Francisco Garcia(Photo. Brian Maranan Pineda)
30. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-29) — Last week we talked about Minny’s torturous January schedule. Three games in, they’re an unsurprising 0-3 and getting flogged by an average of 15 points a night.
29. New York Knicks (8-24) — After being so pridefully defiant for so long, now it seems like Isiah’s gone the other way and is trying to get himself fired. His own bad play-calling hurt the Knicks in their loss to the Spurs last week, and then Isiah publicly insulted the team’s intelligence afterwards.
28. Miami Heat (8-26) — The losing streak is sitting at seven, but Miami has a good chance to break the skid with games against the Wolves and Bucks this week. Chris Quinn borderline shouldn’t even be in the NBA, and he’s playing 45 minutes a night with this group.
27. Seattle Supersonics (9-24) — Nick Collison is pulling down 14 boards a night in his last three games. Kurt Thomas is snagging 13.4 boards in his last five outings. Of course, there have been a ton of missed shots for them to work with.
26. Los Angeles Clippers (10-21) — Losers of eight of their last nine, and that lone win was against the Wolves, which almost doesn’t court. Their last win before that was against the Grizzlies. In fact, the Clips haven’t really beaten a good team since they beat the Nuggets before Thanksgiving.
25. Memphis Grizzlies (10-23) — Getting a good 30-35 minutes a night in the last four games, Mike Conley is putting up 8.5 points, 4.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He and Rudy Gay are the future of this group. And we guess you can throw Pau Gasol in there if he’s still gonna be around.
24. Charlotte Bobcats (11-21) — During Bobcats/Bucks, a graphic appeared that said Jason Richardson had been leading the League in scoring in games since Dec. 22, tickling the twine at a 29-points-per clip.
23. Milwaukee Bucks (13-20) — Royal Ivey has led the team in assists each of the last two games. Aren’t they paying Mo Williams a keg full of money to do that?
22. Sacramento Kings (12-20) — Do you want the good news of the bad news first? Bad news: the Kings have lost six of their last seven, and their three best players are hurt (Artest, Bibby, Martin). Good news: Brad Miller’s still got a pulse, John Salmons is holding it down as best he can, and Francisco Garcia is getting quality minutes.
21. Philadelphia 76ers (14-20) — The West Coast road swing went very by-the-book. Philly beat the teams they were supposed to (Sacramento, Seattle) and lost to the teams they were supposed to (Blazers, Jazz, Nuggets, Lakers).
20. Indiana Pacers (16-19) — Has anyone seen Shawne Williams? He hasn’t had a double-figure scoring night since Dec. 11, and he’s racked up four DNP’s and four scoreless games in the meantime.
19. Atlanta Hawks (15-16) — You have to wonder if the T.J. Ford incident has effected Al Horford mentally. Before that game, Horford had posted six games of 10-plus rebounds. Since then, he’s only had one. In the nine games following Ford’s injury, Horford is pulling down a sub-par (for him) 6.8 rebounds per game.
18. Chicago Bulls (13-19) — The record since Jim Boylan took over is 4-2, and those losses were via buzzer-beater to Orlando and double-OT against Portland. Not bad at all.
17. Washington Wizards (17-15) — It’s like Caron Butler (22.2 ppg) and Antawn Jamison (21.8 ppg) are flipping a coin every night to see who’s gonna lead the Wiz in scoring.
16. Toronto Raptors (17-17) — Had they not gotten murdered by LeBron on Sunday, the Raptors would have went .500 over a tough slate of schedule that had them at Phoenix, at San Antonio, at New Orleans, home for Detroit and home for the Cavs.
15. Cleveland Cavaliers (17-17) — If they could pull it off last year, don’t count LeBron and Co. out just yet. They’ve won five of their last six, beating the Mavs and Raptors on the road during that stretch.
14. Utah Jazz (18-17) — Kyle Korver knows what he’s supposed to do: Come in for 15-20 minutes, stretch the defense and make shots. He’s done it well enough, putting up 10.4 points per in his three games with Utah.
13. New Jersey Nets (17-16) — Seven wins in their last eight, and five wins in a row. During the win streak, Vince Carter has been averaging 24.8 points, 5.2 boards and 6 assists.
12. Houston Rockets (17-17) — After getting schooled by KG in the latter stages of the Boston loss, Yao bounced back to hang 26 point on Dwight Howard and 30 on the Knicks’ front line. The fact that Houston played the C’s down to the wire on the road without T-Mac shows you they’re still a team to be reckoned with.
11. Golden State Warriors (20-15) — Convincing losses to the Mavs and Hornets had us wondering just how legit the Warriors really were, but Monday’s win over San Antonio restored the faith. Baron Davis was awful against Dallas, got dominated by Chris Paul in the New Orleans game, but got his swagger back against San Antonio with 34 points and 14 dimes.
10. Orlando Magic (22-13) — The losses to New Jersey and Houston last week were by a combined three points, and could have easily gone the other way had Dwight Howard played better; he had an outright bad game against the Nets and was outplayed by Yao against the Rockets. On a positive note, the Jameer/Arroyo point guard duo is looking like a mishmash version of Calderon/Ford.
9. Denver Nuggets (21-13) — You didn’t forget Allen Iverson is one of the premier scorers in the League, did you? He’s dropped 30-plus in four of his last six games, including a 29-point effort in a low-scoring affair with San Antonio.
8. New Orleans Hornets (23-11) — Resumed their winning ways by running off three straight road W’s against the Clippers, Warriors and Suns. It’s too early to say Chris Paul has supplanted Steve Nash as the game’s best PG, but the day is coming sooner than you think.
7. Portland Trail Blazers (21-13) — Piecing the Jazz while Brandon Roy was on the bench most of the night was probably Portland’s most impressive win all year. It seems like someone new is stepping up every night to compliment Roy and LaMarcus, be it Travis Outlaw, Martell Webster or even Spanish Chocolate.
6. San Antonio Spurs (23-10) — We know it gets said every year, but the Spurs are really starting to look old. They need to address some issues in the offseason by either landing a significant free agent or two, or pulling off some trades to get some fresh blood in there.
5. Phoenix Suns (24-10) — Since Nov. 10, Steve Nash has recorded fewer than 10 dimes in a game TWICE. In that same span, he’s had 11 games of 15-plus assists.
4. Los Angeles Lakers (21-11) — The Bynum Train is officially out of control. He gave J.O. 23 points, 13 boards and 4 blocks on Sunday, right after giving The Dalembeast 17-16-3. This week he’s got Pau Gasol twice, Tyson Chandler and Andrew Bogut in front of him.
3. Dallas Mavericks (23-11) — Starting to look like last year’s squad (i.e. the Warriors game), and Dirk is starting to look MVP-ish again. He’s put up 26 points a night over the Mavs’ current four-game win streak.
2. Detroit Pistons (26-8) — Chauncey might not think the Boston loss was a big deal, but he didn’t look so nonchalant when he bricked those two free throws and airballed a critical three-pointer during crunch-time.
1. Boston Celtics (29-3) — C’s fans can finally stop whining; your team did what it had to do to earn the #1 spot by beating Detroit and cutting through the West Coast like a hot knife through butter. The thin bench got a little thicker (no pun intended) with Big Baby’s breakout performance in the Pistons game.
January 8th, 2008 at 8:48 am
YOUNGFED says:
One game and they’re proclaimed the best. (GTFOH) and for those of you who don’t know thats “Get The F–K Outta Here”.
The Celtics would have lost if it wasn’t for a once in a life-time game for Big Baby matter of fact correction Glen Davis, I come from and era where players earn nick-names by being great not just because his boys or mom gave it to them.
January 8th, 2008 at 8:49 am
kobeef says:
I am half excited for the Grizz and Bucks to make a trade. In a win now team pleayers like Gasol and Miller could do some damage.
For the Bucks - I just want to see their talented, young front court players and Mike Redd get the ball once in a while. Yes you Mo “me first” Williams.
“The losing streak is sitting at seven, but Miami has a good chance to break the skid with games against the Wolves and Bucks this week”
Wow….Dime must be a HUGE Miami fan to see the positive and have that kind of hope in this situation.
January 8th, 2008 at 9:19 am
YOUNGFED says:
Is it me or does it seem like every time Yao goes up against Howard he tries to give him the business. He really wants to prove he’s the best center in the league.
January 8th, 2008 at 9:21 am
QQ says:
And even if they break the skid by winning against those teams, their record would still be pretty crap. (OK, it’s still AMAZINGLY crap).
Whew, I thought the Magic would lose it’s place in the top 10. Gotta get some wins.
January 8th, 2008 at 9:30 am
YOUNGFED says:
Also Dime the Celtics still ain’t played nobody.
January 8th, 2008 at 9:33 am
YOUNGFED says:
I’m changing my name to @#%$ THE CELTICS
January 8th, 2008 at 9:42 am
smity says:
thats funny youngfed…tell them how you really feel…
January 8th, 2008 at 9:47 am
smity says:
—also youngfed, whats up with your boy primoz, is he the mehmet okur of 08 for you all? its about time for another piston’s chip (the bulls too for that matter but chicago needs to compile talent first…)…
January 8th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Myrie says:
Surprising…..my NYK are not dead last.
January 8th, 2008 at 10:40 am
YOUNGFED says:
I like both the new guys Primoz and Herriman we’re just a lil to deep for them to get any time right now. but both those guys can play.
January 8th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Celts Fan says:
I’m guessing that “whining Celtics fan” line was to me. fair enough, but come on Youngfed. One game? They’ve had the best record the whole year and just beat Detroit too (and of their 3 Ls, 1 was in OT to Cleveland, one to Orlando by 2 I think, and one to Detroit in a game that was tied until .1 seconds left.) I don’t see how you can argue against them at this point (I know, no SA, Phx, Dal, etc., but that’s coming soon…)
Big Baby is going to be a good player, that wasn’t just a “once in a lifetime” type game. You can expect plenty more like that from him over the years.
I agree on Hermann and Brezec. You guys fleeced Charlotte. Nazr isn’t that good…
If the Celtics and Pistons don’t meet in the Conference Finals (or earlier in the Playoffs if the seedings don’t hold true) I’ll definitely feel cheated. That has all the makings of a GREAT series…
January 8th, 2008 at 11:41 am
kobeef says:
Remember when DWade taped up his injured shoulder last year to make one more run at the ‘chip with Shaq? Seems like that was the wrong move for the long term. I am glad Wade got paid cause he took a BIG hit for the team:
“I don’t think anybody realizes how bad this was.” Riley said. “It was a reverse dislocation, which doesn’t happen that much. And he had nerve damage.”
“I’ve just reached a point where I understand it’s how my body’s going to feel,” (said Wade about the pain)
January 8th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Myrie says:
Are there any Celtic fans who still wish the Garnett trade didn’t happen? I remember when the trade went down, some Celtic fans were praising Al Jefferson as the next big thing and didn’t think Aigne should move him for Garnett. Any of you still have the same feeling?
And Lakers fans still feel MitchieKup should have traded Bynum for Jason Kidd? Some Laker fans goffed at the rumor saying it was foolish not to trade Bynum for Kidd (I persoanlly would have made the trade; and I still would today). Any others feel the same way?
January 8th, 2008 at 11:59 am
control says:
YOUNGFED,
You are a HUGE homer to think that Detroit should be #1 for this week. I live in Detroit, and even then I think Celts should hold it because they are just ripping through everyone…even though their schedule hasn’t really be the toughest.
I’m sure you are probably upset because Boston is a primarly “white” area and Detroit is primarly “black”, it must indicate that Dime is racist.
January 8th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
YOUNGFED says:
“Control” I was about to comment on your statement but that last part of your comment was too dumb to even discuss.
“Celts”, I’ll just say this, even Tyson would be undefeated if he only fought weaklings. This whole Celtics hoopla is a sham set up by Stern and the schedulers. They know thats why they acted the way they did when they won.
out YOUNGFED aka @#$% THE CELTICS
January 8th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Gee ...The SEC runs that college football ish! says:
Control you get the stupid statement of the day award.
Anyway Boston should most def. be number 1. No question. I don’t know if you can have the Lakers or Denver as high as they are though.
Boston lost the first one to Detroit by a little bit and a dumb last play and then Detroit got waxed in the second go round.
Look at it as if it’s in a series, right now the Spurs and possibly the Suns (cause of their style) and Detroit would give Boston a battle in a 7 game series, I don’t think they would win though …ok lol San An might. Still Boston is #1 and should be there right now. When they start losing …”if” they start losing, then take them down.
Right now THEY ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE! LOL
January 8th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
YOUNGFED says:
Not funny Gee (LOL) and we didn’t get waxed.
January 8th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
control says:
Thanks Gee, another award!
That last part of my last post was “sarcasm” mocking YOUNGFED because he always breaks shit down like that. My bad for typing what he was thinking.
January 8th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
YOUNGFED says:
See “Control” I’m not the only one that thinks your LAME. I don’t think he was talking about how you broke it down that comment was @#$King stupid dude.
But I guess you “Gotta let a H@E be a H@E (LOL) now thats funny.
“YOUNGFED” aka “Stop Hatin’ my Breakdowns B–CH”
January 8th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
YOUNGFED says:
Come Dime how yall gone redflag that gimme a break.
January 8th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
YOUNGFED says:
Oh and Control comment #18 was even more stupid you should probably stop talk.
January 8th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
control says:
YOUNGFED, are you saying that you don’t always talk your stupid ass mouth off with idiot comments like that?
You don’t need to answer, you fucking do so stfu. You have accused me of being racist like 5 times before, so stfu and stay stfu.
January 8th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Austin Burton says:
“Boston lost the first one to Detroit by a little bit and a dumb last play and then Detroit got waxed in the second go round.”
When did Detroit get waxed?
January 8th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Celts Fan says:
Detroit absolutely didn’t get waxed, and any Celtics fan that tells you they’re not afraid of Detroit in the playoffs is either retarded or lying.
January 8th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Celts Fan says:
YOUNGFED, you can probably answer this for me. Why did Detroit draft both Stuckey and Afflalo? (both of whom I like, I’m just confused at drafting both) Don’t they both play the 2? I guess you make sure one of them works out, but it seems like that’s overlooking other “needs” (quotes cuz when you’re that good, it’s more “wants” than “needs.”) they could’ve filled. Am I missing something here?
January 8th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Austin Burton says:
I think they were just going for overall backcourt depth. Stuckey is supposed to be able to play the point and the two, Afflalo is a natural two, and Sammy Mejia (who they ended up cutting in camp) could supposedly play the point, the two or the three.
January 8th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
YOUNGFED says:
They play both spots Celts and I guess they were the best things available at the time. However I really like Stuckey he’s gonna be pretty good.
Control all I can say is GTFOH. And I don’t think your’re really from Detroit we don’t produce lames.
January 8th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Celts Fan says:
that’s about what I figured. I guess they’re “best player avaible” draft types after the Darko fiasco. I guess I was kind of surprised they didn’t go for a big with one of the 2 picks. Sean Williams would have been good were it not for the fact that he and Rasheed would probably just quit and start a smoke shop.
January 8th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
YOUNGFED says:
Joey D pulled in Primo so we’re good on the bigs would be great if Sheed took his A$$ downlow more.
January 8th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Celts Fan says:
ya, but I meant young guys that could, potentially, replace McDiece and/or Rasheed over the next few years. either way, it’s nitpicking with a team that talented. I thought Stuckey was more of a 2 that barely did, but could play the 1 (a la Allen Ray.) Either way, looks like both guys are nice pieces, so it worked out.
You’re right too, Sheed’s back to the basket game is too good for him to be that head over heels in love with the 3 ball like he’s Dirk or something.
January 8th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Celts Fan says:
he’s got a really nice stroke for a big guy, but he needs to get down on the block some too…
January 8th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Soopa says:
As a fan of the NBA and no specific team (im from europe, so no team really came naturally :P) im suprised how people are reacting to the celtics. I mean why do they get bashed for winning games then are supposed to win?
I read some season previews which had them as a 45-50 win team in year 1. Others just didnt like the idea of 3 30+ guys as the core of a team and blablabla.
So arent they just exceeding expectations so far and every win vs a winning team is an excellent win and a win vs the “cup cakes” is good win?
January 8th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
tim says:
the eastern finals are gonna be amazing this year (if Boston and Detroit both make it) As for the season series, Chauncey won the first game, but he pretty much cost Detroit the second with that unnecessary airball 3. it would of went in if he didn’t dribble for like 8 seconds before hand…but oh well…I can’t wait for MARCH!
And to answer an earlier question. Stuckey is who they imagine being the point guard in a few years. He had a poor showing against Boston…I kept waiting for him to take it in the lane, get and 1s all night, and it never happened….
But whats up with Posey going crazy after the game. Taunting the crowd? Come on now Posey.
January 8th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Brown says:
Big Baby earned his nickname in college. He reminded me of a young Shaq with his microphone skills and personality.
January 8th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
kowtz says:
Stop hatin y’all…
That’s why dime has been puttin up dates beside the HIT LIST…
so that you know that as of this date, CELTS are number one… it’s not like it means celts are number one till the end of the season or sumthin…
STOP HATIN!
Love how LAKE SHOW is risin… but hatin how Drew is the focus and not my boy mamba…
Anyway, take note of this… Dec. 25 2008… Lakers versus Celtics in LA!
January 9th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
GEE ...I also sacked Colt Brennan says:
Oh my bad. Forgive the me for the use of the word Waxed. They got beat by only 7. That is not a waxing lol.
Anyway all my other points still stand.