I watched a little bit of the games last night from a Halloween gathering at a bar that had 3 TVs with different games on. The Magic and the beginnings of the Rashard-Dwight experience, a little Washington-Indiana, and if I was motivated to twist my neck 25 degrees to the left I could have seen some Philly-Toronto. Missed out on Philly-Toronto. But it’s good to have the NBA back, even if you have to watch it with a bunch of people dressed like Ghostbusters, or a couple dressed up as Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick who were so committed to their costumes they stood there staring in a mirror the whole time.
Jersey and Chicago played a playoff intense opener that went to OT. Richard Jefferson would be a solid choice for today’s award, putting up 29 and 10 against what should be one of the better teams in the East. But Jason Kidd was doing his thing (on the court! Watch those hands grabby!) and Antoine Wright added 21 off the bench, hitting some big shots for his team. The NYPost’s Fred Kerber has an interesting way to describe Vince’s shooting performance last night. Too many positive contributors for the Nets to single anyone out.
The same could be said for the Indiana Pacers, who let up a big three to Gilbert to go to OT, but still managed to win a game as the underdog. L’il Dun had 25 and 12, Danny Granger had 20 and 13, but the one that made it all happen for Indy was Jamaal Tinsley. 20 points, 9 boards, 8 assists, 3 steals. And that is why Tinsley is the Player of the D.A.Y. with honorable mention to Manu Ginobili for his 30 against Memphis and Iverson/Melo looking good as Kevin Durant went through his opening night struggle.
