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Eight-Second Violation: Monday, January 5, 2009

By Zach Harper | January 5, 2009 | Talk Hoops

By Zach HarperCeltics Free FallNearly two weeks ago, the Boston Celtics were 27-2 and threatening to tear down the doors to the exclusive 70-win Club that was founded by the '95-'96 Chicago Bulls. Now, thirteen days later and the Celtics would be ecstatic to just put together two straight wins. The Celtics have faltered from their Christmas time road trip that has featured four losses in six games and now has the Celtics barely hanging on for the second best record in the league. 70 wins is nearly a mathematical impossibility and home court advantage throughout the playoffs is something they'll have to work for. The Christmas Day loss to the Lakers in the Staples Center was excusable because the Lakers are a good team with a deadly superstar. And the following loss to the Golden State Warriors in Oakland seemed to be the product of a back to...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Boston Celtics, Both Teams Played Hard, Denver Nuggets, Dwight Howard, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Portland Trailblazers, The Basketball Jones

Who Will Top The East This Season?

By Eric Sandi | January 5, 2009 | Cavalier Attitude

The race is on for the best record in the Eastern Conference, and subsequent home court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference Finals. Right now it is a three team race between the Boston Celtics (29-6), the Cleveland Cavaliers (27-6), and the Orlando Magic (26-8). I would like to take a moment to mention to the fans of these teams that losing is inevitable in the NBA. Even the finest teams in NBA history lost occasionally. I make this obvious overstatement because every fan of the Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Orlando Magic will be taking each loss for the remainder of this season as if they just belly-caught a cannonball shot at close range and were blown into a vat of used razor blades. Yesterday, all three of these powerhouse teams lost to teams that, on paper at least, they should have beaten; as Boston lost to the...

Read more | 3 Comments | Tags: Anderson Varejao, Ben Wallace, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Daniel Gibson, Danny Ferry, Darnell Jackson, Delonte West, Doc Rivers, Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu, J.J. Hickson, Jameer Nelson, James Posey, Joe Smith, John Hollinger, Keith Bogans, Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Mike Brown, Mo Williams, New Orleans Hornets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Paul Pierce, Portland Trail Blazers, Rajon Rondo, Rashard Lewis, Ray Allen, San Antonio Spurs, Sasha Pavlovic, Shaquille O'Neal, Tony Allen, Utah Jazz, Wally Szczerbiak, Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Phillip Barnett's MVP Watch - End of December

By Zach Harper | December 29, 2008 | Talk Hoops

Posted by Talkhoops.net senior writer and resident Lakers' fan, Phillip BarnettBefore I get into the MVP rankings I'd like to pay special attention to the competition we have this year for the Most Improved Player award. So far this season we've seen a few players step their games up and have been posting numbers that none of us have expected. Right now, it's a four horse race (and two of them are on my fantasy team):1. Devin HarrisDevin Harris is having a career season with his scoring up 12.5 ppg over his career average and assists per game up 2.7 over his career average. His steals per game, free throw shooting and three point shooting are all up from his career averages too. It's been clear who got the better out of the Kidd-for-Harris deal, and it was cemented when Harris dropped 41 and 13 on the Mavericks about a...

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Boston Celtics, Brandon Roy, Chauncey Billups, Chris Paul, Cleveland Cavaliers, Devin Harris, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, John Salmons, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Paul Millsap, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Tim Duncan

Christmas Day Notes

By Zach Harper | December 26, 2008 | Talk Hoops

Just wanted to jot down a few notes about the Christmas Day NBA festivities from yesterday. As you can probably tell there ended up not being an Eight-Second Violation for today because of the juggling of family time and NBA basketball. It led me to breaking free from family and going home at around 1am. With having to get up less than six hours later for work, it seemed unlikely that an effort could be made. But I'll try to hit on a few things here to make up for it as I wake myself out of this sleepwalk. Hornets-Magic GameWho would've thought that this would be the clunker of the whole day? I actually thought that this would end up being the second best game because Chris Paul doesn't seem to let his team give up and Dwight Howard is leading this Magic team perfectly right now (he's even...

Read more | 7 Comments | Tags: Boston Celtics, Chris Paul, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Dwight Howard, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, New Orleans Hornets, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trailblazers, San Antonio Spurs, Steve Nash, Tim Duncan, Washington Wizards

Lakers Recap: What Really Happened

By Celticsfanatic | December 26, 2008 | Celtics 17

Sorry Paul, but Kobe took this one - Polvitos

Yesterday, Pau Gasoft and the L.A. Lakers dismantled the Celtics on Christmas day, by defeating them 92-83. Gasoft (Gasol) had 20 points, and scored seven of the last 11 Lakers points to put the Celtics away in the last minute. While this was a crushing blow, they have to move on. Like Doc said in his post-game interview, we just have to move on and start a new streak. Now that they have the sting of defeat in their mouth, (although I would have liked to see it before) they have to come back and get all the anger and frustration out tonight, against the Golden State Warriors. If I were the Warriors, I'd be afraid, because the Celtics are going to come out like everyone is against them, and they are going to come out firing on ALL cylinders. What really went wrong in this game? There are excuses,...

Read more | 6 Comments | Tags: Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA

Yikes: Cavs Avoid Christmas Day Disaster By Outlasting Wizards, 93-89

By Amar Panchmatia | December 26, 2008 | Cavalier Attitude

Highlights ll BoxThe Cavaliers nearly ended Christmas with lumps of coal in their stockings.Fortunately for them, though, they've learned how to make their free throws. And on this night, that - more than anything else - was the reason they left The Q as the only remaining team to be undefeated at home in the National Basketball Association.Mo Williams: 24 points, six assists, 7-for-14 from the field, 4-for-7 from downtown. Oh, and one huge 3-pointer with a minute left, not to mention two big free throws to all but ice the game at the end. With the Wizards up, 89-85, the Cavs were able to get a huge stop on the defensive end before LeBron James found Mo on the left side of the arc for a huge trey to make it 89-88 with exactly a minute to go.But mulligans by LeBron 30 seconds earlier was why they got there...

Read more | 6 Comments | Tags: Anderson Varejao, Antawn Jamison, Ben Wallace, Boston Celtics, Caron Butler, Cleveland Cavaliers, Delonte West, Dwyane Wade, Gilbert Arenas, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Mike Brown, Mike Fratello, Mo Williams, New Orleans Hornets, Nike, Orlando Magic, Wally Szczerbiak, Washington Wizards, Zydrunas Ilgauskas

NBA Studs and Duds: 12/25/08

By Stu Holdren | December 25, 2008 | NBA Noise

Studs:Tim Duncan, San Antonio SpursTim Duncan was a force on both ends of the floor in today's thrilling win over the Phoenix Suns. Duncan dropped in a tough-earned 25 points and also grabbed 17 rebounds, often playing through foul trouble. Tip of the hat to Roger Mason, whose three-pointer at the buzzer gave the Spurs the win. [boxscore]Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas MavericksDirk Nowitzki torched the Blazers for an astounding 24 first-half points. This scoring outburst put them in a position to stay close with Portland and pull away for the win in the fourth quarter. Nowitzki finished with 30 points on 12 of 18 shooting, and also chipped in 5 boards, 2 steals and 2 assists. [boxscore]The Los Angeles LakersSure, Kobe Bryant had 27 points, and Pau Gasol chipped in 20 of his own, but tonight's win against the Celtics was a total team effort. If you beat a team that...

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: Caron Butler, Chris Paul, Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, New Orleans Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan, Washington Wizards

NBA Finals Rematch: Celtics vs Lakers Preview

By Jason Burke | December 25, 2008 | Community

The Boston Celtics take on the Los Angeles Lakers in rematch of last years NBA Finals. The Celtics come into this contest with the best record in the NBA at 27-2 having won 19 straight games. The Los Angeles Lakers...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Boston Celitcs, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA FInals

NBA Power Rankings: East on Top

By Joe Boikess | December 23, 2008 | MVN Outsider

So much for the 1 vs. 2 matchup of Celtics-Lakers on Christmas Day. The Lakers' two losses dropped them below the Cavs and Magic to their lowest spot in these rankings all season, but that could change if the Lakers manage to end the Celtics' incredible streak when they visit L.A. on Thursday. The Hornets and Rockets both moved up after last week, while the Nuggets and Mavericks dropped. There's also a new team occupying the dreaded #30 position in MVN Outsider's last power rankings of 2008.1. Boston Celtics (26-2) - A win tonight at home against the Sixers would mean that the Celtics would be heading to L.A. on a 19-game winning streak. Has there ever been a more anticipated NBA game during the month of December?2. Cleveland Cavaliers (23-4) - Q: What's scarier than the fact that LeBron is only averaging 36 minutes per game? A: How he'll...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, NBA Outsider, New Orleans Hornets, Orlando Magic

NBA Stock Market: Rondo Keeping Celtics on Record Pace

By Joe Boikess | December 22, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Rajon Rondo surveying the floor (Photo via culhanen/flickr.com)

Note: We at MVN Outsider have re-organized our posting schedule in an effort to make our sports coverage more well rounded and timely. For those of you expecting to see the NBA Power Rankings today, that post has been moved to Tuesdays. With these changes, get ready to see more fresh content every day on every major sport. Thanks, and enjoy!Rising:Boston Celtics - Honestly, this team has been on the rise this entire season, piling up wins at a rate that we haven't seen since the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. They now have won 18 in a row and have tied the league mark for the best start (26-2) for a team with two losses. Their recent success has been due in large part to the play of point guard Rajon Rondo. When the team needs him to score, he does it (as we saw on Sunday in the C's win...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, NBA, NBA Outsider, New York Knicks

Chances Are That Brandon Roy Has Made a Fool Out Of You, Too

By Amar Panchmatia | December 19, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Most of America slept while Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy was busy dropping a career-high 52 points on the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night as chants of "M-V-P" rained down from a packed house at the Rose Garden. Of those who were either sleeping or simply not paying attention, at least 105,345 believe that Dallas' Jason Terry, who doesn't even start for his own team, is more deserving of an All-Star starting spot than Roy. Just ask them: They casted a vote to prove it. Another 332,222 will tell you that Tracy McGrady deserves it more despite the fact that T-Mac has been in and out of the lineup and is averaging 16.5 points and 4.6 assists to Roy's 22.3 and 5.2, respectively. Still another 162,286 will tell you that Jason Kidd and his 9.3 points for a terribly underachieving Dallas team deserve it more than the leading scorer...Read more

Read more | 3 Comments | Tags: Boston Celtics, Brandon Roy, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Manu Ginobili, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Tracy McGrady

NBA Week 7 Power Rankings

By Joe Boikess | December 15, 2008 | MVN Outsider

The Celtics were perfect last week once again, cementing them at number one for the second straight week, while the Lakers slipped up in Sacramento, opening up the door for Cleveland to move up to number two. But Atlanta ended the Cavs' hopes for jumping L.A., and thus our top three remain unchanged from last week. Portland dropped out of the top 10 after losing three in a row, while the Spurs, winners of six straight, moved up to number six.1. Boston Celtics (22-2) - With the way that the Celtics are easily dispatching every foe (the latest victims being a tough Hornets team), you have to wonder if they will start to become complacent. It's on Doc and KG to make sure that doesn't happen.2. Los Angeles Lakers (20-3) - The Lakers end their four-game homestand against the Knicks on Tuesday before beginning the four-game road trip that precedes...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, NBA Outsider, Orlando Magic

NBA Stock Market: Spurs back among the West's elite

By Joe Boikess | December 11, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Tim Duncan posts up Big Baby (flickr.com/Lorianne DiSabato)

Here's this week's risers and fallers from around the NBA...Rising:San Antonio Spurs - This team's 2-5 start to the season sure does seem like it happened ages ago. As of today San Antonio has won four games in a row and is back to being in the thick of the Southwest Division. In the last week the Spurs have gotten wins in Denver and Dallas in addition to cruising to home wins over the Warriors and Hawks. Manu Ginobili returned to his usual role as sixth man extraordinaire, while Tim Duncan continues to be virtually unguardable. San Antonio might not contend with the Lakers for the West's top seed in the playoffs, but they have as good of a chance as any team to finish as high as second.Carmelo Anthony - Last night's Nuggets-Timberwolves game probably didn't get a whole lot of viewers outside of the Denver and Minneapolis areas,...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Carmelo Anthony, Charlotte Bobcats, Denver Nuggets, Elton Brand, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, NBA Outsider, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs

NBA Week 6 Power Rankings

By Joe Boikess | December 8, 2008 | MVN Outsider

We have a new #1 this week, as the green and white has risen back to the top. L.A.'s loss at Indiana dropped them down a spot below Boston, which got wins against two other top-five teams in addition to a pair of wins over the Pacers. The Mavericks and Spurs also made their season debuts in my top 10, while the Suns, Jazz and Pistons took a fall from last week's rankings.1. Boston Celtics (20-2) - Let's see. Boston has won 12 in a row, they have the league's best record, the most efficient defense (according to John Hollinger), and wins over almost every relevant team. But can they keep it going against the Wizards, a team that Boston went 1-3 against last season, and the surging Hornets?2. Los Angeles Lakers (17-2) - Despite Kobe's down numbers across the board, Sunday's win over the Bucks meant L.A. has tied...Read more

Read more | 6 Comments | Tags: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, NBA Outsider, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers

NBA Week 5 Power Rankings

By Joe Boikess | December 1, 2008 | MVN Outsider

As seems to be the ongoing trend a month into the season, the Lakers, Celtics and Cavaliers have established themselves as the NBA's teams to beat. The Magic, Blazers and Nuggets are also playing well and look to be in that second tier below them. Elsewhere in the West, the Northwest Division is shaping up to be as competitive as the Southwest, which is also looking stronger with the Spurs and Mavs on the rise. In the East, the Nets are playing well and might demand playoff consideration, while the 76ers can't seem to get it together like many people predicted they would this year. With the end of November comes new hope for many other teams, but here's how I'd rank the league entering the month of December. 1. Los Angeles Lakers (14-1) - I expected this team to be relatively high-powered on offense, but I don't think anyone...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, NBA Outsider, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers

NBA Week 4 Power Rankings

By Joe Boikess | November 24, 2008 | MVN Outsider

There was minimal shuffling among the top teams this week. The Magic made their first appearance in my top five, while the leading triumvirate of the Lakers, Celtics and Cavaliers stayed put after all three had solid weeks. Boston is probably playing the best out of the three, having won five straight (including an 18-point win over the Pistons) and currently sitting pretty as the only team to hold their opponents to an average of under 90 points per game. The Lakers remain #1, however, thanks to another perfect week that included a pair of double-digit wins over the Suns and Nuggets in back-to-back games.1. Los Angeles Lakers (11-1) - The buzzsaw that is the Lakers just keeps on rolling, with two more convincing wins over Phoenix and Denver now added to their growing resume. They should continue to roll with a relatively easy schedule leading up to their Christmas...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, NBA Outsider, Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz

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