Bo$$ Playa
Photo. MannionPlaying in front of the man who signs his big checks (Nike boss Phil Knight), LeBron James dominated the fourth quarter in Portland. Outscoring the Blazers by himself (17-15) in the quarter, ‘Bron knocked down three triples over a two-minute span to bring the Cavs back into a game that looked lost, and down by one with 4.9 seconds left, got the ball up top with a chance it win it. LeBron drove past Brandon Roy, slipped around LaMarcus Aldridge, and put in a lefty layup on Travis Outlaw‘s head for the game-winner. It was reminiscent of the now-famous Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals last year, when the King owned the fourth quarter and overtime, when everyone knew he was gonna shoot it, and they still couldn’t stop him. He even had another head-at-rim dunk in traffic, this time going past Martell Webster while LaMarcus thought better of challenging … LeBron scored 37 points and pulled down 14 boards. He was the only Cav to score double-figures, and Big Z was the only other guy to grab double-digit rebounds … We said in this week’s Hit List power ranking that this would be a big game for the Blazers, who have been known to get shut down by good defensive teams. Last night Portland was held to a season-low 35 percent shooting from the field. Roy and LaMarcus scored 16 apiece … What was up with Hornets fans booing Baron Davis? OK, we get that he used to play for your team and his exit might not have been the smoothest. But it’s not like Baron doesn’t still keep a home in New Orleans, and he’s done work to help Hurricane Katrina victims. And think about it: If Baron was still on the Hornets, no way N.O. would have landed Chris Paul, and no way they’d have the second-best record in the West right now. Of course, try using that logic on a Hornets fan who was in the building while Boom Dizzle was snapping their team’s nine-game win streak. Golden State was pretty much in the lead the entire time and put the Hornets to bed with a big run in the fourth quarter. Baron finished with 23 points and 9 dimes (and stuck one three in Jannero Pargo‘s eye from the hashmark), Stephen Jackson scored 26, and Matt Barnes threw up 17 … It’s not like the Hornets played bad, either. Tyson Chandler, David West and Peja each had double-doubles, N.O. owned the glass (no surprise against the Warriors), and Chris Paul had 28 and 12 dimes. It hurt that they couldn’t get anything from the bench, though, especially against a team as deep as Golden State … At one point during Knicks/Jazz, Clyde Frazier opined that Utah’s offense was similar to a college system. So does that make it even worse that the Knicks couldn’t stop anything the Jazz were doing? The pick-and-rolls, the cutting, the interior passing, everything except the outside shooting (1-for-10 3PA) was working for the Jazz, who got 22 points and 12 assists from Deron Williams … And in a related Jazz note, Morris Almond set the D-League single-game scoring mark when he dropped 53 points for the Utah Flash yesterday. That’s like the second time this year Almond put his name in that spot in the D-League record book. We’re assuming he’ll be in New Orleans for the D-League All-Star Game … No Shaq. No D-Wade. What do you think happened to the Heat when they went to Orlando last night? Flash was out with the flu. (Is it us or are a bunch of guys missing games with the flu lately? Q-Rich and Eddy Curry had to leave the game in Utah with the same diagnosis). Miami actually didn’t get hammered until late in the game, but it still goes down as a double-digit loss. Speaking of All-Star, will Hedo Turkoglu (27 pts) have a serious case when the League names the ASG reserves later today? … Again without Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets had to battle to knock off the Grizzlies. Denver was down by seven with about three minutes left before scoring 12 unanswered to steal the W. Allen Iverson put up 32 and 12 dimes, while Marcus Camby had 19 boards and 5 blocks … Yesterday we hit you with updates of some of the guys we chose as “Players 2 Watch” going into this season in Dime #37 (the ‘Melo/Dwight cover). Looking at the Western Conference, that list included ‘Melo, CP, Deron and Dirk, among others such as Darko. It hasn’t been the breakout year for Darko that some expected, but last night he had his best game so far: 14 points, 16 boards, 5 blocks … A couple of blowouts from Wednesday: the Raptors cracked the Wizards by 39, unleashing a hail storm of threes and actually rebounding the ball, and the Sixers served the Bucks a 43-piece McNugget … And a couple of monster stat lines: Al Jefferson gave the Bulls 26 points and 20 boards, while Brad Miller put up 22 points and 21 boards against Charlotte … Getting his Plaxico Burress on before the game, Michael Beasley went out and put his money where his mouth was, leading Kansas State to an upset W over previously-undefeated and #1-ranked Kansas. It was K-State’s first win over the Jayhawks since 1983, shortly after the Rolando Blackman Era. Beasley struggled early, constantly being double- and triple-teamed by Kansas’ athletic bigs whenever he got the ball below the free throw line. So what he do? Stepped out to the perimeter to knock down threes and drive to the basket. Beasley ended up with 25 points (four treys), while Bill Walker scored 22 … Leading up to the Georgtown/St. John’s matchup, we pitted the Hoyas versus the Red Storm alumni against each other to see who has the better squad. As far as the current team, G’town destroyed SJU at the Garden, 74-42, getting 18 points from sophomore Vernon Macklin … Memphis survived probably its toughest C-USA test, putting up huge numbers against Houston on the road. Chris Douglas-Roberts poured in 30 points, while Joey Dorsey notched 22 boards and 4 blocks … We’re out like N.O.’s streak …
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January 31st, 2008 at 6:04 am
KIdd w/in says:
1st!
January 31st, 2008 at 6:42 am
Str8baller says:
2nd
January 31st, 2008 at 6:50 am
YOUNGFED says:
Question will Al Jefferson make the Allstar game. Answer is yes. 2nd Question if Almond is lighting it up in the Dleague like that why doesn’t someone like the Sonics, Nets, Knicks, or Twolves pick him up. Let me know what you guys think.
January 31st, 2008 at 7:17 am
Yikes says:
Utah game was ugly, the highlight being the bizarre traveling no-call on Fred Jones (I think it was) who literally took nine steps on a fast break after he fumbled the ball a bit, but still maintained possession. Crowd went nuts over that.. and Utah has the rights to Almond, who looks so pretty in the D-League, but is simply lost in an NBA game. Half his shots get swatted, it seems like, the other half are bricks (I think he’s made but one field goal all year) and they’re all forced. It’s a peculiar disparity
January 31st, 2008 at 7:24 am
Bones says:
Al Jeff will not make ASG. Hope will not see ilgauskas as a backup in the east…
January 31st, 2008 at 8:06 am
YOUNGFED says:
Yeah Yikes its hard to believe that he wouldn’t be able to score in the NBA
January 31st, 2008 at 8:32 am
Celts Fan says:
I fell asleep on the couch with 5 min. left in the Blazers Cavs game last night. I hate my life…
January 31st, 2008 at 8:44 am
Top Gun says:
YOUNGFED, Almond didn’t get picked up because the Jazz own the draft rights
January 31st, 2008 at 9:25 am
Coldchain says:
If the Heat end up with the #1 pick what should they do?
- draft Mike Beasley
- draft Eric Gordon
- draft Derrick Rose
- trade down and get a center (Hibbert or Thabeet)
- trade for some vets (Deng and BG?)
January 31st, 2008 at 9:37 am
Celts Fan says:
I think the Heat should grab Rose, but Beasley isn’t a bad alternative either. Both of those guys could extend Shaq’s career and help elevate DWade back to the top 10 in the league (along with another year recovering that shoulder.) I like Eric Gordn, but he’s too similar to Wade…
January 31st, 2008 at 9:43 am
GeekInPhilly says:
Maybe now – with the Kansas loss to K-State – your poll will be more in line with those from around the country and you’ll slide Memphis into their rightful position at #1.
January 31st, 2008 at 9:45 am
Kobeef says:
I am a lakers fan but LeBron is the most dominant player in the game right now. He simply can’t be stoped when he wants to win.
Derrick Rose also had a nice line last night with 10pts, 9rbs, 6 assists. This kid is Jason Kidd with Dwayne Wade’s body. The number 2 pick in the 2009 draft will be something to cheer about.
Another very nice game from Telfair (7pts, 10ast, 2to)last night in his match-up with Heinrich. Didn’t shoot so well but this is turning into his breakout year.
I would not give the Jayhawks that much credit for shutting down Beasley in the first half. Beasley tends to coast and usually doesn’t really start playing until the second half of his games..kind of like this game…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XbqbxPW6A0...
R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
January 31st, 2008 at 9:58 am
Kobeef says:
Coldchain – if you are a GM and you win the draft lottery in 2009 you pick Beasley. There is no debate. Beasley is a bigger, stronger, more athletic, more competitive version of Carmelo.
That said – I tend to agree that if Miami wins the draft they need to think about trading Beasley for some vets. Miami is not in the position to build for the future – they need to win now and Beasley could get them a really good player.
January 31st, 2008 at 10:20 am
Brown says:
Ain’t it funny how all the players getting “sick” with the flu play for the worst teams in the league. Playing for Isiah’s Knicks is enough to make anyone sick, and busting your ass with zero supporting cast will do it too.
Unless Miami can land a superstar for the #1 pick (which isn’t a guarantee as we saw last year), I’d keep Beasley. Remember how Carmelo turned around the Nuggets in his rookie season? Beasley could have the same impact on the Heat. It would take one hell of an offer for someone to give that kid up.
And no, Al Jefferson will not make it to the all-star game. Booze and Dirk are in line before him.
January 31st, 2008 at 10:26 am
COLLIER says:
IT’S NOT THE FLU!!! IT’S SPACEJAM ALL OVER AGAIN!!! THOSE LIL ALIEN MONSTERS STEALING RANDOM NBA PLAYER’S POWERS!!!!
January 31st, 2008 at 10:38 am
Myrie says:
Hornets are the Flavor of the Month and got thrashed on their own home court by BDiddy and the Family. Everyone on New Orleans had a good game and they still lost. Interesting….
Al Jefferson is not making the all star team. Dirk, Carlos Boozer, Josh Howard and perhaps even David West earn a slot before Al.
What’d you know….a Darko sighting in smack.
January 31st, 2008 at 10:39 am
Amar says:
utah/knicks game was a normal game with an abnormal ending, the jazz beat the knicks. deron and memo had double doubles, booz missed it by 1 board, and andrei shot wasn’t falling. knicks got to the line a lot, but still managed to lose. (probably because they were so under manned)
that white boy rebounding fool (lee) is going to look real nice on some other team in a few seasons.
hedo should be an all-star, he’s the one doing it for them when the games are on the line.
lots of raps fans will be upset when calderon wont get the call today.
roy is having a great season, but his team isn’t even in the playoffs, should he be an all-star?
January 31st, 2008 at 10:55 am
K-Dizzle says:
What Brown said
No way you give up on a talent like Beasley or even Rose for that matter. If this Heat team is healthy and you can plug in Rose or Beasley, they become a way better team. Miami can’t win now anyways.
They need Shaq to be healthy, effective or retire and they need to keep Wade when Shaq leaves so they better be stockin up on future talent.
Al Jeff won’t get anywhere near the all-star game. Great numbers recently but Amare, Dirk, Boozer, Camby, Marion, Josh Howard, David West and Stephen Jackson would have problems wit that.
Finally, anybody catch that dumb-ass trade spec for Portland with Kidd in the 3-way with Dallas? What I heard was Blazers give up Outlaw, Frye AND Jack for Devin Harris. If I’m a Blazer fan, I’m not even pickin up the phone if I see Thorn’s name
January 31st, 2008 at 11:24 am
doc says:
1rst fellas if yall talkin about the 2009 draft none of these mothafuckas gonna be in it its 08 yall. Im more of a point guard man so I like Rose #1 but Beasley is a monster so whoever get them top picks wont be mad just like last year. As long as they dont do like that Lebron draft and pick some corny overseas dude number 2 and bump people down a slot. But who says Mia gets the first pick. Portland aint have the worst record last year and neither did Seattle.
January 31st, 2008 at 11:49 am
Kobeef says:
Oops – you are right Doc – we are talking about the 2008 draft – I agree – no chance beasley or rose wait till 2009 to go pro.
January 31st, 2008 at 11:53 am
Celts Fan says:
that’s why they asked, “If Miami gets the first pick”
January 31st, 2008 at 11:54 am
Myrie says:
In any draft, as long as you have one of the top 4 picks, you good.
Portland had the worst record in the NBA in 2005, but Toronto go the #1 pick (Bargnani) in 2006. So, Portland go their reward (for having the worst record) 2yrs late. But it worked in their favor.
If you end up with the worst record in the NBA, your not guaranteed to get the upcoming #1 draft pick, but karma will still work out in your favor; its just a matter of time; ask the Blazers.
….except if its 1997 in Boston all over again.
January 31st, 2008 at 12:03 pm
GEE...What is Fandango? says:
First off someone had it right earlier, about a certain player not getting the call. Here is the thing though, people might as well start complaining now about players getting snubbed cause it’s going to go down. Right now the leaders to possibly get snubbed would prolly be Al and Jose. Oh well.
Anyone with the first pick that doesn’t pick Beasley was on some “Crack-ish” type thinking. Seriously he the 1 right now. Personally I think that Love is good for college but I think he is going to get done in the NBA. I am just not impressed with him as a lot of others are.
I honestly thought O.J. Mayo would be a lot better with all the hype he got.
Anyway I seriously think Houston is going to end up making the playoffs based on schedule and stuff. If they are smart they really need to get a playoff worthy guard. Sam Cassell going back to where he won it all….sounds good to me and Houston has the guards and pieces to make that trade work.
Ok this is crazy right, but in looking at the east I think the last 2 spots are for teams that are not above .500 So a lot of teams really still have a chance.
That last week before the playoffs is going to be sick for positioning.
LeBron is just vicious. I am so hoping he doesn’t get Kidd. I am feeling like if he does, you might as well pencil him in for the East finals. Considering what he already does with practically no help at all. Shiiiii and then to have an All-Star.
Who does Clev. have to offer for Kidd though, that Jersey would want lol. Future first round picks, A.V.?
Bout’ time Georgetown blowed a team out like they should be doing. V-Mack got off!
LOL I am going to crack up if Vince is a reserve…people are going to go off! lol
Funny how with Denver even though they have A.I. and Melo’ to me Camby holds the key for them. No Camby no nothing for them. They better cut down on some of dudes minutes because 1. He is fragile and 2. Considering they make the playoffs they will need him 100%.
George Karl sucks so bad.
January 31st, 2008 at 12:13 pm
D.H. says:
K-Dizzle, there is not way S-Jackson and Big Al should be even mentioned in the same sentence together. Jefferson is soooo much better. But ya Boozer and Dirk get the nod first. Nice to see the Raps get back at the Wizards for the last overtime loss, what a hammering.
Morris Almond is rookie of the year and leads the leauge in points in my NBA Live 08 Fantasy Season, he plays for the Warriors, and its a CPU team. Bizzare eh!
Beasley goes first.
January 31st, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Mike Black says:
Where is any info about the Raptors waxing the Wizards by 39???? No love.
January 31st, 2008 at 12:43 pm
nick says:
mike, not to hate or anything but it was mentioned that the raps beat the wiz by 39.
in the 08 draft, u take beasley no question. beasley will be a franchise cornerstone and future HOF player.
January 31st, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Celts Fan says:
I think that, based on the fact that people are finally realizing how important PGs are (which could’ve saved the Bucks from Bogut) that you can make a case for Rose 1st overall in some situations (like Miami) even though Beasley is a better prospect…
January 31st, 2008 at 1:42 pm
K-Dizzle says:
Celts
couldn’t agree more
Sometimes you don’t really want that first pick
Didn’t Big Dog go before JKidd and Grant Hill?
More recently, Deron Williams and Chris Paul are better now than bogut and marv which still blows my mind cuz didn’t atlanta need a point guard anyways? bargnani was the top pick but the blazers got the 2 best right now in Roy and Aldridge, but they were stressin out the Oden vs. Durant pick cuz they didn’t want a remix on Jordan-Bowie
D.H. – why you hatin on Steve Jackson? Warriors were like 5-9 before he got done his suspension and been about 27-12 since. It ain’t a coincidence. Dude’s a killer. Everyone gives love to Portland but Warriors got a better record and Big Al’s been killin, but that’s more recent than anything else. Jack’s been winnin games, wolves ain’t even cracked ten wins yet
January 31st, 2008 at 1:43 pm
sans says:
Gee, the Cavs can’t trade AV because the resigned him so late in the season.
I got to see Love a lot in high school and he has a ton of skill. The Great White Hope won’t go later than fifth, especially after Madness. And nobody has hurt themselves more by having to play in college than Mayo. Beastley, Rose, and Gordon have all jumped in front of him by now, then there’s that Spanish kid, Love, and whatever project center Seattle/OKC picks up–just how far do you think OJ can drop?
And who likes Devin George that much that he’s worth two starters and a rook with lot of potential? I’m out like stepping away from your weed dealer…
January 31st, 2008 at 2:19 pm
GEE...What is Fandango? says:
Fresh thanks sans for the info. That is what I am saying though then who do they really have to offer?
Yea Mayo needs to step it up more as far as the impact he was supposed to make.
You know it’s interesting I (and I am sure others probably did too) suggested to DIME that they put Kidd on the cover instead of the “Big Dookie”. Of course they could have possibly tried and it not worked out. He sure is creating a much bigger buzz than Mr. Last Don sitting out games because of injuries all the time now. Kidd should have been on the cover for real. Now Kidd should most def. be on the cover.
DIME could do a whole question and answer deal with him or just a straight up regular article. Either way his name is out there way more than “Snacks” O’Neal.
I think this up coming draft will have 1 or 2 good 7 footers as well. Hopefully they will do ok in the L. The L is such a different type of monster.
January 31st, 2008 at 2:31 pm
ian says:
Myrie
LOL
when i was reading your post i was gonna say the same about boston
no timmy no oden
January 31st, 2008 at 2:39 pm
ian says:
sans
i think they have like 6 days left before the deadline to trade varejao but im not sure
Celts Fan
sure point guards are really important but if there is one position u need more to win is a center or a centerish power foward (duncan). but what u say its true sometimes your team can do more with a good point than a really good foward.
k dizzle
like u said sometimes picking second is even better
dh
jefferson isnt wayyyyy better than crazy jackson
January 31st, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Mike C says:
I just don’t get why teams don’t double or triple LeBron when he gets it going. Especially considering that the Cavs have no reliable shooters to make them pay. If Kobe were to hit two or three 3s in a row in the fourth, you know that somebody else is going to ignore his man and just rush towards him as soon as he catches the rock. Last night, LeBron was going one on one even though he was on fire.
January 31st, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Myrie says:
OJ Mayo
I do not know much about this baller. I only started hearing his name about 2yrs ago (maybe even less). At this point, he appears to be overhyped. Any player getting national press while still in high school is over hyped (ANY player).
You ain’t worth a damn as a teenage baller unless you can produce at the collegiate level. When your facing similar talent level comp.
I’m not suggesting Mayo is a bum; just that he is overhyped and without credible merit. He hasn’t earned anything yet; not even scoring points for USC.
Gordon, Beasley and Rose have been ahead of him. Even Roy Hibbert. Perhaps Kenny George too. And any of them wing players for North Carolina.
If the NBA draft were tomorrow, OJ Mayo would barely make the top 10.
January 31st, 2008 at 3:39 pm
GEE...What is Fandango? says:
Ok
LOL I got BLASTED about my idea for some NBA cats vs. And 1. Rightfully so. I still stand by my ish, even if it do stank lol but anyway.
I got some new ish though, so smell this.
How about just getting rid of the rookie game period.. It’s corny and I never watch it anyway. Sorry, I just don’t see the fun in watching rookies and sophmores. I can watch the McDonald’s All American game and get just as much out of that.
Anyway (I know I might get blasted for this) you all know they have an all NBA 1st team and a 2nd team. So why not do the same with the stars. Have an All Star J.V. game if you will (we def. wouldn’t call it that) with players who came close and got snubbed, and then have your regular All-Star game.
This way you also have 2 more coaches getting credit for having a good season thus far. Players shouldn’t mind doing it considering they would get paid something. Then you have those who would want to drop 50 or so just to show they should have played in the main All-Star game.
More players get a chance to play and get recognized, and coaches too. Still keep it on a different day than the regular one, to still give more credit to the Top All-Stars.
I know I would rather watch a game of players who got snubbed and still had a good year go at it than some rooks and sophs.
Just Gee. I like it though.
Let the flood gates open.
January 31st, 2008 at 5:24 pm
. says:
.
January 31st, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Ian says:
check out the manu comment of the snubs
Manu Ginobili
Manu Ginobili is a superstar. He just happens to play shorter minutes, have a smaller scoring average, than the likes of Allen Iverson. Tony Parker was the MVP of the Finals last year, but in the guts of crunch time, Ginobili was the guy with the daggers at both ends of the floor. There’s really not anything he can’t do — he is an excellent three-point shooter, he drives to the hole as splendidly as anyone, and he plays killer D. If we’re picking teams, All-Star teams, pick-up teams, or whatever, I’ll take Ginobili, you take Iverson, and we’ll see who wins.
Baron Davis
Golden State, and Baron Davis, have been hot and cold. Timing cost him this appointment — if Golden State had put together one of their winning streaks at the time coaches were voting, he was in, because there are nights when Baron Davis is the best player in the game. There are also nights when his team gets schooled by the Minnesota Timberwolves, though, which is the kind of night they were having when coaches were looking for All-Stars. Also, don’t forget that Baron Davis has been tough to coach in his career, and the reserves are a coach’s choice — fair or not, it might be easier for coaches to go for a boy scout like Brandon Roy.
Deron Williams
Williams has proven himself to be the multi-faceted leader of a powerful team. But he will always be the guy who was picked just before Chris Paul. And the last few months are when the league learned that — magnificent as Williams is — he’s no Chris Paul. Hopefully New Orleans and Utah can meet in the playoffs to figure out who has the better team. As individuals, however, Paul is making a strong case for MVP, Williams is not. This is the season when Williams suffers from bad PR merely because the two have long been compared.
Andrew Bynum
Tough luck about the injury, dude. When you were healthy, the Lakers were really rolling. And when a big-market team is really rolling, sneaking two guys onto the All-Star team is no sweat. And you had the numbers. But I’ll tell you what a lot of coaches will tell you: you’re going to be in a lot of these things kid. (And is that beer you’re crying in legal for someone your age?)
Chris Kaman
Every year there’s somebody who puts up monster numbers on a bad team. Coaches never vote for that guy. Sorry, Chris.
Tyson Chandler
With New Orleans already getting one of the only negotiable spots on this roster, Chandler had no shot. He joins Deron Williams on the list of players who might have made it if Chris Paul hadn’t been so darned good. In Chandler’s case, Paul being a near-MVP makes it seem like the credit for New Orleans’ success couldn’t possibly need to be spread that widely.
Al Jefferson
Play some defense! Jefferson might have the best right hand in sports. But without a commitment to defense, teamwork, and passing, all that gets you is a “Junior Zach Randolph” badge.
Josh Howard
On the other hand, Mr. Jefferson, you are correct that guys who play defense get screwed, because there’s no good way to stack up their contributions in a neat little table that everyone can understand. Howard is a huge part of one of the best teams in basketball. Last year, that was enough. This year there are too many good teams in the West that need shine.
Tony Parker
Last year’s Finals MVP, not in the All-Star game? Being injured doesn’t help. Neither does being one of three top players on a team that has fallen short, so far, of very high expectations.
Shawn Marion
I don’t know what was driving all those “Phoenix is dissatisfied” stories, but when that’s what everyone is saying about your team, it doesn’t reflect well on the guy who recently asked for a trade.
Tracy McGrady
If he made it, it would have been purely on name recognition. Because it’s just not his year.
Marcus Camby
There are ten teams in the West that are all still bunched high enough in the standings to be theoretical candidates to win the conference. Each has a team leader who is a strong candidate to be an All-Star. (Indeed, only Golden State missed out). Denver is only in the middle of that pack, but already has two guys starting on this team! How greedy can you get! I know, it’s not fair to exclude a guy because of what his teammates do. But has Camby really been better than David West, Brandon Roy, Baron Davis, or Manu Ginobili? Not to mention, just a few days ago Chandler massacred him.
Stephen Jackson
Back when the Warriors were rolling, Jackson was one of the best defensive players in the league, which goes along nicely with an ability to hit timely threes. But one of the rules of being an All-Star is that you really have to bring it every night — or darn close. And Jackson has bad nights.