Sports: NBA

[reapersaurus]

This is the first season in MANY years that I am legitimately worried about my Kings' playoff chances.
I am glad they got rid of Adelman (the man simply did not coach), but losing Bonzi was a huge blow.

They look so bad on offense, the other team has a better chance to score when the Kings have the ball than the Kings do. :evil:

On the plus side, our defense is pretty darn solid this year, so it's hard to say whether they'll learn some new offensive plays to keep them in games.
A pick and roll would help - almost every team in the NBA relies on it, and we don;t even try it. :headshake:


ummm... I posted this 15th.
Somehow it got marked as the 1st post in the thread. ???

[Joah]

Did anybody else see the Bulls punch the Heat in the mouth the other night? It was brutal, and I loved it.

Mark my words,(Nov 3, 06) but, barring any huge injury, the Bulls are gonna be there at the end.

I say that as a HUGE Bucks fan.
Man, I hate that their in our division.
The Central is tough, Pistons, Bulls, Pacers(maybe not so much anymore) the improved Cavs.
The new look Bucks are going to be in the too, I hope.

Reaper, any friendly bets on Saturdays game? :wink:

Edit: I posted this 16th, and I'm 2nd.

[Joah]

Did anybody else see the Bulls punch the Heat in the mouth the other night? It was brutal, and I loved it.

Mark my words,(Nov 3, 06) but, barring any huge injury, the Bulls are gonna be there at the end.

I say that as a HUGE Bucks fan.
Man, I hate that their in our division.
The Central is tough, Pistons, Bulls, Pacers(maybe not so much anymore) the improved Cavs.
The new look Bucks are going to be in the mix too, I hope.

Reaper, any friendly bets on Saturdays game? :wink:

[reapersaurus]

Did anybody else see the Bulls punch the Heat in the mouth the other night? It was brutal, and I loved it.

Mark my words,(Nov 3, 06) but, barring any huge injury, the Bulls are gonna be there at the end.

I say that as a HUGE Bucks fan.
Man, I hate that their in our division.
The Central is tough, Pistons, Bulls, Pacers(maybe not so much anymore) the improved Cavs.
The new look Bucks are going to be in the mix too, I hope.

Reaper, any friendly bets on Saturdays game? :wink:Yeah, I bet ya $20 that the Kings will lose to the Bulls on the Bulls' opening night.

I think it is BS that the Kings EVERY YEAR are forced to open up 3 teams home floor seasons.
I don;t know how many years this is in a row, but it seems like every year the Kings have to start the season out in a hole, because they played their first 3 games against other teams' opening home nights.

And we all know teams usually win on their home openers - I'll bet it's upwards of 75% win rate for the home team. :roll:

[toddrew]

Here it is, what you've all been clamouring for (yes, that is sarcasm), a thread on which to opine all things NBA.

Nuggets fan here, didn't get to watch their opener last night, but I thought they were going to handle the Clippers easily. Which, reading the recap, it seems that they were on their way to doing when Carmelo Anthony fouled out in the third. Also of note, Andre Miller was 0-11 from the floor and Martin 3-8 from the line and they let Tim Thomas hit three threes at the end of the game before Cassell got a make up call to sink the winning free throws.

So hopefully this is just a game that they tanked and not a sign of trends to follow. We'll (or more accurately, I suppose, "I will") see...

[Fourshadow]

Shouldn't this be elsewhere? How does it relate to Heroscape?! :?

[Agent Minivann]

The only thing that makes me think is Anthony fouling out in the third (I just saw that it was a 2nd technical, not a 6th foul). I think there are some question marks hanging over the Nuggets, but that can be said of most teams. I liked what I saw of the Jazz's opener. I'm also curious to see how Amare Stoudemire does this year.

[Finrod]

Once he ditches the cape, Acolarh might have a career in the NBA. He seems tall enough, and elves are pretty light on their feet. Might need a haircut, though.

And can elves dunk?

[Uprising]

The only thing that makes me think is Anthony fouling out in the third (I just saw that it was a 2nd technical, not a 6th foul). I think there are some question marks hanging over the Nuggets, but that can be said of most teams. I liked what I saw of the Jazz's opener. I'm also curious to see how Amare Stoudemire does this year.

I think Amare is gonna do fine. The Suns have one of the top five squads in the game today. It's hard to beat Nash, Marion, Amare, and about 8 other good solid players(Barbarosa, Diop). As long as the Jazz have Andrei Kirilenko, I think they are gonna be in good shape. I think he is one of the most under-rated players in the NBA. His game is very very solid. Guy can take it anywhere. Strong on D, and can score from either inside or outside. Plus, he used to sport a Mohawk. I unfortunantly am a Knicks fan, and boy do they stink. Highest payroll, and nothing to show for it. I HATE Stephon Marbury and Isiah Thomas.

[Agent Minivann]

Uprising, did the local media say anything about what Thomas was smoking when he pulled the trigger on the trade that brought Francis to New York? Marbury and Francis on the same team is absolute genius. It's like he's screaming at the top of his lungs, "FIRE ME".

[player_of_volleyball]

I myself am a rockets fan. I was suprized about our opening game. I think Yao needs to stop going easy on these guys and play his top game. This guy should be a moster on the court. He has about 4 inches on Shaq and that sayin sumthin. Yao should be getting about 25 rebounds and 30+ points every game with all that power he has. Well that just my :2cents:

[Bannister]

GO GRIZZLIES!!!

Great opening game, bad final score. :(

We lost to the stinking Knicks!

Bannister

PS No offense meant Uprising

[Uprising]

Uprising, did the local media say anything about what Thomas was smoking when he pulled the trigger on the trade that brought Francis to New York? Marbury and Francis on the same team is absolute genius. It's like he's screaming at the top of his lungs, "FIRE ME".

I think Thomas is just bad at what he does. He is a perfect example of a good player, but an awful coach/manager. I'm was glad when he replaced out last GM, Scott Layden, but so far nothing Isiah has done impressed me. Yea, he drafted T-Mac and Marcus Camby years ago, but Camby is ALWAYS injured and T-Mac is soft and overrated, and neither is on the Knicks. I'm glad Malone gave Thomas an elbow to the eye all those years ago.

As for the Marbury and Francis thing. I'm still trying to find out what the point of that was. We now have Francis, Marbuy, Nate Robinson and Jamal Crawford. Four Point Guards. Francis is a soft crybaby and Marbury is a selfish, glamourqueen. They both have big egos and will not be working very well together.

[markwars]

As a Mavs fan I have to say that last night looked all too familar. :(

[noodles]

My Magic looked very impressive in Game 1 against Chicago. Tonight is Phili and I think we'll be going 2-0 to start the season.

[Uprising]

As a Mavs fan I have to say that last night looked all too familar. :(

I feel so bad for the Hornets. Being stuck in that division is NOT easy. You have the Big 3 Texas teams and Memphis is darn good too.

My Magic looked very impressive in Game 1 against Chicago. Tonight is Phili and I think we'll be going 2-0 to start the season.

I'm very excited to see how Dwight Howard does this year. I predict he'll have a killer year. Darko should also see some playing time, so that we can see what he's made of. It's unfortunate that Larry Brown benched him the whole time he was in Detroit. Darko could have learned some thigs being out on the floor with those guys.

We lost to the stinking Knicks!

Yea, no offense taken. The Knicks do in fact stink something awful.

[yanks114kd]

I am a nuggets fans aswell. hope this year with lead to a longer playoff run go MELO #15

[noodles]

As a Mavs fan I have to say that last night looked all too familar. :(

I feel so bad for the Hornets. Being stuck in that division is NOT easy. You have the Big 3 Texas teams and Memphis is darn good too.

My Magic looked very impressive in Game 1 against Chicago. Tonight is Phili and I think we'll be going 2-0 to start the season.

I'm very excited to see how Dwight Howard does this year. I predict he'll have a killer year. Darko should also see some playing time, so that we can see what he's made of. It's unfortunate that Larry Brown benched him the whole time he was in Detroit. Darko could have learned some thigs being out on the floor with those guys.

We lost to the stinking Knicks!

Yea, no offense taken. The Knicks do in fact stink something awful.

I totally agree about Darko. Although it remains to be seen if he was benched for good reason, it seems to me they didn't even give him a chance! I think he'll be good once he gets the minutes - I mean he was a #2 pick. I agree - Dwight Howard is going to become a beast. Has it really been 10 years since Shaq turned traitor?

[Agent Minivann]

As a Mavs fan I have to say that last night looked all too familar. :(

I feel so bad for the Hornets. Being stuck in that division is NOT easy. You have the Big 3 Texas teams and Memphis is darn good too.

My Magic looked very impressive in Game 1 against Chicago. Tonight is Phili and I think we'll be going 2-0 to start the season.

I'm very excited to see how Dwight Howard does this year. I predict he'll have a killer year. Darko should also see some playing time, so that we can see what he's made of. It's unfortunate that Larry Brown benched him the whole time he was in Detroit. Darko could have learned some thigs being out on the floor with those guys.

We lost to the stinking Knicks!

Yea, no offense taken. The Knicks do in fact stink something awful.

I totally agree about Darko. Although it remains to be seen if he was benched for good reason, it seems to me they didn't even give him a chance! I think he'll be good once he gets the minutes - I mean he was a #2 pick. I agree - Dwight Howard is going to become a beast. Has it really been 10 years since Shaq turned traitor?

I have my doubts about Darko, but I also really like Joe Dumars. He's made some great moves. He's yin to Thomas' yang. Or is it the other way around.

PS I live in Utah, but I'm a Spurs fan.

[Pattar007]

The Hawks rule. (Yeah that's sarcasem. We suck)

[Uprising]

The Hawks rule. (Yeah that's sarcasem. We suck)

They beat the Knicks last night. It was one ugly game. Two awful teams. Knicks vs Indiana tonight at MSG. Great rivalry. I don't really like Indiana, but man, Jermaine O'Neal is goooood!

PS I live in Utah, but I'm a Spurs fan.

I am probably in the minority here, but I think the Spurs are fun to watch. They aren't flashy and high flying, but they are the best cohesive squad in the game imho, and when they are on(which is more often than not) they are great to watch.

Has it really been 10 years since Shaq turned traitor?

Shaq. I think this may be his last year. I mean, how much play can a man of that size possibly endure. His joints HAVE to hurt after all these years. His stats are way down, and he can't move nearly as well as he used to. Is he still dominant? Obviously, but he doesn't command the floor like he used to.

Anyone remember SHAQ-FU? What a bad bad game that was.

[noodles]

So much for a 2-0 Orlando start. Iverson hit a shot with 2.2 seconds left to give Phili the win.


And the whole Francis trade to the Knicks - better the Knicks than the Magic. Stevie the "franchise".....more like Steve the "cancer".

[noodles]

I remember Shaq-Fu, I even had Shaq Diesel his first rap cd. I was a fan of FuSchnickens back then.

[Uprising]

So much for a 2-0 Orlando start. Iverson hit a shot with 2.2 seconds left to give Phili the win.


And the whole Francis trade to the Knicks - better the Knicks than the Magic. Stevie the "franchise".....more like Steve the "cancer".

We have both Starbury and The Franchise. I mean Stephon Marbury gave himself that name, c'mon. You can't give yourself a nickname. Especially when your not proven. I say both guys are team "cancers". I think they're both prime examples of spoiled NBA stars.

Yea, tough break on that Iverson shot. I only saw the highlights, but it's something he's familiar with. Say what you will about Iverson, but I don't know many guys in the NBA who play that hard night in and night out.

[Agent Minivann]

I can't believe the Jazz beat the Suns in Phoenix. They did really good in the first few games of the last few seasons, so I'm reserving judgement on just how good they are. Still I can't believe they did it.

I have to count you as one of the real basketball fans, Uprising. I think enjoying watching the Spurs play is almost an acid test for being a real fan. It is always real fun to watch an effective team IMO.

What do you think about the Nets, Uprising? A friend from high school in Arizona moved to Brooklyn, and he's a big Nets fan now.

[Uprising]

I can't believe the Jazz beat the Suns in Phoenix. They did really good in the first few games of the last few seasons, so I'm reserving judgement on just how good they are. Still I can't believe they did it.

I have to count you as one of the real basketball fans, Uprising. I think enjoying watching the Spurs play is almost an acid test for being a real fan. It is always real fun to watch an effective team IMO.

What do you think about the Nets, Uprising? A friend from high school in Arizona moved to Brooklyn, and he's a big Nets fan now.

I love watching an effective team also. Don't get me wrong, I'm always up for a high flying dunk or an insane split second 3-pointer, but too many teams play as individuals and I think it makes the game suffer. The Spurs Cavs game the other day was great to watch.

I actually hate the Nets. Probably more than any other. Although the Lakers and Celtics fall pretty close. NY only has room for one NBA team, and that's the Knicks . It also doesn't help that the Nets always destroy the Knicks. I'm not a fan of Jason Kidd or Richard Jefferson and I really didn't like Kenyon Martin when he was on the Nets either.

[toddrew]

I really didn't like Kenyon Martin when he was on the Nets either.

I am going on my third year of trying to like him, but he makes it so difficult :lol: He scores points with me by overcoming his stutter to speak publicly (though it's hard to swallow what he was saying last year...), and I'm a sucker for empathizing/forgiving the "bulldog front" as it were - outwardly tough guy hiding inner insecurities - which he seems a classic example of.

Anyway, 2 games in and the Nuggets are already killing me. All those articles about the improved offense and Anthony's eagerness to take over the leadership mantle should have tipped me off :lol:

[noodles]

So much for a 2-0 Orlando start. Iverson hit a shot with 2.2 seconds left to give Phili the win.


And the whole Francis trade to the Knicks - better the Knicks than the Magic. Stevie the "franchise".....more like Steve the "cancer".

We have both Starbury and The Franchise. I mean Stephon Marbury gave himself that name, c'mon. You can't give yourself a nickname. Especially when your not proven. I say both guys are team "cancers". I think they're both prime examples of spoiled NBA stars.

Yea, tough break on that Iverson shot. I only saw the highlights, but it's something he's familiar with. Say what you will about Iverson, but I don't know many guys in the NBA who play that hard night in and night out.

White boy Carver had an incredible shooting night and he just couldn't be stopped. The only reason he wasn't a factor at the end of the game was because he picked up foul #5 with 5 minutes left. But Iverson is amazing. For his height to be able to score over 30 consistently is just amazing. Next up for the Magic is Atlanta. 2-1, here we come....

[noodles]

I can't believe the Jazz beat the Suns in Phoenix. They did really good in the first few games of the last few seasons, so I'm reserving judgement on just how good they are. Still I can't believe they did it.

I have to count you as one of the real basketball fans, Uprising. I think enjoying watching the Spurs play is almost an acid test for being a real fan. It is always real fun to watch an effective team IMO.

What do you think about the Nets, Uprising? A friend from high school in Arizona moved to Brooklyn, and he's a big Nets fan now.

Chalk me up as a true fan also. I love that the Spurs are a team not a bunch of slamming individuals. Same reason I was pulling for Phoenix last year without Amare, they were playing great team ball.

This whole "team" concept is a big reason why so many players from overseas are in the NBA now and why Team USA can't seem to win anymore.

[noodles]

NY only has room for one NBA team, and that's the Knicks .

I'm not a fan of moving the Nets to Brooklyn either. That's almost as bad as moving the New Jersey Giants into Manhattan.

[noodles]

Well.....missed freethrows and turnovers = loss. Chalk one up for Atlanta. Magic 1-2.

[Uprising]

I can't believe the Jazz beat the Suns in Phoenix. They did really good in the first few games of the last few seasons, so I'm reserving judgement on just how good they are. Still I can't believe they did it.

I have to count you as one of the real basketball fans, Uprising. I think enjoying watching the Spurs play is almost an acid test for being a real fan. It is always real fun to watch an effective team IMO.

What do you think about the Nets, Uprising? A friend from high school in Arizona moved to Brooklyn, and he's a big Nets fan now.

Chalk me up as a true fan also. I love that the Spurs are a team not a bunch of slamming individuals. Same reason I was pulling for Phoenix last year without Amare, they were playing great team ball.

This whole "team" concept is a big reason why so many players from overseas are in the NBA now and why Team USA can't seem to win anymore.

I couldn't agree more. The Euro players come over with some good fundamentals and a knowledge of what team play is. I think it takes the USA players more time to develop and mature, if they ever do at all!

[noodles]

I can't believe the Jazz beat the Suns in Phoenix. They did really good in the first few games of the last few seasons, so I'm reserving judgement on just how good they are. Still I can't believe they did it.

I have to count you as one of the real basketball fans, Uprising. I think enjoying watching the Spurs play is almost an acid test for being a real fan. It is always real fun to watch an effective team IMO.

What do you think about the Nets, Uprising? A friend from high school in Arizona moved to Brooklyn, and he's a big Nets fan now.

Chalk me up as a true fan also. I love that the Spurs are a team not a bunch of slamming individuals. Same reason I was pulling for Phoenix last year without Amare, they were playing great team ball.

This whole "team" concept is a big reason why so many players from overseas are in the NBA now and why Team USA can't seem to win anymore.

I couldn't agree more. The Euro players come over with some good fundamentals and a knowledge of what team play is. I think it takes the USA players more time to develop and mature, if they ever do at all!

Another big reason we can't win overseas in international competition is because we throw a team together at the last minute and just expect them to win on pure talent alone. The rest of the world has almost caught up to us and they certainly have better fundamentals. I think that what we did this year with the world championships was a great idea. We got a team together with Coach K and forced them to practice together for 2 months prior to the tourney and we did better but still lost but that has a lot to do with the fact that these international teams practice together for years. I think with Coach K and a continuing international team we should win the next one in 2 years but if we don't then we all just need to accept that we're not the best in basketball anymore...stop making excuses and start giving these other countries some props.

[noodles]

Magic beat Washington...2-2.

[Uprising]

Magic beat Washington...2-2.

Knicks are still rockin at 1-3. Our Starting freakin PG (Marbury) had 3 assists? Steve Nash dishes out more assists than that on the toilet. As a matter of fact, Tony Parker had 10 assists tonight. The WHOLE Knicks team had 12. What a joke.

Back to what your saying about Euros dominating international BB right now Noodles. I agree. We are getting beat in a sport in which we should DOMINATE in. I think we have WAY more raw but unrefined talent than those guys ever could. I don't think you'll ever see someone of Kobe's talent come from overseas. I'm not discrediting them, but they just don't have the raw talent imho. Dirk is pretty freakin good though.

I see the problem as inexperience and age. I mean, a lot of NBA players are young guys, 21,22,23. It seems all they care about is getting on SportCenter and Dunky BasketBall. I don't think the whole Team phase happens until they are in the league for some time if at all. Plus, trades are happening so often that a player never stays in one place to long, with the exception of Reggie Miller who refused to leave the Pacers, even after he was well past his prime. 18 years I think.




I'm adding this snipet in just to reiterate my point about this being Shaq's last year.

The Heat played without center Shaquille O'Neal, who bruised his left knee in Friday's win at New Jersey. O'Neal is day-to-day.

The guy gets hurt left and right and the smallest injuries put him out for a long time. I've never had a NBA type injury, sh*t I've never even broken a bone, but this guy is every other week.

[Uprising]

BTW, does anyone ever read Steve Kerr's columns on Yahoo Sports? I think he's right on with a lot of stuff. They're always a good read.

[noodles]

BTW, does anyone ever read Steve Kerr's columns on Yahoo Sports? I think he's right on with a lot of stuff. They're always a good read.

What's the link?

[Uprising]

BTW, does anyone ever read Steve Kerr's columns on Yahoo Sports? I think he's right on with a lot of stuff. They're always a good read.

What's the link?

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba;_ylt=Arubsy7CTMzeU3b4vdCosPM5nYcB

Right in the middle, under "Featured Opinion". He's on atleast once a week, maybe more.

[reapersaurus]

BTW, does anyone ever read Steve Kerr's columns on Yahoo Sports? I think he's right on with a lot of stuff. They're always a good read.The Kings horde of fans generally think he's terrible, and passes off popular opinion for analysis. :shrug:

[markwars]

It's going to be a long year for Mavs fans. :(

[reapersaurus]

It's going to be a long year for Mavs fans. :(Why?
Is there any reason to suspect they won;t go far in the playoffs? :shrug:

[hextr1p]

Why?
Is there any reason to suspect they won;t go far in the playoffs? :shrug:
I don't think so. There are a couple teams who will mesh a bit later in the season to finish strong, and I think the Mavs are one of them. Same with the Suns... maybe.

For the Suns, they need to strictly evaluate Amare's progress (or lack of), as well as his attitude. It's one thing for a superstar player to say he's cool with the coaching decision to place him on the bench as a sixth man. But internally with a player of such caliber and ego, his words can be deceiving.

I'm not at all surprised at Amare's lack of prowess on the court. Taking a blow like he took can shake a player mentally. Add to that having to sit out a year doing nothing but painful rehab, your team develops a new style of play that works amazingly well without you, and then you come back to play second fiddle to a role player like Kurt Thomas. Ouch...

This will definitely be an interesting season for the Suns.

[Uprising]

BTW, does anyone ever read Steve Kerr's columns on Yahoo Sports? I think he's right on with a lot of stuff. They're always a good read.The Kings horde of fans generally think he's terrible, and passes off popular opinion for analysis. :shrug:

Really? But everyone knows not to take King's fans seriously. :wink:
I like his columns. I don't really think Kerr shows anymore bias then other writers. Well, maybe to the Spurs.

Speaking of the Kings Reaper, how are they looking this year? I gotta say, I think there golden opportunity passed them buy a couple of years ago. When they had Webber, Divac, Christie, Bibby, Bobby Jackson, Peja and some others on the floor, they were real nasty. Of course, that's when the Western Conference as a whole was a ton better than the Eastern Conference. Now i'm not so sure. You guys have Artest, he's good when he's stable. Shareef Abdur-Rahim isn't bad, but he doesn't get the points or re-bounds he used to. Not that he was a machine before, but he was good. Then again, maybe the Kings system doesn't require him to play the same way. Bibby's a solid PG. Brad Miller isn't bad, but it seems like he is injured a lot. Bunch of role-players, Corliss, Mo Taylor, Kenny Thomas(who I think has some spurts of pretty good ball-play).

[Uprising]

Why?
Is there any reason to suspect they won;t go far in the playoffs? :shrug:
I don't think so. There are a couple teams who will mesh a bit later in the season to finish strong, and I think the Mavs are one of them. Same with the Suns... maybe.

For the Suns, they need to strictly evaluate Amare's progress (or lack of), as well as his attitude. It's one thing for a superstar player to say he's cool with the coaching decision to place him on the bench as a sixth man. But internally with a player of such caliber and ego, his words can be deceiving.

I'm not at all surprised at Amare's lack of prowess on the court. Taking a blow like he took can shake a player mentally. Add to that having to sit out a year doing nothing but painful rehab, your team develops a new style of play that works amazingly well without you, and then you come back to play second fiddle to a role player like Kurt Thomas. Ouch...

This will definitely be an interesting season for the Suns.

Thank GOD the Knicks don't have Kurt Thomas anymore. He commits dumb and pointless fouls......constantly. I think he was the #1 most fouled out player a couple years back. Maybe even two years in a row, and the guy NEVER smiles. We nick-named him "Angry Man".

[noodles]

I think the Kings blew their chances a few years ago. Their window closed and I'm not sure it's going to open again for several more years.

[reapersaurus]

Well, for the record, the Kings didn;t blow their chances - (more accurately, Webber blew his knee out :( ) & they played their asses off and got their title stolen from them by a league that didn;t value up-tempo, unselfish team play back in '02 when the only thing that was important was having a "big market team" in the playoffs. :roll:

Unless you were a Kings fan or really followed the game, you can't know how back-breaking losing to the Lakers was that year. The Kings played above their heads and took it to the "champion" Lakers that year, and effectively won 5 of the 7 games.

But that's ancient history.

This year, who knows? The Kings are one of the most inconcistent teams in the league this year and last. Not even hardcore fans have any clue what team is going to show up. Hypothetically, if Artest goes to the damn basket like he did last night (instead of jacking up long shots all the time) and we make shots and defend hard like we've been doing, we easily could make the playoffs.

On the other hand, the offense disappears for quarters at a time whenever anyone plays physical defense against them, so they could end up 12th in the conference, too. :headshake:

Who knows?

[markwars]

I say it sucks to be Mavs fan right now because....

We saw our team fall back into its jump shooting ways and lose the Finals.

During the offseason all the talk was about continuing to pound the paint to out rebound teams and play defense first. This was what beat the Spurs and Suns in the playoffs last year.

So the first game this season sees the Mavs wilt in the second half and rely soley on jumpers after hanging with the Spurs in the first half.

The second game is a demoralizing 104-77 loss to Houston in a game where the team never tried to attack the interior.

Then the third game - the one where they hoist the Western Conference Banner - against Nellie and his Warriors is a loss because of poor shooting and decisions. To top it off Josh Howard was injured in the game.

This kind of start is not something to get excited about. Sure we may overcome it, but it's not the way ANY team in any sport wants to start out.

[reapersaurus]

It's 3 games.

Your team was in the Finals last year, and choked away a championship.

It's a long season.

There's little reason for a Mav fan to have any longer season than any other.

[markwars]

A wise man once said: There can be no disappointment without expectations.

If I was a Kings fan and they lost the first three games I would not be disappointed.

I'm a Mavs fan though.

OK that was a dig.

But seriously, I've been there through the thick and the thin. I can remember going to the Western Conference Finals in 1988 against the Lakers. Those were good times. I can remember buying Season Passes during the early 90's for $200....and being one of about 1000 people at the games on most nights. I can remember the Three J's and the build of excitement only to see it fizzle out. I watched the Nellie/Cuban experiment unfold. And yes...after 26 years of being a Mavs fan in a family of Mavs fans I finally got to see the team make the Finals.

So no one is going to deny me the right to be disappointed with this start. Finals are not won in November, but bad habits begin during this month. I don't kid myself that things will be easy this year either. The Spurs are still the team to beat in the West in my mind, and having such a poor showing against them was a disappointment.

[noodles]

I remember when the Kings were winning game 6 and were about to shut the door on the Lakers when Rober Horry hit that 3 at the buzzer to tie the series up at 3-3. That was a heartbreaking shot for all King's fans.

I don't really agree with the conspiracy theory of Reaper...I just don't buy that kinda thinking in the world of sports.

The Kings blew the game and then choked game 7. They were right there for several years and blew it each year and now they are rebuilding in a very tough west. I don't see them doing anything this year. They might make the playoffs if they're lucky but they certainly won't win a first round series.

[reapersaurus]

Actually, noodles - Game 6 was the rook-job where even uninvolved spectators who knew nothing about basketball went "WTF!?" with the absurdly obvious raping the orefs gave the Kings.

Game 4 was when the Kings were about to go up 3-1 after thoroughly outplaying the Lakers with a balanced, uptempo, exciting, team game (not 2 arrogant, insulting, superstars who fed off preferential treatment their whole careers up to then) when Kobe AND Shaq missed shots in the final seconds, and we got a hand on the ball, Vlade inexplicably hit it as hard as he could away from the basket and it bounced right into the hands of Robert Horry camping on the 3 point line.

Luckiest bounce in the history of the NBA.

[noodles]

Actually, noodles - Game 6 was the rook-job where even uninvolved spectators who knew nothing about basketball went "WTF!?" with the absurdly obvious raping the orefs gave the Kings.

Game 4 was when the Kings were about to go up 3-1 after thoroughly outplaying the Lakers with a balanced, uptempo, exciting, team game (not 2 arrogant, insulting, superstars who fed off preferential treatment their whole careers up to then) when Kobe AND Shaq missed shots in the final seconds, and we got a hand on the ball, Vlade inexplicably hit it as hard as he could away from the basket and it bounced right into the hands of Robert Horry camping on the 3 point line.

Luckiest bounce in the history of the NBA.

I stand corrected.

[Uprising]

The Spurs are still the team to beat in the West in my mind.

I would say so.

[player_of_volleyball]

ive been watching football recently and havent kept up with basketball yet. Can someone fill me in on the rockets record plz?

[Uprising]

ive been watching football recently and havent kept up with basketball yet. Can someone fill me in on the rockets record plz?

2-2. Geez, I just noticed that Mutombo is still playing.

[noodles]

ive been watching football recently and havent kept up with basketball yet. Can someone fill me in on the rockets record plz?

2-2. Geez, I just noticed that Mutombo is still playing.

Did you see what happened to the Magic fan who called Mutombo a monkey? - He was banned for the season and his season ticket was refunded to him.

[player_of_volleyball]

ive been watching football recently and havent kept up with basketball yet. Can someone fill me in on the rockets record plz?

2-2. Geez, I just noticed that Mutombo is still playing.

is Yao playin then?

[Uprising]

ive been watching football recently and havent kept up with basketball yet. Can someone fill me in on the rockets record plz?

2-2. Geez, I just noticed that Mutombo is still playing.

Did you see what happened to the Magic fan who called Mutombo a monkey? - He was banned for the season and his season ticket was refunded to him.

NO. When was this? Dude is lucky Mutombo didn't clock 'em one.

POF, yea Yao was playing. Dikembe only played 3 minutes, but I thought he re-tired after last season. Easy money I guess, cause there is no way he's getting a ring with Houston.

[player_of_volleyball]

if Yao gets his act straight the team would to soooooo much better

[Agent Minivann]

I don't think Yao is "all that". Sure he's big and has some skills, but I think he's too soft. Maybe even too nice. If he can't play a physical game I'd almost say he's a poor man's David Robinson. I think Dave was more athletic than Yao, and could hang a little better with the physical play. Yao is just a little behind Dave because he's bigger. The good news is he's young.

[Uprising]

I don't think Yao is "all that". Sure he's big and has some skills, but I think he's too soft. Maybe even too nice. If he can't play a physical game I'd almost say he's a poor man's David Robinson. I think Dave was more athletic than Yao, and could hang a little better with the physical play. Yao is just a little behind Dave because he's bigger. The good news is he's young.

Yea, I can't ever see Yao as this big dominant player. He seems really soft and not aggressive enough. He does move pretty good for a 7'6 guy, or however tall he is. He has a sweet little "Jumper", but he isn't consistent. His PPG and are going up, so that's good. He just needs a couple more years to gain full confidence if he ever expects to become the premier center in the league.

[player_of_volleyball]

I don't think Yao is "all that". Sure he's big and has some skills, but I think he's too soft. Maybe even too nice. If he can't play a physical game I'd almost say he's a poor man's David Robinson. I think Dave was more athletic than Yao, and could hang a little better with the physical play. Yao is just a little behind Dave because he's bigger. The good news is he's young.

THANK YOU!!!!!!! Ive been trying to tell my friends that and they just think he sucks. Just wait till he gets his act straight. I can see it now PPG=40 RPG=25 man i cant wait.

[noodles]

Yao is missing the killer instinct. Every time Houston loses in the playoffs or misses the playoffs Yao gets better. I expect him to take his game to the next level this year....but even if he does, that team will never win without a healthy T-MAC (another Magic traitor).

[player_of_volleyball]

he isnt aggresive at all. He has the nice hook shot and his free throws but that is about all. I dont think he sucks but i dont think he is good YET. This is coming from a houston fan also. Is T-Mac playin again?

[Agent Minivann]

I didn't see enough of Dirk in the early years, but I want to say he's like Dirk. IF he can get mean and bump down low he will be pretty scary. IIRC Dave became an MVP when Rodman was on the squad. Maybe some of the bad boy in Rodman rubbed off.

[player_of_volleyball]

i totally agree. he has the advantage on everyone on the court, but he keeps letting these 6'6" guys out rebound. wtf? he needs to be a frickin vacum and suck up all those rebounds.

[Uprising]

Tough break for you Nuggets fans out there. BIG nights for Jamal Crawford and Carmello. 20 points for Crawford in the fourth. Ouch, that's gotta sting. Two point defeat. And Kenyon needs knee surgery again.

What is going on with Dallas. 39% fromt he floor last night, that stinks. A team that was in the Finals last year is off to a 0-4 start. That's not sitting to well with Cuban I bet.

[markwars]

A long season I tell ya....a long season.

[noodles]

Dirk is awesome, the Mavs start is puzzling...and the Suns are 1-4 now....WTF?

[markwars]

Maybe the Mavs are finally on track. Beating the Suns and Blazers on the road is no small feat.

[toddrew]

Tough break for you Nuggets fans out there. BIG nights for Jamal Crawford and Carmello. 20 points for Crawford in the fourth. Ouch, that's gotta sting. Two point defeat. And Kenyon needs knee surgery again.

Well, the weekend improved for the Nuggets :lol: Hard to be too up or down for any team yet, but the 0-3 start was a bit of concern. Hopefully they learn not to rest on 3 quarters of work after being reminded 3 games in a row. Kenyon being out with loose bodies for a couple of months might be a good thing. Nuggets were a well below .500 team when he was in the line-up last year - well above when he was out. More concerned about Nene's knee. Supposively a bruise, but we'll see when he returns...

'Melo averaging 30 a night is great, but he's still only getting 2-3 rebounds to go along with those.

[Uprising]

Tough break for you Nuggets fans out there. BIG nights for Jamal Crawford and Carmello. 20 points for Crawford in the fourth. Ouch, that's gotta sting. Two point defeat. And Kenyon needs knee surgery again.

Well, the weekend improved for the Nuggets :lol: Hard to be too up or down for any team yet, but the 0-3 start was a bit of concern. Hopefully they learn not to rest on 3 quarters of work after being reminded 3 games in a row. Kenyon being out with loose bodies for a couple of months might be a good thing. Nuggets were a well below .500 team when he was in the line-up last year - well above when he was out. More concerned about Nene's knee. Supposively a bruise, but we'll see when he returns...

'Melo averaging 30 a night is great, but he's still only getting 2-3 rebounds to go along with those.

Knicks had Nene. Damn you Layden!!! Yea, you'd expect Melo to have some good fundamentals. I mean he was only playing for Syracuse for 1 year, but you'd think he would have picked up on something. I question his motives. At this point, he looks to be a pure scorer. Nothing more. Did Camby have a healthy year last year, or was he injured. The Nuggets were banged up last year and I can't remember if he was one of 'em.

Needless to say, the Knicks lost. They are 0-3 at the Garden. Pathetic. The Magic won so I'm sure Noodles will be happy about that. Howard with 17 and 15. If he can stay consistant with that, watch out Southeast.

[toddrew]

Did Camby have a healthy year last year, or was he injured. The Nuggets were banged up last year and I can't remember if he was one of 'em.

The whole season last year was effed by injuries. Camby missed about 20 games - 2 straight weeks (maybe more - seemed like more :( ) due to a hand injury, then the odd game now and again due to his back.

[Uprising]

Did Camby have a healthy year last year, or was he injured. The Nuggets were banged up last year and I can't remember if he was one of 'em.

The whole season last year was effed by injuries. Camby missed about 20 games - 2 straight weeks (maybe more - seemed like more :( ) due to a hand injury, then the odd game now and again due to his back.


Pfttt, it was the same story when he was with NY. Camby has game, he just hasn't been able to prove it because of his legs.

[Pattar007]

Hawks have a winning record! Yeah! To the finals! j/k

[noodles]

You are correct Uprising. Magic sitting at 5-3. Gotta like that ;)

[noodles]

Magic in the 2 seed and leading the Southeast division. How about that?

[markwars]

Mavs win their third in a row and Dampier has a MONSTER night against Ben Freakin' Wallace. Go figure.

[Joah]

Mavs win their third in a row and Dampier has a MONSTER night against Ben Freakin' Wallace. Go figure.

Yeah, I never thought a thing about the Mav's start.
Granted, I'm a Bucks fan.
The Mav's will be there towards the end.

[markwars]

What are your thoughts on Don Nelson?

[Joah]

What are your thoughts on Don Nelson?
I don't have a problem with Don grabbing one last paychek.
Basically, he's turned around almost all of his teams.
Is his son on his current staff? I don't even know.
It seems like he was being groomed to take over before Avery joined the staff.
No problem with Avery either, I knew back in '93 he was going to be a coach.
For his size, one of the best floor generals I've seen.

What are your thoughts on Don Nelson?

[markwars]

I would be lieing if I said I didn't love Nellie. He was the brains behind the Mavs turn around from worst to first. And he's Lithuanian. :D

When he began to sit games and let Avery coach I thought it was weird. Now that I hear about Nellie basically telling Cuban that he could either pay him or fire him I don't know. Nellie seems to have a history in the league as a guy that turns around horrible teams and then holds them for ransom. I guess all is fair in love and business, but it contrasts the image that Nellie wants to paint of himself - that of the loveable old beer guzzling curmudgeon that only cares about X's and O's. In this situation the fans are left to believe either Nellie or Cuban and frankly I don't find either of them to terribly trustworthy. I would love to someday find out that it was all Cuban to preserve my image of Nellie, but I'm betting this thing was 50-50 all the way. So who do you feel sorry for? The billionaire or the millionaire getting paid to do nothing in Hawaii?

As for Donnie Nelson (or Little Whistle as he's called in Dallas) he's a freaking genius when it comes to pulling talent out of the 3rd World. He's still on the payroll here in Dallas and in fact is the President of Operations for the Dallas Mavericks. I doubt he's going anywhere anytime soon regardless of the acrimony between his father and his boss. If he's anything like his old man it's all about the Benjamins and he could care less about any other loyalties or prior relationships. Donnie gets to travel the world on Cuban's dime and look like a genius on a regular basis. Why would he leave?

And then there's Avery. How can you not like the lil' guy? He's savy, he's passionate, he's very in touch with today's players, and he's adorable right? :P I think in 10 years the Spurs will be very sorry he got away from them, but huzzah to that organization for being loyal to Popovich. I for one hope that Avery has a long run here in Dallas. The city loves him that's for sure. No other coach in Dallas has the same bulletproof status right now, but in Dallas you have to continue to win or the fans will throw you under the bus.

[Uprising]

No other coach in Dallas has the same bulletproof status right now, but in Dallas you have to continue to win or the fans will throw you under the bus.

The rate in which NBA coaches are replaced is astounding. It seems as though each team on the Eastern Conference had 3-4 different coaches within the last 3-4 years. Let's take the KNICKS.

Jeff Vangundy
Don Cheney
Lenny Wilkens
Herb Williams
Larry Brown
Isiah Thomas

All since 2001. Two of those Coaches are Hall of Famers. Crazy.

[toddrew]

Well, at least the Kenyon cloud - "will he play next game?" - isn't over the Nuggets anymore this season. Out for the year after his surgery revealed more damage than anticipated. It appears that he's reversed roles with Nene this year...

And for the moment good news (to some ;) ): up by one at the half over Orlando, and 'Melo is outrebounding Dwight Howard (3 to 2 :lol:)

EDIT: I guess 4 outta 4 on an East coast swing was a bit much to ask, but taken down by Keyon Dooling?

[noodles]

Well, at least the Kenyon cloud - "will he play next game?" - isn't over the Nuggets anymore this season. Out for the year after his surgery revealed more damage than anticipated. It appears that he's reversed roles with Nene this year...

And for the moment good news (to some ;) ): up by one at the half over Orlando, and 'Melo is outrebounding Dwight Howard (3 to 2 :lol:)

EDIT: I guess 4 outta 4 on an East coast swing was a bit much to ask, but taken down by Keyon Dooling?

Courtesy of Dooling, it was raining 3's in O-town tonight. It looks like the Magic are going to the playoffs this year for sure, they're playing great to start the year.

[Uprising]

The Knicks can't close out a game at home for anything. The bench players out played the starters......again. 1-5 at home, and Marbury ws sitting on the bench pouting. Atleast Nate Robinson stuffed Yao Ming.

[toddrew]

At least Nate Robinson stuffed Yao Ming.
This is video I must see.

[Uprising]

At least Nate Robinson stuffed Yao Ming.
This is video I must see.

The 7-foot-6 Yao was only 6-of-14 from the floor -- with one miss coming when 5-foot-9 Nate Robinson blocked him in the closing seconds of the third quarter. Yahoo Sports

I'll see if I can find pics or a video soon. It was great.

[Agent Minivann]

Atleast Nate Robinson stuffed Yao Ming.

I think we have a new definition of irony.

I would have to say that I'm almost in shock that the Jazz are still doing so good. When AK had to sit with the injury I thought that they would start losing close games. I was pretty surprised they pulled off the 4th quarter comeback against Phoenix. Some of those calls didn't hurt much. That and the Suns missing 4th quarter layups didn't hurt much either.

[noodles]

The Jazz are defying my basketball logic. Knicks are still losing (Starbury and the Cancer - go figure?).

[hextr1p]

The Jazz are defying my basketball logic. Knicks are still losing (Starbury and the Cancer - go figure?).
Actually, I think both Starbury and Franchise are bad for the team. Their egos too often outshine their talent, as their selfishness and actions are very apparent on court and off. Which is unfortunate. Because if both of those players had a mindset-reset, the Knicks backcourt would be quite deadly... at least on the offensive end.

And speaking of little the smaller folks getting up last night, did anyone catch Monta Ellis go off for 31 points against the Suns?? Including a FIERCE jam in which he basically destroyed Leandro Barbose? If he hadn't left the game with leg cramps, the Suns would have lost that game.

[markwars]

So the Mavs start the season with 4 losses in a row and now they have a 6 game winning streak...

I sure hope we get hot right as the playoffs start. :P

[Uprising]

Here is that Nate Robinson stuff. I don't think Yao got hit all that hard, just faking it cause he was embarrassed by the little man. Looked better last night , but it's still pretty good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqlaN31OzDs

[toddrew]

Thanks, Uprising. I had looked briefly last night, but didn't find it - that was pretty smooth.

[noodles]

it looked like he got poked in the eye.

[Joah]

So the Mavs start the season with 4 losses in a row and now they have a 6 game winning streak...

I sure hope we get hot right as the playoffs start. :P
I'm not gonna say a word..... :wink:




My Milwaukee Bucks are 3-8.

[toddrew]

Could it be that Melo now has a Pippen?: JR Smith - 34 points (please ignore the several glaring faults with this analogy and let me have a moment's promise as the Nuggets season heads towards familiar waters...)

EDIT (for the few who care): JR Smith ended with 36. I didn't see the game - just checked on the boxscore/play-by-play on ESPN.com (an alternatingly frustrating/exciting way to keep up, by the way), so no idea if JR had any D. Melo did manage a double double - 29 points and 10 :!: turnovers...

[Joah]

Could it be that Melo now has a Pippen?: JR Smith - 34 points (please ignore the several glaring faults with this analogy and let me have a moment's promise as the Nuggets season heads towards familiar waters...)

EDIT (for the few who care): JR Smith ended with 36. I didn't see the game - just checked on the boxscore/play-by-play on ESPN.com (an alternatingly frustrating/exciting way to keep up, by the way), so no idea if JR had any D. Melo did manage a double double - 29 points and 10 :!: turnovers...

Toddrew, I like C, I like your team, but it isn't going to happen.

You are in the West, and Karl is your coach.

[markwars]

7 in a row now.

[hextr1p]

Could it be that Melo now has a Pippen?: JR Smith - 34 points (please ignore the several glaring faults with this analogy and let me have a moment's promise as the Nuggets season heads towards familiar waters...)
:shock:
Blasphemy... mentioning JR Smith's name in the same line as Pippen.

I mean, I totally understand what you're saying about Smith possibly being Yang to Melo's Yin. But at this point, Smith is only a shooter. Pippen was a defensive stopper, able to run the point, play the post, grab a board, lead the break, and work within the offense with Jordan whether or not a play was called for him. Smith is but a sidekick on a team looking for hope now that Martin is gone.

And I'll get off my soap box now. ;)

That said, I really despise the media's need to call out a mediocre player as 'the answer' after he has had but a few good games at the start of the season. That's not to say that JR Smith doesn't have the physical gifts to become a decent and steady player eventually. But let's wait until the end of the season to start handing out awards. Because as the play-offs start, it may be the announcers talking about November, when JR Smith was doing so well... so what happened to him for the rest of the season??

EDIT: I just saw your disclaimer, and I apologize for this rant... but still... as a Bulls fan in the late 80's and 90's, I couldn't help myself. :( It also needs to be pointed out that I was a devout Pippen fan. I wore number 33 in high school, and number 8 during summer leagues (as 8 was Pippen's Olympic number during the summer games).

[toddrew]

@Joah and hextr1p - glad you both caught the ironic bend to the post :) I grew up in the midwest a Bulls fan (still am, all Chicago teams, for that matter - luckily the Broncos and Nuggets are in the opposing conferences), so other than Melo being a 'star' (prolific scorer everybody can see, but still waiting for the passing and rebounding to be consistent) and JR Smith giving teams something else to worry about (supposed to be Martin and Nene :( ), little else in common. More an homage to MJ and Pippen (who was my favorite of the two, I mean what's the thrill in backing Michael ;) ) then a statement of glory to come for the Nuggets.

Which brings me to a reply, or rather affirmation of Joah's post - Karl already destroyed K-Mart (in my heart of hearts, I knew he couldn't overcome that nickname) and is ahead of schedule this year with Nene, who will not be a factor the rest of the year. yes, that is intended as an absolute reverse jinx, though I fear it'll be the straight skinny. Karl is a solid coach, but he cannot handle injuries...

[toddrew]

42 assists! That's something I get excited about. Maybe the Nuggets will play as promised in the preseason (and last season, and the season before...) Still no Nene :(

Melo had 33 points and 9 boards last game against the Warriors, and 30 points 7 assists this time (now if he can just get those rebounds and assists in the same game :lol: )

[markwars]

The Mavs have now won 8 in a row after holding onto the win last night in San Antonio. :D Tonight's game against the Hornets is going to be tough though.

[toddrew]

Tonight's game against the Hornets is going to be tough though.

Not too tough...9 in a row ;) Nice to go from "will they ever win" to "will they ever lose" - especially when the first number is 4 and the second 9.

[Uprising]

Did anyone purchase that NBA League Pass for cable? After the Knick game last night I REALLY wanted to watch some more hoops, but there were none on TNT or ESPN. I wanted to see that Cavs vs 76's real bad. I'm thinking of doing it. Basically, if I do this, I will be sitting on my couch watching hoops in HD all season long. That's both good and bad. Here's a linky:

http://www.indemand.com/sports/nba/index.jsp?spi=tv

[noodles]

Did anyone purchase that NBA League Pass for cable? After the Knick game last night I REALLY wanted to watch some more hoops, but there were none on TNT or ESPN. I wanted to see that Cavs vs 76's real bad. I'm thinking of doing it. Basically, if I do this, I will be sitting on my couch watching hoops in HD all season long. That's both good and bad. Here's a linky:

http://www.indemand.com/sports/nba/index.jsp?spi=tv

i have it, this is my first season and it rocks.

[Uprising]

Did anyone purchase that NBA League Pass for cable? After the Knick game last night I REALLY wanted to watch some more hoops, but there were none on TNT or ESPN. I wanted to see that Cavs vs 76's real bad. I'm thinking of doing it. Basically, if I do this, I will be sitting on my couch watching hoops in HD all season long. That's both good and bad. Here's a linky:

http://www.indemand.com/sports/nba/index.jsp?spi=tv

i have it, this is my first season and it rocks.

I gotta get it. Maybe as part of a Christmas gift.

[markwars]

9 in a row for the Mavs now....

[noodles]

The Mavs are looking good.

[markwars]

They definitely played some cream puffs to start the streak, but winning in San Antonio and then beating the upstart Hornets the next night lent credibility to the team. And don't look now, but we just got Josh Howard back. :)

[hextr1p]

Yeah, a lot of teams are starting to show their true colors now. Play-off caliber teams that got off to slow starts are coming around (Mavs and Suns), and weak teams who started strong are beginning to crumble (Sixers). But then there are those teams who were predicted to be hot and aren't (Heat), and those who were predicted to be weaker but are stronger (Jazz, Nuggets, and Lakers).

And because of such, the start of the season is fun to watch!

[markwars]

The Jazz is simply amazing. They are the toast of the league for the month of November for sure.

[toddrew]

and those who were predicted to be weaker but are stronger (Jazz, Nuggets, and Lakers).

And because of such, the start of the season is fun to watch!

Sorta related: promising Nugget stat I picked up thanks to my favorite beat writer of any sport any where, Marc Spears: Carmelo has 5 games this year of at least 30p, 5r, 5a. Before this year he had 3 total during his 3 year career.

Jazz should have won the Northwest last season, but Boozer played like, well, a boozer. I'm looking forward to the Nuggets v. Jazz series being like the late eighties.

Lakers only true surprise is Andrew Bynum being an impact player so soon. That, and maybe Odom and Kobe playing well together. As long as both of those continue, I don't see them falling out of the playoff picture.

[noodles]

The Jazz is simply amazing. They are the toast of the league for the month of November for sure.

My Magic just embarrased the Jazz tonight....best of the east vs. best of the west turned out to be no contest. A 22 point 4th quarter lead was erased in the garbage minutes but a win is a win. 11-4 - Is it too early to think home court in the playoffs?

[markwars]

Mavs make it 10 in a row vs. Garnett and company.

[Bannister]

Just an update, The Grizzlies are in a franchise wide downward spiral!!!

Who will the owners be?

Who will the coach be?

What style of ball are we going to play?

Are we playing the young guys to get ready for next year or the veterans to try and compete this year?

I just don't see any direction at all with this team.

Bannister

[hextr1p]

Just an update, The Grizzlies are in a franchise wide downward spiral!!!

Who will the owners be?

Who will the coach be?

What style of ball are we going to play?

Are we playing the young guys to get ready for next year or the veterans to try and compete this year?

I just don't see any direction at all with this team.

Bannister
Yeah, it does look bad there in Memphis.

There is also talk about Pau Gasol being traded... and from the article I read, it sounds like he could care less.

[noodles]

Just an update, The Grizzlies are in a franchise wide downward spiral!!!

Who will the owners be?

Who will the coach be?

What style of ball are we going to play?

Are we playing the young guys to get ready for next year or the veterans to try and compete this year?

I just don't see any direction at all with this team.

Bannister

I feel bad for Kevin Garnett - he doesn't deserve that.

[hextr1p]

I feel bad for Kevin Garnett - he doesn't deserve that.
Well... yeah, things are bad in both Memphis AND Minnesota (where KG plays).

;)

[markwars]

Just an update, The Grizzlies are in a franchise wide downward spiral!!!

Who will the owners be?

Who will the coach be?

What style of ball are we going to play?

Are we playing the young guys to get ready for next year or the veterans to try and compete this year?

I just don't see any direction at all with this team.

Bannister

The Grizz has a direction. Too bad it's straight down. That team was really poised with Hubie just over a year ago. What the heck happened?

[toddrew]

Just an update, The Grizzlies are in a franchise wide downward spiral!!!


Bannister

Hey, they won in Denver for the first time in nine years. Silver lining?

Melo has 37,9,7 and Nuggets waste it. This must be what it's like to be a Philly fan :lol:

[noodles]

I feel bad for Kevin Garnett - he doesn't deserve that.
Well... yeah, things are bad in both Memphis AND Minnesota (where KG plays).

;)

Um yeah.....sometimes my brain stops working.

[noodles]

Magic win again....I'm giddy. After last year's very exciting playoffs, this season hasn't proved to be anti-climatic at all (atleast for me). I'm no longer thinking about maybe making the playoffs, I'm starting to think about going deep in the playoffs and getting home court.

[toddrew]

Magic win again....I'm giddy. As long as Dwight Howard doesn't pull a Shaq on you (and his character says that he won't), you've ample reason to be giddy. It's good to see the latest round of upcoming stars (LeBron, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo, Howard, etc.,etc.) living up to their potential. Good sign of the times for the NBA. And if Darko keeps it up, you'll even more giddiness.

[markwars]

Mavs beat Raptors for 11 wins in a row.

Utah beats the Spurs to put the Mavs into first place in the division - unbelievably.

Detroit at Miami and Utah at Lakers should be entertaining tonight.

[player_of_volleyball]

im not a fan of the Mavs but i gotta give them that 11 game streak, but it drops my rockets to third place :cry:

[noodles]

Magic win again....I'm giddy. As long as Dwight Howard doesn't pull a Shaq on you (and his character says that he won't), you've ample reason to be giddy. It's good to see the latest round of upcoming stars (LeBron, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo, Howard, etc.,etc.) living up to their potential. Good sign of the times for the NBA. And if Darko keeps it up, you'll even more giddiness.

Darko just needed a chance to get some minutes. I can't believe it's not even 20 games in and I'm thinking NBA Finals already where before the season started I was hoping for the 8th seed.

[noodles]

Mavs beat Raptors for 11 wins in a row.

Utah beats the Spurs to put the Mavs into first place in the division - unbelievably.

Detroit at Miami and Utah at Lakers should be entertaining tonight.

The Mavs are such a scary team right now. Notwitzki has to be one of the best players in the league...a 7 footer that can dribble and shoot like a guard?...he's a freak of nature.

I'm going to watch snips of the Detroit / Miami game tonight but I have a feeling the NFL is going to steal my attention. This is the last week of my fantasy football regular season and I have too much on the line to not watch tonight's game.

[noodles]

im not a fan of the Mavs but i gotta give them that 11 game streak, but it drops my rockets to third place :cry:

I love Yao but I kinda hate McGrady now for understandable reasons....so I'm very torn on whether or not I want Houston to do well.

[Uprising]

January 23rd, Orlando and Dallas meet. We'll see if both teams keep up this tempo. Honestly, I think most people expected Dallas to turn over that awful start and clamp down. They excel at winning games and Dirk is just rediculous. Some of his shots just shouldn't go in. They just gravitate to the basket and swoosh right in. He takes a ton of off-balance and quick-grab shots. I would have never thought Orlando would be playing at this level right now however.

[markwars]

Kobe was a freaking monster last night. I could only laugh during his 30 point 3rd quarter. It was eye popping. :shock:

[toddrew]

Kobe was a freaking monster last night. I could only laugh during his 30 point 3rd quarter. It was eye popping. :shock:

Thanks to the Mamba and a great bounce back game (after a cruddy showing v. Memphis at home), Nuggets only a game back in the loss column of Utah. Melo: 35,8,4 - great showing again, this time the rest of the team (well, remaining team :) ) showed as well. Eddie Nah-HAIR-ah (as I love to hear the PA guy inflect) 14 pts, 11 boards; Reggie Evans (discoverer of the Kaman Islands); 8 pts (all off of put backs, I imagine), 16 boards - and they kept KG in relative check (21, 11).

Aberration or window to rest of season?

[markwars]

Did anyone see the way the Mavs dismantled the Kings. I loved it. :)

[player_of_volleyball]

yea add another win to the rockets record. destroyed the Cavs :D

[noodles]

Kobe was a freaking monster last night. I could only laugh during his 30 point 3rd quarter. It was eye popping. :shock:

I thought it was total crap that Phil took him out with 90 seconds left in the quarter. He was only 3 points away from the record! The fans should have booed him.

[noodles]

Did anyone see the way the Mavs dismantled the Kings. I loved it. :)

The Mavs should go back to the Western Finals. I can't see anybody taking their place. I have a list of about 3 teams that they could probably face though at this point.

Magic play the Kings tonight and I'm hoping they get back to their winning ways. 3-1 on a 6 game western road trip?....I swear as a Magic fan this season has been a never ending episode of the twilight zone. I though they'd be improved but I had no idea.

[markwars]

Ouch. Mavs streak ends at 12 to the Wizards of all teams.

[Bannister]

Grizzlies lost...Again.

To the Knicks...Again.

Shoot me now!

:(

Bannister

[Uprising]

Grizzlies lost...Again.

To the Knicks...Again.

Shoot me now!

:(

Bannister

THIS JUST IN, THE GRIZZ SUCK WORSE THAN MARBURY!!!!!! :up:

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m298/Uprising1979/marbury.jpg

[markwars]

:rofl:

[Bannister]

Grizzlies lost...Again.

To the Knicks...Again.

Shoot me now!

:(

Bannister

THIS JUST IN, THE GRIZZ SUCK WORSE THAN MARBURY!!!!!! :up:

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m298/Uprising1979/marbury.jpg :wedgie:

The sad thing is, you are right.
:(

Bannister

PS. Can somebody loan Brian Davis $352mil?

[Uprising]

The sad thing is, you are right.
:(

Bannister

PS. Can somebody loan Brian Davis $352mil?

Hey, what can I say. Fans' of bad teams need to stick together :D

[markwars]

Mavs beat the Nets last night and they should have. The Nets looked awful! Yuck.

[toddrew]

Mavs beat the Nets last night and they should have. The Nets looked awful! Yuck.

(I suppose I could just check the box score but) Did Kidd play? With Kristic, Kidd, Carter, Jefferson and being in the worst division in the NBA, how can these guys not be cleaning up :?:

[Uprising]

Mavs beat the Nets last night and they should have. The Nets looked awful! Yuck.

(I suppose I could just check the box score but) Did Kidd play? With Kristic, Kidd, Carter, Jefferson and being in the worst division in the NBA, how can these guys not be cleaning up :?:

I think the Nets are one of the most injury prone teams in the NBA, and they don't have a good bench at all. Once any of those starters come out, they usually loose their grip. It warms my heart.

[noodles]

Hey, what can I say. Fans' of bad teams need to stick together :D

If you don't support your team when they stink then you're not a fan.

[toddrew]

I think the Nets are one of the most injury prone teams in the NBA, and they don't have a good bench at all. Once any of those starters come out, they usually loose their grip. It warms my heart.

Nuggets fan here, imagine if they hadn't unloaded K-mart when they did :lol:

That's why I was wondering if Kidd had played. Other than noting their record I hadn't paid much attention to their goings on, but I still can't imagine that any 5 stiffs couldn't be placed in the line up with a reasonably healthy combo of 3 of those 4 and put some distance between those other teams in the Atlantic. Has their schedule been heavy on the Western Conference so far? One reason I'm still skeptical about the Nuggets is that they've played half of their games so far against the East (e.g. at home tonight against the Hawks).

[toddrew]

EDIT: repost

[toddrew]

EDIT: repost

[ProSpecT]

Hey, what can I say. Fans' of bad teams need to stick together :D

If you don't support your team when they stink then you're not a fan.

What if your team stinks all the time...

[Uprising]

Hey, what can I say. Fans' of bad teams need to stick together :D

If you don't support your team when they stink then you're not a fan.

What if your team stinks all the time...

Who's your team of choice?

[markwars]

Hey I stuck with the Mavs through the early 90's. No other team in NBA history sucked as bad as they did over a five year stretch from 1991 to 1996.

[noodles]

Hey, what can I say. Fans' of bad teams need to stick together :D

If you don't support your team when they stink then you're not a fan.

What if your team stinks all the time...

Who's your team of choice?

Orlando - I've been a fan since day 1. I still have my Nick Anderson jersey. The last decade has been rough but that just makes this season all the more sweeter.

[Uprising]

Hey, what can I say. Fans' of bad teams need to stick together :D

If you don't support your team when they stink then you're not a fan.

What if your team stinks all the time...

Who's your team of choice?

Orlando - I've been a fan since day 1. I still have my Nick Anderson jersey. The last decade has been rough but that just makes this season all the more sweeter.

I was actually asking ProSpect, Noodles. If his team stinks all the time, there's a good chance it's from the Atlantic Division. I know you're a Magic fan, and I know that on Feb. 3rd and 20th, the Magic are gonna rip the Knicks a new one. :lol:

[Bannister]

Grizzlies won! Yeah! :banana:

Bannister

[markwars]

The Mavs play the Pistons tonight. That should be good.

[hextr1p]

Gah... Kobe shouldn't have played last night. Fella needs to rest up his ankle before the upcoming Texas road-trip.

That's it. I'm putting in a call to Phil Jackson to let him know to rest his superstar...

[toddrew]

gawd awful game from the Nuggets last night. I thought the silver lining of them dropping their first 3 games after having double digit leads late in each was that as the season progressed the lesson would have already been learned: "Keep your foot on the gas!"

Up seventeen on the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth and I think a stretch of 8 straight possessions with a turnover is how they hand the game over. 16 of 33 from the charity stripe. Melo had a horrid 4th quarter. The reason he had so many rebounds is because he kept getting o-boards on his missed lay ups. Ugh. Maybe this time the lesson will take...

[ProSpecT]

Houston Rockets. I loved when Steve Francis played for us, because he went to the Junior college that I goto now. They are, and have been considerably better the past few years, but last year they had too many injuries too key players too keep up with the league. This year looks promising, although Mcgrady hasn't been himself yet this season they are still doing a pretty good job.

I am a Home town person, which means I also love the Houston texans even though they suck.

Also I am a fan of the orlando magic (Dwight Howard, liked him since he came into the league) and phoenix suns, but I liked Steve Nash when he played for Dallas, and he is fun too watch so I will root for him when I'm not rooting for the Rockets. When its not a team, then I will go for the individuals that I like.

[markwars]

Ouch, the Pistons spanked the Mavs last night. :(

[hextr1p]

So I woke up this morning to discover that I missed the fourth highest scoring NBA game ever, with the league's two best point guards battling it out the very end!

And why, pray tell, did you miss this game, Hex?

Because my wife wanted to watch the Rankin Bass animated classic, "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town".

:duh:

And for those scoring at home, Kris Kringle did not record his 78th triple-double. Nor did the Winter Warlock drop 42 points.

[Uprising]

Man, check out the box score on that game.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore?gid=2006120717

I can't believe I missed it either.

[toddrew]

Nuggets should trade Nene and JR Smith to the 76ers and throw in as many #1's as it takes. For 2 reasons: get better and keep the Timberwolves from locking up the Northwest for the next 5 years.

Referencing the above 2 posts: Every year my son and I go see the Nuggets play the Suns. I am so looking forward to the one coming up...

[Uprising]

Nuggets should trade Nene and JR Smith to the 76ers and throw in as many #1's as it takes. For 2 reasons: get better and keep the Timberwolves from locking up the Northwest for the next 5 years.

Referencing the above 2 posts: Every year my son and I go see the Nuggets play the Suns. I am so looking forward to the one coming up...

Are you talking about A.I. leaving Philly? I can't believe he is gonna get traded. Top contenders at this point are Dallas and Boston. As if Dallas needed any more talent or firepower on their team.

A.I._Trade (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AqW1Bms71sXRBR1bpGOjdKS8vLYF?slug=aw-iverson120806&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)

EDIT: I also can't believe A.I. has been playing for 11 years already. Man that was quick.

[toddrew]

Are you talking about A.I. leaving Philly? I can't believe he is gonna get traded. Top contenders at this point are Dallas and Boston. As if Dallas needed any more talent or firepower on their team.



yup. I can't believe that Philly would trade him to Boston (unless they really think AI will screw them up worse than the Celtics have done themselves), or that the Mavs would trade for him (but Cuban is their owner...they should've won the finals last year (does anyone remember that they were up 2-0 and had a 13 point lead in the 4th of game 3? I mean anyone but markwars? sorry markwars) and had just won 12 in a row before dropping that game to the pistons).

Anyway, the options in Minnesota are trade for AI or trade away KG. If KG goes so does Kevin McHale (which may not be a bad thing for the Timberwolves), so I think getting AI is a bit of a priority for him.

At this point I'd like to think that the reason the Nuggets signed Nene for $60 million is because they were close to getting AI last year but couldn't make the salaries match :lol:

[markwars]

I can tell you that 90% of Mavs fans don't want AI. No thanks. His personality doesn't fit here. The Celtics can have him.

And if anyone doubted the Pistons how about now? They just dispatched the Mavs and Magic on their home courts. That's scary.

[Havokscry]

I think the bottom feeders are going to be weary trading for Iverson, especially if there are draft pics involved. There are a bunch of teams who are going to want in on the Greg Odom sweepstakes come lottery time. He's going to be as big as an impact player as Shaq, Tim Duncan, and LeBron were in their rookie seasons.

[GForce3062]

my miami heat got demolished by melo and his crew. but
d-wade had a good game :cry:

[toddrew]

my miami heat got demolished by melo and his crew. but
d-wade had a good game :cry:

They said all the right things after winning it all last year, but they are living fat this season. Usually I don't like it when teams blow up a championship roster, but the Heat needed to replace GP, Antoine Walker, and Mourning, because it really looks as though thet were in it for a (and only a) championship. Also needed someone to spell Shaq until March :lol:

I think that that was the Nuggets 5th straight win over the Heat. Common to all of those: no Shaq.

[markwars]

Dallas handed the Nuggets a pretty convincing loss.

Tonight we play the Jazz in Salt Lake City. It's not going to be easy, that's for sure.

[toddrew]

Dallas handed the Nuggets a pretty convincing loss.

Tonight we play the Jazz in Salt Lake City. It's not going to be easy, that's for sure.

Second game of a back to back for the Nuggets, after getting down big in the first, they weren't that interested. At least that's the story I'm going with :lol: Mavs better show up tonight ;) , it's the least they could do for the Nuggets after they were so gracious as to hand the Mavs a W.

[noodles]

AI Trade - Good for him. Let him have a chance to win a championship. I don't see that happening in Boston but it could happen in Dallas so I hope he goes there. We'll know tonight about that. Only thing is I'm not sure if they really need AI. Is it possible that he could actually hurt their chemistry?

Detroit - Yeah they beat the Mavs and Magic on their home courts. That one left a bitter taste in my mouth since the Magic were winning with 60 seconds to go and then imploded by letting Hamilton just slap them around for 3 straight possessions. They'll be a major factor in the playoffs (on the east side atleast).

Miami - I'm not in favor of breaking apart championship teams either but I disagree that this one needed to be broken apart. With Shaq hurt that affects the offense so much. He commands double and triple teams which is why so many of the Miami shooters get open. Without the big guy in the middle everybody on that team is having to work 1 on 1 for their shots and they're just not good enough to create their own shots AND play defense. When Shaq comes back I suspect Miami will play better but for their sakes I hope they're not completely out of the divisional race when he comes back. They're already like 5 games back and the Magic look great this year.

Back to AI - I wouldn't mind seeing him go to Minnesota and helping Garnett out.

[markwars]

OUCH! The Mavs got spanked last night in Utah. :(

[toddrew]

OUCH! The Mavs got spanked last night in Utah. :(

I forgot to chide you about that as it was happening :lol: No favors for the Nuggets from the Mavs :)

[markwars]

It really looked like the Mavs were the Nuggets and the Jazz were the Mavs.

[toddrew]

It really looked like the Mavs were the Nuggets and the Jazz were the Mavs.

And round and round the NBA goes (just like the ball: Leather -> Synthetic -> Leather, etc.). Anyway, pointless to get too up or down game to game - better to gauge month to month.

[hextr1p]

Okay, Lamar Odom need not have gotten hurt last night. The Lake Show plays Dallas tonight, and they NEED him in their if they any chance at all. Add to that this is their second game in two nights, and Kobe is still on a lame ankle.

I'm still going to watch the game tonight. But I'm not going to be upset if it's a blow-out... :?

EDIT: Okay, I just read that Odom could be out for a month... GAH!!!

[toddrew]

Okay, Lamar Odom need not have gotten hurt last night. The Lake Show plays Dallas tonight, and they NEED him in there if they any chance at all.

Not if the vs. Jazz version shows up :lol: Though it seems the Mavs are in an alternating pattern and they are on schedule for an up game :)

[hextr1p]

Not if the vs. Jazz version shows up :lol: Though it seems the Mavs are in an alternating pattern and they are on schedule for an up game :)
What I'm hoping is the Mavs are reading the the news about the ailing Lakers, and let their guard down.

That, and both Dirk and Terry come down with a horrific 24-flu virus!

:D

[markwars]

Hush your mouth! :P

[hextr1p]

Hush your mouth! :P
C'mon now... just 24-hours. It's all I ask. The Mavs' next game is on Friday, so they'll have time to recover!

;)

[ProSpecT]

Just in case you didnt see...

The Rockets might have lost to the Lakers but it was an awesome game. They were down by 27 points!, then they went on a 24-1 run and got within 2 points at the end of the 4th. They couldn't make their freethrows which lead too their ultimate downfall. If they would have came back and won that would have been a franchise record. Even though they lost it they made it a great game. Also they came back with their bench players.

The AI trade will probably end up being between a couple of teams... I can't see him being traded for a one on one situation. The only thing that would suck for him is if he went to an even worse team than the 76ers.

[markwars]

Dallas 110
Lakers 101

:D

[hextr1p]

Dallas 110
Lakers 101

:D
Yeah, yeah... ;) Though there was a point where I was thinking the Lakers were going to pull it off... until they seemed to implode, and Kobe was forced to resort to his selfish ways. And then Terry decided to start hitting everything he threw up, as did Howard. Dirk wasn't himself, which I think is what kept the Lakers in it, as Dallas wasn't able to build the energy they needed. But the second half saw the Lakers lose their first half energy and momentum. It was a good game for a while, though. :) And so help me, if Lamar was there, I'm not so sure Dallas would have won that game with the way they played. Not a knock against Dallas, but they didn't have it together last night.

[toddrew]

Better showing by the Lakers than the Nuggets. I don't know why they even dress for the second game of a back-to-back.

Melo got 37, I suppose that is why they do.

[hextr1p]

Better showing by the Lakers than the Nuggets. I don't know why they even dress for the second game of a back-to-back.
Teams can't win them all... even though we'd like them to... heh...

Speaking of teams winning them all, look at Phoenix's schedule, I don't see this winning streak stopping anytime soon. I mean, their upcoming schedule is kick back: Sac, Toronto, Denver, Washington, Portland, and then they play Dallas. The first five games, they may have a little trouble with Denver. But the way Nash is leading that team, and the force that is Amare... wow... when will they lose?!

[markwars]

Dallas 110
Lakers 101

:D
Yeah, yeah... ;) Though there was a point where I was thinking the Lakers were going to pull it off... until they seemed to implode, and Kobe was forced to resort to his selfish ways. And then Terry decided to start hitting everything he threw up, as did Howard. Dirk wasn't himself, which I think is what kept the Lakers in it, as Dallas wasn't able to build the energy they needed. But the second half saw the Lakers lose their first half energy and momentum. It was a good game for a while, though. :) And so help me, if Lamar was there, I'm not so sure Dallas would have won that game with the way they played. Not a knock against Dallas, but they didn't have it together last night.

If Lamar had played we would have lost. Right now Dirk is on when the rest of the team is bad and vice versa. It's a bit frustrating, but it was still nice to see the Mavs win against the Lakers. The all time record against LA is still woefully horrible so ANY win against them is a big win for the fans.

[hextr1p]

The all time record against LA is still woefully horrible so ANY win against them is a big win for the fans.
Yeah, the weak Mavs teams in the 80's and 90's didn't really help this record much. Heh...

[noodles]

Will Orlando ever win again?

[markwars]

Sure. They play the 76ers don't they?

[toddrew]

Headline in the morning paper: "Nuggets looking to seal the deal". That makes me feel better, though I'm not holding my breath.

Looks like it's down to the Nuggets and the Wolves. Denver is trying to get Iverson without giving up Camby or JR Smith, and I don't think they can.

Everybody except Melo thinking that they are getting traded is an explanation for Wednesday's showing :lol:

[noodles]

I hope he goes to Minnesota but they have nobody that Phili would except in a deal.

[toddrew]

I hope he goes to Minnesota but they have nobody that Phili would except in a deal.


Randy Foye. That's the only player that they want (or so they say). They aren't looking to replace Iverson through the trade with an existing player, rather use the trade to free up $$ through expiring contracts and picks. The Nuggets have the picks (2 first rounders next year), but not the expiring contracts, save Joe Smith. Everybody else they've locked up for at least next year. So them being able to close the deal is contingent on Denver trading for some expiring contracts and that will likely take Camby, unless they can con someone into Nene (which, ironically, they probably could've done last season for Iverson, but wouldn't let Nene go). Minnesota has no draft picks (ironically, thanks in part to their illegal dealings with Joe Smith), but does have Randy Foye and Craig Smith, two good, if not great, Big East alum rookies. I'm not sure about expiring contracts, though, I think they'd have to trade for one just like Denver.

[Uprising]

I hope he goes to Minnesota but they have nobody that Phili would except in a deal.

I agree here. AI and The Big Ticket would be a pretty lethal combo if you ask me. They are two of the hardest working players in the league and bring it every night. Both are in top minutes played also. You will have to double both of them on any given night.

[toddrew]

I know this is coming out of left field for you, Uprising, but the Nuggets are ripping the Knicks at the Garden. Odd fact: well into the 3rd quarter and Eddie Curry has all 7 of the Knicks free throws. I've got no visual, but are the Knicks playing scared or is it being called heavily in the Nuggets favor?

EDIT: I am a master jinxer. Next 4 minutes bring a 24-10 Knicks run. That is the Nuggets this season. Instead of blowing up 20 point leads into 30 point leads, they let teams back in...

EDIT II: Looks like the Knicks ran out of steam in the fourth, which is usually what the Nuggets do, especially in the 2nd of back-to-back's.

[Havokscry]

I know this is coming out of left field for you, Uprising, but the Nuggets are ripping the Knicks at the Garden. Odd fact: well into the 3rd quarter and Eddie Curry has all 7 of the Knicks free throws. I've got no visual, but are the Knicks playing scared or is it being called heavily in the Nuggets favor?

EDIT: I am a master jinxer. Next 4 minutes bring a 24-10 Knicks run. That is the Nuggets this season. Instead of blowing up 20 point leads into 30 point leads, they let teams back in...

EDIT II: Looks like the Knicks ran out of steam in the fourth, which is usually what the Nuggets do, especially in the 2nd of back-to-back's.

Looks like the Nuggets are going to be without Mello for awhile. It was a nice punch for what it's worth.

[toddrew]

Looks like the Nuggets are going to be without Mello for awhile. It was a nice punch for what it's worth.

You beat me to edit III. I still haven't seen it, I was just following the game on ESPN gamecast when the rash of ejections popped up. They better complete that AI trade tomorrow :lol:

[Havokscry]

I can see a ten game suspension for Mello.

[toddrew]

I can see a ten game suspension for Mello.

yup. I saw the clip on ESPN.com, and I thought it was the little shove he gave to Robinson, but then they close-upped and slo-mo-ed the right cross to Collins. At least he stopped there...

[Uprising]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbiPP4T6Jp8

For anyone you hasn't viewed the fight. The Knicks continue to play awful basketball at home. This has happened almost every single home game. The Knicks get down heavily in the first half, come back in the second half, and completely melt down in the fourth. As was evident by last nights game. I guess they got tired of playing bad at the Garden, and little Nate decided to try and pick a fight to play out his frustration. At times it does seem like the Knicks are scared of the other teams. They don't have a single player who could display a ounce of leadership, and it shows at critical moments during the games.

[Bannister]

Mello 15 games!

Should have been 20 and George Karl and Isaiah Thomas should have been fined/suspended too. IMO.

Bannister

PS Grizzlies still suck

[Uprising]

Mello 15 games!

Should have been 20 and George Karl and Isaiah Thomas should have been fined/suspended too. IMO.

Bannister

PS Grizzlies still suck

I agree. Mello threw a punch, connected, and then ran to his bench. 20 games atleast. Nate Robinson is a hot tempered little dope. It was just a mess all around. Isaiah is an unsavory character and the way he commands his squad reflects his bad judgement and taste.

[toddrew]

Why should Karl have been suspended? And hard to argue with any suspension under 20 games for Melo, but I think 10 would of been plenty, unless Stern was trying to force the Nuggets hand in the Iverson trade :lol: I thought JR and Robinson going into the stands was going to get a stiffer penalty than Melo's punch.

[noodles]

After the Indiana brawl I thought that any player going into the stands was done for the year?

[toddrew]

After the Indiana brawl I thought that any player going into the stands was done for the year?

I assume the judgement passed was that in this case it was incidental as opposed to intentional, but still, I thought that would get the powermad juices of David Stern flowing.

[Uprising]

In your face Utah!!!!

[Havokscry]

In your face Utah!!!!

quit picking on the Mormons.

[noodles]

I think the suspensions are ok. I think it's good precedence to say that fighting will not be tolerated.

[toddrew]

Alright. The Knicks offer a little bit of an apologetic gesture and Boykins and Camby take up the scoring slack for the Nuggets. We'll see how long this lasts though. I expect about one game as Phoenix is next up :lol:

[Agent Minivann]

In your face Utah!!!!

Losing by one in overtime to the shorthanded Knicks???!?!!?

I'm glad I mentioned I'm a Spurs fan!

[Bannister]

Has there ever been a player / coach in any sport who has damaged his legacy more than Isaiah Thomas?

Bannister

[TheMightyAargh]

In the future, Isaiah Thomas will be the deciding factor to instate Future Cops like in the Minority Report. Imagine all the levels of suck they could have avoided if they arrested him for future crimes against basketball when he retired!

[noodles]

Has there ever been a player / coach in any sport who has damaged his legacy more than Isaiah Thomas?

Bannister

OJ Simpson?

[hextr1p]

Has there ever been a player / coach in any sport who has damaged his legacy more than Isaiah Thomas?

Bannister

OJ Simpson?

Pete Rose?

Mark McGuire?

;)

[Uprising]

AI is being traded to Denver for Andre Miller and Joe Smith.

[player_of_volleyball]

AI is being traded to Denver for Andre Miller and Joe Smith.

where did you see that i cant find it?

[Uprising]

AI is being traded to Denver for Andre Miller and Joe Smith.

where did you see that i cant find it?

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba;_ylt=ApgzYK5D7siQN9V7N5hXoRE5nYcB :D

[player_of_volleyball]

AI is being traded to Denver for Andre Miller and Joe Smith.

where did you see that i cant find it?

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba;_ylt=ApgzYK5D7siQN9V7N5hXoRE5nYcB :D

ah i see thx. my bro should be happy

[noodles]

the trade is the front page story on espn.com. Denver just got a whole lot better (I think...)

[player_of_volleyball]

the trade is the front page story on espn.com. Denver just got a whole lot better (I think...)

yea it just got put there. AI should add alot to the team. i wished that houston had pushed a lil harder to get him tho :cry:

imagein that three all-stars in the starting line-up. :drool:

[noodles]

Has there ever been a player / coach in any sport who has damaged his legacy more than Isaiah Thomas?

Bannister

OJ Simpson?

Pete Rose?

Mark McGuire?

;)

Maurice Clarett?

[noodles]

the trade is the front page story on espn.com. Denver just got a whole lot better (I think...)

yea it just got put there. AI should add alot to the team. i wished that houston had pushed a lil harder to get him tho :cry:

imagein that three all-stars in the starting line-up. :drool:

Don't you mean two all-stars? McGrady's always hurt ;)

[player_of_volleyball]

the trade is the front page story on espn.com. Denver just got a whole lot better (I think...)

yea it just got put there. AI should add alot to the team. i wished that houston had pushed a lil harder to get him tho :cry:

imagein that three all-stars in the starting line-up. :drool:

Don't you mean two all-stars? McGrady's always hurt ;)

true dat. but still can you imagein our points with him. :drool: (again)

[Agent Minivann]

Has there ever been a player / coach in any sport who has damaged his legacy more than Isaiah Thomas?

Bannister

Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars are like the yin/yang of former players turning to coaching and/or the front office.

[toddrew]

Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars are like the yin/yang of former players turning to coaching and/or the front office.

Dumars did take Darko over Melo and Dwayne Wade and couldn't put up with a little of Larry's grousing ;)

Besides, I'm very pleased with Isiah's performance, he got Denver AI!!!!

Sad to see Miller go, the 76ers really are getting a good point guard. But I agree with the Nuggets decision. If they had to get rid of one impact player from the roster, Miller was probably the best choice.

[Uprising]

Has there ever been a player / coach in any sport who has damaged his legacy more than Isaiah Thomas?

Bannister

Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars are like the yin/yang of former players turning to coaching and/or the front office.

Right you are Agent. Both are respected players, but not so much people. Although, the more I think about it, the more it doesn't bother me that Thomas ordered the hard foul (presumably) on the Nuggets. When I first saw it, I was a little shocked. But now I'm kinda glad it happend. I always thought George Karl was kind of a d*ck too. If it was any other Coach, I'm sure he would have played it the same way.

[Bannister]

Has there ever been a player / coach in any sport who has damaged his legacy more than Isaiah Thomas?

Bannister

OJ Simpson?

Pete Rose?

Mark McGuire?

;)

Maurice Clarett?

I'll give you OJ and maybe McGuire but Pete was wronged I tell you wronged, and Clarett never gave himself the chance to establish a legacy so I don't think he counts.

Does Iverson & Melo together make sense?

Bannister

[toddrew]

Does Iverson & Melo together make sense?

Bannister

It makes perfect sense - on paper. We'll see how it actually plays out at the end of the season, but Iverson and Melo both demand double teams, so one of them is going to be open, or a very capable teammate (Nuggets, even despite their injury/suspension problems, are still one of the deeper, if not deepest, teams in the league) is going to have no-one on them. Iverson scores with the ball, Melo gets into trouble when he dribbles around - perfect match. The way the Nuggets are built to run, both should keep their scoring averages about where they are, in fact, need to if the Nuggets are going to be successful. Iverson's assists should go way up as well. Definitely makes sense from a team-building point of view.

Then there's the business side of the trade. No-one in Denver without a rooting interest in the visiting team was going to attend the next 12 home games without Melo in the lineup. Now those games are going to be sellouts. As is every game from now until K-Mart returns and the Nuggets literally beat a team to death :twisted: :joke:

EDIT: also, a point I made earlier, the Nuggets had to keep AI out of Minnesota, or they were going to be the 3rd best team in their division and have a hard time even getting a 7th or 8th seed. Now they are the favorites in their division, and that's without Kenyon Martin for the year and Melo missing 1/5 of the season.

[toddrew]

Has there ever been a player / coach in any sport who has damaged his legacy more than Isaiah Thomas?

Bannister

OJ Simpson?

Pete Rose?

Mark McGuire?

;)

Maurice Clarett?

I'll give you OJ and maybe McGuire but Pete was wronged I tell you wronged, and Clarett never gave himself the chance to establish a legacy so I don't think he counts.



Also of difference, Isiah is doing everything legitimately. He is sullying his legacy by running teams (and leagues - the CBA) into the ground. OJ and McGwire murdered and cheated, respectively, their way to infamy.

EDIT: Name spelling

[noodles]

Has there ever been a player / coach in any sport who has damaged his legacy more than Isaiah Thomas?

Bannister

OJ Simpson?

Pete Rose?

Mark McGuire?

;)

Maurice Clarett?

I'll give you OJ and maybe McGuire but Pete was wronged I tell you wronged, and Clarett never gave himself the chance to establish a legacy so I don't think he counts.



Also of difference, Isaiah is doing everything legitimately. He is sullying his legacy by running teams (and leagues - the CBA) into the ground. OJ and McGuire murdered and cheated, respectively, their way to infamy.

Being a good basketball player != being a good coach/GM/owner

[toddrew]

Being a good basketball player != being a good coach/GM/owner

Being a great basketball player = opportunity to prove over and over and over that one is not a good coach/GM/owner :lol: Up to the person to swallow their pride after being shown again and again that it just doesn't work out.

[toddrew]

The Timberwolves are done, son:


That's pretty much how it goes around here. I've learned not to put too much belief and hope in things until they're concrete and done. ... It would have been a very, very nice Christmas present.


and:


We can't keep depending on our coaches to make decisions. We've got to use our IQs and our basketball knowledge to figure things out and maybe call timeouts and maybe go to a zone.


after losing AI and then losing a 10 point 4th quarter lead to the Lakers when Garnett rested (and Kobe had thrown in the towel!) being outscored 34-7 at home.

[Uprising]

The Timberwolves are done, son:


That's pretty much how it goes around here. I've learned not to put too much belief and hope in things until they're concrete and done. ... It would have been a very, very nice Christmas present.


and:


We can't keep depending on our coaches to make decisions. We've got to use our IQs and our basketball knowledge to figure things out and maybe call timeouts and maybe go to a zone.


after losing AI and then losing a 10 point 4th quarter lead to the Lakers when Garnett rested (and Kobe had thrown in the towel!) being outscored 34-7 at home.

I don't think KG has ever, ever had the correct support and help he needed on that team. The only time the TW went far in the playoffs is when they had Sam Cassell and Spree. Garnett needs to get the hell out of Minnesota and land someplace with a winning chance, New York, because they obviously can't get him aother decent player who can play at his level or close to it.

[Joah]

The Heat got SPANKED last night by my Milwaukee Bucks.

[hextr1p]

(and Kobe had thrown in the towel!)
Yeah, Kobe only scored 1 point in the fourth, and it was his supporting cast that lead the comeback. Which is GREAT! :D Even Vlad Rad was feeling it from the outside. Seriously, if he gets his stroke back, people need to watch out for the Lakers.

And did anyone check out the injury to Dirk?! Oh man, I watched the clip about ten times... and I cringed every time... *shudder*

[noodles]

When is Shaq coming back?

[Uprising]

When is Shaq coming back?

Probably just in time for the playoffs.

[toddrew]

When is Shaq coming back?

Probably just in time for the playoffs.

But only if they're within a few games of the eighth seed, which isn't a given. Especially if the Knicks get Garnett ;)

[Uprising]

When is Shaq coming back?

Probably just in time for the playoffs.

But only if they're within a few games of the eighth seed, which isn't a given. Especially if the Knicks get Garnett ;)

:lol: .

On another note. There are 13 games on tonight. I was gonna go last minute shopping, but I think I'm just gonna lay on the couch and watch the NBA all night.

[toddrew]

What the heck is going on with Utah? They are going to need another 21 point comeback...are they that discombobulated by the AI trade :lol:
EDIT: and they are doing it again.
EDIT II: no thet're not.

I can't believe (but at the same time feel that it was imminent) that Camby broke his hand. Ugh. Well, the next 15 games are up to AI (and a ready to prove himself Nene?).

[player_of_volleyball]

my boys are giving the spurs a run for their money. 53-36

Yao- 18 pts. 4 reb. 2 blks.


and that is just the first half :D

[toddrew]

On the floor for the Nuggets:
E. Najera
R. Evans
D. Johnson
E. Boykins
A. I.

I wish I had Altitude Sports and Entertainment. Boykins and Iverson on the floor together is something I must see.

[toddrew]

Well, Nuggets may have lost, but a promising showing. Iverson entered half-way through the first period and played every second thereafter. Nuggets as a team shot horribly, or Iverson would've had a couple dozen assists. For a change, he was the only player who shot better than 50% :lol: I can't wait until the Nuggets are whole. Likely to be next season's opener :lol:

[Agent Minivann]

What the heck is going on with Utah? They are going to need another 21 point comeback...are they that discombobulated by the AI trade :lol:
EDIT: and they are doing it again.
EDIT II: no thet're not.

I can't believe (but at the same time feel that it was imminent) that Camby broke his hand. Ugh. Well, the next 15 games are up to AI (and a ready to prove himself Nene?).

The Jazz are young. I expected up and down. I just didn't expect this much up this soon. I also didn't expect them to drop the game in New York when the Knicks could only bring 8 players. :headshake:

[Uprising]

What the heck is going on with Utah? They are going to need another 21 point comeback...are they that discombobulated by the AI trade :lol:
EDIT: and they are doing it again.
EDIT II: no thet're not.

I can't believe (but at the same time feel that it was imminent) that Camby broke his hand. Ugh. Well, the next 15 games are up to AI (and a ready to prove himself Nene?).

The Jazz are young. I expected up and down. I just didn't expect this much up this soon. I also didn't expect them to drop the game in New York when the Knicks could only bring 8 players. :headshake:

That's cause the Knicks have the Eye of the Tiger right now, and because Nate Robinson isn't playing.

I got to watch 3 games yesterday before I fell asleep on the couch. Of course I watched the Knicks beat Da Bulls. I got to see Houston and the Spurs, but I would have to say the best game was Wizards and Suns. Arenas is playing some amazing ball right now and they're a fun team to watch. Stopped Pheonix in their own arena. That's saying something.

[toddrew]

Knicks 11-17

So, is that good enough for first in the Atlantic ? :lol:

EDIT:
Knicks 12-17 and the above was mostly a joke, but they are only a game out :shock:

[toddrew]

That's cause the Knicks have the Eye of the Tiger right now, and because Nate Robinson isn't playing.

When he made that block on Yao he should've walked right off the court and onto the Jets secondary :lol: , his basketball career can only be downhill after that.

[Uprising]

Knicks 11-17

So, is that good enough for first in the Atlantic ? :lol:

EDIT:
Knicks 12-17 and the above was mostly a joke, but they are only a game out :shock:

Sad thing is, the team that wins the Atlantic division will almost certainly have a below .500 record. That's just poor. 5 of the worse teams in the NBA all stuck in one place.

Camby broke his hand? So let me get this staight, Mello and Smith are suspended, Martin had surgery, and Camby is injured!! That's gonna be tought to overcome. Plus, Mello and AI are going to have to learn to share the ball and play together. The whole team chemistry has changed.

[toddrew]

Camby broke his hand? So let me get this staight, Mello and Smith are suspended, Martin had surgery, and Camby is injured!! That's gonna be tought to overcome. Plus, Mello and AI are going to have to learn to share the ball and play together. The whole team chemistry has changed.

Yup, to all of that (broken ring finger on Camby's right hand - out at least 2 weeks, and if last season is any indicator, it'll be a month before he's playing well again). I wasn't concerned about the absence of JR and Melo because Camby and Iverson along with the rest of the team would be able to hold their own until everybody was back, but now it is going to be rough, though 8 or 9 of the next 12 games are at home and one of the away games is at Philly, and Iverson is going to be playing like maniac for every one of those games, and especially January 2. I think they'll be alright if the remaining team can gather around Iverson for the near future. He really did play great at distributing the ball last night - he finished with 10 assists even though nobody was finishing off plays. Take away Iverson and the Nuggets shot 32%, ugh.

[noodles]

The entire Atlantic is sub-500. That's just sad.