Honey Nut Cheerios

Monday night’s game between the Celtics and Knicks at MSG had that feel, especially in the fourth quarter.  Spike Lee was making a nuisance of himself heckling Celtics inbounders.  Shot for shot the squads were matching eachother.  Paul Pierce hit some huge ones.  Avery Bradley made the intangible great plays on defense and cutting baseline for open looks.  KG and Melo went at it, the trash talking was in full effect.  All in all the quarter had a playoff feel. 

Is the rivalry renewed to the level of the Bernard King/Bird years?  I think so.  The Celts and Knicks have rarely been both good during the same years.  This season the Knicks are off to a great start looking like a number two seed in the east.  That spot was supposed to go to the Celtics according to everyone, even me.  The C’s have flopped all year except for the last three games.  A good win versus the Pacers at home started it all.  The next night they came back on the Hawks behind a 33-9 third quarter in Atlanta for the win.  Then the big win in at MSG.  It was a statement game!  The true warriors, KG and Pierce, have had enough of the losing.  Book it, with Bradely back things start to fall into place.  The Knicks have started to fall off a bit(Felton injury?) but desperately want to be the new power in the east behind Miami.  Melo’s classmates have rings and he wants his.    All of these factors collided on Monday.  It was a heck of a battle and I can’t wait for the next meeting on January 24^th. 

After the game on Monday there was lots of buzz about breakfast cereal.  Melo and KG got into it on the court picking up t’s and apparently after the game Melo was looking to settle things pugnaciously with KG.  Ahhh the theatre of it all, Melo was waiting by the bus to go at KG.  About 500 security people where in the way, it was highlarious to see. The two never saw eachother.  KG a vicious trash talker had aid something during the game about Melo’s wife and Carmelo though he had crossed the line.  Cheerios anyone?  KG probably crossed the line here as he always does but that is his game, always has been.  Love him hate him he does it again and again.  Melo on the other hand had a bad game and was taken of his pace during the fourth quarter by KG antics.  To react in that manner after the game?   Now the word knows Melo has thin skin.  Dumb move Mr. Anthony.  Expect cereal boxes everywhere in Boston for the rematch.  

Seattle Kings?

Today the rumor mill has been rampant that the Kings will be sold to a Seattle group and relocated in time for next season.  I love this move for many reasons.  Seattle gets a team again, I really miss the Sonics.  David Stern also has egg on his face after engineering the Clay Bennett Midnight run to Oklahoma City a few years ago.   The Pacific Northwest needs a ball team and now the Portland/Seattle rivalry will be back on.  I fondly remember the Payton, Perkins, McMillan, Kemp, Ellis, and Schrempf years.  Wow I am excited the more I think about it. 

The downside in this developing NBA news is that Sacremento loses the Kings.  The Maloofs clearly are to blame for all of this, they ran a once proud franchise into the ground.  Mitch Richmond memories are all I will have.  Weep.  Remember just a decade ago the Kings were challenging the Lakers for Western Conference supremacy.  C-Webb, Miller, Divac, and Stojakovic led a proud franchise capable of cowbell moments.  The crowds were loud in Arco, a great small town.  Since then the owners and recent GM (Petrie) have run the franchise into the ground.  Crowds are sparse and the roster is beyond redundant.  They have about eight power forwards. 

So what happens with the Sac/Sea roster moving forward?  Boogie Cousins is not going anywhere.  Hear Me!  If the team wasn’t being relocated there might be a chance Petrie would be dumb enough to trade him.  He will be a vital marketing piece/cornerstone to build around in Seattle.  He might be a coach killer/freak/baby but he is supremely talented.  If he could ever grow he would be a top ten talent in the league.  I expect the Seattle fans will love him.  Thomas stays as, he is a dynamic young point guard.  Robinson will stay and Thompson will be traded.  This pair screams redundancy and Robinson is the more recent draft pick.  Other than that look for the rest of the roster to hopefully turnover with a new gm and coach in place for next season, these new owners will want their own men in charge.  

Different Directions

And the run continues.  After blowing out the Magic over the weekend the Raptors blew out a lethargic Blazers bunch last night at the ACC.  Sure the Blazers were playing a back to back after beating the Knicks behind Liliard’s heroics at MSG on Tuesday, but the game was another positive sign for the Raptors. 

                The ball moved yet again.  Calderon and Lowry handed out 22 assists.  A far more astounding stat from the pair was the limited scoring and shot attempts.  Lowry is a scoring talent who can be a bit selfish at times, the me first mentality.  When things were stalling through the first 23 games this trait was on display, perhaps it was frustration due a blogged down offense cornered around the plodding/bricking Bargnani.  Ball movement has become infectious and Lowry seems to have bought in.  The entire roster has. 

                Young talent has also been on display.  Terrence Ross was on fire last night dropping threes while scoring a career high 26 points.  Over the last half dozen games Ross has shown the potential that led to his being picked #8 in the last NBA Draft.  He is fearless, never shies away from the shot or moment.  When his shot is on these are great qualities.  As well the highlight reel dunks seem to coming every game.  Ed Davis has stepped up in the absence of Bargnani.  Easy Ed is quick off the floor for rebounds and put backs.  After an injury and bench ridden first few seasons it is nice to see Davis take advantage of his opportunity.  He seems to have bona fide interior skills.  It will be interesting to see how his career shakes out.   The Raptors need to see more of this from Ed before deciding on whether to extend him or not. 

                The veterans have also finally produced.  Anderson has been a solid intangible guy and a great shooter at times.  Fields is back from the wrist injury and contributing.  Johnson has made himself into a solid big man.  Valunciunas is out but showed potential. 

                These good times for the Raptors come with Andrea Bargnani out with injury.  The offense looks better and the ball is moving.  Will it last?  Probably not but after a horrendous start led by the stagnant Bargnani these last few weeks have been a delight.  It will be very interesting to see what happens with Andrea for the rest of the year.  I have a feeling the fans and players might mutiny if he is giving heavy minutes or propped up to be the franchise player once and if he does return. 

                The closest thing the Raptors have to a franchise player is Demar Derozean.  His extension at the beginning seemed to be a head scratcher but so far he seems to be worth it.  He has been efficient and quietly leads the team in output most nights.  Impressive. 

                Colangelo still needs the axe. 

                The Celtics on the other hand have been poor.  Underwhelming they don’t look playoff worthy.  I caught the end of last night’s game versus Memphis.  Rajon Rondo, a predicted MVP candidate, is up to his usual mercurial ill advised ballin.  The two late fourth quarter threes were awful.  Rondo has regressed yet again and does not seem to want to be a leader.  The guy will not take over games like he should given the age of Pierce and Garnett.  Green and Terry for the most part have been disappointing.  Bradely did return last night but he needs time.  As Tommy Heinson said “the pieces on this team don’t fit yet.”  It’s time to panic in Beantown!  I think a major shakeup trade is needed.  They need a big besides Garnett.  Danny Ainge needs to get to work. 

                

We Talking Playoff's

AFC Wild Card

CIncy at Houston

Houston, we have a problem?  The Texans have gone from top spot in the AFC most of the year to a wild card berth.  The Texans have been underwhelming the last few weeks.  They don’t seem to have the heart to advance far in the playoffs.  Matt Schaub was hurt in last year’s playoffs limiting their chances.  It’s time for the quarterback to lead the team and dispel the recent naysayers. 

Bengal nation must be excited by a playoff game.  It’s been awhile.  Dalton and AJ Green are young talents.  The Bengals have had a good run but it ends here.  Too inexperienced, the bright lights will get to them. 

Look for Arian Foster along with a few big catches from Andre Johnson to lead the way as Houston wins by ten 

Indy at Balt

Has there been a better story that the Colts and Chuck Pagnano this year.  From two wins a season ago, behind a rookie quarterback and rookie/sick coach Indy has amazed all year.  Luck has been solid and is one of three rookie quarterbacks in the playoffs.  The youth movement this year in the NFL has been fun to watch. 

Baltimore behind the middling Joe Flacco has not lived up to expectations this year.  Ray Rice must have a huge game for the Ravens to win at home behind an aging defense.   

Look for this to be an ugly low scoring game Baltimore wins by four points. 

NFC Wild Card

Minn at GB

Minnesota won yesterday’s battle behind the league MVP, Adrian Peterson, and a raucous home crowd.  Peterson deserves the MVP over Manning for one reason: although both had horrible injuries to overcome Peterson’s was near record setting.  And without Harvin AP has no talent behind him.  There is no passing game in MInny, Ponder is young and unimpressive. 

The Packers have somehow remained in the mix all year.  I counted them out at the beginning of the year.  Rodgers keeps rolling along.  If the defense could ever perform at a high level a long playoff run would be possible. 

Minny will fall behind early, Ponder will throw a pick six early.  Over by halftime Packers win big. 

Sea at Wash

The Redskins have won seven in a row.  Last night Alfred Morris ran roughshod over the Cowboys giving its first division title in 13 years and a playoff berth.  RG3 still seems a bit hobbled by the knee but got the job done.  Have to credit the Shanahan coaching family tree for adjusting to the young offensive talent and putting formations in that utilize the talent of RG3.

Seahawk nation is led by Russel Wilson another rook qb.  Like the Skins the Hawks have had a shocking season.  Their defensive is explosive and Marshawn Lynch is a beast. 

This game should be a classic!  Almost too hard to pick.  The turnover battle will be won by Seattle going away and the Seattle will win by 3.   

Clips

The LA Clippers have now run off 17 wins in row.  What a breathtaking streak!  The streak has been fuelled by the bench.  Jamal Crawford appears headed for the 6^th man award, and makes the ridiculous crossover and step back three seem commonplace.  Eric Bledsoe, although a bit out of control of late, has quicks and is a defensive force.  Lamar Odom is coming into shape literally.  Odom is key for the Clips, they will need his late game prescience given Griffin’s and Jordan’s free throw woes.  How does an NBA player not keep in shape?  I don’t get Odom.  Barnes and Cutler are interchangeable and capable of big games now and again.  CP3 is having an MVP type season as expected. 

LA’s other team is flashy and fun to watch. They remind me of UNLV back in the day in NCAA early 90’s hoops. Are they better than OKC?  Standing wise at the moment, maybe, but I have my doubts as the season progresses.  San Antonio always goes on a streak.  Sure Memphis has fallen off, but they still are lurking.  At some point Vinny Del Negro will blow it and piss off some of his players. The number 2 seed in the West is attainable for sure.  Long term in the playoffs can the flashy roster succeed with two bigs who can’t play in crunch time?  Let’s not get overexcited and think the Clippers are title contenders.

Raps Sinking?

Raps sinking early in the big easy. How is Ryan Anderson not starting for the Hornets? Robyn Sideshow Lopez has his spot until Davis puts on some lbs and can play the 5.

Glimpses?

               Ahhh, yes!  Christmas brought all tidings and good cheer.  Hope everyone was spoiled!  The NBA fan was delighted on Christmas day with five games.  It was hard to juggle the games, family, and food.  I caught a bit of three games. 

                Boston stomped on Brooklyn winning with ease.  Boston has looked legit for moments this year.  Unfortunately, due to age Pierce and Garnett can’t perform at a high level.  Rondo has not had the MVP type season I thought he would.  Green has had spurts of great ball but consistency is an issue.  The wait for Avery Bradley might be over soon.  Hopefully, he can a la Eric Bledsoe infuse some energy in this team.  Brooklyn has struggled of late.  Deron Williams is whining about something seemingly everyday.  Humphries is in the doghouse for poor defense.  Things are falling apart with the Nets.  It is not a surprise given the roster’s weakness in character and defense. 

                The Lakers are back!  At least for one day, they beat the Knicks.  With Nash’s return the taste of what could be with Los Angeles is enthralling.  The bigs rolling to the hoop with a driving Nash is classic basketball.  Kobe is still gonna get his.  Artest has been a competent shooter this season.  However, given the age issues the Lakers can’t seem to sustain or string victories together.  Witness: last nights loss in Denver.  The Knicks continued their impressive play.  At this point Melo has to be the MVP of the season.  Amare should be back soon.  We all have been waiting for Knickerbockers to crumble.  Amare should tilt the chemistry a bit but will the other vets (Kidd, Thomas, Camby) allow it to get out of hand?  Mike Woodson seems to be a good coach.  Remember this turnaround started last season when he replaced D’antoni. 

                JR Smith’s game winner versus Phoenix last night was money.  Talk about living up to your potential and turning around a career.  If it were not for Crawford on the Clippers Smith would be the runaway leader for the 6^th man. 

                Toronto lost last night to San Antonio snapping a five game win streak.  5 games in a row!  It was great to see the Raps turn it around for a spell.  Of course the run came with the two most selfish Dinos out with injuries.(Bargnani and Lowry)  The ball zipped around during  the streak and the extra pass to an open teammate became commonplace.  Ed Davis seems to have a place in the league.  Terrence Ross has shown flashes of brilliance in addition to being a ridiculous in game dunker.  Calderon has improved his trade value.  Alan Anderson is a solid pro.  Unfortunately the Lithuanian rookie center is out for a bit with hand issues but this will only give Ed Davis more minutes to show his wares.  Colangelo in all of this has probably been given a reprieve by the owners, too bad, he and Bargnani need to be gone for the franchise to turn around. 

East Powers

1.        Miami- Ugh begrudgingly!  Title hangover.

2.       New York- Issues ahead?

3.       Atlanta- Sneaky good. 

The rest of the mess-  Bos, Chi, Ind, Phi, Brok, Mil

West Powers

1.       OKC- Undisputed in the West

2.       LAC- Is this deep team for real?  14 in a row.

3.       San Anonio- Hail to Popovich

The rest of the mess- Memph, GS, Den, Utah, LAL, Min, Hou, Dal

The last ¾ of the season in the East ans West is going to be extraordinary.  Who will make the runs? And who is gonna fall off.  Solid hoops ahead! 

Are the Celtics and Lakers capable of contending this year?  Or are the recent flashes of brilliance from the squads just isolated events?  Experience has to count for something.  Look for these two teams to make runs for the rest of the season and have us all far too optimistic heading into the playoffs.