Strength of the Wolf is the Pack.

Now this is the Law of the Jungle --
as old and as true as the sky;
And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper,
but the Wolf that shall break it must die.
As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk
the Law runneth forward and back --
For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf,
and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.

I must admit I have a soft spot for Phil Jackson. The half-time show of Game 4 with a story on Phil Jackson as a feature reminded me that had I read Phil Jackson's book Sacred Hoops back when I was a sophomore in high school. I loved that book. It really added to my love of basketball. So I gotta give the guy some credit. I mean after all he was just a few games or maybe a few Jordanesque performances away from 10 NBA Championships, and the all-time record for Championship wins by a head coach. But alas it was not to be, at least not this year. The Celitcs cleaned up last night in game 6 with an amazingly dominant performance. They never down shifted out of 5th gear; they just bit the jugular of the Lakers, and then ripped it out. But to me, by game four I knew who was the better team.

Game 1 the Celtics won handily. Game 2 they endured the strongest show of heart the Lakers had to offer. Game 3 they barely lost with a non-existent Paul Pierce and the Lakers' emotional homecoming. Then came Game 4; it was huge, and the definitive point in the series. After that game there was little doubt who would win. Even with the Game 5 loss, a game in which no Celtics showed much heart or poise outside of Paul Pierce but they still had a chance to win, it was still evident that they were clearly the better team.

But back to Game 4, the pivotal game. It exemplified what Phil was talking about on the halftime show of that same game. He quoted the Rudyard Kippling Poem Law of the Jungle; an excerp of which headlines this post. Throughout the series and especially exemplified in Game 4, Pierce was good, but no stronger than his pack. Just simply, The Celtics are better group of ravenous wolves. We all know what Garnett can do (try and forget game 5), and of course Ray Allen was lights out all series long. But have you ever heard of Posey, or House, or Poe? These guys knew how to come up huge when they were needed. Posey has a ring that he got with the Heat in 06; he knows what it takes, and knows his role, and Eddie House figured it out. Take a look at how P.J. Brown contributed especially in Game 2, or how Rajon Rondo persevered through his shortcomings and came up with a huge Game 6. Peirce had a team around him and he was clutch when he needed to be. He was and has been the Celtics go to guy, and now he has a pack that he can count on.

As for Kobe he was no better than his pack either, he never has been. In Game 4 his pack was snarled and barked right out of their own den. The Celtics stood behind their leader, growled and showed their teeth, and even when they looked to be beaten, they fought. Kobe's opposition was relentless and in the show down of the big dogs... Pierce came out the Alpha. In Kobe's den Pierce fought like he was defending his own, and made Kobe a non-factor. The Celitcs defense was powerful and the clear difference. As has been the case with the last 4 NBA Champions the stronger defensive team won, and defense is where the pack comes together and shows true grit. The Wolf is no stronger than the Pack.

As I have put out there before, I don't even think Kobe Bryant is that much better than Paul Pierce, maybe he looks better doing it, more graceful, athletic, ect and has better over all statistics, but that doesn't mean he gets the job done better or has a more IMPORTANT impact in every game. Pierce has been doing it his whole career, he just never had a team to back him up. He never had a Shaquille O'Neal and he still took a pretty sorry team to the Eastern Conference Finals back in 2002, and pushed the Nets all the way to a 7th game. And he has always been more of a team player and better leader. He doesn't have as much pure talent, but his versatility and heart are there. Not to say I would choose Pierce over Kobe, but Pierce is right up there with the best in the league and has been for years...well maybe I would choose Pierce...

Kobe acts like he deserves a championship and it is everyone else who is keeping it from him. But Pierce knews he needed to earn it, and understood he had to count on everyone else to earn it too. Plus with all of the talk about Kobe's greatness I think the 2008 Champions, along with the Spurs' and Pistons' Championships in the last couple years, help to show that we continually forget that basketball is a team sport. Kobe's Euro friends weren't tough enough mentally, phyiscally, or especially defensively. And without those qualities in teammates Kobe could not do it. I am glad to see our home grown Americans with Pierce as a better leader take home the crown. So no matter how much better Kobe is, it was not enough to make-up for the over-all disparity in his team compared to the Celtics.

Unfortunately the City of Boston is on a tear with regards to Sports Championships, but I gotta say that no matter what I hate LA sports and their fans much more than I hate Boston, their fans, or even the Patriots (who I really hate). It was a fun year, I just hope, by some crazy miracle, the Nuggets can make a run to the Finals next year.

Game 6

Bill Simmons' Article today is priceless.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/080617

A few things I agree with: I don't trust the Lakers to come out and win tonight. I also don't trust the Celtics (especially KG) to come out and close the series.

Tonight will certainly answer a lot of questions:

(assuming the game has not already been fixed by the league and the refs- which I don't believe for a minute by the way, but what the hell-- its fun to conspire).

1. KG is either a big time player or a big time choker.

I really don't care how well he has played in some of the games. I don't care how he changed the culture of the Celtics this season. All I care about is- when it comes time to close a team out and to have a BIG game, can he deliver? He was awful- almost nonexistent in game 5 with a chance to win his first title. He has had so many big chances in big games in the playoffs (usually just round 1 against crappy teams) to make a mark, and he has yet to do it. So, is Kevin a big time- I mean really big time player (one of the greats) ? We will find out.

2. Kobe is either deserving of the 2008 MVP or Not.

I must say I have been surprised by the fact Kobe has not been able to take over at least 2 of these games. Now, his numbers are straight up sick still - but that is expected. I know Lebron and/or Chris Paul would have taken- I mean taken- over one of these games. So the question is, with the season on the line can Kobe be the MVP? If he goes of for 40 + tonight, the Lakers win. And we all know he can do it. And if he is able to do that and force a game 7, wow what a game that will be.

3. Is Gasol either a Sissy or Not

Plain and simple: can Gasol get tough underneath and bang around? If he can, especially without Perkins, the Lakers will win. If he doesn't, he is a sissy.

4. Is Phil Jackson is either a great coach or Not

Will Phil try to over think the game like he did in game 5 and almost lose, or will he go to his bread and butter: calm, confident motivation that keeps basketball simple and the game in flow. Trust your stars- especially Kobe.

If the Lakers are able to win- and they certainly are able to win- a game 7 will push these questions and the answers to them to the brink. Then we will find out who the real legends are. There are great players and there are legends. And Billy, as I commented before, given your analysis of how sick the Celts are and how depleted the Lakers are- IF Kobe is able to put this team on his back and earn a title IN Boston after being down 1-3 (something that has never been done)- THEN he is truly a legend of the game. A tough, tough feat. I don't know if he can, but Jordan could. We shall see.

Tidbits: Ray Allen is Nasty- greatest shooting stroke ever. He should be the series MVP is they close it out. Dear LA, take some charges on Pierce for god sakes! ---- Foul Trouble is WAY too important in these late series must wins: if the refs are going to be so so bad, let NBA players have 7 fouls. ---- Rondo's injury is huge. If Phil has his team pressure old ass Cassell and Eddie House, the Lakers will be fine---- Boston fans are crazy douches: so hard to win in the Fleet Center. ---- I want more basketball, Please go 7!!! -

Integrity of the Game in Serious Question

I have been questioning NBA referees now for going on 3 years. The Donaghy case added some serious evidence to my case as to why they are so bad. But now there is more, and really this should have been expected. We should have known something more would come out of this case. The NBA was extremely good at keeping this scandal quite, consistently pointing to Donaghy as a lone bad apple. But at half time of Game 3 of the the 2008 NBA Finals I watched intently was Stewart Scott reported on the allegations Donaghy is now making as he works through his sentencing hearings.

He indicted two more referees and the entire NBA front office of fixing games namely in the 2002 playoffs and the 2005 playoffs. David Stern made a strong statement at halftime, but I tend believe that there is a great deal of truth to these allegations, and that more will come out to severely hurt the league. I do doubt the NBA was involved in fixing games, but the referees are a serious problem and have irrevocably damaged the integrity of one of our favorite games. As I listened to the Michael Kay show, the most prominent Sports Talk show in NYC, which hires 3pm-7pm est. weekdays, I heard two good points that lend me to believe that Donaghy is not fabricating a story with these new allegations.

1. Why would Donaghy, in attempt to lower his sentence, make accusations that could prove, if found false, to extend his sentence? These accusations will only help him if they are found to be true; if they are found false it will doom him.

2. It is quite ludicrous to believe that Donaghy's gambling was a one man show, I highly doubt he was the only referee involved in gambling and effecting games.

The NBA is in some serious trouble as the truth will surely come to light.

To read more got to

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3436401

Diagnosis of a Champion

Call me a Monday Morning QB, or just late with a prediction, but my money would be on the Celtics.

Yes Kobe has looked strangely like MJ in purple and gold as he and the Lakers marched through the Western Conference in these 2008 playoffs. But will he ever reach the status of Jordan? From the looks of games 1 and 2 I think not.

Even with the exciting comeback in game 2 where the Lakers went on a 31-9 run and made 7 threes in the fourth quarter, Kobe and the boys from abroad couldn't pull it off. They showed some serious grit; some grit that has been evident the whole way along their journey to the finals. Just ask Tim Duncan or any NBA fan in Central Texas. The San Antonio Spurs suffered two comeback losses at the hands of the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers fought back from deficits of 20 points and 17 points in games 1 and 5. And it looked like a similar recipe they were cooking up for game 2 on Sunday night in Boston. But alas, it was not to be. Too little too late. The Lakers shooters waited too long to get going, and when they did there just wasn't enough time left. Plus the Lakers Defense couldn't contain Paul Peirce, and let the Boston bench put on a high flying show of hustle points with Leon Poe as their star.

Kobe maybe as Mr. Stewie said, Jordanesque. He has the talent but he still lacks a team to support him. Pau Gasol was a great addition but that move was not enough. Through the first two games Garnett has dominated Gasol and Ray Allen has been the shooter we all knew he is. Also as I watched Kobe go off at the bench in the 3^rd quarter of game 2, I couldn’t help but think he still doesn’t have the leadship skills, and may never learn them. His ferocity and competitiveness is unquestionable, but maybe his way of leading just sucks the confidence out of his weak minded team.

Yet, the main difference through all of this is the defense. The Celtics have continued to play the best defense the league has seen since the Pistons of the late 80s. Their communication and team oriented defensive play has contained Kobe keeping him out of the lane for the most part and challenging every three pointer he hoists. They are only letting him get off in the mid range jumpers, and that is not gonna do it. Boston has also been exceptional at intimidating the Lakers; specifically the European players.

Bottom-line, the Lakers are soft and if they are intimidated then they lose confidence and shoot poorly. Further is that that intimidation factor translates to the offensive end, that is why Poe was able to break loose. Also, Paul Peirce has been one of the best players in the league for the last 7 to 8 years. He is almost as unstoppable as Kobe, in truth Kobe is the only one that can hope to keep him in check. With Kobe plying that type of defense he looses alittle on the other end, is worn down, or like in game 2 gets in foul trouble.

So Pierce is one slight step below Kobe as a player, but can have almost the same impact; he has a team to back him up physically and mentally. No doubt things will change when the series moves to LA, and I would not be surprised to see the series at 2-2, but this plays into the real deciding factor, one which we can all appreciate. The Home Court. The energy of the fans. That may very well be what crowns a champion in the NBA this year: fan support. And what better? To watch these two very good teams with historic pasts and to see the fan energy push the home team over the top to a world Championship, who could ask for more?

This article says it all

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Click on "One of the Greatest Articles of All Time" to see why this article says it all.

SHOWDOWN

A Rivalry Renewed. Lakers. Celtics. NBA Finals 2008. Begins Thursday July 5th














The last time the Lakers and the Celtics met in the Finals was 1987. The Lakers won that series. And the Finals the year before. Against the Celtics again. But the Celtics won 8 Titles against the Lakers between the years 1958-1984.

Look for the Lakers to pick up the 20 year-old 2 game streak this year and do with it what the Celtics did in the 60's 70's and 80's. Why? The answer is simple: Kobe Bryant. The man who has this season solidified himself as the closest thing there has ever been to Jordan is taking the NBA by storm. Kobe will collect his 4th ring this year and he won't stop there.

Feel bad for an aging Garnett. Hate Kobe because he is so good. Hate him because he didn't see eye to eye with the front office and made demands and got his way. Get annoyed with the calls. Question the Celtics rough defense on number 24. Say that Phil Jackson doesn't make players- Players make Phil Jackson. Do any of these things and you will be saying exactly what people were saying about His Airness when he was taking over the game.

Only difference: Michael did it first. Michael was not just a basketball player but a new and improved athlete. A marketing magnet that dressed impeccably and rarely got caught cheating on his wife. If he did, it was swept under the rug- dismissed, forgiven. Kobe is easier for people to hate. For many reasons- I won't go into them.

But on the court we have seen Kobe's game become "Jordanesque." He feels out the game. He makes his teammates better. He understands Phil's game plan and system. His defense is relentless. His confidence under pressure is unmatched. He gets better when you pick on him. He wears you out. He is the biggest competitor on the floor. He does not accept failure from himself or his teammates. He commands respect from everyone in the building- His coaches, his players, the fans, the refs.

I have to say that I haven't had this much fun watching the most beautiful game in the world since Jordan played. Kobe is quickly becoming a second option for the Webster's folks to put under the definition of basketball player in their dictionary.

Basketball Player (noun): Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant.

'Nuff said.

If you want to teach someone the game, show them the way these two guys play. Don't be a hater. Enjoy what you are seeing- because Kobe is on a tear right now that will not end soon. 3 more rings? You bet. Surpass Michael's 6? Maybe.

I- and everyone else- will still love Michael because Michael reminds us of being a kid again and enjoying sports the way they were meant to be enjoyed. Michael was the innovator, the revolutionary. But don't blink right now because Kobe is straight up nasty. Enjoy history in the making. I don't even have to go into the comparisons in stats and accomplishments. Kobe has had a "Jordan Year" this year.

He will be the Finals MVP. And he will do it against a team that is built to win a Finals series. Sound familiar?

Congratulations Antonio!!!

Antonio!! You have come full circle! Congratulations.

Antionio McDyess was selected with the 2nd pick in the 1995 draft behind Joe Smith and 3 spots ahead of Kevin Garnett.

He had all of the makings of a superstar coming off a stellar career at Alabama. The Nuggets traded for him on draft day and he played for the Nuggets for just 3 seasons before they traded him to Pheonix. The Nuggets would resign him a year and a half later. In

1999 McDyess did what only two other Nuggets have ever done(Dan Issell and George Mginnis): he averaged 20 and 1o on his way to an All Star season. That year, he was selected to the 2000 Olympic Team and helped USA capture the gold medal. It looked as though he was quietly becoming a beast and the Nuggets looked as though they were right about the 2nd pick in the draft.

That's when Antonio absolutely destroyed his knee. Being as tough as he is, McDyess tried to play through the injury and re-aggravated it several times. His explosiveness was, simply, gone. McDyess was traded to the Knicks for Marcus Camby and a high lottery pick. He never regained his powerful presence.

But what followed is a true testament to Antonio and his career. He was traded to the Pistons and began to not only rebuild his body, but also to rebuild his game. Antonio was able to do what few NBA players are able to do: accept a role on a team and work his freaking tail off to tailor his game. To turn his weaknesses into strengths. With the departure of Chris Webber in the 2007-2008 season, Antonio became a starter for arguably the world's most complete team. And what he did last night against the Celtics in game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals was, honestly, touching.

Last night we saw the player that was drafted #2. 13 years later, after injuries to body and to the ego, Antonio McDyess played a magnificent game on the biggest stage. Against Kevin Garnett (13 years after being drafted 3 spots ahead of him) McDyess had 21 points and 16 rebounds in 34 minutes of play. He was a beast. He showed some serious sack. He was the star on a team of superstars.

Antonio, congratulations. We here in Denver saw that last nights performance was not a fluke, was not a coincidence. It was the culmination of 13 years of extremely hard work and dedication to the game and to yourself. And kudos to the Pistons- an unbelievable organization- for seeing that in you. I almost want to go out and buy a Pistons hat.

You deserve to be there- surrounded by basketball players who are dedicated to the team concept and the game of basketball. Can you imagine what it would be like if you were still in Denver? I guess that knee injury was a blessing in disguise. Cheers!! and keep on beating up Garnett. And then Duncan or Gasol. People don't even know. You are the freaking man.

NBA Conference Finals

It doesn't get any better than this. Lakers vs. Spurs - Pistons vs. Celtics. I would have liked to have seen the Hornets and the Cavs advance, but these match ups will make the Conference Finals true battles. Look for both series to go 7 games. The winner of the West (Lakers) will, once again, win it all. But I think we can count on a terrific NBA Finals series. That one could go 7 as well. These teams are balling it like the hardcore sacred rock seshers that they are. My thoughts:

Kobe is straight up nasty. He is reaching Jordan status with his ability to feel out games and get his teammates involved.

Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli are so, so freaking good. It annoys the piss out of me.

Paul Pierce is the resident 'hot' player. He is playing great ball.

The Pistons need their bench to step up more than ever against the Celtics

Phil Jackson and Greg Popovich are wizards. This series is a chess match. Evenly matched teams. You got your x's and o's. belie dat.

Chauncey needs to shoot more often.

The teams that are still in it listen to their coach. In fact, all 8 of the teams in it last round do.

The Nuggets are so far away from competing at this level.

NBA Playoffs Round 2 Topics

Round 2 is underway in a big way. The "old" Pistons continue to take care of business. The Celtics can't win on the road. The Cavs show up to play defense every other night. Nothing has changed, right? Enter Chris Paul and Jerry Sloan.

I haven't seen as good of a playoff performance from a point guard since I was in grade school. I haven't seen as good a coaching job ever, maybe. To take down the Goliath Spurs the Hornets have decided to keep doing what they have been doing all year: go right at them. Chris Paul and the boys are doing what it takes to beat the champs. Don't let anyone discredit them by saying the Spurs are old and that their time is up either. The Spurs are damn good. Every bit as good as they have been. The Hornets are NOT letting the Spurs do what they do (take away a team's strength and floor pace). Congrats to the Hornets. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the 'perennial whiners' shaking in their britches.

How do you beat the team that is playing the best ball in the league? Oh, yeah they also have the best player and the best coach in the league? You coach the HECK out of your guys. Jerry Sloan has done what looked to be nearly impossible: give the Lakers a series. I am not saying that the Lakers stream rolling of the pathetic Nuggets made them the team to beat. But the WAY they had been playing was remarkable. Ultimate team ball, defense, etc. etc.. Jerry Sloan, who for the first time since Stockton and Malone has a group of guys who really- I mean really-believe in the system he has installed, is a conducting acts of wizardry. This team is an absolute pleasure to watch if you are a basketball purest. Poor Sloan. Jordan took down his meticulously built and tirelessly trained teams of the nineties. Now he has to beat Kobe.

Lebron is sick. Will Chauncey be back? I have Lakers vs. Celtics in my bracket, but I think there may be some serious contention from the likes of the leagues young - and relentless- young stars: CP3, Deron Williams, Lebron, Rondey "did you really just say?" Stuckey. And from some old sons of guns that ain't goin' down easy either: Tim Duncan, Memht Okur, and Antonio "I can be a match up nightmare sometimes" McDyess. Don't forget about this year's exciting "who is that guy?" players: David West (well, he was an all-star), Ime Udoka, James Posey, Delonte West. And, well, who knows after tonight. The Playoffs are better than ever. Every night serious performers are born. Don't miss a minute- see you in the Conference Finals!

NBA PLAYOFFS 2008

The 2008 NBA Playoffs are here.

40 Games in 40 nights. One Champion.

The NBA . . . Where Amazing Happens

The once predictable NBA has been recharged. This season has been exciting, competitive, and unpredictable. In August did anyone think the Lakers would be the #1 seed in the West? Did anyone think the Clippers would be out, the Sixers would be in, the Rockets would set an NBA record, the Suns would trade for Shaq, the Hornets would win 50+ games? Amazing has happened ... and the best teams are just warming up. You couldn't dream up better Playoff Matchups than these. So who you got? 'Check it. I'm on point like a fax machine you get the message. ..Never let me slip, cause if I slip, then I'm slippin.'

Western Conference

Lakers (1) vs. Nuggets (8)

The Nuggets look to become the Golden State Warriors- the team they beat to get into the playoffs- and knock off the 1 seed in the West. A tall order. But Allen Iverson has put his team on his shoulders before, and taken them all the way to the Finals. In 2001, A.I. had all the answers as he single-handily propelled his 76ers to the big stage only to face: The Lakers- and a back court of Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher. Fisher flies under the radar in terms of his clutch playoff play. He's back after spending time on a slew of other Western Conference teams. He and Kobe make up the most experienced and proven playoff back court in the field.

The Nuggets may win a few games-God knows I'll be rooting for them to win um' all- but a healthy Lakers team is just too deep, too well coached, and too, well, too Kobe. J.R. Smith is the x-factor for the Nuggets. If he can drop in 20+ a game to add to Melo and A.I.'s totals, the Nugs have a shot. Carmelo's DUI could be the best thing for the Nuggets because it gives Melo something to prove. When he made the All Star Team and averaged double-doubles, his season was over. Now he has to prove something again. We will see how he responds when he doesn't get any calls. The problem with the Nuggets is that when they get down, they get frustrated. The Lakers get down and they get motivated. Tough break for the 50 win Nuggets. Los Angeles in 6.

Jazz(4) vs. Rockets (5)

This looked like a tremendous match up before the unlucky Rockets got hit with injuries again. You gotta feel for T-Mac here. 7 times in the playoffs and he has not moved past the first round. Rafer Alston "Skip to My Lou" - the streetball legend- was one of my most favorite players this year. The guy had a phenomenal year and was a big reason the Rockets went on that ridiculous 22 game winning streak. Shane Battier's defense and fundy's - he is one of the smartest players in the league- didn't hurt either. Shane is dealing with injury and Rafer is out at least the first two games. The Rockets don't stand a chance. They will try to take down the most disciplined team in the league. Deron Williams will absolutely go off in the playoffs. The Jazz are smart and tough. They will win at home. Utah in 5.

Spurs(3) vs. Suns(6)

Wow. This series will be a battle. Last year these two got in the ring and beat the holy hell out of each other every game. The Suns had no answer for Duncan. Enter Shaquille. In one of the most chided trades of all time, the Suns did what I think is absolutely brilliant: they found a way to beat the Spurs. I don't care if he's old. I don't care if he can't shoot free throws. Shaq changes the entire game when he is on the floor. Duncan has to work. Parker has to change direction.

Shaq's presence alone is what the Suns needed. He frees up Amare Stud-o- mire rather than isolate him like Marion did. And Amare is an absolute beast. The Suns will need some consistent fire power from Barbosa and Diaw, but they still have the greatest point guard in the game. Look for Duncan to get frustrated, and Popavich to get ejected. The Spurs will go the way Ginobli goes. The greatest 6th man since Pippen is as annoying as they come, but he is the best off-gaurd in the league besides Kobe (Lebron plays Forward). If Manu gets his, the Spurs are the hardest team to beat in the business. This is a tough one to call. Several of these games will come down to the final seconds. Phoenix in 7. Bam.

Hornets(2) vs. Mavericks(7)

Maybe what the Dallas Sketchballs need is a lower seed. The hardest team to figure out in the last 6 years has kept Mark Cuban's therapist busy. And how about those New Orleans Hornets!? This team is certainly the easiest to root for. After the hurricane and the relocation, these young guys are the heart of the NBA. Chris Paul is an absolute freaking wizard. The guy is becoming the most exciting passer AND scorer since Magic Johnson. Tyson Chandler is a skinny Dwight Howard. He has had a monster, monster year. And David West is easily the biggest surprise in the entire league. West went to the All Star game not because it was in New Orleans, but because he has played like an absolute stud. He will need to have a big series. Particularly defensively on Dirk. Peja Stojakovic has been unconscious from the floor- particularly from the 3. He has had the greatest shooting season in the league. If you need a big shot at the end of the game, he is the man.

Man, I really want to pick the Hornets. I will be rooting for them every single game. It is so hard to rule out the sketchballs though. Jason Terry is the x-factor. They have been playing very well together. Man, I want to say Dallas in 5. You get the feeling that the experience, especially the experience of being so close and losing, plus adding one of the greatest assist men of all time, is too much. Dallas could go to the Finals if they pull their heads out. Man, this is a tough one. Dallas will either sweep or take it in 5, or lose in 6 or 7.

Screw it. Byron Scott knows what its like to win the big games. He is an excellent coach. Watch these guys in the huddle during the game. I am going with the Hornets. I love em. Peja hits some daggers. Hornets back home on the Bayou take the 7th game. New Orleans in 7.

Eastern Conference

Boston(1) vs. Atlanta(8)

This series has what most first round series' had for many years in the NBA. A powerhouse against a treadmill. While exciting, I call Atlanta a treadmill because the Celtics will just use them to warm up for their series against The Cleveland Lebron's. Yes Boston has only one year together, yes they are coming out of the Eastern Conference. But they are really, really good. These guys are not messing around. They have beaten, handily, every Western 'powerhouse' this year. They have 29 more wins than the Hawks. The Celtics will absolutely obliterate Atlanta. Perfect training ground for young Rajon Rondo to gain some playoff confidence for the Celtics run at the title (it has to go through Detriot though). Boston in 4. Get the broom out.

Cavaliers(4) vs. Wizards(5)

Arenas is back and already talking smack on his blog. This poor bstrd works harder than anyone in off season and continues to get hurt. He has been waiting to be the machine that he can be in the playoffs. The last time these two teams matched up in a series there were some terrific games. Both Lebron and Arenas can single-handily win games. Arenas is the most exciting deep shooter I have ever seen. The guy is simply amazing. Lebron can single-handily win an entire series. And, in case you forgot already, he can single-handily take his team to the NBA Finals. What King James did last year against the Detroit Pistons was one of the most amazing feats in all of sports. Ever. He scored 25 straight points for lord sakes, to beat the freaking Pistons! If you don't believe the hype yet, you have been living under a rock. The Wizards haven't worked together enough this year to make it work.Arenas is incredible. He could signle handily beat Lebron. This is a battle between two of the most explosive players in NBA history. Lebron in 6.

Magic(3) vs. Raptors(6)

This is an interesting series. At first glance. But the Magic are the real up and coming team here. Dwight Howard is just straight nasty. Hedo Turkoglu has had a dream season. One of the most underrated talents for a long time, this guy just needed a coach to believe in him and a system that wasn't 'Rick Addleman' stifling. If Jameer Nelson can step it up a bit, the Magic can be scary even later in the playoffs. But they will certainly win this series. Chris Bosh gets a lot of play for not having proved much. The pressure is on him. Maybe 6 games because of Nelson turnovers. I'll say Orlando in 6.

Pistons(2) vs. Sixers(7)

A team like the Pistons is like a giant mythological snake. The only way to beat them is to cut off the head. And Chauncey is the head. He is the best floor general- in terms of dictating and changing the pace of the game- in the entire NBA. Don't forget that he was one shot away from being a 2 TIME NBA Finals MVP either. The Pistons go the way Chauncey goes.

Andre Miller is a poor man's Chauncey Billups. A really poor man. Still, it's an interesting matchup. If anyone can frustrate Chauncey, body him up on D, post him up on O, it's Andre. Chauncey can shoot- really well- outside 15 ft., Andre can't. The Sixers are the surprise team of the last 1/4 of the season, and they are actually playing pretty good ball. But the Pistons are the Pistons. Their bench play has been tremendous as well. Prince steps it up in the playoffs. They must get back to being what they once were and what the Spurs are now: the ultimate team. Under Larry Brown they were. It's up to the players now to get give up the ball play hardcore D. Equal shots for everyone and nobody can stop this team. And for gods sake Sheed, play some post defense like ya used to man. - Sheed is still one of the most versatile players ever when he puts his mind to it. Deeeee- troit in 5.

Tourney Time- Just in Time

Its Tourney Time! CBS has it right with the live feed feature on cbssportsline.com. Watch any game, live, on our computer. Brilliant. You don't have to watch the big market games for 35 game minutes and only see the last 2 min of the close games. Choose your team, kick up your feet, and witness the sacred ball sesh that is the greatest sporting event in the world. The tourney couldn't come at a better time in Denver either, with frustration mounting over the dog mess professional product that is the Denver Nuggets. And right now, as I watch Pitt and Michigan State battle in the Pepsi Center on cbssportsline.com, I can't help but to list the ways in which the college game gives us much needed relief from the painful, pitiful Nuggets. Lets be fair though, I love the NBA. There are plenty of teams in the NBA who play defense, pass and cut, are well coached, etc. etc. Its just that Denver isn't one of them. I am not one of these fools who thinks the NBA game is worse than the college game. I know that you can't compare the two. But I do know that the Nuggets game is worse than any other game. They are the poster child for everything that is wrong with the NBA. Thankfully there are few teams in the NBA like the Nuggets. In fact, I think this years NBA playoffs will be unreal. I am not comparing the NBA and the NCAA. I am merely stating how refreshing it is to see some semblence of the game of basketball being played on the Pepsi Center Floor. Go Michigan State!!! So ...

Top Ten Reasons to watch the college game instead of the Nuggets:

10) The players play defense
9) The players listen to the coach and buy into a system
8) The players move without the ball
7) The players play for each other
6) The players play defense
5) The players don't complain about every call
4) The players don't blame everyone but themselves
3) The coach does things- like talking to the players
2)The players show consistency of attitude and effort
1) The teams are not psychological case studies in the dangers of combining passive aggressive, ego- maniacal chumps.

Respect #4

Why the lack of respect for Favre Billy? Ain't like you chasin' Cameron Diaz or anything. Although he didn't reach the Super Bowl again after 98', Favre still made Green Bay competitive almost every year. Being from Denver, I would think you would certainly agree that there is something to be said for longevity. Being from Denver, I think you would certainly say there is something to be said for taking teams with less than stellar RB's to the promised land. Being from Denver, I think you would certainly say that the measure of the greatest QB's is what they are able to do when their teams are behind. Don't give me: "Ahman Green was a great running back." With Terrell Davis, Favre wins 2 more. Don't give me: All his records are there because he played a million games. Don't give me: he couldn't win the big games when it counted. Elway haters use all of this same warped logic. Don't be a hater. Now, you can say that Favre's early career was godlike and then sputtered out. And you could say that Elway's early career was a pile of hooch and then ended like a freaking Disney movie. But you must take into consideration a simple fact: Elway's personnel got better, Favre's got worse. There is only so much one man can do. Lay off the guy. Plus, we all know the true measure of a badass Qb's career is how long he can date women who are 28 and under for, how many bars he can get thrown out of, and how many businesses he can tank. And in that category Elway is just a few notches behind Namath with miles to go. Lets hang on for a bit and see what Favre can manage to do to slosh his personal life around, then we'll judge. I still rank Elway as the greatest ever -(behind Joe Montana in my head but never out loud unless its a blog because Stewie is brutally honest)- Johnny Ballgame 4eva. ~ Stewie

Another Brett...Good Riddence, but All Hail the King!

Click on the title to this post and read about the truth of Brett Favre. Sal Palantonio puts it out there pretty good. Brett Favre Overrated? No question about it.

Last Wednesday I went to The Garden to see the Knicks take on LeBron James and his merry men. It was quite the show. The pathetic Knicks put up quite a fight, and outside of King James the Cavs have very little to keep them respectable, especially on the offensive end. So, as one might have been able to predict, James took over down the stretch and ripped out the hearts of the Knicks. He made four 3-pointers in the final three minutes, the first of which put Cleveland on top for good. It was 98-97, then 100-98, then 103-98, and everyone in the place saw the Knicks crumple. The King finished with 50 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds. Unbelievable! A good night to be at the Garden.

The Ballad of Brett

I met a man on the Denver Light Rail (like the New York subway only above ground, clean, cheap, and rarley used) System who loved the Kansas City Royals. He had a blue Royals cap. A pro-back. Seemed like it was too tight because he kept fidgiting with it- taking it off and putting it back on again and each time it was tilted a bit differntly. Either it was too tight or he was tweaking out hard core. He was too clean to be a crak-head though. Too groomed to be a meth fiend. He told the same story over and over again. It wasn't really a story I guess; actually more like a chorus of statements. Exactly the same everytime. He never rushed a word. He never slowed a phrase. Same inflection, same tone, same subtle matter-of-factness. Everytime. And this is what he repeated (like a catatonic canto paying homage to a simple fact that made the world all make sense):

"George Brett is Brett Butler's brother. She was 'Grace under Fire'. She taught him how to play third base and he played it. Yes he did."

over and over and over and over again. From the Evans station to the Colfax intersection.

Now, at first I tried to make sense out of the statement. Of course I did not. I went through all of the images it created for me. George Brett always reminded me of my friend John's cousin. He owns a bar. He was our little league baseball coach. Then came the images of Brett Bultler on the short lived "Grace Under Fire.' She coached a little league team. I remember her coming home in her baseball uniform. Then I thought of George Brett again. The man considered by many the greatest third basemen in Major League Baseball history. I remembered the monster-sized wads of sweet, juicy tobacco in his cheeks. Brett also spat, did she not?  Maybe there was more here than I thought.

However, as these images surfaced, the droning statement became a ballad that buried me somewhere alltogether different than the baseball diamond or the set of the classic t.v. show. I thought about nothing. And everything. The world made sense. It was as if this repeated statement answered everything at once. This guy was a genious. I almost wanted to follow him when he got off- just to keep hearing it. I stayed on. And I thought of ... Brett Favre. That guy loves him some chaw! 

Notes: Rockies Gaining my Confidence

The Colorado Rockies front office is starting to gain some credibility in my book. I like what they have done to solidify their young base of talent as they just signed Brad Hawpe to a deal. Read about their off season moves in the Denver Post by clicking the title of this blog. Holiday still may be gone when his contract is up, but I must say the plan they have been preaching for years has worked. 7 years of farm development gave us a run into the World Series. Now expectations are raised, and the front office better keep thier team up to that level of play. I have little doubt they will sell plenty of tickets this coming season, we all know the people of Colorado will whole heartedly support these players, so the team budget should continue to grow with attendance. I see no reason that the Rockies can't be in the hunt of the National League West Pennant on a regular basis for years to come. Like I said expectations have raised.

NBA MVP? Kobe, LeBron? How about CP3? This kid established the New Orleans Hornets as a contender for the regular season Western Conference title! He is an amazing player with the attitude that all of us nuggets fans wish any of our boys had. He makes everyone on his team better. He is averaging 21 points, 11 assissts, 4 rebounds, almost 3 steals per game, with a beautiful .483 fg%. One way I think might help to prove that he makes his teammates better is to take a look at their filed goal percentages: big man Tyson Chandler-61%, David West-47%, Stojakovic-45% and and amazing 46% from 3 point land. Doesn't that say Chris Paul gets the ball to them in the right spots and in the right rhythm? MVP? Well at least we can talk about it.

The Denver Broncos haven't attacked the free agent market like we are used to in the past. Unless by attacked we mean kicked players off their roster. Biggest surprises; they cut WR Javon Walker and OLB Ian Gold. Should we be upset about that? I don't think we'll miss them. Walker may never live up to his talent after that knee injury. No wonder he wanted to get the money while he could; now can we blame him for holding out in the past? Really, Gold is in the same boat, injured down the stretch last season, and really not having the impact the Broncos needed from him before he was hurt. I don't think we'll miss him either. We all know its a tough business and whoever says a guy can not loose his spot because of injury is just clueless. We also say goodbye to Matt Lepsis who retired in Feb, he was old and beat-up. He had a great career. I don't see the Broncos improving much from last year. Spoiled Broncos fans should be ready for some tough times ahead. I'm scared, how will we handle it?

Nuggets Making a Run Away from A Title

The Nuggets are making a run in the West . . . A Run in the opposite direction of a title. You can read about the Avs gearing up for a run in Billy's story below. And the Rockies are returning soon. The Nuggets continue to stay the course year after year by underachieving and making excuses about it. They are nowhere near the top powers in the West,and, until they make a conscious effort to carry players with a consistency in attitude, effort, and character- things will only get worse. The Nuggets, since Carmelo Anthony was drafted, have been a team that seems to have forgotten the very basics of basketball: moving without the ball, passing and cutting on offense, and defense- any defense at all. Why was Camby the Defensive player of the Year? He is a cleanup man. He cleans-up blown coverage’s and lazy footwork. There is no consistent effort to play defense in Denver. Kenyon Martin is the only player that can guard a man one-on-one on our entire roster! Do you know how easy we are to game- plan for? We are laughable. We have run a couple of coaches out, we have made excuses for everything. We have never won a playoff series. It is time for the fans around Denver to grow up and stop buying into the over hyped images of 'Melo and A.I. and start demanding that we build a team. That won't happen of course. People will still fill the seats, and, that seems to be all Stan Kronke and the front office cares about. Melo will still get 20 and 10 every night, A.I. will still dribble around for the first 12-15 seconds of the shot clock, George Karl will still stand there munching on candy wondering what he can say to Carmelo or J.R. or any of the other guys that won't piss them off and induce passive- aggressive temper tantrums that will linger in the locker room and on that practice floor all week and make everybody's life hell. The fact that they did not go out and sign a player this year before the trade deadline- while the entire Western conference only got better- solidifies the theory that I had hoped wasn't true: the Nuggets are content with just filling the seats. Don't go to the games people. Don't watch them. Demand a better product. The Nuggets are the joke of the league. The Lakers, The Spurs, the Mavs, The Hornets, the Suns, the list goes on and on--- we can't beat any of these teams in a playoff series. Are you kidding me? Who on the Nuggets is going to guard ____________?(just fill in the blank depending on the team). So what is the frigging point? How could we not try to make something happen? Anything! Artest, Mike Miller, Bibby, Randolph, whatever... anything at this point. One thing is for sure: the team we have now is going absolutely nowhere. But we wanted to hang on to Linus Klezia. Do you understand how completely ludicrous that sounds? Now the only way to fix this team - a team "led" by Melo for 5 years, is to trade HIM. Yes, trade Melo. You can develop talent. You can't develop character. You either have the Character that it takes to be a winner or you don't. Either Jim Boehiem lied or Nike lied, but this guy is an absolute chump. A lazy, fat, selfish, annoying, stubborn chump. Thanks for letting me rant Billy. I needed that. I will be posting regularly, and less angrily, from now on. -Stewie.

Ready For a Run?

I don’t know if I have watched the entirely of a Colorado Avalanche game since the year 2003, or 2006 at the very most possibly recent. Hockey has fallen off my radar scene for the most part. But I am crawling back slowly. Taking my time to remember how I appreciated it the way I did back in the later years of my high school career. But, I am aware of the late and impressive run the Avalanche made last year attempting to slide into the playoffs. They lost the last game of the year, which if they had won would have put them in. Over the past 12 or so seasons the Avs have pretty much been a shoe-in for a playoff spot, but things have changed. Joe Sakic and crew couldn’t make it last year, and they are no longer the perennial Northwest Division champs. Still, although they have fallen, they have not fallen to the bottom. And another thing I am aware of is that they have some impressive young talent, Merek Svatos, Paul Stastny, just to name a few, so the future is bright.

They won dozy against division rival Vancover on Wednesday Feb 27th. The stalwart captain Joe Sakic, recently returned from injury, scored the game tying goal with 14 seconds remaining on the clock in the frenzied final moments of the game, and then contributed with a go ahead goal in the shoot out. They came out the winners, and emerged standing in the eight and final playoff spot.

The obvious unmentioned point of interest here is the exciting additions of Avalanche heroes past: Peter Forsberg and Adam Foote. Foote has already contributed, and Forsberg’s health is still in question. We shall see if he’ll play in the next few games. Either way it is an exciting time. Colorado needs a strong push to hold on to their playoff spot and give us an exciting run, and I think they might have the boost to do it.

Further Coach Joel Quinville deserves some consideration for Coach of the Year because he has kept this team in the hunt while three of his best players (Sakic, Stastny, and Ryan Symth) were out for significant portions of the season. Now with all pieces back in place, and some new exciting ones rolling in, maybe this team will roll on into the playoffs and make a run at the gin

Don't look now but they just won another game against the Los Angles Kings last night.

Scols

Gettin' a Taste of the Concert SCENE

Concert number one in NYC was at a new venue somewhere in Manhattan near the Hudson River side...Mid-Town. It was the eclectic and strange band Ween. An acquired taste, but Damn good! Tons of fun for a mild Dec evening. More importantly was this random Wednesday night in late February.

Well, I got concert number two under my belt in the gateway to the USA. Really, the NYC concert scene might be impossible to keep-up with, I mean everyone shows thier faces here...New York is sooooo sweet. But tryin' to hang, and at least gettin' a piece of this scene will be damn fun. So on an ordinary Wed night I took a peek at the old reliable talents of Todd Park Moore and his loyal crew. Not something I had expected.

I must say, it was impressive! Todd and the boys tore the roof off the tiny Bowery Ballroom in The Lower East Side of Manhattan. He played the true-fan favorites "Vincent of Jersey/The Leaving Song", "Heart of Wilderness", and "Dinner with Ivan"; along with the popular hits "Bittersweet" and "Broken Hearted Savior." But most exciting were his new songs that held strong to blues and country roots and just plain ROCKED! Moore is a powerful guitar player, routinely displaying his skills and still staying superior with his vocals. Not only was every song that I had never heard (therefore the more recent) energetic and heavy, but his already legendary cover of Led Zeppelin's "Tangerine" along with a version of an Eric Clapton tune I just can't place at this moment were exemplary displays Moore's lead guitar abilities. He took on some of the all-time greatest and played 'em tough.

Sadly, as has been the case all too often in my experience at BTH and the Monsters concerts (and I know I've missed some good ones), the crowd was no fierce creature. Be sure to understand I don't blame the 30something couples for getting all cuddly at the show, but when it is time to rock-it-out, they should play that game too. Sure this might have been a tough show for lovebirds, but common.... EMBRACE IT! Todd and the Monsters barely tapped into their sappier ballads playin' just "Please Don't Tell Her" and "Wearing Only Flowers", otherwise is was heavy tom-tom banging and guitar solos. It should have been a rockin' dance party! But the cheesy douche-bags couldn't deal with it. So to my astonishment the crowd thinned as the concert continued. Todd banged out "Circle" as a finale and came back on with FOUR encores! It was stellar.

My Conclusion is that no matter how annoying Phish-heads, and Panic-fiends are... at least they know how to party when it matters! You can make a serious rock-out session a romantic occasion too. Those BHTM folk are lame. It is just a shame too; such amazing talents as Todd Park Moore and Friends deserve better.

Don't worry Todd is still thankful even to his lame fans-Download their new album for FREE!!!!!!!! at: bigheadtodd.com

Arthasaurous

Is It the Best Times in the Sports Year?

Notes as of late.

Watch-out in the West
The acquisition of Pau Gasol to the LA Lakers is a dagger in the heart of the relentless Western Confernce of the NBA. It is already amazing the competition that is burning from the Delta of the Mississippi to the San Juan Islands. Spurs, Hornets, Suns, Blazers, Nuggets, Jazz Rockets, Warriors and Mavericks. Need I say more?

I watched LA go at it with the NJ Nets, and the color commentator said they are the new favorite in the West. He very well could be right. The depth of the LA Lakers was breath-taking as they pulled away from the Nets to win the game handily. When the young and talented Andrew Bynum returns to this line-up… well, watch out!

Meanwhile, Pau Gasol is a premier big man in the NBA of today. With a reliable touch from the outside and fundamental post moves, Gasol is the perfect example of what Zen master Jackson could never have dreamed of in a big man. But with Gasol’s example now Bynum might even rise as the more impressive player in the years ahead. Beyond that, Phil even has a great crew of the perfect role players: Lamar Oldom,, Derek Fisher, and Luke Walton to mention a few. And the cherry on top? They can all make free-throws. So again all must watch-out in the Wild West!

This just in!
Shaq is back in the West. Traded to the Phoenix Suns!!!!! Shaun Marion to the Heat, and this is an interesting trade. Suns want O’Neal’s defense, and Marion and All-Star Dwayne Wade will be just like peas and carrots. Will both clubs benefit? Well we know Miami will benefit, but will the Suns lose their ability to run with Shaq's age and physical decline? So what a start to the frenzy before the trade deadline! And the Nugs still might make a move, who knows. By the way nice OT-win over the division rivals Monday.

Bob Knight retires. What a character, and I must say a great leader; a noble man. Watch his inspiring interview on ESPN: http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3232956&categoryId=2378529

Oh was there a Super Bowl too!! Were the winners representatives of the city that I live in? Was I ecstatic about the outcome? YOU DANG SKIPPY!!
The Giants won because of the play of their defensive line. Brady might be great, but when under pressure his play was just enough worse to lose to a crazy good Giants defensive line, and a Giants offense was able to come through miraculously when it mattered. The Pats D couldn’t hold out and broke. And Brady got beat-up. Simple as that, what an entertaining game.

I must say it is a great time in sports.

Watch some Winter X Games. Yes, plagued by judges. Still, it is damn fun.

Now I just have to go look into what’s going on in college hoops. March Madness is right around the corner. The Blue Devils and Tar Heels match-up this week, part of ESPN's Rivalry Week. I wish I could see it all. Check it out: www.uncvduke.com Good night.

Scrols

Ode to Hockey and More!

As we roll into all-star break for the National Hockey League, I must admit I still love this forgotten game. I was definitely was one of the "ney sayers" after the strike year, that followed the horrible Bertuzzi debacle; I was alittle disenchanted. And my interest hasn't gotten back to high level yet.

But I do love the game, and I enjoyed my days when I looked at the Thursday sports section to peruse the stat leaders where I would usually find Sakic, Foresburg, and Roy among the tops. And my first nostalgic memory of this lost game, where the players are men, not momma's boys, and they show class anytime (at least off the ice), returned to me when I listened to the radio as I drove into Manhattan. The New York Rangers won their game against the Atlanta Thrashers in an overtime shootout.

There were no shootouts when the Rangers captured the Stanley Cup in 1994. And tonight would have been an amazing night to be at the Garden. They retired Brian Leetch's number. Other Ranger Greats gathered before the game and Leetch honored them all, and was thankful to his great fans. NYC is a hockey town, at least for the white folks. I came to this conclusion cause I damn sure can't talk to anyone about Basketball, which means I don't have enough black friends. But this hockey town still has the enthusiasm and hope of 1994. Amazingly, when they won that long sought Stanley Cup I was just getting to know this game played on ice, and I watched rooting for Brian Leetch, Mark Messier, and crew. I rooted for them then, but in NHLPA '93 for Sega Genesis I played with Detroit, and I 've strayed focus here.

The point is, I gotta give hockey some love. And in NYC they are Hockey crazy. In Colorado, it should be too. Although the Avs have fallen in recent years, right now they are still in a "Fat Man Squeeze" type battle in the Northwest Division , and currently holding the eighth playoff spot. I really hope the Avs and Rangers (who have the eighth spot in the East) both make the playoffs, and then in the early summer, I can fill those long gaps between NBA playoff action with NHL playoffs.

Notes
Unbelievable results from the Australian Open! After 10 straight Grand Slam titles Roger Federer lost his semifinal match to the number 3 player in the world, Novak Djokovic. To top it all off he lost in straight sets! A disappointed Roger made a great point after the match, "I've created a monster that I need to win every tournament -- still the semifinals isn't bad." Federer has won a total of 13 major titles. "The Spaniard" Rafael Nedal also lost in the semifinals to the unranked Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. leaving us with an uninteresting final, or a very interesting final depending on how you look at it.

Glad to see the Nuggets fight out a tough win. Camby amazing! K-Mart good game. And our new offensive threat Linas Klezia! Or is his good play just making him trade bait? What a night for Atlanta's Josh Smith 22-12-10 a nice triple double.

Speaking of triple doubles. Jason Kidd leads the NBA by far with 10 triple doubles! He is third on the all-time list with 97. With just over 1000 games that gives him almost one in every ten. Ahead of him are Oscar Robertson (181) and Magic (138). For real sports dorks look at the break down: http://www.nba.com/features/kidd_tripledoubles.html

Super Bowl insanity here too! Go Giants! And Why oh why does ESPN insist on showing tabloid-paparazzi type videos of Tom Brady!!??? Damnit I hate those Patriots! They are too good.

Scrols

Sad Situation

The nuggets are in a tough spot. It is not an uncommon spot for teams in the NBA, but never the less as a fan it can be difficult to keep quite about it. Of course the Nuggets suffer from the NBA sickness of poor team chemistry, squelched by the scarcity of selfless play, but they also have had unfortunate injury problems. This can make it tough to cultivate that ever so fragile balance of ego and talent. But I do not want to make excuses for this team. No matter what you can put in the effort, play committed tough defense. We all know the talent is there, but every team has it right? Right? But with four highly talented players with health problems, that does bring me back to injuries.

As I watch while Iverson's struggles to sink shots, and keep his teammates interested I think of the grimicing face of Carmelo Anthony. The LA fans chant MVP for Kobe, and I think, "they're probably right." He finished with another 20 plus game, and put his stamp on the game with his double digit assists. And thanks to Derrek Fisher and Jordan Farmar playing like champs his unselfishness paid-off.

So now the poor old nuggets have to play with Von Wafer getting close to 10 playing minutes, and Allen forcing up shots because Linas Kleza's hot streak wore off quickly after is 41 point outburst in the win over Utah on Thursday. Camby showed amazing heart (as usual) but just can't put the sweet english on the ball you wish he could. His heart just isn't enough, he did all he could and finished with a double double for his 14ht this season. Now the name Carmelo Anthony will join its fellows, Nene, Chucky Atkins, and Kenyon Martin in the injury update box each and every day. And the only thing we Nuggets fans can think is, "Can't we just get a dose of that ever so scarce selfless-chemistry, and then...We would at least have that going for us". If this injury to Melo is anything serious or even long lasting, to even think of writing, championship contenders anytime soon, sure seems...well...ha ha.