890563/)

That guys seems to have really bad luck.

He looks like a tank, but always gets injured.

That guys seems to have really bad luck.

He looks like a tank, but always gets injured.

Brown has been a huge disappointment ever since he was drafted. His career is nowhere and he only starts now because Jackson doesn't want to load Bynum up with too many minutes.

Unfortunately Jackson doesn't have a choice right now unless he gives more minutes to Mihm. Drew tired significantly as last year wore on as a result of starting, due to Mihm and Brown both being out, and getting all those minutes. Drew of course is now a year older and stronger so we will see how he handles the extra minutes while Brown is out.

If Mihm can play decent Jackson may still be able to keep Drew's minutes at around 25 -27 a game. I think 30 a game for him at this point in his career is too many, but we shall see.

:hoops:

I liked the way Kwame was playing last year, but he's really bad so far this season.

I liked the way Kwame was playing last year, but he's really bad so far this season.

He only played 41 games last year at 27 MPG and averaged 8 PPG and 6 RPG.

Pretty disappointing for an overall #1 pick considering he was 24 years old last year.

His whole career has been a wash out. If we think Darko was a bad pick at #2 this guy was a lot worse of a pick at #1

Kwame Brown - Los Angeles Lakers - Career Statistics - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3511/career;_ylt=AlHnFl2MoYaBqGKpUFjTGAekvLYF)

:hoops:

I'm certainly not going to argue that he was good for a #1 pick. Maybe a #1 pick in the second round.

But if you look at his 40min stats, it shows that he was doing a lot accross the board:

12.2 points, 8.7 rebs, 2.6 ast, 1.5 stl, and 1.7 blck and he shot 59%.

Not too shabby.

I'm certainly not going to argue that he was good for a #1 pick. Maybe a #1 pick in the second round.

But if you look at his 40min stats, it shows that he was doing a lot accross the board:

12.2 points, 8.7 rebs, 2.6 ast, 1.5 stl, and 1.7 blck and he shot 59%.

Not too shabby.
Decent numbers for a low 1st rounder.

I'm certainly not going to argue that he was good for a #1 pick. Maybe a #1 pick in the second round.

But if you look at his 40min stats, it shows that he was doing a lot accross the board:

12.2 points, 8.7 rebs, 2.6 ast, 1.5 stl, and 1.7 blck and he shot 59%.

Not too shabby.

He plays very good one on one defense.

He has no game on offense and is a mediocre rebounder for a guy of his size. Most of his goals are within 5 feet of the basket on fast breaks, lobs, put backs etc.

He also isn't a very good FT shooter.

:hoops:

The most similar player I could find was Antonio McDyess.

Per 40 this year:

12.7 pts/ 10.3 reb/ 2.0 ast/ 1.1 stl/ 0.1 blk @ 58%

The most similar player I could find was Antonio McDyess.

Per 40 this year:

12.7 pts/ 10.3 reb/ 2.0 ast/ 1.1 stl/ 0.1 blk @ 58%
Yeah, that's Dyess after all the years in the league and horrific injuries. Just proves the point that Brown is nowhere near the 1st pick.

Yeah, that's Dyess after all the years in the league and horrific injuries. Just proves the point that Brown is nowhere near the 1st pick.

Don't forget that Dyess is a member of the best starting five in the NBA.

Also, when you play with Kobe, you pick up the scraps.

Don't forget that Dyess is a member of the best starting five in the NBA.

Also, when you play with Kobe, you pick up the scraps.
Are you saying that McDyess is a fifth wheel?
:stirthepot:
:pound:

Don't forget that Dyess is a member of the best starting five in the NBA.

Also, when you play with Kobe, you pick up the scraps.

The Bulls players that played with Michael also picked up the scraps, but those scraps had a bunch of rings inside the boxes.

:hoops:

Are you saying that McDyess is a fifth wheel?
:stirthepot:
:pound:

He's like training wheels on a Formula One car.

Don't forget that Dyess is a member of the best starting five in the NBA.

News Flash: The Best Starting Five in the NBA as it was commonly referred to by sports announcers, PTI, ESPN and the national sports media referred specifically to:

Chauncey Billups
Rip Hamilton
Tayshaun Prince
Rasheed Wallace
Ben Wallace

2004, 2005, 2006

Nazr, CWebb and Dice are not in this elite company. Which is why I continue to refer to our starters as the Best Starting Four. I notice the phrase hasn't caught on.

The Larry Brown Pistons were the best. Even 2006, they still had it residually.

ESPN just announced that the Lakers made a trade...but, not involving Kobe. They got Trevor Ariza from Orlando in exchange for Brian Cook and Mo Evans.

Brian Cook sucks.

ESPN just announced that the Lakers made a trade...but, not involving Kobe. They got Trevor Ariza from Orlando in exchange for Brian Cook and Mo Evans.

What a blockbuster. Mo Evans will put the Magic over the top. This changes the balance in the NBA.

What a blockbuster. Mo Evans will put the Magic over the top. This changes the balance in the NBA.

Actually, this is a very good trade for the Lakers. They dumped two guys whose idea of defense is to wear deodorant for an athletic player with above average defensive skills and decent enough offensive skills.

This trade will definitely add a couple of wins to their total for the year. Will it be good enough to get to the NBA Finals? Stay tuned.

:hoops:

Was this Cyber Monday or Black Monday?? Most of the favorites lose tonight to teams that only hope they may make the playoffs.

Knicks beat Jazz 113-109?? How come Pistons can't beat the jazz?? Starbury was better than Billups vs Deron?

T-Wolves beat the Hornets 103-94, for only their second win of the season

Wizards beat Mavs in Dallas 110-98 with no Arenas in the line-up

Kings beat Spurs 112-98 handing San Antonio only it's third loss of the season, despite Kevin Martin (the 4th leading scored in NBA) being held to just 10 pts

Warriors beat Suns 129-114 as Steven Jackson, Baron Davis and Monta Ellis combined for 90 points !!! The Warriors have won 6 of 7 since their melt down to the Pistons, and the return of badboy Steven Jackson could be the principle reason.

If only the Celtics had played tonight, they may have fallen too..

By BRETT HUSTON, STATS Writer
There's been little doubt thus far in the NBA season that LeBron James (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3704/;_ylt=AiFHpvrjWC2ebJzB7EUmHHKPvLYF) has been the league's best player and the Boston Celtics (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/bos/;_ylt=AvQND7uWLnBh_lj8wr3OCUuPvLYF) have been the best team.
Oh really?

We are almost a month into the season and the Celtics still haven't.

1. Won on the road against a team with a winning record.
2. Won against any of the top contending teams at home or on the road.

The only top tier team that have beaten is Denver, at home. I would not consider Denver a serious contender in the West, though they are a good team.

I like the Cavs tonight, straight up, vs the Celtics.



:hoops:

I like the Cavs tonight, straight up, vs the Celtics.

Prophetic. Nice call Buddah!

Prophetic. Nice call Buddah!

I also like the Heat against the Celtics on Friday, down in Miami.

:hoops:

I just noticed that JJ Redick doesn't have a point or rebound yet this year.

I think he's been having back trouble or something, but he didn't get any burn last year either.

This guys was the 11th pick and never sees the court. I gotta say though, that there aren't too many guys drafted behind him in 2006 that are doing much. It seems to me that with a couple exceptions, they really nailed the top 10 that year. Maybe Orlando should have gone with Rondo or Farmar.

NBA.com: 2006 Draft Board (http://www.nba.com/draft2006/board.html#r2)

Check Samb was a steal at #51.


It is interesting to see that the Lakers ended up with Ariza by combining Mo Evans + Cook.

Well I just hate all the commentating tonight and Ernie and Charles and Kenny..I hate everyone piling on with glee at the embarrassing loss the Knicks took from the Celtics. I mean let's get real...what did they expect to happen? Isn't that why they chose it as one of their games to show? The media is so sickening. Reggie Miller who I liked the first year of his TNT now is just unsufferably full of himself.

Everyone is speculating the date, the hour, the moment that Isiah will be fired. It's all too sickening. I've had my mute button on for the last quarter so that I don't throw anything at my tv.

I actually think the national sports media might be meaner and more arrogant than the national news media and that's saying alot.

The beloved Celtics didn't have to run up that score either, did they? A really classy gesture for the new and improved "unselfish" franchise? Well maybe someone somewhere will have a kind word for the Knicks who DID try out there tonight. Or as least not believe that artificial storyline that "not a single Knick made any effort, they all quit on their coach, etc etc." I'm sorry but I saw Nate Robinson play hard, David Lee, Renaldo Balkman and a few others.They might not have played well, but they didn't not try. Of course we have to have these simplistic story lines because it would be too much work for someone like Reggie Miller who know the game to point out the players who were playing hard etc.

It's all disgusting. I hope Isiah doesn't lose his job sooner just because of some media idiots. I don't know, maybe he should lose it but practically throwing confetti with joy over the loss and the prospect of a coach's firing is just plain unseemly. (unless it was Flip of course:))

Well I just hate all the commentating tonight and Ernie and Charles and Kenny..I hate everyone piling on with glee at the embarrassing loss the Knicks took from the Celtics. I mean let's get real...what did they expect to happen? Isn't that why they chose it as one of their games to show? The media is so sickening. Reggie Miller who I liked the first year of his TNT now is just unsufferably full of himself.

Everyone is speculating the date, the hour, the moment that Isiah will be fired. It's all too sickening. I've had my mute button on for the last quarter so that I don't throw anything at my tv.

I actually think the national sports media might be meaner and more arrogant than the national news media and that's saying alot.

The beloved Celtics didn't have to run up that score either, did they? A really classy gesture for the new and improved "unselfish" franchise? Well maybe someone somewhere will have a kind word for the Knicks who DID try out there tonight. Or as least not believe that artificial storyline that "not a single Knick made any effort, they all quit on their coach, etc etc." I'm sorry but I saw Nate Robinson play hard, David Lee, Renaldo Balkman and a few others.They might not have played well, but they didn't not try. Of course we have to have these simplistic story lines because it would be too much work for someone like Reggie Miller who know the game to point out the players who were playing hard etc.

It's all disgusting. I hope Isiah doesn't lose his job sooner just because of some media idiots. I don't know, maybe he should lose it but practically throwing confetti with joy over the loss and the prospect of a coach's firing is just plain unseemly. (unless it was Flip of course:))


It was indeed an embarrasing game for TNT to showcase, but who knew?? Well we kind of thought it may be like this but we didn't know that the Knick players would just go out and quit on Isaiah on national TV. If this was another team in another city, it would stll be bad, but this is NYC, the Rotten, I mean Big Apple and fans/media which are already calling for his hide will be asking for his soul and first born (Joshua?) by tomorrow.

IMO, I think Zeke should just quit like his players are doing and abandon and this sinking ship. He must have a lot of pride to put up with NYFan and this BS even though he brought some of it on himself. Let big mouth Reggie go coach them and see what he can do. :) Meanwhile what big man can we pry from that roster to help us get over the hump...???

All I can say about the Knicks is wow. I have never seen a team quit like that before. Zeke I hope you are making a call to Joe tonight about who we want on the Pistons (cough kevin and danny cough cough):stirthepot:

All I can say about the Knicks is wow. I have never seen a team quit like that before. Zeke I hope you are making a call to Joe tonight about who we want on the Pistons (cough kevin and danny cough cough):stirthepot:


yeah zeke how bout trading a couple of studs to your friend Joe before you leave get kicked out of the Gahden...you can have Flip, Nazr, Dupree and give us Zack's 18 and 12 or maybe Curry or Crawford. Sure each of them may have some issues now, but that should fix it self once they put on a Piston Jersey. Joe will give you a job scouting in Europe and you hide over there until the heat in NYC dies down...:pound:

yeah zeke how bout trading a couple of studs to your friend Joe before you leave get kicked out of the Gahden...you can have Flip, Nazr, Dupree and give us Zack's 18 and 12 or maybe Curry or Crawford. Sure each of them may have some issues now, but that should fix it self once they put on a Piston Jersey. Joe will give you a job scouting in Europe and you hide over there until the heat in NYC dies down...:pound:

I think Joe D. should trade Lindsey to the Knicks for Zeke. Zeke could suit up as player coach. Rather have him out there for 5 minutes a game, even today, than Hunter. LOL

:hoops:

You gotta love Smush (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3134096)...


Heat guard Smush Parker (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3662) missed practice Thursday in the wake of a dispute with a parking valet service.

Police said Parker got into an argument Tuesday morning over whether he had paid a $12 valet parking fee at a condominium.

Parker has not been charged. He also missed Tuesday's game against Charlotte.

"We are currently investigating the reported incident," coach Pat Riley said in a statement. "Until we have concluded it, Smush will not be with the team. He has not been suspended and is currently on our inactive list. This is a legal matter, and we will have no further comment until the legal process runs its course."


Did the dispute somehow revolve around his name being "Parker"? :lol:

When I turned the TV off last night, the Nuggets were up double digits on the Lakers in the second quarter...then I wake up to see this score (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271129013)? WTF?!

The Warriors are on a big-time roll, 8-7 now after starting 0-6. They pounded the Rockets last night by 19, even though Houston was coming off a huge win at Phoenix. GS held Yao and TMac to only 21 points combined.

You gotta love Smush (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3134096)...



Did the dispute somehow revolve around his name being "Parker"? :lol:


Nov 30, 2007 04:30 AM
MIAMI–Heat guard Smush Parker has been sent home by the team while it investigates an alleged arm-twisting incident, coach Pat Riley said yesterday.


Yomaira McKenzie of Miami told the Miami Herald Parker got upset when she asked him to pay a $12 valet charge at the building where he owns a condo. She alleges the player twisted her arm.

She said she is seeking criminal charges against Parker, who claimed he had paid the fee the night before but was refused his keys, prompting him to grab her arm, according to a police report


TheStar.com | Sports | Heat's Smush feels a chill (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/281307)

:hoops:

Hmmm. Maturity issues.

When I turned the TV off last night, the Nuggets were up double digits on the Lakers in the second quarter...then I wake up to see this score (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271129013)? WTF?!

The Warriors are on a big-time roll, 8-7 now after starting 0-6. They pounded the Rockets last night by 19, even though Houston was coming off a huge win at Phoenix. GS held Yao and TMac to only 21 points combined.

Say What?


Luke Walton (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3735/;_ylt=AlF.QWIL59qpgM.eQgSR_LyQvLYF) added a career-high 14 points in 27 minutes.
He averaged 11.4 PPG last year.


2006-2007:
Appeared in 60 games (all starts), averaging 11.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.00 steals in 33.0 minutes ... Ranked third on the team in scoring, assists, steals and minutes ... Posted five double-doubles … Scored 20-plus points on four occasions
I think the writer meant season high of 14 points.

NBA - Denver Nuggets/Los Angeles Lakers Recap Thursday November 29, 2007 - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2007112913)

Luke Walton - Los Angeles Lakers - Career Statistics - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3735/career;_ylt=ArWmajMqbWXMm2Npxfj3cX.kvLYF)

NBA.com : Luke Walton Bio Page (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/luke_walton/bio.html)

:hoops:

When I turned the TV off last night, the Nuggets were up double digits on the Lakers in the second quarter...then I wake up to see this score (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271129013)? WTF?!

The Warriors are on a big-time roll, 8-7 now after starting 0-6. They pounded the Rockets last night by 19, even though Houston was coming off a huge win at Phoenix. GS held Yao and TMac to only 21 points combined.


The Warriors have only one loss (to the Celtics) since Steven Jackson returned...maybe he is a MVP candidate!?:gun1::)

My question is who do you think will be better this year, The Knicks or The Celtics? lol.

BIG 3? BIG DEAL (http://www.nypost.com/seven/11292007/sports/knicks/big_3__big_deal_578613.htm)

This article was written before the Celtics/ Knicks game. That is what makes it so amusing.

It's not that big a deal to us," Richardson said of facing the 11-2 Celtics. “It's like the media makes more of The Big Three and all of them. We're not in awe of them. They ain't won no championships. They have a good record right now, but that don't matter. Dallas showed that [last season].

“They're not that deep of a team," Richardson said. “After those three, there's a significant dropoff."



That's because the rivalry is somewhat personal for Richardson, who jawed with Pierce during an altercation-filled preseason victory by the Knicks at the Garden last month just days after a 40-point Celtics rout in Boston.

Maybe the memories of that are why Richardson didn't appear too worried about firing up the Celtics with his bulletin board comments. “They were going to be fired up to play us anyway because the last time we played them, we beat them in the preseason in a game," Richardson said.

Boston showed tremendous restraint by taking out their big 3 in the 3rd quarter. That was so nice of them.

My question is who do you think will be better this year, The Knicks or The Celtics? lol.

The Knicks are better for sure. Just you wait.

:hoops:

BIG 3? BIG DEAL (http://www.nypost.com/seven/11292007/sports/knicks/big_3__big_deal_578613.htm)

Boston showed tremendous restraint by taking out their big 3 in the 3rd quarter. That was so nice of them.

The should have taken them out after the first quarter.

:hoops:

BIG 3? BIG DEAL (http://www.nypost.com/seven/11292007/sports/knicks/big_3__big_deal_578613.htm)

This article was written before the Celtics/ Knicks game. That is what makes it so amusing.







Boston showed tremendous restraint by taking out their big 3 in the 3rd quarter. That was so nice of them.
Garnett's post game comments referrenced Q's comments and he indicated that they did discuss it in the locker room and during warmups. Richardson hasn't had a good season since he split up with Brandy:MusicBigGrin:

The should have taken them out after the first quarter.

:hoops:
Doc actually took Garnett and Allen out to begin the second quarter and the Celtics looked like their oldselves for about 4 mins matching bricks with the Knicks, even with Pierce in there. Once he brought back Shuttlesworth and then KG, they turned an 11 point lead into a 23 point lead by halftime. Doc could have sat his big 3 to start the third, but that is when they really turned it on as the Knick players decided to stay in the lockeroom. :cold:

Richardson hasn't had a good season since he split up with Brandy:MusicBigGrin:

Neither has Brandy. lol.

Delfino having a rather large night.

24 points in only 21 minutes so far.

11 shot attempts.

Delfino having a rather large night.

24 points in only 21 minutes so far.

11 shot attempts.


24 pts, 8 boards and including hitting 4 three balls vs the Cavs tonight. If he had gotten the opportunity to play and put up half those number vs the Cavs in last years playoffs, (or any game) we would have advanced and he'd still be on the Pistons. Joe drafts decent players and Flip destroys their abilities by not playing and then go to othjer teams to blossom.....:yellowprison:

Zeke is spared another day or game as the Knicks coach as his team rallies back from a 16 point deficit to beat the Bucks. How many of us watching this game were pulling for knicks after they laid an egg last knight. Starbury went down with back spasms and Crawford picked them up in crunch time. If tay was as aggressive as Crawford, he would average over 20 a game.

Jazz 52 points in the paint in the first half against the Lakers tonight and that was without Boozer and Okur.

This Fesenko kid looks pretty good.

:hoops:

Delfino has an eFG% of .523 this year.

Looks like the man CAN shoot.

.560 on his shots outside the paint, which is higher than any Piston. The good news for us is that Hayes is the closest with .520 on jumpers.

I also like the Heat against the Celtics on Friday, down in Miami.

:hoops:

Almost. After being down 22 going into the 4th quarter, the Heat did a little dead cat bounce and forced KG to put his shoes back on and check in.

I didn't see the Heat-Celtics game tonight from Miami, but what a weird boxscore--Boston was already up 18 at halftime before outscoring the Heat 24-10 in the 3rd quarter, only to get outscored 34-12 in the 4th while almost blowing the game! Ray-Ray was a felonious 3-17 from the floor, but he went 10-11 from the line to end up with 17 points. J-Will was big off the bench with 22, but Wade was 2-11 from the floor and 6-11 from the line for only 10. The two teams combined to hit 20 threes, but they also turned it over 41 times.

Miami is now 4-11, and they start a punishing Western conference road trip on Sunday consisting of 6 games in 8 days. If they go 2-4 on that trip, they'll probably have last place in the East all to themselves; they're tied with the Bulls now for that unwelcome mark.

Almost. After being down 22 going into the 4th quarter, the Heat did a little dead cat bounce and forced KG to put his shoes back on and check in.

According to the box score, the Heat were down by 32 going into the 4th.

According to the box score, the Heat were down by 32 going into the 4th.

At the beginning of the 4th quarter the Heat outscored the Celtics 22 - 1.

After that the officials took over and the Celtics won it at the free throw line.

:hoops:

I'll take your word for it, though somehow I find it difficult to have much sympathy for the Heat coming up on the short end of some ticky-tack calls... :hand:

I think that Allen and Pierce missed 21 shots in a row at one point... and they still won! That is weird.

Funny sequence just now in the Heat-Nuggets game from Denver (where the Heat are getting stomped in the 2nd quarter): Shaq missed a wide open dunk, got the rebound, and missed the follow-up layup. Nuggets scored on the other end, and then Mark Blount stepped over the baseline on the inbounds pass for a turnover, which the Nuggets capitalized on for 2 more points.

The Magic made the Lakers go puff in the night in Hollywood land yesterday. Their front court is as good as any in the league.

They now have added some serviceable role bench players in Mo E. and Cookie.

I think that they are better than the Knicks (LOL) and could be a serious playoff team next May.

:hoops:

Another road win by the Magic Castle guys.

They keep moving along.

West coast trip, no problem

There starting front court is as good as there is in the league.

Dunkin Dwight had 23 off the glass.

Evans is getting some serious burn.

Looking good

NBA - Orlando Magic/Golden State Warriors Box Score Monday December 3, 2007 - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore?gid=2007120309)

:hoops:

Did anyone here watch that Magic/ Warriors game last night?

The refs made one of the worst calls I've ever seen at the end of regulation.

The Magic are down 2 and have the ball with about 20 seconds. One of the ORL players drive to the hoop and miss the shot. Dwight Howard goes flying through the air, catches the ball and gets intentially hacked on his game tying dunk attempt. He's off balance from the foul and hangs on the rim for about .5 seconds before dropping to the ground. He has a huge smile on his face (like he can't believe he didn't tie the game) and he playfully punches the soft backstop. Two refs blow their whistles and one of them indicates that it is a tech for hanging on the rim while the other argues that it is a tech for punching the backstop. So they give Golden State a technical free throw with 15 secs to make it a 3 point game.

Dwight, unfazed, goes on to make both free throws, and they end up getting it to overtime somehow.


It was just a really strange tech given the magnitude of the situation. Dwight had this youthful enthusiasm that was totally misinterpreted by the refs.

Did anyone here watch that Magic/ Warriors game last night?

The refs made one of the worst calls I've ever seen at the end of regulation.

The Magic are down 2 and have the ball with about 20 seconds. One of the ORL players drive to the hoop and miss the shot. Dwight Howard goes flying through the air, catches the ball and gets intentially hacked on his game tying dunk attempt. He's off balance from the foul and hangs on the rim for about .5 seconds before dropping to the ground. He has a huge smile on his face (like he can't believe he didn't tie the game) and he playfully punches the soft backstop. Two refs blow their whistles and one of them indicates that it is a tech for hanging on the rim while the other argues that it is a tech for punching the backstop. So they give Golden State a technical free throw with 15 secs to make it a 3 point game.

Dwight, unfazed, goes on to make both free throws, and they end up getting it to overtime somehow.


It was just a really strange tech given the magnitude of the situation. Dwight had this youthful enthusiasm that was totally misinterpreted by the refs.

Maybe the refs are acting on unwritten orders from Stern to help the Celtics maintain the best record in the ECF?

:hoops:

Even the GS announcers were baffled. They said something to the effect of "we don't want to win this way."

Boy are the T-Wolves terrible.

A. Walker looks like he couldn't run a 100 meter dash without collapsing before the finish line.

:hoops:

AI lit it early tonight 45 or so after 3 but Kobe did a pretty good job on him late made one great alleyoop pass to Drew and scored a couple of key late baskets after taking an very hard fall on his left shoulder earlier in the game.

Got to give credit where credit is due. Kobe can not only play but he is one heck of a gamer. Tough as nails man. Once he picked himself off the floor with a grimace on his face that would have sent 90% plus of all players to the locker room for the night at half time he came back out in the second half and didn't grimace or wince once.

He got banged pretty good on one drive to the basket but out of respect the Nuggets players, two of them, banged him in the back and not on his shoulder, which they could have easily done.

:hoops:

The Heat fell to 0-4 on their 6 game Western conference trip as the Warriors blew up for 38 in the 4th quarter, ending the game on a 26-9 run to overcome a double digit deficit. Miami could possibly get off the schneid Sunday at the Clippers, but they almost certainly won't head home with anything better than a 1-5 record on this trip, since it ends in Phoenix on Monday.

Shaq's whining (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3145891) might get worse after this game, perhaps with some justification, as he went 6-6 from the floor and had a double-double but only played 21 minutes, despite not being in any foul trouble. I didn't see the whole 4th quarter, but he certainly wasn't on the floor during any of the crunch time minutes when the Warriors made their decisive run; he might not have played at all in the entire quarter.

I don't think the Miami Heat can get away with letting Shaq sit down for a 3 month injury like they have in the past even though they are in the East where there are only three +.500 teams right now.

This is pretty funny, from a chat on ESPN.com:


Matt (New York, NY): JA, What else can go wrong for this Knicks this year? My mom was watching "Days Of Our Lives" the other day and I told her how could she watch this junk, she shot back with how do you watch the Knicks. Have to admit she shut me up real quick ouch!

J.A. Adande: Mom gets the line of the year.

The problem with mom's remarks is that in a number of their games the Knicks play good teams that are definitely worth watching or a team like Seattle with K. Durant who is definitely worth watching.

Whereas on Mom's TV shows none of it is worth watching.

Mom should stick with her soap operas.

:hoops:

Best Two of Three

http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2007/1209/nba_ap_kobe_baron_580.jpg

The guy in the yellow jersey is ahead on points but not by much.

ESPN - Daily Dime: Phil won't give in to Nellie's small tactics - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-071210)

:hoops:

The Hawks beat the magic in Orlando, Heat beat Suns in Phoenix? Sixers beat Rockets..(tmac rolls ankle)..was this parity night in the NBA??

Suns lost to Twolves over the weekend too...did Grant Hill go this no defense team in error??

has Shaq and Wade finally got it togther..winning back to back games out here on the west coast after dropping the first four...Did Shaq and Riles visit some old friends in LA yesterday that gave them the winning touch??? Lets hope not.

The Heat couldn't bottle whatever they had going in that Phoenix win, Dre. They lost at home last night to the Gilbert-less Wiz, who had lost 8 straight times in Miami and 15 of 16 overall against the Heat. Miami still has the worst record in the East, down in the cellar with the lowly Knicks, although they're also still only 4 games out of the last playoff spot.

Drew got two quickies last night and tossed during the 3rd quarter of the Lakers - Stones game. Lakers won against a Stones team without Duncan and Parker.


:hoops:

Drew got two quickies last night and tossed during the 3rd quarter of the Lakers - Stones game. Lakers won against a Stones team without Duncan and Parker.


:hoops:

I thought we were the Stones, I'm confused.

I thought we were the Stones, I'm confused.

My bad. I have used Stones as a nickname for the Spurs

:hoops:

If we're the 'stones', then they are the 'urs'.

If we're the 'stones', then they are the 'urs'.
Or how about "Purs"? :pound:

Or how about "Purs"? :pound:


Now you're talking about the Lions (or the Tigers)! :MusicBigGrin::stirthepot:

Now you're talking about the Lions (or the Tigers)! :MusicBigGrin::stirthepot:

Hold on there.

The Tigers are a harder hitting team than the Lions.

A tiger

http://i.pbase.com/u47/dusty_d/large/30103161.DSCN10260copy.jpg




A lion.

http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionsec/images/seaview-lion-cub.jpg



:hoops:

More praises for Drew


Andrew Bynum, L.A. Lakers Famously better than Kobe Bryant (http://dberri.wordpress.com/2007/12/04/andrew-bynum-is-getting-even/) (or perhaps not? (http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/12/04/bynum-kobe-you-crazy)), Bynum has made strides each season. Now he's nearly averaging a double-double (10.9 points and 9.7 rebounds) in just 26.1 minutes a night. Last season, my concern with Bynum was that he was taking an Eddy Curry career path--big numbers that don't necessarily help his team--but Bynum has become a better post defender. His net plus-minus (http://www.82games.com/0708/07LAL16D.HTM) is a strong +7.2 points per 100 possessions, and Bynum was a big reason the Lakers bench was so effective before he stepped into the starting lineup.


Stamina was the focus for Bynum in the offseason, and while he has increased his minutes per game, for him to be a star he's going to have to get to the point where he is playing at least 30 minutes every night. That and playing a bigger role in t