The Post Up: Suns Burn Mavs
Chicago over Miami and Kobe’s painful pinkie.
By: Holly MacKenzie
I am still struggling with the news of Kobe’s injury. I thought this re-injury thing wouldn’t end up being anything serious and it looks like it is just that. Great. We all know that guy is a warrior so if they are talking about him needing surgery, well, it just isn’t good. I can only hope we can play him sparingly for awhile to try to get some rest for that damn hand.
I can honestly say that one pinkie has never caused me so much stress before, but this pinkie holds the weight of the franchise, hanging in the balance. If the league makes Kobe play in this All-Star game… Well at least we’ve got Byron as the coach and he has good judgment.
If Kobe does take the game off then one warrior needs to be replaced with another. Jax! Baron! Please, please give me some Warrior-love.
I missed most of both games last night because I am a good friend. Nothing exciting, don’t worry. I allowed myself to miss the end of the Bulls/Heat game and most of the Mavs/Suns game. Had I been needed from tonight through Sunday, it would have been too bad.
This Dallas-Jersey trade just gets more complicated. Now Stack may have tripped them up with his comments about taking 30 days off and re-signing with the Mavs? Oh man. It is like the powers that be are forcing Kidd back to Jersey.
I can now say ALL-STAR 2008 is here. Our guys are in New Orleans and I am anxiously awaiting all of the updates, stories and fun. I’ve already decided I will not be leaving the TV for the next three evenings and I’m very excited. Rookie/Soph! All-Star Saturday Night! All-Star Sunday! Leave your picks for everything below, please. Final score, game MVP, dunk contest, three-point comp, skills comp, and anything and everything in between.
And, since Shaq looks like he will be playing his first game in a Suns uniform against the Lakers next week, what are your predictions for HIS stats in the game? Minutes, points, rebounds, assists, blocks, turnovers, calls for a sub, etc. Leave those below, too.
Chicago 99 Miami 92
The Miami Heat continue to get used to having Shawn Marion in the mix, but they didn’t have quite enough to overcome the Bulls as they dropped a 99-92 decision last night. Chicago led 48-43 at the half after holding the Heat to only 15 points in the second quarter. While they went on to take a nine-point lead in the final period, they were unable to sustain it as the Heat charged back and cut the deficit to one, 82-81 midway through the quarter. The Heat were unable to take the lead as they were stuck trading baskets with Chicago until Thabo Sefolosha connected on two free throws and then stole the ball from Dwyane Wade, breaking up a Heat possession. On their next possession, a made free throw extended the Chicago lead to 94-87 and they were able to hang on from there to take a win into the all-star break. The Bulls out-rebounded Miami 53-35 as Miami also turned the ball over 18 times in the contest. Kirk Hinrich led Chicago with 24 points off of the bench as Joe Smith scored 19 points to go with 11 rebounds. Andres Nocioni had 18 points with his 11 rebounds, Sefolosha scored 17 points and pulled down 12 rebounds and Tyrus Thomas added 10 points and 12 boards. Dwyane Wade had 30 to lead the Heat while Marion added 23 points as he was the only other member of Miami to reach double-figures in the loss.
Phoenix 109 Dallas 97
While the big match up between the Suns and Mavs lacked both Shaquille O’Neal and Jason Kidd, the intensity was still there despite both teams being on the second night of back-to backs. With Dallas leading by one at the half, the Suns would begin to make their push in the third as they outscored the Mavs by five in the period, taking a four-point advantage into the fourth thanks to Leandro Barbosa scoring off of his own miss at the end of the third. Things were close in the final quarter until the Suns managed to reel off an 11-2 run to extend their lead into double-figures as they went up 104-93 with less than two minutes remaining in the game and went on to the victory from there. While the Phoenix offense was flowing the Mavs were stagnant, finishing with only eight assists as a team while Steve Nash finished with 13 of the Suns 24 team assists. Nash also had 24 points while Amare Stoudemire and Barbosa finished with 26 points apiece and Boris Diaw had 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks with 36 points and 12 rebounds while Jason Terry scored 29 points and Eddie Jones added 9 in the loss.
129 Responses to “The Post Up: Suns Burn Mavs”
Feb.15 at 7:53 am
Russ Bengtson says:
The Mavericks really need to make a trade, sheesh. What are they waiting for?
Feb.15 at 7:53 am
Jim Mora says:
hello
Feb.15 at 7:55 am
Jim Mora says:
they have to take manu
Feb.15 at 7:56 am
Jim Mora says:
that guy is the most underrated killer in the league
Feb.15 at 7:56 am
Jim Mora says:
and 4 in a row!
Feb.15 at 7:57 am
Jim Mora says:
bye
Feb.15 at 7:59 am
Jim Mora says:
my picks:
mvp: paul (almost a lock)
three point: kapono!
dunk: james white. oh wait…
Feb.15 at 8:13 am
Keith says:
Holly had a Valentines date.
Feb.15 at 8:35 am
James the balla says:
i want kobe to be ok as well Holly… or we are in trouble!!
Feb.15 at 9:05 am
Logan says:
Kobe will be ok i hope….the lakers just cannot get a break….I think kobe will play in the all star game sparingly….as for shaqs stats..
Minutes 20, points 10, rebounds 3, assists 3, blocks 0, turnovers 3, calls for a sub (in his head, about 150) 2
Feb.15 at 9:07 am
Logan says:
we all know shaq is going to go all out against the Lakeshow….actually, i will not be surprised if he does not play at all..calling in the ‘day to day’ excuse..
Feb.15 at 9:07 am
Krayzie Bone says:
Shaq: 30, 20, 12, 4, 0, 5, 6 (based on Holly’s order).
Feb.15 at 9:08 am
Tarzan Cooper says:
gerald green hasn’t played much this season=lots of time to practice dunks…..nobody is picking gerald, buy you all had better believe he has something ready
Feb.15 at 9:20 am
DJ Leon Smith says:
Kobe’s alright but he’s no Sene.
Feb.15 at 9:39 am
Ryne Nelson says:
@Logan, I agree about Shq. The Lakers seem like a high profile game to hav eyour first game against.
Feb.15 at 9:41 am
DP says:
I know how Kobe feels with fingers man. Yesterday I freakin dislocated my middle finger when I was tryin to dunk on this scrub that lives cross the street from me. I won’t need surgery like Kobe and I will play through it. KB will be fine he just needs some ice and rest. play wit it.
Feb.15 at 9:46 am
Tarzan Cooper says:
unlike dwight and rudy this ^^^ DumbPu#sy lowers the rim to 8 feet.
Feb.15 at 9:48 am
Ryne Nelson says:
It’s rough, though, coming at it from a strictly selfish standpoint. I was really looking forward to a Rip/Kobe/Nash showdown in the 3-point contest. It just won’t have the same flare with Dirk again.
Feb.15 at 9:49 am
DP says:
tarzan, so swing on some damn trees or something man. f*ck you man. It was freakin nine and a half feet thank you very much buddy. and I really feel if my finger was healed, I could dunk on your ass too tarzan of the jungle. play wit it.
Feb.15 at 9:54 am
Logan says:
yeah Ryne…the hype may become too much…lets see, anyway it goes, should be entertaining
Feb.15 at 9:55 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Holly, don’t worry about missing most the games last night. Nothing ridiculously out of the ordinary occurred. I guess I was a bit surprised that the Suns where able to finish off the Mavs so well in the end. Both PHX and DAL looked really tired after playing back-to-back games the past two nights. Dallas, fourth city in the past five games.
Feb.15 at 9:58 am
Ryne Nelson says:
@Logan - I can’t complain about Kobe taking time to rest, rather than shooting in the contest. But if your finger was hurting, wouldn’t you compete in the 3-point contest and take the ASG off? I mean, wouldn’t it be tougher to actually play with that injury?
Feb.15 at 9:58 am
Logan says:
i kinda feel bad for DWade…he mentioned somewhere that he does not even know what the record is (i am sure he does…) I am not a fan of wade but hate to see a guy struggle like that…..Kobe went through the same post Shaq….I was wishing miami wins over chicago today….Marion is fitting in well. They should have a good run after the break…
Feb.15 at 10:01 am
Logan says:
yeah but i think Kobe prefers to have his all star streak intact than take part in the 3 point contest…i know i want him to continue his all star streak….i think he will be fine…i’m guessing he will be content passing the rock around…..
Feb.15 at 10:02 am
Ryne Nelson says:
I feel even worse for cats like Chris Quinn who is playing his first season in the League in such a demoralizing setting.
Feb.15 at 10:09 am
Logan says:
very true….i just hope there is something positive at the end of the season for the whole heat team….pats made a mess…hopefully they come back strong next season
Feb.15 at 10:12 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Devean needs to leave Dallas, for his own sake. His head was once again somewhere else for the entire game. He was completely trying to play a position that he’s never played. I seriously think he lost the game last night. George just needs to get away from all the pressure in Dallas and start again.
Feb.15 at 10:16 am
Logan says:
Devean is a stand up player but as you said, his head is not in the game. I understand his displeasure at leaving Dallas, but he should leave. It will get worse if he has any more lapses in the game…..the fingers are already pointing at him….whats the update on the trade though? Since Stack spilled the beans, it may not go through?
Feb.15 at 10:17 am
Logan says:
thats just crazy…..
Feb.15 at 10:17 am
Ryne Nelson says:
The entire Dallas situation is thrown up into the air right now. If George won’t budge, Cuban almost has to sign and trade KVH, although that’s the last thing he wants. But the team will not be functional until a trade is completed.
Feb.15 at 10:19 am
Logan says:
and does anyone know what happened to Smush?? That guy is one weird cat….Pats roster moves this last summer are going to haunt the heat…
Feb.15 at 10:20 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Either George is convinced to go along with the deal (which is very unlikely as is) or the team signs and trades Keith Van Horn, which would kill Dallas’ payroll even more.
Feb.15 at 10:21 am
Logan says:
wow…cuban must be pissssssssed!
Feb.15 at 10:22 am
Ryne Nelson says:
I think White Chocolate’s wife kicked the sh*t out of Smush before the season, and he hasn’t had the balls to show himself since.
Feb.15 at 10:27 am
BETCATS says:
i got the flu and my medicine makes my eyes turn red. Happy day after Valentines day
Feb.15 at 10:27 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Shaq’s stats against the Lakers:
16 minutes, 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block
Feb.15 at 10:30 am
TADOne says:
Morning all. Rough morning. Not much going on i see.
Feb.15 at 10:31 am
BETCATS says:
Shaq v LA = 2 Mintues 1 Point 1 Rebound 1 Block 1 assist
Feb.15 at 10:32 am
Logan says:
its a shame…..I always felt Smush was ok….any update on whats Kwame upto?
Sucks that Bynum is not around (if Shaq plays next week). Man the Lakers Suns games are going to be awesome…..
Feb.15 at 10:34 am
Ryne Nelson says:
TAD! Good morning!
Feb.15 at 10:35 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Not too much. Just talking about Devean, how the Dallas needs to make a trade to be functional, Kobe as always, ASG, etc., DWade and how we feel sorry for him.
Feb.15 at 10:39 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Oh, and how it’s odd that Kobe is playing in the game (which is worse for a healing finger) than shooting 20-some times in the 3-point contest.
Feb.15 at 10:41 am
Ryne Nelson says:
TAD, do you know where Eboy, etc. has been recently?
Feb.15 at 10:42 am
TADOne says:
No Eboy I see. Shaq will have a small impact on that game. I say 10 pts, 7 boards, 1 block, 4 fouls.
Feb.15 at 10:43 am
TADOne says:
Have no idea where he is. Probably caught up at work.
Feb.15 at 10:44 am
TADOne says:
So what is KB’s story? Is he gonna need time off?
Feb.15 at 10:48 am
Ryne Nelson says:
No, he’s going to play through injury somewhat like what Wade did last season. If it turns out for Kobe like i did for Wade, this could become a problem for next season. as well.
Feb.15 at 10:50 am
TADOne says:
It’s just a pinkie, not exactly a shoulder.
Feb.15 at 10:51 am
Logan says:
yeah if strapped tight, it may be ok…plus he does not have to go crazy every night anymore…
Feb.15 at 10:55 am
Ryne Nelson says:
True, it is just a finger on his hand. But if they’re saying it’s bad enough that he should miss 1-2 months to heal, we’re not talking about some minor injury. It’s not something you can easily ignore.
Feb.15 at 10:55 am
white hot eboy says:
“Hello, is it me you’re looking for, I can see it in your eyes, I can see it in your smile, you’re all I ever wanted and my eyes are open wide”
Feb.15 at 10:57 am
TADOne says:
Eboy is a cornball. Sorry, that is all I have.
Feb.15 at 10:59 am
white hot eboy says:
@TAD “You’re once, twice, three times a lady, and I love you”
Feb.15 at 11:01 am
TADOne says:
I need some coffee.
Feb.15 at 11:05 am
white hot eboy says:
“If you like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain”
Feb.15 at 11:19 am
TADOne says:
I’m hating work right now. A Pina Colada sounds good.
Feb.15 at 11:22 am
white hot eboy says:
“Everybody’s working for the weekend, everybody wants a new romance, hey ya ya ay ya, everybody’s going off the deep end, everybody needs a second chance, oh, you want a piece of my heart, you better start from the start, you wanna be in the show, come on baby let’s go” in honor of Holly’s Canadian countrymen, Loverboy.
Feb.15 at 11:23 am
white hot eboy says:
TAD, this place is deader than dead. What did you do tho everyone this morning?
Feb.15 at 11:24 am
Darksaber says:
THABOSEFOLOSHA!! Yessss!
Feb.15 at 11:40 am
TADOne says:
Wasn’t me. I feel dead myself though.
Feb.15 at 12:01 pm
BETCATS says:
Eboy, how about dem Cows?
Feb.15 at 12:02 pm
BETCATS says:
oh well i gotta go take a nap. having the flu sucks and my eyes turn red after i take my medicine. Happy day after valentines day.
Feb.15 at 12:03 pm
The Best Yet says:
Good day to one and all.
Feb.15 at 12:15 pm
The Best Yet says:
What’s with all the singing?
Feb.15 at 12:24 pm
Shawn Kemp Jr says:
Ya Dig
Feb.15 at 12:29 pm
Shawn Kemp Jr says:
ya dig?
Feb.15 at 12:39 pm
jbn74sb says:
The problem with the Mavs is that Dirk’s vagina has still not recovered from being tag-teamed by the Warriors. I am not sure it ever will.
Feb.15 at 12:41 pm
BETCATS says:
what has this become? random a$$ people commenting like crazy: Shawn Kemp Jr? Best Yet? Logan? Jim Mora? Im gonna be like Jordan v the Jazz and bring this place back WITH THE FLU
Feb.15 at 12:43 pm
BETCATS says:
bodie just put a mental picture in my head. I am sick as it is, dont make it worse….
Feb.15 at 12:46 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Feb.15 at 12:53 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
He turned around and abruptly demonstrated that the moon also rises here, dropping his trousers - drawing laughs and a few “YouTube!” remarks.
Feb.15 at 12:57 pm
BETCATS says:
Tarzan shouldnt you be having Jane Godell or some apes beat your meat or something?
Feb.15 at 1:07 pm
BETCATS says:
alright i have had enough, im retiring for the moment (like MJ agian)
Feb.15 at 1:12 pm
BETCATS says:
Breaking News: Martian Invaders have zapped everyone except BET! BET is the last living poster on SLAM!
Feb.15 at 1:16 pm
white hot eboy says:
Bi*ch, I’m like a co*karoach, I can’t die.
Feb.15 at 1:18 pm
BETCATS says:
Eboy i am the exterminator, my shoes have steel soles and will crush any bugs. Can you dig it? Can you dig it? Can you dig it? Can you?
Feb.15 at 1:20 pm
BETCATS says:
alright Nap break.
Feb.15 at 1:37 pm
white hot eboy says:
This is the WORST Friday in months. Sh*tty.
Feb.15 at 1:54 pm
BETCATS says:
yeah and i got the flu which means i am only 3 / 4 as crazy as usual. Keith should be as active as a le$bian in jail right now
Feb.15 at 1:56 pm
BETCATS says:
i’ve got the blues…………….
Feb.15 at 1:58 pm
namik says:
dirk is stirring… Wade needs to take the season off after the asg…yall need a job…
Feb.15 at 1:59 pm
BETCATS says:
namik needs to be less critical
Feb.15 at 2:02 pm
BETCATS says:
The Miami Weak
Feb.15 at 2:02 pm
Myles Brown says:
25 minutes, 14 points, 7 boards, 1 assist, 0 blocks, 0 steals, 3 turnovers, and a #7 super sized w/ a coke. Actually make that 2.
Feb.15 at 2:06 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Psyched on Thabo and Joe Smith right now. Who needs the Bens? (And hey Luol, you still play for Bulls?)
Feb.15 at 2:07 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
haa thanks, Myles. Morning everyone.
Feb.15 at 2:10 pm
nick says:
22 minutes, 9 points, 4 boards, 1 assist, no blocks no steals 2 TOs. Oh, one reletively pedestrian dunk off a pass from Nash that will get shown on sportcenter about 8,000,000 times.
Feb.15 at 2:16 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Helllooo???
Feb.15 at 2:16 pm
white hot eboy says:
48 minutes, 178 pts, 49 rebounds, 28 assists, 19 TO’s, 8-45 Ft’s, 2-4 3 pt attmpt. 13 blocks 9 steals. Oh…..you meant for just the first game, I thought you mean the rest of the regular season, Holly?
Feb.15 at 2:20 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
hahaha
Feb.15 at 2:20 pm
Myles Brown says:
Gerald Green will win the dunk contest.
Feb.15 at 2:20 pm
white hot eboy says:
Dead here, lady. Can’t wait for our guys coverage this weekend.
Feb.15 at 2:22 pm
Myles Brown says:
CP3 will win ASG MVP.
Feb.15 at 2:22 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
me either, E. I’ve got rudy gay for the contest, although I am looking forward to seeing Dwight’s stuff.
Feb.15 at 2:22 pm
Myles Brown says:
Byron Scott will uncross his arms once or twice. Good times will be had.
Feb.15 at 2:23 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
CP3 or Melo for mvp. cp3 for skills, rip for three point. well, prob kapono, but I want rip to take it.
Feb.15 at 2:24 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
hahahahhh about byron. Its got to feel good to b coaching in your arena. with two of your stars in the game.
Feb.15 at 2:24 pm
white hot eboy says:
Actually Shaq’s first game? 24 minutes, 13 points, 7 rbds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 5 fouls, 3 to’s. Is it in LA or Phoenix? I would have a different set of numbers if it’s on the road.
Feb.15 at 2:25 pm
Myles Brown says:
Actuallly Bron might win it too. No one else is even playing…
Feb.15 at 2:26 pm
white hot eboy says:
Dwight for MVP. Bank on that.
Feb.15 at 2:26 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Lakeshow @ Phoenix, second day of a back2back.
Feb.15 at 2:27 pm
white hot eboy says:
Has anyone ever put up 20 and 20 in an All-Star game? There is no other center on the East, so he’ll play a lot of minutes.
Feb.15 at 2:27 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
It will be a wonky asg for sure.
Feb.15 at 2:27 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
I’m out for a few. Be back though!
Feb.15 at 2:28 pm
nick says:
Dwight wins the dunk contest because of all the hype as to how he was slighted last year.
Feb.15 at 2:29 pm
white hot eboy says:
My numbers stay the same then. And what are your feelings about Kobe in the All-Star game? If his finger is that bad, why bother having the chance of him getting it injured even worse.
Feb.15 at 2:30 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
I think he should skip it and it should be his decision, not the leagues. He has played in the last nine games, its not like he just doesn’t like them and wants to ditch. I’d like to see him get some rest. Who knows with Kob though. He might want to play to test it, give the fans a show, play against the greats, you know he loves being on a big stage.
Feb.15 at 2:31 pm
white hot eboy says:
You suck, Holly!!!! Haha. Answer the Kobe question later when you come back.
Feb.15 at 2:31 pm
white hot eboy says:
Damn you!!!!!!!!!!
Feb.15 at 2:39 pm
albie1kenobi says:
irrelevant observation: bulls had FOUR players with double digit rebounds last night (taken from Holly’s recap). were the heat sleeping during the game? and how was bulls not winning by a land slide? i suppose most of them were offensive rebounds then?
Feb.15 at 2:42 pm
albie1kenobi says:
i thought kobe was gonna enter the 3 point contest shooting with his left hand. i suppose he could do that for the all star game?
Feb.15 at 4:29 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
CP3 MVP, Rudy Gay dunk contest champ, Boobie three-point shootout, CP3 skee-ills contest, Rondo rookie/soph game MVP.
Feb.15 at 4:59 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
still there anyone?
Feb.15 at 5:31 pm
albie1kenobi says:
i think everyone’s doing their warmups for the weekend, Holly.
Feb.15 at 5:36 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
haha, same albie.
Feb.15 at 5:39 pm
albie1kenobi says:
the site’s deader than dead right now. this traffic level is almost like back when SLAMonline first launch the new version two summers ago.
Feb.15 at 5:50 pm
white hot eboy says:
Holly, you gonna be prowling throughout the weekend? I’ll be checking in on Sat and Sun to see if the boys put anything up. Enjoy the festivitites.
Feb.15 at 5:52 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
I’ll be around allll weekend. Check in if you are here.
Feb.15 at 5:52 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
I can’t believe the guys are stuck in Cincinnati. Seriously.
Feb.15 at 6:06 pm
albie1kenobi says:
boycott the airline.
Feb.15 at 6:16 pm
jbn74sb says:
WKRP in Cincinatti.
Feb.15 at 6:21 pm
Young Chris #3 says:
What was with the D-League posters taking up the first have of this thread before Holly, Eboy, albie1 and BETCats made their usual appearances?
Feb.15 at 7:57 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
I was pretty dead today, Young Chris. Out of nowhere I woke up to a sinus cold with a headache from hell and glands that are swollen so much it hurts to turn my head. I’ve been sneezing all day and my cheeks feel like they are bruised, dammit. I hate being sick!! Especially on All-Star weekend!
Feb.15 at 8:14 pm
Young Chris #3 says:
You need to some of that ‘Tussin, Holly. Being sick sucks. Try to get sum R&R this weekend (at least u have a reason to kick it at home and enjoy All-Star Weekend now). Feel better…
Feb.15 at 9:40 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I think you caught it from me, Holly. Damn Gmail.
Feb.15 at 10:00 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Damn gmail, Russ! hahaha How are you feeling?
Young C, even if I didn’t have an excuse, you couldn’t pay me to leave the TV when it is all-star weekend!
Feb.15 at 10:34 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Lousy.
Feb.15 at 10:47 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
booooo.. me too. did you read stojakovic’s quote out the possibility of the nba being expanded? “They sing at some of the games, they do wild things, they throw things at you — cell phones, empty bottles, coins. I think the NBA is going to make sure that doesn’t happen if they go there.” Artest 2.0. haha
Feb.15 at 11:17 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Didn’t read that. I AM, however, just eating for the first time today. At 10:15. Ugh.