After he used Game 1 as an announcement to Phoenix that they can’t guard him when he wants to score, Kobe Bryant used Game 2 to prove he can also burn the Suns as a distributor — putting up 21 points (8-18 FG) and 13 dimes in another convincing Lakers win. If you watched any of the NBA highlight shows last night, you probably heard the word “facilitator” used dozens of times, as well as some analysts dusting off the old “If Kobe wanted to, he could lead the League in assists!” argument … Kobe never had to take over as a scorer. In the first half it looked like Phoenix’s strategy was to leave Ron Artest alone and let him shoot, but Ron-Ron made them pay by sticking 5-of-7 from the field with three triples for 15 points before halftime. Read More »

As you may already know, this year’s NBA Draft is slated to have a ton of players in it. In addition to all the seniors that are automatically available, it seems there are more early entry prospects than ever before. So with only 60 names called on Draft night, you can believe that there will be some disappointed ballers. But don’t fret. Right now in the playoffs, there are multiple guys playing significant roles that went undrafted. So without further ado, here is the NBA Playoffs’ All-Undrafted Team. Read More »

It’s not that Rashard Lewis isn’t clutch. Anybody who watched him take down the Cavs and scare the Lakers with some big-time shots in last year’s playoffs knows better than that. But the way Raw Lew sent the Celtics home last night — not with a corner three or a turnaround jumper, but with a strong drive to the cup past one of the best defenders in the world — it was the last thing you’d expect out of him … Read More »

The Phoenix Suns show passed through New York City last night. While most people expected the Suns to run the Knicks out of the building, surprisingly, the opposite happened. The Knicks, who came into game with a 3-14 record, looked like a whole different team as they crushed Phoenix 126-99. I was in the Garden to witness this historic (in a way) event and here are five things that caught my eye. Read More »

In case you missed New York’s massacre of Phoenix last night, check out the highlights of Danilo Gallinari from last night’s game. Scoring from all spots on the floor, what impressed me the most was his block on Louis Amundson at the 2:00-minute mark.

With the exception of the Rockets, you can probably count on each of last year’s Western Conference playoff teams returning to the postseason in ’09-10. That makes one spot up for grabs. For me, the top two candidates for the West’s eighth and final playoff berth is going to be between the Clippers and Suns (although the Thunder, Grizzlies and Rockets aren’t far behind). Read More »

While any casual NBA fan would be hard pressed to differentiate between Jarron Collins and Jason Collins on the street, it will make it easier when one of them is wearing a Phoenix Suns jersey. After being waived by the Blazers along with Ime Udoka in favor signing rookie Patty Mills, word out of Phoenix is that the Suns are very interested in signing the seven-footer. Read More »

With Bruce Bowen retiring last week and John Stockton headed for the Hall of Fame this week, the concept of the “dirty” basketball player has been in discussion around the Dime office.

Even the casual NBA fans knows about notorious thugs like Bowen, Bill Laimbeer and Ron Artest, who wind up on “SportsCenter” with every elbow, slide-under ankle-breaker, hip check and hard foul they deliver. But you really have to watch the games to point out the guys who are sneaky-dirty; the ones less like Bowen and more like Stockton, whose slight-of-hand acts don’t get as much attention as the guys with reputations that precede them. Here are 10 of the sneakiest/dirtiest, a.k.a. The Wood Harris All-Stars: Read More »

First Louis Amundson tried goon-ing it up, saying that Nene was a dirty player, and that he’s soft in reality.

But the Brazilian center isn’t going to stand and take those accusations without getting back at Amundson. Nene is appealing the $176,000 that he’s losing because of the two-game suspension, and he wants to set the record straight about who the real tough guy is. Read More »