NBA High Five

1. The Bulls can't handle 'The Truth'

The so called '8th game of the playoff series' was over just after half time. Despite a few energy plays from Joakim Noah, it was the younger Bulls who looked gassed on Friday night. Their transition defense was less than ordinary adn their ability to recover after broken plays saw them pay full price in their second game in two nights.

Paul Pierce, quiet in the first half with onlyh 2 points, simply errupted in the 3rd quarter. He went off for 20 points, not missing from the field (7/7) and perfect from downtown (5/5).

But Pierce would be the first to say that it was all thanks to his teammates. The Celtics are renowned for their stingy defense and look to run off opponents' misses. Once the ball is in Rajon Rondo's hands he knows how to create open looks for his shooters. He was the undisupted leader of the Celts dealing 16 assists (8 in the 3rd).

Not only does Pierce have Rondo delivering it to him right on the money he has Ray Allen drawing the attention away from him. The Celtics look scary good.

2. Bill Simmon's new book

How am i going to watch 2 games a day, write this blog AND read this magnificent book? I looked at the price tag and put it straight back down. But then I couldn't help but pick it up and randomly flip through a few pages. First things I noticed were Bill's 'What If's'. What if the Pistons had taken Carmelo Anthony at number two instead of Darko Milic? Then i flipped to another page. What if Phoenix had of actually spent money during 'The Suns 7 seconds or less' era? This book resonates with me and will resonate with any NBA fan.

3. Delonte West back in wine and gold tonight

Whew! Lucky Number 13 will suit up for the first time this season as the Cavs host Charlotte. Not a moment too soon either. The Cavs have been missing the shooting guard's slashing abilite, while Mo Williams seem to be under the affects of an era;y season seditive. I guess he knows he can get his shot anytime, and wants to work in other options to the Cavs offense. Surely though, there has to be better options than Anderson Varejo fade-aways.

With Delonte back the Cavs have a solid player off the bench. West's battle with bipolar disorder, and firearm possession charges, have caused problems off the court for the 26 year old, but LeBron and the Cavs are fully supportive and believe he'll be ready when Mike Brown looks down the bench and gives him the nod.

A Stephen Jackson and Ronny Turiaf for Zydrunas Illgauskus rumour is apparantly more than just speculation. If Delonte does not return to last year's from, and/or newly acquired Antony Parker fails to deliver then expect General Manager Danny Ferry to pull the trigger on this deal. Z's expiring contract is ideal for any team looking to free up money for next year's bumper off season free agency market.

4. Two young teams look to rise in the West

Last year it took until November 29th for the Oklohoma City Thunder to get their 2nd win (1-16 until then) This season they only needed 2 games.

Kevin Durant has bulked up over the season. Good thing too as last year the gangly young man cast a Shaun Bradley like figure. This year the 3rd year man is bringing the thunder. Jeff Green (taken 3rd in the 2007 draft by the Celtics and then traded for Ray Allen) is a more than adequate wingman for The Durantula.

Russell Westbook runs the point, while Nenad Kristic starts at Centre. Kristic was one of the best young centre's in the NBA while in a New Jersey uniform. After a slow recovery from injury he is back and ready to go for a full season of competition. This team could make waves in what should be a fierce race for 8th seed in the Western Coference.

Last night the Thunder stormed into the Palae of Auburn Hills walking away with a 91-83 win over the Pistons.

Another team on the rise in the West is the Memphis Grizzlies. The Griz are overlooked by many experts but have some really nice pieces. Look for them to pull off some big upsets at home this year against more fancied Western Conference rivals.

Last night they took care of the Raptors, without Allen Iverson. 'The Answer' may be referred to now as 'The Question'. Do the Griz start him at the two-guard or not? My answer would be a firm 'No'. Iverson is instant offense and needs to lead a second unit. The sooner he accepts it the better h, and the team he plays for will be. His biggest problem is he stil sees himself as a starter, and him being a voloume shooter just doesnt work anymore. As a leader of the 2nd unit he can work outside the normal offense and get his shots.

I like the core unit of O.J Mayo, Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol. Sure Zach Randolph has been nothing but trouble over the past three seasons, but if he can occassionally post the numbers he did last night (30 pts, 7 boards) the Grizzlies will win their share of games.

5. Marion fitting in perfectly with the Mavs

Shawn Marion's 18 point 6 rebound outting against the Los Angeles Lakers may seem a mere shadow of his days in a Suns uniform, but it was the way Shawn scored and ran that have Mark Cuban giddy. Alley oops, runners down the lane, it was ll happening for the Matrix as he closed the door on a 4th quarter Lakers run to seal an impressive road win for the Dallas Mavericks.

Whether he is more suited to the small forward or power forward position remains to be seen, but the Mavs can't nor be pleased with the energy and hustle Marion provides to a team that last year was rather 'un-athletic'. His plus/minus rating of +37 is remarkable and I bet he sure is glad to be back playing for a 'pass-first' point guard who loves to run the break.

In four words.

The Matrix is back!

Top Performers

Kevin Durant (OKL) - 25 pts, 12 rebs, 2 stls +2 rating
Chris Bosh (TOR) - 37 pts (13-25), 12 rebs, 4 asts, 2 blks -2 rating
Dwayne Wade (MIA) - 32 pts (9-19), 4 asts, 3 stls +20 rating
Zach Randolph (MEM) - 30 pts (13-21), 7 rebs +17 rating
Dwight Howard (ORL) - 20 pts (8-11), 22 rebs, 4 blks +16 rating

the Mayne Mayne is

Steve Nash (PHO) - 18 pts (7-17), 3-6 3pt , 20 asts, 6 rebs +22 rating.

This old dog still has a few tricks up his sleeve. Sure it was against the Golden State Warriors, but you can't overlook the numbers and think of his MVP seasons.