Bleacher Report - Articles by The Daily Hurt

NBA Power Rankings: Suns Go Top, Mavs and Hawks Tumble

The Daily Hurt — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 23:20:00 -0500

Ok, so it looks like I've just randomly inserted a photo of a hot chick, but hear me out.

I think it sums up life for the Phoenix Suns right now.

They are smokin' hot and it's smiles all around and besides, she's got much better hair than Steve Nash.

The Golden State Warriors won only once this week, but it was a biggy—against the Dallas Mavericks who appear to retain some mental scars from that 2007 playoff defeat to Golden State .

At least the Mavericks had a better week than Tiger Woods , who apparently scored one birdie too many recently.

Ok, enough silly jokes, onto The Daily Hurt's weekly power rankings.

PHOENIX SUNS - The Suns have won four straight and by an average margin of 21 points. Steve Nash says that he reads every negative article that's written about him saying that he is too old and too slow and uses it for motivation. So, as someone who loves watching him play, Steve, you're too old and too slow.
ORLANDO MAGIC - The Magic were a Michael Beasley dunk away from being on a nine game winning streak. Sunday's win at New York was Orlando's sixth straight on the road, which suggests they are in good shape for a stretch where they play four of the next five away from Amway Arena.
LA LAKERS - You know everything is going well in the Lakers camp when Phil Jackson's biggest concern was the color of Ron Artest's underwear during his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel last week.
BOSTON CELTICS - By their own admission , the Celtics haven't been playing their best basketball lately, but they've been winning, which is all that counts, especially as they play six of the next seven on the road.
ATLANTA HAWKS - I could excuse the home loss to the Orlando Magic last Thursday, but Sunday's loss at Detroit was the Hawks third in the last four games. Atlanta plays six of their next eight at home and only one (Utah) has a record over .500.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS - Even the Spurs need a little help occassionally. San Antonio has won five straight and while it wasn't their toughest week in terms of opponents, they used it to gather momentum just in time for a week in which they host the Celtics and Nuggets.
DENVER NUGGETS - 'Melo had a party against the Knicks going for a career high 50 on Saturday night, but Minnesota delivered the hangover on Sunday when they overcame a 17-point deficit to shock the Nuggets...and well pretty much any sane basketball mind quite frankly.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS - Last week I asked the question whether or not the Cavs were better without Shaq . Cleveland went 5-1 with Diesel sitting out and lost to the Bobcats in his return, before beating the Mavs. Make of it what you will, but I'm certainly not convinced that O'Neal makes them better than they were last year.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER - If you're still not overly impressed by the Thunder's 9-8 record, it's worth noting that they haven't faced the Nets, Grizz, T'Wolves, Sixers or Warriors yet which gives you some idea of how tough Oklahoma's early schedule has been and why I have them this high.
DALLAS MAVERICKS - What made the Mavericks loss to the Warriors so bad was that two of Golden State's six healthy players were Mikki Moore and Vladimir Radmanovic, hardly all-star talent. It begs the question, is Dallas mentally strong enough?
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS - Just how do the Blazers explain the 31-2 run they allowed the Memphis Grizzlies to go on during the home loss on Friday night? Head coach Nate McMillan had every right to call out Blazers captains Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge after that performance.
UTAH JAZZ -Jerry Sloan rarely gets excited at the best of times, but even he had to be impressed with his team after they shot better than 60-percent from the field two games in a row.
MIAMI HEAT - Dwyane Wade is good enough to keep the Heat in the play-off mix by himself, but he sure could use some help as Miami heads out west for a tough four-game road trip, which includes stops at Portland, Denver, and the Lakers.
HOUSTON ROCKETS - The Rockets ended a tough week on a bitter-sweet note when they lost Luis Scola to an eye injury, but won at Oklahoma City. Hopefully Scola doesn't miss much time as he has been superb this season, and might be the leagues most under-rated player.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS - The Bucks shouldn't be too upset with their 0-4 week. It was tough, and for the most part they were competitive. In case you missed it, check out Brandon Jennings on PTI this week. The kid's got a solid head on his shoulders to match his game.
INDIANA PACERS - Remember when Danny Granger predicted the Pacers would beat the Celtics and they went out and did it? Why doesn't he predict wins more often?
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES - I was just about to write how the Grizzlies had won three of their last four and were starting to earn some respect. Then on Sunday they get outscored 33-7 in the fourth quarter against the Clippers and "stuff" if all up.
SACRAMENTO KINGS - Maybe the Kings felt sleighted that they were pegged as the team most likely to lose to the Nets, but Sacramento held firm. They also went 3-0 versus the "New" teams last week.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS - When Chris Paul returns, he'll expect nothing less than the effort he's seen from his team during his absence. If the Hornets can keep it up, there's no reason why they can't be considered a playoff team again.
LA CLIPPERS - After the 0-4 start, the Clippers have gone 8-6 since. It's not quite time to start the talk of them toppling the Lakers as LA's No. 1 team, but the signs are there that the Clips are improving.
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS - Gerald Wallace was a beast this week. He went for 25 points and 14 rebounds and the Bobcats won all three games, including one over the Cavs and have four straight overall. I still have never found out who came up with the name "Bobcats."
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS - The dubs only went 1-2 for the week, but the victory over the Mavs warrants a rise in the rankings. While I wish Don Nelson a speedy recovery, I can't ignore the fact that Monta Ellis looks free in his absence.
TORONTO RAPTORS - The Raptors keep harping on about how they are an improved team defensively, then they go out and give up 116 points to the Charlotte Bobcats. There's just no backbone to this team.
CHICAGO BULLS - Chicago only played twice last week but lost both games by a combined 43 points. The Bulls have lost four straight overall and the circus road trip still isn't over; they are at Milwaukee on Monday night.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS - Yes, Lou Williams broken jaw was a devastating blow to the already shorthanded Sixers, but it doesn't mean they should bring back Allen Iverson . Philly has lost six straight and it doesn't get any easier as they are at Dallas, OKC and Charlotte this week.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS - Antawn Jamison is back and Gilbert Arenas is healthy, yet the Wizards still can't get it together. My prediction: One of the big three is traded before February's deadline.
DETROIT PISTONS - Detroit needed something special to halt their seven game slide and Ben Wallace delivered it. Big Ben grabbed 18 boards in the win over the Hawks on Sunday. Was anyone else expecting just a little more out of Rodney Stuckey this year?
NEW YORK KNICKS -The Knicks have lost four straight, but at least they're finally shown some fight. They're still only better than the Wolves and the Nets though.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES - With Lawrence Frank gone, the coaching spotlight turns to Kurt Rambis. Minnesota was only one win better off than the Nets and the T'Wolves had a worse points differential (-4.1 through Sunday) than New Jersey when Frank was gunned. Overcoming a 17 point deficit to rock the Nuggets in Denver on Sunday was a good start though.
NEW JERSEY NETS - It had to happen. Regardless of the injuries, Lawrence Frank somehow had to scratch out a victory to save his job and he just couldn't do it.

Questions, comments or suggestions, email:

thedailyhurt@hotmail.com

twitter.com/LeighEllis

Allen Iverson: The Soldier Who Refused Help

The Daily Hurt — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:38:13 -0500

And so it ends for Allen Iverson.

Unwanted and unloved, the answer for Iverson is retirement.

He remains too stubborn for his own good but stubbornness is not a strength—it's a weakness.

At one time or another, everyone of us has had to accept change. Like it or not, it's a part of life.

Those who adapt, learn from it, move on and usually become better people.

Those who don't end eventually up being forgotten and passed over.

After a career of being "the man" and being in spotlight, when it dimmed, he didn't want to step away.

For all his prodigious talent, Iverson wasn't a leader. He was a soldier who didn't know how to bring the best out of his team mates.

His career was always all about him. He didn't know how to share and he looked uncomfortable when he was asked to do it.

Iverson's legacy is one of contradictions.

He was truly a great individual talent. Someone who fought well above his weight. He was tough and uncompromising.

But he would bend to nobody. No player, no team.

Everyone had to accommodate him. Change their game, their style.

It was his refusal to compromise that would prove to be his undoing.

When he was traded to the Pistons last year, it gave him a chance to prove that he winning meant more to him that scoring titles did. For years, he groaned and griped about not having team mates to help him compete for a title.

Finally, he had one in Detroit. For the first time in his career, he would be playing with a group who had won it all together. Maybe that Pistons team together was coming to an end as well, but it was hoped that Iverson would be the injection the Pistons needed.

This would be the ultimate test of Iverson's character.

And he failed it. Miserably.

In Memphis it was the same story this year. He talked a good game but didn't back it up.

He lasted only three games.

It didn't have to end this way for Iverson. It could have been and should have been more.

He's only 34. Still young enough and healthy enough to play for a good few years.

He still has the talent to play at the NBA level.

Unfortunately though, Iverson just doesn't have the smarts to go with it.

He just doesn't understand that no team is going to build around him. He's had his time and now it's over. There are other roles for him now, but he's not interested.

For him, it's all or nothing and the league's teams have spoken: nothing.

Once again, Iverson gets his way.

It's reasonable to think this isn't the last we've seen of Iverson. As injuries mount, teams will surely consider him as the playoffs draw near, especially if they feel that the former MVP and scoring champ can get them over the line.

For now Iverson in the NBA is no more.

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NBA Power Rankings: Mavs Move, Hornets Buzz, but Hawks Are on Top

The Daily Hurt — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:47:15 -0500

The sexy thing to do this season is to lose your superstar and then go on a winning run. Milwaukee did it when Michael Redd went down, and so did Sacramento after Kevin Martin fractured his wrist. This week New Orleans without Chris Paul were too good for the red hot Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks.

Strange? Doesn't make sense? Luckily The Daily Hurt's weekly power rankings are here to break it all down.

ATLANTA HAWKS - Despite coming off a loss to New Orleans on Saturday night, Atlanta takes top spot in a week which otherwise saw them sweep Portland, Miami and Houston. For the first time in a long time, the Hawks look for real.
DALLAS MAVERICKS - Considering the Mavs have won five straight and have been missing Josh Howard, Shawn Marion and Erick Dampier for parts of the run, they probably should be ranked No. 1. However, Atlanta has been more impressive overall.
ORLANDO MAGIC - Dwight Howard took only four shots in Friday nights victory over the Celtics. The Magic have won five straight and are starting to assert themselves in the East.
LA LAKERS - All that TV work clearly distracted Pau Gasol from his day job with the Lakers. He looked very rusty in his debut, scoring 24 points and grabbing 13 rebounds on 60-percent shooting as LA strolled past the Bulls. The Lakers three opponents this week are a combined 7-and-31.
PHOENIX SUNS - The Suns weren't the only team to get surprised by the Hornets this week. It was a minor blip and Phoenix made the Pistons pay for it on Sunday night. Phoenix has a light week at home to Memphis before a trip to Minnesota and Toronto which should keep them on top of the West.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS - LeBron won't answer questions about 2010. Fine. But will he answer this? Are the Cavs a better team without Shaq? Cleveland is 4-1 sans O'Neal.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS - OK Bucks, you wanna play with the big boys? A three game road trip starting in San Antonio before coming home to face the Magic on Saturday will test Milwaukee. Brandon Jennings has coped incredibly well so far, but how long can he go before Mr. Rookie Wall pays him a visit?
DENVER NUGGETS - The Nuggets dropped the ball against the Clippers on Friday night but rebounded with a solid win over the Bulls on Saturday. Denver remains undefeated at home, where they play five of their next six and against only one opponent (Miami) with a record over .500.
BOSTON CELTICS - Since Doc Rivers asked Rasheed Wallace to limit his three-pointers, 'Sheed has gone 0-for-11. Not that they've all been bad looks, but Wallace hasn't given the Celtics the offensive punch off the bench they were hoping to get from him.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS - I'm not sure what to make of the Blazers. They are 10-5 but were easily beaten by the Warriors in Oakland. They've been very good at times, but less convincing at others.
HOUSTON ROCKETS - The Rockets have alternated wins and losses over the last 11 games, which seems about right. Whether or not the alleged argument between Tracy McGrady and Rick Adelman ever occured, it's hard to see how T-Mac fits into the current lineup.
MIAMI HEAT - It's not quite panic button time in Miami just yet. That will come if the Heat announce that they've signed Allen Iverson. Sunday's win at home against New Orleans was just the Heat's second in the last five games and both were by one point.
UTAH JAZZ - Three wins on the bounce have the Jazz over .500, and with their next five games at home, Utah's slow start to the season should be a distant memory soon. Deron Williams shouldn't need a campaign to get himself voted into the All-Star game, but apparently he does , and I'm going to try to help him out.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS - There might not be a better time to take advantage of the Spurs. Tony Parker is clearly not 100-percent, nor is Manu Ginobili and San Antonio hasn't had a record under .500 (5-6) this far into a season since Tim Duncan's rookie year.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS - Is Marcus Thornton the Rookie of the Year? Probably not, but he's averaging 18 PPG over his last seven—not bad for a second-rounder. Since CP3 went down, Thornton has been the spark that's seen the Hornets sting the Suns and the Hawks and come within a Udonis Haslem bucket of defeating the Heat.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES - It's not the first time that a team has gotten better after Allen Iverson left it. The Grizz had won three straight before falling to the Bucks on Saturday night. O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay still need to work better with each other, but the signs are there that Memphis is better than its 4-9 record.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER - OKC get mostly recognized for the firepower on offense, but the Thunder is playing some pretty good D too. Maybe it's just me, but I can't wait to watch Oklahoma versus Milwaukee on Friday night. I didn't imagine I'd have said that at the start of the season.
TORONTO RAPTORS - With career highs in points, field-goal percentage and rebounds, Chris Bosh is holding up his end of the bargain in Toronto. Unfortunately, the 6-8 Raptors aren't doing the same.
INDIANA PACERS - Let me get this straight. The Pacers had no problems defeating the Celtics, but they couldn't get it done against the Knicks or Bobcats. Yep, it sure must be fun being an Indiana fan.
CHICAGO BULLS - By the time November ends, the Bulls will have played 10 of their 15 games on the road. For that reason, I'll reserve making any major assessment of this team until there schedule has evened out a little bit, but I suspect they are better than what we've seen so far.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS - The Sixers pushed the Cavs for three periods on Saturday but then went 4-for-23 in the fourth, ending their challenge. Philly has no shortage of offensive weapons in Iguodala, Williams, Young, and Brand, but no one's really sure of who gets the big money shots. With four of their next five on the road, the 5-8 Sixers are in tough to stay around the .500 mark.
DETROIT PISTONS - Defense isn't the problem in Detroit, it's lack of firepower. That will change when they get Prince and Hamilton back, but nobody seems to know exactly when that will be.
LA CLIPPERS - Friday nights' victory over the Nuggets showed what the Clips are capable of when they get it together, especially considering they trailed by 14 points in the first quarter. While Blake Griffin is still at least a few weeks away, the Clippers should get Eric Gordon back this week.
NEW YORK KNICKS - Just the thought of Allen Iverson joining the Knicks must have been enough to spark the team into action. If Nate Robinson wonders why anyone thinks he has an attitude problem, here's the reason: http://bit.ly/088W3iN
SACRAMENTO KINGS - The good news for the Kings is that Tyreke Evans is day-to-day. The bad news is that the Kings have lost three straight and the post-Kevin Martin injury run is well and truly over.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS - The Stephen Jackson soap opera finally concluded this week (thankfully). The question is who will be next to go—Monta Ellis or Don Nelson? Ellis says he wants to stay but this is Golden State. Expect chaos to resume anytime now.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS - The week started off so well. Antawn Jamison returned and the Wiz hammered the the Cavs by 17. It ended with losses to Oklahoma City and San Antonio totalling 41 points. Huh?
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS - When Stephen Jackson said he wanted to go to a contender, did he mean a contender for the first pick in the 2010 draft? This can't possibly be the same team that blew out Atlanta by 20 earlier this month.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES - The Timberwolves get Al Jefferson back and lose both games by a combined 41 points. It's hard to see where or when win number two will come.
NEW JERSEY NETS - Couldn't beat the Knicks and haven't been able to beat anyone else yet either. Whatever happens, Lawrence Frank should definitely be a contestant on Survivor next season; he'll romp in.

Questions, comments or suggestions, email me:

thedailyhurt@hotmail.com

www.twitter.com/LeighEllis

NBA Power Rankings: Blazers, Bucks and Pacers Surge; Nuggets Go Top

The Daily Hurt — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:02:10 -0500

Milwaukee Bucks rookie Brandon Jennings explosive start to NBA life has made the Bucks relevant again and in first place in the Central division. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers have quietly won six straight and the Boston Celtics dropped back-to-back games for the first time this season to see them tumble from top spot.

What does it all mean? The week three power rankings provide the answer.

DENVER NUGGETS —While Denver only squeaked by the Bulls and then got caught up in the Brandon Jennings typhoon in Milwaukee, what was most impressive about them this week was how they used defense to stifle the Lakers. Offense is always more fun to watch, but defense is what wins championships.
LA LAKERS —The Lakers went from a 19-point victory at home to the Suns one night, to a 26-point loss on the road in Denver the next. Had the Lakers beaten the Rockets on Sunday night, they'd be in top spot.
ATLANTA HAWKS —Jamal Crawford is averaging 17 points off the bench providing the Hawks with the offensive weapon that's been missing over the last couple of seasons. Atlanta has won three straight and begins a three game homestand on Monday night against the Blazers. I love the way Josh Smith is playing right now. Mature, responsible and unselfish.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS —Portland has won six straight, but apart from against the San Antonio Spurs, none of their wins have come against playoff-bound opponents. Defensively, Greg Oden's game looks to be coming together, now if he can just provide some consistency on the offensive end, the Blazers will become even more formidable.
PHOENIX SUNS —A thumping loss to the Lakers tempered the Suns' hot start, however, Phoenix has a fairly light schedule for the rest of the month which should keep them among the leaders out West.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS —The Florida double-header is never easy so that the Cavs went 2-0 in two nights suggests that, after their sluggish start, LeBron has got Cleveland on the right track. The LeBron/D-Wade rivalry continues to live up to the hype.
MIAMI HEAT —In case you missed it, here it is again http://bit.ly/qEPrY3 . Oh, and then he followed that up with this http://bit.ly/2epWTx . Yes, Dwyane it is your house.
INDIANA PACERS —Danny Granger predicted a victory over the Celtics on Saturday night and was good to his word. The Pacers have won four straight and like last year, will be difficult to beat at home. Did anyone expect Dahntay Jones to be Indiana's second leading scorer at 16 PPG?
BOSTON CELTICS —The Celtics stumbled this week and showed a vulnerability against fast-paced teams. An Eastern conference finals rematch at home with the Orlando Magic is a must-watch on Friday night.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS —By now, everyone knows Brandon Jennings went off for 55 points against the Warriors on Saturday night, but did you know that for the week, the rookie shot 9-for-10 from three point range and 60-percent from the field? He's also leading the team in assists.
DALLAS MAVERICKS —The Mavericks overcame a 17-point deficit at home to defeat the Rockets but they couldn't overcome a Spurs team on the road that was missing Duncan and Parker. Dallas gets another shot at the back-to-full-strength San Antonio this week.
DETROIT PISTONS —Will Bynum is a mini-me version of Ben Wallace, but with an offensive game. The Pistons have been treading water without Hamilton and Prince but they face a tough test this week at L.A. (Lakers), Portland and Utah.
ORLANDO MAGIC —The Magic welcome back Rashard Lewis this week and his arrival couldn't come at a better time. Orlando's offense has been inconsistent and with Lewis back on the floor, it will take some of the heat off Dwight Howard.
CHICAGO BULLS —The Bulls begin the first of six straight on the road Tuesday at Sacramento. Chicago scored 60 points in the first half against Toronto on Wednesday but managed only 29 in the second half en route to a loss.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS —San Antonio still hasn't won on the road and dropped their first home game to Oklahoma City on Saturday night. The Spurs leading scorer? Four players are averaging 15 PPG.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER —OKC burned the Spurs in San Antonio on Saturday night but then couldn't get it done against the Clippers on Sunday night, despite 40 from Kevin Durant? There is so much to like about the Thunder, but consistency continues to be their biggest obstacle.
HOUSTON ROCKETS —The Rockets are easily the hardest team to rank. They lose at Sacramento but win at the Lakers. I love Aaron Brooks's aggressiveness which is tempered perfectly by the calmness of Luis Scola.
SACRAMENTO KINGS —Just what is going on in Sactown? The Kings are 4-0 since Kevin Martin went down. I can't wait to see Tyreke Evans go up against Brandon Jennings in December. How strange does that sound, looking forward to a Bucks versus Kings matchup?
TORONTO RAPTORS —The Raptors spotted the Clippers a 22-point lead before romping home by 15 points on Friday night. Then on Sunday night, Turkoglu missed a buzzer beater against the Phoenix Suns. If Toronto can be at or over .500 by the time they return home on Friday night to face Miami, it will have been a successful road trip.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS —Losing sophomore Marresse Speights for up to eight weeks is a severe blow to the Sixers. Philly's main problem, though, remains on the defensive end where they have already allowed more than 110 points four times this season. Elton Brand is averaging less than 10 points per game.
UTAH JAZZ —The Jazz will be happy enough with a split in the two games that they didn't have Deron Williams, who's been dealing with a medical issue with his daughter. Hopefully, she is well and D-Will is back on the court soon.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES —If there's one player I wouldn't sign to replace Allen Iverson, it would be Jamaal Tinsley. The Pacers gave him $14 million to go away, that's got to say something about his character. Must be good enough for Grizzlies owner Michael Hiesley though.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS —The dub's squeaked out two wins this week. One was against the Timberwolves and the other against the Knicks. It just goes to show the states of Minnesota and New York that even Golden State, with all their chaos and mess can still keep it together enough to beat them.
LA CLIPPERS —Just as the Clippers looked to be getting it together again, they fell apart. To make matters worse, the Clips opened with a home heavy schedule but could only manage two wins from seven games. Sunday night's win over Oklahoma might have been the Clips' best performance of the season.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS —Chris Paul deserves so much more than what he's getting from Hornets owner George Shinn. Byron Scott was unlucky to get the boot and the best New Orleans can hope for from this season now is a high lottery pick.
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS —The Bobcats are last in points scored and field goal percentage. They have scored less than 82 points in six of their nine games. It makes you wonder how they've acutally been able to win one, let alone three games.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS —Let me get this straight. Earl Boykins hadn't played in the NBA since April 2008, and he comes off the bench to lead the Wizards in scoring in his first game back. It still wasn't enough to stop Washington from losing their sixth straight.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES —It's hard to believe that the T'Wolves were unbeaten at one point this season. Sure it was 1-0 and their lone victory was over the Nets but the way they have played since makes you wonder how they ever did it.
NEW JERSEY NETS —The Nets remain ahead of the Knicks because they've at least shown the ability to compete, as was proven against Miami on Saturday night, but when you're down, you're down.
NEW YORK KNICKS —Mike D'Antoni will probably survive the season, but he needs to get this team to show some passion and fight. Anything better than what the Knicks have offered so far will be an improvement.

NBA Power Rankings: Celtics Stay on Top, Suns on The Rise

The Daily Hurt — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:17:18 -0500

The Boston Celtics remain atop the weekly power rankings, although Steve Nash has the Phoenix Suns surging up. Despite a perfect week, Kobe's Lakers can only make it to second place.

BOSTON CELTICS: Three wins from four games last week for the C’s, although both Minnesota and New Jersey came close to causing upsets. Rasheed Wallace has made only two of his last 17 three-pointers.
L.A. LAKERS: Kobe is averaging almost 34 PPG and while it’s always fun to watch him score, the Lakers would no doubt like to see more offense from Artest and Odom during Pau Gasol’s absence, whose return is still to be determined.
PHOENIX SUNS: Steve Nash clearly didn’t read the preseason reports about the expected demise of the Suns this season. Phoenix is the only team able to put 100 points on the Celtics, which unsurprisingly was Boston’s only loss.
MIAMI HEAT: After a surprising home loss to the Phoenix Suns, D-Wade quickly got the Heat back on track to hand the Nuggets their first loss of the season. Miami is quietly out to a 5-1 start and take on LeBron and the Cavs on Thursday.
DENVER NUGGETS: Sharpshooter J.R. Smith returns this week after missing the first seven games due to suspension. And the Nuggets will definitely need him as their road trip continues in Milwaukee and Chicago before coming home to face the Lakers on Friday.
HOUSTON ROCKETS: Aaron Brooks is staking his claim for Most Improved Player award. He still has a tendency to turn the ball over a little bit too often, but it’s easy to see why the Rockets had no problem trading away Rafter Alston last season.
ORLANDO MAGIC: No one does post game press conferences like Stan Van Gundy. Even though they are still short handed, there was two bad losses for the Magic this week at Detroit and Oklahoma City.
ATLANTA HAWKS: Apart from an ugly loss to the Bobcats, it was a pretty solid week for Atlanta. Josh Smith is shooting 57-percent from the floor and is yet to try a three-pointer this season, which suggests he might be finally maturing into the franchise player that the Hawks have been long hoping for.
DALLAS MAVERICKS: The Mavs loss to the Hornets was disgusting and it squandered an amazing performance from Jason Terry, who has been red hot off the bench this season. It’s a big week in Texas as Dallas faces both Houston and San Antonio back-to-back.
CHICAGO BULLS: The Bulls three wins were by one, two and three points, including one over Cleveland. Derrick Rose looked better this week but either his ankle still isn’t 100-percent or he’s just struggling a little bit.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: Nobody thinks that the Cavs won’t get it together soon enough, but they face a tough Florida trip this week against the Magic and the Heat. Thankfully, LeBron has had his one and only trip to Madison Square Garden this season.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS: The Spurs are yet to win on the road so it’s a good thing for them that they play eight of their next nine at home. Tony Parker’s ankle injury sounds comparatively minor to the one he suffered last year and he might only miss a game or two.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: Kevin Durant had a great chance to be a hero against the Lakers but his air ball showed that there is still a lot of learning to be done in OKC.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS: Andre Miller finally got into the starting lineup and provided the Blazers with a steady hand. They’ll need more of it this week as Portland begins a five game road trip.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: The Sixers are reportedly shopping Samuel Dalembert. While they’re at it, they’d probably like to find a taker for Elton Brand too. Offense is still a major problem in Philly.
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS: Gerald Wallace is leading the league in rebounds with almost 14 per game. Yep, Gerald Wallace.
INDIANA PACERS: The Pacers are on a two game win streak although those victories were at New York and home to Washington. They should be able to extend it to three straight as they host the Warriors on Wednesday before they face the Celtics on Sunday.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS: Brandon Jennings continues to impress although he’d give anything to take his game winning shot against the Bulls again. Here’s a quirky stat, Andrew Bogut went 8-for-14 in all three games this week.
DETROIT PISTONS: Considering the Pistons have only had Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince in the lineup once this season, Detroit is holding firm. Rodney Stuckey has all the tools to be a star, he just needs to develop a more consistent jump shot.
TORONTO RAPTORS: The Raptors three wins have all come against teams playing the second of back-to-backs. They are just too fragile defensively to be taken seriously.
L.A. CLIPPERS: Don’t look now but the Clips are on a tear. They have won three straight and have a light schedule this week in which they face the Hornets, Raptors and Thunder. The Clips might not get a better chance to get themselves into over .500 territory.
UTAH JAZZ: Without leading scorer Kevin Martin, the Sacramento Kings waltzed into Salt Lake City and took a W off the Jazz. Can you say complacency?
WASHINGTON WIZARDS: The opening night victory at Dallas now appears to be a severe aberration as the Wizards have lost four straight. Antawn Jamison is still at least a week away.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS: Chris Paul just can’t do everything himself. Emeka Okafor is big and strong, but he just doesn’t have any significant offensive game to provide enough help. A tough week for the Hornets, they face the Clippers, Suns, Blazers and Hawks.
SACRAMENTO KINGS: Tyreke Evans has led the Kings to a 2-0 record since Kevin Martin went down. Added to that is the impressive play of Jason Thompson and the future in Sactown is not looking too bad after all.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: You know what? The Warriors aren’t even fun to watch at the moment. Either Don Nelson or Stephen Jackson has to go before we can start enjoying the Warriors again.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: How does Minny almost knock off the Celtics but then get hammered by the Bucks ?
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: It would be wrong to blame Allen Iverson completely for the Grizz's awful start, but really, it wasn’t exactly a stroke of genius by owner Michael Hiesley to sign him in the first place.
NEW JERSEY NETS: Lawrence Frank has survived some pretty lean stretches before, but this one might be just too much. Injuries haven’t helped but the Nets are in a mess.
30. NEW YORK KNICKS: The Knicks are just pathetic.

Rajon Rondo: The Little Boy With The Big Mouth

The Daily Hurt — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:56:43 -0500

If Rajon Rondo tried to, he could probably fit all $55 million dollars of his new contract into his huge mouth.

Instead, he would be wise to invest at least some of his newfound wealth in a few lesson on how to be humble and act like a pro. There's already one big baby in Boston, they don't need another.

Rondo is a good player, but one who benefits from being surrounded by Hall of Fame talent. It's a little easier to rack up assists and pad your own numbers when your options include Ray Allen on the perimeter and Kevin Garnett on the inside. If neither is available, there's always Paul Pierce.

Which team in the league is going to focus their defense on stopping Rondo before one of those three?

Shoot the ball himself? Unlikely because unless it's a lay up, or he's left wide open, Rondo barely shoots, as is shown by his 23 attempts through four games this season.

Sure, his field-goal percentage is a respectable 57-percent, and while stats don't lie, they don't always tell the full story either.

He hasn't tried a three pointer yet, nor has he been to the free throw line this season.

Perhaps Rondo is still a shuddering at the thought of entering the paint after LeBron James talked him out of doing so in the preseason and then again on opening night .

Rondo has talent, no doubt about it. He's athletic and plays hard on defense. His long-reaching arms cause many deflections and steals, and he's constantly poking his hands into his opponents' space, trying for more.

But what Rondo has in talent, he lacks in maturity and humility. He is still a little boy who needs attention. Everyone talks about Boston's Big Three, and that means they're not talking about him.

His antics against Chris Paul and the Hornets on Sunday were ridiculous.

According to a report on Yahoosports.com , Rondo said to Chris Paul during Sunday's heated clash, "I've got a ring, and you're never gonna win one."

Classy.

Yes, Rondo does have a championship ring and Paul doesn't. Factually, that is correct. Sometimes though, the best players don't always have the jewelry to show for it. Just ask Patrick Ewing, Reggie Miller or Charles Barkley.

But if we're going by stats, then Rondo only needs two more rings and he'll have as many as Mark Madsen does.

Furthermore, anyone who knows anything about the NBA knows that not only is Chris Paul the best point guard in the league, but he's also one of the leagues best players. Period.

Rondo is not in the same league as Paul. Not even close.

Paul deserves respect. He has always been very respectful towards those who paved the path for him and players like him. He understands that he is in a privliged position, and he carries himself with class and dignity at all times.

Rondo's conduct towards Paul was so tacky that Ray Allen, one of the classiest players in the league, reportedly apologized to Paul for Rondo's childish behavior.

It says a lot about the way Allen felt, that whatever Rondo said to Paul, Allen needed to speak up. Usually teammates of opposing players who got into a bit of a slanging match during a game put it down to "heat of the moment" type stuff.

Not this time. Rondo had embarrassed Allen.

It's not just Allen though. In the past, Rondo has riled up coach Doc Rivers, and in the summer, General Manager Danny Ainge was continually denying reports that he was shopping Rondo. However, that is usually the standard company line until a deal is finalized.

It's also surprising that Garnett tolerates such pathetic and immature behavior from one of his troops. After battling and struggling with the Timberwolves for years, Garnett knows better than most just how hard it is to not only win a championship, but to earn the respect of your peers. Garnett was in a similar position with Minnesota for years, and he can no doubt relate to the situation Paul faces now in New Orleans.

Trash talking is one thing, but mindless drivel is another. Garnett is a perfect example. He barely stops talking from the moment he arrives at the stadium until the last light has been turned off. He gets in the face of his opponents. It's his schtick.

But does he show respect to his opponents? Always. Since winning his championship, his only focus is on winning another. And another.

That's how a man behaves. His championship speaks for itself, but you know that in the back of KG's mind he needs to win at least one more to truly cement his place in history.

Rondo is only young and hopefully his attitude soon changes, because right now all he is proving is that winners can be losers at the same time.

NBA Power Rankings: Celtics Claim Week One

The Daily Hurt — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:42:13 -0500

While many teams shook off preseason rust in opening week, the Boston Celtics look in midseason form already. KG's knee? Check. Paul Pierce motivated? Check? A deeper rotation despite Big Baby's big boo-boo? Check.

The Celtics start the season ranked No. 1 and might be tough to remove from top spot.

1. Boston Celtics

Through four convincing victories, the Celtics points differential is almost at 20 already. It’s very early, but everything is clicking for Boston, though three of their next four games are on the road.

2. Orlando Magic

The Magic have already knocked down 39 three-pointers this season, putting them on pace for more than a thousand makes if they keep it up. Seeing Jameer Nelson back to full strength shows just how much they missed him in the Finals last season.

3. Denver Nuggets

Carmelo Anthony has stormed out of the blocks with two 40-plus point games and 41 trips to the free throw line already. Things figure to get tougher for the 3-0 Nuggets as they head East for six straight on the road.

4. Miami Heat

Jermaine O’Neal broke his nose in Sunday’s victory over the Bulls but isn’t expected to miss any time. He has been very impressive so far and is a large reason why the Heat are 3-0.

5. Phoenix Suns

The Suns are unbeaten though they are yet to face a playoff opponent. That ends this week as they take a trek East, where they face Orlando, Miami, Boston, Washington, and Philadelphia all on the road.

6. L.A. Lakers

Sandwiched between two comfortable victories was a surprising home loss to the Mavericks. It was probably the early wake up that Kobe needed just to remind him that repeating is never easy. Andrew Bynum’s maturity has been more impressive than his career numbers so far.

7. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs have looked re-energized at home, though the Bulls easily handled them in Chicago. Back-to-back trips this week to Utah and Portland should give us a closer indication of what the Spurs will be all about this season.

8. Dallas Mavericks

The Wizards strolled into Dallas on opening night and grabbed a win, but Dallas quickly responded by doing the double over L.A. on Friday and Saturday night. Shawn Marion’s energy is just what the Mavericks have lacked in recent years.

9. Washington Wizards

Will Washington’s Big Three ever see court time together again? After missing Saturday nights game, Caron Butler is expected to return on Tuesday but Antawn Jamison is still two weeks away. The good news is that Gilbert Arenas looks to be completely over his knee injuries, though he’s still not talking all that much.

10. Cleveland Cavaliers

There was expected to be an adjustment period with the big Shaq-usition, but after recovering from an 0-2 start, there is talk of bringing O’Neal off the bench. I still have no idea why the Cavs gave Jamario Moon $8 million over three years.

11. Houston Rockets

Trevor Ariza wanted to be the man and he’s shown so far that maybe, just maybe, he can be a go-to guy. He’s averaging 23 points per game, and the Rockets are 2-1. A matchup with the Lakers on Wednesday should be compulsive viewing.

12. Oklahoma City

Kevin Durant was just 3-for-21 from the field in the Thunder’s first loss, but last season, OKC didn’t register two wins until Nov. 29, this year they reached that mark before the end of October.

13. Atlanta Hawks

There is still something missing from this team. On Sunday night against the Lakers, the Hawks conceded 18 unanswered points en route to their first loss. Mental strength continues to be the issue in Atlanta.

14. Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers laid an egg on opening night but responded with two solid victories. They host the Celtics on Tuesday where they get a chance to show if they are for real or not.

15. Portland Trail Blazers

Greg Oden got his first big chance to show that he was cool in the clutch but fluffed his lines when he missed two free throws late against the Nuggets. Brandon Roy needs consistent help on offense if the Blazers are going to cement their place in the western conference elite.

16. Chicago Bulls

The Bulls opened with an impressive win over the Spurs but were crushed by the Celtics one night later. Derrick Rose avoided the rookie wall, but with averages of 10 points and five assists so far through three games, signs are that he might be facing one in his sophomore season.

17. Utah Jazz

The Jazz can’t move forward until they part with Carlos Boozer. He’s moody and just isn’t a good enough defender for a player of his size.

18. New Orleans Hornets

The Hornets pushed the Celtics on Sunday, further than any team had so far, but the gap in depth became evident as Boston pulled away at the end. Chris Paul must be fuming after George Shinn gave away Rasual Butler.

19. Milwaukee Bucks

It’s only been two games but Brandon Jennings has settled the starting point guard debate already. It’s his. It’s not good to hear that Michael Redd is already experiencing soreness in his right knee.

20. Detroit Pistons

Through three games, Ben Wallace is averaging 10 rebounds and playing more than 30 minutes. I say again, he could just be the steal signing of the summer.

21. Memphis Grizzlies

Through three games, the Grizz have had three different guys top them in scoring and not one has been Rudy Gay. If Memphis can get everything together, they are capable of doing some serious damage, but it’s not good to hear that O.J. Mayo and Gay had to be separated in Sunday’s loss.

22. Charlotte Bobcats

Fifty-nine points on opening night was a disgusting effort. Getting Raja Bell back should at least help their offense, but it’s hard to believe in Charlotte performing better than they did last year.

23. Toronto Raptors

After a stirring home win over the Cavs to open the season, the Raptors bubble quickly burst with losses against Memphis and Orlando. With seven of their next nine out West and on the road, the Raptors struggle to maintain .500 ball has already begun.

24. Minnesota Timberwolves

Johnny Flynn is another rookie making impressive strides early on. Wonder if Ricky Rubio is paying attention?

25. Golden State Warriors

The Stephen Jackson trade watch continues in earnest but just who would want to hear the words from their agent that they are heading to Oakland to play under Don Nelson?

26. Indiana Pacers

Danny Granger is doing all he can, but Indiana hasn’t really been close to a victory in either game so far. With four of their next five at home, the Pacers should at least get on the board.

27. Sacramento Kings

Tyreke Evans is the third rookie point guard to feature in today’s rankings. I like Kevin Martin, but seriously, in 33 minutes against the Spurs, he didn’t get one assist or rebound. That is just not good enough.

28. New Jersey Nets

Seeing Devin Harris already missing time due to a groin strain adds weight to the theory that he’s far too injury prone. Brook Lopez exploded for 27 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks on opening night, but he's grabbed just eight rebounds since.

29. L.A. Clippers

Oh the Clippers. Baron Davis looks in great shape, but his shot selection, which has always been questionable, seems to be getting worse. Blake Griffin must be wishing that he hadn’t been such a lock for the No. 1 pick last June.

30. New York Knicks

Did the Knicks work on anything over the summer? It’s OK to lose with dignity, but the way the Knicks are playing, it’s like they don’t even respect themselves.

NBA Power Rankings: Dwight Howard Ready To Take the Magic To the Top

The Daily Hurt — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:37:47 -0400

With only a week to go until the good stuff starts, it's time to throw out some power rankings. Always a good debate, let's see how they stand:

1. ORLANDO MAGIC: Vince Carter was thrilled to get traded to Orlando. He lives there in the off season, but more importantly, playing behind D12 and Jameer Nelson means that VC finally gets his wish that he won’t be relied on to do all of the heavy lifting on offense. If this doesn’t make him happy, nothing ever will. Even though Gortat wanted out, retaining him was a huge coup for the Magic.

2. L.A. LAKERS: I’d still prefer to have Ariza over Artest simply because Ariza is won’t blow up at any point and also he thrived in his role as a sleeper on the Lakers offense. As long as Kobe stays healthy, the Lakers will likely finish atop the West, but should the Black Mamba go down for any reason and L.A. becomes vulnerable.

3. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: Make no mistake, while Shaq will still be effective, this team goes as far as LeBron takes them. The Cavs might as well try to grab S-Jax from the Warriors because for all his troubles, he’d be a solid addition to this team for this season, and after all, this season is all everything is about in Cleveland.

4. BOSTON CELTICS: The debate on whether or not Rajon Rondo is as good as advertised was answered in game seven against the Magic last season. Rafer Alston ignored Rondo on offense, instead gambling on double-teaming Pierce, daring Rondo to knock down jumpers. He struggled and the Magic destroyed the C’s. Rondo has a lot to prove this season.

5. DENVER NUGGETS: The surprise of last season, Denver faces the dreaded “expectations” this season. Anything less than a top four berth in the West will be disappointment. ‘Melo needs to show that he truly belongs in the conversation with LeBron and Dwyane.

6. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: The additions of Richard Jefferson and DeJuan Blair give the Spurs the injection of freshness they needed. With a rested Duncan and Ginobili, the Spurs will always be tough to beat and Popovich never allows for excuses. Expect another 50 wins, but a championship? Never discount San Antonio completely.

7. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS: Brandon Roy’s first taste of post season action wasn’t a pleasant one. Somehow he still seems underrated. If Greg Oden comes good and if Andre Miller provides the steady hand needed at the point, the Blazers threaten to become the Lakers biggest challenge. Too many ifs? We’ll see.

8. MIAMI HEAT: Yes, Dwyane Wade is this good. As long as he stays healthy, Wade can carry this team to as high as fourth in the East, even though he won’t be able to rely on the wonky knees of Jermaine O’Neal to provide much help. Michael Beasley is an unknown quantity, but Mario Chalmers is good, very good.

9. DALLAS MAVERICKS: Had the Mavs been able to snag Gortat—and they very nearly did—it would have given them a boost. Instead they had to settle for Shawn Marion who will be hoping the Mavs play a run-and-gun style of play that he is perfectly suited to. Expect the Mavs to try to deal Josh Howard at some point.

10. ATLANTA HAWKS: A very impressive victory over the Heat in the playoffs was followed up by a thumping loss to the Cavs in the semis. Jamal Crawford was a solid addition but you have to figure that either Mike Woodson or Josh Smith won’t still be there at season’s end.

11. CHICAGO BULLS: It’s only his second season, but already the Bulls are Derrick Rose’s team. Tyrus Thomas finally showed signs of maturity last season and John Salmons provided a needed offensive spark. The Bulls need help defensively, but in Rose they have a stud.

12. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS: Okafor is an upgrade over Chandler from a health perspective, but the Hornets will miss Rasual Butler. Peja Stojakovic will always be a deadly shooter, but his continual health problems negate his effectiveness. Chris Paul is disgustingly good, but the Hornets need another scorer to compliment Paul and David West.

13. PHOENIX SUNS: Amare and Nash will run defenses ragged again, but it’s hard to see Phoenix doing much more than making up the numbers in the Western conference playoffs, something that was beyond reach last season. Will Amare still even being in Phoenix at the All-Star break?

14. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: The loss of Andre Miller was a surprise, but they get Elton Brand back. Eddie Jordan was the right choice to coach this team and expect big things from Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young who should continue their development. They’re not ready to win it all just yet, but there should be big strides made in Philly this season.

15. UTAH JAZZ: Whatever happens with Carlos Boozer—and it seems likely that he’ll be moved—Jerry Sloan will prevent complete chaos descending onto Salt Lake. They’ll make the playoffs again, like they always do, but can you really see them winning the title? Me neither.

16. DETROIT PISTONS: Last season couldn’t end quickly enough for Detroit. Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva are typical Joe Dumars signings—unloved, talented players who just need a home—and they may have found one in Motown. If Ben Wallace gets rejuvenated by his return, he could be the steal of the summer.

17. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: GM Sam Presti knows that Rome wasn’t built in a day and what he is constructing in OKC looks very promising. Durant we know is a stud and Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook have shown enough to suggest that the Thunder are on the right track and Presti is on the right track.

18. TORONTO RAPTORS: After last season’s disaster, GM Bryan Colangelo stressed the need for the Raptors to get better at rebounding to be tougher this season. Then he went out and signed the defensively challenged Hedo Turkoglu to a monster contract. Reggie Evans might add some toughness, but how much can he contribute if he only plays 15 minutes a night. Rookie DeMar DeRozan and Marco Bellinelli give Raptors fans hope, but any more than 42 wins will be a surprise.

19. HOUSTON ROCKETS: The loss of Yao hurts, but Rockets fans should be used to it by now. T-Mac’s best contribution to the team might be whoever Houston can dump his contract on. However, Aaron Brooks, Luis Scola and Trevor Ariza should prevent the Rockets from a complete meltdown and big man David Anderson might surprise a few with his versatility.

20. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: Up until they signed Allen Iverson, things were looking up in Memphis. Now it seems as though it will be another season of emptiness, despite the promise shown by O.J. Mayo and star-in-waiting Rudy Gay. I hope Zach Randolph can do a good Elvis impersonation.

21. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS: Larry Brown almost got the Bobby’s to the playoffs last season but the loss of Okafor hurts. D.J. Augustin will push Raymond Felton for the starting PG spot and on last season’s performance, he could be given the duties at some point. Expect a similar, un-sexy season from the Bobcats as last season, hovering around the eighth playoff spot.

22. INDIANA PACERS: Danny Granger doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Last season Indy took down the Lakers, Cavs and Celtics at home but still missed the playoffs, although only just. T.J. Ford is not the right guy at the point for Indiana, but he’s the best they’ve got since Jarrett Jack bolted for Toronto.

23. NEW JERSEY NETS: Rod Thorn has a knack for getting young legs for old. He did it with Devin Harris for Jason Kidd and he might have done it again with Courtney Lee for Vince Carter. Yi Jianlian hasn’t lived up to expectations yet and the Nets need him to come good this season, but even if he does, the Nets will be in a scrap for the playoffs.

24. MILWAUKEE BUCKS: Michael Redd has missed 88 games over the last three seasons and therefore his standing among the game’s elite has suffered. If the Bucks are to have any hope of making the playoffs, he MUST play in more than 75 games. Rookie Brandon Jennings has been lavished with praise so far in the preseason and should be among the top rookie vote getters at season’s end.

25. NEW YORK KNICKS: Just one question with the Knicks quest for LeBron James next summer. What happens if he stays in Cleveland? It’s a disgrace how shambolic the Knicks franchise has become. D’Antoni’s no defense style of play might be fun to watch, but it doesn’t work in the playoffs, not that New York will need to worry about that this season.

26. WASHINGTON WIZARDS: I’m still laughing that the NBA fined Gilbert Arenas for not talking to the media during the preseason. Note to the NBA: Enjoy the silence. If Agent Zero can return to his All-Star form, then Washington could be in the mix for a playoff berth, but if anything goes wrong, the Wizards are out of it. Caron Butler is a stud.

27. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: Kevin McHale’s time in ‘sota finally came to an end last season. Kurt Rambis gets his chance in the big chair and we could see just how effective he was as Phil Jackson’s assistant for so many years. Just how much did he learn much from the Zen Master, or was Rambis just a guy with great seats to Lakers home games? How the T’Wolves perform should give us our answer.

28. SACRAMENTO KINGS: The Kings do have a nice mix of players with Kevin Martin, Spencer Hawes, and rookie Tyreke Evans. If Sacramento can break into the teens in the power rankings by season’s end, it will have been a good season.

29. L.A. CLIPPERS: You want the Clippers to shake off 25 years of nothing, but somehow, it always goes wrong. On paper, with Baron Davis, Marcus Camby and the exciting Blake Griffin, the Clippers should be able to win 35-40 games, but history tells us that for one reason or another, it just won’t happen.

30. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: Complete chaos has engulfed the NBA’s second most dysfunctional franchise and the real stuff is still over a week away. Why can’t the Warriors be like the team from 2007 all of the time, rather than once every 15 years?

No Escape This Time For Melanie Oudin

The Daily Hurt — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:48:41 -0400

Melanie Oudin's US Open magic show finally ran out of tricks.

Her act of conceding the first set before storming back to defeat her much more accomplished opponents had been dramatic and entertaining, but it was always fraught with danger. On Wednesday night, the curtain came down on Oudin as she was eliminated 6-2, 6-2 by Denmark's number nine seed, Caroline Wozniacki.

One way a magician can distract an audience is to feature a stunning sidekick. And on appearance, with her long, blonde hair and model looks, Wozniacki met those requirements easily. However, rather than play bystander, she delved into her own bag of tricks to upstage Oudin and end the young American's Grand Slam run.

An expectant crowd trickled into Arthur Ashe stadium shortly after the match began, but many were greeted by an 0-3 scoreline before they had even taken their seats.

If they were hoping to see another miraculous turnaround, Wozniacki soon showed she was not about to be just another rabbit pulled from Oudin's hat. Trailing 5-1, Oudin broke Wozniacki to win her second game of the set, but she was unable to hold her own serve and the Dane took the first set comfortably, 6-2.

Despite being only two years her senior, Wozniacki is in her fifth year on the pro tour and her experience was evident as she never lost control of the match, or herself. Oudin meanwhile, cursed and cussed her way through the contest, constantly looking to her coach seeking salvation but finding none, as she realised her dream was coming to an end.

In the second set, Oudin kept pace, but after it was tied at two games apiece, Wozniacki took over, constantly going to her powerful backhand, while Oudin just tried to keep the ball in play. The harder she tried, the more she failed and Wozniacki took the set and the match to advance to the semi finals of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career.

As impressive as Oudin has been throughout the tournament, there has been something suspicious about her success.

If a magician's greatest challenge is to leave the crowd wondering how they were tricked, perhaps the answer to some of Oudin's success lies with her opponents.

Against Maria Sharapova in the third round, the Russian committed a staggering 63 unforced errors, in addition to 21 double faults. By making that many mistakes, it made it hard for Oudin not to win that match.

In the next round, Oudin faced her third seeded opponent and fourth Russian, Nadia Petrova, who gifted her 59 unforced errors.

If Oudin can continue to induce that many errors from her opponents, she will win many more matches, though it's unlikely she'll be able to build her career based on such a strategy.

Oudin's game hasn't been error free itself. She had 44 unforced errors against Sharapova and another 32 versus Petrova, however, it says something about her match up with Wozniacki, who only made 20 unforced errors that Oudin was barely in the contest from the beginning.

It is not to try take anything away from Oudin's achievements. She has played well and the way that she fights is an admirable quality that should carry her far in her coming years, but it can't be overlooked that part of her success was down to her opponents inability to keep the ball in play.

For now, Oudin can bask in the glory of her first major quarter final appearance, but for an encore, she will need to rely more on her own strengths than her opponents weaknesses in order to succeed.

Allen Iverson's Off Season Diary

The Daily Hurt — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:21:48 -0400

Dear AI,

Good practice this morning man (hehe!).

Got some good news this morning. Leon told me that the Grizz are close to offering me a contract. He said that it was only a one-year, $3.5mil deal. While Leon didn't say it exactly, I'm pretty sure he meant to add that the offer will have an extra four or five years, player-option worth about $80-$100m. You know when you can just tell sometimes.

Leon's a kidder too, he once told me that Larry Brown would be happy to coach me again...in Charlotte! Yeah, and Paris Hilton's a movie star. Oh Leon, that one was worth your fee alone!

Anyhoo, I can't wait to start playing again, even if it is in Memphis. That city needs a hero. I heard that the Grizz partly want me just to help sell tickets though. What do they think, that I'm a scalper? That’s against the law, man.

Actually, I'm really looking forward to playing there. Man, I'm going to get sooooo many shots. None of the dudes there can score or shoot at all. I mean Rudy's ok but O.J. still counts as a rookie, don't he? It'll be his first year playing with me so that makes him a rook in my eye. Heck, I might even go for Wilt's record while I'm there. No, not that one, the other one, you know when he scored 100 points in a game.

Leon also told me that apart from the Grizz, it's only been the Clippers who have been serious about signing me so far. Leon just never stops with the one-liners. He obviously meant to say 'Lakers' but it sure did sound like 'Clippers' over the phone. Anyway, I'm cool with that, aside from than the Lakers, the Clippers are the biggest NBA team in L.A.

I mean look what they've done lately. Ok maybe last season wasn't so great, but that was a one-off. The other 25 seasons? Well, they were also just one-offs too. Isolated seasons which could have happened to any franchise.

Dunno what's so special about the Lakers anyway. Kobe has only won one ring without Shaq, people must be forgetting that I nearly won one with Todd MacCulloch.

Leon gave me one of those I-Phones the other day. That's my kind of phone. There ain't no team in iphone. It sounds to me like Apple are trying to use me to sell their phones now. I've been I-Verson my whole life and now this comes along. It's got heaps of applications that can do all sorts of cool stuff. Wonder if has a self destruct button?

I'm still shocked that I'm a free agent. Don't people know I'm only 34? Barry Bonds didn't start playing his best baseball until he was 34. Maybe I should have played baseball instead. I’d probably be pretty good at it.

Anyway, me to Memphis isn't a done deal yet (ok Leon, you got me...like I'm really going to Memphis!) but I'll play along just to keep you happy. Maybe their GM Chris is trying to work a sign-and-trade with the Pistons. Joe probably wants to try and get O.J. and Rudy for me. And fair enough too, that's about what I’m worth these days.

Alright, I gotta go tweet something nice about Memphis again...hope you’re following me, Leon!

Out.

Farewell Freddie, We Hardly Knew Ya

The Daily Hurt — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:44:16 -0400

With the Ashes urn firmly in keep, Andrew Flintoff bowed out of test cricket this week a happy man.

It was a much happier end for Flintoff than the last time he faced Australia, a 5-0 drubbing Down Under in 2007 that took the gloss off England’s glorious 2005 triumph.

From a statistical point of view, Flintoff's final test won't be remembered as one of his best. He scored a total of 29 runs from two innings, and his only wicket for the match was that of Australian No. 11 Ben Hilfenhaus.

Still, he made a monumental contribution during Australia’s second innings. With Australia on course for an unlikely victory, Flintoff stepped up and gunned down Australian skipper Ricky Ponting with a magical piece of fielding.

It swung the match and series firmly back into England’s favour and it was Flintoff's last moment of significance in test cricket.

This Ashes series summed up much of Flintoff's career. A booze-related incident at the start of the series, followed by flashes of brilliance during it.

His innings in the third test at Edgbaston, when he scored 74 runs from 79 balls, 46 of which came in boundaries, was his best individual effort with the bat, but his run out of Ponting during the final test at The Oval was the decisive moment.

It was a powerful way for Flintoff to sign off and it showed just how important he is not only to England, but to the test cricketing world.

He’s a crowd pleaser and one who fans everywhere are happy to pay to watch.

Flintoff’s final test won't be remembered like his effort at Edgbaston in 2005 will be, when he bulldozed his way past Australia. That match had many magical moments, but it was his devastating spell during Australia's second innings when he removed both Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting within four ferocious deliveries of each other that singlehandedly restored England’s chances of winning the Ashes.

It was one of the most hostile spells of fast bowling and anyone who watched it will remember it forever. It was Freddie at his best and when he bowled like that, he was as good as anyone. Unfortunately, there just weren't enough spells like it.

That 2005 series was Flintoff’s Mount Everest, but he'd been trudging his way down ever since.

As good as Freddie was for England over his 11-year test career, there is still a feeling he left the test cricket world too early and also left it short-changed.

It's said that a good entertainer should always leave the crowd salivating for more and to that end he delivered, but with Freddie, we barely got enough of the good stuff in the first place.

Only five test centuries and an average of just over 31 runs from 130 innings doesn’t elevate him into the category of master batsmen, especially when his bowling average was a tick under 33 runs per wicket. It could be said that what he gave with the bat, he lost with the ball. That might be a harsh assessment, but statistically, he underperformed with both the bat and ball.

After the heroics of ’05, Flintoff struggled to deal with expectations. Too often, in times of need, he turned to alcohol to help him deal with the pressure and burden of being England’s leader. Every man has a weakness and Flintoff was no different. His additional fault was that he didn’t possess the discipline to seek help or to walk away.

It affected his judgment and his career.

When England needed him focused more than ever as they sought to retain the Ashes in Australia in 2006-07, in the lead up, Flintoff found himself talking more about his boozing than his bowling. Even then-manager Duncan Fletcher turned on Flintoff, and England’s Ashes defense was in tatters.

Perhaps part of the reason for Flintoff’s popularity was that he wasn’t a textbook cricketer. He played on feel, instinct and heart. He could electrify his team and the fans, but also he could electrocute himself.

Perhaps Flintoff was a cricketer from the wrong time. In the modern era of athlete that is programmed to watch what they eat and drink, Freddie was never one to shy away from tucking into a good meal rounded off by a not-so-quiet drink.

It meant he was always fighting himself, waging a war he couldn't win. His frame and size always made him susceptible to injury. The fact the 79 tests he played in was barely half the amount England played in since Flintoff made his debut in 1998 against South Africa proves he didn't take great care of himself.

So while it all ended too soon, all we are left to say to Freddie is good luck and thanks for the memories.

NBA Newlyweds: LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal

The Daily Hurt — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:51:17 -0400

LeBron James has a new BFF.

While it might not be Paris Hilton, it is Shaquille O'Neal, who has become an NBA equivalent of wrinkly Rolling Stones rocker Mick Jagger. Despite his aging years, Shaq's brides always seem to stay the same age.

Onto his fifth set of nuptials of his career, there has been plenty of satisfaction for Diesel. Firstly with high school sweetheart Kobe Bryant in LA, then he had a fling with his prom date Dwyane Wade in Miami. Steve Nash in Phoenix was a cougar by comparison, and, unsurprisingly, that relationship didn't last.

Like anyone who has been down the aisle as often as he has, there has been love and betrayal along the way, along with trust and dishonesty and pain and hurt.

But now Shaq has found love again with youth.

Who said you can't always get what you want?

At first glance, the bride of this latest relationship isn't totally clear. Shaq has always demanded respect but hasn't always given it back. He comes second to nobody. His childish sniping of Orlando's Dwight Howard this past season showed that Shaq can sometimes be a contradiction of himself.

He can't understand why he isn't always given his dues, but then dismisses others' claims.

But there is no doubt that O'Neal is in Cleveland at the behest of James. He'll be expected to follow the King's orders just like everyone else under James' rule, management included.

The Cavs are desperate and the stakes are at their greatest. There might not be any second chances from here. No matter who was at fault for their exit to the Orlando Magic in the playoffs, Cleveland knows that they cannot afford to lose LeBron's trust.

If he walks next season, the Cavs will get nothing in return and Shaq goes too. If Cleveland can't win a championship with James, what hope do they have without him?

In Shaq, the Cavs are hoping the big Aristotle can muster one last challenge. He's 37, but last season he made the All-Star game and proved that, individually, he can still be a factor.

However, the Phoenix Suns missed the playoffs, which showed that, while Shaq is still capable, he can no longer carry a team by himself.

In what is expected to be the final chapter of his monster career, Shaq's final act could be the most poignant.

It allows him a final chance to leave the game on top, as a winner and a champion (again) with a handful of rings, rather than fade off into retirement quietly and irrelevantly as he did this year in Phoenix before the postseason had even begun.

Shaq has never needed motivation.

Always believing he's under appreciated, the Cavs will be hoping that watching former flame Kobe Bryant lift his fourth championship was precisely the fuel Shaq needed to stoke the fire for one last challenge.

Known to hold grudges, jealousy and revenge have inspired him in the past to prove that he is still relevant and that his legacy deserves the utmost respect.

Kobe still has plenty of time to add to his trophy cabinet, and Shaq knows that this might be his last shot at getting in the final word.

Tensions between the two appear to have eased in recent years, but you can be sure that Shaq won't be the first to toast Kobe if Bryant overtakes O'Neal and reaches five championships, especially as Bryant could conceivably reach as many as six or seven before he retires.

The Cavs thought they had done enough to give LeBron all that he needed by adding point guard Mo Williams last season, but they were badly exposed against the Orlando Magic in the playoffs.

In Shaq, they have a beast, though this time without the burden of a franchise resting on his shoulders.

Maria Sharapova: Ready to Shoulder the Load at Wimbledon

The Daily Hurt — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:22:17 -0400

In a sport notorious for its competitors aging early, Maria Sharapova could already be considered a wily veteran of the women’s tennis circuit.

She has won three Grand Slam titles and is a former world No. 1. Not bad for someone still a long way shy of her 23rd birthday.

Sharapova has plenty of years to add to her trophy cabinet, not that she takes anything for granted.

She is just happy to be preparing for Wimbledon again, the scene of her first and arguably most famous triumph when she was only 17 years old.

After missing more than eight months due to a rotators cuff injury on her right shoulder, Sharapova feared that the game she loved dearly might also be responsible for sending her to an early retirement.

“There was a lot of time to sit back and think of my career so far and think of what I’ve accomplished, what I want to do and where I want to go," Sharapove said. "It made me realize that something you love can be taken away from you at any second."

She has a mature head on her young shoulders, which is not surprising for someone who was thrust into the limelight while barely into her teens.

Initially, tennis purists were skeptical of the gorgeous Russian with a long, blonde ponytail and even longer legs. She bore a striking resemblance to another blonde Russian starlet, the recently retired Anna Kournikova, whose game couldn’t back up her stunning looks.

Kournikova never won a singles trophy, not that she seemed to mind. Her bank balance often dwarfed her much more accomplished opponents and suggested she was victorious many times over, though most of her money came through modeling assignments which made something of a mockery of women’s tennis.

The challenge for Sharapova was to prove that she was more than just a catwalk queen on a tennis court.

Wimbledon is just her fourth tournament of the year. It was here five years ago when she shrieked her way on to tennis’ biggest stage.

Facing the two-time defending champion Serena Williams in the final, she was given little chance against the powerful American; however Sharapova thumped her way to a shocking straight sets victory.

Afterwards, she hugged the Rosewater dish, kind of like any teenage girl might hug her favorite teddy bear.

She was no Kournikova clone. Not on the court anyway.

When Sharapova was faced with a career-threatening injury almost a year ago, she once again faced a challenge she hadn’t met before; one that wasn’t going away, forcing her to take the longest break of her career.

For those who have been through a rehab assignment of any sort, the importance of having a strong supporting cast of family and friends around them can’t be overvalued, and for Sharapova it was no different.

“It took a lot of good people around me and a good team that kept me going and kept me positive, Sharapova said. "There were definitely a few setbacks during that time period and you always wonder when you’re going to come back."

Now Sharapova is back and if familiar surroundings is what she needs to help in her quest to return to the top, then there’s no better place for her to be than leafy South West London.

In the four tournaments since her return, Sharapova has performed well, but has only made it as far as the semi-finals once. One of the problems with her game has been her ability to serve.

Once her strongest weapon, she has had to revamp it in an effort to prevent further injury to her shoulder.

And that’s a good thing as Sharapova knows that power isn’t the only way to win matches.

“Sometimes it doesn’t take your best to win something, sometimes it takes something different, being smarter than [your opponent] and maybe a little bit of luck, that always helps, but it’s a combination of things coming together at the right time."

Derek Fisher's Cheap Shot Deserved a Longer Suspension

The Daily Hurt — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:24:12 -0400

I have lost all respect for Derek Fisher as a basketball player.

His cheap shot on Houston Rockets forward Luis Scola was disgusting.

Fisher is a 13-year veteran and a three time champion. He is also the president of the Players' Union. He's been around long enough to know better.

Fisher was rightfully ejected for the hit and then suspended for Game Three, but the league should have been more severe. Fisher should have received further punishment for his stupidity.

Fisher's act tipped a game that had been simmering over the edge.

Fisher has played in enough playoff games to know that postseason basketball gets tough and sometimes rough. Hard fouls are acceptable; cheap ones aren't.

As expected, the Lakers increased their intensity for Game Two. They were surprised to be trailing their best-of-seven series 1-0. They couldn't afford a second loss at home.

Houston are known to be a tough defensive team. Ron Artest and Shane Battier are hard-nosed and stifled Kobe Bryant in the series opener. Battier ended up with a severe gash to his head but didn't complain. He knows that, if you play hard, occasionally, you have to take the knocks.

It's part of the game.

Fisher's pile driving slug into Scola was streetball style. You can get away with shots like that when there aren't any referees or cameras watching. It was only made worse by TNT commentators Doug Collins and Kevin Harlan, who claimed that Fisher was being tough.

He wasn't.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson also looked foolish protesting Fisher's ejection. It's one thing to stand up for your players, but it's another to defend their brainless behaviour at a crucial point of the game.

Toughness isn't about belting a guy who isn't ready for it; toughness is remaining calm while others lose their cool.

Young guys look up to leaders to know what to do when things go wrong.

Fisher wasn't even fighting his own war. Nor can he hide under the pretense of sticking up for his teammates. Lamar Odom and Scola had clashed on an earlier play, but there was nothing in it. Scola fouled Odom and had tugged away at his shirt and they exchanged words.

Both Scola and Odom managed to put their handbags away before any lipstick was spilt.

Then Fisher, trying to act like a tough guy, turned himself into a fool.

Magic-Celtics: Stan Van Gundy Nearly Blows It For Orlando in Game One

The Daily Hurt — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:19:20 -0400

Stan Van Gundy was happy.

His team, the Orlando Magic, had just defeated the Boston Celtics, 95-90.

At a press conference after the game, Van Gundy quite correctly pointed out that the Magic leads the Boston Celtics, 1-0, in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Semifinals series.

He's right. It will forever be recorded in history as a Magic win, and nothing can ever change that.

However, Van Gundy is fooling himself. The Orlando Magic won through good luck rather than good management.

Van Gundy appears to have two plans as coach of Orlando. Plan “A” is to shoot with free abandon. If you're open, take the shot and worry about defense later. Plan “B” is to refer to plan “A”.

Orlando built up a massive 28-point lead in the third quarter and appeared to be cruising to a comfortable victory.

The Titanic was also cruising once.

The Magic didn't quite strike an iceberg, but certainly they suffered a collective brain cramp, which Van Gundy chose to ignore. It gave the Boston Celtics every chance to erase the large deficit and almost escape with a moral boosting victory.

Early on, Boston was clearly fighting fatigue after their grueling seven game first round series against the Chicago Bulls.

Don't listen to Paul Pierce and Ray Allen saying that they aren't a little bit tired still. We were all exhausted from watching it, so they had to be feeling it.

You only had to see how flat the Celtics were to know otherwise. Credit to them however, for not making it an excuse.

Credit also to the Celtics that when they were in that 28-point hole with 16 minutes remaining, that they didn't quit.

It was only then that they decided to start playing. How they must have been kicking themselves afterwards to know that if they had only began playing that way from the beginning, they might have blown out game one.

Make no mistake. The Celtics got back into this game through a little bit of extra hustle and a lot of careless basketball from Orlando.

The Magic are a good three-point shooting team. They used their strength effectively to build the big lead, but as so often happens in the NBA, a team goes cold.

Ice cold.

When Boston began making their charge, the Magic just kept firing away unconsciously.

Alston, Turkoglu, Pietrus...clank, clank, clank.

The Magic lead was cut down to single digits, but they continued to fire blanks.

A good coach would have reeled his team in and stressed the need to refocus. A good coach would have a back up plan if the first one fails. How Van Gundy didn't notice his team was throwing it away and therefore change his strategy was mind boggling.

The Magic should have dumped the ball into Dwight Howard. He's not too hard to find out on the floor. He's the big guy who wears No. 12.

D12 had a solid night's work. He finished with 16 points and 22 rebounds, but it's hard to overlook the fact that Howard barely touched the ball when the Magic needed him to assert his dominance.

Remember, it's not Kevin Garnett that he's up against. As admirable an effort Glen Davis and Kendrick Perkins are giving in filling the massive void left by KG, but they aren't—and will never be—Garnett.

Howard admitted after the game that his team had gotten complacent and that it wasn't good enough.

Talk is cheap.

Game two is Wednesday night.

Carmelo Anthony Has the Denver Nuggets Ready for Round Two

The Daily Hurt — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:10:06 -0400

It's been a long wait for Carmelo Anthony.

After six long years of frustration and unfullfillment, Anthony has the Nuggets in a strong position to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs for the first time in his career.

Surely, nothing can stop Denver from moving on to the second round. They demolished the New Orleans Hornets by a mind blowing 58 points in Game Four. They lead the series 3-1 and Game Five is at the Pepsi Center.

In Game Four, it was the Nuggets defense that suffocated the Hornets. New Orleans shooting percentage (31.5 percent) was almost matched by their franchise-worst amount of turnovers (27).

If that wasn't bad enough, tonight, New Orleans also has to contend with the oxygen-thin confines of Denver in order avoid elimination. It's a place where they were outscored by a total of 44 points in the first two games of the series.

While Anthony has been overshadowed in this series by the stellar play of Chauncey Billups, you can bet that 'Melo will happily play the role of No. 2 guy if it means more playoff basketball for Denver.

It's that characteristic which has stood out the most for Anthony this season. He's happy to defer to teammates. Gone is the selfish play of previous years when it seemed that he wanted to score first and win second.

It's been clearly reflected in his play. His scoring average this season was the third lowest of his career (22.8ppg) while the Nuggets tied their own franchise record for most wins in a season with 54.

It's no coincidence that Anthony's play improved from almost the moment Billups arrived and Allen Iverson was jettisoned to the Detroit Pistons. Anthony finally understands that he can be unselfish and the Nuggets can still win.

However, it could quite easily have been Anthony instead of Iverson who the Nuggets traded away. After last season's four-game playoff sweep by the L.A. Lakers, it appeared as though Anthony and the Nuggets had stalled together.

Rather than improving, they were just treading water. Denver were always good enough to make the playoffs, but were only ever first-round fodder once they got there.

Anthony's offensive game had never been a problem, he could score big and would shoot at will. However, questions about his leadership and suitability as a player to build a franchise around began to grow louder and crop up more often.

Something had to give.

Wisely, Denver stuck with Anthony. The Nuggets realized that Anthony had never really had a point guard of Billups calibre to play with before. Billups was a proven winner (2004 NBA Champion, Playoff MVP) but more importantly, he came from the team that epitomized team work and sharing the ball.

Billups has been the leader that Anthony desperately needed and the complete opposite of the selfish style of Iverson.

Billups has allowed Anthony to remain the focus on offense but, more importantly, he has taught him that he doesn't need to touch the ball on every possession to be effective.

For Anthony, it's been a case of less meaning much, much more.

Dwyane Wade is Giving the Atlanta Hawks Nightmares

The Daily Hurt — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:13:59 -0400

After sleep walking through Game One against the Atlanta Hawks, Dwyane Wade has quickly woken up for the Miami Heat.

And he's giving the Atlanta Hawks nightmares.

Wade looked uninterested at times during the series opener. In the third quarter, with Miami trailing and needing to make a push, he didn't attempt a shot until there was less than two minutes remaining. By then, Atlanta had built their lead up to 21 points and Miami never mounted a serious challenge for a comeback.

Watching the Heat struggle from the comfort of his living room back in Miami was too much to bare for retired enforcer Alonzo Mourning. He's a guy who's had a kidney transplant—he knows all about pain.

Zo's former teammates needed their warrior one more time. His body might have succumbed to injury a while ago and extinguished his playing career, but clearly Mourning's competitive spirit continues to burn as brightly as it ever has.

With his team was in need of a battle cry call to arms, Mourning flew to Atlanta. He can't suit up and grab rebounds or block shots anymore, but he can use words to inspire.

So, armed with the only weapon left in his arsenal—one that doesn't require painkillers —Zo addressed his former comrades in the locker room prior to Game Two.

Whatever Zo said clearly struck a chord with Wade.

He exploded for 33 points in Game Two and the Heat flashed by Atlanta to even the series.

Then in Game Three, Wade torched the Hawks for another 29 points, which was also the margin of victory for Miami.

True champions raise the level of their game when the stakes are greater.

Wade certainly fits into that category.

Wade isn't known as a great three-point shooter (32 percent for the season), but he has knocked down 10 from beyond the arc from only 18 attempts in the last two games.

Then there are the blocked shots. Six in the last two victories, each one spiked away with the same ferocity that Mourning used to patrol Miami's basket with.

From an 1-0 series deficit, Miami has stormed into a 2-1 lead.

Wade is suffocating the Hawks and it looks like only the submission awaits.

Since that Game One embarrassment, Wade has been lights-out for Miami and has left Atlanta's playoff hopes flickering.

His importance to the Heat can't be overstated. Just like he was brought to life by one of his idols in Mourning, so too does Wade inspire his own teammates.

Like a true champion, Wade makes those around him better.

Dequan Cook, who was as absent as the Heat's defence in Game One, connected on six three-pointers in Game Two. Jermaine O'Neal has pushed the walking frame to the side to score 41 points in the last two games after managing just five in the series opener. He's also blocked seven shots.

O'Neal's days as one of the leagues best big men are over, but he's proving he can still be an effective player, similar to the way that Antonio McDyess has been for the Detroit Pistons in recent years.

Figuring out how to stop Wade is the challenge facing Hawks coach Mike Woodson. Thus far, hee's shown that he doesn't really have an answer and whatever he does decide to do, he's going to have to do it quickly as time is running out for Atlanta.

Detroit Pistons Will Look to Expose the Cavaliers Bench in Game Three

The Daily Hurt — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:52:38 -0400

So far, so good for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Apart from a minor slip up in Game Two against the Detroit Pistons—when James was on the bench resting—the King's quest to get back to the NBA finals has gone as planned to this point.

Tonight, the series shifts to Detroit where James looks to motor the Cavs into a 3-0 series lead.

However, James should be careful not to overlook the Pistons just yet. While Cleveland have been very impressive so far, Detroit exposed the Cavs only apparent weakness in their Game Two loss.

The Cavs lone deficiency? When James isn't on the floor, nobody is scared of Cleveland's second unit.

Not even the Pistons' reserves.

The game was effectively over in Game Two. Cleveland was leading by 29 points in the fourth quarter and Cavs coach Mike Brown called on his reserves to see it out. It would also allow James to punch the clock early. The amount of rest the star gets in the playoffs will be as crucial to the amount of time James has to play.

However, Cleveland's lead evaporated down to seven points and Brown had to go back to James.

James came back on and steered the team to safety, but Brown clearly wasn't happy to see the way his second unit performed.

"We didn't sustain being the aggressor" Brown said after the game.

Brown and James must be aware that in the playoffs, opposing teams will focus on any perceived weakness a team has, no matter how minor it might seem or how correctable it might be.

It's what good teams do.

The Pistons used to be able to pray on James relative inexperience and rawness in the playoffs.

That is no longer an option.

Certainly this Pistons team isn't the same unit that swept their way to six straight Eastern Conference finals appearances, but you can be sure that they will be putting a lot of pressure on Cleveland's bench to perform for the rest of this series.

What must have also concerned Brown, was that it wasn't the Pistons starters who were doing all the damage. It was Detroit's own second unit which included Will Bynum, Arron Afflalo and Kwame Brown which sparked the rally for Detroit.

It's said that there is no such thing as garbage time in the NBA and the Pistons bench proved it.

Also, it showed complacency on the part of the Cavs bench. There will come a time during these playoffs when James has to sit, be through foul trouble or simply to avoid fatigue and the reserves must stand up and do a better job than they did in Game Two.

They must firstly learn how to shoot the ball. A combined 1-for-11 effort from the field isn't a characteristic of a champion team. Also, the six fourth-quarter turnovers suggest that there isn't any sign of leadership within the Cavs second unit and it needs to be addressed fast.

In veterans Ben Wallace and Joe Smith there is plenty of experience there and one of those guys needs to step in and take control to lead the younger, inexperienced Cavs players.

James is single minded in his goal this year. His team mates need to be the same.

No Wizardry in Flip Saunders' Coaching Ability

The Daily Hurt — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:11:52 -0400

The Washington Wizards have made a mistake in hiring Flip Saunders as their new head coach.

Saunders is making his return to the sidelines after he was given the flick from the Detroit Pistons at the end of last season. Saunders' record in charge of Detroit sounds impressive enough. The Pistons won the Central Division each year he was there and they also made the Eastern Conference Finals every season.

So, how does a coach with that resume get labeled as a dud?

Saunders is a competent enough coach during the regular season, but once come playoff time, he struggles.

And what's the point of having a guy take your team to the playoffs if he doesn't know what to do once you get there?

Clearly Pistons General Manager Joe Dumars felt that Saunders had enough chances to prove otherwise in his time in Detroit. Dumars was happy to pay Saunders around $6 million not to coach the team this past season.

Prior to his appointment in Detroit, Saunders coached the Timberwolves for more than eight seasons. His tenure began early into the 1995-96 season, and he was eventually fired midway through the 2004-05 campaign.

In the eight years he was in charge for the full season, Minnesota made the playoffs each year, but on seven of those occasions they didn’t make it past the first round.

For a team that featured Kevin Garnett as its centerpiece, not only was it disappointing, it simply wasn’t good enough.

Blame for the continual playoff failures was often spread around Minnesota’s other players and team management. While there was certainly a case to argue that Garnett wasn’t surrounded by enough quality talent, there were also signs that, as a coach, Saunders was out of his element in the postseason.

The one time Minnesota did advance beyond the first round was in 2004. That year they made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals but were eliminated by the L.A. Lakers in six games.

In hindsight, Minnesota might not have been a better team than the Lakers, but at the time L.A. was riddled with turmoil and chemistry problems.

In the basketball world, the Lakers were ripe for the picking. Ironically, it was the Pistons who proved as much by blowing past the Lakers in the Finals in five games.

Saunders probably didn’t appreciate the irony that it was Garnett’s Celtics that eliminated Saunders’ Pistons from the playoffs last season.

At least Saunders could take some comfort in knowing that he finally had a hand in taking Garnett to the Finals.

Saunders holds the uncomfortable record of being the coach with the most trips to the conference finals (four) without having ever coached in the NBA Finals.

Each loss has been to a different team, and two of those have gone on to win the title.

Now Saunders is being asked to take over a talented squad coming off an awful season.

Washington's star, Gilbert Arenas, has missed the better part of the past two seasons, though he has something of reputation as being difficult to work with.

True to form, Arenas disagrees with that assessment.

The Wizards appear to have been seduced by Saunders' win-loss record as a coach. It’s said that numbers don’t lie, but equally, they don’t always tell the full truth either.

In 983 regular-season games as a head coach, Saunders has an impressive 587 wins, roughly six wins for every 10 games coached, or a .597 winning percentage.

However, evidence that Saunders gets jittery in the playoffs is his recent record. In the last four seasons that he has tasted postseason success, his teams have won more playoff games (40) than they’ve lost (29), which tells us that it’s not how many games you win, but when you win them that counts.

Hopefully, Saunders was paying attention this week when Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown was awarded Coach of the Year honors.

Brown won the award because of LeBron James. Crucially for Brown, he understood that when you are given such a player as James, it's vital that you don't try to over manage. In short, just don't screw it up.

Brown hasn't so far, and the Cavs are a good bet to return to the NBA Finals this year for the second time in two years.

When Saunders took over in Detroit, he inherited as good a situation as any coach could hope for. He was asked to take over a team that had just come off a seven-game defeat in the NBA Finals.

The season before that, the Pistons had been NBA champions. The core of that team was still together and still young enough to contend for the title when he arrived in town.

Saunders had a golden chance to suceed, but he didn’t make the most of it, or maybe he only coached to the best of his ability.

Farewell to Dikembe Mutombo

The Daily Hurt — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:00:48 -0400

Dikembe Mutombo knew straight away his basketball career was over.

On Tuesday night, when he came down hard after tangling with Greg Oden, the 18-year veteran had to be carried off the court on a stretcher.

It was a sad way for one of basketball's most intriguing and lovable characters to sign off.

Mutombo will be remembered as one of the leagues best shot blockers ever. He blocked 3,289 shots over his career, second on the all time list to Nigerian superstar and former Rocket Hakeem Olajuwon.

What is truly remarkable about Mutombo is that in almost 1,200 career games, not once did he commit a personal foul.

At least in his own estimation.

Of course, he was called for several, but each time, Mutombo looked on in absolute wonderment at how the referees could possibly call him for an infraction?

It was adorable.

As his career went on and age caught up with him, Mutombo became less of a force on the glass and was never a great scorer, but blocking shots was what kept him effective.

Apart from the constant finger waggling, the other defining image of Mutombo's career will be of him lying on the ground clutching the ball in the 1994 playoffs.

The number eight seed, Denver Nuggets, had upset the Seattle Supersonics in Game Five of the first round of the playoffs to win the series 3-2.

The Sonics were favoured to go to the finals that year and took a comfortable 2-0 series lead before the Nuggets stormed back.

Led by Mutombo who swatted 31 shots for the series, Denver caused one of the biggest shocks in NBA history.

Mutomobo arrived in the NBA via the fourth pick of the 1991 draft. Until Tuesday night, he was the only player from that year's draft still active in the league.

His full name is Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo and he was born in the Congo.

Mutombo was playfully mocked at times for the way he spoke English. That said however, Mutombo is multi-lingual being fluent in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and several other African dialects and languages.

Mutombo's career in the NBA has helped him bring awareness and help to his native Congo. He has helped fund and build a hospital in the Capital City of Kinshasa and named it after his mother who passed away from a stroke in 1997.

In this age of "me-first" athletics who often try to just build themselves houses the size of small castles, Mutombo was always more interested in building a facility to help as many people from his home town as he could.

While Mutombo's career was coming to a close anyway, it was truly sad to see him leave on a stretcher. Hopefully, he recovers quickly and is back waggling his finger on the sidelines soon.

Yao Ming and Houston Rockets Looking No Further than Game Two

The Daily Hurt — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:59:25 -0400

Yao Ming knows not to get carried away.

Previous postseason heartbreak has taught him over and over that it's never about how you start, it's how you finish that counts.

Despite the Houston Rockets' Game One demolition of the Portland Trail Blazers, Yao has seen early series leads evaporate too often in the past to start thinking about the second round just yet.

In the series opener, Portland simply had no answer for Yao. Joel Pryzbilla was outclassed and outmatched.

In the end, he was just hoping that Yao would miss.

He didn't, not from the field (9-for-9) nor the free throw line (6-for-6) and finished with 24 points.

The Rockets had been so dominant that Yao didn't even attempt a field goal in the third period and he sat out entirely in the last.

In years gone by, Yao has been done in by injury or bad form, and also because he's never been the centerpiece for the Rockets on offense.

Tracy McGrady had always assumed control. However, now that he has been sidelined, there is no question who runs the show for Houston.

Yao was ably supported by sophomore point guard Aaron Brooks. Brooks, who played his college ball at the University of Oregon, looked totally at ease with the keys to the Rockets offense. He had long been wanting an opportunity to prove he was good enough to be a starter at this level, and he showed it by scoring 27 points and handing out seven assists.

What was more impressive than Houston's margin of victory over one of the league's best home teams was the composure with which they played.

They controlled the game from the start and snuffed out any chance for a Blazers comeback.

Portland in no way resembled the team that stormed back into the postseason after a six-year absence. They were often second to the ball and looked like a team without a leader.

They have one, and a very good one at that, in Brandon Roy. But Roy struggled with his shot, and finished with 21 points. Apart from Greg Oden's 15 points off the bench, the Trail Blazers had no one else score in double figures.

Portland will need more than just Roy and Oden if they are to tie this series. Their home court, the Rose Garden, has historically been a place that has been unkind to visitors, especially during the playoffs.

Houston coach Rick Adelman should know that only too well. He was on the bench when the Blazers made two trips to the finals in the early 90s. The home crowd always gave the team a boost.

Also, Portland is going to have to be tougher on the glass. The Blazers were pounded 44-30 on the boards and even the unretireable Dikembe Mutombo came off the bench to grab nine, which was four more than anyone from Portland could muster.

Game Two is tonight in Portland.

Chicago Bulls Look for Early Knockout against Boston Celtics: Game Two Preview

The Daily Hurt — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:40:34 -0400

The defending champs are on the ropes.

Granted, it is only one game into the postseason but already the Boston Celtics look like a shadow of the team that romped past the L.A. Lakers last June.

On Sunday, the Lakers eased past the Utah Jazz and, in doing so, displayed all the signs that they will be a contender again in the NBA Finals this year, hoping to correct last season's result.

After a home loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, the Celtics look like they will be in a life-and-death scrap just to get out of the first round.

In Game One, shots that dropped last season for the Celtics this time rimmed out. Paul Pierce had a chance to possibly win the game in regulation but missed a free throw. Ray Allen missed a dunk.

That wouldn't have happened a year ago.

More of a concern was the distinct lack of energy the Celtics showed. After their triumph from last year, perhaps a touch of complacency has set in.

The Celtics managed to extend the game to overtime, but they were playing catch up for the majority of the game.

Last year, the Celtics' title was built on defense.

In Game One, the Bulls' Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah called the shots in the paint.

Of course, Boston is missing Kevin Garnett. No matter how much huffing and puffing Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis do to try to fill the void left by the Big Ticket, they are still puppies compared to the rottweiler that is Garnett.

Just ask Derrick Rose. There is no way the Bulls rookie would have been as fearless and confident to continually drive the lane if KG was there snarling and growling away at him.

Rose's confidence must be a major concern for Doc Rivers and the Celtics coaching staff. Even if Garnett had been playing, he wouldn't have been guarding Rose.

Rajon Rondo, who was primarily charged with defending Rose, seemed more interested in outscoring his opposite number than trying to stop him. It worked to a point. Rondo scored 29 points and had seven assists, but Rose was by far superior on the day.

If it was the Cavs the Celtics were playing, fans could understand Boston's struggles, but it was the Chicago Bulls. The team that went 41-41 through the regular season and lost their last game at home to the lowly Toronto Raptors.

The Celtics didn't start last year's playoffs that well, especially on the road, but at home they were invincible. Fast forward to this year and they are already 0-1 at the TD Garden.

The Celtics are bruised, but the sign of a true champion is how they respond.

They get their first chance tonight.

Kobe in Control as the Lakers Crush the Jazz in Game One.

The Daily Hurt — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:42:38 -0400

Kobe Bryant scored 24 points and had eight assists as the Los Angeles Lakers eased past the Utah Jazz 113-100 to take game one of the best-of-seven first round playoff series.

Trevor Ariza added a career-high 21 points and shot 8-10 from the field, which included going 3-4 from three-point land. Pau Gasol had 20 points and nine rebounds for the Lakers.

Statistically, Utah performed well. They out-rebounded the Lakers (46-38) and had more assists (28-22), while also committing few turnovers (14-17).

It all counted for little however, as Utah's shooting was woeful. The Jazz made only 39 percent of their field goals compared to a sizzling 56 percent by the Lakers.

Utah was also unable to capitalize on a strong effort on the offensive glass, where they collected 20 of their 46 rebounds.

Utah point guard Deron Williams scored 16 points and handed out 17 assists, but he was one of the teams' worst performers shooting the ball, making just 4-14 from the field and only one field goal after the first quarter.

Carlos Boozer added 27 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Jazz.

The Jazz were without the teams' second-leading scorer, Mehmet Okur, who missed the game with a sore right hamstring.

Early on, Bryant deferred to his teammates and Ariza and little-used backup point guard Shannon Brown. Brown was called into action after Derek Fisher was whistled for two quick fouls.

Both Ariza and Brown hit two three-pointers in the first quarter as the Lakers built an early lead.

Los Angeles continued to dominate in the second period and by halftime, the lead had blown out to 22 points, 62-40.

The Jazz opened the second half on a 9-0 run to close the gap, but after Bryant was called for a technical foul, the Lakers regained control and a three-point play by Trevor Ariza and extended the lead back to 16 points, 70-54.

Utah continued to chip away at the Lakers' lead and when Andrei Kirilenko connected on a three-pointer with 5:44 left, the Jazz had cut the lead back to nine points, 98-89.

However, Bryant immediately responded for the Lakers and made consecutive jump shots to take the lead back to 13 points.

The Jazz continued to push and again closed to within nine points with just under two minutes to go, before Bryant again answered, this time with a thunderous one-handed dunk on which he was fouled on by Paul Millsap. Bryant made the free throw to convert the three-point play to effectively seal the win for the Lakers.

Things don't bode well for the Jazz for the rest of the series, considering that head coach Jerry Sloan said prior to the series that his teams' chances of defeating the Lakers were "pretty bleak".

Game two is Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Rose Blooms to Lead Bulls Past Celtics

The Daily Hurt — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:43:17 -0400

Derrick Rose scored a career-high 36 points and dished out 11 assists to lead the Chicago Bulls past the Boston Celtics 105-103 in overtime at the TD Banknorth Garden on Saturday afternoon.

Tyrus Thomas nailed a clutch field goal with less than a minute remaining to give the Bulls the lead for good and provide them with a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Joakim Noah had 11 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocked shots for the Bulls and Ben Gordon scored 20 points.

Rajon Rondo led Boston with 29 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists and Paul Pierce added 23 points but shot only 8-for-21 from the field. The Celtics captain missed a free throw which would have given Boston the lead with less than three seconds remaining in regulation.

Celtics sharpshooter Ray Allen was off and connected on just one of his 12 field goal attempts. He was 0-for-6 from three-point land, missed a wide-open dunk and a potential game-tying basket that would have sent the game to a second overtime. Allen finished with just four points.

Rose, the favorite for Rookie of the Year, who was making his Playoff debut, was the hero for Chicago. Ignoring any nerves, he began the game strongly and had nine points and four assists in the first quarter alone.

He shot 12-of-19 from the field for the game. But more impressively, he hit all 12 of his free throw attempts including a pair with under 10 seconds to go in regulation to put the Bulls ahead.

Rose displayed his full arsenal of weapons, sometimes pulling up for jump shots, other times attacking the paint. He took full advantage of a Celtics defense that was without Kevin Garnett, who sat on the bench for the first half but opted to watch the second half from the locker room.

Garnett's teammates had wanted their leader to be with them to inspire them, but the Big Ticket couldn't handle being so close to the action without contributing. The pain wasn't just in his knee.

The Bulls didn't care how he was feeling. Led by Rose, they continued to attack on both offense and defense. Thomas and Noah defended the Chicago hoop with the aggression that Celtics fans are used to seeing from their own team.

Boston was without Garnett for most of the last two months of the season due to a knee injury. They might be without him for the entire postseason, depending on how far they advance.

Judging by today's performance, that might only be for a few more games.

Game Two of the series is Monday night in Boston.

No Team Does Playoff Losing Like the Dallas Mavericks

The Daily Hurt — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:11:31 -0400

When it comes to the playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks know how to lose.

There is a perception that winning is a habit. So to is losing, but victory is far more enjoyable.

For the Mavericks, they don't appear to be able to beat their addiction.

The Mavs seem to be especially good at the spectacular fall. In 2006, Dallas were on course for a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals but they collapsed to lose the game and the championship.

Wondering how it all fell apart, Dallas sought redemption the following season and they roared into first place in the Western conference.

They met the Golden State Warriors who were supposed to be merely first-round fodder for the Mavs, but again they were completely humiliated.

Last season, Dallas's annual capitulation came in the first round and this time they left with little more than a whimper. The New Orleans Hornets were more subtle than the Heat and the Warriors had been, but the end result was the same for the Mavs.

It came as no real surprise.

Surprisingly, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has kept the main core of players in Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard, Jason Terry and Jerry Stackhouse together. Cuban exiled head coach Avery Johnson for school-principal look-a-like Rick Carlisle, but other than that, this team looks like the same bunch that has coughed up post season losses consistently.

The San Antonio Spurs on the other hand just know how to win.

They haven't changed much either. For the most part, we still see the same familiar faces in San Antonio's lineup we have for the last few years.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

The Spurs don't always come away with the NBA championship, but no opposing team ever pulls to face them in the playoffs.

By their own standards, this was a bad year for the Spurs, especially at home. They lost 13 games at the AT&T center. However, they balanced the ledger by posting an almost identical road record and lost 15 games away from home.

Typically the Spurs didn't make excuses despite suffering injuries to their three top three players in Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan at various times throughout the season.

Instead the Spurs still turned in a 50-win season.

San Antonio will be without Ginobili for their playoff push. It reduces their chances of winning the championship, but it doesn't make them easy beats.

As long as Duncan and Parker stay healthy, the Spurs can't be written off.

Typically the Spurs didn't grab the headlines this season, they just went quietly about their business as they always do.

Somehow coach Gregg Popovich got great production out of journeyman Roger Mason jr. and even Matt Bonner become a solid part of San Antonio's offense. Michael Finley continues to ignore his age and produced another tidy season.

The season series was split 2-2, but even without Ginobili, the Spurs will be too good for the Mavericks.

Dallas will be hoping to draw on its last playoff meeting with the Spurs which they won in seven games, including a huge game seven victory in San Antonio.

However, since then a lot has changed, at least for the Mavericks anyway.

Spurs in six.

Atlanta Hawks to Feel The Heat From Dwyane Wade and Miami

The Daily Hurt — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:07:47 -0400

To preview the first round match up between the Atlanta Hawks and the Miami Heat, you only need two words: Dwyane Wade.

Forget Atlanta's home court advantage or the Hawks improvement from last season, forget all-star Joe Johnson and even forget Al Horford's solid sophomore campaign.

They are sideline notes.

There is no player who can impact games in this series greater than Flash.

Apart from LeBron James and with an honorable mention to Dwight Howard, Wade is easily the most destructive player in the Eastern conference.

Unlike Allen Iverson who only knows self-destruction, Wade is always in control.

For the first time since winning the championship in 2006, Wade is healthy and the results speak for themselves. He's taken a less than stellar Heat team, with an unheard of rookie head coach into the playoffs.

What makes Wade so special is that he possesses one of the talents that is usually reserved for only the truly greats of the game. It's that ability to take over a game on a moments notice when all else looks lost.

The playbook gets tossed out the window.

It becomes about instinct.

His team mates know to just get him the ball and be ready, just in case he needs them, but otherwise stay out of the way.

It can't be taught. You either have it or you don't.

It's what makes fan watch and pay attention because they know that something special could happen at any moment.

Go back to the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 9th. Wade loaded his team onto his shoulders and carried them to victory. It wasn't by the book, it was from the heart, and his is the size of lion.

It's the difference between an all-star and a superstar.

The Hawks Joe Johnson is the former, but not the latter. He's an experienced veteran and the leader of his team too. He is capable of big scoring nights, but rarely produces them. He's steady rather than spectacular.

Wade is like a kid tip-toeing through science class with a test tube cocktail that could explode at any minute.

Johnson does have a high basketball IQ and displayed it last season in the Hawks first round match up against the Celtics. Atlanta wasn't expected to get anywhere near to Boston, but Johnson, playing smart basketball and taking high-percentage baskets at the end of games gave the Hawks a shot.

Solid at home for that series, the Hawks got exposed on the road. Badly.

They were able to extend the series to seven games, but in reality, an upset was never close.

Johnson simply couldn't take his team over the edge and there was nobody else on the roster who could either.

In Josh Smith, the Hawks have a unique talent but disappointingly, his offensive game hasn't evolved to match his athleticism or potential. His high-flying dunks and acrobatic plays remain popular with highlight reel editors, but he has yet to develop the consistency or maturity that the NBA demands of its best.

If J-Smoov does get it together, the Hawks will become a real threat. For now, he remains an unfulfilled talent.

Al Horford showed steady improvement and maturity in his second season, but his game still needs work. Horford has the makings of a star in the future, but for this series at least, even the wonky old legs of Heat center Jermaine O'Neal should be able to keep him in check.

Age and injury has caught up with O'Neal and he is far from the low post presence he was just a few seasons ago, but he does still have soft hands and an effective mid-range jump shot.

Expect the Hawks to play smart basketball and stifle the Heat, but when it comes time to advance, that's when Wade takes over.

Heat in six.

Why LeBron James and the Cavs Will Breeze Past the Pistons in Round One

The Daily Hurt — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:11:42 -0400

LeBron James is a fast learner.

Last year, he couldn't handle the truth. When the Cavaliers lost to the Boston Celtics in last season's Eastern Conference Semis, the King got to see just how important home-court advantage can be in the Playoffs.

The Cavs had been able to deny the Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena, but they couldn't penetrate the Celtics' tough D at TD Garden. That was the decisive factor in a tight series.

But ever the student, James paid close attention and was determined to make any future series-deciding games to be played in front of his adoring fans in Cleveland.

LBJ, feel free to check that off your to-do list.

Apart from Wednesday night's loss to the Sixers—which James sat out—he and the Cavaliers have turned the Q into a fortress this season, and it has been a graveyard for all but one team. Now, Cleveland's home success has assured them of home-court advantage all throughout the postseason.

Evidence suggests that, while the Cavs have been virtually bulletproof at home, their road form hasn't been as dominant. They lost twice to the East-worst Washington Wizards this past campaign.

Besides Philly taking down a Cavs team that was resting its three main players, the only other blemish on the home record was back on February 10, against the L.A. Lakers. It wasn't pretty, but losses rarely are. Still, it will be sitting uncomfortably in the back of James mind as he progresses in the "second season."

After all, the Lakers were on Game Six of an Eastern road swing and Kobe Bryant wasn't feeling well. But the Mamba suited up anyway and steered the Lakers to victory. It was LeBron who looked under the weather, as he scored just 16 points.

But James will have to wait a bit for his chance at redemption against the Lakers.

For now, he has to worry about the Detroit Pistons.

After six Eastern Conference Finals appearances which led to just one NBA title, Detroit's general manager Joe Dumars was feeling short-changed.

So, in a move characteristic of a more emotionally unstable GM, Dumars flew off the handle (by his standards) early on this season when he traded away rock-solid point guard Chauncey Billups for the mercurial Allen Iverson.

The move backfired almost immediately, and the Pistons have been in rapid decline ever since.

As he usually does, Iverson talked a good game on arrival in the Motor City, but the results on the court were drastically different from his boastful words. When the Pistons began struggling, Iverson was then asked to come off the bench.

The answer was a resounding "no."

Still, the Pistons look more or less the same these days, as experienced veterans Tayshaun Prince and Rip Hamilton continue to fill up the hoop, but Detroit lacks the intimidation factor it once had.

Young stud Rodney Stuckey is a future All-Star, but Rasheed Wallace always seems to save his worst and most immature behavior for crucial moments in the Playoffs. 'Sheed is still a reliable scorer, but he is only ever one (perceived) missed call from flipping his lid.

Forget the "Bad Boys," this Detroit team is just bad by comparison and will be no match for LeBron and the Cavaliers.

Cavs in four.

Steve Nash Carries The Phoenix Suns Past The Flimsy Toronto Raptors

The Daily Hurt — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:01:26 -0500

The Toronto Raptors decline is getting worse. Clueless on offense and weak on defense, the Raptors are spiraling out of control.

Sunday afternoon's 117-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns was yet another flimsy performance from a team that lacks direction and leadership.

A quick scan of the box score suggests that the Raptors had kept up with one of the leagues top contenders from the Western Conference. Toronto shot 54-percent from the field and all five starters scored in double figures, three of them had 20 points or more.

Also, considering the Raptors were without starting point guard Jose Calderon, the 21 assists Toronto had sounds like a reasonable return.

Injuries to center Jermaine O'Neal and Jason Kapono didn't help matters, but in reality, it is unlikely that either would have prevented Sunday's loss, another at home, another when the Raptors simply couldn't execute when they needed to.

Steve Nash scored nine points but dished out a season-high 18 assists to pace the Suns and Amare Stoudemire thrashed his way to 31 points. Shaquille O'Neal chipped in 16 points including connecting on all four free-throw attempts but he fouled out late in the fourth quarter.

Phoenix has now won nine consecutive games against Toronto.

Toronto's ineptness on offense was glaring in the fourth quarter. Having rallied back from a 97-87 deficit after an Amare Stoudemire dunk, the Raptors had tied the game at 102 on a dunk from Joey Graham with 7:03 remaining.

Phoenix called a timeout and went to a high percentage play on the reset. While Shaq doesn't impact games in the same way that he once did, he remains a handful to guard in the low post and his ability to hit the baby hook shot is still tough to defend and that's what the Suns went to. This old dog doesn't need new tricks.

The Raptors response was painful. Anthony Parker, the Raptors makeshift point guard in Calderon's absence, pulled up for a 15-foot jump shot. It was hard to say if it was the play Raptors coach Jay Triano had wanted or if it was just a broken play because Toronto didn't appear to have any idea what they wanted to do themselves.

Parker's shot missed and Nash grabbed the rebound. On the ensuing play, Nash sucked Raptors rookie Roko Ukic into fouling him while trying for a three pointer. Nash calmly drained all three free throws and pushed Phoenix's lead out to five.

Two more free throws from Nash after Ukic again fouled the Suns leader on the next play, this time after a miss from Andrea Bargnani. In a flash, Phoenix were quickly back out to a seven-point lead and out of reach.

The Raptors did manage to close the gap to within one point at 110-109 but once again, when Toronto needed calm leadership, nobody stepped up.

Chris Bosh, who had just moments earlier scored a basket and was fouled by O'Neal missed a crucial free throw, went missing. Whenever the Raptors look to their franchise man for a big play, Bosh seems to look elsewhere.

If Bosh does have the ball in his hands, his "move" consists of nothing more than a stutter step followed by a jump shot. Rarely does he attack the hoop and when he does, it's without conviction.

Far too often, the Raptors gamble on offense and hope that it pays off, especially when the game is close. Just like it was against the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.

After doing all the hard work coming back from a 24-point deficit in the fourth quarter to get within one point, Toronto hoped and prayed that someone - anyone - could just hit a huge jump shot and save the day.

Unorganized and chaotic, the Raptors don't seem to have any "go-to" move. Every play on offense differs from the last.

Not surprisingly, Parker's three-point shot which would have given the Raptors the lead, missed. At the other end, Nash who had taken just five shots all day spun his way into the paint and scored a lay up. It wouldn't be fair to say that Nash pierced Toronto's defense, because it was hardly airtight. It never is.

The Raptors, needing a three-pointer to tie the game with less than 13 seconds remaining in the game, managed to get three shots off - all misses. Bosh, twice fumbled Parker's botched lay up attempt.

Another groan from the crowd, another opportunity missed by the Raptors to show that they are making progress.

Brandon Roy Continues To Torment Bryan Colangelo

The Daily Hurt — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 06:57:54 -0500

Toronto Raptors General Manager Bryan Colangelo has always stubbornly defended the decision he made when he selected Andrea Bargnani with the first overall draft pick in the 2006 draft. Brandon Roy, taken sixth in that same draft, continues to offer damning evidence to suggest that Colangelo got it dead wrong.

As witnessed by Portland’s comfortable 102-89 win over the Toronto Raptors Saturday night, it was once again Brandon Roy who played a vital role in guiding his team to victory, while Bargnani came and went like Toronto’s first half double digit lead.

Roy scored 32-points which was the same amount the Raptors could muster as a team for the second half. He was 14-for-19 from the field and combined with nine assists, it easily outshone Bargnani’s contribution of 13-points, which included shooting 3-for-4 from three-point range and two rebounds.

In the five times that these two players have now faced each other, Roy averages 24.2 points, (on 55-percent shooting) six rebounds and over eight assists. Bargnani averages a paltry seven points, (on 34-percent shooting), less than three rebounds and has dished out a total of only three assists in those five contests.

Regardless of whether or not he was thinking of a long term project or a short term gain, if Colangelo could have that one franchise-changing night from June 28, 2006 all over again, there is absolutely no doubt whom he would have chosen with that crucial first pick.

The prospective gap between Roy and Bargnani’s careers right now, is as wide as the distance between Oregon and Rome. As one player heads towards superstar status, the other heads towards being labeled a super bust.

Roy was Rookie of the Year in his first season and an All-Star in just his second. While he plots his course to greatness with the Portland Trail Blazers, Bargnani meekly plods along with the spluttering Toronto Raptors, occasionally hitting three-pointers but providing his team with little else.

While the frustration continues for Colangelo as he watches his Raptors limp along at sub .500 pace, how often he must ask himself that unanswerable “What if?” question. Just ‘What if’ the name above the number seven jersey for the Raptors said “Roy” instead of Bargnani ? Where might the Raptors be right now ?

It must be even harder for Colangelo to watch Royas he elevates himself to one of the leagues elite, confidently and calmly taking the new Trail blazers with him. Almost single handedly, Roy has buried the ugly “Jail Blazers” tag deep away from Portland.

This once tarnished franchise seems now a million miles away from the dark days of those player arrests and continual controversy.

Bargnani and the Raptors however, have made little progress together. Two playoff appearances in two seasons has been an improvement after some barren years since the Vince Carter days, but in reality, Toronto is no closer to being a serious contender than it was back at the early part of this decade.

If that draft of ’06 taught us anything, it was again a case of how an inexact science drafting talent can be. Despite what any of the scouts and experts says, there is simply no way of knowing for sure, exactly how a player will develop and adjust to the rigors of the NBA.

There was no possible way to determine that in less than three full seasons, Roywould already be being mentioned in the same breaths as the current crop of the NBA’s best, along side names such as Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul.

The name Brandon Roy could easily complete that quartet.

The only comparisons Bargnani is making right now is to the more cringe worthy names such as Kwame Brown and Michael Olowakandi. Both were former number one picks, both complete busts. It’s enough to make Raptors fans shudder.

When Colangelo watches Roy as he drives easy into the lane, he must wonder how Chris Bosh would look on the receiving end of one of Roy’s crisp passes. Instead Colangelo is only constantly reminded of Bargnani’s ineptness, for when he catches the ball, there is often a look of utter confusion on his face and what’s expected from him within his own team’s offense.

Surely too, Colangelo couldn’t help but also allow his mind to wander to the summer of 2010 and wistfully ponder the prospect of having both Roy and Bosh together lobbying another of the other glorious free-agents to-be to join them north of the border. Instead, right now it appears right now as though Colangelo will need to plead desperately with Bosh to convince him to stick around in Toronto.

Roy and Bargnani do share some common elements to their game in that neither player seems suited to play only one position. Roy can seamlessly slide from the two-guard to playing the point-guard spot, occasionally even fitting into the three if he is needed there. Bargnani always seems to be in a ‘square peg in a round hole’ situation, too big for the small forward, to slow for the power spot and just not agile enough for a center.

This has forced the Raptors to have to yank him around from position to position, from a starter to a bench player and back again, trying any and every combination to find the right fit.

They haven’t found it yet.

From a 16-points-per-game average in his rookie campaign, Roy is now safely in the coveted 20-point plateau this season, averaging 23 per game, tied for 10^th best in the league.

He knows what’s expected from him and he delivers, never looking to make a statement about himself, only for the team which he carries on his broad shoulders. Unlike many of his predecessors, Roy doesn’t need tattoos or earrings to draw attention to himself, he’s more old fashioned and he lets his game do the talking.

Recently, after he scored a career-high 52 points in a win against the Phoenix Suns, he shrugged at his achievement “My No. 1 goal is to win. Not to be the MVP. Not to be the All-Star,”

Others can talk about him; he just wants to talk about his team.

Bargnani, over the same timeframe has seen his production slowly regress each year. From a respectable 11 points-per-game average in his first year, to now averaging less than 10 points-per-game this season. Furthermore, the one strength that the Italian did possess – the three pointers also seems to have deserted him.

He’s making less per game now and shooting them at a lower percentage than he did in his first season.

The only statement Bargnani has made to date has been that maybe he doesn’t belong on the Toronto Raptors and maybe not even in the NBA.

Bargnani’s problem is that he looks literally like he’s too big for his own shoes. When he gets the ball at the top of the paint, if he doesn’t take the three-pointer he looks totally unsure of how to create any sort of opportunity for himself or his team mates.

On the occasions that he does take the ball into the lane, it is so awkward, so premeditated that the result is often ugly. Defenders often just stand there and wait for him to barrel into the lane and try to draw him into an offensive foul.

Ironically, when Roy has the ball, he too doesn’t make his mind up until the last second either, simply because he’s not quite sure which of his vast array of weapons he’s going to use. A spin around jump shot or a drive inside the lane finishing with either hand or maybe he’ll just dish off to an open team mate, whatever Roy decides to do, he always seems to know what to do and precisely the right moment when to do it.

And he usually gets it right.

Maybe it’s too early and even unfair to judge these two players against one another. Perhaps Bargnani will “get it” one day and perhaps Roy has peaked already, but both scenarios seem unlikely in the extreme right now.

Bryan Colangelo has a reputation for sharp suits and ties, but no matter how suave he looks, nothing will let him have that night all over again.

Paul Out Duels Bosh In a Battle of The Chris's

The Daily Hurt — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 13:33:20 -0500

Toronto Raptors General Manager Bryan Colangelo witnessed a game of basketball Sunday afternoon played just the way he likes it.

It was fast paced with clean, crisp ball movement, lots of three-point shooting and perimeter play, and had a mix of an inside action as well. It had that “European” style that the GM admires and it's that way he’s trying to get the Raptors to play.

Unfortunately for Colangelo though, it was the visiting New Orleans Hornets led by the irrepressible Chris Paul, who stole the show and out played Toronto 99-91.

The Raptors boss might feel as if Hornets head coach Byron Scott has stolen his idea. In Jay Triano’s first game as head coach of Toronto against the Utah Jazz, Colangelo stated on air that the Raptors were “still a perimeter team”.

Heading into Sunday's game, it was New Orleans who led the league in three-point accuracy at 41-percent, yet was only eleventh in tries at 18.5-per-game, but seventh in makes with 7.6-per-game.

You can add another 12-for-33 three-pointers to New Orleans stat sheet from today, six of them coming from reserve James Posey, who also had 10 rebounds.

There is no feeling more deflating than being beaten at your own game.

After a slow start to the season, the Hornets have now won eight of their last 10 games and improve to 13-7. Toronto had a two-game winning streak snapped and drops to 10-13.

Paul controls the tempo of a game like no other player in the NBA does. Not Kobe Bryant, not even LeBron James, which is a measure of just how good he is.

In their own right, of course Bryant and James are fantastically entertaining players to watch and much of their teams fate—on a nightly basis—is decided by them. However, there is so much more noise and bang to the way they play. Every dunk is a thunderous one; every play has highlight reel potential.

It's like watching a heavy metal rock concert.

Paul plays a very different way. He's subtle but deadly effective, instead of being at a rock concert, watching him is more akin to listening to a saxophonist playing in New York’s Central Park on a warm Spring afternoon.

Don't look to the stats sheet to tell the full story of Paul’s dominance. There, you will only see the numerical impact Paul had on today’s game. Twelve points and twelve assists is a moderate return from an All-Star and Olympian.

What the box score won’t tell you is how Paul, after showing total trust in his teammates all day, decided he would drive the final dagger through the Raptors.

Toronto had closed to within five points 92-87 and still over two minutes remaining when Paul fearlessly dissected the lane and scored a lay up to stretch the Hornets lead back out to seven points.

It was a high-percentage play, from a high-percentage player. The type a team expects from its franchise player.

The Raptors franchise man, Bosh, clearly wasn’t paying attention to Paul. The man who he'd spent a lot of time in the summer with as they won Gold medals as teammates at the Beijing Olympics.

Rather than answer back by getting to the basket himself, Bosh launched a three-pointer. It clanked off the rim and Toronto’s fate was effectively sealed.

Just moments earlier, Paul, in total control had confidently confirmed his teams’ advantage. Bosh, unsure of himself, opted for hope and luck. Unsurprisingly, he came up short.

This game was decided on Paul’s watch.

The next possession Paul completely killed off the Raptors. He found Rasual Butler who drained his fourth three-pointer and the Hornets’ 12th.

It's no surprise that Paul’s team mates always seem to be ready. Even if they don’t know that they’re open, he lets them know that they are.

Back on November 27 after finishing practice for the day, a sweaty Chris Bosh told reporters that one of his goals for this season was to win the leagues Most Valuable Player award.

Bosh was playing at a high level and was posting career high numbers in scoring (27.6 points-per-game) and field goal percentage (55.1-percent). The Raptors were at the .500 mark with seven wins and seven losses.

From a statistical point of view, Bosh was posting MVP type numbers.

Since then however, Bosh has been very un-MVP like. Toronto has lost six of nine games and during that dip, Bosh has seen his numbers plunge. He is only averaging 19.6-points-per-game and shooting the ball at 46 percent over those nine games.

The Raptors have also lost their coach Sam Mitchell and after a strong start, Toronto once again finds itself in familiar, disappointing territory.