NBA High Five

1. Use of the Replay

The NBA got a few things right this summer. After trialing the use of replays in 2008-09 with a limited application and learning that it was successful they have this year expanded its use. Its giood to see that they are slowly embracing what technology can add to the game, rather viewing it as a platform for media criticism.

Last year the use of replay's was introduced to allow the correct ruling on 3 point shots as well as quarter ending shots where it was unclear as to whether the shot left the hand of a player before time expiered. There was not a single situation where the use of the replay last year in anyway hampered the game experience.

 Now they have taken the next step and its use so that the replay can be used at any time in the final 2 minutes of a game. This will ensure that the correct decision is made. And that is all anyone wants.

Last night in Chicago the referees requied video assistance to determine whether Brad Miller's last second shot counted. The Bulls had 3 tenths of a second left on the clock, made the field goal and the referees then undertook the correct review process. A number of angles were studied to ensure the correct decision was made, and though it did take some time - finally it was decided that the ball was still in Miler's hand as time expired.

2. Arenas no match for D-Wade

Last night Arenas, a questionable starter, once again squared off against the Miami Heat, who behind Wade's 40 point effort had handed Washington a home court loss. Same teams, different venue, same result. Although this time Wade shot 41.

In a game that was frustrating to watch at times, Arenas just made mistake after mistake on his way to a team record 12 turnovers. While his aggression was great, he does not seem to be able to make the correct play on offense, something that Dwayne Wade does again and again and again.

DeShawn Stevenson was constantly open for a 3-point shot but instead Arenas would take on the entire Heat defense in a futile attempt to match Wade's brilliance.

Wade had 29 in the second half, he and his team coming out of the locker room with more urgency. Wade said at halftime "Los this game...and it will linger for the rest of the season".

While the Heat played controlled aggressive basketball, the Wizards imploded. Already without Mike Miller and Antawn Jamison, they lost promising combo guard Randy Foye to an ankle injury. The Wizards offense just died in the 3rd, as they surrended an 11 point lead, constantly turning the ball over as the Heat opened up the game with a 16-3 run

3. Kings on Target.without K-mart

The Kings have won their 3rd straight game and are sitting at 4-4.

Is coach Paul Westphaul a genius? The former coach of the Phoenix Suns must have said something right to his team when their leading scorer, and arguably best player, suffered a 6-8 week injury.

Whether it be the lack of expectation without Martin in the lineup, better floor spacing, players rising to a challenge it doesn't matter. The Kings are finding out about themselves every night they step on the floor.

Last night it was Jason Thompson who stepped up and gave Tyreke Evans some assistance, leading the way with 21 points and 14 rebounds, 7 of them offensive.

Tyreke Evans was once again outstanding backing up from his strong performanc on Sunday ago against Golden State with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists.

It's the first time the Kings have been at .500 or better since the 4th December 2006.

4. Superman vs Superman 2

Tonight's game is the first time since the Eastern Confernce Finals that Cleveland have to beat the team that knocked them out unceremonicously last June.

Shaquille O'neal was acquired in the off-season especially for games like this, the question is though: Does Shaquille even stand a chance against the Superman 2.0?

Shaquille won't be able to compete statstically against Howard, all Shaquille can hope to do is try to get his on offense as per normal, and hopefully do a decent enough job on Howard at the defensive end. While Shaq may (just) be able to compete with Dwight strengthwise, he certainly cannot compete with him in terms of quickness.

As a matter of fact Dwight is more likely to see more of Andeson Varejo, who is Cleveland's best interior defender and most likely to challenge Howard's activity on the boards.

Howard will need to go all out on the offensive end as Orlando are severly undermanned. Vince was back last night in a win over Charlotte, and he'll have his work cut out for him. it will be interesting to see whether Lebron tries to stop Vince on defense or if that job will go to Anthony Parker.

Where Shaq may be most effeective in his minutes is that it will give King James more confidence in driving the lane. Dwight has always posed problems for James, as he is the one player who can match James in power and explosiveness. James should be able to attack James with The Diesel sliding in to provide a nice hand-off option on the inside.

Despite the absentee's for Orlando, and Cleveland's so-so start, this is a must watch game for any fan and is the biggest Eastern Conference game since opening nights Boston vs Cleveland matchup.

5. TOP PERFORMERS

Kevin Durant (Okl) - 37 pts (9-23), 18-18 FT, 5 rebs, 3 stls, -7 rating
Tyreke Evans (Sac) - 20 pts (5-16), 10-10 FT, 8 rebs, 8 asts, +5 rating
Joakim Noah (Chi) - 12 pts (6-12), 21 rebs, -1 rating
Erick Dampier (Dal) - 14 pts (6-6), 20 rebs, 3 blks, + 20 rating

The MAYNE MAYNE is....

Dwayne Wade 41 points (14-29), 12/13 FT, 5 rebs, 5 asts, 3 stls, +15 rating

The Flash has led the Miami Heat to their equal best start since the 1999-00 season.