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Filipino television says Pacman visibly shaken during blood tests

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Now see, it wasn't that hard after all. Manny Pacquaio objected to giving blood too close to his potential fight against Floyd Mayweather. He even said he was afraid of needles. Yesterday, was scary time for Pacman as he went through a battery of prefight tests and gave blood to determine if he was free of performance enhancing drugs.

Filipino television did a video feature covering the doctor's visit and claimed that Pacquiao was "visibly shaken" while giving blood. Do you see anything?

Maybe we missed it but maybe out of respect for the national hero, that part of the visit was left on the cutting room floor. Pacman trainer Freddie Roach has begun the prefight hype sounding confident his guy will get by Joshua Clottey on Mar. 13 in Dallas.

"Well, the more I watch Clottey, the more mistakes I find in him and I’m very confident Manny is going to knock him out and be the first person to knock him out," Roach said. "I know he [Clottey] has a good chin. He’s a tough guy and he’s a nice guy, but just studying the tapes of him, he won’t last 12 rounds with Manny Pacquiao in my opinion."

According to GMANews.tv, Pacman's entourage will hit Dallas on Mar. 8.

Hi My Name Is Zac Dalpe

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Hurricanes, NHL Draft, College Hockey

Every Tuesday, FanHouse discusses the top NHL prospects found in college hockey.

As the college hockey playoffs approach, teams continue to jockey for position before conference tournaments begin in either one or two weeks.

While struggles in goal may keep Ohio State from becoming a serious contender, the development of sophomore forward Zac Dalpe (NHL rights: Carolina) has been a true bright spot in an up-and-down season. The Buckeyes can't crack the top four of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, so they know they'll be playing next weekend when the league playoffs start. But Dalpe gives them a chance to spring an upset and perhaps get to Joe Louis Arena for the league semifinals.

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Panthers Send Jordan Leopold to Pittsburgh

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Panthers, Penguins, Trade Deadline

Less than 10 hours after the NHL trade freeze ended, the Florida Panthers sent veteran defenseman Jordan Leopold to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 2010 second-round draft pick, according to George Richards of the Miami-Herald.

It's a solid move for the Penguins, and perhaps a surprising one since the popular consensus seemed to link them to one of the many forwards that could be available before Wednesday's deadline. And make no mistake, they could still be players for a forward. This trade does, however, create a log-jam of sorts along the blue line.

Leopold joins a defense corps that already has Sergei Gonchar, Brooks Orpik, Kris Letang, Alex Goligoski, Mark Eaton, Jay McKee and Martin Skoula. Obviously, that's one too many players. The only ones under contract beyond this season are Orpik and Goligoski.

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Cam Janssen Suspended 5 Games

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Blues, Capitals, NHL Videos, NHL Discipline

In his team's final game before the Olympic break, St. Louis Blues forward Cam Janssen was issued a five-minute major for interference for a crushing hit to the head of Washington's Matt Bradley. Along with the major penalty, he was also issued a five-minute major for fighting Quintin Laing in the wake of the hit, as well as a 10-minute game misconduct.

The NHL announced on Thursday, less than a week before the NHL resumes play, that Janssen will be suspended for five games as additional punishment for the hit. According to an NHL press release Janssen will lose over $14,000 in pay during his suspension.

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Kevin Weekes Turning Into a TV Star

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: NHL Media Watch, FanHouse Exclusive

One of the nicest additions to this hockey season, in my mind, was Kevin Weekes joining the NHL Network. The longtime NHL goaltender has adapted to studio work and game analysis quickly and smoothly, and he's shown a real knack for observation and for a slick turn of phrase.

So I tracked him down during the Olympic break to find out how Weekes is finding the transition to the broadcast booth and I found him vacationing in the Bahamas (there are lots of NHL types there right now, he said).

Initially, one of the strangest things for Weekes was getting accustomed to the view from the press box while serving as an analyst for Hockey Night in Canada. He's always had the best view in the building, with all the action unfolding right in front of him. Now Weekes is peering down from the rafters. It took him a few weeks to feel comfortable.

Another adjustment that is often hard for recently retired athletes who move to TV is the need to be be critical of former teammates and opponents. Many can't say anything remotely negative. And while you won't find Weekes slamming players just for the sake of it -- he said he was very clear when talking about on-air jobs that he doesn't want to be a shock-jock or a say-something-outrageous guy -- he will point out any issues he feels pertinent. Nicely. He is Canadian.

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Willie ORee The NHLs First AfricanAmerican Player

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Bruins, NHL Hall of Fame

Black History Month has been celebrated in some form since 1924. For sports fans, it is a chance to reacquaint themselves with those who broke down barriers in all areas of competition and all segments of society. Many are now household names and American icons: Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson, Wilma Rudolph, Muhammad Ali, up to Tiger Woods, Tony Dungy and Venus and Serena Williams today.

Throughout February, FanHouse will shed light on the other figures in the history of sports whose breakthroughs were as significant as those mentioned above, but who aren't as instantly recognizable as pioneers. During Black History Month 2010, FanHouse aims to give them their due.

Willie O'Ree, who broke the NHL unofficial color line in 1958, should be in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Not because of his statistics since, in two short NHL stints, O'Ree scored four goals and accounted for only 14 points in 45 games with the Boston Bruins.

O'Ree should be included among hockey's all-time greats simply because it would be the right thing to do. O'Ree is a living pioneer for a sport still looking to expand its fan base.

"I'm happy that I was in a position to break down barriers and open doors for these players of color to play now," said O'Ree, who at 74 continues to stay busy working for the NHL promoting the league's "Hockey is for Everyone" program around North America.

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Game to pay attention to Hawks vs Jazz

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Atlanta at Utah

The Atlanta Hawks haven't won in Utah in 17 years.

The Utah Jazz finished their last game about 17 hours ago.

I originally wrote that last line as a joke, and then realized that the math was right. It feels like just yesterday that Carlos Boozer (notes) was sending the Jazz's game against Portland into overtime because, well, it was just this morning.

And, because I'm a sportswriter, this is where I tell you that "something's gotta give."

The Hawks and Jazz have done this once before, in December, and it wasn't even close. Atlanta's active frontcourt destroyed the Jazz, leading to a 13-point win in Atlanta. Deron Williams (notes) made just one shot in eight tries, Carlos Boozer had six points, and a low possession count hid how much of a one-sided affair this was.

Tonight, with Andrei Kirilenko (notes) (questionable) and Mehmet Okur (notes) (probable) possibly out, with the Jazz having played in overtime in the previous contest, is this Atlanta's time to shine?

Well, it's in Utah. That counts. That means the role players make a difference, the fans can get loud, the Hawks might feel uneasy.

Or they could roll, as they did back in Februrary of 1993 (Dominique gave the Jazz 43), the last time Atlanta won in Salt Lake City.

Slim night tonight, five games, have fun with it.

Utah Jazz: 36-19, 93.2 possessions per game (12th), 109 points scored per 100 possessions (ninth), 103.7 points allowed per 100 possessions (seventh).

Atlanta Hawks: 34-20, 90.8 possessions per game (26th), 111 points scored per 100 possessions (fifth), 106.2 points allowed per 100 possessions (12th).

All statistics courtesy basketball-reference.com.

The 10man rotation starring Penny

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A look around the league and the web that covers it. It's also important to note that the rotation order and starting nods aren't always listed in order of importance. That's for you, dear reader, to figure out.

C: Basketball-Reference Blog. How good was Anfernee Hardaway (notes)?
PF: DallasBasketball. What happens to the NBA All-Star Game court when they're done with it?
SF: CelticsHub.com. Did the Nuggets expose chinks in the Celtics' defensive armor?
SG: Detroit Bad Boys. Joe Dumars is the George Lucas of basketball.
PG: RBtB. Based on Saturday's game, Steve Blake (notes) runs a better offense than Baron Davis (notes).
6th: Daily Herald. McGraw: It's still possible for the Bulls to land two top free agents.
7th: DjRyB.com. "I knew I had to knock it down."
8th: First Cuts. After dumping Gilbert Arenas (notes), adidas releases his signature shoe ... quietly.
9th: SI Vault. Moses Malone signs a fan's sneaker while hanging out at a Philly playground.
10th: Mitchell & Ness. Happy birthday, Doc!

Got a link or tip for Ball Don't Lie? Hit me up at jeskeets (at) yahoo.ca, or follow me on Twitter.

Createacaption Smoove shout

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Hawks' forward Josh Smith (notes) protests a call late in the fourth quarter against the Warriors on Sunday. Best caption wins some dessert. Good luck.

After the jump, LeBron and Shaq take a knee.

Winner, AJ:
... and bless Hubie, and Boobie, and Delonte, and Mo. And please bring our wayward comrade, Big-Z back to Cleveland. In Stern's name we pray. Amen.

Co-runner-up, Anton:
Shaq: (thinking) "God, I hope I can get back up."
LeBron: (thinking) "How you doing, LeBron?" "Oh, I'm good, man, I'm good." "Ready for the big game?" "Championship?" "No, no, nooooo. I mean, tonight's game." "Oh ... yeah, another triple-double coming up." "You like yourself, LeBron?" "Yeah." "You feel good about yourself, Lebron?" "I do, I really do." "That's great, Le — this is the end of the first half of Lebron's self-motivational tape — please turn over to side B."

Co-runner-up, JeremyO:
LB: "Oh wise Shaq Fu, please teach me the ways to win four rings."
Shaq Fu: "Young Prince, I cannot be the one to teach you. You must seek the one they call 'Phil.'"

Steve Nash reacts to USACanada hockey game

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

I tweeted I was feeling a little under the weather this morning, which, naturally, led to a dozen or so replies and DMs wondering whether I was "sick" thanks to Sunday night's USA-Canada Olympic hockey score.

Nope. I hate hockey. (Blame it on my a-a-a-a-a-a-ankles.) In fact, I'm pretty sure the reason I can't keep saltines or ginger ale down this morning has very little to do with Canadian goalie Martin Brodeur, and a whole lot more to do with that questionable looking slice of pizza I inhaled yesterday.

"Captain Canada" Steve Nash (notes), on the other hand ...

When the U.S. hockey team's 5-3 victory against Canada was announced late in the fourth quarter to a rousing cheer, Nash shook his head with a smirk and repeatedly gave the result two thumbs down while waiting by the Suns bench for an inbound on a break in the play.
"It was tough," Nash said. "There was a moment where I almost slapped someone in the front row because they kept yelling it (the score) to me but we're worried about season ticket renewals so I held back."

Nash, who earlier predicted that the Yanks were going down, took the puckin' lose so hard that he won't make the trip to OKC for Tuesday night's game against the Thunder. Well, that and the fact that the Suns want to let him heal from the lower-abdominal and back pain he's been ballin' with for the last four weeks.

Createacaption All falls down

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Knicks' forward Al Harrington (notes) looks up at the scoreboard during the fourth quarter of a game against the Bucks on Monday at Madison Square Garden. The Bucks beat the Knicks 83-67. Al played 23 sppechless minutes. Best caption wins some gum. Good luck.

After the jump, J-Smoove protests a call.

Winner, Nick B:
A dramatic still from Alfred Hitchcock's forgotten thriller, "The Hawks."

Co-runner-up, JeremyO:
"I'm not yawning, Coach, I'm using an Olympian technique. Look it up."

Co-runner-up, alka:
Photo taken seconds before "Shrinking Spud Webb" emerged from Josh Smith's (notes) mouth to reclaim his title as Slam Dunk champion.

Video Vince Carter hits 85foot shot sitting down

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Ten days ago, at NBA All-Star Jam Session in Dallas, Dwight Howard (notes) etched his name into the record books by hitting the longest basketball shot while sitting down. After nailing one from half-court, Howard scooted back to 52 feet and six inches, swished that, and accepted his official Guinness Book of World Records certificate from some guy in a funny sports jacket.

Tuesday, that certificate unofficially changed hands.

Via Magic beat writer Tania Ganguli and pinstriped video gurus, watch as Howard's Magic teammate Vince Carter hits an 85-foot shot sitting down to win a heated post-practice competition.

Someone try and tell me this shouldn't be an Olympic sport.

Phenomenal Swag Kobe Bryants Aston Martin Hyperdunks

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Trey Kerby of The Blowtorch searches high and low across the Internet for NBA-related goods you never knew you needed. You know, phenomenal swag. Email BDL any relevant products you find here.

One way to make a shoe really expensive is to use premium leathers to construct the shoe. Another way to make a costly sneaker is by making them a limited edition. The scarcity of product drives up the price. But the best way to make a ridiculously expensive shoe is to combine both of these methods. Expensive leathers plus limited quantities is the proper formula for a shoe that costs way too much money.

In related news, Nike is releasing the Kobe Bryant Aston Martin edition of it's Hyperdunk basketball shoe.

You might be wondering what Kobe has to do with this shoe. He has his own signature shoe of his own, after all. To solve this mystery, we have to travel back in time nearly two years to when Kobe "jumped over" a car in a Hyperdunk commercial. That car was an Aston Martin, and I'm guessing that's the connection here.

As previously mentioned, it's a limited edition — only 500 pairs were made. And like we said, it uses premium leathers. So does that make it super expensive, like we predicted? Yep. Each pair is going to run you $550 US, meaning that each individual shoe could get you two pairs of the Jordans D-Wade has been wearing. Wow.

The shoes are tabbed for a spring release date, so you'll have a little time to scrounge up the money to snag these. That's right; you could be one of the lucky 500 to buy a great shoe for way too much money. Good luck.

Ball Don't Lie's Swag Rating: Two (out of five) Muggsy Bogues ...

via O Sneaker

*****

Do you like jokes and bobsleds? Check out Trey at Fourth-Place Medal, Y! Sports' Winter Olympics blog.

Breaking Wizards Josh Howard out for season with torn ACL

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

When it rains, it pours.

And when it pours, it floods.

And when it floods — especially in Washington, D.C. this season — Wizards fans drown. They drown in a bloody mess of "why us?" tears, unloaded handguns and Oberto sweat.

Send trailers, David Stern. Send 'em now.

Mike Jones, formerly of The Washington Times, is reporting on the ol' Twitter machine that Wiz coach Flip Saunders has informed him that forward Josh Howard (notes) is done for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Howard, who was just acquired from Dallas in a seven-player trade, injured his left knee in the team's victory over the Bulls on Monday night. Howard collided with Chicago's Flip Murray (notes) while trying to catch an outlet pass with 4:23 left in the first quarter. He fell to the floor and had to be helped off.

More bad news to come, no doubt.

UPDATE: Flip says the Wizards "will probably look around" to add someone that can "fit in without disrupting things." He added J-Ho's injury has no impact on Big Z or Mike James, and that Al Thornton would take over the starting lineup spot.

UPDATE II: Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld said Howard would have surgery once the inflammation in his knee subsides, which could be in a week or two, according to Gene Wang of The Washington Post.

Tony Parkers hip injury not serious

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Crisis was averted in San Antonio on Tuesday when the Spurs' medical staff determined that Tony Parker's (notes) hip injury was not as serious as some Debbie Downers (see: me) initially feared.

Jeff McDonald of the S.A. Express-News:

Parker's hip injury — officially diagnosed as a mild strain of his left iliopsoas muscle — was no worse than expected. He is officially listed as day-to-day and could be available when the Spurs host Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
The hip first began bothering Parker during a Feb. 8 loss against the L.A. Lakers. He didn't play again until Feb. 17 against Indiana — a game in which he scored 28 points — but the time off did little to quell the discomfort.

Parker missed three of the eight games on the Spurs' not-so-great rodeo trip, including Sunday's overtime defeat in Detroit.

In addition to the ol' hip, Dr. McDonald points out that Parker has battled various sprained ankles and a case of plantar fasciitis in his left foot this season.

His lower extremities hate him.

He's listed as day-to-day, or as the French like to say, "Où est la bibliothèque? Ahh, Géorge Hill. Baguette."

TBJ Ep 519 Jammin On The One

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Monday to Friday, The Basketball Jones look at the big games and storylines from the night before with a mix of in-depth analysis and irreverent humor. As always, questions and comments are appreciated.

On today's show, Skeets and Tas review Tracy McGrady's (notes) return to the world of the living. Are Knicks fans being over-optimistic about his abilities? What does he have to do to best contribute? Does his game detract from David Lee's?(notes) All that, plus LeBron's shot selection, an unhappy Deron Williams (notes) and a look back at a Cosby classic.

Thank you for being a friend! Join The Basketball Jones Facebook page.

Subscribe to the video show on iTunes | Download the .m4v directly
Subscribe to the audio show on iTunes | Download the .mp3 directly

Caron Butler thanks Wizards fans in WaPo

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In a gracious move, new Mavericks forward Caron Butler wrote a "goodbye" letter in The Washington Post on Monday thanking the Wizards faithful for what he called "some of the best fans in the world."

Last week, the two-time All-Star was traded to Dallas as part of a seven-player deal that also sent Brendan Haywood (notes), the Wizards' starting center, and DeShawn Stevenson (notes) south. Washington received party boy Josh Howard (notes), Drew Gooden (notes), Quinton Ross (notes) and James Singleton (notes) in return.

Butler's letter reads as follows:

When you get traded, you don't get time to say goodbye. More important, you don't get the opportunity to say, "Thank you."
Thank you, to some of the best fans in the world. Representing you and representing this city has been an honor I will always cherish.
During my 4 1/2 years as a Wizard, I learned many valuable lessons, especially how to give back to the community. The most rewarding part of my time in Washington was meeting the incredible people of this city, and I will miss you all. Thank you to the countless individuals who helped me with the annual Coats for Kids, the Bike Brigade and my basketball camp. The memories are many and will never be replaced.

When I came to Washington, I dreamed of winning a championship. I thought I would play the rest of my career in this city, retire a Wizard and one day see my number hanging from the rafters at Verizon Center. I have learned that in basketball, as in life, nothing is guaranteed.
Thank you for the memories. My family and I will treasure them forever. Washington will always hold a special place in my heart.

Butler's appreciation for those who supported him throughout his time in Washington shows why he's become one of the most well respected players in the league. Classy move, Caron.

via Dallas Morning News, ProBasketballTalk

Video DeAndre Jordan channels Michael

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Monday's Bobcats-Clippers tilt may very well have been, to quote Dwyer, "an awful, awful, insulting basketball game," but at least DeAndre Jordan (notes) gave us something pretty to look at. Baby steps.

Behind the Box Score featuring four bad bad games

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Los Angeles Clippers 98, Charlotte 94

An awful, awful, insulting basketball game. Both teams played great defense, I guess, but otherwise this was a sloppy, nasty affair. It was sort of the Drew Gooden (notes) of basketball games.

31 combined turnovers for both teams, and it felt like more. Stephen Jackson (notes) missed 15 of 16 shots but was still offering up 27-footers in the final minutes before Larry Brown benched him, the Clippers refused to guard Boris Diaw (notes) at the elbow-extended all night (20, nine boards, nine assists, five turnovers) and somehow it didn't come back to haunt them.

Los Angeles owned Charlotte on the glass, as new additions Tyrus Thomas (notes) and Theo Ratliff (notes) pulled in just six rebounds in 55 combined minutes of play. The Bobcats took away Los Angeles' attempts at running, but the Clippers still managed 28 assists on 36 field goals, a statistic clearly trumped up by the home scoring staff.

My eyes.

***

Washington 101, Chicago 95

Not the prettiest example of pro basketball. Either side had huge defensive flaws that often went unpunished, but a relatively competitive one that saw Randy Foye (notes) do what he does best. Namely, go right.

Go right, get a screen, and either roll all the way toward the right side of the rim for a lay-in, or pull up for the jumper. Monday was all about the jumper, usually you'd call them bad looks, but with the Bulls bigs not closing out and Derrick Rose (notes) remaining a pitiful defender, this is what resulted.

16 points and nine assists for Foye. Andray Blatche (notes) continued to fill in the open spaces, finishing with 25 and 11, while Rose managed 22 and six assists. Hakim Warrick (notes) is a terrible, terrible defender.

***

Milwaukee 83, New York 67

A terrible basketball game. Milwaukee's ability to defend and close out was matched by New York's ability to make idiotic choices with the ball offensively, and the result was New York tossing in 75 points per 100 possessions. I don't think I've seen a team in the 70s this year.

I hope to never see it again. New York looked like the JV crew on an early Friday evening out there, as Milwaukee's Andrew Bogut (notes) managed 24 points, 20 rebounds (he should have had 20 rebounds), and five blocks. 34 percent shooting for New York, more turnovers (14) than assists (10), and the Knicks were nearly doubled-up on the boards. All on a night where New York was honoring the 1969-70 Knicks team that won the NBA championship.

What's the opposite of "gestalt?"

***

Dallas 91, Indiana 82

A miserable excuse for a night out. Indiana could not hit the broad side of a barn for the first three quarters, and that makes no sense. I live in Indiana. There are so, so many barns to practice on. At the very least, hone your craft on the broad side of a Ford F-150.

Only a late surge helped the Pacers avoid the dreaded 70 points per 100 possessions barrier. The squad missed 20 of 23 three-pointers, it managed only four offensive rebound despite 59 combined misses from the field and free throw line, and it somehow looked worse than the words I'm using to describe what I saw.

New Maverick Brendan Haywood (notes) not only contributed 13 points and 20 rebounds, but he made Pacer center Roy Hibbert (notes) look like a kid out there. This was one of Dallas' worst games of the season, and somehow they still managed to win in a walk.

***

Atlanta 105, Utah 100

Fantastic game. Utah may have fallen short in the end, a tough block/charge call turned the tide for the Jazz late and they never recovered once this became a two-possession game, but for it to hang in there against a great Hawks team at home on the second night of a tough back-to-back, without Deron Williams (notes) and Andrei Kirilenko (notes)? Quite impressive.

As were the Hawks. Don't kill them for not destroying Utah without two starters, because Utah would not fold. Joe Johnson (notes) hit a series of tough, tough shots late; not bad shots, and the team kept concentration without getting frustrated at a Utah team that would not roll over.

Al Horford (notes) was fantastic to watch, using proper footwork and keeping Carlos Boozer (notes) (6-11, no free throws) somewhat mitigated without having to push him around. Johnson finished with 28 points on 19 shots, Josh Smith (notes) (18 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two blocks, a steal) was everywhere, and the bench helpers — Jamal Crawford (notes) and Maurice Evans (notes) — played big. The whole team turned it over just eight times in what was a pretty chaotic environment.

Utah worked. Wesley Matthews (notes) played great defense despite Johnson's 28, the team had 24 assists in Williams' absence, and Boozer made up for Horford beating him to the spot by dishing eight assists of his own. Sleep tight, Jazzies.

Suicide lines McGrady hurt Hawks end 17year drought in Utah

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your focaccia bread.

Marc Berman, New York Post: "Uh-oh. Tracy McGrady's (notes) comeback took a troubling turn when the new Knick limped off the court in the final minutes of his second game. The cursed Knicks limped to a horrifying 83-67 loss to the Bucks and were booed off the court by a surly Garden crowd after scoring their season low. McGrady said afterward he knocked knees twice and wouldn't guarantee he'll be healthy enough to face the Celtics tonight in Boston. 'Hopefully it's not sore [today],' McGrady said. 'Maybe I'll lace them up and play, but we'll see. We'll see how it feels before the game.' It was a buzzkill evening on all levels — none worse than McGrady's knees. The Knicks' pitiful offensive showing — 26 points in the second half — overshadowed the warm halftime ceremony to honor the 40th anniversary of the Knicks' 1969-70 championship team. These Knicks dropped 17 games under .500, losers of seven straight — their longest such streak since 2008 — and the fans booed for the game's final minute."

Tim Buckley, Deseret News: "They were up by one heading into the fourth quarter, and led by as many as six with less than eight minutes to go. But there would be no amazing finish this time. No protecting their fourth-quarter lead, something they've done in 29 of 30 such situations previously this season. No heroes this night, not from Utah. Not with starting point guard Deron Williams (notes) dressed in street clothes that looked much sharper than the Jazz without him. And not with starting small forward Andrei Kirilenko (notes), the primary impetus behind their recent run of success, injured and out too. Behind 28 points and some clutch late-game shooting from Joe Johnson (notes), Atlanta won 105-100 Monday night at sold-out EnergySolutions Arena - ending the 36-20 Jazz's four-game win streak, and giving the 35-20 Hawks their first win in Utah since hall-of-famer Dominique Wilkins scored 43 on Feb. 13, 1993."

Stephen A. Smith, The Philadelphia Inquirer: "It's over. The tears. The jogging out to midcourt at the Wachovia Center to kiss the floor to raucous, rabid applause. The crackling voice, filled with gratitude and appreciation for an organization that said, 'You can come home again.' It all ended for Allen Iverson (notes) yesterday afternoon when the 76ers announced that, arguably, the greatest player in franchise history would be out 'indefinitely' because of his daughter's illness — undoubtedly ending The Answer's career in Philadelphia. It wasn't supposed to end this way, of course. Not in Philadelphia. Not for Iverson, and not in the way he is departing. We can listen to Ed Stefanski, the Sixers' president and general manager, tell us that Iverson's departure is in the best interest of the team to allow him time to 'deal with his family with this very serious issue.' But a cricket fan from England wouldn't have a hard time deciphering what's going on here. Iverson isn't what he use to be."

Eddie Sefko, Star-Telegram: "If Brendan Haywood (notes) isn't careful, Mavericks fans are going to start expecting this all the time. The new center put together another titanic game Monday night, which has pretty much been the norm during the Mavericks' winning streak, which reached four with a 91-82 bashing of Indiana at American Airlines Center. Haywood had 13 points, 20 rebounds and three blocks, anchoring the defense and taking advantage of his offensive opportunities. During the streak, he has averaged 12.3 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. The last three wins in the streak have come against Eastern Conference teams. The stakes rise Wednesday when the West-leading LA Lakers come to AAC. 'You got to have a center,' coach Rick Carlisle said. 'Over time, to win championships in this league, you got to have size. Nobody's really won it playing small ball. We know it's important. That's why we got two guys like that.'"

Brian Schmitz, Orlando Sentinel: "The Orlando Magic are a long shot to catch the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference standings and thereby on the postseason seeding chart. But that's nothing compared to the intrigue and possible league-wide repercussions that await. The Magic could do something far more devastating to Cleveland if they catch up with the Cavs in the playoffs again. They could run LeBron James (notes) out of town. Cleveland sports fans are all nervous wrecks wondering if the New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets or Miami Heat might be the team that steals their BeLoved LeBron this summer. The team they ought to be worried about having the most impact on LeBron? The Magic. Magic point guard Jameer Nelson (notes) says the NBA and its marketing machine might want LeBron's Cavs and Kobe's Lakers in The Finals, but he said Orlando looks to 'spoil' those plans. How compelling would it be if James' free-agent future rested on the outcome of a Magic-Cavs playoff series?"

Ira Winderman, South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "Michael Beasley's heart and pride are in the right place. But the reality is he is in a different place than he was at Kansas State and all those other places where he was the featured scorer. With the Heat, he is a Tito Jackson, a supporting player. Just like Scottie Pippen was in Chicago. And Kevin McHale was in Boston. And James Worthy was in Los Angeles. That doesn't mean he can't be great, an All-Star, even dream about being a Hall of Famer. But in the NBA, it's about one player leading. Just as it was with Jordan and Bird and Magic. Just as it is with Dwyane Wade (notes). While others might take the humorous approach, such as Charles Barkley, there is nothing wrong with being a complementary player in the NBA. Those players get complimented plenty."

K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune: "Joakim Noah missed his second breakaway dunk in as many games Monday night in the Bulls' 101-95 loss to the Wizards. But that rejection paled in comparison to the dejection Noah portrayed afterward, when he painstakingly detailed his frustration with the plantar fasciitis in his left foot. 'I don't think the foot is going to be 100 percent for the rest of the season,' Noah said bluntly. [...] 'I have to find a way to play through it, but I don't really know what to do,' Noah said. 'My foot is feeling better than it did three weeks ago. But it's still not 100 percent. They told me before I started playing that they were going to play me 10 minutes a game and see how it feels. It's feeling OK. They don't want to push it too much right now and I have to sit for another three or four weeks. They want me to be ready for when it really counts.' Of course, with such a fickle injury, there is no guarantee when Noah will be fully healthy. The only known cure for plantar fasciitis is total rest."

Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer: "Are the Cavs in trouble? No, they are on a three-game losing streak. They remain a team with the NBA's best record at 43-14. They have the league's MVP in LeBron James. They have three other players who have been All-Stars within the last two years — Antawn Jamison (notes), Shaquille O'Neal (notes) and Mo Williams (notes). This is the only team that has survived the first round of the playoffs in each of the last four years. All that's missing is a championship, and that's where Mike Brown comes in. Whenever a team makes a trade such as Zydrunas Ilgauskas (notes) to Washington for Jamison, it means the coach must adjust. Brown now needs to ask, 'Who are my best players?' A quick list of eight would be: James, O'Neal, Jamison, Mo Williams, Anderson Varejao (notes), Delonte West (notes), J.J. Hickson (notes) and Anthony Parker (notes). Why eight? Because that's the usual playoff rotation."

Mike Ganter, Toronto Sun: "The Toronto Raptors organization owes Rasho Nesterovic (notes) a bonus on his pay cheque. Well, maybe not a bonus, but something for removing a blight from their team history. Since Oliver Miller left the Raptors for good back on Feb. 1, 1999, his name has been in the Raptors record books alongside the likes of, dare we say, more deserving Raptors such as Damon Stoudamire (notes), Morris Peterson (notes), Doug Christie (notes), Chris Bosh (notes) and Jose Calderon (notes) to name a few. Nesterovic took care of that Saturday when he went five-for-seven from the field to surpass the 1,000 field goal attempts as a Raptor and thereby qualify for standing in the all-time franchise leader in field goal percentage. Nesterovic's mark of .545 easily surpassed Miller's mark of .509 knocking the Big O off the perch he has held for far too long. 'I've got no comment on that,' Nesterovic said laughing following practice on Monday."

Fred Kerber, New York Post: "Brook Lopez may have to go a little Norman Bates if the Nets are going to avoid the infamy of the worst record in NBA history. By his own admission, Lopez is a nice guy. But the Nets need for him to get nasty, maybe a little psycho, and demand the ball. Or as Vince Carter (notes) put it last year, Lopez needs to play like a 7-footer. 'That's honestly not my nature. Vince was right in play like a 7-footer. Obviously you've got to be tough and stuff like that, attack the basket,' Lopez said. 'I don't know if the defense changes or I stop fighting for position or what. I just need to establish myself more, make myself more of an option.' Sunday's loss to the Grizzlies was the perfect example. Lopez had his greatest quarter ever, 17 points in the first. By halftime, he had 22 points, threatening his career high of 32 that he set in November against the Blazers, the team the Nets face tonight at the Meadowlands (7:30; YES, WFAN 660 AM). But after halftime, Lopez got just three shots. Yes, Memphis adjusted, but Lopez became just another Net offensively."

John DeShazier, The Times-Picayune: "James Lang. J.R. Smith (notes). Tim Pickett. Brandon Bass (notes). Hilton Armstrong (notes). Cedric Simmons (notes). Marcus Vinicius (notes). Julian Wright (notes). Adam Haluska (notes). Darrell Arthur (notes). The reason so much time and so many words have been spent bashing the Hornets over the team's draft picks since the team relocated to New Orleans in 2003 is because the franchise consistently has been so abysmal at the art form. Re-read the list. That roll call isn't an ode to precision or a flattering testament to player evaluation. Among that crew only Wright remains with New Orleans and if he and the franchise had their druthers, he'd be gone; he all but requested a move this season as the trade deadline neared and, undoubtedly, the Hornets gleefully would've shipped him if they could've found a sucker ... er, taker. But that batting average of 2 for 12 — the two hits being a couple of homers in David West (notes) (2003) and Chris Paul (notes) (2005) — significantly jumped this season. If we're going to call the team's evaluators everything including the devil for the pool of rookie selections from 2003 to '08, then the devils have to be given their due for what happened on June 25, 2009. That night, New Orleans took point guard Darren Collison (notes) with its first-round pick, No. 21 overall. And in the second round it swung a trade with Miami — shooting guard Marcus Thornton (notes), the No. 43 overall pick, came to New Orleans in exchange for a couple of future second-round picks. So far, so good. Very, very good."

Mike Baldwin, The Oklahoman: "Ten-game win streaks aren't rare in the NBA. But they can sure make a team, especially a young team such as the Thunder, feel pretty good. If Oklahoma City beats Phoenix tonight in the Ford Center, it will be the franchise's longest win streak in nearly 14 years. 'It makes all the difference in the world just how you feel every day,' said veteran forward Nick Collison (notes). 'Morale is so much higher. It's a lot more fun to come to the gym and the arena, knowing you've got a good chance to win.' Ten-game win streaks have occurred about five times a season the past three years. Three teams have had streaks of 10 games or longer this season. OKC can become the fourth with a win tonight over the Suns, who will rest star Steve Nash (notes). A victory would mark the franchise's longest win streak since the George Karl-coached Sonics won 11 straight early in the 1996-97 season."

Video LeBron James borderline OCD pregame routine

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

I'm not a doctor, though I occasionally play one on FOX's television medical drama "House," but from what I know obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. If you have OCD, you have repeated, upsetting thoughts called obsessions, which in turn can lead to an urgent need to perform certain rituals or routines called compulsions over and over again to alleviate your anxiety.

Examples of obsessions are a fear of germs or a fear of not winning an NBA championship. Compulsions include washing your hands, excessive vacuuming and choreographed, time-consuming handshakes with Cavalier teammates prior to tossing talc up in the air.

You know where I'm going here ...

Like Celtics' guard Ray Allen, LeBron James (notes) might suffer from OCD.

Might.

Again, I'm not a doctor.

On second thought, I don't know what the big deal is. I start every TBJ episode like that.

via The Hoop Doctors

Behind the Box Score where Kobe is the man

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Los Angeles Lakers 99, Memphis 98

For the last half-decade or so, entering this season, Kobe Bryant (notes) had performed significantly worse than most of his high-end counterparts down the stretch of close games. He got his points, sure, but he didn't contribute as well as his contemporaries, and his points came with an amount of shots that — were you to extrapolate it over an entire contest — you couldn't help but walk away thinking that, overall, he'd hurt his team.

It didn't mean he was bad, it just meant (in comparison to other players that scored nearly or just as much, shot a better percentage, got to the line more, and found their teammates for assists more often) that Kobe wasn't as good as you thought he was. Tough noogies. Deal, children.

This year? The man's been incredible. This is the best I've seen anyone perform, consistently in the waning moments of games (with the possible exception of Carmelo Anthony's (notes) second and third seasons) since Michael Jordan. It's not even close.

The game-winners don't matter to me. It's what Bryant does to put his team in a position to hit those game winners that count. You see, teams are gunning for the champs. The stadium in Memphis was full on Tuesday of punters who had bought their ticket, their one ticket, last summer. For this team. For this player, probably.

And he keeps this team — this formidable team, I submit — afloat. And if it's close, he takes over. He's way down the list of overall fourth quarter points this year because, as I mentioned, he has a formidable team and often isn't needed (sitting out of a blowout, letting his formidable team do the work). But when Kobe's needed to be on, this year, he's been brilliant.

Over the final two and a half minutes of the game, after sitting out the fourth quarter's first eight minutes, he scored nine points. His team's final nine points. He missed two shots, but was fouled on one, and possibly fouled (after stumbling) on the other. Not to make excuses, just to tell you how clearly brilliant and focused this man was down the stretch.

Of course, it's easy to maintain focus when O.J. Mayo (notes) decides to go under screens, allowing you a clear look at the rim. Seriously, O.J.? Kobe Bryant?

It was a competitive second half after a pretty sloppy initial 24 minutes, both teams ended up turning the ball over on 17.5 percent of their possessions, and players on both sides could have played better. Andrew Bynum (notes) had 15 points in half a game but fouled out. Zach Randolph (notes) made 8 of 12 shots, but I counted four long, terrible jumpers that weren't close, and he turned the ball over six times.

A spirited bout. Memphis wanted this. Memphis worked at it, but they're just not there yet.

It's the Lakers. Who is, but them?

***

Cleveland 105, New Orleans 95

I don't know what Marcus Thornton (notes) and Darren Collison (notes) did to Byron Scott's car. Or the rec room he put together in his basement (Scott calls it "The Place To Be"). Or both. Why else wouldn't Scott have played these two last fall?

Thornton had 37 in this game. 37! Brandon Jennings (notes) had 55 a few months ago, but it was in a faster game, against the Warriors, and in nine more minutes. This was something else.

Collison managed 22 and 10 assists, with his usual six turnovers, but despite the miscues, they completely outplayed Mo Williams (notes) and Delonte West (notes) on both ends, and the game essentially came down to an inability to keep Shaquille O'Neal (notes) from establishing good position, and an inability to stop LeBron James'(notes) Peyton Manning impersonation. James just picks people off so well, so damn well. Didn't shoot well, missed nine of 16 shots, but fired 13 assists without a turnover.

Antawn Jamison (notes) had 18 points on 14 shots, with zero turnovers, a line you can just about pen in for the rest of the season. We hope.

***

Phoenix 104, Oklahoma City 102

Kevin Durant's (notes) in the midst of hitting these incredibly shots, he's a good make or two past 30 points, and I'm fawning. We should be fawning. The Thunder are so far ahead of schedule, it's ridiculous. But they also couldn't hit a shot down the stretch. Lesser lights would call it a choke. Those who weren't tuned to ABC when it all went down would point to the way Phoenix worked through screens, contested shots, and secured the defensive rebound. Perhaps I should start comparing these things to movies featuring Michael J. Fox. Then you'll believe me.

30 points on 20 shots for Amar'e Stoudemire (notes), who seemed taller than most, and goodness is Goran Dragic (notes) fast with the ball. Six turnovers, replacing a gimpy Steve Nash (notes), but 10 assists and 16 points as well.

The Thunder defended well, but the team's offense just couldn't put Phoenix away. Mainly because they don't have that fit of an offense. This is on the Suns.

***

Portland 102, New Jersey 93

Somehow, inexplicably, the Nets came back. But they should come back. With that roster, with these players, the New Jersey Nets should be in a somewhat-competitive home contest against a Blazers team playing without Greg Oden (notes), Joel Przybilla (notes), and playing without Marcus Camby (notes) for all but five minutes.

But dig this: Portland turned the ball over just three times. Good rate. Two from Juwan Howard (notes), once from Martell Webster (notes) (who more than made up for it for a nice lob sent LaMarcus Aldridge's (notes) way, after an even nicer feed from Andre Miller (notes), in the second quarter). Three turnovers in an NBA game. Kudos to Portland, shame on the Nets.

54 percent shooting, over 127 points per 100 possessions for Portland. They had their way with whatever part of the court New Jersey wanted to give up. The Nets got theirs, Devin Harris (notes) overcame foul trouble to put up 19 shots and score 28 points, and Courtney Lee (notes) continues his solid February with 28 points in defeat.

***

Minnesota 91, Miami 88

Miami came back toward the end, made a game of things (with plenty of help from the Timberwolves, of course), but even without Dwyane Wade (notes) ... the Timberwolves? At home?

I've been telling you that the Wolves have underachieved all year, and I still believe that, but Jermaine O'Neal (notes) has somewhat stemmed the tide this year. Michael Beasley (notes) keeps taking offense to silly things and improving. And the Heat should have won this one. Or, at least, kept it close throughout.

Minnesota was terrible, too. Jonny Flynn (notes) had five turnovers to one assist, kept getting lost defensively, and twice fouled jump shooters in the act. It was amateurish, for both teams, from beginning to end.

Save for Kevin Love's (notes) 80-foot two-hand pass from underneath his own hoop, off of a made free throw, to a streaking (legally required to call him that) Corey Brewer (notes) for the lay-up. That was worth every penny.

***

Philadelphia 110, Golden State 102

A very fast game, Philadelphia could not miss in the first half, and though Golden State made a game of it in the final quarter, it hardly mattered.

The 76ers are streaky. They've been that way for a few years, it's nothing you can count on (fly the Nets or Timberwolves in tomorrow, a neutral site, I wouldn't bet on Philly), and the Warriors just had to deal with it.

***

Boston 110, New York 106

Early in the game, I was more than a little annoyed at Knicks play-by-play man Mike Breen for pointing out that "the Celtics have yet to get back to playing championship defense," which is one of those things that lazier NBA scribes and television guys like to throw out because it sounds about right, and because so few of their viewership actually have more than a passing clue about the vagaries of the opponents in question.

I don't totally blame Breen for pointing this out. This is the sort of thing that a scout will pass along while scarfing down Key Lime in the press room before the game, or that a head coach will say as an aside (because coaches, since the dawn of time, have always hated their teams), and sportswriters/TV guys have been trumping this forever (go back and read some of those "Scout's Takes" from Sports Illustrated from the last decade or so; you wouldn't trust these guys to pick a rotation on the 1968 Philadelphia 76ers, much less give you an accurate account of the league they're charged to cover). It's where he comes from, though you wish that the guy in charge of the lead broadcasts on the NBA's lead network would at least pop open a laptop once in a while.

Because the Celtics are tops in the NBA in defense, and they've been amongst the top two or three for the entire season. This team is playing knockout defense, nearly on par with what they came through in 2007-08 (this league's offense has improved by a sound jump since then); and if we're talking "championship defense," well, what does that mean? The Lakers won last year, and they finished sixth in defense.

It's 2010, old guard. You have to cross check this [stuff]. You have the time to.

Of course, the Celtics gave up a pathetic 114 points per 100 possessions to a terrible Knicks team soon after Breen's utterance, so I'm giving my two weeks later this afternoon.

New York was quick in getting into its sets, the ball was moving, and shots were falling. They worked toward this, and while Boston took some shortcuts, I give more credit to New York in this one than I'll discredit the C's.

Is this an example of Boston not playing "championship defense," well, how does that work? If the average, at the end of the day, leads the NBA by a sound enough margin? You get the feeling Breen will take Boston's defensive play on Tuesday into his next Celtics game on ABC, and likely into the playoffs. After all, it's a nice tagger as the C's struggle to pull ahead of Cleveland or Orlando in any meaningful way.

Nate Robinson (notes) missed five of seven shots, and it's going to take him a while to find his place in Boston's offense, while getting over the "no, you first, sir" nerves of joining a proper basketball team.

***

Detroit 101, Sacramento 89

The Kings would not defend, and the Pistons hit some un-Piston'y shots. Tyreke Evans (notes) led a late charge, but it hardly mattered. Paul Westphal has a good set of players who clearly care, but they're getting away from him.

The Pistons are a waste, no point in reading anything into this, lest you think that Tayshaun Prince (notes) hitting pull-up 18-footers is the future.

TBJ Ep 520 Cool Runnings

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

On today's show, Skeets and Tas recap an excellent night of NBA action. Why did the Cavaliers switch to a short rotation? Who won the battle between Eddie House (notes) and Nate Robinson (notes)? How did the Thunder let the Suns steal a game from them? All that, plus the inconsistent Nuggets, Marcus Thornton's (notes) big night and Goran Dragic (notes) for Most Improved?

Thank you for being a friend, Bea! Join The Basketball Jones Facebook page.

Subscribe to the video show on iTunes | Download the .m4v directly
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Heat coach Spoelstra has fun with Michael Beasleys Tito label

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Afro or not, Heat forward Michael Beasley (notes) isn't a fan of being called "Tito Jackson" by TNT analyst Charles Barkley.

"It's just disrespect," Beasley told the Miami Herald over the weekend. "No disrespect to Tito Jackson. But the way Charles used it, it makes us feel disrespected, a little underrated."

Barkley, of course, referred to Dwyane Wade's (notes) supporting cast as a "bunch of Tito Jacksons" — the goofy, punch line Jackson of the American R&B/pop super group.

But while Beasley might not appreciate the deprecating "Tito" label, that hasn't stopped Heat coach Erik Spoelstra from having a little fun with it. In fact, he's started using The Jackson 5's 1970 hit "ABC" as the soundtrack to some of the Miami Heat's scouting videos. Bloody brilliant.

"This type of thing is playful, so we've joked about it," Spoelstra said Tuesday night, before his team faced the Minnesota Timberwolves at AmericanAirlines Arena. "I've used it on some films and I've talked about with the group a little bit.
"Ultimately, an 82-game season is long. Sometimes there are different ways to inspire players and it might be a quote."
But Spoelstra said amid the injury absence of guard Dwyane Wade, it is something that also should resonate with his players.
"If you truly dislike the criticism," Spoelstra said, "and you don't like what people are saying about the quote-unquote supporting cast, particularly while Dwyane is out, well, if you want to shut them up, the critics, you do it by winning. That's the bottom line."

Spoelstra might be a Pat Riley disciple, but that's a Phil Jackson move if I've ever read one.

Video Antawn Jamisons protective sleeve dunks on David West

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

To quote Bullets Forever, "I don't think I've ever seen Antawn Jamison (notes) dunk like this before."

Suicide lines Richardson Suns top Thunder Thorntons big Q

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your fries.

Paul Coro, The Arizona Republic: "The last time Steve Nash (notes) sat out a game, the Suns beat the Los Angeles Lakers on March 1 for their best victory of the season. What are the chances of that? Lightning struck twice with Thunder in the building Tuesday night. With Nash staying home to heal up for Wednesday night's home game against Philadelphia, the Suns got 40 quality minutes out of Goran Dragic (notes) at the point, another 30-point game out of Amar'e Stoudemire (notes), continued efficient scoring from Grant Hill (notes) and one heck of a shot from Jason Richardson (notes). [...] Phoenix is 17-2 this season when Richardson scores 20. He also led the team with 13 rebounds. 'He (Sefolosha) took a reach, and I was like, 'OK, I've got to go to the hole,' and as soon as I released it I knew it was going in,' said Richardson, who thought he had not taken a game-winning shot since he played for Golden State three seasons ago. 'It's an incredible win.'"

John Reid, The Times-Picayune: "In front of a crowd used to seeing LeBron James (notes) dominate opponents at Quicken Loans Arena, New Orleans Hornets rookie shooting guard Marcus Thornton (notes) upstaged the reigning league MVP and current scoring leader Tuesday night. Thornton set a franchise record with a 23-point second quarter before finishing with a game- and career-high 37 on 15-of-22 shooting. Despite his career night, Thornton still ended up on the losing end as the Cleveland Cavaliers closed out the fourth quarter with a flurry to defeat the Hornets 105-95 before 20,562. [..] 'I was saying before the game that this might be a good night,' Thornton said. 'Coaches were telling me before the game that I was going to get a lot of shots in transition because the team doesn't get back well. I just took advantage of it early and the shots were going down. But I would have liked to had a W.'"

AP: "Recently acquired center Marcus Camby (notes) had to leave the Portland Trail Blazers' game against the New Jersey Nets with a sprained right ankle on Tuesday night. Camby was hurt when Nets center Brook Lopez (notes) stepped on his ankle as both waited for a rebound a little more than 5 minutes after the opening tip. X-rays were negative and coach Nate McMillan did not think the injury was serious."

Julian Benbow, Boston Globe: "At times last night, Eddie House (notes) found himself joking around with Rajon Rondo (notes) on the court, and at others he was making plays against him. Back at TD Garden almost instantly after being traded from the Celtics to the Knicks last week at the deadline, House got a standing ovation from the crowd of 18,624 fans. 'It was hard to stay serious at times, but it was a lot of fun,' House said. 'I was glad to see those guys. I wish the best of luck to those guys, best of luck to Nate [Robinson, who came to Boston in the deal], and best of success to those guys.' In the first quarter, a video tribute to House was played, flashing moments from the Celtics' 2008 championship run, and House did his best not to look before finally coming onto the parquet and giving a nod to the fans and his former teammates. 'I didn't want to stare at it,' House said. 'I saw it happening and I was getting ready to check into the game so I had to focus on what coach was drawing up. I didn't want to get lost on that and then come out on the floor and don't execute. I saw a little bit of it. That was a class move by the organization.'"

Bill Livingston, The Plain Dealer: "The lesson of Chicken Little is, literally, not to be chicken. The Cavs had three losses in a row until Tuesday night. They had two in a row at the start of the season. And they have a 44-9 record in-between. [LeBron] James scoffed at the whole issue. 'The sky is falling — three losses in a row — there are 82 games in the regular season. There are going to be ups and downs. We've had way more ups than downs. We're sitting here with the best record in the Eastern Conference and one of the best in the league,' he said. Minutes earlier, debris had fallen from the rafters. It was victory confetti, but if you ask around town long enough, it just might have been wine-and-gold-colored sky."

Chris Tomasson, NBA FanHouse: "The trade deadline has passed. And also soon will the flurry to sign players bought out by the March 1 deadline in order to be playoff eligible. But even after that there will be hope for at least one team that needs more depth in the post. Big man Mikki Moore (notes) is on the mend. Moore's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told FanHouse on Tuesday that Moore, who had surgery Dec. 18 to repair a right heel spur, should be fully healthy by mid-March and ready to return to the NBA. 'He's a veteran guy who's got valuable playoff experience, and he can help a team,' Bartelstein said. He can sign with any NBA team until the end of the regular season, and be eligible for the playoffs. If they don't get a big man who gets bought out, the Denver Nuggets are expected to show interest in Moore. The Nuggets, who are looking for addition size for a possible playoff battle with the Lakers, came close to getting Moore after he was bought out last February by Sacramento, but he eventually opted to sign with Boston."

Ronald Tillery, MCA: "Second-year center Hamed Haddadi's (notes) sudden appearance last Sunday has earned him a supporting role. Griz coach Lionel Hollins announced Tuesday night that Haddadi would supplant rookie Hasheem Thabeet (notes) as the backup to starting center Marc Gasol (notes). 'I just made a decision that I'm going with Hamed just like I made the decision that I'm going with Marcus (Williams at point guard),' Hollins said. 'You just feel something and you want to see something and you want to change. You run with it and see what happens. How long will this last? I don't know.' Haddadi entered the game for Gasol with 11:06 remaining in the second period. [...] The 7-foot Iranian displayed an immediate contrast to Thabeet. Haddadi played credible defense against Lakers forward Pau Gasol (notes). 'I want to give Hamed a shot. He's done well in practice. And then he goes in the game and does a little bit better than I expected,' Hollins said. 'I want to see if he can continue to do that. Everybody has to earn playing time. We're at that stage of the season where we've given a lot of guys an opportunity. We need to give other guys opportunities.'"

Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle: "Rockets guard Trevor Ariza (notes) will be out for the remainder of the week, missing games against the Magic, Spurs and Jazz, with a severe left hip pointer. He underwent an MRI on Monday and will be re-evaluated next week. Guard Kevin Martin (notes) will move into the starting lineup, coach Rick Adelman said. Ariza has been battling the injury since Feb. 6 and missed the Rockets' next game against Miami. He left Saturday's game after re-aggravating the injury but returned and played Sunday in New Orleans."

Michael Wallace, Miami Herald: "Despite being around Dwyane Wade (notes) for nearly two seasons, Michael Beasley (notes) could never really appreciate the load the Heat's marquee player carries each night. That is until now. 'It's tough,' Beasley said of being a marked man entering Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. 'D. Wade does this every night. But it's fun. I'm not going to lie. Teams nag you more. They play you different.' Beasley was reminded again how difficult that process is. With Wade missing his third consecutive game to recover from a calf injury, Beasley struggled as the center of attention in Miami's 91-88 loss at AmericanAirlines Arena."

Doug Smith, Toronto Star: "Because coaches and players like to keep opponents guessing in all kinds of ways, the word around practice on Tuesday was that they would wait until today to see if Chris Bosh (notes) can go tonight. Well, let's get this out of the way now: There's a greater chance you'll play tonight than he will. No practice Monday, no practice Tuesday, no game Wednesday. Simple as that. Of course, some miracle could occur but I'm pretty sure it won't."

Jason Jones, Sac Bee: "Spencer Hawes isn't injured. But when he showed up Tuesday evening at Arco Arena, his No. 31 jersey wasn't hanging in his locker. Hawes, the Kings' third-year and sometimes-starting center was inactive for Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. 'I saw where he's having a hard time understanding his role,' said Kings coach Paul Westphal. 'He should understand it (after) tonight.' Westphal said there was no specific reason for putting Hawes on the bench. Hawes has been vocal at times this season about his fluctuating minutes and changing roles. In a story that ran in Tuesday's editions of The Bee, Hawes said this of Westphal's substitution patterns: 'All year we've kind of been dealing with that,' he said. 'When you think you have kind of gotten over that hump, it comes back up again. That's the philosophy, so you've just got to deal with it.'"

Game to pay attention to Lakers vs Grizzlies

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis

Lakers fans always vote the team into an appearance on NBA TV's Fan Night, and why not? They're the defending champs, one of the nicer teams in the league to watch, and opponents gun for them every night out. Throw in Kobe Bryant's (notes) return from injury, the fact that it's going to take bacon to lure Andrew Bynum (notes) out of the locker room, and a desperate Grizzlies team? I like this game.

There will be other good ones. Mo Williams (notes) isn't stopping Darren Collison (notes), so the Hornets should give the Cavaliers a tough one. The Oklahoma City Thunder will go for their 10th straight win (let that swirl around it a bit; it's 2010, not 2013) against the Phoenix Suns, and Nate Robinson (notes) makes his Celtic debut tonight against the team that traded for him, those New York Knickerbockers.

But I'm going to Memphis. The Grizzlies have lost eight of 11, and are in danger of really losing significant ground in an impossibly-tough Western conference. Kobe's back, the Gasol brothers will go at it, and it's safe out there, Andrew, we promise. Kobe promises not to trip.

Comment away.

Los Angeles Lakers: 42-14, 93.6 possessions per game (ninth), 109 points scored per 100 possessions (ninth), 101.9 points allowed per 100 possessions (second).

Memphis Grizzlies: 28-27, 93 possessions per game (12th), 108.4 points scored per 100 possessions (11th), 109.6 points allowed per 100 possessions (24th).

All statistics courtesy basketball-reference.com.

The 10man rotation starring ingame dunkers

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

C: ProBasketballTalk. Who are the five best in-game dunkers in the league?
PF: RedsArmy.com. Is Kevin Garnett (notes) the new Curt Schilling?
SF: First Cuts. This is great: Kevin Love (notes) admits to stuffing the "NBA Jam" roster ballot box.
SG: The Blowtorch. Deron Williams (notes) has some important information he would like to share.
PG: Denver Stiffs. "Nuggstradamus" predicts the remainder of the regular season ...
6th: Raptors Republic. Believe it or not, Hedo is not performing significantly worse than other years.
7th: with.a.why. Check out the updated version of Wyn's slick NBA Player Movement Flow Charts.
8th: CelticsHub. Video evidence that Rajon Rondo (notes) gambles too much on defense.
9th: SRI. Cuban discusses free agency, monitoring players Facebook and Twitter pages and more.
10th: Daily Thunder, via TrueHoop. Kevin Durant's (notes) game is better than his national profile.

Got a link or tip for Ball Don't Lie? Hit me up at jeskeets (at) yahoo.ca, or follow me on Twitter.

Letting Zydrunas Ilgauskas walk

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Every year, for the last five years.

A player hits the skids at the trade deadline, he's either promptly or eventually bought out by his new team and after a league-mandated 30-day wait, he heads back to the team that traded him for a nominal fee.

The point for the team that traded for him is to save money. It's usually a rebuilding team and doesn't really need the extra paycheck for what would be a superfluous player at the end of his career.

The point for the team that traded him away, only to welcome him back, is to win the championship. Pay for the salary to begin with, trade that salary for a player or players making just as much, then paying more salary on top of that in order to win. Win now.

The point for the player is to be happy and win a championship. To possibly give up a little coin in order to wrest a bit of control in a league that can trade him every other Tuesday for nearly the duration of his contract, and win a championship.

And, every year for the last five years, it seems as if the point for sportswriters and fans alike - of teams not directly involved - is to stomp their feet and tell us what a travesty this whole process is. Column or radio or TV fodder for the pros, message-board fodder for the followers. Both haughty, both wondering, good god in the heavens above, will someone think of the salary cap?

Oh, come off it.

I tend to wretch at things that - while completely legal under whatever governing body we're talking about - still come off as tacky and skeevy and skirting societal norms. But for some reason, trading a guy like Zydrunas Ilgauskas (notes) to the Washington Wizards, watching him give back money to help further put the team under the salary cap (Washington's dealing of Dominic McGuire (notes) already put the team under the threshold last week), and letting him walk back to the Cavaliers a month later just doesn't raise my ire.

I'm trying to figure out who it hurts. It appears as if Z's happy, the Wizards are happy and the Cavaliers are happy. I'm not usually one to get too lascivious in these pages, but if a happily married couple were to involve a third party without strings in a moment of heightened intimacy, and each came away happy and without regret, is this something to be tsk-tsk'd?

It's certainly gross and skeevy and icky, but it's not hurting any of us. Just because the neighbors down the block (let's call them, say, "the Boston Celtics") don't like it, it doesn't mean it's wrong, and it's not illegal. And, let's face it, "the Boston Celtics" would do it if they could.

Take away the emotion. Under a collective bargaining agreement that restricts trade, attempts to cap payrolls both big and small, doles out equal portions of a pie that a team from Los Angeles contributes to way, way more than a team from Indianapolis, and generally discourages quite a bit, I'm more than a little in favor of teams and players exercising a little free-will and free trade under the rules in question. I don't think you can term me a full blown capitalist pig, but I kind of like it when people get what they want. Especially if there are a lot of people getting what they want.

This is to say, with a new collective bargaining agreement about to hit the table in 2011 (we hope), I don't want the NBA to preclude what the Wizards, Cavaliers and Ilgauskas are attempting to do right now. I don't understand why we should deny the wants of players and teams currently working under the rules, deny them a bit of happiness just because it sometimes makes some people uneasy.

I don't get it. If you're under the cap or have a giant trade exception, you can get someone like Marcus Camby (notes) for a second-round pick that your trading partner never actually gets. If you're the New York Yankees, you can trade for a stud from Kansas City or Pittsburgh and hedge on giving your trading partners even a top five prospect in your system. If you're a pro football team and you don't like the way things are going, you can rip up the contract that you signed with a player or players.

Not saying that any of these things are inherently wrong. I am saying that, with a little tweaking (let's move that BRI middle ground a little to the left, please), the NBA's collective bargaining agreement is working quite well. Considering the league's third-favorite status. Considering the economy, the TV revenue, and those empty seats. A new CBA won't do much for those realities.

And for those who fill the seats?

If I'm a Cavaliers fan, I want Antawn Jamison (notes). I really want to keep Big Z, but I understand that Antawn Jamison helps, perhaps more than Big Z would. To get Jamison, and eventually get Ilgauskas back? That's heaven.

If I'm a Wizards fan, I want nothing to do with Big Z. Like him, respect him, but want nothing to do with him taking minutes away from the development of Javale McGee (notes) or Andray Blatche (notes). That's where I'm at right now. I know what counts for my team's future, and it ain't Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

If I'm a follower of Big Z, I want him heading back to Cleveland. Where he's always been. And the best chance for him to win a championship. I might like the idea that he can make more money as an Atlanta Hawk, but I want to see him with a ring on his finger, playing a role.

All three of these fans get what they want. The players and teams get what they want. So what if the Celtics or Magic piss and moan about Cleveland getting Antawn Jamison for the last pick in the first round. Haven't the Celtics, with Gary Payton (notes), done this before? Don't the Magic take advantage of rebuilding teams (signing away Rashard Lewis (notes) for little compensation, acquiring Vince Carter (notes) for expiring deals) themselves?

Does it make me slightly uneasy? Sure. It reminds of the other two big sports, and that's rarely a good thing.

But it works, for all involved, it's legal (in my opinion, it should stay legal; freedom to choose terms of employment is usually a good thing), and it's usually forgotten by the time we're about to fill out our NCAA brackets.

Let's, perhaps, forget this one a little earlier this year, OK?

Nellie rips Biedrins passionless play freethrow shootin

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

"Benwallnophobia" (from the Greek: bigben, "Ben Wallace" and phóbos, "fear") is defined as an irrational fear of shooting free-throws. This phobia is often triggered by the mere thought of shooting free-throws or, in some extreme cases, by a photo or video of someone shooting 'em.

Warriors' center Andris Biedrins (notes)? He has "benwallnophiba," according to Warriors coach Don Nelson. Well, that, and AB hides during pick-and-rolls, misses Stephen Jackson (notes) and has played like ass since signing a new, six-year contract to stay in The Bay.

"I've bent over backwards with [Biedrins] trying to be positive," Nelson said after Wednesday's practice. "Whatever he's going through, he's not the same player this year as the last couple — or the same player that got him the big contract. Whatever it is, he's got to get the passion back. I can't do that."

Tell us how you really feel, Don!

"[Biedrins] doesn't really have an inside game that you could go to. When I've tried to go to it to get his confidence up, he hasn't delivered. His shot's not there. There's a way to be involved in a screen and role, and there's a way to hide and not be involved. I think he chooses to hide at this point. We're trying to demand that he get the ball and do things with it and be aggressive."

Nelson suggests Biedrins is tentative because he doesn't want to get fouled and shoot free-throws. As we pointed out yesterday, he's on target to set the record for worst free-throw percentage in a season (minimum 20 shots), held by Boston's Garfield Smith in 1971-72 (19.4 percent).

In fact, things have gotten so bad, Nelson has even tried to convince Biedrins to shoot his free-throws underhanded — ala Rick Barry — because his "over-handed shot is basically broken."

He won't.

TBJ Ep 521 Challengers

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

On today's show, Skeets and Tas dissect the new-look Mavericks. What defensive combo seemed to frustrate Kobe? How will the Wizard additions help down the stretch? Does Dirk own a Roc-A-Fella Records chain? All that, plus a struggling Lakers' offense, Morey bargains and the arena wave — cool or not?

Check out some bonus TBJ footage from our All-Star Weekend interview with Kobe Bryant (notes)!

Subscribe to the video show on iTunes | Download the .m4v directly
Subscribe to the audio show on iTunes | Download the .mp3 directly

Behind the Box Score where we had a busy night

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Portland 101, Toronto 87

They tried. Jarrett Jack (notes) was aggressive, Jose Calderon (notes) did well to move the ball as he usually does (Portland's length bothered some of his usual delayed-transition angles, I'm guessing this was an emphasis), Hedo Turkoglu (notes) finally may have won Tas Melas over, and Reggie Evans (notes) had eight rebounds in 13 minutes ... but Toronto's not going to beat many teams without Chris Bosh (notes).

Just won't happen. Which is kind of a bummer for Toronto because, with Portland coming in on the second night of a back-to-back, the stage was set. Couldn't score enough to keep up, though, despite all the extra chances (Amir Johnson (notes) and Antoine Wright (notes) had 14 combined rebounds off the bench). Extra chances in one realm, I should say. Toronto uncharacteristically turned the ball over 16 times, compared to just six times for Portland.

Portland played 96 minutes of pro basketball in 48 hours, and turned it over nine times. Darren Collison (notes) gets that in 32 minutes.

***

Atlanta 98, Minnesota 92

If Al Jefferson (notes) and Timberwolves center Ryan Hollins (notes) are going to play almost 57 combined minutes and pull in just eight rebounds between them, then that Timberwolves aren't going to have a chance in hell. Wolves coach Kurt Rambis set the cap on minutes at 29 tonight, six of his players played between 27 and 29 minutes, but for some reason Kevin Love (notes) (12 rebounds in 28 minutes) can't get the burn - the star, burn - he deserves.

Kurt, this guy's a star. He averages nearly as many points per minute as Al Jefferson with way more rebounds, but for some reason, five fewer minutes per game. And I don't want to hear about fouls because the guy fouls fewer times per minute than Jefferson, and the Wolves are 5.7 points better per 100 possessions with him on the floor, as compared to 1.7 better with Jefferson. This isn't an either/or thing, either. Or. This is to show you that the same treatment should apply to your other 6-8 guy.

The Wolves are nearly 10 points worse per 100 possessions with Ryan Hollins on the floor. While we're at it. Either? Or.

Atlanta saw Jamal Crawford (notes), Marvin Williams (notes), and Zaza Pachulia (notes) combine to miss all 15 of their shots, and still won because they destroyed Minny on the glass, and got to the line as a result. Josh Smith (notes) had a season high 27 points, that seems low (he hadn't topped 26?), but that also makes me feel good. Josh has become so well-rounded this year.

10 boards, five assists, two blocks and two turnovers for Smoove.

***

Milwaukee 115, New Orleans 95

OK, apologies for thinking that this would be a game, but I was really looking forward to this one, and somewhat disappointed when the Bucks pulled away in the second half. They deserved that pull-away, though, the team's defense improved as the night went on, and though New Orleans' back-to-back legs played a part, I don't think dawn patrol would have to tell me twice that Milwaukee isn't lockdown, defensively. These guys can d-up.

Especially with Andrew Bogut (notes) playing at an All-NBA First Team level.

30 minutes, 26 points, 13 rebounds, one turnover, one assist, two blocks. All sorts of defensive movement. And that's been there, all year. The Bucks just, too often, don't take advantage.

***

Los Angeles Clippers 97, Detroit 91

I guess Rip Hamilton lost the game for Detroit. Possibly. Somewhat. Detroit could have had a chance. I really don't want to minimize 48 minutes of basketball down to three missed free throws but, yeah, those three missed free throws (in the final minute; six missed freebies in eight tries) could have really helped.

An OK game. The Clippers were impatient and chippy as is usually the case, and Detroit's older folk seem to have found the touch (Tayshaun Prince (notes) can't miss on jumpers these days; Hamilton nailed three three-pointers in the fourth), but the Clippers were too tall. Literally, too tall. Drew Gooden (notes) and Chris Kaman (notes) owned this game, working over the top of converted small forwards and (sometimes) shooting guards.

Ben Gordon (notes) had four fouls, three turnovers, and zero points in 19 minutes. This guy can play, and he needs a better fit. At this point, this is just sad.

***

San Antonio 95, Oklahoma City 87

Manu Ginobili (notes) blocked Kevin Durant (notes) in a style that made me gasp like an offended letter-writer on Wednesday night. The play was shocking, dirty in its own right, all sorts of rude and strange and unexpected and clearly R-rated. Manu Ginobili blocked Kevin Durant on a two-handed dunk attempt. It was a red band movie trailer that forced me to type out "5-15-1980" just to watch.

The rest of the game, what I saw, was great. I don't want to put the Spurs down too much, but this was about as bad a spate of defense that I've seen from Oklahoma City this year, and yet San Antonio still managed just under 107 points per 100 possessions. The Thunder kept losing people on back picks and overplays, and yet the Spurs barely won, at home. Spurs prevailed, good on ya, but you never got the feeling that they were anything but a desperate team just hanging in.

Brilliant game for Manu, though. 26 points off the bench, nine boards, four assists, one turnover, two steals and a block in 33 minutes. You saw the block. I don't want to think of a league that doesn't have Manu Ginobili in a significant role.

***

Orlando 110, Houston 92

Houston returned to make a game of this late, somewhat, but the Rockets turned the ball over too much to hang. Orlando was shooting too well, Houston couldn't get enough stops; and though the Rockets announcers kept telling us terrible things about the Magic, you still got the whiff that Orlando knew exactly what was what.

Just nine turnovers for Orlando. Jameer Nelson (notes) (the underrated x-factor that nobody talks about in this league; to me he's clearly the most important non-star in the NBA) made three of five three-pointers, and Dwight Howard (notes) overcame early foul trouble to put together a ridiculous night.

30 points on 11-11 shooting, 16 rebounds, three assists, three turnovers, one block. On da road.

***

Utah 102, Charlotte 93

14 feet worth of Bobcat did not play, Tyson Chandler (notes) and Nazr Mohammed (notes) were out, and the Jazz just bullied as a result. 15 offensive caroms, the Jazz out-rebounded Charlotte by eight, and to me this was the difference. Tyrus Thomas (notes) had 20 off the bench for Charlotte, but he continues to try to make a case for himself as a small forward - just three rebounds in nearly 31 minutes. Not a small forward.

Utah's C.J. Miles (notes) needed 10 shots to score four points, and Mehmet Okur (notes) doesn't like contact (stop with the flip shots), but Carlos Boozer (notes) (13-16 shots) was enough. Kyle Korver (notes) also hit five of six threes off the bench.

I like the fact that teams from Charlotte, Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City, and San Antonio can engage in competitive basketball games with high-end players. I like this league.

***

Dallas 101, Los Angeles Lakers 96

Man, that was a fun game. You likely saw a good chunk of it, and really, I don't have much to add. The Mavericks played well enough at home to win, Los Angeles played the night before, and enough went Dallas' way in the fourth quarter.

Kobe Bryant (notes) missed a few shots down the stretch. Shawn Marion (notes) played fantastic defense, and Kobe played the night before (for the first time in weeks). Both mitigating factors played a large part, though I think Marion played a bigger part. Does this mean Shawn has Kobe's number in a second or third round series this spring? I wouldn't bet on it. I wouldn't bet on anyone having Kobe's number. It was just the case last night. Marion was fantastic.

So was Dirk Nowitzki (notes), and Jason Terry (notes). The Mavs haven't been a knockout offensive team this year, but for some reason I still expect those shots to go in. What got me was the defense, the defense that then allowed Dallas to run its screen and roll attack in delayed transition and put Los Angeles away. The Mavs always look like a 60-win team to me, and though I shouldn't let my own expectations cloud an accurate appraisal of this lot, it was good to see the Mavs play this well.

Beating Los Angeles, by five. At home. On the second night of a back-to-back for El Lay. Nevermind.

***

Memphis 99, Washington 94

As Memphis' legs waned a bit in the middle of this game, the Wizards had a chance. Can't blame the Grizzlies, they played in the middle of the country in one night, then on the Eastern seaboard the next after losing an hour. And they lost a game, yesterday, and about 10,000 fans. Kobe and the Lakers and a thriller, to DC and "the starting debut of Al Thornton (notes)!" the next night.

But Marc Gasol (notes) (hit his first 10 shots) destroyed things in the paint early on, and the Wizards left the door open just a bit in the fourth quarter as O.J. Mayo (notes) helped Memphis pull away.

Andray Blatche (notes) scored 24 points, and he's averaged nearly 25 a game over his last five. There are reasons to watch the Wizards, I mean that. You might think Blatche and some of these youngsters punks, I understand that. You might want nothing to do with a team that has constantly been in the lottery for 30 years, and a front office that pointlessly decided to sustain a bout of above-averageness a year and a half ago.

But some of these guys are fun to watch, and I guarantee you that coaching staff is working its ass off right now.

Memphis? Good win. Find Gasol more often.

***

Chicago 120, Indiana 110

Clearly, Vinny Del Negro's offense is so complicated, that it's taken Chicago more than half the season to finally figure it out, and start piling up the points.

Or, as it was last year, the Bulls are riding an easy schedule, paired with some relative health, some good transactions, and, again, an easy schedule. Chicago's beating the teams they're supposed to beat.

Nothing wrong with that, and sorry for bringing the cold water. Chicago's offense looked terrific again on Wednesday, they played down to the Pacers in the second quarter, but that's to be expected. Derrick Rose (notes) nearly had a triple-double with 23 points, nine boards, and eight assists, and Taj Gibson (notes) registered another double-double. Flip Murray (notes) had a Flip Murray-game, 4-12 shooting, but he also got to the line 10 times. Whoa. What happened there?

The Pacers happened. The Pacers came back, and actually had some chances as Chicago failed to close out on Danny Granger (notes) and Troy Murphy (notes), but the Pacers couldn't string enough scores and stops together. Even with the misses, bad Chicago perimeter D still led to a 13-29 night (45 percent) from behind the arc for Indiana.

31, nine rebounds, four blocks for Luol Deng (notes). That'll do, sir. That'll do.

***

Phoenix 106, Philadelphia 95

No way around it, Steve Nash (notes) should have sat this one out. Abdomen strains don't go away quickly, and the guy (the clearly, alien, "guy") still made eight of nine shots, but this was Philly on the second night of a back-to-back, and Nash should have sat.

20 and 13 for Steve. The 76ers went hot and cold as they always do, and though the score was somewhat close, this was never a game. I watched. Trust me.

Derrick Roses 3D magazine cover

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

FadeAway, the United Kingdom's biggest and only basketball magazine, have taken their print game to the next level by publishing their latest issue, featuring Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (notes), in 3D:

I know what you're thinking, and yes — it comes with the glasses, Beyonce. Relax.

via Pippen Ain't Easy, Docksquad Sports

Video Ginobili blocks Durant and his Jordanlike scoring streak

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We touched on Manu Ginobili's (notes) spectacular "superhero" block in Suicide Lines, but it's really worth seeing in moving pictures — especially packaged with a lil' "Ghostface Ziller" play-by-play:

"The game is winding down, Kevin Durant (notes) has 21, the Spurs maintain a one-point lead. Durant is on the break, all limbs locomotive, sights set on a monster transition dunk for the lead."

Enter Manu.

Of course, Manu's block did more than just prevent two key points: It helped finally end Durant's streak of scoring 25 points or more at 29 games. He finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds, marking the first time Durant has scored fewer than 25 points since Dec. 19.

SL Durantulas streak ends Butler told to leave straws at home

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your egg rolls.

Buck Harvey, S.A. Express-News: "The previous time, Kevin Durant (notes) stood under the basket when Manu Ginobili (notes) flew out of bounds. This was in Oklahoma City. Then, in the final seconds, Ginobili's body was parallel to the ground. Durant watched as Ginobili threw a no-look pass that led to a win. This time convinced Durant. 'He's not normal,' Durant said. San Antonio knew this about Ginobili already. But in a season that's not normal, either, Wednesday brought out the one, skinny, left-handed chance the Spurs have at becoming more than first-round fodder. The evening began without many expectations. All Ginobili anticipated was the residue of the rodeo, but then he came out for warmups, seeing the AT&T Center floor for the first time since January, and he was mildly encouraged. 'It doesn't smell too bad,' he said."

Mike Baldwin, The Oklahoman: "For the first time since a Dec. 19 loss at Houston, Kevin Durant failed to score 25 points. Durant had 21 points through three quarters but went scoreless in the fourth quarter, going 0-of-4 from the field. 'It was good while it lasted,' Durant said. 'Teams in this league are too tough for my streak to continue to go on like it did. It was very cool while it lasted.' It was the second longest streak the past 35 years, trailing only Michael Jordan, who scored 25 or more points in 40 consecutive games in 1986-87. 'Any player would remember something like this,' Durant said. 'Now it's time to regroup and get ready for our next game.'"

Jeff Caplan, ESPNDallas.com: "One of the first things many people noted about Caron Butler (notes) is that he chews straws during games. It became such a hit that a local radio sports talk show host encouraged fans to come to Wednesday night's game against the Lakers bearing straws to show their support for their new Maverick. Apparently someone else took notice, too. NBA executive vice president Stu Jackson phoned Butler on Tuesday and told him to leave his straws at home. Butler did not play against the Lakers due to a reaction to medication, so he was unavailable for comment. But, the Mavs confirmed that the league is serious about outlawing straw chewing. 'It's against the rules,' Mavs owner Mark Cuban said."

Ross Siler, Salt Lake Tribune: "The Jazz were off Tuesday, but Carlos Boozer (notes) spent part of his afternoon appearing on ESPN's 'Jim Rome Is Burning.' The subject of Boozer's future in Utah, not surprisingly, was one of the topics covered in his interview. Boozer was asked how aggressive he thought the Jazz would be in re-signing him this summer as a free agent given the $32 million commitment the team made in matching Portland's offer sheet to Paul Millsap (notes) last summer. 'I hope very aggressive,' Boozer said. 'This is a team that I'm proud to be a part of and I hope it's an option for me to come back and stay. I've made that very clear and I'm really happy that we have a great team, we're a very deep team and we have a chance to stay good and hopefully get better as well. But this is a place I'd like to be and I hope the option is there for me this summer.'"

Todd Archer, The Dallas Morning News: "There was a lot made of what a win against the Lakers would mean for the Mavericks as they get closer to March. To get a win, especially without Caron Butler, who had a reaction to medication he took Tuesday, was a big moment for the Mavs but in the locker room afterward the tone was measured. 'I don't think anybody on this team is thinking, 'Man, we beat the Lakers,' ' center Brendan Haywood (notes) said. 'We expect to win. We expect to win big games. But when we go back to work and practice the focus is on Atlanta.' Rick Carlisle said 'too much will be made of it probably,' so I asked him if he had to deliver that message to his players. 'We have veterans,' Carlisle said. 'I just have to remind you guys.' So the Mavs are on to the next one, Friday at Atlanta."

Marc Berman, New York Post: "Tracy McGrady is sobering up to the realization there may be no fairy tales for him in New York this season. After an intoxicating Saturday night debut in which McGrady racked up 26 points in 32 minutes before an adoring Garden crowd, reality has struck the past two games. McGrady is dealing with a bruised left knee — the same knee that underwent microfracture surgery a year ago yesterday. T-Mac, so brassy in Friday's introductory press conference, lowered his own expectations following his tentative six-point, eight-shot outing in Boston Tuesday, reshifting his goals to staying healthy rather than being the Knicks' leading man. The Knicks are 0-3 with McGrady in the lineup. 'This is just all about trying to get myself back, getting up and down the court, being able to finish this year out,' said McGrady, who is averaging 15.7 points in three games. 'It's really not about my results. This is about physically and mentally getting through this season.'"

Jason Quick, The Oregonian: "Looks like the Trail Blazers signed the right free agent this summer after all. Nearly eight months after Hedo Turkoglu (notes) went back on his word and spurned the Trail Blazers' free agent offer in order to sign a similar deal with Toronto, the Blazers exacted a measure of revenge on Wednesday. And the player who led the Blazers to a 101-87 victory over Toronto was none other than Andre Miller (notes), the player who was not Plan B, but Plan C on the Blazers' free agent wish list. Miller had 18 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, three steals and no turnovers to trump Turkoglu's near-perfect night when he scored 24 points on 8-of-9 shooting. 'Even though Andre may not have been the first choice, it has come down to him being the right choice,' Blazers star Brandon Roy (notes) said. 'The way he has been playing for us, he has been our most important guy because of how consistent he has been.'"

RealGM: "Real Madrid wants to sign Rudy Fernandez (notes) following the current season. Fernandez is reportedly uncomfortable in Portland and would be amenable to a return. Fernandez appeared open to the idea when interviewed by Eurosport. 'Right now, in this situation, I don't rule out anything,' said Fernandez. 'Because I just want to play. I don't mind where.' Fernandez spoke of the difference in not playing beside Sergio Rodriguez (notes). 'Last year we had a different team and at least I had Sergio, who understood my game. I have noticed a change this year. I don't get the ball as much and the system is different.'"

Mark Murphy, Boston Herald: "From Eddie House (notes) on Tuesday to Leon Powe (notes) tonight, the Garden crowd is suddenly toasting former members of the 2008 championship team on a nightly basis. But Powe, with his recovery from knee surgery, is sure to tug at an arena of heart strings. The irony is that the forward, activated for the first time during Cleveland's win over New Orleans Tuesday, could play his first game as a Cavalier against his old team tonight. Powe was admittedly stunned when the Celtics didn't make a qualifying offer last summer, though he recently said he doesn't harbor any ill will. 'It would be nice (just) to see him playing basketball,' C's coach Doc Rivers said yesterday. 'Having gone through a knee injury myself — and he's gone through it a couple of times — I know what he's had to go through. So I'm looking forward to him just playing basketball. To me it will be a success story in a lot of ways, because a lot of people told him he would never be able to play again. When I heard that the first time I said, you clearly don't know who Leon Powe is.'"

Anthony Cotton, The Denver Post: "During the tail end of a practice this week, nine Nuggets players worked diligently in the half court, but perhaps not as hard as the team's coaching staff. One assistant, Jamahl Mosley, was actually a participant in the drill; four others formed a half circle around the perimeter, with a fifth underneath the basket. Throughout the session, each Denver coach constantly hollered instructions, a cacophony of sound that, in more ways than one, explains how the team will cope during the absence of head coach George Karl. Undergoing treatment for throat cancer, Karl will miss his first game since the diagnosis, tonight at Golden State, as well as assorted other games and practices the rest of the season. As the longest-tenured Nuggets assistant, Adrian Dantley draws the moniker of interim coach when Karl is away but has plenty of help around him. The reality is that without Karl, everything about the Nuggets, from when the division-leading team takes the floor to end-of-game strategies, will be very much a collaborative effort. All assistants will have input."

Bud Shaw, The Plain Dealer: "When all is said and done, the Cavs will have traded a late first-round pick for a veteran starting forward who can stretch the floor and provide the second scoring option to LeBron James (notes) on some nights — in May and June if Mo Williams (notes) disappears in the postseason again. As for Zydrunas Ilgauskas (notes), there is no wink-wink deal between him and the Cavs. (Wink wink) Ilgauskas will almost certainly return when the rules allow ... unless there's a 'To-Do' list on his refrigerator that falls into NBA hands — 'No. 3: change furnace filter; No. 4: make prearranged deal with Danny to return' — the NBA can't prove anything. Ilgauskas deserves the support he's receiving in the interim from people who worry the Cavs are inviting bad karma with the release of such a class act. But in practical terms, Jamison will help the Cavaliers' effort to get past Boston and Orlando far more than Ilgauskas would have or will again. So the acquisition of Jamison brought a blip to the regular season. And that's a concern ... why?"

Brian Lewis, New York Post: "On a 5-52 Nets team stumbling toward the worst record in NBA history, there are precious few bright spots or silver linings. But one has been Courtney Lee (notes), both his recent return to form, and all the unseen hard work it took to achieve it. Lee scored a career-high 28 points in Tuesday's 102-93 loss to Portland, the clearest sign that he has broken out of his shooting slump, and interim coach Kiki Vandeweghe said Lee's revival has been more hard work than work of art. 'Courtney's been working on his shot - a lot.' Vandeweghe said. 'And I'm proud of him, because he's a classic example of somebody who just worked himself back into shooting well, into playing well.' In 13 games from Jan. 10 through Feb. 6, Lee averaged just 10.1 points on 43.2 percent shooting. But he has mustered three 20-point outings in the seven tilts since, averaging 16.4 on 48.4 percent from the floor. 'I think it really does help him on the defensive end to play the point guard,' Vandeweghe said. 'He's done it very well, and he seems to always have a good game when we do that.'"

Game to pay attention to Hornets vs Bucks

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This, by the way, is what a full NBA arena used to look like.

New Orleans at Milwaukee

This could be a fun night, and I'm well aware that there are going to be plenty of things worth paying attention to.

Minnesota and Atlanta, honestly, could be good for stretches. Big bodies banging. Ryan Hollins (notes), too! Portland and Toronto might finish with 80 possessions and 220 total points. Memphis and Washington? Why not? Washington's good now, apparently. Orlando and Houston could be a battle, a real "this is important because" match for both sides, something worth reflecting on when it comes time to figure out just how well either team could do in spring.

The Thunder and San Antonio? Tell me that doesn't intrigue. Lakers and Dallas? Always worth it. I almost feel like handing over my badge, gun, and League Pass for not telling you to pay attention. The Bobcats and Utah? Both teams are going to have to turn in their guns before that one. It'll be a battle.

But at this point in the year, even without Chris Paul (notes), even without Michael Redd (notes) (stop laughing, just play along), I'm really interested in the Hornets and Bucks. The bees played last night, the Bucks are coming home from New York, both teams are fighting for their playoff lives, and both teams are coached by men (Tim Floyd, if we're honest, and Scott Skiles) that we've talked to in bright hallways.

Not sure how we lose, on a night like this. Comment away.

New Orleans Hornets: 30-27, 92.5 (17th), 106.8 points scored per 100 possessions (14th), 108 points allowed per 100 possessions (18th).

Milwaukee Bucks: 27-28, 92.9 possessions per game (19th), 103.7 points scored per 100 possessions (25th), 103.4 points allowed per 100 possessions (sixth).

All statistics courtesy basketball-reference.com.

The 10man rotation starring Garfield Biedrins and free throws

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

C: GSoM. Will Biedrins break Garfield Smith's 38-year-old record for lowest free throw percentage?
PF: CelticsHub.com. C's forward Brian Scalabrine (notes) finally gets his "Jersey Shore" spray tan.
SF: Peachtree Hoops. Not so shockingly, the Hawks still don't have an identity.
SG: People.com. The countdown is on for LaLa Vazquez and Carmelo Anthony's (notes) wedding.
PG: But The Game Is On. Top five "what if's" or "what could have been's" for the '09 NBA Draft.
6th: RaptorBlog.com. Why Andrea Bargnani (notes) might not be cut out to be a No. 1 offensive option.
7th: Hoops Addict. A day with the Knicks City Dancers. "Hello!"
8th: The Painted Area. LeBron James (notes) is about to set the assist record for forwards.
9th: NBA Playbook. This site is fantastic: A look at how to come out of a timeout effectively.
10th: Both Teams Played Hard. Run! Polish nightmare fuel!

Got a link or tip for Ball Don't Lie? Hit me up at jeskeets (at) yahoo.ca, or follow me on Twitter.

Video Andre Iguodalas nasty Statue of Liberty oop

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Dunk of the year? Um, no. Not even close.

"Like a flying Statue of Liberty?" Sure, I'll take it.

via The 700 Level

Tracy McGrady is Allan Houston Allan Houston is Tracy McGrady

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

My email inbox is amazing sometimes.

Ball Don't Lie reader Andrew emails: "Saw this thread [Stranger than fiction: McGrady = Houston] on the Sacramento Kings forum KingsFans.com and thought it was funny ..."

Funny? Try creepy. Check out some of the "uncanny" similarities between new-Knick Tracy McGrady (notes) and old-Knick Allan Houston (notes). It's like a freakin' episode of "Lost," man. Who stole McGrady's baby!? Was it The Others!?

• Both players have five letters in their first name
• Both have seven letters in their last name
• Both played with the Knicks (!)
• Both were born in the 70's
• Both have played a full 12 seasons in the NBA
• Both made way too much money playing ball
• Houston's middle name is Wade; McGrady's middle name is Lamar (Um, both Wade and Odom played for the Heat at one point in their careers, I guess)
• In his final season, Houston lost the majority of his minutes — many were taken by newcomer Trevor Ariza (notes); In his final season in Houston, McGrady lost the majority of his minutes — many were taken by newcomer Trevor Ariza

And my favorite:

• Both were 4-for-4 in free throws at an All-Star Game, once

Gasp!

Magic amp Bird doc spotlights hoop legends humanity

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

It's pretty weird to watch a movie on a basketball court. Especially when the court is in a giant arena, the movie is being projected onto a massive screen hung from the rafters surrounded by championship banners, and you're watching alongside the likes of Paul Pierce (notes), Nate Robinson (notes), key members of the Boston Celtics front office and the president of HBO Sports. And especially without popcorn.

But when the movie's a documentary intended as the grand treatise about the rivalry and eventual friendship between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, two of the most iconic figures in American sports history and the guys who are popularly credited with saving the NBA in the 1980s, you just kind of accept that everything that's happening is bigger than you and deal with it. (Still could've used that popcorn, though.)

Slated to debut nationally on Saturday, March 6, at 8 p.m., the HBO documentary Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals features plenty of amazing basketball and insights on the Magic/Bird relationship from former teammates (Kevin McHale, Cedric Maxwell and Michael Cooper), family members (Bird's brother Mark and Magic's sister Evelyn), longtime friends (Arsenio Hall), cultural commentators (Chuck Klosterman) and sports journalists, including ex-Boston Globe scribe Jackie MacMullan, whose recent book on the rivalry was cited by HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg as "an inspiration" for the project during the film's Boston premiere, held Monday night at the TD Garden.

For hardcore hoops fans, there's not much new on-court material in the 90-minute production — you've probably already seen just about all the relevant game footage from Magic and Bird's run of dominance, with the possible exception of some awesome tape of them playing together on the U.S. national team during the 1978 World Invitational Tournament — but that's OK. We could all use a refresher course in excellence, right?

Plus, the off-court stuff is pretty great. Among other gems, we're treated to family photos of Bird and Magic growing up, a hilarious montage of Magic's seemingly innumerable and now cringe-worthy 1980s advertisements, and a great clip of Bird, ever the straight shooter, telling Boston fans where they stood with him during a post-championship victory parade: "There's only one place I'd rather be. French Lick."

(That totally cracked up NateRob, who joined fellow newest Celtic Marcus Landry (notes) in the second row of the reserved center section of seating. Those dudes got popcorn delivered to them during the movie. I'm guessing it wasn't Dale and Thomas brand.)

The documentary offers a remarkable level of personal insight into its subjects. Johnson and others talk at length about the division between "Earvin" and "Magic," the nickname given to him by a high school hoops reporter back in Lansing, Mich., that would eventually grow into an all-encompassing persona.

Evelyn Johnson says she thinks her brother "felt compelled to live up to that nickname ... He had to look the part, play the part." Boston Globe Sunday Magazine writer and explosive Simmons hater Charles P. Pierce says he thinks Earvin, "the smiling kid from East Lansing ... died about 25 minutes after" Johnson's Michigan State University Spartans beat Bird's Indiana State University Sycamores in the 1979 NCAA title game. (For his own part, Johnson seems at peace with the sublimation: "That's probably true, that the Magic ego swallowed Earvin a bit. But that's OK, because I couldn't have won five championships without it.")

Magic's openness is welcome, but also somewhat expected; after all, the man did host a late-night talk show. Bird, though, surprises by shining throughout the documentary, cutting an on-screen figure that stands in stark contrast to the familiar "Magic is the glitz and glamour, Bird is the ... other thing" refrain of the career-long juxtaposition that baselines the film.

"You will hear Larry Bird as you've never heard him before," HBO's Greenburg promised during his introductory remarks, and while that's true, it's not quite in the way you might expect.

While he never fully sheds the reserved persona he's cultivated over the past 30 years, Bird does loosen up a bit, and to great effect. He repeatedly scores laughs with caustic lines — asked how he thought Magic felt after his Lakers fell to Bird's Celtics in the 1984 NBA Finals, Bird deadpans, "I hope he was hurt; I hope it killed him" — and curt observations about the nature of his competitive drive, noting that nearly as important as defeating an opponent is "knowing the other guy's suffering."

Even adjusting for home-court advantage (because you're unlikely to find a more decidedly pro-Legend crowd than the invite-only throng that gathered in Sections 5 through 8 off the Garden parquet on Monday), Bird was impressive. But that he can be gut-laugh funny and has the charisma to command attention, even without a basketball in his hand, didn't feel revelatory — whenever you hear him speak, especially post-retirement, he always seems to come across as a smart, sharp guy, and you've got to figure that a person who has remained famous and commercially viable for several consecutive decades must possess something that continues to draw people.

What does feel new, though, is the glimpse of Bird's raw emotions late in the documentary, during the inevitably wrought discussion of the 1991 diagnosis and subsequent announcement that Johnson had contracted HIV.

Bird starts to talk about how he feels, even now, nearly 20 years after the fact, about learning that Magic was HIV-positive. The look in his eyes makes it seems like he's on the verge of actual disclosure, not the clipped shorthand of barbs filtered through the prism of traditional male emotional responses that he's displayed thus far, even in discussing his father's suicide ("I was mad when I heard about, and I was madder after the funeral. Because I thought he cut out on us in a tough time").

But then, as quickly as he started, he stops. Takes a beat to compose himself. Says, "I don't know." Takes another beat. Continues in a monotone: "I wanted to hear it from him. I probably didn't believe it myself." Then, silence.

It's a jarring sequence, and one of the film's most resonant moments; in a 25-second span, we see a clearer picture of how much Bird cares for Magic — of how deeply their relationship affects him, and of how his own identity would never allow its true depths to be broadcast publicly — than we did in the entire preceding 75 minutes.

Johnson's own discussion of that transformational moment is, obviously, gripping in its own right; the recounting of his phone call with Bird just before announcing his immediate retirement is downright hard to watch.

"You know, when something happens to you, then you find out who really your friends are and the people who really care about you," says a tearful Magic. "You figure, all those battles, all those things we had to go through as warriors, as competitors, as men ... that was the greatest moment for me, too, to have him check on me, to make sure I was OK."

In moments like these, legends cease to be inscrutable mythology. They become three-dimensional, even when projected on a giant screen hanging beneath championship banners from the rafters of a giant arena. They become human, and not only do we learn why they matter to one another; we learn why they affect us so much.

Createacap Anthony Morrow is taking his ball going home

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

I didn't catch all of Thursday night's Nuggets-Warriors game, so I'm not exactly sure what's going on in this photo. Best guesses: Either a) Anthony Morrow (notes) is celebrating a big shot, b) Anthony Morrow is reacting to a horrible call, or c) Anthony Morrow wants his bottle. Best caption wins some milk. Good luck.

After the jump, 'Reke is sailing!

Winner, Jason:
Sorry Thabeet, didn't see you there.

Co-runner-up, indeedproceed:
"It's him again, isn't it, stanchion? I don't know what you see in him. He doesn't care about you like I do. You may protect him from smashing into the bottom of the hoop, but who protects YOU, stanchion? Let me protect you. I won't swear at you before after and during games. I won't ignore you unless a game is on. I won't headbutt you when I get mad or excited or find some kind of novelty prize in my morning cereal. And I promise you this, stanchion, if it is the last thing I do, I will kill Kevin Garnett (notes) for everything he's done to you."

Co-runner-up, Greg:
Tyreke puts his own spin on "Dick In A Box" with the less catchy, but equally intriguing "Stiffy In A Stanchion."

Video Stephen Curry turns The Birdman insideout

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Scott Carefoot of Nothing Easy:

"Remember when all the haters were saying that Stephen Curry (notes) was going to be an NBA bust? Haven't heard from those people in a while, have we? Among this season's rookies, Curry is third in scoring (15.5 PPG), third in assists (5.3 APG), first in steals (1.8 SPG) and second in three-point shooting percentage (.407). While he probably won't beat out Tyreke Evans (notes) for Rookie of the Year, he's got second place in the voting pretty much locked up."

Ronny Turiaf (notes) agrees.

TBJ Ep 522 Sinking Celtics?

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

On today's show, Skeets and Tas examine the flagging Celtics. Is Rajon Rondo (notes) getting too much burn? Can Nate Robinson (notes) be Boston's fourth quarter spark plug? Will they be able to compete against teams with athletic frontlines? All that, plus the Big Z charade, Hasheem Thabeet (notes) gets demoted and a Wanker puts the kibosh on Caron Butler's (notes) odd oral fixation.

Remember: Come back Monday for the biggest announcement in TBJ history! (Spoiler: I'm pregnant!)

Subscribe to the video show on iTunes | Download the .m4v directly
Subscribe to the audio show on iTunes | Download the .mp3 directly

How Kobe Bryant is like a gazelle or something

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

He's known as "The Black Mamba" to most, but Lakers' star Kobe Bryant's (notes) recent "I feel good, I feel like a gazelle" back-from-injury comment piqued the interest of Los Angeles Times columnist Mark Medina. (Well, that, or someone really wanted to go see the llamas!)

Intrigued to answer the age-old question of "What other animals could rightfully be associated with Kobe?" Medina hit the Los Angeles Zoo to speak with two, um, pros. (And you thought I wrote weird posts.)

Here's L.A. Zoo spokesman Jason Jacobs and Dir. of Human Resources Dana Brown on "Kozelle":

Gazelles: They're related to antelopes. They're not heavy bodied animals. They're very fast. They're oftentimes what you see on National Geographic documentaries being chased down by a cheetah. They're thin, tall, fast and graceful.
How Bryant is like a gazelle: His gracefulness. I would liken it to the way he handles the ball and the gracefulness with the way he moves down the court. It's very deliberate, yet graceful. When I picture him running down the court and making a finger-roll layup, that's what comes to my mind.

Fascinating.

To read how tigers, pronghorns and beavers — yes, beavers! — are comparable to Kobe, click here.

Video Kenny Chuck welcome Caron Butler back to the NBA

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

New Mavericks guard Caron Butler (notes) joins Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley in the studio to talk about joining a winning team in Dallas, the chaotic Wizards' season, DeShawn Stevenson's (notes) "wild side" and, of course, "Strawgate 2010" and his old six-cans-of-Mountain-Dew-a-day habit.

Suicide lines Cavs go small ball Griffins knee healing quickly

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your oysters.

Brian Windhorst, The Plain Dealer: "There's a lot going to be made of how well the Cavs played with their so-called 'small' lineup in, which means without a true center and with a lot of quickness. Without a doubt, it led directly to the remarkable second half when the Cavs outscored the Celtics 60-32 and held them to 22 percent shooting. Boston's bigs — the plodding Kendrick Perkins (notes), the knee-hampered Kevin Garnett (notes), the over the hill Rasheed Wallace (notes) and the nimble but not quick Glen Davis (notes) — do not handle athletic opponents well. Anderson Varejao (notes), J.J. Hickson (notes) and even Antawn Jamison (notes) (when he wasn't throwing the ball to the other team) gave Boston all sorts of problems. This, in general, is the lineup that ESPN columnist and Celtics fan Bill Simmons calls 'poop in your pants scary' because of how well the Cavs can play with it. Without a doubt, because of the versatility of LeBron James (notes) and the tremendous shooting ability of several Cavs it can look vicious. Also, they may not be a better big man pick-and-roll defender in the league than Varejao."

Chris Tomasson, NBA FanHouse: "Hey, if the Los Angeles Clippers make the NBA Finals, perhaps Blake Griffin (notes) will be available. We all know that's not going to happen. But Griffin, the Clippers forward who is out the entire season and had Jan. 20 surgery to repair a broken left kneecap, had encouraging information Thursday when asked when he will be back to 100 percent. 'Probably sometime in like May,' Griffin, the NBA's No. 1 pick last June, said in an interview with FanHouse. 'At least I'll be able to do workouts without restrictions.' When Griffin underwent surgery, the Clippers projected he would be out four to six months. Although Griffin later said he didn't know it will be May for sure and Clippers coach Kim Hughes said "June would be more realistic,'' it at least shows the possibility of Griffin being in good shape when the Clippers draft again in the lottery. 'I'm doing rehab and trying to get back and get ready to take that first step,' Griffin said. 'We're kind of taking it week by week. There's no reason to rush. It's not like I have to be back at a certain point. I'll have all summer to work out.'"

Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel: "Seriously, you know what's amazing? That three columnists all criticized [Dwight] Howard within days of each other — during the same time frame when the Magic's magnificent big man was named the NBA's Player of the Week. It's mystifying. It's logic-defying. They call him an underachiever. They call him a puppy dog. They call him a paper tiger. They ought to be calling him an MVP. But they won't, you see, because that would be NBA blasphemy. As Magic coach Stan Van Gundy points out, 'It's over. LeBron's going to get the award.' This is no knock on LeBron; he is certainly worthy of the MVP. He leads the league in scoring and has led the Cavs to the best record in the NBA. All I'm saying is Superman deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the King by the nation's media. I can understand NBA fans being blinded by the endless LeBron lovefest and eternal highlight loop on ESPN, but you'd think the media would be a little more discerning. You'd think the media would have a bit more historical perspective and appreciate that Dwight is on the verge of doing things that have never been done in the NBA."

Frank Dell'Apa, The Boston Globe: "The Cleveland Cavaliers did not seem to need Shaquille O'Neal (notes) in the lineup last night. The Cavaliers were trailing the Celtics by 11 points before O'Neal sustained a right thumb sprain early in the second quarter. After that, Cleveland outscored the Celtics, 77-46, on the way to a 108-88 victory. But, even though the Cavaliers' offense seemed to be moving in slow motion, their defense shackled with O'Neal, they are eager for him to return, according to LeBron James. 'We play faster without Shaq in the lineup,' James said. 'We run into more pick and rolls. But Shaq, we need him out there. He's going to take as much time as he needs to get back. We need him out there because, in the playoffs, you can't play fast all the time, you have to be able to slow down and execute in the half court and that's what he gives us.'"

Charles F. Gardner, Journal Sentinel: "Remember Allen Iverson's (notes) famous tirade about practice? He would have loved the situation [John] Salmons has faced since joining the Bucks in a deal with Chicago last week. Salmons has been with the Bucks for seven days and has yet to go through a true practice session. But it hasn't mattered too much as the 6-foot-6 guard has played a key role in the Bucks' recent surge. Salmons had 18 points in the Bucks' 115-95 victory over New Orleans Wednesday, his second game in the starting lineup after coming off the bench in his first two games with Milwaukee. 'The next time on our schedule where we could have some sort of meaningful practice is Tuesday,' Scott Skiles said. 'We'll do something (in Miami) tomorrow. We may not go to the gym; guys may be getting their lifts in or whatever. We're interested to find out some more things John could do once we have more time in the gym. We've got to just wait, and until then we have to do the best we can. He's certainly doing a nice job.'"

Mike Monroe, S.A. Express-News: "Manu Ginobili, the beating heart of a four-time NBA champion, has declared he feels like, well, Manu Ginobili (notes). The importance of such self-actualization can't be overstated for a team that will play the Rockets at the Toyota Center still seventh in the Western Conference. 'I feel great, and I bet you can tell,' Ginobili said after submitting Exhibits A through Z in a Wednesday night victory against the Thunder. The performance gave every Spur aboard the short flight to Houston reason to believe a late-season surge is possible. The 32-year-old guard scored 26 points Wednesday, his second-highest output of the season and his sixth game with at least 20 in the past nine outings. Ginobili's season has been a four-month search for the lift in his legs that made him a 6-foot-6 highlight reel for most of his eight seasons as a Spur."

Tim Cowlishaw, The Dallas Morning News: "A Superman imitator in our midst? [Brendan] Haywood really does look like the key to the deal, at least for now. You have to think that [Caron] Butler, a career 44 percent shooter, will find that shooting touch. At that point, this deal becomes the kind of thing that puts Dallas on a level floor with Denver for the No. 2 spot in the West. Meanwhile, long-suffering Wizards fans already have seen Drew Gooden (notes) go to the Clippers and Josh Howard (notes) lost for the season with a knee injury. This wasn't a trade, it was a heist. Oh yeah, steals. The Mavericks are fifth in the league (8.6 per game) in this five-game stretch. A team trying to establish its identity following a roster-changing trade is doing it with defense. This is new for the Mavericks. This is a good thing."

Mitch Lawrence, New York Daily News: "In three games as a Knick, Tracy McGrady (notes) has understandably been a shadow of the player who once made All-Star teams nearly as easily as he made baskets. But as bad as he's looked at points in his first sustained action in over a year, it might get worse. Drawing on what he saw in Phoenix when he coached Amare Stoudemire, who also underwent microfracture knee surgery, Mike D'Antoni expects McGrady to struggle even more before he turns it around. 'What happens is that you start off at a higher level and then you go down into a trough and then you work your way back up.' D'Antoni said after practice in Greenburgh Thursday. 'So I would expect him to even go down some. I hope not. But that's very possible.'"

Al Iannazzone, The Record: "Here's breaking news: Athletes, coaches and executives don't always tell the truth, shocking as it may seem. But their words make for good newspaper stories, blogs, weekly Page 2 columns, comments on Web sites and debates among sports fans. This is what will happen when the Nets or any team signs a free agent this summer. The team will say the player was their top choice — even if he wasn't. The player will say this is the team he wanted to be playing for all along, and he'll rattle off the names of the other players on the roster. All the teams with money — the Knicks, Nets, Heat, Clippers, Bulls — have something to offer other than millions. They have location and more millions in marketing potential. If the Nets get the No. 1 draft pick, that would help their pitch. But just know that the player will go where he makes the most money and has the best chance to win -- in that order. Then he'll say it had nothing to do with the money."

RealGM: "Kings forward Jason Thompson (notes) will miss up to two weeks with a lower back injury. Sacramento announced on Thursday that X-rays determined Thompson has two fractures in his lower back. Thompson is averaging 12.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game this season."

Ailene Voisin, The Sac Bee: "I heard from several Rush Limbaugh fans today, mostly chiding me for referencing him in my column about Paul Westphal's decision regarding Spencer Hawes (notes). For those who might not have been following the drama, Westphal placed Hawes on the inactive list Tuesday after the third-year center voiced his frustration about roles, rotations, and substitutions. Of course, Evans and Sean May (notes) voiced very similar comments, and neither was punished. Westphal explained that May apologized, Evans was only speaking in generalized, and .... well, he just seemed ticked off at Spencer. I wrote that it was surprising that Westphal, who is a friend of right-wing blowhard Rush Limbaugh, would attempt to muzzle a player, especially since all of the player comments were relatively mild and matter-of-fact. Anyway, to set the record straight, if Westphal and Keith Olbermann were buddies, I would have offered a similar comment about the bombastic left-wing talk show host. While I thoroughly enjoyed an intelligent, enlivened, provocative discussion — we are all about passion here — if I wanted to be lectured or yelled at, I'd re-enroll in my Catholic grammar school."

Sid Hartman, Star Tribune: "The Wolves have won only 14 of 59 games this season, and while their attendance is up over last year's anemic figures, the team expects to lose close to $25 million, and some of the minority owners would like to sell the part of the team they own. However, owner Glen Taylor said he doesn't have any thoughts of either selling or moving the team, and he is confident that the present management will eventually have the Wolves competing with the best teams in the NBA. [...] Taylor confirms that the Wolves will be part of teams in the NBA that will lose a total of $400 million or more this season. About the new management, Taylor said one of the things he is most happy about is the hiring of David Kahn as president of basketball operations and Kurt Rambis as coach. 'Yes, I'm pleased with both David and the coaching staff. I just think they've been very patient,' Taylor said. 'They said to me: Give us a year to look at these guys and let us do an evaluation and let's see if we can get them to improve. My expectation is that when we get to the end of this season, they will make some changes and they'll be comfortable with some of the guys.'"

K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune: "Taj Gibson routinely is one of the first Bulls to arrive at the Berto Center for practice, and his initial move is to check the NBA standings. 'I want to experience the playoffs and see how I fare in that atmosphere,' Gibson said Thursday. 'That's all I'm focused on. (Joakim Noah (notes) and Derrick Rose (notes)) have told me it's 100 times more competitive every game and it means so much for the development of young players.' Coach Vinny Del Negro routinely is one of the first Bulls to arrive at the United Center on game days, and once the game starts, his initial move often is to call a play for Gibson. 'I like to get rookies' confidence going right away,' Del Negro explained. Told that Gibson, 24, hardly acts like a rookie, Del Negro smiled. He knows."

Game to pay attention to Cavaliers vs Celtics

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Yes, that's Bill Laimbeer. Pre-European tour, post-Notre Dame. All man.

Cleveland at Boston

I'm not concerned with the fact that Paul Pierce (notes) will be out of action tonight. I'm bothered by it, it's always lovely to see fantastic basketball players play fantastic basketball, but I'm not concerned. As much as the Cavaliers have dominated Pierce over the last year or so, I still think the C's can mount a run.

Listen, the team is old. It's fading. It's understaffed. It's underfed. It's slow, it's thin, it's old, it employs Michael Rapaport+12 inches. But I'd be a fool if I put anything past the Celtics, even if they're without the team's heart, soul, scorer, and (with Kevin Garnett (notes) post-Utah) best player.

That doesn't mean Milwaukee and Indiana won't be a good game. The Pacers and Bucks like to run, even if they don't score properly. And the Nuggets and Warriors should run along the same lines - lots of running, even if Denver tops the thing by 20.

Comment away. You'll be sorry if you don't.

Cleveland Cavaliers: 44-14, 91 possessions per game (25th), 111.2 points scored per 100 possessions (fourth!), 103.9 points allowed per 100 possessions (ninth).

Boston Celtics: 36-19, 91.8 possessions per game (22nd), 107 points scored per 100 possessions (13th), 101.7 points allowed per 100 possessions (first).

All statistics courtesy basketball-reference.com.

The 10man rotation starring the Bulls twoheaded PG monster

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

C: Empty The Bench. Two point guards are better than one in the Bulls' starting backcourt.
PF: The New York Times. Walt Frazier is livin' the life in beautiful St. Croix.
SF: By The Horns. Hunting can wait; Brad Miller (notes) might play basketball forever.
SG: Hardwood Paroxysm. Haberstroh: Are rookies better finishers in their sophomore year?
PG: ClipperBlog.com. A fascinating exchange between Baron Davis (notes) and Donald T. Sterling.
6th: The Sports Guy. Bill Simmons has a fan-friendly solution to fix the NBA.
7th: ProBasketballTalk. Scott Skiles values playoff experience over lottery picks.
8th: RU. Report: The Grizz will assign second overall draft pick Hasheem Thabeet (notes) to the D-League.
9th: TheKnicksBlog.com. The Knicks rebounding is, well, pretty darn offensive.
10th: Sports Pickle. "With nearly half his league's teams reeling from massive operating losses, NBA commissioner David Stern today declared that he would begin charging both players and fans for free throws."

Got a link or tip for Ball Don't Lie? Hit me up at jeskeets (at) yahoo.ca, or follow me on Twitter.

Pistons trainer banishes Nike Hyperize sneakers

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Arnie Kander, the Detroit Pistons' longtime strength and conditioning coach, says he's never seen as many ankle, knee and groin injuries as he has this season. And he's not kidding. From opening night to mid-December, three different Pistons guards — Richard Hamilton (notes), Ben Gordon (notes) and Will Bynum (notes) — all missed time thanks to buggered ankles. What's that sayin'? Two's a coincidence, three's a trend.

So, like any good NBA trainer who moonlights as a private investigator, Kander donned his deerstalker hat and overcoat, smoked a pipe, and quickly figured out that it was a specific brand of sneakers — *COUGH* Nike Hyperizes *COUGH* — that were making the Pistons' ankles go lame.

Case closed; shoes banned.

"I'm not going to name the brand of shoe it was [Ed. note: Woops!], but it has been banned from our locker room and the guys aren't allowed to wear it," Kander said. "These shoes had taken most of the support out of the sides and it was a lighter shoe. Most basketball shoes weigh between 1.4 and 1.7 pounds."
"These shoes were weighing 0.8 pounds, which was way too light as far as side support. Since we've banned the shoe, knock on wood, we haven't had any ankle sprains. Hopefully, the good Lord willing, we won't have any more and we can finish the season healthy and see what these guys can really do.

Kander, who once referred to current basketball shoes as glorified "moccasins," takes his players ankles very serious. In fact, the Pistons actually fine members of the team who don't tape their ankles because it has shown to be so effective in preventing injury. Kander's hardcore — his ankles have mustaches.

Note: I can't for the life of me find a photo of Hamilton wearing the aforementioned Hyperize kicks. Sneakerhead, and Kix in the City CEO, Rich MaZe Lopez says Rip, being a Jordan Brand athlete, rocks only Air Jordan retros or Team Jordans. Can we blame Michael, too, Kander?

Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
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Createacaption What about Reke?

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

"Dr. Marvin, guess what? Ahoy! I sail, I'm a sailor, I sail! Isn't this a break through, that I'm a sailor? I sail! I sail now!" Best caption of Kings rookie Tyreke Evans (notes) "sailin' the stanchion" wins a life preserver. Good luck.

After the jump, Harrington plays hide-and-go seek.

Winner, Cursor:
The crowd watches in awe as Spike Lee hangs from the rafters, demanding to see a basketball team.

Co-runner-up, Certified:
"Welp, those horrible stats on an equally horrible team just killed any hopes for a next big contract for me. Might as well suffocate myself now. One nostril at a time ..."

Co-runner-up, B.How:
Sigh. I should have been a ninja.

Well this sucks NBA bans Caron Butler from chewing straws

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

If you've followed the NBA blogosphere with any interest over the last three years, you know that newly-acquired Dallas Mavericks guard Caron Butler (notes) likes to chew on plastic straws.

Dan Steinberg of The Washington Post did a Pulitzer-worthy exposé on "The Straw Man" in 2007, citing Butler's favorite straws (McDonald's, Burger King), how many he goes through a game (believe it or not, 12!), and when and why it all started (he switched from toothpicks to straws back in '98). Fascinating read.

But, today, the chewing stops.

As first reported by DallasBasketball.com, and confirmed by ESPN Dallas, the NBA has ordered Butler to stop chewing straws on the court.

Pour out a little Mountain Dew, friends.

NBA executive vice president Stu Jackson phoned Butler on Tuesday and told him to leave his straws at home. Butler did not play against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a reaction to medication, so he was unavailable for comment.
But the Mavs confirmed that the league is serious about outlawing straw chewing.
"It's against the rules," Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said.

The NBA's official explanation: it's a "safety issue." League spokesman Tim Frank told Tom Ziller of FanHouse that Butler can chew all the straws he wants on the bench — just not any during game play.

This, of course, makes sense. I mean, chewing on plastic straws while running and jumping is definitely a choking hazard. I don't need kids who swallow LEGO blocks like grapes to know that much.

But the real question is why the ban now? Butler's been chewin' for years. To quote his teammate Brendan Haywood (notes), "If he ain't choked by now, he ain't gonna choke." The Baseline must be right — David Stern's only course of action to swing the balance of power back to his Lakers ratings darlings was to deprive Butler of his precious straws. Crafty move, Stern. Crafty move.

And hey, one more question: When's the league going to ban Cavaliers superstar LeBron James (notes) from chewing on his fingernails during games? That's dangerous and disgusting.

Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
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Kareem AbdulJabbar does not like your tattoos

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Back in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's day, you didn't have tattoos unless you were a sailor. It just wasn't done. That's why, while watching Sunday's Lakers vs. Nuggets game, the NBA legend proclaimed his distaste for inked up arms.

Get those tattoos off your arms, almost every player in the NBA! Only players who were in the Navy can have tattoos, just like David Robinson.

Wait. That's not right. He didn't have any tattoos. This argument is erroneous.

C'mon, Kareem. Tattoos are today's version of a beard in the 1970s. Everyone has them, and a lot of them are pretty cool. The Nuggets just so happen to have the market cornered on bad neck ink.

On the other hand, maybe Kareem has the right idea. Based on his famous jacket, he obviously knows what he's talking about style-wise. I'm going to go get my tattoos removed.

(h/t OC Register)

Should Michael Jordan rename the Bobcats?

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Over the weekend Michael Jordan bought himself a nice little belated birthday present — the Charlotte Bobcats. Seems like a nice gift, right? But almost immediately, Jordan will be presented with the franchise's most pressing issue.

If Michael Jordan listens to his customers, and potential customers, he'll seriously consider a name change from "Bobcats" once his purchase of Charlotte's NBA franchise is complete.

This makes sense, considering the Bobcats were named after soon-to-be former owner Robert Johnson. Plus, not a lot of people like the name in the first place. In fact, since the sale, the Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell has been getting emails calling for a new moniker.

Back when the franchise was created, they had to choose between three nicknames — Bobcats, Flight and Dragons. Considering the choices, Bobcats might have been the lesser of the three evils. It's pretty obvious they're going to need our help.

Here's some suggestions to get started:

- Michaeljordancats: Keeps with the tradition of naming the franchise after its owner.

- Sonics: Hey, it's available.

- Mints: Refers to the Charlotte Mint, which was founded in 1837 after that nation's first gold rush. They'd have to wear those green jerseys all the time though.

- Limoges: This is a shout-out to one of Charlotte's sister cities in France. It has the added benefit of keeping Boris Diaw (notes) happy, which means it'll keep Boris Diaw skinny, which means it'll keep Boris Diaw good at basketball.

- Grahams: Charlotte is the birthplace of evangelist Billy Graham, and giving him a nod would be great for the rabid Christian fan base that's so important in that region.

Admittedly, these are all terrible nicknames. But surely, the combined power of the Internet can come up with something good. So let us know in the comments. Together, we can remedy this problem.

Video Jason Richardson duffs a dunk

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Remember in 2002 when Jason Richardson (notes) won the dunk contest? That was neat. Then remember a year later, when he won it again? That was one of the better performances ever. Let's all agree that Jason Richardson is good at dunking.

Keep that in mind, because last night's Jason Richardson dunk was another worthy of his canon, only for completely different reasons.

Yikes, Jason Richardson. You just missed a wide open, game-tying dunk.

Against your rivals. In the fourth quarter. With 40 seconds left.

But it's not as bad as it seems. That missed dunk probably still would have won him this year's dunk contest.

Behind the Box Score where Suns/Spurs equals pointless/classic

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

San Antonio 113, Phoenix 110

The Suns and Spurs won't be winning any championships this year, unless something rather drastic happens. There's a sound chance that neither team will make it out of the first round, and if a lower-rung team gets hot and the Suns run cold, Phoenix might not even make the postseason. But Sunday's turn, working against the backdrop of the whole of North America prepping for the greatest hockey game they were ever to have watched (a game that, incidentally, turned into the greatest hockey game they were to have ever to have watched), still entertained like few others we've seen this year.

Mainly because, for whatever reason, neither side could stop the other. Amar'e Stoudemire (notes) played like we were in an era where it seemed like an iffy idea to have a former Daily Show correspondent recreate the David Brent character that few in this continent had heard of, a true throwback game that saw him waltzing all over the Spurs as he did back in 2005. He scored 41 points, a season-high, including something done to Richard Jefferson (notes) that really shouldn't be talked about in polite circles.

Steve Nash (notes) had 18 and 11, and Channing Frye (notes) made three shots, all outside the arc. For some reason, the Spurs double-teamed Frye in the post in the fourth quarter. I have no idea why, and he passed out to Jason Richardson (notes) for a three-pointer. Because I like all the people I just mentioned, this is important.

Mainly because Richardson missed a dunk in the final couple of minutes that really could have made this a cracker, or at least a one-possession game, late. And then, in the game's final possession and with the Suns down three, Nash decided to pass off (silly) to what we're hoping he saw as Channing Frye behind the three-point arc (seriously, Steve? Didn't look it to me), and there was no reason in the slightest for Frye to be within the three-point arc with the Suns down three.

So, yeah, screwups. Still a fantastic game. Richard Jefferson had the baseline touch working, Tim Duncan (notes) destroyed Robin Lopez (notes), and you wouldn't be wrong in hoping for a best-of nine play-in series between these two for the, I dunno, seventh seed.

Jason Richardson: "I don't like to miss dunks." Yeah. Some boat, brah.

***

Dallas 108, New Orleans 100

Maybe I'm just smitten with the way he wrangled Darren Collison (notes) and Marcus Thornton (notes) from the same draft. It allows me to look past the James Posey (notes) signing. Then again, he turned Tyson Chandler (notes) into Emeka Okafor (notes). Geesh. The guy's on a roll.

I wasn't upset with the way Jeff Bower's team played defense in the first half. Or, more accurately, I wasn't upset with his lack of upset-ness (fake words!) regarding the way the Hornets played D in that first half, a half that saw the Mavericks fall one jump shot short of hitting 70 points.

Bower didn't stomp and sweat. I've seen him stomp and sweat after blown calls, it's in him, but he didn't waste that energy on a Hornets team that was getting trashed by a Mavs squad that couldn't seem to do anything wrong. Whatever he said at halftime worked, and New Orleans came back to make this a game. The Mavs prevailed, Rick Carlisle (who is fantastic) saved the whole Caron Butler (notes)-on-Darren Collison thing until the final minutes, but I have quite a bit of respect for both of these teams and both of these coaching staffs. Even if it did feel like one team was being awesome while the other was playing (being, living) terribly.

Collison was fantastic, in the loss. He blew the game with a late turnover -- he's got a thing for miscues that only Tony Allen (notes) can approximate -- but he also gave Dallas 35 points. Absolutely took it to them. David West (notes) missed 12 of 15 shots (with four turnovers, rare for him) despite his six assists, and the Hornets just couldn't make up for that terrible first half defense.

Despite terrible second half offense, the Mavs still managed 31 assists and over 117 points per 100 possessions. Dirk Nowitzki (notes) ... come on. I just read the line.

Thirty-six points, eight rebounds, seven assists, zero turnovers. Come on, Dirk. Seriously.

***

Los Angeles Lakers 95, Denver 89

Not as artsy a back-and-forth as the Suns/Spurs. The Nuggets and Lakers might very well be the two best teams in the NBA by the time they meet in late May for the Western Conference championship, but this mess was incredibly ugly.

The Lakers had 14 first half turnovers, and yet the Nuggies led by only nine at the half. Denver had eight turnovers in the first 24 minutes, and ended up adding 12 more in the second half. The Nuggets shot 40 percent in the first half, and finished the game shooting just under 36 percent. Clearly the Lakers defense was a bit of a concern. It kind of dominated things.

Good thing(s), because Kobe Bryant (notes) was off. He managed to worm his way inside the Laker offense as a whole, finishing with 12 assists, but he missed 14 of 17 shots and never really "went Kobe." Meanwhile, Carmelo Anthony (notes) had eight turnovers and was needlessly fouled out by two terrible fifth and sixth foul calls, my housesitting venture (at a trained chef's house) went awry, and a bad time was had by all. Then USA lost in overtime.

Lamar Odom (notes) had 20 and 12 in a win the Lakers should be proud of, despite all the nasty bits.

***

Atlanta 106, Milwaukee 102

Though I don't want you to think it a fluke that Atlanta won, it was almost a shame that either team had to win this game. A close match, an entertaining match.

The Bucks didn't foul, which is rare for them, and the Hawks crashed the boards. Both teams seemed to do everything right, and for whatever reason, Atlanta slightly pulled away late in overtime. Joe Johnson (notes) the hero, again, but not before the Bucks nearly won their seventh road game in a row, with Andrew Bogut (notes) acting every bit the Dwight Howard (notes)-type in the paint.

Also, John Salmons (notes)? I'd put LeBron James (notes) ahead of him in the reverse department, and that's probably it. Nobody uses the baseline as well as Salmons (32 points in the loss) in a pinch, nobody uses the rim as a shield as well as him, and LeBron only gets the nod because he could probably take off from where the photographers sit and dunk with two hands while wearing lederhosen. Pound for pound, vertical-for-vertical, Salmons is the man.

***

Sacramento 97, Los Angeles Clippers 92

It's like, a friend of yours likes jazz a great deal - "appreciates" jazz, is probably the better phrase - and you listen to him talking about it throughout the week. How he has all these albums, how he was listening to a few the other day and, man, "I forgot how much I love this stuff." And he's talking up Wayne Shorter as if his car's CD player wasn't full of the White Stripes and Dracula Fortnight or whatever the kids listen to these days.

It's a point of emphasis, clearly. Like someone embracing their heritage, you go over to his house, and all he's cooking is things his grandmother would have stirred up. All jazz. End of the week hits, you go over to his house for a little pre-drink before you hit the pubs, and he has four Horace Silver CDs on random. Nothing wrong with that, but it feels like a bit of a stretch.

The Kings are into defense, now. They were talking it up before the game, they showcased it for the first half Sunday night, and for goodly parts of the fourth quarter. The Clippers alternately care and don't care, usually the latter, but because they're talented they were able to make a game of this late. But the Sacto D won out. Because they made a point of it.

The key here, for the Kings, is what happens when the pub closes. When you go back to your mate's house, and what is he putting on? Bill Evans? Or something from the Native Tongues movement? Sure, he'll tell you about all the jazz samples, but his devotion to jazz will become clear when he's sloshed and only wants what makes him, immediately, happy. And while there's nothing wrong with a little hippity-hop at four in the morning, talk is talk, and ball is ball.

Do the Kings continue to D up? That's on them.

***

Washington 89, New Jersey 85

In February, Andray Blatche (notes) averaged 21 points and 8.5 rebounds with about two and a half assists. In 11 games as a starter this season, he's averaged 21 and 10. Chalk it up to Wizard-status and robes and potions and lowered expectations and who-cares all you want, don't care. Blatche is killin' it as of late.

The Wizards hung on. There were heaps of long rebounds missed and the Nets nearly pulled it out, but they couldn't top Blatche's 36 and 15. Dude on the Real GM message board from 2007 that compared Blatche to KG? OK, it's like comparing Bob McAdoo to KG, but Andray's recent play has made it an improvement on, say, comparing Mikki Moore (notes) to KG. Congrats.

Yi had 20 points and 19 rebounds (12 offensive).

***

Oklahoma City 119, Toronto 99

The Raptors did well to crash the offensive boards, but at this point in our little run, the Oklahoma City Thunder are probably 20 points better than Toronto, if the game is played stateside. The defense is too good, and Toronto's defense is too bad.

A fast game, with exactly a hundred possessions, which is actually pretty atypical. Toronto shoots and scores a lot, but they're not big fast-breakers, and though the Thunder are quite young, they don't run as much as you'd expect.

Here's what to expect: Kevin Durant (notes), in the MVP race. It isn't a race, he's not the best player in the NBA, nobody's even close to LeBron James at this point, but people are going to bring him up.

He's not the MVP, and it's not close.

But he is a scintillating player that I feel lucky to be able to watch (look at how happy Rasho is just to be next to him in the picture above), night in and night out. I don't know why the media feel a need to qualify that with things he probably doesn't deserve. I don't get why he can't just be this amazing player, working on this team that I adore. I don't understand why everyone has to be mentioned (Carmelo? Come on). Can't he just be Kevin Durant, awesome basketball player?

Durant had 29 and six rebounds in only 32 minutes. Serge Ibaka (notes) had 13 points, 10 boards and four blocks off the bench, and was a crucial element early as OKC pulled away. I have a Whitesnake song in my head and I ... I'm not proud of it.

***

Orlando 96, Miami 80

Buncha damned Bolsheviks on the Orlando Magic, moving the ball and sharing the wealth, toppling the Heat even as Dwight Howard struggled.

Would you mind, terribly, if I moved off this terrible game and talked about Jermaine O'Neal (notes)?

Great defense Sunday night, 13.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, just 1.8 turnovers in under 29 minutes a game. Those are FANTASTIC stats for any center, much less one who looked like he couldn't play last year. And the year before.

And the kicker? Before even starting this rant, my head guessed, "I bet his shooting percentage is at a career-high; that'd be a nice hook for this aside." And for once, my head is right. He's shooting 54 percent, far and away the best mark of his career. Same with his True Shooting percentage, and he's coming through with an 18 PER. It might fall apart next season. Shooting percentages rarely sustain after a big jump in one season, or a big drop. Players usually revert, for better or worse. Sometimes, they Levert. Doesn't matter, JON's having a great year, one we should be paying more attention to.

The Magic? Still stacked, still scary.

Goodbye sweet Ball Dont Lie blog

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

If you've followed this blog for any length of time over the last two years, you know that I'm a blogger of few words so I'll keep this Muggsy Bogues and sweet.

This is my last day with Ball Don't Lie and Yahoo! Sports. Yes, that's right, I'm leaving arguably the greatest NBA blog ever — see what I just did there? Shameless — to join The Score with The Basketball Jones to kick ass and chew bubble gum.

Leaving BDL has not been an easy decision. In fact, even now, I'm still considering pulling the plug, firing up the ol' RSS reader and compiling a 10-man rotation for you.

But, alas, I'm off. The opportunity The Jones has been presented is significant. Like a freakin' Olympic athlete, we've worked day-in and day-out for four years on the show, with hope that one day the hard work would pay off — literally.

Well, that day has come. And as much as I love this job, sometimes you've got to "follow your dreams" or something or other. It's a daunting move, but I'm excited, and we hope you'll stop by to talk hoops when Tas, JD, Matt and I start shooting shows again next week at The Score.

Before I go, I want to thank Jamie Mottram, Mark Pesavento and Johnny Ludden for giving me the opportunity to do something that I've grown to love over the last few years. Best. Bosses. Ever.

And as for the guys I call my YSB brothers — Dwyer, MJD, Wysh, 'Duk, Jay, et al. — I can't thank you enough for letting my incessant "Rad" references, piss-poor grammar and funny Canadian words with extra u's in 'em sit next to your extraordinary work. Keep up the great work, gents; you know I'll be reading.

Finally, of course, I'd like to thank anyone who ever stopped by Ball Don't Lie to read what I posted. Thank you for commenting and reading and sending in tips and links. Cheers.

Oh, one more thing: You're going to love the "phenomenal" blogger that's taking over here.

OK, that's it. I'll see you all on Twitter (@jeskeets) and/or at The Score/The Jones.

Embrace the day, people.

Suicide lines Thunder consistent Shaq out MJ buys the Cats

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Jeff Latzke, AP: "After collapsing late in consecutive losses to Phoenix and San Antonio-the two teams that had been immediately behind them in the standings-the Thunder have responded with consecutive wins in which they were never really threatened in the second half. 'That's the most impressive thing, I think, about our team is our consistency and not having a lot of slippage where we have a bad stretch,' said forward Nick Collison (notes)(notes), the only player left from the franchise's last trip to the playoffs. 'I think two or three losses is the most we've had in a row. We've always been able to come back, correct it and improve our level of play. I think for a young team that's impressive and hopefully we keep it going.'"

Randy Youngman, The Orange County Register: "Even on a horrible shooting day, Kobe found a way to help the Lakers win, handing out a game-high 12 assists. The biggest upset was Bryant actually persuading Coach Phil Jackson to temporarily go away from his legendary 'triangle' offense in the second half, recommending the offense go through him in the low post. 'I wanted to get the ball in the mid-post, make them double (team) me and (then) make decisions (on where to pass the ball),' he said. It worked, which is probably why Jackson didn't seem overly concerned by Bryant's scattershooting. 'He's just out of rhythm right now,' Jackson said. 'It looks like he's shooting the ball on the way up, and sometimes he's shooting it on the way down.'"

Jeff Baenen, AP: "Minnesota Timberwolves star center Al Jefferson (notes) apologized to the team and fans Sunday after his arrest on suspicion of DWI following a weekend loss to Portland. The Timberwolves suspended Jefferson for the next two games without pay-a punishment Jefferson said he accepts. 'I want to apologize to the entire Timberwolves organization, owner Glen Taylor, my teammates, coaches and Wolves fans everywhere for my actions last night,' Jefferson said in a statement released Sunday by the Timberwolves. 'I made a very poor decision and I am truly sorry for that. As a leader on this team, I know that more is expected of me, and I am disappointed in myself.'"

Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports: "Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal (notes) is expected to miss six to eight weeks after having surgery on his right thumb, a source close to him told Yahoo! Sports. O'Neal will miss the rest of the regular season and likely the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Cleveland's regular season ends on April 14, and the best-case scenario could have O'Neal back for the start of the playoffs. Regardless, he is expected to return before the Cavs would have to potentially face their most difficult conference test: Dwight Howard (notes) and the Orlando Magic."

Tom Canavan, AP: "'I'm so excited about the way things are going for me,' [Andray] Blatche said. 'Things are starting to pan out the way I had planned when I came into the league. It's like a dream come true for me. I just want to continue to help the organization win games. I was getting a little winded at the end, but Randy stepped up and made the shots at the end.' Blatche has come a long way. He was suspended for a game in January for complaining about his role in the offense. Now everything goes through him. 'I don't think anyone has gone from where he was to going to the level where he is now," Wizards coach Flip Saunders said. "As he keeps on going, the expectations will be raised and he will have to live up to those expectations.'"

Rick Bonnell, Charlotte Observer: "A source close to the Charlotte Bobcats confirmed Sunday that Michael Jordan made a huge personal financial commitment to cut a deal to buy the team. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the process, said Jordan's decision came just before a Friday-night deadline to make a deal or lose his right of first refusal. Had he lost that right, Bob Johnson likely would have accepted an offer from a group led by former Houston Rockets president George Postolos. Now Jordan's challenge will be recruiting investors to share the risk of owning the Bobcats, once Jordan is approved as controlling owner sometime in the next two months. As the source said, Jordan won't want to risk possibly 'losing $30 million a season,' all by himself, as Johnson has of late."

AP: "[Spencer] Hawes set the tone early with all 16 of his points coming in the first half. It was another strong game for the Kings center after his criticism of Westphal's rotation led to him not suiting up Tuesday night. Reconciled after a meeting with Westphal, Hawes was back in the starting lineup Friday night and responded with 15 points and 12 rebounds in a victory over Utah. 'I thought Spencer played a good complete game," Westphal said. 'Even though in the second half he didn't score, I still thought that he was a big part of the win.'"

John Hollinger, TrueHoop: ""[You'll] excuse Milwaukee coach Scott Skiles for lamenting a couple of particularly egregious mistakes in his team's 106-102 overtime loss to Atlanta that allowed the Hawks to rally in the extra period. The Bucks had the ball and a five-point edge with 3:17 left when Luke Ridnour (notes) drove the basket and tried a wild over the head pass to the corner that Joe Johnson (notes) intercepted. At the other end, Ersan Ilyasova (notes) inexplicably crowded Josh Smith (notes) on the perimeter instead of backing off, and Smith breezed past for a lay-up that cut the lead to three. That wasn't the whole game, obviously, but once Johnson followed that sequence with three straight difficult contested jumpers and John Salmons (notes) misfired on two attempts to tie, the Bucks headed home with their first defeat in seven games."

Paul J. Weber, AP: "The Spurs will take wins however they can get them. San Antonio won for just the second time in five games, trying merely to hang onto a playoff spot rather than compete for the Western Conference title as many predicted. [Richard] Jefferson was a big reason for those expectations. But the expensive acquisition has disappointed instead of revitalizing the aging Spurs, and was averaging 12 points entering Sunday, the lowest since his rookie year. Jefferson has come off the bench in five of his last six games. Popovich indicated before the game that he'll likely stay there, saying Jefferson has more 'focus' in that role."

Eddie Sefko, Dallas Morning News: "As usual, you can blame ESPN for all the problems in the world. Or at least with this particular 24-hour stretch of the Mavericks' schedule. To accommodate the all-powerful Oz of television, the Mavericks had to tip off at 8:30 Sunday night. Actually, it was 8:42 when the ball went up in the air. A hard-fought game didn't end until after 11 p.m. local time. The Mavericks showered, got dressed and headed to the airport as expeditiously as they could. And they were due to land in Charlotte, N.C., at 3:45 a.m., East Coast time. That means the earliest their heads hit pillows was 4:30 a.m."

AP: "The Heat welcomed back Dwyane Wade (notes), who missed four games with a strained calf muscle, but he ran out of gas in the second half. Wade had 17 of his 21 points in the first half. He hit only one of five shots from the field in the second half. 'It felt good to be out there, but I'm not where I want to be,' Wade said. 'I was a little rusty, but I was just trying to get back in the swing of things. I did some things that were positive and I'll move forward from there.'"

Marc Stein, ESPN.com: "Dallas Mavericks representatives declined formal comment Sunday, but one source briefed on the discussions told ESPN.com that Ilgauskas' agent, Herb Rudoy, has informed the Mavericks that Ilgauskas intends to re-sign with the Cavaliers as soon as he's eligible."

Game to pay attention to Mavericks vs Hawks

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Dallas at Atlanta

Two second-tier teams, solid in most ways but probably not that much of a threat to take their respective conferences, playing on national TV at an appropriate hour. Sometimes these things just write themselves.

Atlanta probably has the bigs in place to stop Dirk Nowitzki (notes), stop him from contributing 40 points to Dallas' cause, and the Mavericks clearly have the wings in place needed to keep Joe Johnson (notes) in check. Then again, Caron Butler (notes) was up awfully late last night.

12 games on tonight, some of them passable. Comment away.

Dallas Mavericks: 37-21, 92.3 posessions per game (18th), 102 points scored per 100 possessions (12th), 105.8 points allowed per 100 possessions (12th, as well).

Atlanta Hawks: 36-20, 90.7 possessions per game (26th), 111.1 points scored per 100 possessions (fifth), 106.2 points allowed per 100 possessions (13th).

All statistics courtesy basketball-reference.com.

Phenomenal Swag Kobe Bryants autographed cast

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Why would you want Kobe Bryant's autographed cast? More like, why wouldn't you want Kobe Bryant's (notes) autographed cast, amirite? (And no, "because it's a used cast" is not a good reason. Don't ruin my fun.)

Think about all the great things that could come from owning this. First, you've got a one-of-a-kind piece of memorabilia. Literally no one else in the world including Kobe will have this. That's pretty impressive to have sitting on your bookshelf.

But there's more. If you compare this cast's autograph to the back of your Zoom Kobe IVs, you can start a Kobe Bryant Autograph Museum, and that's just a lucrative business idea. You'll make back every dollar you spend, for sure.

However, I have a more sinister idea in mind. The cast has been "DNA certified," which means there's at least some DNA leftover on the inside. That means you could theoretically clone Kobe Bryant sometime in the future. Think of the possibilities and tell me this isn't worth $7,500.

Ball Don't Lie's Swag Rating: Four (out of five — cloned) Muggsy Bogues ...

via UNDRCRWN

Alvin Robertson accused of sex trafficking

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

As much as I wish it wasn't so (for mainly selfish reasons; he scored the first points in Toronto Raptors' history), four-time NBA All-Star Alvin Robertson has had a history of off-court problems.

Check the Wiki rap sheet: In 1997, Robertson pled no contest to four misdemeanor charges of abusing a former girlfriend and was sentenced to one year in prison. Prior to that, in 1990, he did a month in jail for beating his then-wife. And in 2007, Robertson was arrested again on a variety of charges, several related to domestic violence.

But this one? This one is messed up.

From the AP: Alvin Robertson has been charged with sexual assault of a child, trafficking an underage child for purposes of sex and forcing a sexual performance by a child.

Authorities claim the 47-year-old former Spurs, Bucks, Pistons and Raptors guard was part of a ring that kidnapped a 14-year-old girl from San Antonio, forced her to have sex with clients and to dance at a Corpus Christi strip club last year.

Jesus.

The girl escaped her alleged captors, prompting an investigation. Seven people have been charged, including Robertson's girlfriend.

So far, Robertson is the only one who has not been apprehended.

The 10man rotation starring Heaven

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

C: NBA FanHouse. Shoals talks with Rick Telander about "Heaven Is a Playground." Great read.
PF: PokerListings. Tony Parker (notes) has inked a deal to represent upstart French poker site BetClic.
SF: SPORTSbyBROOKS. Say hello to Pau Gasol's (notes) lovely new, 21-year-old live-in girlfriend.
SG: A Stern Warning. I would pay good NKOTB money to see this NBA "boy band" perform.
PG: RedsArmy.com. Will the Celtics ever find "it" this season?
6th: Cleveland Frowns. One blogger's response to Wojciechowski's column on LBJ/Bosh/Wade in NYC.
7th: Knicks Fanatics. Mike D'Antoni is no Pat Riley.
8th: Order of the Court. Dr. J, Larry Bird, and the early stages of the 1984-85 season.
9th: CH. Big Baby has always been a below average at-the-rim finisher, but this season he's godawful.
10th: The Baseline. Reports of Rudy Fernandez's (notes) unhappiness were greatly exaggerated.

Got a link or tip for Ball Don't Lie? Hit me up at jeskeets (at) yahoo.ca, or follow me on Twitter.

Heat are 95 percent sure Wade will resign this summer

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

I recently attended a taping for Rick Reilly's "Homecoming" featuring Dwyane Wade (notes). At every commercial break, someone from the crowd would yell about Wade coming to play for his hometown Bulls. Every time, he would just smile.

I've got bad news, Bulls fans, it sounds like it ain't happening.

"The bottom line is he has publicly and privately said that this is where he wants to be," [Heat owner Micky] Arison said before Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. "I believe him. I'm 95 percent sure that he would be here next year. You can never be 100."

Of course, Arison is in the midst of signing up season ticket holders for next year, so he's going to want to paint a pretty picture of the upcoming season. But there are a lot of reasons Wade wouldn't want to leave Miami.

As Ira Winderman details, if the Heat can snag a good free agent this summer, they'll have a decent nucleus that can compete in the East. Plus there's no income tax in Florida. Oh, and it's Florida. The appeal is pretty obvious.

But don't worry, Chicago. Brad Miller (notes) is going to play forever. That's an okay consolation prize in my book.

The 10man rotation starring Skeets and Tas

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

C: TBJ. Skeets mentioned it earlier, but in case you missed it, The Jones is going big time.
PF: NBA.com. The Thunder have a new rap song and it is incredible. (via @dailythunder)
SF: Denver Post. Carmelo Anthony (notes) scores a lot of different ways.
SG: AP. Michael Jordan lost to Gerald Henderson (notes) in H-O-R-S-E. Whoops.
PG: Bustabucket. I'd watch Juwan Howard (notes) in "Up."
6th: A Stern Warning. Don't worry. Luke Schenscher (notes) can play the didgeridoo.
7th: SLAM. Unlike Jason Richardson, Amar'e Stoudemire (notes) can dunk against the Spurs.
8th: Cowbell Kingdom. Finally. Spencer Hawes (notes) and Paul Westphal are bros again.
9th: Onion. Kevin Durant (notes) is third in the league in dribbles per game. (via @freemaneric)
10th: The Baseline. J.R. Smith's (notes) neck mural is finally explained.

Got a link or tip for Ball Don't Lie? Holler at me at trey.kerby (at) yahoo.com, or follow me on Twitter.

Ball Dont Lie on the radio Devine talks Magic amp Bird doc

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Hey, you guys: Do you like your basketball talk long-winded and heartily infused with stammering? If so, man, have I got 18:35 of audio for you.

The wonderful folks at Sirius/XM's Mad Dog Radio station invited me over to their house this weekend to talk about the new HBO documentary "Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals," which premieres this Saturday night, March 6, at 8 p.m., and which I reviewed here last week. What blind luck that I just happened to be totally available to chat at 10 p.m. on a Saturday night!

In all seriousness, I can't thank host Justin Termine enough for asking me to be a guest. Check out the spot below, and listen close, gang -- we'll be having a pop quiz on the exact number of "ums" and "uhs" later!

Dan Devine on Mad Dog Sports Saturday

Createacaption Look at me dancin like a cool guy!

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

What are you doing, Anthony Johnson (notes)? I've seen dancing, and that is not dancing. I mean, technically it is, since you're moving around all crazy. But it's not good dancing. Look at Dwight behind you. Even he knows you look hilarious. Then again, he's always smiling. Best caption wins a Jamiroquai CD single. Good luck.

Previously, Anthony Morrow pouts.

Winner, Bibz: "AM: That's it Nelly!!! Ive had it. I refuse to play for a team any longer who thinks its "ok" to play Vladimir Radmonivic as a starting center. Now something must change. And until then Im going to sit here and lick all my orange bang lip gloss off til either you go or I do.
DN: Ok how ' bout we just trade you?
Am: To who?
DN: The Clippers.
Am: You know on 2nd thought, Radmonivic isnt so bad."

Runner-up, Coincidenceuno: "Anthony Morrow watches in awe as the Warrior Girls finally perform the choreography he has been perfecting since his days at Georgia Tech."

Second runner-up, tdube8: "Is that Cloris Leachman? MMMMMMM"

Being Sergio Garcia

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

If you had to sum up Sergio Garcia's career in just a couple of words, it would probably sound something like this -- annoyingly disappointing.

Ever since that incredible showdown with Tiger Woods in 1999, it seems Garcia has been on the losing end of just about everything. He got caught spitting in a cup on camera, and then when asked, made it seem like it was nothing to get worked up about. He lost a British Open because, in his eyes, a bunker wasn't raked fast enough. His constant waggling at the 2002 U.S. Open has basically everyone in the golf world screaming at him to just pull the trigger.

And just when Garcia, who turned 30 last month, looks like he might be maturing, an event occurs like Saturday at the Accenture Match Play. In the midst of his shellacking by eventual champion Ian Poulter, Garcia made it a point, instead of talk about golf or Poulter's play, to focus on something that wasn't much of anything. On the seventh hole, the only one Garcia won against Ian, Poulter was in a bush and took some time to get a ruling on a drop. When told he could take the drop, Poulter decided against it, because he felt the ball would be in a more difficult position. Garcia pulled Poulter aside after the match and told him what he felt about it, and then had this to say to CBS.

After the match, Garcia was asked if he felt Poulter should have played the shot he intended when asking for relief.

"Well, probably," Garcia said. "That's what I would have done after trying to get relief. But he did what he thought was right, and he's the one who has to live with it, so he'll be fine."

It is the smugness of the "he's the one who has to live with it" that is so definitively Sergio. Poulter took some time to get a ruling, decided against it, and ended up losing the hole, and this is what Garcia is frustrated about.

You could tell the entire weekend that the weather was bothering Garcia, and his play showed that, but it would be nice if just once Sergio took the high road.

Video via Wei Under Par.

Tiger Woods caddy will destroy all hecklers

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We should all be so lucky to have friends like Steve Williams.

In the wake of Tiger Woods' Friday public mea culpa -- you might have heard a little something about it around these parts -- Williams, his caddy, stepped forward to defend his boss. Williams further noted that he's not going to be putting up with any of the garbage that we can all expect will be hurled Tiger's way. (And you thought "get in the hole" was as bad as a golf gallery could get.)

"There are always going to be people who are going to knock you," he told a newspaper in Australia. "Being the No. 1 player in the world and being as successful as Tiger has been, there have been people who have knocked him anyway. I am sure there might be a few more; it goes with the territory."

Of course, it isn't like this is a huge dramatic character change. Williams has a history of mouthing off and having a bit higher regard for himself and his own opinions than the average caddy. He's also gone at fans now and then for clicking cameras in Tiger's backswing; at the 2002 Skins game, he rolled a fan's camera into a lake, and during the 2004 U.S. Open, he kicked the camera of a professional photographer. So it's not surprising to see him play the good soldier now, especially considering Tiger has made him wealthier than many PGA pros. (Plus, Tiger is probably going to be cleaning house here in the next few months, and if you ain't with him, you're against him.)

You know what I see in Stevie Williams' words? I see a challenge, and others will as well. I predict it'll be exactly three holes into Tiger's first round that Williams goes wading into a crowd whipping around a nine-iron like the Grim Reaper's scythe.

Yep, the Tiger story's going to get worse -- or, depending on your tolerance for on-course insanity, more awesome -- before it gets better.

______

For further updates and other golf news, click here to bookmark Yahoo! Sports' Devil Ball Golf and follow us on Twitter. Click here to access all our stories on the Tiger Woods controversy.

The Norway mens curling team owes John Daly some love

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Ah, curling, the lovable joke-du-jour of these Olympic games. Everybody's making a big deal of the Norway curling team's pants, and indeed they were inspired by one of our own -- Mr. John Daly himself. They're the work of Loudmouth Golf, of course.

Now, when the Norway team shows up at Hooters and starts cutting country music albums, we'll know something's afoot.

The Clowns Mouth Pink pants Poulter takes the prize

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Bringing you the best in golf news and opinion. Get up to date on your way to the first tee.

• At the Accenture Match Play Championships, Ian Poulter snagged his first PGA win and his first-ever win on U.S. soil with shots like that beauty above. And once again, Paul Casey comes up just short. Ouch. [Reuters via Yahoo! Sports]

• Over on the Champions Tour, Bernhard Langer eagled a beautiful bunker shot to take out John Cook for the Allianz Championship title. It's Langer's ninth Champions Tour title. [PGATour.com]

• By the way, visor tip to the Allianz folks who decided to open the gates to free general admission to the tournament, and in so doing may well have saved the tournament. [Miami Herald]

• Congrats to Ai Miyazato, who fired a final-round 63 to take the LPGA's season-premiere Honda PTT tourney in Thailand. Suzann Pettersen? The victim of Miyazato's chip-in birdie on 18, alas. [Reuters via Yahoo! Sports]

• Peter Kostis is Paul Casey's instructor, which is fine. Peter Kostis was also commenting on Carey's group on Sunday, which is a wee bit more suspect, yes? [The Golf Watch]

• Some interesting thoughts on l'affaire Tiger from Melanie Hickey, former wife of Nick Faldo. Guess whose side she's on in all this? [The Guardian]

Got a link/tip? Hit us up at jay.busbee@yahoo.com and follow us on Twitter.

Your exhausting Waste Management Open guide

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. -- If the Masters is known as a tradition unlike any other, the Waste Management Open is a tradition unlike any other ... Saturday night. When you're at a packed bar, and it is just past 1:00 AM and you aren't totally sure how you're going to get home but you just hope that happens before you spew all over the place.

It is coined the greatest show on turf, and the kickoff to the greatest month and a half stretch Phoenix has the entire year. So what to do while coming to the Valley for the Phoenix Open, and what not to do? Here is your exhausted guide to the 2010 Waste Management Open. I'll be honest, my liver already hurts.

First things first ... calling it the FBR was easy. Is there a simple nickname for the Waste Management Open? -- As tough as it is to go from FBR to 15 letters is, you're in luck. People in the valley have been calling it the WaMo, and I think that sticks, even if the Waste Management people hate it.

What holes should I watch? -- I get this question from a lot from people and it really comes down to one other question. Are you going to the tournament to watch golf or party? One of the first things I was told years ago while at the University of Arizona (and this was before the tournament took a life of its own) is that you could attend the Open on a Saturday, and literally not see a single hole if you didn't want to.

If you're going to watch golf, there are a few places to park it.

The first is past the 3rd green, so you have a good look at second shots coming in and tee shots on the par-3 4th. This is a good spot for a lot of reasons but mainly it gets you away from the party that is the closing three holes, and comfortably in a position to see good golf shots, possible eagle putts and who knows, maybe an ace.

Another spot that is sneaky good, especially if you're in the mood for both golf and a little craziness, is near the 11th tee. It is one of the toughest tee balls of the day for these guys, because TPC Scottsdale mows down the left side of the rough so balls still can find the fairway and trickle in the water, and gets you close enough to the 16th grandstand that you might see something that you'll remember for a while. The only problem with this location is it is no man's land for beer refills.

Finally, if you want to party a little more than watch golf, but like to watch golf, you have to get close to the tee at 17. Back in the day, this was the sneakiest best spot on the course, because you could see 16 green and watch guys go for the green on 17. (Plus, the added bonus of watching girls walk down that grassy hill in between these holes and, like clockwork, every third girl would take a digger. Even the PGA Tour guys got a kick out of this.) Watching tee balls fly at 17 is probably the best spot on the course, as long as you don't mind not being in 16.

I've heard about 16 for years. I have to be there. What should I do? -- If you are heart-set on being on the 16th hole, which is an experience in and of itself, I have one piece of advice, especially for Saturday ... go early, get some seats, and stay put. Last year, during the third round, it was basically a two hour line to get into the 16th by 1 PM, and by 3 PM you had absolutely no shot.

One of the best days to hit up 16 is Friday afternoon, when it is still busy but not nearly as crazy as Saturday. If you are coming to the WaMo from out of town, you have to at least see the spectacle that is the 16th, even if it doesn't mean staying.

Bubba Watson told me that when he tees it up on 16, he forces the crowd to get rowdy and loud before he hits, just because the constant screaming and cheering is easier to hit with than the inevitable single guy screaming in your backswing. Not a bad philosophy.

It's Arizona. The weather is going to be fantastic, right? -- Sigh. Probably the most depressed I've been in weeks was when I checked the forecast for this weekend. 71 and sunny on Thursday (Awesome!). 72 and mostly cloudy on Friday (Umm, okay, no worries). 64 and cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers on Saturday. Are you kidding me??? If it rains on Saturday, not only will thousands of fans be bummed, but the WaMo will lose more money than they probably want to think about. Remember, beers are $7 at the course, and if it is raining, people will opt for a bar down the street over standing out in the showers.

Is there anything I shouldn't bring? -- Unless you have a sneaky place for your cell phone, like in a boot or in a sunglass case, bringing it to the WaMo might be more of a pain than not having it at all. If you bring your phone and they find it, they'll make you check it outside the entrance and trust me, at 5 PM you do not want to be in that line trying to get your phone. It could add another hour or so to your much needed nap.

What about the Birds Nest? -- If you don't know, the Birds Nest is the big tent near the entrance to TPC Scottsdale. It hosts a concert every night, that has been highlighted by O.A.R. the last few years. Usually, O.A.R. plays on Thursday as a sort of kickoff to the weekend events, but this year they play on Saturday.

A few things you should probably know about the Birds Nest on Saturday. If you think people are drunk at the golf course, wait until you enter the Birds Nest. It is basically like everyone that was drunk took three tequila shots before entering, and are now nearing life support status.

On Thursday the Birds Nest was a treat, kicking off a great weekend. Saturdays might be a little too intense for those not fully fledged to drinking themselves into oblivion. Just know, you've been warned.

Is there any chance we see Tiger Woods? -- Unless he is sitting next to you drinking a Budweiser, there is zero chance you'll ever see Tiger at this event again. He took the 16th hole to another level when he made an ace here in 1997, and cemented his legend when he had spectators from the crowd help move a boulder in his line on the 13th in 1999, leading to what most call "the biggest loose impediment ever," but an orange thrown at him in 2001 was enough to see Tiger cross this off his schedule for good.

So no Tiger. Who can I see? -- Three of the top eight in the world will be teeing it up this week, including ASU alumni Phil Mickelson, last week's Accenture winner Ian Poulter and Martin Kaymer. Also in attendance will be Geoff Ogilvy, J.B. Holmes, and yes ladies, Camilo Villegas.

What is the best way to get around? -- Taxi (Might I suggest Clean Air Cabs), bus, your feet ... anything that doesn't have you getting behind the wheel if you've even had one drop of alcohol in your system. You are heading to the toughest place in the country for DUI laws. Don't become another tally for the Scottsdale Police during this weekend.

Is there anything exciting going on Friday night? -- On Friday night, there will be parties at basically any nightlife place in Scottsdale. Saddle Ranch is hosting a great party. American Junkie will be overflowing with people. The Lodge is always a great place for a group. The W is nice if you have a really expensive suit jacket and like $12 drinks.

Tiger Woods tribute songs hit you like a 9iron to the ear

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This, my friends, is the end of the Tiger Woods road. No, the story's not done yet, and I'm not saying we won't be writing any more about him. You don't get off that easily. No, what I've found are some of the most horrifyingly jarring Tiger Woods tribute songs you can ever imagine. I've had to sit through them, and now you do, too. Trust me, folks, it can't get any worse than this. I hope.

First off, Pat Hilton brings us an instant classic, "Head of My Driver." Something familar about that tune ...

(Blame Patrick Imig of Joe Sports Fan for this one. He's the one who sent it to me.) More below ...

Next up, "Major Fun" gives us some kind of sea-chantey-esque singalong, with a touch of NSFW language:

And here's "Tiger By The Tail," which sounds like an old '60s folk tribute. Again, possible NSFW warning:

On the other side of the fence, we've got Maino's "Get 'em Tiger," which takes a bit more pro-Eldrick view. And, yep, a touch of the NSFW:

And here's a shot at the ladies who chased Mr. Woods, entitled "Tiger Girls." Be sure to hang out for the '80s-esque hook:

And we continue with a riff on James Blunt's "You're Beautiful," entitled "I'm Tiger Woods":

And we close -- because I can't take any more of this -- with "The Ballad of Tiger Woods," which sounds like mid-90s Cake. Um ... enjoy?

That's all I could handle, and if you've gotten this far, bravo. Seen any more Tiger songs? Send 'em to me at jay.busbee@yahoo.com and I'll compile a sequel post if you're nice. If you're a jerk, I'll compile two.

Michelle Wie haters need to steer clear of Singapore

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

These are good days to be Michelle Wie. Coming off a season in which she finally began capitalizing on her immense promise, she's starting off the 2010 season with a triumphant tour through Asia. Next up: Singapore.

As Golfweek's Beth Ann Baldry notes, Wie is getting the pre-hydrant Tiger-style treatment: "Today’s paper features several features on Wie’s arrival, complete with a close-up picture of her pink boots and Louis Vuitton bag. There’s even a timeline of Monday’s activities. (At 4:30 p.m., she went to Chinatown to buy souvenirs.)"

And that's not the only Tiger comparison being made. At a press conference, an Asian journalist called her the "Tiger Woods of women's golf," which is not nearly the compliment it was three months ago. Asked about her thoughts on the Woods saga, Wie wisely replied, "No comment."

Something about Wie and all the acclaim she receives drives a certain segment of the golf-watching public -- or the golf-griping public -- insane. Maybe it's the fact that she was a millionaire before she could drive; maybe it's the fact that she squandered her talent early on and came off as a spoiled kid. But now, it's indisputable that she's got the skills and the presence to play at the LPGA's highest level. She's broken through with one win already, and it's likely that more are on the way.

Yahoo! SEA speaks to golf superstar Michelle Wie @ Yahoo! Video

Tiger Woods apologizes to parents at his childs preschool

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The only people truly innocent in this entire Tiger Woods story -- Tiger and Elin's two children -- are, unfortunately, continuing to play an unwitting role. In his public statement on Friday, Woods specifically called out the paparazzi who took photographs of his children. It was a heartfelt moment, and anyone who's a parent can understand the rage and anger at photographers pushing their way into his children's world.

Casual observers have lumped all media into a voracious, bloodthirsty mass, but that's just flat-out incorrect. The simple truth is that tabloid media is far removed from more traditional journalistic sources. Whether you believe, for instance, that a news organization should quote an anonymous source is a matter of personal opinion. (This site has done so, but always prefacing such use with an indication that you, the reader, should be very skeptical of the source's words.) But there are certain practices in journalism which are, indeed, unethical and wrong.

While I can't speak for all journalists, I'd assume that most reputable ones -- that is, the ones in search of the story rather than the sensationalist angle -- would agree that Tiger's children should be off-limits. They're not part of the story, and staking out day care centers to snap photographs of them is lurid and beneath contempt.

Tiger and Elin have recognized the hardship that their story has brought to the families of their daughter's preschool, and have issued an apology. The text of the letter, as obtained by Orlando TV station WFTV, is as follows:

We would like to share our appreciation for your support over the past several months and offer our personal apology for any inconvenience you are experiencing due to the increased media scrutiny surrounding our children. We truly understand how frustrating it can be.
We hope that the paparazzi will find something better to do with their time in the near future. In the meantime, it is our goal to keep life as normal as possible for our children. We are sure that as parents you can appreciate that. For Sam, that normalcy means attending the school that she enjoys so much.

According to WFTV, an off-duty Orange County deputy served as security at the school, though there is no indication who paid for the deputy's time.

You can make very good arguments for whether the Woods story is a personal or a public matter; there's plenty of evidence for both sides. But there's no reason whatsoever, beyond prurient self-interest, for tabloids to stake out and photograph Woods' children. None at all.

______

For further updates and other golf news, click here to bookmark Yahoo! Sports' Devil Ball Golf and follow us on Twitter. Click here to access all our stories on the Tiger Woods controversy.

The Dalai Lama has never even heard of Tiger Woods

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Since November 27, there have been approximately 147 trillion words, give or take a few zeroes, written on Tiger Woods and his "transgressions." Shoot, we're responsible for probably a quarter of that total right here. But for all the worldwide attention that one little fire hydrant has engendered, there's at least one guy who's still completely in the dark:

The Dalai Lama has no idea who Tiger Woods is.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, told the Associated Press that he hadn't ever heard of Tiger Woods, who referenced Buddhism in his Friday speech. Gunga galunga!

If he's telling the truth -- and of course he is, he's the Dalai Lama -- then he'd be just about the only guy on the planet who hasn't heard of Woods and his troubles. Still, if Woods is expecting to achieve total consciousness just by setting up the Lama with a couple Masters badges, he's got another thing coming. The Dalai Lama noted that regardless of one's faith, adultery generally doesn't fly:

"Whether you call it Buddhism or another religion, self-discipline, that's important," he told the AP. "Self-discipline with awareness of consequences."

"I have a lot of work to do, and I intend to dedicate myself to doing it," Woods said during his statement. "Part of following this path for me is Buddhism, which my mother taught me at a young age. People probably don't realize it, but I was raised a Buddhist, and I actively practiced my faith from childhood until I drifted away from it in recent years. Buddhism teaches that a craving for things outside ourselves causes an unhappy and pointless search for security. It teaches me to stop following every impulse and to learn restraint. Obviously I lost track of what I was taught." Indeed.

Regardless of whether he's ever heard of Woods before, we can assume that the Dalai Lama has nothing but the best wishes for Tiger. Of course, maybe the introduction to the Tiger scandal could end up being the worst thing imaginable for the Dalai Lama. Imagine if he starts taking an interest in the case, and a week from now his associates come into his room and find him trolling the Internet: "Fourteen? Really? And with a Perkins waitress? In a church parking lot? Oh, hey, have you heard this one -- how's Santa different from Tiger Woods ... ?"

Aw, man. If that happens, Tiger's going to have to add a whole new paragraph to his apology-in-progress.

Dalai Lama: Who's Tiger Woods? [People via CNN]

The Clowns Mouth Are the LPGA shorts getting too short?

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Bringing you the best in golf news and opinion. Get up to date on your way to the first tee.

• When are golf shorts too short? When they're worn by PGA Tour players, I'd say the line is the ankle. But over on the LPGA, things are getting a mite "cheeky." (Hey, don't blame me. I didn't come up with that pun.) [Golfweek]

• Running down the good, the bad and the ugly of the Tiger Woods statement. And hey, not only did Devil Ball get a mention, one of YOU commenters got a call-out! (Lesson: people are watching, so learn to spellcheck and use those commas, folks.) [Press Tent]

• Rain could be in the forecast for this weekend's Waste Management Open. Again. Enough with the freakin' rain! We want some golf! [Local Knowledge]

• Visor tip to Paul Casey. Dude can't close out an Accenture Match Play, but he can give $100,000 to charities through the Houston Golf Association. Nice gesture. [PGA.com]

• A couple new golf TV shows are making their way to your consciousness soon, but if you're one of those tweedy types who prattles on about the sanctity of the game, you'll want to skip 'em. [Waggle Room]

• Holy tea and crumpets! The British have three of the top six golfers in the World Rankings! This cannot stand! [The Golf Channel]

Got a link/tip? Hit us up at jay.busbee@yahoo.com and follow us on Twitter.

Winter rules are now in effect at Augusta

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Believe it or not, we're less than two months away from Augusta and the Masters. But as you can see above (and at a spectacular collection of photos here), Augusta National hasn't exactly been golfer-ready of late. Taken last weekend after an unseasonably heavy snowstorm, these photographs are an interesting look at some of golf's most familiar landmarks. Soon enough, though, it'll all look like the more expected layout there at right.

It'd be a little tough to play in this snowstorm, but I'd bet Mickelson is already out there chipping his little heart out. After all, that right there is the spot where Mickelson's hopes of a 2009 charge up the leaderboard vanished into the drink. And I'm sure that Sergio Garcia is hoping the snow sticks around a couple more months, just to give him another convenient excuse.

(Visor tip to A True Golfer via Dogs That Chase Cars)

John Daly your new underwear model

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

There are certain sentences I never thought I'd type. Pluto named new hot vacation spot. Bill Gates claims welfare. Hugh Hefner joins Match.com.

All of those, however, don't hold a candle to the headline I just wrote. John Daly is going to be an underwear model.

Okay, so maybe he won't be a "model," but he is being endorsed by an underwear line named Slix that started up about four months ago and are probably cooler than the Joe Boxers I still sport.

Daly told Heather Jones, "Slix boxer briefs are the most ridiculously comfortable underwear I’ve ever put on. When I’ve got my Slix on, it’s all good."

Sadly, I don't know nor do I want to know what "being all good" means with Daly and his undies, but the first week he's partnered with Slix meant a made cut and a paycheck for the first time this season, even if Daly closed with an 81.

All good indeed.

Finchem to PGA Tour Sorry I let Tiger walk all over you guys

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The Tiger Woods scandal is like ebola, starting small and then utterly obliterating everything in its path, innocent and guilty alike. When this is all over, nobody -- Tiger, Elin, the media, the audience, the PGA Tour, nobody -- is going to come out looking better than they did going in. (Tiger's children excepted, as they should be. Always.)

Anyway, just as Tiger is trying to rehabilitate his image, there are plenty of other people who'll have to do a little PR management themselves. High on that list is PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem, who's been accused of everything from coddling to catering to covering up for Woods.

Finchem found himself right in the middle of the Woods mess, yet again, over the past few days when he permitted Woods to use PGA Tour HQ for his little "press" "conference" on Friday. But in so doing, Finchem let Woods roll right over the players who were playing in the Accenture Match Play Championship. And now, he regrets it:

"In hindsight, we should have pushed the thing along in a way to get the players briefed before they went into their Wednesday matches, some so they’re not coming out of a match and getting hit with all these Tiger questions," he said. "We just screwed up on that. That’s just a screw-up on my part. You can never communicate too much in this business, and when you don’t, you usually pay a price. And that was a good example."

Finchem reiterated that Tiger's absence from the Tour is not a silent suspension. (Which would lead some to wonder, why not?) And although he's saying the right things now, it's well after the fact -- and it'll be interesting to see how he accommodates Tiger once Mr. Woods finally decides to return to the course. My guess? He'll be like the guys holding the light-up popsicle sticks that guide in runways.

Finchem takes blame for not properly briefing players [AP via Golf Channel]

Playing the field at the Waste Management Open

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Playing the Field, where we survey the key players and stories at each tournament, giving you the guys to watch and the stories to know. Today, we head out to Scottsdale, Arizona for the FBR -- sorry, Waste Management Open. Pop a beer, slather on that sunscreen, and let's hang ...

Kenny Perry: The defending champ still has an outside chance at those 20 PGA wins -- he's got 14 already -- and he's placed in the top 10 every tournament he's played this season. Of course, he's only played in one tournament, but let's not let facts get in the way of a good stat.

JB Holmes: Everybody's favorite long-banger has two wins here, and he couldn't be any more comfortable if he had beds set up for midround naps. He'll be in the mix late, and a third win isn't out of the question.

Phil Mickelson: He's a hometown boy, he loves the crowds, and that usually means he craps out, though he has won here before. But if Mickelson's going to get his season going -- he hasn't shown much so far -- this would be the place to do it.

Steve Marino: Here's an anchor around your neck -- best never to have won a PGA Tour event. Marino is talented enough to end up in the top 10 week after week, but for whatever reason, he hasn't been able to break through. Perhaps a bit of encouragement from the loons at the 16th hole will be enough to get him over the top.

Camilo Villegas and Anthony Kim: 2008's darlings are both looking to get past a down 2009, and questions are raging as to whether either one is in any way prepared to do so. Villegas appears to have the better attitude, Kim appears to have the better postround parties, but both need to start putting some better results on the board, and pronto.

Roto Arcade's Sleeper of the Week: Our pal Scott Pianowski over at Roto Arcade offers up a slate of picks for the WMO, including potential sleeper Brandt Snedeker, who "looked like a completely different guy over the first two months and although he missed the cut in Phoenix last year, that came on the heels of two strong showings here (T23, T9). Sign me up."

Done and done. Enjoy the weekend, everybody, and make your picks in the space below.

PETA uses big Tiger to cut down on the number of little tigers

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Accenture and Gatorade may be running away, but not every sponsor is. PETA, for instance, is glomming onto Tiger with that catchy little ad above. "Too much sex" doesn't exist anywhere but in cyberspace yet, but PETA is hoping to post it on billboards. The idea, of course, is to use the Woods scandal as a way to raise awareness of spaying and neutering your golfers -- er, pets.

Demonstrating a perspective that can be generously described as "optimistic," PETA activist Virginia Fort said, "We're sure Tiger will appreciate our attempt — from a story that's distracted the world and followed Tiger — to turn it into something positive for little tigers." Yes, because I'm certain Tiger would love to turn the crisis that has utterly destroyed his life into gimmick fodder for a public service announcement.

Besides, how can PETA be so sure he agrees with that slogan?