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NBA Loud - by Travis

I’d like to post about the previously finished NBA Draft. A lot of trades were completed/proposed making this years draft exciting and noteworthy. In this first post I will be going through the top five picks and thereafter with updates and all you need to know up to the minute stats and transactions.

Let’s get this post draft analysis going with the first overall pick for the Chicago Bulls DERRICK ROSE. Rose out of Memphis has a solid NBA body and can take the punishment as a player in the paint. He will mold himself into whatever type of player his team needs him to be as evident by the video below. He is one of the most ready-type players to enter the league. A truly solid addition to any team, kind of makes me think of the miss of Jay Williams. In which whom the Bulls took as the savior type PG years ago before he had his motorcycle accident stifling his promising career. With this pick Chicago puts themselves back into contention for a playoff spot in the East.

This video shows how Rose can affect the game as he will become a solid NBA-PG.

# 2

Undoubtedly the Miami Heat selected MICHAEL BEASLEY out of Kansas State. This PF needs no introduction to basketball fans as his huge wingspan makes up for any negativity about his height at the four spot. One of the perfect teams for Beasley to go to, I think his character issues would only become apparent if he were to have to battle with a solid proven veteran for his starting spot. He will be going in battling Udonis Haslem who has seen his stock drop as he needs to create more of his own offence. The heat I am sure are not finished in tweaking their team for the 08/09 season. Marion though will alleviate any concerns of the rookie being overmatched down-low as he is almost like an extra PF out there sometimes with his rebounding efforts and hustle in trying to make the right plays.

# 3

Minnesota at the third spot went with OJ MAYO, who I have seen and been hearing about for a good number of years. Mayo will be a solid two as at 6’4” 200lbs he is limited in selected positions, but this guy is just a born scorer and if he ends up in Grizz-town, look for him to team up with Rudy Gay as Mike Miller was moved with Memphis making the choice to let him go after he admittedly carried the Grizzlies last season at times. In return Minnesota looks to get #5 Kevin Love. I am in love with this deal as the T-Wolves send Antoine Walker also to MEM. Minnesota gets the scoring they desperately need and character guys, to build around. I know what fans may be thinking and no this isn’t the second coming of Wally World, Mike Miller is a gamer playing all three spots from 1-3 for the Grizz and did whatever was asked, as he became a versatile and proven scorer, unlike streaky Szczerbiak.

# 4

Russell Westbrook a surprise at number four as the top three had virtually been decided weeks beforehand. Westbrook though an unexpected pick is an explosive guard that will do well in this league especially when Seattle gets all the parts and can continuously run up and down with Durant and Green. The Sonics clearly want a guard that can break down the D and get up and down the court at breakneck speeds. They have found that guy with Westbrook. People want to compare him to NBA champion Rajon Rondo and maybe Monta Ellis, he is long and skinny and extremely athletic, time will tell if he can make the right passes for a long career with Durant by his side.

# 5

Care of NBADraft.net

Memphis picks Kevin Love at the number five spot and in turn will be sending him to Minnesota in the deal outlined in the third pick paragraph. Love is solid, not an athlete like the Grizz love at the four spot, but the T-Wolves just need ballers in which Kevin is for sure. Down-low he will be helped by Al Jefferson for sure on defense. Also he will have a great passer in Mike Miller to get the ball to him in good spots. I like Kevin Love on a solid team a rebuilding team he may flourish or sink as he’ll need to create his own offence and may struggle with the speed of the NBA at first.

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The Year of the Head Coach

May 3rd 2008 20:01

This season/postseason has seen some of the most prominent head coaching drama I have ever witnessed during my years as a basketball fan. We may have more head coaches changing teams than players this offseason. Regardless, it should turn out to be an interesting flow of events.

A few weeks back, Isiah Thomas was booted as the Knicks' head coach, and rather violently too if you ask me. It was expected, but the drama surrounding it wasn't. He was kept in the organization as a personal adviser (with no authority) and is banned from having ANY contact with the Knicks' players. Couldn't really get anymore embarrassing, could it? We've been hearing whispers about Marc Jackson taking over the vacant coaching job, but there hasn't been much to report on that front.

We've also got Don Nelson, who's taking his sweet time deciding whether or not he wants to remain as Golden State's head coach. This really shouldn't be a story... a coach should take a few days to decide this stuff, but Nelson wants a month or two to decide. Golden State doesn't want to lose him, so for now, they are abiding by Nellie's "rules". Dallas is also going after Nellie, but I guess he wants them to wait on him as well, which they probably won't do. Did I mention that Nellie's son is the GM and President of the Mavs? Small world, isn't it?

Why is Dallas interested in Don Nelson? Because they fired former Coach of the Year, Avery Johnson. He got them to the Finals a few years ago and that didn't go too well. He got them 67 regular season wins the next season and was dropped in the first round by Nellie's Warriors. This past season, they got the seventh seed in the playoffs and got handled by the Hornets. I agreed with this firing. I don't know how good Avery is as a coach because he's been blessed with a solid team his entire career. He may be a good coach, maybe even great, but one thing I do know is that he is being out coached in the playoffs. They shouldn't have lost to GS last season and they should have put up more of a fight this season. Maybe he can go to Chi-town or the Knicks... I hear they're hiring.

Former Indiana coach Rick Carlisle seems to be the top candidate for the Dallas job. He's already completed one interview and word on the street is that he's going in for a second. I guess we'll see if he can do something with this Dallas squad. Maybe they just need a change of scenery and someone new to call the shots. He has a decent resume, so I think he'll excel if given a solid roster to work with.

Cuban is also interested in Phoenix head coach Mike D'antoni. D'antoni is expected to be relieved of his duty as Phoenix's bench boss, but we've heard nothing confirming this. Phoenix has been a top team in the West for the past four seasons but have failed to make anything happen during that time. Management probably isn't too happy because their Hall of Fame PG and big man are getting old, which will leave Amare all alone in the upcoming years.

In addition to the major things, a few other teams have made coaching changes/decisions. Pat Riley of the Miami Heat resigned as head coach and gave the job to former assistant coach Erik Spoelstra. Chicago got rid of Scott Skiles and then he went running to the Bucks organization and is now their new head coach. Larry Brown took over the head job in Charlotte, which is a decision I did not agree with. Its been a big postseason thus far for many reasons; can't wait to see how the rest of the year unfolds.

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Posted By: Travis - Category: Team News, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns

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Shaq is Gone! What is going to happen to the Heat/Hawks Replay?

February 11th 2008 08:04

Everyone by now must have heard that the biggest man in the NBA is

Shaquiile O'Neal holding up his Suns jersey.

Yes, Shaq, you're now a Sun, but what about the Heat? Won't anyone think of Miami?!?!?! (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

now a Phoenix Sun? Outside the celebratory slap on the back and whooping – one thing was failed to be addressed with the trade of Shaquille O’Neal: What is going to happen with the Miami/Atlanta replay?

Due to an error made by a Hawks official, Atlanta and Miami have to replay the final minute of their December 19 game. Anyone who is aware of this news would realise that Shaq is a central figure with the shenanigans of the night, because he was the one that was incorrectly fouled out of the game.

So, what is the NBA to do? Firstly, new Miami Heat player, Shawn Marion won’t be allowed to play the game for the Heat, but he is able to suit up for the regular game straight afterwards. However, the big question remains: What about Shaq?

Hawks general manager, Billy Knight had this to say about the dilemma the O’Neal trade has thrown up. "The league doesn't know. They'll have to make a determination." (Odum, AP, 2008)

Well, way to go, Billy for clearing that up.

Atlanta All-Star, Joe Johnson also added his two cents into the whole debacle. "As far as I'm concerned there's no reason to even bother with the replay…If Shaq's not going to be here, what's the point?” (Smith, AJC, 2008)

The one thing that is for certain is that the game will go on. No, matter what anyone says.

Today’s video is a belated clip of the Suns reaction of the Daddy coming to the valley of the sun.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Games, Phoenix Suns

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Big Daddy Shaq Joins His Suns

February 7th 2008 01:14

Maybe you read the post on this site in December called Heat Could Be On Miami To Trade Shaq. One, odd at the time, suggestion was that Miami trade Shaquille O'Neal for Shawn Marion. Surprisingly it has happened. Miami finally figured out that they are in trouble and needed to make a big change, and the Suns decided that they have to do everything they can to win a title.

To Phoenix: Shaquille O'Neal

To Miami: Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks

Why Phoenix did it: If you look at the players they have had in the middle over the years the Suns have always been a bit short. Alvan Adams, Larry Nance, Amare Stoudemire, Oliver Miller, none of them were tall centers, although Miller brought the beef. The Suns in the past have talked, and talked, about trading for someone like Dikembe Mutombo but they never went through with it. They have finally acquired a franchise center, and that is a good thing. The Suns never had a chance in the playoffs because they were playing small-ball while the other teams, and their big centers, were built for playoff basketball. That has changed now, and with Shaq at center and Amare at power forward the Suns are now the big boys.

A lot of places are saying that Shaq doesn't fit with what the Suns do, but that is the reason why the trade is great for Phoenix. What the Suns were doing wasn't winning them titles, and they now bring in Shaq who has won a bunch of titles. In the past, as soon as Amare had a couple of fouls he had to go to the bench and all of Phoenix's inside offense went with him. With Shaq added, not only will Phoenix have a scorer in the paint on the floor all the time but they will be causing a lot of foul trouble for the teams that have to defend the two power dunkers.

Marion is not a big loss, as they have Hill and Diaw who can do a lot of the things that he did. Marion also wanted more money so the Suns were either going to overpay him again or watch him walk as a free agent. The Suns had previously signed Banks to a large free agent deal, they get away from that contract now too.

The Lakers added Gasol, so Phoenix went out and found someone bigger and nastier. Those two teams will battle to win their division, and Shaq will give the Suns the advantage and he will also scare a few people on the Lakers. When the Lakers traded away Shaq they sent him as far away as they could, now Shaq is back.

Why Miami did it: They are in last position, so things had to be changed around. Marion will either join Wade in a new, faster Miami team or he could be moved after the season, with a sign-and-trade or just as a free agent leaving and opening up cap-space for Miami.

Miami could undergo a very quick rebuild if Marion does leave as a free agent. The only big contracts they would have are Wade, Haslem and Blount. Jason Williams, Ricky Davis and Alonzo Mourning all have expiring contracts. The Heat next season could have Wade, Elton Brand and Roy Hibbert, or Wade, Gilbert Arenas and Michael Beasley.

Fantasy NBA Analysis:

In Miami, Blount is now their starting center and has some skills for fantasy leagues. Marion might start at small forward, with Haslem at power forward, but Marion will also play a bit of power forward too. This could be important as Marion's rebounding numbers seem to be better when he is at power forward. Not that it really matters because he will always bring in a variety of stats. The other Heat players might also improve their stats if the Heat decide to run all the time. Scoring 110 points, while giving up 120 points, would entertain the fans a bit as they play for the number 1 pick in the draft.

Things may not slow down a lot with Shaq in Phoenix, one part of starting the fast break is getting the defensive rebound and Shaq will help there. Shaq also can open up opportunities for outside shooters, so Nash, Bell and Barbosa will continue to accumulate 3-pointers.

With Shaq, Phoenix will get what they wish for.

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Posted By: Sports Insider - Category: Misc, Phoenix Suns, Shaquille O'neal

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The New York Knicks Suck, but are still Money.

December 13th 2007 10:11

A losing franchise in the Mecca of basketball, poor leadership, overpaid players and a massive sexual harassment payout, you’d be forgiven in thinking that the New York Knicks franchise wouldn’t be worth that much these days. In fact, it would be safe to believe that the team from Gotham wouldn’t be worth anymore than the Reykjavik curling team. If you held that belief, you’d be wrong.

According to Forbes, who compiled a list of the most valuable NBA franchises, the New York

Please, give Shawn Marion some much needed hugs. He needs the love. (AP Photo/Roy Dabner)

Knicks have become, believe it or not, the first pro-basketball franchise to be worth $US600 million! The average NBA franchise is worth $US372 million, which is a rise of six percent in a year.

Basically speaking, basketball is serious business.

Pro-hoops is arguably the third most popular sport in the U.S. but it is generating more cash due to larger gate receipts, a huge television deal, and the fact that the spending on players is tightly regulated.

Although, the Knicks are the most valuable team in the NBA, they also have the largest operating losses due to big spending on players, and an $US18 million buyout of former coach, Larry Brown’s huge contract.

Still, the Knicks suck.

Now, onto the actual game of basketball. Well, at least the the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons game, and, also, the Utah Jazz battling the Phoenix Suns, which funnily enough, were the two games on television today.

Somehow. Against all odds. The Houston Rockets managed to defeat the Detroit Pistons, 80-77. So, what’s the big deal from this game that has necessitated such a dour introductory sentence? Well, Houston was horrible from the free-throw line and almost blew the game. They stunk! It was a painful performance of futility from the charity stripe.

The team collectively began their shooting ‘streak’ by missing 14 of their first 15 free-throws. It got slightly better from there when they ended up making 6-for-22 (6 percent) from the line for the night.

It was u-g-l-y, but the Rockets still managed to beat an excellent Pistons team!

Yao summed up the sentiments of his team perfectly: "Oh, man. We can lose a game because of that," Yao said. "Tomorrow, I'm going to come here and shoot at least 100 free throws. It's almost like you give away free points and give away a game." (Duncan, AP, 2007)

Performance of the Day.

The Knicks might be overrated and overblown, but you cannot say the same thing about Shawn Marion of the Phoenix Suns. Steve Nash may have been the toughest mofo on the court today after chipping a tooth, but it was the Matrix who had the Suns humming. Plus, Stevie Wonder already gets enough love from the public and this space.

Shawn Marion was all over the place, scoring 26 points, grabbing 15 rebounds and blocking five shots. The Suns broke a two game losing streak, beating the Utah Jazz, 103-98.

In honour of the Matrix, here is a highlights clip of the most underrated player in the NBA.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Games, Phoenix Suns, Steve Nash

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Tracy McGrady has a Performance that is Off the Hook! While, Kevin Durant is Money!

November 2nd 2007 12:32

Firstly, apologies are in order for all you readers of NBALOUD, because we haven’t been as regular as we should have – the last week of university for the year tends to get a bit hectic, with time being a precious commodity.

However, we can promise all you loyal fans we’ll be now as regular as a person who is on a high bran diet! Especially with the fact that the new NBA season has started! Huzzah! Wow, a lot of exclamation points there!

We’ll begin our first game day coverage with the Detroit Pistons battling it out with the Miami Heat. Rip Hamilton was missing from the line-up for the ‘D’ so they needed to get their scoring from another source. Step, on up, Tayshaun Prince!

The Fresh Prince scored a career high 34 points and matched a career best rebounding effort

T-Mac dunks the ball with feeling. (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

with 12. Remarkably, the Heat had been practicing for days on their defence of Tayshaun in anticipation he’d be a big offensive option. Needless, to say it didn’t matter what the M-I-A was up to because the team was M-I-A in their performance, and their cause wasn’t helped with Dwayne Wade M-I-A as well.

Tayshaun pwned the Heat, doing as he pleased, driving, shooting, dunking and crashing the boards. Prince was the king today.

With Wade out, Shaquille O’Neal needed to strap on the Superman cape and fly into the rescue. Problem was that the big man faced his kryptonite in the team from Eight Mile, holding the Daddy to a lowly nine points, and six shots. Ouch, this performance doesn’t stop the criticism that Shaq is past it. Oh, for those paying attention: Pistons won 91-80. Obviously.

Meanwhile, moving out west, the Phoenix Suns and Seattle Supersonics ran and ran, with Steve Nash and his boys coming out victors, 106-99.

In his second game, number two pick, Kevin Durant had a big time effort notching up 27 points. It was to little avail though with, Stevie Wonder having his standard excellent game scoring 18 points and dishing off 12 dimes.

New Suns recruit, Grant Hill also made a solid contribution with 13 and Shaw Marion pitching in with another 14, whilst snatching 11 boards.

Phoenix may have won the game, but all the post-game talk was about the new kid on the block, Kevin Durant. The basic sentiment was the guy can ball.

Now, onto the final game which saw the Houston Rockets beat the Utah Jazz, 106-95.

The performer of the day was Houston’s, Tracy McGrady, who scorched the Jazz to the tune of 47 points.

T-Mac was so hot that he could do no, wrong. The Jazz are probably still having nightmares about the man in red.

Well, that is the first post for the new season and please, do us a favour by visiting this space again.

Today’s video is of the top 10 plays. Enjoy!

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Games, Phoenix Suns, Tracy McGrady

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Shawn Marion Demands to be Traded.

September 27th 2007 22:37

The entertaining Phoenix Suns are on the brink of a championship, and with the addition Grant Hill, a full compliment of even hungrier players, dreaming of a title isn’t too far of a stretch. There is one caveat though – Shawn Marion wants to be traded.

Steve Nash is the undisputed heart and soul of the team, because without him the Suns are a bottom playoff team in the competitive West. Hell, they’ll probably be lucky to see any postseason action without Stevie Wonder.

So, if the formerly-floppy-haired-Canadi an is the most important component of the Suns, who is the second most indispensable player? Amare Stoudemire? Wrong! It would be Shawn Marion aka the Matrix.

What??!?!?! The Matrix!

Yes, Marion is the second most important Phoenix player and the most unappreciated one.

Is the Matrix asking for the red pill to end his dream run with the Suns? (Image from espn.com)

Athletic, fast, rebounds, defends and doesn’t need offensive plays to be called for him to be happy. Shawn is the type of player that teams dream about because he is like a Swiss army knife – he could do it all.

Defend a guard on the perimeter, you got it, lock down the big forward down the hole, no worries, grab important rebounds, whilst showing mad athleticism, can do. Making a tired point, the Matrix is the Morpheus to Nash’s Neo.

Why on earth would Marion want to be traded? He is in a fantastic situation and in the perfect team! According to Shawn, his motivation in asking to be shipped off is due to the fact that he is tired of hearing his name as trade bait, and of course the old chestnut of the lack of ‘respect’ shown by the Suns when a possible Kevin Garnett trade was on the books.

“Regardless of everything that went on with the extension, I'm tired of hearing my name in trade rumours…It's time for me to move on. I felt like they tried to force my hand to Boston with the [Kevin] Garnett stuff. I haven't done anything wrong…I leave it on the floor night in and night out. Sometimes, it's just time, and it's time to go. It's been like a nightmare.” (ESPN.com, 2007)

Again, this boggles the mind because the Matrix is playing with the dream point guard who can slot passes to anyone on the floor. Only Jason Kidd brings the same type of selfless consistency to the table, and he still can’t even get Vince Carter or Richard Jefferson to win on a higher scale.

Yes, we do hear you, Shawn that you don’t get enough love. But isn’t the chance of achieving something special worth you staying? The Matrix reportedly desires a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers and he could be rest assured that they won’t be anywhere near championship contention for the next, um, five years or so.

Marion is the highest paid Suns player and could be a chemistry killer if he continues to sulk.

Stevie Wonder deserves to play in at least one Finals series and at the age of 33 is on borrowed time. A season that was supposed to bring potential championship glory looks to be floundering even before a dunk has been jammed in anger.

Today’s video is of the Matrix strutting his stuff. We love you here at NBALOUD, Shawn.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Player News, Phoenix Suns

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Grant Hill Set to Join the Phoenix Suns.

July 6th 2007 06:18

There are a few players in the NBA that are deserving of a title because they have been such loyal servants to the game and public, we can count Grant Hill as one of the good guys who deserves championship glory.

According to Hill’s agent he is set to sign a contract with the Phoenix Suns for two years that is roughly worth about $4 million. Grant would have undoubtedly got more cabbage if he went elsewhere but he is hungry for a title says his agent Lon Babby: “There's no question he could've gotten considerably more money elsewhere, but that was not the principle," Babby said. "I think the most important factor for him was the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a team competing for the championship.” (Reed, AP, 2007)

Mr. Nice Guy has had one of the more star-crossed careers in the NBA, being wildly popular at the peak of his powers, but ultimately succumbing to numerous devastating injuries curbing his impact. After signing a seven year contract to much fanfare with the Orlando Magic for $93 million, he was expected to help the team out in overcoming the championship hurdle. Unfortunately, for Hill it wasn’t meant to be.

Let’s give plaudits to Grant though for not giving up the fight for an NBA championship and

Let's hope that Grant Hill's body can keep up with the high octane Suns. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

after contemplating retirement once his contract ran out this year he is back for one last shot.

It is surprising to note that after all the All-Star game appearances, awards and college championships that Hill has never gotten past the first round of the playoffs as a pro. We can assume that a team like the Suns who are on the cusp of a championship will help him surmount that dubious record.

The signs look good for Hill and the Suns, because for the first time since the millennium Grant has made it through a whole season relatively unscathed, while for the man, he joins a squad brimming with quality players where his basketball savvy will prove an invaluable commodity.

We can only wish success for both Grant and the Suns.

Moving onto news involving the continuing Kobe Bryant saga, we hear that the Bean has apologised to Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak who he has been lambasting to everyone around him and beyond. Hell, he probably hired a plane and dropped fliers from the sky informing everyone of his dissatisfaction.

During a press conference publicising his camp for youngsters, Bryant stated that: “I just felt like as a man, it was important for me to tell him, `I'm sorry it came out that way…I was frustrated, I was venting…” (Nadel, AP, 2007)

When pressed if he still wanted a trade away from Hollywood, Bryant replied: “I haven't thought about that in a long, long time. I've kind of stepped away from that. I've concentrated on Team USA. What I say is what I say. We'll just have to see where it goes.” (Nadel, AP, 2007)

Got to hand it to Kobe, he really does know how to draw attention to himself – good or bad, but mainly bad.

Continuing with our theme of videos with the recent draftees here is another one of Greg Oden receiving words of wisdom from some all time greats.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Player News, Phoenix Suns, Kobe Bryant

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Steve Nash And The Suns Want to Get It On Because They Don't Get Along (With the Spurs).

May 15th 2007 12:43

Did someone say 'Royal Rumble'? (Photo by Getty Images)

LeBron James bought the sexy back into basketball today, while New Jersey’s big three failed to fire which ultimately proved costly for their playoff aspirations. Cleveland obviously won today, 87-85, and is now just one win away from progressing to the next round.

It was all Bron-Bron for the Cavs, scoring 30 points, snatching nine rebounds and handing off seven assists – one might say that this was a Jason Kidd-esque type performance. The real Jason Kidd failed to stand up though with an atrocious shooting night managing to only score five points, which was not tempered by the fact that he had a career playoff-high 17 boards.

New Jersey’s other two superstars didn’t fare any better with Vince Carter shooting 6-for-23 from the field, whilst Richard Jefferson joined the brick-fest with a 3-of-12 shooting night. U-G-L-Y. What does that spell? Well, NBALOUD readers are a smart bunch so we don’t need to insult your intelligence by giving you the answer to this no-brainer of a question.

Shockingly for the Nets they still could have won this game as the scoreline would suggest, but they could only manage a paltry three field goals in the final quarter, and fumbled their final shot which would have tied the contest. Just imagine what might have been if they played competent basketball?

This loss would sting for the Nets because it was there for the taking, even when the team

Steve Nash wants to get physical with Robert Horry, but not in the way that Olivia Newton-John sang about. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

played the most horrendous basketball imaginable.

Game 4 of the Phoenix/San Antonio series ended with fireworks when with 18 seconds left in the game Robert Horry for the Spurs decided to foul Steve Nash hard. The formerly floppy haired Canadian didn’t appreciate this treatment one bit and decided he’d try and physically charge ‘Big Shot Rob’. Stevie Wonder didn’t need to worry because Raja Bell had his back and was already doing the mob hit on the Godfathers behalf.

This series already had a lot of tension to begin with as evidence by the cut on Nash’s nose from Game 1, Manu Ginobili copping a black eye in Game 3, and finally Amare Stoudemire calling out the Spur’s as a dirty team. The hate is palpable on both squads, which means a great basketball spectacle for NBA fans! Huzzah!

Here is Stevie Wonder’s reaction to the forearm that sent the little Canadian flying into the scorer’s table: “I know you have to roll with the punches literally a lot of the time," Nash said. "I felt like that was uncalled for. It's hard to always take the high road.” (White, AP, 2007)

Horry was sent packing after the foul and there might be more suspensions in order when a number of Suns players left the bench during the final second fracas. Leaving the bench to get into a bit of slap and tickle is a big no-no in the NBA.

Oh, in case anyone was wondering the Suns won, 104-98, and the series is now tied at two-a-piece. Game on!

Today’s video illustrates how combative the Suns/Spurs series has been with the blood of Steve Nash being spilled, literally. Watch how Stevie Wonder scored that rather attractive cut on his nose.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: The Playoffs, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Steve Nash

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Phoenix Run Riot Over Dallas. Cool Dirk Nowitzki Clip.

April 2nd 2007 12:47

Want to talk about statement games? The two top contenders out

Look for Chris Bosh to make an impact in the playoffs. (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)

West battled it out for bragging rights today with Dallas facing off against Phoenix. If these two combatants happen to face each other in the Conference Finals look for the Suns to be running and gunning because they dominated the Mavs, 126-104.

Not much any team in the league can do when the most electrifying offence in the league decides to go on a shooting spree on the basketball court rather than a post office. Leandro Barbosa led the way with 29 points, Amare Stoudemire had a further 24, Steve Nash added 23 points and dished off 11 dimes and finally, Shawn Marion dropped a further 20. That’s a lot of hurt inflicted on the Mavs there.

Marion not only had a great shooting night from the field but was able to frustrate Dirk Nowitzki on the defensive end forcing the Big Sauerkraut into a woeful 6-of-18 shooting night.

Here comes the Suns doo-doo-doo-doo…

Congratulations to the Toronto Raptors who have clinched a playoff spot for the first time in five years with a 107-94 win today against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Chris Bosh was the main man for the Raptors hitting 24 points and grabbing 16 rebounds to help his team get over the playoff hump. Look no further than the baller wearing the number ‘4’ jersey for the Raptors as to why they are a respectable unit these days.

Don't call it a comeback - Rip Hamilton has been here for years. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

Rip Hamilton had missed the last four games with a painful combination of concussion and the flu but returned on fire today helping the Pistons beat the Heat, 94-88.

The man in the mask helped with Detroit’s offensive output as expected, but it was his defence on a hot Jason Williams that proved to be the turning point in the game. J-Will had a nice first half with 13 points but was held to eight after the main break by Rip.

Nice one Rip.

Finally, for today Utah and Houston faced off with the Jazz coming up trumps, 86-83.

In what may be the preview of the first round out West Utah came from behind to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with Mehmet Okur scoring 20 and Deron Williams dishing of 11 assists for the Jazz. This analogy has been made before but why waste a good thing – the Jazz were making sweet music.

Yao Ming had a monster game with 35 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks but it wasn’t enough to beat the Jazz. Better luck next time big fella.

Today’s clip is an uber-cool one of a Dirk Nowitzki commercial shown in Germany. Respect.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: All Stars, Phoenix Suns

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Steve Nash and his MVP Night.

March 15th 2007 12:45

The proof is in the pudding – whatever the hell that means – Steve

Steve Nash can't be stopped. Even by 7-foot players named Dirk. (Photo by Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images)

Nash has reaffirmed his MVP credentials, while Dallas, although suffering a loss at the hands of Phoenix are legit title contenders.

In what proved to be an extraordinarily thrilling contest between the two top dog teams of the NBA saw the game go into double overtime and Phoenix winning, 129-127.

Amare Stoudemire may have led the scoring binge with 41 points but it was Stevie Wonder who was the standout, especially in the clutch. Nash ended the night with 32 points, 16 assists and eight rebounds while being ice cool down the stretch to help his team get over the Dallas hump.

The Mavs could have iced the game much earlier if they had managed to hit their free throws with any semblance of a team that could shoot from the stripe, but key misses at vital stages helped Phoenix’s cause immensely. Although, Jason ‘the jet’ Terry was in sparkling form for the Mavs in the first overtime period hitting the game tying 3-point basket over Nash with 4.5 seconds to go the second OT period ultimately belonged to the Suns. Here come the Suns, doo-doo-doo-doo…

It was Phoenix all the way, baby!

LeBron James’ back wasn’t bothering him as much today and it showed, with the King leading the way for the Cavs scoring 29 points, while seven of his teammates also hit double digit scoring. The final result ended with a Cavs win over the Grizzlies, 118-96.

Gilbert Arenas and his hot shooting hands. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

This contest wasn’t even close. Bron-Bron was in a vicious mood and the rest of his teammates decided to finally hit their baskets as well, causing a major headache for the woeful Grizz.

New York’s recent good form was halted by their Atlantic division rivals from Canada with the Raptors beating the Knicks, 104-94.

T.J. Ford had a blinding game with 18 assists while Chris Bosh was his usual excellent self hitting 22 points to help their team overcome a not-as-bad-now Knicks.

Gilbert Arenas was Gilbert the Great today scoring 28 of his 35 points in the second half to layeth the smackdown on the Indiana Pacers, 112-96.

Jermaine O’Neal for the Pacers played strong through an injured knee with 24 points but it wasn’t enough to overcome Gilbert and the rest of the gang from D.C.

Indiana must be desperate for a taste of victory because their last win came on February the 21st – which is a long time ago in professional basketball circles.

The only advice that NBALOUD can give to the Pacers is that it will happen it just won’t happen overnight. Advanced hair, yeah, yeah (the Aussie readers would get this joke).

Today’s clip is the top 10 plays from yesterday. If you love dunks watch this video because there are some outright hostile jams to wet your whistle.