Blogga For a Flogga

Sunday lunch

2011-03-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

We tried to get going at a decent hour, but dilly dallyed around. Finally got to Chadsont at 10 o'clock. We deciede to get the ring re-sizerd as it would be ready by Thursday - fingers crossed that Sherry wouldn't ahve to leave by then.

We got home at 11.20 and Mum wasn't too far behind. We were metting Caz for klunch in at the Docklands.

Lunch
Bye Fiance - market stall peron liking it
Mum watching a bit of me doing hockey announcing
gold medla gmae
after party at the Harbourtown
fianlly home

What a huge hgue three days.

Ring Shopping, dinners, lunches and hockey

2011-03-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

Friday had jsut been teh biggest day. Just a wonderful long day with a tremendous end. Now it was Sautrdaqy and it was business first. It was AWIHL Finals Weekend at the Icehosue and I was calling 2 games, first one at 10 am so I had to scurry off quickly.

The first eprson I broke the news to was Ian Webster and he was very ahppyt for me, or wait maybe it was Matt Armstrong I told. It was good to see Matty and Bacz down there. When Val found out she gave me a stamp.

The two games went okay. Melbourne winning the first game and securing a gold medal games birth thanks to an awesome gole from Nicole Tritter who steeemd down the left wing weeving through 4 Sydney players before smashing in a goal from the slot which ringed off the left post. One of the best goals I've seen in either men's or women's hockey. The Brisbane Adelaide game was a bit lopsided but it was good the Goanna's players were so encouraging of each other's efforts despite knowing they were going down.

After the two games it was about 2.15, so I caught a tram into the city to meet Sherry so we could buy a new engagement ring. The proposal ring i'd bought her she loved, but we were both keen to get something else for her.The sub i got wasnn't bad either, I only had taken a few bites on the step of the Post office building on the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth St's before Sherry appeaqed. Hi fiance. Hi Fiance.

It's fun calling each other fiance. We still do.

We then went to The Australian Diamond Company.

We climbed the steps up to the second floor and at first the building appeared run down. On the left was the ADC so i turned the door knob but it was locked securely. Makes sense i guess considering what's inside. Still, it elt like a cene out of Snatch. Vere iz the stone??!?

Inside it was relaly nice and they do a great job of making buying a ring 'an experience'. I guess they have to considerng the amount of money they will get from you if they do theuir jobs well. But also, you want it to be a nice experience, particularly on this occassion for us.

The greeter told us to look around and after a while we would be served by I cant rememebr her name
It was the most fun I've ever had shopping. I was 100% engaged in the experience. Sherrry ended up trying on roughly a dozen rings and each time iit helped narrow dow2n what we wanted. It's very hard to buy an expensive ring that you want above all others when there are so many nice ones there. I can imagine it being quite overwhelming for some people. I tried to be a calming influence for Sherry, it was an exciting thing to do,buying an engamgent ring that is and i didnt want her to get flustered.

While at the ADC we received our first congrulatory call from my Aunty Sandra.

After we chose our ring she directed us to a lounging area where we were told to sit down and have a calning cup of tea. We looked at all the grading charts while the girl went into the back office to work out what they could do conisdering what we wanted. I imagine her going out the back though and looking at us through some hidden camera and listening to us, trying to make us sweat.

But yeah I was very happy with what was going on. No amount of money could buy what was happening. It was irreevant what we pent, but it was obviously prudent to be smart too. Considerin the prize I got and how much I paid i reckon it wa a steal.

Were told it wont be ready until 9th April though so she wouldn't ahve the ring while she was overseas. Good and bad i guess. This did help us make a decision on what to do with the proposal ring though. We needed to get something for her to where while she was overseas, so it needed to be returned or exchanged or re-sized depending on the time that would take.

After grabbing a Walker's donut we jumped on one of the City Loop trams to hed to the docklands to head home. I re-booked in dinner at 'The Hog's Breath Cafe'. Unfortunately the tram we jumped on was going in the wrong direction and not only that but it stopped twice for a really long time. I reckon it took us about 45 minutes to get to the Docklands stop.

We got home at around 6pm and made a few phone calls. I let Rodders, Dangas and Gaz know before we left an hour later for dinner. It wa a mad rush. Not only for us but for everyone else too.
.
We called up Dangas and Aimee. They were both over at Dave's for Deuce's 21st. They were really happy for us which was great. Boppa, H, Donunts Patto, Dave and Shandell also sent through their congrats.

Then I gave Gaz a call and he also put me on speaker phone as I announced it to his parents.

A big thank you to everyone who sent through messages to.

Dounts - Hey guys, Congrats on your engagement. May the camel of misfortune never give you a bad hump. All the best.

Patto - Hello! Congrats Mr Muzza! I' so happy for guys! I was so pumped last night people would have thought I was engaged hahaha xoxo

Gaz - Mad Niggerish!! xoxo

Ren - I can see it in your face! Pull it! Congrats to you mate - :) Can't wait to party like its er 1999, no 2009, passed that, 2019 don't sound right - so 2029! I'm working atm, I'll buzz u 4 some arvo delight later on :)
Off to Hog's Breath Cafe. While their it finally twigged that it's ont based on an American BBQ house but Hooters. It's so obvious now. What made me realise was the way the waitresses sit down next to you when taking your order. Then I looked around and it all was just so Hooters. The music, the photos, the merchandise, the menus. No American ribs here otnight though!1 Fail. We both had BBQ ribs instead. All good.

Back home and we made a few more calls

Weddings, Parties, Anything..

2011-02-28T02:04:00.000-08:00

Well...not a wedding yet, but one is on the way. My lovely partner Sherry and I are officially engaged!! This took place on the 25th of February 2011 ( our 100 month anniversary) in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne, Victoria.

Just a massive weekend with so much good stuff going on. But let me tell you about the days leeading up to the proposal...a very nervous time for me.

Around two weeks before Friday the 25th of February it twigged in my mind that firstly it was our monthly anniversary date, and then secondly that it was 8 years (96 months) and Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb - thats a fruther four months...ONE HUNDRED MONTHS!!! If I don't do something now THEN when do I do it. It's time to make a decision I thought and either make a commitment or admit that perhaps it wasn't to be. Naturally I was always on the side of commitment, but just knowing that in my mind I was going to propose in around 2 weeks was kind of scary.

I'd missed other opportunitiers where I almost proposed, but each occassion there were things that were a bit off. In Santa Barbara 2 1/2 years ago we were on the beach and it was just a real loevly night. Perfect sunset, great colours and it was great to be with Sherry. But at that stage I'd given up my jovb to come over and see her so it seemed irresponsible to propose to someone without having any financial means to get married or to really bring anything to the table. (Where was my confidence looking back on it. I was bringing MYSELF to the table!)

Another prime occassion would have been on the south rim of the Grnad Canyon, or ANYTIME at the Grand Canyon for that matter. That is just the most amazing place on earth and I'm sure we'll both go again. Again this time no job. Also someone else did the same thing the day I would have done it. So it wasn't meant to be. Coupled with the fact on both days I never had a ring. Haha.

So yeah nearly 100 months in and its time to rock n' roll. I had to work out how it was going to be done. Numerous ideas had come to mind, firrstly proposing at the place where we got together 100 months ago. Elephant Wheelbarrow in St Kilda. I'd thought about bringing in photos or a picassa slidshow with our song on it to play and to say 'Hey look up there!', I thought about inviting close friends to be there to help celebvrate once she said yes. I thought about sitting in the exact same spot where we sat in each others laps.
Around a week before the 25th I decided to go an scout the location, so I thought I'd meet Sherry for lunch at her work. We had some Asian for lunch and then walked back. But after saying good bye i U-turned it back to the pub (all of 2 doors) and went inside to suss out whether it would suit.

Turns out I didnt think it would, I wanted it to be special and i didn't think a pub was a good enough spot. Not classy or romantic enough and probably at that stage really loud, busy and possibly the odd drunken bafoon in the midst.

Other ideas were hrie a band to play our song (couldn't find anyuthign suitable), sky writing by plane (what if its dark or cloudy?), at one stage i'd thought of fireworks, I also thought of learnign one of our songs on guitar 'Here Comes the Sun' by The Beatles. But time flies by and without even knowing what was happening I'd ummed and arred and it was 3 days before the 25th.

Monday 21st

Back one day, but a very imoportant component of preparing for a proposal, getting a ring! All along I'd planned on taking Sherry shoppinf for a really ncie ring after I'd proposed but I wtill needed a ring to offer Sherry when I asked ehr the question. So I finished work around 3.00 and headed to Chadstone to look for a proposal ring. I felt pretty comfortable about this because, I didn't really need to be to worried about it fitting, and being in the right price range. I ended up in Zamels and had a look at some nice reasonably simple rings. I eventually settled on a nice ring that had small diamonds through it which I thought would be suitable for a wedding proposal. I knew diamonds meant weddings and stuff, but it ne3ver twigged on me that it's because 'Diamonds are Forever', so I'm glad i did by a slightly mroe expensive ring for the proposal.

Thursday 24th

This was a really scary day. Today I had to ask Sherry's family if I could marry her. Once you do this there is no turning back, let alone the possibility of them saying, 'Yeah...Well...Acutally...No...'. First person I wanted to speak to was her brother as he was the hardest to speak to considering he was over in New York. I'd mistakingly tweeted to him, privately I thought at the time, 'Hewy, When you get a cfhance I need to give you a call to talk about something'. Sherry saw it!! Arrgghh, How do I cover this up? So I tired to pretend that I wanetde to get Sherry something from Boston. I'm pretty sure she didnt think that that was ture, but hopefully it through her off enough for her not to suspect an up and coming proposal.

It was around 1.00 pm when I spoke to Jeremy. I saw he was online on skype, so i msg'd him 'Up for a chat?' or something like that. We talked for a little while about what he'd been up to but all the while in the back of my mind I was thinking - geez he's gunna ask 'So what's up?' or I'm going to have to say 'So the reason why I wanted to speak to you is....', so it was really hard to digest what was being said.

He was cool about it to, actually going outside to a phone bototh just to chat to. He's been staying in dorm's (a good cheap option overseas), so he couldn't talk in there and you can imagine how loud it would be on a New York Street.

So yeah then came the moment 'So what's going on?' and said 'Well I was wondering if it was okay with you if I asked your sister to marry me'. And from his reaction I can just imagine himi smiling so wide his face might not have fitted in the phone both and he said 'Defintely, definetly'. 'This is all good news' and he told me how I'm screwed now' which was funny. But yeah it was very important from my perspecttive for him to be okay with it as it was with her mother and also her sister. So that was a really special moment for me, him being the firsst person I'd spoken to.

I then texted Sherry's Mum and asked her to call me during her work break. She called me up around 3.30 or so and we also had a quick chat and she then also said 'So whats up?', and i said 'I was wondering if it was okay with you if i ask your daughter to marry me'. Now, you have to be careful with Caz and be preapred for her to say anything. I was half expectin gher to say, 'Oh yeah which one?''but she said 'You're supposed to come down and ask me that in person'. I was a bit taken aback by that because obviosuly I wanted to do everything right so I was wondering if I had really stuffed up here. I would have liked to, but it's along way to go and I would have needed a ruse to get out there without ariousing more suspicion with Sherry. I should have jsut said I'm going to Rodders hosue to watch a hockey game come to think of it.

Anyway, she seemed very pleased, and I think she had a bit of a teary on the other end of the phone and she also said 'Welcome to the family'. which was nice, but I've really felt part of the family for many years, so Caz, I'm wonderin gwhat will change treatment wise from you once Shez and I do become usband and wife.

It must have been tough for Caz with that news too as I found out from Sherry later that between the time I asked Caz on Thursday and when I popped the question to Sherry they had both spoken 3-4 times over the next day. So good work there.

I then called up Molly and we had one of our silly chats as usual which quickly degenerate sot making stupid noises down the phone, but I also managed to ask her what was needed and she seemed really excited.

Friday 25th February

Proposal day! 100 months!! The hardest part about today, asides from teh proposal itself, would be being nonchelaunt enough so as not to arouse suspicion. This meant being non-commital about where we went out, but all the while ensuring that we went somewhere and maybe having 2 plans on the go depending on what actually happened.

We'd narrowed it down to going out in the city for dinner and then seeing the movie 'The King's Speech' afterwards at Crown, or going to 'The Hog's Breath Cafre' and then seeing the movie 'Ture Grit'. I really want to see True Grit. It's got 3 things going for it. It's made by the Coen Brothers, it's a western and it stars Matt Damon. tick, tick, tick! But the Hog's Breath Cafe? gimme a break! that wouldn't be the most romantic of occasions, and would have meant proposing when we got home from Chadstone cinemas. It owuld have been nice also to propose at home as we both love our house in Ashburton, but I really wanted to head into town so I could propose somewhere beautiful. Either besides the Yarra River on in one of Melbourne's nice parks.

Miyoto's in Southbank was our dinner plan for the city option, but I was having trouble getting through to make a booking. So I actually booked the Hog's Breath too. Seeing as though we "may" be seeing the King's Speech, I thought 'Hey! I could use part of the actua speech in my wedding proposal!' I know his actual speech is about World War 1, but if oyu think abhout the speech itself it was actually a really courageous speech by a member of the nobility to make, as he had a stutter and was very nervous about making the speech. This would also allow me to slip into character easily if I was nervous. And it was also a King making the speech, so it seemed like a good idea as I would be 'The King' making a royal, old-fashioned, romantic speech. Sherry has always compared us to Harry and ..... I cant rememebr her name', but iI just felt it would be really classy. It would also give me a chance for the speech to really creep up on her. At first she would think I'm just doing the King's speech, but with a different lines thrown in hopefullly it would become mroe apparant as the speech went on that I was doign something really romantic and there before she knew it I would be down on one knee proposing to her.

On teh way home from work I stopped in at the Bottle Shop and bought some champagne. I've got no idea when it comes to champagne so I relied on the expertise of the staff. Got a nice bottle that he said would taste good and is also like the bacon rossi roll 'a little bit fancy'. When I got hom eI called Mum and let her know of my intentions for the evening. That put a big smile on her face, she hasn't had much good news of late so I felt pleased I could put a smile on her dial with something relaly happy and possitive about to happen. She wished me the best and I told her I'd call her once the deed was done.
Before Sherry came home the Miyako Japanase restaurant called back and I was able to make a booking for 7.45. e then got changed and went to the gym, something I didn't really feel like doing as I wanted to have more time in the city to enjoy dinner, walk around int he parks and do everything we wanted to do, but if we didn't go the gym it would seem a bit suss. Plus going to the gym was a great way to kick off the weekend.

The whole night would be hard too, considering that as soon as I was in her company form when she came home, I'd have to play it really cool and not act nervous or overly excited which is really hard considering you are about to propose in the next 4-6 hours.

When we got home i canelled the hog's breath reservation adn we got ready to head into town. I had to make sure we left early enough too so that we could park in a nice spot. It would be back to plan B if we we werr runnign late and I had to park in the Crown Casino. Nothing says romance like proposing in a multi level carpark.

I'd find out later that Sherry was getting suspicious. when I was putting nice clothes on and doing my hair without complaining. Silly me!! haha. Apparantly she texted Laura and said 'We are going out somehwer efor dinner, he's suiting up and he had to ask my brother something. I'm nervous'. Laura apparantly texcted back saying 'Well put your best dress on and say Yes!'.

When she was in the bathroom I had to find a way to gety the ring box into my pocket with her, firstly not noticing me getting it out from it's hiding spot, and secondly not noticingt a square box in my pants pocket. I tried closing a few doors but that didnt work. It was a realy test of my slyness I knew for the while night too I'd have to ensure Sherry didnt touch my pants on my right side too, as if she touched it the jig would be up.

We left at around 7 which was good as it meant I could park in the city. I remember her calling out to me before we left, 'Who's driving', and I replied hastily 'I'll drive!'. was a pretty bang bang play, and was a giveway in hindsight. I said I wanted to park along the Yarra so that we could have a walk, I don't think I mentioned that it would be a good warm down from our gym, but that would or waws a samrt excuse.

She didn't protest either which made me a little bit worried that she was fine with parking so far away. There were heaps of cars along Alexander Avenue and also in the Botanical Gardens so we ended up parking past the Shrine. A nice walk. Geez. A nice long, long long walk.

We walked through the gardens towards the arts centre and southbank. It was a really nice walk. I had to keep Sherry on my left and I used the excuse 'I'm walking closer to the traffic, so you are safe' routine. As we walked through the Shrine I was thinkign what a nice spot this would be to proposse, as it looks down Swanston Street, has an altar with fire and is jsut a relaly impressive sight. But when you thinkl abotu what the Shrine stands for it didnt seem appropriate. Firsrly becaus eI already had my speech based on a war speech (romance up and royal see my reasoning above), and secondly it would be disrespectful. I dont want our relastionship to be based on war. I saw the movie 'War of the Roses starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner back in the day. It was comical in a way but didn't look like the ideal relationship.

Neverthless we made our way down, I was asking Sherry what all the little places in teh Garden's were in case she di know that nay of the plces were sentimental or romantic in anyway. Damn, I forgot my glasses! oh well wont be able to read the menu! Never mind as we headed back to the car alter on that I wouldn't be able to rea my bloody speech!!!

The Smeegal Tent was back outside the front of the Arts Centre. That wa a ripping show we both saw about four years earlier. Highly recommend. Many other people obviously knew how good it was as the queues out the freont were massive.

We got the Japanses restaurant pretty much righ ton 7.45, took our seats after finally finding the entrance to the restaurant. Our seats were great.. We were right next to the window overlooking the Yarra river and Flinders street station as well as the scrapers behind it. The light was begininng to fade so it was nice to sit ther and look out as teh city changed from day to night,

It was good we were sitting directly in the opposite corner to where the Tepinyaki was tkaing palce, which was actually in another room, but it was good we were in a more private spot. We started off with some Sake. It took the waiter ages to come over to take our order and I was gettin anxous because I wanted to make sure we ate quickly enough to get to the cinemas to see the King's Speech. How stupid would I be giving Sherry my speech if she had no point of reference!!

But Sherry jstu said relax, and she'd rather enjoy dinner than feeling rushed, so from that point on I was more elaxed and I thought 'Hey, this is the biggest night of your life, jsut enjoy it. Don't worry about fittin geverything in. just enjoy each moment as it's an ight I'll rememebr for the rewst of my life' (This blog will hlep too!). And I did.

Sherry's meal jsut made mine look plain silly. She ordered a delcioius teriyaki steak ordered rare (not uncoooked) and it was just cooked to perfection. Melt in your mouth stuff. My Sashimi, which I always considered a sure thing, jsut didnt work for me. I just was eating it thinking 'I'm really enjoying the texture of each merat and the sauces, but I can't really distinguih enough betwene the different pieces tto be enjoying like one should. So you yeah, I've mde a deciosn, no more sashimi!. A big call. I'll still eat the rolls and thigns though.

Dinner did go on and it became apparant we were difinetly going to miss the movie.The movie was due to start at 9.15 and it was already 9.10. When we left we thought we'd walk down to Crown anyway and check out was was on. On the way down we passed by plenty of buskers on southbank doing what they do. One of the buskers, well actually 3 of them, were playing U2's 'With or Without you' and that was a special moment. We held hands and I could have relaly proposed then. Sherry later told me that that would have been a good monet too, but I like the way we did it becaus e I wanted it to be jsut us and in a nice spot. Southbankl is nice dont get me wrong, but too much cement. it would have felt like a streetwalk proposal.

I remember a rave Shery and I went to at QBH one New Year's. Around 6.30 am when we left i remember walking over a bridge corssing the Yarra. I don't know whether it was becuase of teh ngiht's events or what but I remember how still, quiet and beatuiful the city was that morning. i remember hearing a cyclist ring their bell as they went under the bridge on the north side of teh yarra and it jsut rang out so distinctly like there was only no one around. It was such a magical moment. Kind of reminding me of the beauty of a place and happiness. Similar to when Ray and Debra are riding the bike together when they are in Rome.

Tonight was just like that. There was no wind, it was perfectly still. Southbank and the Docklands are notrious for teh air ahving a real bite to it when you are waling along in the exposed areas, but tonight it was calm peacful night. Along southbank and outside crown you couldn;t hear any cars, just the very light murmour of people talking and footsteps. No other soudns. No yahoo's sceraming and carrying on. Just gently footsteps and light conversation. It jsut felt peaceful.

Much of Crown was being renovated. 'New beginnings' I think looking back on it. or 'making something better'. Nothing too appealing was on at th emoveis so we walked back towards southbank. There was only one more thing i could think of befor ethe big moment. It was kind of weird all night for me, I knew it was coming up, it seemed only minutes away but then it seemed like hours too. We stopped and gotr ice cream in southbank. I really enjoyed mine, honecomb, vanilla raspberry and choc mint. Good 3 scoo combo.

Then we were walking back to the car. Now I knwe it was coming up. Oh my god!1 Oh my God!! Oh my God!! Sherry was walking on my left and she put her hand in my back pocket. She felt all the paper (my speech) and said 'What's with all the paper'. I said 'That's my King's Speech'.
'Do you have a little box to stand on to give your speech?'
I chuckled to myself thinking 'Yeo you are spot on acttually'

We walked up to the Weary Dunlop statue ande that was set high above and I thought hey this would also be a good spot, but wstill wasn't going to do it here. As we walked down the steps our sore bodies from the gym and we were groanign out of soreness. I laughed again to myslef thinking how if we had just done the proposal and then walkjoing down the steps as newly pronounced husband and wife to be and we are groaning and sore.

We continued alking along past the Shrine and it was then that it twigged tha not having my glasses meant that I'd ahve to go to the car first and not let her get in so i could get my lgasses out and do the pseech in the park, NOT in the car. Also ahead of us there was a group of 5-6 people walking slowly back to their cars after a picnic or something. They were a bit rowdy and i didn't wan tthem to see mye propose beacause i'm sure they would have a field day. Luckily the continued along the main road as i turned down Dallas Brooks drive to go the car, and slowly their sound faded off into the background.

The sprinkler was on on the side of the road near the car I remember opening the door etting my glsses and saying, okay i have to give you my speech now. So Iwent over to the other side of the road overlooking the park. No one else was in sight. Ahem. Geez this was hard. I knew she would know soon enough that it was actually happening if she didnt already.

King Murray's Speech

In this historic hour, perhaps the most faitful in our history, I send to every one of my people, but particularly you Sherry, this message, spoken with the same depth of feeling for you as if I was standing in front of you now.

In recent years, we have stood unified together and overcome challegne after challenge, not weakened, but strengthened in our commitment and love for each other.

But if we don't stand united now, I fear myslef and the common man will be kept in bondages of fear, and all hopes of peace, justice, liberty and love would be neded.

This is the ultimate issue which confronts us. For the sake of all that we ourselves hold dear, and of the wolrd and peace it is unthinkable that we should refuse to meet this challenge.

It is to this high purpose that I now call on you, Sherry of Clan Cusack.

You have proven over years of service to be a worthy and honourable woman, who carries herself with grace and a sense of humour that any member of the nobility would love to hold near.

Your radiance and glow are unequalled throughout the realm - Play Ipod music - Let's Stay Together - by Al Green

From your puppy dog eyes to your Mutly laugh. You have the face of an angel and the soul of a person more special than any man deserves. Ring out and down on one knee

It is this time, that I King Murray of the Clan of Green with everything in my heart, head and body ask
'Sherry Anne Cusack Will you Marry Me?'

Now, I'm pretty surce i got down on one knee i recounted maybe 50% of the words i wrote down and the rest was 'Yes this is really happening' and just fumbling over the words i'd written trying to say them. I did say the last part right im certain of it.

And most importantly her response was

'Yes!' - and she gave me a hug. I had to ask her if she said 'yes' again and she said 'a thousand times yes'

It was the most bvulnerable moment of my life and i felt awkward, determined and proud all at once while giving the speech. Sherry's reaction as i was giving the speech and after it I'll never forget. Just tears of joy, smiles, kind of overjoyed disbelief as well.

I then returned to the car and retrieved the champagne i had placed in the back seat before she came home and we sat on a seat overlooking teh park and had some celebratory champagne. I was so relieved i had gotten through it without dying. Now it was time to really enjoy the moment and relax and enoy OUR moment.

I did want to let ourt Mum's know straight away though, perhaps even befoer she wanted to. She looked still in shock and jsut so happy, just tears of happiness. She was overwhelmed. It was a fantastic moment in the still night air, just th two of us drinking champagne and kisssing and holding hands.

Our parents were really happy and it was good that we got to speak to them that night. Once home we watched the Bing Bang Theory 'The Toast Derivation Ep417. In bed at 1,20.

Time sure does Fly

2010-08-24T01:24:00.000-07:00

I havent posted for around 6 months and boy has it been busy. I've arrived back from the States safe and sound. I sure did enjoy my time over there with fond memories of the Canyon, The Wine Bar (now gone!!) on the pier in Santa Barbara, and the Japanese restaurant on State St that always impressed. I have to say Los Angeles is a top notch part of the world. The only black mark against them - The Los Angeles Lakers.

Onc again I went to the Australian Open Tennis. This time doing something id never done, going to a night session. Turned out to be great. Had sweet seats right behind the server and we were lucky enough to be sitting besides a bunch of true larikans - who declared themselves to be the cheer squad'

Turns out these guys were on par with the tennis as far as entertainment value was concerned. Memorable props like the big fold up phone 'YEAH MUM IM AT THE TENNIS.......WOMEN"S SINGLES.........SUPRISINGLY GOOD...'
TO the theme of Billy Joel's 'For the longest time' ' Woah Woah Woooah Forehand down the Line'
Well navigated TOM TOM (re Bernard Tomik)
The Dispraportionate Head Guy

Justin Henna Hardin was also making her return to tennis and she put on a great game of tennis. The men's game appeared one-sided but was stretched out. It was just getting too late so we bailed after the third or fourth set.

Since returning to Australia I've become in Australia's premier Ice Hockey league - The AIHL. Melbourne forked out quite a few clams to erect a massive winter sports complex in the heart of the docklands precinct. Featuring 2 full size rinks, elite training facilities and a 1000 + seat grand stand hockey time is now in Victoria.

I volunteered my services as a public address/ music operator and after some intial struggles in the early weeks we really hit our stride and begun putting on some really professional presentations - almost, but not quite as good as the NHL, but we do what we can with our budget.

The Ice Hockey has been fantastic, and I'm so glad I got involved.

I'm now living in Kew, only a hop, skip and a jump away from downtown Melbourne. Its been great being so close to everything and its nice to know that going to the city now doesnt feel like an all day event. Its just there in your backyard.

Sherry and I have been to an open house in the city where they open up all the buildings, Sherry also ran 10km and we both went to training sessions on a Tuesday night. I remember running a solid 8 km one night, walking to a the Red Chili Bar on Russell St, eating, and then limping back to the car. Poor knees.

We've also checked out Chinese New Year, lots of drums and fire crackers. I can only imagine what it would have been like in San Fran. Probably just massive crackers that leave huge craters in the street.

What else? Hmm. Mum got pushed off her bike (like physically pushed by a person hanging out the passenger window of their car pushed) so she's had a long road to recovery but thank heavens she'll get back to 100%.

For my birthday Sherry and I went to to Sake Grill Bar on Little Bourke St. An awesome experience. Great sake, melt in your mouth meat and sauces that just combine perfectly with the flavour. It was (haha) one of my top meals of the month! Actually Mum, served up a feast the night before, Sezchuan soup, Pork spare ribs and satay beef. then cake.

Leslie if you happen to read this I'm thinking of you and how my blogs always end up being a recounting of the great meals i've eaten. I feel the great Ausrtalian novel coming on.

Then we went and saw Bliss 'n Eso, one of Australia's top Hip Hop outfits 'My Grandma told me..Never ever ever.....'. Our rap scene is pretty good with us blatantly relishing in our drawly accent. Respect to Drapht, The Herd and Hilltop Hoods.

But seriously - when it comes to albums they dont hold a candle to Relapse. What an album. Just so clever, forget the shock value it's just the music and the clever word play that make him great.

Work has been kind to me. I was lucky that when i got back i had work waiting for me. I then secured a full time merchandising role and I've really enjoyed it. I love being my own boss, taking responsibility for my work and getting to build relationships with some really great people. I'm not sure whether its a reflection of me as a person, or the stores that i work in but the people have been great to me.

So here I am now and I'm keen to get back into this writing business. It sbeen to long. My plan is to do a high five at least every week - and hopefully add in some game reviews and feature articles.

I plan to watch every Green Bay Packers game, every Boston Bruins game (although i'm keen on so many teams), and in the NBA - geez Loiuse - being a Celtic and Suns fan i think the sun has set and the luck of the irish has withered away. At least the Celtics are holding true to their mascot 'Lucky', in the logo he is leaning on a walking stick and that is what the entire Celtics roster will be doing too.

So much to talk about and I look forward to doing some previews, hopefully getting a podcast up and running - I've promised the Melbourne Ice that for next season anways.

So stay tuned, Don't be scared to post or email.

Nba High Five

2009-12-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

1. Big Z sets big mark

Zydrunas Ilgauskus place in folk lore was officially cemented last night as he became the all-time Games played leader of the Cavaliers. Z's Cavs game mark of 724 eclipses the mark set by former player, and now general manager, Danny Ferry. No wonder Ferry flirted with trading him.

Big Z's career has been one of perseverance - showing promise at an early age and then struggling with a series of foot injuries that saw many wonder whether he would effectively play basketball again. But the Cavs sure did, and they stuck by their big man, with Zee rewardng them with some solid years of play. He's also been a key friend of LeBron James. With both Z and James' contracts expiring could they both fly the coop?

2. Hawks sticking with the Magic

While I under-estimated Orlando's talent pre-season (perhaps due to me praying that the Lakers don't win the title this year), they have been the premier Eastern Conference team. And they have done all this with a number of key injuires. Make no mistake about it Orlando are deep.

Equally deep and perhaps even more suprising has been the play of the Atlanta Hawks. These guys led the Eastern Conference for a while, and after dipping briefly are still soaring alongside the Big 3 in the East. Are the Hawks deserved of inclusion in the big 4? Well all-signs point to yes. They are consistently beating teams on their home floor and waltzed into the Boston's TD Garden and showed that they are a team not to be taken lightly.

This team used to only have one star. A youthful Joe Johnson, who while not technically an all-star at the time, had the talent to elevate his game to carry the offensifve load. The Hawks have continued to bring in talent eah year, smart draft choices and good development has seen the Hawks rise to new heights. Al Horford is quietly going about the best year of his young career, Josh Smith seems to have settled down hi9s game too.

The big addition for this eam is Jamal Crawford. He's had a petty negative stigma attached to him over his time with Golden State and the Knicks. Off the bench he sparks the offense, much in the same way a Jason Terry does for the Mavericks.

However, despite all these positives I'm still putting the Hawks just outside the big 3. I can see any of the other three winnning a title, but I jsut don't see the Hawks winning it all - this year at least. So in short don't expect the Hawks to win it all this year, but don't be suprised if they make the conference finals either.

3. Jerry Sloan resigns with the Jazz for season 23.

While his Hal-of-Fame status has already been granted, yu can be sure that Jerry will only feel the Hall-of-Fame admission is validated is if he wins an NBA title. For years the Jerry Sloan led Jazz have been a top-calibre team - his career mark 1137-751 (as of the end of the 2008-09 season) is a testament to his success and resiliance. He's even seen the coming and going of over 240 coaching changes throughout the league.

All tat remais for Jerry Sloan is the thing that will in his mind justify his Hall-of-Fame induction - an NBA Championhsip. he would have already had one or possibly two if it wasn't for Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. I'd love to see him win one, but unfortunately I don't want the Utah Jazz win anything. Bit of a pickle huh?

4. The 2009-10 Dunk Contest

Lebron James during the 2008-09 Dunk Contest - Yes! You will see me in Dallas next year throwing some down in the dunk contest"
Lebron James Dec 02 2009 - "Meh - I'm 50-50 on this dunk contest thing'

What the....? - Good thing he has not publicly committed to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 10-11 season. This guy really needs to start putting up or do some serious shutting up. He's the heir apparant for the NBA and needs o produce. Much in the same way that the NBA ha become a marketing juggernaut under David Stern - all positives so has Lebron James. His brand has grown through endorsements and promises of things to come. Start fulfilling on your promise. Win something! Dunk something! Are you signed on with Nike? If so. Just DO IT.

5. Andrew Bogut's 6th man squad

Andrew Bogut is becoming qjuite the philanthrapist. Having already donated money to the Australian Basbetkall leauge to ensure the compeititn's survival, he's committed to shelling out $100,000 fo the season which equates to 100 tikets every game. Bogut donates these tickets to hardcore fans who in return for a fee basketball game must cheer the Bucks on like hell, stand, chant and wear Bucks Merchandise. Any fan not doing there job does not get to go to the next game.

Bogut was sick of seeing the Bradley Centre sound more like the State Library, and after seeing a bunch of fans singing in Huston decided to implement his '6th man idea'. hats off to Bogut for shelling out 1% of his sallary to donate something back to the fans of Milwaukee - and improve the culture of their home-floor. My only question. Why didn't the team owner do something like this?

Mr Bogut you continue to suprise me.

Top Performers

Andre Igodula - 28 pts (8-15), 3/5 3ptrs, 6 rebs, 5 asts, -9 rating
Tyreke Evans - 26 pts (7-14), 12/14 FT, 5 rebs, 6 asts, +1 rating
Dirk Nowitzki - 24 pts (9-15), 7 rebs, 8 asts, +30 rating
Jason Kidd - 16 pts (5-6), 2-2 3ptrs, 8 rebs, 10 asts, 5 stls, +24 rating

The MAYNE MAYNE is

Kevin Durant - 33 pts (10-21), 5/7 3ptrs, 5 rebs, 3 stls, +4 rating

A lock for the all-star game. Could even make the starters.

NBA High Five

2009-12-02T13:03:00.000-08:00

1. Philly has 'The Answer'

After announcing his retirement not more than 2 weeks ago, Allen Iverson's brief basketball hietus is over. Coming to terms on a one year deal with the Sixers, Iverson will suit up on Monday in Philidelphia against the Nuggets.

It appeared Iverson's services were not needed by any team, but the Sixers (the team for which he has played the majority of his career) are missing Lou Williams, and are languishing near the bottom of the ladder. Put it this way..it can't get any worse for the Sixers - so bringing in a one man offense should improve a team who is not winning anyway. Sure his game is not suited to championship winning team basketball, but currently the Sixers are no where near a playoff calibre team.

It's a good fit for everyone, the ony other possible team, the Knicks, made their intentions clear that Iverson wouldd not be part of their plans. So the circle of basketballl is complete. Iverson returns to the place where he made a name for himself, rejuvinating the franchise after the post-Barkley era and ensured his entry into the Hall of Fame. On Monday he'll dust off his ol' number three jersey and take on the team he was traded to as part of the deal for Andre Miller. Iverson helped bring the Nuggets into the playoffs but they could not make it out of the first round.

Not only that, but he'll match up against Chauncey Billups, the player Denver traded A.I for as part of a deal that sent Iverson to the Pistons and brought Billups to the Mile High City. The Nuggets have flourished wiwth Billups while the Pistons went south quicklly with Iverson in the lineup - creating the stigma that team's are better off without Iverson in their line-uo.

To say this game on Monday night vs the Nuggets and Billups means something to A.I is a massive under-statement.

2. Andrew Bogut's impact

I am an Australian. Therefore I should love Andrew Bogut. Do I love him? Yes. I hope he becomes an all-star and wins a championship. Do I think it will happen? Probably not. But my oh my would i love to see it and that is why I'm so critical of the man.

For an Australian to be drafted number one is a massive deal. Not only faced with the pressure of being a key franchise guy, Bogut has to break, what I call, 'The Luc Longley Assumption'. That is that Aussies only make it to the NBA if they are big, they don't need to have any coordination and are just required to play solid defense, put back a few missed shots on the boards - and are supposedly excellent passing big-men becuase of their international experience.

Bogut is slowly but surely breaking that trend. While I'm still not convinced of his overall athletic ability - although compared to Luc Longley Bogut looks like Kobe Bryant, Bogut is beginning to demonstrate how valuab le he is. Without Bogut in the line-up the Bucks lost all of their games. Bogut comes back early from injury and immediately his impact was felt. Not only did was he key to the Bucks win vs the Bulls (most importantly), he also put up some big numbners - 24 points, 15 rebounds and 2 blocks.

What this clearly demonstrates to me is that Bogut can play. He just needs to be given the ball in better spots and needs to be integrated into the offense more effectively. That is why I['m all for a Michael Redd trade. I'll take anyone. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Redd is too much of a one man offense - a shoot first volume shooter. While I think his play is more adaptable then Iverson's and I think he'll succeed and help a team if put in the right situation, it's pretty clear that Redd is no longer a good fit for the Bucks.

Brnadon Jennings and Andrew Bogut are a great combo for the two man game. Both feed off each other and look comfortable on the floor together. Redd on the floor causes everyone to look uncomfortable. Is it a pho-par to suggest a Ray Allen for Michael Redd trade? What about sneding him to the Pacers for Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy? Meh. maybe not. But there has to be a deal that the Bucks can work. Move Michael Redd, build around Bogut and Jennings, bring in some role players and look to have some cap room to make a play on a free-agent this summer.

3. Records are made to be broken

Tonight could be the night.

The New jersey Nets, currently tied for the worst start in the history of the NBA at 0-17, tonight host the Dallas Mavericks. If they lose they will be the sole holders of the record.

While it's not a 'oh that's awesome' someone broke Wilt's scoring record kind of deal it is still a record. And I'll still be thinking 'oh, awesome!' closely followed by a 'Man they suck!'.

Truth be told the Nets aren't that bad a team. Don't be suprised if they set two records in two years. Firstly this year for the worst start to an NBA season and possibly the worst season record ever, but next year they could set the reocrd for the biggest turnaround - eclpsing the 2007-08 Boston Celtics.

The Nets have a lot of parts, have been decimated by injuries and have major salary cap space. Imagine this team next year with Devin Harris (insert James, Wade, Bosh here), Brooke Lopez, Courtney Lee and Yi Junlian as a starting five.Thats a good team. In fact - better than good - you could say it could be th ebest starting five in the league. Then you have Rafer Alston as the backup PG and Douglas-Roberts to provide a scoring punch off the bench.

So remember this moment NBA fans - the New Jersey Nets - perhaps embarking on the beginning of history, Everything for them starts tonight. Pity Lawrence Frank, won't be around to see it.

4. The All Nba Drunk-stars

In celebration of Ron Artest admitting he used to drink at half times in his early Chicago Bulls days let's roll out the all-time best.

PG - Jamal Tinsley
SG - Vernon Maxwell
SF - Ron Artest
PF - Carlos Boozer (haha)
C - Vin Baker

5. The All Nba Weed-stars

PG - Allen Iverson
SG - Josh Howard
SF - Rasheed Wallace
PF - Chris Webber
C - Charles Oakley

Top Performers

Antawn Jamison - 30 pts (12-22), 12 rebs, +15 rating
Danilo Gallinari - 27 pts (10-19), 6/12 3ptrs, 10 rebs, 2 blks, +19 rating

The MAYNE MAYNE is

Ray Allen - 27 pts (6-9), 5/6 3ptrs, 10/10 FT, 5 rebs, 5 asts, +20 rating

All hail Jesus Shuttleworth!

NBA High Five

2009-11-25T09:23:00.000-08:00

1. The rise of the 07 Draft Class
Kevin Durant (#2) is looking like a monster. Greg Oden (#1) already looked like a monster, but now he's starting to play like one. Al Horford (#3) has added post moves and a solid 16 foot jumper to his impressive inside game. Then you have the suprises - Joakim Noah (#9) has become on the best hustle big-men in the game, Thaddeus Young (#12) can fill fill up the box score on any given night.
Even down lower you have two promising point guards - Rodney Stuckey (#15) and Aaron Brooks (#26) have cemented their spots as team playmakers for teams looking to rebuild.
Oh yeah - and I forgot to mention Big Baby Davis taken 35th and Jarrod Dudley taken 22nd who is having a fantastic season on a rejuvinated Suns team.

2. A slice of Allen Iverson Anyone?

Wouldn't A.I be the perfect Thanksgiving gift. Or is now just a big fat turkey who'll put ihs teammates to sleep? Maybe teams like the Knicks are worried about picking him up because they are already tanking, but if you remember the A.I in Detroit experiment. I say to any team wanting a high draft pick. Pick Iverson up, let the rest of the team take the season off and let him play 1 on 5. IT sure as hell will be entertaining and you'll still get your draft pick in June.
3. The Rose-Hendrix Garden Experience

Portland is by no means the largest city in the United States. Considering what the supporters have ednured over the years, The Bowie draft pick, falling just short vs the Pistons and the Bulls and nearly toppling the early 2000's Lakers juggernaut and the still to be decided 'hit-or-miss' Oden draft choice, you really have to hand it to the supporters and the city. This place gets packed out.

Its seemingly like any typical stadium on the outside, situated just across the river from Downtown, it has all the hallmarks of your typical modern day arena. Its all Rip City though baby.The colours, the lights, the pumping heart-beat of the backing music. This is their house.

A unique tradition to Portland is the ceremonial game ball passing. Each game a section or row of seats gets chosen and the ball gets trasferred from the prominade level and is passed down person-by-person until it gets to the court. Its's a nice touch and really amps everybody up. it kind of makes you feel that basketball is something to be treasured and that it is a sport not just for the mere mortal.

The announcing for the most part is just on the right level. Too often court announcer's are asking everybody to 'get on your feet and make some noise'. If this happens maybe twice a game fair enough, just don't tell us when and how to support our team ok?

Portland do make good use of all the facilities a modern areana can provide - personalised sound bites for each player (We love L.A - for Lemarcus Aldridge etc), fun graphical stuff on the prominade ring, and funny animations on the scorebaord. I particularly liked the Flinstones - Bam Bam! for the Defense chant.

Different stadiums hanlde in game music in their own way. I personally enjoyed the Celtics homecourt the best. It's very understated with no in-game music - it does have the occassional 'Loud-o-meter' but for the most part it's a very traditional presentation. If you ever go to TD Garden just hope and pray that the Celtics are blowing out their compeition. If so you may spot 'Gino' busting out some disco moves on the big screen,

Portland's presentation was like a dance party. Not loud, but you really got a cool kind of electrified feeling from the bass-beat that gave the arena its own flavour. This was used only for the first 5 minutes of the game. A nice touch that possibily locals haven't noticed and are then found wondering why they are so involved in the game halfway through the first period.

The only thing I really hate about some arena presentations is the dropping of streamers after a regular season win. C'mon. If you are that desperate to celebrate your team shoudln't even win the championship. Leave the celebrating and falling tinsel until then. Portland do it, the Lakers do it. Just stop it.

4. Streaks

Pro Sports are a fantastic thing. There are so many things we can look at and turn into a story - a player putting up some big numbers, trade rumours, betting scandals, fantasy teams, singular highlights, trash talking, and a team's winning or losing streak.

This year we have a chance to make history. In what should more be in my 'Down Low' article i guess, the New Jersey Nets have a chance to get to the 0-17 mark which is the worst starting record in NBA history. What a great way it would be for the Nets to end their tenure in Jersey.

5. Top Performers

Kobe Bryant (Lal) - 34 pts (14-20), 4 asts, 5 rebs, 3 stls, +25 rating
Monta Ellis (G.S) -37 pts (15-29), 8 asts, 4 rebs, 4 stls, +8 rating (11 turnovers)
Danny Granger (Ind) - 36 pts (11-27), 7-13 3ptrs, 5 asts, 9rebs +/- 0 rating

The MAYNE MAYNE is...

Antawn Jamison (Was) - 32 pts (13-23), 3 asts, 14 rebs, +7 rating

The whily vet is back in action for the Wiz. This guy gets down and dirty but has the outside touch to boot. With Jamison back holding court the Wiz are set to rebound from a less than impressive start.

NBA High Five

2009-11-24T11:12:00.000-08:00

In the words of George Costanza after eating some peaches 'I'M BACK BABY!!'

I've spent a week up in Portland checking out Voodoo Donuts, Mt. Hood, spawning salmon, sturgeons, a huge book store and, oh yeah, a Blazers game.

I also ventured down to San Jose to check out the Sharks play the Flyers and then headed north to San Francisco for some Golden Gate Bridge-Alcatraz-China town-Dim Sum-vampire tour action.

1. Is Brandon Jennings being hyped up too early?

Hmmm. B.J is doing the job for the Bucks leading his team to a 8-4 record (currently good for 5th in the East), but I think it has more to do with the type of player he is than his overall ability. Asides from a win against the Denver Nuggets the Bucks have had a pretty light schedule. Every team they have played has no defensive first philosophy - maybe asides from the Bobcats, and the style of play has really been conjusive for putting up points in bunches. I'd say the Bucks look like a 7th-8th seed at best though. They haven't beaten anyone asides from a depleted Nuggets lineup who were playing the 2nd game in a back-to-back, the first a gruelling contest in Chicago.

All the hype has been around Jennings and his unique story - a man who left the States to play in Europe, sruvived and matured, and came back to be taken in the middle of the 1st round of the 2009 dradft and put up 55 points in a game, the 5th best ever by a rookie, the best since 1968, and the best ever by a Buck (even usurping Kareem Abdul-Jabaar - at that tim Lew Alcindor).

Look. just throttle back everyone. Sure it's a sexy story but the NBA and the media are too eager to crown a rising player as the next big star. Ten years ago we were all talking about Vince Carter and looked what happened to him. Sure he's a decent player but he certainly didn't turn into the next Michael Jordan torch carrier. Despite Vince falling short, he has had a great career with numerous all-star performances and any young player such as Jennings would be lucky to have a career as good as Vince's.

Jennings has been annointed more due to circumstance. Asides from the schedule being nice, Jennings had to pick up the scoring load as the Bucks have absolutely no other creators on their team. Michael Redd's injury is the best thing that could have happened to the team in actual fact. Redd is a good player, but he's got Allen Iverson disease - he's a scorer, a volume shooter who removes every other player on the team from the offense.

The best evidence of this is the play of Andrew Bogut. Despite playing with Redd for 3 solid seasons, he always looked lost on offense - possibly feeling that he'd be more productive munching on some chili fries while riding the courtside seats on offense. Now with Jennings running the offense, Bogut looks so much better.

This is what Jennings provides the team and is the reason why they are winning, not because he can score and has put up some big numbers on the scoreboard. Any player playing poor competition with the ball in their hands 95% of the time on offense can put up those kinds of numbers. Just relax everyone - let the kid settle into the season, which we all know usually sees rookie's effectriveness dip after the all-star break.

To sum up: Brandon Jennings is a good player that still has a long way to go. He is only been annointed as a star due to circumstance. Let's hope this helps make him better and doesn't crush him.

2. Kobe Bryant - the finest cut of all the Bryant's

I have a fond memory of watching a Sun's telecast with Dan Majerle behind the mic as the analyst. As a time-out was called and they replay the defining score for the last 2 minutes and they cut to commercial Dan Majerle yells out in Wedding Crashers style 'MAA! THE MEATLOAF!!!'

Kobe Bryant is anything but meat loaf. Kobe is still the finest slab of meat on the block, his daily massages loosening him up and enabling him to maintain a standard of play that so few are gifted to demonstrate..

Against the Thunder on Sunday night it was vintage Kobe. If you haven't seen the game make sure you jump on Youtube and check out some of the higlights packages that have been put together. He put together so many highlights he could have filled out a monthly Top 10. He'd have them all if Dwayne Wade had not have exploeded over Anderson Varejo.

This season Kobe seems to really be evolving his game so that he can still be a dmoninant force for years to come. If you remember one Michael Jordan, he used to be considered a ball hog in the late 80's, costing him a couple of MVP trophies - but he was playing on a team that was developing and he had the ball in hands just so much, Kobe's story has followed Michael's to a tee. Jordan became a low post force later in his career and Kobe has now taken over that role in the triangle offense. Another 3 peat anyone?

3. Thanks for the tickets Rich!

A massive high five has to go to Rich in Portland who shouted me a couple of tickets for the Blazers-Pistons game. Awesome seats, centre court ten rows from the front on the players side. Rich has been following Portland and a season ticket holder since the Blazers first entered the league in 1970.

A great night was had by Sherry and myself. Despite the game being sub-par, it was great to see Brandon Roy, Greg Oden and Lemarcus Aldridge doing their thang. Ben Gordon and Charlie V. also looked pretty comfortable in their new Piston duds.

4. Don't jump ship too early sailor!

I dont know why everyone is so quick to jump off teams who have been consistently doing it for the past 4 years. Sure the balance of power does change over time but I can't believe how teams like the Spurs, Hornets and Jazz have been rankede so poorly recently.

The Spurs know how to get it done and are a playoff team. Gee Pop knows that the regular season counts for little (despite possibly menaing more this season than in any other) due to his aging lineup. The Spurs are yet to play with a fully healthy roster. If the Spurs are 100% healthy come April watch out for this team. Imagine if they fniish 8th, take on the Lakers and win the first game of the series. How quickly will everyone change their tunes then?

The Hornets and Jazz are not top 4 teams, but they will still make the playoffs. Chris Paul and David West are just too good a tandem to not make it. Same goes for any team run by Deron Williams. Boozer has been ordinary, but the Jazz have been severly hit by the injury bug. They willl be back in a big way as the season settles in.

Washington's ranking really blows my mind, they are ranked down near the bottom yet they defeated the Cavs. Sure they may not grab back my pre-season predicted 4th spot in the East. But they are still definitely a playoff team. A new coach, injured players, returning stars still finding their way - it's going to take time for the Wiz but they will be in the mix come playoff time. Trust me.

5. Top Performers

Tyreke Evans (Sac) - 28 pts (10-18), 7-7 FT, 4 asts, 4 rebs, -12 rating
Rudy Gay (Mem) - 24 pts (10-17), 8 rebs, 3 stls, +15 rating
Tim Duncan (S.A) - 24 pts (9-17), 12 rebs, +12 rating
Lemarcus Aldridge (Por) - 24 pts (10-16), 13 rebs, +16 rating
Matt Bonner (S.A) - 23 pts (7-10), 6-8 3ptrs, 6 rebs, +26 rating
Al Thornton (Lac) - 31 pts (11-16), 9-9 FT, 10 rebs, +6 raing

The MAYNE MAYNE is...

Greg Oden (Por) - 24 pts (7-8), 10-12 FT, 12 rebs, 2 blks, +7 rating in 27 minutes

Has Greg Oden turned the corner? Recent numbers suggest so. Maybe picking Oden over Durant wasn't such a bad thing after all.

San Francisco Day 2

2009-11-22T19:41:00.000-08:00

It was a bit of a walk down to Pier 33. Pier 39 was only 15 minutes from our Hotel, but Fisherman's Wharf is just huge. Down at Pier 39 they have heaps of seals which Sherry hates to see because they remind her of me burping.None of the shops were open and with the grey mist that was lingering the place had a kind of eary feel to it. We then walked down to Pier 33 which was where the boat to Alcatraz was to depart.

The ride over was pretty uneventful. We couldn't see much due to the mist, but we could see Alcatraz nicely as we got closer to it. Funny that.

Upon disembarking, we had to hear some safety information and we then walked up to watch an introductory video. Seeing the island was amazng. I just had images of 'The Rock' movie, and the Tony Hawk game on NDS going around in my head so I had multpile reasons to be intrigued by he place.

It would have been frustrating for SHerry, who had already been here twice, as I was taking so long just looking at some of the officers quarters, the cannon that was used if invaders came up the pathway in a landrush.

After wanderinr around the outside for a bit we ventured into the cell block area. Here you get headsets which act as the guided tour. Pretty good stuff here hearing about the inn mates. Al "Scraface" capone stayed here after being caught. Before he came here he had it pretty easy in another prison, but once transferred here was treated just like everyone else. I still wonder why the guards here could not be corrupted where as they could be in the other prisons.

Apparantlyone of the cells in cell block D is haunted. This was mentioned by a girl on last night's vampire tour. I went into that cell - the ghost must have been out in the yard excerising as I did not sense anything.

After the self guided tour we then walked around the remainder of the island where we saw swome good views of San Francissco and the Bay Bridge which connects Oakland to San Fran.

After purchasing a harmonica and a replica aluminium coffee mug we caught the ferry back to the mainland. We hasd alook around the shops, Sherry bought a few christmas gifts at the Leftorium shop. Then it was a mad dash to the airport.

It was crazy because the GPS couldn't direct us exactly and the road directions to the car rental return place were rather ordinary. We firstly ended up heading away from the airport - then turned around and drove their but then the return area was way awayfrom the airport. We parked the car and the guy then took about 20 minutes to process our car return - fully checking out all the details - the only thing he didnt do was dismantle the engine and check the wear on the pistons. Time consuming as - I'm glad we werent th people behind us who looked to be in even more of a hurry.

Our flight took us via Phoenix - I think I spotted Copper Square on our flight out of Phoenix. We arrived back in Santa Barbara at around 9.30pm.

San Francisco Day 1

2009-11-21T14:55:00.000-08:00

After a massive night it was extremely hard work getting going. We were heading up to San Fran today (only a 45 minute drive) but I was just in a bad way. After several ordinary coffees my head was almost right so we took off at around 9.30 - which was pretty much what we had intended anyway.

We rejoined the 101 - good to be back on a familiar road - soon we saw our first signs of one of the more unique cities in the world. Americans seemed to embrace the challenge of building cities in places where cities should not be built, and San Fran typifies this ideology. I thought the Greeks built the City of Atlantis, but it would not suprise me one bit if America had some secret under water city they were construcing.

The first signs of San Fran wer some brightly coloured houses that were plonked on the side of a really steep hill. These bildings were really brightly coloured. Pinks, yellows (well not bright - but pastel versions of these colours).

We drove past San Fran nternational airport, and started driving up some really gnarly roads. The Freeway at some points saw us driving on some massive gradients which made me think 2 things - 1) we are approaching the city and 2) if the freeway takes us up these hills then there must be limited options and therefore the place is as hilly as they say it is.

We also drove past Candlestick Park home of the 49ers (which was a fair way out of the coty actually) . Sherry was doing well - I believe this is where she first started driving in the States - the first leg of her infamous SanFran to Santa Barbara drive with her Mum. We were ehading to the Golden Gate Bridge first off - and the drive required heading right through the city. Sherry pointed out at one point that this street is the widest street in San Francisco. She also talked about the fires and that how this street was the cut off point - everything to the right of here burned in the San Fran fires which pretty much burnt the entire city to the ground.

Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge was cool. We saw it from the car from a fair distance away but also managed to stop at a vista point right before you go across it. From this viewpoint you could see Alcatraz and look back over the city. There were heaps of cyclists and joggers going along the path which went under the bridge and all the way down towards the beaches on the west side of the bridge.

We then jumped in the car and travelled voer he bridge and also had a quick peak from the view point on the other side of the bridge. Here we ran into more Austrlians (from Port Adelaide - Groan). We then headed through a pretty gay tunnel before turning around eventually and heading back towards the Presidio area (really nice houses that once housed army personnel at the time of the civil war but now are home to the upper class. We also checked out the bridge from a beach down on the west side. Pretty nice area.

We then drove back into the city keen for a Yum Cha. Janet's partner had suggested a place - apparantly right near a Wok shop. So we drove through Little Italy - signified by green, white and red markings on the light poles. Finding a park was a pain in the bum. We circled round numerous times before finally grabbing a park at a garage.

Yum Cha was awesome - even Sherry could eat dishes here - unlike at Dragonboat and the one in Narre Warren which seem to serve predominantly seafood. The price was reasonable too and we did not have to wait at all for a seat - strange considering how good it was.

We then walked thruogh Chinatown which was fantastic. Definitely one of the highlights of my time in America. San Fran's Chinatown is the biggest Chinatown outside of China. When you are walking aound the streets it really feels as though you are in a different country. We went looking for a temple and saw that it was on the third storey of a building. We climbed the stairs and it felt like we were walking up the sairs of some apartment building. It felt as though we were being envasive. On one floor we could here some ancient Chinese singing going on. At the top there was insense going, lots of statues - and we felt as though we were somewhere we should not be.

We didnt stay long and kept walking to a Fortune Cookie Shop. It was like a small Chinese factory shop. We walked in and were greeted by an old man. We bought some cookies and he gave us both some unfolded cookie shells. When he gave them to me and he looked at me and said "Good luck Boy!" Pretty special moment for some reason.

We then looked in some tourists shops, Sherry was fascinated by a shop that contained heaps of dried delicaciessuch as Shark Fins, mushrooms etc. They had heaps - all just spot on in terms of authenticity.

After having a bit of a browse we walked back to the car - through a Park which seemed lke a meeting hub for the Chinese. There was a band playing, people doing yoga or praying or whatever on the grass, and lots of old men playing a variety of board, mahjong or card games. Chinatown was just amazing.

We then got in the car and had a bit more of a drive around - eventually going up Nob Hil and driving down the steepest street in the world. It was that steep that it had to wind down the road. It was a real tourist trap as there was a queue to drive down it. You would hate to live there - it would really annoy you having to way for tourists to drive down your street.

It was now mid afternoon and we thought we'd check into the hotel - so we headed down to the harbour. Our room was right near here. After checking in Sherry had a snooze for a few hours. I can't remember what I watched or what i did, I know I had the computer going as I can reme\mber the power cable doubling as a trip wire acorss the front of the bed. Oh thats right - on TV there was some show with girls who had trouble finding partners - so a guy was giving them advice on how to act and behave. The girls did not take his advice well at all. Pretty crazy to watch.

When Sherry woke up we headed down to the harbour (whatever its called) but instead of getting seafood we ate at Johhny Rockets. Sherry really liked this so that was good. We then rang up a tour that I found on line - a Vampire Tour! No not a tour of vampires but a historical tour of the city at night hosted by a vampire. To get there we needed to catch a trolley up right into downtown. At first we walked the wrong way - but evenutally foudn our way to the trolley stop. It's just crazy being on these going up the streets. Its jsut hard to fathom that they decided to build a city here. The intersections are flat - so you are on a 25 degree slope, then flat for a few seconds, and then on another massive hill. Unfortuntely the trolley only went half the way so we decided to walk the rest of the way to the meeting point for the tour. God the hill we walked up was insane.

We were there way too early so walked down the street to a bar. What a dive - Sherry hated everything about it. It was possibly the crappest bar on the West Coast. Itwas like the bar maid was trying to keep people out with her crappy selection of metal music, the volume at which it was played, and her attititude towards all customers excluding her friend who was sitting at the bar. The only reason we stopped there for a drink was so that we could go to the toilet.

The tour itself was kind of okay. So much talking. Hard to concentrate on it all. Some of the stuff she talked about was pretty lame - particularly her explanation of standard vampier ethos. But we did here some good stories - even one part twice as she seemed to get herself in a loop at one point.

After the tour was over we headed back down to the harbour. But there was no sign of a trolley anywhere. At first i said we should wait - and after waiting for 15 minutes we started walking. How frustrating. We walked the whole way and just as we got to the end the trolley pulled up. Uggh!

I then ate the worst clam chowder ever. It was like eating snot. A sad day considering Fisherman's Wharf was meant to have the best seafood in America. I did get there at around midnight when all the food had probably been there for 7 hours. Yuck - I still shudder when I think of the taste. Anyway, bed time, Alcatraz awaits us tomorrow.

NHL Hockey Time!

2009-11-20T11:50:00.000-08:00

Click here for the ESPN game review.

Well we were sure in the mood for a hockey game. It was like we were doing it Canadian style. Filled to the brim full of beer and ready for a fight with anyone. Bring it on!! Well maybe not the fighting part, but hokcey fans sure seem to be a rowdyer bunch than your basketball fans. It's probably mroe like an intimate version of AFL. Imagine all the angry supporters in a more tightly compact space - similar to the old VFL days with games played at Windy Hill or the Junction Oval. Everyone just loud, boisterous and flying the colours of their team with passion.

We were running a bit late to the game but got their early enough so that the only thing we really missed was the teams coming-out, the anthems and the opening tip off. No goals were missed. We saw plenty of goals. Hockey is such an awesome sport. Scoring means so much, yet it's not done on such an irregular basis so that 1 goal really means you are screwed if you are down. Plus the agility required, the need to handle your stick and pass, all the while mixing in just bone jarring hits. Its a game with the skill of soccer, but with the physicality of football.

Hockey is so much better to watch at the stadium than on TV too. you jsut don't get a feel for the action at home. Sure you can supposedly see more on TV, but hockey is about being there and feeling the buzz of the action. You also feel you can see more at the game if your seats are decent. This is because you choose where you are looking - you don't have a camera moving your eyes for you. You choose what to watch and what to focus on and you get a feel for the overall action.

Firstly, let me talk about the stadium. It's really just like any other pro sports stadium that is used for basketball and ice-hockey. You have your concourse surrounding the inner arena where you can buy beverages, food, relieve yourself in the designated spots and the merchandise shops. What I will say about this arena in particular is that everything was so white, bright and modern. You could almost expect to see a hockey game played in some dingy tavern like an underground boxing match. But this legal sport is presented professionally and works like a treat. It's amazing that the energy and persona of the sport has not really changed considering the modernization of the stadiums. If you look at other sports such as Australian rules, basketball etc. you can notice that the way supporters barrack and the way that the game is played have totally changed.

down 0-1 after 10 minutes

Back in the good ol' days of Charles Barkley, the Detroit Bad Boys and games played at grounds such as Princes Park and Morabbin - the games had a real different feel. The sports were more full on with contact. They were rough sports where contact was always expected. And not always legitimate contact. Stadiums were merely places to fill as many people as possible. It didnt matter that facilities wree lacking. You were there jsut to see the game, drink some beer and barrack for your team.

Power Play Time

Now these sports are huge money-makers and are more faimly orientated. Stadiums are massive modern arenas. The stadiums and the sports have been sanitised. Everything is picked up by camera, rules have changed to make the games supposedly more spectator friendly. Well maybe more spectator friendly in that different skills are on display and that these skills are things that we can show our children. But both games have lost a sense of their personalities which made the games great - I'm speaking more so in terms of Aussi Rules here, basketball in my opinion is in a better place now. But hockey, despite the changes in arenas still has not lost it's personality.

Down 1-2. Cool shark Goal graphic above

Fight! Fight! Fight! FIGHT! Ayeeeee!

That'll do pig. That'll do.

The one thing I do regret about my first NHL experience was missing all the non-hockey action. I didn't see the zamboni's, the pre-game show, the player warm-up. None of it. I was either draining my lizard or out drinking more alcahol to fascilitate draining my lizard. So I cannot report on the non-game action. I will say that teh lighting, use of the massive scoreboard were all awesome. A big highlight was when the Sharks are on the powerplay and the jaws music starts up. Teeth start crunching on the scoreboard as the music goes. Dana....Dana...Da na Da na. The crowd then uses their arms to jaw crunch. It's pretty similar to the College Football Florida Gators and their hand chomp manouvre.

Now, on the actual game. I haven't watched it yet so I may do some editing of this content. However, I will say this. It was the most exiciting sporting event I have ever been to. Not just because I was pumped up about going to my first ever pro hockey game - but because of how the game panned out.

Gooall! - Notice the siren above the net.

The whole game was close until the final 15 minutes of the last period as the Sharks found the net over and over. So not only was it close, edge of your seat stuff for 2 and a bit periods - but we could celebrate towards the end with the win in the bag. Not only was it close - but goals were constantly being scored. I think at the end of the second we'd levelled it at 3-3 and in the final period we went on to bang home 3 straight goals. the final result was 6-3 - including a hat tirck by Dany Heatley. That was awesome because it meant we got to see the tradition of the hats being thrown onto the ice. Pity we had to leave so early in the morning, because I'm pretty sure the hat-trick would have meant that we could get really cheap hats the next day at a sports store if we showed our game tickets. Oh well. What a game though - awesome goals - a hat-trick by Dany Heatley, a 4 assist effort by Nathan Horton and it was close until the end. We were only up 4-3 with 7 minutes remaining.

Everyone booed Chris Pronger too. Pronger used to play for the Sharks and everyone let him have it every time the puck came near him. I also wasn't a big fan of Scott Hartnell. The man with the mullet used to play for the Nashvillle Predators so I definitely wasn't going to let him off the hook.

Our seats were right on the goal line, unfortunately for our goalie for the first and third periods. So the majority of goals were scored at the other end of the ice. We were about 10 rows from the front so we were in really decent seats. Kind of like being a bit more to the side of our normal Melbourne Ice games. This time there was no netting to try and look through. The glass makes s uch a difference and really gives you a good view of all the action.

A couple of times the puck went into the crowd. One time it came out kind of near us - i guess about three rows in front and about 15 seats to the left. So there was no chance of a catch but we needed to be ready in case it did fly that far. The last thing anyone needs is a puck to the face.

There were some pretty big barneys on the ice too. It almost looked like the benches were going to be cleared at one point as a huge fight broke out near one of the nets. There was also a ibg one-on-one fight where the players were allowed to go at it. At first it looked like our man would win, but it became a stand off with no real winner.

One more time. GOOAAAALLLL!!!!

There were a few good hits - but mostly it was a game where the players dumped the puck in the corner. There was some good passing and possession play though too. Probably the biggest highlight was the shorthand goal. I just could see the goal happening. Typically when an opponent does have a powerplay they can overload the offense and if the defnding team on the shorthand can get the puck you can get a pretty decent break-away oppoortunity. This one wa a 2-1 drive and I called it before it happened. GOAAALLL!!!

I'll write more after watching the game and will try to oficially post-game review it. For now I'll just say that it was an awesome night and an awesome game. Watching sport is hard work. I'd ove to watch every game of a team - maybe my preds but I've got a sneaking suspicion that they are goign the way of the Fitzroy Lions. Plus the NBA - takes up a lkot of time. I've got to make more time for this somehow.

OFFICIAL ESPN GAME PHOTOS BELOW

San Jose Sharks' Dany Heatley, right, shoots as Philadelphia Flyers' Matt Carle blocks in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, in San Jose, Calif. Flyers goalie Ray Emery is at left.

Philadelphia Flyers' Danny Briere is greeted by teammates at the bench after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks in the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, in San Jose, Calif.

San Jose Sharks' Scott Nichol (21) goes down while fighting for the puck against Philadelphia Flyers' Darrol Powe in the first period

San Jose Sharks' Manny Malhotra (27) smiles with teammate Jason Demers after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers in the first period

San Jose Sharks' Patrick Marleau, second from left, celebrates with teammates, from left, Dany Heatley (15), Dan Boyle (23), Joe Thornton (19) and Douglas Murray (3) after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers in the second period

San Jose Sharks' Dany Heatley, second from left, celebrates with teammates, from left, Patrick Marleau (12), Dan Boyle and Kent Huskins (40) after scoring his third goal of the game against the Philadelphia Flyers in the third period

San Jose Sharks' Dany Heatley reacts after scoring his second goal of the game against the Philadelphia Flyers in the third period

San Jose Sharks' Dany Heatley, center, scores his third goal of the game against the Philadelphia Flyers in the third period of an NHL hockey game, Friday, Nov. 20, 2009 in San Jose, Calif. The Sharks beat the Flyers 6-3. At right is Flyers' goalie Ray Emery (29) and at right is Jeff Carter.

San Jose Sharks' Dan Boyle, center, falls between Philadelphia Flyers' Ryan Parent, left and Dan Carcillo in the third period

Ray Emery #29 of the Philadelphia Flyers and Jed Ortmeyer #41 of the San Jose Sharks look to make a play on the puck

Ray Emery #29 of the Philadelphia Flyers makes a save on a shot from Joe Thornton

David Laliberte #9 of the Philadelphia Flyers and Logan Couture #39 of the San Jose Sharks skate up the ice

Jeff Carter #17 of the Philadelphia Flyers and Douglas Murray #3 of the San Jose Sharks look to make a play on the puck

Jeff Carter #17 of the Philadelphia Flyers and Dan Boyle #22 of the San Jose Sharks look to make a play on the puck

Mike Richards #18 of the Philadelphia Flyers tries to tip the puck in on goaltender Evengi Nabokov #20

Blair Betts #11 of the Philadelphia Flyers and Jason Demers #60 of the San Jose Sharks try and make a play on the puck

Jeff Carter #17 of the Philadelphia Flyers takes a shot on goaltender Evgeni Nabokov #20 of the San Jose Sharks

Blair Betts #11 of the Philadelphia Flyers and Evengi Nabokov #20 of the San Jose Sharks look to make a play on the puck

Dany Heatley #15 and Evengi Nabokov #20 of the San Jose Sharks look to defend a shot during an NHL game against the Philadelphia Flyers

Dany Heatley #15 and Joe Thornton #19 of the San Jose Sharks look for a shot

Jeff Carter #17 of the Philadelphia Flyers looks to score on goaltender Evengi Nabokov #20 of the San Jose Sharks

San Jose

2009-11-20T11:03:00.000-08:00

We got up at a decent enough time to wander out and grab some breakfast. We ended up eating at another hotel just around the corner. We then saddled up and headed out to the airport as we were now on to San Jose. Woohoo!

The pilot of the plane knew the way to San Jose which was good. i was tempted to ask him before take off 'Do you know the way to San Jose?' Wow wowwow wow wow wow wow....wow. Do dodo. San Jose seemed to have weay more water than what i expected it to. It was like they had heaps of cool speedboat tracks around the place. Not the case.

San Jose airport was being totally re-done so we had to catch a shuttle bus out to the carpark. The whole carpark building directly opposite the terminals was being re-done. Full building site action. We ended up being fixed up with a black jeep for our San Jose/San Francisco leg. I asked 'Is the tank full?', so we get in it and its 3/4 full. That sucks when you are paying for that empty tank already.

Driving around San Jose reminded me of being in Ballarat or Echuca. Just seemed like a large country town basically. For lunch we wanted to grab some chinese in downtown chinatown. But there version of Chinatown was really ordinary. It was like being in an Echuca crossed with Springvale area. Everything was shut too. We found a small deli and ate there. They had an original coke machine there which was cool.

We then checked into the hotel which was pretty much next door to the Sharks Arena. We hung out there for a while before heading over to Blair and Tim's for pre-game pizza and drinks. Blair and Tim were the people we met at the Grand Canyon. Before heading over we stopped off at a pharmacy for some beer. It's great how you can go to a pharmacy and buy beer. When California legalises marijuana does that mean that at the pharmacy you'll be able to buy weed, bongs, anti-dpressants and munchies all in one survival kit?

We had a blast with Blair and Tim. It was great just to crap on about normal stuff and just hang with people. Tim and I got into the jack daniels shots as well as some beers. They've got three dogs in the garage - a rotweiler (i'm scared of them - they just seem to have a history of biting people's faces off.) They've also got cats as well.

Tim was cool playing the role of host to San Jose. He's a cop by day/ or by nght i guess - but showed me some local landmarks. He also had a pretty impressive gun collection. Being a cop you're allowed to have them I guess. The only thing i didn't see that he had was a gatling gun - disappointing Tim. He's got a couple of nice cars - a really old chevy that he tinkers with - it's got a massive block in it. He's also got a large truck for day use - with heated seats. Good times. It feels like you've wet your pants when the seats warm up.

We ended up living their house just after midnight. We needed to be up early as we were driving to San Francisco in the morning. Awesome night/ Tim and Blair were awesome and we can't thank them enough for showing us a good time. Hopefully we can return the favour sometime or maybe we'll visit them again sometime in a few years.

Portland, Oregon Day 7

2009-11-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

Today we had to bid fairwell to Betsy and Rich as we were staying in a hotel downtown tonight. I went out during the day on a flower gathering mission. Downtown Lake Oswego seemed like a winner but after parking the car and waking around for 10 minutes I was still none the wiser as to where the florist acftually was. The GPS said it was in one spot, but my eyes were telling me Fire station.

I ended up getting some flowers at a ashop anyway, and I was actually treated to some warm apple cider. It looks pretty easy to make. You just get your apple juice, some cider mix which comes in a small carton, and then add some brown sugar to it. Pretty good stuff I must say.

After thanking Betsy and Rich and saying farewell we followed Leslie to her new house which was about 15 minutes away. Her and Brian have a massive house on a massive porperty. They have done really well and I can see why they can't wait to actually be living in it. When we were there the frame was up so Leslie gave us the tour of where everythign will be and what everything is. We could actually walk through the walls. Magic powers. The stairs were not done so we had to climb a ladder up to the second floor. Pretty intense stuff.

Their yard backs right onto a river. Well not right onto the river, but its all their property and its about maybe 100 yards from the back door. Apparantly a while ago it flooded to a spot about aq metre from the house. Amazing how varibale the water level is. The yard looks like a bit of work. Plenty of grass cutting and weed trimming maintenance near the river.

We then headed into the city, Sherry driving - on the wrong side of the road at times, got us to our hotel. We checked in and then met Brian a few blocks away at a brewery house for dinner. Maybe I should have got the veal penne but i settled on a pepperoni pizza.

After dinner we checked out Powell's Bookstore that is so big that it takes up an entire city block. The building has several rooms that split up the genres. It was just crazy how many books there were. I've decided on a philosphy: No new books until I finish the one I am currently reading. I could hav egone nuts. Star Trek, Star Wars, basketball books, comics, not to mention just general cheap fiction books. I walked past an aisle in the Yellow room at one stage and saw Brian looking at something with a big smile on his face. He knew what he was doing in the shop. I was just plain overwhelmed. Leslie and Brian came out with about 6 books each it seemed. Brian also had a travel sized version of his favourite game at the moment.

And then it was goodbye. Leslie, Brian as well as betsy and Rich had been tremendous hosts.

Portland, Oregon Day 6

2009-11-18T10:11:00.000-08:00

Betsy cooked up a storm for us on Wednesday night. It was really nice to sit around and have a family dinner. Also, it provesa that American food in the right hands can be cooked to make a delicious and healthy meal.

Sherry and I then headed down to the Rose Garden for the Pistons vs Blazers game. Rich was a legend for giving us his tickets to the game. Any game is great to see for me and I was looking forward to seeing Greg Oden, Brandon Roy, Lemarcus Aldridge, Ben Wallace and Ben Gordon. Detroit now have Big Ben and Little Ben.

I've written a lot about this in the basketball section of my blog so all I'll say is that the Blazers put away the Pistons early, but let the Pistons back in the game. The Pistons began pressuring the abll up the floor in the fourth quarter and this led to bad shots and turnovers from the Blazers. I was appalled that Nate McMillan didn't have any answer for the Pistons pressure defense and how the players didn't sense the need for urgency to re-gain the ascendncy and put the Pistons away for good.

It was good to see a close game though. Sherry and I have been to two other NBA games and both of them were decided eell before the final two minutes. This one it was all still up in the air with a minute to go.

I liked the game ball passing, the Flinstones tom-tom, the Blazers mascot (mountain lion? trailblazer? wildcat?) and the rythmic pulsing at the start of the game.

After the game it, shock! horror!, was raining. We'd done so well to avoid rain for nearly an entire week and it just started to sprinkle as we left the Rose Garden. We cut across the grass which seemed like a good idea at the time. After about 10 paces we soon realised that lawn actually meant swamp. Luckily we made it out of the grass without too much damage.

Portland, Oregon Day 4+5

2009-11-17T22:32:00.000-08:00

Well it was Monday, Not too sure what to really do with Sherry working. I was pretty comfortable hanging about.

After lunch I did go for a drive up to Tryon Creek park. It's amazing how close this park is to their house. So lucky to live in such a place.

There were heaps of people using the park trails - which were a touch on the wet side/. I didn't even use the gumboots! Whoops./ But I got to have a good walk. I got pretty nervous after a few minutes because the wind really picked up and i heard a branch snap behind me. I don't know where it landed but I'm sure glad it wasn't on my head.

I passed quite a few joggers on the path. Most people were using it just to walk dogs or keep fit. It's amazing how a park like this is considered just something for light daily recreational use.

At night on Monday Brian came over and we all watched Monday Night football. It was one of the worst games of football i had ever watched. A gaame totally ruled by the defense. I'muite certain both teamsw went into the dressing rooms at half time without scoring. We did eat some awesome 'rouind-table' pizza though. We also played a pretty interesting card game with Betsy, Sherry's favourite - a game where you need to make words.

The following day was pretty low key. I drove down to Oregon City. Not much of a city but it did have a cool fountain on teh hillside overlooking the shops.

That night we went out to a brewery for dinner. I chatted to a guy from Minnesota about football. Boo Vikes.The brewery itself was pretty good. We sat upstairs which kind of reminded me of the inside of an old wooden ship. I had a really nice burger. Sherry once again made the mistake of ordiering something different to what i had even though she wanted to actually have what i had.

Portland, Oregon Day 3

2009-11-15T22:10:00.000-08:00

Sunday I think we thought we should do something, but we were both pretty pooped after Leslie and Brian showed what true Portland people are all about. We just couldn't stand up to it. So we headed for the city on Sunday, hoping to stop off at Mother's firstly for some breakfast. There was a massive wait for this famous eatery, but as we found out - People in Portland queue up for everything (I think it's due to the cold. People want to stand close up with others for the body warmth).

So we ended up eating at a place across the street. i wasn't to sure about it when we first went in because the host was this guy who reminded me of Ray Barone's depressed cousin Gerard. But the food was top notch/ I had a scramble and could not complain at all.

We then drove around for a bit, eventually stopping at and going to the Portland museum. We weren't overly eccited by it unforrunatly, there didn't seem to be any overall theme. Things just seemed to jump all over the place. there was a really nice mini park area just out the front here though.

We then went for mroe a drive. We drover therough a pretty ahppening part of town - i think called Nob Hill. We were going to do a walking tour from the book Leslie had let us borrow, but nothing seemed appealing. Well we did choose one but when we got to the area it just seemd to isolated and empty to do the tour.

So off we drove again - over the river and pass the Rose Garden. I was looking forward to the game on Wednesday night vs the Pistons.

We then headed back into town and stopped at Voodoo Donuts. This place was really good. You could tell. People were queieing. The last time I had seen people queue for donuts was at the grand opening of Crispy Creme's in Fountain Gate. Cars were queueing up for hours upon hours just for a taste of the worst donuts ever.

This place was worth queueing for though. As soon as we went inside we knew it would be good. They had the Doors playing to set a nice vibe. I'm not all together sure whether I agree with Sherry's thinking that it was a more adult donut shop but on her side she did have one of the donut names. the 'cock 'n balls'.

We ended up settling on the Voodoo dozen - which was a dozen donuts picked by the server. So it was really just a mixed bag. Apparantly there are two types of donuts - cake and raised. I don't know - they all taste awesome to me. Anyway I also ended up getting another donut. I wanted one with jelly on the inside and chocolate icing on the outside. Turns out this was their signature donut and it was called...wait for it...'The Voodoo Doll'!!. Take a look at it.

Cool hey? Notice the pretzel (stake) through the heart. All of this for under 9 bucks. In Melbourne for donuts this good you would be paying over 20 dollars for sure.

NBA High Five

2009-11-15T21:15:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

I'm off for a week in sunny Portland so I'm going to have a little break.

What a crazy weekend of NBA action though

1. Both Boston and L.A Lakers lose 2 straight
2. Jennings scores 55 for Bucks. Highest score by a rookie since Elgin Baylor in 1968.
3. Oklohoma City, Sacramento, Milwaukee are in the top 8 of their respective conferences.
4. Dwayne Wade fresh of posterising Varejo hits a 3 pointer to win it against the Nets (keeping the Nets winless at 0-10 for the season)
5. 2 Aussies doing well. Bogut had 19 against the Warriors while David Anderson fresh off a career high of 13 against the Mavs, goes 9/13 for 19 points against the Lakers - evening outscoring Kobe Bryant.

Portland, Oregon Day 2

2009-11-14T17:03:00.000-08:00

It was kind of weird waking up in a new house, someone else's house, not our house and such a nice house. After showering, dressing and then climbing the stairs to the top level for a quick breakfast before leaving we were greetd with an absolutely amazing view, something that was only hinted at last night due to it being pitch black.

Betsy and Rich's hosue had a massive deck with a great view of Mt Hood way off in the distance. It was Fall currently, and with Portland being a town that seems to have been built perfectly into the natural landscape there were trees everywhere. Great fall colours and an amazing view right outside the front door. A squirrel was going nuts on the balcony ledge, moving skittishly from side to side. Squirreltys seem to move like lightning. They are innactive and still, and then all of a sudden BAM! they move suddenly and quickly in the space of a second and then freeze again.

Leslie and her husband Brian had a big day of activits planned for us and they swung by around 8.30am. We needed to leave early as at this time of the year daylight was only a 9 hour or so thing. Up at around 7.30am and down by shortly after 4.30pm.

First port of a call was a coffee stop, luckily nearby there was a hardware store where i suited up with the biggest pair of gumboots available. I wa warned that we'd be in for some mud bashing so they definetely come in handy. I strolled out with them on, always a good look in a suburban car-park - a guy with gumboots up to his knees strolling around casually.

We drove for about 45 minutes east with the columbia river, our destination being the beautiful Multnomah Falls. These falls are the second largest year-round waterfalls in the United States. Just a great area for the first stop which really epitamised Portland. Cool, fresh air, trmendous colours, flowing water. Portland is a palce teeming with life. The Pacific Northwest sure is a special place.

Not only did we saw the falls here we saw salmon spawning in the river. An utterly grose process - the female slamon dig out a whole - drop their eggs, then the strongest waiting male fertilizes the eggs by dropping a cloud of sperm over them,. Good stuff. Brian knows so much about fish. He told us that these fish have a 6 year lifespan (or was it 4? Sorry Brian! I tried really hard to soak up all the info) and after born swim downstream into the ocean. Here they live and are healthy eating fish - with a nice silvery colour. But as they near the end of their lives they swim back up stream to their place of origin. With all of their energies going into the spawning process the salmon lose their colour and change from silver - to yellow then on to a deep deep red - nearly a burgeondy colour as they near the spawning stage and ultimately death. Poor little fishies!

We also stopped off for brunch here, before commencing leg two! next stop were the Salmon spawning farms. Here they manually harvest the eggs - and feed the fish a regulated amount as they grow, before releasing them down stream.

Also here there was what i called Sensai Sturgeon. This massive fish was just so huge. Notice their distinctive weird moustache that they have that kind of makes them look like a wise old karate master?

There was also a feeding pond where we could feed the fish! One young buckaroo was sure excited about the fish feeding - recounting his fish feeding experience like an old fisherman who'd fought the battle of his life against some mythical underwater beast of the high seas.Ya-Harrrr!

This place was a beatuiful area - despite what your morale principles were in relation to 'tampering' with nature. Considering we've already with tampered with nature hopefulyl tampering with nature in a good way goes someway to making up for all the terrible things we do. This place was cool. Great old weatherboard buildings, trains travelling along a high bridge above us - and on the opposite side great views of a snow capped mountain range.

We then stopped quickly at a loch. The loch. is a place where the water level can be raised and lowered as necessary to allow boats to travel downstream near a dam. It's a large area that is sealed from both sides and is then either filled or emptied like a swimming pool. The water level rises really fast.

Already done a fair bit hey? Well. Not done there by any stretch. From here we headed south towards Mt. Hood and snow action. Leslie and Brian had bought their dogs alogn with them. Despite them being exceptionally well behaved (images spring to mind of Rimmer on the back seat of the old commodore), we were all keen for the dogs to get out and go for a run.

As we headed towards the mountains we passed apple and pear tree farms. A yarn store which I'm sure Leslie will find her way to real soon. At one point we considered turning back. We had to stop right on the road as there was a massive accident ahead. Turned out a car had flipped and was in a ditch on the opposite side of the road. The car on its roof - pretty mangled - and the jaws of life were being used to extract what I hope was a survivor.

But we made it passed there and continued travelling. We let the dogs out and had a look around. The dogs were stoked to be out. As was I. First chance to test out the gumboots! Hahaha. I was keen for a big snowball fight.

We stopped at another spot where we got some cool snaps of the creek.

Along the side of the road we also stoppped as I fluked a cool viewing spot of Mt Hood. Pity we hadn't planned to go skiing. Apparantly its a great resort for skiers and boarders alike. We even drove past a few operating chair lifts which i guess were for beginners.

We left the snow covered area and stopped for coffees at a small store. Here i got a chocolate shake. Obviously because ti wasn't cold enough outside. Hear Sherry tried an eggnog late. Apparantly a real winner.

We couldn't stop for too long as we had one more stop to make. So we drank and drove towards a really cool walking track alongside a small river. Gumboots came in handy again here. The dogs loved it. One dog was really good at staying - almost heeling - right alongside Leslie and Brian. Meanwhile the other dog was tearing up the track out of sight of u - returning every now and again to make sure we were on our way. It was getting dark along the track but this was good fun. Trees were just covered in moss on their trunks and branches due to all the moisture.

We were all pretty tired and in need of some food. We stopped off at a bbq house where you grabbed a trey and it was sort of like a cafeteria. You ask for ribs, steak - move on to the next station - grab a salad - chips etc. and then go and make your own sauce. I ordered a full rack of ribs. I coulnd't quite get the sauce right still enjoyed all but 2 of the ribs. The baked potatoes are always delicious - as are the beans. Ribs, spud and beans are the best combo ever - maybe aside from the mexican skillet.

Phew! Such a long day. We did so much. Massive thanks to Lesie and Brian. They didnt have to do what they did, but obviously they are really nice people who are proud to be called Oregonians!

Portland, Oregon Day 1

2009-11-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

I'm writing this bout 2 weeks after we first arrived so it's all going to be a bit sketchy. but I'll see how I go.

Janet dropped us off at the Santa Barbaa airport just after 3.30pm for our flight which would see us stop off briefly in Sacramento, before heading onward to Portland.

At frst we didnt even know if we were on the flight as our boarding opasses had no seat allocation. After speaking up it was all cool and they were allocated as we went through the boarding gate. I asked if Sherry and I could sit together. I think the process was pretty unformal, because we didnt get off the plane at Sacramento and people came up and said 'You are in my seat'. So we had to move to our originally allocated seats. We then had to move again! So 2 moves on the ground at Sacramento. If only the check-in lady had formerly changed our seats in Santa Barbara.

Arriving in Portland we were greeted by a Gary Payton look-a-like at the car rental place. He was pretty happy with our demeanour so upgraded us to a decent all-wheel drive car. We then headed off towards Leslie's in law's house which was located near Lake Oswego - a suburb about 15 minutes from downtown Portland.

My first impressions of Portland were - cold, dark, hilly and lots of bridges. I expected Portland to be a massive city but it was actually kind of small. I couldn't see much at night time but Portland seemed to be built on the bank of a river with little flat land between the water and the hills at the back of the city.

We arrived at Betsy and Rich's house, a lovely home up a street where the houses have no fences, it all seemed like Ivanhoe/Upper Beaconsfield living but only just out of town. A very nice house. Leslie was there to greet us and gave us the grand tour.

NBA High Five

2009-11-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

1. Milwaukee

Maybe all teams can take a page out of the Sacramento Kings and Milwaukee Bucks notebook. Simply get rid of your best player, make up some ellaborate excuse about an injury or something, and then watch the wins roll in quicker than a Miss Kitty slot machine.

Michael Redd, the Bucks franchise guy since trading mentor Ray Allen to the Seattle Supersonics, has not played since leaving the third quarter of the Bucks home opener against the Pistons. Reports say that Redd has suffered a strained left patella tendon and he will be re-evaluated in a few days.
He'd be hoping that the news is good so he can get back on the court and be a part of the success that his teammates are enjoying.

Expected to be one of the worst teams in the leauge, Milwaukee are on top of the Central division. Sure, they have had a pretty favourable opening schedule that doesnt really start to look tough until very late in November, but they are beating teams.Last night's win against Denver was their best.

Andrew Bogut, the 7 foot Austrlian, posted his best numbers of the season (23 points, 10 rebounds), but it was Brandon Jennings who had everybody talking. His skill set had already been recognised by many experts, as he took over the scoring load when Michael Redd sat out, but last night against the Nuggets he elevated his game to another level.

Perhaps the highest praise is from that of his peers. Chauncey Billups said of Jennings "Give him credit, he stepped up and made some big, big shots. He was great all night. That, to me, is sometimes more than the result. That you have the ultimate confidence than you can hit those shots. That was impressive."

The Bucks will be hoping that they can keep him around and build up their franchise. Over the last few seasons they have parted ways with Mo Williams, Charlie Villenuva, Ramon Sessions and Richard Jefferson.

2. Richard Jefferson finding his way without Duncan and Parker

It was always going to take some time for Richard Jefferson to grow accustomed to playng as a starter in an offense that, for the most part, already was working. With Tony and Tim on the court the ball will typically be given to Tony to drive and create off pick and roll situations , or given to Duncan on the block. That leaves little opportunity for Jefferson to find his spots on offense.
With Parker and Duncan out due to injury, Jefferson was forced to take on more of the scoring responsibilities, and perhaps the absentism of the two all-stars is just what was needed for Jefferson. Without Parker on the floor Jefferson has scored 19 points (against Portland), 24 (against Toronto), and in last night's win against the Mavericks 29.

Jefferson finally looked conftorbale in his new Spurs uni., but this was without Duncan and Parker on the floor. Will that confidence stick around when Duncan and Parker return? I still have questions, as to how Jefferson will find his slashing opportunities in that offense. Coach Popovich may need to work out ways to incorporate Jefferson's abilities rather than hoping he will slip into the rotation and find his place. Jefferson is not a role player, he is Grade A- scorer and when you hadd such an important piece, the offense needs to change slightly to allow that player to fully utilise what he can add to a team.
3. Will Bynum's Dunk fest

I've always liked the Pistons young bench. Rodney Stuckey impressed me right away. Jason Maxiell can change a game with his activity and then you have Will Bynum. This guy can flat out deliver for his team. Last night against the Bobcats he scored 16 points (5-6) in 21 minutes of action.

While small, Bynum has a V8 motor. The guy can flat out get up the court and get up in the air to heights that 6'0" people just should not be able to achieve without the aid of a step ladder.

Check out these two nasty dunks by possibily the best small dunking machine next to Nate Robinson.

Click here. Courtesy of Detroit for Life and need4sheed.com

4. Passing is a beautiful thing

Basketball is a tremendous sport. It's a game where scoring is something that occurs every minute of every game, not maybe once in a game, but 40-50 times a game. There are so many ways to score points in a basketball game. Players can shoot free-throws, take shots from long range that are rewarded with 3 points instead of 2, shoot measured 2 point jump shots, and then there are the creative shots that often draw wow's from the crowd and are seen as the games' most impressive feature. The rim-rattling dunks, the twisting body contorted lay-ins, the turnaround jump shot out of the post.

The NBA is a scoring league and rule changes in recent years have been made to allow the game's strength to floourish (hand-checking rules). But one aspect of the game that is sometimes more exciting, and definitely beautiful, is the pass.

Passing is an under-utlised compoonent of many teams. One of the first things a player learns as a junior is that it is quicker to pass the ball down the floor than it is to dribble down the floor. Too often though, teams forget about what a dynamic weapon the pass can be, turning the game into a one-on-many contest.

Basketball truly shines when a team plays team basketball. When you see a team sharing the ball, making the extra pass to find an open shooter, or a cutting player through the paint basketball truly shines as a beautiful game.

My favourite teams to watch are the Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns. Jump onto youtube, nba.com, espn.com and watch highlights of the Utah vs Boston game and you will see some of the best basketball since a Bob Cousy led Celtics team in the 1950's. When you see passing like that where the ball just moves, almost like a tem-playing hot potato you see an easy score result and a rousing cheer from the fans. Passing the ball gives a team easier shots.

Steve Nash, the best passing point guard in a pick and roll situation, just creates easy shots for team mates purely because of his passing ability. HIs ability to find a cutter under the basket is also uncanny. Larry Bird was a phenomenal passer too. He made so many plays where you just had to wonder how he knew that a player would be open (a pass over his head to a player under the basket springs to mind).

Then you have the passers who thrive on the break - Magic Johnson and Jason Kidd. These players excel at giving the ball to the right player at the right time, while being able to deceive the defense as to where the pass is headed. One of my favourite passes of all time was made by Isiah Thomas who threw an alley-oop bounce pass over an opponents head.
My only concern with the NBA is that rules are changed so much that the leauge will eventually become just a scoring league, and I hope rules stay in place that give the defense a chance to fairly stop a player who drives to the rim.

Long live the pass.
5. A Good read

The following is excerpted from "When the Game was Ours," by Larry Bird and Magic Johnson with Jackie MacMullan. This article was published on ESPN.
It began as a friendly game of pool.
Magic Johnson awaited his turn while Michael Jordan, a premium Cuban stogie dangling from his mouth, lined up his shot in the game room of the Ambassador Hotel in Barcelona, Spain, a cordoned-off area on the second floor designated as a sanctuary for the members of the U.S. Olympic basketball team.

It was a welcome and needed hideaway. This traveling troupe of basketball legends, whom coach Chuck Daly likened to a band of rock stars, caused a near-stampede simply by arriving. Spectators grappled with one another for a glimpse of Michael and Magic and Larry as they exited the team bus and checked into the hotel. As fans clamored to photograph this historic sports moment, the unruly crowd surged forward. Bird, skittish in large gatherings since he was a child, held his breath. The mob made him anxious.
An arm's length away, Magic surveyed the maze of faces and also held his breath. He found their energy to be exciting, exhilarating.
"Isn't this amazing?" he said to Bird.
"Are you kidding me? I want to get the hell out of here," Bird answered.
The "Dream Team" needed buffers, for their privacy and their safety. During their 16 days in Barcelona, the Ambassador's game room served as an exclusive club where the players could shoot pool, play cards, enjoy a beer, and invent occasions to compete with one another.
By day the room was littered with books, toys, movies, and video games, a haven for the players' families. Earvin Johnson III, barely eight weeks old, sat wide-eyed in his bouncy seat, intently following the movements of the older children. Conner Bird, a toddler who kept his mother and father awake half the nights during the Olympic Games, loved to jump on the leather couches and throw balls from the pool table down the hotel's elegant marble steps.
On the night of August 7, little Conner and baby E.J. were already asleep. Their daddies were wide awake, embroiled in an emotional debate over a simple question posed by Bird: which NBA team was the greatest of all time?
"Obviously one of our Laker teams," answered Magic, leaning on his pool stick. "We won five championships. More than all of you."
"No, it's the great Celtics teams with my man Bill Russell," said center Patrick Ewing, who played for the New York Knicks but was raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts. "He won 11 rings."
"You're forgetting the '86 Celtics, with the best front line in the history of basketball, including this guy right here," added NBC commentator Ahmad Rashad, pointing to Bird.
"That Celtics front line was brutal," agreed Charles Barkley.
Jordan, refusing to allow the chatter to disrupt his concentration, knocked his ball into the corner pocket and puffed on his cigar. He was 29 years old and had just won his second straight championship and his sixth consecutive scoring title. His counterparts in the room were decorated NBA veterans, yet their body of work was nearly complete. The maestro of the Bulls was only just beginning to add new strokes to his championship canvas.
"You haven't even seen the best NBA team of all time yet," Jordan announced. "I'm just getting started. I'm going to win more championships than all of you guys. Tell you what. Let's have this conversation after I'm done playing."
"You aren't winning five championships," Magic protested.
"Michael, I'm going to steal at least one of them from you," Barkley shot back.
The flurry of protests continued, with five of the greatest players in NBA history sparring over their owplace in basketball history. Magic was indignant at the suggestion that the best team could be anyone other than his 1987 Lakers, the team he had determined was the finest of his title years.
"Put me with Kareem, James Worthy, Coop, and Byron Scott, and we'd dominate your Bulls team," Magic claimed.
Barkley was about to chime in again, but Bird, taking a slug of his beer, shot his hand up.
"Quiet," Bird said. "Charles, you ain't won nothing. You're out of this discussion. Ahmad, same thing. You're gone. Patrick, you don't have any championships either, so you need to shut up and sit down right here and learn some things."
Barkley, subdued by the unfortunate reality of his basketball résumé, wandered off. Ewing, who had once considered Bird a bitter adversary but would develop an unusual kinship with him during their Olympic experience, dutifully sat on the bench next to his new friend. Rashad lingered also, fascinated by the banter between these elite basketball stars, each of whom at some juncture of his career could have argued that he was the best player in the game.
Jordan insisted that his Chicago teams belonged in the conversation about the all-time greats; Bird reminded Jordan that he used to torture Scottie Pippen regularly before his back betrayed him.
"I feel sorry for you," Magic told Jordan. "You will never have what Larry and I had. We went two weeks without sleep knowing, if we made one mistake, the other guy was going to take it and use it to beat us. Who do you measure yourself against?"
The conversation lurched on with no resolution until the topic switched to the inevitable follow-up: who was the best 1-on-1 player of all time?
"Gentlemen," said Jordan, "give it up. You've got no chance on this one. Larry, you don't have the speed to stay with me. Magic, I can guard you, but you could never guard me. Neither one of you guys can play defense the way I can. And neither one of you can score like me."
"I don't know about that," Magic retorted. "I could have scored more if I wanted to. It would have been a good one."
Jordan's face darkened. He had been uncommonly conciliatory in Barcelona, stepping aside as Bird and Magic shared the title of captain and revered elder statesman. Jordan deferred to Magic, allowed him to become the face of the Dream Team, even though Jordan was the reigning back-to-back league MVP. He did so because he understood that Magic's career was at an end and this was his final basketball indulgence.
"I didn't want to burst his bubble," Jordan said.
But now Jordan expected Magic to acknowledge the obvious: that Michael Jordan was the best player in the world. He turned to Magic, plucked the cigar out of his mouth, and approached his fellow future Hall of Famer with his voice rising.
"You better give it up," Jordan told Magic. "I'll come into your gym and drop 60 on you. I've already done it to the Celtics. Ask your friend Larry. You and Bird were great players. You did some amazing things. But it's over. This is my game now."
"Michael, don't you forget," Magic said. "Larry and I turned this league around. We are the NBA."
"Well, I've taken it to a new level," Jordan replied. "And it's not your league anymore."
"You're not there yet," Magic insisted.
Bird watched silently as the debate between Magic and Michael escalated. He detected a swagger in Jordan that he hadn't seen before. Bird recognized that strain of confidence, bordering on arrogance. It was exactly how he had felt when he was on top of the basketball world.
"There were plenty of years when I knew in my heart I was the best guy in the room," Bird said. "That night I knew in my heart it wasn't me anymore. And it wasn't Magic either."
Rashad, a friend to both Michael and Magic, tried to soften the increasingly heated rhetoric. He was unsuccessful. Jordan wanted concessions from Johnson that Magic stubbornly refused to provide, and His Airness remained relentless in pursuing them.
"I just think it's too bad we couldn't all have been young together," Magic said. "We could have all been the face of the NBA at the same time."
"Your time has passed," Jordan said. "C'mon, old man, give it up."
"I'm not sure about that," Magic persisted.
"Magic," Bird finally interjected, "stop. We had our moment. There was a period when nobody was better than you and me. But not anymore. Michael is the best now.

"Let's pass the torch and be on our way."

Excerpted from "When the Game Was Ours" by Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson with Jackie MacMullan. Copyright © 2009 by Magic Johnson Enterprises and Larry Bird. Reprinted by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.

TOP PERFORMERS

Carmelo Anthony - 32 pts (9-25), 14/14 FT, 10 rebs, +2 rating
Chris Bosh (Tor) - 28 pts (9-21), 10/10 FT , 11 rebs, +8 rating
Charlie Villenuva (Det) - 30 pts (13-17), 2/4 3's, 4 rebs, +28 rating
Danny Granger (Ind) - 31 pts (12-24), 16 rebs, 3 asts, +19 rating
LeBron James (Cle) - 36 pts (13-23), 2/3 3's, 8 rebs, 4 asts, +7 rating

The MAYNE MAYNE is...

Brandon Jennings (Mil) - 32 pts (11-19), 2/2 3's , 4 rebs, 9 asts, +8 rating

The highest score for a rookie this season, Brandon Jennings has shown what a few years in Europe can do, leading the Bucks to First Place in the Central Division.

NBA High Five

2009-11-11T16:32:00.000-08:00

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.

NBA High Five

2009-11-10T16:05:00.000-08:00

1. Golden State score 146 in win against Minnesota

In a season where the Warriors have made headlines for all the wrong reasons, finally a feel good story has emerged from this franchise.

With rumours surounding Stephen Jackson's future on the team, he and his team mates piled on the points against the T-Wolves. It's not that the Timberwolves are that bad offensively, the Warriors just had one of those games contest since 1994when they scored 146, also against the Timberwolves.

The scoring load was well spread, with over half of the points (77) scored off their bench. Kelenna Azubuike had 31, Anthony Randolph posted 23, and Anthony Morrow chipped in with 20.

2. The Suns' Road Trip

The Suns are off to a great start and interest has once again returned to the Valley of the Sun after their 2008-09 playoff absence. After starting well on the west-coast (3-0) the Suns were expected to return to earth with a thud when they ventured East for 5 games in 7 days.

Date Opposing Team Result W/L Record Hi Points Hi Rebounds Hi Assists
Tue, Nov 3 @ Miami W 104-96 4-0 S. Nash 30, G. Hill 12, S. Nash 8

Wed, Nov 4 @ Orlando L 100-122 4-1 A. Stoudemire 25, A. Stoudemire 14, G. Dragic 6

Fri, Nov 6 @ Boston W 110-103 5-1 J. Richardson 34, J. Richardson 10, S. Nash 12

Sun, Nov 8 @ Wizards W 102-90 6-1 J. Richardson 22, G. Hill 13, S. Nash 17

Mon, Nov 9 @ Sixers W 119-115 7-1 J. Richardson 29, G. Hill 8, S. Nash 20

I think the Suns success can mostly be attributed to their 2nd year cast of Dudley, Dragic and Amundsen who have helped turn the Suns weakness, in years past, into their strength.

J-Rich also played out of his head on the road trip going 16-22 (73%) from the three point in wins against Boston, Washington and Philadelphia.

While question marks are still floating about as to whether the Suns can contest in the West, the best tonic for that will be wins against the Hornets and Lakers on Wednesday and Thursday. Tune in to ESPN and TNT and watch the Suns offense in high gear. Believe it or not, they actually have a great chance to win against the Lakers on Thursday as LA are without their top two inside threats.

3. Text Message Voting intruduced for All-Star Ballot

Good to see the NBA have finally caught up with the rest of us. Texting is like living and breathing for most of us these days. (I watched a show last night where a 10 year old had wracked up a $2400 bill for his parents by sending 8000 text messages in a month). At least the NBA have been smart and limited voting to once per day.

Anything that makes it easier for the Asian Contentent to vote for Yao Ming (despite him being out for the year) is a tick in my book.

On the subject of the All-Star Game (groan... complaining already??!?) I think the All-Star Voting is a bit of a weak process, not so much with fans voting for the starters. After all, it is a game for the fans so we want to see our favourites. Asides from maybe a geographical weighting system to balance out the vote I think the NBA has the right idea, but a more serious re-think as to how reserves are selected is needed.

The All Star game is meant to showcase the NBA's best individual talent, not the best teams - we have the playoffs for the that. I'm sick of commentators and experts giving props to selections of players just because they are on a winning team. Let's see the players who have the real razzle-dazzle and are fighting the good fight for their loosing squads. At least let the largest audience have a chance to see these players in a nationally televised game, giving the player a chance to attract new fans to a franchise that may be struggling due to poor marketing.

4. Kaman and Johnson named players of the week

I've been pumping Chris Kaman's tyres up all season after watching him early on and liking what I was seeing, and he has received a nice little accolade in the form of the Western Conference Player of the Week.
Think of who he was up against - Steve Nash racked up 49 assists in 3 games, Chris Paul has been a one man show for the Hornets (but team losses disqualify him from the official conversation), and Kobe has begun trying to catch MJ's number of 40+ point scoring games. Thats big props for Kaman, and deservedly so.
Helping the Clippers to a 3-0 week his averages looked like:

24.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Most impressive however is Karman's shooting touch which had him shooting at 57.4% last week.

The Eastern Conference Player of the Week was Joe Johnson, who helped the Atlanta Hawks to 3-1 record for the week with wins against high calibre teams Denver and Portland. Last week he averaged

20 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

Despite the Hawks good start and Johnson's award (what about D-Wade? ), he is still somewhat of a disappointment to me. I saw him in Phoenix five years ago playing much as he does now. While his offense was fantastic for a youngster and fitted the Suns' needs in terms of both a back-up PG and slasher, his game has not evolved as many thought it would, or should in a team where he is arguably the bonafied star.
It's a contract year for Johnson and each year the team has improved in both regular season record and in the playoffs. This year with Jamal Crawford coming off the bench the Hawks have their eyes on no less than the number 4 spot in the East.

5. Thank god for the NBA's 'Off Day'...Where did it go?

When i look ahead at the week's schedule I sometimes glad that Monday's are typically the quiet NBA day in terms of matchups. Last night I wanted to know if the Suns could top the Sixers, if the Raptors could knock of a struggling Spurs team (I didn't even know that Parker and Duncan weren't playing until i watched the opening line-ups), and then you had Utah trying to hold on against New York in a game where Jerry Sloan was wondering if DIrk Nowitzki was secretly mooonlighting as a member of the Knicks

And all this on a Monday!

After an entertaining first two weeks it only gets better as we kick off Week Number 3. Up-coming highlights for the week:

Tuesday - Houston @ Dallas
Tuesday - Denver @ Chicago
Tuesday - Washington @ Miami

Wednesday - New Orleans @ Phoenix
Wednesday - Cleveland @ Orlando
Wednesday - Dallas @ San Antonio

Thursday - Cleveland @ Miami
Thursday - Phoenix @ Lakers

Friday - Atlanta @ Boston
Friday - Portland @ New Orleans
Friday - Lakers @ Denver

TOP PERFORMERS

Chris Bosh (TOR) - 32 pts (8-16), 10 rebs, -5 rating
Chris Paul (N.O) - 24 pts (10-14), 2/3 3's, 5 rebs, 10 asts, +25 rating
Steve Nash (PHX) - 21 pts (6-9), 20 assists, +19 rating

The MAYNE MAYNE is

Manu Ginobli - 36 pts (8-15), 6/8 3's, 4 rebs, 8 asts, 4 blks, +21 rating

Manu Ginobl is not done yet and with Parker and Duncan out of the line-up it was the perfect opportunity for Ginobliiiiii!! to get his groove back.

NBA High Five

2009-11-09T13:23:00.000-08:00

1. UNUSUAL RANKINGS

While I wouldn't usually include a 'power rankings' section as this is covered on ESPN by Marc Stein. But i felt the need to write my own power rankings as I believev they more accurately represent who will against whom based on their position n the rankings and their overall srength as a team. Marc Stein's rankings seem to simply reflect their position in the overall standings. In other words if you click on 'standings' and then 'league' the end result will pretty much be his power rankings. My rankings here reflect current form and overall team power where a team above other teams should beat them 2 times out of 3.

Boston - Struggling in spurts to put points on the board, but have the best 8 man rotation and the '85 Bears on defense.

LA Lakers - Have looked sloppy and oout of sorts on defense at times but have pout the wins on the board while integrating Artest. Bench play is a concern.

Orlando - An equally solid start and all this without Rashard, Vinsanity and now Anderson.

Cleveland - Despite their recent loss against Chicago there is no need to panic. Coach Mike Brown has still to figure out how to best utilise his talent.

Denver - Two straight road losses to the Heat and Hawks have soured their start.

Phoenix - Continue to suprise. Bench play much improved this year giving them defensive toughness.

Dallas - Look shaky without Dirk on the floor. Marion is hit or miss but this team is right up there.

Miami - The Flash is enjoying having a toughened up Michael Beasley as his running mate.

Atlanta - Jamal Crawford, an underrated acquisition this summer, has helped the Hawks to a road win in Portland and a solid win against Denver at home.

Houston - This team just flat out competes. They lack a closer. Ariza is trying, and is performing, but still has a bit to learn if he wants to elevate his game.

Portland - Some tough losses but looked tough against the Spurs on Friday.

Chicago - Have beaten The Spurs and the Cavaliers and look even better than last year's playoff team. Noah and Hinrich are tough underrated players. Deng is back and rookie Taj Gibson has been sensational. All this with Derick Rose on one foot.

San Antonio - Alarm bells ringing in the Alamo City. Look lacking on defense, and with Manu and Jefferson (their two primary slashing options) struggling, the Spurs need to turn things around quickly in a favourable home-stand schedule.

Washington - No Antawn Jamison, but this already appears to be turning into the Gilbert Arenas show. If I were the Wizards I'd put him on the block.

Toronto - Impressive wins against Cleveland and New Orleans. This team has 9 new players and are dangerous. Bagnani, Bosh and Turkoglu a nice triple threat on offense.

New Orleans - Look very thin on both ends of the floor. CP3 is doing his best to carry this franchise but needs help on the wings.

Utah - A depleted bench, but no excuse for Utah who have lost more games at home then they have won, most recently to the Sacramento Kings who are without their leading scorer.

Phildelphia - Luis Williams is proving an adequate starter, but the team lacks outside shooting. Brand is yet to return to his LA Clippers form.

LA Clippers - After a shaky start are putting it together. Chris Kaman could back up Andrew Bynum in the All-star game if he continues his impressive start. Blake Griffin still 6 weeks away.

Oklohoma City - Have shown they can compete with the best, but now need to show they can beat them.

Charlotte - Raja Bell is back. His defense and outside shooting were sorely missed.

Detroit - The Pistons are in transitition. Ben Gordon has had a nice start.

Memphis - If they can avoid the Iverson distractions and play ball this team will rise up the rankings. Gasol, Mayo, Gay - a nice young nucleus. Pity Gay's contract was not extended.

Milwaukee - The only positive for the season is the play of rookie Brandon Jennings. This team is just way too thin.

Indiana - Hanborough had 13 points in his first game. A poor start to the season thus fear.

Minnesota - Have scared the Celtics and the Suns. Gomes, Jefferson and Flynn are a good nucleus for new head coach Kurt Rhambis

Sacramento - Kevin Martin is down, but a win against the Jazz on the road was huge. A good chance for rookie Tyreke Evans to show his wears.

Golden State - Too many raw players and no continuity with a disgruntled Captain Jack riding the pine.

New York - Waiting, and praying, for LeBron next season.

New Jersey - No Devin Harris, this team will have a lot going for it next year. Brooke Lopez is one of the best young centres in the league. They'll have a high draft pick and plenty of money to throw at 2 top free agents.

2. Joakim Noah

The post Jordan-era has taken longer to rebound from than initially expected, but finally there is reason to smile in Chicago.

The top draftees for the Bulls since the post Jordan era have been - Elton Brand, Kirk Hinrich, Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry, Luol Deng, Tyrus Thomas and Derick Rose. While approximately half of their "post Jordan-era draftees' have been busts (Brand signed with the Clippers and helped them come within a game of the Western Conference Finals in 2006), the Bulls franchise can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.

While 2008 draftee Derrick Rose looks to be the 'franchise guy' and will undoubtedly be the cornerstone of the franchise for the next ten years, it is Joakim Noah, taken 9th overall in the 2007 draft who can also be equally attributed to the new Bulls identity.

On Saturday night against the Bobcats he squared off against former Chicago draftee Tyson Chandler. While Chandler posted his best numbers of the season (13 points, 7 rebounds) it was Noah who had everyone talking. Not only pulling down 16 rebounds and swatting 4 shots, he scored a career high 21 points on 10-12 from the field, and more importanty, earned the Bulls the W. However, statistics are not Noah's greatest asset to the Chicago Bulls. It is his hustle and activity that are really his forte. (How do you statistically measure hustle? - Offensive rebounds, steals and blocks only tell part of the story)

For a third year pro he is showing some great signs for the Bulls on both ends of the floor. He's their backbone defensively and on the board and now is showing early signs of an inside game. But Noah understands his role on the team at the moment.

'I know I'm not going to score 21 points every night," Noah said. "I think that I want to see consistently is my rebounding and my defensive effort. I feel like offensively, I'm just going to try to clean up the glass."

So far this season, he has been more than effective in this role.

3. Tyreke Evans busts out

The Sacramento Kings are pretty high on Tyreke Evans. Lately, Evans has proved why, picking up the scoring slack left by Kevin Martin who is out another 6-7 weeks with a wrist injury. Evans, taken 4th in the 2009 draft, has led all scorers in two consecutive wins for the Kings.

vs Golden St. 23 pts (8/15), 1/1 3pt, 6/7 FT, 6 rebs, +23 rating
@ Utah Jazz 32 pts (7-15), 2/3 3pt, 16/19 FT, 3 rebs, 7 asts +11 rating

Taken ahead of the likes of Ricky Rubio, Ty Lawson, Tyler Hansborough, Jonny Flynn, Stephen Curry and Brandon Jennings, Tyreke has picked up the scoring load and has impressed just like the afformentioned names in a draft where Blake Griffin was, supposedly, the only draftee of any real worth.

What is impressive about Evans game is his ability to attack the basket and draw contact, one of my most valued attributes in any player. Against a Utah Jazz team, coached by Jerry Sloan and played at Salt Lake City where you'd expect the whistles to favour the Jazz, Evans attempted 19 free throws. Not bad at all considering he would have been defended by either Ronnie Brewer (a solid defensive player) and Deron Williams.

Looking at the statistics of both Martin and Evans, they appear to both be a similar kind of player. They can get to the line equally well and can shoot the long ball. The task for Sacramento is to how to handle their two very similar assets. Although Tyreke is probably a better combo guard than Martin, suggesting that the two could play on the floor at the same time this may not be the best direction for the team. Obviously they want to keep their young talent, but I'd like to see the Kings role the dice in the next few years and acquire something more complimentary to either Martin or Evans. Both players would have a more than decent trade value.

4. Shake your Ron-Ron

It must be so easy to play with Kobe Bryant, the mature version anyway. Ron is having the tmie of his life getting better acquainted with his running mates as each passing minute gets logged. Not only has he become the Lakers best 'defnesive lockdown' guy, but he is now finding his way on offense.

Over the past five games Artest has averaged 14.2 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, his best performance coming on Friday against Memphis where he posted 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three treys on 7-of-14 shooting.

Even more valuable is that he is proving is worth as a versatile forward who can do enough of the dirty work to make up for the losses of both Bynum and Gasol under the cup.

The Lakers were in dyer need of some "toughness" if they hoped to repeat in a season where the elite only got better.
Where he rates in terms of off-season acquistions is open for debate.

Orlando acquired Matt Barnes, Brandon Bass, Ryan Anderson and Vince Carter. Cleveland acquired "The Diesel", Anthony Parker and Jamerio Moon. San Antonio acquired Antonio McDyess and Richard Jefferson, while Boston acquired Rasheed Wallace, Marquis Daniels and Sheldon Williams

Boston have arguably made the best additions seemingly to have the strongest 9 man rotation in basketball (when Glen Davis returns), while Orlando have added a flat outscorer and rebounding depth, but what can't be measured is the Los Angeles Lakers newly acquired "Kevin Garnett factor".

How well Artest can help change the identity and attitude of his team will determine the length of their playoff run. While Artest is playing nice guy now, and just trying to fit in with Kobe and the rest of his ring wearing mates, Ron will unseemingly need to provide more of an imprint on this team than he could ever know. Ron needs to get some of that fire back, and rub it over the rest of the Laker roster if they hope to even make it out of the Western Conference.

5. Ben Wallace rejuvinated back in Mo-town.

Ben Wallace must be clicking his big size 16 sneakers together with a mantra of 'There's no place like home....There's no place like home'.

Big Ben would be the first to admit that his time spent in Cleveland and Chicago were less than impressive statistically. He signed for big money in the summer of 2005 and was the first of Detroit 04 title team to jump ship, apparantly due to disgruntlemunt with head coach Flip Saunders.

In Chicago Wallace could never re-capture the form that saw him be the backbone of the Pistons defense, an undeniable presence on defense and on the boards. Traded to Chicago as part of the Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes deal Wallace failed to impress alongside King James in Cleveland. He only saw limited minutes and was behind Anderson Varejo in the rotation.

After being sent to Phoenix for Shaq and being released he has returned to the Palace of Auburn Hills and now looks like the Walace of old. Initially signed to merely mentor the young big's of the Pistons, Wallace has seen major minutes and is producing in a big way.

"I knew Ben was going to be an asset this season because he'd be able to teach our bigs," Pistons coach John Kuester said. "I never imagined he could have this kind of impact on the court. This is the old Ben Wallace again, and he's making Kwame Brown, Jason Maxiell and Chris Wilcox better just by showing them what it is possible to do."

Against the Sixers he creamed the likes of Dalembert, Brand and Speights collecting 16 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 blocks. Sure a one off game here or there could be expected but in 4 of his last 5 games Wallace has collected 9 or more rebounds.and asides from the game against Orlando, where he saw limited minutes, Wallace has averaged a whopping 5.5 offensive rebounds.

It's great to see Ben Wallace being an influential factor on the court once more. It always seemed as though his play dropped off prematurely, and despite dodgy knees and a reduced vertical leap is contributing in a big way for the undermanned Pistons and is once again adding to his legacy.

TOP PERFORMERS (Weekend)

Kevin Durant (Okl vs Orl) - 28 pts (11-17), 4 rebs, 5 asts, 3 stls, +35 rating
Deron Williams (Uta vs Sa) - 29 pts (11-20), 3/5 3ptrs, 3 rebs, 15 asts, +/- 0 rating
Kobe Bryant (LaL vs Mem) - 41 pts (19-30), 4 rebs, +16 rating
Chris Paul (NoH vs Tor) - 21 pts (8-13), 7 rebs, 18 asts, 2 stls, -10 rating
Josh Smith (Atl vs Den) - 22 pts (8-10), 9 rebs, 7 asts, 6 blks, +25 rating

The Mayne Mayne is...

LeBron James (vs NYK) - 33 pts (12-17), 2/4 3ptrs, 8 rebs, 9 asts, 3 stls +8 rating.

How good it is to be in Madison Square Garden where the only real question coming into the game for the troubled Cavaliers was how big a performance King James would put on for his possible future home. LeBron did not disappoint.

Sunday Special - The Keys to a Modern NBA Championship

2009-11-08T23:02:00.000-08:00

Over the next few Sundays I'm going to break down and discuss the common trends of championship squads over the last quarter of a century.

Listed below are the NBA Finalists over the past 25 years. Do you spot any trends? How could teams such as Chicago, the Lakers, Boston and San Antonio repeatedly either win a championship or contest for a championship? What made them better than the one off appearers such as Dallas, Portland, Seattle and the Philidelphia's of this world?

2008-09 - LA Lakers def Orlando
2007-08 - Boston def LA Lakers
2006-07 - San Antonio def Cleveland
2005-06 - Miami def Dallas
2004-05 - San Antoino def Detroit
2003-04 - Detroit def LA Lakers
2002-03 - San Antoino def New Jersey
2001-02 - LA Lakers def New jersey
2000-01 - LA Lakers def Indiana
1999-00 - LA Lakers def Philidelphia
1998-99 - San Antonio def New York
1997-98 - Chicago def Utah
1996-97 - Chicago def Utah
1995-96 - Chicago def Seattle
1994-95 - Houston def Orlando
1993-94 - Houston def New York
1992-93 - Chicago def Phoenix
1991-92 - Chicago def Portland
1990-91 - Chicago def LA Lakers
1989-90 - Deroit def Portland
1988-89 - Detroit def LA Lakers
1987-88 - LA Lakers def Detroit
1986-87 - LA Lakers def Boston
1985-86 - Boston def Houston
1984-85 - LA Lakers def Boston

FYI - I got all of these correct, excluding the final one, without checking any websites. Originally I said LA Lakers def Phily - I'm sure it's one Larry would have wanted to forget anyway)

Some of the names to play on these teams include Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Isiah Thomas, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, David Robinson, Scottie Pippen, James Worthy, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Dwayne Wade, Joe Dumars, Clyde Drexler, Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Patrick Ewing, Dwight Howard, Allen Iverson, Jason Kidd, Reggie Miller, Mark Jackson, Manu Ginobli, Tony Parker, Dirk Nowitzki and Antoine Walker. (just seeing if you read the entire list)

While all of these players are in elite, not all of them won an NBA Championship (or not as yet have won an NBA Championship). Over the coming weekend's I'm going to break down some common factors in each of these winning teams and then study how they all work together, but not without each other.

NBA High Five

2009-11-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

1. Chicago beat another power

Sure the Bulls made everyone stand up and take notice in their win over the Spurs at the United Centre, but to prove it was not an abboration, they waltzed into the Q last night and beat LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It was a gritty performance by the pesky Bulls, who controlled the tempo and held on for a 1 point win. While everyone is talking about the early woes of the Clelevand Cavaliers, not many people are talking about the Chicago Bulls.

After making a mid-season trade last year that brought in John Salmons and Brad Miller, many were thinking that the trade was made only to improve the bank balance. But the Bulls gelled and looked more versatile. Now, after a quiet off season the Bulls have come out and beaten two of the so called premier teams, and they've done it with Derrick Rose on one leg and no Ben Gordon.

How is this possible?

The Bulls are bigger, faster and stronger. Yes the Bulls are almost the Olympic spirit. Luol Deng is back in a big way. His mid-range game looks as good as ever, and as he grows in confidence expect him to drive the lane too. Asides from his 2-8 shooting performance against Boston, Deng has picked up the scoring slack left over from Ben Gordon.

There are just so many positives on this team. Kirk Hinrich has been unbelievable - going all the way back to Boston-Chicago series in last year's playoffs. He's an outstanding distributor, can shoot the ball and can defend the two guard. What he lacks for in explosion, Hinrich makes up for in smarts and he is definitely an underrated player in the league. The only people who didnt under-rate him were the Chicago Bulls. Faced with the decision in the off-season to either keep Ben Gordon or Kirk Hinrich they went with Hinrich. If you remember last year's playoffs, it was the Ben Gordon show.

Joakim Noah looks really good on defense and on the boards, maybe just a shade off Anderson Varejo of Cleveland. Considering Noah's age it wont be long before his game surpases Varejo's (who incidentally has added a suprising array of moves to his offensive game - which was previously non-existant).

What really has The Windy City blowing though is their rookie sensation Taj Gibson. His play is so good he even looks better than Tyrus Thomas at times. No wonder Thomas' contract wasn't extended. This guy just seems to 'get it' on the defensive end, while having an equally polished offensive game as Thomas. Taj Gibson will see a heap of courtime with the recent arm injury to Tyrus Thomas. Thomas is expected to be out 4-6 weeks.

John Salmons has been quiet so far, Derrick Rose is still recovering from his ankle injury and Janeero Pargo has yet to find his way with his new team. This team is going to be pretty good. I guess the question is - How long can their young legs hold up?

2. Blessing in disguise

After leading Sac-town to their first win (48 points against Memphis in OT) Kevin Martin is down. Yep, the one shining light on an otherwise dismissal franchise is on the sidelines for 6-8 weeks.

But this may be the best thing that could have happened to the Sacramento Kings. Even with Kevin Martin they were no chance of making the playoffs. These are developmental years for the Kings as they look to rebuild around Martin. So what better way to develop the rest of your roster than have your focul point out of action? There is no need to panic yet.

Sure the best way to develop a team is by everyone fitting in and being used to an offensive scheme, but look at a team such as Boston. Glenn Davis wouldn't have had the chance to step up if KG was not injured. Caron Butler, Deshawn Stevenson in Washington would have also been robbed that chance by Agent 0. The list goes on and on.

Sacramento are a young, raw team. Watching the game against Memphis I saw them make mistakes that usually just are not made by your more seasoned teams. With Martin out, there are no expectations at all for this team. It really gives them a chance to play low pressure ball.

Beno Urdih will need pick up more of the scoring load and he should see minutes alongside rookie Tyreke Evans. Beno's got a cool head on his shoulders and should help Tyreke's development. Spencer Hawes game will continue to improve as he'll see more opportunities off the pick and pop. I think the player they are most excited about however is Jason Thompson. He looks like a Tyrus Thomas in his first season with a keen eye for the offensive rebiound.

Omri Casspi should also see his minutes increase. I was really impressed with his game the other night. He seems to have a good shooting touch, with a mild case of vertical explosion. Maybe a future Manu in the making.

So it's not all doom and gloom for a team that, to be honest, not much was expected of anyway. Hang in their King fans. The K-mart injury may be just what the doctor ordered for your team's development.

3. Boozer back to Business

All would have been forgiven by the Utah fans after the off-season circus concerning Carlos Boozer, if he had of performed to start the season. After declaring he would "opt out" of the fina year of his contract, being injured, the Jazz signing Paul Milsap to big dollars in lue of Boozer's imminent departure and then Boozer decides he'll stay on for the final year - basically tying the hands of the Jazz organisation. Beginning the season he declared "all that is behind me". If it was behind him why stink up the floor like he neer has before?

Heading into last night's game against the Spurs, Boozer had gone 19-54 from the field this season, and thats including his 6-12 outing last game against Dallas. Usually Boozer is treated with the sound of "booooz" by a supportive crowd, but last night he was greeted with the more traditional, and somewhat different 'Boooo'. He would be the first to admit that it was deserved.

Last night he made a mends with the Utah crowd - posting his best numbers of the season. Starting the game slow, he sure kicked into gear in the final three. He finished with 27 points, shooting 12/20 from the field and tore down 14 boards, to help Utah break their two game losing streak.

It's important for not only Boozer, but for Utah, for him to play well. Despite saying "all that's behind me" Boozer is likely to be moved before the trade deadline. Utah would want at least someone who can contribute - say a Tayshaun Prince for example. If Boozer plays like he did the first four games the Jazz will be lucky to get Zach Randolph.

However, more on a personal note. No one really knows what happens behind closed doors between owner, player, agent and coach. Carlos Boozer is a former all-star and one of the more gifted players in the NBA. The league would be missing something without Carlos in the league and I hope last night's perfomance was a sign of better things to come for Boozer, in a year that is filled with unknowns.

4. The Undefeated and the Winless

As predicted its the Nets who are doing it tough to start the season. This team would be okay with Devin Harris on the floor, but he is out with a strained groin. To make matters worse Yi Junlian is out with an MCL.
But the 'High Five' is about positives. So let's conclude our Nets talk by saying 'Good luck'.

Denver and Boston conversely ave unbeatyen records, and they have nothing to do with luck.

The Nuggets are the more liekly to see their unbeaten record come to an end first. They are currently 2 games into a 6 game eastern conference road swing before rerturning home to host the Lakers. From this Friday until next Friday this is their schedule

Tonight - @ Miami
Saturday @ Atlanta
Tuesday @ Chicago
Wednes. @ Milwaukee
Friday home hosting LA Lakers

If I were a Nuggets fan I would be pleased with anything better than 3-2 out of these five games. If you win all your games on the road and return and lose to the Lakers - no Biggie Smalls. If you lose to either Miami, Atlanta or Chicago and beat the Lakers at home you would consider that a successful week of roundball for the Nuggets.

Boston on the other hand seem to have a pretty cruisy schedule until their meeting with Orlando on Friday 20th Novemeber. Next Wednesday and Friday they host Utah and then Atlanta. These are the only 2 challenging games until the Magic meeting for the Green Machine.

5. TOP PERFORMERS

LeBron James - 25 pts (9-17), 7 rebs, 6 asts -1 rating
Carlos Boozer - 27 pts (12-20), 14 rebs, 3 asts +10 rating

The Mayne Mayne is

Derron Williams - 27 pts (11-19), 7 rebs, 9 asts +18 rating

Nba High Five

2009-11-05T13:36:00.000-08:00

1. Planet Oramge still glowing

Stoudamire is back, for the first fulll season since being bustled out of the playoffs by San Antonio (again). While he's not in true STAT form as of yet, the signs are there he, and the Phoenix Suns, could be more than just an eight seed contendor. Shaq is one of the greats, but his time in a Suns uniform did not help the team. Thats no slight on him, or the team - it was just a bad fit.

I like the play of Jason Richardson. It's his first full season as a Sun, and without Shaq in the paint, J-Rich should have the room to drive the lane. Sure he's no Joe Johnson of the 04-05 team but he can create (for himself) off the dribble, and can shoot the long ball.

Grant Hill is playing as well he has in the last 10 years. Increidible to think but heading into the Orlando game Hill was averaging 20-10.

Then you have Channing Frye. A mixture between a Boris Diaw and a Shawn Marion (minus the rebounding). Frye is perhaps the best piece they have acquired in recent years. Boris was a fascillitator, could play a number of positions, but was a reluctant shooter (now for the Bobcats he always shoots. Go figure). Marion was Mr Dirtywork - a player who needed zero plays run for him (but was not a solid outside shooter).

The burning question is How much has Steve Nash lost off his game since 05-06?
That is really the key for the Suns. They have just as good a lineup on paper as they have ever had, but if Steve Nash can't consistently shoot the three, finish around the hoop and demonstrate supreme handles, the Suns simply will not win. Last year Steve looked old and I was thinking - this guy is done, but so far this season, particularly on Tuesday night against Miami, Steve Nash looked like he was back. He needs to hit those shots in the lane to draw the defense. If he only draws a soft covering he won't have the passing options he has as an elite scorer.

Another key for the Suns - Bench play.
What a difference a year makes. Last year, just when the vets needed more rest, they were actually needed more than ever because the bench absoloutely sucked (asides from Barbosa).
This year the Suns actually look at times even better with the likes of Dudley and Amundsen on the floor. For the first time the Suns have players who aggressively get after the ball. They show great hustle on D and on the boards, an identity the Suns have never had.

2. Teams with more than one play on offense

I'm really becoming frustrated with basketball at times. Maybe its just the result of a diluted player pool, but sometimes the game is a simple one-on-one playground style contest. Sure this can be fun to watch - Some of the best moments in the history of basketball were from one-on-one duels (Bird vs The Human Highlight Reel, Lebron going for 20 someting straight against the Pistons), but undoubtedly the team who wins has more than one option on offense.

Last night's game featuring Miami and Washington was a prime example. While it was exciting to see these two superstars go at it, I just looked at it and was thinking - is this all you have? Boston, Orlando, San Antonio, Cleveland and L.A Lakers all have at least two options on offense. I just don't see how these othert teams can possibly compete if they are a one-trick pony.

Chris Paul and the Hornets take head. Without him on the floor you guys have nothing. Same goes for Dallas. They need Dirk on the floor, illustrated by their shocking loss last night. Portland were their but now have others who can generate.

Don't get me wrong, at the end of the day the most important player on any team in crunch time is the dynamic slasher who can get to the free-throw line, but will they be effective in the final minute after already going 47 on the floor just to keep their team's close?

Orlando have Dwight, Cleveland have Shaq, Boston have Garnett, the Lakers have Bynum/Gasol, and the Spurs have Duncan. All these players change the flow of the game and give the superstar a rest for at least one play. Teams need to be able to change the flow of the game through a "conventional" low post target.

3. Dirk's 29 point 4th Quarter

After watching three quarters of one of the worst NBA ganes i have ever seen (excluding the play of Derron Williams), Dirk suddenly sprang to life. With 8 minutes left in regulation the Mavs were down by plenty and seemingly on route to a horrible loss at home. Two minutes later I was thinking 'Okay, yes, Dirk is heating up but he's going to need some help if they want to tie it'
.
With three minutes remaining Dirk had tied the game and I was wondering if Utah was going to do anything to try and stop him getting the ball. With one minute to go the game was a foregone conclusion. Dirk had just dominated. He was not doing anything spectacular by an stretch. He just looked like a player who could get the shot he wanted when he wanted. What was Jerry Sloan doing? I think he was just enjoying the show. Boozer has been stinking it up this season, and maybe Sloan was happy enough seeing him stink it up defensively on the former 2006-07 MVP

4. Bill Walton retires from broadcasting

Congratulations to Bill Walton. Another career cut short by injury. No no - despite being true, it's unfair to a man who deserves the utmost respect. Bill Walton has overcome adversary numerous times, and while this may have crushed lesser men, it only made Bill stronger as a person.
In my mind Bill Walton should have been a musician. He was a philosopher of sorts, and the way he said things was like poetry that didnt make sense, but did. Thus was his career as a basketballer and as a person. His path to greatness was truly unconventional, and through basketball and the challenges it posed to him, Bill learnt what at one stage he thought he never would.

As a player Bill Walton was possibly the best passing Big Man in the history of the game (to go along with Russell). He led the Portland Trailblazers, under head coach Jack Ramsay to a title in 1977, seemingly on the way to perhaps cementing himself as possibly the best ever. Walton had all the skills, but after 3 short years was plagued by a series of injuries for the remainder of his career.

I will miss Bill behind the Mic. While just plain annoying at times, seemingly not even watching the same game as you, he looked at the game on a different level. Fundamentals an and understanding of knowing who you are playing and what needs to be done in order to win. Some of my favourite Waltonisms were:

Player A is of course forgetting that Player B is Left-handed
His elongated use of the word 'Pleeeease'
“Come on, that was no foul! It may be a violation of all the basic rules of human decency, but it’s not a foul.”

For more - One Off Waltonisms click here

Do yourself a favour and take a moment ro read up on one of the true greats of NBA basketball. Click here

5. The Lakers hanging tough on the road

What do the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers have in common? Well a couple of things. Phil Jackson has been a key part of both franchises, both teams represent the biggest east coast and west coast cities, but most frighteningly: both teams have participated in back-to-back (yeah-YEAHHH) Overtime contests.

On Tuesday Night the Lakers ventured out of the Staples Centre for the first time of the season - a short two game road trip to Oklohoma and then Houston.

I don't know whether we should be praising the Lakers or murdering them for scaring their fans to a virtual 'do not ressusitate'. The Thunder are an improving sqauad, by no means vying for a playoff spot this year, but they appear ready to make a move in a year or so. How could the Lakers almost lose this game?

And then in Houston, sure the Rockets have started well, but they are severly undermatched when it comes to taking on the Lakers. The Rockets had this one, but a costly turnover in the final minute, gave Kobe another 2 free throws resulting in OT.

This season already has a sense of familiarity to it - Boston starts off extremely well, just plain punking teams, while L.A looks all out of sorts, but still coming through in close games with the occassional loss against a team that leaves you scratching your head.

But let's look at it for the Lakers. In 2007-08 the Lakers begun the season with a dark cloud hanging over Kobe Bryant and his commitment to the team (he asked for Bynum to be traded - and just didnt like the direction the franchise was heading), but then in possibly the biggest trade coupe of all time the Lakers acquire Pau Gasol, basically for Kwame Brown (and the rights to Mark Gasol - who may be even better than Pau when both careers are said and done). So they have a big new part to integrate and Pau, while fitting in better than most, still looked a bit of whack in the Lakers offense.Then their trump card, Andrew Bynum, goes down for the remainder of the season not long into the new year. So the Lakers have a big piece missing (by no where near the loss offensively he woudl be this year, but definitely in terms of rebounding and defense around the baslet).

Last year, with a full compliemnt of players at their disposal the Lakers cruised to a 7-0 - along the way beating Portland (20), Denver (7), Houston (29), Dallas (7), New Orleans (7). That's every team from last year's playoffs excluding San Antonio and Utah.

This year, they are missing Pau Gasol to start the season, and while Bynum, looks like a beast you still get the feeling that the Lakers are a little thin on both ends of the floor, particularly when they turn to their bench. Devin Brown has secured a spot in the rotation (along with Odom when Gasol returns to the starting 5), but beyond that they don't have too much. Artest has been Artest, for the most part struggling on offense (give him time to fit into the system), but being a lock-down defender. Mr Bryant has just been Mr. Bryant. 40 here 40 there. Ah Yawn.

The real difference for the Lakers this season, which makes for the reduced offensive production from years past with Gasol, Ariza, Vujacic and Radmanovic is the play of Andrew Bynum. Offenisively he looks much more polished. He is getting much better position down low and also understands when to cut to the rim on a Kobe drive. Most importantly, Bynum is not rushing. He looks settled on the block and seems to have at least one go to move - his developing hook shot. Sure his numbers will drop when Gasol returns but he is a more than adequate third option.
I guess the question is. Which year is it? Is it 2007-08 where the Lakers were missing some vital parts and looked pretty shaky all year, but still making it into the Finals, meanwhile Boston destroy opponents and are too good come playoff time?

Or is it 2008-09 where the Lakers haef all their pieces healthy, win well., while the Celtics once again start well and suffer a major injury.

Well its neither. Its 2009-10 and I'm hoping that no one gets injured. These two teams deserve the right to face of for all the marbles this year. They do need to earn the right however, and this season will be the toughest of all for both teams with some stellar compeititon to get through first in each conference.

Oh. One other thing The difference between the Knicks and the Lakers? The Lakers won both of their overtime games while the Knicks did the opposite.

TOP PERFORMERS (2 past nights)

Chris Paul (N.O) - 39 pts (14-23), 3/4 3's, 5 rebs, 7 asts +3 rating
Kobe Bryant (LAL) - 41 pts (15-30), 6 rebs, 4 asts, 4 stls +2 ratng
Dwayne Wade (MIA) - 40 pts (14-26), 4 rebs, 5 asts +12 rating

The Mayne Mayne is....

Dirk Nowizki - 40 pts (12-22), 15/16 FT, 11 rebs, 5 asts, 5 blks +23 rating

A record setting night for 'The Diggler' as he eclipses Mark Aguirre's record for most points by a Dallas player in a quarter. Mark scored 24 points, back in 1984 against Denver in a quarter. The record stood for over 25 years but was beaten and then some by Dirk's 29 in the fourth.

My Idea of Heaven

2009-11-04T08:28:00.000-08:00

Here is my game schedule for today:

Memphis @ Sacramento - Monday's OT Game (I know the score - but I want to watch these young teams)
Boston @ Philidelphia
Miami @ Phoenix
Washington @ Cleveland
Utah @ Dallas

Followed by two Games Live on ESPN
Miami @ Washington
Dallas @ New Orleans

So Here we Go: (Pacific Time)

MEMPHIS @ SACRAMENTO

7.30 - am woken up by girlfriend early, who helps make morning coffee - am weary as i went to bed around 2 am after watching the first half of the Sacramento-Memphis Game.

8.10 am - Martin is so hot he decides to put on his Shawn Marion impersonation. Drains the three (Unlike Marion) - Kings up 64-58 - Martin has 26.

8.12 am - Sacramento Courtside reporter Katie Christensen (former UC Santa Barbara and WNBA star) interviews Floyd Mayweather Jr. He's about 1 whole foot shorter. During interview Mayweather's head still looks straight ahead level with her chest. Now I how she got the interview

8.20 am - Is Zach Randolph a rookie? He looks nothing like those three other players named Zach Randolph who stunk up the New York, LA Clippers and Blazer Benches.

8.45 am - Why even pass the ball K-Mart? (34 points - Kings down by one)

8.51 am - 2 buckets in a row from Iverson

8.53 am - 2 turnovers in a row by Iverson

8.56 am - Make a free throw somebody. I don't care what team you are on.

9.00 am - OJ Mayo will be good if he learns to play good one on one defense.

9.02 am - Spencer Hawes is Chris Mihm. But he can shoot.

9.12 am - Mark Gasol looks awesome. He had a good first year in a couch potato's body. Now he actually looks like an athlete.

9.18 am - 45 seconds left. Kings up by 3. Time out - they cut to a Paul Westphal interview - he sounds like Bill Murray. You have to have a sense of humour to coach the Kings I guess

9.20 am - Rudy Gay hits an open 3 out of the time-out to tie it. Were they playing zone or was Martin just lost on defense?

9.35 am - Why isn't the ball going to Gasol in the post in OT?

9.45 am - Okay one down. Kevni Martin was just on fire and poor transition D fromMemphis sealed the win for Kings

BOSTON @ PHILADELPHIA

9.54 am - The key for the Sixers is transition buckets and whether Iggi and Young make the right decisions after breaking down Pierce and Allen.

9.58 am - Dalembert looks more athletic than both KG and Perk.

10.06 am - 1/2 way through the first and the Celtics look to be trying to establish dominance inside over Dalembert. Dalembert having none of it. 10-4 Sixers lead. I'd like to see Rondo get into the lane and either finish or create.

10.21 am - Wallace and Daniels. Wow they are fitting in well already. Definite sparks off the bench. The Celtics in no way get weaker when they go to their bench.

10.22 am - Did Rondo just do that? Celts up by 2 after 1Q thanks to Rondo's fade away baseline shot over the backboard. Wow.

10.32 am - This is Boston - Starting lineup - a defense minded lineup that grinds and wears you down. Their lineup with House, Wallace and Daniels - The Phoenix Suns of 2006.

10.35 am - House and Wallace back to back 3's to extend to a 31-21 lead. Wallace ommits a loud high pitched 'Wooooouuuuuh!!!' that can be heard all over the arena. He has his swagger back.

10.49 am - Instead of the 'Big Three' im thinking 'The Enigmatic Eight'. The Super Six. KG does look a little off. Dalembert causing him problems

11.21 am - After half time The Celts come out with their trademark D. Transition 3's. Killer.

11.30 am - The good teams just seem to get bored. If they stayed focused you would see some ridiculous scores.

11.44 am - Yes!! Rasheed gets the tech. I love it. Go Sheed. He clearly was in the act of shooting when fouled. 'Im goin to pass it out? C'mon Mayne'

11.54 am - Anre Igodula is doing it by himself. Where has Dalembert gone?

12.07 am - What a spank job. The only question now is how many 3's will Sheed make. 6 so far. Sheldon Williams has also hit two nice shots in a row.

12.13 am - Scalabrine sees some minutes. It must be junk time. Celts cruise to victory in another blowout.

PHOENIX @ MIAMI

12.45 PM - are you kidding me? no Barbosa? could be trouble for the Suns in this 5 game road swing

1.03 PM - Channing Frye, He may not pass like Boris Diaw but he could be the perfect Marion/Diaw love child they have been waiting for.

1.07 PM - The Miami Public Address is the most annoying in the leauge.

1.25 PM - I'm shocked. The Suns second unit is actually playing well. Their 2nd year and Dragic and Amunden look so much more comfortable. Steve Nash might actually be able to get some rest for a change.

1.57 PM - Grant Hill is living in 1999. He looks the best has ever been since leaving Detroit.

1.58 PM - Q Richardson has lost about 20 pounds. Good work from Q who didnt let 4 trades that sent him from the Knicks to Memphis then to the Clippers and also to Minnesota before finally landing in Miami get him down. He looks rejuvinated and should contribute for a few more years.

2.08 PM - Dwanye Wade, quiert in the first half exploding on both ends of the court extending the Heat lead to 12.

2.15 PM - In true Suns fashion they play in scoring surges. Steve Nash showing some 04-05 form with 17 (7/8 FG) so far in the 3rd quarter. Grant Hill cleaning the boards and already has a double double. So far averaging 20 and 10 on the young season.

2.37 PM - After trailing by 11 The Suns lead by 9 with 4 and change remaining. The Suns look great. They may have lost some 3 point shooting over the years but the youngsters have given them some defensive spunk off the bench.

2.44 PM - Wow, It was the toughness of the Suns, thats right THE SUNS, that won them the game. Wayde restricted to 24 points - he did also have 9 rebs and 7 assists. Steve Nash had 30 pts for Phoenix including 25 in the 2nd half.

UTAH @ DALLAS

2.56 PM - If Dallas want to be considered the real deal they need to beat teams like the Jazz on their home floor.

3.03 PM - Perhaps the only thing worse than J-Kidd going 1-11 thus far from the land of plenty is his shocking start distributing the ball - 3 turnovers already.

3.06 PM - This has been an ugly start. Get Marion out of there. Boozer's shocking start to the season continues.

3.34 PM - What's stopping Jerry Sloan from starting Paul Milsap. He adequately filled in for Boozer last year and has been much more impressive to start the season.

3.39 PM - Utah up 37-35 with 2 seconds left in the half. Dallas only shooting 32%. Marion looks like he is playing for Utah tonight rather than Dallas.

3.43 PM - You can tell the game is not the best when Dallas' offense is relying entirely on Jason Kidd's 3 point shot.

3.57 PM - Derron Williams is taking over. Jason Kidd shuold be playing D on him rather than Jet Terry.

4.06 PM - The resaon why the Macvs will never win a championship. No low post scoring and noone who can get to the foul line. Rick Carlisle will be hoping Josh Hoawrd returns sooner rather than later. But even then, he seems to have become a pull up shooter

4.09 PM - Utah rookie Mathews drives through the Mavs like they had stopped for a foul call. the Mavs are just plan stinking it up.

4.12 PM - If the Jazz lose this - considering how the Mavs are playing right now - they won't make the playoffs.

4.17 PM - How good are you Mr Nowitzki? He's single handly trynig to bring them back from 16 down. Its now an 8 point lead with 6 minutes remaining.

4.18 PM - Woah! 16-3 Mavs run. 3 point game

4.20 PM - Boozer has sobered up. 2 straight buckets after going 2 for 8

422 PM - Duuuuuuuuurk!!! Thats the way to play like an MVP. . Game tied at 83-83

4.24 PM - Wow! A new scoring record for Dallas in a quarter. 25 points beating Mark Aguirre from 1984. And counting...

4.26 PM - Nowitzki to Kidd - BANG!!! 7 point lead. Amazing comeback led by a future hall-of-famer.

4.30 PM - 76-60 was the Utah lead with 8 minutes left. Mavs win 96-85. Dirk scores 40 - 29 in the last quarter.

MIAMI @ WASHINGTON

4.36 PM - Dwayne Wade has scored 13 points (6/8) to lead Miami. A 13-0 run to lead 24-6.

4.50 PM - a 12-2 run by the Wiz. With good shooters and enrgy players McGee and Blatche I guess it was to be expected.

5.00 PM - 'With no regard for human life' Caron is prepaerd to use his teammates as a screen even if they are lying flat on their face.

5.03 PM - Dwayne Wade on the floor and the Heat are unstoppable - 19 first half points so far. Him on the bench and the lead was pegged back to 3. Back to back 3's from 'The Flash' looking to explode after being contained by the Suns defense last night. Sounds funny doesn't it? The Suns Defense.

5.10 PM - Q-Rich looks good. He's getting open shots and knocking them down. Chalmers is slightly off, but he can also knock down the long ball. Flip Saunders needs some defense from his players. Not mucbh of a chance of getting any.

5.35 PM - Mike miller get rid of that pony tail. Maybe then you'll survive a bruising Chalmers screen.

5.40 PM - Refs make the right call. Otherwise this game will become more than just 'chippy'.

5.43 PM - It's a sad day for Jermaine O'neal when he's being schooled by Brendan Haywood.

5.57 PM - I would like to see some offensive execution please. This looks like a pre-game shootaround, with basically Wade and Arenas playing HORSE. 64-64 as we wind down in the 3rd

5.58 PM - Hooray. Someone created for somebody else. Astro Girl Mike Miller passes to Caron Butler.

6.08 PM - Mike Miller is one tough cookie. First off he lays it in one handed - lands on his bung shoulder and writhers in pain on the ground. Struggling to get a hand up on D, he then sets the table for a team mate to tie the score at 73.

6.23 PM This has become a poretty good game. Wade and Arenas both willing their teams on. Big 3's from Chalmers and Q-Rich and Miami are up by 3. 87-84

6.29 PM - Wooah. Flash Bomb - Wade bumps Butler and gets levelled by Haywood. If it comes down to Arenas vs Wade. The Flash will win. Both teams need more versatility in their offense. Mike Miller is gone due to injury but at least he was looking for teammates. Arenas is just taking on the Heat by himself.

6.32 PM - Big bucket by Arenas. Drove through the defense and kisses it off the glass. Arenas with 32 pts.

6.35 PM - Bodies just going everywhere. They are playing this one like an Eastern Conference Final.

6.37 PM - Wade hits the go ahead jumper from 20 feet. 89-87. Wizards ball with 24.6 left on the clock.

6.45 PM - Gilbert Arenas must have eaten popcorn in each of the time outs. Miami win

DALLAS @ NEW ORLEANS

6.47 PM - Who's this Dallas rookie Beabois?. He's scored all 7 Dallas points and (GASP) drove to the baket.

6,50 PM - New Orleans are ordinary this year, but the Kidd v Paul matchup has been crucial - and has resulted in N'Orleans recent dominance of the Mavericks.

6.58 PM - The music sounds familiar early vs the Mavs. The Hornets can't do a thing wrong.

7.25 PM - Back from dinner break - it was roast beef tri-tip. As delicious as a pass served up by CP3

731 PM - Chris Paul is a gun but Hubie Brown was on point with that Jose Barea backdown. What can he do if can't stand there?

8.05 PM - Quote of the night from Hubie Brown 'Every time he puts it up..it's like an adventure'

8.22 PM - New Orleans' two man game cuases Dallas trouble like no other

8.26 PM - CP3 just too much for Dallas' D. That long step drive at the end of the third punctuated a dominannt third quarter from the best point guard in the world.

8.32 PM - 1 minute rest for CP3 but the lead already erased.

8.40 PM - 15-0 Dallas run. JET Terry finally hittin gsome shots and showing creativity in the lane.

8.47 PM - Its a JET vs CP3 shootout. Both players are shooting an outstanding percentage.

8.51 PM = Who's time is it. Dampier's time.

8.57 PM - Despite only scoring 12 points - Drik Nowitzki fouling it looks like it will cost the Mavs the game. No inside scoring - epitamised by an ugly Barea three point brick. Can anyone step up in money time?

9.08 PM - Barea over sold that CP3 shove but in my mind justice prevails. CP3 has gotten away with it all night. Fault goes to the referees for not calling it intially. If the refs called it on those plays, cahnces are CP3 would not have been so aggressive with his forearm.

9.14 PM - 3 missed free-throws, a stojacovic special and its going to be game over in overtime.

NBA High Five

2009-11-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

1. Rocket fuelled

Perhaps the biggest suprise of this young NBA season is the Houston Rockets who are sitting atop the tough Southwest Division ahead of San Antonio, Dallas and New Orleans.

Currently 3-1 on the young season, most experts would have predicted a 1-3 start, 2-2 at best. Consider their opening week's schedule:

Tue, Oct 27 @ Portland L 87-96
Wed, Oct 28 @ Golden State W 108-107
Sat, Oct 31 Portland W 111-107
Mon, Nov 2 @ Utah W 113-96

Three games away from home including Portland and Utah, and one at home against Portland. Portland and Utah are no easy beats, certainly Utah at home where they have been a virtual lock for the past two seasons, and Portland are a Top 4 Western Conference calibre team.

All of this without Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady. For the past two seasons this team has exceeded expectation without their two best players even on the floor which poses the question. Should one or both of their top two players be moved while they stilll have a decent market value?

Well we all no the answer to that one. McGrady is unmovable. His contract runs through the 2009-10 season and is worth a touch over 23 million. Any takers? No way. At least not this season.

If Yao Ming can rehab and come back with half a decent jump shot still intact look for Houston to be one of the Top Four Western Conference teams along with LA, Denver and Portland. Consider the potential of their line-up for a second.

They are the clear winners of the Ariza/Artest swap (well L.A do need Artest's D) - having a young player who can already contribute but will only get better. Aaron Brooks is already showing his chops as a the leader at the point. You also have Luis Scola, Shane Battier who are both good defenders who can rebound and also have a nice shooting touch. Then you have two proimsing youngsters in Lowry and Landry off the bench.

What does this add up to? A team which has no ego. A team that has a cagy scrappy defensive mentality with something to prove.

2. A.I Returns

"The Answer" is back. Or should his nickname now be "the Question"? A career 42.5% shooter, he's the 16th all time leading scorer and 2nd amongst active players. Iverson's game has shown little signs of decline over the past few seasons - his numbers actually improving in his time with Denver where he shot 45.4% upon coming over from Phily in 06-07. Im his only full season with the Nuggets he shot 45.8% while going for 26.4 PPG.

But he was traded to Detroit in what at the time looked like a win talent-wise for the Pistons, but this theory was quickly dis-proven as the Pistons stumbled into the playoffs while Chauncey Billups tok the Nuggets into the Western Conference Finals.
Teams now see the answer as more of 'the question', can we win with 'The Answer' on our team? Hopefully in Memphis he can mentor a group of youngsters back into the playoffs for the first time since the Pau Gasol led Griz were swept by the Mavericks three seasons ago. I think the playoffs are a stretch this season, but after a year's development of the likes of O.J, Thabeet and Gasol they could be fighting for a spot in the next few seasons.
3. And then there were Three.

After wins last night for the Knicks, Clippers and Kings we have only three winless teams remaining.

The Knicks have been working hard this season. Already putting in two extra periods in back-to-back games coming away winless, firstly going down to Charlotte 102-100 in Charlotte, the following night a 141-127 overtime loss was served to them by the Sixers. Happy Halloween Mike D'Antoni!

Finally they took care of business on Monday against the Hornets thanks to a nice 4th quarter burst with 6 minutes remaining. Leading 94-92 David Lee and Al Harrington fueled the offense while holding the Hornets scoreless for 3:10 to bust the game open, leading 102-92 with 3 and change left on the clock.

The Clippers have also come close with agonising losses to Phoenix and Dallas at home, even looking solid against Utah in Salt Lake before folding in the fourth quarter. Last night it looked like they may have lost it again in the fourth quarter, but a key 3 pointer by Baron Davis midway through the fourth on an otherwise horrible shooting night (2-10) and a go-ahead lay in from Eric Gordon (6-12 FG for 17 points) with 1:32 remaining helped the Clippers limp to the win. The stand-out once again - Chris Kaman (25 points).

And last but by no means least Paul Westphaul and the Sacramento Kings outlasted the Mephis Grizzlies in OT coming away with 127-116 win. Kevin Martin was simply outstanding with 48 points. Beno Udrih (16 points), now back on the bench this season, was also clutch coming up with some big buckets - including a game-tying layup at the end of regulation.

So that leaves us with only three teams yet to notch up a W. Last year it took until the 12th of November for every team to have a win (Washington def Utah 95-87). When will it happen this year? Let's take a look.

Indiana should be able to take care of New York in MSG with Spike Lee watching on, if not they'll have five days after their game against Washington on Friday to regroup and take care of Golden State at home on Wednesday 11th.

New Jersey have their work cut out for them hosting Denver, then playing Philidelphia away, then returning home to host Boston the following night. Their best chance for a win comes on Wed 11th when they take on Philidelphia at home.

Golden State - despite being 0-2 after losses to Houston and Phoenix have a really good schedule over the next two weeks which should see them jump over Phoenix (who are about to go a tough 5 game eastern confernce road trip - Miami, Orlando, Boston, Washington, Philidelphia). If coach Don Nelson and Stephon Jackson can sort something out the Warriors could have a record of 7-2 going into Clevleand on Tuesday the 17th. These next two weeks will define the Warriors season.

Wed, Nov 4 Memphis
Fri, Nov 6 LA Clippers
Sun, Nov 8 @ Sacramento
Mon, Nov 9 Minnesota
Wed, Nov 11 @ Indiana
Fri, Nov 13 @ NY Knicks
Sat, Nov 14 @ Milwaukee

4. One week down. 3 overtime games in the books.

You've got to love your round ball. Only a week in an already three overtime games. While featuring none of the first teer teams, it sure has been an exciting start to the young season. Way to wear in those new 09-10 sneakers.

New York played in two consecutive OT contests, firstly against the Bobcats narrowly going down , before going down to Phili at home the following night in OT . Last night the Kings took care of the Griz 127-116 in OT.

5. Tonight's schedule

After last night's lull, which actually turned out be a pretty darn good night of NBA action, the schedule blesses us with a bevy of tasty matchups tonight.

Washington @ Cleveland - Are Washington the real deal? Tonight they face a big test, heading into the Q to face LeBron and a fired up Cavs outfit.
Boston @ Philidelphia - Just how good are the Sixers? Tonight they host their biggest rival who also happen to be ranked #1 in the Power Rankings
Phoenix @ Miami - Both teams are undefeated. Neither are considered playoff threats. Who will keep their unbeaten record alive?
Utah @ Dallas- Can Utah turn things around? D-Will vs J-Kidd, Boozer vs Dirk, Kirilenko vs Marion. Should be exciting
Atlanta @ Portland - Both tteams are on the rise and are looking reasonable so far in this short season. Which up-and-comer will come out on top?

Top Performers

Chris Kaman (Lac) - 25 pts (10-15), 11 rebs, 2 blks +5 rating
Zach Randolph (Mem) - 30 pts (12-21), 16 rebs +8 rating
Chris Paul (N.O) - 32 pts (12-18), 4/5 3's, 13 asts +5 rating

The Mayne Mayne is:

Kevin Martin (SAC) - 48 pts (14-27), 7/10 3's, 5 rebs, 4 asts, 4 stls +10 rating

Why A.I. is playing for the Memphis Grizzlies

2009-11-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, at the end of the 2008-09 season, one of the most dynamic shooting guards of all time and a future hall of famer is available. Do you pick him up? No way!!

What? Are you crazy? This guy is one of the best ever, a player who single handly took it to the Lakers in 2000 for the NBA Championship. He knows how to get to the Finals. He is a flat out competitor and still has enough juice in the tank to allow him to be productive for another three years. Why won't you take him?

Attitude. Thats all it is. Heaven help him if he takes the route of a Marbury or a Sprewell, but if Iverson continues to dillude himself that's how he'll be remembered in his declining years. Sure unlike the other two he is a future hall of famer, but he'll take an early exit when he could have helped a team win an NBA Championship. After only one his first game as a Grizzlies player he's already whining.

"Go look at my resume and that will show you that I'm not a sixth man," Iverson said. "I don't think it has anything to do with me being selfish. It's just who I am. I don't want to change what gave me all the success that I've had since I've been in this league."

Now imagine if Iverson accepted his role as the leader off the bench. Any team he plays on would just be plain silly good.

For example - In Boston - Iverson and Wallace? That's a pretty good tandem. We're ignoring the fact that this would mean reduced minutes for an important piece in Eddie House and would totally take Boston out of their offense which remains a set system no matter who is on the floor, but just imagine Iverson buying in to a team's philosophy and accepting a new role?

Iverson still has a lot of ability. He is still a shot creator, a rare talent, he may not be a good one on one defender but he has a decent enough defensive IQ. and he is flat out fast. He can definetly help a team win a title if he comes off the bench ala Vinnie "The Microwave" Johnson.

But no, Iverson continues to complain about his role, still wanting to be a starter, but what he doesn't understand is he no longer draws the contact and gets to the line enough to warrant him being a volume shooter who totally takes every other player out of the offense. What Iverson doesn't understand is that in order to win you have to make sacrifices for the better of the team.
Back in his days with Philly, he was a flat out scorer - quick and elusive - he could score baskets that made you say "How'd he do that?' and he wasn't afraid of the contact. But now Iverson is half a step slower, lost a little off his shot and cannot get to the line as he once did. That makes him a liability as a starter and moe importantly a liability to a team's cohesion. Plain and simple, his style of play as a starter no longer puts up the W's.

Players win championships by adapting their games and fitting in to a system or accepting a role on a team, not by living in the past.

In short - Iverson has a big head.

NBA High Five

2009-11-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

1. Better than Advertised

The L.A Clipppers are one of only five teams to be winless thus far in the early stages of the 2009-10 season. Sure they ARE the L.A Clippers, but this team does have a chance to fight for the 8th seed. Despite their 0-4 start they have faced tough compeition and were well and arguably could have won 3 out of the 4 games if it wasn't for fourth court meltdowns. They could have even beaten the Utah Jazz in Utah, the toughest homecourt in the NBA over the past two seasons.

Chris Kaman is an absolte monster, both in looks and play. Against Dallas, he set a new career high in points without seeing the basketball all that much. Any co-incidence in this new high and halloween? Kaman looks to have added more weapons to his offensive game and it may not be too late for Coach Mike Dunleavy to work his game into the offense more as I'm sure if his game continues to flourish he will attract the double team. Unlike Samson he is better without the hair.

Eric Gordon is one of the best second year players out there and Craig Smith is a versatile big man who can run the floor. Against the Mavericks he did better defensive work against Dirk Nowitzki than anyone has in the league over the psat two years, siince Don Nelson's Golden State Warriors help defense at the top of the key.

When Blake Griffin returns this team will be an exiciting one to watch. The only thign mroe exciting may be seeing how long B-Diddy's beard gets through the season.

2. Finger Lickin' Good

Al Horford - The big man has improved his out side shot. Last night agaiinst the Lakers he went to spin moves, fade -aways. This kid could be scary good.

The Orlando Magic - These boys are racking up the points in bunches. And that's without Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis. This team is deeper than a Ryan Howard long ball. The 2nd best looking team right now behind the Celtics.

Daniel Gallinari - Dubbed 'the '2nd superstar' of the 2010-11 New York Knicks due to a poor economic client, Gallinari is proving his worth. Averaging 22 pts a game and going for 18-36 from the land of plenty after 3 games.

3. Player of the Week

Carmelo Anthony - Wowsers. This guy has turned the corner over the last two seasons, putting behind alll his off-court dramas that had disbelievers saying 'I told you so'. 'Melo has led his team to a perfect start (3-0). To put things in perspective he's scored 113 points in 117 minutes.

PPG. 37.7 RPG - 7.0 APG 4.3

4. Rondo's contract extension

Bean town must be pleased. Their team is showing a commitment to winning. Today it has been reported that Rajon Rondo has signed on for a 5-year 55 million dollar extension.

Rondo's importance may have been overshadowed by the Big Three in the past but any follower of this team will tell you that Rondo is just as, if not more, important. Jameer Neilson of the Magic will have to have a flawless start if he hopes to challenge for the starting Eastern Conference All-star spot.

5. ALL NBA FIRST TEAM

PG Rajon Rondo - Sure KG is back, but 11.8 APG are nothing to sneeze at
SG Kobe Bryant - 31.3 PPG just pips Dwayne Wade for this position.
SF Carmelo Anthony - Sure James IS better but who has the wins?
PF Chris Bosh - Last season here - still putting in the effort.
C Dwight Howard - Does Superman have a ceiling?

ALL SUPRISE TEAM

PG Gilbert Arenas (WAS) - A glorious return
SG Brandon Jennings (MIL)- Out scoring Michael Redd
SF Shawn Marion (DAL) - Doing everything the Mavs were hoping he would
PF Ryan Anderson (ORL)- In only his 2nd year he's 2nd in team scoring
C Chris Kaman (LAC)- a beast on the block

DAILY TOP PERFORMERS

Chris Bosh - 35 pts (10-20), 16 rebs -6 rating
O.J Mayo - 40 pts (17-25), 5 rebs, 4 asts, -4 rating
Kobe Bryant - 41 pts* (15-29)10-11 FT, 8 rbs 5 stls +12 rating

*97th 40+ point game for Kobew Bryant

The Mayne Mayne is

Carmelo Anthony - 42 pts (15-26) 11-12 FT, 7 rebs, 5 asts +4 rating

NBA High Five

2009-10-31T18:02:00.000-07:00

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.

Ryan Johnson into the boards

2009-10-30T22:29:00.000-07:00

Check out this poor fellow.

Thanks to Jeremy

NBA High Five

2009-10-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

1. 'Melo all grown up

41 points in a win over Portland is sure to raise the eyebrows of anyone interested in basketball, but what is more imperssive is how the thing that sits on top of his shoulders has developed.

Melo has faced his share of adversity in his young career, albeit some his own doing.- marijuana possession allegations, appearing in home videos, the knicks-nuggets brawl - Melo has taken a different path to fellow 03 draftees Wade, Bosh and James. 'Melo has been his own man, sometimes struggling it seems to understand, or even shun, the responsibilities of being a top baller.

But "Melo seems to have turned the corner.

Over the past three seasons his scoring average has dropped by 3 points per game, but you know what? That suits Geroge Karl just fine. He is shooting a higher percentage. Is looking for cutters down the lane rather than forcing up a poor shot. Melo is now a franchise guy who's versatility makes him one of the toughest matchups in the league. Unlike Lebron, Melo has a devasting low post game, and while not as explosive off the dribble, still can blow by defenders and get to the line - much in the same way as Paul Pierce. Melo's shooting touch really mean's opposing coaches have to pick their poison. Put a big guy on him and watch Melo's perimeter game take over, put a smaller qujicker guy on him and Melo moves down on the block to operate.

Melo, with help from former NBA champ Chauncey Billups, has seen what it takes to advance past the first round. Look for Melo to be one of the top leaders in the NBA this season as he looks to take the next step in a career that at once seeemed in trouble.

2. The Red Bull Energy

Outmatched at every position, the Bulls showed the Spurs what young legs can do. After shooting only 31% from the field in the first half they still went into the locker room up by 1 thanks to 12 second chance points.

The whole team just oozes energy with Tyrus Thomas and Joakhim Noah crashing the boards. Luol Deng is back. Derrick Rose, possibly the quickest man with the ball in the game can rebound, much like Rajon Rondo.

In their win over the Spurs all of the Bulls' starters were in double figures. Watch out Washington - The Bulls want your 4th seed.

3. Tonight'a 1st round playoff re-match

Tune into ESPN at 7.30 Eastern for Chicago @ Boston. In a game that is sure to be an early barometre for both teams look for old wounds to be re-opened. Last season in the opening round the Celtics outlasted the Bulls in 7 games. 4 going into overtime with a total of 7 overtime periods.

The Celtics undoubtedly go in as favourites, but the Bulls looked sharp in their win against the Spurs last night. This team looks much better defensively and is taller, giving Coach Vinny Del Negro flexibility. The Bulls out-hustled the older Spurs. Can they once again out hustle a veteran team this time away from home?

I'm predictng a feisty encounter but a Celtic win. Overtime anyone?

4. Tim Duncan still 'The Man'

Some things change. Some things stay the same, just like The Big Fundamental. Number 21's game is built to last and despite struggling with knee tendinitis over the past few seasons his production, and his importance, ahve not diminished. This season could be the first where his numbers really do drop, but at the end of the day Duncan is the man who's hands should control the ball when the Spurs really need a basket.

Last night in a game where the rest of the team went 20-59 (34%),Timmy shot 13-19 for 28 points - also collecting 16 boards and swatting 3 shots to help stuff his stat sheet.

Duncan's game revolves around post position. If he catches it low its game over. Last night he got the ball in good position and was not double teamed. Joakim Noah played pretty well, perhaps not bodying him up enough, but Duncan still had his way with him. Even on the elbow he had it going - at one time hitting for jumpers off the glass in a row.

What is key for Duncan this season? Minute management. Coach Popovich does not want Duncan to play more than 32 minutes a game to keep him fresh and healthy for the playoffs. Traditionally Duncan's numbers drop off after the all-star break. Hopefully with a deep bench, Coach Pop can keep him fresh for a deep playoff run, but if last night's performance is anything to go by expect Duncan to be done by New Year's. C'mon Spurs - help the big fella out.

5. This season to be one of the best ever

This season is going to be one for the ages. Never before - maybe not since 1993 with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets do we have a season where there is going to be no clear favourite in the playoffs.

Teams haev split into 2 camps this season. Those looking to save money, avoiding the luxury tax and hoping to make a serious run at what will be the best summre crop of free agents in the history of the NBA, and those that have loaded up to win it all now.

Two seasons ago - with the Cetics vs Lakers many considered this to be the best series of the past ten years. This year you have 5 legitimate contenders who are all have improved. Even though the reigning champion Lakers got slightly better with on Artest, the team they defeated - Orlando completed a major overhaul and look every bit a winner. that's without even mentioning the return of Garnett to the Celtics plus their nice additions. And then theres Shaq in Cleveland and Jefferson to help the Big 3 in the Alomo city.

So what we have is a season where each game is important for home-court advantage in the playoffs. Never before has it been so clear that it will come down to a select group of teams. This also creates exciemtent in the 4th seed position in both conferences. This season is sure to be full of suprises and I'm sure we'll see an unknown suprsie all.

If all else fails we have 2010-11 to fall back on. We could see the biggest re-alignment of talent in the history of professional sports.

TOP PERFORMERS

Tim Duncan - 28 points (13-19), 16 rebs, 3 blks +0 rating
Brandonn Roy - 30 points (6-16 FG but 16-18 FT), 5 assists

The Mayne Mayne is....

Carmelo Anthony - 41 points (11-21 FG 18-19 FT), 6 rebs +4 rating

Melo went off in the 4th for 19 points helping his team outscore the Blazers 35-27 in the 4th Q to win on the road and go 2-0 in the young season.

NBA High Five

2009-10-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

1. Rookie Ballers

Two teams in the best both vying to topple the Lake show this season in the West not only have share this common goal, but also a promising spark in the bench.

Denver's Ty Lawson, the young rookie point guard from UNC. The former Tarheal wasn't taken early in the draft and the Nuggets simply said 'Why thank you'. He had a good preseason shooting above 50% and his
17 points and 6 assists off the bench to helped guide the Nuggets to their first win. Not a bad player to have coming off the bench on a team unchanged from last year's Western Conference Finalists.

The Spurs, while spending big to bolster their lineup with McDyess and Jefferson, also have a promising rookie in Dejuan Blair. The Spurs could have the next Charles Barkley on their hands. His 6'7" frame doesn't stop him from crashing the boards - collecting 14 points and 11 rebounds in only 23 minutes aganist the Hornets. Maybe he wont be the next Sir Charles. He might win a ring.

2. Rajan Rondo

With his contract extension deadline quickly approaching (October 31st), the Celtics despedrately need to sign him on. I don't care what you say about the Big Three on this team, but Rajan Rondo and perhaps KG are the keys to this team's success. Without Garnett they lose their entire defensive personaliuty- the soul of the team, you saw it all for yourselves in last year's playoffs. But without Rondo this team loses a whole lot more. His decision making has really improved as has his shooting. His aggressiveness on offensive and defense has always been there. WIth him gone you can wave goodbye to all those open looks for Pierce and Ray Ray on offense. Also gone are the points off turnovers. Last night he was the Celtics best player with 10 points and 11 assists in a pretty ugly game vs the Bobcats. 92-59.

3. Orlando looks good despite new cast

The Magic have overhauled their roster. The last time a team who reached the conference finals or better overhauled their team in such a way they won the NBA Championship,. I'm talking about the Miami Heat. To tie it all in Jayson Williams was acquired by the Heat and guess what uniform he will be sporting this season. Maybe the Magic front offiice can also give Antoine Walker a call. He'd love to play, even for 50 bucks a game to help rectify his red bank account.

With Jameer once again healthy and Mikeal Pietrus in the starting line-up the Orlando Magic are a chance. I'm still not sold on Vince and I'm not sure that J-Will has gas in the tank to give them solid scoring in the backcourt. This team will go as far as Jameer Nielson can carry them.

4. Cleveland winless after two games

For the first time since the 2004-2005 season the Cavs are winless after two games. That year they started 0-3. Definitely not time to panic with so many new players who need to adjust to Mike Brown's system. The big problem is Lebron. He needs to be on the court playing big minutes. Lucky his young frame can handle it. His 26th career triple double was overshadowed by Andreas Bargnani's 28 points for the Raptors, and it just goes to show you the difference between where Kobe and Lebron are mentally with their respective teams. While Lebron is racking up minutes and statistics, Kobe can just guide his team without having the ball in his hands every single possession.

5. Top Performers

Dwight Howard (ORL) - 21 points (9-11), 15 rebs, 2 blks +11 rating
Deron Williams (UTA) - 28 points (9-15), 2/3 3ptrs 13 ast +4 rating
Al Horford (ATL) - 24 points (11-17), 16 rebs, 4 ast + 15 rating
Brooke Lopez (N.J) - 27 points (11-19), 15 rebs, 5 blks +4 rating
Danmnmy Granger (IND) - 31 points (10-18) 5/10 3's -18 rating

The Mayne Mayne is......

Andreas Bargnani (TOR) - 28 points (11-15), 2/3 3ptrs +11 rating

Purely based on who he did it against and his efficiency. Al Horford's numbers are impressive but against a weak Indiana front line it doesn't mean much. Brooke Lopez is the best centre flying under the radar.

NBA High Five

2009-10-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

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.

NBA 2009-10 SEASON PREVIEW

2009-10-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Los Angeles Lakers (1st)

Key Additions - Ron Artest (Hou)

Key losses - Trevor Ariza (Hou)

Prediction - 67 - 15

Kobe can really take it easy this year. He ist still capable of 30 points a game, but why bother? He has all the parts around him to just oversee and steer the team back to the finals - and then look to take over only in the playoffs in those moments where necessary.

Ron Artest's dark past will be put behind him this year. Not only playing with his best buddy Lamar, but also under Zen master Phil Jackson. Offensively I don't think he is a good a fit as Trevor Ariza but he will definetly give the Lakers that defense touch they need to make up for softies - Odom and Gasol. Look for him to guard the likes of Ginobli, Nowitzki, James or Pierce when push comes to shove in May and June.

Andrew Bynum - Is he the 2nd biggest big man in the game? Well maybe, maybe not. Defensively he is a presence but is still foul prone. Against the likes of a Dwight Howard he will struggle to stay on the floor, but he will eat the likes of Perkins and Shaquille for breakfast. Duncan v Bynum, Kobe v Ginobli, Artest v Jefferson. Some tasty matchups.

But the key for the lakers is at the point guard position. Derek Fisher - a great clutch shooter will have trouble against the quicker point guards - Rondo and Parker immediatly come to mind. Their defficiencies at guard ar my biggest concerns for the Lakers this year. Jordan Farmar has not developed as Jerry Buss would have hoped, now competing with Shannon Brown for the back-up minutes when they would have hoped he'd be startnig by now.

Pau Gasol has really suprised me. Last year he showed more moxy than I've seen from the Spaniard than anytime previous. In short - this team is still a bit soft and unpredictable. Gasol and Bryant give them the offensive touch while Artest and Bryant are the densive leaders. Asides from that the Lakers are very unpredicatble. If Sasha Vujacic can play as he did in 2007, Lamar Odom can bring it at least 2 out of 3 games then the Lakers will be unstoppable.

My biggest problem with the Lakers - behind Kobe I just don't rate anyone better than the entire Celtics starting 5. Andew Bynum is getting there.

San Antonio Spurs (2nd)

Key additions - Richard Jefferson (Mil), Antonio McDyess (Det)

Key Losses - Fabricio Oberto (Was), Kurt Thomas, Drew Gooden (Dal)

Prediction - 60 -22

The Spurs could be back in the NBA Finals. I would personally love to see a Spurs Celtics Final. it has a nice ring to it don't you think? When you look at what this team has done, you understand why they are the bane of the Lakers. They would have been great with a healthy big three (Ginobliii!!!, Parker and Timmy) -and their returning cast of the ever improving back-up slashing combo guard in 2nd year man George Hill and Roger Mason. If he continue to provide the outside shot - to make up for Finley's declining skill the Spurs would be back to face the Lakers in the W.C Finals.

But what do they do? Go out and get Richard Jefferson and Antonio Mcdyess. These two should slot straight into the starting lineup with Duncan, Parker and Mason. Then you have Ginobli and Hill off the bench at guard. The only question marks lie in an aging front court. Behind Duncan and McDyess you have Theo Ratliff (not as good as Dikembo Mutombo in his decling years at the Rockets), and a younger less athletic version of Robert Horry in Matt 'The Red Rocket' Bonner.

But this is now Tony Parker Lengoria's team. He is the 2nd best point guard in the game behind Chris Paul, make no mistake about it. If it comes to a Lakers Spurs Western Conference Finals the Lakers Phil Jackson's hair will turn an even whiter white wondering how in the hell can they stop this guy breaking down their defense?

Dallas Mavericks (3rd)

Key Additions - Shawn Marion (Tor), Drew Gooden (S.A), Quinton Ross, Tim Thomas
Key Losses - Devean George, Jerry Stackhouse.

Prediction - 58 - 24

Finally. Shawn Marion has gone to the one place he can succeed. Maybe one of two - the other being the Hornets. The Mavs are the perfect fit for Marion's game. And how he can play at 3 which is what he wanted back with the Suns. When Howard is back from Injury look for Nowitzki, Marion, Howard, Terry and Kidd to be there go to offensive lineup in key situations.

And secondly the Mavs have Drew 'The Goods' Gooden. Big deal you say? Well it means a lot to the Mavs becasue finally they hae a Centre who can actually score a basket. His game has matured and he should start at centre. Mark Cuban can't wait for Erik Dampier's contract to expire.

But the biggest reason why the Mavs are a threat? Dirk's hair. he finally looks like an arrogant S.O.B. with a serious attitude. Love him or hate him he is the most unique power forward the leauge has ever seen. This team has depth and shooters. All they need is slashers - Josh Howard and Quinton Ross. If one of them can return to pre-injury status then the Mavs are set to challenge the Spurs or the Lakers.

In short - they are the Orlando of the Eastern Conference - a clear 3 but probably a step behind the top two teams.

Portland Trailblazers (4th)

Key Additions - Andre Miller (Phi)

Key Losses - Jarret Jack (Tor)

Prediction - 57 - 25

I love this team. They could finish as high as 2nd in the western conference if Andre Miller can provide the sort of veteran leadership this team needs. Brandon Roy is an absolute superstar - one of the top 5 players in the game at the moment (James, Bryant, Wade, Anthony, Roy - in that order - maybe Roy 4th over Anthony.)

Hopefully Go-den will develop enough to stay on the floor rewading the Blazers for once again picking a centre with their top pick (remember Sam Bowie ahead of Michael Jordan?).

They have a great 4 in Lemarcus Aldridge and his carbon copy Travis Outlaw off the bench.

I really like their young nucleus of Oden, Aldridge, Outlaw and Roy. With some leadership by Andre Miller and Steve Blake you have a team that can only go up the Western Conference standings.

Who is Brandon Roy? Watch a Blazers game and find out. He is an absolute gun.

Denver (5th)

Key Additions -

Key Losses -

Prediction - 56-26

.
Dallas, Portland and Denver are a bit of a lottery and these 3 teams make the Western Conference the tougher conference.

The Nuggets. Great team, but I just don't see enough parts here. Billups is still effective and Anthony's game has matured to a stage where he is a clear top 5 league baller. But what else do they have?

Well let's look at this for a second. Kenyon Martin - not the New Jersey version of years gone but a player who has come back from injury to be a more than useful player. Sure he lacks his former explosiveness but he can still get up their to do some McNasty's.

My big key's for this team are the continued development of J.R Smith and rookie Ty lawson. Billups is one of the great leaders in modern basketball and Lawson is privlieged to be learning from Mr Big Shot. When billups is ready to hang up the sneakers Ty Lawson will be ready to step right in and lead the team.

Smith's commmitment to his development is the big question mark. He hasn't seen a shot that he doesn't like and while needing to show restraint, which will come with maturity, he is one of the freakiest scorers in basketball.

If Smith and Lawson develop then these three will be formidable nucleus in the two thousand and teen's.

Phoenix (6th)

Key Additions - Channing Frye (Por)

Key Losses - Shaquille O'neal (Cle), Matt Barnes (Orl)

Prediction - 52-30

Amare Stoudamire is back and that's all that needs to be said. He's the most dynamic forward/centre in the game and with maturity will eventually win a championship. But he has not shown sign of maturity yet, hopefully captaincy will bring about a better locker room mentality for 'STAT'.

Channing Frye is a great pickup for the Suns. He will more than adueqately replace the loss of Shaq and Matt Barnes. Frye is exactly the type of player the Suns need to compliment Stoudamire. This may be Steve Nash's and Grant Hill's last effective seasons as pros.

But if Steve Nash can deliver the ball to Stoudamire as he did when the Suns were white hot a few years back - you can't understimate this team. I just don't see where they are going to get all their points from. Hopefully Barbosa can explode off the bench.

This team needs to score at least 110 a game. Stoudamire - 30, Nash - 15, Frye - 12, Barbosa -18, Hill - 10, Richardson - 18 are the PPG averages the team will need.. I can't see them doing this on a consistent basis in the playoffs. Go Suns! Prove me wrong. Drink that Vitamin Water Steve.

New Orleans (7th)

Key Additions - Emaka Okafor (Cha), Darius Songalia (Was)

Key Losses - Tysun Chandler (Cha)

Prediction - 52-30

These are the Utah Jazz of the new millenium. A great two man game in CP3 and West - each reliant on each other to work, and a few decent shooters. They do have a decent pivot as opposed to Greg Ostertag, but defensively this team is not the Stockton-Malone led Jazz of the late 90's.

Posey is Morris - the defensive player who will get crossed up on the final play to see the shooting guard hit a jumper over him.

Morris Peterson is no Jeff Hornacek. And where's their Shandon Anderson and Howard Eisley? Peja is done. He'll still hit for a couple of 3's a game, but gone are his days of 18 PPG, similar to Toni Kukoc in his declining days at the Bucks five years ago

Chris Paul must be wondering what the head office is doing. Sure Okafor is a good centre but is that all we can do to improve the team? Darius Songalia. hmmmm. In short - CP3 will be looking to punch out of Bourbon street for good when his contract expires.

Utah Jazz (8th)

Key Additions -

Key Losses -

Prediction - 49-33

Jerry Sloan's window is closing. Carlos Boozer needs to be moved. Andre Kirilenko needs to be kept happy. Deron Williams is decent - but seems to have plateaud somewhat. He really needs to take his game to another level to keep up with co 2006 draftee CP3.

He does have better parts around him than CP3. Some great finishers and a much better inside cast - despite their first line forward being a bit behind David West.

Carlos Boozer has Brett Favre'd the team. All he needs to do now is retire a couple of times. His will he won't he play for the Jazz has put him offside with the organisation and needs to be moved.

While he was injured last season Paul Milsap stepped up nicely, affording the Jazz to trade Boozer away from a two-guard or swingman. If they decide that Milsap just isn't ready they still have him off the bench.

Look for a Blake Griffin, Milsap and Williams threesome down the road with say an Andrew Bogut at the centre. That's a lineup that could work. Haha.

Los Angeles

San Antonio

Dallas

Portland

Denver

Phoenix

New Orleans

Utah

The Lakers are the champions until proven otherwise, but their road will be much more difficult this year. Tougher than the East anyway where it drops off pretty quickly after the top three. This time around the Spurs are back and are a much tougher 2nd seed than the Denver Nuggets (who nearly outplayed the Lakers - if it wasn't for a pair of dodgy inbound passes which cost them a couple of games). The Mavericks are going all out, loading up their team to ride the Nowizki gravey train, Portland are on the rise with an unclear ceiling at this point. Then we have Denver who are pretty much unchanged from last year.

The Suns, Hornets and Jazz are the unkowns. All three possess awesome point guard - power forward combos - with questions surrounding the remainder of their casts.

Sorry Houston but no go for you this year. Watch out for the Clippers who should be re-focused this year after their disappointing 2008-09 campaign

NBA 2009-10 SEASON PREVIEW

2009-10-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Boston Celtics

Key Additions: Rasheed Wallace (Det), Marquis Daniels (Ind)

Key Losses: Leon Powe (Cle)

Prediction - 69-13 (1st in the East)

Now this is a bit of a homer pick but how can you go past the Celtics? They took last year's Eastern Conference Champions to 7 games without their best player on the court. Who knows what they may have done if the previous series against Chicago had ended a little more abrubtly than the 7 game slug out that will go down as one of the great playoff series of all time?

Glenn Davis, once famously seen crying after being beleagured by KG, now stepped in to the "Big Ticket's' shoes and helped Kendrick Perkins carry a severly under-manned Celtic front court. Perkins is back, trimmer-leaner and more seasoned. These two players will continue to produce this season. If they don't - well the Celtics can fall back on oh...only Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace.

Rasheed is on the downside of his carrier but he will firt in perfectly with the Celtic lockerroom. He still has a solid back to the basket game and has greater than KG on the perimeter.

Now I know the big if with everyone predicting the Celtics is: Can KG recover from his injury? Well throughout this whole season preview I'm going to assume KG does return to full fitness after 3 weeks of play and he plays the whole season. If I start including injury variables then I may as well say LeBron James could do his ACL and the Cavs win 5 games for the whole year.

Let's look at the backcourt. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are getting older, but there games will not change. Paul Pierce can still get to the rim at will and is a master at drawing the foul. Ray Allen may have lost a step or two but his shot is still as deadly as ever. Throw in Eddie House for some more shooting and a more experienced Rajan Rondo you have a deep team 1 through 7. That's not even taking into account the pick-up of Marquis Daniels from Indiana. Don't forget - he used to be ahead of Josh Howard in Nellie's Dallas rotation.

So all in all what do you get with the C's? A veteran team where its the Larry Obrien Trophy or bust. They will be focused all season, KG will make sure of that. They are great defensively with Perkins, Garnett and Rondo. Have 3 point shooters at every position (I didnt even mention Scalabrine) to open up the lane for one of the best young point guards in the game who's jump shot is improving all the time.

I expect the Celtics to beat the Cavaliers in 6 games in the Eastern Confernce Finals.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Key Additions - Shaquille O'Neal (Pho), Leon Powe (Bos), Anthony Parker (Tor), Jamario Moon (Mia)

Key Losses -

Prediction 68-14 (2nd in East)

I'm sorry Cleveland natives but LeBron will be clocking off from his Cleveland shift in May of 2010 after an admirable, but disappointing early end to his 4th playoff run with the Cavaliers.

The main question to ask is. Are Cleveland better with Shaquille O'neal in the line-up? The answer is no. 'The Diesel' still has a bit of juice in the tank, but is too much of a liability defensively to warrant having him on court clogging up the lane for Lebron. Big Z wants out of Cleveland and its easy to understand why. He and Lebron were tight, Big Z, along with Mo Williams being the best kick out shooters for Cleveland. What does Zydrunas have to show for his clutch shooting and rebounding over the lsat two years? A seat on the pine.

But let's jsut assume for a minute that Shaq fits in with Mike Brown's system. Shaq will be a better target inside, but a poor finisher, effective only around 10 feet. But this won't matter. His job will be to fade and provide a last second target to Lebron - who will find him being one of the best passers in basketball. You can expect a slightly poorer production from Shaq than Z and a lower field goal percentage, but a boost in a presence around the basket. If a Varejo or Powe are on the floor with him you have a fantastic rebounding team.

Where the team has truly developed over the last few years is in the back-court. Firstly bringing in Mo Williams and Delonte West. Now Anthony Parker. Throw in Daniel Gibson and everything looks pretty good. Unfortunately though, this team just doesn't stack up to Boston offensively - especially when you look down the bench.

Orlando Magic

Key Additions - Vince Carter (N.J.), Brandon Bass (Dal), Matt Barnes (Pho)

Key Losses - Hedo Turkoglu (Tor), Courtney Lee (N.J)

Prediction - 58 - 24 (3rd in East)

How do you replace the Turkish wonder? With Vince Carter. Is this a trade up or a trade down? Well it all depends on Vince and Stan Van Gundy. On the one hand V.C could embrace the opportunity and return to his 'Air Canada' days minus a few thousand feet feeling a drive and determination of being on a team that expects to win. On the other hand he could have tghe lethargic 'Meh' attitude of his 2nd cousin Tracey McGrady. Which Vince will show up? If its the latter you can expect Vince to be shipped out of Orlando quicker than a misbehaving teenager at Disneyworld.

I like what the Magic have done, I don't quite know why they kept Martin Gortat, but it certainly does give them an imposing 3 man rotation in the Power Forward-Centre spots. He will once again see limied minutes behind Dwight Howard. Brandon Bass could see more minutes at the 4. He has a keen knack for the rebound. Hypathetically - if Howard and Bass were on the floor at the same time you could basically just throw the ball at the ring from anywhere and they'll snare down the board and put it back. They could dominate the glass all season.

But today's game calls for a more versatile 4 such as Lewis, which will mean leaving their greatest strengths riding the pine. Don't under estimate the loss of Courtney Lee. I see him as a cross between Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince - not just because of the face-mask either. He was a long, quick, slasher who will be sorely missed. Sure you still have Mikeal Pietrus, but his game is still limited to the perimeter.

A healthy Jameer Neilson is the real key. He is the engine of this team and how far Orlando go will rest on his shoulders. Does he have enough experience to make the right decisions?

In short - I am not convinced about this team. They are more talented in the forward centre spots, but they wont see any minutes unless Van Gundy overhauls how his team plays basketball. Vince is a downgrade from Hedo - and that's a fact. Vince takes lazy shots. I hope he proves me wrong because I would love to see Vinsanity unleash the fury.

Washington Wizards

Key Additions - Mike Miller (Min), Randy Foye (Min), Fabricio Oberto (S.A)

Key Losses - Etan Thomas, Darius Songalia (Dal)

Prediction - 50 - 32 (4th in East)

With a healthy Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler in his prime, a solid -versatile vet at the 4 in Antawn Jamison and recent additions of Miller and Foy, the Wizards are the team to look out for in the East. Centre is their only weak spot.

Deshawn Stevenson is a solid 2 guard. Miller, Foy, Arenas, Stevenson and Butler will be a solid rotation at spots 1 through 3. But what about 4-5. All I see is Antawn Jamison.

Fabricio Oberto is now merely a foul absorber. Hopefully Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee can step up. That's right. Who?

Don't understimate the Wizards though, they are the 2005-06 Phoenix Suns and Flip Saunders is the perfect coach for this group of explosive players. This team could do anything. Don't be suprised to see one of the biggest turnarounds similar to the Celtics first season with KG and Jesus Shuttleworth.

Chicago (5th)

Key Additions - Janero Pargo (N.O)

Key Losses - Ben Gordon (Det)

Prediction - 47 - 35 (4th in East)

Are the Bulls once again on the rise? Most definetly. This team can build around Derrick Rose and Tyrus Thonmas. Luol Deng is a question mark but the Bulls will have plenty of cap space in the coming years to snare that markee player. Say an Amare Stoudamire.

Ben Gordon is a loss for the Bulls who suddenly have thinned out a normal sized rotation in the back-court. John Salmons has shown he is a reasonable number 3 option behind Deng and Rose.
Make no mistake though, this team is now clearly led by Derrick Rose. His break out performance in the first round of last year's playoffs against Rajan Rondo and the Boston Celtics cemented his arrival as a star of the league. While not as good defensively as Rondo he does have a better jump shot and is a much better finisher. Rose does need someone to pass the ball too. Luol Deng is no Scottie Pippen,. so it will be interesting to see how this team develops. Deng and Thomas a explosive finsihers while Kirk Hinrich is a reliable 3-point shooter and dogged defender.

Atlanta (6th)

Key Additions - Jamal Crawford (G.S), Joe Smith (Cle)

Key Losses -

Prediction - 45 - 37 (4th in East)

The Hawks have been on the rise for the past 4 seasons straight, but unfortunately for the franchise this will be the year when they drop down from last year.

Joe Johnson has not become the star he looked like he would be while in a Suns uniform. Mike Bibby is a major liability on defense and has dropped off as a ballhandler and fascillitator.

Marvin Williams has become a solid player at small forward. His continued development should take some of the load off Johnson, which is definetly needed to help open up his game. Maybe he just doesn't need the pressure of being the go to guy. Jamal Crawford has gone under the radar a bit as the pickup. Slide him in as a better scorer than Josh Childress from a couple of years ago, or even a Flip Murray replacement.

Josh Smith is Mr Versatility - excluding shooting that is. Just bring your shooting up to a Shawn Marion standard or something and you will be a dynamic player. But unfortunately for the Hawks, and in fact himself, it doesn't look like Josh will be a star of the league

Al Horford is still a young centre but continues to develop. Along with Zaza Pachullia they are a more than serviceable duo in the paint.

Detroit Pistons (7th )

Key Additions - Ben Gordon (Chi), Charlie Villanueva (Mil), Chris Willcox,

Ben Wallace (Cle)

Key Losses - Rasheed Wallace (Bos), Antonio McDyess (S.A)

Prediction 43 -39

The new era of the Pistons is officially here.

But is Ben Gordon really who they want? Hopefully he sees himself as a Vinnie Johnson and not a Joe Dumars. Otherwise expet the same problems the Pistons experienced with the Iverson/Hamilton starting role.

Charlie Villaneava is loving it. He got paid and I'm suprised to see he'll be starting. At the moment it looks like Chris Wilcox will slot in behind Charlie at power forward, but Wilcox is a work horse type player that should start.

Where the Pistons really struggle is at the Centre. Kwame Browne? Yuck. Ben Wallace is back but a mere shadow of his former self. These two dont provide any target down low but should saturate the fouls necessary to provide a serviceable defense at best in the paint.

Jason Maxiell is their secret weapon. I'd like to see him start alongside, Prince, Hamilton, Stuckey and either Charlie V or Willcox with Kwame Browne and Ben Wallace coming off the bench. Maxiell has a wing span as big as a condor, runs hard and is athletic.

In short, Joe Dumars made moves he had to make, just not necessarily the right ones.

Toronto (8th)

Key Additions - Hedo Turkoglu (Orl), Amir Johnson (Det), Jarret Jack (Por)

Key Losses - Anthony Parker (Cle)

Prediction - 42-40

No one seems to want to have anything to do with the Toronto Raptors this year. Mostly because it will undoubtdly be Chris Bosh's last year in Canada. But if you look at this team - all they need to do is bring in Dirk Nowitzki to replace him next year and you basically have the European All-stars

What this team needs is a focused Chris Bosh. But guess what? They wont get it. If they had a focused Bosh you could argue that no-one would want to face this team in the playoffs.

Jose Calderon is a premier distributor. Turkoglu is a major pick up. His slashing/shooting combo makes him the go to man down the stretch.

Then we have the poor man's Dirk Nowitzi in Andrea Bargnani. After a slow first years he has finally matured into a reliable player. he will need to be that this year.

An equally valuable addition to the Raptors core group is Jarret Jack. He is a solid combo guard who should see heavy minutes.

The Raptors are a great perimeter team, but probably just come up short in the slashing/inside game. Bosh is a star, but beyond that he needs front court help. So enter Amir Johnson and Reggie Evans. These two should prove a good back-up down low for Bosh giving them a much needed injection of toughness.

But still, you look at the Raptors and despite their skill they are a team that can be pushed around and bullied out of a contest. Can you imagine them playing Boston or Cleveland? They will wet their pants.

Boston
Cleveland
Orlando
Washington
Chicago
Atlanta
Detroit
Toronto

Cleveland and Boston are a clear 1-2 and its simply a waiting game for these two to meet in the Eastern Confernece. Regular season will be just practise for these two and if they can be all they can be it will be one of the greatest playoff series of all time.

Orlando - Sorry but you wont be back. A clear third place in my opinion and after that? Well Washington are unproven but should finish fourth. From fifth through 10th you could argue its a wash. None of these teams will challenge Boston or Cleveland and are either looking for playoff experience for their team, developing a young nucleus or waiting for the 2010 free agency super sweepstakes.

On the cusp - Piliidelphia and Charlotte. I wouldnt be suprised if Charlotte finished has high as 6th after all is said and done. Coach Larry Brown really saw some promise last season and made some handy pickups.

Movie Review

2009-10-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

STRANGER THAN FICTION (2006)

This is a story that revolves around a hero's journey in an archetypal construct. What makes this film, so fascinating is the developing awareness of the character and how that impacts the classic storytelling formula. It is a story about life - and living life and how the protagonist is drawn to action by an event that will set him on a journey that not only develops the story, but inevitably leads to a conclusion once the hero's journey is completed.

What makes this film particularly fascinating is how the protagonist interacts in a world and tries to adapt to an awareness of the classic storytelling formula. With a great cast that features the hero/protagonist - Will Ferrell, an antagonist - Emma Thompson, a guardian/wise old man in Dustin Hoffman, and angel in Maggie Gyllenhaal it is a story about storytelling and this one unfolds like any good book.

This book can also be looked at as a take on 'Choose your Own Adventure' style of storytelling. These are pieces that change the rules of traditional storyteling yet are still stories seemingly giving the reader control over the actions and plot. Ultimately though, it is a story that still follows a set of rules and must end in a way that was pre-orchestrated by the author. Now imagine you are watching a story about someone reading a choose your own adventure book with an understanding of the storytelling formula while existing in that very world.

This is a movie that can be enjoyed on so many levels. Its a remarkable piece for any literary buff and also those who enjoy those movies that are just plain weird. By that I mean movies that really explore strange concepts such as 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'.

Will Ferrell is brilliant as the straight man making you both laugh and cry at the same time. Emma Thompson is simply brilliant in her role as an eccentric author with a severe case of neurosis, but the show stopper is Dustin Hoffman who plays the role of guardian to Ferrell's Harold Crick character with amazing skill.

CONCLUSION

A great story about life, awareness and a hero's journey in a world which blurs fiction with reality. This movie is definitely 'Stranger than Fiction'

4 stars out 5.