Baron This Town
Baron Davis, Dime #29
Here’s the thing with Baron Davis: He’s good enough that you can’t hold a full discussion about the NBA’s top point guards without at least mentioning his name — but he’s not that good often enough for you to really figure out where he should rank. The fact that he’s got as much raw talent as Deron Williams, and yet a lot of people would rather have current-day Mike Bibby on their squad should tell you a lot … Last night was one of those where Baron looked like a Top-10, maybe even a Top-5 PG, outplaying Rajon Rondo and handing the Celtics a loss at Staples Center. Baron (24 pts, 13 asts, 3 stls) had it going early: First quarter, he spun into the lane on Rondo, then spun off KG while flipping an alley-oop over his shoulder to DeAndre Jordan. In the third, Baron got the ball on a cut to the rim, and to get Kendrick Perkins off his back, faked a wraparound pass that turned Perk completely around and freed Baron for an easy layup … Down three with about 10 seconds left, Baron split a double team and hit Rasual Butler in the corner for the game-tying three. Rondo (20 pts, 6 asts) then had his number called on Boston’s next possession, getting past Baron on a drive and getting fouled. At the line with 1.5 seconds left, Rondo bricked both shots. Clippers ball with 1.0 remaining, and late-game strategy extraordinaire Mike Dunleavy Sr. is on the job. Playing it safe, Dunleavy basically let Baron call the play. (“Baron said, ‘Coach, draw it up and I will make this shot,’” Dunleavy told reporters.) Of course Dunleavy did his signature move by putting ice-cold Steve Novak in the game for the last play even though he hadn’t played all game before that, but fortunately the pass went to Baron up top. Turn, fade, bucket … And before you say the Celtics didn’t have Paul Pierce, remember that the Clips didn’t have Marcus Camby … Not sure if you’ve been paying attention, but familiar signs are showing that the Cavs are ready to make a strong run at the championship. LeBron leading a nightly Soul Train line during garbage time of blowouts? Yeah. An aura of invincibility at home? Check. But most importantly, Mo Williams is playing like an All-Star again. Last night’s win over the Rockets was Cleveland’s fourth straight, all by at least 13 points, and three of those W’s were against likely playoff teams (Lakers, Suns, Rockets). Mo has averaged 24.7 points and 5.0 dimes during that stretch … Mo (20 pts, 5 asts) and LeBron (29 pts, 6 asts, 3 stls) turned a close game out in the third quarter, which LBJ started with a jumper and two quick threes, then Mo stuck three triples in a row, and ‘Bron ended with a buzzer-beating runner as they combined to score 25 of the team’s 32 points in the quarter. Up by 20 to start the fourth, LeBron took the rest of the night off to dance while the Cavs won their 10th straight at home … Other stat lines from Sunday: Dwyane Wade had 25 points, six dimes and three steals in a blowout of the Pacers; Chris Bosh put up 25 points, 16 boards and three blocks to beat the Pistons (who finally got Tayshaun, Rip and BG back in the lineup); and Tony Parker scored 22 in the Spurs’ win at MSG over the Knicks … With Chauncey Billups (groin) sitting out and Carmelo Anthony fouled out, you didn’t really think the Nuggets would be able to overtake the Mavs late in the fourth quarter. Although Denver had cut a 14-point deficit to five before ‘Melo got his sixth foul with 2:47 to go, the rally pretty much died when ‘Melo (16 pts, 5-19 FG) sat down. Drew Gooden got a couple crucial offensive boards and Dirk hit a three with under a minute left for the dagger … Scary quote from Gooden afterward: “I probably ate a whole bottle of Advil in the last 34 hours.” Um, isn’t that how Carlton ended up getting his stomach pumped in the senior prom Very Special Episode of “Fresh Prince”? … We’re out like the Carlton Dance …
December 28th, 2009 at 5:30 am
That's what's up says:
Sucks to go back to work today….
December 28th, 2009 at 5:39 am
PHECKZ!? says:
2nd yoo.. i’d first like to take this time to thank… yo mama!! corny? very much indeed!
December 28th, 2009 at 5:40 am
PHECKZ!? says:
doesn’t John Wall remind you of D-Wade when Wade was ballin at Marquette.. jus some randomness..
Support Hawaii HIp-hop yoo.. peep out ma dude!
myspace.com/anoepheckz
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myspace.com/anoepheckz
December 28th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Lucas says:
When Baron wants it, which always seems to be against the Celtics, he can put on a show. Just wait til’ Griffin is back, this team could be good enough to grab the 7th seed.
December 28th, 2009 at 7:19 am
flegman says:
I just dont get why those prose brick money free throws. they lack fundamentals.
December 28th, 2009 at 7:23 am
Chris Ballz says:
Baron=beast. Wen he has his beard
hahahahahahaaha
December 28th, 2009 at 7:58 am
sh!tfaced says:
Goddamn Hack-A-Rondo at its best right there…
December 28th, 2009 at 8:51 am
JRav says:
Will put apeed in the advil bottle and carlton didnt know that when he took it
December 28th, 2009 at 9:05 am
QQ says:
Just when everybody was talking ‘Celtics is the best team in L’, they go out there and lose to the fucking Clippers.
Yeah, best team right there.
December 28th, 2009 at 9:15 am
GABRIEL BROGDEN says:
Cavs lookin’ like the real deal.
Lebron lookin’ like he got a legitimate post game.
Only once did I see him tangle up his footwork and shoot up sumptin wild.
Lebron lookin’ like he got that jumper thang working.
Mo lookin’ like an all star.
Shaq lookin’ like a center.
Bench lookin’ good.
For real, it’s looking like Lebron abused Ron Artest in the post and now feels like he can post up whomever, whenever, however.
Bron Bron and company doing it way big right now.
What’s the phrase?
GETTIN IN MID SEASON FORM
I’m just callin’ it how it is. And Powe not even back and a trade aint been made yet so things might get better.
Cavs lookin’ like the REAL DEAL.
December 28th, 2009 at 9:35 am
common sense!! says:
woah!! cant wait till blake gets back.. dont look now but it seems that the clips might have one of the best front courts in the game and shouldnt Kaman at least be in the discussion for all star..
December 28th, 2009 at 9:36 am
EN FUEGO says:
Mike Dumbleavy is still coaching til now, that’s the real Christmas miracle right there.
Funny how winning changes everything, even for the Clippers,
Baron and Dunleavy are on the same page,
Butler doing what he does when he played in NO,
Camby actually wanting to stay,
Ricky Davis behaving and taking 14 secs of tick up his ass,
they’re even talkin playoffs once Griffin plays,
even Skinner’s damn goatee is starting to look good.
Novak might be the poor man’s, white man’s version of Robert Horry…? naw. lol.
December 28th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
As much as I like Rondo’s all around game, I always leave him off my list of top point guards based solely on his free throw shooting. I know that may seem like I’m splitting hairs but having your point shoot less than 50% at the line is not only unacceptable it’s a major liability. The only player worse than him is Shaq.
December 28th, 2009 at 10:09 am
sans says:
That was a very special episode…you will never see Alsonso Bellardo move that fast ever again.
December 28th, 2009 at 10:17 am
sh!tfaced says:
Rondo, Shaq and Chuck Hayes. The Holy Trinity of Free Throw Shooting.
December 28th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Chicagorilla says:
Where is control, I know he wants to let you MF’s have it about Rondo’s lack of freethrow shooting and how everyone was saying it didn’t matter.
December 28th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Guitar Hero says:
Carlton rocks.
Will wasn’t that bad either.
December 28th, 2009 at 10:49 am
got beef? says:
I know everyone’s now trashin rondo at the line, but lets not forget who had 20 points and 8 assists, he was the best celtic last night by far and @ Q, yeah best team without their best player
December 28th, 2009 at 11:13 am
kg fan says:
damn what point guard cant shoot free throws? baron always kills the c’s. @ Q and orlando lost to OKC, so what?
December 28th, 2009 at 11:40 am
LakeShow84 says:
Sorry Rondo supporters.. Cant hit 2 FT’s to GET THE LEAD.. we talkin NO-PRESSURE.. It wouldve been pressure had the Clips had the lead but the kid cant hit FT’s and he bricks layups at an alarming rate lol
Elite my mofaass..
And here we go with the Cavs.. womp womp womp.. Hollar at me in June..
December 28th, 2009 at 11:42 am
LakeShow84 says:
Amazing how we might now have hack-a-rondo..
How EMBARASSING is that for a PG??
December 28th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
the cynic says:
i love dunleavy, in the final minute of a game he likes to bring Novak in for offense for the first time all game and Buckets on defense for the first time all game. The best part about watching his coaching decisions is he makes the same move every game. I think the cameras have actually caught Camby rolling his eyes a couple of times this year
December 28th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
GABRIEL BROGDEN says:
The kid gives you production off the charts. Bottomline.
The kid, while PP is gone, is the leader of the best squad in the East.
For the same reason, some posters argued Nash was the Best PG now even though his D sucks is the same reason you can take a 60% free throw shooter who happens to stuff the boxscore every game and call him Elite.
Rondo destroyed you in the Finals, LAKESHOW.
Specifically, that last game when y’all went home with your tails between your legs.
He picked MR HARD BODY PAU GASOL 4 times. Made him look silly.
Your SWAG is magnificently obnoxious.
Wow.
But what can we say, your town won the crown…it’s like that validates your cockiness.
Enjoy it while it lasts.
December 28th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
barons beard says:
Baron was taking Rondo to school, talent wise Boom embarasses Rondo hands down. If Boom can stay healthy and playing at a good level it makes the Clips a dangerous squad. If only they had a coach with a clue
December 28th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ BROG
THANKS FOR RECOGNIZING.. you know we’ve earned it.. and we aint small market fans like Toronto or Utah.. nah we get hated on ROYALLY.. shit our superstar (who is the best ball player on MOTHER EARTH) is retardely hated on.. And mentioning those Finals dont phase me Brog.. shit we won it the next year.. only thing i hope for is a rematch so we can set the record straight.. NEXT TOPIC!
So on a team full of veterans you saying Rondo is the leader?? You dont have to be the BEST player to be the leader.. im speaking in general too not just towards Boston.. shit why do you think young teams go pick up VETERAN LEADERSHIP?? shit please tell RAY ALLEN, Pierce, Garnett or Sheed that since they aint playing Rondo is the team “leader”..
and in anycase KG is Bostons leader.. Dude will lead from the bench in a suit.. just like CP3.. just like Dwade.. get the point?? If Rondo messes up out there KG will chew his ass out on the bench whether hes playing or not..
Dont get me wrong i dont give too shits about Rondo but that FT shit is EMBARASSING.. i mean they sending the PG to the line and figuring he gonna brick a FREEBIE?? i cant even equate that in Sports lol
sorry i know you like the kid but i think hes dirty and hes riding coattails.. so dont listen to me..
December 28th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
LakeShow84 says:
Just for the record!
I think he has talent but a whole lots more POTENTIAL and to consider him an ELITE PG is a joke.. not really a joke but a stretch.. he PRODUCES but considering what he has around him it should be expected for someone..
IMO hes a talented young up and comer playing on a WELL COACHED and somehow WELL ASSEMBLED TEAM who COULD have a great future if his head dont f*** him up.. he isnt even an All Star.. hes borderline but if he gets in i think that speaks more to amount of talent they have @ PG in the East..
i mean seriously.. could you imagine him smokin layups in the friggin All Star Game?? how WACK would that be..
December 29th, 2009 at 11:15 am
GABRIEL BROGDEN says:
Say no more.
You have layed out pretty cohesive arguments.
I just think he’s the leader for the simple fact that he moves this ‘veteran’ machine along.
The way he goes, the team goes.
I know that argument is kind of slippery slope because the Cavs go ultimately the way Mo goes…but Mo is not the leader by far. We know who that is.
Like I said, your arguments were well stated.
We just have a difference of opinion.