The Post Up: Spurs and Lakers. Best of the West
Devin Harris NJ Debut
By: Holly MacKenzie
What a night in the NBA. There may have only been three games on the schedule, but it was fantastic for any hoops fan. Devin Harris and his NJ debut in the first game of the night, then the ridiculous match up between the Spurs and Mavs and then the nightcap of the surging Lakers. Beautiful night.
Devin Harris was great in his debut for the Nets. 21 points and 5 assists on 7-13 shooting in a win that saw New Jersey score 120 points. 21 minutes of action, coming off of the bench, nice. The best part of the game (besides Harris dunking over Bogut), was the segment during the game that showed Vince Carter being interviewed pregame where he had no idea that Devin Harris had practiced the day before and was going to be playing in the game. Mark Jackson says, “Someone ought to tell Vince Carter that they traded Jason Kidd to Dallas”.
Check out the video courtesy of our own, Ryne.
The match up between the Spurs and Mavericks was everything I had hoped it would be and then some. Intense, two teams battling back and forth the entire way and a close finish that went down to the wire. Crazy how quickly the momentum can shift, after Dallas is up 10, Jason Terry gets a tech, then Avery is thrown one and suddenly the Spurs have control of the game and the crowd is back into it. After Avery’s tech he just closes his mouth and gives the death stare. I sort of love him for it.
Of course in the end, the Spurs win again. When it comes down to it they are just too good. Experienced, cool, calm and collected and you never know who is going to step up when needed, only that any of their top seven has the ability to do so with ease. Last night it was Bowen, member of umpteen All-Defensive teams , blocking Jason Terry’s shot attempt and the Mavs hope of getting a huge win on San Antonio’s floor.
Love that Mark Cuban and Steve Kerr both steal Brent Barry’s thunder with the announcement of who he is signing with. If Kerr and Cuban are to be believed, expect to hear that he will be re-signing with the Spurs in 30 days.
Brandon Bass was looking huge at the free throw line. Popeye sighting on the bench!
Tony Parker is back and looking good for San Anton. The time off seems to have given him the bounce back in his step and the combo of he and Ginobili spells trouble for their opponents trying to keep them out of the paint.
Funny how Kidd didn’t play in the final 30 seconds of the game. Yeah, yeah, yeah, he is new with the team. He is also the captain and the supposed floor leader. I just don’t get why he wasn’t out there. Perhaps the Mavs might have gotten a better shot off than the Terry attempt that was blocked.
To the people who were wondering about Andrew Bynum’s return, there still is not a date (besides Bynum himself giving April 1st as a possibility), but Phil Jackson has said that when Bynum does return he will come off of the bench for 6-8 minute bursts until he gets his conditioning back.
I agreed with Reggie Miller last night. Scared me as much as it scares you to read it. He made the point that by putting Kobe Bryant on the Heat and Dwyane Wade on the Lakers, there is simply no way that the Heat would have lost 27 of their last 29 games. I agree whole-heartedly with this statement. Feel free to discuss below.
Looks like Detroit gets another veteran. After Minny agreed to buy out Theo Ratliff’s contract, he is looking to get signed up with the Pistons. The West gets tougher and the East gets older.
Lakers have now won 10 straight. Saving the Laker love for a future edition of the Post Up. Just know that this feels like Christmas every morning and night to see my team at the top of the West. Kobe for MVP. That’s all I’m saying.
Quote of the night
“Quit hanging on the damn rim and his back wouldn’t hurt”
-Charles Barkley on Josh Howard’s sore back
New Jersey 120 Milwaukee 106
After trading Jason Kidd the New Jersey Nets have been waiting to see their new point guard in action. Last night, Devin Harris played his first game as a Net and he didn’t disappoint. Coming off of the bench, Harris entered with the game tied at 22 in the first quarter. His first stint lasted nine minutes and spanned the first and second periods. When he left the game for a breather New Jersey was up 50-35 and he had contributed 16 points in his first nine minutes as a Net. Leading 68-55 at the half, the Nets weathered a push by the Bucks in the third quarter and blew the game open in the fourth as they went ahead by as many as 17 points before easily taking the 120-106 victory. Harris finished with 21 points and 5 assists in 21 minutes for the Nets. Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson each had 19 points and Josh Boone added 14. The Bucks were led by Michael Redd and his 33 points while Mo Williams had 24 points and 7 assists, Andrew Bogut had 22 points and 15 rebounds and Desmond Mason added 10 in the loss.
San Antonio 97 Dallas 94
In a game between two of the top teams in the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs showed the entire NBA that they are for real and they are to be feared as they came back from 10 down against the new-look Mavericks to take the 97-94 victory on their home court. With the two teams matched up evenly for most of the game, Dallas went ahead in the third quarter and used a 16-4 run to go up by ten. With the lead in hand, a technical on Jason Terry and then another on Avery Johnson would allow the momentum to switch in favor of the Spurs and San Antonio would cut the lead and go into the fourth quarter up by one point. Each team battled the other for the lead in the final period. The game was tied at 94 with 34 seconds left when Tim Duncan hit a pair of free throws. The Mavericks had their chances to tie the game or take a lead, but Dirk Nowitzki missed on consecutive shots and then Bruce Bowen blocked an attempt by Terry to give the Spurs the ball back with 3.9 seconds left. After Michael Finley was sent to the free throw line with .4 seconds left, he made the first and intentionally missed the second and the Spurs were victorious. Duncan led the way with 31 points and 15 rebounds. Manu Ginobili had 17 points, Finley scored 16 and Bruce Bowen added 14. For the Mavericks Nowitzki finished with 28 points, Brandon Bass had 16 points off of the bench, Josh Howard also had 16 points to go with 8 rebounds and Jason Kidd added 7 points and 10 assists.
LA Lakers 106 Miami 88
Gunning for their season-high 10th straight victory, the Lakers faced Dwyane Wade and the Heat last night. They were successful in their quest for 10, kicking the Heat while they were down by handing them the 106-88 loss. While the Lakers went up by as many as 16 in the first quarter, the Heat rallied back to come within seven points. The Lakers extended that lead back to 53-41 at the break before going into the fourth quarter up 73-58. In the final period it was all LA, as the Heat would not get any closer than nine points after Wade completed the rare four-point play after being fouled by Kobe Bryant. Bryant had 21 points in the game to go along with 8 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks as he gladly deferred to backup point guard Jordan Farmar. Farmar scored a career-high 24 points after tying his previous career-high of 21 in their last game. The Lakers never trailed in the contest and they out-rebounded Miami 55-40 as the Heat shot only 37% from the floor as compared to LA’s 47%. In addition to Farmar’s 24 points and Bryant’s 21, Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol each scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as Odom added 6 assists and Gasol had 4 blocked shots. Sasha Vujacic scored 12 points, Luke Walton had 9 points and 11 rebounds and Ronny Turiaf pulled down 12 boards. Dwyane Wade led Miami with 18 points but shot only 6-17 from the floor. Shawn Marion had 13 points and 11 rebounds, Ricky Davis scored 14, Marcus Banks added 13 and Mark Blount scored 12.
222 Responses to “The Post Up: Spurs and Lakers. Best of the West”
Feb.29 at 8:20 am
Russ Bengtson says:
Break up the Nets!
Feb.29 at 8:27 am
Jim Mora says:
agree with reggie too… damned…
Feb.29 at 8:32 am
Jim Mora says:
although when reggie states the obvious you can’t disagree.
Feb.29 at 8:36 am
Shaun says:
Would love to know what white hot eboy would say. At this point in their careers, would anyone trade Kobe for Wade? Seeing Wade perform pre-2008, is it possible that he’s just been playing incredibly hurt this time? Will leave it to other slam readers to comment. Wade probably hasn’t fully taken on the leadership role as well.
BTW, what’s up with Matrix?
Feb.29 at 8:38 am
Shaun says:
Forgot to add - excellent post Holly. How about Farmar huh? I liked how Derek Fisher steadied the ship at the beginning of the season and even more now that Jordan is asserting himself.
Feb.29 at 8:40 am
Russ Bengtson says:
Wade definitely won’t be near 100 percent physically until next season. It’ll be interesting to see how he comes out of the gate then with a new lottery-acquired teammate.
Feb.29 at 9:27 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Yes, Holly. Very, very well done…Wade was looking pretty rough at times last night. You got to feel for the guy.
Feb.29 at 9:33 am
Ryne Nelson says:
I’m confused who the Pistons want to sign: Dale Davis or Theo Ratliff.
Feb.29 at 9:35 am
Cheryl says:
I agree, but only because Wade hasn’t been in the wars like Kobe has and until this year, hasn’t endured the pain of not living up to expectations. Also, Wade is nowhere close to the defensive stopper 24 is. But I agree with Shaun that Wade hasn’t been 100% this season, neither physically nor emotionally. He’s a smart kid though, and I have no doubt that he soon will lead the Heat out of the gutter.
Feb.29 at 9:41 am
Eboy says:
………..
Feb.29 at 9:42 am
peteb80 says:
Avery Johnson needs to be taken care of. I can’t take him anymore.
Feb.29 at 9:46 am
Ryne Nelson says:
I actually found the Lakers game tough to sit through. The best versus the worst team in the League doesn’t exactly make for good competition, even if the individual superstars are playing. I just wanted to fast forward to the last five minutes to watch the Lakers pull off the victory (although I would have missed some Kobe amazingness).
Feb.29 at 9:50 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Yesterday, Nets announcer Mark Jackson (yes, MJ of the Pacers) said that Devin Harris would be an All-Star in the East. Do points just know other points, or does Harris still have a long way to go to become an All-Star?
Feb.29 at 9:55 am
Dan says:
I highly doubt he will be an All-Star, at least for the next few years, Ryne.
Feb.29 at 9:55 am
Eboy says:
Devin has a LONGGGGGG way to go to be an All-Star guard. He’s nice, but not that nice.
Feb.29 at 9:58 am
Dan says:
Wow, Eboy, you and I are on this roll of agreement; it’s uncanny!
Feb.29 at 9:58 am
Ryne Nelson says:
I think it’s time to get Harris a nickname, though. Ian Eagle was calling him “Blur”….not good enough, plus that’s Barbosa’s moniker.
Feb.29 at 10:00 am
Squirrel7 says:
Don’t get me wrong, Wade can turn it on when he wants to, and deserved his Finals MVP, but to mention him in the same breath as Kobe and the league’s other top stars, such as Lebron and KG, is ridiculous. He is massively injury-prone (probably due to his recklessness in attacking the hoop), and is a turnover waiting to happen (and usually DOES happen!). Personally, I’d rather have a player like CP3 on my roster, who can still light it up for 20+ points, as well as making his team-mates better at the same time, which I don’t really feel DWade does….. First-time poster, long time Wade-hater (could you tell?!)
Feb.29 at 10:02 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Eboy, you’re the master of nicknames (Ryneocerous)…any ideas for Devin?
Feb.29 at 10:03 am
Eboy says:
Dan, you’ve finally began to gain tremendous knowledge through your contact with me around here.
Feb.29 at 10:04 am
Eboy says:
Rynocerous, he probably should be an All-Star before he gets a nickname, but give me a minute and I’ll try to get something for him. “Blur” is not good. Better for Barbosa like you said.
Feb.29 at 10:06 am
Eboy says:
Actually, if you want to stick to one word, “names” Dash wouldn’t be horrible like the kid from the “Incredibles”.
Feb.29 at 10:08 am
Ryne Nelson says:
I like Dash. Pretty plain, but better than nothing!
Feb.29 at 10:12 am
Ryne Nelson says:
EBoy, did you watch that YouTube that Holly linked in the beginning of her Post Up? Hilarious, huh?
Feb.29 at 10:16 am
Eboy says:
It was funny as hell. And you are the master of vid clips, Rynocerous. I like it.
Feb.29 at 10:22 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Thanks, Eboy. Sounds like no one’s too enthused about last night’s games. How about Sunday’s matchup of the Bulls and Cavs? That’s going to be some must-see TV.
Feb.29 at 10:26 am
Tariq says:
I’m not particularly a fan of Kobe, but I can’t see myself trading him for anyone in the L. With the possible exception of one LeBron James.
Feb.29 at 10:27 am
BETCATS says:
who wants to see the Celtics win by 10000000500 tonight vs Bobcats - Jason Richardson / Gerald / Derek Anderson
Feb.29 at 10:30 am
Tariq says:
Remember when Derek Anderson was the “X factor” on the Spurs? Watching sports for a few years make one feel old.
Feb.29 at 10:31 am
Tariq says:
Subject-verb agreement.
Feb.29 at 10:31 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Wait, Derek’s out tonight as well, Bet?
Feb.29 at 10:32 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Tariq, are you planning a retirement from sports watching now that you’re a seasoned vet?
Feb.29 at 10:32 am
BETCATS says:
yup, scoring option number 1 = Matt Carrol / Mohammed.
Feb.29 at 10:35 am
BETCATS says:
its funny when your team’s best scorers are a underrated Center and a former D-League All Star. The tables have turned, and now flipped upside down. CHA many never win another game this year. So much for Earl….
Feb.29 at 10:35 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Well, that settles it, rack another win for Charlotte.
Feb.29 at 10:38 am
Tariq says:
Ryne: I would, but then I’d have to swallow ample amounts of cyanide to compensate.
Feb.29 at 10:38 am
BETCATS says:
It sucks when you know the Heat may surpas your record, or the Sonics, or the Wolves…
Feb.29 at 10:40 am
BETCATS says:
on the plus, at least i get to see how good Davidson, Hollins, and Dudley are.
Feb.29 at 10:46 am
BETCATS says:
did everyone hide until i leave?
Feb.29 at 10:53 am
Ryne Nelson says:
I’m still here Bet…Holly I remember thinking Sasha “The Machine” was like Phil’s new Steve Kerr and 10 seconds later Reggie Miller made the same comment on air. That was terrible.
Feb.29 at 10:59 am
BETCATS says:
speaking of LA, is anyone aware that D.J. Mbenga is not a DJ? total letdown.
Feb.29 at 11:01 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Definitely thought he was, going to have to check my facts harder next time.
Feb.29 at 11:03 am
Russ Bengtson says:
Nazr’s not underrated, and Devin the Dude is close to All-Star status. It’s the East!
Feb.29 at 11:04 am
Krayzie Bone says:
Does that Mean that the new MJ, KB, will punch him in the nose?
Feb.29 at 11:12 am
BETCATS says:
who woke the Bengston?
Feb.29 at 11:13 am
Eboy says:
You should have spelled it right, BET, you’re gonna get his ire up.
Feb.29 at 11:18 am
BETCATS says:
whats he gonna do? kick me off the website….never give the bobcats another article in his magizine….bring bnegsotn
Feb.29 at 11:19 am
BETCATS says:
or i could apolgize. My bad Bengtson im not used to big words…..but its too late to apoligize, its too late….
Feb.29 at 11:20 am
Russ Bengtson says:
Can we please talk about basketball? Seriously? Spell my last name any way you want, I don’t care. I’d rather go back to talking about the tragic absence of Derek Anderson (whom I thought had long since moved on to the Great Beyond).
Feb.29 at 11:20 am
Eboy says:
I actually liked the Bnegsotn spelling you put out there, BET, it makes Russ sound Hungarian.
Feb.29 at 11:21 am
Eboy says:
Russ, it’s D.E.A.D. this morning. Cut us some slack on a Friday, brother. Do you like Barry headed back to the Spurs, or does it not matter since the Lakers train can’t be derailed?
Feb.29 at 11:23 am
BETCATS says:
the absence of D.A along with Gerald and Jason means the bobcats could possibly score 15 points in the first half. KG is still angry about that 12 point a$$ kicking we gave them, so look for him to be very agresive, and look for a 50+ Celtics win
Feb.29 at 11:23 am
Tariq says:
Russ is a rabblerouser. And a ruffian.
Feb.29 at 11:25 am
Russ Bengtson says:
Barry headed back to the Spurs can only help them, I’d think. Although they’re looking awfully old. The wheels are gonna fall off that train one of these days. Are they capable of winning a title this year? Sure. But maybe they should consider keeping the occasional draft pick/youngster.
Feb.29 at 11:26 am
Tom says:
wow, 10:30 and only 50 comments, this leap year is throwing everything off…..so I’ve got a question…Is Tony Parker a great pg, or just a decent pg in a great system?
Feb.29 at 11:27 am
BETCATS says:
thats why god made the D-League Russ
Feb.29 at 11:27 am
Eboy says:
Tom, closer to the latter, but better than decent.
Feb.29 at 11:27 am
BETCATS says:
decent PG with a great wife
Feb.29 at 11:28 am
Russ Bengtson says:
Has Derek Anderson seriously been playing a lot this year? I’m honestly curious.
Feb.29 at 11:28 am
Russ Bengtson says:
Tony Parker > Eva Longoria
Feb.29 at 11:29 am
BETCATS says:
he gets his minutes Russ, he made Sam’s rotation and he gets his 5-7 points and 1-2 assists in like 15-20 minutes
Feb.29 at 11:30 am
Eboy says:
I think you said the other day Russ, as long as the nucleus of The Robot, Manu and Tony are there a few pieces added to that mix can have them in contention all the time, so maybe they get the first back to back title, and reboot this offseason by jettisoning Kurt, Barry, Damon. Even with a late round pick, they also seem to pull somebody with international flair that contributes.
Feb.29 at 11:30 am
BETCATS says:
Eva > sex in the city
Feb.29 at 11:31 am
Tariq says:
Russ: Are you high? Eva Longoria > organized sports, let alone that talented frog.
Feb.29 at 11:31 am
Eboy says:
* they always
Feb.29 at 11:32 am
Tariq says:
Eboy: “jettisoning”? Have you and Ryan been having secret 3rd Bass listening sessions behind my back?
Feb.29 at 11:33 am
Tom says:
Is Derek Anderson still signed to Jordan?? BTW, those new jordan ads with the high school footage are dope.
Feb.29 at 11:33 am
BETCATS says:
i say Heat make the playoffs and win it all. Disgruntaled grudges make the best type of teams.
Feb.29 at 11:33 am
Russ Bengtson says:
Eva Longoria is one of the most overrated people in the history of humanity. And I agree that the Spurs will be able to reload as long as they have that core. In addition to Kurt, Barry and Damon, though, Big Shot Brob and Mike Finley are running on fumes. They’re going to need to do some major retooling soon.
Feb.29 at 11:34 am
BETCATS says:
tom, if he wasnt he wouldnt be able to not play tonight
Feb.29 at 11:36 am
BETCATS says:
Kim Kardishan > Eva
Feb.29 at 11:37 am
Eboy says:
Agreed about Eva, Russ. I hate that troll faced c***. And Timmy has what, maybe 5 more high production years left. They have that much of a window to get it done so I think Pop and his boys will give Timmy one more run for a title or two before he shuts down.
Feb.29 at 11:39 am
BETCATS says:
you cant honstley say that if you saw Eva bend over you wont have the urge to slap that
Feb.29 at 11:40 am
Eboy says:
I put my foot up her narrow ass.
Feb.29 at 11:41 am
Tariq says:
Well, maybe Eva IS a tad overrated. She wouldn’t be able to crack my top 5: 1- Myriam Faris 2- Christina Aguilera (don’t judge me) 3- Jessica Alba 4- Tiffani Amber Thiessen 5- Scarlett Johanssen. Still, given the choice between Parker and Parker-Longoria, I choose the latter!
Feb.29 at 11:42 am
Russ Bengtson says:
At least with Duncan there’s no “oh my god he hasn’t won a title yet we have to do SOMETHING QUICK” sense of urgency that drives some teams to do things they might not otherwise do. Not that I’m naming names.
Feb.29 at 11:47 am
Eboy says:
I like your list, T. Especially Christina. Them sweater midgets grew up and so did her hot stock.
Feb.29 at 11:47 am
Eboy says:
Russ, just referenced almost every team that made atrade in the last couple of weeks. Nice.
Feb.29 at 11:52 am
Tariq says:
Eboy: Thank you, Eboy. I am an aficionado. Abstinence breeds obsession and thus offers me the time to conjure up immaculate lists.
Feb.29 at 11:53 am
Myles Brown says:
One of the basketball teams in Los Angeles impresses me.
Feb.29 at 11:53 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Mbenga actually has a ridiculous story about how he made it here to the nba. I’m looking up the link right now. Brings new meaning to “just a game” and it is no surprise the man is thankful to be alive, let alone hanging on the Lakers bench.
Feb.29 at 11:54 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Devin Harris is damn close to all-star status in the East if he continues to improve upon his game.
Feb.29 at 11:55 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Lets not talk about Kardashian in my column, please.
Feb.29 at 11:55 am
Russ Bengtson says:
Myles, you shouldn’t be impressed just because Donald Sterling bought out Sam Cassell. At least wait for Elton and Shaun to come back.
Feb.29 at 11:56 am
Russ Bengtson says:
Let’s not talk about Kardashian ANYWHERE.
Feb.29 at 11:56 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=7335
Preetom Bhattacharya
But for DJ Mbenga, tragedy hit even closer to home. Mbenga’s father worked for the Congolese government and when his term ended, the new regime looked to purge all those that worked for the old administration. Mbenga’s father died in unknown circumstances and as the war raged on, DJ himself was jailed and faced execution. After nine months of incredibly difficult circumstances in prison, Mbenga escaped; his brother had bribed one of the prison guards and DJ immediately flew to Belgium, where he sought political asylum. While living at a shelter in Belgium, Mbenga was “discovered” by a basketball coach, leading him on the journey that eventually landed him in the NBA and now to his second 10-day contract with one of the most storied franchises in the league. “Sometimes when they see us or when they talk to us when we come home, we bring them something new, like energy,” Mbenga said of fans in the Congo. “Something like new breath, like hope. They can say, ‘If this guy can do it, we can do it, too.’ Just to show them a different face – no drama, no pain.”
Feb.29 at 11:57 am
Myles Brown says:
I always get ahead of myself.
Feb.29 at 12:07 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Myles, I assume you weren’t pleased by the Ratliff buyout?
Feb.29 at 12:11 pm
Myles Brown says:
I didnt understand it. And I really would have wanted him back here next year He looked fine in his first few games back and really contributed something the team was missing. They didnt wanna use a 11mil bargaining chip during the biggest trade storm of our lifetime, but they silently buy him out a week later? And Toine is gonna be pissed.
Feb.29 at 12:11 pm
Tariq says:
Holly: I think Manute Bol had a similar story, no?
Feb.29 at 12:12 pm
Tariq says:
Although Bol is Sudanese, not Congolese.
Feb.29 at 12:13 pm
ciolkstar says:
The Spurs were so much tougher than the mAvs last night. I’m sure that Pop was on them about being the more physical team. Although, there could’ve been a foul called on Bowen on the shot attempt by jet. But they were calling it loose all game and the Spurs took advantage of that. Tim looks better than he has in years and I’m happy to see tony getting minutes and contributing in big moments. He literally crossed every single person who tried to D him at the top of the key.
Feb.29 at 12:13 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
None of it made much sense. Maybe avoid the T-Wolves locker room for a couple of days until Toine cools down. Although one would hope he would understand that a defensive-oriented center is more valuable than an off-target gunner.
Feb.29 at 12:14 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
yes, I think so, Tariq. Talk about being thankful.
Feb.29 at 12:15 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Parker did look nice. The combo of he and Ginobili is going to be hell to deal with.
Feb.29 at 12:18 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
where did everyone go?
Feb.29 at 12:21 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I wonder whether Parker would be even BETTER in an uptempo system.
Feb.29 at 12:21 pm
Myles Brown says:
Maybe he let them know that he had no interest in coming back. Even if that were the case, I wouldnt see him waiting until now to say so. I just dont understand what changed between last week and this week. But this is the franchise that loves to do favors. F*ck up the future by trying to sign Joe Smith, Give every point guard -except Sam I Am-a ridiculous extension, Waste every draft pick we touch, and Buyout/trade anyone who doesnt want to be here. Its getting ridiculous. Actually it already is, I need another word. Um, f*cked up?
Feb.29 at 12:23 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
At least you’re not bitter about it. And you’ve still got Shaddy!
Feb.29 at 12:23 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Oh man, Myles. Getting attached to the Wolves sucks because then stuff like this is maddening. At least we’ll always have the Lakers.
Feb.29 at 12:24 pm
Eboy says:
I like the move for Detroit actually. Better than Dale Davis.
Feb.29 at 12:28 pm
Eboy says:
“We’ll always have Paris.”
Feb.29 at 12:31 pm
Joel O's says:
@Russ: Perhaps TP would be better individually in an even more uptempo system, but I think his game (and Manu’s) is what gives San Antonio its equilibrium, its balance… without which it would just be Timmy and a bunch of shooters. TP would probably put up crazy numbers in Denver or PHX though…
Feb.29 at 12:31 pm
Myles Brown says:
Sh*t like that makes me wonder if some of the dents in the walls around here arent from KG banging his head against them for twelve years. Im still somewhat happy with the Wolves, but I do wonder how the future fares for them without a legit center. Sorry Doleac. But the Lakers more than make up for my Wolves frustrations.
Feb.29 at 12:32 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
the Kobe-Luke-Odom play had me downright giddy, Myles.
Feb.29 at 12:32 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Maybe they can bring back Dean Garrett? And Joel, I’d agree with that assessment.
Feb.29 at 12:33 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Kobe’s been dunking like there’s no tomorrow.
Feb.29 at 12:33 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
as did the Mutombo finger-wag. I can only imagine how frustrating some of his time in Minny was for KG.
Feb.29 at 12:35 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Yes, Russ. I don’t remember KB ever getting to the rim so easily, it is ridiculous.
Feb.29 at 12:35 pm
Myles Brown says:
Kobe is unleashing every pass that he had to restrain from throwing to Kwame. Or Smush. He seems downright happy to get rid of the ball.
Feb.29 at 12:36 pm
Myles Brown says:
And he will continue to get to the rim like that as long as this team is as balanced as they are.
Feb.29 at 12:37 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Speaking of Smush, I guess he’s waiting to get reactivated or bought out, too. Somehow I don’t think a playoff team is waiting to add him, though.
Feb.29 at 12:37 pm
Tariq says:
I wish someone would buy out Popeye Jones already.
Feb.29 at 12:38 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
The one dunk where he brought he ball down to his waist was a little shaky. I didn’t love that one. The driving up and under, that one was terrific.
Feb.29 at 12:41 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
that was terrific, Russ. I’m still trying to find the mutombo finger-wag highlight for you. It really, really ticked off Marion.
Feb.29 at 12:43 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Shawn was probably just upset he hadn’t thought of it first.
Feb.29 at 12:45 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
hahahahah @ Russ. I think we scared everyone away with our Laker talk.
Feb.29 at 12:46 pm
Eboy says:
F*ck Shawn Marion.
Feb.29 at 12:46 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
God forbid there be conversation about the team with the best record in the West and the second-longest win streak in the L.
Feb.29 at 12:46 pm
RV says:
I’m wondering how many more times Kidd will sit out in crunch time because he’s Ason. At first i didn’t think Jason made them better or worse, but he’s doesn’t want to shoot the big shot and he can’t shoot the big shot.
They may be great on a fast break or quick possession, but in the half court he just stands there ans swings the ball around
Feb.29 at 12:48 pm
Eboy says:
It’d be even worse if it was every day, Russ, three or four times a day usually in different posts……oh.
Feb.29 at 12:50 pm
namik says:
Someone needs to tell Jason Terry that this isn’t Atlanta nor is it 2003. So pass the ball to f*cking Dirk. Of course Bowen fouled him about 5 times on that particular possesion. And Tim Duncan got about 6 steps and a foul on the SA possesion before that. The NBA is great!!!
Feb.29 at 12:50 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I don’t think Kidd wanted to sit out. Avery’s a bit of a control freak. And I don’t remember too many games in Jersey where Kidd sat out at the end. Sure, I guess you can play off him because he’s not a great shooter, but a) he might actually HIT that open shot, which would be embarassing, and b) if he’s wide open, he’s GUARANTEED to hit anyone who cuts and gets an inch of daylight.
Feb.29 at 12:50 pm
Joel O's says:
@RV: Maybe he just sat cuz he doesn’t know the Mavs’ crunch time plays perfectly yet. Kidd is clutch. I think Avery just sat him to go “Hey Jason watch how we run this, you’ll be out there next time it happens”.
Feb.29 at 12:52 pm
Reggie Evans says:
@Russ Benson: It’s comic on TNT’s “Flights of the Night”, where they show all the dunks, Kenny and Charles were ooohing and aaahing at all the highlights, but then silence to the Kobe dunk you’re talking about (the one where he brought the ball down to his waist). I thought it was only OK, also. Kobe has lost about 5% of his hops. That’s still good, but we’re spoiled from all the dunk contests.
Feb.29 at 12:52 pm
Eboy says:
Bowen’s block on the Jet was the epitome of timely.
Feb.29 at 12:52 pm
RV says:
Holly, did you see the video of DJ and Turiaf getting turned back when they tried to enter some LA hot spot without a reservation, the photographers were like “man but you’re a LAKER”, Turiaf’s eyes said “i just play one on tv” , but then he just shrugged it off
Feb.29 at 12:53 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Just talking about good basketball, Eboy. The Spurs/Mavs game might have been more entertaining, but I’d say the Lakers chemistry has even got them beat right now. It will be fun to watch those two go at it.
Feb.29 at 12:54 pm
Eboy says:
@ Sam (if he comes through), after last night’s performance in LA, and his previous one against the Lakers a few weeks ago, my Wade piece deserves attention. Wade is dogging it, and it’s as unpretty as the Matrix’s jumper.
Feb.29 at 12:56 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Joel, I thought it was dumb to have Kidd sitting there. I agree with Barkley saying, if you are giving up that much to get him, he had better be in there in crunch time. I KNOW he is new and might not know the plays, but, he is a point guard and their captain. I just feel like it is his JOB to make the right play, regardless of what the “set” play was. Either way, I’m sure it won’t happen again.
Feb.29 at 12:58 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
RV: I did see it, thanks for mentioning it though. He was funny as he just calmly walked away. Never ceases to amaze me how BIG these guys are in real life, around other “normal-sized” people.
Feb.29 at 12:58 pm
Eboy says:
I agree, Holly, that the Lakers are one of the two “Teams of the moment” and deserve the praise they are getting. And anyone coming through the Post Up knows where you are eventually going to wind up going with you ball talk (if they don’t they need to pay attention) so I love your dedication to your boys. I just look at it as one of the non-writers that is always around, and I would hate your posts to be avoided because of said conversations, that’s all, really.
Feb.29 at 12:59 pm
Tom says:
you’d think marion’s numbers would go up now that he’s finally getting plays called from him? I really hope they make a play for Brand this summer, he’d do great in the East.
Feb.29 at 1:00 pm
Eboy says:
And I don’t mean avoided in a bad way, just not oversaturated like it has the power to be every day.
Feb.29 at 1:00 pm
Myles Brown says:
People would never avoid a conversation about Bono.
Feb.29 at 1:00 pm
Eboy says:
Again, f*ck Shawn Marion.
Feb.29 at 1:01 pm
Eboy says:
Hey, blame Cub and Izzo for that one!!!
Feb.29 at 1:02 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
I don’t think we only talk Lakers, but I will agree that it comes up A LOT when it is me picking the topics. Those are my boys, haha. If you want to talk about something else, please bring up the topic and we can definitely talk another team. I guarantee you though, as long as the Lakers are on top of the West and the hottest team in the league, they will be talked about, here and otherwise!
Feb.29 at 1:02 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Or the small countries in Africa. That’s always stimulating on a basketball website. God forbid there be frequent conversation about a basketball team.
Feb.29 at 1:03 pm
Eboy says:
Well, I know they will always be the top vote getter in this neck of the woods (The Post Up), so I’m cool with that.
Feb.29 at 1:05 pm
Tom says:
and how about Timmy being clutch with his FT’s now?? I remember when they against the shaq/kobe lakers, he used to consistently choke at the line in crunch time.
Feb.29 at 1:05 pm
RV says:
Yeah you could tell he wanted to be out there, but even during the games he looks very hesitant when he it comes to taking open shots, teams are obviously going to give it to him, but he needs to shoot it just a bit more, otherwise the defense isn’t going to rotate to him and that means less open teammates. He’s actually shooting a decent 36% from 3 this season.
Feb.29 at 1:07 pm
Captain America says:
Hope Theo gets a chance with Pistons. He’s looking to retire after this season. Cubes looked pretty steamed (funny) after last night’s game. And it was an off-night for Manu’s shot production.
Feb.29 at 1:09 pm
RV says:
Holly, i think that video also reinforces how the Lakers bench accepts their roles, Turiaf just said “oh ok, well thank you”, he made no fuss, made no trouble, a lot of other guys would have played the “do you know who i am” card..
Feb.29 at 1:09 pm
Eboy says:
In actuality Russ, every NBA team has their own personal message boards for fans on their websites, so that is a good option for people that aren’t able to take derisive comments when it comes to basketball driven conversations or dealing with the readers of the world’s most DIVERSE basketball magazine which is why, I assume, you guys and girls steady write for and we, the readers, continue to buy and frequent this site. I love it all, just trying to put out an opinion. You hate talk about emo music and the like, some of the people that read the mag are tired of only reading the writers opinions on just 3 or 4 teams in the league. I love you guys regardless, so don’t count me among that number, though.
Feb.29 at 1:10 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
It sounds like the Pistons are gonna keep Theo in a glass case with a little hammer chained to it.
Feb.29 at 1:12 pm
Myles Brown says:
…..
Feb.29 at 1:13 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I don’t care what teams people talk about. There’s a hell of a lot of Heat talk on this site, given that they have 10 wins. I’ll never complain about that. I don’t “hate talk” about emo–I’ll bet I have more Alkaline Trio albums than the average NBA writer–I’d just prefer for talk on this site to be about basketball. Period. Whether it’s the Lakers or the Clippers or the Washington Generals, I don’t care.
Feb.29 at 1:14 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
RV, I thought that too. Just a little snippet of Turiaf’s life, but it did act as a reflection of the Lakers chemistry as a whole. Guys deferring contributing and doing whatever is necessary to get the W. Turiaf was so cool with the guy that the media were a bit shocked, I think.
Feb.29 at 1:16 pm
Tom says:
Just saw the laker highlights, that kobe-walton-odom play was nuts….but the real test for them is coming in the 2nd week of march. In a 6 day span they have to play Mavs, hornets, rockets, and jazz. I say thats probably they’re first serious test since the trade.
Feb.29 at 1:18 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Yes, Tom. Don’t I know it. I am actually VERY worried about the game tonight, against Portland.
Feb.29 at 1:18 pm
RV says:
and that VC video, I like RJ’s reaction even more, “ahh, um-uh, i didnt even practice yesterday”…it seems like they were told to not make a big deal about it, they should have gone around and asked all the players about it.. “oh umm, i was sick yesterday” “i umm, overslept, so i wasn’t here”..
Feb.29 at 1:23 pm
Tom says:
and as for dallas and kidd, you just get the feeling with dallas that if you push them around they’ll fold.
Feb.29 at 1:26 pm
RV says:
they should try going smaller with juwan when possible, Dampier and kidd on at the same time = cold shooting stretches,
Feb.29 at 1:26 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
SA is just too good. They terrify me, truthfully. Experienced, calm and cool they will methodically kill you down the stretch with their execution.
Feb.29 at 1:26 pm
Myles Brown says:
I laughed out loud when Dirk collided with Terry at the buzzer. His failures have shattered the uniintentional comedy scale.
Feb.29 at 1:28 pm
Tariq says:
Russ: I acknowledge that non-basketball topics can get out of hand at times, but are you saying that a- it bothers you when commenters go off on tangents. Comments should stick to hoops. or b- when someone complains about a given basketball topic (i.e. the Lakers), seeing that ANY basketball topic is more SLAM-friendly than, say, a debate over Frappuccino flavors (which could take place here one of these days). Or c- all of the above?
Feb.29 at 1:32 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I think it’s closer to B, but sometimes A, depending on said topic.
Feb.29 at 1:32 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
The Mavericks are comical.
Feb.29 at 1:33 pm
nick says:
I was thinking…when was the last time the NBA was this much fun to watch? The wealth of good/exciting teams in the West make every game worth watching.
Feb.29 at 1:34 pm
Joel O's says:
@Holly: Yeah. They didn’t give up so much for JKidd just to let him sit, and its way better to let him learn via trial by fire than to have him sit there watching. It won’t happen again, and yeah, this was probably Avery being a control freak as usual.
Feb.29 at 1:36 pm
Tariq says:
Does anyone else think that this is the year the window closes for the Suns and Mavs? And next year for the Spurs?
Feb.29 at 1:36 pm
nick says:
Avery’s move just baffles me. I’m sure Kidd hadn’t gone over all the game ending plays that the Mavs like to run. I’m also sure that a Kidd/Nowitzki high pick and roll could have gotten an infinately better shot then what avery drew up…which was apparently a play for terry to get stuffed.
Feb.29 at 1:37 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
I hear ya, Joel. Nick, every night is honestly great basketball. It’s a dream for hoop fans, regardless of your team.
Feb.29 at 1:38 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
where the heck is Tad?
Feb.29 at 1:38 pm
nick says:
Tariq: yes on the Mavs and Suns, no on the Spurs. Ginobl/Parker and savy drafting will carry the spurs even as duncan ages.
Feb.29 at 1:41 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
The Mavs window was probably closed anyway.
Feb.29 at 1:43 pm
Tariq says:
Nick, the draft is to San Antonio as the MTV Movie Awards are to Robert De Niro.
Feb.29 at 1:43 pm
nick says:
I agree, russ. The mavs window closed the moment Baron Davis ripped out dirk’s still-beating heart and ate it temple of doom style.
Feb.29 at 1:45 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
hahha, Nick that made me laugh.
Feb.29 at 1:45 pm
Tariq says:
Russ: Yeah, the Mavs are officially the late-decade version of the Sacramento Queens. The only requirement needed to make the analogy complete is a Jackie Christie sighting.
Feb.29 at 1:48 pm
Bryan says:
Hello folks.
Feb.29 at 1:48 pm
Myles Brown says:
Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker were second round picks werent they?
Feb.29 at 1:50 pm
Bryan says:
Parker was late first round.
Feb.29 at 1:52 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
They were both deep picks that worked out. They probably should have kept Scola, too.
Feb.29 at 1:52 pm
nick says:
parker was 27th-29th, i wanna say, and manu was the 57th overall pick.
Feb.29 at 1:53 pm
Bryan says:
Scola is better than Oberto or however you spell it.
Feb.29 at 1:54 pm
nick says:
Yes they should have Russ. I thank them, on behalf of the City of Houston. I think Scola is going to suprise some people now that he’ll get some of Yao’s shots.
Feb.29 at 2:01 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
One would think that Scola could have played alongside Duncan OR Oberto.
Feb.29 at 2:02 pm
Myles Brown says:
Point being, the Draft always matters in San Antonio.
Feb.29 at 2:09 pm
Eboy says:
What’s up Shia.
Feb.29 at 2:11 pm
Eboy says:
Holly, TAD is out of town today, on his way to the NO/Wiz game.
Feb.29 at 2:18 pm
Tariq says:
Myles: I don’t think turning the 29th and 57th picks into All-Stars is a common occurence, even by the Spurs’ lofty standards. That’s why I think it’s going to be harder for San Antonio to contend once Duncan starts to age. Not to mention Bowen, Finley, Kurt Thomas, etc. Of course, that could be wishful thinking on my part.
Feb.29 at 2:20 pm
Tariq says:
I remember thinking the Spurs should have drafted Jamaal Tinsley that year!
Feb.29 at 2:21 pm
Eboy says:
That’s what you get for thinking, T.
Feb.29 at 2:21 pm
Eboy says:
Actually, Tinsley had so much promise, dude was really nice when he was locked in.
Feb.29 at 2:24 pm
Tariq says:
Methinks.
Feb.29 at 2:28 pm
nick says:
Tariq–the point is that the heart of the spurs strength lies in the front office. They have an uncanny ability to draft well. Ginobli, Parker, and Scola are all players the spurs drafted. Bruce Bowen and Stephen Jackson were nobodies who the spurs found and forged into very useful players. Duncan’s decline will make him an old-kareem sort of figure–still effective, but defering to the younger guys. The spurs have AT LEAST 3-5 more years of championship contention with the current core.
Feb.29 at 2:32 pm
Kawika says:
yo holly! nice win for the lakers… even though against the worst team in the L. thought it was cool to hear Reggie saying that if you switched Kobe & Wade that KB wouldn’t let the team miss the playoffs in the East. looking at the Miami line-up… you’d think that they could do better than their record indicates… Marion looked frustrated out there… Wade just looked tired of it all.
Feb.29 at 2:35 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
The thing about the Spurs is that they can plug a lot of different players in and have it work, as long as they have Duncan and Popovich.
Feb.29 at 2:35 pm
B. Long says:
Hey Eboy, there’s just as much talk now about KB and the Lakeshow as there always has been ur just pissed cause its positive now and ur team has crashed faster than Britney Spears at rehab. Get a life…
Feb.29 at 2:40 pm
Eboy says:
Not really, B. Long. And the talk about the Lakers only came from true Lakers fans before when they were struggling, not every as*hole with an opinion now that they are competitive, much like yourself.
Feb.29 at 2:47 pm
Tariq says:
I agree with Russ about the whole Duncan/Pop thing. I don’t know why I hate the Spurs, especially since I don’t really root for a specific team. Are they “boring”? How can a team with Manu and Parker be boring? Probably that bug-eyed stare Duncan gives the refs…
Feb.29 at 2:48 pm
nick says:
Bandwagoners are a fact of life, especially with national media market teams like the Lakeshow. Nothing wrong with talking about a hot team as long as you don’t change colors and talk sh!t with every hot team around.
Feb.29 at 2:50 pm
Reggie Evans says:
The Congo.
Feb.29 at 2:50 pm
Eboy says:
Do you really hate them, T, or are you just jealous that a team with so many foreign born players doesn’t include one with ties to Hezbollah (sic)?
Feb.29 at 2:51 pm
nick says:
Tariq–I ask myself the same thing thing. Ginobli and parker are two of the most dynamic players in the leauge. Tim Duncan’s post game is a work of art. But for some reason, they just don’t seem like they’re that much fun. They can’t even inspire hated of other fans like the patriots did. They’re just sorta always there…
Feb.29 at 2:53 pm
Eboy says:
nick, I still hold out hope for your sake that the Rockets can get into the playoffs somehow.
Feb.29 at 2:53 pm
TonyG says:
some points here..I believe the Lakers are the 1st or 2nd best team in the West, with the Spurs..I believe it’ll be between those 2 teams in the conference finals..but the Lakers haven’t really had any competition yet..a Suns team that hasn’t gelled with Shaq, Orlando is pretty good and they stuck around the entire game..that’s it..they get Dallas next, a team that is still gelling with Kidd..so while I believe LA is one of the top teams in the L, let’s not overhype them too much..we’ve seen how that works(2004 Lakers)..as for the Spurs..they’re going to be relevant for a while..age isn’t a factor here..Finley, Thomas, Horry, Oberto and Stoudamire are all FA’s..the Spurs will have an opportunity to go with young role players..Ime Udoka is already starting to take Bowen’s minutes..they get Splitter next year..Tim Duncan doesn’t rely on athleticism, so he’ll be able to play at a high level for years..this team isn’t going away for a while, and next year is an odd year..
Feb.29 at 2:59 pm
nick says:
I appreciate that. I won’t go into the reasoning now, but i’m still pretty convinced it will happen. And I hope for your sake the heat get as many ping-pong balls as possible and wade’s arm doesn’t fall off.
Feb.29 at 2:59 pm
Eboy says:
Is that Splitter character ready for the bright lights of the lig?
Feb.29 at 3:11 pm
nick says:
Eboy: after 5 minutes of research, i found that Splitter is averaging 14, 5.5, 1 block and 1 assist on 62% shooting in only 22 mins a game for Tau Ceramica (a pretty good team…Scola played there). I also found a picture of him elbowing a guy in the face. Take from that what you will.
Feb.29 at 3:19 pm
Eboy says:
Gangsta!
Feb.29 at 3:22 pm
albie1kenobi says:
scola was to the argentine team what pau was to the spain team, so i’m pretty sure he can handle himeself very well on the rockets. i just wonder why it took so long for him to become a starter.
Feb.29 at 3:24 pm
Cheryl says:
Hey, how come we don’t talk about Lost anymore? Where’s Sam?
Feb.29 at 3:27 pm
Eboy says:
Hi Cheryl.
Feb.29 at 3:31 pm
albie1kenobi says:
it’s so slow today here. people musta forgot today exists.
Feb.29 at 3:39 pm
albie1kenobi says:
anyone want to talk about tonight’s games? or this weekend’s matchups? there’s hornets/jazz tonight (PG battle royale), two national televised game on sunday (mavs/lakers, bulls/cavs) which i think are both must see games, and an very important rockets/nuggs game on sunday night.
Feb.29 at 3:40 pm
B. Long says:
Hey Eboy Ive been a lakers fan since b4 Magic got HIV from ur Mother!
Feb.29 at 3:40 pm
nick says:
Kenobi, Re: Scola– Early on his defense, particularly his help rotations, left a lot to be desired. He had a lot of stupid fouls. Common rookie/international player stuff. We (the rockets) also used him as a sub for Yao so the offense wouldn’t sputter and die when Yao sat, given that the only other option was Mutombo. The (unexpected) emergence of Carl Landry gave us some big man depth, and Scola’s D improved enough to put him in the starting lineup where he belongs.
Feb.29 at 3:44 pm
Eboy says:
nick, how tall is Landry?
Feb.29 at 3:46 pm
Eboy says:
I like guys that write like they text message all day. Probably hit’s up Hannah Montana too.
Feb.29 at 3:55 pm
nick says:
Landry’s height is an open question. He’s listed at 6′9, but…that’s crap. I’ve heard rumors that he’s about 6′7. The reality is somewhere between…i’d guess 6′8 1/4 with shoes. Plus a 40.5 inch vertical leap, and a few months of study at the mutombo academy of hustle, make for a pretty effective player.
Feb.29 at 4:07 pm
B. Long says:
How did u know, Ebitch? I got that eleventeen yr old on speed dial! J/k
Feb.29 at 4:10 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Landry’s been pretty serious–and fun to watch. Looking forward to Paul v. Williams tonight, and Bulls/Cavs on Sunday. Ben Wallace should wear 12 headbands.
Feb.29 at 4:35 pm
nick says:
Bulls/Cavs is must-see-TV not so much for the quality of the game as for the near gaurentee of a Wallace v. Noah fistfight.
Feb.29 at 5:43 pm
Konate says:
The mavs are dUMB! lakers will win it and phil jackson willl have such a smugg look on his face and the nets will have Egg on their face once again!
F*ck those guys
Feb.29 at 6:18 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Actually, the Nets’ll be all right, I think. Devin Harris is looking like an All-Star already (yeah, so it’s been one game), Vince and Stromile are looking somewhat rejuvenated, and they have a solid, young core with Boone, Sean and Marcus Williams, and even Jefferson. They shed a lot of contracts and dead weight in Jason and TJ, Jamaal and Jason Collins.
Feb.29 at 6:43 pm
DP-Mamba says:
damn. I missed the party again. Fridays are always slow on the Post-up for some odd reason.
Feb.29 at 8:20 pm
albie1kenobi says:
devin’s gonna have a free reign to run the team. this team is definitely capable (and encouraged) to run as much and as fast as possible, and devin will be leading the charge with his break-neck speed and a whole slew of athletic finishers next to him. if carter ever decides to honor his max money, nets will be back as a top east team sooner than most people think. i just wish marcus williams could have grown into a really good point man.
Feb.29 at 10:26 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
It’s not too late for Marcus. He played really well those first couple games after Kidd got dealt. They could be a nasty first-round matchup for someone. Orlando? They don’t want it with the Nets.
Mar.1 at 12:05 am
RV says:
David stern is going to ruin the NBA if he doesn’t change this seeding crap, i can only imagine how many letters he’s going to get if GS misses the playoffs with a better record than Utah