Photo. Stephen HillOf all the teams out there, is it really the Bobcats who have the blueprint on how to beat the Celtics? The first time the teams played, Charlotte didn’t have Gerald Wallace and still had the game in their hands before losing on Ray Allen’s buzzer-beating three. After Charlotte pulled off the NBA’s biggest upset of the season so far (Minnesota beating Phoenix last month is a close second), it’s clear part of the plan revolves around Ray. In the game where he hit the buzzer-beater, the ‘Cats almost won because Ray had been in the middle of an off night. Last night he didn’t play (neck), and neither did Big Baby (knee). Also, the ‘Cats got big games from Wallace (15 pts, 10 rebs, 2 blks, 2 stls) and Nazr Mohammed (18 pts, 10 rebs), and J-Rich absolutely destroyed the C’s — in particular Paul Pierce and James Posey … With about 45 seconds left and Charlotte up by eight, Richardson went to work on Pierce, sticking a baseline step-back J in The Truth’s mug to ice the win. J-Rich (34 pts) left his hand up and skipped back down the court, then blew kisses to the Boston crowd as the C’s called timeout while Jared Dudley was over on the bench making the “It’s over” sign … A few minutes later, KG and Ray Felton had some words. Loved how Felton not only didn’t back down, he got up in KG’s face — well, more like in his chest — and was like, “Nothing but air and opportunity, man” … So will teams start taking those two Bobcats/Celtics games back to the lab and studying? You have to pay attention when one team consistently gives another problems. Just like how the Blazers seem to have Utah’s number, or how the Mavs own the Rockets … Speaking of the Mavs, the Pistons never seemed very into their game with them last night — and on top of that, Dallas is on a serious roll right now — which made for a piecing in what was supposed to be the game of the night. Dallas’ backcourt was kinda torching the Pistons: Devin Harris had 19 points and was actually a threat from the perimeter, and Jason Terry and Jerry Stackhouse scored 15 apiece … After Walter Herrmann gave Dirk (23 pts) some problems in the first half of Pistons/Mavs, Jeff Van Gundy compared Herrmann to Andres Nocioni. “They can get under your skin,” JVG said. Did he mean “they” as in Argentines? Good thing Van Gundy isn’t running for President — he’d never hear the end of that one … With the score tied in the final seconds of Pacers/Suns, Jamaal Tinsley went 1-on-1 with Shawn Marion on a clear-out. Matrix gave him nothing, and Tinsley short-armed a step-back jumper, after which Marion secured the rebound with 1.1 seconds left. On the other end, Boris Diaw seemed to hold the ball on the inbounds a little longer than 5 seconds, and although the Pacers announcers were screaming for a 5-seconds call, Diaw got the timeout. On the second chance Diaw got it in to Leandro Barbosa, who had his double-clutch jumper blocked by Mike Dunleavy. And this may come as a surprise, but Mike D’Antoni complained to the refs that Barbosa should’ve gotten a foul call … It’s not like Tinsley had been hot offensively, but in the OT he decided he was going to win the game by humself. He started jacking shots over Marion at a video game-like rate: seriously, Tinsley might not have passed the ball once in the entire overtime, and we’re pretty sure he took every single Indiana shot in the extra frame except for when Dunleavy tipped in one of his missed threes. Jamaal finished 8-for-26 from the field (0-for-7 from deep) and the Pacers lost … Steve Nash barely played in the second half due to the stomach flu … During a stretch of Warriors/Blazers where Nellie put in his second unit for an extended run because the starters were getting smacked, one of Portland’s announcers said, “Do they have some oxygen for (Austin) Croshere, because he’s huffing and puffing out there.” … We know he’s 7-foot-6 and supposed to be dunking on people, but Yao’s cram on the Knicks yesterday was sick. Yao (36 pts, 11 rebs) blew past Eddy Curry (just pathetic D on Eddy’s part) and hammered it on Malik Rose, who got knocked into the baseline seats … Seriously, how bad is New Jersey’s front line when they’re letting Johan Petro have the game of his life? Petro dropped 22 points and 9 boards on NJ yesterday, albeit in a loss, not to mention Nick Collison put up 18 and 13. Earlier on Wednesday we were talking about Seattle’s big-man situation. Undersized center Kurt Thomas and under-athletic PF Collison are anchoring the front line (Chris Wilcox has been hurt), while the team’s trio of pet 7-footers are doing next to nothing. Robert Swift is hurt, Saer Sene is in the D-League, and Petro usually doesn’t make much of an impact …
Duke vs. TempleDime’s expert on all things Philly, editorial director Pat Cassidy, took the train down to his hometown for the Duke/Temple game last night. His report from the Wachovia Center: “Pretty good game. It looked like it was going to get out of hand until Dionte Christmas started scoring. Temple played solid D, but they have no shooters and missed way too many layups and foul shots. Duke’s D was unreal. Temple had to start their offense out by the hash mark and every pass for the full 40 minutes was contested. Curtis Sumpter was in the house, and I ran into every one of my old coaches.” … It’s not basketball-related, but we had to say something on this whole Tony Romo/Jessica Simpson-in-Cabo (non) story. The fact that major media outlets insist on making it into something big is comical/embarrassing. Seriously, who cares? Wade Phillips gave the Cowboys a few days off — why can’t the players kick back and hang with their significant others? If your job gave you a day off leading up to a big project, would you spend that day locked in your bedroom studying? Besides, if Jason Witten went to Mexico with his non-celebrity wife, no one would even report it, let alone talk about how it might distract Witten from beating the Giants this weekend. What did Bobby Knight say that one time? “You f’n people in the news media” … We’re out like Swift …
January 10th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Str8baller says:
Do I see a pattern? First MOTHAFUCKAS!!!!
I’m the G.O.A.T. of this bloggin shit
January 10th, 2008 at 6:47 am
josh says:
first
January 10th, 2008 at 6:47 am
josh says:
not
January 10th, 2008 at 6:48 am
jz_smoove says:
Wtf is the big deal about First???
January 10th, 2008 at 6:52 am
Str8baller says:
josh…
Game recognize game, but I beat you holmes….
and jz-smoove… if you ain’t first you ain’t shit
January 10th, 2008 at 7:07 am
jz_smoove says:
uhmm, u are one
January 10th, 2008 at 7:16 am
miamiVIS3 says:
did anyone see the suit Michael Redd was wearing @ Heat Bucks definitly sick and if you saw that you saw the heat fall to a bad team with two free agents they couldn’t get AGAIN!
January 10th, 2008 at 7:33 am
OGN says:
Western cconference 1 thru 6, 2 game difference, mid january sick.
January 10th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Str8baller says:
jz_smoove
the big deal about being first is….
if I can’t excel at anything in life, I can at least set my alarm and type a couple of wack-ass sentences to make me feel like I’m actually accomplishing something……even though I’m not
January 10th, 2008 at 8:07 am
thamilan says:
Yeah Str8tBaller is the G.O.A.T. of waking up before everyone else, your mom must be proud.
KG gets up in people’s faces and talks smack. When they don’t back down, KG tends to shut up. Boston and Charlotte might become a new rivalry. The only thing the NBA is missing is more shoving.
Cavs lost to Atlanta. Lebron needs a true PG because he’s trying to do everything himself and its never going to lead to a ring.
New Orleans had nothing for the Lakers. I love it ! Lakers are starting to become an all around team. Kobe’s taking a hit on his stats, but atleast they winning big games.
January 10th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Tbeezy says:
Let me help Dime out. The lakers have been rolling. Put it on N.O. last night by 29. Right now they have the exact same record as they did last year at this point of the season. Last year they fell apart due to injuries. It will be interesting to see where the Lakers can end up if they stay healthy. The addition of Fisher has been huge and the emergence of Bynum is about the same as if the Lakers went out and signed a top 5-10 center in the off-season. The end of January through February brings a crazy road schedule though. 12 out of 13 on the road including 9 straight (although split up by the All-Star game). That is going to be the real test for this ball club. Regardless they are fun to watch and are really playing team ball. Kobe jumped up off the bench to cheer a Javaris Crittenton jumper last night like it was the finals.
See Dime, it’s not that are to right a few lines about the Lake Show.
January 10th, 2008 at 8:34 am
mom+alarm clock=firstpost says:
str8baller…. aka John Amaechi
in your case G.O.A.T. clearly stands for
GAYEST OF ALL TIME !!!
January 10th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Smitty313 says:
Dime hates the Lakers. Kobe 4 MVP!
January 10th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Ian says:
GAYEST OF ALL TIME ……………. LOL
January 10th, 2008 at 9:05 am
kowtz says:
Biggest difference in NO-LA game…
1.) 3 pt. shooting…
2.) assists…
LA was around 45%… and NO? freakin 9%
January 10th, 2008 at 9:19 am
QQ says:
Now I wanna hear what will Celtic fans say about this.
Are they still fo’ REAL? I mean, REAL REAL?
January 10th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Hassan says:
Did anyone catch Clyde Frasier during the Knicks game moan about Scola not being a good free throw shooter. Paraphrasing his words “It is rare to find a European player who is bad free throw shooter.”
Can someone remind Clyde that Scola (although caucasian looking) is not from Europe? Last I checked Scola is Argentine and plays for the Argentine national team.
He spent the better part of his professional career in Spain. That doesnt make him European.
It is almost like saying Dirk is American cause he plays in the NBA.
January 10th, 2008 at 9:41 am
waiting2repeat says:
Yao’s dunk was the sh**. I’ve never seen anyone dunk without leaving the hardwood.
..and no love for Brandon Bass’ two-handed CROWNING of Jason Maxiell ??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOs86jce7nI
January 10th, 2008 at 9:49 am
GEE ...I also sacked Colt Brennan says:
J-Rich had straight work for Paul. Seriously he was really making Paul look pretty bad. Yea J had him looking pretty foolish. J’s swag was just nasty, doing whatever he wanted. I am glad to see dude getting the pub. He deserves cause he’s doing his thing right now.
I wouldn’t read to much into this game as far as a blueprint for beating Boston and all that. To me you have to just be working on so many cylinders to beat them or at least play them tight to have a chance. Then at least 1 of the three headed monster has to have an off night. If you don’t have all your variables and intangibles and stuff in place against Boston, it’s pretty much a wrap and last night Charlotte had it oooonnnn.
If you talking about a blueprint Portland has created the one for how to revamp and horrid team. I am thinking of when they went through their thug nasty age and basically got rid of everyone and now has a real nice team with good chemistry and all. Nothing but props for how they got it done the right way.
Yao this and Yao that, Ming gets buckets. I said this before and I will again, for as much as he gets dunked on he gives it to dudes as well. Of course it’s always gonna be more spectacular for some lil’ dude to cram on dude, but Yao has created some nice posters for the kids in China of him crushing it on cats.
How bout Skip getting it on lately. The Rockets are like 6 -2 or 7 -2 with no T-Mac. In the words of Booker T. “Now can you dig that…Sucka!”
Oh yea on Bob Knight, did anyone see when he had his grandson at the podium with him and was inadvertently giving the reporters the business by talking to his grandson. Comedy.
I would most def. Say that Minny beating the Suns is by far the biggest upset much more than Charlotte beating Boston. Charlotte is not a bad squad they just have to pull their ish together. Once it’s together they can do what they did last night on many teams. Now Minny beating the Suns… that is some rare ish.
Props to the Lakers. Early in the season I felt like man all they got is Kobe for real (still 1% of me feels that way lol) but I got to give credit. Dudes are playing hard and getting after it for real. I just hope they bring that same determination into the playoffs. It would be a shame to do so well in the season an flat tire it in the playoffs. Bynum…Rumble young man rumble.
I am sorry but for my dollar Chris Paul throw the best Alley-oops in the game right now. It’s like he be hooking it or some ish. Real fly.
Jason Maxiell needs to sit his butt down.
Miami is just that M.I.A. …The Last Don was on my milk carton.
I am out like Chinese kids with new posters of Yao crammin it on your favorite center…
January 10th, 2008 at 9:56 am
rodnets says:
Being from Argentina, I usually get misinformed comments about people from the US not knowing exactly where is located, or its players skills ignored…which is worse.
Nocioni is ten times better defender than Herrmann. Herrmann has less defense than an F1 Race Car, he has good moves for attacking the rim and is an OK offensive player, thats all.
Peace
Im out like those who want to be FIRST
January 10th, 2008 at 10:00 am
bliz289 says:
Pierce was in J-Rich’s grill for a lot of those shots…Dude just made everything he threw up. Nothing the D can do about that.
January 10th, 2008 at 10:08 am
doc says:
Well being from America I can tell you don’t take it personal we just like good players and besides Manu the rest of them jokers suck.
January 10th, 2008 at 10:22 am
rodnets says:
Sure Doc, no prob and no offense taken.
Maybe Scola, Oberto and Nocioni are not that athletic (playground style), but they provide high energy and they know TEAM play.
Delfino hasn´t had opportunities to show its game.
Manu, I don´t like its flopping but he is a heck of a player, star caliber.The rest proved that they are NBA players and deserve to be in the NBA.
Tell me a team of non NBA stars that can beat:
Sanchez, Manu, Nocioni, Scola and Oberto
January 10th, 2008 at 10:35 am
isotope says:
Remember some time back when we were talking about Yao having Dwight Howard’s body (or something like that). Well looks like we’ve found someone like that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IKLaCofsvM
Too bad he still gets crowned by white boy. I’m out like Kenny George and Yao Ming in a race down the court.
January 10th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Jules says:
Having the first post is much more meaningful if you actually have something of substance to offer other than, “FIRST!!!!!!1!1!!2″
January 10th, 2008 at 10:43 am
s.bucketz says:
i was at the knick game a lil sauced up last night and man that game was even more depressing wen ur in that state of mind..im usin that ticket to break up buds on from now on..and oh yea
LAST!!
January 10th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Mustard says:
No love for the Raps. Another crazy block party displayed by Moon last night.
January 10th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Myrie says:
Solid victory for the BillyBOB Cats last night. Celts had a letdown after their win in 8mile. ‘Cats don’t have their number, but the Celts don’t match up well against them. I bet Jordan gave them a speech before they hit the court in BeanTown.
Pistons looked uninspired last night. Wassup with this bunch? They don’t always appear to be motivated for games. I see their weakness right now is size coming off the bench. Their bench play has been solid all year, but all perimeter. Primo ain’t the answer. Once ‘Sheed goes out the game, they do look small.
Mavs on the attack.
Lakers just keep on trucking. Phil sitting on $12mil, still smashing the boss’ daughter. Forget Kanye, Phil Jax is living the Good Life….
What direction are the Pacers going in? Larry Bird has been calling the shots for a while. When will someone call for his job?
My beloved NYK got smacked up by the Rockets. Again. Shame. Eddy Curry gotta step up and demand to play D on someone like Yao Ming. Eddy: if you think of yourself as an elite center (HA!) you gotta accept those challenges. Punk ass Curry….
BLOGGERS: How foolish do you all look/sound bitching about “1st” or “FIRST”. So far…..what prizes have any of you received? Not shit!! Spare the rest of us with that nonesense. foolish d*ckbeaters. Bloggin’ before the sun rises—yall prolly aint even wash yet and yall typing….
January 10th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Aaron C says:
Guys, guys… what’s up? No love for the Lakers the past three games?
January 10th, 2008 at 11:19 am
djKianoosh says:
about an comment #11, where he said bynum’s emergence is as if the lakers had gone out and gotten a top 5-10 center… my my, how things have changed. remember when a top 10 center was really an impressive list to be on? after the top 5 centers today, the list is pretty thin. that’s not to take anything away from bynum, just saying how different that is today than, say, 15 years ago. (or maybe that’s just how it seems, no?)
to be fair, bynum was making strides last year, so I was kind of surprised how kobe reacted all summer. didn’t he have a clue as to bynum’s offseason improvement? or was he so self-absorbed that he didn’t realize this is a teenager who is bound to improve? i’m a laker hater, for sure, but I’d kill to have a guy like Bynum on the sixers… please, take dalembert and give us bynum. please please please!
January 10th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Dank says:
IN BASKETBALL NEWS, IN A MATCHUP OF WESTERN CONFERENCE TOP TEAMS, THE LAKERS DESTROYED THE NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
January 10th, 2008 at 11:49 am
control says:
Anyone see that rumor about Fat Zach going to the Bucks? Isiah is a complete nut case, as much as I can’t stand Zach, at least he is putting up some numbers. Numberwise he has been the best player on the Knicks so far (give David Lee some more burn and that will change) and Isiah is going to trade him, great. It is also ironic that even on a roster of crappy selfish players, Fat Zach stands out as tradebait.
January 10th, 2008 at 11:52 am
bron42 aka Global-4A-Reason says:
for real man, yao is the only person I’ve seen who supposedly dunks with “power” without leavin the ground lol. Hes still a puss and his dunks make me laugh but at least hes tryin now.I love how after the dunk he walked to the found line like he just tore the rim down lol. Thats what i’m talkin about yao, show the swagger. And iso, kenny george doesnt have dwights body, hes just a black yao or a super unathletic andrew bynum.
And how long are we gonna heekp sayin “delfino doesnt get time” when hes had plenty of time over the years and doesnt do much, he has one good game a season. Hes not gettin time for a reason. Out of all the argentinian guys you named, only manu deserves mention as a potential superstar (ala joe johnson) not elite superstar (ala kobe,melo,wade). Scola is just a unathletic old poor mans david lee and nocioni is another inconsitent energy guy.
Gee: is it still a poster if everyone u dunk on is takin a charge and your feet never leave the ground? and we all kno the rockets really arent goin anywhere without tmac when they struggle against the knicks.
January 10th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
K-Dizzle - noy even goin to call it east coast bias says:
The first time and maybe the last time I might have to side with Dank in post #31.
The Game - Lakers vs. Hornets
The Player - CP3(#1 PG) KB24(#1 overall)
The Life - Wakin up to the sunhine to see nuthin on a 30 point blastin. My bad - thought it mighta been a bigger game than Rockets-Knicks or Jess Simpson and Romo.
Incidentally, DIME, J Witten ain’t the quarterback so no one gives a damn if he go down to mexico with all the cheerleaders on some mardi gras shit; but I promise you this: If Romo throws like 2 picks and the Giants crush the ‘Boys then EVERYONE gonna come out like,” You think Tom Brady or Peyton Manning were chillin in Mexico before a divisional game instead of watchin film?” Giants took the Pats to the wire and crushed the Bucs. You a fool if you ain’t doin nuthin but preparin for them and the G-Men WILL take this shit personal.
In closin, give my Lakers some love, dudes. When Kobe hoggin it up and we losin last year, it’s front page. When the team’s playin like top 3 in the West and everybody contributin, nuthin. That’s wrong. Also, I hope readers understand that Boston and Detroit were goin to both lose after their big showdown on Saturday.It’s called mental letdoown. That’s how shitty teams like Charlotte beats good teams like Detroit or Boston. That’s how Minny got Phoenix. You don’t wanna see those dudes in a 7 game series
January 10th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
GEE ...I got injected with an illegal substance I didn't know about before I wrote this post...dang trainer!!! says:
Ok if a something fixed then don’t break it. So I am loving the current L. Still I wish there were more states that had NBA teams.
Aight I am a Bama Boy (man rather) currently (not born here but love it) and I sooooo wish we had an NBA team. I grew up (and I am still) a Rockets fan (and I like Denver too). Anyway I have lived all over, but now being in Bama I just wish we had a team.
I know we are a college football state (Big Up to the SEC best conference in college football) but I so long for a pro team of basketball mainly but I wouldn’t mind football either.
Please consider yourself blessed to have an NBA team if you live in a state that has one, even if they are losers you at least have a team.
With all that being said which state do you all think will get an expansion team next, or do you think they will go overseas?
Of course I am voting Bama but realistically and money wise I know the market will go to a place like Oklahoma or Nevada. My vote is VA though, I think they could have and keep a good one with West VA and VA sharing in the team.
I mean I know ain’t nobody gonna want to live and play in Bama for real, just wishin that’s all. We could have an awesome rivalry with the Hawks.
Anyway I look at states like Tx and Cali and they got like three teams. I just ain’t fair lol.
That’s today’s gripe. Come on Sterny hook a state up??
January 10th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
isotope says:
bron42 aka hater-4-no-reason
So you expect yao to do a 360 windmill from the free throw line? lol. If he doesnt have to jump, why should he?
Kenny George is definitely unathletic and slow but looks like he has more muscle. I would like to see someone try boxing him out.
When you have skilled scorers already on the squad you need players who do the dirty hustle work. Thats what Manu, Scola, nocioni bring to the table. They’ll always have job in the NBA. I doubt they really care about being elite superstars in the NBA; they are legends in their home countries.
Don’t forget the rockets beat the Magic and almost beat the celtics without TMac. Maybe you’ll be a believer aftere they beat the hornets in a few days.
i’m out like bron42 becoming a rockets fan.
January 10th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
GEE ...I got injected with an illegal substance I didn't know about before I wrote this post...dang trainer!!! says:
Bron where you been?? LOL
Aight yea it’s still a poster lol, and them ain’t charges he be dunking the SH#$ on them dudes. Perception.
Anyway, dang Bron you ain’t gone give them a lil’ credit being 6-2 or 7-2 without T. Regardless of a struggle they are getting the W. I am gone prop them up, just on effort man, shoot you got to look at possible life without T, due to him getting injured by breathing in to hard lol.
January 10th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
sans says:
I’m loving the fact that someone got my John Amaechi joke.
January 10th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
bixby says:
where’s the love for the mvp? dirk was on fire last night. he had the whole arsenal goin. sheed was humbled fo sho.
January 10th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
doc says:
Rodnets I got the Sixers beating that team.Dre Miller will cook Sanchez, Manu will cook Willie, Iggy will cook Nocioni, And im takin Jason Smith and Sammy over Scola and Oberto. Sixers by 9.And djKianoosh Probaly since the 60’s or 70’s when was it 10 really good centers. inthe 80’s it was Parish,Ewing, Akeem,Kareem,Moses,who after this Brad Daughrty,Lambeer. In the 90’s David Pat,Keem,Zo,Brad still I guess, Shaq.They fell off but everybody always talk like every team had a beast at center back in the day. I remember Mike shitting on Tree Rollins and them.
January 10th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Todd says:
No commentary on the absolute DESTRUCTION of the ‘upstart’ Hornets last night bu the Lake Show? I thought a wire to wire 29pt win would get some ink…
January 10th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Kobeef says:
Kenny George is everywhere in the media this week - not sure where it started but it is a good story. Some of these media people should help him out instead of just making money off his story. I hope the kid gets paid somehow - he seems like a good person and I think his life is going to be pretty tough otherwise:
- apparently he can’t get a drivers license cause he can’t fit in a driver’s seat
- he can’t take planes cause he is too big for the seats
- because he can’t drive or take a plane his dad has to drive him everwhere
- he can’t buy shoes (has to have them custom made) cause he wears size 26
It seems like his body is getting beat up and he doesn’t have training staff to get him in proper shape for the game.
One of these millionaire NBA players should donate some $$ to help this kid out so he can at least stop living like a misfit.
As a ballplayer K. George could be something - his frame is massive with huge wingspan (not like Yao who is tall but with a shorter wingspan) and he is pretty muscular - mostly it seems he needs a full time conditioning coach to get his body in shape.
Interesting story - I hope for the best for this kid.
January 10th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
bron42 aka Global-4A-Reason says:
Iso: I didn’t even hate on anyone lol. And i told you before, i’ve been a rockets fan. Back when they got francis. But even as a rockets fan I can also realize they have no chance without a go to super star, which yao isn’t. As for yaos dunk, i didn’t even say anything bad, i said it was funny. Its also funny how ANY time yao dunks people try to make it like its some vicious dunk lol. He dunked on a 6′7 guy takin a charge who was already under the basket. He gets props for actually lookin for the dunk (which he wouldnt of done a few years ago) but lets not make it like it was some explosive crazy dunk. It was a 7′6 fingertip dunk lol.
Kenny might have muscle but if you watched the game, he sure doesnt use it. Which is why i compared him to yao, the whole extent of his game was sitting in the paint with his arms up OR catching dunks right under the basket. Didn’t back anyone down and then dunk over them so no muscle was used. He didn’t even really have to attempt to jump when he blocked the shots, he just stood there straight up and the ball hit his hands.
Also, last i checked, both the rockets and bulls need scorers. Also last i checked, scola was supposed to be the “missing piece along side yao” yet the rockets are even worse this year. manu is the only one who has a built in excuse. the others are needed to step up and rarely do.
Gee: sorry man, been workin alot. but ya i hear ya, it was still a dunk. dont mean it wasn’t ugly as shit lol. and you might get your wish soon cuz theres talk of tmac goin to the bulls. You heard it here, the rockets arent goin anywhere with just yao.
January 10th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
rodnets says:
Nice match doc, Maybe will happen on NBA Live, but on real life those Sixers will get toasted as well.
Remember what happened to those NBA teams against some European teams last summer, and Argentinian dudes know each other far better than Pilly Squad.
Peace
January 10th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
THE BACH says:
NO MENTION OF THE LAKERS?!?!?!?!?
That’s a joke! Playing some great ball and wiped out a great Hornets team and Dime doesn’t even mention it.
I’m out like the Dimesmack editor’s credibility.
January 10th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
THE BACH says:
NO MENTION OF THE LAKERS?!?!?!?!?
That’s a joke! Playing some great ball and wiped out a great Hornets team and Dime doesn’t even mention it.
I’m out like the Dimesmack editor’s credibility.
January 10th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
jonny says:
bron:
if the rockets have no chance in the playoffs because they “struggled” in one game against the knicks, what does that say about the spurs?
as for scola, maybe you should watch some rockets games, because lately he’s doing everything he was brought in to do .
and you’re comparing kenny george to yao? if that’s not hate i don’t know what is. kenny george is gheorge muresan at best.
January 10th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
GEE ...I got injected with an illegal substance I didn't know about before I wrote this post...dang trainer!!! says:
Bron what would the Rockets be getting in return? I am thinking it would have to be like Deng and a draft pick or something. I couldn’t see them getting Ben cause the Rockets got plenty of guards …even though they are far crys from what Ben brings. Interesting.
I mean I really love Tracy’s game and he is a cool dude. I just hate that he ALWAYS comes down with some type of injury. Whatever I am still down with Rockets regardless.
Deng and Yao….hmmmmm? Wait…with no Tracy who is the go to guy..certainly not Yao right??? Oh LORD..Help!
This Kenny George kid sounds more like Mark Eaton the way you guys are describing him lol.
OH MY GOSH! LAKERS LAKERS LAKERS! Ok DIME PLEASEEEEEEEEE put something up about the Lakers the next time they win and mention every players name so these Laker fans can stop crying and complaining about not getting any ink. Does getting some ink or mention make your team any better dang? Everyone knows they playing well and congrats now chill out!
January 10th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
rodnets says:
Bron: The Bulls have the scorers, they need a go-to guy at the post, to create space for the rest to rain shots.
Nocioni can shoot the 3, Ben Gordon is a proven scorer and Hinrich used to know how to shoot.
Peace
January 10th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
L.A. Joe says:
yo, love the coverage ya’ll do, been following since deep in the foxsports days. i just have to ask what’s goin on with the Laker black out here? ya’ll got plenty to write on all the other squads but no love for the lake show no more? what happened?
January 10th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
GEE ...I got injected with an illegal substance I didn't know about before I wrote this post...dang trainer!!! says:
Wow ok I know what to do just for you Laker fans …hold on……
Here is your link > http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/recap?gameId=2008010903
Here is an lil’ bit from the article. Just for you crying, complaining and salty Laker fans trippin because DIME didn’t give you any press. Enjoy!
Lakers 109 at Hornets 80
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Kobe Bryant appears to be getting comfortable with the idea that he doesn’t even need to score 20 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers win.
Bryant scored 19 points, Andrew Bynum added 17 and the Los Angeles Lakers won their fourth straight game, 109-80 over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night.
“My role now has changed,” said Bryant, whose scoring average is down from 31.6 points per game last season to 26.4 through 34 games this season. “I’m not the guy who has to go out and score 35-something points. They come to me to get buckets when we need a little boost here and there and that’s as it should be.”
With balanced scoring and stifling defense, the Lakers turned what was supposed to be a marquee matchup between two of the NBA’s hottest teams into a lopsided affair that left the home crowd groaning.
LAKER FANS…..ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!!!
January 10th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
bron42 aka Global-4A-Reason says:
Jonny: they the spurs were injured AND what i meant was, in a best of 7 series, the rockets wouldnt beat anyone. Their not a real contender threat with just yao. And actually comparing Kenny to yao isn’t hate, its a obvious comparison. Both 7′4+, both are unathletic, only REAL difference is yao is a much more complete player. BUt on just a physical comparison, their pretty much equal, tall slow unathletic guys. and dont gimme the “yao played 40 minutes” speech again cuz for the last time thats endurance not athletic ability.and I’ve watched scola, he helps but he hasnt changed the team much at all. IF your the MISSING PIECE, your supposed to make the team better. Like i said, hes a poor mans David Lee who gets hype cuz his international resume. Has he really done much more than jawuan howard did? no. They needed a athletic big to play off of yao, not another slow guy to shoot 15 footers. Why do you think they wasted time with stromile swift. Your pf should compliment your center, not have the same skill set and just be shorter.
Gee: I like the trade for the bulls, but for the rockets, no one their gonna get is a better scorer or leader than tmac, so its kinda a waste in my book. Maybe the bulls give up ben wallace (move yao to pf lol), ben gordon and thabo for tmac and francis. i dunno their contracts so thats just off the top of my head. but i wouldnt mind a captain kurt, tmac, deng, noah, and center by commity.
Rodents: No, the bulls have streaky outside shooting scorers. Big difference. None of them are go to guys or legit constant threats except maybe ben and he can go cold like nobodies business. And you did the work for me, you summed up nocioni as a 3 point shooter, wow, last i checked the bulls had enough of those.
January 10th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
G says:
no Lakers coverage…no more reading Dime mag…
January 10th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
isotope says:
the rockets need better perimeter shooters to complete the inside-outside game with Yao. They’ve been winning cuz Rafer, Brooks, and Luther just remembered how to shoot. Thats why the Redd & CV trade might make more sense
Scola is not the rockets problem. If everyone did their part he would have been the missing piece. He’s a banger and crashes the board. You won’t see it unless you watch the games. He’s also a scrappy defender that will put a body on other PFs. Chuck Hayes is too short and he is much more limited offensively.
January 10th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
GEE ...I got injected with an illegal substance I didn't know about before I wrote this post...dang trainer!!! says:
For the record that G is not this GEE and I am reading Dime regardless
Laker Fans starting to be as bad as Toronto fans.
Bron you are right for the Bulls that is tight, but yea the Rockets would get a real short end of a stick. They would prolly try to throw some future first round pics in and that still wouldn’t help the Rockets in their present state.
That Ben Wallace line was cold Bron…..LOL cold.
January 10th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Ikebaha says:
The second day in a row I’ve been reading to see a mention of the Lakers blowout wins. Was last night’s not worthy of a mention???
January 10th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Tbeezy says:
No love for the Lakers!!! Is it an East Coast Bias???
January 10th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Tbeezy says:
Gee says:
“Laker Fans starting to be as bad as Toronto fans.”
What can i say, we’re spoiled from all of the coverage we get when things are going bad, so we expect to see something when we are doing good. I thought everyone knew the Lakers were the only team that mattered.
January 10th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Clyde Frazier says:
O.k. I did mess up but iam still the most sensational,educational,Dynamic,elusive BROADCASTER OUT THERE
January 10th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
bron42 aka Global-4A-Reason says:
Iso: if they were just lookin for a banger who gets boards they had that in howard. I’ve watched the games just as much as you and his skill set doesnt change the team as much as people hyped it to be. he can hit a lil foul line jumper and is decent in the post. Even if head suddenly starts hittin a high % the team still wont do anything cuz their defense sucks, they have no chemistry(half wanna run, have are slow), and they dont have a leader on teh court when tmac goes down. Look at juwan howards stats, their not really that different than scola now. so he isnt changing that much. he isnt stopping people from doubling yao, he isn’t demanding much attention, he isnt locking up duncan or amare (who espn the other day said was the best center in the west). So he hasnt fixed the team or changed their weaknesses in anyway. they STILL need a pf.
January 10th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
jonny says:
bron, did you just say that the rockets defense sucks? that is just total BS.
they’re #4 in opponent’s ppg, #3 in opponent fg %, and #3 in blocked shots:
http://dougstats.com/07-08Teams.html
you can say that the rockets aren’t going far, but don’t say it’s because their defense sucks.
p.s. who cares what espn says?
January 10th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
K-Dizzle - not even goin to call it east coast bias says:
Gee -
Just to pile on: WHAT? No Mention of my Lakers still?LOL We beat a good New Orleans team (IMO the 2nd best startin 5 in the L behind Detroit) by 30.
How Jess and Romo get a write-up and Kobe and the 7 Dwarfs can’t get no ink. Laker fans don’t need the ink but show love where it’s due. Portland barely got love even as they were winnin 12 straight. Raptor fans ain’t gonna bitch cuz they underachievin right now. You supposed to beat Philly. Lakers have blown out like 3 straight solid teams. I love my DIME magazine but the Lakers are a top 3 team in the WORLD historically with the Knicks, Celtics. The Bulls died after Mike. We got all you clowns spittin theories on Houston this, houston that. Straight up, Houston ain’t shit. The big man is charmin; the ‘leader’ is wet charmin. Hurt right now!!! Peggin your hopes on T-Mac’s back is like dependin on G-Hill’s ankles or Shaq’s free throw shootin. If TMac plays in the all-star game, I’ll be sick. If you can’t play for your team, you should sit yo’ ass down and give the spot up to deservin all-stars like Manu, B-Roy or Diddy cuz Kobe, AI, CP3 are locks. I hope someone puts his ass on the wood if he tries that off the glass shit to himself
I’m out like Romo if he don’t get that W this weekend
KB24 - MVP
January 10th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
isotope says:
lol @ juwon playing defense and crashing the boards. Dude was scared of physical contact. The rockets (and most of their fans) knew what they were getting with Scola so we’re not tripping on him. He’s doing what he was brought to Houston to do. The perimeter shooters are the ones supposed to draw the double team away from Yao not the PF. He gets rebounds, has a decent off game, and not afraid to bang. Thats all that was needed from him. TMac being healthy, Francis either in shape or off the team, Rafer and Luther shooting, Aaron Brooks running, Bonzi being Bonzi of Sac, etc. Thats the team we were excited about.
And why people trip about the all star game? We all know its not about skill; its about popularity. Obviously if you’re really good then there’s a better chance of you getting voted but most fans vote for players on their home team. I think TMac is a lock for the all star game so get ready to be sick.
January 10th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
bron42 aka Global-4A-Reason says:
jonny: lol i love how when i quote espn people are like “oh who cares about espn” but iso, ian and tons of others drop espn bombs like its the bible when they wanna back up their statement lol. And yes jonny, by the numbers their good, but by their defense sucks i mean its not good enough where they can win games just because of their defense. its not like their lockin guys down while scoring 100 points themselves, their games are like 100-98, 96-94. not really a defensive stopping team when you think about them
Iso: howard wasnt a beast and i never said that, but look at the stats, he was just as much a presense as scola is now. And as for “the rockets and their fans” go back to the summer posts and read how many FANS on this site alone were hypin scola up and rippin the spurs for gettin rid of him. “they were who we thought they were” a soft team with no scores outside of tmac and yao…scola didnt change that. scola isn’t really takin any pressure off of yao and THATS what he was brought into do. and who does scola bang with? you make it like hes charles oakley or anthony mason. A banger either a) eats up the boards ala paul milsap, which he doesnt do b) locks down the other teams big and gets under their skin ala rodman, which he doesnt c) fouls out every game tryin to be a enforcer ala danny fortson, which he doesnt. You might of known scola was gonna be a basic role player and not change the team much but TONS of other people on here made it like he was a spanish carlos boozer and the rockets were gonna be champs because of him. meanwhile hes a average older player and without tmac the rockets arent even a lock to make the playoffs in the west. i mean they beat the knicks twice, a injured spurs team and orlando in their usual “we started off hot and now suck” slumps. The same issues the rockets had when it was francis, mobley, yao etc.. are still the same issues they have now.
who said something about the allstar game? i still think iverson deserves the nod over tmac just like brandon roy deserves a reserve nod over manu.
January 10th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Str8baller says:
when Josh said First, nobody said a damn thing. But cause me, the often imitated, never duplicated Str8baller said it, it was like I killed somebody. so y’all can just go to hell. It was the last thing I said. Gonna change my nickname. Str8baller… the one and only. Stop hating and start congratulating.
January 10th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
isotope says:
there should be an age restriction to post on here.
Anyways my all star comment was in response to K-Dizzle.
lol @ “they are who we thought they were”. You know those Yao,mobley, francis days were fun. The games were so much fun to watch. They werent winning that much but it was just fun to watch.
Juwon’s numbers are high because that was what his role was. Offensive spark off the bench. They actually ran plays for him; and he was the #1 option when both tmac and yao were out. Just a year later and he’s sitting on the Mavs bench.
And the rockets have had one of the toughest schedules so far. The schedule just got much easier and they should be back up in the top 5 in the west before you know it.
January 10th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
bron42 aka Global-4A-Reason says:
i agree on the age limit request. I dont care WHO puts first, their automatically pathetic. If your not gettin a trophy for it, whats the point.
Ya I miss those days man, thats actually why i’m so hard on yao. Since he pretty much ruined stevies career. like i said, the same blame they put on francis, they put on tmac now while yao usually skates. Plus the rockets were okay then, they just ran into the lakers dynasty at the same time.
And i see your point about them runnin plays, but its the same with with scola. I think i was ian who got all excited with “well now that tmac is hurt, maybe scola can do some stuff” scola is expected to be a big piece of the team and i dont see him as much of a upgrade over stromile or howard. I’ll be you any amount of money that this draft, the rockets still either draft a pf or point guard lol. Their def not top 5 in the west. specially if they trade tmac for pieces like ben gordon or something.
January 10th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Ian says:
god the good days are over
welcome back bron
please u say the rockets are going nowhere without tmac lol where have they been with him before??? nowhere
loved yaos comments about playing without tmac
i tried to leave u alone but yet u always mention me (wonder why)
cant i post anything i want that i find interesting ??? please let me know
have i ever said anything about your espn quotes?
and another thing melo isnt a superstar just a guy who shoots a lot and like tmac hasnt done shit with a good team. how weird that u can find someone to take over manu for the allstar game.
the spurs got rid of scola because he was used to being the number one option not a role player.
isotope your team is playing better without half man half a season and u r right scola is far from being your prob
January 10th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
kowtz says:
THANK SHAQ FOR KEEPING BYNUM IN LAKETOWN….
MITCH DECIDED TO KEEP HIM AFTER HE DID A SPIN MOVE-DUNK ON SHAQ…
remember that one????
AND THEN GAVE SHAQ A FREKIN FOREARM AFTER HE WENT DOWN ON D!
BIG ARISTOTLE GETS BULLIED BY A 17 YEAR OLD ROOK!
and he tries to tell everyone he still can dominate… LOLZ!
January 10th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
bron42 aka Global-4A-Reason says:
ian dude, do you ever read a post? I never said anything bad about you but here you come once again with some long as lecture about nothing. I just said you cuz use facts like espn and quotes when it works in your favor and complain when others use them. I didnt even complain about you or your cake boy manu.
Hmm with tmac, the rockets have gotten to the playoffs. Remember when yaos big ass got hurt.Tmac still got them there kicking and screaming. You say tmac hasn’t gotten them anywhere, yao has been there longer than tmac and done just as much if not less. When it was francis and yao, where did they go? and now you wanna blame tmac? please. I’ll tell you one more time, if your on a bad team, carrying them to the playoffs is hard enough. Does kobe suddenly suck cuz his team loses in the first round? how is yao any better than tmac since yao is technically just a scorer and hasnt been out the first round? and you love yao’s comments about tmac, meanwhile he got ripped for them all day today with people saying how without tmac the team isn’t even a playoff team let alone a contender. The same writer you quoted about manu said that.
and your right, melo isn’t a superstar, he just carried his team to the playoffs as a rookie and has had them in there every year and killed overseas. your right. And hes not even the one i said to take over manu so read, i said brandon roy who is WAYYYY more deserving than manu at this point. Roy is leading a team everyone expected to suck into the playoffs, manu is still the wes welker of the spurs.manu puts up numbers off the bench but he has never LED shit. every time you comment it shows you have no case cuz all you seem to say is “oh yao is amazing, but tmac hasnt done shit” UM their on the same team, so the first round losses fall on both of them.This is what i mean when i say people let yao skate. Plus as a nba player tmacs resume is alot longer than yao. Then you harp on how manu is secretly the best player in the nba when hes 3-4th fiddle on a great team. the one time he had a chance to shine on his own they lost and he had 14.
The spurs got rid of scola cuz he wasnt anything big and they already have oberto and the rights to splitter. you agree with iso when ur argument voids what he says. he sais the rockets new they were gettin a role player who bangs, ur sayin the rockets took scola as some legit weapon. with tmac out, is scola suddenly puttin up crazy numbers? HES STIL NOT A NUMBER 1 PLAYER
so your cool sometimes ian but you have no real logic and your arguments are weak since you repeat the same ones even though they’ve been proven wrong time and time again. get at me when you got more to your theories other than fan boy logic.
January 10th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Str8baller says:
have I proved yet that I’m the G.O.A.T. ?
the GAYEST OF ALL TIME !!!!
bitchezzzzz
see you FIRST thing in the morning when mommy wakes me up to dress my sisters
January 10th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
94by50 says:
KG’s an all-timer to be sure, but why does he keep letting little guys get in his grill like that? If it isn’t Anthony Peeler jacking him in the playoffs (y’all remember that, don’t you?), it’s Ray Felton (!?!) giving him the business. Come on, Ticket, don’t let them do you like that.
January 10th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
jamesinva says:
damn all i see in here is LA fans and the occasional pissed off NY Knicks fans.
anyways dude that comments first EVERY DAY needs to calm down fo real.
Portland is making some SERIOUS noise.
Brandon Bass and Jason Maxiell can BALL. Undersized big guys is maybe a good thing.
Zach Randolph SUCKS. im glad portland traded him away. Yea he puts up NUMBERS but look at new yorks record. send him to milwaukee or any other team in the league. If hes a starter watch for the team to go down the standings.
This Bynum kid is pretty good, LA will probably finish with a pretty damn good record. But its just not the same without the LA drama.
RIVALRIES the NBA and us fans needs them. NBA fights may not be classy but damn it somehow makes the games more intense for sure
January 10th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
jonny says:
bro: LOL. yao ruined stevie franchise’s career? now THAT is a new one.. pretty creative too.
as for yao’s comments on tmac, he wasn’t criticizing him at all. it’s sad that yao’s english is better than these writers/commentators ripping him over that. here’s the full quote:
“The team has more confidence playing without T-Mac right now,” Yao said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t need him. You have to face to those games when you don’t have him. When you miss him, you still have to play. We’re finding a way to play without him right now.”
What he’s saying is that the rockets playing without tmac NOW have more confidence than the old rockets playing without tmac. why is that so hard to understand?
January 10th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Ian says:
too long the post
just got to the second para
no i have never said shit about your espn stuff
and yeah tmac has gotten the rockets to the same place yao has
thats my point exactly when u talk about yao and praise tmac
they have done the same and they have superstar numbers
so that means they have to be considered the same
January 10th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Ian says:
skipped your manu stuff and read the other parts did i say he was a number one on the rockets??? and u tell me i have to read the posts GOOD. comon i said he was used to being the number one one his teams.
u mention i praise yao
u want me to copy paste my posts ?? i have always said hes the same as tmac if u consider him a superstar then yao is too.
the team that has manu as the 3-4 best player wins the title easy.
i love how u say my theory has been proven wrong by whom?? u . please
January 10th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Ian says:
and dont call someone a fanboy when we all know that u r a hater (manu dirk nash yao) dont u like players if they arent american?
January 11th, 2008 at 12:10 am
Phileus says:
Yao and Kenny George may be the same players. Difference? Yao was grown by the Chinese government to be a basketball player.
When he was a teen he was scouted and then sent to a sports academy. World-class (or Chinese-class) trainers, skills coaches, and everything engineered him into the best he could be. Is that player a superstar? Maybe not. But he’s also not a “raw prospect.” Yao is consistently better than good. Maybe he will never be great, but he was made to maximize his potential.