Warrior Mentality
Stephen JacksonSerious question: Does anyone listen to games on the radio anymore? Between NBA League Pass, web streaming and sports bars — plus having multiple TVs in most households to prevent the “Can I watch the game instead of ‘Ugly Betty’?” disputes with wifey — it seems anyone within the borders of North America can find a way to watch their team most of the time. That said, had you been listening to Raptors/Warriors last night radio-style and not actually watching, you might have been led to believe the Raps won in a blowout. The T-Dot announcers (one of whom sounded a little too much like Gus Johnson) were all “JOEY GRAHAM with the FINISH!” whenever any of their guys did anything, but on the other end “Marco Belinelli scores. He has 50 points this evening,” was delivered with all the enthusiasm of reading the health info on a box of Crispix … However bad the homerism, at least give the Raps announcers credit for being fair and accurate in their criticism. You’d never hear lines like “We need to stop giving up open J’s” and “We don’t defend well enough” and “Some teams can come back from deficits. The [good guys], on the other hand…” out of Sean Elliott or Tommy Heinsohn … Toronto took the L because of those wide-open jumpers, because they couldn’t get important rebounds against the worst rebounding team in the League, and because Stephen Jackson went off for 30 points, seven boards and seven assists. Chris Bosh (30 pts, 14 rebs) made it interesting when he started to dominate the fourth quarter and hit a trey to bring the Raps within two (“WAKE UP BACK HOME!” the play-by-play man screamed), but then C.J. Watson suddenly turned into Allen Iverson, hitting dagger pull-ups and getting key steals … There is no good reason Jake Voskuhl should have made it from the locker room to the court without one of his Raptors teammates making him take off that headband … We love how Toronto assistant Alex English has this perpetual look of concern on his face, like he’s thinking, “How are we supposed to get stops when I could drop 28 on each of these guys right now?” And that’s right now as in while he’s wearing a suit and dress shoes … Leave it up to Dwight Howard‘s regular nemesis to snap Orlando’s seven-game win streak. Despite an 18-point, 18-board stat line from The Centaur, the Magic got sucked into playing Detroit’s style and got pick apart by an almost robotically-balanced offensive attack. Every Pistons starter except Amir Johnson took between 14 and 19 shots, all of them made six or seven of those shots, and all of them finished with somewhere between 15 and 19 points. Said A.I. afterward, “I’m not used to seeing myself with 15 points and knowing that I had a good game.” … Mickael Pietrus got hurt (again) when he tried to (and did) dunk on the whole world but came down on his wrist. The way he landed, he’s lucky it was only his wrist … Deron Williams said he felt 100% for the first time all season, and he marked the occasion by dropping 27 on Andre Miller in a Jazz win where they got Memo back in the lineup … Play of the game: Thad Young did the Rondo fake-behind-the-back move on the break, got Ronnie Brewer to bite and jump straight in the air, then finished with a dunk … Reggie Evans got a tech for slapping Kyle Korver on the butt too hard. Seriously. Between this and the Chris Kaman incident, is Reggie trying to make everyone uncomfortable? … A few years back, when the Thunder used to be the Sonics and had some decent talent, they regularly played Phoenix pretty tough because they had personnel that could run that same D’Antoni style, i.e. Ray Allen, Rashard, Ridnour (as Steve Nash Lite), and Chris Wilcox (Amare Lite). This year, despite some different names on the roster, OKC has still been able to give Phoenix some battles, like last night when the Suns needed a Vintage Shaq performance to pull out the W. Diesel finished with 28 points and 12 boards, picking up the slack when Nash got hurt (back spasms) and Amare got in foul trouble … Did you see the footage of Nash leaving the game? Who’s bright idea was it to make him carry all his own stuff to the locker room? … During Georgetown‘s win over UConn, Jay Bilas named his top six all-time UConn players: Rip Hamilton, Ben Gordon, Ray Allen, Emeka Okafor, Chris Smith (all-time leading scorer) and Donyell Marshall. Some of us were thinking Caron should have made it, or even Scott Burrell, who as Jed wrote, “Honestly, I remember Scott Burrell being God while he was there.” … We’re out like Reggie Evans’ decency …
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December 30th, 2008 at 6:32 am
My 2 Cents says:
Alright i’m the 1st one…YES!!!!
So this is how it feel…wow!
December 30th, 2008 at 6:34 am
P says:
Detroit needs to build off this win….
December 30th, 2008 at 7:16 am
YOUNGFED..."Let's talk about $money$ cause I get alot of that" says:
@Dime
Yes we still listen to games on the radio here in Detroit because most of are games are “Blacked Out” at home because are Lions SUCK. I think with the NFL’s policy on blackouts and the recession alot of cities will be listening to football games.
YOUNGFED’S BANGER OF THE DAY: Jadakiss ft. Faith Hill “A Letter to B.I.G.”
http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=33251
Oh BTW for the Pistons haters Detroit has beat almost every top team in the NBA except Boston. “Take dat, Take Dat” “I’ma BaaaadddBooooyyy!!!” – Diddy
December 30th, 2008 at 7:17 am
sans says:
Reggies pulled an “oil check”–the easiest way to start a fight with someone on court.
December 30th, 2008 at 8:05 am
Hi, Jurg from Denmark says:
hiya from jurg.
i have seen my friend vladamir bolcic try that reggy evans trick in many nightclubs. and he loves it.
and it is so good to see my friend youngfed putting some good comments on the smack time board today. and hi hi to youngfed from detriot city where the big fight happen.
bye from jurg. hi hi.
December 30th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Duke says:
Do you think if we suited up the Pistons for football as the Lions that they might’ve won one game?
December 30th, 2008 at 8:17 am
it aint easy being green says:
i think my high school could’ve suited up like the lions and won 1 game
December 30th, 2008 at 8:19 am
DT says:
No mention of the Wiz taking out the Rockets in Houston? First win in seven games against the Rockets, AND the Wiz were without Butler, Haywood, and Arenas.
December 30th, 2008 at 8:36 am
rangerjohn says:
DT you cant say “with out arenas and haywood” those guys are gone for the season, its like saying the knicks won “and they where without marbury”, it just doesnt work. i do find it funny how the whole world was talking baout how great the rockets where going to be, and how the addition of artest made them if not the best, then at least close to the best in the west.
i have not been to a rockets game all season, i am considering letting my seats go. i have given them out all season to friends and customers. they are just to up and down, tracy is on his last leg (litterally) i cant stand artest, and the “yao face” (thats what we call it, i know you guys know what i am talking about) are all just reasons to let him go. hell last year tey where still “teaching greek” with spanulis even though he was gone, they need to catch up.
December 30th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Kermit The Washington says:
Chris Smith!? I forgot all about that dude; he was mad nice and then straight disappeared and did the Men In Black memory-erasor thing on everyone.
December 30th, 2008 at 8:57 am
privatep says:
Khalid El-Amin anyone?
December 30th, 2008 at 9:03 am
the_don_mega says:
Scot Burrell… i remember using the cat in NBA Live 97 while he was with the Hornets and torching every defender in front of him… and Reggie “oil check” Evans… LOL @ sans
December 30th, 2008 at 9:20 am
K Dizzle says:
Washington beat Houston?
December 30th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Kudabeen says:
LOL @ post 10…Chris Smith Neutralized the BBall community?? Too Funny
Detroit aren’t intimidated by Dwight and seem to be able to get in his head more than any other team…They literally beat him up in the most discreet way you can without being called for fouls. Slight push on rebounds and shot release that can effect his still nascent offensive game…Iverson was trying to play Jameer like he was 22 and not 31/32 years old…AI need to give these young guards a little cushion so he won’t get blown by.
December 30th, 2008 at 9:41 am
calvin brodus says:
I still listen to games on the radio. I listened to the Hawks bomb on my Nuggs just last night. I don’t own a TV, so I have little choice. But f%ck it, TV’s are
f%cking played out anyways.
December 30th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Kudabeen says:
Although I will say when Detroit played the Thunder AI seemed to respect Westbrook speed more than his J and did a decent job staying with him…Westbrook to most vicious throw downs came after blowing by Stuckey like he wasn’t even there…Westbrook is explosive as hell.
December 30th, 2008 at 10:08 am
that's whats up says:
There is no good reason Jake Voskuhl should have made it from the locker room to the court without one of his Raptors teammates making him take off that headband …
it’s the only thing keeping his hairpiece on
Reggie Evans should be called The Junk Plunker
…or The Junk Funker
I guess he’s got a thing for white girls (Kaman, Korver, Etc…)
December 30th, 2008 at 10:18 am
ian says:
once again shaq puts up up big and important numbers
he better be an all star!
Ian H
December 30th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Tommy Heinsohn says:
We don’t give up open jumpers….the refs just miss the call on the offensive fouls other teams are committing to get shots up. No Tommy points for the officials.
December 30th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Diego says:
Kind of a week Smack today. Is most of the crew out on vacation, with an intern handling duty?
Great win by the Hawks last night, overwelming a strong Nuggets team in the 4th. And on a Monday, the house was packed (okay it is more-or-less a vacation week)–and I heard there was a solid crowd this past Saturday too. So will the free world press PLEASE, PLEASE stop ragging on a purported lack of Hawks fans and attendance. It’s worn-out BS. Other than generally for early- or mid-week games against weak teams, there usually is actually a pretty solid crowd, and I would bet the Hawks are in the top half of league attendance (this year–and pretty much each year).
Oh yeah, I do believe, however, that last night did signal the official green light for some serious local Atlanta fan bandwagon-jumping.
Finally, why the hell Michael Redd over JJ for that Olympics team, Coack K?!?!
December 30th, 2008 at 10:48 am
isotope says:
ranger, i can take them suckers off ur hands.
December 30th, 2008 at 11:02 am
JCARR says:
Why isnt Yao in the game during key defensive possesions?
Why did the Rockets give yao the final shot?
Reggie Evans – <3 – John Amaechi
December 30th, 2008 at 11:05 am
marcus says:
I listen to games on the radio all the time (streamed over the web) cuz i’m poor and I still like to follow my teams.
Incidentally, the radio commentators for the Celtics games are hands down the best in the business. no contest.
December 30th, 2008 at 11:14 am
srb says:
where I’m from we call that move checking your credit. APPROVED!
and youngfed what the hell does banger of the day mean. seems like you post songs? never knew banger = song. well, unless you’re posting some metal, as in headbanger of the day.
December 30th, 2008 at 11:16 am
GEE...Ironhide was my favorite transformer says:
I’mma switch it up today, and in light of what has transpired I am going to say.
G-TOWN UP!
Yeaaa hear some critics poppin off that U-Conn was to physical for G-Town.
How bout them Hoyas pimpin!
The schedule don’t get any easier though, but if they run that table it will be a good look.
I can’t wait till they face Duke.
LORD PLEASE let them beat Duke.
I only listen to college football games on the radio.
December 30th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Amar says:
btw, anyone here knows how to train a dog? (or any other neo-pavlovian / post-skinnerian conditioning {psychology})
well, apparently jerry sloan does not. fesenko outplayed the guy infront of him on the depth chart against houston — and he himself defended yao ming pretty well, blocking his shot a handful of times and making him miss on so many others — 21 year old finishes with his first double double in his life.
the very next game, to show thanks for his hard work — you know, positive reinforcement — sloan puts him in with 1 min left in the game in a blowout. (why not the last 5 mins? philly wasn’t going to score 18 points in a row)
sad.
over the last few, fesenko had been AVG 3 bpg, good to see sloan break that streak. why does he play matt harpring at power forward instead of letting this guy get more playing time inside?
December 30th, 2008 at 11:28 am
pigpen says:
pigpen’s banger of the day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqXi8WmQ_WM&feature=channel
December 30th, 2008 at 11:42 am
BROGDEN says:
Washington beat Houston at home? WOW. Kinda funny. They got the players…no way Head sits. And Brooks and Landry need minutes…
Just taking a quick look at the boxscore, umm, I noticed STAT had only ONE rebound. Huh? Probably a typo or sumptin…Richardson’s 360, the one I’ve seen a million times but still – ILLLLLL!
So did Pietrus accidentally posterize himself? I mean, he YAMMED on Maxiell. Well, he did. And it was nice. And will be a nice poster! But if you saw Pietrus on the ground, with Jason standing in the cut, it looks like JASON just gave him business (even though he really didn’t) That’s gotta be bittersweet for Mickael…a half and half highlight/lowlight…
OJ had a nice up-n-under last night with a crazy cut to the lane. He’s my ROY. Rose will probably get it but OJ’s a rookie in the mold that Brandon Roy was ROY, not real flashy but superiorly MATURE and EXPERIENCED than the average rook.
Speaking of that game, no one hyped up the “HOLY WAR – NBA EDITION.” Villanova guard vs Villanova guard. Illadelph vs Da Bricks, PA vs NJ — the Kyle Lowry vs Randy Foye matchup. They played STELLAR. Kyle got the double double, Randy got the W.
THAD GOT ‘EM! Nice play. I love seeing the spirit of Magic manifested…I love it…Rondo, Jason Williams, Thad to name a few.
Did anyone see the play in the Bulls game where *Ben Gordon passes to Noah – but Noah was facing the basket so the ball hit bounced off his back — Larry scooped it up for two…I wonder if that was on purpose.
Why was SJack playing 48 minutes? I guess breaks are over-rated.
@2 – I agree. Detroit’s been PARTY POOPER for some of the top teams. It’s mandatory that they build on the positives from that game, it’s a great W. And in one night, they either 1. knocked Orlando off the short list of elite teams or 2. assured Jameer he won’t be an All-Star (bricks and blow-by’s)
By the way I liked Clifford Robinson in the NBA so I guess he’s my fave Huskie, either him or MOUNT VERNON’S FINEST*
December 30th, 2008 at 11:46 am
GEE...Ironhide was my favorite transformer says:
LOL @ Pigpen biting Young’s style and putting out his own banger of the day lol.
December 30th, 2008 at 11:48 am
control says:
What is up with the refs lately? They have to blow the whistle EVERYTIME someone hits the ground? Is that a rule or something? Someone bends over to tie their fucking shoes and it’s a foul on someone.
The NBA is turning into a pussy league. It’s getting to the point where it would be better to watch NCAA div 2 woman’s league action, at least most of those butch dykes can man up on D.
December 30th, 2008 at 11:51 am
QQ says:
My Magic had a tough, tough loss, they kept it interesting though. And they couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities, so it’s all on them.
LOL @ pigpen. That shit was better than fed’s bangers.
December 30th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
QQ says:
And Dime, I hate homers the same way as you do, but don’t you realize that they are being PAID by the team they are announcing for? A little bit of homerism will always sprout from these guys’ lips. I mean, you wouldn’t talk smack to your boss (who is employing and paying you) too, eh? You would kiss his ass, even if you hate him because he is an inconsiderate asshole. That’s human nature.
December 30th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
calvin brodus says:
@29 Gee
I’m not sure if you watched Pigpen’s banger, but I get the impression he was mocking youngfed. Or as jurg calls him “youngfeg”…hilarious.
@Pigpen
That’s about the 12th time I’ve seen that video and it cracks me up every time.
@youngfeds banger
How the fuck did Jadakiss and Faith Hill end up in the same room at the same time? I’d be surprised if those two opposites were ever in the same city simultaneously.
December 30th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
YOUNGFED....I used to have that work"..."Naw Just kidding"..."Or maybe not?" says:
@33
Jada probably hittin’ that now. But the song was hot.
December 30th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Isaiah says:
I swear Rondo stole the fake behind the back from Skip. He used to do it when he was still yelling at Smitch in Toronto.
December 30th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Austin Burton says:
Seems everyone is doing the Rondo/Skip move; what I haven’t seen in a minute is the fake behind-the-back pass where you maintain the dribble and take it yourself. I think Baron Davis did it most often once upon a time. (CP kinda does it but adds a between-the-legs element.)
December 30th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
srb says:
there was a video dime posted a while back where Sherman Douglas actually did that Rondo move. (the video was about something completely different but sherm was in there for some reason)
December 30th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
GEE...Ironhide was my favorite transformer says:
Naw Snoop I didn’t watch it but I knew he was mockin. Hilarious stuff.
I haven’t seen the behind the head no look in a minute. Jason kidd and White Chocolate have both got that done in transition.
Again you don’t see many 360 dunks anymore
December 30th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Jerrrmy says:
No T’Wolves vs. Memphis in the dime? Big Gay Al had 38 and 16!!
But more importantly, Brian Cardinal (!!!!) played like six minutes and went 0 for 3 from three point land. He wanted to get revenge on Memphis for trading him. I think he succeeded. Haha.
December 30th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Dave says:
Amar….good point on Fesenko. Harpring looks like he’s dizzy when he plays, missing layups left and right. Fes is an Ostertag light though, but with some reinforcement could turn into a 15-20 minute player who the Jazz could use in spot situations in the playoffs and with certain matchups. Deron looked great, it felt like he could score whenever and however he wanted to. If he would’ve wanted to he could have put up 40 easily last night.