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NBA Loud - by Arnold

All Stars Kobe Bryant - NBA Loud

2008 NBA-All Star Weekend Re-Cap.

February 18th 2008 07:45
Whoa, Nelly! What an exhibition of basketball talent this year’s All-Star Game was – it was a mid-season classic in every sense of the word. The Eastern
Dwight Howard Superman dunk.
Is it a bird? Or a plane? No, it's Super-Dwight! (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
Conference All-Stars pipped their more illustrious Western Conference brethren, 134-128.


Not only were the East, beasts, but they outperformed their opponents in every facet of the game – from the fundamentals to the highlights. It was an experience to savour.

As exciting as the game was – the conclusion was something else, as LeBron James went Scarface on the West. Reminiscent of his destruction of the Detroit Pistons from a season ago, King James literally rose up to the heavens in the final minute and finished with a dunk that was of such viciousness – Hell has frozen over. To cap off his final minute heroics, Bron-Bron added 27 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

James got a lot of help from Boston’s Ray Allen, who was a last minute inclusion to the All-Star proceedings, and didn’t he earn it with a 28 point performance? It was an almost inconceivable injustice that Ray-Ray was originally overlooked for the game when his other gangsta teammates were selected.

With today’s exciting victory, the East went a long way in erasing the pasting they got last season when the West beat them handsomely, 153-132.


Do we need to state the bleeding obvious at who received the game MVP nod? Does it need to be spelled out for the world to see? Well, if you do deem it necessary: Gimme an L-E-B-R-O-N…what does it spell? Tuna? No, LeBron!

Although, today’s game was the jewel in the All-Star Weekend crown, Saturday night was also pretty righteous with the skills, 3-point, and dunk competitions to wet the whistles of NBA fanatics.

Starting off with the skills, Deron Williams of the Utah Jazz was the fastest man around the obstacle course, while Jason Kapono showed everyone that he was the fastest gun in the, er, West? Well, let’s stick with that and move along shall we? Jason Kapono was the silkiest shooter when he tied a 22 year old record by scoring 25 points in the final round of the 3-point contest.

However, it is dunks that you’re all interested in – and this year’s contest didn’t disappoint. Continuing with a mini revival of the dunk contest, this year’s version was no exception in the display of innovation from the competitors. Writing a description on each individual dunk would not do the players justice. So, in summary: Dwight Howard won it all – gaining some justice when he was robbed of the title last year.

Today’s video is of the dunk contest. Enjoy.



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LeBron James is More Clutch than, Kobe? You Better Believe It!

January 31st 2008 12:25
LeBron James game winning shot against the Portland Trail Blazers.
LeBron James beating the Trail Blazers today with this game basket. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)


Er, remember the time back in the day when the clutch abilities of LeBron James was constantly questioned, including this space? Well, if you haven’t checked into the NBA lately, things have most definitely changed towards the direction of the King.

LeBron leads the league in average points scored in the fourth quarter, with the Cleveland Cavaliers being the best come-from-behind team in the league. Yes, there are a number of inappropriate jokes we could have made in the previous sentence – but we’re too classy for the gutter.

In today’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers for instance, the Cavs were constantly on the back-foot and looked to be in danger of dropping a game against a very good opponent.

Then the unthinkable happened. James got riled by a Portland fan and then got postal on his opponents, scoring 17 final quarter points, which was two more then the entire Blazer squad. The cherry on top: Hitting the game winning lay-up, whilst making it looking like a stroll through the park. Most impressive of all, Bron-Bron made Brandon Roy look second rate when he was locking him down in the fourth.

Generally speaking, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers is seen to be the most deadly player with the game on the line, but again, James put paid to that general belief when their teams met last weekend.

Want some hardcore facts to back up our questioning of Kobe’s lack of clutch-ness? During the Cavs 98-95 win, King James dropped 14 in the fourth, with six in the final minute-and-a-half. Not only that, he was going against Bryant, with the Bean looking like the deer in the headlights when the game was to be won. Oh, yeah, in contrast, Kobe missed six of his seven attempts in the quarter where legends are made.

The final play from the Lakers had Bryant handling the ball needing a three – he ended up passing it to Luke Walton, who gave it back to the Bean, and the shot was always going to be weak.

James spent the offseason improving his jumper, and it killed the Blazers in the fourth quarter today when he hit three consecutive 3-point baskets. Not only that, LeBron spends so much time going to the free-throw line, and was shaky last season down the stretch – now, he is money due to his offseason work.

Kobe might still be the most deadly assassin in the league, but there is a new King of clutch.

Today’s video is of one of the best individual performances last season in the playoffs, obviously featuring, LeBron.
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The 2008 NBA All-Star Game Starters Have Been Announced.

January 25th 2008 08:00
The All-Star Game starters have been announced and there was one massive surprise out west – Allen Iverson nabbed one of the starting guard positions! Well, done AI.

Boston Celtics forward, Kevin Garnett led the voting with 2,399,148. KG, participating in his
Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson.
'Melo and AI are two badass ballers for Denver. (Michael Martin/NBAE/Getty Images)
11th straight mid-season classic, will for the first time suit up for the Eastern Conference. Following Garnett in vote numbers is LeBron James, with first time starter Dwight Howard, Nets guard, Jason Kidd and Dwayne Wade rounding off the rest of the leading lights out east.

Wade’s participation in New Orleans follows a trend that has been evident in every All-Star Game: a player who balls for a horrendous team still gets a place as a starter. Miami are having a forgettable season, with the game a respite from the grind of constant humiliation: "It'll be the first enjoyment in a while," Wade said. "Being an All-Star, it's amazing to be there with the other great players around the league. It's a special weekend. Everyone makes you feel so special. It'll be great, and it totally takes your mind off your season." (Mahoney, AP, 2008)

Congratulations must go out to Jason Kidd too who makes his first starting appearance out east since moving to that side of America in 2001. Finally, the fans had recognised the ill skillz the man possesses.

Moving onto the Western Conference, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote getter, with the ever present Yao Ming and Tim Duncan joining the Bean, and of course the aforementioned, Allen Iverson who got the numbers after a late surge in votes, overtaking Tracy McGrady along the way. When the final update was released two weeks ago, Iverson was 80, 000 votes behind T-Mac, and ended up beating the Rockets guard by 10, 410 votes when it was all said and done.

AI will be joined in the starting line-up with fellow Denver Nugget, Carmelo Anthony, who also got the approval of the fans. This marks the first time two players from the Nuggets had been voted by the fans as starters since Alex English and Fat Lever accomplished the feat many moons ago.

Congrats to the All-Star starters. Here are the final numbers.

2008 NBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING TOP 10
OVERALL LEADING VOTE-GETTERS

1. Kevin Garnett, Bos 2,399,148

2. LeBron James, Cle 2,108,831

3. Dwight Howard, Orl 2,066,991

4. Kobe Bryant, LAL 2,004,940

5. Carmelo Anthony, Den 1,723,701

6. Tim Duncan, SA 1,712,800

7. Yao Ming, Hou 1,709,180

8. Dwayne Wade, Mia 1,608,260

9. Dirk Nowitzki, Dal 1,259,025

10. Jason Kidd, NJ 1,246,386

(Source: NBA.com)

Today's video is of Allen Iverson's 2001 All-Star Game MVP Performance.


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Happy Festivus from NBALOUD! Also, Kobe Bryant Makes History.

December 24th 2007 06:05
Kobe Bryant once again hogged the NBA spotlight, but thankfully it was for something positive. The Bean scored 39 points today as his Lakers laid another beating on the crap Knicks, 95-90.

The 39 that Bryant dropped was historical because he became the youngest player ever to reach the 20, 000 point total for his career. To make his night even sweeter he added 11
Kobe Bryant reverse layup.
Kobe Bryant making history in style. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
rebounds and eight assists, all the while doing it in Madison Square Garden – the spiritual home of basketball.

What cannot be doubted once again, as if anyone dared to for starters, is that Kobe’s flair for the dramatic is unsurpassed in pro-hoops. From having animated conversations to Spike Lee and Chris Rock, along with the post-game press conference, showing off his daughters, Bryant loves to be the centre of attention.

"I always like playing here, period," Bryant said. "Last year I didn't have an opportunity to play and I was upset about it. This is my favourite arena to play in so I'm just happy and relieved that I was able to play tonight." (Mahoney, AP, 2007)

In reaching the 20, 000 point mark, Kobe pipped Wilt Chamberlain at 29 years, 134 days, and Michael Jordan at 29 years, 326 days, becoming the third player to reach the milestone before the age of 30. For the record, Kobe scored the historic points at 29 years, 122 days. Huzzah!

Los Angeles have had a handy road trip as well, going 3-1 with today’s win and returning home in good spirits.

New York on the other hand played ugly basketball, with the scoreline flattering the hopeless Knicks. The team representing Gotham was without Stephon Marbury for the second straight game, and they stunk. The lowest ebb for the Knicks was during the second quarter when they managed the quite unbelievable distinction of making no assists. That is no one helping out with the scoring effort! Ouch.

It got real ugly though when New York’s Quentin Richardson threw the ball over the head of a wide open, Jamal Crawford earning the wrath of the judgemental Knicks crowd. That should have been at least ONE assist for the quarter, but no.

Anyway, enough about the Knicks, because the real story is Bryant and his wonderful efforts. All hail the Bean!

Finally, we here at NBALOUD like to wish all our wonderful readers a Happy Festivus!

Today’s video is of Baron Davis discussing what he wants for Christmas.


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Reasons Why Kobe Bryant is Still with the Lakers.

November 10th 2007 00:20
At the end of the second week of a new NBA season, one big question still remains: Why is Kobe Bryant still with the Los Angeles Lakers? Well, there are a myriad of reasons as to why the Bean is still in the Lake Show, and, you, my ever so inquisitive reader will get some of the answers to that probing question.

It is quite perplexing to realise that the so-called ‘best player in the league’ still can’t find a solid suitor outside of Chi-Town, but with some deeper digging, we can give some explanation as to why that is the case.

Let’s begin with our analysis of Kobe being the best player in the league. Yes, his skill set is remarkable, showing absolutely no signs of weakness in his game. From defence, passing, and of course, scoring, the man is a basketball machine. No, one catches fire like, Kobe, and if he is intent on having a big night, look out.

However, Bryant isn’t a very efficient basketball player in the sense when we combine his stats, with say, the percentage of baskets made a night in comparison to the amount of shots taken.

Not convinced? How about Chad Ford’s argument as to why, Kobe may not be the best. Of course this question has been getting a lot of mileage lately in the NBA universe, with ESPN.com writer, Ford, eloquently stating his case as to why the Bean isn’t the greatest by
Kobe Bryant layup.
Number 24 wants to replace number 23 as the greatest. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
comparing him to, Dirk Nowitzki, especially in the case of postseason performance.

“How does Bryant's postseason prowess compare to Nowitzki's? In the playoffs, Dirk has more points per game, more rebounds per game, more blocked shots per game, a higher field-goal percentage, a higher 3-point field-goal percentage and a higher free-throw percentage. In the past three seasons, Nowitzki has led his team to the NBA Finals, while Bryant hasn't won a single playoff series.” (Ford, ESPN.com, 2007)

Ouch. That has got to hurt some of the Kobe fans out there.

The other question that surrounds discussion of trading for Kobe is this: Does Bryant actually win? Well, yes, the man has three championship rings to show, but wasn’t this with Shaquille O’Neal? Yes, would be the short answer.

Here is the more longwinded one.

For a sobering analysis in regards to the question of Kobe as a winner, consider this – Bryant hasn’t won a playoff series since Shaq left the bright lights of Hollywood! Also, in case you have forgotten, the Daddy has collected another championship ring since he changed Robins.

Look, there is no doubting, Kobe’s desire to win. His will to overcome is probably without peer, but he wants to do it on his own terms – all the shots, accolades, numbers, it has always been about, Kobe. He criticises teammates far too easily and actually has Phil Jackson on the sidelines!

Let’s also not forget that he chased, Shaq out of town on the belief that he could win titles on his own. O’Neal may have been once the most dominating player ever, and if, Kobe really cared about winning at all costs, he would have tried to keep the tandem going.

Finally, straight cash, homey! Kobe’s contract is huge and to make an actual deal would potentially involve a number of players for Bryant. It is also more difficult to trade during the season when league rules mandate a specific number of players on an NBA roster.

Kobe is set to make around $19 million this season alone, which league rules requiring that any trades fall within a certain percentile, in this case 25%. This would mean that potential suitors would have to give up around $15 million of talent. Furthermore, the Lakers have shown that they want young players as well, which doesn’t make things easier when you consider, Kobe’s age and the mileage on his motor.

Well, there you have it. Reasons why the best player in the league hasn’t found a happy home yet.

Today's video is of yesterday's G-State Warriors/Dallas Mavericks game where Baron Davis makes a play that has to be seen to be believed!



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Bulls and Lakers Attempt to Reach a Deal For Kobe.

October 29th 2007 10:00
There are many things that could be said about Kobe Bryant, what isn’t in dispute is the fact that he knows how to create drama. Anyone who doesn’t think that the Bean should be in Hollywood should, stop, and take notice to the soap opera that surrounds the world of Kobe. No, one does suspenseful drama like, Bryant.

Los Angeles and Kobe still want to part ways, with the most serious suitor this moment being the Chicago Bulls. In fact, rumour has it that the two franchises have been doing a merry dance for awhile now in trying to hammer out a workable deal.

Talks have been happening on a daily basis but Kobe’s unique ‘no trade clause’ is throwing a spanner in the works. Basically, the Bean can void any trade that doesn’t meet his satisfaction and guess what? He is the only player in the NBA that has such a clause!

The Lakers are asking for a package which includes Bulls young guns, Luol Deng, Ben
Kobe Bryant reverse lay-up.
Kobe Bryant is always spectacular. (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Gordon, Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah. For the uninitiated, that is a lot of talent for one player, even if Kobe is the best player in the NBA. Naturally, the Bulls are balking at such a deal, whilst Bryant wouldn’t want to go to a team that has been gutted in such a manner – he may as well stay in La-La Land if that was the case.

Making things even more complicated is the Laker front office seems to have been split into two factions: one that wants to keep Kobe, whilst the other wanting to give Bryant the shaft.

Coach Phil Jackson amidst all of this chaos is questioning the commitment of his star player. “Obviously he hasn't thrown his heart and soul into performing on the floor," Jackson told reporters after practice Saturday. "That hurts me a little bit. … He was going to work at this thing and [would] put his full being into this. Right now, he's having a hard time doing that.” (ESPN.com, 2007)

So, what is Bryant’s response to Moonbeam’s comments? Displaying both the arrogance, and unbelievable ability to harness his skills no matter what the circumstance that has made him both loved and loathed in equal measure, Kobe said the following: “That [should be] the least of his concerns or anybody's concerns…You don't have to worry about that. … I'm ready to play. Period. You don't have to worry about me.” (ESPN.com, 2007)

Kobe is definitely correct in that assessment – you don’t have to worry about him bringing his ‘A’ game every night.

Watch this space for more on the Kobe saga.

Today’s video is of the Bean’s top 10 career dunks. Nasty.



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The Lakers are Willing to Trade Kobe Bryant.

October 13th 2007 02:10
Has the world gone topsy-turvy? The owner for the Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry Buss has now conceded that he’d listen to trade offers involving Kobe Bryant. To say this is a mild shock is an understatement, because Buss got rid of Shaquille O’Neal to keep Kobe.

Now, everything that we have considered normal until now has been thrown off kilter, up is now down. We better start getting used to walking backwards and living by night because Jerry Buss uttering trade sentiments in regards to Kobe was, once, unimaginable.

Let’s get some perspective at how much love Kobe had from Buss and the Lakers. Not only did he trade Shaq to appease the Bean, but he also shipped off coach Phil Jackson, too to appease Bryant! Want to know the reason why Moonbeam Jackson is back? Kobe, duh!

Upon hearing that Buss was willing to part with Kobe, even Shaq was shocked: “I guess it's business before loyalty. But, wow. He said that?” (AP, 2007) If the Big Aristotle was surprised, we should be all looking like ‘The Scream’ by Edvard Munch.

In a conversation with three Los Angeles journalists, Buss for the first time addressed the issue of the Bryant trade demands personally, stating that he would listen to any reasonable offers.

"At any time, I think you have to do that with anybody," Buss said, discussing Bryant publicly
Kobe Bryant
Can't imagine Kobe in another uniform? You might have to soon. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
for the first time since the often-frustrated Lakers' star asked to be traded at the end of last season. "It's just part of the game, to listen to somebody who has a dissatisfied player that you think is going to fit.

"You can't keep too many loyalties. You've got to look at it as a business. He looks at it the same way I look at it." (AP, 2007)

Again, let us reiterate how much Buss was willing to keep Kobe as a lifelong Laker. He told the most dominant player, ever in NBA history to pack his bags! During, Kobe’s last contract negotiations he expressed nothing but love for the player and his desire to see him finish off his career in Hollywood!

This is unprecedented people.

The final straw that broke the camels back for Buss is arguably during his recruitment of Kevin Garnett. KG flat out said he didn’t want to play for the Lakers due to their front office issues.

Is it any surprise that all summer long, Bryant has been whining about the Laker front office? Superstar ballers talk, and the damage being done to the Laker brand was perhaps too much for Buss.

Or, another reason for Buss’ change of heart was due in part to an audio tape surfacing where the Bean referred to his boss as “idiot”. (Plashcke, latimes.com, 2007)

Finally, Buss probably has come to the realisation of how poisonous a disgruntled superstar could be for a team, even one as great as Kobe. Buss has been the lone holdout because he knew that Bryant put asses on seat. It didn’t matter that the Lakers weren’t winning titles because Kobe was the most exciting player in the game.

For so long the Laker faithful have shown nothing but love: Shaq, rape accusations, contract renegotiations, through it all, Los Angeles fans still adored Kobe.

Now, there is no more love, but “business”.

Today’s video is of the greatest plays from the last season. Enjoy.



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Is Team USA 2007 Better than the Original Dream Team?

September 11th 2007 04:30
The 1992 version of Team USA featuring the names of Michael
Dream Team 2007.
Get ready to hear chants of U-S-A ring out in China in 2008. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley and Scottie Pippen is widely regarded as the greatest collection of basketball talent in one squad. Hell, they’re the benchmark that every American team has been measured up against since, with each subsequent unit falling either just short, or miserably short in regards to the standard the ‘92 team set.

Team USA reached a nadir in the last Olympics when coach Larry Brown treated his team with disdain, believing he was the most important component, whilst letting the woefully under-prepared players be run by Stephon Marbury of all people. It was a team that couldn’t shoot, or had any sense of basketball acumen in regards to international basketball. So, not surprisingly they got their millionaire asses handed on a platter.

Well, the 2002 World Championship version of Team USA was pretty awful too with the team finishing sixth, behind New Zealand!

Anyway, the point is that the American national team, which used to be the most feared basketball squad on the planet, could no longer win by reputation alone. They had to step up and play international ball.

This brings us to the current USA squad, which has some semblance of consistency because each player in the team had to make a three year commitment to the national cause. Not only that, the present incarnation of Team USA has some rhyme and reason as to their make-up. Players such as Michael Redd who can spread the court with his accurate shooting, or Carmelo Anthony who has proven to be a beast for international play are planned parts all working to a grand goal.

It is however, Jason Kidd and Kobe Bryant who are the undisputed leaders of the team, while also being the hardest workers. Kidd and the Bean set the standard, and everyone else has followed suit.

The result? Team USA thumping all-comers in the Olympic qualifying tournament recently, which has led to basketball watchers stating that this team may be even better than the original Dream Team!

Whoa, Nelly! Huge call there and this writer can hear all readers choking on their lunch with that statement.

Now, hear me out as to why the current Team USA has the potential to be better than the 1992 team.

On a purely athletic measure this team has probably got it all over the original Dream Team. Yes, His Airness, David Robinson, Clyde ‘the Glide’ Drexler and Pip were wonderful sportsmen, but LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade just to name a
Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.
Give me some shades because the star power in this photo is blinding me! (Leifer/NBAE via Getty Images)
few, conjure up frightening images for international coaches. Not only are they big and strong, but can more than hold their own on the perimeter against much smaller players.

Don’t believe me? Ask, Rod Thorn, general manager of the New Jersey Nets and was the committee member for the 1992 team: “Athletically, I don't know that we've had a team more athletic than this team. That team had some of the icons in the history of basketball on it, so you know, it's tough to compare until this team goes on in Beijing.” (Sheridan, ESPN.com, 2007)

This current U.S. team is also much younger than their Dream Team brethren, and with the exception of Jason Kidd, are either in the beginning or middle of their basketball careers with the potential to really become icons.

Perhaps the only area this current team is lacking would be down the middle with Patrick Ewing and David Robinson really enforcing things down low in ’92.

Anyway, the only true measure of how good this team really is will come next year in Beijing. Argentina and Brazil were nowhere near as strong as they should be in 2008, while the USA hasn’t even played any of the European superpowers yet.

But take note that there is another Dream Team looming on the basketball horizon.

Today’s video is a highlight clip of the ’92 Team USA squad. Admire the basketball brilliance. Unfortunately no image of Charles Barkley elbowing skinny Angolan players on this highlight reel.
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Kobe Bryant and Team USA Bang a Bunch of Virgins.

August 24th 2007 12:32
Happy Birthday Kobe Bryant! The Laker superstar and USA virgin funnily enough helped beat the team from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Also, this will probably be one of the few times that the words, ‘Kobe Bryant’ and ‘virgin’ would apply in the same sentence.

Celebrating his 29th birthday in style, Kobe, and Team USA annihilated the Virgin Island team, 123-59. This wasn’t so much as a basketball game but rather a virginal sacrifice. In fact just on the result alone we can assume that the USA appeased their gods by doing away with some virgins from a whole island, no less.

Michael Redd was the man, with the plan, today for the U.S. when he came on court after Bryant got into foul trouble. Replacing ‘the Bean’ early in the first quarter, Reddman hit a flurry of 3-point baskets that pretty much killed off any hopes that a whole bunch of virgins would slay some basketball super-studs.

When Michael came on, it was Redd alert time, with the Reddman scoring a very quick fire 13 points. It was all over, Redd rover in the first quarter!

Carmelo Anthony also crashed the Bean’s birthday scoring 22 points, while once again proving his international credentials. In fact, ‘Melo has been the most reliable player for Team America and once again displayed his wares.

Bryant became a captain obvious when he uttered the following statement in regards to his
Kobe Bryant dunk for Team USA.
Kobe Bryant had his cake and ate it too for his 29th birthday. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
team: “We have so many weapons, we have so many threats, and it just makes our job that much easier," Bryant said. "You just have to come in and plug in the holes when you're called upon, step in and do your job.” (AP, 2007)

Yes, when the U.S. plays a bunch of minnows from a cluster of islands, the result wouldn’t be too glorious for the underdogs. In fact we can say that this game was about as memorable as your first time doing ‘it’. The virgin would remember it, but wouldn’t necessarily enjoy it, which is the emotion the Virgin Island players were probably feeling.

Tim Duncan is also from the Virgin Islands, but unfortunately for all involved in today’s game, is ineligible to play for them because he has represented the USA before. This is a major bummer because how cool would it have been to see Timmy play in this match? We probably would have seen the first quadruple team defence ever employed internationally!

This game was nothing more than a giggle fest, with the experienced men from Team USA taking full advantage of a bunch of virgins.

Today’s video is of Team USA’s first game against Venezuela. This was also a beat down, but plenty of highlights though.
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Posted By: Stanley - Category: All Stars, Kobe Bryant
   


Kobe Bryant has Another Electricfying 50 Point Scoring Night.

March 24th 2007 13:45
This is Kobe’s world, the rest of us are just living in it. Bryant did it again by scoring at least 50 points for the fourth consecutive game joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only two players in NBA history to accomplish such a milestone. Kobe scored an even 50 against the Hornets who lost to the Lakers, 111-105.

Most importantly during Kobe’s ultra-hot streak the Lakers have won all those games and it has been an exhilarating ride for NBA fans the world over watching Bryant do his thing.

The primary motivation for Kobe’s big numbers of late was talk surrounding his thuggery rather than his balling. After serving a one game suspension for his ‘crazy’ elbows that popped an opponent in the face Kobe has gone buck wild and that he was offended that the suspensions were what critics focused on when talking about Bryant; “For me, that was insulting. To have people talking about something else is a much better thing.” (Sheridan,
Kobe Bryant pointing.
Yes, Kobe you are the man of the moment. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
ESPN.com)

Let’s not forget the other Lakers who have been feeding him the balls and setting the screens that have freed Kobe up to shoot the daylights out, but the man also should take plenty of credit as well. Anyone, who has seen highlights of Kobe’s game during this purple patch would have seen a player possessed, hitting off balanced shots, tough fadeaway baskets all the while being hounded by the opposing team.

In today’s game against New Orleans even the crowd tried to rattle him off his game by being a constant nuisance every time he stepped on the free throw line – the result? Try a perfect 16-for-16 from the charity line.

Think Kobe has been jacking up way too many shots as well during this four game stretch? You’d be wrong in that assumption, my dear, yet cynical reader – Bryant has been hitting better than half his field goal and 3-point attempts, whilst shooting an outlandish 93% from the free throw line. There is nothing he can’t do offensively right now.

Naturally, in Kobe’s recent history setting performances talk abounds about other possible scoring milestones that Bryant could break including Wilt Chamberlain’s mythical 10, 000 women bedded by one NBA player. Oops, my bad, the other mythical number of 100 points in a game.

It’s a given that the majority of athletic records set are made to be broken but 100 points in an NBA contest is as close to an untouchable sporting achievement as you can get. Back in the day when Wilt was doing his thing on and off the basketball court there were more shot attempts available, while the defences were nowhere near as effective as they are today. Both Kobe and Lakers coach Phil Jackson have acknowledged as much.

One thing though is for certain – all eyes are now firmly fixed on the player wearing the number 24 for the Lakers.

You don’t have to be Nostradamus to predict that today’s clip is another one of Kobe Bryant. This video is a highlights package of Bryant’s 65, 50 and 60 point scoring nights. Enjoy.


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Kobe Bryant Makes History with Another Massive Scoring Night.

March 23rd 2007 12:50
Kobe Bryant dunk.
(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)


There are other news stories and games that transpired in the NBA today, but nothing in the NBA-sphere comes remotely close to the biggest news item in the ‘L’ at this moment – Kobe Bryant.

For the third straight game Bryant scored at least 50 points becoming the fourth player in NBA history to achieve such a feat. Kobe joins fellow Laker legends Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain to score at least 50 in three consecutive games. The fourth player? Michael Jordan.

“It just feels great," Bryant said of joining Baylor, Jordan and Chamberlain. "Growing up I idolized all of them, from Wilt, to M.J. to Elgin. It's a tremendous honour to be in that same class with those guys and in the history books.”(AP, 2007)

Kobe’s electric scoring night marked the fourth time in his career that he scored at least 60 tying MJ for second on the list of players who have scored at least 60 in a game. Wilt
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is unstoppable. (AP Photo/Alan Spearman)
Chamberlain holds the record with 32 games scoring 60 or more.

The latest victims of the Kobe juggernaut were the Memphis Grizzlies who got torched by Bryant and put on the grill for some tasty eating. Sorry, readers for the Hannibal the Cannibal imagery. However, we digress because perhaps most importantly the Lakers beat the Grizz, 121-119.

In the three game stretch were Kobe has gone bananas the Lakers have not lost since their seven game slide before Bryant had enough and took over; “It's special because it's coming off three straight wins," Bryant said. "This is a stretch where we really need to make up some ground.” (AP, 2007)

Bryant wasn’t forcing the issue but Memphis was helpless in trying to stop Kobe from scoring his points. The man cannot be contained during this moment in his career because he is a superfreak. After the first half Kobe had 24 points and 43 by the third quarter – need anymore proof that the man is on fire?

Fuelling the flame of Kobe’s outburst in the last three games has been the massive backlash Bryant has been getting from journalists and the public in regards to the perceived dirty tactics that he employs in games and the more recent development of being chastised in his communication with Kevin Durant.

Kobe is pissed and it shows.

Furthermore, Bryant was mad at his team for falling behind in the playoff race and a man that is as competitive as Kobe this was more than he can bare. Carrying his team on his shoulders Bryant has been as phenomenal as any player in history right now.

NBALOUD is just going to sit back and enjoy this show regardless of the feelings people might have for Kobe. One thing is for certain – you can’t ignore the man right now.

Today’s video is of course of Kobe Bryant which sums up the man quite appropriately. Check it out.


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