Remembering “The Massacre at the United Center”

During the Denver Nuggets rout of the New Orleans Hornets in game four, it got me to thinking about another classic blowout in game three of the 1998 NBA Finals between the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls.

Both game one and game two of the series were heavily contested and appeared that game three was going to be another nail-biting finish as the series shifted to Chicago. Well, the only nail-biting done during this game was by Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan.

The Bulls absolutely destroyed the Utah Jazz by the score of 96-54. At the time, it was the lowest output scored in an NBA game by a single team in the shot clock era and still is the most lopsided defeat in NBA Finals history.

Not all of the Jazz players had a bad day, Karl Malone had one of his best shooting performances going 8 for 11 from the field and ending his day with 22 points. The only problem was that no other Utah Jazz player scored in double-figures.

On the Chicago side, it was the opposite every Bulls player on their active roster scored. Sure, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen got their points but little known reserve players like Randy Brown, Dickey Simpkins, and the immortal Scott Burrell had solid performances off the bench.

At the end of the game, the only question was whether or not Bulls center Bill Wennington was going to score. (He eventually did on a jump-shot)

NBC’s commentators Bob Costas and Isiah Thomas had a field day during the blow-out from reference to the Sound of Music, Jud Buechler’s ability to play volley-ball, and Isiah laughing during a replay of Dickey Simpkins dunk stating, “Oh My, Dickey”.

A quote from Costas signified this blow-out at its purest level,

“All that's missing for Utah is a blindfold and a cigarette.”

By Ben Chew with No comments

Irony is not lost in the NBA

Recently, Denver Nuggets point guard Chauncey Billups received the NBA’s Sportsmanship Award for the Northwest Division. Now, why is this ironic?

Let’s learn why from Real GM.com:

Chauncey Billups of the Denver Nuggets is the recipient of the Joe Dumars Trophy presented to the 2008-09 NBA Sportsmanship Award winner, the NBA announced today.

A 12-year veteran, Billups was one of six divisional winners, which included Boston’s Ray Allen, Detroit’s Antonio McDyess, Golden State’s Ronny Turiaf, San Antonio’s Michael Finley and Washington’s Antawn Jamison.

Billups received 82 first-place votes (2,478 total points) of a possible 336.

Yep, the same Joe Dumars (who is currently the Detroit Pistons general manager) traded the same Chauncey Billups. Irony is truly never lost in the NBA.

Give some credit to Chauncey for being one of the best pure point guards left in the NBA and still arguably the best playoff performer. Although, Dumars probably did the right thing for the Pistons so they can clear cap space and pursue a big name free agent this offseason. The Billups-Iverson deal at this time looks incredibly lop-sided in favor of the Denver Nuggets.

In the end, Irony is just truth conveyed in a tragic light but the only thing you cannot call tragic, the recent play of Chauncey Billups.

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Look at the Bright Side, David West had 14 points

To put it lightly about the New Orleans Hornets game four loss to the Denver Nuggets, they could not have played any worst. The only issue with that statement is that they matched the worst playoff performance by a team in NBA playoff history.

The Nuggets beat the Hornets by an astounding 58 point rout in the final of 121-63. The Nuggets has seven players score in double-figures and only reserve guard Anthony Carter did not score.

This matched the greatest one-sided affair in NBA history which takes us all the way back to 1956 with the Minneapolis Lakers beat the St Louis Hawks by the same margin. Finally I get to show some love towards 1956 Minneapolis Lakers.

The Nuggets have appeared to be cruising through the NBA playoffs and appeared to have a team that could challenge the Lakers for the Western Conference title. Chauncey Billups along with Carmelo Anthony and JR Smith seem to have this team running on all cylinders and this might arguably be the best team that Nuggets head coach George Karl has coached since the 1995-1996 Seattle Supersonics.

In the case of the New Orleans Hornets, they just do not seem to have the same magic that they had last year. Teams seem to be hounding Chris Paul and forcing his teammates to beat him instead of letting Chris Paul beat them. The Hornets seem to not be focused and forced to play Denver’s “fun and gun style” which has taken them completely out of their element.

To Quote thy Denver Nuggets blog, “The Denver Stiffs”

As noted in the headline of this game recap, the Hornets should seriously consider NOT flying to Denver tonight and just save the jet fuel for next season, because their season is over. As my friend Justin who was watching the game with me and 12 other Nuggets fans aptly pointed out: "It's losses like this that ruin franchises for 10 years." When you're on the wrong side of a 53 year old playoff blowout record, that's exactly what might happen.

To be honest it will not surprise me if the Hornets will be elsewhere in ten years, that is what happens when you run into the buzzsaw that is the Denver Nuggets this season.

In a year that has seen the Arizona Cardinals make the Super Bowl and almost win, Barack Obama win the election to become our next president, and Britney Spears make a comeback. Who says the Denver Nuggets cannot win it all.

In the end, the New Orleans Hornets proved that all they were, “The Great Pretenders”

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Tim Duncan does not believe in magic, anymore

This has been a rather rough season for the San Antonio Spurs with numerous injuries and talk that their dynastic reign was going to end soon. Well, it is only one game away from ending. The Dallas Mavericks have taken a 3-1 series lead and look to shut the door on the Spurs on Tuesday night in San Antonio.

It has even gotten to a point where Tim Duncan has stopped believing in magic. How can such a thing happen? Here is more from the San Antonio Express-News:

Spurs forward Tim Duncan knows that there is no magic formula when attempting a comeback from their 3-1 deficit against the Mavericks.

He knows it all starts with a do-or-die win in Game 5.

"We have to, or we're going to go home," Duncan said. "There's no two ways about it. There's no magic answer. We're going to go home and try to win that one."

Well, that was very literal. I’m just shocked that they still have not tried any voodoo magic on Manu Ginobli’s knee yet or trying to place a curse of Dirk Nowitzki.

The Spurs have been an interesting case-study for the past couple of years and what appears to be obvious is the lack of youth on the team. Sure, the veteran play of Parker, Duncan, Finley, and Roger Mason Jr. can take you places but it can only take you so far. The Spurs have not really added another young impact player and it showing in the playoffs as Dallas forward Josh Howard is heating up.

It’s sad to see that Duncan has lost his believe in magic or at least a magic formula to beat the Dallas Mavericks. Oh well, at least he has not lost his belief in Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny.

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Joe Smith is Joe Beast

I have a feeling that most of you know that NBA player Joe Smith was a #1 pick in the 1995 NBA draft and that he currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers where he a solid contribution of 19 points off the bench in game three of their first round series against Detroit. However, the one thing that you probably did not know about Joe Smith was about his rap alter-ego, Joe Beast.

Currently Joe Smith has finished work on his debut album presented by Nova Unit records called, “The Beginning” which features some hit tracks which includes, “Murder Kapital” and “I does this.” One of the contributors to the mixtape is none other than Oklahoma City Thunder wing and NBA slam dunk champion Desmond Mason. (Note: Smith played with him when he was in Oklahoma City this season before being acquired by the Cavaliers)

You can find out more of the information and listen to songs at Joe Smith’s Myspace page which can be viewed here.

The one positive for Joe Smith gets to add his name to the number of failed NBA rappers but hey at least better than Kobe Bryant.



To be honest, I’ll just stick with learning how to play the guitar to get laid:



(Story courtesy of First Cuts)

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Jason Kidd drived the porcelain bus before game 1

Dallas Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd has had a relatively solid series against the San Antonio Spurs so far but before game one of the series, he had to take a little trip to the porcelain bus, what is that you ask? Let’s learn more from the Dallas Morning News:

Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd was fighting a nasty stomach problem during Game 1 Saturday night and was told to stay at the hotel and rest rather than attend the light practice Sunday afternoon.

By Sunday evening, Kidd was improving, team officials said. He is expected to be at the shootaround this morning and play in Game 2.

Kidd actually vomited while on the bench in the opener. He had been nauseated since Saturday morning, leaving shootaround in a hurry to get to the nearest bathroom.

Yeah, Kidd has to “lose his cookies” prior to the Mavericks game one victory.

Honestly, playing with a stomach virus can be a bitch. Just ask Michael Jordan about that one. However, Kidd has played consistantly through-out the series and is a major factor in Dallas owning a 2-1 series lead. So kudos to him for not letting that stomach ailment affect him in game one.

Hopefully for Kidd's sake it was like this example of "hugging the royal throne" from "Teen America: World Police"

(Teen America Clip is NSFW)

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Here's a First, Game delayed by Hawk

During last night's game two between the Atlanta Hawks and the Miami Heat, the Hawks wanted to jump out early and soar against the Heat.

Well, at least a Hawk got to do it. During the pre-game festivities, a Hawk named "Spirit" performs acrobatics and other moves of Hawk-dom to rile up the fans of the Highlight Factory.

However, Spirit got loose during the game and decided to fly around during the first quarter. The Hawk decided to perch on top of an TNT camera, the top of the backboard and the the shot clock.

Thankfully Spirit was not injured and his handler got a hold of him. The Heat though got control of the Hawks, 108-93.

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Aw…It’s a Cleveland Cavaliers playoff proposal

The Cleveland Cavaliers cruised to a 2-0 lead in their first round playoff series against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night with a 94-82 victory. However, the Cavaliers are also stars of their own YouTube viral video.

In this video which is called “Cavaliers Playoff Proposal,” is a parody of the latest Heineken ad which can be seen here.

Honestly, this is a classic video. You have to love the face of Mo Williams when he is celebrating his new sneakers.

The final bit with Anderson Varejao and Delonte West is absolutely hilarious.



(Courtesy of Slam Online)

By Ben Chew with 1 comment

Gettin Jiggy with Iggy

A little bit of classic Will Smith to get you through your Tuesday.

We like to throw around the term of “underrated” in the NBA landscape. Everyone has their favorite underrated player or that individual who just seems to never get any respect like Rodney Dangerfield used to say. In my opinion, one player who deserves a little more respect is Andre Igoudala.

Igoudala was the 9th pick by the Sixers in the 2004 NBA draft and is still currently blossoming in the Sixers system. Igoudala was shifted into a starring role when Allen Iverson was sent in a trade to Denver. Igoudala is one of the very few players that I have seen that still has untapped potential.

I remember reading an article about the Charlotte Bobcats Gerald Wallace who was talked about a possible “poor man’s Lebron James” but at this point I’m still not seeing that possibility in Wallace but Igoudala is a different story.

Statistically Andre Igoudala should be on par with some of the game’s elite players. There were only four players this year in the NBA that averaged at least 15+ points, 5+ assists, and 5+ rebounds.

Those players: Lebron James, Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade and Andre Igoudala.
So why is it that Igoudala gets lost in the shuffle when we talk about elite players? Well, the Sixers have not had great playoff success and to be honest if your name is not Kobe, Shaq, Lebron, Wade, CP3, then you might have to do some work.

In Philadelphia’s victory in game one of their playoff series against Orlando, Igoudala had a chance to give the Sixers a late lead by hitting two free throws with about a minute left in the game. However, he missed them both. Those misses did not deter Igoudala from hitting the game winning shot with about 2.2 to go, to steal home court for the Sixers.

Igoudala led the Sixers with 22 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in the game one victory. He led the team in all of those statistical categories.

I think it is finally time to give Andre Igoudala some credit as an all-around player which to be honest in the NBA, we have very few. In the end, Igoudala still has got no respect but I have a feeling that will be changing very soon.

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Could the Baby Bulls beat the Celtics? Hell Yeah

You get it, Baby Bulls! (Even I did not think that one was witty.)

Most of you were probably suspecting the Boston Celtics to cruise to easy victory against the Chicago Bulls in game one of their opening round playoff series. Well, a funny thing happened, Chicago decided to take game one in the hallowed TD Garden for their first ever playoff victory against Boston. (Not even MJ could do that)



Derrick Rose has proven that he belongs in the conversation of the elite point guards in today’s NBA. The one thing that I not believe that Rose possesses is pure speed which we have not seen since the likes of a young Allen Iverson. Rose can get from the back-court to front-court with general ease. Over time, the improvement on his jump shot will take his game to the next level. Rose’s 36 points in game one tied a record for points scored by a rookie in his first playoff game which was held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and he played center.

The one thing that I have begun to notice is the improvement of Chicago’s big men and it showed against the Boston’s lack of quality big men. Tyrus Thomas has decided to finally play an all-around game instead of just attacking the basket with reckless abandon. Thomas hit some of the late jump-shots in overtime to give the Bulls the eventual advantage to hold onto a victory. Joakim Noah has played with hustle and determination which seemed to be lacking early on in his career. The Bulls have also received solid contribution from Kirk Hinrich, John Salmons, and Brad Miller which the team was severely lacking for most of the regular season.

We also have to give credit to Bulls head coach Vinny Del Negro. Most of Chicago suspected that he was on the “hot seat” and it was believed that he would be gone before the playoffs. The Bulls have now won 10 of their last 13 including the win in the playoffs. Del Negro deserves some credit for keeping the ship afloat and allowing Chicago to take full advantage of winning this series against the heavily favored Celtics.

If the Bulls continue to play with passion and poise, the Celtics might be the new-look Miami Heat of 2005 who ironically also lost to the Bulls in the first round following a title. Kevin Garnett must be rolling over in his grave as we speak.

By Ben Chew with 1 comment

Remembering when MJ dropped 63 on the Celtics

The first game that marked off the beginning of the NBA playoffs for this season was the match-up between the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls.

Although this promises to be a rather entertaining series with or without Kevin Garnett, this will not top the game played back during the 1986 playoffs between the Boston Celtics with Bird/Parrish/McHale against a Chicago Bulls team led by a young Michael Jordan.

The game on the outset appeared that the Celtics who that year went 40-1 at home were going to steam-roll through the Chicago Bulls. However, Michael Jordan who was coming off of a foot-injury that he suffered during the regular season would not let up.

Jordan absolutely dominated the game and it was noted that not a single Celtics player could stop him. Although the Bulls would eventually lose in double overtime and get swept by the Celtics who would eventually go onto win the NBA championship, Michael Jordan's 63 points at the Boston Garden (still a playoff record to this day) will never be forgotten by any one who witnessed it.

(The anniversary of this game will coincide with game two of the current Bulls playoff series against the Boston Celtics.)

To quote Larry Bird after the game, "That was God disguised as Michael Jordan. He's the most awesome player I've ever seen...he was getting his points in the flow of the game...scary"

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The NBA is amazing at intros for the playoffs…

I figure that most of you have already probably seen the new NBA commercial entitled “Amazing” using a track by rap star Kanye West titled, you guessed it "Amazing".



That commercial gave me chills. However there have been many great starts/intros to the playoffs or finals over the years.

Here ABC’s intro to the Finals from last year:



Here is the old school NBA on CBS intro:



Here is the NBA on TNT with Jeremy Piven:



However, the NBA on NBC did it right:



For those of you, who need the schedule for the playoffs, go to this link. The playoffs start on Saturday, enjoy the games.

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Kobe Bryant, “Because seven ate nine.” YEAHHHHHHHHHH!

I always knew that Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant knew his way around on the streets. Specifically Sesame Street. The Lakers star will make a special guest appearance on a November edition of the show. He even has a version of himself called “little Kobe.” We tried to reach “Lil Penny” for comment but he was unavailable to comment. Maybe he is still working on that Blackstreet video.

It’s not that odd for an NBA player to appear on a kid’s show, Suns forward Amare Stoudamire appeared on the Nickelodeon show, “Yo Gabba Gabba ” last year.

TV Guide caught up with Kobe and asked him some burning questions from his thoughts on Obama and about his love of singing/beat boxing.

However, the real news that came from this is that Kobe Bryant favorite show is CSI Miami. Holy Horatio! David Caruso must be proud to hear that.

(puts on sunglasses)

This only means that it gives me an opportunity to embed one of the greatest YouTube videos. Ladies and Gentlemen, Endless Caruso One Liners.



(Kobe video courtesy of First Cuts)

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The Wizards have a “Flip”pin Chance

Well, Washington Wizards fans you should be rather excited that the man being considered as your new head coach is former Detroit Piston/Minnesota Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders. I think a fair amount of you are going to think that I am being cynical about this but I actually believe that Saunders might be a good fit for this Wizards team.

Saunders who we last saw in Detroit will inherit a team with talent but has had some serious question marks surrounding the health of the big three in Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, and Caron Butler. Saunders has knack for taking teams to the Conference Finals (Three straight times with Detroit and once with Minnesota) where the Wizards have not gone since 1979.

The real question mark that has been surrounding Saunders career was his inability to make it to the title game. However to give Flip some leeway on that, there are many coaches in the NBA who have never even made it to the Conference Finals by less even win a playoff series.

(Counterpoint: Although the lack of defense in the “Lebron game” when he coached the Pistons might be blamed on Flip though.)

The outlook on the Wizards might even be brighter since they will also have a pending lottery pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Next season, the big three will most likely be healthy and the team will make solid push for a playoff appearance.

The real question is Saunders the right coach? To be honest, I would say yes since he does command veteran leaders to step up their game (examples: Chauncey Billups/Richard Hamilton) and is a solid teacher that might progress some of the younger players on the Wizards roster.

The Wizards will be a threat in the 2009-2010 NBA season and this time they have a “Flip”pin chance.

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The Sacramento Kings can't buy a break

The Sacramento Kings have had a rough season this year in the NBA and the referees are not helping them. In Sunday night’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs it appeared that Michael Finley had given the Spurs the lead with a three point shot with about 1.3 seconds left.

However after replaying the shot, it appears that Finley does not beat the shot clock which hits zero before he takes the shot. Here is more of the story from the San Antonio Express-News:

Michael Finley hit a three-pointer with 1.3 seconds left in regulation to push the Spurs past the Kings, but the ball appeared to leave his hands after the shot clock expired.

"The great ref crew said it counted," said Finley. "So we'll take it."

By NBA rule, referees cannot use replay to reverse a call involving shot clock expiration.

"It looked like the ball was still in his hands," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich admitted afterward.

I actually like the fact that Popovich was honest about it. This might send Sacramento fans back in time to Samaki Walker's shot in the Western Conference Finals in game four in 2002. The NBA then changed the rule the next season where buzzer-beating shots could be reviewed.

Honestly, the play should have been able to be reviewed since last second shots need to be checked not only if it was shot was released in time for the game clock but the shot clock as well. There is no doubt in my mind that the rule will be changed for next season. The NBA has already begun talks about changing the rule.

The Kings loss officially will give them the worst record in the NBA this year. The good news for Sacramento fans, you are now the leaders in the Blake Griffin sweepstakes.

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Dirty Play=Dirty Replay?

Remember the Trevor Ariza foul against Rudy Fernandez? There is an interesting story about it that I came across in the Los Angeles Times regarding the use of a replay of it before the rematch of the Lakers and Blazers last Friday night.

Here is the full story: (Courtesy of the Los Angeles Times)

The NBA is looking into Portland's decision to play a video of Trevor Ariza's flagrant foul on Rudy Fernandez on the scoreboard prior to Friday night's game between the two teams.

The foul took place in a game involving the two teams a few weeks ago.
League spokesman Tim Frank said Saturday that teams are not permitted to show replays involving flagrant fouls from previous games.

"We will be looking into the matter," Frank said.

The Blazers defeated the Lakers 106-98, and could be fined by the league.

"That's something that NBA clubs are not supposed to do, show video before a game that incites crowds," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "Portland took a big risk doing that, and that's a finable thing from the league. That's something that they try to prevent in the spirit of good sportsmanship, but Portland has been like that.

I actually agree with Phil Jackson's remarks here. There is nothing wrong for fans to be pumped before the game but using a specific foul to incite the fans does not really seem to fit here.

I do believe that the Trailblazers should not be fined here since the play actually was not shown during the game but before the start of the it. There is a difference between showing the play during the game or when Ariza is being introduced and before the game when the crowd is just filing into the building.

The Trailblazers have some of the best fans in the NBA and to be honest, the city of Portland loves the game of basketball.(They had over 11,000 people attend the Nike Hoops Summit) This is probably an oversight by some overzealous individual that wanted to incite the fans but the act does not deserve a fine.

The recent history between the teams does not surprise that Jackson would make the ending remarks that “Portland has been like that.” The Blazers and Lakers in recent years have been one of the better Western Conference rivalries. Most likely this story will blow over unless both teams meet in the playoffs which might possibly be the best “replay” possible.

For those of you that do not remember the foul, here it is:

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It’s not a block party without Dikembe Mutombo

One of the issues that I think that some of the younger NBA players face is not respecting their elders. To be honest a fair amount of NBA players and even fans have no recollection past Michael Jordan to some of the other great players that came before him or during his reign.

Dikembe Mutombo was one of the elite shot-blockers and to be honest he still might be in the top 10 shot-blockers currently in the NBA at 42 years young. After a game between the Golden State Warriors, he made a comment regarding young Warrior forward Anthony Randolph:

(Courtesy of Golden State of Mind)

We need NBA Classics to show more of the Mutombo games so some of the youngest guys can learn. Everybody is trying me. I don't know why. That young boy [Anthony Randolph] tried so hard. ... He kept telling me, 'I'm going to get you before the day's over.' It's too bad. He tried, but he didn't get a chance to dunk on Dikembe Mutombo. He's not going to be able tell his grandkids, 'I got Dikembe with one.'"

That is hilarious and to be honest, it might be a little showing that some players in the league might need to rethink their decision to come at Mount Mutombo.

Mutombo’s calling card of the “finger wag” has differentiated him from other shot blockers and to be honest created an image for Mutombo to some players that they should just get out of the way or you get the finger.

Mutombo’s humanitarian work should also not be over-looked and even garnered attention from former president George W. Bush when he invited Mutombo to his State of the Union address back in 2007.

He even funded a hospital that was built in his hometown of Kinsasha in the Congo and was named after his mother, “the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital.”

However, one of things that Mutombo is remembered for is the similarity between his voice and famous Sesame Street character Cookie Monster. It has been used countless in jokes from fans and players alike.

In the end, maybe you should think the next time that you try to challenge Mount Mutombo. At least bring cookies; that could help.

By Ben Chew with No comments

Hanging On in the NBA's playoff seeding

When I was watching some Opening Day baseball this past Friday between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Cleveland Indians, a long rain delay pretty much washed out most of my interest. While, I was standing around waiting for the game to re-start up (which was about four hours later) a song from came across the PA system that I had not heard in awhile, “Hanging On” by MTV reality star (I use the term star, loosely here) Cheyenne Kimball.



While the pop/teen idol probably was not talking about the NBA playoff race, the song’s title is a very apt to be the final days of the NBA season as teams battle for position.

It is already known that the Lakers and the Cavaliers have both clinched the overall number one seed in both conferences but both them are currently attempting to clinch home-court through-out the playoffs.

The Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics are both competing for the overall two seed out East with a two game edge (at the time of this post) currently held by Boston. Boston has won six in a row but Orlando could make a run to get into that coveted number two seed.

Then we get into the possible battles in the lower brackets of the Eastern and Western Conferences; we stay in the East where the five to eight seeds are still undecided with a total of two games separating the 5th seed Miami Heat and the 8th seed Detroit Pistons. The Heat could fall as far as 8th and the Piston could get all the way up to the 5th seed. Other players in this race are the Chicago Bulls and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Now let’s move to the Western Conference, the playoff race has been intense all year and could flip-flop regarding on how certain teams do. The Nuggets are currently the overall two seed but nipping at their heels are the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trailblazers. Each of them is within at least one game of taking over the number two seed.

Then we hit the lower portion of the bracket; The Dallas Mavericks who only a few days ago were almost about to miss out on the playoffs could jump to the 6th seed since they are currently in a tie with New Orleans. The Utah Jazz who appeared to be on the fast-track to a top three seed earlier in the season have dropped all the way to number eight but they are currently only a game back of both Dallas and New Orleans.

There are many scenarios which could produce vastly different results that could have Detroit to 5th which could produce a Miami vs. Cleveland first round matchup to Portland taking the number two seed and Dallas jumping to the 6th seed where a possibility that the Utah Jazz will face the Lakers in the first round.

Honestly I cannot remember when there is this much tension in the final week or so in the regular season, if the end of the season is this exciting, think of what the playoffs have to bring.

(All information used in this post is accurate of the NBA standings as of 10:30 AM EST 4/11/2009)

By Ben Chew with 1 comment

The degree of difficulty for Steve Blake's Half Court Shots

Usually, I am not impressed with half-court shots. The bevy of NBA blogs have gone "cuckoo for Coco Puffs" for the past three weeks with looking at half-court shots.

To be honest, we should not really be too surprised since most of these players can palm a basketball like we palm an orange. Half-courters from Lebron, Ray Allen and Kobe should not really be too surprising.

However, I came across the half-court shot of guard Steve Blake against the San Antonio Spurs from Wednesday night.



The way that Blake had to manuever around Roger Mason Jr. of the Spurs is pretty impressive. You also have to take into account that Blake is only 6'3 (that is honestly be generous to say the least)and the arch of his shots are simply insane.

Here is another half-court shot from 2007 against the Charlotte Bobcats:



Again, the degree of difficulty was pretty large since there were two taller Bobcat defenders and trying to get a solid set shot from half-court. You try to throw up a half-court shot with two taller people in front of you, even with space it is difficult.

In the end, the half-court shot is simply something that will continue to be overplayed by Sportscenter, NBA blogs, and other general web sites. Give credit to Steve Blake's degree of difficulty when he hits his.

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Remember when we had doubts about Lebron...

When I was surfing the web yesterday, I came across this old Nike Commercial about Cleveland Cavalier Lebron James and the possibility that Lebron could not handle the pressure of the NBA.



Lebron at that time was one of the most hyped players to come out of high school to the NBA and many scouts had questions of whether or not Lebron going to be another high school bust. At that time, the Kwame Brown situation happened in Washington along with the "Baby Bulls" in Chicago where Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry had yet to pan out. (Some are still waiting for Eddy Curry to pan out period)

To be honest, even I had thoughts that this was going to be another bad pick for a Cavalier franchise that was at the utter depths of ineptitude before Lebron got there. We all knew he had talent but he was playing against high school kids and that made a fair amount of people question his true talent.

Well, he quickly changed all our minds when he exploded onto the scene against the Sacramento Kings with a twenty-five point, nine assists, and four steals performance.



Ironically enough, most of us did not get to see the beginning of Lebron's debut since ESPN was stuck in a hapless situation since the game before it, the New York Knicks against the Orlando Magic went into overtime. Even though the Cavaliers lost to Sacramento in Lebron debut, it showed us what was to come from Lebron James.

Remember when we had doubts about Lebron James. Funny, huh?

By Ben Chew with 1 comment

The Chicago Bulls were not into Larry Hughes

There are many ways to end a relationship with someone from a phone call to an email or a meeting in person. Well, New York Knicks guard Larry Hughes was not happy about how the Chicago Bulls dealt with trading him to the New York Knicks.

Before getting traded to New York, the only contact from the Bulls was a text message.

Here is the full story from the Chicago Daily Herald:

In an interview with the New York Daily News, Hughes had a complaint with how things ended with the Bulls. He didn't play after Jan. 12, when Kirk Hinrich returned from a thumb injury.

"I got a text message from the GM (John Paxson) - that's it," he said. "It was one line saying they appreciated my patience and wishing me good luck. I thought I'd get a courtesy call. They do it in every workplace, every day. When management sends you off, they give you a courtesy call.

"There's no relationship (with coach Vinny Del Negro). I didn't start, but that wasn't the issue. You can't start all the time. I understand that. And I voiced that. The issue was that he didn't give me a shot to be out there to contribute."

That’s pretty rough. You would think that the NBA team would have more class to at least have a meeting with a player if he was getting cut or traded. I totally get why Hughes is a little peeved by the spurn, you are at least deserved a phone call if a trade is occurring.

In our current age of technology, many things have replaced the phone call from AIM to an email, Facebook/Myspace messages, and even Twitter. (By the way have you joined our Twitter feed at ThatNBAPick?) Albeit, these are more efficient ways of contact with people but nothing in the end replaces a good old-fashion call from your Blackberry or Iphone.

At least what we and the Chicago Bulls should learn from this, Larry Hughes should have at least been given the courtesy call to tell him, “We’re Just Not Into You.”

(Spoiler Alert: Another Ginnifer Goodwin Pic)

By Ben Chew with No comments

Zach Randolph hit by the “Curse of Clippers Past”

The Los Angeles Clippers have been the NBA laughing-stock since they moved from San Diego to Los Angeles. On Sunday, they faced off against the superior team in Los Angeles, the Lakers. The Clippers lost by the score of 88-85 but that was not the only bad thing that happened to the Clippers.

Clippers forward Zach Randolph was pulled over early Monday morning for a DUI. Here is more of the story from the Los Angeles Times:

Clippers center Zach Randolph was arrested Monday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

While driving a Rolls-Royce, Randolph was spotted weaving "in and out of [a] lane," by two California Highway Patrol officers while driving southbound on the 405 freeway north at 2:25 a.m., spokesman Tony Garrett said.

"The officers made the traffic stop and detected an odor of alcohol from the vehicle," Garrett said.

Randolph was arrested and transported to the downtown Men's Central Jail, and was released on $5,000 bail.

The Clippers suspended Randolph for two games in light of this conduct. I honestly believe that the Clippers might be the closest team in the NBA to being “cursed” similar to the Cubs in Major League Baseball or the Cleveland Browns in the NFL.

I honestly believe that until either Donald Sterling ceases his ownership with the team or until they find a competent general manager, the Clippers will continue into their abyss.

Randolph needs to take some responsibility for his actions since driving under the influence is no laughing matter. The Clippers on the other hand, the laughs just keep on coming.

By Ben Chew with No comments

Cheryl Miller vs. Scot Pollard, Cat-Fight

Usually when I am surfing the blogodome, I come across some hilarious videos and this might possibly be the funniest one of them all. This is courtesy of NESW Sports of an NBA TV postgame show.

Former NBA player Scot Pollard was supposed to do the pre-game and half-time report along with TNT sideline reporter Cheryl Miller for an NBA TV broadcast, (Reggie sis) but Pollard was delayed by mechanical problem from a plane he was supposed to fly in on. However, when Pollard did get to the studio, the fun really began as Miller questioned if Pollard really was delayed because of a mechanic problem.

Then all hell broke loose, Miller started questioning Pollard intergrity and Pollard whipped back her regarding her ripping him on air. The person I felt bad for was Bob Fiscella who had to watch this fight and try to the right the ship.

Eventually Pollard challenged Cheryl to a game of one and one. (Calling Inside the NBA, your move)

I think in the end, they just needed Brooke Valentine for this one.

By Ben Chew with No comments

The real reason why Gilbert Arenas sat….Curse

The Washington Wizards have probably had one of the weirdest seasons in NBA history from being touted as a team to make a serious run into the NBA playoffs to firing their head coach only eleven games into the season to beating the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers.

Well, Gilbert Arenas made his triumphant return but was an odd scratch from Saturday’s game against the Miami Heat. The real reason why Agent Zero did not dress for the game; superstition.

Here is the story from the Washington Times:

The Wizards said Gilbert Arenas didn’t play tonight to rest his knee, but according to Nick Young, Agent Zero sat out tonight’s game out of a precautionary/superstitious move. April 4, 2007 was the date that Gilbert Areanas originally blew out his left knee against Charlotte, and Young said that Arenas told him he didn’t want play on this date, which in his mind is now cursed.

I think we had our first ever “DNP-Date Cursed” but to be honest, this does not surprise me coming from Gilbert Arenas. Arenas has always seemed to move to the beat of a different drum.

Athletes always seem to be the most superstitious of all since they believe an insignificant ritual or constant occurrence can either aid the player or it can virtually lead them into a slump.

I do not really care that Arenas technically took a game off because of a superstition but it really is hilarious on some level that believes that a day is cursed because of an injury that he suffered two years ago.

However, the world itself is a strange place and some things cannot be explained by the logic of our conventional wisdom. So, maybe a day can be cursed but I hope that curse does not follow me.

By Ben Chew with No comments

Watch out Billy Mays, Kevin Love is comin’ for you

In the previous edition of That NBA Lottery Pick, I talked about Chris Paul and Lebron James’s respective teams trying to aid their run to an MVP by creating a website (James) and video (Paul). However, my issue with that was Lebron and CP3 are already house-hold names and fans do not get to vote for the MVP.

Then Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves showed them how it’s done. Love who was drafted by the Timberwolves in the 2008 NBA Draft is up for Rookie of the Year. Well, Love and the Timberwolves created a faux infomercial for a factious product called “Kevin Love’s Glass Cleaner.”

Love is almost averaging a double-double with about 11 ppg and 9 rpg which on most years would probably be deserving of the award. Well, the video is included with a website that lists all these stats and gives more helpful facts about Kevin Love.

 Leads PER efficiency for Rookies at 18.77 PER
 Leads rookies with double-doubles (25)
 Ranks third in the NBA in rebounds per 48 minutes
 Ranks second in total offensive rebounds (behind Dwight Howard)

The commercial is entertaining and sends me back to a simpler time in the 1990’s where NBA Entertainment and NFL Films used to do parodies for their bloopers series. Personally my favorite is still, SWAT from Dazzling Dunks and Basketball Bloopers.



At least, I can foresee this actually making an impact for Love’s ROY candidacy since unless you’re a fan of the Timberwolves or went to UCLA; I doubt you followed Love’s first year very closely. I know that I have not.

Whoever came up with the idea for the video and website, deserve to get a raise and a paid vacation. I like the touch of a Kevin Love cleaning up during each different stat over-lay and the audio mix.

The best case scenario for Kevin Love is that he does not win the award but gets some new fans; at least he did not beat up a hooker like the Sham-Wow guy.

By Ben Chew with No comments

Lebron vs. CP3, Where self-promotion is not needed

Originally this article was going to be about Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers creating a website for Lebron's MVP candidancy entitled, “lebronisreallyreallyreallyreallyreallyreallygood.com” to promote Lebron James as an MVP candidate. However, I have also now come across a video made by the New Orleans Hornets for Chris Paul’s MVP candidacy.

Here is the tagline when you enter the Lebron James site:

Welcome to LeBronIsReallyReallyReallyReallyReallyReallyGood.com! Please check out all the information that helps explain why LeBron James deserves the 2009 NBA MVP Award. Why six Reallys in the address? Because this is LeBron’s sixth season in the NBA! Enjoy the tour. Just mouse over each of the Reallys above and go directly to each of the six different areas that make the case REALLY clear who should be the 2009 NBA MVP… LeBron James!

Ow, my eyes are almost popping out of my sockets just reading that tagline. I honestly believe that Lebron right now should win the MVP considering the play of the Cavaliers and the solid numbers that he is putting up right now.

My real question is what is the deal with the Hell’s Kitchen theme being played on the website? I almost felt that Gordon Ramsey was going to ask me for my jacket.

Now the New Orleans Hornets decided to make video for his candidacy for MVP, here is the link to it. Albeit, Paul is a great player and his Hornets team is still a threat in the playoffs but the team is not playing on the level that it was last year when MVP talk was warranted.

These sorts of websites and self-promotion videos do bring up publicity for a player but also gives the feeling that someone needs to promote themselves to win an MVP. This is not American Idol. The fans do not get to vote for the MVP and please no one in the NBA offices gets any ideas from that comment.

I could forsee Ryan Seacrest telling people to dial 1-866-NBA-MVP2 for Chris Paul. Well, it did not Megan Joy's call at least. (Remember the Caw!)

In closing, this is what I like to call the over-use of the YouTube/Internet age. It almost makes me want Dwayne Wade to win the MVP now as long as he does not make a promotional band-aid.

By Ben Chew with No comments

Carlos Boozer’s divorce = No Big Love Lost

If I remember correctly, there is some statistic that more than 50% of marriages end in divorce or something like that. Well, you might as well make that 51% as Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer has divorced his wife of six year’s CeCe last week.

The Overstocked.com and gold-medal wearing forward has been questioned if this is affecting his play with the Jazz pushing towards the playoff chase in the tough Western Conference.

Boozer commented in an article by the Salt Lake City Tribune:

While others might be focused on his personal life, Jazz forward Carlos Boozer says his focus remains on basketball.

Boozer, who was on the bench when the Jazz made their comeback to beat the Phoenix Suns 104-99 in overtime Saturday, said matters at home weren't affecting his play. That was all he'd say about the news that he had filed for divorce from his wife, CeCe, on Thursday.

"I'm not talking about it," he said, after saying his focus, "is fine."

The two have been married for 6½ years and have three children together. The marriage was described as "irretrievably broken" in court documents.

This is obviously a delicate situation and to be honest whoever asked the question probably should not have asked it to begin with. I think there seems to be a few questions that reporters should not ask specifically when you deal with someone’s family; that was over the line.

However, I do not really buy that this is not affecting Boozer on some level. Anytime someone goes through a divorce, it has to affect you if you really cared about them at a point in your life. I do wish on some level that Boozer can turn this negative in to a positive much like when Kobe had to deal with “rape trial” and use it as a driving force in his play.

Most of you are probably looking at the title of this story and figure that I am just going to use the pun to post a picture of Big Love star, Ginnifer Goodwin. If you were thinking that, you were right.

By Ben Chew with No comments