Kevin Garnett (photo. Gary Land)Before the Celtics and Suns tipped off last night ,we went over the many reasons why the C’s, despite having locked up the Atlantic, shouldn’t take the game lightly. Turns out there was nothing to worry about, as Kevin Garnett (30 pts) and crew were extra-focused, jumping out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter. Phoenix took that initial body blow and fought back to make it a game by halftime, but Boston blasted them in the second half and served up a 20-piece … It’s interesting how even with the Celtics’ All-Star trio, a lot of times you can’t stop watching Rajon Rondo. Last night he seemed to be involved in every single play, offensively and defensively. And the highlight of the night came when Rondo (17 pts, 6 rebs, 6 asts) did a left-handed in-and-out that had Steve Nash on some “Smooth Criminal”-style leaning action. Even the Suns’ bench was making fun of Nash after that one … And how bad is Amare’s defense when D’Antoni has to take him off of KG and have him guard guys like James Posey and Kendrick Perkins while Shaq and Boris Diaw get Garnett? … On ESPN’s halftime show they replayed an Amare highlight, to which Stu Scott said, “Anyone who’s nickname is ‘The Matrix,’ if he’s coming down the lane like that I’m getting out the way.” Don’t tell us Amare took Shawn Marion’s nickname on Shawn’s way out of town … While the C’s were able to take care of business, the Lakers and Pistons both fell into traps. The Lakers were the worst, losing at home to a Bobcats team that simply out-worked and out-played them all night. Jason Richardson uncorked enough shots (13-for-28 FG’s, 4-for-12 from deep) to end up with 34 points, while Gerald Wallace had his usual all-over-the-place stat line of 15 points, 8 boards, 7 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks … Like you see a lot of times with a coach who is just tired and wants an early shower, Kobe (27 pts) picked up two quick techs and left the building with L.A. down 14 and about three and a half minutes left. No way the Lakers were coming back by that point. They seemed drained from that emotional home-and-home with the Warriors … The Pistons at least lost on the road to a playoff team (Toronto). Playing without Rip Hamilton and his sore hip, Detroit got picked apart by an under-control T.J. Ford (who got the start over Jose Calderon) and Chris Bosh. Ford put up 13 points and 9 dimes with only one turnover and single-digit shot attempts, while Bosh dropped 21 points … Why is Flip Saunders starting Arron Afflalo at the two when Rodney Stuckey continually plays better and gets more PT anyway? … We’ve been in plenty of NBA locker rooms, and we know teams watch film on their opponent right up until they have to come out of the locker room to warm up. And they often watch more film at halftime. Not to mention every team has advance scouts, and every player watches the nightly highlight shows. So what excuse do the Cavs have for leaving David West WIDE OPEN for a game-winning shot on the one play (pick-and-roll) that everyone knows the Hornets are going to run in that situation? How many times have you seen West knock down that mid-range jumper from straightaway? And how many times have you seen him knock it down in crunch time or to win a game? That’s either bad coaching by Mike Brown or a total breakdown by the players. What’s even worse is that on the Hornets’ previous possession, Jannero Pargo hideously front-rimmed a jumper and probably wanted no parts of taking the last shot. So why not have his man be the help on Chris Paul (15 pts, 20 asts) when CP drives, instead of everyone leaving an All-Star unguarded to shoot a shot he makes 97% of the time? … Speaking of bad coaching, what’s with Byron Scott having Peja guard LeBron (21 pts, 8 asts) on key possessions down the stretch? You might as well just put the two points on the board. Did you see the play where ‘Bron crossed up Peja and Birdman at the same time? Birdman almost bit it face-first … The Sixers are on fire; they waxed the Bulls for their 22nd win in their last 27 games, basically running layup lines for 48 minutes. Andre Miller handed out 18 assists, while lane-fillers Andre Iguodala, Lou Williams and Thad Young each scored 20-plus … T-Mac almost had a triple-double (21 pts, 11 rebs, 9 asts) in a win over the Wolves, while Luis Scola went Beastmaster with 18 points and 18 boards. Can you imagine how much better the Spurs would be if they’d kept Scola? Just his energy alone would do a lot for a group that sometimes acts like the whole regular-season thing becoming old for them … And on that note, Tim Duncan gave the Clippers 26 points and 12 boards in a ho-hum San Antonio win. Chris Kaman’s return means we can’t call them the Woefully-Undersized Clippers anymore … During Kings/Grizzlies, Brad Miller threw a bad pass to Francisco Garcia on a break. Said the Kings announcer, “That was just an awful pass from Brad Miller. It looked like something Rex Grossman would throw.” Miller otherwise had an outstanding night, putting up 15 points, 17 boards, 8 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in an overtime win. And he hit the game-winner on a tough and-one layup over Darko. Sacto got 36 points from Kevin Martin … Eulogizing Chris Webber’s career on “NBA TV Daily,” Peter Vecsey mentioned someone named “Tara Banks” and made a tired joke along the lines of, “There are no more timeouts now.” And they say C-Webb has lost his best stuff … The McDonald’s High School All-American Game was played last night, otherwise known as the best collection of talent we’ve seen on the Milwaukee Bucks’ court all season. You know the drill: not a lot of defense, a lot of dunks, and the big men hardly ever get a touch that’s not a rebound. One time announcer Dog Gottlieb said about Willie Warren (Oklahoma), “He’s a little bit of a shot nut.” Right after that another announcer goes, “Speaking of being a shot nut, Tyreke Evans does it again!” Tyreke did have the ratchet out, dropping 21 points in an MVP showing that had shades of O.J. Mayo’s performance last year (only ‘Reke was making his shots) … Georgetown-bound big man Greg Monroe took an elbow above the eye. As he was sitting on the bench getting the gash on his head tended to, one of the announcers says, “The kids are playing hard. I’m happy to see that.” … Going into the game, Brandon Jennings (Arizona) let it be known he was gunning for the game’s all-time assist record (14). Jennings seemed well on the way in the first half, handing out 7 dimes, including an off-the-glass lob to dunk contest winner DeMar DeRozan (USC). But ultimately Jennings, who was rocking a high-top fade he said was inspired by Sam Perkins and House Party, ended up falling short of the record … While the off-glass oop was nice, maybe the play of the night was 6-foot Kemba Walker (UConn) dropping the hammer on 6-4 National Player of the Year Jrue Holiday (UCLA), then palming Jrue’s head on the way down. We featured Kemba in Dime #39, which if you haven’t picked up yet, is still on some newsstands for a few days until Issue 40 hits. The cover guy for that one? We’ll just say he was tearing up the McDonald’s game not too long ago … We’re out like Kobe …
March 27th, 2008 at 3:33 am
Jackass says:
first bitch*ass n****s
March 27th, 2008 at 3:34 am
Jackass says:
first bitch*as n****s
March 27th, 2008 at 3:44 am
C4 says:
Mytake on the Bulls performance
www.mvn.com/nba-bulls
March 27th, 2008 at 5:11 am
ya boy says:
first off KB24 is full of shyt. i mean got love for the boy but gadamn he’s a whiner. and the part that sucks is he’s got the skills i.e he doesn’t have to whine. all the truly legit teams have pulled some stinkers (see pistons last game vs philly), charge it to the game and move on. And really even if he got all his calls this game was way out of control (read impossible to win). Charge it to the game and move on . I’d hate to see a close series with golden state with things tied at 2 with .4 to to(can someone say bitch fits. All in all poor showing.Fluck Glen Taylor,KG’s farts have more heart than his b^^%$ a## anyday.
March 27th, 2008 at 5:12 am
ya boy says:
first off KB24 is full of shyt. i mean got love for the boy but gadamn he’s a whiner. and the part that sucks is he’s got the skills i.e he doesn’t have to whine. all the truly legit teams have pulled some stinkers (see pistons last game vs philly), charge it to the game and move on. And really even if he got all his calls this game was way out of control (read impossible to win). Charge it to the game and move on . I’d hate to see a close series with golden state with things tied at 2 with .4 to go(can someone say bitch fits. All in all poor showing.Fluck Glen Taylor,KG’s farts have more heart than his b^^%$ a## anyday.
March 27th, 2008 at 5:37 am
YOUNGFED says:
This is kinda old but I thought it was funny.
DMX VERSUSES DENNIS RODMAN?
AKA THE CRACKHEAD VS. THE GAY GUY
“On Tuesday night March 11, DMX came to check out DJ GQ at Rodman’s Rehab inside the Voodoo Lounge in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. That night, to everyone’s surprise, Dennis Rodman became verbally abusive towards DMX. First, Rodman said that it couldn’t be DMX because he was too short. Then, Rodman began approaching DMX aggressively yelling, “What do you know about God to be dropping a gospel album.” DMX didn’t seem to react in any way, but when Rodman got too close, security, DMX’s and DJ GQ’s entourages had to step in to diffuse the situation. DMX reportedly calmly told Rodman that he would check him when he “opens his eyes.”
Now what I want to know is, what is the devil does DJ GQ need security from? DJ Esquire or DJ Details? And when the heck is DMX going to open his eyes? Those comments about Barack Obama were proof that he’s got them closed! Can’t wait for the gospel CD though!”
March 27th, 2008 at 5:47 am
GayforRudy says:
Stu Scott is a fucking douche bag. Fucking lazy-eyed mother fucker
March 27th, 2008 at 6:09 am
miamiVIS3 says:
Kemba walker’s dunk was nasty and wat was with the fade?
March 27th, 2008 at 6:13 am
Tom says:
David West’s wide open shot was Joe Smith’s fault. The Cavs’ sideline reporter said right before that play that Mike Brown told the players to “stay home” during the timeout. Smith left West to help on Paul, who was pretty much locked up by LeBron. See, Mike Brown’s not as stupid as everyone thinks he is.
March 27th, 2008 at 7:59 am
GEE...I shot the deputy says:
Houston Up!
10 and we in!
Got to hit the I-10 by 10.
Got 10 mo minutes and I’m ready to ride.
Thanks to Boston and Charlotte for getting their wins on. Once again making it easier for the Rockets to have some type of home court possibly, which probably won’t matter but anything helps.
Really starting to enjoy Rondo. Besides the signature fake behind the back pass into a layup, that move last night was plain silly. Then again I don’t know if it was so much of the move or who he had guarding him. Have to think Nash could get crossed a lot with his humorous defense.
As much as I want Mike Brown and George Karl out, I can’t blame Mike for last night. Last night was simply an amazing play from CP. In looking at it dude seem to me to be going for his and making that play at the last, and I do mean last, second. He was just short of losing the ball before the pass. David West just gets credit for being cold blooded (Rick James).
As far as George Karl. In looking at it N.O. remind me a lot of what Denver should be. You have a nasty point, a solid center, Denver has Melo, N.O. has West, then the roll players. So what is the difference to GEE…coaching. You can’t tell me Denver shouldn’t be duplicating the what N.O. is doing, with what they have. Sure they don’t play D and everyone knows that, but as the coach you have to find a way to make your players do that and see the importance.
The best playoff game scenario for the West:
N.O. vs. Suns - A new & old team with something to prove
Utah vs. G.S. - Da 2 best home spots in da L, crazy games
Lakers vs. San. - Kobe vs. Defending champs
Houston vs. Dall - LOL Hou. best chance at 2nd round
March 27th, 2008 at 8:13 am
mambo mamba says:
17- foot assasin!!!
March 27th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Dip Set City says:
WTF with the DeRozan hype, only Dime magazine would stew him up like that.
And The MATRIX needs to get his ass up and play. my fantasy squad sure would appreciate it.
March 27th, 2008 at 8:53 am
E$ says:
I remember the Rockets were “lucky” to play teams like the Bobcats during the 22 game win streak. Looks like the Fake Show could use alittle luck.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:21 am
word says:
#7 Stuart Scott is a HUGE DBAG! that’s the truth, why he try so damn hard? He needs a reality check.
Well, so much for my suns winning, they got smashed during the 2nd half, and last night’s game should prove KG is mvp over stat any day. Defense is something Stat knows nothing about, and the reason we will not make it to the finals. Rondo has a lot of talent btw, he will be a big factor during playoffs, along with Cassell of course.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:27 am
YOUNGFED says:
B-BALL QUOTABLE:
‘’It’s not disappointing. It’s a hell of a team over there. [The Celtics] outplayed us. I’ve never seen a defense like that. I mean, if they play defense like that, night in and night out, the NBA is in trouble because that was defense at its finest.'’
–Houston’s Tracy McGrady after the Rockets 22-game win streak was snapped by Boston on March 18.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:34 am
isotope says:
guess who’s #2 in the West?
STREAK CITY!!!
March 27th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Jules says:
damn, Rex Grossman can’t catch a break ANYWHERE.
March 27th, 2008 at 11:02 am
GEE...I shot the deputy says:
DIME is it my computer? Cause I am having the haaaarrrrdest time logging on to your pages.
Like a crackhead having to go through problems just to get that high!
I need mine!
March 27th, 2008 at 11:10 am
GEE...I shot the deputy says:
Error establishing a database connection
This either means that the username and password information in your wp-config.php file is incorrect or we can’t contact the database server at internal-db.s10269.gridserver.com. This could mean your host’s database server is down.
Are you sure you have the correct username and password?
Are you sure that you have typed the correct hostname?
Are you sure that the database server is running?
If you’re unsure what these terms mean you should probably contact your host. If you still need help you can always visit the WordPress Support Forums.
March 27th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
YOUNGFED says:
yeah me too
March 27th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
isotope says:
me 3
i’m thinking its not user error.
March 27th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
K Dizzle says:
Great effort by the Raps. That confidence boost was needed..with or without Rip.Dudes need to stop rippin on Chauncey cuz the dude is money in the 4th quarter
True story: Calderon asked Mitchell to start Ford cuz it would be better for the team and TJ has his best game since last season. Who does that in a contract year? Straight unselfishness and he’ll probably get even more flow in free agency
and Kobe’s still the mvp…but I don’t know what he was doin last night…Bobcats?
Whoever got next is gonna get torched
March 27th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
ben says:
Calderon is pure class. He realized that Ford has seome serious ego issues and can’t handle playing on the 2nd unit.
He shouldn’t have had to do this, but it clearly seemed to work last night. Ford started trying again, and played unselfish, while Calderon did his usual thing with the bench, as well as the starting unit. They even played together for parts of the game.
March 27th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Brown says:
K Dizzle, I will admit, I was very, very impressed with TJ Ford last night. He was looking to pass first instead of shoot, and took his shots when they came to him. That’s the way Ford is supposed to play the game, because that’s what makes him most effective. He was making nice moves to the rack too, catching defenders off-guard. It almost seems like he woke up and realized he wasn’t a jacker, which is what I said he needed to do to get his game back on track. I honestly hope he keeps it up cuz the Raps need it big-time.
March 27th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Ian says:
” If you had to pick one guy to take the final shot in a down-one-with-fifteen-seconds-to-play scenario, Kobe would be first, LeBron would be second and Davis and Manu Ginobili would be tied for third”
ginobliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
sorry got carried away
March 27th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
doc says:
The Sixers balling right now. Miller spreading that rock out and the young stallions killing.Thad Young nice.That was a good win for Boston I just want to see them stop Bron first before they get favorite status.And the West until somebody beat the Spurs all that other talk is BS. But if CP3 get the best record in the West he MVP. It wasnt bad coaching by Mike Brown players like CP just hard to stick.
March 27th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Professor Head says:
hey dime how about you talk about the rest of the games that were on last night.. shit… lol.. no love for my nets i know they are horrendous and hav the possibility of making the playoffs with a sub five hundred record..but dont play the favorites talk about the whole slate of games bro..
March 27th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
kowtz says:
Isn’t it that KB24 is only 3 tech’s away from getting suspended before this game???
now if he get’s t’d up, he gets suspended?
does that carry over to the playoffs? what if it’s like a game 7 of the finals with boston or something????