• November 4, 2008 9:50 am  |  60 Comments

    The Post Up: Young Gasol and the Grizz

    Also Ivy as a Piston coming to the ACC tomorrow.

    by Holly MacKenzie

    Today is the day, my wonderful American friends. I’m sure it’s being shoved down your throat everywhere you turn, but it needs to be said again, make sure you go out and get your vote on!

    Today is also one day removed from Allen Iverson’s first game with the Pistons. Maybe he won’t dress, maybe he will, but if all goes as planned Allen Iverson will be here tomorrow, in Toronto. My goodness, I feel like the heavens are opening and angels are singing a special song just for me. I was thinking last week there was no way to top the season opener at the ACC, well, thanks for reminding me that I don’t know what I’m talking about.

    Ivy as a bad boy. I love this. I’m not loving the reaction from the Pistons players, so lets hope they are just a bit rattled and will welcome Allen with open arms. I know Stucks should give up that number three jeresy, but wouldn’t it be nice to see Ivy make a switch and maybe wear number 1 or something else that is new to signify a new The best in *this* businessstart/direction?

    Dwight Howard. Is killing me with his free throws. Man alive, this boy needs to spend some time sorting them out. U-G-L-Y. Keep swatting those shots, though, thanks.

    Marc Gasol made my decision to pick him up in the second to last round of my fantasy draft look wise last night. Let’s do this again, MG.

    What is going on in Dallas? It’s so odd to think of only two years ago and then to look at them now. Last night was a disaster if I’ve ever seen one and I still can’t figure out how it was a two-point game when I flipped over in the third and then suddenly a twenty-point game near the end of the fourth.

    The Warriors fourth quarter of basketball last night was the most painful thing I have seen in a long time. Tired legs + long jumpers = my groaning at the tv, time after time after time.

    That being said, Andris Biedrins is one of the most underrated players out there. At least in my opinion. He’s that guy that when you look down at a boxscore, you notice hes got 20-20, or at least 20-15 and you wonder how and when he made that happen. I’m a big fan of Andris.

    Go check out my SwaggerJack column at HP for a piece of Rod Benson’s poetry. Yes, yes I do adore that guy, his status updates and of course his writing. Also, hop over to Ball Don’t Lie, and watch the video of his teammates debating who is better, Kobe or Jordan. Seems right up the alley of everyone who would ever read this Post Up. I enjoyed it.

    I’m sure Marcel will have this covered, but I am pretty excited for the Houston/Boston game tonight.

    Okay, let’s get to the game action.

    Orlando 96 Chicago 93

    Another game, another dominant performance from Dwight Howard. Good thing, because the Magic needed all 22 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocked shots from their superstar to stave off a late run from the Chicago Bulls and hang on to defeat them, 96-93 last night. While the Bulls led by as many as nine points early on in the contest, Orlando quickly took control and went up by ten, 31-21 at the end of the first quarter. They continued to build their lead and were up by as many as 19 points in the game, before the Bulls began their charge in the fourth. Scraping and hustling, Chicago forced the Magic into turnovers and then put Howard on the line where he struggled mightily, shooting only 4-11 for the night. When Ben Gordon missed a shot that would have tied the game with 15 seconds remaining, the Magic got lucky as Rashard Lewis knocked down half of his free throws to help his team escape with the W. Besides Howard’s big night, Lewis had 21 points and 11 boards, while Jameer Nelson and Keith Bogans each scored 13. Drew Gooden had 21 points to lead the Bulls while Andres Nocioni scored 20 and Ben Gordon added 17. Rookie Derrick Rose had 14 in the loss.

    Cleveland 100 Dallas 81

    While the boxscore shows a dominating night for the Cavs, this was a win they had to work for after allowing a 16-point first half lead turn into a tie-game midway through the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks last night. When things got tough, Cleveland turned to LeBron James and also got a surprise burst from Mo Williams in the fourth quarter as the two combined to bust the game open and lead the Cavaliers to a blow out 100-81 victory over the Mavs. After breaking the tie to go into the fourth up six, the Cavs held Dallas to only 15 points in the final period while scoring 28 of their own, going up by as many as 25 before it was over. James finished with 29 points, Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 17 points and 11 rebounds and both Mo Williams and Delonte West each added 14 points. Josh Howard led the Mavs offensively with 18 points while Antoine Wright added 10 as Dirk Nowitzki was held to only 8 points on 3-11 shooting.

    Detroit 101 Charlotte 83

    On the eve of the trade that will bring Allen Iverson to the Pistons, Detroit was able to defeat the Bobcats easily, despite being without Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess, both on their way to Denver. While Detroit was a bit shaken up at the news of the trade, they found a way to easily forget any distraction when the game began and they led throughout the first half, holding onto a 12-point advantage at the half. The Bobcats would cut into the lead, but not for long as the Pistons put in a 31-point third quarter while holding Charlotte to only 40 points over the entire second half. Rip Hamilton led the way with 19 points for the Pistons as Rasheed Wallace scored 15 and Amir Johnson scored 12 points as did Will Bynum off of the bench. Shannon Brown had 16 points to lead the Bobcats as Gerald Wallace scored 15 and grabbed 12 boards and Emeka Okafor added 11 in the loss.

    Memphis 90 Golden State 79

    While Andris Biedrins put together another strong performance on the boards and offensive end, the Warriors as a whole dropped the ball when they forgot to figure out a way to stop Grizzlies rookie Marc Gasol last night. After the Grizzlies came out strong and went up 29-24 at the end of one, they were able to maintain their lead at the half and slowly pull away in the third thanks to a 13-2 run to take a 73-67 advantage into the final quarter. The fourth was ugly for both teams, with the Grizzlies winning the quarter, despite scoring only 17 points. Golden State went cold, frigid from the floor, scoring only 12 points in the quarter and settling for jumpers rather than being patient and going inside, allowing the Grizzlies to maintain a double-digit lead throughout the majority of the fourth quarter. Gasol had 27 points and 16 rebounds while shooting 9-11 from the field. Rudy Gay had 14 points and OJ Mayo added 13. Andris Biedrins was big for Golden State, scoring 16 points to go along with 22 rebounds, Stephen Jackson had 17 points and Corey Maggette added 13 in the loss that dropped the Warriors to 1-3 on the season.

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    • Eboy Posted: Nov.4 at 9:55 am
      A.I.

    • Bigi Posted: Nov.4 at 9:56 am
      First?

    • Bigi Posted: Nov.4 at 9:56 am
      Damn you Eboy…

    • Bigi Posted: Nov.4 at 9:58 am
      I would like AI to wear #6…Like he did in 2002 All-Star Game…I know it was a tribute,but still…

    • Bigi Posted: Nov.4 at 9:59 am
      If I was Rodney…I would hand the #3 jerzey to Mr.Iverson…

    • Eboy Posted: Nov.4 at 10:00 am
      As much as I like the words and swag of Rod Benson, his teamates are lacking in the history of basketball (not just about the MJ/Kobe comparison either).

    • Bigi Posted: Nov.4 at 10:00 am
      OBAMA!

    • Eboy Posted: Nov.4 at 10:03 am
      Another observation about the video…..I would take Kobe and Mike 2 on 6 against the guys on the plane, TODAY, with Mike at 240 lbs and Kobe on the opposite side of 30.

    • Bigi Posted: Nov.4 at 10:04 am
      Man,it’s quiet in this mothaf***a!

    • Eboy Posted: Nov.4 at 10:04 am
      Alot of cats are probably on voting lines.

    • Holly MacKenzie Posted: Nov.4 at 10:05 am
      Bigi, none of the Pistons seem overly excited about Ivy coming to town. I’m hoping they get over this and welcome him tomorrow.

    • Holly MacKenzie Posted: Nov.4 at 10:06 am
      Let’s hope they are in voting lines. :)

    • Russ Bengtson Posted: Nov.4 at 10:07 am
      I love Andres Nocioni.

    • Bigi Posted: Nov.4 at 10:07 am
      Good point E…I’m from Finland so what do I know…Holly,I wish the same thing…Grumpy Old Pistons!

    • Eboy Posted: Nov.4 at 10:07 am
      Holly, I think the closeness of the squad that they built for the last 6-7 years is similar to a brother leaving home for college or something like that. There’s shock and disbelief and probably some anger…..but no one is more respected that Allen and i’m sure within a few days, AI will have made himself into a beloved teamate to the Motown boys.

    • Bryan Posted: Nov.4 at 10:07 am
      I’ve made peace with this trade..sort of. Derrick Rose apparently doesn’t pass or has teamates who can’t convert his passes into buckets. I’d imagine its the latter.

    • Russ Bengtson Posted: Nov.4 at 10:07 am
      Also, I voted.

    • Russ Bengtson Posted: Nov.4 at 10:09 am
      The Bulls still can’t shoot straight. I’m fine with Rose going for his as long as everyone else insists on being terrible.

    • Bigi Posted: Nov.4 at 10:09 am
      Well done,Russ!

    • Bigi Posted: Nov.4 at 10:11 am
      I’m pretty sure soon Ivy will be runnin’ up & down the court holdin’ his ear to hear the crowd…Bring back the lil’fro Ivey!!!

    • Ryne Nelson Posted: Nov.4 at 10:13 am
      Holly, I’m going to have to disagree with you on one point. Iverson should never have to wear another number…especially for a player who’s been in the League for 60 games.

    • Russ Bengtson Posted: Nov.4 at 10:14 am
      I’d actually be pretty psyched if AI flipped it to 1.

    • Bryan Posted: Nov.4 at 10:16 am
      The pistons defense, rip being steady and iverson’s swag and being a stone cold scorer will help the pistons I have no doubt.

    • Bryan Posted: Nov.4 at 10:20 am
      Now if they can just get rid of TayShaun Prince the Pistons will be my new favorite team.

    • Holly MacKenzie Posted: Nov.4 at 10:21 am
      I’m not saying he SHOULD have to wear a different number, Ryne, I think Stuckey should be laying that jersey down for him, of course, but I’m saying it might be cool and a nice gesture of him to switch it up, leave Stucks keep his number, start a new era with a new number. Stuckey didn’t sound thrilled at the thought of discussing the jersey thing though, which I thought he needs to get over and quick.

    • Eboy Posted: Nov.4 at 10:23 am
      Part of the reason the Pistons are so disliked by many other fans throughout the country…..their too good for you attitude. That sh*t will change……if they want to win a title again.

    • Be A Real Fan Posted: Nov.4 at 10:34 am
      Jason Thompson has me looking like a fantasy guru. Give him a shout. The MG Free Agent pick up solidifies my guru-ness.

    • Ryne Nelson Posted: Nov.4 at 10:36 am
      While it’s not the end of the world, Iverson should keep his number. Has he ever played with a different digit(s)?

    • Ryne Nelson Posted: Nov.4 at 10:38 am
      @Be Real: I haven’t seen enough of Thompson to confirm that ‘fantasy guru’ title for you just yet, but you’re definitely looking very intelligent…The real props go to the Kings for taking the chance on him with the last pick in the lottery.

    • namik Posted: Nov.4 at 10:39 am
      Screw all this Iverson talk, has anyone seen the new Nash Vitamin Water commercials??? Good god, the man needs to get into movies when he’s hung em up.

    • Russ Bengtson Posted: Nov.4 at 10:41 am
      AI wore No. 6 for the 2002 All-Star game as a tribute to Dr. J.

    • GOAT Posted: Nov.4 at 10:45 am
      Real Fan….Thompson has shown flashes, but when Brad Miller gets back on the court, Spencer Hawes turns into Thompson and Thompson turns into the guy at the end of the bench.

    • Holly MacKenzie Posted: Nov.4 at 10:46 am
      namik, he’s pretty great, isn’t he?

    • James aka the artisst formerly known as Krayzie Bone Posted: Nov.4 at 10:47 am
      namik, other than the election, you made my day with that heads up. Steve nash looks like a cirque du soleil performer with the Yoga.

    • Bryan Posted: Nov.4 at 10:50 am
      Jason thompson is surprisingly good though I will admit that.

    • namik Posted: Nov.4 at 10:53 am
      Holly he’s just like us. Only better.

    • Richie Posted: Nov.4 at 10:56 am
      I think AI also wore a 4 during the Olympics. Although we all agree thats one we’d like to forget.

    • Holly MacKenzie Posted: Nov.4 at 11:22 am
      let’s never mention those Olympic games again. I’m not even American and they pain me greatly. Namik, this is why Canada has a never ending love affair with him.

    • Diesel Posted: Nov.4 at 11:26 am
      Last nights Bull’s game is a prime example of why BG has got to go. Aside from dribbling the ball off his foot and the numerous jump passes, he forces a weird shot over 3 defenders off baolance with 15 seconds to go when the bulls are only down 2. Please get rid of him

    • Darksaber Posted: Nov.4 at 11:38 am
      vindicated!!! I said here ten days ago that MarcG would get his and then some in the league. Better footwork and low post moves, with a great touch around the hoop equals scoring easily against 3/4 of the league’s frontcourts. And some fools here tried to shoot me down, even mentioned oden in the same breath as “dominating”. (that went well so far, Greg Bowie’s doing fine). Marc might not have the hops of most us biggies, but his size and skill set are even better adapted to the 5 spot than (cave)pau. And i detest that whiner Pau. But lil bro got game (and a mean streak: me liiike)

    • Darksaber Posted: Nov.4 at 11:54 am
      and them bulls is dysfunctional again. Nocioni’s ego attempt to be the hero ( with open shooters on both wings mind you) showed tjat. Poor Vinny.

    • Andy Posted: Nov.4 at 12:00 pm
      I don’t think Stuckey should have to give up his number, to be honest. It’s not like Iverson has worn the 3 for Detroit before. If this was him returning for a second stint, then fine. But, as it is, I think Stuckey’s entitled to keep the 3. Remember, he’s the already-established Detroit player. Iverson’s the newbie in this case.

    • Andy Posted: Nov.4 at 12:02 pm
      An example for football (real football) fans. Did Raul give up his number 7 shirt, when David Beckham (the most recognisable number 7 in the world) moved to Real Madrid?

    • Ryan Posted: Nov.4 at 12:04 pm
      Dwight will be killing you with his FT’s all season in our fantasy hoops league! Ha!!!

    • Ryan Posted: Nov.4 at 12:07 pm
      In regards to Stuck switching #’s, why have the future face of the franchise switch #’s for the rest of this season? All you’ll do is piss off Stuck and his fans in Detroit who bought Stuck’s jersey just to keep a player you’re “renting” happy for a couple of months. I think AI can do what JO did this summer and switch #’s to keep his teammates and the fans happy.

    • Orlando Woolridge Posted: Nov.4 at 12:10 pm
      Amen, Diesel. And Nocioni’s celebration of his bucket after being fouled was the best thing I’ve seen from the Bulls so far this year. Awesome.

    • Nguni Posted: Nov.4 at 12:13 pm
      Iverson is the newbie andy, but he’s an established veteran in the league. Imagine MJ going to the Wizards and some rookie (who hasn’t yet played 82 games) tells him that he is a newbie…

    • what Posted: Nov.4 at 12:25 pm
      I’m in a voting line, that ain’t stoppin me

    • Chris O'Leary Posted: Nov.4 at 12:46 pm
      Stack Mac, I was wondering the same thing about the Mavs last night. That’s a team in need of a shakeup.

    • RV Posted: Nov.4 at 1:16 pm
      Gasol, is solid, but last night had more to do with the Warriors’ lack of big men than Gasol’s skills. I think he’ll get to 12 and 9 eventually though.

    • TADOne Posted: Nov.4 at 1:24 pm
      On the eve of Iverson’s first game in a Pistons uni, I only have one word…….OBAMA!

    • Kid Presto Posted: Nov.4 at 1:59 pm
      Why vote Obama? I’m just wondering because I’m tired of defending myself to everyone else in my school.

    • TADOne Posted: Nov.4 at 2:18 pm
      KP: Economy, ending the war, health care, economy, change, your future, the country’s future……oh, and economy.

    • Kid Presto Posted: Nov.4 at 2:20 pm
      Thanks, TAD. I agree on all his plans on that as well. But everyone at my school is saying that they don’t believe in “spreading the wealth” and taxing the rich people. Do y’all agree?

    • TADOne Posted: Nov.4 at 2:22 pm
      The Republicans are dead wrong. Anyway, lets not get into a political discussion. Iverson is a Piston!

    • Kid Presto Posted: Nov.4 at 2:25 pm
      I know, I know. my bad. it is just that a dude comes to school thinking basketball and everyone in my school(republican state mind you) wants to talk mccain. meh. Oh yeah, everyone it is my birthday! 17 and counting. I will take donations at 1045 Flynt Dr. G-8, flowood, MS, 39232.

    • H to the Izzo Posted: Nov.4 at 2:25 pm
      TAD:You want higher taxes you commie pig dog?Go f*ck Mother Russia.

    • TADOne Posted: Nov.4 at 2:42 pm
      I love you too izzo.

    • thesubwayconnection Posted: Nov.4 at 7:51 pm
      Hahaha! My boys and I have played the Poem Game before. Course, that was a long time ago, we’re all spoken for now, but yeah, similar results. I’m a slam poet, so we kept it real.

    • Darksaber Posted: Nov.4 at 11:43 pm
      maybe D-Howitzer should ask Shaq for free throw tips? :-) L’il warrior is shooting 61% this season and just finished the night 4-5 from the line. This is like Bush suddenly realizing what a great mess he made, and turning everything around in a few months…unthinkable.

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