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NBA Loud - by Travis

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 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 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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Like a good barbequed meat, we should wait for it to marinate before passing judgement on the taste. The Chicago Bulls who have been the most disappointing team this season, suspended rookie, Joakim Noah for his apparent insubordination towards Bulls assistant coach, Ron Adams. Initially this story seemed straightforward: rookie messes up. Gets canned. However, just like the marinade, wait for it to settle before the final verdict.
Joakim Noah dunk.
Joakim Noah directs his intensity towards the hoop. (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)


In scenes that mirrored the New York Knicks locker a couple months ago where the players unanimously voted to suspend Stephon Marbury due to quitting on the team, Chicago’s players also did the same, voting to ditch Noah for two games. Ben Wallace was the instigator of the proceedings and his teammates suitably backed the big fella.

Writers and bloggers were up in arms about the insolence shown by a first year player who dared to disrespect a senior authority. Tales started being spun of an immature brat, whose fiery competitiveness is both a blessing and a curse.

Then, the facts slowly started to emerge.

Yes, Noah confronted Adams in a testy exchange, but the rookie was peeved that some of his veteran teammates were quitting on the season. During Michael Jordan’s reign in Chi-Town, punking out of a contest amounted to high treason, punishable by death. MJ would have glassed the player(s) in question.

Now, quitting is seen as a characteristic of valour.

What irked, Noah, in their blowout loss to Orlando yesterday was the sight of players on the bench, led by Ben Wallace, laughing and yukking it up while the team stunk up Disney World. Joakim, according to witnesses, confronted Big Ben (brave man) and told him what he really thought of his efforts. It got so heated that Luol Deng had to come between the two to separate the basketball gladiators.

Ben Wallace has lost a step or two on the basketball court and isn’t nearly as imposing as he once was. What is surprising though is the apathetic attitude of the man in recent times. The intensity he displayed when he played for the Detroit Pistons would make Batman wet his underwear. Nowadays, he just undermines coaches he doesn’t like.

In a somewhat happy ending though, Chicago slaughtered the equally hapless Miami Heat today.

Today’s video is of the police video when LeBron James was stopped for speeding.


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No, LeBron James wasn’t driving a bus loaded with a bomb. He was just ‘cruising’ in his Mercedes. Well, if you consider driving 101mph (163 km) a leisurely Sunday drive.

The cherry on top for King James, personalised plates “King of AK”, by the way, was that he
LeBron James driving.
LeBron James does some legal driving. (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
was busted on his 23rd birthday. Ohio state police stopped Bron-Bron at 2.43 am, with the officer who pulled James over saying that he was polite and courteous.

James’ lawyer filed a not guilty plea in the municipal court with a scheduled hearing on February 11. If found to have broken the law, LeBron will face a $US150 fine. Ouch. That has got to hurt a guy who signed a $US100 million contract with a ubiquitous shoe company as an 18 year old.

To put LeBron’s actions in perspective 300, 000 people were busted for speeding last year in Ohio, with just 1400 going over 160 mph. Even more sobering was that former Cavs player Bobby Phillis was killed whilst travelling 160km per hour in his Porsche in 2000. So, he shouldn’t believe that he is bullet proof. Kings have been killed in the past.

In other NBA news, Andrew Bynum, the burgeoning Los Angeles Laker star is out of action for two months with a knee injury after landing on teammate, Lamar Odom’s foot, going for a rebound over the weekend.

Bynum’s injury is a huge blow for the Lake Show because his stellar play has helped the team become a Western Conference powerhouse.

The injury suffered by Bynum comes at a time when the Lakers are heading into a very tough schedule, facing some stiff competition.

Although, the injury looked serious initially, it could have been much worse. After MRI tests and an examination, Bynum had temporarily dislocated his knee cap. L.A. will be without Andrew for approximately two months, recovering in time for the Lakers playoff run.

With Bynum missing, Kobe Bryant will take a much larger role. Expect more highlights from the star Laker. For anyone who may have forgotten how talented Kobe is. Check out his top 10 highlights from 2007.


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LeBron James, Jay-Z and Beyonce celebrate LeBron's 23rd birthday.
Shades are needed to look at this picture because of all the star power on display. (Image from stereohyped.com)


So, how does arguably the most famous current basketball player on the planet celebrate his 23rd birthday? Well, if your name is LeBron James, you’d celebrate at the new 40/40 club of arguably the most famous hip-hop artist in the world, Jay-Z. In a star studded affair, the King had a basketball bash fit for the air apparent. Ah, the joys of celebrity hobnobbing.

Now, that we have covered the more vapid aspects of basketball, how about some on-court news? The New Jersey Nets are currently in a deep funk and it’s not the type of funk associated with Dr. J. More directly, the Nets just plain suck. Call in Tony Soprano to throw his metaphoric weight around because his home team is swimming with the fishes.

Jersey fans are naturally getting restless and are demanding any type of action to alleviate the pain for the Nets. The Jersey faithful want a miracle that bought in Vince Carter, or the lopsided trade that had Jason Kidd wearing their colours.

Kidd, the brightest star for the Nets, has regularly been touted as potential trade bait with the latest murmurings suggesting that Allen Iverson’s name had been thrown into the mix. A league source that has been privy to the discussions dropped the bombshell.

However, New Jersey apparently weren’t interested in that trade scenario.

Rod Thorn, the president of the Nets wants a star calibre player in return for Kidd, and desires a big man that could play with the star point guard. Pau Gasol had been in the Nets crosshairs but the Memphis Grizzlies aren’t interested in veterans.

We’ll finish today’s posting with the biggest news of all – Michael Jordan has made a basketball comeback with the Charlotte Bobcats – of sorts. His Airness who holds a front office position with the Cats joined in a practice scrimmage recently, with his players acting like star struck kids rather than multi-millionaire, professional ballers.

Players were giddy with joy that they got to play with, or against, MJ with Jason Richardson saying that it was such a pleasure to stop the man: “I will take that for a long time, blocking the shot of one of the greatest players ever…” (Olivieri, PA Sports Ticker, 2008)

The Cats used Jordan’s presence as inspiration with Nazr Mohammed basically summing up the general consensus of all Charlotte players. “You're talking about the greatest player to touch a basketball…So, it's always great to get a chance to see the things he does and the way he approaches the game.” (Olivieri, PA Sports Ticker, 2008)

Sadly, for the Cats His Airness can’t suit up for them on a regular basis.

Today’s video is of the top 10 facial dunks of 2007. Enjoy.



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NBA Wars II: Revenge of the Suns.

December 18th 2007 13:19
Anyone versed in last season’s playoffs would remember when Robert Horry of the San Antonio Spurs, floored two-time MVP, Steve Nash with a cheap shot. It turned out to be a pivotal moment, arguably costing the Suns a playoff victory against their arch-nemesis. Phoenix had to return to San Antonio one day – today was the day.

The Suns got their revenge somewhat with a 100-95 win over their rivals, resulting in the Spurs first home loss of the season. There wasn’t nearly as much drama as there was last time they played in San Antonio, but the Suns can feel good about beating their opponents at
Mike Dunleavy.
Mike Dunleavy was hot, hot, hot. (Photo by Victor Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
home, while overcoming a massive scoring night from Tim Duncan who dropped 36.

"I thought it was a good win for us. We scrapped it out. It wasn't pretty for us in stretches. But we did the job," said Phoenix point guard Steve Nash. "Tonight the effort was there. Somehow we found a way to win over those guys." (White, AP, 2007)

Phoenix can take some satisfaction from this game, but you can bet your bottom dollar that they’d do anything to re-live that moment when Stevie Wonder was maimed on the open court.

Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic may be a hot MVP favourite this season, but when matched up against the best player from last season, Dirk Nowitzki, the big German had it all over the young whipper snapper. The Mavericks outlasted the Magic 111-108 with Dirk Diggler scoring 31 to Dwight’s 22.

It was a game of contrasting fortunes for the biggest, and most talented men on the court, with Howard starting off hot, then cooling significantly after the first quarter, while Nowitzki was non-existent at the beginning, but finished strong, scoring 11 of his 31 in the fourth quarter.

Today’s most exciting game was between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks which went to double-overtime. The Cavs have been on a massive losing streak of late, losing eight of their last nine outings. So, they needed a win in a big way.

Who else would come to the rescue of Cleveland but LeBron James. The King was big time, scoring 31, but he got a little help from Zydrunas Ilgauskas who scored the first six points in the second overtime period. Props to the Big Z.

Performance of the Day.


Mike Dunleavy has had a career resurgence after being traded to the Indiana Pacers, and his new badass identity came to the fore today against the New York Knicks. We’ve exhausted the English language in describing how bad Gotham City’s team is, so we won’t bother anymore.

As you may have guessed, oh, wonderful, reader, New York lost to Indiana, 119-92. Well the final scoreline suggests it was a massacre really, with Dunleavy leading the way.

Indiana’s star player today tore the hearts out of the Knicks, scoring 22 points in a pivotal third quarter. New York once again displayed their basketball ineptitude.

Following the coverage of our lead game, here is Robert Horry’s hit once again on Steve Nash from last season’s playoffs.



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The New York Knicks beat a Jason Kidd-less, New Jersey Nets outfit today, which is the first of many surprises. Of course the New York Knicks winning an actual contest is always major news, but the biggest story coming out of this game was the missing superstar point guard for the Nets.

Kidd purportedly was absent from the game due to a ‘migraine’. However, franchise sources in and out of the organisation are suggesting that Jason is in fact angling for a trade. According to Yahoo! Sports, Kidd’s intention of missing today’s contest was always going to happen, and didn’t actually inform Nets officials until the afternoon of the game against the Knicks after the negative events of the past few weeks.

One New Jersey official stated that Kidd’s ‘migraine’ was a tad bit suspicious, and that he
LeBron James and Jason Kidd
Basketball orgasm will occur if these two get together. (REUTERS/Aaron Josefczyk)
was actually sitting out in protest. (Wojnarowski, Yahoo!, 2007)

Adding to the intrigue is that Kidd and LeBron James had become tight during the previous summer when they both represented the U-S-of-A in Olympic qualifying, and that he is working towards a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"They've been communicating about the (trade) options that could get them together in Cleveland," one Eastern Conference official said. (Wojnarowski, Yahoo!, 2007)

Make no mistake, Kidd is a winner and has bought respectability to one of the most horrific franchises in recent NBA history. Before, Jason came to the Sopranoland, the only successes the Nets were experiencing were faltering to greater depths of futility. What happened when the Californian Kidd came to town? Championship runs and postseason action.

Jason’s act of defiance corresponds to the fact that his time and chance for a championship is extremely limited at the age of 34. Also, he feels that New Jersey no longer is intent on developing a winning franchise, or surrounding him with the talent that would enable a title run. Even if Richard Jefferson is playing out of his skin.

The one constant with Jason’s time in Jersey is that the man plays hurt – cracked ribs and a bad back weren’t obstacles for him to perform at an intensely high level. However, two factors have contributed to Kidd’s unhappiness, besides the aforementioned reasons that is: 1) New Jersey has so far refused to grant Jason a contract extension and 2) he is increasingly irritated by the dedication of his fellow Nets to the cause by not playing through injuries, most notably Vince Carter.

Player’s in the NBA always make trade demands, and a lot of times they deserve to stay put in their crappy situations, but Jason Kidd deserves his title shot. There rarely have been players that are as selfless as the electrifying point guard for the Nets. Also, who wouldn’t want the chance to see both King James and the Cali Kidd do their thing?

Enjoy the clip of the top 10 plays from today’s games. And, no, none of these plays is going to feature Jason Kidd you smartass readers.



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LeBron James.
LeBron James is so good. That watching him play is like being on an acid trip. (AFP/Getty Images/File/Jed Jacobsohn)


Pity the Chicago Bulls. Once a thriving franchise with the future ahead of them, they are now yesterday’s news. Ironically, the Kobe Bryant trade rumours that have become a poisoned chalice for the Bulls, has resulted in the Lakers playing better basketball. So, it is of no surprise that the Bean hasn’t been talking about leaving L.A. since the season has started!

The Bulls travelled to Toronto and faced the Raptors, and promptly lost another game, 93-78. At least Chicago can take solace in the fact that they weren’t out of this contest till relatively late into the proceedings. Unfortunately, ‘moral victories’ don’t count. Just ask, Kirk Hinrich: “There's no fun in moral victories,” said Captain Kirk. “I feel like we played better but we lost the game and we struggled down the stretch again.” (AP, 2007)

Chris Bosh was the main pain inflictor for the Raptors with 16 points and 13 rebounds, and was ably assisted by rookie teammate, Jamario Moon (coolest name, ever!) who scored a further 15 points, nine rebounds, six blocks and three steals. Talk about stuffing the stat sheet!

The pre-season anointment of Kevin Durant as the rookie of the year has become a bit premature as the young gun for the Seattle Sonics finds it a tough haul playing pro-ball. Hey that rhymes! Give me a rap deal!

Seattle has matched their worst start ever, while also recording new lows for futility at home as well. Basically, what we’re saying is that the Sonics suck right now. It didn’t help matters that the San Antonio Spurs came rolling into town as well, beating the Sonics, 116-101.
Carlos Boozer.
Don't mess with The Booze. He could really mess you up. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)


Spur’s super-trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili were once again the barometer for sustained excellence. What a yawn! They have been so excellent that they should receive an award from Springfield for being so excellent. ‘Excellent’!

Carlos Boozer was so close to receiving the nod for the performance of the day that it wasn’t funny! In fact, Carlos would have got NBALOUD’s prestigious award if it wasn’t for the performance of another individual known as the King. No, it isn’t Elvis.

Anyway, Utah pipped the Detroit Pistons 103-93, with the Booze notching up 36 points and 11 rebounds. Deron Williams for the Jazz wasn’t too shabby as well with 21 points and 14 assists.

Close, Carlos, but no cigar. Unlike Monica Lewinsky!

Performance of the Day.

So, who was the super stud for the day? Why, it’s none other than LeBron James! Elvis, who is the league’s leading scorer had 30 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. For all of you counting out there, that is most certainly a triple-double.

Luckily for Cleveland, James was on fire because they almost had cream pie covering their faces. Why? Because the Cavs were laying a beat down on their opponents the Indiana Pacers, and the Cleveland crew decided to disrespect their adversaries by laughing and mocking them.

Needless, to say the Pacers made a run, but LeBron strapped on his Superman cape and went to work, recording his fourth triple-double of the season, whilst helping his team overcome Indy, 111-106.

Well done, Bron-Bron.

Today’s video is of the insane Ray Allen winner for Boston yesterday. The Celtics are the HOT team right now and this clip demonstrates why.


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Will the real LeBron James please stand up? Oh, there you are. After
LeBron James
King James is all heart. (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
a less than stellar opening game, when Bron-Bron only scored 10 points in their loss to Dallas, King James re-aligned the planets with an out of this world performance against the New York Knicks. James scored 45 points as the Cavs held off the Knicks, 110-106.

New York actually played a really good game, with Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph having big time performances for the Knickerbockers. Unfortunately, the guy on the other team wearing number 23 conjured up images of another player from the past that wore the same digits on his back.

"He was as good as that other No. 23 I played against," Isiah Thomas said. "He was exceptional. He wasn't going to let his team lose." (Withers, AP, 2007)

LeBron may have been king, but his fellow Cav, Daniel Gibson was no pauper, as the young one continued his NBA development by hitting four 3-point baskets to also nail the Knicks – not in the good way either for New York.

You know what though? New York was LeBron’s town today.

King James recovered from a horrendous opening game performance, sadly, the same could not be said about Shaquille O’Neal. The daddy again was showing his age in the Miami Heat’s loss to the Indiana Pacers, 87-85.

The vastly underrated and underappreciated, Danny Granger for the Pacers was superb for Indiana scoring 25 points, and grabbing nine boards. Dan the man was also an efficient, 10-for-13 from the field.

Granger, got help from his fellow teammates though, with Ike Diogu hitting 16 and Mike Dunleavy adding another 15.

However, it was another worrisome performance from Shaq that is the big news story from this contest. In only 28 minutes of play after fouling out, Diesel only had eight points, seven rebounds and six turnovers. Yikes!

People that have doubted Shaq in the past got their just desserts, but his early season performances have been anything but stellar. Yes, he does have a history of not being a fast starter, but there is something disconcerting about his play so far.

Now, let’s move onto some real shocking results, with both the Los Angles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers, recording impressive victories over their more celebrated opponents.

Beginning with the Lake Show, who came into Phoenix and absolutely destroyed the Suns, 119-98. This game wasn’t even close. L.A. pretty much dominated from the outset, even without Kobe Bryant being the man!

The Lakers played beautiful team basketball. Yes, you aren’t hearing things. Los Angeles actually played well as a unit, with all parts humming together in perfect harmony. They moved the ball with efficiency and purpose, defended well, whilst hitting the necessary baskets to break the spirits of the Suns.

Phoenix on the other hand looked terrible. Amare Stoudemire was a non-factor, whilst the ever reliable Steve Nash and Shawn Marion were the only two Suns players that offered any resistance. The Lakers dominated with the Bean only hitting 16! One last thing: I’m a poet and I don’t even know it!

Kevin Garnett blocking Gilbert Arenas' shot.
Gilbert Arenas gets pwned by Kevin Garnett! (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Sorry, no more bad jokes here. Oh, but have you heard about the chicken that crossed the road? It ended up on my table for dinner tonight. Sorry, sorry, I can hear the groans from all you readers out there.

Let’s get back to the sole purpose of this space and it isn’t to do with comedy. The other big upset was the Sixers beating the Chicago Bulls, 96-85.

Andre Iguodala and Andre Miller were fantastic for Philly as they overran the Bulls at the end, outscoring their opponents 14-5 to finish the game victorious. It was another disappointing performance by the Baby Bulls who once again find themselves starting the season off slowly.

Performance of the Day.

Now, onto the big game that had everybody in the NBA sitting up straight and taking notice – the Boston Celtics versus the Washington Wizards. ‘Who won?’ Do you even need to ask? Well, obviously you have, and in answer to your question, it was the Celtics who stomped the Wizards, 103-83.

Of course the performance of the day belonged to Kevin Garnett who had a monster game. Absolutely, monster of a performance. KG’s game was so big that it would make the tallest building in the world look like Wee Man from Jackass.

The Big Ticket had a, er, big performance scoring 22 points, snatching 20 rebounds, dishing off five dimes, blocking three shots, and adding three steals, in a dazzling debut in front of his new home crowd. You can bet your sweet ass that the Boston faithful loved every second of this game.

Boston’s other two members of the ‘Big 3 2K7’ also had nice games, Paul Pierce hitting 28 points and ‘Jesus Shuttlesworth’ adding another 17.

However, it was KG who was the messiah and all the Celtic fans as his disciples.

Today’s video is a commercial for NBA Live 08 featuring, Gilbert Arenas and Kevin Durant. Check it!



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LeBron James is King in China!

October 19th 2007 07:15
LeBron James
LeBron is everywhere in China! (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)


You’d think that Yao Ming would be the most popular player in China, and indeed he is well liked, but he isn’t as beloved as LeBron James. Yes, it’s good to be the king and LeBron rules the Middle Kingdom in the manner that would make Yao blush.

The NBA is intent on making huge inroads in the burgeoning Chinese market and are doing so on the backs of players such as Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, and, yes, LeBron James, who are all more popular in China than, Ming!

Bron-Bron and his Cav teammates are currently in China for some preseason exhibition games and the Chinese have gone gaga for James, who is the centrepiece for Nike and the NBA in their expansion out east.

In fact so big is the cult of King James, Nike established a LeBron James museum that has all things related to the man for the duration of his time in China. The museum offers 3-on-3 games, childhood photos, jerseys and of course, the ubiquitous LBJ range of Nike shoes. It is one whole big, LeBron love-fest!

So, why on earth have Nike initiated the LBJ Museum? Allow, Nike spokesperson, Alan Marks
LeBron James
You'd be laughing too if you had a $US90 million contract from Nike. (AFP/File/Mark Ralston)
to address that question: “The idea is to help Chinese youth understand who he is, his career, his history and his personality…” (Wade, AP, 2007)

Addressing the popularity of King James over Yao, Huang Risheng, a reporter for the Chinese-language Titan sports newspaper has this to say: “The Chinese are looking for individual heroes…We are not open enough, not extroverted enough. We like the individual effort, just one man saving the whole team like James…I think those three are more popular than Yao Ming. It's a contradiction. Maybe I should say we like their style of play better.” (Wade, AP, 2007)

Here we have the irony that Yao is probably more popular in the U.S. than in China, whilst, LeBron gets more love in China.

Young Chinese fans have gone LeBron crazy, with 17-year-old, Guo Youtian calling Bron-Bron “unbelievably stylish” (Rui, China Daily, 2007)

LeBron’s kicks are the most popular shoes amongst the young of China, while his high school replica jersey is one of the most desirable pieces of clothing of the Chinese youth. Want to know how much his high school jersey is worth on the black market? Try a cool, 3000 Yuan, or $US405.

Think LeBron looms large right now in China? Just wait till next year during the Olympics!

Today’s video is of King James in China. Enjoy.




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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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San Antonio Spurs with the championship trophy.
San Antonio players celebrating like it's 1999! (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images)


Break out LeBroom because it was a le sweep, 83-82 to the Spurs – champions for a fourth time since a certain basketball player named Tim Duncan came to the Alamo. While we still have your attention how about a le congratulations to le Tony Parker who also walked away with le Finals MVP trophy. Could Parker be the luckiest guy on earth? Major basketball talent, money, looks, MVP trophy, Championship rings and let’s not forget Eva Longoria! Some people have all the fortune.

Parker who dominated the Cavs with his blistering pace and deadly outside shot scorched them for 24 points doing as he pleased, while his fellow foreign sidekick, Manu Ginobili had 27 – 13 in the final quarter, including some clutch hoops down the stretch. And how could we forget Tim Duncan? He is the reason why the San Antonio franchise