NBA Draft '07

Winners

Portland Trailblazers
Greg Oden gives the Trailblazers a dominant center who impacts the game on both sides of the floor and will be the premiere center in the league for the next 10 years. The Blazers didn't stop here. By getting rid of Zach Randolph and bringing in Channing Frye along with drafting two European standouts (Rudy Fernandez and Petteri Koponen), they have changed the mindset and image of the team.

Note: Josh McRoberts is a bum and his drop all the way to #37 is a testament to this. With that said, he is apparently good friends with Oden and a decent pick up at #37. I am just thankful the Billy King didn't take him.


Seattle SuperSonics
Durant will be great, but picking up Jeff Green to play alongside him was great. Green's pass first mentality is perfect for Durant and his solid defense, bball IQ, and strong character will go a long way in the league. Getting rid of Ray Allen signifies a new era for the Sonics (like the Blazers) and gives the reigns to Durant. Despite taking on Wally's contract from Boston, they can still offer Rashard Lewis a big contract which they are expected to pursue after ridding themselves of Ray Allen's contract.

Goldenstate Warriors
They replaced Jason Richardson with versatile and athletic Brandon Wright from UNC. Wright has a high-ceiling for improvement and will thrive in Nellie's system. Moving Richardson also open up $10 million to sign-free agents or for trades. Marco Bellini is another high-tempo guy who has proved himself in the Italian league. He looks like Manu in the few highlights I have seen.

New York Knicks
As predicted, Isiah made major moves in the off-season once again. For once they seem to be the right moves. Bringing in Randolph to play the 4 along side Curry at the 5, and supported by David Lee they arguably have the best front court in the East, at least on paper. Chemistry problems could ensue, but that is for Isiah to deal with. Getting rid of Francis and his contract was a near miracle as well. If New York can play even close to their potential they will certainly make the playoffs this year--that is a big 'if' though.

Spike believes in Isiah

Losers

Boston Celtics
I just don't understand anything this team does. They trade a #5 pick and a solid young point guard for a 32 year old sharpshooter who is past his prime. Pierce, Allen, and Big Al appear to be a strong 3, especially in the East, but how is this offense going to work? Allen and Pierce play the same role, jump-shooter. They don't have a penetrate and dish point guard (Rondo could emerge over time) and while Big Al's numbers are increasingly impressive since entering the league are teams really going to leave Pierce or Allen open to double him in the post? I just don't see that happening and I just don't get it. Stay young and build around an already solid core of young talent. The Bulls started doing this 3 years ago and look where they are and where they are heading. The C's pushed back any chance they have of becoming very good down the road and for what? A playoff birth and a probable first round exit. Ainge loves making big moves every off-season so their roster could still change a bit before the season starts.


Miami Heat
It isn't that I don't like Daequon Cook I just don't understand the pick. He is athletic, but raw and therefore won't see very much playing time this year under Riles. They have a shallow bench filled with injured-ridden veterans, yet their only pick got them a guy who won't play very much.

In other news I caught an episode of "Shaq's Big Challenge" on ABC. Shaq takes a group of overweight kids and is tries to get them to lose weight by exercising and eating healthy. He s also educating America about the importance of living a healthy life.

Shaq helping the kids

Sacramento Kings
This is another team on the decline who only had one pick and used it on a guy that doesn't seem to make sense for their team. Spencer Hawes is a versatile center who has a decent outside shot, but don't they already have Brad Miller doing this? They aren't going to play both of them at the same time.

The bigger issue is that they need to move Artest and why not move him on draft day to get a pick or two, any pick or two?


To Be Determined...

Philadelphia 76ers
It would have been nice if they took Thornton with their first pick, but everything I have heard about Thaddeus Young has been good. Jason Smith is a tall, versatile big man who can run the court and hit open jump shots. He was even predicted to be a lottery pick at one point and his game has been compared to that of Yi Jianlian's. Derrick Byars is a solid ball player and should fit in well with Philadelphia's young, athletic, and defensive minded team. Herbert Hill is a bruiser who should also make the team--and hopefully kick Shavlik Randolph off the team.

More than anything Billy King showed me something by staying young and letting his players develop (and by not picking McRoberts). The Sixers look like the baby Bulls of 2 years ago.


Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers
Both teams are in limbo this off-season. Both teams are on the decline with superstars who are in their prime and unhappy with the direction of the team. KG going to LA would be exciting, but the logistics of it just don't work. There was talk of KG going to Phoenix for Amare and other considerations, but this doesn't make sense. Neither team did very much with the draft as far as acquiring prospects or making trades. It will be interesting to see how both these teams end up by the time the season starts. As a fan I can only hope that something happens here.

Phoenix Suns
The Suns traded away the 24th pick (second year in a row they traded away a first round pick) for cash. This is 4 years in a row that they have traded away a first round pick. They are a very successful team and were robbed of a chance to compete in the West finals this year, but I don't understand trading away first round draft picks year after year and in this case only for cash. I can't imagine that they really need the few million dollars the pick got them.

As far as their draft picks I like both players a lot. I can see Alando Tucker emerging into a Mo Peterson type player and DJ Strawberry has the potential to be a lock down defender and has a proven work ethic. People have knocked the picks because they won't fit in well with the run and gun style the Suns play because neither is an effective perimeter shooter, but with so many other perimeter scorers on the team they don't need to be, yet. Raja Bell didn't have a jumper in 2001 on the Sixers, but was able to develop one over time. I can see the athletic Tucker and Strawberry doing the same.

Top 10 Sandwiches for Men

After extensive research and endless round table discussions here is the ultimate list of sandwiches for men.

10) Ham & Cheese
In it's purest form, white bread, ham, American cheese (preferably orange craft singles), and maybe some mustard. If you really want to make it special grill it in a pan.

The basic sandwich for a man. It thrives off of its simplicity and availability. Known to stick to the top of your mouth and best had with a glass of milk and 2 Advil.


9) Sloppy Joe
Ground beef mixed with special tomato sauce, slopped onto a kaiser.

You probably last had this one back in high school when Thursday was Sloppy Joe's!!. Thought to contain ground beef, but who really knows...

8)Pulled Pork Sandwich
Slow cooked pork loin 'pulled' off the bone to create the shredded texture, lathered in BBQ sauce, and placed on a Kaiser. Usually served with a side of slaw and corn on the cob.

A sleeper pick and undeniable when done right.


7) Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
Hot or Sweet Italian sausage, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, on a hearty Italian long roll.

Whether it is at Aunt Maria's cookout or at the ball game, this classic is undeniable.

6)Hot Roast Beef
Roast Beef on a Kaiser with a side of au jus and horseradish.

Don't be scared by the au jus, this is a mean sandwich. Bread and beef, period. Great with a flavorful beer.

5)Sausage, Egg, and Cheese
Fried egg, breakfast sausage, and American cheese.

If we could eat them every morning we would.

4) The Italian
Ham, Salami, Provolone, lettuce, onions, oil, mayo, and tomatoes are the basics. Pepperoni, Soppressata, Capicola, hot, sweet, or roasted red peppers, parmesan cheese and oregano are other additions to this Godfather of all sandwiches.

Call it a sub, a hoagie, or a grinder this behemoth can come in many shapes and sizes, a classic go to move at any deli.

3)Meatball Sub
Meatballs (preferably mom's homemade), tomato sauce, provolone, parmesan, and oregano on a long roll.

You can get it anywhere and it is hard to screw this one up.

2)Cheesesteak
Sliced rib-eye grilled with provolone, American, or the famous Whiz. Onions, mushrooms, peppers, and even brocolli rabe are all possible additions.

From the city of Brotherly Love comes this beautiful baby. Whether you are at Dalessandro's, Pat's, Jim's, Geno's, Tony Luke's or your local pizza place everyone does it differently and everyone has their opinion. We can all agree that it is just about the manliest around.


1)Bacon Cheeseburger
Classic. We all know it, love it, and have our own variations.

Feed Him to the Dogs

So long Mike Vick. You went from being the most exciting and promising player in the NFL, to overrated and incapable of having a passing game to compliment your legs, to now being an absolute disgrace. You are officially my least favorite player in the league. If you haven't heard, Vick is under investigation for breeding and hosting dogfights on his property in Virginia. His cousin lives/runs the property, but the property is under Vick's name. Earlier this week a 'witness' came forward claiming that Vick not only bred and fought dogs, but was a 'heavyweight' in the dogfighting scene. The 'witness' appears to be a reliable source having been involved in dogfighting for 30 years and describes fighting (and winning) against Vick.

Right back at you Mike.

I tried to watch the Outside the Lines story about dogfighting, but after 15 second of the intro which depicted the dogs mauling each other to the death I had to turn away. I don't have a weak stomach, but I admittedly have soft spot for dogs having them since I was born and animal abuse infuriates me like few other things. People compare dogfighting to UFC fighting. This is an absurd notion. People choose to fight in the Octagon. Dogs have no sense of what they are doing. Their instincts take over when thrown in the ring with another dog and it is kill or be killed. It is organized murder for senseless entertainment.

Natural Born Killer? Come on...

Humans have always bred, trained, and used animals for their betterment. From oxen pulling ploughs to genetically altered mice studied and sacrificed for medical research, animals are a useful tool for humans. Some would say dogfighting is similar to both of these examples; the animal is bred for a purpose, used for that purpose, and then killed when they are no longer needed. Nope, no way. It is the context that matters. These dogs are bred and trained to kill, simply a tool used for entertainment, nothing more. Their lives are used to facilitate the exchange of money through bets and the rush of watching them kill each other.

Gotta love playing as Vick in Madden.

It looks like Mike Vick will be suspended for a good long while if this 'witness' and others who are stepping forward turn out to be legit. If Pacman got a year for being a goofball and 'making it rain' among other things without any convictions, Mike Vick should at the absolute least expect to sit out a year. I feel bad for Mike Vick fans and the Atlanta Falcons organization. Trading Matt Schaub was a huge mistake in hindsight.

After Mike Vick is excoriated for his disgusting hobby and for blowing his chance at being a NFL legend--a unique player who could have changed his position like Lawrence Taylor and Tony Gonzalez did--there just might be some positives to come out of all this. Often is the case when celebrities stumble; their flaws are brought into the public spotlight and positives changes ensue. In the wake of Don Imus' comments that got him fired, other offensive radio personalities were fired or suspended for racial insensitivity. It is no longer acceptable to make such remarks. Andre Waters suicide and Oakland Raider's center Barret Robbins battle with depression (he was unable to play in the Superbowl because of an episode) have once again highlighted depression as a serious disease and for football players a side effect of concussions. Other experiences like Derek Fischer's daughter's battle with retina blastoma or Alonzo Mourning's recovery from kidney failure have helped raise awareness about these diseases and will save lives in the future.

The same should happen with Mike Vick's story because really, it isn't Mike Vick's story. He is just another dog breeder and dog fighter, one of 20,000-40,000 in the United States according to ESPN. Clinton Portis pointed this out, though his comments were insensitive and certainly didn't help Vick's case. Dogfighting is a multiBILLION dollar industry in the United States. It is extremely private and unknown to the public. My hope is that the backlash of this story will open the door to this gruesome and heartless industry. Dog lover's will be moved to speak up about it and hopefully things will change. Vick will certainly be booed more than ever if and when he returns to the NFL. When searching for pictures of Mike Vick on Google bloodied and emaciated pitbulls show up next to pictures of the quarterback playing football. Maybe some how, some way he will realize his hobby for what it is, change, and work to fight against it. I doubt it, but only then will I see him as more than an animal abusing, low-life dog.

No, not a dog, that is an insult.

50 games in...

The Phightin's are fifty games into the 2007 season (thats about 31% of the way through for any amateurs out there) and they sit in 3rd place in the NL East, 6.5 back of the absurdly annoying Mets but only 2 behind the second place Braves, who the Phils crushed this weekend. That being said, the team is struggling to find consistency amidst injuries, bull-pen questions, a manager from Buena Vista (you'd know if you've been there...), etc. At least Ryan Howard (aka Powered Howard, Rhino, Blue Hurt) looked good this weekend...

What excites me about the Phillies right now is the production we are seeing (even in limited playing time) from the bench. Specifically, Greg Dobbs.
The guy has been killing it since Spring Training, he is this years Chris Coste, he needs to play as much possible. The "Phillies Notes" today's Inqy give some idea of Dobbs' dominance:

The Phillies are 13-2 when Greg Dobbs starts. Coincidence? "I'm not about being superstitious, but shoot," lefthander Cole Hamels said. Dobbs went 2 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs yesterday. Andruw Jones robbed him of a second homer in the third inning when he made a spectacular leaping catch at the wall in center field. Dobbs played second base in the eighth and ninth innings - the first time in his life he had played there.

Playing out of position, crushing balls like AJ Feely crushes Heather's box, what more can you ask from the guy? Plus his name rolls off the tongue so well. Try the "Lets go Greg Dobbs" chant the next time you head to the Bank, it might just catch on.

Another guys who needs to see a little more playing time: Michael Bourn. Even though his average sucks he is a menace on the base paths. Remember that time he ran for Burrell (see below), stole second and third, then scored on a ground ball with the infield in? Also from today's Inqy:

Michael Bourn started for the third time in five games. He played yesterday in place of leftfielder Pat Burrell, who is hitless in his last 17 at-bats. Bourn went 2 for 10 with one RBI, two walks, two steals and three runs in those starts.

Bourn might be the opposite of Pat, Speed VS. Power, but he has proven effective at scoring runs. Pat has given us this:


One last name to mention is recent call-up Mike Zagurski. This guy looks like he belongs on a couch more than on the mound, but starting your major league career with 2.1 innings of scoreless, one-hit ball isn't too shabby. Maybe he can be the left handed arm out of the pen that Phils have lacked all year. By the way, his nickname is Bronko according to this interesting article on phillies.com.

In their first fifty games the Phillies have provided plenty of entertainment, but also disappointment. Looking at past performances I'm not surprised the Phils are where they are, lets just hope they get hot in time to make a run at the post-season. Hopefully, getting over .500 for the first time in six chances over the weekend will be just what the Phils needed to get them rolling. Come down to the ballpark tonight to see the Phils take on the Diamondbacks. Remember not to eat anything all day as it is a DDN. Look for me in 137, the guy with the mustard on his shirt sitting next a man with red hair, who's not to be trusted.

I leave you with an image of two players from the Northwestern women's lax team, who just three-peated the NCAA's this weekend in Philly. I always thought female laxers were kinda hot but...

Starting Five 5/21/07

It has been a minute, but I'm back. Let's get back into things with a my starting five for the week.

1) Booo NBA Playoffs-
It appears the NBA playoffs peaked in the first round with the Warriors beating the Mavericks with their wild style and the Jazz and Rockets taking their series to seven games. I also enjoyed watching the Nuggets and Iverson, despite quick departure. The Second round presented one intriguing series between the Suns and Spurs, which was tainted by the dirty play of the Spurs and the inability of the league to interpret a terrible rule, which handed the series to the Spurs. I like David Stern and I am not surprised that he just went by the book here, but come on, you really blew it for everyone and you know it. Steve Nash finally won me over too.

Now we have to look forward to LeBron passing too much and missing free throws down the stretch as he falls to the Pistons again and the Spurs and Jazz boring the hell out of us. Oh well, maybe next year.

2)Hooray Yanks and Sox-
Every year brings new intrigue with this rivalry and this year is no exception. After winning 9 division titles in a row the tables have turned for the Yankees as they are playing catch up to the hot Red Sox who are the best team is baseball so far. This week presents an extra special series because of the dire situation the Yanks have put themselves in. The Sox coming to town may be just what they need to get their season back on track. The Sox could put the Yanks further into their hole by taking the series based in New York. I'll be watching.

Don't count the Yankees out. Wang, Mussina, Pettite, Clemens, and Hughes sounds pretty good to me and you know they will start hitting more consistently. Plus, they are the Yankees, come on! For more, check this out.

3) Leave McNabb Alone!!-
Has there ever been a player that was picked on more for no reason that Donovan? The guy has been the cornerstone of the Eagles most successful era in franchise history leading them to 4 NFC championship games and a SuperBowl as well as being a 5 time Pro Bowler and a model citizen on and off the field. Was it Donovan or Andy Reid's overly conservative and poor playing calling down the stretch that lead to Philly's inability to win a title? Do people really think AJ Feeley, Kelly Holcomb or the controversial rookie Kolb can replace a Hall of Fame quarterback? Either way, the Philadelphia media, the national media, and just plain haters like Rush Limbaugh, can't give this guy a break. In Saturday's Inquirer there was an article referring to a Chicago rumor about a possible Lance Briggs for Donovan McNabb trade that could happen before the start of the season. The article even posed the question, "What Eagles fans are probably asking is why would the Bears want to do this trade?" Are you kidding me!? I swear journalists will write anything to be heard.


4)NBA Lottery Drawing- Tuesday is the most anticipated day for Celtics fans in years. The numbers are with them with a 40% chance of getting a a top two pick, but karma is against them after shamelessly tanking their season. It will be fun to watch what Billy King does with 3 first round picks and 1 second round pick. And how about this guy.

Why don't they bring back original format of the draft where all the teams that don't make the playoffs have an equal chance of getting the top pick.? This would get rid of the tanking phenomenon and encourage teams to put more into developing their players. The league is so concerned about its players acting appropriately, how about the franchises and management following suit?


5) Thank you Warriors- They were the most exciting thing to happen to the NBA this year and maybe in quite a few years. Their style was wild and their passion was raw and refreshing. They were probably just a flash in the pan, but man was it fun. The juxtaposition (yeah, I said it) between Stephen Jackon, Baron Davis, JRich, Matt Barnes and the like, with Nellie's laid back, let 'em run attitude (not to mention getting in trouble for bringing a beer to a press conference) was something special.

Baron is still a bad, bad man.

I'll beat him with my blackness

Like most things boxing, the most hyped fight of the 21st century failed to live up to its billing. Or did it? If you see boxing in the classical sense, two fighters in a ring by themselves, squaring off until the death, then by all means, this fight fell in line with many other flops.

However, if boxing is the event, the hype, the marketing, the money, then De La Hoya-Mayweather 1 (I say 1, because we know that 2 will be announced once there are no other fights to promote) perhaps has just revolutionized the world of sports. HBO and Golden Boy Promotions commoditized racial stereotypes in a way that has never been done before. Sure, Holmes-Cooney may have been more anticipated yet it relied on racial tension to push the fight, rather than create them to make the fight.

Oscar De La Hoya is a Mexican-American. He is not white as in Gerry Cooney or Jim Jeffries white. Yet America, which to be fair has always embraced Oscar, has never pulled harder for a fighter since Cooney took the ring across Larry Holmes. He became the model of family values with his wife sitting ringside and his two children's name across his shorts. He was polite. He was respectful. He became white America.

At the same time, Floyd Mayweather Jr. became everything this country is, but rejects in its typical hypocritical manner. He is brash. He is arrogant, cocky, and rude. He donned the Mexican colors to mock De La Hoya's heritage. 50 Cent brought him into the ring with "Straight To The Bank" (fitting for many reasons) blasting to a crowd where all in the arena have commas in their bank accounts and all watching on television contributed 50 Dollar.

And as expected, the fight was a complete domination (how the fight was a split decision is beyond me). Mayweather used his quick hands to exploit De La Hoya, poking jab after jab with the precision of a marksman. Yet the irony of the fight is that Mayweather in the ring isn't flashy. He is smart. He uses his speed, yes, but it was his superior boxing intelligence that won the fight. He outwitted De La Hoya just like Jack Johnson and Muhammad Ali made routine. The Pretty Boy sat back and picked away and the "wows" and "yeahs" that roared from the crowd when De La Hoya came at Mayweather in a flurry of ineffective punches were nothing compared to the "oohs" the came after each Mayweather carefully delivered blow to De La Hoya's head.

Is this the end of boxing? Of course it's not, because with technology making pay-per-viewing on plasma TVs a reality for many, boxing will continue its marketing domination. What presents a more frightening situation is that as the entire world of sports begins to realize the money that can be made by proffiting off of this country's racial tension, we may be entering a world when Don Imus may just find himself employed again very soon.

In the meantime, who else is looking forward to watching Golden State and Utah play?

The Family Sits Down to Watch AI in the Playoffs

Sitting down to watch the game, I thought, if Mr. Simmons can do it so can I. So I gave it a shot.

8:02 Here we go and Bill Walton is on board!
Mom, “Those uniforms are pretty.”

8:13 It’s ridiculous how many shots Camby has already taken. Always a bad sign. His shot is more ridiculous than Aaron McKie’s. He does it because he thinks it looks sweet, I swear.

8:15 Nene with the baseline spin and the beautiful lay-in. Hakeem Jr. As Magic said before game 1, he is the key to this series because the Spurs have no answer for him. Foul trouble will be his kryptonite.

8:19 Walton, “AND A 3-SECOND VIOLATION!!” Oh yeah, he is warming up.

8:20 “It is amazing to me how many people don’t realize the connection between nutritious eating and health.” Really Bill?

8:25 Just saw a commercial for the 11:00 news featuring a story about the underground Philadelphia porn industry. “Rich and compelling.”

8:28 George Karl got a T for being out of the coach’s box. When was the last time they called that one? I feel a slight favoritism for the Spurs. We shall see…

8:29 JR with the alley-oop!! Good to see him getting some burn here after very little in the first 2 games.

8:31 Mark Jones (Who!?) just said something about a “Melo man march” during the highlights before the commercials. He may challenge Bill for awesome comments tonight.

8:35 Allen just told Jacque Vaughn to get the hell off him without saying a word. Maybe Allen will step over Jacque after hitting one from the corner a la Tyrone Lue, game 1 ’01 Finals. Definitely one of the top 5 days of my life.

8:37 The Spurs just had a huddle at the free throw line a la the Dukies. Makes me sick. Hakeem Jr. spins baseline pump fake to get Oberto in the air, draws the foul, to the line for two. Lets go!

8:42 Slowski’s!! Mom, “I love these commercials! They should make a show out of them.” I agree mother.

8:45 AI finally gets to the line. And-1. Lets go!

8:48 Dad, “Well they have missed 11/12 and are still up one.” Agreed. Nuggets have fallen into one of their 5-10 minute funks where they take bad shots, miss lay-ups and stop driving to the basket. Where are you George Karl? Do you just coach before and after the games?


8:51 Tim Duncan with a block on JR. “That’s a goal-line stand on draft day!” Sorry Mark Jones (Who?! Who?! No really, who?), not buying that one.

8:58 Nuggets have 11 points in the quarter with 2+ minutes to go. They are narcoleptic the way their offense just shuts down. San Antonio plays the best D in the league, but come on fellas!

At least there are already commercials for Madden ’08. After the Sox won the World Series there is no stronger curse than the Madden curse. It will be interesting to see if Vince Young’s magic can overcome it. I am going with Madden on this one.


Halftime Analysis

It makes no sense that the Nuggets are only down 3 points. They were completely out played the entire second quarter. From giving up offensive boards to the Spurs, to taking bad shots and being stagnant on offense, they look unfocused and lazy. Melo is 3/7 from the line and missed his last 3 FTs looking like a head case. Iverson can’t get to the line and they have gone away from Nene (again!) after another strong first quarter. If the Spurs shot a little better this game wouldn’t be close.

All that said, it is a 3-point game.

Chubby Hubby is a great halftime treat. Pretzels and peanut butter in ice cream!? They would never come up with this stuff if they weren’t in Vermont.

9:27
Nice little commentary as we begin the half about Iverson’s kids making friends at their new school. Great to hear it. AI to the line for 2. Next possession, a pull up jumper in the lane, count it. LETS GO!

9:28 Another jumper from Ivey. 6 straight points! Those baby blue Question 1’s are on my birthday wish list. Kiddin’ me!? My brother got a youth large Iverson Nugget jersey because you can’t find the real ones anywhere.

9:34 Back-to-back emphatic blocks by Elson on Iverson and then Camby on Parker! Things are picking up here.

“THIS IS OURRR COUNTRYYY” F!#% you John Cougar, F!#% youuuu!!

9:38 Announcers mention that Iverson said he ran a 4:20 mile (Sure it wasn’t a 4:19 or a 4:21? Coincidence? I think not) when he was in Philadelphia and has 5% body fat. Mom didn’t like that they called him a freak either. I had to explain it was a complement. She loves Allen.

9:41 Nene with the up and under. Hakeem Jr. Get him the damn ball! And where is Bill with his thunderous “Throw it doooown big man”? He has been pretty mellow tonight.

9:50 In response to JR’s erratic drive to the basket that ended up in a turnover:
“These guys are out of control. Honestly, they have no focus. Set up a play or something. I could tell them what to do better, really! All these hyper-active ADHD guys.” Get ‘em Ma!

9:54 “I like the Nuggets. They have a lot of glamor clothes. Those yellow shawls (towels) and the baby blue. Very fashionable.” She stays killin’.

10:03 It’s all falling apart here. Where did the offense go? Why haven’t they gone to Nene down low? Where is the help inside on D from the defensive player of the year? Even the isolations for Melo have disappeared. They look lost, I don’t understand.

Little fact here from Mark Jones (Who!?) just mentioned. Najera is the third highest endorsed athlete—and only Hispanic player in the league—on the Nuggets. What about Arroyo? I wonder what Najera’s endorsement ranking is the entire league.

10:14 Blake hits a deep 2! “Oh my! Where did they get this pale child?”
“Steve Blake, he has been playing the whole game.”
“Really? He looks like he is from Hare Krishna.” I had to look up that reference. Good stuff mom!

10:15 Tony Parker has taken over. He might have surpassed Iverson as quickest in the league. And then there is Eva. And again, why not.

Melo just hit a 3-pointer. 5-point game with 2 minutes left. I have no idea how. I think the scorekeeper is cheating.

10:24 Parker drives the lane, again! Camby and Nene don’t slide over to help and just swat at his shot. Lazy and selfish.

10:28 Big Shot Bob hits a fade-away from the corner, again. Game over. Walton remarks that Horry has never missed the playoffs in his entire career. Impressive.

10:30 Timmy D just skipped down the court after a turnover. The most emotion he has shown since laughing at Joey Crawford a few weeks ago.

10:32 “Here is this guy again. I feel sorry for him. He has no features. No contrast. Looks like a white little alien.”

“They say pressure makes diamonds and pressure breaks pipes. The San Antonio Spurs were 14K gold…” I have no idea what that means. Mark Who?! Mark Who!? Mark Jooooones! I didn’t even know this guy’s name before tonight. Who?! Ok I am done with that.

Recap- The Spurs defense knocked the wheels off the Nuggets’ offense for the second game in a row. Where were George Karl’s adjustments during the game to get his team’s offense working again? And where is the help D. Marcus Camby is a strong defensive player, but just because you lead the league in blocks doesn’t mean you win the award. Bruce Bowen was robbed once again and the tonight’s results are the proof in the pudding (did I use that saying correctly?). Next game is a must win for the Nuggets, but all signs are pointing to a loss. The Spurs have enforced their style of play and the Nuggets are not able to run and gun the way they like to. The Nuggets are clearly the more talented team, but can they get their flow back, help on D, hit lay-ups and get to the line?