1, 2, 3 times a Laker…
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The Los Angeles Lakers are currently buried in a 14 of 16 home stretch and their next three games are tantalizing. The Lake Show's next potential scalp is the much improved and co-division leading Phoenix Suns. A three day rest should enable Andrew Bynum to return and possibly Pau Gasol, although the latter is unlikely. The Lakers then travel to Colorado to face the "home dominant" Nuggets. A great test for the Lakers and potentially a great opportunity for Denver to springboard out of their current mini-funk. The following game is back at the Staples Center against those pesky Houston Rockets.
Will Trevor Ariza bring a special surprise back to L.A. to trade for his Championship ring?
All of these games are intriguing match-ups and all will provide ample entertainment in Los Angeles and Colorado respectively.
Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead…
The Denver Nuggets have been widely touted as a team that will not perform at the same standard as last season. Plenty of media outlets have said this including ESPN in general, Chad Ford, John Hollinger and J.A. Adande. In my pre-season predictions I was prepared to agree with them, but after their first four games I may be ready to believe!
The Nuggets play the New Jersey Nets tonight in what could be a massacre of massive proportions. There's a realistic chance, if the Nuggets heat up that they could find their way into the NBA record books. The record for the highest team score in regulation is 173, which has been done twice. Once by the 1950 Boston Celtics and then again in 1990 by the Phoenix Suns. I believe the current Nuggets lineup, combined with the inability of the current Nets lineup could be the perfect recipe for such a record attempt.
The New Jersey Nets are just awful and with Melo and Denver firing on all cylinders, the record books could be in for a touch up.
Tuesday Predictions…
There's 9 games on the books today in the NBA and I'm in the mood for some predictions. So here's my take on the games for November 3rd. Now you might raise your eyebrows at a couple of my suggestions, but I'll explain my reasons as we go.
Washington @ Cleveland: There's a big rivalry between these two teams and this game will be no exception. The Wiz are on their way upwards while the Cavs are finding their feet. Prediction: Cavs by 4. Result: Cavs by 12.
Denver @ Indiana: These two teams played each other in China during the pre-season. I think if Indiana get to within 10 points, they can consider it a win. Prediction: Nuggets by 14. Result: Nuggets by 18.
Boston @ Philadelphia: The Celtics aren't going to lose this... there is no way. Philly have some nice emerging talent but the Celtics are WAY too deep and will win easily. Prediction: Celtics by 18. (Side bet: Rondo to have a triple double by 3/4 time to celebrate his contract heist!) Result: Celtics by 31.
This is Rajon showing you how many millions he's going to be earning per year from now on. Also, how many points, rebounds and assists he's likely to get tonight.
Orlando @ Detroit: The Pistons have had an indifferent start and the Orlando Magic are trying to look as deep as Boston. They're not doing a bad job thanks to Ryan Anderson and JJ Redick. I think Ben Gordon will be the only thing that keeps this close for three quarters. Prediction: Orlando by 14. Result: Pistons by 5.
Phoenix @ Miami: A hard one to pick in my opinion. Both teams have a perfect 3-0 record and I really wouldn't have said either of them would be 4-0 to start the season. One of these teams has to be however and I'll have to go for the Heat but only because they are at home. Prediction: Miami by 3. Result: Suns by 8.
Milwaukee @ Chicago: United Center. Where Derrick Rose will happen. Prediction: Bulls by 10. Result: Bulls by 2.
The Bulls need a BIG night from Derrick Rose tonight...
LA Lakers @ Oklahoma City: The Thunder do look exciting and there's a few reasons to predict an OKC victory here but I'm sticking with the Lakers in a close one. Russell Westbrook has the opportunity to score 25 on Fisher and Farmar. I'm most interested to see if Artest guards Durant, and if so... the results. Prediction: Lakers by 8. Result: Lakers by 3.
Utah @ Dallas: I couldn't care less about this game but in the spirit of equality and objective journalism, I will predict a 15 point win to the Mavericks. Mainly because of Okur's gimpy foot. Result: Mavericks by 11.
Atlanta @ Portland: In my opinion the most exciting game of the night. I definitely predict a shoot out. If Oden and Aldridge can have a large impact, I see the Blazers doing it fairly comfortably. However, that is not a certainty. This one is ultimately a flip of the coin for me and I think it'll go overtime. Prediction: Portland by 4 in OT. Result: Atlanta by 6.
Here's to another entertaining day in the NBA!
Big shoes to fill…
I think I speak for the majority of Basketball fans when I say the following:
Get well soon Dikembe.
"Mount" Mutombo is still struggling through rehab on his knee after sustaining a career-ending ruptured tendon in April this year. He was quoted recently on a Houston radio show as saying;
"I just want to walk again"
My fondest memories of Dikembe include the following:
- The attempted trash talk of Michael Jordan where Mike calmly hit his free throw and told Dikembe, "Welcome to the NBA".
- An NBA record 32 blocks in a 5 game series for the Nuggets in the 1994 Playoffs. The 8th seed Nuggets upset the number 1 seeded Sonics 3-2.
- The almighty finger-wave after every block. This was great until the League started issuing Technical fouls for taunting.
- The spontaneous, out of control celebrations from the sidelines regarding EVERY dunk attempted in EVERY Slam Dunk Competition he ever attended.
Dikembe Mutombo was a BIG fan of the Slam Dunk Competition
It's fair to say that Mutombo walks away from the game as one of the greatest NBA defenders of all-time. His achievement list is very impressive:
- 8 All Star appearances
- 4 Defensive Player of the Year awards
- 3 All-Defensive 1st Team selections
- 4 Rebounding titles
- 3289 career blocks (2nd all-time)
- 12359 total rebounds (18th all-time)
Just a sensation... and I haven't even touched on the millions of dollars he's donated to his native Africa.
Another article for another time perhaps.
Get well Dikembe.
Melo 45…
The common theory amongst most NBA fans is that pre-season doesn't really mean anything to the superstars. Carmello Anthony laid the smackdown on that theory tonight posting 45 points on 14-19 from the field and 16-17 from the charity stripe in a win over the Pacers. It's not often you see a superstar take to a pre-season game like that, and this was fun to watch. Was it the fact it was in China? There's plenty of money to be made there if you're popular, just ask LeBron. Or was it just Carmello Anthony sounding the warning bells for the rest of the League?
Here I come, ready or not?
2010
As far as predictions go, I realize this is practically impossible to get 100% correct. A full scale prediction of every team's win-loss record for the upcoming season. And worse yet, it's only September! However, I thought this would be interesting to look back on in June 2010.
Eastern Conference W L
Western Conference W L
Cleveland 60 22
Boston 56 26
Orlando 54 28
Atlanta 50 32
Toronto 45 37
Chicago 43 39
Miami 42 40
Charlotte 39 43
Indiana 38 44
Washington 37 45
Detroit 34 48
Philadelphia 32 50
Milwaukee 28 54
New York 27 55
New Jersey 24 58
LA Lakers 62 20
San Antonio 56 26
Dallas 54 28
Denver 50 32
Portland 50 32
Utah 48 34
New Orleans 42 40
Oklahoma City 41 41
Houston 38 44
Phoenix 37 45
LA Clippers 36 46
Golden State 35 47
Memphis 31 51
Minnesota 28 54
Sacramento 15 67
In making these predictions, I've taken into account all roster changes up to and including the 13th of September 2009. As soon as a blockbuster deal goes down, I may have to edit these figures.
I'm excited to see what Blake Griffin can do for the Clippers, what Allen Iverson can bring to the Grizzlies and how Amare Stoudemire will handle being stuck on a 37-win team. But most importantly, it will be interesting to see who can secure home court advantage throughout the entire Playoffs. This one fact alone may determine the Champion this year.
As always, time will tell and bring on the upcoming season!!!
Blinded by the light
The Lakers needed 7 games to beat a Houston team without it's two best players (totally nearly 50 million in yearly salary), and they were starting a 6'6" centre! That's shameful. Even Denver, if they had any playoff experience at all would have beaten the Lakers. Talk about a charmed run.
But it is what it is. Wishing that San Antonio, Houston, Utah and Boston were healthy or that Portland and Denver had just a little bit more experience doesn't change the fact that the Lakers caught each team at just the right time. Even if all of those listed teams would have won a seven game series.
Choosing a team…
Over the past 18 years, I've been obsessed with Basketball and most notably the NBA. I was lucky enough to find the NBA just as Michael Jordan was turning it into his own personal showcase. The trading cards, posters, magazines and video games were all my life revolved around.
I opened my first packet of NBA Hoops trading cards and instantly fell in love. I had Michael Jordan in my first pack, facing up and looking at me! I felt like Charlie Bucket with the golden ticket to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory!
It soon turned sour as I realised, albeit less than a second later that my golden ticket was none other than Gary Grant of the LA Clippers. Even to this day, I still have not replaced that intial feeling of pure elation.
Like Mike? Not in any way...
With Chicago doing their thing for so long in the 90's, I found myself, (like most others my age) being captivated by Da' Bulls. Every time they brought a new guy in, I'd want to know what number he'd wear, what role he'd play and most importantly how he would fit in with Mike and Scottie.
Over the years I would have brief love affairs with different teams. I loved the New York Knicks of 1991-1998. I loved the Indiana Pacers of 1993-1995. I even had a brief fling with the Denver Nuggets of the early 90's, but only when Robert Pack was there. I guess I've always been searching for a team to follow but ultimately my relationships with individual players keeps my heart spread thin across the NBA.
These days it's Kobe Bryant. I love nearly everything about the guy's talent and skill level. He is hated on by a large chunk of the NBA fan base, (including Ryan) but maybe that's what appeals to me? I don't know.
However, there's certain players that you can't help but love. These guys, no matter who you follow are just on a level that makes you not only like them but respect them and their effort. Guys like Kevin Garnett, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Ray Allen... you get the idea.
I currently find myself feeling more compelled than ever to choose a team to follow. It seems that over the years I've rubbed up next to certain teams due mainly to the Superstars that wear their colors.
I am currently a Lakers fan by default. Kobe Bryant is my favorite player and I have watched this Lakers team grow weaker, stronger and then stronger again since the Malone/Payton debarcle in 2004. I always enjoyed watching the Lakers during their Championship run to open the current millenium. Magic Johnson and his crew have always held a place in my heart too and I've watched a lot of their successes retrospectively.
With the Lakers, and more notably Kobe Bryant about to reach the top of the mountain again, I find myself back in that old position. I feel the need to align myself with a team. The obvious choice is the Lakers but something is telling me it's time to move on, especially if they win the title.
I have always loved the Knicks, and to smell the air in Madison Square Garden in 2006 was a highlight of my life. We visited in May and the Knicks were well and truly on vacation by then. We took the $17 tour and while the locker rooms were incredible, it was the sheer luck that showed its face when we viewed the court that blew me away. We expected to see the Liberty court, a boxing ring, a concert being set up or an ice hockey layout but were blown away to find that the Knicks floor was receiving maintenance. Definitely a good reason to choose the Knicks, but I would feel a little odd joining them now when they're about to spend all the millions on refitting their team. I mean, they've been so bad for so long... it would be like jumping on the Celtics in 2007.
Could I go back to the Bulls? I have always loved them. I loved their role players and coaches, not just Jordan and Pippen. The trouble I have here is that although this is true, it was ultimately their success that got me started and Michael Jordan rarely failed. I didn't have to earn the success or follow them through any hardship. Even when Mike dropped the ball against the Orlando Magic in 1995, it wasn't long before the Bulls claimed another three titles. It just seemed normal and right that they would.
Watching the Lakers fall against the Celtics last year has made me enjoy the ride this year even more. The fact that the Lakers have had nothing given to them this year makes their current state all the more enjoyable.
With all of these thoughts in my mind, I'm going to have to think some more. I really want a team to call my own but history seems to be getting in the way...
Maybe a team with a short history would suit better?
I call B.S.
Those things DID just happen. Games 5 and 6 of the Lakers-Nuggets series were played the same by LA as the previous games, it's just their players executed the same things differently. It had nada to do with coaching.
Watch the games again and tell me what was different. The players got to their spots quicker, executed sharper and finished plays properly. That's not coaching. That's effort!
No one doubts the Lakers ceiling, least of all me. It's their spotty effort that is the problem.
Emphatic…
It's the only word to describe the Lakers performance tonight. A simply devastating display that started with too many turnovers but then blossomed into beautiful team Basketball that had Denver fans heading home early.
Pau Gasol got what he asked for with more touches inside, and he made the right move nearly every time. The Lakers would be crazy not to ride the Gasol/Kobe train all the way to a street parade/riot.
Pau made jumpers, hooks, dunks and layups almost uncontested for the most part. "Sure, he hits them when he's open" I hear people think, but it's how he got so open that was the most impressive/disappointing. The movement off the ball and the horrible defensive effort by the Nuggets paved the way for a second half butchery not seen since the Lakers tossed the Celtics' salad in Game 6 last June.
It was as if the Nuggets, who have been complimented with being "front-runners" this postseason, just couldn't get up for the big game. They had small moments of brilliance including an 8-0 run in the third. The damage however had already been done.
Carmello didn't show up tonight and George Karl didn't help by benching his superstar earlier and for longer than normal in the third. Carmello didn't re-appear until early in the 4th. Some Denver fans must still be in shock.
Kobe Bryant performed at the highest level tonight. Scoring when needed and in bunches, he also led the game with 10 assists. His 9 of 9 from the charity stripe was also key, with the remainder of the Lakers combining for.. wait, 100%. Free throw shooting had plagued the Lakers during this Playoffs but hitting 24 of 24 from the line to accompany 57% from the field and the reason for the 27 point annihilation starts to become apparent.
The tone was defnitely set early by Trevor Ariza who hit three triples in the first quarter and ended the half with 13 points. Pau and Kobe took over in the third and fourth quarters. A few punctuation marks from Luke Walton and Lamar Odom tucked the Nuggets in bed for the offseason.
A great win but more importantly a great team win by the Lakers. Kobe was still "doin' work" when he needed to but it all came in the flow of the offense.
If Orlando wins tomorrow, the Lakers will have home court advantage for the Finals. If the Cavaliers win, the Lakers get a rest. Even if Cleveland comes back to win the East, I would be very surprised if the Lakers don't win it all now.
Plenty of people would see it differently.