The Post Up: LeBron Rules
Cavs quiet Mavs, Suns dominate Clippers and Boston pulls out the win in Seattle.
By: Holly MacKenzie
LeBron helped to make his match up with the Mavs an entertaining one, despite horrible shooting from both teams. Bron’s dunk at the end of the game was just ridiculous. To get to the basket like that and then just throw down the dunk to seal the game was awesome.
The whole first half reminded me of the “Jordan Rules”, and also made me realize how much the game has changed and how much more brutal the game must have been in the past. The beatings that stars could take on a nightly basis must have made their bodies break down much quicker and bring on more fatigue in comparison to how the game is played and what is allowed today.
Apparently the Heat have called Smush’s agent and said they need him and he is welcome in Miami. I never thought I’d see the day when Riles is counting on Smush Parker to swoop in and provide some relief.
How funny was the TNT halftime show during the Cleveland/Dallas game? I was cracking up with Charles and his dogs named “Mango” and “YooHoo”. Those guys are great.
Drew Gooden’s beard-growing contest is getting out of control!
Since we are having another snowy night, one channel has decided to cut out and of course, it is the Clips/Suns game. I’m trying to watch as much online as I can, but the feed isn’t coming through very well. Still, I can see they are up by 30 and killing the Clippers. I think some guys are setting out to prove the announcers from the Lakers game wrong.
Seattle only down one to Boston at the half?! Exciting stuff. I love seeing Delonte West play well. He works hard and every time I’ve seen Seattle play, he has been one of the first out to shoot and he stays there forever, knocking down everything. How great would it be for Seattle to take down the Celtics?
I was going through a ton of papers and files last night, half of it notes and papers from my undergrad degree and the rest basketball articles and clippings and old SLAM’s. I spent half of the night re-reading most of the issues and reliving some of my favorite NBA moments through the articles. I can’t believe my boy Kobe has been in the league for 11 years. It’s got to be pretty fun to be playing with Derek Fisher again after the two were drafted together and then won their rings together. I also can’t believe LeBron has already been around for 4 years.
Boston has now matched their win-total from last season.
Cleveland 88 Dallas 81
LeBron James led the Cavaliers over the Dallas Mavericks with a 24-point, eight-rebound, seven-assist performance, but it was not an easy night for him as Dallas knocked him around every time he made a move to the basket. James was relentless and the first half was all Cleveland as they got to the foul line, had points in transition and led 47-38 at the break. The Mavericks got things going in the second half, and cut the Cleveland lead to one early in the fourth quarter. James hit a three to keep the Cavaliers up and Cleveland stayed in front the rest of the way as they survived a Dallas run that saw them cut the lead to 81-79 with just under five left to play. The Mavericks tried to cut the rest of the lead by shooting three’s and they came up short while James sealed the game for Cleveland with a dunk that came as he drove down the lane and hammered the ball through the net with 1:10 on the clock. Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 18 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for the Cavs and Larry Hughes added 17 points and 9 boards. Dirk Nowitzki overcame a rough first half to finish with 19 points and 20 rebounds in the loss, and Josh Howard added 19 as well. Jerry Stackhouse and Jason Terry scored 11 points apiece, but Terry shot only 3-12 from the floor as each team shot only 36% for the game
Boston 104 Seattle 96
In Ray Allen’s return to Key Arena for the first time since being traded, the Boston Celtics were almost stunned by the Sonics as it took them the entire game to shake Seattle off and leave with the victory. Thanks to a season-high 37 points from Paul Pierce (26 scored in the second half), the Celtics were able to pull away from the Sonics in the fourth as they scored 18 points in the first five minutes of the period. Whenever the Sonic’s posed the threat of taking the lead, Boston had someone step up and score, usually draining a three. Pierce finished 10-11 from the free throw line where the Celtics shot 27-36 as a team while Seattle attempted only 23 free throws, hitting 18 of them. While Allen struggled from the floor and finished with only 10 points on 4-13 field goals, Kevin Garnett had 23 points and 14 rebounds and Eddie House added 13. Kevin Durant led Seattle with 25 points as he did his best to keep his team focused and in the game. Delonte West had 19 points and 8 assists, Chris Wilcox scored 13 points and Wally Szczerbiak had 14.
Phoenix 108 LA Clippers 88
From beginning to end the Phoenix Suns schooled the Clippers in their 108-88 victory last night. After losing to the other team in LA on Christmas day, the Suns were not going to leave LA without a win. Thanks to a 59-40 halftime lead, not only did they get the win, they got to rest their starters for most of the second half as they went up by as many as 36 points in the third quarter. Amare Stoudemire led the Suns with 30 points and 15 rebounds as he held Chris Kaman to 9 points and 9 rebounds. Kaman went 1-11 in the first half and scored seven of his nine in the second, most with Stoudemire on the bench. While the Suns were hot from the floor, shooting almost 53% from the floor, the Clippers shot a miserable 37%. In addition to Stoudemire’s big night, Steve Nash had 9 points and 12 assists while Grant Hill and Leandro Barbosa scored 16 points apiece. Corey Maggette had 21 points to lead LA in the loss as Cuttino Mobley and Al Thornton each added 14
101 Responses to “The Post Up: LeBron Rules”
Dec.28 at 9:34 am
Tarzan Cooper says:
hi holly
Dec.28 at 9:37 am
Tarzan Cooper says:
YOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO??!!!?
Dec.28 at 9:38 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
morning, Tarzan.
Dec.28 at 9:39 am
Tarzan Cooper says:
as far as lebronze getting beat up last night, thats how defense used to be all the time. you cant even sneeze on somebody now without getting a technical, especially if you have a small baldspot on your dome.
Dec.28 at 9:41 am
Tarzan Cooper says:
chuck an co. were great last night. everyone was killing sager for his shoes, but i think he wore that suit before, so did basketball “i wish i was in miami because its miami not cleveland” jones.
Dec.28 at 9:46 am
white hot eboy says:
Fu*k the donkey.
Dec.28 at 10:07 am
Hisham says:
i haven’t seen a basketball highlight in a month… WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH
Dec.28 at 10:27 am
Jared says:
I begin to appreciate bron more and more every game i watch him play. He really is phenomenal. I’ve hated in the past, but dude is the basketball savior. He’s easily the best player in the L…easily.
Dec.28 at 10:54 am
TADOne says:
So when do we start hearing about some Clippers in trade rumors? I know Miami could use Maggette.
Dec.28 at 10:54 am
Justin says:
eboy and/or cheryl,
are you going to the svg riles battle tonight?
Dec.28 at 11:00 am
white hot eboy says:
No go for me tonight. Friday night games in Miami are the worst to try and attend coming from out of the county. Plus I think Shaq begins his first sit-out of the season tonight, so it should be horrible for Heat fans, again.
Dec.28 at 12:58 pm
The Cool says:
Miami could use freakin Bob McAdoo if he could still suit up. How can a team from the top of the totem pole go to the bottom of the map? I believe it is time for Riles to call up guy from Home makeover because that team needs some serious changes. And Stackhouse, don’t ever try to block a dunk again in your life. play wit it.
Dec.28 at 1:33 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
where is everyone?
Dec.28 at 1:47 pm
white hot eboy says:
Where have you been, lady?
Dec.28 at 1:55 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
working on an interview for a local publication. It is dead around here! Are you back to work and into the swing of things, or still on vacation?
Dec.28 at 2:12 pm
TADOne says:
I was wondering the same thing, Holly. I think last nights games weren’t that good so no one is commenting.
Dec.28 at 2:15 pm
Permaculture says:
Hey, it might be dead around here but I’m still enjoying your write up. Thought I’d chime in…
No ball games I can catch here–you are my lifeline
Dec.28 at 2:21 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
aww thanks, Permaculture! It’s gotta be the holiday-hangover thing. I’ve got a college-bball tournament to go to tonight and I am so excited to see my alma mater play and see all of the guys again. I’m aching for some Lakers. That Christmas game was like a drug and I am addicted for more. I’ll be busting it home to catch the Utah game!
Dec.28 at 2:25 pm
TADOne says:
Is that Canadian college bball, Holly?
Dec.28 at 2:30 pm
white hot eboy says:
Damn, Holly, you are like an addict!
Dec.28 at 2:49 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
yeah, TADOne. It is such a different game than NCAA. My guys went to Duke for a preseason game a few years ago… ickkkk it was like a 50-point loss, no joke. Our guys stayed pretty close for the first half and then it was just disgusting. The ball is so different. The height is so different. We had a 6′10 post player who now plays overseas, but the rest of the team was lacking in height. We do have players who can compete with ncaaer’s, but not teams. One of my guys has competed against JJ in junior national teams and he’s shut him down repeatedly, but, he was also a 4-time Canadian defensive player of the year. That was rough. I wasn’t at that game personally, unfortunately but the tape was sick. Just watching the crowd come out for a preseason scrimamge against our team, it killed me. One of our guys looked really young, and when he checked in, the crowed chanted “where’s your mommy” at him all night.
Dec.28 at 2:53 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
It still wasn’t nearly as bad as the Knicks/Celtics game though, I can honestly say that.
Dec.28 at 2:54 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
You know it, Eboy.
Dec.28 at 3:03 pm
TADOne says:
Wow, we need to get Holly to the states to check real college games.
Dec.28 at 3:04 pm
white hot eboy says:
Holly would lose it at a Rucker Park tournament in mid-summer.
Dec.28 at 3:09 pm
TADOne says:
Yeah, we would have to ease her in. She may faint at Rucker if exposed too soon.
Dec.28 at 3:10 pm
TADOne says:
It would be like a crackhead getting a fix.
Dec.28 at 3:11 pm
white hot eboy says:
Yeah, true.
Dec.28 at 3:17 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Does it make sense now that were tears at my Lakers/Raps game last year?! ahahah Along with all of my SLAM’s I found a Lakers scrapbook from years ago, my coaching certifications from when I swore I was going to be a coach (along with all of the handouts and booklets from when I took the clinics when I was like 13, with adults who all WERE university coaches ahaha), and some school assignments that said I wanted to “be” Lang Whitaker. ahahah one was from high school, one from my first year in my undergrad. While I know I will never be quite like Lang, it’s funny how things work themselves out. And amazing! Looking at all of my basketball history, it reminded me of all of my blessings, yet again!
Dec.28 at 3:18 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
I was born in the wrong country, guys!
Dec.28 at 3:20 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
The ball is so different? Is it square?
Also, NOTHING has been as bad as Knicks/Celtics. Custer fared better against the Indians.
Dec.28 at 3:23 pm
TADOne says:
Seriously, we need to get Russ a stand up gig.
Dec.28 at 3:24 pm
white hot eboy says:
Holly, your dedication and passion is spot on, so you’re right there at the foot of the Whitaker greatness legacy.
Dec.28 at 3:26 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Haha, Russ. Have you ever had any reason to catch any Canadian games?
Dec.28 at 3:26 pm
TADOne says:
So Holly, do you actually play?
Dec.28 at 3:28 pm
white hot eboy says:
TAD, you’re funny. You do remember Holly saying she’s 4′ 11″, right?
Dec.28 at 3:29 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
oh Eboy, you are too kind. I think we have a whole group of people with that same passion right here, posting every day! Seriously though, this has turned into the most amazing year, ever. Lang’s links review shows why every aspiring sports-journalist wants to be him. He’s crazy!
Dec.28 at 3:30 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
ahahaaha NOT 4′11. 5′2ish. Almost. DO NOT take away those precious inches from me. ahahahahaa Never played a game in my life, Tad. Not one.
Dec.28 at 3:31 pm
TADOne says:
I missed that Eboy. But she could be the female Earl Boykins.
Dec.28 at 3:32 pm
TADOne says:
So where did your love of the game come from? Especially coming from Hockey Country.
Dec.28 at 3:34 pm
white hot eboy says:
I was just playing, Holly. And for real, a female, a Canadian female, with so much basketball passion is ridiculous in it’s greatness.
Dec.28 at 3:46 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Tad: I wrote a detailed response to the Wade/Love letter to basketball contest thread awhile back. Has Eboy won that yet? In brief, I was young, flipping through channels and Magic happened. Magic johnson appeared on the screen and I was hooked. Cue my Lakergirl status for life, my love for #32, #8/24, purple and gold and everything hoops-related ever since. I just fell in love with the game. The players and teams, yes, but the game. I thought I was going to move to Italy and become a coach when I was young. Why Italy, I don’t know. It was before KB came on the scene so I still haven’t remembered who got Italy in my head. Ahahahahaha while most kids dream of hitting the game winning shot, I wanted to draw it up. My love for the game now is different, the essence of it is something I hope to capture through words because there is no thrill like it.
Dec.28 at 3:50 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
what’s your bball story, Tad? I know Eboy’s already.
Dec.28 at 3:52 pm
white hot eboy says:
Holly, if I ever get around to finishing part two of my blog story, you might want to strangle me for the schools I turned down full rides from.
Dec.28 at 3:56 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
I still haven’t gotten to read the Michael story in full. I have it saved to my links bar so it stares me in the face next to the LA Times and SLAM’s editing page for my posts, but, I will make sure to sit down and read it tonight. I know it’s going to make me jealous, maybe that’s why I’ve waited? Please do finish your part two.
Dec.28 at 3:59 pm
TADOne says:
Being from Michigan, I was a big Pistons fan. Loved the Bad Boy’s teams. But I actually have played ball since I was like 5. Growing up I actually watched baseball and didn’t really like watching basketball until Jordan, Zeke, and Magic came along. Played ball for my middle school and high school teams in Delaware. We won the state championship my freshman year in high school. I actually got kicked off the team for part of my junior year due to grades, but the coach allowed me to travel with the team and keep stats. Still play as much as possible to this day.
Dec.28 at 4:00 pm
white hot eboy says:
I’ll try to get it done by New Years Day. And Italy, that is funny? You mentioned coaching materials, have you ever coached kids?
Dec.28 at 4:00 pm
white hot eboy says:
TADOne=Stat Boy.
Dec.28 at 4:06 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
I was an assistant coach for my guy’s team while I was in high school. We had a ridiculously small school and a terrible team, but it was so much fun to see the look on someone’s face when the offense suddenly made sense to them, or the times when things just click and the ball barely needed to touch the floor. Ah, I loved it. I loved charting the improvement of players and learning the right combinations to put out there at the right times. Knowing which guys you could look in the eye and throw out there at the end of the game and not have to worry about them choking, or who you could be tough on and who needed a different approach. There is too much to learn and love about it. In university I worked with the team and wasn’t a “coach”, but, I had the privilege of coaches calling me to talk strategy at night, coaches meetings and such and I got to sit with them on the bus to pick their brains, so I’d like to think I’ve learned a lot from some of the best coaches in the country. Past coaches of the National team at your disposal is a Godsend for someone who loves the game.
Dec.28 at 4:10 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Thats fun, Tad. You know it’s love when you’ll keep the stats that cause you to miss most of the game, just to be around it. I started out doing the same offensive/defensive and shooting charts. As much as I LOVE analyzing stats now, I hated taking them with a passion. Luckily my coach in HS realized I was much more effective when I was watching the game!
Dec.28 at 4:21 pm
TADOne says:
Yeah, I actually only did so I could travel with the team. Plus, it kept me out of trouble.
Dec.28 at 4:22 pm
TADOne says:
Guess Eboy stuck me with a nickname. I knew I should’nt have shared that story.
Dec.28 at 4:34 pm
white hot eboy says:
You should be honored, TAD. There’s only a small handful of my contemporaries here that have one.
Dec.28 at 4:43 pm
TADOne says:
I’ve been knighted by Eboy. Now, i’ll go celebrate.
Dec.28 at 4:46 pm
white hot eboy says:
It could be worse, TAD, you could be lumped into the Tarzan/BETCAT/Chukaz grouping of SLAM mentalcases.
Dec.28 at 4:47 pm
TADOne says:
Not bipolar yet, but thanks.
Dec.28 at 4:48 pm
H to the izzo says:
Fan-tastic
Dec.28 at 4:49 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Izzo!! How are you?
Dec.28 at 4:51 pm
white hot eboy says:
Another one of my nickname buddies. Hello, Izzo.
Dec.28 at 4:52 pm
TADOne says:
What’s Holly’s?
Dec.28 at 4:55 pm
H to the izzo says:
Mine is either an Irish slur or Captain Obvious.Hi Holly!!I’m struggling along.
Dec.28 at 4:55 pm
white hot eboy says:
Probably, in the present-day, she’s the Snow Queen.
Dec.28 at 4:56 pm
TADOne says:
How about The Big Mac?
Dec.28 at 4:57 pm
white hot eboy says:
Yes, Captain, the title fits you perfectly. No Irish slurs for the new year. That may be my resolution.
Dec.28 at 5:00 pm
H to the izzo says:
Eboy,you’re nothing without your mild racism
Dec.28 at 5:02 pm
white hot eboy says:
Bullsh*t.
Dec.28 at 5:03 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
the big mac makes me sound like a fatty and snow queen, while appropriate, makes me think of a frigid B*tch! ahahaaah
Dec.28 at 5:03 pm
white hot eboy says:
And if either of you can get the words to my abbreviation of the title I will bestow upon Ms. MacKenzie, you are either pyschic or genius. FHOTC.
Dec.28 at 5:04 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Izzo, glad to see you around. It’s been slow today, but Eboy, “statsboy” and I have been holding it down here in the post up while Russ has been all over the place with his humor and wit.
Dec.28 at 5:05 pm
white hot eboy says:
Yeah, Statboy is the motherfuc*ing man.
Dec.28 at 5:09 pm
H to the izzo says:
First something Of The somehting?
Dec.28 at 5:09 pm
TADOne says:
Wow, I guess it’s gonna stick. No more story telling.
Dec.28 at 5:10 pm
H to the izzo says:
And Holly,I’ve been the good kind of busy lately writing stuff and organising for New Years
Dec.28 at 5:10 pm
TADOne says:
TC is probably Toronto, Canada
Dec.28 at 5:15 pm
white hot eboy says:
Nah, to both. Hint: first word, Future.
Dec.28 at 5:18 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
you’ve got me stumped. Since it’s about me, can’t you tell me? and Stats, I like it. Izzo, what kind of writing? Glad to hear things are going well as the year winds down.
Dec.28 at 5:20 pm
TADOne says:
Guess I’m no genius or no psychic.
Dec.28 at 5:21 pm
H to the izzo says:
Just some writing for a local newspaper,nothing major.And I have no idea either
Dec.28 at 5:25 pm
TADOne says:
Izzo, I was just reading your blog. Do you really think Levance Fields is destined for the D League?
Dec.28 at 5:28 pm
white hot eboy says:
Holly, the logistics of telling just you seems incredibly difficult in this forum. Let’s just say, if Cheryl is the current queen due to tenure and time served, you’re sitting pretty just behind.
Dec.28 at 5:30 pm
H to the izzo says:
I don’t think he’ll even go to the D League,he’ll be a major player in Europe.And don’t get me wrong on this,he IS my favorite player in college ball,but I don’t think he will be drafted,he’s not what GM’s are looking for,he’ll probably stay all four years,that drops your stock these days regardless,he’s undersized.Gm’s aren’t going to give up a draft pick for ruthless efficiency when they good draft a project or some mysterious foreigner.My thoughts reflect more the ineptitude of a lot of GM’s more than it is dissing LeVances game.I hope I’m wrong though
Dec.28 at 5:31 pm
H to the izzo says:
Future Heir of The Crown
Dec.28 at 5:32 pm
TADOne says:
Damnit Izzo! I was just about to say that.
Dec.28 at 5:33 pm
white hot eboy says:
Heiress. Remember she is a female, boys.
Dec.28 at 5:33 pm
TADOne says:
If JJ can stick with the Magic, Levance could ride the bench in Charlotte.
Dec.28 at 5:34 pm
TADOne says:
No argument there, Eboy.
Dec.28 at 5:37 pm
H to the izzo says:
Ah Tad,but remember that JJ had the Duke factor surrounding him.He had some unholy hype,Vitale and Bilas calling him the best college player since Walton and the big O.People thought he would go top five,he went something like 14 which turned out to be waayy too high.Never underestimate the power of ESPN in these things
Dec.28 at 5:39 pm
H to the izzo says:
Incidentally,if he does manage to get himself into the NBA,I think he’d do well.
Dec.28 at 5:40 pm
TADOne says:
I hate Vitale!
Dec.28 at 5:41 pm
TADOne says:
and Duke. But we have been over this before.
Dec.28 at 5:43 pm
H to the izzo says:
I don’t hate him,he has his place,like in UNC v Duke but he does get tiresome.I can’t stand Bilas,self important prick.
Dec.28 at 5:45 pm
TADOne says:
Packer is actually worse.
Dec.28 at 5:49 pm
H to the izzo says:
We don’t talk about him.Raftery is the best by far
Dec.28 at 5:50 pm
TADOne says:
No argument there. So Holly, what do you think of the nickname Eboy has bestowed upon thee?
Dec.28 at 5:57 pm
TADOne says:
Well Izzo, I guess we killed the convo.
Dec.28 at 5:59 pm
H to the izzo says:
Well,Eboy’s gone home and I have no idea what time Holly’s working under
Dec.28 at 6:01 pm
TADOne says:
I’m about to follow Eboy. It’s my bday weekend, so i’ll be drinking now till Sunday.
Dec.28 at 6:05 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
aahaha pretty sweet name although, I agree that Cheryl deserves to reign with all of her knowledge. TAD/Stats- Enjoy the weekend and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Izzo, have a good weekend as well. I’m out to watch some ball and hope for another Lakers win tonight.
Dec.28 at 6:08 pm
TADOne says:
Thanks Holly. Enjoy the games.
Dec.28 at 6:56 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
JJ “Possibly the Best Shooter in the World” Redick was a lottery pick and is still making guaranteed millions. As soon as that’s over, he’ll join Jay Williams, Trajan Langdon and William Avery (and, most likely, Shelden Williams-Parker) in the ever-expanding Duke “Where Are They Now?” file.
Dec.28 at 9:49 pm
white hot eboy says:
Have a good weekend everyone.