With Thanksgiving less than 24 hours away, it got me thinking about the holiday lineup of games that will be made viewable to myself.  It got me thinking about which of the next three holidays has the best slate of games, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day.  It’s a valid question indeed.

Lets start with Thanksgiving.  As we all know, Thanksgiving is always known for their NFL games and turkey legs.  This year’s lineup is very questionable though.  Detroit always plays a home game, which in itself makes it less than exciting, the Lions host the Green Bay Packers.  Then Oakland travels to Dallas for the Cowboys annual turkey day game.  I know Cowboy fans are excited about this (Jesse) but not so much for me.  The final NFL game of Thanksgiving day features the New York Giants traveling to the struggling Broncos.  To me this is the game with the most intrigue.  Thanksgiving also has two NBA games scheduled, and both are good games.  Orlando Magic at the Atlanta Hawks then the Chicago Bulls at the Utah Jazz.

Next lets focus in on Christmas day.  Christmas day is all about the NBA, and the NBA on ABC.  Five games are scheduled and all are on either ABC or ESPN.  The Quartet of games is headlined by Lebron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers traveling to play Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.  The other headline game is a big Eastern Conference game between the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics.  Other games include the Heat vs the Knicks, the Clippers battling the Suns, and the Nuggets playing the Blazers.  One NFL game is scheduled for Christmas day, the Chargers travel to the Titans, and the game can be found on the NFL Network.

Finally lets look at the games on New Year’s Day.  College football is well known for hogging up the television time when the new year hits.  The biggest two bowl games on New Year’s Day include the BCS Rose Bowl and BCS Sugar Bowl.  Teams are still being determined. Other bowl games include the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl, the Capitol One Bowl, and the Outback Bowl.  One NBA game is being televised nationally, and that game features the New York Knicks playing at the Atlanta Hawks on NBA TV.

So looking at those three days, to me it’s really not even a toss up to which day of games I am looking forward to the most.  I am extremely partial to the NBA and basketball, so I am very excited about Christmas day and that Lebron Kobe game, but that’s not the best day of this bunch. Nothing beats the college football bowl season, and with two BCS games on the dial, it gets even better.  The Rose Bowl looks like it might be a Ohio St. Oregon matchup that would be a really great game.  The Sugar Bowl with include either Florida or Alabama (loser of SEC title game) and most likely Cincinnati.  I won’t be tuning into that NBA game but New Year’s Day gets my award for having the best day for sports viewing.

Siento la repetición, pero es inevitable. Artest abre la boquita y suelta alguna perla al hiperespacio. Si no han visto el vídeo de abajo (el de las leches en la Palace de Detroit, no, el otro), les recomiendo que echen un vistazo a los pectorales depilados de Ron-Ron. Alguno en Nueva York estaría encantado de clavarle en el tatuaje izquierdo un puñal ‘asín’ de gordote. Why? Qué ha hecho este chico ahora? Pues porque este newyorker (de Queenbrigde para más señas) le ha dicho a la cara a los demás newyorkers que los free agents (es decir, su amado Lebron James, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudamire, Dwight Wade, Joe Jhonson…) no quieren ir a los Knicks por ‘miedo’ a la crisis eterna del equipo, la under pressure que cantaría Queen con Bowie, y el plan abuelito criticón que caracteriza a la grada y los medios de la Gran Manzana. Solo hay que verle la cara a Spike Lee. De paso, comenta que su máxima ‘ilu’ este veranito era largarse para la casa de mamá para estar cerca de St. John’s y Rucker Park (asiduo verano tras verano) y reconducir a sus Knickerbokers hacia la victoria (claro, Artest es el ‘alter ego’ del run and gun del amigo Anthony), pero que ni se preocupó en llamar a Donnie Walsh, por cierto, mandamás de los Pacers cuando sucedió la batalla de Detroit (ahora sí que tienen que mirar el maldito video). Mejor largarme a la otra punta del país y de la NBA (de ser último a ganar un anillo). No sabe nada el chico.

Artest, en St John's

La lengua la suelta Artest en el New York Post durante la práctica de tiro previa al ‘chorreo’ que los Lakers le dieron a los propietarios del Madison. Artest se calzó un par de triples con chulería y ademanes posteriores que cada día me recuerdan más a ‘Cruela Deville’ Dennis Rodman. ¿Será por eso que muero por sus huesos? Dejemos este rollito Ronsexual para centrarnos en la rajada. Translation: “Pienso que deben dejar se estar asustados y venirse a Nueva York. Estan acojonados por la presión de los medios. A mí me gusta, pero, perdonen mi lenguaje, que les (pitido) a los medios y que les (pitido) a todos los que ponen presión sobre ellos”. Hay clarito. ‘In your face’. Continue, continue, el juego. “Quieres que te diga que he escuchado últimamente. Que tienen miedo a hacer un mal partido, a la reacción de los fans. Si alguien realmente viene a los Knicks, tiene que ser capaz de tener corazón”. Después de explayarse sin pelos en la lengua, Ron lanzó al aire su deseo de que Lebron ponga sus preciados piececitos sobre Manhattan. “Sé que él podría hacerlo. Sería muy grande, muy grande ver a Los Angeles y Nueva York enfrentándose por el campeonato y que se quede en Nueva York”.  Por supuesto, para chulo mi pirulo. Qué a los demás les entra caquita de jugar para los Knicks. Pues yo no, qué pasa. Y si quereis os lo demuestro cuando sea (abonando un futuro contrato). Por cierto, el reportaje recuerda como los Knicks decidieron apostar por Frederic Weis y desechar la opción de draftear al ícono de la universidad de Nueva York que se fue para Chicago. “Si yo quisiera jugar en los Knicks, yo no sentiría esa presión. La gente tiene miedo de venir. Ya sabemos lo locos que están los neoyorquinos, la presión de los medios tras un mal partido. Hay que estar preparado y yo lo estoy, para no pensar en estar cosas, no preocuparse en los abucheos de la grada y, si tu pierdes, estar preparado para seguir jugando”. Por si acaso, no se cierra las puertas, aunque sea en un futuro lejano. “Amo Nueva York y cuando termine mi carrera me gustaría pertenecer a esta organización, quizá como entrenador”.

Every Wednesday, from today until the end of time, my close friend and bitter foe Mad Adam is going to stop by and attempt to clarify his delusions of grandeur, dominance, and defeatism. He’s very complex. And, as you’ll soon find out, most of what he has to say comes out of his ass, but man, is he angry! And I’m not talking the kind of angry that can be aptly expressed with all caps and exclamation marks, or even simple declarations of anger… you’ll have to use your imagination a little. Picture the bright red face. Picture the popping veins. Picture the holes in the wall, the shattered remotes, the hospitalized “friends”. Now, multiply it by 386. That gets you halfway there. But here, we’ll let him explain it…

Hello everyone.  Allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Mad Adam.  That’s right, not Mad Hatter (Les Miles), Mad Max (Mel Gibson) or Mad Men (those booze swilling cats at Sterling Cooper).  No, just Mad Adam.

Why Mad Adam?  First, I have an anger control problem. This is particularly true when it comes to my sports teams.  I get mad when they let me down.  I get mad when they get screwed over.  I sometimes get mad even when things are going well. What can I say….I’m Mad Adam.  As a bonus, my name is a palindrome.  Don’t know that is? Look it up loser.  And while you are at it, send some hate mail to your language teachers who obviously let you down.

Now that I have revealed that much of my anger is centered on my favorite teams, I better let you in on who those teams are.  Warning, I grew up as a military brat, so I never stayed in a place long enough to pick a team based on geography.  So, I have a pretty disparate set of favorite teams (with the exception of my college team which is clearly a result of the totally awesome education I received at the undergraduate and law schools of the institution listed below).  So, in no particular order, here are the teams that matter most to me: New York Jets (last Super Bowl….1969, the roots of my anger begin to surface); Los Angeles Dodgers; Los Angeles Lakers; Manchester City Citizens (EPL soccer you morons); and of course, my beloved OU Sooners.  Looking for a hockey team?  Go (ice) fish.  Not a fun game to watch on TV.

My proclivity for temper tantrums does not end with my favorite teams.  I also get mad about betting on sports (i.e. placing bad bets, not the act of betting on sports which I am very much in favor of), bad calls, terrible commentators, incomprehensible TV twists, bad uniforms, those who don’t appreciate good music, politics, stupid fans, silly traditions, inane rules….you get the idea.  I am Mad Adam.

The gracious, yet logic deficient Ed Honcho, has asked that I occasionally drop by this site and let all of you know what I am currently mad about.  I appreciate the forum and the opportunity to vent.  I would be remiss if I did not kick things off with a mailbag devoted to my legions of fans and their questions.  So, without further ado, away we go…..

Q: Did you see the Patriots throw a deep pass with only 30 seconds to go this past weekend when they were up 31 – 14 on the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets? How did that make you feel? Cuz, I will tell you how it made me feel.  It made me feel like punching Tom Brady in his pretty face and defecating on Bill Belichik’s car.

- Francis Anastasio, Elizabeth, New Jersey

A: Francis, or can I call you Frank? No? OK. Francis, you could not be more right (except the part about shitting on his car, which is a tad bit weird). Not since Michael Bay decided to have “ghetto” robots in the newest Transformers movie have I seen such a brash and uncalled for decision.

What is he hoping to accomplish?  By kicking the Jets when they are down, does he hope to draw attention away from the most colossal coaching mistake in his career from the week prior against the Colts? By allowing a long pass to Randy Moss did he hope to show that Moss does in fact own Darrelle Revis? (if so, too bad, because Moss turned in a pedestrian 5 catches for 34 yards against my boy Revis).

Or is this just one more bully move by a guy that thinks he is God, but is in fact still the same a-hole that could not turn around the Browns and WHO WALKED OUT ON THE JETS IN 1999 A DAY AFTER TAKING THE HEAD COACHING JOB? What a loser. I HATE that guy. And, I really hate those spy-gate cheating, pretty boy Pats(ies).

Q: How are you feeling about the Lakers so far?

- Bonita Benson, Culver City, California

A: In a word….AWESOME.  So far, Khlomar has not been a distraction.  The return of Gasol has transformed the team.  Ron Artest is playing within the system and has not punched Nicholson in the face on his way down the court yet. And Kobe? Well, he is busy doing work.

Since the Lakers’ Western Conference coronation is all but assured, let’s turn to the more important issue.  Will those turd burgers from Boston make an appearance and get the whupping they deserved two years ago? As of this writing they are 10-4, and look pretty good (for a team in puke green adorned with a picture of a leprechaun sporting a vest, hat and bow-tie covered in freaking shamrocks).  I don’t want another beat-down on Orlando.  I want Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and “look at me I am yelling a lot, I must be really intense” Kevin Garnett to face the music like they did in 1985 and 1987 when Magic and crew beat Bird and his brigade of losers (like Kevin “the Armpits” McHale and Robert “Reefer” Parrish). SCREW THE CELTICS!

Q: When are you going to talk about the Sooners? Texas Tech destroyed Stoops and company and the crowd turned the House of Pain “Jump Around” into an anti-Sooner anthem.  And, don’t forget Capel’s b-ball team that got rocked by the VCU Rams, his former team.  Seriously, did you jump off a cliff this weekend?

- Rusty Jackson, Texhoma, Texas

A: I am typing out this response from the rather large ravine that I did indeed toss myself into after the collective DUMP THAT OU TOOK ON ME THIS WEEKEND.  This is the kind of showing that makes you want to give up sports.

That raises the issue.  Is it possible to really give up on your favorite team?  I say no.  The first time I ever tried to do it was when I was 8 years old and the Dodgers were on a serious losing streak. I declared that I was no longer a fan of Dodger blue and tried to become a Cincinnati Reds fan.  However, each morning when I would look through the box scores in the local paper I found my gaze straying from the Reds to find out what the Dodgers had done the night before. The reason?  If you are a true fan, you can NEVER give up on your team.  Even when they TEAR OUT YOUR HEART, LIKE OU DID TO ME THIS WEEKEND.

Did I kinda avoid answering your questions Rusty? You bet. Stay tuned, though, because if those goat loving, tobacco chewing troglodytes from Stillwater win Bedlam this weekend, then I may have to dedicate an entire column to how FREAKING BAD THIS OU FOOTBALL SEASON HAS REALLY BEEN.

Q: So, how about Les Miles and his clock management skills?

- Earl Papadeaux, Natchez, Louisiana

A: Oh, how I detest Les Miles.  What an overrated, egotistical, arrogant insipid little man crowned with an ill-fitting hat. How many times must he do something like this before Tiger Nation rises up and says enough is enough.  The LSU school newspaper, “The Daily Reveille” is calling for the firing of offensive coordinator Gary Crowton over this debacle.

First, “The Daily Reveille,” really? I had to look up “reveille” to even know what the students there are referencing.  It is a bugle call associated with the military.  So, the newspaper is a daily bugle call.   Whatever.

Second, firing the offensive coordinator is completely missing the point.  Did anyone see Les Miles’ patented “deer in headlights” look as the precious seconds ticked away in the game against Ole Miss? He was befuddled, bamboozled and flummoxed all at the same time. This man could not coach his way out of a paper bag when decisions that are tougher than what to eat after the game are on the line.  Speaking of food…

Q: Don’t you think that Mark Mangino is just mean, mean, mean!

- Dolores Bitterbottom, Mulberry, Kansas

A: Look, I have had my share of crude talking insensitive coaches.  Heck, it is really part of the job description as far as I can tell.  Reminds me of a funny story.  Ed Honcho and I used to have a baseball coach that referred to him as “Colonel Sanders” because he was too “chicken” to get down on the ball when fielding grounders in practice.  That was funny. What Mangino (allegedly) has been doing?  Not cool.

When a college student confides in a coach about his alcoholic father, that should remain between him and the coach. Same thing with a player that tells coach about his brother getting shot in the neighborhood he grew up in .  To use that information against the players is the sign of a man that has lost touch with reality.  He is not breaking players down and then building them up.  He is just breaking them.

While we are on the subject, I am wondering if any Jayhawk ever gave it back to the coach? In case they have not, and current Jayhawks are looking for some ideas, here is my humble proposal for a dialogue with Mangino:

Mangino – “Hey, stop loafing WR!  You keep that up and you will wind up on welfare and turning tricks in an alley for crack cocaine like that story about your mom you shared with me in a closed door meeting the other day.”

WR – “Hey Coach.  Here’s a thought.  Maybe you should drop your daily caloric intake by, I don’t know, maybe 40,000 calories.  Seriously, do you really need that entire rack of ribs to go with your 22 ounce steak, double cheese-burger and fried okra covered in brown gravy?  I’m just looking out for you.  Well, I am also looking out for the players that keep getting hit by one of your 17 chins when you move suddenly on the sideline.”

Q: How about Jimmy Clausen getting cold-cocked by an angry Irish fan at local bar?

- Gaye Barr, Elkhart, Indiana

A: This had to be the first time anything associated with the Irish was on target this whole season.  My only question is why not track down and punch Charlie Weis?  The guy is pushing 3 bills and his knees are shot.  There is no way he could get away quickly enough to avoid a total pummeling. (please note that Mad Adam, while prone to fits of anger, does not condone nor promote violence against athletes and/or coaches….you know, unless they really deserve it).

Q: As an unabashed fan of front-running, big money teams like the Lakers and Sooners, is it any surprise that you’ve recently declared yourself a Manchester City fan? And even though you’ll do your best to spin the answer, it’s mostly rhetorical, as the indisputable answer is “no.”

- Ed Honcho, Sunbathing on the French Riviera

A: Nice try Ed.  You are clearly trying to bait me into a fit of rage.  However, unlike Tila Tequila, I am not that easy.  You see, what you are failing to tell our readers is that it is “undisputable” that I became a fan of the Blues prior to September 2008 when Man City was purchased by the Abu Dhabi United Group, making it the wealthiest club in the world.

Which means that I became a fan of Man City, a team that has not won silverware since 1976, before this fortuitous twist transformed them into the Champions League chasing team they are today.  So, SUCK IT ED.  Seriously.

Q: Is it true that you’ve been in the same fantasy football league for almost 20 years and never won?

- Bjorn Bjornssen, Hammerfest, Norway

A: Bjorn, now I am starting to get pissed.  Your “source” is mistaken.  Allow me to provide you a history lesson. Yes, I have been in the same fantasy football league since 1988.  In fact, Ed Honcho, myself and friends may have indeed invented fantasy football.

No, it is NOT true that I have failed to ever be crowned champion.  My team has a long and storied history.  I consistently make the playoffs, and I have been in not one, not two, but THREE championship games.  Several years ago Ed Honcho and I squared off in the championship game.  The game ended in a tie according to an on-line fantasy sports site that will not be named.  Incredibly, after nearly two decades of fantasy sports our collective group had never devised a tie-breaker scenario.  So, we declared a tie and the championship was split between Mad Adam and Ed Honcho.

Now things get interesting.  Approximately 6 months later, one of our friends and fellow fantasy owner, we will call him “ass-wipe,” decided to peruse the web-site because he had nothing better to do.  He was surprised to see that the CRAPPY, STUPID AND PROFESSIONALLY NEGLIGENT web-site that shall not be named had changed the score for Jeff Garcia (my starting QB at the time) by one measly STUPID point.  Ass-wipe decides to share this information with the league.  The result? Years of bickering and a COMPLETELY FALSE AND WHOLLY UNSUBSTANTIATED CLAIM of an undisputed and sole championship by Ed.

Many of you may ask, and rightly so, how in the world can you change the score of a fantasy sports championship MONTHS after the fact?  Isn’t that like tuning in for the Super Bowl and watching the Pats lose to the Giants, only to find out the following summer that the NFL had changed its mind and declared that the David Tyree “helmet catch” was an incompletion and the Pats actually won?  Good point.  And Bjorn, you no fantasy knowledge having dude from Hammerfest, did you stop to ask what would have happened if we applied the tie-breaking rules we have today?  No? Well, let me tell you what would have happened. I WOULD HAVE WON.  And, what would have happened if we played the next week (since we tabulated the points just to see)?….wait for it….that’s right….. I WOULD HAVE WON.

Dammit.  Now my blood pressure is though the roof.  Bjorn, I am sure you can see from the foregoing synopsis that in fact I DID WIN A FREAKING CHAMPIONSHIP.  And, if you don’t agree with me then you CAN JUST ENJOY YOUR CITY WHICH REEKS OF REINDEER MANURE.  That’s right, I said it.

Q: Why so angry? Childhood trauma? Life stacked against you? What?

- Adolfo Ocampo, Ushuaia, Argentina

A: As I am sure you can see from the questions posed by some ingrates above, as well as the other stupid topics that got me riled up, there are plenty of reasons I am angry.  SO, STICK YOUR POP PSYCHOLOGY UP YOUR ASS ADOLFO.  I will be sure to call if I ever need your attention.  Don’t hold your breath in the meantime.

Thank you loyal readers.  Until next time, keep watching sports and DON’T PISS ME OFF!!!

Last night’s Lakers-Knicks battle at Staples Center was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had as a fan, at least from a televised perspective.

For only the second time in their history, the Lakers utilized a simulcast (showing the game on both FSW and Prime Ticket) to bring viewers a near in-arena experience with the Courtside View experience – bringing the viewer literally thisclose to the game:

The Lakers won the game rather easily (‘Bench Mob’ shortcomings aside), 100-90, behind Kobe’s 34 points but from my seat that was an afterthought.

Aside from the rather overenthused halftime ‘reporting’ by Bill McDonald, the entire experience was a ‘Best Case Scenario’ for a Lakers fan. You are quite literally sitting Courtside, but from the comfort of the home sofa. The sounds of the game were highlighted from players’ sneakers to the natural crowd noise (it’s really amazing at how uninspired the Lakers crowds really are, even with Spike Lee & Stevie Wonder adjunct to Jack Nicholson) to the grunts and moans of the players to Lawrence Tanter’s baritone:

In short, it really enabled me to get into the game in more depth than I normally do. Though Joel Meyers & Stu Lantz are an entertaining, informative duo, it was really nice to FEEL the game from that unique perspective.

Here’s hoping that the powers that be at Fox/Prime choose to make this a semi-regular feature of the broadcasts in the future. Maybe even a Playoff game?

I used to write for a thing called newspapers,

Evan Lovett
YallKiltIt

The Lakers beat the Knicks on Tuesday night at Staples. Los Angeles is now 11-3 and tied for the best record in the NBA.

The Lakers’ early-season schedule has been and continues to be very kind.

Este chico me encanta. No lo puedo negar. Soy fan. Antes ya he dejado constancia de mi devoción por Ron Artest, pero es que hay pocos tipos como él. ¿Quién podría salir en calzoncillos en uno de los late-night shows de mayor audiencia de los Estados Unidos? Ron Ron lo hizo en el Jimmy Kimmel Show de la ABC (el mismo en el que Pau Gasol se le coló que iba a ir al Europeo)y, de paso, contó alguna jugosa anécdota: cómo se ofreció a Kobe para fichar por los Lakers en la ducha de los vestuarios de Boston tras perder las finales del 2008, cómo organiza barbacoas o fiestas en la playa espontáneas para ganarse el afecto de los fans de LA o desmintió aquella historieta que le sitúan corriendo en boxer hacia el autobús de los Rockets tras el séptimo partido del último playoff (de ahí el atuendo durante la entrevista). Las bromas de Artest enseñando pechamen y el presentador fueron continuas en los diez minutos de entrevista. Para completar el espectáculo, Ron Ron apareció con el nombre del show remarcado en el peinado de su nuca, a lo que Kimmel le preguntó si podría jugar con eso o si sería sancionado por David Stern, comisionado de la NBA. Artest dijo que si quería podían llamar a Stern en directo, que tenía su número. De paso le saludó en directo. Otra broma. Al ser interrogado por si temía algún rapapolvo de Phil Jackson por esa entrevista y saltarse el horario, Artest encendió las carcajadas al decir que solo le haría leer otro libro, tradición típica del Maestro Zen. Los videos no tienen pérdida.

Estos videos son divertidos, pero, como homenaje al figura y dado que la semana pasada se cumplieron cinco añitos de la hazaña, os dejo la secuencia entera del show más famoso que protagonizó Ron Ron y en el que por poco no terminó en calzoncillos.

Por cierto, a ver lo que dura este video, porque youtube los censura con rapidez

Sixers vs Wizards, 7:00 pm

Philly will improve to six wins tonight and hand Washinton their third straight loss.  Lou Williams has played well in his last two outings and will continue to do so tonight.  Andre Iguodala will also play a big role for the Sixers with his sixth twenty point game of the season.  Look for Antawn Jamison to rebound from a subpar performance on Saturday and play well.

Pacers vs Raptors, 7:00 pm

The Pacers will head back to Indiana with a victory over Chris Bosh’s Raptors.  Danny Granger will lead his team in a big way with a season-high point total.  Andrea Bargnani and Chris Bosh will drive the Toronto attack with strong scoring nights.

Lakers vs Knicks, 10:30 pm

Kobe Bryant’s Lakers will post their fourth straight win against an overmatched Knicks team.  Al Harrington and David Lee will do their best to keep the game competitive but will come up short despite nice games.  Bryant and Odom will both turn in solid performances for the streaking Lake Show.

Oher Winners: Jazz, Mavs, Nuggets

LEADERS

Scoring: Dirk Nowitzki, Danny Granger, Carmelo Anthony

Rebounds: David Lee, Chris Bosh

Assists: Devin Harris, Jason Kidd

Best Overall Performance: Danny Granger

Los Angeles Lakers contro Oklahoma City Thunder. Primo quarto di partita, mancano 2′17” alla sirena dei primi 12 minuti, Lakers avanti 27-10 e partita già in controllo (per la cronaca finirà 101-85 per i lacustri).

A quel punto Kobe Bryant decide di realizzare qualcosa di clamoroso. Evoluzione in palleggio nel confronto contro James Harden, ottima difesa del giovane giocatore dei Thunder, Kobe che sembra ormai chiuso e costretto alla palla persa, ma ecco che accade l’incredibile: tiro in fade away da dietro il tabellone e palla che finisce dentro il canestro. Non esulta il 24 dei Lakers. Reclama un fallo che forse non c’è, ma il pubblico sugli spalti è in visibilio, i commentatori esterrefatti di fronte all’impossibile. Eppure non si è trattata di un azione alla playstation, ma di qualcosa di reale.

fonte e foto: Corriere dello Sport

The New York Times’ Jonathan Abrams recently profiled Kobe Bryant for an article.

It basically explores what Bryant hopes to achieve over the remainder of his career.

Here’s a quote which pretty much summarizes the purpose of the article:

When asked if he still had room to grow as he got older, Bryant said: “I do. I do. I think there’s so much more to understand. A lot of it just has to do with winning.

“When you first come into the league, you’re trying to prove yourself as an individual, do things to assert yourself and establish yourself,” he added. “But then once you’ve done that, there’s another level to the game that’s more complex than figuring out how to put up big numbers as an individual.”

It also focuses on how Bryant’s game has changed, such as how he’s abandoned the iso for more traditional avenues of scoring.

It’s a great read.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/sports/basketball/24kobe.html?_r=2&ref=sports

In just a few short hours Ron Artest will make his first ever late-night talk show appearance — Artest will be on my absolute favorite late-night show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!“

As always, I’m sure Kimmel will have some great questions for Artest. I’m also pretty sure Artest will entertain the hell out of us. This is going to be great, and not just because he got a haircut for the show…

If you somehow miss this momentous occasion, don’t worry, I’ll have video up tomorrow.

The rankings are out again, and there is a new #1. Who is it? How far did the former #1 fall? When will New Jersey get it together? The rankings begin right now.

1. Orlando Magic (11-3) (previous ranking: 9) Five straight wins have vaulted the Magic to the best record in the NBA and the top spot in the rankings. Despite losing Jameer Nelson for four to six weeks, this team is still deep and they are really coming together.

2. Atlanta Hawks (11-3) (previous ranking: 2) If the Hawks had not of lost to New Orleans last night, the talk of them being #1 would be a no-brainer, but this team is still one of the tops in the East. They are really showing themselves as a contender. This is another team that is deep, and if they can stay healthy, they could go a long way in May.

3. Phoenix Suns (11-3) (previous ranking: 1) The Suns loss to the Hornets prevented them from holding the top spot for the week. With Orlando and Atlanta on fire as of late, they had to be bumped down two spots. Not many impressive wins for them to stay among the tops in the rankings

4. Los Angeles Lakers (10-3) (previous ranking: 4) The Lakers stay put after a 3-0 week, and it is good for them that Pau Gasol is back, he will be able to take the load off Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum. The team is complete again, but Phoenix is still holding their ground against them for first in the Pacific Division.

5. Dallas Mavericks (10-3) (previous ranking: 5) The Mavericks may have beat the Lakers, and have won five straight, they were all hard fought victories. The Lakers right now look better than Dallas and with Gasol back from injury, they look more like a better team. If Dallas can beat the Lake Show for a second time with Gasol in lineup, it will be good enough to overtake them. Good 3-0 week for them.

6. Boston Celtics (10-4) (previous ranking: 3) The Magic and Mavericks rise has knocked Boston down a couple of spots. The C’s were a victim of Orlando’s win streak, which was their only loss of the week. Thank Kevin Garnett for avoiding an embarrassing loss to the Knicks at the Garden.

7. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-4) (previous ranking: 5) The Cavs took a pounding from the Wizards this past Wednesday, but responded with wins over Indiana and Philadelphia. At least Shaq has been at home for the games he’s been injured from, and not just the Washington game. Those that know the backstory can have a good laugh.

8. Milwaukee Bucks (8-3) (previous ranking: 10) The Bucks could not beat the Mavericks, but they did take advantage of the weak part of their schedule, beating, New Jersey, Charlotte, and Memphis to cap a 3-1 week and stay tied for first with Clevleland in the Central Division.

9. Denver Nuggets (9-4) (previous ranking: 8] The Nuggets crush the Lakers at home 10 days ago, and in the next week, they lose to the Clippers at Staples Center. This team started out strong, but have been hot and cold since. They have to find a way to stay consistent.

10. Portland Trail Blazers (10-5) (previous ranking: 6) The Blazers went 4-0 last week, but only 2-2 this week. They lost to the Hawks, which wasn’t a surprise, but they also lost to Golden State. Just like the Nuggets, they have to find a way to stay consistent as well. They are good, but we forget that this team is young still.

11. Miami Heat (8-5) (previous ranking: 7) The Heat continue to free fall down the rankings. A huge loss at home to the Thunder, and another bad loss to the Raptors. Udonis Haslem did save the team’s free fall from being worse with a game-winning jumper to sink the New Orleans’ Hornets

12. Houston Rockets (8-6) (previous ranking: 12) The Rockets won the games they were supposed to win (Timberwolves and Kings), but loss the games that they were expected to lose (Suns and Hawks). The 2-2 week has them staying put at #12.

13. Utah Jazz (7-6) (previous ranking: 20) Playing the Cavaliers, and coming close to beating them has had a great effect on the Jazz. They have won three in a row since the Cavs loss, and have a long homestand ahead of them in which they have six straight at home (they started it by beating Detroit on Sat. night).

14. Oklahoma City Thunder (7-7) (previous ranking: 16) Another big win against a good team on the road as OKC beat the Heat on South Beach. That along with a win at Washington were good wins. Tough losses against Orlando and the Lakers result in a split week, but as with the Thunder’s season, those wins keep going a long way.

15. Chicago Bulls (6-6) (previous ranking: 14) A 1-2 week puts the Bulls at .500, They beat the surprising Kings, in which that was no surprise. They have loss to the Lakers and Nuggets in this West Coast road trip and then have two tough games in the Blazers and Jazz on the road. Some injuries have set them back, but this team should be better and are better than what their record shows.

16. San Antonio Spurs (5-6) (previous ranking: 17) The Spurs are still struggling to maintain the high expectations. They all haven’t been healthy together, as the Big Three of Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili have been injured at various times of the year. Richard Jefferson has really been non-existent. It’s still early, but when will they finally start to peak?

17. Indiana Pacers (5-6) (previous ranking: 13) Three straight losses has the Pacers dropping four spots. A loss to the Cavaliers is one thing, but to lose to the Knicks and Bobcats is a MAJOR setback, especially blowing a huge lead to New York and losing the game.

18. Toronto Raptors (6-8) (previous ranking: 19) The only team to go 1-3 and move up, it must be because the teams below are doing awful, but the Raps did just run into teams that are better than them, losing two in the mountains (Denver & Utah) and Orlando, but an impressive win over the Heat was their saving grace this week.

19. Sacramento Kings (5-7) (previous ranking: 15) The Kings have lost three straight, against the teams they should really lose to (Chicago at home, Dallas and Houston on the road), but the schedule is encouraging for them to get back to .500 by Wednesday with games at Memphis and against the New York Knicks. Still playing hard and playing with fight, something that has not been seen in Sacto in a long time.

20. New Orleans Hornets (6-9) (previous ranking: 25) Had it not been for Udonis Haslem’s jumper to sink them at Miami, the Hornets could have risen further in the rankings. The team looked like it was in major trouble, but they had impressive wins over Phoenix and Atlanta. Maybe hope is not lost in the Big Easy.

21. Philadelphia 76ers (5-8) (previous ranking: 21) The Sixers escaped with victory over the Charlotte Bobcats in a game that they weren’t supposed to win, but they followed that up with a very bad loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and the fell to the Cavs on the road. This team is not that impressive, but luckily for them, a lot of teams are not that impressive either.

22. Los Angeles Clippers (5-9) (previous ranking: 22) The Clippers lost a couple of bad ones in New Orleans and in Memphis, but they did come on national television this past Friday and won a good game over the Denver Nuggets, so their ranking stays put for another week.

23. Detroit Pistons (5-9) (previous ranking: 18) During the five year anniversary of the “Malice at the Palace”, many bloggers and media people were so focused on how the Pacers have been rebuilding. Sure the Pistons have been in the playoffs consistently, but has anyone noticed that Indiana is ahead of Detroit right now. Five straight losses has the Pistons in the Central Division cellar, and John Kuester needs to know that Joe Dumars has very little patience.

24. Golden State Warriors (4-8) (previous ranking: 24) The Warriors winning percentage in 2009 before Stephen Jackson trade: .333. The winning percentage in 2009 after Stephen Jackson trade: .333. Not much of a difference since Jax’s departure, but it is good to see Stephen Curry get more playing time for the Warriors.

25. Charlotte Bobcats (4-9) (previous ranking: 23) The Bobcats winning percentage in 2009 before acquiring Stephen Jackson: .333. The winning percentage in 2009 after acquiring Stephen Jackson: .250. The one thing that is said though is that they have shown a lot more offense in the last few games, and they ended their seven game losing streak with a win over the Pacers Sunday night.

26. Memphis Grizzlies (4-9) (previous ranking: 27) The Grizz are 2-1 since Allen Iverson was officially released from the team. This team is playing with more confidence, and more loose since the departure of A.I., and by beating and staying with teams that are better than them, it can go a long way (just ask the Sacramento Kings and Oklahoma City Thunder)

27. Washington Wizards (3-9) (previous ranking: 26) The Wizards have their Big Three healthy and together again, but they are still playing the same? What is with this team? It looked as if they turned a corner when they beat their rivals, the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they have lost big to the Thunder and to the Spurs. This team is just hard to figure out. Is Gilbert Arenas on to what he says about this team and “hidden agendas”?

28. New York Knicks (3-10) (previous ranking: 28) The poor Knicks go 2-1 over the week, and can’t move up anywhere. Mike D’Antoni’s bunch could have moved up quite a bit if they could have beaten the Celtics last night, but a 1-7 record at MSG is not going to help matters in this team’s quest to improve.

29. Minnesota Timberwolves (1-12) (previous ranking: 29) The Timberwolves have quietly lost 12 in a row, if it wasn’t for their only win against New Jersey, this team would be 0-13. The question is with them has to be: What does Ricky Rubio think of this? The worst thing about losing 12 in a row is that majority of these losses have been extremely bad.

30. New Jersey Nets (0-13) (previous ranking: 30) The only chance for the Nets to win was lost on Saturday at the hands of the New York Knicks. Lawrence Frank is still around has to be due to the fact that management knows that this team is ravaged with injuries. But at the same time though, there seems to be no wins in sight as they hit the West Coast for a road trip. How much longer will the rope hang for Frank?

No sé si los pompones y la minifalda le sentarán igual de bien que a la Britney Spears, pero él sí que lo volvió a hacer. Parece que no tenga límites y que la altura que alcanza el Avión Humano solo está alcance de las estrellas. Aquí tienen el último de sus vuelos.

You generally see people trying this shot when they’re clowning around, but who really does it in a game?

His name is Kobe Bryant.

Bryant posts up Oklahoma City Thunder rookie James Harden and then just goes Nintendo 64 on him with this absurdly difficult shot — nothing but net. Instead of laughing, and enjoying the insanely made shot, Bryant argues for the call — talk about focus.

One of the reasons why I dislike Kobe Bryant is that, like with Alex Rodriguez, he comes off as fake and his public persona seems totally forced and manufactured. Having said that, (nod, Larry David) he is absolutely SICK at basketball, take these two plays from Sunday’s Lakers/Thunder game, Kobe may be a giant douche but the man has skills.

Sept. 10,  I finally parted ways with my colon.  Thanks to all who who said a prayer or two for my surgery, and my recovery. To all my friends, who texted, emailed, visited, in the hospital and in the house,  SALAMAT PO!!! I have a  9 inch scar in the middle of my stomach. Youch!!!  So much for parading around the beach. On a positive note, my Doctor, actually gave me free liposuction, and took out the fats in my stomach. Thanks Doc. I entered the hospital, a light heavyweight weighing 175lbs, I left weighing like a welterweight, at 147lbs. Now more than two months  later, I have managed to gain some of it back. Oh well……

Zach even stayed overnight to help mom watch me. But I think he just enjoyed eating my hospital food.

Me with my breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus merienda....

My 3 special ladies were there to support me

The day of my operation, was probably the fastest day of my life. The nurses woke me up at around 4pm, to do the final prep, which included, one final trip to the john, and giving me my pill to knock me out. A brother from the chapel of St. Lukes, passed by and gave me some blessings and prayers, and it gave me the confidence I needed. I immediately felt the effects of the pill they gave me. I remember turning to Janice and telling her to kiss me already, because I was literally falling asleep, then ZZZZZZ.  During my 4 hour plus operation, Janice documented  the waiting period, and aftermath of the operation. With the help of my Ninang  Tessie Tomas who was there, along with my Mom, my Mom in law, and Tita Julie Lingan, during my operation, please watch this. If you are squeamish, don’t bother. Click here to view.

As I mentioned two months have passed since my colectomy, and now I would say I am back to 90% healthy. Just recently, I played my first basketball game. Not bad, a couple of baskets, a couple of rebounds and assists, lots of missed shots. Hehehe. I was just happy to be playing.

So many things have happened since my operation. I didn’t know where to begin to or what to write about in this blog. Should  I write about Ateneo’s double back to back championships?  My successful concert with Tux in Singapore or my vacation in Singapore?  Ondoy?  I decided to write an easy article, something that I have wanted to write about since the last  NBA season ended.

MY ALL TIME PHIL JACKSON TEAM

Phil Jackson just won his 10^th Nba  championship, surpassing Red Auerbach. Who would make up Phil Jackson’s all time dream team?

10 NBA Championships for PhilJax

STARTERS:

G – Michael Jordan  G- Kobe Bryant  C- Shaquille O’Neal   F- Scottie Pippen  F- Dennis Rodman

At Guard, Michael "Air"Jordan

at the other guard, Kobe Bryant

In the middle, The Big Diesel, Shaquille O'Neal

At one forward spot, Scottie Pippen

At the other forward, The Worm Dennis Rodman

RESERVES:

G- John Paxson  G- Ron Harper  G- Derek Fisher  G- Steve Kerr

Paxson finished off the Lakers and the Suns with his clutch outside shooting

Harpers's defense and versatility helped Jackson win titles for the Bulls and Lakers

D Fish in the clutch for the 2009 Lakers

Kerr took over Paxson's role as outside shooter in the Bulls' 2nd 3peat

F – Toni Kukoc  F-  Lamar Odom  F- Robert Horry  F- Glen Rice

"The Waiter" served up outside shooting and assists to his Bulls teammates

A decade later, another #7 and another lefty, Lamar Odom, helped Jackson win a title.

"Big Shot Rob" in the clutch

Glen Rice helped Shaq and Kobe win their first crown

C- Pau Gasol  C- Horace Grant

The Nba Conquistador Pau Gasol of the Spanish Armada

Grant won 3 titles with the Bulls and helped LA win one more.

Honorable Mention:   BJ Armstrong, Rick Fox, AC Green, Bill Cartwright, Luc Longley, Will Perdue, Craig Hodges, Trevor Ariza,Cliff Levingston

Game time: Rodman rebounds the miss, passes to  Pippen who brings the ball down, he looks left and sees Jordan on the left block, Kobe on the right wing, Shaq in the middle. Who will he pass to? What a dilemma. Pip might average 20 assists a game with this lineup.

Once the starters build a sizeable lead against their foes, the second team comes in with two left handed and versatile forwards, The Waiter Toni Kukoc  and Lamar Odom. Brute force is replaced with finesse as Pau Gasol comes in. Defense and clutch outside shooting are provided by Ron Harper and John Paxson.

The third team,  comes in to finish the game. Composed mostly of outside shooters with unlimited range, Steve Kerr, and Derek Fisher at the guard spots, “Big Shot Bob” Robert Horry, Glen Rice at the wings and Horace Grant, a big guy who plays outside.

What a team. Arguments can be said that Jackson has been lucky to have elite players, but Red had Russell and Cousy, Riley had Magic and Jabbar, Daly had Isiah and Joe D., so why cant PhilJax have his?

One of the best clutch performances of all time, Pippen helping the flu-stricken Jordan after he defeated the Utah Jazz with an outstanding effort.

Rodman and Kukoc celebrate their 2nd championship together

Shaq and Kobe during happier times

Getting these star players to buy into a complicated offense/system like the triangle takes imagination,  creativity and lots of patience. Who will join these 15 players? Artest? Bynum? Morrisson?

Can you imagine these two in the same backcourt?

Will Jackson win his 11th ring in 2010?

Let’s wait and see. Agree or disagree with my choices, I would love to hear from you. Thanks.

BTW, who do you like better, the Laker Girls or the LuvaBulls?

Great to be back… you know!!!

Apologies for another light week here at the GHHT, but busy weeks come with the territory when at The U. Since my last recap, the Pistons beat the Washington Wizards, but lost their next 5 games. Despite some recurring themes throughout those losses, I’ll go with a game-by-game approach.

Pistons: 106  Wizards: 103 – I wasn’t able to watch this game, but the box score shows a lot of the things we Pistons fans expected coming into this season. The guards and Charlie Villanueva carried the scoring load: CV31, Will Bynum, Ben Gordon, and Rodney Stuckey combined to score 91 of the Pistons’ 106 points. Detroit out-rebounded the Wizards 44-43, but that feat comes with an asterisk as Antawn Jamison did not play for Washington due to a shoulder injury. The big story of the game was the Wizards’ inability to score late in the 4th quarter. Washington went the final 5:03 without a field goal (until Gilbert Arenas hit a meaningless 3-pointer with 3 seconds left), and only scored 5 points in that time.

Mavericks: 95  Pistons: 90 – I think this game would have gone the other way for the Pistons if they hadn’t been on the second leg of a back-to-back. They looked tired at points during the game and it didn’t help that Ben Gordon made only 1 of 16 shots. Dirk Nowitzki maintained his MVP-like play in the early season with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. I was very impressed with Dallas rookie Rodrigue Beaubois. The Frenchman scored 14 points (on a perfect 6-6) in 19 minutes. Despite Gordon’s poor shooting night, I support John Kuester’s decision to give Gordon the ball in the closing seconds when a 3-pointer would have tied the game. Ball Don’t Lie’s Kelly Dwyer chimed in on this decision during his daily recap of NBA action.

So do you go to Ben Gordon, with the game on the line?

Of course you do. Hell yes, you do.

Why?

Because Gordon, and I’m paraphrasing here, is “a career 41.5 three-point shooter.”

And after Sunday’s outburst? He’s a 41.4 percent three-point shooter.

As always, great stuff from KD. Many Pistons’ fans wanted to see the ball in Will Bynum’s hands at the end of the game. I disagree. Bynum isn’t a great 3-point shooter, and you can’t trust the NBA officials to call a foul (or the Mavericks to foul in that situation) when the game is on the line. Unfortunately, Gordon missed and the Pistons took the loss. He’ll make up for it at some point this season.

Lakers: 106  Pistons: 93 – Don’t kid yourself: this was a beat-down. The Pistons’ bench was able to make things respectable towards the end of the game, but the Lakers were able to slack off when leading 88-63 after the first 3 quarters. Los Angeles dominated on the glass (44-32) and shot 47.2% on the night, even after shooting 33% in the 4th quarter. Kobe Bryant scored a seemingly-effortless 40 points. Poor Jonas Jerebko was charged with guarding the Black Mamba and looked like a rookie should in the process. Poor nights from Charlie Villanueva (2 points) and Rodney Stuckey (-30!) were a big part of the Pistons’ downfall. Still, it’s nice to see the team come back late in the game and not let the Lakers get too comfortable (Kobe was brought back into the game when the Pistons got to within 10 points).

Trail Blazers: 87  Pistons: 81 – The Pistons trailed for the majority of this game, but were consistently making small runs to get close and nearly take the lead. Unfortunately, the Blazers had an answer for every run the Pistons made. It seemed as if Brandon Roy would come up with a huge basket when the Pistons got too close. I was shocked when I saw he only scored 20 points; I thought he had at least 30. Charlie Villanueva bounced back from his poor outing against the Lakers with a 20 point effort. It would be nice to see him end up with more than 3 rebounds, but Ben Wallace grabbing 12 rebounds and a slow pace kept the amount of chances to a minimum. Surprisingly, the Pistons out-rebounded the Blazers 39-36. Portland killed the Pistons with their offensive efficiency, racking up 25 assists on 33 made field goals.

Jazz: 100 Pistons: 97 (OT) – I had a hard time paying attention to this one. Most of it had to do with the technical problems Fox Sports was having with their broadcast (especially the lack of the score on screen during the first half). Regardless, this loss was disappointing. The Pistons had a golden chance to win at Utah for the first time since John Stockton retired and came up empty. Packey summed up the night nicely at Motown String Music:

Even though it was an entertaining game, that doesn’t mean it was aesthetically pleasing.  The Pistons turned the ball over 17 times and allowed Utah to get to the charity stripe 44 times, of which they made 33, serving as the difference maker in this one.  Detroit made 21 of their 25 attempts.

Suns: 117  Pistons: 91 – The Pistons fell behind early in the 2nd quarter, trailing by 16 (58-42) at halftime and stretched their lead to 20+ in the 3rd quarter. The Suns were able to run on the Pistons at will, both after made baskets and defensive rebounds. Steve Nash continued to play at the ridiculous level we’ve seen from him this year (even by his standards) with 20 points and 9 assists. Amare Stoudemire received a technical foul early in the 3rd quarter and, like Rasheed Wallace in his early Piston days, took his game to another level. Stoudemire finished with 21 points and 5 rebounds. The Pistons, like most teams do at the end of a road trip, looked like they just wanted to get on the plane and go home.

To their defense, the Pistons have played 6 games in the last 9 days. Only one of those games was at the Palace, and it was on the second half of a back-to-back. The Pistons actually played three sets of back-to-back games in this 6-game stretch. Essentially, this was a 6-game road trip for the Pistons. Unfortunately, they were only able to come away with 1 win. The five losses came against teams with a combined 46-20 record (currently), and even that mark is held back by Utah’s 7-6 start. They took care of business against the (currently) 3-9 Wizards. The reality of the situation is that there aren’t many teams in the NBA that would come away from a stretch like this with a .500 record (3-3). There are definitely areas the Pistons need to improve (defense, general focus, Rodney Stuckey’s shooting), but don’t think that these losses are because the Pistons are a bad team. They just went up against some of the best teams in the NBA in a short stretch and weren’t able to come away with wins.

The Pistons are back in action on Wednesday against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland has been red-hot as of late, but hopefully the Pistons can come away with a November win against the Cavs for the second year in a row. The silver lining? The Clippers come to town on Friday.

#1 – Atlanta Hawks

The best team of the NBA so far. Josh Smith has been superb in the first 14 games. He has been the horse they have been riding. The Hawks had a weird loss to the Hornets Friday but that’s Ok on the road and on a second of back-to-backs.

#2 – Cleveland Cavaliers

Without Shaq, the team plays better. He just doesn’t fit there and with him out for a while now, they were able to give minutes to JJ Hickson who could be the solution for their problems, certainly not offensively but maybe defensively.

#3 – Phoenix Suns

The Suns remain red hot. 2^nd best record of the league so far, even with the loss to the Hornets on Thursday which shouldn’t be a shock because every time that the Suns are dominated on the boards, they lose, and it’s a lock just like that.

#4 – Los Angeles Lakers

Gasol is back and that means the Lakers should make their push to the league’s best record now. With the Spanish Center there, they are just so tough to beat, they are big and physical.

#5 – Orlando Magic

With Rashard Lewis back, they become a matchup nightmare again. The win against the Celtics highlighted that. Vince Carter is coming alive, against Boston he scored 26, turned the ball over a lot but took the game over in the end and that what you expect from your superstar and the reason why Orlando traded for him.

#6 – Denver Nuggets

Carmelo Anthony has been terrific so far and put himself in the MVP race however they are still not on the same level as last season. Their defense has been OK but when Billups doesn’t play well, all of a sudden nobody else but Carmelo produces.

#7 – Dallas Mavericks

Nowitzki has been carrying them because the bunch of injuries already started, Marion and Howard haven’t played together for a decent amount of time, and it’s not close to end.

#8 – Boston Celtics

On back-to-backs they look old. The loss against the Magic can be faced as a problem but when healthy, they are still the best team in the NBA. The question is: for how long will they remain healthy?

#9 – Milwaukee Bucks

The Jenningsmania is all over the NBA, even in this Power Rankings.

#10 – Portland Trail Blazers

Travis Outlaw is out with the same injury that held Webster for the entire season last year and that’s a hit on their second unit. The 3 men backcourt has survived so far but maybe is time to trade Miller.

#11 – Miami Heat

As Wade goes, they go which means that so far, they are a playoff team.

#12 – Houston Rockets

Even I’m convinced that this team needs somebody who can create his own shots on clutch moments. That guy is neither Ariza nor Brooks. Hopefully McGrady won’t screw the good vibe around the team.

#13 – Oklahoma City Thunder

When those four guys score, they are tough to hold. Lately even when they lose, they are on the game until the end. As the season progresses, they progress and the Western Conference should watch out.

#14 – Utah Jazz

With Williams back and Boozer stepping up, the Jazz won all three games this week including one against the Spurs which was their first in San Antonio in 20 games.

#15 – Toronto Raptors

They won 42% of their games. With all the money spent in this team and with playoff expectations around them, they have to perform better.

#16 – San Antonio Spurs

Ginobili and Parker out this week, injuries caught with them like expected. They always start slow, so no worry there.

#17 – Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose has struggled a lot and that’s a real problem. This is a team that has a lot of variations and formations but it’s only 8 deep.

#18 – Indiana Pacers

They are who we thought they were: a .500 team.

#19 – Detroit Pistons

With Hamilton and Prince out, they have been able to hang in there but the problems are the same, lack of size inside and no rebounders, and when they face decent competition, that’s a problem.

#20 – Sacramento Kings

They are 5-7. Can you believe that?! The Kings won 41.7% of their games and that’s crazy. Tyreke Evans and Omir Caspi have been big so far.

#21 – Los Angeles Clippers

Yes, they have been a disappointment but when Gordon and Griffin return, they should be better. The push to the playoffs is yet to come but Kaman has played the best basketball of his career and Baron Davis is finally finding himself on that offense. Their second unit is amazing.

#22 – New Orleans Hornets

Without Chris Paul and with the new coach, they played well this week. Rookies getting more playing time and when Stojakovic shows up to play, they are not that bad. It’s tough to see them over .500 though.

#23 – Philadelphia 76ers

They are the ones to open a playoff spot on the East. They face problems on offense and defense. With Brand there, they haven’t been as committed to Iguodala on offense which they should if they want to save the season.

#24 – Golden State Warriors

Jackson is gone and the Warriors got cap relief instead. They’ll play shorthanded for the rest of the season but Don Nelson likes it this way. Nelson who, by the way, is 23 wins away from his record which means he’s 23 wins away from retirement what could mean that next season, maybe the Warriors will be OK.

#25 – Charlotte Bobcats

Probably the dumbest team in the NBA. The franchise is for sale but yet they took on Jackson’s awful contract in a move that won’t make them better than those teams they are fighting.

#26 – Memphis Grizzlies

Iverson is now gone for good. It’s time for them to translate talent into wins.

#27 – Washington Wizards

They have been the most disappointing team so far.

#28 – New York Knicks

Apparently they refused going after Allen Iverson, which would at least entertain us, because of Eddie Curry and Toney Douglas. I have no words for that.

#29 – Minnesota Timberwolves

They miss Kevin Love but as expected they would be bad anyway.

#30 – New Jersey Nets

They have been banged up but nothing justifies that awful start. Douglas Roberts is back, so is Harris, which means the offense should be better but the 0-17 start looks real.

Check More At: MVN

Power Rankings III: http://basketballoutsider.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/power-rankings-iii/

Fones Skullcandy NBA series.Wish list pro Natal, aqui tu acha pra vender esses e outros modelos super hypes…

via : dailydrop

“These young guys are playing checkers. I’m out there playing chess.”

- Kobe Bryant

N.B. Kobe Bean Bryant (1978 – ) is an American shooting guard who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Iowa high school sports’ greatest dynasty — Harlan football — won another championship on Saturday.

The Cyclones won their 12th state title by beating Pella in the Class 3-A final.

Jill and Gramma B. attended the game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. They know the Harlan quarterback very well — Jill used to babysit him. Everyone had a great time.

Daddy was at work Saturday, so Maisa went to aunt Julie’s house in Waukee. Julie’s kids had a great time playing with Maisa, and the little girl enjoyed the day with her cousins. (I’m told that Maisa took a nap in a Menard’s shopping cart, lying on a rug. How cute!).

Jill is at work today, and Daddy is home with the baby. We’re going to the library and grocery store later, and depending on how the day goes, we might go visit Mommy at work.

———-

The Iowa football team won its 10th game Saturday, blanking Minnesota 12-0 at Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes have had an outstanding season and could be headed to a BCS bowl — perhaps the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz. We’ll find out where Iowa is headed on Dec. 6.

Iowa State played very well but lost at Missouri 34-24. The Cyclones (6-6)  deserve to play in a bowl and hopefully that will happen.

———–

If it’s Sunday, the Lakers must be playing a home game. Sure enough, they tip off against Oklahoma City at 8:30 Central at Staples Center.

I always joke that the Lakers play a lot of Sunday home games because Jack Nicholson is too busy going to Hollywood parties on Saturday nights.