Photo. Marc MorrisonRockets vs. Cavs was the good defense/bad offense affair you’d expect from those two teams until Houston pulled away in the fourth quarter behind a bunch of Cleveland turnovers and Houston fast-break buckets. T-Mac (17 pts, 8 asts) was playing point guard better than Rafer or any of the team’s other official PG’s despite a bad shooting night where he went 6-for-21 … Typical sequence: the Rockets played great defense for 23 seconds, forcing Larry Hughes to brick an off-balance baseline jumper at the shot-clock buzzer. Luis Scola got the rebound and took off downcourt looking real clunky, then fired a pass for Rafer that zipped past Skip’s head out of bounds … The Rockets’ bug run was made with the best five-man unit they put on the floor all night: T-Mac, Rafer, Scola, Bonzi Wells and Carl Landry. When Yao checked back in for Scola with the Rockets were up 13, their level of play immediately dropped as Yao (3-for-17 FG’s) struggled, missing dunks and getting his shots swatted by Big Z. Houston found some rhythm and maintained the lead, though, winning their 9th straight game … LeBron posted a triple-double in the loss with 26 points, 13 boards and 11 assists … The Pistons saw their 10-game win streak snapped. At home. In a 20-piecing (well, 19) at the hands of Orlando. Crazy thing is, neither Dwight Howard or Hedo Turkoglu played that good of a game. Hedo’s shot wasn’t falling, and Dwight had a quiet 8 points and 8 boards. Detroit used rotating variations of Rasheed, McDyess and Tayshaun to guard Dwight; in the first half he had more turnovers (3) than field goals (2), and was held to only two attempts in the second half. Defensively, Dwight recorded 4 blocks, but was continually pulled away from the rim by ‘Sheed … The next time Stan Van Gundy wants to talk to Dwight about focusing on defense and rebounding to help Orlando win games, he should show him a DVD of Tim Duncan’s game against the Bobcats. TD went 2-for-12 from the floor and only scored 7 points, but his 15 boards and 5 blocks are what most impacted San Antonio in holding the ‘Cats to 65 points … On one play Manu Ginobili drove through the lane and tripped over his own foot. The refs called a foul, and when the replay showed that Manu clearly hadn’t been touched, Spurs analyst Sean Elliott just laughed off Charlotte’s protests and said, “We like that. Call the foul on whoever’s in the vicinity.” Karma did come back at Manu when he got the Lipton Special from J-Rich on a nasty dunk … KG’s return wasn’t much to make a documentary about: he played 20 minutes and put up 4 points, 8 boards and 4 turnovers. But the Celtics/Nuggets game was great. Denver had gone up by double-digits in the fourth quarter, but Boston cut it to one with three and a half minutes left. Then Marcus Camby (11 pts, 13 rebs, 9 blks) hit a three as part of another Nuggets run that put the C’s to bed … Before that, though, Paul Pierce (22 pts, 6 rebs, 7 asts) had a vicious dunk where he drove past ‘Melo and hammered it on Camby and K-Mart while getting fouled. The Truth hurts … For Pau Gasol’s home debut in L.A., the Lakers broadcast opened the show with a song that sounded like something from the Once Upon a Time in Mexico soundtrack. Gasol put up 23 points and 6 boards while the Lakers DESTROYED the Hawks. They were up by 40 before halftime, still trapping in the backcourt with a 30-something point lead … Kobe also had 23 points and pretty much stole ATL’s spirit early on by dusting Joe Johnson and slicing through the rest of the defense easily … Mike Bibby (5 pts, 3 asts) played excellent for the first few minutes, making passes that were simple yet more effective than most dimes we’ve seen from Atlanta’s various point guards over the years, but ended up getting in foul trouble, hurting his heel, and only logging 16 minutes … First two possessions of Jazz/Warriors saw Carlos Boozer going right at The Artist Formerly Known As Chris Webber, giving him a pair of quick buckets. The Jazz were up big going into the fourth and Golden State came back to make it a little closer, but Utah still won by 10. Boozer put up 16 points and 12 boards, while Deron Williams had 29 points and 12 dimes … Jason Smith almost hurt himself on the White man’s version of the Tony Allen Play. After Smith had grabbed an offensive rebound, a whistle blew the play dead. Smith stopped for a beat, then went up for a layup where he knocked knees with Louis Williams and went down awkwardly. Everyone was OK, though … The Wolves’ announcers call Craig Smith “Rhino” … Seattle’s starting lineup against Memphis: Earl Watson, Delonte West, Jeff Green, Chris Wilcox and Kurt Thomas. Every one of those guys could easily be the 9th rotation guy on a good team somewhere else … Kevin Durant (flu) was out of action on Kevin Durant Bobblehead Night. The doll didn’t look anything like KD, by the way … The good: On Memphis’ first possession they went right to Darko, who promptly put a move on Kurt Thomas and scored a reverse layup. The bad: Later in the game, Darko missed three point-blank hook shots on the same possession … Sonics analyst Snapper Jones: “Something about the Sonics’ uniform lights up the Grizzlies. They can’t miss a shot.” More like the defense being played by the men in the Sonics’ uniforms … We’re out like Durant bobbleheads …
February 20th, 2008 at 6:12 am
Bank says:
first son holla !!!!!! eat my nuts
February 20th, 2008 at 6:13 am
Bank says:
and why no mention of the nate robinson, zach randolph fight?
February 20th, 2008 at 7:12 am
vince says:
why would you want to serve your nuts to people on the internet?
February 20th, 2008 at 7:20 am
ian says:
the same reason they gave steve buscemi the nick mr pink
because hes a faggot
(sorry i was watching reservoir dogs)
February 20th, 2008 at 7:26 am
ya boy says:
first of the lakers unleashed sum nasty on the hawks. if they play this well into the season against the spurs, hornets,dallas,detroit and the suns (tomorrow..can’t wait,cactus my butt)this this is theirs to win. Never thought i’d say this but it’s a flucking joy watching rondo play and who knew the cat got up like that.gadamn!!!i like manu but him getting posterized was long overdue and sweet.Peace !!
February 20th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Omar says:
My team always makes “bug runs”
February 20th, 2008 at 8:52 am
GEE...woke up this morning and pissed excellence says:
Since no mention of it Banks what happen?
Mic check 1,2…um Houston is all the sudden in the playoffs tied with Denver currently for that 7th or 8th spot. Yeaaaa and since they apparently ain’t gone make no trade. I am just gone get my support on. How bout Skip being the bread winner last night. Horrid shooting from Mac and Yao, Skip honestly has been coming through. The Landry dude is just a hustler.
Then if Boston win vs. G.S. tonight that further increases Houston’s chances.
Also Denver and Houston or not to far from Dallas who may lose tonight as well. Also if and when Houston ever loses (Amar) they will be creepin on them. Can Clutch City come back?
MANU GOT CRAMMED ON SO VICIOUSLY. Mr. Richardson got that “flopper” nicely.
Come on K.G. 4 points. I honestly have to say they might have beat Denver with more from Ticket.
Forget all that mess we talked about yesterday. I honestly feel NOTHING is wrong with Kobe’s finger.
The Lakers are such a problem right now.
Tonights match up will be on!
Rhino? Weird nickname?
Sorry Atlanta it’s not fair you guys had to face Kobe and crew right off the back. Wow! 73 -37 at one point. Ouch. I still believe they (Atl.) will be better as the road goes on.
ESPN did a special on Kidd’s triple dubs. I still think they are not as overrated as some make them to be.
DIME what up with the nicknames? I been waiting and debating for oh so long just starvin like Marvin…nevermind.
February 20th, 2008 at 9:52 am
M Intellect says:
“The bad: Later in the game, Darko missed three point-blank hook shots on the same possession … ”
I read that and imagined 3-Point Hook Shots off the glass…
LOL
February 20th, 2008 at 10:22 am
dagwaller says:
Gee, how do you like Yao getting 16 pts and 14 boards and being referred to as a “level of play dropper”, while Duncan went 7 and 15 and being the DVD of rebounding and defense. Hate, hate, hate! Meanwhile, Camby has more blocks than either by a LOT and almost as many rebounds.
I’ll be quiet on my points about Kobe and Bibby, though - no one likes it when you say I told you so…
February 20th, 2008 at 10:34 am
isotope says:
thanks Gee for giving Rafe his credits. Dude was the leading scorer on 8-15 (6-10 3PT), 6 assists, 2 TO yet all Dime could say about him was that TMac played better PG than him and how he missed 1 pass. What is up with the hate? lol. I hope thats the last time Yao shoots 17% ever EVER! If not for his perfect FT shooting (10-10) he would be on the trading block on my fantaasy squad.
Wouldnt it be funny if the Mavs dont make the playoffs and the Nets do. That is very VERY possible.
February 20th, 2008 at 10:35 am
bigdre says:
Rhino’s been smith’s nickname in ’sota for quite a while now. he’s powers his way to the hoop like a rhino, hence the nickname
February 20th, 2008 at 10:39 am
kobeef says:
Wow - tough game for the Hawks - I thought they would put up more of a fight. Are the Lakers this good or are the Hawks this bad?
I was half impressed to see Robinson and Z-bo fight - probably one of the few signs of effort and energy this season from them.
TRADE DAY
- why would anyone in their right mind trade for Vince? I read that Miami and Indiana are interested…why would either team want Vince? Just bizarre.
- The only rumour I have hear so far that makes some sense is Mike Miller to Indiana for Marquis Daniels and Ike Diogu. Marquis and Diogu help Memphis free cap space and Miller seems like he can help Indiana which has no choice but to try to win now with the Murphy and Dunleavy contracts (probably worst in the league..behind Big Ben)
February 20th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Eric says:
What # will Kidd have? Josh Howard wears #5 and Brandon Bass wears #32. I doubt Kidd will change his number. Can he buy it from Howard or Bass?
February 20th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Nick Barnes says:
Kidd could wear 23. Wasn’t that Hassell’s number?
Mike Miller to Indy? They’re just trying to collect White dudes: Miller, Dunleavy, Murphy, Diener, Foster. That’s not only a “white-wash” lineup, it’s a pretty good one.
Yao played like a puss. He had like 5 shots blocked and he’s the biggest guy on the court. No excuse for someone that tall going 3-for-17.
Gotta say I expected more out of KG. Everyone always talks about this burning desire he has, so how do you only put up 4 points in a big game after having been on the shelf for so long? Wouldn’t the fire be boiling over and — if anything — you’d take a ton of shots and go nuts?
February 20th, 2008 at 11:19 am
doc says:
when was the knicks fighting during the game. Yall tell us all about the bullshit knicks all year and dont when they fight. wassup with that. I think bron should get mike miller if they can. Thats all he need.
February 20th, 2008 at 11:47 am
IGP says:
Buscemi is def no “faggot” man and enough with the derogatory bullshit….
Suns/Lakers tonight is gonna be so sweet I think Odom is ballin right now kind of under the radar.
I’m surprised at the Hawks that trade was supposed to energize them.
February 20th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
GEE...I woke up this morning and pissed excellence says:
dag I aint’ trippin, Yao had a rough time last night and even though Duncan did too, any pub. is good pub.
Same with Skip Iso, any pub. is good pub. as long as your name is out there, it’s a good thing. Cause Yao is going to get 20-10 in another game we all know that, and Skip is getting his props from a lot of different areas so. Imma just lay in the cut and keep hoping we win, and STAY HEALTHY!
Hey Dag please say I told you so with Kobe, because I am glad he is playing great. I just was on some better safe than sorry stuff you know. But props to you, cause you called it right.
I am hurting on the Bibby deal though, I am hoping and pretty much knowing he will get better as time goes and they mesh.
Now I got to go find out about the knicks fight.
I am content on the trades, this has been a wild month. If they give me one more big trade that will just be extra gravy.
February 20th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
dagwaller says:
Hahahaha! Isotope, seriously? The Nets are barely in the playoffs, and they lose their best player…and you somehow think it’s more likely that a team that’s in the middle of things in the West like the Mavs is going to LOSE ground after getting JASON KIDD?! And I thought that I was down on Kidd. You must really love Devin Harris.
February 20th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
dagwaller says:
Gee, who do you think the next name to change places will be? Miller’s what they’re saying, but I honestly don’t see why the Grizz would dump salary to that extent. Granted, like Dime reported, there are a lot of guys up for FA this year, but I just don’t see why get rid of Mike Miller. He’s like a poor man’s Ray Allen - good at shooting, but doesn’t necessarily demand the rock. Doesn’t make as much money, doesn’t make any noise - I don’t see why they trade him.
Similarly, I don’t think that the Kings are going to move Artest.
I wonder if the Bucks are going to do anything. They have a mess of a situation up there - seems just from reading about it that Mo Williams and Michael Redd aren’t coexisting very well. The Cavs could use a guy like Mo, I think. Very shoot first, but he can knock down shots and create his own, easing some of Lebron’s load?
How funny would it be if the Kupchak gave Kobe the ultimate “F You” to Kobe and was like, You wanted a trade? You got it! and traded him for Lebron or something wacky.
February 20th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
isotope says:
lol dagwaller. I didnt say it was going to happen or if it was likely to happen. Just said it was possible and would be funny. Mavs are in the 6th spot and only 2 games ahead of the #8 team in the West. Ahead of the Rockets and Nuggets who are playing well right now. And the Warriors are right there, just a game out of the 8th spot. The nets are in the 7th spot in the weak east. Yes, its very feasible that the Mavs miss the playoffs. Not likely but it’d be mad funny.
February 20th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
GEE...I woke up this morning and pissed excellence says:
Iso with a serious injury to say Dirk or another, that could most def. happen. LOL. That would be the ultimate w.t.f! LOL
Dag I wouldn’t trade Mike Miller at all. I feel Memphis has done enough. Stop already. I think they got a lot riding on Conley though, so it’s possible.
I don’t see the Kings getting rid of Artest with Bibby gone, as he provides D and O.
If I had to say I think the Knicks (especially in light of last night) might make a move and I think Indiana may make a move.
Then next player though if I just had to throw a guess out there then yea Mike will probably be the move. Where is anybody’s guess.
I honestly thought some West team was going to go after Sam Cassell, I still think Boston should give him just for a saftey net.
February 20th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Celts Fan says:
KG played like crap last night cuz he was VERY rusty. You could just tell the timing was a bit off. Those things happen when you miss the better part of a month. I’ll gladly take it though for the PT and confidence the rest of the team got by having to fill his gigantic shoes. Leon Powe and Rajon Rondo especially made huge strides in their careers (Powe proving he deserves to have one and Rondo having to do more offensively and doing it really well) and Big Baby finally got back into the rotation again and played well.
any word on a potential Ron Artest deal? I’ve always liked him and would like to see him on a good team. He’s too good to be banished from the Playoffs forever just cuz of one TERRIBLE decision in Detroit a few years back…
February 20th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Celts Fan says:
hell ya GEE. Offer LAC a draft pick. Try a #2, if that doesn’t do it, then just throw them a #1 (not this year’s, we need to add some depth and youth!) It’s not like it’ll be any lower than like 25th anyway. Get Sam I Am in a Celtics uni before someone else sneaks in and steals him away!
February 20th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Icy says:
Anyone else see D-will block monta last night? Or Kirelenko put a stranglehold on S-Jack. That’s how you control the warriors
February 20th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
GEE...I woke up this morning and pissed excellence says:
See Celts that is exactly where I am. It’s a smart move and like you said, even if they give a number 1 it’s not going to be a high one. I don’t know all the red tape involved but I don’t see why they wouldn’t go after more playoff experience for…….the playoffs?
They better hope it doesn’t rain suddenly on that outdoor game lol the NBA plans on having lol.
February 20th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
dh says:
‘When Yao checked back in… their level of play immediately dropped…’
Werd!
I noticed this in the all-star game. Yao slowed them down and messed up their passing rhythm.
February 20th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
What is this!? says:
No love for AI breaking Eddie House down lastnight? He brought dude to his knees and disrespected him even more by shooting a jumper in his grill. People talk about how Iverson doesn’t use his crossover anymore (which if people watch Denver games they would know he crosses people all the time) and when he brings it out and does something NASTY…theres no mention of it. SMH
And I am a big fan of KG and I think Ray Allen has always been underrated, but Paul Pierces cockiness makes me laugh. I watch him in games right now and think to myself, “dude, your team sucked for the longest time and under YOUR leadership the players made one of the leagues storied franchises into the biggest laughing stock in the entire league. Stop it with the cockiness already and just continue to play good b-ball and be glad you folks got KG and Ray Allen and are winning now”. Thats why I like teams like Detroit and the Spurs (even thought they tend to be boring to watch), because they know they are good and even though people always count them out every year for “flavor of the month”, they are always there at the end. They know people have to go through them in the playoffs. They don’t sit around cocky, they just get things done. Paul Pierc used to be my nephews favorite player, you couldn’t tell him anything about Paul Pierce…now he can’t stand his ass, said he’s a cry baby. SMH
February 20th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Dip Set City says:
Failed to mention Melo’s monster dunk on Big Baby, but managed to get Pierce’s dunk in there. And the officiating was just unacceptable in that game.
February 20th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
GEE...I woke up this morning and pissed excellence says:
Whatever happened to that new-old NBA ball T-Mac was holding in his hand (in the picture) anyway. I wonder what happen to all those balls and where are they now lol?
February 20th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
dagwaller says:
Fair enough, Iso.
I keep forgetting about Cassell. If the Celts go after Cassell and get him, they’d better be careful about their future. They’d undoubtedly have to trade one of their role players and/or a pick, meaning that if they don’t win it this year or next, all of their dealings will have gone for naught.
I also hadn’t thought about the Knicks much, because I can’t imagine that they have too much that the rest of the league would want. That having been said, I suppose there is some talent there (not to mention the fact that they have some huge contracts - maybe some expiring soon that a non-contending team would want?).
I don’t really see Indiana making any moves, though - they’re not going anywhere, and any pieces they add would only get them closer to a first round sweep from Boston or the Pistons. They might be better off dealing Tinsley to a team like the Cavs - maybe a presence like Lebron’s would cool his head a little bit, get him focused on basketball? Plus that would get him out of Indiana, where after the first third of the season, seems like he isn’t doing much.
February 20th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Ian says:
igp
what???? its a movie