FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Morning Hardwood: Run G-Dubs Run http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/30/morning-hardwood-run-g-dubs-run/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/30/morning-hardwood-run-g-dubs-run/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/30/morning-hardwood-run-g-dubs-run/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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Still suffering from whiplash ...

Smaller Ball. Is Don Nelson Jewish? I'm kidding, I'm kidding. The crafty Warriors' coach introduced a small-ball starting line-up for the ages (B-Diddy, Monta, J-Rich, Jax and Al Harrington at center) and ran the Suns into the ground. Like, big time. The Warriors jumped out to an 18-6 start three minutes into the game, had 32 points by the six minute mark, and finished the first quarter up 45-33. That's hot. Jason Richardson scored a season-high 36 points and hit a franchise-record eight 3-pointers. Golden State now moves within one game of the Clips for the Western Conference's final playoff spot. Can you feel the drama?

Kick 'Em When They're Down. Captain Kirk Hinrich hit two of his three free-throw attempts with 2.8 seconds left to give the Bulls an 83-81 victory over the Pistons Thursday night. The Bulls, who somehow managed to blow a 12-point fourth quarter lead, held on to clinch their third straight playoff appearance. Not that they can be too happy about the win. Detroit played without the services of two of their starters -- Rip Hamilton and Chris Webber -- who missed the game because of infectious diseases. Drink that OJ, boys. Ben Gordon led the way with 25 points.

Mystery Man. Despite 43 points and 17 rebounds from Zach Randolph, the Grizzle beat the Just Blazers 96-92 thanks to about ten thousand free-throws. Memphis rookie Tarence Kinsey led the way with 20 points. Good. Now who in the hell is this guy!?!? And oh, before the game, Portland promoted Kevin Pritchard to its vacant general manager job.

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]]> J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-30T09:00:00 00:00 Morning Hardwood: Celebrations All Around http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/29/morning-hardwood-celebrations-all-around/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/29/morning-hardwood-celebrations-all-around/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/29/morning-hardwood-celebrations-all-around/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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Break out the bubbly ...

The Big 6-0. Congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks Basketball Club who notched their 60th win with a 105-103 win over the Bucks. It's the third time in the past five seasons that the Mavs have hit 60. The next one will set the franchise record. Dirk Nowitzki left the game early in the second half with a tweaked ankle, but it's nothing too serious. He was seen playing Dance, Dance Revolution after the game. Jason Terry had 27 points for the Mavs.

Happy Birthday, Coach. The Jazz didn't know what to get Jerry Sloan for his 65th birthday, so they pooled their money together and got him a Northwest Division title. ($89, Wal-mart.) Carlos Boozer had 25 and 11 rebounds and Mehmet Okur added 23 and 12 in the 108-102 win over the Wolves. Minnesota remains four games behind the Clips, who lost to the Rockets by 5, for the final playoff spot in the West.

Jockeying for Positions. Chris Bosh became Toronto's career leader in double-doubles with 13 points and 17 rebounds in a 96-83 victory that moved the Raps ahead of the Heat for third place in the Eastern Conference standings. If the season ended today -- I love that saying -- Toronto would play Miami with home court advantage. (And I would be in attendance!) Meanwhile, in Washington, the Wizards also jumped the Heat in the standings with a 111-108 win over the Sixers. Caron Butler scored 21 points in his return from a knee injury. DeShawn Stevenson added a season-high 28.

Boxscore Bonanza. Gerald Wallace: 31 points, nine rebounds, four steals and four blocks. Josh Smith: 25 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks. There's no point in telling you the final score of this game, because the real winner was Shoals.

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]]> J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-29T09:02:00 00:00 Morning Hardwood: The Fifth LeBron http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/28/morning-hardwood-the-fifth-lebron/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/28/morning-hardwood-the-fifth-lebron/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/28/morning-hardwood-the-fifth-lebron/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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While you install that three-story walk-in pantry ...

Coach LeBron. After kicking coach Mike Brown out of a team meeting Tuesday morning, LeBron James had 26 points, seven rebounds and six assists as his Cavs beat the Pacers 105-94 to clinch a playoff berth. I'm not sure what Coach LeBron said to fire up his team -- "Free bikes if we win!" -- but boy, did it sure work. The Cavs shot 52 percent from the field, outrebounded the Pacers 43-33 and made eight more shots from the line.

This is Why They Play the Games. God, I hate that saying. Rookie Tarence Kinsey -- um, excuse me? -- scored a season high 24 points to lead the lowly Grizzle to a shocking 88-86 victory over the Lakers. Kobe Bryant, who I heard had done some scoring over the last little while, shot 7-of-26 and scored only 23 points. Please don't try and make sense of this.

The NOOCH Haven't Partied Since 1999. Josh Howard had 25 points and 10 rebounds as the Mavericks beat New Orleans/OKC 105-89 for its 21st straight victory over the Hornets. Get this: the Hornets haven't beaten the Mavs since the Y2K bug threatened to turn my coffee maker against me. It's the longest losing streak for one team against an opponent in all four major leagues (NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB).

Sonics 114, Wolves Less. No words. Should have sent an artist. (Wait, we did!)

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]]> J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-28T09:00:00 00:00 Morning Hardwood: Morning Kobe http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/23/morning-hardwood-morning-kobe/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/23/morning-hardwood-morning-kobe/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/23/morning-hardwood-morning-kobe/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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He must've been attacked by a Grizzly bear as a child ...

He's Still on Fire. Kobe Bryant became the fourth player in NBA history to score at least 50 points in three straight games, dropping a cool 60 in the Lakers' 121-119 win over the Grizzlies. You have now read or heard that sentence 47 times this morning. Bryant joins some guys named Elgin Baylor, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain -- never heard of 'em -- as the only players to accomplish the 50-50-50 string. For more Kobe talk this fine Friday morning, I suggest you click here, here and here. Enjoy the links.

Tipsy McTiperson. I would try and explain the final 15 seconds of this game to you, but honestly, I don't think my keyboard could handle it. All you need to know is that rookie Tyrus Thomas tipped home the game winner with two-tenths of a second left to give the Bulls a 109-108 victory over the visiting Nuggets. Nice play by the kid. Now someone teach him how to celebrate without looking like he's sending a runner from third home.

A Team in Motion. Yao Ming jump tippy-toe hooked his way to 27 points and grabbed 7 rebounds as the Rockets held off the Pistons 91-85 in the ... um ... what's the name of the arena the Rockets play in again? Anybody? Houston has won five straight games and eight of 10 since Yao returned from a broken leg.

Welcome to the 30-20 Club, Sir. Amare Stoudemire bounced back from his abysmal four-point, two-rebound performance against the Wolves on Wednesday to the tune of 33 points and 21 rebounds in the Suns 118-100 win over the Kings last night. Ron Artest missed the game thanks to court hearings and thunderstorms. I hate it when then happens.

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]]> J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-23T09:12:00 00:00 Morning Hardwood: One More Night Alone http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/22/morning-hardwood-one-more-night-alone/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/22/morning-hardwood-one-more-night-alone/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/22/morning-hardwood-one-more-night-alone/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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Quickly, before that "other" basketball starts up ...

There's No 'I' in Dallas Maver'cks. LeBron James scored the Cavaliers' first 11 points in the fourth quarter, had 17 of their 24 in the period, and finished with 31, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and three blocks, but ... it really didn't matter. Dallas 98, Cleveland 90. I mean, Sasha Pavlovic can only do so much, you know? (16 points.) For the Mavs, Dirk scored 23 points on a pretty rough shooting night (9-for-24), but he got plenty of help from his backcourt teammates, Jason Terry and Devin Harris, who chipped in 21 and 17 points respectively. The Mavs have won four straight.

Send in the Tanks. Celtics coach Doc Rivers kept his starters on the bench while Boston blew an 18-point lead in a 92-84 loss to Charlotte last night. Sounds a little fishy, no? Doc doesn't think so: "I was not throwing the game, or anything like that," he said following the game. "Honestly, I got to the point early in the fourth quarter and I turned to the coaches and said to them, 'We are either going to win or lose with this group."' That, and I really, really want Oden or Durant, guys. Regardless whether the tank job was called in or not, Bill Simmons sure must have an extra pep to his step on his way to Starbucks this morning.

Moving Pictures Are Worth About A Hundred Words. First off, in Seattle, watch Arenas bank home a right-handed runner at the buzzer to give the Wizards a 108-106 victory over the Sonics. Gil finished with a non-predicted 42 on the night. Second, in Milwaukee, watch Jason Hart get a kind, kind bounce to drop with three seconds left to save the Clips the embarrassment of dropping a 22-point third quarter lead to the Bucks. The 104-103 win moves LA into the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference. Cheers to my homeboy, Brett, for the vids.

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]]> J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-22T09:10:00 00:00 Morning Hardwood: Powers and Banners http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/21/morning-hardwood-powers-and-banners/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/21/morning-hardwood-powers-and-banners/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/21/morning-hardwood-powers-and-banners/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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Highlighting the Most Powerful Men in the Universe ...

Herr-mann and Battle Cat. Little-used, yet awesome-looking, Walter Herrmann scored a career-high 19 points and Gerald Wallace had 27 and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Bobcats stunned the Cavs 108-100 to snap Cleveland's eight-game winning streak. LeBron scored 30 of his 37 points after halftime, but missed a runner in the lane with 10 seconds left in regulation and a 3-pointer at the buzzer to force more overtime. Question: Why does he always seem to settle for that deep, deep three in the clutch? Drive, man.

Drop the Banner, Buy the Shirt. As The Association was quick to note this morning: "Start the parade, roll out the champagne, call in sick and most importantly ... DROP A BANNER!!! The Suns are Pacific Division Champs!!!!!!!!!" Yes, the Suns regrouped from two rough losses to clinch their third consecutive division crown with a 108-90 victory over Minnesota last night. Raja Bell scored 22 points and Leandro Barbosa -- starting in lace of Diaw to get things going -- added 20, but enough already. Stop what you're doing, and go buy your division title t-shirt! There flying off the virtual shelf!

The Western Conference Keeps Getting Better and Better. Carmelo scored 12 of his 30 points in the fourth to lead the trailblazing Nuggets to their fifth straight victory with a 94-90 decision over the Nets. It marked the first time this season that Denver has won a game (1-21) when scoring less than 99 points. It also marked the first time this season that I could use that stat. Vincent Lamar missed a wide-open three that would have tied it with 12 seconds to go. My smile is extra wide today.

More False Promises. You already know the story, cuz you've heard it once before: Agent Zero predicts he'll drop 50 on the Blazers; Agent Zero doesn't come close to dropping 50 on the Blazers. (I don't care though, I still love it.) Gilbert Arenas scored 19 points and had 10 assists, but shot just 4-of-16 from the field in the Wizards 100-98 loss to the Blazers. I predict we'll hear much more about Arenas and his antics later today on the Haus. Just a hunch. Portland rookies, LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy, combined for 44 points and 20 boards in the win. Solid.

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]]> J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-21T09:09:00 00:00 MVP Race: Stating Cases, Ripping 'Em Down http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/20/mvp-race-stating-cases-ripping-em-down/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/20/mvp-race-stating-cases-ripping-em-down/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/20/mvp-race-stating-cases-ripping-em-down/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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Each week I'll look at the players who would have the best shot at the league MVP award if the season ended today. Why? Because we're bound to disagree and fight each other with chain whips ...

1. Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Mavericks: Building Dirk's case for MVP: He's the best player on the best team in the league. Period. Exclamation mark. Ripping it down: Is he really any better than last year? And why does he keep getting lost in the clutch?

2. Steve Nash, PG, Suns: Building Nash's case for MVP: His unselfish style of play is infectious, entertaining and makes everyone around him better. His numbers have actually improved this year compared to his two previous MVP campaigns. The Suns stink without him. Ripping it down: Are we really ready to etch "Nash" alongside such names as Bird, Wilt and Russell? I mean, seriously, three in a row?

3. Kobe Bryant, SG, Lakers: Building Kobe's case for MVP: 52 points. He's by far the most talented player in the league (maybe on both ends of the court). 53 points. The Lakers would struggle to beat cardboard cutouts of the Grizzlies without him. 65 points. Ripping it down: LA is just a few games above .500. He's "led" his team to six and seven-game losing streaks in the past month and a half. The elbowing "incidents."

4. LeBron James, F, Cavaliers: Building LeBron's case for MVP: His post-All-Star numbers are downright scary. 32 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists per game. He's led the Cavs to eight straight wins and the second best record in the conference. Ripping it down: He plays in the East. He played disinterested and on cruise control for the first half of the season. He suffers from some type of Nick Anderson-disease at the free-throw line.

5. Michael Redd, G, Bucks: I'm kidding, I'm kidding ... who cares?

On the cusp: Tracy McGrady, Tim Duncan and Gilbert Arenas.

 

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]]> featured storiesFeaturedStories J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-20T11:00:00 00:00 Morning Hardwood: Where Airy Voices Lead http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/20/morning-hardwood-where-airy-voices-lead/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/20/morning-hardwood-where-airy-voices-lead/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/20/morning-hardwood-where-airy-voices-lead/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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Damn you, lazy NBA schedule makers ...

Josh and Josh. The Hawks extended their home winning streak to five games with a 99-76 win over the Kings. Hair Man, Josh Childress, scored a career-high 25 points, while Air Man, Josh Smith, came up just one point shy of his first triple-dub of the season (9-12-10). As for your pathetically sad stat of the morning: Sacramento finished its season 4-11 in road games against the Eastern Conference. They really ought to try and trade for Chris Webber.

I Believe In A Thing Called NOOCH. Just listen to the rhythm of my heart. Tyson Chandler scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds -- yes, some of them even defensive ones -- as the Hornets blew out the Celtics 106-88. Young Paul added 15 points for the NOOCH, who now trail the Warriors by only 1 1/2 gamers for the eighth and final playoff spot. Paul Pierce scored 28 points, in three quarters, to lead the Golden Green.

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]]> J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-20T09:00:00 00:00 Morning Hardwood: As the Madness Pauses http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/19/morning-hardwood-as-the-madness-pauses/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/19/morning-hardwood-as-the-madness-pauses/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/19/morning-hardwood-as-the-madness-pauses/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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Hey, I remember this sport ...

The Exact Opposite of Cinderella. Yao Ming scored 24 points, Tracy McGrady added 21, and the rest of the Rockets scored a whole lot more as they crushed the 76ers, 124-74 in Philly. Yeah, that's a fitty-point blow-out, folks. It was the most points allowed in a game this season by the Sixers and the biggest home loss in franchise history. Even the Greek God duo, Tsakalidis and Spanoulis, scored six each off the Roxy bench.

In the Florida Region. Led by Hedo Turkoglu's 20 points, the Magic finally put an end to the real Madness, snapping the Heat's nine-game winning streak with a 97-83 victory. Orlando rookie J.J. Redick, apparently channeling his superstar college roots, reached double figures for only the seventh time this season, scoring 10. Young Thunder added 17 points (on 6-for-6 dunking) and 11 boards for the Sorcerers.

Afternoon Delight. Suns beat Mavericks. Pistons beat Suns. Mavericks beat Pistons, 92-88. I believe that's called the Orange Roundie of Life. (TM!) Dirk scored 28 -- including an important late-game free-throw -- and Devin Harris added 22 to snap Detroit's five-game winning streak. Billups sat out the game with a tickle in his groin. Rip Hamilton, an 85 percent career free-throw shooter, finished 2-for-7 from the line. The end is near.

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]]> J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-19T09:19:00 00:00 Morning Hardwood: Bouncin' Back and Rollin' Along http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/09/morning-hardwood-bouncin-back-and-rollin-along/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/09/morning-hardwood-bouncin-back-and-rollin-along/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/09/morning-hardwood-bouncin-back-and-rollin-along/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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A quick look back at Thursday night in The Association ...

An Excellent Stress Reliever. One night after being slapped around by Shaq and his cronies, the Bulls grabbed the Magic and squeezed for an easy 100-76 win. Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich combined for 42 points, including seven bombs from behind the arc. However, this game was such a yawner that Tiger Woods -- a golfer! -- left his courtside seats at halftime never to return. And oh, yeah, I can't name names, but reputable sources tell me that four or five Magic players were seen reading the FireBrianHill.org website immediately following the game. I'm just saying...

I've Got Ma-News For You ... He's pretty good. Manu Ginobili scored 31 points, including five 3-pointers, to continue the Spurs' "we're on fire" streak in a 100-93 win over the Artest-less Kings. Bili -- we should call him that -- dropped 16 in the fourth quarter, which he has been known to do recently. The Spurs have now won 11 straight. Kevin Martin had 26 points and 12 rebounds in the loss. Note: He's been fantastic on my fantasy team this year, and I wish him nothing but the best in life ... and a few more steals this week.

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]]> J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-09T09:00:00 00:00 Morning Hardwood: Bow Down http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/08/morning-hardwood-bow-down/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/08/morning-hardwood-bow-down/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/08/morning-hardwood-bow-down/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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A quick look back at Wednesday night in The Association ...

Cruise Control, Off. You can keep your Suns and Mavericks and Spurs action, son. I'll take the Eastern Conference's top two teams battling it out over that Western crap any day of the week. (I'm kidding, I'm kidding; I take it back.) LeBron James blow-up-chelated -- new word! --- for 41 points, seven boards and eight dimes as the Cavaliers edged the Pistons, 101-97, in overtime. James appeared to have won the game in regulation with a 30-foot three at the buzzer, but the replay showed he just didn't get it off in time. Still ... hell of a shot. The Cavs now sit two games back from the Conference leading 'Stons.

How Do Ya Like Dem South Florida Apples? Shaq kept his "effort switch" emphatically "on" (24 points, nine boards and eight assists) as Miami outscored Chicago 38-9 during a second-half run to beat the Bulls 103-70. The Heat win helped avenge the 108-66 hurt Chicago laid on them in Miami opening night, spoiling their championship ceremony.

Last Night's Lottery Winning Numbers Were ... Toronto 94, Memphis 87 and Houston 111, Boston 80. Both outcomes keep the Grizzlies (15-47) two games behind/ahead of the Celtics (17-43) for the #1 spot in this year's NBA draft lottery race. Why do I mention this? Oh, gee, I don't know ...

Congratulations Papa Melo. Baron Davis scored 22 points, and Golden State took advantage of Carmelo Anthony's absence to beat Denver 110-96. As you may have heard, Anthony missed the game to be with his fiancée who had the couple's first child earlier Wednesday. Kiyan Anthony arrived weighing 5 lbs., 9 oz. and sporting a headband.

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]]> lebron jamesLebronJamesnba last nightNbaLastNight J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-08T09:00:00 00:00 Kobe Suspended for One Game ... Again http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/07/kobe-suspended-for-one-game-again/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/07/kobe-suspended-for-one-game-again/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/07/kobe-suspended-for-one-game-again/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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The question was asked earlier this afternoon: Will Kobe be suspended again? Your answer: Yes. Yes, he will be. From NBA.com:
Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers has been suspended one game without pay for striking Minnesota Timberwolves guard Marko Jaric in the face, it was announced today by Stu Jackson, NBA Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations.

The incident occurred last night with 58.7 remaining in the fourth period of the Lakers 117-107 (2OT) loss to the Timberwolves at Target Center.

Bryant will serve his suspension tonight when the Lakers play the Milwaukee Bucks at Bradley Center.
One game? Are you kidding me?



Look, I realize Kobe was just trying to draw the foul, and that isn't purposely trying to decapitate all foreign-born shooting guards -- you're next Pavlovic! -- but please, this suspension is weak. One game may have been fine the first time around (see: Ginobili), but dropping two Rick James slaps in less than six weeks? Well, I think that deserves one back. Not another "warning."

Think about it: If the league was truly serious about cleaning up its on-court image then wouldn't this be the exact type of behavior they would want to squash the hardest? Newsflash, Stu: punches don't really start these fights; the cheap shots do. Can you imagine if Kobe had tried to pull this crap on Ricky Davis, Stephen Jackson or Caron Butler? It would've made the MSG brawl look like teatime.

And oh, before some of you get all testy in the comments, please let it be known that, no, I'm not a card-carrying member of the Kobe Haters Club. (Hell, I don't even get the monthly e-mails.) I actually like the guy. He's definitely one of the best players ever. But please don't try and tell me that Kobe's shooting motion was "natural". It wasn't. End of story.

 

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]]> kobe bryantKobeBryantlos angeles lakersLosAngelesLakers J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-07T18:30:00 00:00 Tony P. Be Spittin' Mad French Game, Yo http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/07/tony-p-be-spittin-mad-french-game-yo/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/07/tony-p-be-spittin-mad-french-game-yo/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/07/tony-p-be-spittin-mad-french-game-yo/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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I only managed to catch "DJ" and "open bar" from all that, but I'm pretty sure this is a short clip from Tony Parker's second French music video called "Balance Toi," which, roughly translated to English means either, "Balance Yourself" or "Jean-Pierre is at the library." (BabelFish is broken.)

Anyway, a few quick thoughts on the video...

First off, Busta Rhymes called. He'd like his black-light back. Second, stop touching your damn sunglasses. It doesn't look cool. And third, well, I never thought I'd say this, but please, more camera time for Eva! She got less than 10 seconds, man!

And oh, yeah, unless that little guy with the creepy voice at the beginning was Jacque Vaughn, I didn't see one single Spurs cameo in this video. What gives? We want Duncan!

 

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]]> san antonio spursSanAntonioSpurstony parkerTonyParker J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-07T10:34:00 00:00 Morning Hardwood: Evil Charity http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/07/morning-hardwood-evil-charity/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/07/morning-hardwood-evil-charity/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/07/morning-hardwood-evil-charity/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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A quick look back at Tuesday night in The Association ...

Free Throws Killed The New York Knicks Star. Talk about shooting yourself in the $15 foot. (Or wait, would that be a $7.50 foot?) Stephon Marbury scored 40 points, but his missed free throw with 0.9 seconds left handed the Sonics a 100-99 road win. The Knicks finished an abysmal 24-of-38 (63 percent) at the line, ruining their 18-point comeback attempt. And while I haven't figured it out yet, I'm sure there's a way to blame Isiah for all of this.

Clinched. MJD already said this, but it's worth repeating: With their 102-89 win over the Nets last night, the Mavericks clinched a Western Conference playoff spot, extended their winning streak to 16 games and extended their home winning streak to 23. Today's date is March 7th. Oh, the Mavs also became North America's first ever pro sports team to win 51 games in a 56-game span in a single season. Well, if you don't count the Harlem Globetrotters of course.

A Thrilla In Minn-ella. Down a six-pack with two-something to go, Minnesota center Mark Blount looked to his bench for the green light to shoot. Coach Randy Wittman touched his nose and nodded. Translation: Go nuts, champ. Blount nailed three straight 3-pointers in the final few minutes as Minnesota rallied to beat the Lakers 117-107 in double-OT. Ricky Davis finished with 33 points, including two huge free throws to force the first OT and a put-back off a Garnett miss to force the second. Black Moan Snake (Kobe) had 40 in the loss.

The Hotspurs Basketball Club. Manu Ginobili scored 23 points -- eight in the final two minutes -- and the Spurs hit five 3-pointers in a row to outshine the Blazers for their 10th straight victory, 99-94. In fact, a giddy Tim Duncan enjoyed the comeback so much he started making up nicknames after the game. "It was awesome," Duncan said. "I loved watching it. Watching Manu do what he does was an incredible stretch to watch. Mike Fin has been playing unbelievable off the bench." Mike Fin had 20.

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]]> nba last nightNbaLastNightnew york knicksNewYorkKnicksstephon marburyStephonMarbury J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-07T09:00:00 00:00 Boozer to be Named to Team USA's Roster http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/boozer-to-be-named-to-team-usas-roster/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/boozer-to-be-named-to-team-usas-roster/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/boozer-to-be-named-to-team-usas-roster/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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I started this post with the intent to congratulate Andrei Kirilenko and his wife Masha on the birth of their second child -- and well, I still do, congrats, Russians -- but something else also caught my little brown-eyed retinas a bit further down the page. From Phil Miller at the Salt Lake Tribune:
Carlos Boozer's summer is now officially spoken for. Boozer has been contacted by Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball's managing director, and has committed to play for the national team in its Olympic qualifying tournament this August in Las Vegas.

"He said, 'We want you there,' and I told him I'd be thrilled to play," said Boozer, who won a bronze medal with the Americans at the Athens Olympics in 2004. USA Basketball has not announced his addition to the team yet, but Boozer said that should come shortly.

To automatically qualify for the Beijing Games, the U.S. must finish first or second in a 10-team tournament made up of Western Hemisphere teams, with the gold-medal game in the Thomas & Mack Center on Sept. 2.
Ah, see, now we're talking, Papa Colangelo.

One of the major problems with last year's bronze-winning squad, besides not having an available Kobe and Billups backcourt, was the inconsistent play Team USA got from their big men. I mean, sure, Bosh had a few solid games, but other than that, Brand, Dwight and Brad Miller all struggled to hit the glass and find any sort of touch around the net. Boozer, a bronze medal winner at the '04 Olympics, should be able to help step in and solidify the team's inside presence immediately.

So, to quickly recap what we know about Team USA's summer roster: Boozer in; Wade probably out, LeBron maybe; and Ron Artest . . . well, no comment.

 

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]]> carlos boozerCarlosBoozerteam usaTeamUsautah jazzUtahJazz J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-06T21:00:00 00:00 Heat's Kapono Definitely Out Indefinitely http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/heats-kapono-definitely-out-indefinitely/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/heats-kapono-definitely-out-indefinitely/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/heats-kapono-definitely-out-indefinitely/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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I have no idea why the Heat organization didn't throw an all-out, Wade-like news conference for this baby, but the South Florida Sun-Sentinel is reporting that three-point specialist Jason Kapono "is out indefinitely" with an ankle injury he incurred from landing on James Posey's foot last night:
Coach Pat Riley said Tuesday there was no timetable on Kapono's return but that the player suffered a "pretty bad sprain" and would be out "for a while." X-rays were negative on Monday but Riley said Kapono was scheduled to receive an MRI later Tuesday after the ankle swelled overnight.

"I think they are going to do an MRI tonight and see if there is something else, then put it in a hard cast and immobilize it," Riley said. "So he's going to be out for a while."
This is another tough break for the Heat as they Gwen Stefani it up for their late-game playoff run. Not only is Wade out rehabilitating his shoulder and watching commercials, but with Shaq Daddy back rocking the inside like he belongs on The List, you can only imagine how many wide-open looks he was bound to set-up for the league's most accurate three-point gunner.

Riley says Antoine Walker, James Posey or Dorell Wright will take over Kapono's starting small forward spot. Hopefully for Heat fans, Riley didn't list those in order.

Update: The MRI on Kapono's left ankle revealed a high ankle sprain and a bone contusion. Kapono will have a cast placed on the ankle tomorrow night, which he will wear for 10 days, and will then be re-evaluated.

 

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNewsjason kaponoJasonKaponomiami heatMiamiHeat J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-06T16:00:00 00:00 MVP Race: Enter LeBron http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/mvp-race-enter-lebron/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/mvp-race-enter-lebron/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/mvp-race-enter-lebron/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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Each week I'll look at the players who would have the best shot at the league MVP award if the season ended today. Why? Because we're bound to disagree and fight each other with laser pointers...

1. Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Mavericks: The Dirk4MVP myspace page may blast the latest Foo Fighter's song, but this hero's been anything but ordinary over the last bit. (Feel free to boo at that.) In three Maverick wins this week, Dirk averaged 23.6 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists. Yes, watch him as he goes.

2. Steve Nash, PG, Suns: Slightly interesting: Over the last two weeks, The Dallas News asked the five active MVP winners who they would select as this season's winner. The results? Duncan and Garnett went with Nash; Iverson said he'd vote for either Nash or Nowitzki (gee, thanks, AI.); Shaq sided with teammate Dwyane Wade; and Nash picked Dirk.

3. Kobe Bryant, SG, Lakers: 45 minutes, 31 points, 10 free throw attempts. 40 minutes, 30 points, nine free throw attempts. 43 minutes, 35 points, 24 -- yes, 24 -- free throw attempts. With Lamar Odom out, now is the time for Gunner Kobe to come to the aid of his Lakers. Hold on.

4. Tim Duncan, F, Spurs: For the second time in ten days, The Emotionless Machine that is Tim Duncan failed to reach double figures in points, scoring just nine against the Clips. But who cares? The Spurs have won nine in a row, with Timmy shooting a blistering 60% from the field over the streak.

5. LeBron James, F, Cavaliers: Is James dogging it in an attempt to get Cavaliers coach Mike Brown fired? Some think so. But if he is, he's sure doing a horrible job at it. James has scored more than 30 points in four straight games and 29+ over his last eight.

On the cusp: Tracy McGrady, Gilbert Arenas, Chris Bosh and Kevin Garnett.

 

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]]> dirk nowitzkiDirkNowitzkifeatured storiesFeaturedStorieskobe bryantKobeBryantlebron jamesLebronJamesmvp raceMvpRacesteve nashSteveNash J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-06T10:19:00 00:00 Morning Hardwood: Black Brace Yao-selves http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/morning-hardwood-black-brace-yao-selves/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/morning-hardwood-black-brace-yao-selves/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/morning-hardwood-black-brace-yao-selves/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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A quick look back at Monday night in The Association ...

Easy, Big Guy. Yao Ming returned to action after missing 32 games with a broken right leg, and boy was it ever obvious. Yao shot 1-for-9 in the first half, looked slow and out of sync for most of the night and even had a rough fall in the fourth after getting tangled with Ilgauskas. Yao finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds and five turnovers in 27 minutes, but it wasn't enough as the Rockets fell to the Cavs 91-85. LeBron James led the way, registering 32 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.

Deja-Vu. Looking like the '99 Lakers last night, Eddie Jones had 14 of his season-high 21 points in the final quarter, and Shaquille O'Neal added 14 points and nine rebounds as the Heat beat the Hawks 88-81. Unfortunately, Elden Campbell, Rick Fox and Glen Rice did not play. Tyronn Lue did, though. He scored 17 points for the Hawks. Caw!

Homecoming. Playing with a case of ol' Zach Randolph-atitis, Jason Richardson scored a season-high 29 points in front of his friends and family to help his Warriors end a seven-game road losing streak with a 111-93 win over the Pistons. It was J-Rich's first victory in six tries at the Palace. He grew up about an hour north of Auburn Hills before starring at Michigan State.

Good Streak, Bad Streak. The Spurs extended their season-high winning streak to nine games with an 88-74 victory over the Clippers. Manu and Beno -- which really should be the name of a children's television show -- combined for 30 points and 16 rebounds off the bench. Meanwhile, the Bobcats extended their losing streak to six-games with a 120-95 loss to the Jazz. At 22-39, they seem to be making a valiant run at Durant/Oden.

Like an angel without wings or common sense: The Basketball Jones daily podcast

 

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]]> nba last nightNbaLastNightyao mingYaoMing J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-06T09:00:00 00:00 Morning Hardwood: Ultimate Wizardry http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/05/morning-hardwood-ultimate-wizardy/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/05/morning-hardwood-ultimate-wizardy/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/05/morning-hardwood-ultimate-wizardy/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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A quick look back at Sunday in The Association ...

What A Mess. Three seconds left, Wizards down two to the Warriors. Gilbert Arenas drives the lane, but does not appear to get a shot off before the buzzer. Oh, hold on. A whistle tweets after the horn, so the refs visit the mini-television on the sidelines. Instant replay determines that Mickael Pietrus fouled Arenas with 0.1 on the clock. Um, OK. Warriors coach Don Nelson goes berserk, storms the court, and is nailed with a technical foul. Gil shoots three attempts instead of two. Swish. Swish. Swish. 107-106 Wizards. Unbelievable.

Listen For The Bell. Most will associate the Suns 99-94 win over the Lakers to either Nash's big second half, Barbosa's 20 off the bench, Amare and Marion's double-doubles and/or some combination of the three. And well, they'd be right. But let's not forget Raja Bell's contributions. He may have only scored 14 points, but his momentum-swinging 3s and two free throws at the end were key. Check out the Haus' live-blog here.

Resilient Road Music. Okur scored 28 points, Deron Williams added 20 and the Jazz lit up the nets in the second half for a 108-94 win against the NOOCH. Utah overcame a 10-point deficit in a victory for the 14th (!) time this season. No NBA team has ever done that as many times.

He Is Jesus. Ray Allen, who missed one game with an ankle injury so severe it was supposedly season-threatening, returned to score 34 points in the Sonics' 96-89 win over the 'Cats. Adam Morrison scored 17 points in his first and only visit to his hometown state.

See the light, put yourselves into the boat: The Basketball Jones daily podcast

 

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]]> nba last nightNbaLastNight J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-05T09:00:00 00:00 Kung Fu Channing Frye http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/02/kung-fu-channing-frye/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/02/kung-fu-channing-frye/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2007/03/02/kung-fu-channing-frye/#comments J.E. Skeetsby J.E. Skeets

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What's funnier? This clip of Knicks forward Channing Frye busting out some kung-fu moves set to Vanessa Carlton's A Thousand Miles. . .



. . . or that finding and posting this type of stuff is what got me on the 20 Most Influential Sports Bloggers list? It's a toss up, no?

(Thanks to "hoodie" and the REAL GM Knicks board for making the world a better place.)

 

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]]> channing fryeChanningFryenew york knicksNewYorkKnicks J.E. Skeets j-e-skeets 2007-03-02T16:50:00 00:00