My NBA recaps

What do Jamal Crawford and I have in common?  Obviously it’s not basketball ability but it’s the fact that we both have really good memories, which is why I was able to piece together what I think is a complete list of NBA recaps I wrote for SportsTicker from 2001-2004.  I used the game logs at database basketball. Being one of the younger guys in the place at the time, I worked overnights which means a lot of the late nights were spent watching Clippers and Warriors basketball and being young also meant doing some of the worst matchups in the league or Games of the Weak as one co-worker used to put it.  So if you’ve read this far, here is the list to the best of my memory.

1   10-30-2001 – Boston 108, Cleveland 89
2   10-30-2001 – Denver 99, Phoenix 96
3   11-03-2001 – Sacramento 106, Denver 94
4   11-03-2001 – Orlando 99, Cleveland 69
5   11-05-2001 – LA Clippers 109, Atlanta 86
6   11-06-2001 – Sacramento 115, Cleveland 99
7   11-06-2001 – Phoenix 113, Memphis 101
8   11-10-2001 – Toronto 117, Utah 96
10  11-13-2001 – Cleveland 107, Minnesota 103
11  11-13-2001 – Denver 101, Chicago 93
12  11-14-2001 – Chicago 102, LA Clippers 106
13  11-15-2001 – Portland 101, Memphis 85
14  11-17-2001 – Cleveland 93, Memphis 98
15  11-17-2001 – Indiana 98, Detroit 104
16  11-18-2001 – Toronto 87, Phoenix 81
17  11-20-2001 – New York 94, Golden State 70
18  11-20-2001 – Seattle 105, Dallas 97
19  11-20-2001 – Detroit 88, Toronto 84
20  11-22-2001 – Milwaukee 78, Toronto 75
21  11-25-2001 – LA Lakers 105, Denver 98
22  11-26-2001 – Phoenix 111, Utah 104 (OT)
23  11-26-2001 – Detroit 105, Orlando 100
24  11-27-2001 – Boston 84, Miami 83
25  11-27-2001 – Golden State 106, Dallas 116
26  11-27-2001 – Milwaukee 85, LA Lakers 104
27  12-02-2001 – Milwaukee 83, Seattle 97
28  12-05-2001 – Denver 80, Boston 95
29  12-05-2001 – San Antonio 120, Atlanta 112
30  12-05-2001 – Dallas 94, LA Lakers 98
31  12-06-2001 – Charlotte 95, Portland 89
32  12-08-2001 – Washington 102, Dallas 95
33  12-08-2001 – Philadelphia 83, Memphis 92
34  12-08-2001 – Denver 99, Cleveland 109
35  12-09-2001 – Miami 88, Sacramento 95
36  12-16-2001 – Detroit 77, LA Clippers 82
37  12-22-2001 – Minnesota 95, Chicago 74
38  12-22-2001 – Detroit 89, Seattle 117
39  12-22-2001 – Golden State 105, Denver 101
40  12-23-2001 – Phoenix 101, Sacramento 133
41  12-26-2001 – LA Lakers 90, Golden State 101
42  12-26-2001 – Phoenix 97, Houston 91
43  12-26-2001 – Indiana 89, Orlando 82
44  12-28-2001 – Memphis 91, Miami 86
45  12-28-2001 – Minnesota 111, Sacramento 125
46  12-30-2001 – Boston 94, Sacramento 109
47  12-30-2001 – San Antonio 83, Memphis 79
48  12-31-2001 – Miami 89, Indiana 87
49  01-04-2002 – Indiana 92, San Antonio 82
50  01-04-2002 – LA Clippers 82, Denver 80
51  01-04-2002 – Orlando 106, New Jersey 96
52  01-09-2002 – Atlanta 87, Charlotte 111
53  01-10-2002 – Portland 92, Miami 85
54  01-10-2002 – Cleveland 91, Denver 96
55  01-11-2002 – Washington 86, Milwaukee 105
56  01-12-2002 – Indiana 102, Dallas 111
57  01-12-2002 – Charlotte 76, Detroit 104
58  01-12-2002 – Memphis 97, Utah 95
59  01-16-2002 – Seattle 80, Utah 95
60  01-18-2002 – Houston 104, Boston 101
61  01-29-2002 – Chicago 90, Phoenix 91
62  01-29-2002 – LA Clippers 117, Dallas 100
63  01-29-2002 – Cleveland 114, Minnesota 81
64  01-30-2002 – Atlanta 71, Detroit 88
65  02-01-2002 – San Antonio 83, Miami 88
66  02-01-2002 – Charlotte 73, Houston 72
67  02-17-2002 – Atlanta 100, Golden State 94
68  02-17-2002 – Dallas 105, Phoenix 92
69  02-19-2002 – Atlanta 79, Sacramento 99
70  02-21-2002 – Atlanta 79, Portland 94
71  02-24-2002 – Seattle 101, Toronto 92
72  02-25-2002 – LA Clippers 90, Memphis 77
73  02-28-2002 – Indiana 100, Phoenix 107 (OT)
74  03-03-2002 – Milwaukee 101, Cleveland 91
75  03-03-2002 – Orlando 102, Washington 107 (OT)
76  03-06-2002 – Miami 92, Chicago 87
77  03-07-2002 – New York 93, Denver 104
78  03-07-2002 – Indiana 111, Memphis 122
79  03-10-2002 – New York 103, LA Lakers 117
80  03-10-2002 – LA Clippers 95, Cleveland 78
81  03-11-2002 – Sacramento 107, Chicago 103
82  03-13-2002 – Houston 96, Minnesota 95
83  03-15-2002 – Boston 103, Memphis 97
84  03-15-2002 – Washington 103, Seattle 98
85  03-17-2002 – Dallas 103, Los Angeles Lakers 105
86  03-19-2002 – New York 101, Memphis 92
87  03-19-2002 – Atlanta 102, Chicago 96
88  03-21-2002 – Detroit 95, Phoenix 82
89  03-24-2002 – Houston 116, Golden State 104
90  03-25-2002 – Denver 84, New York 83
91  03-25-2002 – Cleveland 96, Phoenix 102
92  03-28-2002 – Toronto 85, Atlanta 83
93  03-28-2002 – Cleveland 91, Utah 112
94  03-30-2002 – Golden State 99, Memphis 105
95  04-04-2002 – Indiana 94, Atlanta 95
96  04-04-2002 – Minnesota 87, Denver 88
97  04-05-2002 – Hoston 81, Memphis 99
98  04-06-2002 – Washington 88, Memphis 85
99  04-08-2002 – Boston 100, Chicago 105
100 04-08-2002 – Cleveland 111, Indiana 99
101 04-14-2002 – Indiana 86, Washington 80
———————————————-
102 10-30-2002 – Phoenix 73, Seattle 86
103 10-30-2002 – Denver 77, Minnesota 83
104 10-30-2002 – Orlando 100, Miami 86
105 11-11-2002 – Minnesota 75, San Antonio 91
106 11-13-2002 – Minnesota 98, New Orleans 102 (maybe)
107 11-22-2002 – Milwaukee 95, Golden State 91
108 11-25-2002 – New Orleans 87, Philadelphia 108
109 11-29-2002 – Milwaukee 91, Detroit 96
110 11-30-2002 – Atlanta 92, Orlando 117
111 12-03-2002 – Denver 89, Golden State 110
112 12-06-2002 – Denver 77, Sacramento 98
113 12-06-2002 – Indiana 81, Denver 92
114 12-15-2002 – New Orleans 92, Sacramento 107
115 12-15-2002 – Philadelphia 97, Indiana 107
116 12-18-2002 – New Orleans 106, Golden State 111
117 12-21-2002 – Indiana 103, Chicago 110
118 12-22-2002 – Golden State 88, Sacramento 103
119 12-22-2002 – Utah 103, Memphis 74
120 12-28-2002 – Golden State 99, LA Clippers 92
121 12-28-2002 – LA Lakers 112, Denver 93
122 12-31-2002 – Indiana 89, New Orleans 86
123 01-04-2003 – Utah 86, Minnesota 93
124 01-05-2003 – New Orleans 99, Toronto 84
125 01-06-2003 – Miami 85, Golden State 99
126 01-06-2003 – Milwaukee 106, Cleveland 94
127 01-12-2003 – Miami 81, LA Lakers 106
128 01-12-2003 – Utah 99, Phoenix 107
129 01-17-2003 – Minnesota 98, Golden State 107
130 01-17-2003 – Cleveland 80, Denver 97
131 01-29-2003 – Washington 78, New Jersey 86
132 01-31-2003 – New Orleans 72, New Jersey 89
133 01-31-2003 – Phoenix 98, LA Clippers 92
134 02-01-2003 – New Jersey 84, Detroit 106
135 02-04-2003 – LA Clippers 92, New York 105
136 02-11-2003 – LA Clippers 107, Phoenix 106
137 02-12-2003 – Washington 108, LA Clippers 104
138 02-22-2003 – Atlanta 89, LA Clippers 87
139 02-23-2003 – Atlanta 93, Golden State 115
140 02-24-2003 – Utah 92, Memphis 103
141 02-28-2003 – LA Clippers 103, Portland 109
142 02-28-2003 – New Orleans 94, Denver 88
143 03-07-2003 – Sacramento 108, Utah 105
144 03-07-2003 – LA Clippers 83, Boston 72
145 03-08-2003 – Utah 77, Dallas 101
146 03-14-2003 – Chicago 91, Houston 121
147 03-14-2003 – Dallas 116, Golden State 114
148 03-19-2003 – Cleveland 101, Memphis 128
149 03-19-2003 – Utah 99, Phoenix 86
150 03-23-2003 – Houston 108, Sacramento 109
151 03-28-2003 – Dallas 95, Portland 112
152 04-01-2003 – Seattle 101, Chicago 94 (OT)
153 04-02-2003 – San Antonio 105, Memphis 87
154 04-03-2003 – Utah 93, Portland 88
155 04-03-2003 – Sacramento 93, Boston 92
156 04-06-2003 – Utah 82, Seattle 80
157 04-06-2003 – LA Lakers 115, Phoenix 113
158 04-11-2003 – Dallas 92, Utah 95
159 04-11-2003 – Detroit 89, New Orleans 93
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160 10-31-2003 – Boston 93, Memphis 91
161 11-01-2003 – Chicago 68, Milwaukee 98
162 11-17-2003 – Portland 98, Dallas 105
163 11-17-2003 – Washington 106, Atlanta 97
164 11-19-2003 – Golden State 83, Houston 85
165 11-23-2003 – Portland 72, Golden State 78
166 11-24-2003 – Indiana 89, Orlando 78
167 11-24-2003 – Houston 105, LA Clippers 90
168 12-01-2003 – San Antonio 83, LA Clippers 91
169 12-01-2003 – Indiana 89, Phoenix 82
170 12-01-2003 – Milwaukee 87, Chicago 97
171 12-09-2003 – New York 90, LA Lakers 98
172 12-16-2003 – Milwaukee 106, Portland 99
173 12-17-2003 – Milwaukee 83, LA Clippers 93
174 12-20-2003 – Cleveland 95, Chicago 87
175 12-20-2003 – Memphis 89, New Orleans 94
176 12-20-2003 – Houston 87, Phoenix 102
177 12-25-2003 – Dallas 111, Sacramento 103
178 12-25-2003 – Houston 97, LA Lakers 87
179 12-28-2003 – Golden State 79, Denver 103
180 12-28-2003 – Philadelphia 92, Phoenix 100
181 12-28-2003 – Portland 74, Cleveland 86
182 01-15-2004 – Miami 85, Utah 97
183 01-16-2004 – Miami 87, LA Clippers 85
184 01-21-2004 – New Jersey 76, San Antonio 99
185 01-21-2004 – Orlando 102, Milwaukee 113
186 01-23-2004 – San Antonio 86, Phoenix 84
187 01-23-2004 – Dallas 106, Chicago 93
188 01-23-2004 – Washington 89, Boston 100
189 02-06-2004 – Denver 87, Golden State 96
190 02-06-2004 – Detroit 81, New Orleans 92
191 02-07-2004 – Detroit 108, Dallas 111
192 02-07-2004 – Houston 86, Atlanta 77
193 02-17-2004 – Utah 85, Miami 97
194 02-17-2004 – Orlando 104, Milwaukee 127
195 02-21-2004 – Memphis 105, Chicago 98
196 02-21-2004 – Seattle 92, Golden State 94
197 02-21-2004 – Denver 81, Miami 97
198 02-25-2004 – Detroit 107, Chicago 88
199 02-26-2004 – Chicago 87, Washington 95
200 02-26-2004 – San Antonio 91, Dallas 115
201 02-26-2004 – Sacramento 103, LA Lakers 101
202 03-02-2004 – Seattle 96, Dallas 107
203 03-05-2004 – Cleveland 88, New Orleans 85
204 03-07-2004 – Indiana 103, Denver 94
205 03-07-2004 – Detroit 86, Seattle 65
206 03-12-2004 – Denver 117, Milwaukee 111
207 03-12-2004 – Seattle 74, Miami 82
208 03-15-2004 – Orlando 110, LA Lakers 113
209 03-17-2004 – Orlando 85, Golden State 110
210 03-17-2004 – Utah 81, Toronto 85
211 03-19-2004 – Houston 84, Golden State 90
212 03-19-2004 – Seattle 91, New Orleans 80
213 03-19-2004 – Chicago 96, Toronto 91
214 03-21-2004 – Orlando 67, Seattle 84
215 03-27-2004 – Denver 83, Utah 85
216 03-27-2004 – Seattle 108, Portland 115 (OT)
217 03-29-2004 – Washington 95, Phoenix 101
218 03-29-2004 – Chicago 96, Miami 105
219 03-30-2004 – Indiana 86, Milwaukee 95
220 04-02-2004 – LA Lakers 97, Seattle 86
221 04-05-2004 – Memphis 81, Utah 92
222 04-12-2004 – Houston 111, Seattle 107
223 04-12-2004 – Milwaukee 89, Cleveland 93
224 04-14-2004 – Seattle 118, LA Clippers 97

This says it all about the Knicks

Recently someone asked me if I was still a Knicks fan and my reply was something along the lines of not anymore. When I replied not anymore it at the time was merely due to the fact that I cover the team in some capacity. I still look forward to the games, it’s the NBA after all. I know someone that used to have season tickets, used to meaning he had them through 2001 or 2002 and now he probably hasn’t watched a game in years.

This is a tough time to be a fan of the Knicks and maybe even tougher than those awful years in the mid-1980s. It’s tougher because of all the nonsense that goes on there. Sure Jamal Crawford is a nice guy, so is Eddy Curry and the majority of the Knicks are decent guys,  but the events of this week with Stephon Marbury reportedly trying to blackmail a Isiah Thomas, who lost a civil suit for sexual harrassment makes it tough to root for this team if you’re a fan and unlike Portland fans who stuck it out during the “JailBlazer” days there doesn’t appear to be any reward in sight.

All visiting players come in and say how special it is to play in the Garden and that still applies to some extent. But this is not the 1990s Garden and this blog entry from Frank Isola pretty much sums it up .

Will it ever change? You’d like to think so as in many instances franchises go through cycles but based on the last few years it’s like sitting in major gridlock at rush hour. You think you’re making progress (six-game winning streak in 2005-06, 16-13 start in 2004-05) but the reality it’s like a tease for the fans and anyone else that wants to be around something that makes news for the right things like winning basketball games.

Collapse or Win – Warriors vs. Pistons final seven plus minutes and Knicks-Clippers final minute

Can the Warriors get that elusive win?  After seeing enough bad shots being hoisted by the Knicks, it was time to see if the Warriors can hold off the Pistons.  It’s a six-point lead for Golden State, which according to the color guy have shown some character.  So away we go:

6:47 – Rasheed Wallace, who once got into a fight here with the Blazers, hits two, 96-92

Golden State walks it up, nearly turns it over.  Azibukie can’t get set against the zone and Rip Hamilton scores on the other end, 96-94

Davis with another unsteady drive that misses and Biedrins gets called for the foul. It looks like the zone is on lockdown now for the Pistons.

Wallace in the left block, turns and shoots 96-96.

They swing it and Monta Ellis travels on a dribble drive, looks like winning time for the Pistons.

Coming out of a timeout and we have 5:33 to play.

Wallace gets doubled, distributes but Murray missed dunk. Wallace on the right block, no rotation, 98-96 Pistons.

ball is swung around and then inside to Baron Davis for the foul.  Free throws for Davis, takes a breath and misses the first and gets the second, 98-97 4:40 remaining.

Into Wallace again, backs down turns and misses and the biggest rebound of the season for Ellis off a Harrington block out, 98-97 4:27 left.

Clank goes the Azibuke three and the zone remains on lockdown.  There comes the Wallace three, 101-97.

Harrington spots in the corner and hits for three, 101-100.

Into Wallace again and a touch foul. Would you double Rasheed is the key question and the answer is it’s easier said than done? First foul shot goes in, second one goes, 103-100.

From disinterested to fourth quarter scoring maching. Kick out for Ellis three no good, offensive rebound but a missed jumper off the elbow.  The Pistons are content to run this Wallace back in all night.

Scattered break, harrington misses but the Warriors finally finish it inside, 103-102.

Now the Warriors showing some D and Baron Davis draws the offensive foul on Flip Murray, 2:20 left.

Back to the action.  Warriors walk it up. Davis passs to Biedrins to Azibuke and he can’t finish, 103-102.

Davis now on Prince and the baby hook goes right in, 105-102.

A good three attempt for Harrington, meaning he had time to set his feet and it misses.

Murray nice entry pass to Maxiell, who is hammered by Biedrins.  Good move as Maxiell is a 52 percent free throw shooter.  First one is good, he exhales and makes the second, 107-102, 1:15.

Must score here (duh).  And a fadeaway is not even close.  The bags are close to getting packed here as Biedrins fall into the dance team, 107-102, 41.1.

If the Warriors lose, they will have blown a game in which they led for over 42 minutes.  That’s awful as Prince scores again, 109-102 and 22-6 in the last six minutes.

Davis decides to do it own and goes for the easy layup, 109-104 with 32.1 seconds.

ok the hell with this, 79-77 Clippers with a minute to go.  Can the Knicks pull this out?

As I tune in, Cassell tries to reprise his role with the Rockets and hit a dagger three and Dunleavy is pissed.  Marbury brings it up, into Zach and the play goes back to Marbury who misses the open three.  Mobley comes back and does what Cassell couldn’t do despite Thomas’ insistence that it was a carry and he shakes off Marbury and hits an eight-footer 81-77.

And we come back from the timeout, Crawford with the side inbounds, Randolph to Jones on a backdoor. Jones gets hacked by Ross and here come the biggest free throws of the season for the Knicks.  Jones takes a few dribles and the first one goes on.  Richardson in for defense and Marbury.  Robinson and Jefferies come in also for Randolph and Curry.  And now the second shot, it goes in 81-79.

Full court press and Jefferies fouls Kaman.  Another inbound and Isiah is yelling “Get Up”.  Maggette inbounds to Mobley and they actually attempt the steal before fouling.  Mobley gets two free throws and makes the first.  The second is short, Richardson rebounds and calls timeout, 82-79 18.4 seconds remaining.

Three or quick two?  What to do?  I say two and maybe get fouled.

I’m guessing to Randolph for the first option.  Crawford with the side inbounds to Marbury off top and he misses, Zach’s tip-in fails, scramble but Knicks retain possession.  Final timeout, 82-79, 11.1 seconds remaining.

Play looks like it’s for Marbury. Richardson inbounds to Marbury, who drives  and the layup is banked in, 82-81, seven seconds in.  Maggette is a great foul shooter and the first goes in.  This is the big one says Kenny Smith (Duh).  Maggette leans in and makes the second.

Curry to Crawford for three off the mark and that’s your ballgame.  Knicks are 2-5.  Crawford got a decent look but might have dribbled a little too much.

What can you get for Stephon Marbury in Fantasyland?

Upon seeing the story in the Daily News hinting at Marbury’s possible departure from the Knicks, I decided to try to see what I could get for him by using the ESPN Trade Machine

Here are the successful results and the reality:

1 – Marbury to Washington for Antawn Jamison.  Marbury gets to play with Gilbert Arenas for two years and that pushes DeShawn Stevenson to the bench while making Andray Blatche the starting power forward.  On the Knicks side of the equation, a Marbury departure will make Nate Robinson the starting point guard or push Jamal Crawford there and Quentin Richardson to the starting shooting guard. If they put Jamison into the starting five, it makes him the small forward.

2 – Marbury to Sacramento for Ron Artest and Mike Bibby.  Marbury becomes the point guard in Sacramento and Bibby becomes the point guard for the Knicks. As for Artest’s role he becomes the starting small forward and Quentin Richardson becomes the sixth man.  Back in Sacramento, Francisco Garcia becomes the starting small forward.

3 – Marbury to Portland for Raef LaFrentz and Darius Miles – That’s a total unrealistic deal for both sides at least I think it.  LaFrentz barely plays and Miles is coming back from major knee surgery and a lot of money.

4 – Marbury to Phoenix for Shawn Marion – Another unrealistic trade but if Phoenix ever offered this, I’d do this quickly.  Marbury probably in this instance supplants Raja Bell as the shooting guard while Alando Tucker maybe moves to replace Marion.  Marion slides over to small forward in New York, Crawford the point and Richardson the two-guard.

5 – Marbury to New Orleans for Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson. Another unlikely one but Marbury gets to be the two-guard alongside Chris Paul. Bobby Jackson becomes the starting point guard, Richardson goes to the bench and Stojakovic starts at small forward

(Note this thing also said I could trade him for Jason Kidd, obviously that’s not happening)

6 – Marbury for Michael Redd and Dan Gadzuric.  In theory not a terrible trade but both players have four years remaining.  Gadzuric becomes Eddy Curry’s backup while Redd becomes the starting shooting guard and Crawford moves to the point. Marbury becomes Milwaukee’s starting shooting guard.

7 – Marbury for Kobe Bryant.  Both players have similar salaries but Bryant has a no-trade clause. Should this happen, both would simply be the starting two-guards.

8 – Marbury for Cuttino Mobley and Corey Maggette – Marbury plays with Sam Cassell while Mobley becomes the starting two-guard and Maggette the three, pushing Crawford to the point and Richardson to the bench.

9  – Marbury for Jermaine O’Neal – The money is similar and so are the years remaining.  The Knicks essentially would play with two power forwards alongside Curry while the Pacers use Marbury as the point or in reserve role.

10 – Marbury for Baron Davis – Money is similar and so are the years. Both players become the point guard.  Another doubtful trade.

11 – It also says you can get Allen Iverson straight up for Marbury but that is as likely as George Karl and Isiah Thomas having a meal together.

Connections and Storylines for a Tuesday

Boston @ Indiana – The last time Boston was 6-0 was way back on November 15, 1987. They reached that point with a 103-98 win at Market Square Arena. Larry Bird scored 11 of his 24 points in the first quarter and the Celtics made 10 of their 13 shots.

But of more recent history is that they’ll be facing the last coach that won a playoff series for the Celtics and that was Jim O’Brien, who in 2003 guided the Celtics to the Eastern Conference semifinals. O’Brien stepped down just as Danny Ainge took over and dealt away players such as Antoine Walker and Eric Williams for the likes of Raef LaFrentz and Ricky Davis.

As for the present, the 5-0 start has seen the Celtics win by an average of 16.6 points – a figure that would be larger if not for a three-point win in Toronto. They have had six quarters in which they have outscored the opponent by double digits.

As for the Pacers, their present three-game losing streak makes that 3-0 start seem like a thing of the past. They were last seen coughing up a 25-point lead and losing 113-106 to the Nuggets and they’ve also seen Danny Granger’s drop as he is 18-of-50 and 0-of-13 from three-point range in his last three contests. The loss to Denver came a night after they blew an eight-point lead and gave up 20-2 run in Charlotte.

Seattle @ Orlando – If the Sonics had been able or wanted to re-sign Rashard Lewis, they might have had a win or two. They take an 0-7 mark into this and have never been 0-8. So what do they plan on doing to combat the losing, especially after coming within four points of the Detroit Pistons Sunday night. I do not know just yet but from someone who saw the game, the Sonics played well enough against teams not named the Pistons. Five of Seattle’s seven losses have been by single digits so maybe the laws of statistics could be in their favor.

As for Orlando, the Magic are 5-2 with Lewis, who is averaging 20.2 points and one of the many long-range shooters that pace a team that has four games with at least 10-pointers. Their defense is far from being perfect as Stan Van Gundy said it was a bunch of things, especially pertaining to the low post the other night in New York when I asked him.

Another thing to expect if you’re defending the Magic is that they will keep shooting. If 10 misfire, they figure the 11th will go in and chances are Dwight Howard will grab a majority of those misses although he might have some problems if Chris Wilcox and Nick Collision are on the court on the same time. They make the Sonics one of eight teams with two players averaging eight rebounds .

Miami @ Charlotte – Now that Miami has won for the first time since April 13, they can begin the season. Taking this back-to-back with Charlotte and Seattle might be very important because a back-to-back with Boston and New Jersey is next. The Heat are the worst team in the league when it comes to scoring at 84.5 points but if they can get the Bobcats to cave into the slow, plodding halfcourt style they can and probably win this. That’s among the things they did in New York in a 75-72 win. They also came back from six down in the final six-plus minutes, holding the Knicks to one basket and no points in the final 2 1/2 minutes. They also have been getting the big time blue collar effort from Udonis Haslem, who resembled many of the players that Pat Riley used to coach in New York with his 16-point, 16 rebound showing. That’s my unscientific analysis of the Heat, here’s some scientific analysis

As for Charlotte, they’ve never been this good this late in a season. Last year it took the Bobcats 14 games to get to four victories, in 2005-06 it was 12 games and in 2004-05 it was also 14. They already have an 90-88 win over Miami and that was a game they nearly lost. But of course like many teams that have yet to consistently win, late-game execution can be a problem like it was in Sunday’s 85-82 loss to Houston. They were up five heading into the fourth and up seven with 6:05 remaining. The teams like the Pistons, Spurs, Suns usually expand that lead to double-digits while the losing or inconsistent teams blow it or make it tough and that’s what happened. They allowed the Rockets to hang in there and they eventually took the lead and the superstar got the call when Tracy McGrady got a call against Gerald Wallace in the waning seconds.

How Rare is it to allow less than 80 points and still lose?

The Knicks did something they used to do when they were good and that was allow less than 80 points. How rare is that these days for this defensive deficient team?

It is so rare that is has only happened 16 times since Isiah Thomas took over things on Dec. 22, 2003. Before Sunday’s 75-72 loss, they had won their last 13 games when allowing under 80 points but of that streak went back to a 77-67 loss against San Antonio on January 27, 2004.

So how about the rest of the league?

Boston Celtics – have won their last three when doing so dating a 79-74 loss vs. New Jersey on April 14, 2006.

New Jersey Nets – 13 in a row going back to a 79-67 loss vs. Seattle on 11/17/2004

Philadelphia – five in a row going back to a 77-76 loss vs. Houston on 12/4/2004

Toronto – six in a row going back to a 74-66 loss at Detroit on 4/9/2004

Chicago – lost one 78-72 at Milwaukee on November 3. had won 18 in a row going back to a 77-73 loss on 12/17/2003

Cleveland -22 in a row going back to 75-67 loss at Toronto on 1/7/2004

Detroit – 12 in a row going back to a 79-74 loss vs. New Jersey on 3/26/2006. Before that 23 in row going back to a 75-74 loss to Portland on 12/18/2004

Indiana – three in a row going back to a 78-71 loss vs. Minnesota on 12/23/2006

Milwaukee – 28 in a row going back to a 79-77 loss at Chicago on 4/18/1999

Atlanta – three in a row going back to a 77-75 loss vs. Portland on 11/27/2005

Charlotte – has only done it twice

Miami – 14 in a row going back to a 78-77 loss at Detroit on 11/26/2004

Orlando – 17 in a row going back to a 75-68 loss vs. New York on 11/3/2003

Washington – seven in a row going back to a 79-76 loss vs. Indiana on 4/3/2005

Dallas – two in a row going back to a 75-71 loss at Denver on 4/6/2006

Houston – one going back to a 77-72 loss vs. Boston on 2/25/2006

Memphis – 21 in a row going back to a 78-67 loss at San Antonio on 12/15/2003

New Orleans – 11 in a row going back to a 76-67 loss at Denver on 11/29/2004

San Antonio – 28 in a row going back to a 73-67 loss at Houston on 1/15/2005

Denver – seven in a row going back to a 71-60 loss at Indiana on 11/4/2003

Minnesota – 70 in a row going back to a 79-78 loss at Dallas on 11/30/1991

Portland – five in a row going back to a 78-65 loss at New Jersey on 3/15/2006

Seattle – 35 in a row going back to a 79-77 loss at San Antonio on 2/8/2000

Utah – six in a row going back to a 79-70 loss vs. San Antonio on 11/30/2006

Golden State – five in a row going back to a 78-75 loss vs. Portland on 11/3/2004

LA Clippers – one in a row going back to a 77-75 loss at Seattle on 3/1/2007.

LA Lakers – two in a row going back to a 76-74 loss vs. Houston on 12/18/2005. before that 16 in a row going back to a 79-78 loss vs. New York on 4/1/2001

Phoenix – 56 times in a row, have never lost when doing so

Sacramento – 38 times in a row, have never lost since moving to Sacramento

How Many Shots Does it Take to get 30 Points?

When you score 30 points, you’re having a good night but is it an efficient one?

1 – Kobe Bryant 45 points, 32 shots, made 13 – rest of team is 19-of-44 – L 95-93 to Houston

2 – Carlos Boozer 32 points, 21 shots, made 21, rest of team is 29-of-69 – W 117-96 at Golden State

3 – Manu Ginobilli – 30 points, 14 shots, made six, rest of team is 32-of-73 – W 104-101 at Memphis

4 – Tayshaun Prince – 34 points, 23 shots, made 13, rest of team is 18-of-57 – W 91-80 at Miami

5 – Tracy McGrady – 47 points, 27 shots, made 17, rest of team is 22-of-53 – W 106-95 at Utah

6 – Carlos Boozer – 30 points, 25 shots, made 13, rest of team is 23-of-56 – L 106-95 vs. Houston

7 – LeBron James – 45 points, 28 shots, made 13, rest of team is 25-of-53 – W 110-106 vs. New York

8 – Kelenna Azubuike – 33 points, 17 shots, made 12, rest of team is 32-of-77 – L 120-114 at LA Clippers

9 – Al Harringston 38 points, 20 shots, 15 made, rest of team is 25-of-59 – L 133-110 at Utah

10 – Deron Williams 30 points, 17 shots, 13 made, rest of team is 38-of-64 – W 133-110 vs. Golden State

11 – Ray Allen 33 points, 16 shots, 11 made, rest of team is 23-of-61 – W 98-95 (OT) at Toronto

12 – TJ Ford – 32 points, 21 shots, 12 made, rest of team is 21-of-69 – L 98-95 (OT) vs. Boston

13 – Steve Nash 30 points, 19 shots, 12 made, rest of team is 28-of-70 – W 103-92 vs. Cleveland

14 – Kobe Bryant 33 points, 19 shots, 13 made, rest of team is 30-of-58 – W 119-109 vs. Utah

15 – Tracy McGrady 35 points, 31 shots, 12 made, rest of team is 25-of-57 – L 107-98 at Dallas

16 – Jason Terry 31 points, 17 shots, 11 made, rest of team is 25-of-60 – W 107-98 vs. Houston

17 – Allen Iverson 32 points, 22 shots, 13 made, rest of team is 30-of-64 – L 119-112 at New York

18 – Cuttino Mobley 33 points, 17 shots, 13 made, rest of team is 23-of-62 – W 97-91 at Chicago

19 – Wally Szcerbiak – 32 points, 16 shots, 12 made, rest of team is 26-of-63 – L 104-98 at Sacramento

20 – Kevin Martin – 31 points, 21 shots, 11 made, rest of team is 24-of-57 – W 104-98 vs. Seattle

21 – Peja Stojakovic – 36 points, 21 shots, 12 made, rest of team is 30-of-68 – W 118-104 at LA Lakers

22 – Sam Cassell – 35 points, 20 shots, 13 made, rest of team is 21-of-63 – W 104-89 at Indiana

23 – Steve Nash – 34 points, 19 shots, 12 made, rest of team is 23-of-67 – L 105-96 at Atlanta

24 – David West – 34 points, 26 shots, 14 made, rest of team is 20-of-61 – L 93-90 at Portland

25 – LeBron James – 32 points, 27 shots, 12 made, rest of team is 25-of-58 – L 103-101 at Utah

26 – Rasheed Wallace – 36 points, 24 shots, 12 made, rest of team is 20-of-48 – L 97-93 at Chicago

27 – Baron Davis – 37 points, 26 shots, 14 made, rest of team is 30-of-53 – L 120-115 vs. Dallas

28 – Steve Nash 35 points, 16 shots, 11 made, rest of team is 28-of-73 – W 106-101 at Miami

29 – Carmelo Anthony 32 points, 24 shots, 14 made, rest of team is 31-of-64 – W 118-92 at Washington

30 – Rudy Gay 31 points, 24 shots, 13 made, rest of team is 24-of-65 – L 110-98 at Portland

31 – LaMarcus Aldridge 30 points, 20 shots, 12 made, rest of team is 30-of-62 – W 110-98 vs. Memphis

32 – Kevin Martin 32 points, 17 shots, seven made, rest of team is 21-for-53 – L 93-91 vs. Cleveland

33 – Kobe Bryant 30 points, 19 shots, nine made, rest of team is 27-for-57 – W 107-93 vs. Minnesota

34 – Leoandro Barbosa 39 points, 26 shots, 15 made, rest of team is 30-for-68 – W 106-96 @ Orlando

35 – Dwight Howard 33, 24 shots, 13 made, rest of team is 27-for-61 – L 106-96 vs. Phoenix

36 – Carmelo Anthony 32, 23 shots, 10 made, rest of team is 26-of-59 – W 113-106 @ Indiana

37 – Brandon Roy 32, 17 shots, 11 made, rest of team is 24-of-53 – W 91-82 vs. Dallas.

38 – Carlos Boozer 31, 20 shots, 13 made, rest of team is 36-of-72 – W 118-94 vs. Memphis

39 – Yao Ming 34 points, 15 shots, 13 made, rest of team is 16-of-52 – W 85-82 @ Charlotte

40 – Richard Hamilton 32 points, 21 shots, 11 made, rest of team is 27-of-67 – W 107-103 @ Seattle

41 – Richard Jefferson, 32 points, 23 shots, 12 made, rest of team is 19-of-53 – L 84-82 vs. New Orleans

42 – Carlos Boozer, 32 points, 18 shots, 13 made, rest of team is 28-of-64 – W 117-93 vs. Sacramento

43 – Allen Iverson, 37 points, 20 shots, 14 made rest of team is 30-of-60 – W 122-100 vs. Cleveland

44 – Paul Pierce, 31 points, 17 shots, eight made, rest of team is 23-of-56 – W 101-86 at Indiana

45 – Tracy McGrady, 41 points, 28 shots, 16 made, rest of team is 23-of-55 – L 105-99 at Memphis

46 – Dwight Howard, 35 points, 17 shots, 11 made, rest of team is 30-of-69 – W 117-116 (OT) at Cleveland

47 – LeBron James, 39 points, 27 shots, 15 made, rest of team is 30-of-63, L 117-116 (OT) vs. Orlando

48 – Gilbert Arenas, 30 points, 18 shots, nine made, rest of team is 27-of-56, W 103-90 vs. Indiana

49 – Joe Johnson, 34 points, 18 shots, 11 made, rest of team is 35-of-59 – W 117-109 vs. Charlotte

50 – Michael Redd 31 points, 23 shots, 11 made, rest of team is 29-of-63 – W 102-99 vs. Memphis

51 – Rashad McCants 33 points, 22 shots, 13 made, rest of team is 29-of-57 – W 108-103 vs. Sacramento

52 – Kobe Bryant 30 points, 23 shots, 11 made, rest of team is 21-of-49 – W 93-90 vs. Houston

53 – LeBron James 40 points, 27 shots, 13 made, rest of team is 22-of-57 – W 99-94 vs. Utah

54 – Damien Wilkins 41 points, 20 shots, 15 made, rest of team is 32-of-79 – W 126-123 (2OT) at Atlanta

55 – Joe Johnson 39 points, 34 shots, 15 made, rest of team is 30-of-65 – L 126-123 (2OT) vs. Seattle

56 – David West 40 points, 29 shots, 17 made, rest of team is 29-of-63 – W 120-118 (OT) at Memphis

57 – Kevin Martin 43 points, 21 shots, 11 made, rest of team is 30-of-65 – W 123-118 (2OT) vs. New York

58 – Antawn Jamison 30 points, 23 shots, 11 made, rest of team is 29-of-66 – W 109-90 vs. Portland

59 – Josh Smith 38 points, 22 shots, 13 made, rest of team is 27-of-62 – L 105-96 @ Milwaukee

60 – Michael Redd 34 points, 15 shots, eight made, rest of team is 30-of-65 – W 111-107 @ Cleveland

61 – LeBron James 34 points, 22 shots, 11 made, rest of team is 28-of-61 – L 111-107 vs. Milwaukee

62 – Kobe Bryant 34 points, 16 shots, eight made, rest of team is 34-of-58 – W 134-114 @ Indiana

63 – Tony Parker 31 points, 20 shots, 13 made, rest of team is 25-of-56 – W 95-83 @ Atlanta

64 – Baron Davis 31 points, 20 shots, 11 made, rest of team 30-of-66 – W 106-82 @ New York

65 – Dirk Nowitzki 32 points, 19 shots, 12 made, rest of team is 25-of-56 – W 105-99 vs. Toronto

66 – Ron Artest 33 points, 23 shots, 12 made, rest of team is 23-of-66 – L 100-98 vs. Phoenix

67 – Caron Butler 39 points, 23 shots, 13 made,  26-of-64 – W 114-111 (OT) @ Charlotte

68 – Yao Ming 30 points, 18 shots, 11 made, 24 of 61 L 100-94 vs. Dallas

30-plus shots 1-3

25-29 shots 6-6

20-24 shots 20-8

<20 shots 20-5

When you allow the other team to hit 10 three-pointers, you usually lose

The genesis for this post was reading the various stories and blogs on the Orlando Magic who hit 10 three-pointers and that got me thinking about the following hypothesis: can teams win when they allow at least three-pointers? This year a game has featured one team hitting 10 three-pointers in the following instances:

10/31 Orlando hits 12 and beats Milwaukee 102-83

10/31 Indiana hits 13 and beats Washington 119-110 in overtime

10/31 New Orleans hits 10 and beats Sacramento 104-90

10/31 San Antonio hits 13, allows 10 and beats Memphis 104-101 (both teams took 23)

10/31 – Denver hit 11 and beat Seattle 120-103
11/1 – Phoenix hit 11 and beat Seattle 106-99
11/2 – Cleveland hit 12 and beat New York 110-106
11/2 – Toronto hit 13 and beat New Jersey 106-69
11/2 – New Orleans hit 11 and beat Portland 113-93
11/2 – San Antonio hit 12 and beat Sacramento 96-80
11/3 – Orlando hit 10 and beat Washington 94-82
11/3 – Memphis hit 10 and lost to Indiana 121-111
11/3 – Utah hit 12 and beat Golden State 133-110 (Warriors had 13 but took 31)
11/4 – Boston hit 12 and beat Toronto 98-95 (OT) (Raptors were 10-of-25)
11/6 – Orlando hit 10 and beat Minnesota 111-103
11/6 – New Orleans hit 14 and beats the LA Lakers 118-104
11/7 – Orlando hit 10 and beats Toronto 105-96
11/7 – Phoenix hit 11 and loses to Atlanta 105-96
11/7 – Memphis hit 10 and beats Seattle 105-98
11/8 – Dallas hit 10 and beats Golden State 120-115 (Warriors go 11-of-25)

11/9 – Phoenix hits 15 and beats Miami 106-101

11/9 – Denver hits 12 and beats Washington 118-92

11/10 – Phoenix hits 12 and beats Orlando 106-96

11/10 Denver hits 12 and beats Indiana 113-106

11/10 Boston hits 10 and beats New Jersey 112-101

11/10 Toronto hits 10 and beats Chicago 101-71

11/11 New Orleans hits 10 and beats Philadelphia 94-72

11/12 New Orleans hits 11 and beats New Jersey, 84-82

11/12 Denver hits 12 and beats Cleveland 122-100

——–

11/13 Orlando hits 10 and beats Orlando 103-76

11/13 San Antonio hits 13 and beats LA Lakers, 102-87

11/13 Orlando hits 11 and beats Cleveland 117-116 (OT)

11/13 Seattle hits 10 and beats Miami 104-95

11/13 New Orleans hits 11 and beats Philadelphia 95-76

11/13 Sacramento hits 11 and loses to Minnesota, 108-103

11/13 Golden State hits 13 and loses to Detroit, 111-104

11/14 Phoenix hits 10 and beats Chicago, 112-102

11/15 Indiana hits 10 and loses to Toronto, 110-101

11/15 Toronto hits 12 and beats Indiana 110-101

11/16 Memphis hits 15 and loses to New Orleans 120-118 (OT)

11/17 Charlotte hits 10 and beats Seattle 100-84

11/17 Indiana hits 11 and beats Utah 117-97

11/17 Phoenix hits 10 and beats Houston 115-105

11/17 Denver hits 11 and beats New York 115-83

So far that is 43 games which teams have hit 10 three pointers and only seven have lost (two gave up 10 also)

Just scratching the surface – The Boston Celtics

A casual observer takes a look at Boston’s 119-92 win over the Nuggets, combines that with the whipping they put on Washington last week and thinks hmm, these Celtics might be pretty darn good.

A not-so-casual observer takes a look and thinks they could get better.  Get better? Are you serious?  Do I need to reel off the impressive list of statistics?

77 first half points

28 baskets and 71 points  for Garnett, Pierce and Allen

32 assists

3-0, two blowout wins

But you and I see a team that has tendencies to be a juggernaut, the man in charge of it all sees some things a little differently and that is the coach Doc Rivers:

“I didn’t like the way the game ended, honestly,” said Rivers. “That upset me, so it’s kind of tough to move through that. Because we stopped executing offensively, we stopped defending. And I just don’t like ending games that way … Too many turnovers, too many fouls for us. Other than that, not a lot to complain about.”

You can interpret finding something negative as nit-picking or as something teams with championship aspirations do to get better.  I subscribe to the non nit-picking side and three games in, that’s a good thing.

Rise With Us – It’s the Portland Trail Blazers home opener

This game has been anticipated in Portland for a while and just like the marketing slogan suggests “See What We Can Do”.  So when they come back from the commercial I’m going to see what they actually can do in the home opener against the Hornets.  Hopefully I’ll be around at the end because it will be a good game.

A message from upper management gets it started and wow they’re pulling out all the stops with a little pregame jam from the O’Jays with the hook that you’ve got to give the people what they want.  Um, I think they want some NBA action, actually this intro somewhat catchy and there goes the “Rise With Us” Banner into the rafters.

And we’re ready for action and the Blazers win the tap and miss their first shot.  Blake is on Paul ad the Hornets go to David West early, who gets the hoop and foul on Channing Frye. Anyway I took a few possessions off and the Blazers run then slow it down and Aldridge misses but Roy hustles for the board but Blake misses and Peterson rebounds it for the Hornets and that was too easy for Chandler, 5-5.

Roy from the elbow off a sagging defense under the pick off a pick and roll, 7-5.

Great defense on Peja by Webster, couldnt’ get space on the bump back and the first Zach Randolph mention.  The analyst points out how good a rebounder he he is saying how much the offensive rebounding and second-chance points are missed.  Now it’s 9-7 Hornets but Aldridge with a smooth jumper off the right elbow, 9-9.

West has already started the possession five times and the three-point play makes it 12-9. Frye top of the key miss and a Chandler rebound.  Foul on Aldridge and the announcers are pissed as Chandler knocked Aldridge’s hands away but Peja misses a fast break slows down double on Roy to an open Webster, nobody there to rebound the quick release.  Chandler throws an elbow on Aldridge and the third foul on Aldridge but a Paul three is short and Paul gets the rebound, time to set but Peja misses the three.  Roy with the top of the key jumper and Paul gets the rebound.

West goes up and under through a double team and it’s 14-9 and a we have a timeout with 5:40 remaining as Portland can’t get that important second chance on its offensive sets while presenting an ineffective double team.

This could be dangerous with Aldridge on the bench but Webster gets the pick for a long two.  He’s running off double picks on both sides and on that one was wide open, 14-11.  Coming off a turnover Webster gets another good pick for another long two, 14-13.  West goes into a double team resets and hits a jumper, 16-13.  Outlaw sets up inside the line 16-15. Chandler gets a hard foul from Outlaw (rightfully so after what he got away with earlier).  Sub – Jack comes in for Steve Blake and Chandler misses the second, 17-15

Another step back from Webster over Peja, they can do that all night 17-17.  Outlaw misses and Bobby Jackson into Peja, who is forced off balance by Roy and West misses, Peja pokes it away from a too eager Outlaw and we slow it down, two fakes for Peja but he sets and misses and West goes through everyone and scores, 19-17.  Chandler goes 1-on-1 and fouls Przybilla.  Time for a commercial with 2:15 remaining.  Chandler also got a technical foul for dropping the ball back to the action, Pryzbilla exploits his matchup with Hilton Armstrong and does a drop step and is now 8-for-9 from the line, 21-19 Portland. West gets in thanks to some late help defense, 21-21.

Anyway back to the action, Portland is doing a decent job so far with Aldridge on the bench with three fouls.  A Przybilla put back makes it 26-23 Portland.

Rodriguez starts the second and the ball gets tipped out of bounds.  Near-turnover but Jack recovers but then Jackson knocks down Rodriguez and goes in for the hoop, 26-25. Melvin Ely, you can run your offense against him and Outlaw dumps it into Przybilla, who is a foul shooting machine now and he hits both, 30-25 Portland.

Ely gives it up to Jackson a wild shot over Outlaw is not even close and Jack steps in for a transition jumper.  Ely starts the possession but Pargo strokes the jumper from the line.  A pick and roll with Przybilla and Jack results in a reset of the possession and Rodriguez misses a three. Chandler kicks it out to Jackson for the missed three and Ely pushes his man, 30-27 Portland.  Another rebound for Przybilla and the loose ball goes off Jackson and a loose-ball foul on the Hornets brings us into the break.

Back to the action and Roy crossover on Butler and Chandler is short. chandler backs down his man and misses the fade and Jack thinks three, steps in for two 32-27.   Another high pick and roll and Rodriguez gets by everyone for a kick to Roy for the missed three.  Paul dumps it to Chandler and Joel fouls him before taking a seat, 32-29. McMillian picks LaFrentz over Frye for that substitution by the way and Jack with a behind the back dribble and tries for the high arching layup but misses.  The Blazers have gone zone and three seconds for the Hornets.  Roy right down the middle, absorbs contact and goes off the glass, 34-29.  Outlaw follows with a great breakup of a lob pass but the Blazers miss.

As pointed out earlier, based on reading about Portland’s scrappy practice, I thought this would be that type of game.  I’ll be back later for the fourth if it’s close.