* Coming down from a defensive board, Andrew Bynum landed awkwardly on Lamar Odom’s foot during the Lakers’ close win over Memphis last night. The initial diagnosis is a sprained left knee, but an MRI today will determine the full extent of the injury. “I didn’t hear any pops,” said Bynum. “I’m able to put weight on it and it doesn’t really hurt. Just when I bend it, it hurts.”
* The New York Post reported on Saturday that Isiah Thomas was thinking about stepping down. “That was a lie,” Thomas said in response to that report. “That was just a flat-out lie. I would never, ever, ever quit. Ever.”
* After being benched during their 99-89 loss to the Raptors, Zach Randolph led the Knicks with 25 and 8 boards in their 89-65 win over a road-weary Pistons squad.
* Steph didn’t leave the Knicks’ locker room last night because of “some problems with his foot,” according to Isiah. Yet he did question his role on the ream, saying “I got paid to be a scoring guard. Now I’m playing a more passive role.” He added, “I didn’t get paid the money I got paid to do what I’m doing now.”
* Jamaal Tinsley is on the verge of being asked to pack his bags, writes Sam Smith. He was replaced by Travis Diener in the lineup over the weekend after missing eight shots in the fourth quarter against the Suns on Friday.
* Travis Outlaw converted a four-point play to send the Blazers/Raptors game into OT. Steve Blake noted, “That was one of craziest plays I’ve ever been a part of.” Later, Brandon Roy dribbled out an offensive rebound and sunk a three with two seconds left to go to double OT. “That’s just Roy being Roy,” said Outlaw. But the Blazers didn’t have an answer for Chris Bosh who finished with 38 points and 14 boards in a 116-109 Toronto win.
* The Warriors responded to Jamaal Tinsley’s flagrant foul on Monta Ellis with more than fierce scowls and words. They rattled off a 19-6 run after being down 11, ultimately coming out on top 106-101. “We’re a family,” said Stephen Jackson. “When stuff like that happens, it picks up because we’re not going to let anyone push us around.”
* Yao switched Luis Scola off of his assignment to David West late in the game, and proceeded to limit West to 1-9 shooting down the stretch. But West returned the favor, not allowing Yao to back him down in the post. The Rockets’ center missed two shots within the final twenty seconds after scoring 30 points for the game. Chris Paul hit four free throws in the final 11 seconds and the Hornets won 87-82.
* Joe Johnson torched the Bulls for 37 points, 19 of which came in the first quarter, digging a hole too big for the Bulls to come back from. Joakim Noah was benched - by his teammates - for a second straight game after arguing during practice with assistant coach Ron Adams. “I mean, I’ve just got to accept it,” said Noah. “What do you want me to say? I’m a rookie. … I mean, it is what it is. I’ve just got to move on, and there’s nothing I can do about it. So …”
* The NBA has determined that the final 51.9 seconds of the Hawks/Heat game on December 19th will be replayed. The Hawks won the game 117-111, but the Heat protested because Shaquille O’Neal was wrongly fouled out when he only had five fouls. The final 51.9 seconds will be played, starting at a 114-111 advantage for Atlanta. The last time a protest was granted, the Spurs righted a previously wrong outcome with a win over the Lakers during the do-over in April 1983.
Related posts:
January 14th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Str8baller says:
First…
Free Steph
January 14th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Logan says:
Ha, Noah gets benched by his teammates. What a great story line. I only wish I could have seen the cry baby face he made when he found out.
I’m out like the cowboys!!
January 14th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Kevin says:
about 2 days late with 90% of these..
January 14th, 2008 at 11:30 am
T.M.P.B.W.O.T.P. says:
…Steve Blake noted, “That was one of craziest plays I’ve ever been a part of.”…
Blake was on the bench in a suit. So how exactly was he a part of that play? I guess anyone who was in the building counts.
January 14th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Myrie says:
Send Stephon Marbury to the Warriors. He needs to be in a Don Nelson type system. There is a slim possibilty Chris Mullin will not resign Baron Davis. That would turn the PG duties over to Monta Ellis.
Not bad. but still, GS is a place where Marbury’s style would fit the coaches style. And Stevo Jacko would keep Steph in his place!!
January 14th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
smity says:
i could get with that idea Myrie. Though i am dissapointed in that Marbury feels the way he does. Whatever the coach asks him to do is what he should do in the name of the team. You already have a bunch of cats that don’t look to distribute and as a point gaurd (even a scoring point gaurd) he shoulsd recognize that him passing more and looking to distribute shouldnt mean that he has to be passive. He can and should be aggresive still in looking to be an offensive threat by passing and scoring. pass when they try to stop you from scoring. score when they try to stop you from passing…thats what nash and chris paul and kidd and baron and … … do
January 14th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
BlazeMcHerbs says:
“That was a lie,” Thomas said in response to that report. “That was just a flat-out lie. I would never, ever, ever quit. Ever.”
———————————-
Its echoing in the ears of all real Knicks fans, “I would never, ever, ever quit. Ever.” “I would never, ever, ever quit. Ever.” “I would never, ever, ever quit. Ever.” “I would never, ever, ever quit. Ever.” “I would never, ever, ever quit. Ever.”
I predict homie’s gonna get shot if he doesn’t leave town soon. Its probably gonna be Dolan who shoots him
January 14th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Myrie says:
Smity–
Stephon Marbury is a sad case. I cannot defend this guy any longer. All the talent in the world and just lets his poor attitude ruin his ability and effectiveness. Young players should feel like they have to score to have an impact. Not Steph…he’s been in the league for 11yrs dammit. His body language is the 1st indicator that he is not a winner.
I dunno what to say/do about Marbury. I’ve known dude since we were teens (not on a close personal level, but I’ve been in his presence more than a handful of times). I give up. Buy him out.
January 14th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Myrie says:
BlazeMcHerbs–
Cool name by the way….
Isiah will never admit failure. And him quitting only would admit he failed; in every aspect of representing NY and the Knicks. He is much too proud for that. But lets not hope Zeke the freak gets shot.
Isiah greatest strength is his prospecting young players. He has a solid track record (drafted Damon Stoudamire, Marcus Camby, Tracy McGrady, Fred Jones; traded for Ron Artest), but he cannot develop players. He cannot coach a defense. He cannot sell his concept to players or fans.
The New York Knick players have lost respect for Isiah Thomas (on a lot of fronts; as a coach and worse as a person). It shows in their body language. In their attitude. In their comments. In their actions.
Isiah is not the only problem for the Knicks; but in most cases, he seems to be at the root.
Thomas should step down. But his NBA career would be over if he does. And he is well aware of that. He will not get another chance to coach in the NBA. He will not get another front office position either. Only an assistant coach position at a college in Chicago or Indiana.
Joe Dumars would not even offer him a position as a gatorade boy in Detroit.
And poor Herb Williams. The most repected man on the Knicks bench. He must have a tough time sleeping at night knowing he could do a better job as the Knicks head coach. Isiah screwed him over a few yrs ago after he took over for Lenny Wilkens. Herb did a respectable job. But Isiah hired Larry Brown that offseason.
Herb is not ready to be a head coach in NY (maybe somewhere else; but NY is not the place for a rookie coach). But I could very well be incorrect. Mark Jackson might do well in NY for his first go-round as a head coach.
Herb deserves this legit shot to be the headcoach and Isiah Thomas just needs to man up and quit!!
“A bend in the road is not the end of the road; unless you fail to make the turn”….–unknown.