Photo. MannionCleveland’s perfect record against the Spurs last regular season meant nothing when the Cavs were getting cracked in the Finals, so presumably that means last night’s win over the defending champs didn’t mean anything, either. Right? Or you could say that last night, at least we saw the Cavs’ role players getting the job done without LeBron, which means something … When the Cavs went on 22-4 run in the first half that put them ahead for most of the game, they did it mostly with LeBron on the bench — guys like Big Z, Varejao and Devin Brown were the ones doing damage … The Spurs made their own run, of course, but not before Tim Duncan got all flustered. Late in the third, Duncan (20 pts, 11 rebs, 4 blks) scored on Varejao in the post, albeit with plenty of contact and no whistle. That prompted a near-tempter tantrum. Then, when TD missed a put-back at the buzzer he stopped just short of slamming the ball on the floor … LeBron hit the game-winner on a short jumper with about 30 seconds left, getting free from Bruce Bowen on a Big Z pick and bowling over Fabricio Oberto. If you’re a Spurs fan you’d call LeBron’s move a charge. If you’re a Cavs fan, Oberto flopped. Either way, the Spurs had their chances to respond, but Tony Parker (23 pts) missed two huge free throws and Manu (31 pts) missed a jumper at the buzzer … Speaking of that, an e-mail from one of the Dime crew last night: “On my way home, this guy gets on the train: Cavs fitted, Cavs hoodie, Spurs backpack. Did he pick up a bunch of swag at the Finals last year? It was weird.” … Bowen did a decent job guarding LeBron all night (27 pts, 9-for-24 FGs), but it was Parker who actually “pulled a Bowen” when LeBron went up for a jumper and landed on TP’s foot. It wasn’t a major injury, though … When he wants to be, LeBron can be just as effective as Josh Smith, Gerald Wallace and Tayshaun Prince when it comes to blocking shots from the small forward position … Question: With the way ‘Bron puts his mouthpiece in the back of his headband, wouldn’t it taste like hair product? You know LeBron uses something on his head, because his waves are always on-point, and along with the sweat of playing in an NBA game, that can’t be a good combination for the mouthpiece … Not having Andrew Bynum wasn’t a big deal when the Lakers were beating on the Sonics, but against Amare and Shawn Marion? Problem. Kenny Smith pointed out that because Ronny Turiaf and the rest of the Lakers’ bigs aren’t as tall as Bynum, they were taking (and missing) layups in spots where Bynum would have dunked it, and they weren’t able to intimidate or block shots like Bynum, leaving Marion (20 pts, 16 rebs) and Amare (16 pts, 7 rebs) to run wild and opening up even more angles for Steve Nash (20 asts) … Kwame Brown seriously had the worst sequence we’ve seen from any NBA player this year. It all started in the second half, when the Lakers were already getting worked over and Kwame missed a dunk. That got the crowd booing, and the next time Kwame got the ball, the boos got louder as he unsuccessfully tried to post up Amare. A couple possessions later Kwame missed a point-blank layup — more boos. Then he turned the ball over on a hand-off pass intended for Luke Walton. Louder boos. Then he played “defense” on Amare that consisted of pushing STAT in the back on his way to the hoop. Phil Jackson really needed to get Kwame out of there at that point, but whether it’s because he was being a d-bag or trying to build character, he left Kwame on the court. Kwame finished with 7 turnovers and 6 boards … Turiaf was wearing the new Kobes. They looked good on him. Of course Kobe Bryant was wearing the new Kobes, too. He scored 30 … You could credit the Nuggets’ defense for beating the Jazz: Denver effectively used a 2-3 zone to take away the Deron/Boozer pick-and-roll offense and force all the non-Korver shooters to make outside shots, and Marcus Camby was a beast inside (24 rebs, 11 blks). Or you could give props to Linas Kleiza, who was getting BUCKETS. Career game for L.K., who dropped 41 points (27 in the first half) on everything from transition dunks to three-pointers. Obviously no one expects Linas to regularly score like he did Thursday, but if he can be a consistent third-option scorer next to ‘Melo (23 pts) and A.I. (28 pts), the Nuggets will be in pretty good shape … We’re out like L.K. the role player …
January 18th, 2008 at 5:09 am
Str8baller says:
First bitchezzzzzzz.
my 2 cents
January 18th, 2008 at 5:10 am
Dank says:
that Kwame situation was horrible to watch last nite. I know hes coming off an injury, i know he has rock hard hands, i know hes not confident and i know he hasnt had much playing time now that The Kid has officially taken over. But you figure he’d be ready when an emergency situation like this pops up. and he responds with 5 turnovers in less than what? 3 minutes? jesus christ. the lakers are gonna need to make a trade now no matter what, be it for JO or J-Kidd, and they need to do so without sending Lamar away. so maybe reuniting buddies like Luke Walton with RJ in jersey would be a plus. If not, then Kobe better be ready to score 50 nightly.
It was funny when Amare got asked “is you job easier without Andrew Bynum going up against you?”. I’ve enevr seen a player scoff so bad in an interview. he was like “wtf are you kidding me?”
the more hilarious part is that if Bynum wouldve been on the floor, Amare would’ve got raped. simple as that. But its not about the would’ves, the Suns kicked ass last nite. I hate to say that.
January 18th, 2008 at 5:11 am
Str8baller says:
is it me or Manu is just annoying as hell? dude just loves to be on the floor and acting like he gets fouled EVERYTIME.
too bad VIDEO GAME JAMES spoiled his theatrics.
January 18th, 2008 at 5:34 am
jz_smoove says:
where did kleiza come from? man oh man…stop hatin on manu, dude is good, dont hate…yeah he overacts but he is still good what makes him any different from AI, pretty much nothin…camby is a beast now, i remember when he used to hang around here in T.O. smoking weed when he used to play for the Raps, seems like a long time ago, but good for him.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:24 am
Jamal says:
LeBron is a monster:
http://squidoo.com/LebronJamesDunk
January 18th, 2008 at 6:44 am
João says:
Fisher - Kobe - Odom - Jermaine - Bynum, sounds pretty good to me ,,,
January 18th, 2008 at 7:47 am
jaberocs says:
Phil being a d-bag for leaving Kwame in? Please don’t give Kwame any sympathy. He’s getting paid a whole bunch of money, everyone had and still have high expecations, and yet he’s the same player as when he was drafted. Yes I’m a Laker fan, and I found that sequence pretty damn frustrating, since there’s really no other choice than Kwame. To quote Dr. House, “You have 3 options in life: be good, get good, or give up.” Obviously Kwame’s not good, he’s a “basketball player” who can’t hold a basketball, and he seems to have no intention of busting his ass to get better, as Bynum has done. I think he ought to hit #3.
Overall, it wasn’t Kwame’s poor performance that lost the game, but the Lakers can’t expect to stay at the top of the west if this is what they’re going to get from him.
As for acquiring C-Webb or PJ Brown, I would prefer PJ since C-Webb is ridiculously overrated, a crybaby, and a choke artist. However, C-Webb’s time with the Kings means that he should be very familiar with the triangle.
January 18th, 2008 at 7:53 am
kobeef says:
Remember when Kwame put down 30 and 19 against Sacramento? What happened to that guy? He has to be one of the most puzzling players in the league. He has all the tools to contribute - and has at times - but most of the time just frustrates the hell out of you.
Peaking of Luke Walton - that guy needs to lose his starting job and should also take some of the blame. Mr. Intangibles has been doing noting lately which doesn’t help the situation.
I hate to admit it as a fan of the lakeshow - but watching lebron last night he has to be the best player on earth right now. He absolutely carries that team, doing everything: he anchors the front-court defense, is the primary playmaker and also primary scoring option. His bock on Tony Parker was a defensive masterpiece. Parker is one of the fastest guys in the league and Lebron just sat on his heels and waited for his opportunity to block the shot. Amazing for a 6-8 or 6-9 player.
January 18th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Top_Gun says:
That has to be the tallest starting 5 in the league (if that were to happen)and it won’t because i don’t think Pacers will trade O’neal without atleast getting Odom back.
That last shot by LeBron was pretty ugly and made me think…did Jordan ever have an ugly game winning shot. I don’t think Kobe did either. It’s good to see that atleast Lebron is taking the big shots, unlike last year.
I’m just hoping that this year’s finals doesn’t include the Cavs or Pistons (yawwwn) vs. the Spurs or Mavs.
January 18th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Smitty313 says:
The Lakers need Bynum back asap. Kwame will be out the league in about 2 or 3 years. He has the worst hands I ever seen in a nba player. He misses at least one uncontested(spellcheck) dunk a game, mutiple open layups. Bring in Chris Mihm in a hurry. Get your popcorn ready because we are about to see alot of 40 and 50 point outburst for 8 or 9 weeks. Kobe for MVP. The Spurs don’t really play ball until February.
January 18th, 2008 at 8:47 am
JJ says:
kobeef is right. Luke is another player that isn’t bringing it right now. For them to even have a chance at this next strecth Ariza has to start, Sasha has to be the backup two guard, Lamar and Kobe have to play 40 mins. And if you are a true Lakers fan you wouldn’t have booed Kwame. He is terrible I will admit but if as a fan you want the Lakers to win why would you boo a guy with a reputation of having a soft shell.
January 18th, 2008 at 8:54 am
t-ton says:
str8-baller is a str8-loser! Do you ever actually post anything that adds to the conversation? Only biotch I see is you.
January 18th, 2008 at 8:57 am
GEE ...give Kobe his Nutella job back! says:
Short and sweet cause it’s a long weekend. Thanks Dr. King for that and all you have done.
I am thinking at this point, I am kinda glad LeBron doesn’t have any help. Think LeBron is pretty ridiculous by himself, case in point in the playoffs last year. So I reckon if dude had like a 1 serious all-star to get down with him, (big or small) that is a wrap.
I think it’s somewhat different than Kobe, where as I feel he kind of has to have a serious center or power forward to wrap things up his way.
Where as because of LeBron’s size and talent I feel you could give him any player at any position and for real I don’t see where he will be beat in a 7 game series with just one more player to help.
COME ON TONY PARKER, 2 FREE THROWS AND THEN THE SPURS GET ANOTHER CHANCE AND CAN’T GET NOTHING. WOW!
Lakers got ran last night, and I still think they would have got ran with Bynum.
The L.K. dude seemed like he could straight up play last night. I fail to see why he isn’t being used more often. 41 points is something. Let dude in the starting line up for real. Him, A.I. and Melo and Camby. Surely George Karl can increase that winning percentage now.
Kwame needs to start planning for a plan B in life.
1
January 18th, 2008 at 9:18 am
smity says:
“Turiaf was wearing the new Kobes. They looked good on him. Of course Kobe Bryant was wearing the new Kobes, too. He scored 30″ — nice
January 18th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Bron42 aka global-4A-reason says:
what makes manu different tahn iverson? umm carryin teams and superstar status. Cuz i’m sure somewhere theres a Linas Kleiza fan tellin his boys how on a bad team L.K would put up superstar numbers too.
man…the lakers are lucky kwame is a rookie and they still have all that potential to fall back on….oh shit..wait..Its gotta suck outta possible tyson chandler, eddy curry, even diop, the lakers got stuck with one of the top 5 prep to pros bust and gave up caron “i’m lookin legit” butler to get him.
top gun, you kno you love lebrons “i just ran you over”double pump leaner lol
and kobeef, calm down lol, josh smith has like 2 of those blocks a game
January 18th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Tbeezy says:
What’s up with the Birdman Chris Anderson? I thought he was available for reinstatement. The lakers could use him. People are talking about DJ Mbenga; I’d rather have the birdman baby “fly in any weather”.
Just a thought.
I’d also take C Webb over PJ Brown, but there was an interesting point last night that Phil thought CWebb would be better with the starters. That is fine when Andrew is out, but what about when he gets back. Would CWebb replace Walton in the Starting lineup?
January 18th, 2008 at 10:37 am
BETCATS says:
you are all confused. It means nothing just like DIME
January 18th, 2008 at 10:40 am
nao_diga says:
Question: What was the difference between the Cavaliers team that beat SA twice during the regular season last year and again last night, and the team that got swept in the Finals?
Answer: A healthy Larry Hughes. (His defense on Billups is also the reason the Cavs played Detroit well in the ECF). The much-maligned Hughes provides a defensive presence that is sorely needed, and badly missed when he isn’t playing.
Parker scored 23 last night, but with a healthy Hughes checking him most of the night, he didn’t go off, and was less able to penetrate and pull Varejao and Z off of Duncan.
Hate on Hughes all you want, but if the Cavs trade him, they better replace his defense at the guard spot, or they’re likely to end up worse, not better. The Cavs might be better off trying to coach Hughes on his shot selection. They can live without a big contribution on offense from him every night, they just can’t live with a flurry of rally-killing missed shots.
January 18th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Jim says:
re: Birdman
Wikipedia says his ban didn’t start until the end of January, so he should have a couple of weeks still.
But also, 5/5/1 is great and all, but why take a risk on someone who was just an athlete (and admittedly very popular with teammates) who has been away for 2 years doing who knows what?
I hope he’s clean and it works out for him, but he can’t be too high (…) on many GM’s shopping lists.
January 18th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Myrie says:
I wonder if the Lakers would trade Kwame Brown to Miami for Shaquille O’Neal….
January 18th, 2008 at 10:53 am
djKianoosh says:
i didn’t see the denver game and LK’s big game, but I always felt that AI trusts Kleiza a lot. the boy can shoot, that’s for sure…
January 18th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Jules says:
Kleiza was BEASTIN cats!
Highest-scoring game ever by a Lithuanian player in an NBA game.
(there’s a free stat nugget from the resident Lithuanian, Dime…next time I’ll send a bill!)
January 18th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
GEE ...give Kobe his Nutella job back! says:
Who do you all think the most intimidating college squad was?
UNLV featuring L.J., Stacy “Plastic Man” Augmon and company.
That Fab Five Michigan team was pretty intimidating too.
Imma throw that Georgetown Zo and Mutumbo squad in there also. What you all got?
January 18th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Myrie says:
GEE—
Hoyas! They were big, muscular and PHYSICAL. Teams were shook a week before the game. Even their coach was intimidating.
Old school UCLA squads were intimidating too.
Dukies aren’t that great to me, but non ACC teams are intimidated going into Cameron with them Crazzziiieeessss
January 18th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Celts Fan says:
1. The Alcindor and Walton UCLA teams
2. Georgetown in the 80’s (Ewing through Zo/Deke)
3. undefeated UNLV
Those guys had won before they ever left the locker room…
January 18th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Austin Burton says:
As much as I can’t stand Duke, I have to admit that I’ve seen multiple opponents visibly shook in Cameron Indoor no matter how good or bad that particular Duke squad was.
January 18th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
GEE ...give Kobe his Nutella job back! says:
Yea you almost can’t beat a crowd as good as the Cameron Crazies.
Pitt’s Zoo crowd is tight too.
That is what’s fun about college ball, college fans are insane.
Even in football. Announcers were all feeling bad for Hawaii and their team when the Georgia fans were chanting “Overrated” lol.
Crazy. College certainly has a unique place in sports. Austin I can’t stand Duke either.
I am probably one of few that felt Christian L. should have been thrown out of that historic game when he stepped on Jamal Mashburns face if my memory serves me correct.
Duke gets crazy calls their way.
January 18th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Austin Burton says:
I was more pissed at the announcers in the Georgia/Hawaii game trying to get on Mark Richt for “running up” the score. How about the Hawaii defense tackle somebody? If I’m a coach and it’s gotten to the point where I’m up by a lot, the only “pulling back” I’ll do is to sit my starters — and that’s not to spare the other team, it’s to make sure my guys don’t get hurt. And when I put the backups in, they’re gonna be running the same offense the starters ran. After all, you’re getting the backups game experience that will pay off down the line.
January 18th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
K-Dizzle - GolfWeek, are you serious? says:
Dr. King forever
Gee- that dude that got chest stomped was Aminu Timberlake and if it was any other player, they woulda got tossed, but Laettner was the GWH so the refs got gutless.
Back in Pasadena for the first time in 2 years and we get the hookup for the Lakers-Suns game so we swing out to Inglewood to catch the game at The Office. I came away with this. Walton’s about to lose his job to Ariza in about 2 games. Luke did nuthin. Dude used to run the offense, play d, hit shots, don’t know if he hurt or what, but he was invisible. One thing Ariza will do, he’ll guard you.
Onto the Kwame fiasco. I honestly think dude has no desire to be in the league. It’s the first time I’ve seen a player, pro or otherwise, quit during a game when he wasn’t bein torched by an opposing player. When the booin started, it was lite, like people booin were booin til he got a dunk or a layup…..or a rebound…or didn’t turn it over and with each sequence, dude refused to complete the easiest sequence. Straight up gave the ball away with no defensive pressure. Then it got LOUD. Players on both teams were lookin uncomfortable ….except for Amare, whose knee ops seem like forever ago cuz he was tryin to rip the rim off.Lamar got like 20 boards and about 5 of them Kwame coulda had if he just boxed out. It’s true about dude lookin “smooth” too cuz his muscle tone is gone. Dude might be the only brotha in the L in his 20’s with no cut. Lake fans ain’t unrealistic. We don’t expect the 2nd coming of Shawn kemp, but if you 6′11 250, you can get 10 boards, catch a couple shots, shit, catch one shot. When he turned the ball over on his “post move”, I started checkin on the other games on my cell. Nice push in the 4th to try to make it a game, but too little, too late. Next 8 weeks gonna hurt…
January 18th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
doc says:
Bron is the one. Lake show need Bynum bad. Kleiza still is not a starter he had a hot night he might have 5 next game. He got heart though. And Manu can’t compare to AI at all on that court.
January 18th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
GEE ...give Kobe his Nutella job back! says:
Austin not only that, it’s a bowl game you got to go out strong just to get a good look for next season. I am with all you said though. The announcers were on some ol’ sympathy stuff.
It’s funny about kwame looking “smooth” as you all put it lol. No muscle tone at all huh? Well the only other player I ever heard of that didn’t have any tone going on was Greg Ostertag. I was chillin with friends watching a game he was playing in and one dude pointed out as he was getting up from the floor how you so no muscles moving in his body to show he was trying to get up. It was hilarious. So is Kwame like the black Ostertag?
January 18th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Desrat says:
Poor Kwame. Dude gets it from all angles, glad I was never good enough to fool MJ into making me the #1 overall pick. Wait I take that back, for that $$$ I’ll take on all the haters, lol.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King is one of the greatest Americans ever. I thank him for being brave enough to seek Justice, Truth and guarentee that others have a chance to pursue happiness, lord knows it cost him his happiness for us. I am a short white dude, and Dr. king has made my country a better place, and his teachings have made me a better man. We should take his lessons to heart in these troubled times.
January 19th, 2008 at 2:05 am
Ian says:
what makes manu different tahn tmac? playing hard, more than 15 games a season and WINNING.
who thinks that hughes woulda made a dif in the finals… please they still get drilled in 4. parker got 23 and hes not healthy.
January 20th, 2008 at 2:22 am
ML says:
Question: Do you think the Nuggets have a 3rd scoring option. AI Is going to get his. So Is Melo. Sometime MC (Camby)then K-Mart when he’s out their not hurt.