The 2010 Sprite Slump Dunk Contest…
Every true fan of the NBA has two things marked on their calendar for February every year. One is the trade deadline and the other is the Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend. This year's Sprite NBA Slam Dunk Contest was the worst of all-time. This is in no way an over-statement. The dunks performed by Los Angeles Lakers guard Shannon Brown and Charlotte Hornets forward Gerald Wallace were average at best. In fact, Wallace looked as though he was completely dis-interested in the entire event.
DeMar DeRozan executed a really nice windmill dunk in the first round. Trailing behind teammate Sonny Weems along the baseline, DeRozan caught a lob pass off the side of the backboard and threw down the windmill for the contest's only 50. Nate Robinson did what he does best... a 20ft high lob, two-foot takeoff, catch and finish. But c'mon, this had no energizing feeling, no suspense, in fact really no presence at all. Even Kenny, Charles and company on TNT were declaring the competition a yawn-fest after the first round.
Smile! You may have just killed the Dunk Contest!
I have to be especially critical of Nate Robinson. While he executed dunks in far less time than in his past years and simply did enough to win, he once again brought nothing new to the table. He didn't earn this win, he was simply up against a wide-eyed and unprepared rookie, a half-asleep Bobcat veteran with eyes on an All-Star Game appearance and an LA Laker who was just simply disappointing and far too indecisive. There was absolutely NO ENERGY in this contest at all. There was no rivalry, no suspense and seemingly no real sense of urgency to beat a rookie Toronto Raptor in the final round.
I'd also like to bring everyone's attention to judges Mark Aguirre, Rolando Blackman and Derek Harper who were great members of the Dallas Mavericks organisation, but never really set a crowd on fire by dunking the Basketball. Dominique Wilkins and Spud Webb were obviously chosen due to their battle in the 1986 contest in Dallas' last turn at hosting the All Star Weekend.
In a time where fans should have far less digital influence on the game, (i.e. All Star participant voting) I found it gut-wrenchingly awkward that the final score was displayed as a 51-49 percent win to Robinson. Only the story of a 3-time champion could save this from ending in some sort of mass-suicide by most of the paid-up patrons and NBA officials alike.
Even Dikembe Mutombo would've sat motionless during this contest.
What really caught my attention though was Robinson's post-debacle comment to Cheryl Miller. He mentioned that "they" didn't allow the use of any props this year.
What the eff? And who is "they"?
One can only assume he meant the NBA in general but surely even they are not silly enough to not realise the reality here. The main catalyst to the re-discovered excitement and drama of the Slam Dunk Contest over the past couple of years has been the use of props and storylines. Why the hell couldn't the players use props??
This is the only prop Nate Robinson got to jump over last night...
Another question I have is when were the players notified of this "rule"?? I mean, judging by the quality, (or lack thereof) of the dunks performed, I'm guessing they were told less than a week ago and had prepared absolutely nothing else at all.
With David Stern's comments over the weekend regarding the NBA's likelihood of posting a $400m loss this season, is it possible the NBA just simply cannot afford a fake phone booth prop, a mask or even another cupcake? I mean really... How much does the guy who brings out the 12 foot hoop actually charge per hour?
I want to see Nicholas Batum dressed up like Bat-Man, I want to see Andre Iguodala in an afro wig re-create Doctor J's brilliance, I want to see a 13ft hoop, I want to see two designated "Dunk Captains" choose their respective "Dunk Squads" and go at it, I want to see the established stars team up with the young blood to raise the roof off the stadium!
Nate Robinson and Dwight Howard had truly started/resurrected something "super" over the past couple of years and tonight the whole concept took a monumental step backwards.
Whoever is ultimately responsible for this has done every NBA fan a huge dis-service. Cross the Dunk Contest off your calendar for next February. It seems the only thing that could save it at this point is a visit by a certain Cleveland Cavalier.
PS - LeBron, don't make promises you can't keep.
Less talk, more post work…
Dwight Howard has recently had a quiet word with coach Stan Van Gundy regarding his negativity. Ok, I get it. When Stan yells, everyone feels a little sensitive.. I can understand that. I think it's a little soft that these players are upset with being asked to perform tasks that reap them millions of dollars, albeit with a raised voice... but I get it. I've moved on.
The thing I can't understand in Orlando is why the hell Dwight Howard only gets 5 field goal attempts in a game against the Miami Heat???!?!
Who is going to stop Howard in the post?
That is... if he has any moves down there.
As Ryan said to me earlier today:
"He’s very mechanical in the post. The only move he has from the block is a spinning jump hook into the middle of the lane.
He is pretty good when he gets the ball just inside the elbow coz he can take one hard dribble and just elevate. His quickness lets him get past most opponents when they do that, but he can rack up offensive fouls doing it so they don’t go to it often.
That’s my 2c on it anyway."
Orlando need more of this...
I have to agree, as I've not seen too much in the way of a post-move repertoire from Howard. But there's one thing that is certain, Orlando will not get too far with their current three-point barrage and no inside presence. The game against Miami on Wednesday night saw Howard take 5 of the teams 77 field goal attempts. That is just stupid.
I'm not sure if it's the coaching philosophy or maybe Dwight's lack of confidence, but it cannot continue if the Magic want to emulate last season's success.
So far this season, (after 15 games) Dwight Howard has taken 133 of the teams 1174 shots, that is just over 11%. Other big men across the league are taking a lot more shots and at a higher percentage...
- Chris Bosh - 269 shots at 20.7% of team shots
- Dirk Nowitzki - 302 shots at 23.8$ of team shots
- Andrew Bynum - 164 shots at 13.3% of team shots
- Jermaine O'Neal - 135 shots at 12.3% of team shots
- Tim Duncan - 145 shots at 13.8% of team shots
You get the idea. Basically, all of these players are getting more shots than Dwight Howard. Even Andrew Bynum and Jermaine O'Neal!
It's not even about how many they make, it's just that they are a preferred option to score on their team. If Dwight Howard is to become the "great" big man that everyone seems to think he will, then he needs to develop a post game and then convince his team/coach to get him the ball. Or maybe it's the other way around?
Less talk, more post work.
Cleveland Steamrollers!
Here at 2SOTH we'd like to give a warm welcome to the Cleveland Cavaliers who arrived, albeit 7 games late, for season 09/10 last night. I for one am not getting too carried away, as the Cavs will have to do a lot more than this to convince everyone that their early season form has been nothing but a minor hiccup. But it was nice to see them back in full flight.
The Cavaliers were led well by the incredible LeBron James and the often criticised Mo' Williams. The ball movement for Cleveland was impeccable, Shaq dominated Dwight Howard inside and Orlando was forced into way too many mid-range jump shots. The three-ball was dead, which is always a massive problem for the Magic.
Orlando looked flat all night and Dwight Howard looked as though he was more interested in convincing the crowd he was right about criticizing the referees recently than actually winning the game. Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter played really well but were the only bright sparks for Orlando. Brandon Bass almost looked as though he was scared to make an open layup at one stage. It's safe to assume he was thinking more about LeBron trailing him than making the shot himself.
Dwight Howard was determined... to whinge in Orlando last night.
The most impressive thing I saw all game from Cleveland was their ball movement and their seemingly endless patience on offense. Runner-up in the impressive stakes was the Cavs smothering defense. They chose when to double-team Howard and Carter really well and left Orlando searching for answers often.
Once again Orlando's three-ball party went missing and they were beaten badly. Don't let the box score fool you, they were done before halftime.
No three's equals no Orlando it seems.
Orland-OH!
If you've read this blog at all, you'll know that I'm not a massive fan of Orlando. In fact, I don't like them. I'm not 100% sure why but it's mainly due to their fortunate run in last year's Playoffs accompanied by an existence of mediocrity. I can hear you thinking "Hey, they were pretty good when Shaq and Penny were there!" and you would be right. But we all know that if Michael Jordan hadn't retired, the Magic would've been making their first NBA Finals appearance last June, not their second.
In my perfectly happy little world, Orlando would've been pushed by Philadelphia last night and suffered an embarrassing loss or a marginal, nerve racking, hollow victory.
Not to be.
Orlando violated the Sixers in a way that I for one certainly didn't expect. By half time they were shooting over 60% from the field with 10 three-balls for a more than impressive 70-47 lead. Jason Williams was playing more like his Sac-Town days than a 34 year-old fresh out of retirement.
By 3/4 time the Magic had opened up a 31pt lead and never looked back. At this stage they were 14-23 from downtown. Samuel Dalembert was no match for Dwight Howard inside committing 5 fouls and only clocking 7 minutes at that stage as a result.
A good friend of mine Oaks recently dropped Marcin Gortat in our Fantasy League in favor of Ryan Anderson. I supported him on the surface but secretly laughed and processed a Waiver claim. It seems after one game at least, Oaks' move had been well vindicated by Anderson's performance, and I may be the goose.
The Magic, whilst running the standard "we don't want anyone getting hurt" lineup to finish off the game, eventually closed out the Sixers 120-106.
Dalembert didn't log another minute.
This was about the only time Philadelphia was infront Orlando all night.
This performance tonight serves as just as bigger statement as Boston made last night in Cleveland. The standard of the opposition was different, (although the Cavs going 0-2 with their collective tails handed to them in Toronto wouldn't suggest it) but the message was the same. We are here and we will contend.
It's early days yet, but a statement is a statement. And Orlando made a clear one tonight.
Might, Magic and Electronic Myth?
With the 2010 additions of our favorite NBA video games about to be released, I have been as excited as the next diehard fan. However, a terrible coincidence has come to my attention and I wish to share the horrible news. A quick scan of the historical NBA LIVE video game covers brings me to the conclusion that Orlando's season could be in even more danger than I had previously thought. Let's take a look at the results of my research...
NBA Live 2009: Tony Parker (injured for most of last season)
NBA Live 2008: Gilbert Arenas (injured for two years)
NBA Live 2007: Tracy McGrady (injured ever since his cover)
NBA Live 2006: Dwyane Wade (significantly injured for 2007 & 2008)
NBA Live 2004: Vince Carter (severely cramped in his first game post cover)
NBA Live 2002: Steve Francis (missed 25 games that season for Houston)
NBA Live 99: Antoine Walker (missed 40 games that season for the Celtics)
NBA Live 98: Tim Hardaway (missed 34 games the following season for the Heat)
NBA Live 97: Mitch Richmond (missed 30% of his games over his final 5yrs of his career)
NBA Live 96: Shaquille O'Neal (missed 28 games in '96 & 31 in '97)
NBA Live 95: Houston Rockets/New York Knicks (we all know what has happened to the Knicks)
With all of this coincidence in mind... Orlando better hope that Dwight Howard doesn't succumb to the NBA Live cover curse.
Will the NBA Live curse strike Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic?
Orlando fans, don't say you weren't warned.
2010 – A Prediction Odyssey
Now this is always fun. We get to throw our hats in the ring and put forward our ideas of what will pan out this season in the NBA. Enjoy my predictions, there's rarely any I get right.
2010
NBA Champion: Los Angeles Lakers
Finals MVP: LeBron James
Eastern Conference Champion: Cleveland Cavaliers
Western Conference Champion: Los Angeles Lakers
MVP: LeBron James
Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard
Rookie of the Year: James Harden
All Star MVP: Dirk Nowitzki
Scoring Champion: Dwyane Wade
Most Improved Player: Lou Williams
Comeback Player of the Year: Kevin Garnett
So there it is... these are my predictions.
Game on.
Green and gold final?
I'll happily admit that it's much too early to realistically handicap next years finals participants, although gut feeling suggests that the Lakers and the Celtics are doing good things to get themselves to the final two.
The Lakers signing of Ron Artest, while in my opinion a stupid and unnecessary risk, has raised their ceiling. That's a scary idea.
The Boston signing of Rasheed Wallace is brilliant. Just the shot in the arm this franchise needed, so long as Doc Rivers is prepared to use both Wallace and Garnett more sparingly to keep both fresh for the playoffs. Ideally they will both allow Perkins to take rests when his problematic shoulder is re-injured at some point as is inevitable. All that is outstanding is to resign Ray Allen, which I hope is done shortly.
I have to admit to not being a huge fan of the Cleveland signing of Shaq. Sure, it means they can defend Dwight Howard better, and he did slay them this year, but if Garnett had been healthy Cleveland wouldn't have faced the Orlando Magic anyway so changing the face of your team in response to the number two threat is rather foolish. Cleveland can still win, but now they'll win in spite of Shaq not because of him.
49-40
That was the score when Orlando's soul was broken and the curtains were drawn on their 2009 season. The LA Lakers were in the middle of an 18-0 run that snapped the neck of the rabbit and set the top hat on fire in Orlando last night. The only smoke and mirrors present were from Orlando's smoldering three point percentage and their pending offseason of tough questions.
Now this won't just be a Kobe love-fest, but the man played one of the best games of Basketball you're likely to see for a very long time. Bryant did everything last night on his way to leading his team in every sense of the word, to the promised land. It's undisputed now, he is one of the greats of all time.
The Lakers were served incredibly also by Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza. These three guys made big play after big play and it's safe to say they have guaranteed Dwight Howard a championship somewhere down the road. Dwight got nothing easy, similar to Gasol last year. The Celtics crowded, pushed and shoved Gasol into a corner in the 2008 Finals. This year it was Howard's turn. While showing flashes of brilliance, Howard rarely got in a groove offensively and was subsequently "handled" by the swarming defense of Los Angeles. These moments are where champions can be created. Jameer Nelson and Dwight Howard remained on the Magic bench to soak in the defeat, a bold move. One would assume that the lasting smell of Finals failure will provoke a strong Eastern Conference title defence next year.
Speaking of which, where do the Magic sit now? Is this just a lucky year? I respect them as a unit and would say the term "lucky" is an insult to them. I give them their due kudos for making it as far as they did, but what happens if there's no Turkoglu next season? He was an integral part of their success and will surely have the opportunity to make some serious money this offseason. It's also safe to say that Rafer Alston and Jameer Nelson cannot co-exist, so there's plenty of questions in Magic Town.
The Lakers have housekeeping of their own to take care of. With Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza both out of contract, it will make the Lakers a hot topic for a while yet. Even Kobe Bryant has an out clause for this year and next... but that's just crazy talk.
Phil Jackson said he would "smoke a cigar" and "toast Red Auerbach" after the game. A classy gesture and a deserved reward for the winningest coach in NBA history. Another mantle that leaves him immune to the constant criticism thrown his way of late.
Overall a great result for Kobe, Phil Jackson and all of the Lakers fans out there. It's a pity the Los Angeles fans' had to start torching cars and acting the fool but heck, it happens most years.
Lakers in 5. Good times.
Say goodbye to Hollywood…
Yes, I said it.
The NBA has left the city of Los Angeles for season 08/09.
I believe the Orlando Magic will win their first ever NBA Finals game but it'll be celebrated like Sam Perkins' birthday in 1996... with the series already over. (Sorry Seattle fans... it's not like you need any extra pain!)
With the most mainstream statistic in the NBA hanging perilously over their heads, the Magic will be desperate not to go down 0-3 on Tuesday night. No team has ever recovered and of all the teams that we've seen in that hole, I don't rate Orlando high enough to rebound back. One thing is for certain however...
I now respect the Orlando Magic.
Game 2 was a gutsy performance. After being embarrassed in Game 1, the Magic came out and made a real contest of it. Some would argue that the only reason Orlando were close was because of Rashard Lewis, and they may be right. But you can't deny Dwight Howard's passing was brilliant, Rafer played really well and Turkoglu hit some clutch shots.
Personally, I would've gone to Turk to win it at the end of regulation. The play Orlando drew up was nice though. The screen Lewis layed on Kobe Bryant to get Lee open was beautiful to watch, even for a devout Kobe fan. And to think this game had two non-calls regarding basket interference. Weird.
Surely Turkoglu or Lewis was the smartest option, especially on the road. I also think Orlando are missing Anthony Johnson's toughness. Sounds crazy to suggest they need their 3rd string point guard I know, but 0-2 is the current situation here. Lose the next one and you might as well bring back Nick Anderson and Dennis Scott. Even Scott Skiles has been bored since April. I think back to Overtime when the Magic turned the ball over on a dish from JJ Redick! Rafer Alston was on the court at this time but I'm not sure a team wants Redick driving and dishing in OT... NBA Finals... Game 2! Put Johnson in the game in my humble opinion.
Orlando had their chances, and came up short. Los Angeles also had their chances, and came up short... one less time than Orlando. The referee's were VERY tough to read. It seemed Gasol was allowed to shove Howard as he jumped on quite a few rebound attempts and get away with it. It makes me wonder though, how hard would you need to shove that guy to move him? Is it possible D12 was "flopping" on rebounds??
However I look at it, it was a gutsy performance. Two blowouts and it wouldn't have been worth watching any more.
The way it stands though is simple. The best road team in the NBA this year is about to go to Orlando. A 3-0 lead is possible but not probable. A 3-1 lead and a chance to close it out in Orlando is the most obvious of scenarios. While the Lakers have played well to warrant that lead, the Magic will be flying back rueing missed opportunties.
If the Orlando forget the smoke and mirrors on Tuesday night, this series is over.
Say goodbye to Hollywood...
Philosophy…
I'm not sure whether you've been asleep or somewhat comatose for the past week or so, but the wins in Games 5 & 6 against the Nuggets didn't just "happen" as the NBA promo would like you to believe.
Adjustments were made, defensive assignments were altered, attacking options were broadened. You forget too quickly how good Phil can be, and maybe it is a case more so when he's the front runner, but it's fact all the same.
Phil's NBA experience last season wound down to being "where Boston happened", and it's sad because everyone is assuming he's done. Are you people serious? Another 60+ win season and another back-to-back trip to the NBA Finals. I guess the proof will be in the triangle shaped pudding.
Note: No, I'm not forgetting 2004.
The Lakers will match up far better with Orlando than they would've with Cleveland. Every option that the Magic have can be countered by one, sometimes two or even three options for the Lakers. Orlando aren't that lucky.
First of all, the damage will need to be done by Howard to springboard the Magic's success. If Howard doesn't fire, then the Orlando Magic hat will reveal no fluffy rabbit. That's a lot of pressure for Superman... but I guess Dunk Competitions aren't the only reason he gets that name.
Secondly, the Lakers defense will not allow the Magic to do everything as effortlessly as they did in previous rounds. The pressure on the outside shots will drag their 3-point percentage to the Staples Center floor.
Go Lakers!