The Rivalry That Isn’t
Dwyane Wade (photo. Chad Griffith)Suns/Heat was supposed to be about D-Wade vs. Shaq, but with those two having less eventful run-ins than your typical anti-climatic Kobe/Shaq meeting, other story lines emerged: First, that Wade was destroying everyone and every thing in his path; and second, that Steve Nash is still clearly the Suns’ MVP. With Miami knocking on a 20-piecing in the first quarter of a game that was never really in question, Wade was locked in from the start, finishing with 43 points and six assists. Going to the basket he was unstoppable, and even his long-range J was on-point … Nash sat out with a thigh injury, and the impact of his absence was undeniable. Whether they’re playing at breakneck speed or a slower half-court style, the Suns are totally dependent on Nash. He’s not putting up crazy numbers this year and he doesn’t outwardly dominate like he used to, but when he’s not on the court, it’s too obvious. It won’t translate to many League MVP votes, but it at least shows the Suns need to develop an heir apparent ASAP, or at least a decent backup who won’t constantly turn the ball over … Shaq (12 pts) and Amare (14 pts) were quiet against Miami’s weak/small front line; the only guy who was semi-keeping Phoenix in it was Leandro Barbosa, who scored 20 points. Of all the Suns — even Nash — Barbosa’s game has suffered the most in Terry Porter’s system. (He’s also been going through it emotionally, traveling back and forth to Brazil to be with his ailing mother, who passed two weeks ago.) Yesterday was just Barbosa’s second 20-point game of the season … Maybe this 70-wins idea isn’t so crazy for the Lakers after all. Throw out the Detroit game, and how many times have they really even been challenged this season? Yesterday was another relatively easy, paint-by-numbers W, coming at the hands of the Mavs, who had won five in a row but fell under a 17-0 second-half run by the Lake Show. Kobe dropped 35, even though he didn’t look his sharpest; late in the fourth Kobe was leading a 2-on-1 break, and where you’d think he’d either YouTube Jason Kidd or hit Pau Gasol with a highlight-reel pass, he kind of staggered into Kidd, trying to draw a foul on tired legs more than anything else … Jason Terry (29 pts) is making a strong early case for Sixth Man of the Year. At least he’s got a head start on Manu Ginobili … The Blazers also took down a team on a hot streak (Hornets) thanks to a 17-0 second-half run. Come to think of it, the way these Blazers have been put together, they’re almost like a Lakers Lite. Brandon Roy (25 pts, 10 asts) is their Kobe, Greg Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge are the Bynum/Gasol combo, and Travis Outlaw is the Lamar Odom, all the way down to trying to pretend he doesn’t want more touches and shots, and never quite living up to his potential … While the Blazers are living up to their summer hype, the squad who was supposed to be the Eastern Conference’s rising power, the Sixers, is falling apart. Two plays from yesterday’s blowout loss in Boston were telling: The first was when Thad Young’s lazy outlet pass was intercepted by Rajon Rondo, leading to an easy Kendrick Perkins dunk, followed by Elton Brand and Sam Dalembert yelling at each other about who messed up. Then there was poor Theo Ratliff, who in the span of a few seconds had a dunk attempt stuffed by Perkins, then ran down the court only to have KG dunk on his head. Theo looked like he wanted to hide after that … The fact that Boston won easy despite Paul Pierce scoring all of six points and KG grabbing all of two rebounds tell you all you need to know …
Chris Bosh, Dime #33Chris Bosh is killing the game right now, like when he stamped 30 points, 10 boards, seven assists and three blocks on the Hawks on Friday. CB4’s numbers and impact definitely put him in the MVP discussion, but let’s be real. If Vince Carter wasn’t gonna win MVP playing for the Raptors, no one will. It’s a popularity issue. Nothing against Bosh, but there’s a reason the Raps are hardly ever on national TV in the U.S. even when they’re a solid team … Hope the Spurs-haters enjoyed the first month of the season, ’cause now Manu and Tony Parker are back. TP posted 15 points and seven assists in his debut, a win over the Grizzlies. San Antone has won seven of its last eight, and now Roger Mason and George Hill can go from below-average starting guards to effective backups. Watch out … Consecutive 15-assist stat lines from Deron Williams since coming back from injury is a promising sign, but honestly, playing the Grizzlies and Kings in Utah is pretty much like a pair of scrimmages. Yesterday against Sacramento, D-Will was tossing alley-oops off the glass in another practice session … NBA TV’s Steve Smith said John Salmons should be up for Most Improved. But has Salmons improved all that much, or is he just doing what he did last year; putting up big numbers while Kevin Martin is out and there’s really no one else who’s gonna score for the Kings? Even last year Ron Artest was around to take up some of the offense, but now while K-Mart II is hurt, it’s all Salmons … You know what might be the most entertaining part of this whole Stephon Marbury production? When they show clips of Steph stewing on the Knicks bench, and sometimes you see Danilo Gallinari sitting next to him, staring straight ahead and looking frozen in fear. It’s like when you get stuck on the subway sitting next to the guy who’s talking to and/or rubbing himself … Lil’ Romeo is getting minimal PT so far as a freshman at USC, playing about 2-3 minutes a night at point guard. We looked up Romeo’s bio on the USC athletic site, and strangely, it doesn’t say anything about his rapping/acting career, and here’s all it says about Master P: “His father is a very successful business entrepreneur who shares in the passion for the game of basketball, having had tryouts with the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors.” No mention of “I’m ‘Bout It,” Ghetto D, or that he introduced the world to C-Murder and convicted rapist Mystikal? … And if you think there might be nepotism going on with the Millers, USC also has James Dunleavy on the roster, a.k.a. the son of Mike Sr. and little brother of Mike Jr. James is a 6-6 redshirt freshman guard who didn’t even play basketball his senior year of high school “due to exhausting his eligibility” according to his Trojans bio, and as a junior averaged 2.5 points per game. That’s a Pac-10 caliber player? … We’re out like Starbury …
November 29th, 2008 at 5:09 am
Nora says:
Blazers are 10-6. Also lets wait and see how they do in a full season. Last year they had a nice stretch. Where did it get them?
November 29th, 2008 at 5:12 am
witness says:
CB4 got my mvp vote
November 29th, 2008 at 5:27 am
f-antione walker says:
Anyone else hate Antoine Walker?
November 29th, 2008 at 5:55 am
Arno says:
I’m a bit disappointed that no one ever seems to notice Nicolas Batum efficient presence in the starting 5 : 12pts, 0 TO, 3 RB, 2 AS, 2 BS and 1 St in 20 mn. For a D-League borne foreign rookie, that’s not bad…
November 29th, 2008 at 6:26 am
Flip says:
That Steph/Danilo Gallinari bit was hilarious! Just from youre description I can picture the scene in my mind right now.
November 29th, 2008 at 8:06 am
John says:
D-Wade is playing out of his mind right now ,,,
November 29th, 2008 at 8:36 am
rangerjohn says:
ahaha at the spurs haters. i dont expect the spurs will start killing right off, but give them another week or so and they will be nasty. now we just need to see what ian mahinmi can do.
im out like vaughns minutes
November 29th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Big Freeze says:
Actually the Blazers are 11-6, after they beat down the Hornets.
D-wade is my MVP candidate so far. Matt Bonner is a close second.
And yes, I too hate Antoine Walker in addition to Matt Scalabrini and Bruce Bowen.
November 29th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Ashlov says:
I say it again, Wade for MVP. Last night was a great example of how much he means to his team. If any of you missed the game, you missed out on an incredible performance.
November 29th, 2008 at 9:27 am
the rocket cat says:
People keep casually dropping that being in Toronto is bad for guys’ careers, but I don’t think that’s true, and I’d like to see some evidence.
If I remember correctly, In 2001, 2002, and 2004 Carter was the leading vote-getter for the NBA all star game and in 2003 he was a starter. In 2005 (when he played half a season in Toronto), he was a starter. In 2006 and 2007 he was a reserve. In 2008, he didn’t make it. Is he that much worse in ‘08 than he was in ‘01-’04? His stats don’t really show it. He just had a much bigger profile in Toronto than in NJ.
Vince never won MVP in Toronot, butI don’t remember Vince winning MVP after he left Toronto. In fact, his first 2 seasons in NJ, his numbers were just as good as his first 3 seasons in Toronto, but no one cared. No one. Besides, for his best seasons in Toronto the MVPs were: Malone, Shaq, Iverson, Duncan. Not exactly a weak cast.
Everyone talks about Vince not getting love because he was in Toronto, but his profile dropped significantly when he left the Raptors. The only guy who’s profile really exploded after leaving Toronto was T-Mac, and that’s only because his role increased in Orlando.
If Sam Mitchell, of all the terrible coaches in the league, can win coach of the year in Toronto, then you can win anything here.
November 29th, 2008 at 9:30 am
alf (from melmak) says:
how many days was i out? felt like eternity. yup. work is a four letter word.
dime you are right. the jazz have not really been tested yet. and their record leaves a lot to be desired considering they let slip some winnable games. but then again, they still have to get their full deck.
on the marbury drama series, can another team just play along and just trade for that $20 million guy? think cap space next year. the whole thing is just looking so stupid now. anyway, its par for the course for new york.
November 29th, 2008 at 9:31 am
MC3PO says:
Just imagine what poor Danillo must overhear as Steph talks to himself. It’s got to be chilling.
November 29th, 2008 at 9:42 am
JCARR says:
cb4 is MVP right now. and what is up with my beloved suns? And thank you dime for writing about barbosa’s dissaperance this year. New york is whack and tonights game should have a lot of contreversy.
November 29th, 2008 at 10:00 am
miamiVIS3 says:
I also hate Antoine Walker and D-Wade is just ridiculous now that he’s playing that Kobe game (hitting pull-ups while still maintaining tenacity going to the rack)
November 29th, 2008 at 10:06 am
kobeef says:
How much longer wil Byron Scott be the coach of the Hornets? This team has serious issues. They have all the same pieces from last year but somehow morphed into a fringe playoff team.
Is this the beginning of the end for Iverson? He’s coming off the bench behind Stuckey and looking like a good fit for that role. His numbers are just Ok and he still can’t seem to figure out how to make an assist.
No Love for OJ Mayo? 32pts (13-20), 4ast, 4reb, 3steals is a pretty solid line for a rook….
November 29th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Ashlov says:
Before the season started, I thought Beasley was a lock for ROY. But with the minutes and talent that Mayo and Rose are displaying, I’d have to lean towards them.
The Heat started Joel Anthony at center last night with Haslem at the four, so I’m not sure how productive Beasley will be the remainder of the season.
November 29th, 2008 at 10:53 am
BEdger says:
not only are the Blazers 11-6, but check out their schedule, they have had as difficult a start to the season as any team in the league…..and Brandon Roy should at least be in the discussion of top 10 MVP candidates
November 29th, 2008 at 11:23 am
miamiVIS3 says:
@ Ashlov
Beasley coming off the bench might not last long Spoelstra said it was basically to make sure Shaq didn’t get 1,000,000 rebounds but considering how well hey played without him you never know…
November 29th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Ross says:
Roger Mason is turning out to be a better player for San Antonio than Corey Maggette would have been.
November 29th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Ashlov says:
Off topic: Vin Baker sighting!
http://www.solobasket.com/contenidos/vin/baker/emprende/nuevo/viaje/rumbo/china/c-19941.html
November 29th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Grissy says:
In case you guys didn’t know, CB4 showed up only 45 mins. before the tip last night because he was stuck in his condo elevator for an hour.
Anyone catch his post-game interview?
The commentator asked him about the whole MVP thing and with the crowd chanting “M-V-P!” in the back, CB back away for a sec, soaked in the chants, then leaned forward and said “Nuff said”.
said”
November 29th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Grissy says:
Also, did any of you guys catch when the Staples Center lights cut out for a couple seconds during the Laker’s big run? Odom dropped a bucket and the lights went out, and then the starting line up/player-intro light show starting going off…Staples was LOOOOUUUD!
November 29th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Grissy says:
My bad…it was an Odom to Gasol alley-oop when the lights cut-out…
November 29th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Ric Hardwood says:
CB4 has my vote… he’s been very consistent lately..
November 29th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
shage says:
Why isn’t anyone getting on Timmy D’s back for a weak start to the Spurs’ season? Last season Wade was getting blasted for leading Miami to an losing record with a bum shoulder/knee and a team full of D-leagers.
Timmy didn’t do so well with Parker and Ginobili out… shouldn’t he receive the brunt of the blame?
November 29th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Ian says:
shage
what are u talking about????? after parker went out
timmeh had the spurs on a 4-1 record
yes timmeh with mason hill ime and bonner had a 4-1 record and arent they like 7-1 now over their last 8???
get your facts straight man
ross
u r right about mason
November 29th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
patrick says:
did plaxico burress really shoot himself in the leg last night? espn is just reporting that it was an accidental shooting.
1. Why was he carrying a gun in the club
2. Why did he shoot himself in the leg
3. Why isn’t this a bigger deal
4. Are the giants totally screwed
November 29th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
weezy f says:
no mention of the beef between King James and Sir Charles?
November 29th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
baron von faulk says:
I though Mason and Hill looked like above-average starters while they were in there. Spurs are back to being the sleeping giant. If Mahinmi can come in and give them production at Center the Lakers could be in for a wild west shootout
November 29th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Pioneer says:
No mention of what the Cavs are doing?
November 29th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
D.H. says:
@Pioneer
Dime’s afraid people will leave if they talk about LeBron too much . . . its a fine line . . . too much LeBron people complain, not enough . . . well you get the idea.
Question of the day: Who wins 1-on-1 Matt Bonner or Brian Scalbrine.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
that's whats up says:
Brian Scalaboner
November 29th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
that's whats up says:
Plaxico shot his mouth off
November 29th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Ian says:
dh
red rocket all day
November 29th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
masterju2 says:
SCALABONER!! Classic
November 29th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
tim says:
Anyone else curious to see Stuckey starting for the Pistons with AI off the bench??? That would be bananas…granted AI probably wouldn’t be for it. if AI was with Dyess off the bench….my goodness…
November 29th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
K Dizzle says:
@ POST 10
GREAT POST
TORONTO IS THE 4TH LARGEST MEDIA MARKET IN NORTH AMERICA. YOU DON’T GOTTA BE IN THE US TO GET LOVE, YOU JUST GOTTA PUT UP NUMBERS AND WIN. LIKE THE POLL VOTE RESULTS BE SHOWIN, HEADS KNOW WHO’S SHOWIN UP AND WHO’S NOT.
MY ALL ALMOST 1ST QUARTER ALL STARS
PG - CP3
SG - DWADE (AND Y’ALL KNOW I’M A LAKER FAN)
SF - BRON
PF - CB4
C - BYNUM…JUST PLAYIN. IT’S DWIGHT (BUT I’M LOVIN WATCHIN WHAT AB DOIN. 18 AND 10 ON A BAD WHEEL - YOU CAN HAVE GREG ODEN)
I AIN’T SCREAMIN. THE CAPS LOCK IS LOCKED UP LOL
November 29th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
LakeShow84 says:
Dwayne Wade is just.. just nasty..
Lol @ 7.. Why Spurs fans hatin on good ole Jaque Vaughn..
And the way the lakers is playing, f#$k a series, can anyone see us a losing a game??
OK just kidding but we be BEAST MODE on foos and its something we can turn on whenever we want.. the only other team who can do that is Boston.. But i cant wait for Paul Pierce to go at Trevor Ariza.. I know the Truth might murder him but it’ll be fun to watch..
December 25th is a throw down!!
November 29th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Amar says:
sure, the deron led jazz have played some weak teams — but they still gotta play 82 games, man. bring it up with the schedule makers. (you know, the same guys that have the jazz go out on 4 different 5 game road trips, and finished one earlier in this season with 5 games in 7 nights)
the offense looks a whole lot better, let’s not forget that there are still key guys injured and not playing for the jazz (like boozer and harpring, kover finally came back last night, but his shot wasn’t there). 30 assists in 2 games is straight up all-nba.
November 29th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Rizwan says:
I am getting pissed with Terry Porter. Enough of this! First, he was brought to play better D and it is worse than it is when Mike D’Antoni (please come back!) was here! I like Shaq but this is Amare’s team. Get him the touches, not post up Shaq every second. Shaq is good for his rebounding, but he is 35.
Secondly, he has ruined Steve Nash! Ruined! 13 and 7?
Thirdly, we are going to lose Amare in 2010.
Finally, we should not be losing to teams like Miami even though I am one of the biggest D-Wade fans out there but Miami is below .500 team at th moment and losing there even without Nash is unacceptable.
November 29th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
doc says:
The MVP so far is Bron,all the other talk is BS.
November 29th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
J says:
NEVER EVER EVER COMPARE THE BLAZERS TO THE LAKERS. ASSHOLES