NBA High Five

Number 1
Boston's opening night win against Cleveland - in Cleveland

Post game do you think Lebron took a quick look in the New York Times property section? Sure it's early in the season but already you get the feeling that the Celtics are clearly the better team. After jumping out of the gates in the first quarter, Cleveland couldn't find the right shots and when they did, simply couldn't knock them down. The Celtics on the other hand looked deep and confident in their bench play and seem to have the offense now to backup their stellar defense. Final 95-89.

Number 2
Agent Zero's stunning opening night performance

His name is Arenas....GILBERT Arenas. He's prommised to keep a low profile media-wise this season. Much like James Bond on a reconassance on a bad day in Bosnia, yeah.
But his 29 point 9 assist performance against Dallas signified his return to the NBA. Arenas has played only 15 games in the past 2 seasons and showed glimpses of his 'Top 5 Player Status' in 2006-07.

Number 3
Andrew Bynum - the best centre in the West?

After a solid pre-season the 22 year old birthday boy, opened up with a deft hook shot across the lane on his way to 26 points and 13 rebounds. A great performance from a player who continues to make strides - is he developing faster than Dwight Howard? I'm looking forward to seeing what Superman can do.

Number 4
1st night New player Impact

Shaq O'Neal (Cle) - 10 pts (5-11), 10 rbs in 29 minutes, +2 rating
Rasheed Wallace (Bos) - 12 pts (4-8), 3-6 3ptrs, 2 blks in 24 minutes +10 rating

Shawn Marion (Dal) -16 pts (6-12), 7 rbs, 3 blks in 36 minutes -17 rating
Andre Miller (Por) - 9 pts (3-11), 7 ast in 26 minutes +1 rating

But Performance of the Night goes to.....

Randy Foye (Was) - 19 pts (8-14) in 30 minutes +16 rating




Number 5

Shaq gives the Big Ticket 'Fitness Test'

In the third quarter Kevin Garnett received a pass on the wing and an open path to the hoop with only one man back. Well lets call him 1.5 men back because it was Shaq. KG did the right thing in taking it strong and right too O'Neal, who also did the right thing and sent KG to the floor on a hard, but fair foul. KG bounced up and punched his chest a few times. KG survived the physical - but is still not in game condition.