Basketball Notes by Alex

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Big NBA News: Featuring Amare Stoudemire (Knicks Eying Thabeet)
2009-05-30 01:32:00
Hey guys. I got a new series called Big NBA News and it shows the biggest NBA News that no one has even heard of. Check it out! It's awesome! Rafer Alston According to the Orlando Sentinel, Rafer Alston (who has subbed in for Jameer Nelson since February) that he wants to stay with the Magic, who are leading 3-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Alston was traded from the Rockets and has been a big help off the trade. But Alston does know he will be backing up Nelson next year, and might be making $5.5M if he gets re-signed. All the luck to Alston and his Magic, who look to make the NBA Finals. Amare Stoudemire Stoudemire has been crazy right now, well, that's what I think. On ESPN New York Radio, he has confirmed he wants to play for Mike D'Antoni in 2010 and says he is better than number four: Chris Bosh. Here is New York and Washington Post's take on this: "When asked Stoudemire if he's better than Bosh, the Suns forward said, "Oo...
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Chris Paul's Pre-Game Routine
2009-05-29 22:25:00
If you've liked the NBA's series, On Point With Chris Paul, then you'll also love this new video. He explains his pre-game routine in detail.Enjoy!Embedded video from NBA VideoAlso, catch the rest of the series here.
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Lookout For Sprite Slam Dunk Winner Guy Dupuy
2009-05-29 15:18:00
Talk about a great dunker. This is a guy who's not even in the league and he's pretty incredible. He will be in Dallas (apparently) for the 2010 All-Star festivities. I know we haven't heard the last of him!
More About: Dunk , Slam Dunk , Winner , Sprite , Slam

Who Has the Better Bench: Lakers or Nuggets?
2009-05-28 15:29:00
The Lakers bench and the Nuggets bench have been squaring off in the Western conference finals. On one night, it's seems like the other teams bench gives a strong lift to their team, while the other bench stinks.So that begs the question, which teams bench is really better?Overall, it's a very tough question. On some nights, the Nugget bench looks like the best in the league. But, their overall play on the road is not near as good or consistent as it needs to be. You never know if JR Smith or Birdman are going to play well in LA.Because of some Nugget inconsistency, I'm going with the Lakers. Not that they haven't been very inconsistent of late, but I think they can make things happen on the road. It's all about intensity with the LA bench. If they show strong effort, they should be the best bench in the league. Period.Disagree? Vote in the poll and comment on this post saying why the Nugget bench is better! Who has the better bench: Lakers or Nuggets?(poll)
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JR Smith's Growing
2009-05-26 16:01:00
I have to give credit to JR. He actually looks like he's grown.Last nights game put his growth into perspective. He started the game by getting other guys involved. Then, he started driving to the basket, hitting three's and creating his own offense.In the old days, JR would have hoisted a couple quick three's. Instead, he's realized that other guys need to get started before him. He now knows he can get hot at anytime. He's learned when to look for his shot and when to pass.I just want to give JR some props. He needs to continue growing, but, after this season, George Karl will have happy things to say to him. Everyone else will give props to JR too.Keep doin work, JR!Photo by: Chris Carlson
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Magic-Cavs: The Magic Will Win and Here's Why
2009-05-25 22:51:00
It's one tough series. Just as Delonte West. Cleveland.comBy: Josh DhaniThe Magic and Cavaliers series is going nasty, but great. The Magic are so far leading, 2-1, but they should have been leading, 3-0. I say Magic all the way. Why? Here are some of the strengths the Magic have that Cleveland is no where near of seeing. Here are some points that will help the Magic to victory.Supporting CastThis is the biggest part of the whole series. It is mainly Dwight Howard vs. LeBron James. But which one of these superstars has a better supporting cast? No doubt, it is Superman. Why?Consider: According to ESPN.com, LeBron James is the leader in each of the categories. He leads the team in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks. LBJ's only trusted companion is Mo Williams, who averages close to 18 points per game.Now to Dwight Howard.Consider: Howard only leads in points, rebounds, and blocks. But it isn't all Howard with the Magic like it is all King James with the Cavs. Hedo Turkoglu lead...

NBA Talk: Magic Don't Care About Buzzer Beater! Fly Over Cavs, 99-89
2009-05-25 21:53:00
"It's all good!" Phelan M. Ebenhack/APBy: Josh DhaniRemember in the first game, Rashard Lewis saved day? It was so underrated toward LeBron's game-winner. Why? Because it's LeBron! But hey, guess what the Magic did yesterday? They beat LeBron and the Cavs, 99-89, to lead the series, 2-1.So really, there probably is no point of having that LeBron shot made because of the looks of it, the Magic are the contenders for the Finals.But guess what?The Cavs could have won this one, easily! The fouls messed them up. For example: Dwight Howard, 24 points—14 on free throws. Rashard Lewis had 18 points in the ten-point victory.Dwight Howard was a monster as he lead the Magic in points with 24.Reinhold Matay/APThis was a real nasty game from start to finish. Thanks to ESPN, this is what they observed: 86 free throws attempted, 58 personal fouls called, two technicals, and a flagrant.Pretty clean, huh? No! Probably the refs finally had an exercise, too. It must have been a long day for them....
More About: Care , Talk , Beater

Pic of the Day: Dwight's Magical Dunk
2009-05-25 17:45:00
I loved this picture the moment I saw it. The light bounces off incredibly and it's just a tremendous looking shot.I don't think it needs a caption. Just give it a look.Photo by: Nathaniel S. ButlerVia Yahoo! Sports
More About: Dunk

NBA Talk: Lakers-Nuggets Game 3
2009-05-24 21:10:00
Kobe Bryant's 41 points lifts Lakers over Nuggets. He's back to be popping bottles! Jack Dempsey/APBy: Josh DhaniIt's no wonder Spike Lee wanted to make the movie, Kobe Doin' Work, because he certainly was last night. Bryant was back to popping bottles when he scored 40 points or more again, that makes it twice in this series! This is certainly an exciting series and this was, no doubt, the best game I have seen in the series.Trevor Ariza was also popping bottles by making important shots. Ariza was bigger than Kobe in the game, saving the Lakers by stealing an inbounds pass to make sure it will be a victory. And when it's victory, it's all good.At the end of the third quarter, J.R. Smith made a surprising three pointer over Sasha Vujacic, and then trashing him. When I saw J.R.'s lips moving, it sounded like he was calling Sasha a mother f***er.Man, J.R., don't be like that!"Trevor, he's very crafty, he's long, he's fast, he's quick and he's a ball hawk," Bryant told ES...
More About: Talk , Game

Shoe of the Week: Nike Blazer High Black/White
2009-05-24 18:24:00
Disclaimer: I'm no full on sneaker head, but every week we're gettin our shoe on here! Each week I'll pick a shoe that I like, basketball, or normal. Get your new leather smell ready!Basic, but sexy. That's what I think when I first see these. Nike did a nice job off not going off the wall, but staying simple and keeping a great look to their product.There is another downside to these though. The Blazer High drops at all three House of Hoops locations on June 4th, 2009 (thanks to Nice Kicks for the info and pics).Despite the limited amount of these available, I'd still try to get a crack at them. They could be great to play in on the road for your team. Also, they are very versatile and could match just about anything.The runner up?Nike Zoom MVP White Varsity RedThese are nice looking shoes to play a little ball in or run. They would be good to rock with a Raptors, Clippers or Rockets gear too.Also, these are only available at select Nike accounts. Keep your eyes peeled!What sh...
More About: Black , Week

The Lakers Have to Make a Decision on Point
2009-05-22 15:12:00
The Lakers have got a tough choice to make on their point guard rotation. Recently, their rotation of points guards has been Derek Fisher, followed by Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar. All of them are solid players and they make their own contributions to the Lakers. Air-ball jumpers, that's a bad contribution.To fish or not to fish, that's what I'm struggling with.Derek Fisher is in one hell of a shooting slump right now. In the first two games of the series against Denver, he's shot 6-22 from the field; a disgusting 27%. That makes me wonder why the Lakers shouldn't start Jordan Farmar. Farmar will shot the ball better and can provide some quickness to keep Chauncey on his heels. As long as Farmar's prepared to defend Billups, I'd welcome the change.After Farmar starts, Fisher could guard Anthony Carter. Carter is not a big part of the Denver offense and is an easy guard because he's not a very good jump shooter. Brown could also guard Carter. It's just a matter of who Phi...
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Dwight Howard's Workout and Progression
2009-05-22 15:02:00
A lot has been made about the work that Patrick Ewing has been doing with Dwight Howard. He has really helped Dwight become a better low post scorer and free throw shooter. While he has helped Dwight greatly, there are still many others that help Dwight be the player he is.As you will see in this video, his trainer is also a big part of his preparation:Embedded video from NBA Video
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LeBron James Carries A Man Purse?
2009-05-21 15:25:00
I know LeBron is a god in Cleveland and all over the world, but I never knew he carried a man purse! He gets props for his nice style, but losses almost all of the points for the man purse.Come on Bron, at least bring a gym bag!Photo from: Yahoo! Sports
More About: Lebron James , James

Kenyon Martin Posterizes DJ Mbenga
2009-05-20 15:14:00
Any idea on what the title should read on a poster of this? I bet that Mark Cuban would want it to say Thug Life. If you need to see another picture of Mbenga getting Mebengaed, click here. Hopefully I can find a video of it later, but right now just check out the second play on NBA.com's Top 5 plays.
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Predicting the Lakers-Nuggets Series with YouTube
2009-05-19 21:33:00
Tonight, the Lakers and Nuggets will play game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Game time is set for 9 PM Eastern on ESPN. Can't wait to see some great basketball, but let's some thoughts in first.How many Kmart takedowns for the series??Since he'll want to intimidate Gasol, I'm going with 10. Those 10 will be in full force to start the game too. He wants to send his message.What's a Kmart takedown? It's kind of like this:How many how the F did he do that plays?Since we have Kobe and Melo squaring off, I'd say a lot. Kobe probably will have 3-5 a game and Melo will probably have 2 a game.Pretty shots here:Foul or not, this was big:How many blocks can the Birdman get per possession?Well, I hope it's not like the video I'm about to post. LA has to score to win any games you know..Will Chauncey get any dunks??I know they only come once in a blue moon. It would be funny to see though. I'll be an optimist and hope for one.Dunk contest, anyone (ha ha, just kidding, Chauncey):...
More About: Youtube , Series

LeBron's Amazing Pre-Game Shots
2009-05-19 02:32:00
Props to NBA.com again; this is amazing:Embedded video from NBA Video
More About: Shots , Game , Amazing

Shoe of the Week: Nike Zoom Sharkley Paul Pierce PEs
2009-05-17 16:25:00
Disclaimer: I'm no full on sneaker head, but every week we're gettin our shoe on here! Each week I'll pick a shoe that I like, basketball, or normal. Get your new leather smell ready!If only Paul Pierce could have played as well as these shoes look in every game in the playoffs. They'd already be past Orlando.These are really nice on the eyes (more pics here). They look like something Paul would rock on the court. They look sweet, but not too flashy; kind of like Paul's game.Sad thing for all of you that want the shoe: they were only released in two Boston Foot Locker locations. Also, I checked Ebay and I only found one real looking result. So, right now, these are pretty exclusive kicks. I don't know if there's a plan for them to come to other Foot Locker's, but hopefully they will soon.Because of the limited number of Paul Pierce PEs out there, here's the runner-up:These Vans are part of the DQM x Kicks HI x HUF Vans Half Cab Pack. I'd say they are a four out of five.The...
More About: Nike , Zoom , Week , Shoe

Kobe Doin' Work: My Insanely Productive Review
2009-05-17 03:51:00
ESPN dropped their Spike Lee produced, no commercial, hyped up documentary, Kobe Doin' Work tonight. I know I caught it, but the question for those of you who didn't see it is: should I take the time to watch Kobe Doin' Work?Yes, but you have to be qualified. By that I mean you can't be an average fan. Jared Wade from Both Teams Played Hard said it the best on Twitter (follow him), "it probably has zero appeal to non-hoops dorks."I completely agree. You have to love everything that goes into Kobe and the Lakers game to stick through an hour and a half of pure basketball talk. There's not lots of comedy or funny moments to save the average fan. It's about what Kobe does on the floor and how the Lakers execute as a unit. If that sounds boring to you, don't watch the documentary. It's for a very specific group of viewers.I fit into that group of basketball junkies. I loved seeing Kobe watch what he does on the floor. He laughs at his actions and has an extraordinary recollectio...
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Some Things To Do Without NBA Basketball
2009-05-16 17:08:00
So, today is another full day without any NBA playoff action. Sure, it kind of sucks. Honestly a little break is OK for me.If you're looking for something to do without games on, watch Kobe Doin' Work. It looks awesome. Basically, it's focused on Kobe and what he does on gameday. ESPN has it on tonight at 8 PM Eastern time.Here's a look at it:You could also get in a dance off like Shaq:But above all, try not to get into stuff like this:Enjoy a day without games!
More About: Basketball , Things

Caption This: David Stern
2009-05-15 15:16:00
I thought this pic was hilarious. All I think of is Stern saying, "I see you!!"Whoever creates an awesome caption wins the lint under my couch!
More About: David Stern , David , Caption

Time To Rebuild in Dallas
2009-05-14 14:57:00
The Dallas Mavericks had their season ended last night by the Denver Nuggets. Most people following this series assumed they were going to lose the series, including me. This series has put what Dallas needs to begin doing this off-season into perspective. Changes must be made.This team IS NOT good enough to compete for a championship. Mark Cuban and the rest of the Dallas organization need to get that through their thick skulls. That means they must make moves to add more talent, or start building a young core for the future.I feel like they need to start over again. They don't have to totally rebuild, but they need to accept a couple losing seasons without playoff runs. That will get them further into the playoffs quicker. The team they have now can only do as good as they did this year.The guys I would keep on this team are their young bigs. That means Ryan Hollins and Brandon Bass. They are great hustle guys. They always play hard and they know their roles. Rebound, hustle and ...
More About: Time

Review: Everyone Hates A Ball Hog, But They All Love a Scorer
2009-05-13 21:45:00
I recently got a chance to read Everyone Hates a Ball Hog, But They All Love a Scorer. Before I read the book, I was expecting good things. It more than lived up to my expectations.The author, Coach Koran Godwin is an accomplished ball player. He is the leading scorer at the University of North Florida (if his ankles didn't give him problems, he probably could have been in the NBA). His book gives you his offensive game plan.To do that, he breaks the book down into three main parts: pre-season, game time and post-season. One thing I really like about the organization of the book is how he ends each chapter. After explaining all of his points and tips in great detail, he gives nice summaries of what he said in the Coach Godwin Tips. As a reader that made it a lot easier to focus on what was important in each chapter.The book itself is also not really about how to play basketball. Rather, it's about how to prepare for the game and what you should be thinking about in terms of your i...
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Tonight, The Lakers Better..
2009-05-12 20:33:00
Bring the right effort from the opening tapPlay defense for more than two possessionsNot let Aaron Brooks catch a HALF-COURT alley-oopHack-a-Hayes. Check out how great his free throws lookBring back the ridges in Battier's head. The Basketball Jones pointed out that Battier lost them, so be PHYSICAL and bring em back, LATo continue on the last point, Pau has to bring lots of aggression. Yes, that means you'll hear 300 screams from him in the paint tonightWithstand Houston's runs. Kobe has to be ready to dominate the one-on-one game when things become stagnant offensivelyThrow the first punchThat means they need to hit early three's, establish their pace, piss of Artest early; all that good stuffTruly hit their stride. I saw the Lakers play a bunch this season and I can tell you this hasn't been the second best team in the league yet in the playoffs. It's time to start whipping some assWhat does Houston have to do to win tonight?
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Talk Around The Hardwood
2009-05-11 21:16:00
Link time!!TheStar.com. Jay Triano is now the full time Raptors coach. Can't tell if I like or not; or if I even care.Mercury News. Alonzo Morning was honored in a museum. I bet that museum is now scrappy and buff as hell.Forum Blue and Gold. The world hasn't frozen over, Lakers fans.Lakers.com. The latest about Lamar Odom's back.USA Today. The NBA's semi-official No Defensive Team. Not sure I think KD is terrible on D.YouTube. The NBA, where child abuse happens. HA HA!Two games tonight, I'll be tweeting my thoughts!
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Shoe of The Week: Nike Big Nike "Wolverine"
2009-05-10 21:10:00
Disclaimer: I'm no full on sneaker head, but every week we're gettin our shoe on here! Each week I'll pick a shoe that I like, basketball, or normal. Get your new leather smell ready!These are just great. They have a very unique look to them. If I had these, I'm sure they'd turn heads and everyone would want to know were I got em.Some info on the shoe, from NiceKicks.com:Obviously, the shoe itself is inspired by Wolverine ’s uniform. It features a predominately yellow leather upper with multiple blue, black and red details throughout the base. Drawing inspiration from Wolverine’s most known asset (claws), the shoe possesses claw designs as if Wolverine ripped through the side panels himself. To finish it off, this Nike Big Nike “Wolverine” is complimented with a white midsole and blue outsole.To sum up what was said there, go get some of these! They cost $100. Not bad. Maybe you could rock it with jeans and a throwback Lakers jersey.Runner Up: Bron's MVP KicksWhat shoes...
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Birdman's Tattoos
2009-05-08 15:15:00
NBA.com has been producing some tremendous videos lately. This vid about Birdman and his tattoos is nothing different.Enjoy:Embedded video from NBA Video
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Kobe and Ron Ron: Confrontation Photos
2009-05-07 15:43:00
I will try to put myself in Kobe and Ron's mind and create a little dialogue of what might have been said.Ron: You gotta stop elbowin me, you know what I mean.Kobe throws his arms in the air and shakes his head.Ron: Dog, I will go all warrior on you! Don't even try dat sh*t again! Do u know what I did in the Palace?? The same thing can happen here, just say da word!I tried. I bet Kobe didn't have anything to say to Ron Ron. Maybe Kobe said Get Out my Face with his facial expressions.What do you think Ron said to Kobe? What did Kobe say back, if anything??
More About: Photos , Confrontation

Time To Invest in PERK
2009-05-07 15:28:00
The Celtics have faced many injuries this year. Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe are out and there's no PJ Brown to come off the bench like last season. That has forced guys in the Celtic front line to grow.The guy who has grown the most has been Kendrick Perkins. He went from a defense-only guy to a guy that can no put up double digits for you almost every night. He wouldn't have to do what he's been doing if KG was healthy. He's been forced to take on more of a load and he's thriving.His success makes me think of him like a stock. Kendrick Perkins (ticker symbol: PERK), has had a tremendous fourth quarter. His growth rate is increasing at a rapid rate and his profit margins will increase when he hits free agency.What I'm saying is make sure you put some money on him soon, Boston. PERK can be a very solid role player for a title contending team for a while. He will never be an All-Star that everyone knows, but he'll always be solid. Buy some PERK!
More About: Time , Invest

Nene Takes Great Pictures...
2009-05-06 15:20:00
Sorry, Nene. I know you've had a pretty solid series so far. But this pic is too funny. He looks kinda high, doesn't he? I know he's not though. Keep giving us more funny pics like this, Nene!
More About: Pictures , Great

LeBron's Top 10 Plays of the Season
2009-05-05 15:56:00
Tremendous. Don't yawn over this Top 10:Embedded video from NBA Video
More About: Season , Plays