What should I do? Should I say that the Heat are the best 9-8 team in the league? For many who have given Miami time to gel and put it all together, it is becoming clear that the problems are deeper than simple inexperience. A lack of cohesion placed Miami back on the losing side of things as they fell to a Mavs team that had this game circled since the start of the season. The definition of a great player is that when he is not impacting his team in his usual manner (scoring), he asserts himself in other facets of the game. Dirk Nowitzki overcame a poor shooting night (9-of-23) but was able to come up with timely steals and crisp passes to keep his team running and scoring. On a particular fade away jumper, I thought Dirk activated the Matrix to get the shot off as I’m quite sure his spinning body was almost horizontal on the release. Incredible doesn’t begin to describe it. Caron Butler briefly considered becoming an official Robin, with his 23 points including a clutch late-game jumper. Tyson Chandler continues his excellent play with 14 points and 17 rebounds, helping his squad initiate run-outs to the three-point lane or various lay-ups for JJ Barea (13 points in 14 minutes). The Mavs used a stellar third quarter and led by double figures until the 4th quarter where the Heat started to come alive and trim the lead to single digits, ultimately not getting closer than 5. The Big 3 were mostly solid, with James (23 points 8 assists), Bosh (22 points, 8 rebounds), and Wade (22 points, 5 assists) carrying the burden for their teams. The great irony is that for superstars that come together to create less individual burdens, they are now relied on more than they ever would have expected. I don’t mean to make a situation out of nothing, but I am definitely not the only person calling out LeBron’s body language on his new team. The defensive carelessness, the offensive stagnation, and now an ever-public rift with his head coach. It started with an indirect shot at playing increased minutes, and tonight the King almost seemed physically displeased with his coach as he brushed him off on a time out. This will seem familiar to Cavs fans, as he’s had similar interactions with Mike Brown in the past. In addition, LeBron has been recently quoted as saying that he will not change his game to fit with the Heat, contrasting pervious notions of sacrifice and unity. Something’s got to give.
The Bucks finally gained some consistent production on the offensive end with an up-lifting win over the Bobcats. Brandon Jennings led all scorers with 32 points and Ersan Ilyasova contributed 17 points and 9 rebounds. What’s impressive is that Milwaukee was missing three of their starters and still managed to pull out a gritty win. Charlotte cut the previous 15-point lead to two in the 3rd quarter before succumbing to a 10-0 Bucks run and failing to close out the close game in regulation. DJ Augustin led the ‘Cats with 26 points and 6 assists. The Bucks shot 46% from the field which might not cause you to write home about it, but considering the team shot 37% in its last 4 games, the team has to be happy with an increase in production.
The return of Derrick Rose was exactly what the Bulls needed to get back on track after falling to Melo’s version of the flu game last night. Rose had 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists and led his team to a furious 4th quarter rally to beat the Kings. A night after handed the offensive reigns, C.J. Watson didn’t get the playing time and was scoreless in the game. Jason Thompson had 18 points and 9 rebounds for the Kings who have now lost 10 of their last 11 games. Rumblings beneath the surface seem to indicate that the current Sactown roster doesn’t compliment Tyreke, including reports that the team might be seeking a pure point. Omri Casspi was brought up in a surprising list of expendable names, and the Kings is a team to watch as they contemplate making deals in the near future.
Overtime
“Check My $tats” of the night: Dwight Howard – 32 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 assist, one game-winning bucket.
Separated at Birth of the day: Brian Cardinal and Scott Skiles.
Did you guys hear that Obama busted his lip after taking an elbow while playing a pick-up game? I’m surprised his defender didn’t get shot or at least tasered by the constant security around the President.
Apparetly the new adidas uniforms have been so innovative that their numbers have began falling off the jerseys. I was very wary of the “non-sticthed” numbers aspect of the jerseys from the start. Way to set up Nike to take eventual control of the apparel contract.
We know why Durant picked #35 by now, but hearing him talk about it is just pure class.
Finally, the Dirk stars as the Jerk.
I’m out like Spo’s ideas.
