The Post Up: Comeback Kids
Gil, Brand, Dirk, and Pau, welcome back.
By: Holly MacKenzie
It was comeback-central last night as we had people returning all over. It’s not hard to tell the playoffs are near. Gil, Pau, Dirk, EB, and Jermaine O’Neal the other night, it’s good seeing some of the game’s greatest healthy and back on the floor where they need to be.
I definitely could have done without that Mavericks win. That was a huge game for the Warriors and I hyped it up to everyone I knew only to watch Golden State and their road-weary back-to-back-selves fall apart early. The Mavericks simply handed it to them last night. They didn’t let up the entire way through and taught them that two can play the running game. It was not pretty if you are a Warriors fan.
Jax has has two rough nights, I’m pulling for that bounce back game.
I know I should have recapped the Atlanta/Toronto game, but I’ve got a feeling the thing will be wiped away or protested in a week or so anyway. If you didn’t see the game, the Hawks tied things at 107 in regulation with 0.5 remaining on the clock. On the Raptors final possession, Carlos Delfino threw an alley-oop for TJ Ford, who appeared to barely get the shot off of his fingertips as the buzzer sounded. While the officials first said the basket was good, after watching replay the ball was deemed to be on his fingertips as time expired, but the replay also clearly showed the clock starting a full one-tenth of a second before the ball reaches Ford’s hands. The loss stings for Raptor fans, because the play worked to perfection. Could the Hawks end up having another protest on their hands?
Gil. Playing. Making an entrance. I am so thankful Agent Zero is back on the floor and looking okay. Please, for the love of God, give this man a break. If you were wondering why he didn’t come back on the road trip after he was cleared to play, maybe he needed some time to get ready mentally, or perhaps he wanted his return to be on his home court. We don’t know why, all we do know is that Gil loves this game and it is where he belongs so if something is keeping him off of it, I trust that there is a reason for it. If he doesn’t play in the next game, trust that. I feel like every time I turn around someone is on this man as he tries to transition from rehab and watching to getting back to himself and it is making me crazy. Injuries can take a harder toll mentally than physically and sometimes time is the only healer. Give the man his time!
Okay, I feel a little bit better. Some of that good feeling is from the return of Pau last night. So good to see him back out there. Also nice to hear Andrew Bynum participated in practice the other day.
Elton Brand back for the Clippers was fantastic as well. Welcome back, EB, it’s been a long season without you.
Javaris Crittenton with 23 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists off of the bench against the Knicks last night. He may not suit up for the Lakers anymore, but he is still very much on my radar.
Boston with 60 wins!
The Hornets knocking out the Heat was just nasty. While Tyson Chandler was perfect, going 10-10 from the floor, the Heat were pretty much the exact opposite scoring only 11 points in the fourth quarter, after being stuck on seven points for most of the period.
For anyone who is interested, the guy Dwyane wants drafted is still in the tourney.
Speaking of injuries, Candace Parker dislocating her shoulder twice in the same game,going to the locker room to get a brace and then playing the rest of the way through to lead Tennessee to the final four? Crazy.
Dallas 111 Golden State 86
Coming off of a blow out loss to the Spurs, the Warriors arrived in Dallas to play one of their biggest games of the season. Unfortunately for them, the Mavericks were riding high off of the emotional boost of having Dirk Nowitzki return to their lineup after missing time with an ankle/knee injury. The return of their leader allowed the Mavs to come out confident and from the opening tip on, they came at the Warriors, punishing them at their own running game and defeating them 111-86 as they extended their lead over Denver for the 7th spot and pushed Golden State a full game out of the playoff picture. While Dallas led 60-50 at the break, they blew the game open in the third quarter as they outscored Golden state 29-19 and took a 20-point lead into the fourth. While the Warriors played catch up, they were unable to cut the lead and Dallas gladly finished off the victory. Jason Terry led the Mavericks with 31 points, Josh Howard scored 28 points Nowitzki added 18 points in his return and Jason Kidd scored only 5 points but they went with 17 assists. Monta Ellis scored 27 points for the Warriors, Baron Davis had 20 points and Kelenna Azubuike added 10 off of the bench.
Milwaukee 110 Washington 109
During the first quarter in their game against the Bucks the Washington Wizards were surprised. After saying he would not be playing in their home match up against Milwaukee, Gilbert Arenas came out of the locker room in uniform and checked into the game midway through the first quarter. Unfortunately for the Wizards, it was not quite smooth sailing as the Bucks rallied back from an 11-point deficit to take a one-point lead with 15 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. While it was Arenas who was fouled, knocked down two free throws and gave the Wizards the one-point lead, it was a rookie from the D-League who stole the shine. Stealing a loose ball, calling timeout with 1.1 seconds on the clock and then hitting a jumper to win the game, It was Ramon Sessions smiling as the buzzer sounded. The Bucks were led by Charlie Villanueva’s 24 points and 12 rebounds. Andrew Bogut scored 20 points to go with 10 rebounds and 5 assists, Mo Williams scored 13 points and Ramon Sessions scored 8 points to go with 8 assists. Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison had 18 points apiece for the Wizards, while Arenas added 17 in his return.
Cleveland 118 Charlotte 114
With LeBron James fouling out of only the third game of his career, the Cavs were able to hold on and grab the 118-114 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats last night. After the Bobcats led 62-58 at the break, James got to work in the second half and led the Cavaliers on a 16-4 run in the third quarter to erase the Charlotte lead and put Cleveland on top 81-72. With the game close in the fourth, James was called for his sixth foul with 3:56 remaining in the game and Cleveland up 104-101. A shot by Jason Richardson would bring the Bobcats within one, but the Cavs held on, surviving two three-pointers by Richardson in the final minute of the game to grab the victory. James finished with 29 points before his ejection, Devin Brown had 20 points, Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 16 points to go with 12 rebounds and Anderson Varajao had 17 points and 12 rebounds. Richardson led the Bobcats with 31 points and 7 assists while Emeka Okafor scored 25 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Gerald Wallace added 21 points and Raymond Felton had 9 points to go with 9 assists.
LA Lakers 104 Portland 91
With 10 points, six rebounds and seven assists, the return of Pau Gasol outshone anything anyone else did on the court last night. After missing three weeks Gasol was back for the Lakers and it appears Andrew Bynum’s return is just around the corner as well. With one of their big men back, the Lakers dropped a Brandon Roy-less Portland team 104-91 last night. With the game tied at 50 during the break, the Lakers came out strong to start the third and used a 19-9 run to take a 69-59 lead and maintained that 10-point lead throughout the third, leading 73-63 at the end of it. LA finished off the Blazers in the opening minutes of the final quarter as they put together another run, this one a 15-4 spurt, stretching their lead to 18. The Blazers managed to cut the deficit to seven, but it was too late as Kobe Bryant dropped in seven points in under a minute to extend the lead back into double-figures. Bryant finished with 36 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists for the Lakers. Lamar Odom scored 12 points to go with 8 rebounds, Derek Fisher scored 13 points while Vladamir Radmanovic and Jordan Farmar each added 10 points. Travis Outlaw and Martell Webster scored 23 points apiece for the Blazers as Steve Blake had 12 points and 10 assists and LaMarcus Aldridge added 11 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.
Boston 92 Indiana 77
With their 92-77 victory over the Pacers last night, the Celtics became the first time in the NBA to notch 60 wins on the season and also tied the record for the largest single-season turnaround at 36 games. Leading by 12 points after the first quarter, the Celtics wasted no time in taking control of the game, holding the Pacers to only 13 second quarter points while outscoring them by seven and holding a 49-30 halftime lead. The second half was more of the same as Boston extended their lead to as many as 26 points in the contest while Indiana never led. After halftime, the Pacers would not get any closer than 10 points the rest of the way through as the Celtics now only have to win two more games to clinch the number one spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Ray Allen scored 15 points, Paul Pierce had 13 points and Leon Powe added 14 off of the bench. Danny Granger scored 14 points to lead the Pacers as Mike Dunleavy and Jermaine O’Neal each added 12 points and Troy Murphy had an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double in the loss.
The Rest…
New Orleans rolled over the Heat 106-77, after outscoring them 32-11 in the final quarter. Tyson Chandler had 20 points on 10-10 field goals to go with 10 rebounds, David West scored 22 points, Chris Paul had 14 points and 10 assists and Peja Stojakovic added 12 points. Chris Quinn had 18 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists for the Heat while Daequan Cook scored 12 points and Blake Ahearn added 15. The Jazz took down Minnesota 117-100 in Utah last night. After a close first half, they separated themselves in the second thanks to a barrage of three-pointers. Mehmet Okur had 22 points for Utah, Deron Williams had 19 points and 14 rebounds, Andrei Kirilenko scored 13 points and Carlos Boozer and Ronnie Price added 12 points apiece. Marko Jaric had 18 points and 8 assists for the Wolves as Rashad McCants scored 17 off of the bench and Randy Foye added 15. Memphis defeated New York 130-114 behind Javaris Crittenton’s 23 points and 9 rebounds. Rudy Gay scored 21 points, Juan Carlos Navarro scored 16 and Mike Miller added 15 in the loss. With the return of Elton Brand, the Clippers took down Seattle 102-84, outscoring the Sonics 33-14 in the final quarter. Al Thornton had 21 points and 10 rebounds, Corey Maggette scored 20 points and Brand had 19 points in his return. The Sonics were led by Kevin Durant’s 30 points, as Jeff Green scored 17 points and Nick Collison added 12 points and 17 rebounds.
236 Responses to “The Post Up: Comeback Kids”
Apr.3 at 8:37 am
H to the izzo says:
First!I secretly enjoy watching the Clippers.
Apr.3 at 8:37 am
H to the izzo says:
AlThorntonisabeast.com
Apr.3 at 8:38 am
H to the izzo says:
I’ll never judge anyone for their commenting ever again.
Apr.3 at 8:38 am
DP says:
Good morning slam fam. Man I was really upset with those Warriors, I though they came to play! But the Warriors will never win with JaX having games like that. Baron and Monta doing their thug thizzle just isn’t enough. PAU!STAND UP!even though you got sh*tted on by my Mississippi boy Outlaw. play wit it.
Apr.3 at 8:39 am
DP says:
Gil looked good……………he just needs to get those knees back in shape and it will be all gucci.
Apr.3 at 8:42 am
DP says:
Al Thornton is a beast Izzo. but he will be 35 in about four years so he way past his prime.
Apr.3 at 8:44 am
DP says:
Lil Dun picked the wrong time to be raw…………WTF did he come from?
Apr.3 at 8:48 am
Eboy says:
If the Mavs played liked that every game they’d still be a legit contender.
Apr.3 at 8:48 am
Joel O's says:
Ramon Sessions is an awesome name.
Apr.3 at 8:49 am
DP says:
Playoffs, can you feel pressure just oozing through the western co? This is going to be a freaky deaky playoff man. damn I love the NBA.
Apr.3 at 8:51 am
DP says:
But they won’t Eboy. J-Kidd will not be that efficient the rest of the season. Plus when playoff time comes, it is time for Dirk “no nuts” to live up to his name. play wit it.
Apr.3 at 8:52 am
Eboy says:
I know DP, just saying.
Apr.3 at 8:54 am
Joel O's says:
@DP: You mean Dirk’s gonna live up to his MVP-status or choke artist status? Heh.
Apr.3 at 8:54 am
DP says:
yeah I feel you but I do see them making noise only if Dirk stops acting scared. It’s his time to prove the haters wrong. Especially me.
Apr.3 at 8:56 am
DP says:
Joel O’s, the choke artist is what I prefer to recognize Dirk as. and who is that idiot that said the MVP is about the player’s career body of work? ESPN? douches.
Apr.3 at 8:58 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Dallas was on a whole different level last night. It would be crazy IF they could keep up that pace. The Warriors looked so damn frustrated and I was practically begging for Jax and Harrington’s shots to drop, it wasn’t happening. Still only one game out of the playoff hunt,this game against NO on Sunday suddenly seems really scary. DP, I am with you, man. I LOVE THIS GAME so much. This entire season has been amazing and I’m thankful we get to watch it continue into the playoffs!
Apr.3 at 9:01 am
Eboy says:
Holly, I caught your boy Perfect Lashes with two big blocks on one possesion early in the game last night. AZUBUIKE!
Apr.3 at 9:04 am
Joel O's says:
Agreed on that, DP. I wouldn’t discount JKidd in the playoffs though… the ridiculous nearly 20-20-20 line he put on the Raps last playoffs still amazes me. And the freaking HALL OF FAME is for recognizing a player’s body of work… not for inducting old referees or unknown wrinkley dudes.
Apr.3 at 9:13 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
You know it, E! Told you he’s much more than a pretty face. A boy needs game to get respect from me!
Apr.3 at 9:18 am
Slick Nick Da Ruler says:
Welcome back Josh Howard, its about time. Eboy, did your boy Dwayne put Rose in his Fave 5?
Apr.3 at 9:20 am
riggs says:
its official, candace is my future babymomma.
Apr.3 at 9:23 am
Eboy says:
Probably, Nick. I’m not pulling for that move though. Holly, yeah, your boy is a nice piece in the Warriors puzzle. Hopefully they can get their sh*t together and get into the dance. BTW, click my link for the latest blog connection between some of SLAM’s most infamous commentors in a new venture. It’s gonna be a monster!
Apr.3 at 9:24 am
Cub Buenning says:
Where is the Professor? I need clarification on the quality of literature in that Penn St library…
Apr.3 at 9:26 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Cub, have you been to any denver games lately?
Apr.3 at 9:29 am
riggs says:
holly, leon power is a dope nickname for leon powe.
Apr.3 at 9:29 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Bom Dia!
Watched Mavs-Warriors last night, here’s some quick thoughts; Mavs are a very good team when focused, Dirk might not be clutch but he sure is gritty - logging 27 effective minutes so soon after that injury impressive, Kidd is still the best at controlling the tempo when he’s on his game - but he’a shot is not just bad it’s awfull, Monta’s stroke is straight peanutbutter, Jax?, Ric Bucher looks like a wax-figure, when Eddie “double-chin” Jones is catching alley oops against you - your defense sucks.
Apr.3 at 9:30 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
OOPs, hahah thanks Riggs.
Apr.3 at 9:31 am
Cub Buenning says:
E, just read some of it, goof stuff fellas!
Apr.3 at 9:34 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
E, its added to my blog list!
Apr.3 at 9:35 am
Cub Buenning says:
Holly, I was in the house last Sat v. The Warriors. Things look good for the Nugs. Seattle, LAC, and Sactown are their next 3 opponents.
Nene is playing limited mins, but he is already beastin on fools.
Apr.3 at 9:36 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Nene is one strong guy.
You were there for the Warriors game?! I thought of you while watching, wondering. Man, what I would have given for that. Did you take any game notes? Any stories for me?
Apr.3 at 9:38 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
ps, I hate that smiley face.
Apr.3 at 9:40 am
Eboy says:
Cub, I’m hoping that your boys can get in. Warriors too. They would be wild cards that can be problematic if they are hitting on all cylinders. Thanks for the blog love, btw.
Apr.3 at 9:41 am
Eboy says:
:(
Apr.3 at 9:42 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
E, that blog look sweet. Love the name!!
Nene, as much as I love him, is one juiced up looking guy.
Apr.3 at 9:42 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
haha so boring night ahead of us, but Lakers and Mavericks tomorrow, who’ve you got?
Apr.3 at 9:43 am
BETCATS says:
i 2nd eboy
Apr.3 at 9:43 am
H to the izzo says:
I have serious doubts about the Warriors getting,but once they’re there I have no doubt Nellie will have them ready and the Nugs need to realize that Camby can’t play defense for 5 people.
Apr.3 at 9:44 am
Eboy says:
Lakers should run away with that game, Holly.
Apr.3 at 9:44 am
Eboy says:
Thanks, Lz.
Apr.3 at 9:45 am
BETCATS says:
Damm, now Dallas is making the playoffs. Damm
Apr.3 at 9:45 am
Eboy says:
izzo, are you going to self-promote the new blog and change your linkage, fuc*er?
Apr.3 at 9:46 am
James (Krayzie) says:
Test again
Apr.3 at 9:46 am
Cub Buenning says:
LZ- you mean juiced on chemotherapy?
Holly, my notes were scattered as I was trying to wear about 50 hats that night, so i didn’t post them Monday morning.
Apr.3 at 9:46 am
James (Krayzie) says:
This is bizarre
Apr.3 at 9:47 am
H to the izzo says:
EBoy:Sh*t,I forgot.Consider it done.I think Eboy should give credit to the person who came up with the name.
Apr.3 at 9:48 am
Eboy says:
izzo was the person with the idea of the group blog thing AND the author of the name. Love Eboy.
Apr.3 at 9:48 am
H to the izzo says:
Cub,I choose to take that hat remark literally.
Apr.3 at 9:53 am
Slick Nick Da Ruler says:
Eboy & Co, nice blog. I like the idea of elite Linkstigators having their own forum to rant, rave, and share opinions. You guys got a forum?
Apr.3 at 9:53 am
Cub Buenning says:
Holly: Your boy Buike delayed my homecoming with Warriors Asst. and college teammate, Steve Silas. The pair were sitting at Buike’s locker with a laptop going over many aspects of the game (ie how they were going to defend Melo) and made me “hang out” and mingle with the local beat guys. For me, this usually means, watching whatever game is being played on the locker room TV (I ain’t much for the small talk) Luckily, the Warriors’ were blasting Doggie Style. I found myself mouthing many of the lyrics and got busted out by Baron who was screaming half of Snoop’s rhymes.
“Suicide, its a suicide…” yelled Diddy while getting rehab, all the while looking over his head at the UCLA/Xavier game.
Apr.3 at 9:53 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Cub, I’ll hold out hope you decide to post em and if not, you can always email them to me. Those two teams are impossible to root against.
Apr.3 at 9:55 am
Cub Buenning says:
Izzo, as someone who has been married for almost 7 years, that is pretty funny.
Apr.3 at 9:57 am
Eboy says:
That’s fantastic, Cub!
Apr.3 at 9:57 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Cub, that is fantastic! Thanks, haha made my day with that one. I don’t think I would dare even mouth those lyrics for fear of being busted. hahhaha Baron is the good crazy.
Apr.3 at 9:58 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Cub; no I mean juiced on steroids/hormons - I have inside info. Cancer can be a side-effect of said type of “weight-gainer”.
Apr.3 at 9:58 am
BETCATS says:
cub u must be happy today
Apr.3 at 10:00 am
Eboy says:
A forum sounds so high-tech, Nick. Commenting on the pieces is our only form of call & response at the moment, but we only just started this week, so hopefully going forward we can get it tight and have a spot where all our commenting peers can have a place to put some thoughts down in words if they feel the urge.
Apr.3 at 10:00 am
Cub Buenning says:
I also chatted up Austin Croshere, who is a pretty cool guy. He was just a year behind me, down the hill at Providence College. Needless to say, i didn’t mention the fact that he blocked my first collegiate 3-point attempt. Which was scooped up by Dickey Simpkins and launched to Michael Smith for a two-handed flush.
Silas later affirmed my take on the veteran forward.
Apr.3 at 10:00 am
H to the izzo says:
And I’m gonna be controversional and go with the Mavs.
Apr.3 at 10:02 am
H to the izzo says:
*sigh* I’ll learn to spell some day.And Cub speaking of the Friars,I just read that Larrananga turned down the job,not a good thing.
Apr.3 at 10:02 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Nice lockerroom insight Cub.
Apr.3 at 10:03 am
Eboy says:
Cub just made my week with a Dickey Simpkins reference.
Apr.3 at 10:05 am
Cub Buenning says:
Holly, looks like your boy is a student of the game, as well. I was surely not mouthing them on purpose for the same fear, rather caught up in what the record meant to me when it came out. Oddly enough, the record is “college” to me, so Silas and I immediately brought it up. SJax wasn’t immune from the beats either.
Nellie sat in a side room and laid out his fish ties and mock turtlenecks.
LZ, i don’t put that past any pro athlete.
Apr.3 at 10:07 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Keep the stories rolling, Cub. I’m loving them. Especially the ones that have a personal connection to your hoops career.
Apr.3 at 10:09 am
Cub Buenning says:
Last year, I was able to meet my ms/hs idol, Alex English when the Raptors (he’s an ast.) came to town.
Saturday night I met my grade school guy, Sidney Moncrief. Totally shaking and nervous when I approached and introduced myself.
I went to literally about 30 games a year at the Mecca all through elementary school (my dad ran the downtown YMCA, so we had “connections”) so Super Sid, Marques Johnson, Junior Bridgeman, and Bob Lanier were my squad. Well, those guys and Robin Yount.
Apr.3 at 10:09 am
Eboy says:
Weight gain is also a side effect of certain cancer treating drugs, also, Lz. A drug like Pregnozone (sp?) overcompensates water retension which can make a person appear bloated. My dad ran through that sh*t, and others, the two times he dealt with cancer.
Apr.3 at 10:10 am
Eboy says:
Damn, Cub, taking me back to Milwaukee Brewers heyday with Robin Yount. What about your boy Gorman Thomas?
Apr.3 at 10:11 am
BETCATS says:
a forum would confuse me beyond belief
Apr.3 at 10:11 am
BETCATS says:
but i have one on my website, if you want one, go their.
Apr.3 at 10:11 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Cub, as much as I love Buike and think he is only going to prove more valuable for GS, I walked straight past him to get some time with Jax when I covered the Seattle/Golden State game. When I think back, I’m surprised that Kelenna didn’t even register in my mind at the time. I’ve been down with Jax a long time and he was the Warrior I needed to track down. haha That’s funny stuff about the record, I love it. Nellie is wild, but he makes me nervous. Love that they were watching the tourney.
Apr.3 at 10:13 am
Cub Buenning says:
Crap, it’s snowing here, again. Anyone else hear that Pringle/Penn st Library story? Was the professor boring some study group full of hoopers?
Apr.3 at 10:14 am
H to the izzo says:
Baseball references scar me.
Apr.3 at 10:15 am
BETCATS says:
no cub, what happened?
Apr.3 at 10:16 am
BETCATS says:
izzo they scar me too. where do your scars show up. I got some on my arms
Apr.3 at 10:16 am
maio says:
Ricky Davis needs more touches
Apr.3 at 10:17 am
Cub Buenning says:
E, don’t get me started on the ‘82 Brewers. One of the only reasons I still grasp to baseball, at all.
1.) 3b Paul Molitor
2.) ss Robin Yount
3.) 1b Cecil Cooper
4.) cf Gorman Thomas
5.) lf Ben Ogilvie
6.) c Ted Simmons
7.) 2b Jim Gantner
8.) rf Charlie Moore
9.) dh don money marshall edwards or sixto lezcano
I was a member of the Pepsi/Brewer fan club.
Rollie Fingers on the mound.
Apr.3 at 10:17 am
iLL wiLL says:
I missed adding all of them to my fantasy basketball team. Stop with the misleading information. “Dirk is not playing tonight,” “Team doctor’s cleared me, but I’m not playing”
Apr.3 at 10:17 am
H to the izzo says:
*scare.
And fantastic story,thanks for the heads up Cub.
Apr.3 at 10:20 am
Eboy says:
I actually cheered for that squad almost as much as my beloved Yankees that season, Cub. They were nice.
Apr.3 at 10:21 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Cub; “i don’t put that past any pro athlete.” - you don’t think that stance is a little naive? Nene’s weight gain happened long before the cemo Eboy.
My good friend Henrique, played on the same basketball team as Nene here in Brasil; at that time Nene was built like a gazelle. When the NBA scouts started sniffing around and he got told he needed to gain weight to be a real prospect. He had a un-natural weight gain, Nene went from gazelle to tank in less than 6 months. A former poor kid smelling NBA-millions don’t tell me it isn’t possible?
Apr.3 at 10:22 am
Cub Buenning says:
H, you’re welcome/sorry for that.
I got to work…..
Apr.3 at 10:24 am
Cub Buenning says:
LZ, that was misinterpreted.
I wouldn’t be surprised if ANY pro athlete did performance enhancing stuff, just the contrary. If there were drugs that made me a better writer (wait, there are?) I wouldn’t be apposed to the idea, at the very least. And I didn’t just sign a 5 year- 50 million deal.
Apr.3 at 10:24 am
H to the izzo says:
Why does Wade want an almost carbon copy of himself drafted?
Apr.3 at 10:25 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Ahh sorry my bad. Then we totally agree.
Apr.3 at 10:27 am
BETCATS says:
i wrote new storys. i am now moving away from writing basketball on my site so enjoy it (even if i am like the crazy uncle of this site who nobody wants at the reunion)
Apr.3 at 10:27 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Cub; Concerning writer-enhancing drugs, Hunter S. was a good writer, Bukowski too.. Drugs and alcohol is the key!
Apr.3 at 10:27 am
Eboy says:
No sh*t.
Apr.3 at 10:27 am
Cub Buenning says:
H, Take the best player, not for need.
My favorite play from the tourney?
Mem/Texas- DRose on the right block gets a bounce pass and does the classic bigman drill where you pivot and do a power lay-up. Instead, Rose pivots, and bangs it, two-handed and hard.
That is a point guard?!?!? Some may call me crazy, but i am leaning towards him over Beasley. If i had the pick…….
Apr.3 at 10:30 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Beaudelaire - weed and opium, Cub you should just get started on the illegals then the Pullitzer will come.
Apr.3 at 10:30 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
and wow on the pringle deal, Cub. Where IS Jones?
Apr.3 at 10:30 am
BETCATS says:
Rose over Beasley?!. Cub, what the hell? Beasley over anyone.
Apr.3 at 10:31 am
H to the izzo says:
I wouldn’t allow Rose to go to Miami.It’s not fair.He has next to nothing to work with,Beasely on the other hand could be nice with the Heat.
Apr.3 at 10:32 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Rose and Beasley are equally impressive. I think it’s hard to pick one. But with point guards being the new centers it just might be Rose.
Apr.3 at 10:32 am
BETCATS says:
i just now read about the Pringle thing. Intresting, at Enloe, they just send you to Chill Out if you do that.
Apr.3 at 10:32 am
Eboy says:
Cub, for real? Rose will mesh with Wade better than Beasley (if they get the #1)?
Apr.3 at 10:33 am
BETCATS says:
A Derek Rose/Daquan Cook/D-Wade would equal lots of shots, lots of free throws, and not lots of minutes for the 2 that arent Wade
Apr.3 at 10:34 am
Tariq says:
Cub: I would pay to see Andrens Biedrens recite Kurupt’s verse from “Ain’t No Fun (If the Homies Can’t Have None)”
Apr.3 at 10:34 am
Cub Buenning says:
I love Beas, but this Rose cat has taken things to another level in the TOURNAMENT. That type of character and instincts translates to the next level.
Ball when it matters most.
Apr.3 at 10:34 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Still would pick Beasley if I was the Heat/Wolves/Grizz/Sonics/whoever ends up with the first pick. Hmm Seattle could be really exciting for the future after this draft, if they get lucky with the ping-pongs.
Apr.3 at 10:36 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Tariq, you kill me! I’d pay for that, too.
Apr.3 at 10:36 am
Eboy says:
The Pringle story is gangsta on a whole level reserved for JR Rider and Steph. Jones, please commentate when able.
Apr.3 at 10:36 am
Cub Buenning says:
If Kurupt gave a f*ck about…. E, i agree in principle about which would “mesh” better with DWade, but I just disagree in principle with “drafting for need,” in pretty much any sport.
Shanny’s been killing that thing for years, and it is killing the Broncos.
Apr.3 at 10:38 am
BETCATS says:
Tariq!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Apr.3 at 10:39 am
BETCATS says:
also if you guys think that Pringle sh!t goes hard, go to my site. Third Graders trying to get their teacher wh@cked!!!!!
Apr.3 at 10:39 am
Cub Buenning says:
Don’t tell me that Wade and Rose couldn’t co-exist in the same backcourt….
Apr.3 at 10:40 am
BETCATS says:
!!
Apr.3 at 10:41 am
Eboy says:
Cub if you have to get out to work, I hate holding you up, but can Rose take the reigns of point guard and lead a team? Between him, Wade, Marion (ugh) and Haslem they’d be nice on paper.
Apr.3 at 10:41 am
BETCATS says:
Cub, how would Cook and Quinn fit in? Plus all those other busters Eboy calls players? their is not enough shots to go around for Wade, Rose and Tricky Ricky, and the other guys on the team.
Apr.3 at 10:41 am
H to the izzo says:
I think they could co-exist but DWade’s constant need to handle the ball to be effective will only limit Rose.
Apr.3 at 10:42 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
what’s with the “ugh” for Marion, E?
Apr.3 at 10:42 am
BETCATS says:
Eboy, do you think Marion would come back? When you could get Okafor AND Iggy for 1 1/2 of what you pay Marion?
Apr.3 at 10:43 am
BETCATS says:
110
Apr.3 at 10:45 am
BETCATS says:
i am guessing the ugh is for eee gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah
Apr.3 at 10:45 am
BETCATS says:
why did everyone run away?
Apr.3 at 10:47 am
H to the izzo says:
Maybe it’s because Marion has a bigger chip on his shoulder than Sue from “A Boy Named Sue”(Look it up BET.
Apr.3 at 10:48 am
Cub Buenning says:
I got a minute.
Dump Ricky, take paul pierce’s ideas and send half the team back to the DLeague, and let Rose and Wade figure things out.
Rose CAN lead a team, as he shown in just one year on a deep/veteran-laden Memphis team. His recent performances (prepping for NCAA Tourney MVP) also show that he can play differently depending on the situation. If Wade goes down for a few games, Rose can take over. His ridiculous speed, athleticism, and strength will allow him to penetrate on most NBA guards, which will set up shots for Wade and Marion (who badly misses a playmaker.)
Rose doesn’t complete an obviously flawed team, but his talent is rare.
Apr.3 at 10:48 am
Eboy says:
BET, yeah, I think Marion will be back which leads me to my ugh, Holly. I dislike the cat, Holly. His game at least. He did nothing in the handful of games he played this season and I would rather have UD man the 4 than giving it up to him full time. I don’t think anyone else is going to give him the type of money he can get from the Heat, so they’re stuck with him, and I have to suffer through another season with his ugly ass jumper in place, unless they can move him next season by the trade deadline.
Apr.3 at 10:49 am
Eboy says:
Thanks Cub. I agree with your evaluations too.
Apr.3 at 10:51 am
H to the izzo says:
Cub I take it you have Memphis for the chip?
Apr.3 at 10:51 am
BETCATS says:
well eboy what if you guys do this C- Blount
PF- Haslem
SF-Marion
SG-Wade
PG- Rose that might work
Apr.3 at 10:53 am
BETCATS says:
A boy named sue is a odd song
Apr.3 at 10:53 am
BETCATS says:
120
Apr.3 at 10:55 am
BETCATS says:
that is the first and last time i listen to Johnny Cash. Not my type of music
Apr.3 at 10:56 am
Eboy says:
I’d rather have you at the center, BET, but yeah, on paper, or on screen, that looks decent.
Apr.3 at 10:57 am
H to the izzo says:
If I was the Heat,I’d beg Kenny George to come out this year.
Apr.3 at 10:57 am
BETCATS says:
on NBA Live it will get you 85 points per game
Apr.3 at 10:58 am
H to the izzo says:
It looks like a good video game team but not a real life one.
Apr.3 at 10:58 am
BETCATS says:
Kwame Brown to the Heat? the return of George Mhurean?
Apr.3 at 10:58 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
I’m with Izzo Wade and Rose both need the ball to maximize their potential. Wade would be better with a Calderon type player, Rose would be better with a shooter(Jason Richardson type player?) IMO. Always draft the best player available (then eventually trade down), drafting according to need is what made Blazers pass up Mike for Bowie (cliche I know, but can’t remember other examples of the top of my head).
Apr.3 at 10:59 am
BETCATS says:
izzo wouldnt it be better if the Heat disbanded and turned into a video game team?
Apr.3 at 11:00 am
Eboy says:
Let’s change the topic, cause I know the Heat haters are seething right now. Sorry Holly.
Apr.3 at 11:00 am
BETCATS says:
expect Jordan to trade our draft pick for a big man. Maybe we can trade Okafor with it
Apr.3 at 11:01 am
BETCATS says:
chicken chicken chicken. Okay lets change it to the Bobcats. Try me.
Apr.3 at 11:02 am
H to the izzo says:
BET:I’d love if Heat went away to video game land since I don’t play video games.Oh and I like to think that Johnny Cash,like Bob Dylan and Public Enemy is universal music anyone can enjoy.
Apr.3 at 11:02 am
BETCATS says:
but last Heat comment of mine; wouldnt it be funny if the Heat got fu(ked and end up with pick like 4-15
Apr.3 at 11:03 am
Cub Buenning says:
H, i do. Writing a feature during the preseason made me a bit biased early on. But since CSTV is basically TigerTV, I got to see tons of games and just felt they were being slept on a bit going into the tourney.
Those wins over Mich St. and Texas were super impressive as well.
Apr.3 at 11:03 am
BETCATS says:
i found the song amusing izzo, but it sounds like something old people listen to.
Apr.3 at 11:03 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
The man in black is good listening for everybody that understands quality music.
Apr.3 at 11:04 am
BETCATS says:
Cub i agree, i think people think that because Memphis is in a generally weak conference people doubt them. But i think UNC will win it all
Apr.3 at 11:05 am
BETCATS says:
Lz i dont need to understand. Thats retirment music. Supaman that hoooooooooooooooooooo
Apr.3 at 11:06 am
H to the izzo says:
Cub:I thought that Texas could/should have put up a better fight in that game had they been properly coached,and Michigan St. for the most part did impress me at all.I’m still not sold,I think if they come up against a team with a genuine inside presence they’ll struggle.I’m still going with UNC and BET:Old people aren’t so bad.
Apr.3 at 11:07 am
Eboy says:
“I’m going to Carolina in my mind”
Apr.3 at 11:08 am
BETCATS says:
izzo when did i say they were. when i am an old person (if i get to that stage) i will listen to old people music.
Apr.3 at 11:09 am
Cub Buenning says:
“and I was walking in Memphis….”
sorry for that weak Marc Cohn reference.
Apr.3 at 11:10 am
H to the izzo says:
Also,Johnny was the first gangster rapper.FACT.I direct you to the song “Cocaine Blues”.
Apr.3 at 11:11 am
BETCATS says:
ha ha, eboy has to use his mind. I am already their. Sucks for you, Flordia Mornings. Have fun with the next hurricane
Apr.3 at 11:12 am
BETCATS says:
Young Jeezy is top 3 rapper alive. I direct you to “The Good Life” Freestyle.
Apr.3 at 11:14 am
H to the izzo says:
BET:Just for that,I direct you to the Exit sign.Young Jeezy?Come on.
Apr.3 at 11:14 am
Eboy says:
Cub, if we go off the epic James Taylor/Marc Cohen battle as a basis for the potential matchup, Taylor’s long list of great songs outweighs the one hit wonder of Mr. Cohn. That translates pretty well to the two programs as well.
Apr.3 at 11:14 am
BETCATS says:
But Lil Wayne got the best flow
Apr.3 at 11:15 am
oneshot says:
Cash at San Quentin. That’s many gangstas.
Apr.3 at 11:16 am
Cub Buenning says:
Don’t sleep on Keith Lee, Anfernee Hardaway, or Elliott Perry.
Agreed on your Taylor v. Cohen takes, though.
I will never reference any more soft rock musicians, again.
Apr.3 at 11:16 am
BETCATS says:
Name 3 people that are RELEVANT right now. Where is Common’s new sh!t? Where is Talib? What happened to the Roots, did the tree get choped? Did Lupe bust his skull skating, where is he? When they do some new sh!t i will respect them. But they are MIA or KIA right now, go find them
Apr.3 at 11:16 am
H to the izzo says:
BET:Sweet Jesus help us.Really?
Apr.3 at 11:17 am
BETCATS says:
but the superstar remix is decent, so i guess Lupe gets apludes for that, even if it is old.
Apr.3 at 11:17 am
Russ Bengtson says:
Welcome back Gilbert and Elton. The L is a far better (and entertaining) place with you two in it.
Apr.3 at 11:18 am
Cub Buenning says:
I shot a man in Reno…. just to watch him die…. that doesn’t sound like Old people music to me. word to oneshot. That record rules.
Apr.3 at 11:18 am
H to the izzo says:
BET:Both Common and Talib released albums in the past year both destroying an Weezy efforts.Listen to some Ghostface,Wu-Tang MF Doom anything.They don’t have to be mainstream.
Apr.3 at 11:18 am
Eboy says:
Cub, I’ll bet you 5000 e-dollars that Mr. Hansbrough will have the scissors in his hand, standing on the ladder after the smoke clears.
Apr.3 at 11:19 am
BETCATS says:
well Cub, if any of you find somebody under 20 who listens to it and doesnt tuck their shirt into their pants, i will stay away
Apr.3 at 11:20 am
H to the izzo says:
“Early one mornin’ while makin’ the rounds I took a shot of cocaine and I shot my woman down..” Yup old people love their cocaine and homicides.
Apr.3 at 11:21 am
Cub Buenning says:
Dude, i am already far from being under 30, so I cant speak about teenagers. Although, I never tuck my shirt in and I only wear sneakers.
Apr.3 at 11:21 am
H to the izzo says:
BET:Nice to meet you.
Apr.3 at 11:22 am
Cub Buenning says:
My fantasy golf squad has been nice this AM….
Apr.3 at 11:22 am
BETCATS says:
new thesus statement: it is old school, we arent old. It is intresting, i respect it and am aware of it. Buti listen to things that are for people my age. When you were a kid were you listening to hardcore sh!t from the 1950’s and 1960’s?
Apr.3 at 11:24 am
Eboy says:
Well, us old people that actually prefer something with some power and sould go this route “Hey joe, I said where you goin’ with that gun in your hand,
I’m goin’ down to shoot my old lady
You know I caught her messin’ ’round with another man”
Just saying.
Apr.3 at 11:25 am
H to the izzo says:
BET:I don’t tuck my shirt into my pants,do I count?
Apr.3 at 11:25 am
Eboy says:
*soul
Apr.3 at 11:26 am
Eboy says:
I haven’t had a shirt tucked in since I got married.
Apr.3 at 11:26 am
BETCATS says:
for old people music with hardcore lyrics, i point to any rap music made between 1980-1993. Irrelvant, maybe good, but irrelvant to people of my generation. You guys can have it.
Apr.3 at 11:26 am
BETCATS says:
and you are under 20
Apr.3 at 11:27 am
Eboy says:
What do you mean irrelavant, BET?
Apr.3 at 11:27 am
BETCATS says:
izzo, their are things called outliers.
Apr.3 at 11:28 am
H to the izzo says:
BET:I’m in your generation and can say quite clearly that most mainstream hip hop and rap made today is complete sh*t.And it’s turning into a laughing stock.
Apr.3 at 11:29 am
BETCATS says:
I mean, you go to any highschool, and pump some Run-Dmc or some Public Enemy, the white kids will love it or hate it and the black kids will just laugh at you until we are all rollin on the floor. It aint cool to listen to the same sh!t that a 40-50 year old is pumpin.
Apr.3 at 11:31 am
H to the izzo says:
So Soulja Boy is better than Run DMC or KRS-One?
Apr.3 at 11:32 am
Eboy says:
Laugh at PE? I can understnd DMC sounding dated for their simplicity, but PE? Our country is fuc*ed, for real. They were relevant then, since then, and will always be. Young cats need to step up the intelligence game.
Apr.3 at 11:32 am
BETCATS says:
Their is some truth in that izzo. It all basically is either about pu$$y, money, or getting shot, or hanging out on the block. Their are a few good rappers out their, but they only make albums. If you want to be relevant you need promos, singles, mix tapes, DJ exclusives and all that, the ‘bad’ rappers so to speak got that on lock. refer to my 11:16 comment. And look at the download numbers, Weezy is on top with that. No low income people buy music and that is Weezy’s target audience. I havent bought a CD since 2004, but i have a collection of around 30 new CDs since 2007.
Apr.3 at 11:33 am
BETCATS says:
No, do not bring Soulja Boy into this.
Apr.3 at 11:33 am
H to the izzo says:
Sorry that comment just shocked,the world may actually be doomed.
Apr.3 at 11:34 am
BETCATS says:
Eboy, when Flavor Flav stops doing damm VH1 specials and if Public Enemy makes something new then maybe, but until then we young folk do not listen to that sh!t.
Apr.3 at 11:34 am
Co Co says:
Somewhere this post took a wrong turn. Hi Holly, good job and yes you should have written the recap of the Hawks/Raptors game!
Apr.3 at 11:35 am
BETCATS says:
izzo even i try my best to stay away from Soulja Boy, Yah B!tch Yah and Throw some D’s on my report card just some excuses for music
Apr.3 at 11:36 am
BETCATS says:
Co Co, holly sometimes leaves out games, it is not her fault, she is overworked and undepaid. But Holly is still a G
Apr.3 at 11:36 am
H to the izzo says:
CoCo:It was my fault for mentioning Johnny Cash.And that Hawks was pretay good.
Apr.3 at 11:38 am
Eboy says:
Know the past, BET. Their work back then is still better than 99% of the garbage that is out now. Regardless of a reality show. And Co Co, it’s the first time this week the Post Up has popped off for a big number, let it ride, lady. It’s not ball centered at the moment, but it was for a good while.
Apr.3 at 11:39 am
H to the izzo says:
We have to get this back to ball before I have a heart attack.
Apr.3 at 11:39 am
Eboy says:
The Hawks timekeeping staff is as embarrasing as the Heat.
Apr.3 at 11:40 am
BETCATS says:
is this partially my fault for defending something that is hard to defend
Apr.3 at 11:40 am
Eboy says:
This sounds like a good post idea for the blog, izzo. You want it?
Apr.3 at 11:41 am
BETCATS says:
alright. I say the people just get confused because they get beat by Atlanta and never expected it.
Apr.3 at 11:42 am
BETCATS says:
Can i write it if neither of you want it
Apr.3 at 11:43 am
Co Co says:
Eboy, we don’t know if it was our time keeper or an official. Either way, today the win is ours and we’ll take it!
Apr.3 at 11:43 am
Eboy says:
E-mail me something, BET and we’ll look it over. It could be a good counterpoint piece to my old school views.
Apr.3 at 11:43 am
BETCATS says:
the train has stoped
Apr.3 at 11:44 am
Eboy says:
The officials don’t press the button to start the clock, Co Co, so that’s not applicable.
Apr.3 at 11:44 am
BETCATS says:
alright then.
Apr.3 at 11:44 am
H to the izzo says:
Eboy,what would be a good piece,I’m lost.
Apr.3 at 11:45 am
BETCATS says:
Co Co, i think people are just hatin because they have no respect for the Hawks
Apr.3 at 11:46 am
BETCATS says:
but eboy, i can argue about anything. Just look at my site. Lord Capulet?
Apr.3 at 11:47 am
Eboy says:
izzo, a old school/new school rap piece. Could apply to old school/new school ball as well.
Apr.3 at 11:48 am
oneshot says:
Back to ball, quick question: As Lakers fans seem to be pinning some hope of playoff success on the return of Bynum based on his perfomance up till injury, who really believes his return will have that much impact as he’ll have to deal with re-intergrating in the squad in a play-off atmosphere. Even with Jackson at the helm, i’m not sure this hope is justified.
Apr.3 at 11:48 am
BETCATS says:
wait am i supose to write about music or basketball?
Apr.3 at 11:49 am
oneshot says:
Sorry, i think there should be question mark in there somewhere?
Apr.3 at 11:51 am
H to the izzo says:
Oneshot:I’m definitely with you,Bynum’s injury was used as a smoke screen.
Apr.3 at 11:51 am
Eboy says:
Music, BET.
Apr.3 at 11:51 am
BETCATS says:
oneshot, it is nice to have a new commentator on the site. The questionmark in question goes after atmosphere and justified.
Apr.3 at 11:51 am
BETCATS says:
alright then i will begin the task
Apr.3 at 11:55 am
Co Co says:
You might want to read up about officials starting the clock Eboy.
Apr.3 at 11:55 am
oneshot says:
Izzo: do you mean that his presence or lack of doesn’t really affect their chances of post season success?
Apr.3 at 12:00 pm
H to the izzo says:
I mean it was almost used as an excuse for the team to be allowed to play badly or mediocre.Like “sure we lost to the Heat,but just wait till’ Bynum comes back”.I think they’re investing their hopes in Bynum a little too much.
Apr.3 at 12:01 pm
BETCATS says:
Eboy i have to go do some stuff, so i will finish the piece later and email it to you today or tommorow.
Apr.3 at 12:03 pm
Cub Buenning says:
THANK YOU H!!!!!!
That Bynum mantra is so tired.
Apr.3 at 12:04 pm
oneshot says:
Ah. At least if they exit earlier than hoped it’d be different from hearing it blamed on Kobe.
Apr.3 at 12:04 pm
Reggie Evans says:
Holly! As a Laker fan, I too look at the Memphis box scores with some interest. In addition to Javaris’ nice numbers last night, I noticed that Kwame got 11 points and 8 boards. Of course, this was all against the Knicks. We miss you Kwame! … But not enough to want you back.
Apr.3 at 12:11 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Hhaha, I have to agree with you guys, Izz, oneshot and Cub. I def think it would have helped had we had Bynum back maybe a month or so ago (especially when Pau went down), but really, the kid has too much damn pressure on him right now. He is going to be coming off of the bench and is going to need time to get back into the swing of things. I do not expect him to be anywhere near the level he was playing at when he went down. He will not be our savior, but I do pray for a safe return for Andrew.
Apr.3 at 12:11 pm
ciolkstar says:
Wade doesn’t want to offend his boy Haslem (or Marion’s primadonna ass) by saying that they should draft Be Easy. Besides, Wade knows well enough that if the Heat wind up with the first pick they’ll take Beasley and wind up moving Haslem or(preferably)Marion.
Apr.3 at 12:13 pm
ciolkstar says:
wow. There’s been like 100 posts since the one I’m responding to.
Apr.3 at 12:13 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Reggie, I read somewhere that Phil said they are still in contact with him. Not sure WHY, but good to see him have a decent game. Now Javaris, I love seeing him succeed. A few more years and I think he will be a solid player.
Apr.3 at 12:14 pm
H to the izzo says:
Reggie:Isn’t it time for a “Bring Kwame Back” website?
Apr.3 at 12:29 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Who says that Pau and Bynum will be that great together anyway? I mean they have never played together, even though I think Pau can co-exist with anybody, you never know right??
Apr.3 at 1:05 pm
Reggie Evans says:
H to the Izzo: No, Kwame is the ex you wish the best for, but no way you taking him back when the girl you’re with now is waay hotter and cooler. Javaris is more like a good one night stand, but you know you won’t be seeing her again anytime soon.
Apr.3 at 2:31 pm
tina says:
are you guys gonna have a playoff bracket to play with here at slam?
Apr.3 at 2:39 pm
RV says:
So now Doc WANTS to rest his guys?
Apr.3 at 2:40 pm
RV says:
wait, that wasn’t a question, Doc WANTS to rest his guys now..
Apr.3 at 2:49 pm
RV says:
Phil says Kobe is the mvp because this is his finest year when it comes to making his teammates better, so i guess Kobe has Smush playing like Derek Fisher and Turiaf playing like Pau Gasol, oh wait…
Apr.3 at 2:59 pm
SLAM ONLINE | » Gilbert Arenas and Chad Johnson: Together again says:
[…] Apparently not. […]
Apr.3 at 5:41 pm
BETCATS says:
this place is DEAD
Apr.3 at 6:14 pm
hursty says:
sup hoops fans. only 3 hours late.
Apr.3 at 6:18 pm
hursty says:
houston needs to go get portland. crucial.
Apr.3 at 6:30 pm
BETCATS says:
portland will loose
Apr.3 at 6:31 pm
BETCATS says:
?
Apr.3 at 7:49 pm
BETCATS says:
!
Apr.3 at 7:50 pm
BETCATS says:
Hursty are you still here you scallywag?
Apr.4 at 4:22 am