A little late with this, but Happy Holidays from the QCSB.  Every other blog has already beaten me to posting Christmas music videos, so I will hold off on posting them myself.

My first blog post was on December 19, 2008, so this time of the year also marks the one-year anniversary of this blog.  Thanks for reading.  The year started off with a bang.  The Panthers won the division, the Bobcats had renewed hope with Larry Brown, Davidson was playing big-time college basketball, and there was even a good college bowl game in town.  Then, the Panthers collapsed in the playoffs, and Davidson and the Bobs didn’t make it to the postseason.  Those disappointments weren’t going to hold this blog down, though.  The news stories didn’t stop, and this isn’t some fair weather blog!  The QCSB was the first to spot the new Bobcats uniforms.  It endlessly ranted against Jake Delhomme and about the need for a new QB, and it was proven correct.  The Bobs made some big moves, and this may be the year they crack the top 8 in the East.  All in all, it was a successful first year.  Hopefully, things will only be better in the New Year.  I have already made some minor changes which correspond to all of the cynicism and sarcasm that this blog provides towards Charlotte’s sports teams.  Thanks again for reading and for your support!

It’s that time of year.

No, not the holiday season.

Well, OK, it is the holiday season, but it’s something else, too.

The end of the year.

And with the end of the year comes columns and columns of lame lists reflecting on the past year.

So here’s mine.

The carefully crafted image.

12 Mistresses flirting

Actually, at last count, the number is up to about 15 women who have claimed an affair with Tiger Woods. His astonishing fall from grace has supplanted Barry Bonds and baseball’s steroid rage as the story of the decade, and it’s become impossible to turn away. And the story is far from over — when will Tiger come back to golf? (Three weeks before the Masters.) What kind of player will he be when he returns? (Dominant — and angry.) When will Elin divorce him? (Finalized July 2010, the week before Tiger wins by 1,476 shots at St. Andrews.) Will we ever revere athletes to this degree again? (Yes, as evident in last week’s fawning Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year article on Derek Jeter.)

Sports' biggest heartbreak — if you don't count Elin Nordegren.

11-footer misses

Tom Watson, at 59, was on the cusp of perhaps the greatest sporting achievement in history until his approach shot from the 18th fairway took an improbable high bounce over the green. He chipped and needed to make a putt for par to win the British Open by a stroke, but missed badly and faded in a playoff to Stewart Cink. It was sports’ most devastating near-miss in… well, maybe ever. (I still can’t talk about this out loud. I thought about not including this at all. It hurt just to write it. Let’s just move on.)

Could've written more about Jimmie, but I mentioned Danica...

10 Boring races

NASCAR’s Chase for the Cup doesn’t seem like it will have much drama as long as Jimmie Johnson is around. Until Danica wrecks him…

Whatever.

9 Yankees spending

A-Rod, Jeter, Sabathia, Burnett, Rivera, Damon, Matsui, Posada, Teixeira — nine Yankees players made at least $13 million for last season. (Andy Pettitte just missed the cut at $10 million). They cruised to the World Series title, their first in eight years, and while baseball isn’t as much about the money as we’re led to believe — yes, it’s about the money, but not just the money — the Yankees’ ability to cash in (or should it be cash out?) during last season’s hot stove period helped push them to the top again.

Wheelin', dealin' — and losin'.

8 Bobcats trades

In his continued effort to make the Charlotte Bobcats relevant, Larry Brown has overhauled the roster three times over with a wide array of trades. So far, relevance eludes all, aside from one particular local sports talk radio show. (Note: this number could be nine, it could be seven, it could be 10, it could be six. Like I said, relevance eludes them. So let’s just say eight. Nobody cares; it’s the Bobcats.)

C'mon, the Pac Man-Mayweather fight better happen.

7 Title belts

Manny Pacquiao may be on the verge of resurrecting boxing all by himself (with a little help from Floyd Mayweather Jr. in March 2010). In 2009, Pac-Man was busy, destroying Ricky Hatton before demolishing Miguel Cotto for his seventh title, a first in the sport.

Now if only he could move up from welterweight to heavyweight, boxing would be back.

The best in 2009.

6 Tourney blowouts

North Carolina came into the college basketball season as a heavy favorite to win the NCAA championship. The Tar Heels lived up to the billing, winning each tournament game by at least 12 points, setting an NCAA record for something other than time outs unused.

Jake — and the Panthers — are done.

5 Cardinals picks

The end of the 2008 Carolina Panthers season only foreshadowed what was to come in 2009. When Jake Delhomme was picked off five times against Arizona in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, a 12-4 team built on defense and the running game went meekly into the night. Now, without hope for a savior at QB for a long time to come, the Panthers may be headed for darker times. I’m sure Chris Weinke is available.

No words needed.

4 Wins in Cameron

I know, I know. Another Tar Heels’ reference, this one about the four straight wins the Class of Hansbrough enjoyed at Duke. And yes, I could’ve gone with Jimmie Johnson here.

Whatever. My school. My column.

Cheater.

3 Drug tests failed

Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz. Three titans of the game.

Three cheaters.

Wow.

2 Feet a-dragging

Remember when it seemed every Super Bowl ended in a 55-10 drubbing? Not lately. A year after the Eil and Tyree Miracle, Ben Roethlisberger scrambled, then lofted a pass to the back corner of the end zone. Santonio Holmes made a fingertip grab and tippy-toed his cleats in bounds to cap a thrilling last-minute drive to lift the Pittsburgh Steelers past the Cardinals and ensure that the apocalypse would be held off for at least another year. (’Cause surely the end would be nigh if the Cards ever win the Super Bowl, right? It’s in Revelation somewhere, I think.)

Addition by subtraction?

And a new team for Milton Bradley

Chicago Cubs fans are, by nature, a hopeful bunch. So maybe now after the team has found somewhere other than 1060 West Addison for the clubhouse cancer of all clubhouse cancers to play ball, fans of the North Siders won’t be singing the wait-til-next-year blues at spring training. (Too bad their current optimism is just the egg nog — or Old Style — talking.)

Happy holidays.

It’s peer-pressure time for the Charlotte Bobcats. Gerald Wallace and Stephen Jackson took a cue from their coach following Saturday’s 110-102 loss to the Utah Jazz. Larry Brown had just said there are too many Bobcats with lacking effort. So Wallace and Jackson filled in the blanks. “The 4 and the 5 (Boris Diaw and Tyson Chandler) got eight rebounds,” Wallace detailed. “Individually, we’re not taking pride in defensive assignments. We’re not taking pride in helping teammates. So is there a solution to this? “Can you fix somebody’s heart?” Wallace replied. “That’s a personal thing.”

“Too many times we’re saying, ‘This is bad. Just move on to the next game.’”

The Bobcats trailed by 19 before Brown benched every starter except Wallace (30 points and 13 rebounds). A desperate-measures lineup that included center Gana Diop and rookie Gerald Henderson cut the deficit to six before the home team ran out of time.

“The energy of the last group was a lot different from the energy of the (starters),” Brown said. “I think that’s been an issue a lot.”

Wallace and Brown weren’t alone in that impression. While Jackson (18 points, four steals and four rebounds) wasn’t quite so direct in whom he meant, he backed up Wallace.

“I know I’m going to play as hard as I can and I know Gerald puts his body on the line every night,” Jackson said. “We’re all so blessed to have these jobs. We owe it to ourselves and our teammates to play hard.”

So is there a solution to this?

“Can you fix somebody’s heart?” Wallace replied. “That’s a personal thing.”

Diaw had a strange night, scoring eight points in the first quarter and none in the last three. Chandler finished with two points and five rebounds.

Brown said he had an ugly feeling, entering this game, that his team’s resolve would be severely tested. The Jazz had trailed by 32 Friday night in a loss at Atlanta.

“I knew what we’d face,” Brown said. “They got blown out last night and Jerry (Sloan) cleared his bench.”

That’s essentially what Brown did Saturday. Maybe he was sending a message, setting up tonight’s game in New York.

Charlotte Observer

NEW YORK KNICKS – CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

Pronostico: 1

Quota: 1,57

Risultato: 98-94

NBA: Charlotte Bobcats – Utah Jazz

Pronostico: 1  (Charlotte)

Quota: 1,68

Risultato: 102-110

Watch Free Basketball Picks : Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Bobcats Live Streaming  December 16, 2009 NBA Regular Season – The game start time 7:00 PM ET at Stadium: Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis. A month after being traded to the Charlotte Bobcats, Stephen Jackson appears to be fitting right in with his latest NBA team. Jackson looks to continue his recent success Wednesday night when the Bobcats visit the Indiana Pacers, one of his five former teams.

Watch Free Basketball Picks : Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Bobcats Live Streaming

This is a NBA Regular Season game 2009 on 12/16 at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis between Charlotte Bobcats vs Indiana Pacers. If you want watch this NBA game.

For More Free Basketball picks ,NBA Basketball Picks,NBA Basketball Odds,NBA Betting

A new #1 in the rankings. The Lakers win streak is over, so which of the NBA elite took their place? Let’s go to the rankings:

1. Boston Celtics (19-4) (previous ranking: 2)- 10 straight wins, playing great ball. With the Lakers’ loss to Utah, they take back the top spot for the first time in weeks.

2. Los Angeles Lakers (18-4) (previous ranking: 1)- One loss makes a difference. The loss in Utah, plus the Celtics 10 straight wins drops them to #2. They won’t be there for long.

3. Orlando Magic (17-6) (previous ranking: 3)- Not much room for Orlando to go with the Celtics and Lakers at the top spot. They remain at #3 for a second straight week.

4. Atlanta Hawks (17-6) (previous ranking: 7)- Excellent week from the Hawks, four straight wins moved them into a tie with the Magic for first in the Southeast Division

5. Cleveland Cavaliers (17-7) (previous ranking: 4)- Great week for the Cavs, but they were victims of the streaking Atlanta Hawks.

6. Denver Nuggets (17-7) (previous ranking: 5)- The Nuggets, like Cleveland. They had a good week, and still lead the Northwest, but they were victims of the streaking Hawks.

7. Dallas Mavericks (17-7) (previous ranking: 8]- Dirk is showing why he’s one of the best in the game. The Mavericks know how to win the close ones, reason why they lead the Southwest right now.

8. Phoenix Suns (16-8) (previous ranking: 6)- The Suns are slumping. Is it weird that the Suns started slumping after losing to D’Antoni, and the Knicks are rising after beating the Suns.

9. Utah Jazz (14-9) (previous ranking: 10)- Snapping the Lakers win streak is a very important thing, and the Jazz deserve a spot in the top 10.

10. San Antonio Spurs (12-9) (previous ranking: 13)- Just a matter of time before the Spurs were among the tops in the NBA. Everything looks like it’s coming together. Matt Bonner has been playing very well as of late.

11. Houston Rockets (13-10) (previous ranking: 11)- The Rockets are playing good ball without Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. We already know Yao’s out, but is McGrady ever going to come back to the team, and if he doesn’t, what team would take that massive salary?

12. Portland Trail Blazers (14-11) (previous ranking: 9)- The Blazers are not the same team without Greg Oden. The psyche of this team is off, and they are not the contenders they were at the start of this season.

13. Oklahoma City Thunder (12-10) (previous ranking: 14)- After three weeks at #14, the Thunder are finally moving up. It’s a matter of time to see if they will move up further or back down.

14. Milwaukee Bucks (11-11) (previous ranking: 16)- The Bucks were in a slump, but seems as if things are slowly turning around for them. It’s a matter of time if this is true.

15. Miami Heat (11-11) (previous ranking: 12)- The Heat are really showing that there is no real supporting cast behind Dwyane Wade. Michael Beasley has not been consistent as he should be.

16. Detroit Pistons (11-12) (previous ranking: 22)- The Pistons are playing improved basketball. Rip Hamilton is back, and Tayshaun Prince and Ben Gordon are on the mend. Perhaps all hope is not lost in Detroit

17. New Orleans Hornets (10-12) (previous ranking: 18)- 2-1 week puts New Orleans up a spot. Chris Paul is back to his old form, but can they get back to among the Western Conference elite?

18. Sacramento Kings (10-12) (previous ranking: 15)- The Kings are still two games off .500. They are going to be special when Kevin Martin returns.

19. Toronto Raptors (11-15) (previous ranking: 20)- Are the Raptors ever going to live up to their potential? Newsflash to Bryan Colangelo: fire Jay Triano.

20. Memphis Grizzlies (10-13) (previous ranking: 21)- How about the Grizzlies? They have beaten the Mavericks, Cavaliers, and Heat all this month. Iverson leaving was the best thing for this team.

21. Charlotte Bobcats (9-13) (previous ranking: 19)- The Bobcats should not be ashamed in their Texas road trip. They came back from double-digits against the Spurs before running out of gas, and then they lost a heartbreaker in Dallas to the Mavericks. They will get the road woes together eventually.

22. Los Angeles Clippers (9-13) (previous ranking: 17)- The Clippers have weathered the storm of not having Blake Griffin. It will be interesting to see how good they will be when they return.

23. Indiana Pacers (8-13) (previous ranking: 25)- No Danny Granger, the Pacers are in a world of trouble. Considering this team is not as great with him there, he does make them better.

24. Chicago Bulls (8-14) (previous ranking: 23) Vinny Del Negro came out and said that he is the right coach for the Chicago Bulls. If that is the case, why are the talented Bulls underachieving so much?

25. New York Knicks (8-15) (previous ranking: 27)- The Knicks have been playing some of their best ball in a long time… Still wonder how Jonathan Bender will fare after being away for three years.

26. Washington Wizards (7-14) (previous ranking: 24)- The Big Three in Washington is not working out. Must be time to blow this team up.

27. Golden State Warriors (7-16) (previous ranking: 26)- No true leader on this team since Stephen Jackson left. Curry’s a rookie and Ellis is nowhere near ready. Still a team that’s in disarray.

28. Philadelphia 76ers (5-18) (previous ranking: 28)- If the Nets or Wolves could string together some wins, the Sixers might be in the cellar. A.I. has not made much of a difference

29. Minnesota Timberwovles (3-21) (previous ranking: 29)- In reality they should be #30, but they did beat New Jersey on opening night. Have to keep them at #29.

30. New Jersey Nets (2-22) (previous ranking: 30)- Team’s getting it together. Still has a long way to go.

Those of you that watch Sportscenter (one word or two?) probably know very well where Raymond Felton is because he’s taking names in the NBA. As point guard for the Charlotte Bobcats, Ray has been getting some great compliments from his coach, Larry Brown. Not an easy task, considering Brown is known to be one of the toughest coaches on points guards in the game.

Felton has the squad playing pretty well. Charlotte just beat a very good Denver Nuggets team, against another former UNC PG Ty Lawson no less. The Bobcats have won six of their last eight games. Needless to say, one of those came when they visited the Wizards Nov. 28. Rafters blogger Matt and I made our way to the Verizon Center to catch the game and took some super sweet video of our boy Felton from our “upgraded” seats in the lower level.  So please, do check it out below:

Look closely and you’ll see another former Tar Heel, Brendan Haywood, in that second video. And now, the highlight of the Wizards’ night!……

Sanford’s top-rated sports talk radio show breaks down the Tiger Woods saga, the NFL’s best teams, the BCS picture and debates whether the Kitty Corner should still exist.

Oh, Boris Diaw.  You are a very pretty man.  Even in a slightly unflattering Bobcats uniform.  But especially ….

… in a suit.

And he’s French.  Joyeux Noel!

Unlike going to medical school to become a doctor, or cosmetology school to pursue your dreams of becoming a famous beautician, there is no specific path to take in order to make a name for yourself in the NASCAR industry. People have taken different steps to become public relations experts and marketing gurus in this sport but if you’re confused as to where to start, this list might be able to help. 8 reasons why putting that 9-to-5 lifestyle on hold to earn a college degree might leave you in the best position to begin your racing career.

By: Briana Buzali

1) Live Minutes Away From All the Top Shops

Charlotte, N.C., is home to some of the top contending teams in the NASCAR industry. Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Roush Fenway Racing, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Stewart-Hass Racing, and Red Bull Racing to name a few, are all located minutes from campus. Richard Petty Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing are also in driving distance if you want to add a few minutes to your trip.

2) Tailgate in Your Own Backyard

All three of the top NASCAR series make trips to Lowe’s Motor Speedway during the season. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has four events here, the NASCAR Nationwide Series has two events, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series makes one stop in Charlotte every year. Tailgate with all your classmates and if you want to leave the race early, you can still hear the cars from your dorm room. On the weekends when there isn’t a race in town you can always cheer on the Carolina Panthers or Charlotte Bobcats; both teams call Charlotte their home.

3) Study Your Favorite Subject

UNCC offers a Motor Sports Engineering Degree, with incredible resources only available to its students. They have a 6800 square foot laboratory and members of the programs Advisory Board include Mr. J.D. Gibbs (Joe Gibbs Racing), Mr. Doug Duchardt (Hendrick Motorsports), and Mr. Winston Kelley (NASCAR Hall of Fame).

4) Intern While You Receive School Credit

Most of the departments at UNCC will let you intern off campus for 1-3 credit hours a semester. We all know that the best experience is gained hands on so why not spend time interning with your favorite team while you gain useful hours towards your degree.

5) Earn A College Degree

In today’s shaky economy, a college degree is certain to be your biggest asset when applying for jobs. If you’re looking for a job in Public Relations or Marketing, employers will want to know that you have a solid English or Journalism background. UNCC offers both of these degrees and if your motor sports dream doesn’t work out, you’ll still have a great education.

6) Gain a Real College Experience

UNCC offers over 300 student organizations that you can get involved in, when you have some free time between attending class and turning wrenches. Go Greek by pledging one of the sororities and fraternities or take part in some friendly competition be joining an intramural team. If school spirit isn’t your thing, campus is located only 20 minutes from downtown where you can spend your nights at the Epicenter, home to Dale Jr’s bar, Whisky River. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll be able to graduate knowing that you experienced everything college has to offer.

7) No Friday Classes

Although I’m sure there are some Friday classes offered at Charlotte, I haven’t had to take one since I’ve been here. UNCC has all types of students so finding classes to fit your lifestyle is easy. Schedule all of your academics Mon-Thurs and you’ll still be able to travel on the weekends while you intern for any of the teams.

8 ) Obtain Access to a Huge Alumni Network

Four years (or five) will fly by and when you do finally graduate, you will become part of a huge network of alumni, many of whom still live in Charlotte and work in the motor sports industry. You’ve had fun tailgating with you friends at NASCAR races, cheering on the Panthers, spending weekends at the Epicenter, and earning valuable hands on experience through internships. After all of this, you will have something that others applying for the same job as you may not have, a college education.

The women in Tiger Woods' life. His wife is in there, too, but maybe not for long.

Gatorade says it is pulling its Tiger Woods ad campaign, but that is has nothing to do with the recent scandal. Surrrrrreeeeee.

Danica Patrick is making her way to NASCAR, at least via ARCA and the Nationwide Series.

Remember "Diamond Notes"?

Very sad to see Peter Gammons leaving ESPN for the MLB Network. Especially since I don’t get the MLB Network.

This looks like a typical home game for the Bobcats...

I’ve got a Diet Coke riding on the Charlotte Bobcats beating the Denver Nuggets. Yeah, the same Kitties who lost to the Nets Friday…

I know Florida is playing Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl, but it seems to me the BCS is avoiding a mid-major gaining momentum in the argument to be considered a BCS title contender by having TCU play Boise State. Get rid of the conference tie-ins for major bowl games.

I'd be rooting for Manny...

Momentum building for a Pacquiao/Mayweather megafight. Would it be wrong for me to root against the American in that one?

I had Williams in a close one; my 6-year-old thought Martinez won.

Speaking of boxing, my 6-year-old daughter Allison was up late on Saturday night (her mom and dad had been to a Christmas — ahem, holiday — party) and hung around on the couch to watch the brilliant Paul Williams/ Sergio Martinez fight. She thought Martinez won, and I had Williams in a close fight.

The real winner though? Me. I believe we’ll be looking for a pair of kids boxing gloves for under the tree this year — just for working out on the heavy bag and stuff.

New week of the NBA Rankings, and the top four teams of a year ago are back at the top of the NBA. There is a new number one, and it was a matter of time before the new #1 team got to this position. Although the Nets got their first win, there was thought to putting the Bobcats there just for kicks, but decided against it. With that said, here are the new NBA rankings.

1. Los Angeles Lakers (16-3) (previous ranking: 2) Nine straight wins. Gasol and Bynum are playing well, and of course the shot by Kobe Bryant Friday night to sink the Miami Heat. Not quite at 20-1 like Reggie Miller stated, but 18-3 is pretty good prospect.

2. Boston Celtics (16-4) (previous ranking: 4) The Celtics are right behind the Lakers, winning seven in a row. Rajon Rondo is playing very well and worth the contract, but would he really be playing this well with the talent surrounding him? Either way, Boston’s in good shape right now and are going to be dangerous as long as they’re healthy.

3. Orlando Magic (16-4) (previous ranking: 3) The Magic have won five in a row and are playing some great basketball. Boston has been slightly hotter than them, resulting in them leapfrogging the Magic into the #2 spot. The good thing about this is that Dwight Howard does not have to be the work horse like last year, since this team is so deep.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers (15-5) (previous ranking: 5) The Cavaliers are really learning to play with Shaq. Four straight wins for Cleveland has them right where they should be: among the NBA elite. No need to push the panic button after the 0-2 start, as the Cavs have won 15 of 17 since then.

5. Denver Nuggets (15-5) (previous ranking:7) The Nuggets got their focus back after the Timberwolves loss by going 3-0 in the past week. Good job for this team to get back on track after that embarrassment. Chauncey Billups, however, needs to be more assertive with the ball. The good week has them back in the top five where they should be.

6. Phoenix Suns (15-6) (previous ranking: 1) What happened to the Suns? They were at the top spot a week ago, but a 1-3 week has them tumbling out the top five. Let’s see how they respond after having as many losses this week as they had all season.

7. Atlanta Hawks (14-6) (previous ranking: 8] Atlanta got some of its mojo back after a 2-1 week. They still need to really prove themselves and show that they are serious about contending for a championship. Losing to the Knicks at home is plain unacceptable.

8. Dallas Mavericks (14-7) (previous ranking: 6) The Mavericks went 2-2 in the week. A bad loss to Memphis though was the worst of the week for them. This is another team that needs to be serious about contending for a ring. They have the slumping Suns on Tuesday, so they should take advantage. Luckily the Southwest Division right now is extra mediocre.

9. Portland Trail Blazers (13-8) (previous ranking: 9) The Portland Trail Blazers are one of the biggest disappointments this season. Brandon Roy is being a diva, Andre Miller is not working out as the panned out, and Greg Oden is out for the season with a terrible knee injury. The team many thought would contend with the Lakers are not living up to par.

10. Utah Jazz (11-8) (previous ranking: 11) The Utah Jazz struggled at the start of the season, but they are riding the play of Carlos Boozer. Again, he could be playing hard since it’s a contract year, but he’s also playing for the team, and the wins are coming along with it.

11. Houston Rockets (11-9) (previous ranking: 13) 2-1 week for the Rockets. Trevor Ariza has done a good job being the defensive stopper. The team is shopping Tracy McGrady, since it’s apparent that they don’t want him back and are delaying his return to the team, but nobody will want to take that hefty salary for the season.

12. Miami Heat (11-9) (previous ranking: 12) The Heat went all out with five games, going 2-2, but they blew the Lakers game and the game-winning three pointer from Kobe Bryant on Friday night. They bounced back with a good win at Sacramento on Sunday. Since the Rockets had a better week, they jump over Miami

13. San Antonio Spurs (9-8) (previous ranking: 10) Short week and no wins for San Antonio has them back in the middle of the pack. Still not losing faith in them, and still waiting to see how good this team can be. Richard Jefferson still has not adjusted to the offense, and it is showing.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder (10-9) (previous ranking: 14) For the third straight week, the Thunder reside at the #14 spot. Is this team going to peak at 14, or can they string together some wins to make themselves even more of a problem in the West.

15. Sacramento Kings (9-10) (previous ranking: 16) Despite the 9-10 record, and a 1-2 week, the rest of the NBA has not been that great either, and it’s still a good story to see the Kings doing average ball after a few years of horrible basketball.

16. Milwaukee Bucks (9-10) (previous ranking: 15) The Bucks have not played well lately. One win in the last seven games, and Brandon Jennings’ average has dipped in the last few weeks, and Michael Redd has not had much impact as the surgically repaired knee is still giving him trouble.

17. Los Angeles Clippers (9-11) (previous ranking: 17) If someone said the Clippers would be near .500 before Blake Griffin came back from injury, there would be a lot of naysayers. Since he is the best player from his class, it’s going to be expected of him to do big things. He should be back in a couple more weeks.

18. New Orleans Hornets (8-11) (previous ranking: 21) The Hornets weathered the storm of Byron Scott’s firing and Chris Paul’s injury and are appearing like things will be okay in the Big Easy. Seems like Bower’s getting through to this team when it appeared they were heading in the wrong direction.

19. Charlotte Bobcats (8-11) (previous ranking: 18) The Bobcats really deserve to be in the #30 spot after their loss to the New Jersey Nets, but they did bounce back the next night to beat the Philadelphia 76ers, and salvaged the week and won’t drop too much in the rankings. One win can save a team from a major fall from a not so bad one.

20. Toronto Raptors (9-13) (previous ranking: 22) The Raps are still mired in mediocrity, and it’s such a far cry from a team that looks like they could actually contend with the Boston Celtics on paper. Is it time to really talk about Jay Triano on the hot seat?

21. Memphis Grizzlies (8-12) (previous ranking: 24) How about the Grizzlies? This is a young team that is playing hard and it is paying major dividends. Marc Gasol has played very well since losing the weight, and he could be a major key in the Grizzlies success in the future. Who needs Allen Iverson? Oh yeah, the Sixers.

22. Detroit Pistons (8-12) (previous ranking: 23) The Pistons had their best week in a few weeks. It has been tough without Rip Hamilton and Tayshawn Prince. They weathered the storm with Ben Gordon’s ankle injury. It will be interesting to see if they will still be mediocre when Hamilton and Prince come back.

23. Chicago Bulls (7-11) (previous ranking: 20) The Bulls are slumping badly. In all honesty, they need to not worry about LeBron dancing all over the place and start winning some games. They were pretty high up to start the season, and now they are among the lower tier teams. Very disappointing so far.

24. Washington Wizards (7-12) (previous ranking: 26) The Wizards are improving slowly. Agent Zero needs to be more assertive like he used to be. Flip Saunders is getting a lot more out of his players, which is good, because this team is too good to be down in the Southeast Division cellar.

25. Indiana Pacers (6-12) (previous ranking: 19) The Pacers are sliding in the standings, and it’s going to get worse since Danny Granger came back to the second half of the Clipper game in a walking boot. MRI will reveal true damage on Tuesday. Jim O’Brien might be in the hot seat soon.

26. Golden State Warriors (6-13) (previous ranking: 25) 1-3 week for the Warriors, and seeing the Houston Rockets game last Thursday, this team turns the ball over too much. One thing taken from that game: does Monta Ellis REALLY want to be there? He has not played well in a long time, and he’s really not looking happy after Stephen Jackson left.

27.New York Knicks (6-15) (previous ranking: 29) How about the New York Knicks? Are they finally getting adjusted to the Run & Gun of Mike D’Antoni? This could be very appealing to a certain player who will wear the #6 in 2010. No names will be mentioned, though.

28. Philadelphia 76ers (5-15) (previous ranking: 27) Iverson is back home in Philadelphia, and it couldn’t be at a better time. The Sixers are bad, the fans aren’t coming. A.I. is a box-office attraction, and he will start. The results will have to be seen if he can turn this team around.

29. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-17) (previous ranking: 28) Although the Wolves dropped back to their residence at the #29 spot, they did win their last game at home against Utah. They are going to get better. Still wonder if Ricky Rubio would have made some kind of difference. It shall remain a mystery.

30. New Jersey Nets (1-19) (previous ranking: 30) The Nets snapped their 18 game losing streak against the Bobcats, but it will still be a long road. When Yi comes back from injury, it should make a difference. The Nets have the potential to turn it around, with everyone coming back, but it remains to be seen.

Elton Brand got a chance to start Saturday, but the result was the same.

With Elton Brand in the starting lineup thanks to a strained Jrue Holiday rotator cuff, the Sixers looked poised to halt an 8-game losing streak.

Unfortunately, it takes 48 minutes of basketball to win games, not 36.

Despite an 86-78 lead after three quarters, the Sixers didn’t have enough firepower to sustain the lead thanks to the injury to Holiday and the fact that another recently signed guard wasn’t in Charlotte for the game.

The Bobcats outscoed the Sixers by nine in the final frame to eek out a 106-105 win.

Willie Green paced the Sixers with 26 points, followed by Andre Iguodala (22) Thaddeus Young (17) and Elton Brand (14).

The Sixers will try to end their now nine-game losing streak when Allen Iverson dons a Philly jersey for the first time in three years as the Sixers host the Denver Nuggets on Monday at the Wachovia Center.

The New Jersey Nets won for the first time this season, ending the worst start in NBA history at 18 losses by beating the Charlotte Bobcats 97-91 Friday night.

Source:
http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=291204017

When basketball players turn the ball over during the course of the game, it makes a coach’s stomach turn; especially if it is an unforced turnover.  I have a few pet peeve’s as a coach; a player being careless with the ball is one of them.  Lebron James was upset with his team for turning it over in the first half of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Friday night.  “We turned the ball over 6 or 7 times, you can’t do that!” James told a sideline reporter from ESPN after their victory.  In the second half the Cavs did not turn it over once.  Take care of the ball!

3 Point Play:

1-Big time 3-pt shot by Kobe Bryant over D-Wade from the top of the key going right to left to win the game at the buzzer for the Lakers last night 108-107.  I was about to fall asleep well past midnight but for some reason something told me to stick this one out.  Wade finished with 26 including 9 in the last two minutes but he missed a crucial free-throw with 3 seconds remaining which would of given the Heat a three point lead.  The Heat shot 27-42 from the free-throw line (John Calipari said it doesn’t matter though).  For what it’s worth, ESPN’s Mark Jackson mentioned last night that Wade is the third greatest shooting guard in the history of the game.

2-Congrats to the New Jersey Nets for getting their first win of the year by beating the Charlotte Bobcats 97-91.  New head coach Kiki Vandweghe is now 1-0 as a coach.  The guy knows the game, he’s been around a long time.  So hey, maybe a different voice will help this team.

3-Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks was ejected last night in a loss against the Knicks (who have now beat Atlanta and the Suns this week) for arguing with the official; Bob Delaney mind you! You don’t mess with Bob Delaney; didn’t Smith read his book? Josh was a bit perturbed that the former New Jersey State Trooper didn’t give him the call. While the free-throws were being shot, Smith continued to argue; thus getting thrown out.  Somewhere across our great country the replacement refs are working D-3 games smiling and thinking, “Thank God we don’t have to deal with those guys anymore…”

-Coach Finamore

Hoops135@hotmail.com

I’m on Facebook and you can follow me on Twitter: @CoachFinamore

AP Photo

The streak is over.

The Charlotte Bobcats were the year’s first fodder for the New Jersey Nets, as the Nets snapped their NBA-worst 0-18 start thanks to a 97-91 win at home on Friday.

It was the coaching debut of Nets GM Kiki Vandeweghe, who took over for Lawrence Frank for the time being.

“For me, I was happy for the players,” Vandeweghe told the Associated Press. “This has been a bit of a struggle. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. It was tough, tough on everybody.”

Congratulations to the Nets for breaking the streak. Charlotte is a quality team, and it was indeed a quality win for the Nets tonight.

Here’s the recap from the game: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=Ao58h16ezh5rIkDi0ckpVEE5nYcB?gid=2009120417