Recapping TNT's Thrilling Double-Header

Heat 105, Spurs 100
     You were probably confused if you started watching this one from the opening tip. No Tim Duncan or Tony Parker in the starting lineup and Manu Ginobli was also nowhere to be found. Minutes later we heard that coach Gregg Popovich had made the decision in advance to fly home Duncan, Parker, Ginobli, and Danny Green, essentially the Spurs four best healthy players. Popovich has done this sort of thing before. After all, this was the final game of an 11-day road trip and the Spurs have to host the Grizzlies Saturday night. But a nationally televised game against the Heat was a huge letdown on paper, and before halftime, David Stern announced that San Antonio will face substantial sanctions for resting their stars.
     Fortunately for fans and TNT, this game proved to be close and competitive until the end. Miami did play down the the Spurs B-Team, and if not for LeBron's final-minute heroics, San Antonio steals this one. While a loss could have been forgivable for the defending champs, imagine the hysteria if they dropped this game last season. But by now, you know the rest. LeBron found Ray Allen on the wing, and he hit an open three to seal the deal. Resting Duncan & Co. may have been Popovich's way of getting back at the league for giving San Antonio a grueling road trip over Thanksgiving. Whatever action Stern takes here will be unprecedented. He wants his league to be of the highest-quality and it is, but there's no way of knowing yet what sanctions San Antonio will face for this decision.

Warriors 106, Nuggets 105
     This was a supremely entertaining second half that featured two of the league's youngest and fastest teams. The Warriors needed 31 points from David Lee, his best game of the season, as well as strong efforts from Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Jarrett Jack to pull this win out. In the end, Golden State shot 51% and that was enough to overcome a string of questionable calls in the final minute.
     On a rare night when the Nuggets shot free-throws well, they still couldn't get key stops in the fourth quarter. Danilo Gallinari and Andre Iguodala lead the way for Denver, with 20 and 22 points. Denver hung in this one mainly because of Kenneth Faried's ability to cause extra offensive possessions. The intrigue in this game is the sequence of the final five seconds, that featured four long replay look by the referees and took about 5 minutes in real time.                              
     It started with the Nuggets down three. With a foul to give and the clock just under five seconds, Jack fouled Iguodala just before the act of shooting. However, the refs incorrectly called a shooting foul. Since Iguodala was beyond three, he received three shots. He made the first two, then bricked the third. The ball came off the rim hard and last touched Draymond Green of the Warriors. With 2.1 seconds left, the Nuggets tried a bizarre lob play that bounced in front of the rim and looked to have been touched last by Ty Lawson. The refs looked at a replay and declared Nuggets ball with 0.5 seconds left.  Inbounding the ball from the corner, Andre Miller found Iguodala cross-court  for a three as time expired. Iggy swished it but, was about 0.2 seconds late and the Warriors held on for a one-point win. Warriors coach Mark Jackson had been steaming at times late, but was glad the replay system got it right in the end.
     This game had everything to be the typical NBA thriller. Two young, exciting teams. Nationally televised, but late enough to be seen by a limited audience. And of course, multiple head-scratching decisions by the officials. What else can you ask for?

   
 
 
 

Breaking Down the Brawl in Boston

Just days after the Nets played the Knicks in what looked like the start of a good Eastern Conference rivalry, the Nets and Celtics went at it last night. The Nets won by 12, but that't not the story. Rajon Rondo, Kris Humphries and Gerald Wallace were all ejected in the second quarter after Humphries fouled Kevin Garnett hard, sending him to the ground. These two teams, along with the Knicks will compete for the Atlantic Divisional title. Here's why this brawl is only the start of a tough rivalry.
 
Celtic Pride vs. Brooklyn Swag
The Garnett era in Boston has been characterized by pride and toughness. He, along with Rondo and Paul Pierce, are extremely competitive and will not back down. However, the Celtics don't really have that tough big man for these situations. Even coach Doc Rivers called them soft. Brooklyn has its cool owners and nice new arena. They are an appealing franchise now and their games against the Celtics this season will show what kind of team they will be during the Deron Williams/Joe Johnson era.

The Point Guards
Rondo is absolutely no stranger to rivalries of any kind. Besides Boston's rivalry with Miami, Rondo has been involved in high-profile altercations with Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul. One of the chippiest players in the league, Rondo has never been a referee's favorite. Just ask Marc Davis. Williams hasn't been in a really intense rivalry before, but that will change this year. Playing in Brooklyn, more eyes will be on him. He is the best player on the Nets and will likely be the central focus in competitive games like this. With Rondo and Williams being two of the top-five point guards in the NBA, their paths will cross multiple times as this rivalry moves forward.

Scars, Emotional and Physical
Paul Pierce may still be icing his ankles today after Joe Johnson put the moves on him. While Pierce has lost a step defensively, this was still embarrassing. As you can see from the video, Celtics Jeff Green and Courtney Lee looked shell-shocked after seeing Johnson's little shake n' bake. Pierce will recover soon, but the same cannot be said for Humphries. He tweeted this picture showing his battle wounds (courtesy of Rondo) from the scuffle.

This mini brawl was great for the league. No one was hurt and it didn't get out of hand. It was just two good teams going at it and playing to win. Fights happen when teammates have each other's back. It just so happens that the Celtics and Nets play next on Christmas Day in front of a national audience. With plenty of fuel in the fire now, expect a tough and hotly contested game as these teams exchange the gifts of bumps and bruises.

The Lakers...Still Waiting

     Since Mike D'Antoni joined the sidelines on November 20th, the Lakers are 2-3 and Steve Nash can't seem to return soon enough. The popular opinion is that Nash's return and reunion with D'Antoni will bring automatic success, but with three stars on the court, the Lakers should be better than 2-3. Right?
     We're just looking at the five games with D'Antoni here, but  first, some very interesting statistics are found in the Lakers entire 7-8 season so far. For example, the Lakers have had the leading scorer in every single game they have played this year. Now this is nothing new for a team with Kobe Bryant, but still, a team with the leading scorer every game should be winning more often. Also, they have had the leading rebounder in all but two games. The immediate thought is to think Dwight Howard, but more than half of Lakers games have seen someone other than Howard lead the team in rebounds.
     When L.A. hired D'Antoni, everyone figured the scoring average would make a significant jump up. Scoring has not changed much. In fact, it has dropped one point and the Lakers are in the middle of the pack in terms of scoring average.
     Few things look different with D'Antoni on the sidelines. Kobe still takes a ton of contested shots. He will always score, but that in no way translates to wins. Howard has one double-double under D'Antoni and is still not close to 100 percent. Pau Gasol is still finding his place (sound familiar?). While D'Antoni insists that there is a role for him, trade rumors will be swirling around his name until the Lakers are well above .500. Role players Antawn Jamison and Metta World Peace have stepped up of late, but the bench is still weak overall.
     Finally, the one position that flourishes under D'Antoni, point guard, has done little if anything. While it's true that Darius Morris is not of starter quality, you would think that he'd have more than one double-digit scoring effort under D'Antoni. After all, the guy did made consistent scorers out of Raymond Felton and Jeremy Lin.
     Laker fans say the season won't until Steve Nash (or even Steve Blake for that matter) is back in the lineup. But pretty soon it will be Christmas Day and more eyes will be on the NBA. While Nash and Blake both have the three-point shooting ability to run D'Antoni's point, they are both old and fast breaks may not be all that fast with them. Nash-D'Antoni is one of the great player and coach combos in recent years, and the Lakers have to hope that the two can pick up where they left off in Phoenix.
     In the next nine days, the Lakers have games against Denver, Houston and Oklahoma City, three high scoring teams. The Lakers will have to execute offensively to beat these teams and we will have a better idea of their potential under D'Antoni after that stretch. It was said that D'Antoni's Lakers would be the most entertaining Lake Show since Shaqobe or even Showtime. Well they are not there yet and patience is not a luxury that this Lakers organization has.     

Can They Keep It Up?

Five Veterans Who Are Putting Up the Best Numbers of Their Career

Rudy Gay
Gay has always been a good player, but this year is playing like an All-Star. His 20.1 PPG is on par with his career high from 2008 , but his contributions mean more now that the Grizz are winning. The chances of Gay keeping up this production is very high because he's been playing at this level for five years now. Through about a dozen games, the Grizzlies are the NBA's best team, and Gay has been their best player.


O.J. Mayo
A talented scorer, Mayo disappeared in Memphis's offense the last two years, after he started his career with two seasons scoring 18 PPG. He got a much needed change of scenery in Dallas, and his numbers have bounced back and then some. On a Dirk-less Mavs team, Mayo has assumed the go-to-guy role and has thrived. He is scoring 21.5 PPG and shooting the best percentage of his career, especially from three. Mayo needs the ball and never fit in on a crowded Grizzlies team, but he is proving that he can justify his third overall draft selection when given chances to score.

Nicolas Batum
Batum's scoring average is up five points from his career-high, but the numbers are not all that shocking. He is playing 38 minutes, seven more than his career-high. His shooting is on pace with his career numbers, but impressively, both his assists and rebounds are up. Damian Lillard may be the main reason for Batum's breakout. Lillard has added an explosive element to Portland's offense. Also, the struggles of LaMarcus Aldridge has forced other Blazers to step up, and Batum's done a fine job.

Ramon Sessions
Playing for his fifth team since 2009, Sessions had played his best basketball when he started games. So it's surprising that Sessions is succeeding in a sixth man role with the Bobcats. He is averaging 17.1 PPG and 3.8 RPG, both career highs. Sessions has excelled coming off the bench and helping out Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist in Charlotte. Sessions's improved play is a nice surprise for MJ, but the biggest surprise is that his Cats are above .500.

Jamal Crawford
It's nothing new to see Crawford play well off the bench, but after two below average seasons, Crawford is now with the Clippers and out to reclaim his Sixth Man of the Year Award that he won in 2009. He is shooting the highest clip of his career (save for his sophomore season with the Bulls) and is the leading scorer on a title contender. He is automatic at the line shooting .934 on 61 attempts and leads the league in fourth quarter scoring. Clipper fans love Crawford (especially his crazy dribble routine) and he is a very valuable scoring option off the bench.

Top 5 Rookies After One Month

Almost a month into the NBA season, a Rookie of the Year race is tight and an All-Rookie Team is shaping up. While Alexey Shved has been effective for the Wolves filling in for their injured guards, he is the only top undrafted rookie. As of now, our rookie top five is made up of players who were all very high draftees.

1. Damian Lillard
Lillard got off to a fast start when he lead an upset of the Lakers in his NBA debut. He scored 22 points that night and hasn't looked back. He currently leads all rookies at 19.6 PPG to go along with his 5.8 APG. Lillard looks like Kyire Irving last year, but with more talent around him. Portland is hardly a playoff team, but that's because there is a lack of depth. Lillard is the playmaker for Lamarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum and he certainly can score in this league. In a small sample of 11 games, he is the Rookie of the Year frontrunner.

2. Anthony Davis
Though missing four games with a concussion and then a foot injury isn't the best start to Davis's rookie campaign, his talent is evident. The number one pick is leads all rookies with 8.3 RPG and is second with 16.0 PPG. Davis gives the Hornets a star to build around and his shot-blocking ability and shooting touch show why he is such a rare prospect.

3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Like he did on Kentucky last year, MKG is quietly doing everything to help the Bobcats win this year. Aside from Kemba Walker's improvement, Kidd-Gilchrist's presence is the reason Charlotte is having a turnaround. He is shooting a nice percentage and ranks second on his team in PER. At 12 points and 7 boards per game, MKG is showing why Charlotte made the right choice in picking him number two overall.

4. Harrison Barnes
The Warriors are winning this year and Barnes fits right into their mold. He is a good shooter who has played a big part in starting for one of the better offensive teams in the West. Opposite Klay Thompson on the wing, Barnes knocks down open shots and is a smart, team player that the Dubs are happy to have. The Warriors fate may rest on the ankles of Stephen Curry, but Barnes is certainly a contributor for this exciting young team.

5. Dion Waiters
Cleveland is a struggling team, but that hasn't stopped Waiters from showcasing his scoring ability. While not a great shooter, Waiters is a strong guard who can create his own shot. It's Irving's team, but Waiters will need to step up now with their point guard out a month. The low PER indicates that he needs to expand his game, but the Cavs look like they have solidified their backcourt with Waiters.

First Wave of Injuries Arrives

The other day we looked at three players who have not played this season. Today we look at three guys who won't play for a month. The Spurs lost swingman Stephen Jackson after he broke his pinkie finger last night against the Clips. He's out 4-6 weeks. While San Antonio can afford to miss Jackson, the Cavs are not so lucky. Star point guard Kyrie Irving has a broken index finger and he will miss a month. Last, Brandon Roy will miss a month as he needs knee surgery, further adding to the Wolves injury woes.

Spurs Will Be Fine
Jackson's injury came after he was starting for the injured Kawhi Leonard. The Spurs will be on their thrid string small forward, but Gregg Popovich's team should weather the storm. It may mean starting Manu Ginobli and giving him and Danny Green more minutes, but a month from now, San Antonio will still be a top-four team out West and back to full strength. We all know the Spurs are old. But Tim Duncan is off to a great start and no one is doubting them as contenders.

Kyrie Irving Injury Prone
He only played 11 games at Duke. He missed 15 games last season. He broke his hand slapping a padded wall this summer. And now Kyrie Irving has a broken index finger. This guy needs to stay healthy. He is a young star who will receive max money for his next contract, but continued injuries will keep him off a list that includes Rose and Westbrook. Irving's Cavs have struggled this year, but he has not. He was up to 23 points a game and looked poised to be an All-Star. Cleveland is not a playoff team and this absence will likely help the progression of rookie Dion Waiters. But Cavs fans really don't want to see the face of the franchise miss further time now as injuries have become a problem for Irving.

The Sad Saga of Brandon Roy
If it seems like a whole career ago that Brandon Roy won rookie of the year and made three all-star games, that's because it was. Roy had a nice preseason with the Wolves after unretiring, but his latest injury may indicate that his degenerative knees are still a major problem. Roy may never be the player he was early on in Portland, but every NBA fan still wants to see him on the court. He'e likely to miss a month now and maybe more as he recovers from yet another knee surgery.

Awaiting the Returns of Bynum, Rubio and White

Andrew Bynum, Ricky Rubio and Royce White are not the only players yet to play this year. But their stories have drawn the most interest because all three are headed in opposite directions. Whether it's a rising star looking to return to form after a severe injury (Rubio). An established player whose latest ailments are causing concern for his new team (Bynum). Or a rookie who's unique situation may be a long way from being figured out (White). These stories have drawn more attention than the recoveries of high-profile stars like John Wall and Kevin Love. Here's why. 

Ricky Rubio Starts Practice

The Timberwolves 5-4 start has been nice for fans who picked this team to sneak in the playoffs, but the best of this team looks to be coming within the next month. Ricky Rubio started light practice today and could be on the floor before Christmas Day if his recovery stays on track. Rubio suffered a torn ACL last March that has kept him sidelined this season. The Wolves also practiced with Kevin Love today and they expect him to be on the court in two weeks as he recovers from a broken hand he suffered in preseason. Rubio and Love were the pulse of the Wolves last year and their progress (especially Rubio's) has to be a delight for a team that had such promise entering the year.  

Andrew Bynum vs. His Knees

The Sixers knew they were taking a risk by acquiring Bynum, and so far, the risk has not paid off. His latest knee issue comes after he went bowling on Saturday. Apparently a night at the lanes resulted in inflammation in his left knee. Bynum's year, as usual, has been marred by knee injuries. Between the bruising, soreness and inflammation, Bynum as been known only for his hair this season as he watches Sixers games in street clothes. The timetable was early January, but that's unclear now. The last thing Philly will want to do is play it safe and sit him all year though, becuase they would love to see their franchise center on the court...and soon. 

Royce White Says "No Flight"

Royce White has threatened to walk away from the NBA as he and the Rockets are at odds in discussing how the team will help with his anxiety disorder. White, the 16th overall pick, has yet to report for any team activities since the regular season began. This situation is unprecedented and it appears that both sides are in a standoff. White says he will not compromise his health for business and the Rockets have not backed down and will continue to fine White if he stays absent from team activities. Houston has arranged for therapy sessions, but White has skipped those as well. This is a messy situation that looks to stay unresolved unless one side makes major concessions.    

Wednesday Night Recap

Wednesday night in the NBA was a slate of 10 games that featured the Pistons getting their first win and James Harden getting back on track in a win over the Hornets, but here are four games that really stood out after a busy night in the association.

Grizzlies 107, Thunder 97
The Thunder had a 10 point lead after one, but it was all Memphis from there. Rudy Gay proved to be sensational down the stretch, scoring 28 and always keeping the Thunder from making this one really close. This win gives the Grizzlies six straight and they are now the hottest team outside of New York. They did it all without Marc Gasol and Mike Conley having their best games, but Zach Randolph, Quincy Pondexter and Jerryd Bayless all chipped in to help Gay hold off OKC. The Thunder got 34 from Kevin Durant and 17 from Serge Ibaka, but Russell Westbrook and Kevin Martin really struggled shooting. In a game that could easily be a playoff preview in the West, the Grizzlies have to feel great that they were able to win one in OKC.

Bobcats 89, Timberwolves 87
Kemba Walker relived his college days for a night when he hit a game-winner with 0.7 seconds left that was eerily similar to his signature shot at Connecticut. This win moves the Bobcats to 4-3, giving them their first three-game winning streak in almost two years. Minnesota did not have their best team on the court. Six of their top seven players were injured, leaving only Andrei Kirilenko and Luke Ridnour to carry the load. For Charlotte, they have to like how this season has started. Kemba Walker is up to 19 points a game and they are playing much more inspired ball than they ever did last year.

Bulls 112, Suns 106 in OT
The Bulls blew an 18 point lead in this one, but were able to fight off the Suns in overtime. Carlos Boozer lead the way with 28 points and 14 boards, and Joakim Noah and Luol Dend each had 21. The Suns rallied from 14 down in the fourth, lead by Luis Scola's 24-14 night and Sebastian Telfair scoring 17 off the bench. The talent of Chicago was too much for the Suns in OT and they have now won four straight out in the desert.

Clippers 107, Heat 100
The Clippers got a huge win last night and have now beaten the Heat, Lakers and Spurs. Jamal Crawford continued his stellar play off the bench with 22 points, Blake Griffin had 20 points with 14 rebounds and Chris Paul had an efficient 16 points and 10 assists. Only LeBron really showed up for Miami in this one. He had 30 points and almost outscored the rest of his starting lineup. Chris Bosh was dismal with 11 points on 3-13 shooting and Dwyane Wade was even worse with only six points. After a few big wins, this could have been a letdown for the Clips, but they showed a national audience that they are contenders in the West. This ended as a seven point game, but it felt more like 17 as the Clippers bench put away the Heat early in the fourth quarter.

Lakers Hire Mike D'Antoni

Unless you have been ignoring the NBA for the last four days, you know that Mike D'Antoni is the Lakers new coach. While I agree with most NBA experts that this is a good hire, there are some questions around the decision. Here are the answers to some of those:

Why not Phil?
The biggest question is why the Lakers did not bring back Phil Jackson after he seemed certain to take the job. First off, money. Jackson would have cost around $20 million to coach for two years. He wanted to bring in his own assistants, which means that L.A. would have to pay the new guys as well as their old assistants. In contrast, D'Antoni is getting $3 million a year over the next three years, with an option for a fourth. Also, Jackson had other demands. He wanted to not attend certain road trips and he wanted veto power over all front office decisions. Last, it seemed like the Zen Master was a little checked out in their 2011 playoff flop. While Jim Buss's ego may be a partial reason the Jackson won't be on the sidelines, I think that GM Mitch Kupchak looked at the roster and saw that D'Antoni is a good fit to win now, even if Jackson had the fan support. Sometimes decisions like these are all about basketball reasons.

How will D'Antoni's presence affect the four stars?
The obvious player who loves this hire is Steve Nash. He thrived with D'Antoni in Phoenix and their reunion will be a welcome one. Nash is the table setter here and it is best that he orchestrate an offense that he is comfortable in. Under this system, there's no reason Dwight Howard shouldn't play the best ball of his career. Howard is the most dominant center and he will be involved in an unstoppable pick-and-roll once he gets a handle on the offense. We all saw Stoudemire's apex in Phoenix and Howard's is coming now that he has the right coach and players around him. Pau Gasol will see many an open mid-range shot now. With the floor spread, and Nash and Howard doing their thing, Gasol will get the shots he wants without having to be all that strong in the paint. His passing ability will be an underrated part of this new offense that will create better shots for all his teammates. Sorry Mamba, saved you for last. Kobe is such a great player that he can fit in just about any system. We have seen him lead an Olympic team full of stars. He has been a 35+ point scorer and he has cut back shots for the benefit of winning championships. Kobe knows that this is the core of his last run, and his intensity will carry the Lakers late in games. He will still be the leading scorer in this new offense and there should be plenty more easy baskets coming his way now.

Defense?
It is widely accepted that D'Antoni is an offensive coach. So how will he fix a Lakers defense that has been struggling. Well, that is why they have Howard. He might be the biggest defensive game-changer and as he gets fully healthy, his dominance will be apparent. Although teams with a high-scoring point guard will be problematic, the Lakers defense will get better as the team jells and with D'Antoni, this team should be more inspired on both sided of the court.

Mike D'Antoni will be on the Laker sidelines within the next few games and only time will tell how he fits as their coach. On paper this is an improvement and the Lakers will be more competitive and certainly more entertaining. Mike Brown was not the right man for the job, but if D'Antoni can live up to the Lake Show's historically lofty expectations, he will prove that he is one of the best NBA coaches of this era.

 

Alternate Uniform Countdown Part 2

Of the 26 teams that have alternate uniforms, we have made it through half of them. Here is the top half, numbers 13-1. Enjoy.

13. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks rep their city with these cool red unis. The huge ATL lettering fits this team and these uniforms have been worn on the road in the playoffs the past two years. They followed in the Sun's footsteps with these and Josh Smith and the Hawks have now passed up Phoenix in the uniform category.

12. Boston Celtics
Boston is a franchise that may be too old-school for an alternate uniform, but this one works well. The black is cool and adds a third color to the mix. They may not be worn very often, but fans appreciate seeing the C's rock a more modern look once in a while.

 11. Orlando Magic
 The Magic's alternates are now three seasons old and have become a hit. The Shaq-Penny era meets today's team with these unis. The striping pattern looks better on the black jerseys than on the road blues too. Dwight's not around anymore to wear these, so the Magic are another well-dressed, lottery-bound team.

 10. Portland Trail Blazers
 Small changes made this season have improved the quality of Portland's alternates. The round, simpler number and letter design are an upgrade over the completely standard reds they used to have. With Damian Lillard, Portland is all about fresh changes this year and these jerseys are a change for the good.

9. Utah Jazz
The Jazz adopted this green third jersey last year as a further homage to their New Orleans colors. The dark green looks cooler on the road than  purple and a well-designed throwback will always be a hit. The new Jazz uniforms were well-received when they debuted a few years ago and these greens are the best of their three unis.

 8. Los Angeles Clippers
 New this season, these blue Clippers uniforms work very well for a standard third jersey. The blue Clips uni looks better this time around than the red-lacking jerseys of the Baron Davis era. Of course, it always helps a uniform's quality when it's being worn by Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.

7. Houston Rockets
One of the rare same base-color third jerseys, this works as a alternate-throwback hybrid. The yellow down the sides reminds Houston fans of the days of Hakeem the Dream. The cool slanted font and logo on the shorts keep the modern look.

6. Miami Heat
Miami has a few alternates now, but these reds are the main ones. It is a cool switch from the black and the Heat wear these regularly during road playoff games. The Miami is a nice small change in the front. Any uniform worn by the King will be popular and these reds are the Heat's best look on the road.

 5. Chicago Bulls
While they may not be as ground-breaking as the Jordan-era black unis, Bulls     fans love when they bust out these on the road. Like Miami, the Bulls change the front by repping their city. In the all black, these unis make D-Rose look just a little bit faster than he already is.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves
Last year people started paying attention to the Wolves and they noticed these cool black unis. The blue piping positively accents the uniform and these are by far Minnesota's premier jerseys. With Love and Rubio coming back soon, expect the Wolves to wear these more as their stars return.

3. Los Angeles Lakers 
For almost a decade now, the Lakers have worn these whites at home on Sundays and Christmas. While the Lakers famously hold the distinction of being the only team to regularly wear a home color, thy hit big on the white jerseys. They look so clean on game day when Kobe is hitting clutch shots. Jack Nicholson definitrly approves. 

2. Denver Nuggets
These brand new unis definitely shock. They are the most polarizing uniforms to hit the NBA in a while, that's for sure. The beautiful mountains and blue rainbow are the best part of this jersey. The Nuggets are among the league's most entertaining teams and these unis only make them more fun to watch. This is a classic high risk, high reward uniform.

1. New Orleans Hornets
Well I said yellow was trending in the NBA, and nothing beats it on the Hornets alternates. The teal and purple piping is a great compliment to this cool Nawlins gold. Everything just works here. The color and style of the numbers and letters is perfect. The pinstripes are a classic addition to pay homage to Charlotte. What separates these from the pack though is the NOLA. It gives these uniforms the hometown shout out that New Orleans deserves.




That is our uniform countdown. Hope you enjoyed it. Stay posted for the next article on how Mike D'Antoni will fit in L.A.
  

Alternate Uniform Countdown

For the past couple of years, alternate uniforms have become more popular in the NBA. This year, there are many new ones being introduced and it is the appropriate time to rank them. The only teams that do not carry a third jersey are the Bobcats, Nets, Wizards, and Warriors. While some teams have multiple alternates, only one the one worn most commonly will be considered. Today we countdown from 26 to 14. Enjoy.

26. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs have been good for a long time, and their uniforms as well. That's why it was shocking when they brought out these disgusting new alternates this year. The off-center number in the front and that over-sized logo just makes this whole uniform a mess. There was no way Duncan, Parker or Ginobli wanted to be seen in these. Which is probably why young guys Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard got stuck unveiling these dreaded uniforms. 

25. Sacramento Kings

The Kings have long been bad and so has their style. The black third jerseys that started last year are just not good. Between the stripes on the shorts, off-center number and funky Kings script, these are as much of an eyesore as the Kings themselves. Sad thing is that they are better than those purple road unis they regularly wear. 

24. Oklahoma City Thunder
The long anticipated Thunder third jerseys debuted this year and are a complete flop. The navy and white is too plain and the vertical Thunder down the side is unusual. Everyone wanted to see the Thunder rock an orange OKC jersey this year, but unfortunately this very good team will have very bad alternate unis. 

23. New York Knicks

The orange Knicks jersey, set for Christmas Day, will not be much of a gift to anyone. The Knicks, who made nice improvements in their uniforms this year, really strike out with this over-the-top mess. Just way too much of one very bright color here. It's just not good when a uniform will cause people to check the contrast on their TV.

 22. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs alternates were unveiled last season and they are kind of a combination of recent Mavs uniforms. Not too different from anything they have done recently, but the Mavs script is ugly. These unis won't cause anyone to look twice and are average at best. 

21. Detroit Pistons

Another average uniform here. The Pistons just switched up the red and blue from their road kit to form this alternate. The red is a nice change of pace for this struggling team. Detroit has rocked this uni for a while now and it just doesn't have the creativity that fans want in a third jersey. 

20. Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks complete a set of Christmas colors with these plain red unis. Not a lot going on here, but the over-sized letters to begin and end Milwaukee are peculiar. The red looks nice compared to that weird Bucks green, but overall these uniforms look bare and unfinished. 

19. Memphis Grizzlies

The light blue is a nice change for a third jersey, but there is just too much blue overall here. The navy comes in weird spots and the color doesn't always fit the tough style of Grizzlies basketball. They would benefit from using a little more white, but these uniforms aren't too bad. 

18. Indiana Pacers

Yellow has been a popular trend lately in the NBA, but Indiana's don't seem to work as well as the other teams. It's a standard third uni, with yellow and blue changing places. They look better at home, when contrasted with an opponent's dark jersey. These are pretty average overall. Much like the Pacers themselves. 

17. Philadelphia 76ers

The blue is new this year in Philly. These pay tribute to the classic Dr. J teams and are a nice change from the red and white. It was time to adopt a third jersey, and the Sixers played it safe in doing so. The one gripe here is that all three Sixers unis are exactly the same, with only the color changing.

16. Phoenix Suns

When Nash, Stoudemire, Marion and Co. first came out in these, they were awesome. But these uniforms have faded as the Suns have fallen out of relevance. The orange and gray together is a cool upgrade over the purple, but these unis are stale now. A change is rumored for next season.

15. Toronto Raptors
Another standard third uniform, the black looks cool when the Raptors go on the road. Unfortunately Toronto has been bad for so long that, unless DeMar DeRozan is in a dunk contest, no one can see the Raptos nice third uniforms.

14. Cleveland Cavaliers
Sometimes a simple scheme can do wonders. The Cavs wore nine alternates in the LeBron era, but these new ketchup and mustard unis will serve as this year's home alternate. The huge Cavs lettering works and Cleveland rides the NBA's yellow momentum with these quality new jerseys.

The 12 Greatest Nicknames in NBA History

Few lists are more difficult to narrow down, but after sorting through hundreds of great NBA nicknames, a an elite company emerges. The only criteria for this list is that a player must be out of the league. Nicknames get better with age and most of the great one were not born overnight. 

12. Brian "The White Mamba" Scalabrine

Without a doubt the worst player on this list, Scalabrine's nickname was invented by Bulls color man Stacey King in 2011. Known as one of the great chemists in NBA history, The White Mamba was a fan favorite in Boston and Chicago. No player has ever gotten more 'MVP' chants in garbage time than Scalabrine. 

11. Gary "The Glove" Payton

A well deserved nickname, Payton is the best defensive point guard of all-time. Known for his suffocating perimeter defense, he wrapped up the other team's leading scorer. Just like a glove. What also made The Glove great was his trash talk. He talked the talk and walked the walk. Payton sums up the 90's NBA. He had a great nickname. He played tough D. He was a great trash talker. And he couldn't beat Jordan. Maybe he'd like to forget that last one. 

10. Jerry "The Logo" West

The first great Laker, West brought all-around intensity which helped the league as a whole. His nickname comes from the NBA logo which bears his silhouette. In 1969, the NBA boosted its image by creating an official logo using one of the league's star players. West's famous photo of dribbling left has stuck ever since. West is long retired but will always be known as The Logo. 

9. Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon

The smoothest big man there ever was, the Dream was the most fundamentally sound center of all-time. With his perfect footwork and Dream Shake move, Hakeem was a coach's and teammate's dream. He may not have played with the dominance of Shaq, but the Dream was easily the most versatile center in the 90's. He also received Jordan's ringing endorsement as the center he'd most like to play with. Maybe it helped that MJ saw him win two championships and an MVP during his baseball hiatus. 

8. Karl "The Mailman" Malone

Malone delivered the ball to the hoop almost more than anyone. He ranks second in NBA history in points scored. Assisted by longtime pal John Stockton, the two formed one of the most formidable dish and dunk duos ever. With his raw power, no one could stop Malone when he neared the basket. He truly was the Mailman, always consistent and right on time. 

7. Allen "The Answer" Iverson

When he burst onto the scene in 2001, the league had never seen anything like Allen Iverson. He was flamboyant, volatile and cocky. People loved it. Iverson carried a Sixers franchise back to relevance and became The Answer on the court. What Iverson did in the NBA is so impressive considering his lack of size at 6'0". The Answer will forever be a Philly sports legend. 

6. Shawn "Reign Man" Kemp

In the rainy city of Seattle, Shawn Kemp soared over opponents with thunderous dunks that shook the old Key Arena. The Reign Man's athleticism reigned supreme. His skills were helped by Gary Payton's ability to find Kemp and feed him the rock. A complete force in Seattle. This is all you need to know about Reign Man.

5. David "The Admiral" Robinson

The greatest basketball player ever to come from the Naval Academy, The Admiral is an appropriate name for Robinson. One of the two legendary Spurs, Robinson was the franchise for most of the 90's. He won two championship with Tim Duncan and the two formed one of the great duel nicknames of all-time, "The Twin Towers." Since he actually did serve as a Naval officer before playing in the NBA, it's hard to dislike The Admiral as a guy and as a nickname. 

4. Darryl "Chocolate Thunder" Dawkins

Chocolate Thunder is a great nickname to begin with, but it's even better when you know that it was given by Stevie Wonder. Dawkins was a good, not great player, but he was one of the NBA's first great power dunkers. Everyone cleared when Dawkins gained a full head of steam. This is how you get the nickname Chocolate Thunder. Stevie couldn't have said it better. 

3. Shaquille O'Neal

Where are the quotes? It's hard to fit just one nickname in there for Shaq, so here are a bunch he has gone by over the years. The Diesel, Shaq Fu, The Big Daddy, The Big Aristotle, The Big Cactus, The Big Shaqtus, The Big Shamrock, Wilt Chamberneezy, and Superman. Shaq is a big man with a bigger personality. His dominance of the early 2000's was unlike anything the league had ever witnessed. When you're as good as Shaq was, it's okay to give yourself a dozen nicknames.  

2. Michael "Air" Jordan

Weird to see MJ number two on any NBA list, but here he stands. His Airness is the greatest player there ever was and he soared where no one has. The highlight films of Jordan cause goose bumps for every basketball fan. Whether you prefer his dunk contests or is in-game heroics, such as the switch layup, Jordan had an extra jump in his step. Air Jordan is a whole brand and is not going anywhere. NBA players in 20 years would not have seen Air Jordan play, but they will probably be wearing his shoes. 

1. Earvin "Magic" Johnson

How do you become number one on this list? Try having a nickname so perfect that it becomes your actual name. Everybody knows Magic, you won't hear anyone say Earvin Johnson. It started in high school, such a gifted passer that it was like "magic". The name stuck with him in Michigan State and the Lakers and Magic now has his statue outside the Staples Center in L.A. He was a 6'9" point guard who won three MVP awards and five championships. What Magic could do with a basketball was legendary. 

So that's the list. Hope you don't totally disagree. Another list starts tomorrow when we countdown the best alternate uniforms in the NBA. 

 

Which NBA Nickname Reigns Supreme?

Spoiler Alert: Metta World Peace is not on this list. For every great player, there's twice as many great nicknames. That's why this is divided into two sections. First, there is the top five best nicknames of current NBA players. Of course, it helps to be a great player, but you don't have to be. Enjoy. 

Top 5 Nicknames of Current NBA Players

5. Kevin "Durantula" Durant

A silky smooth, tall and skinny guy like Kevin Durant is a good fit for this quality nickname. He can pull up and shoot from anywhere, and won't hesitate to attack a team with so many clutch shots that he eventually can bury opponents. Durantula is a fairly young nickname, but he is already a superhero, as seen in Nike's Air Alliance commercial. Durant will be great for a long time and his nickname will be too. 

4. Paul "The Truth" Pierce 

As a young player, Pierce was known as the best player on a decent Celtics team. But Shaq, the master of NBA nicknames, changed that. After an epic game by Pierce, Shaq crowned him the Truth. The name has stuck and so has Pierce. Winning a championship and Finals MVP in 2008, Pierce has climbed the ranks in historic Celtic lore. Few embrace the closing moments quite like Paul Pierce and when the game is tight, The Truth sets Boston free. 

3. LeBron "King James" James

Since his junior year of high school, everyone has known LeBron as King James. The most athletically gifted player in the NBA since he entered the league, James often looks like a King among men. His nickname has caused some critics, most notably Skip Bayless, but most of those critics disappeared when James won is first ring this summer. LeBron is the true king of the NBA right now and he finally has a crown in the form of an NBA trophy. 

2. Kevin "The Big Ticket" Garnett

The Big Ticket was the reason they were able to sell tickets in Minnesota. Still regarded as the greatest Timberwolves player ever, Garnett left for greener pastures in 2007. In Boston he still sells tickets, but he doesn't have to do it alone. This is such a fitting nickname because of Garnett's over-sized personality. Known as one the NBA's great trash talkers, Garnett will always be The Big Ticket. 

1. Kobe "The Black Mamba" Bryant

The most accomplished player in the league is also the owner of the best nickname. Kobe personifies his nickname. He is an assassin on the court. He can hit any shot late in a game and will crush the other team's psyche in doing so. Kobe even has the fang symbol and scaled shoes to go with his reptilian nickname. He may have lost a step at age 34, but Kobe is still among the most dangerous men with a basketball. He will strike at any time and is deadly clutch.  

Stay posted for the top 12 NBA nicknames of all-time. Coming soon!

The Five Tiers in the West

Through a week in the NBA season, a team can only develop so many identities. But there are five playoff teams in the West that fit identifies that rank that rank on a tier scale. Teams are sorted 1-5, regarding expectations. A 1 being the best and 5 being disappointing.

1. San Antonio Spurs
An undefeated team has to take the top spot, and who better than the Spurs? They have won the West regular season two years in a row and look primed to do it again. Tim Duncan continues to tell off Father Time and Tony Parker looks just as good as last year, hitting a game-winner against rival OKC. Kawhi Leonard looks great and the Spurs have done this without Ginobli being fully healthy. No team is more experienced or more disciplined and the Spurs have made a statement to begin the season.

2. Dallas Mavericks 
Without Dirk, Mavs fans had to have been worried to start the season. But after beating the Lakers on opening night, Dallas has surged to an impressive 3-1 record. All three wins have been blowouts too. Maybe this is just some Ewing Theory (see: Simmons, Bill) early on, but Rick Carlisle's Mavs team can beat anybody at full strength. O.J. Mayo is very talented and looks to be blossoming on a new team. Darren Collison has been aggressive this season, averaging a career-best 17 points per game. They took another blow today as Shawn Marion will miss a week, but for a team missing its star in Dirk and playing with so many new pieces, 3-1 is a great start.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder
If offseason decisions were criteria, OKC would be lower. But their play this season gets them a 3. Yes, they have the talent with Durant and Westbrook, but where's the Thunder magic? Durant's scoring is down to only 23 per-game so far, but his rebounds have been up to 14 a game. The problem has been more Westbrook's fault. He has been Westrbricking more often, only shooting 38% so far. He is taking more shots than Durant, something no Thunder fan wants to see. The brightest spot has been Kevin Martin. He has thrived in Harden's old role, averaging 20 points and shooting over 51%. Once they limit turnovers, the Thunder will be fine. No panic necessary.

4. Los Angeles Lakers
The most talked about team this year is still figuring it out. The Lake Show's only win came against the cellar-dwelling Pistons and no Laker fan will be happy until they reel off consecutive victories. Howard has looked good, but not fully healthy. Kobe and Gasol don't appear to be that much older. The problem has been the misuse of Steve Nash by coach Mike Brown. Nash is injured, so coaches will have time to figure out his role. More concerning had been the bench and Metta World Peace. Hill, Blake and Jamison need to fulfill their given minutes. World Peace looks lost at times and the Lakers may start looking for alternatives. We all know the talent is here, but the offense and defense both need to improve. Mike Brown needs to get answers fast or he may be jobless by Christmas.

5. Denver Nuggets
The low team on the totem pole is the surprisingly winless Nuggets. A tough loss vs. Miami is forgivable, but bad showings in Philly and Orlando are not. Denver was a sleeper pick in the West this year, but they have looked sluggish. McGee has given them nothing and Lawson has not started like he finished last season. They need to win their home-opener tonight vs. Detroit. The Nuggets are traditionally dominant at home and they need to hold court as they have a difficult schedule early on. Those who picked the Nuggets as a 2 or 3 seed may have exaggerated  but this is still a playoff team that is much better than 0-3.  

Lefty is Right: Harden and Jennings Win Players of the Week

     The NBA season is six days young, and the first player of the week awards have been handed out. James Harden winning it for the West surprises no one. His first week as a Rocket was nearly perfect. Brandon Jennings won it in the East, narrowly beating out stalwarts Carmelo and Bosh.
     Harden didn't need this award for his excellence to be realized. All eyes have been on him since his Rockets debut when he dropped 37 points in a win. With a career-high 45 as an encore and then (only) 24 in an overtime loss, Harden's 106 total points are the third most ever to start a season. It's hard to see him maintaining this torrid scoring pace, but it is great to see Harden be recognized as he was clearly the best player in the NBA last week. 
     Brandon Jennings only needed two games to be crowned player of the week. He lead the Bucks to an upset over the Celtics. Jennings had 21 points and 13 assists in that game. He followed that up with a clutch 13 point, 13 assist game against Cleveland that included a game-winning three as time expired. Milwaukee is 2-0 and Jennings is part of an entertaining backcourt for the upstart Bucks.

Saturday Night Thillers

Multiple NBA Games Come Down to the Wire

Heat 119, Nuggets 116

Chris Bosh dropped 40 points, his highest scoring total as a member of the Heat and Miami avoids losing two straight. Ray Allen hit six three-pointers, scoring 23. LeBron added 20, finishing one board shy of a triple-double. Denver had seven guys score double figures, with Faried and Iguodala leading the way with 22 each. Defenses never showed up for this one, as it was a 35-34 game after one quarter. The key play happened with six seconds left, Miami down three. LeBron found an open Allen, who hit a three while being fouled, converting the four-point play. Denver starts 0-3, but have not played a home game yet. George Karl's team is panicking as Denver is consistently one of the NBA's best teams at home. 

Pacer 106, Kings 98 in 2OT

The Kings are 0-3 after losing a tough one in Indiana. Both teams shot under 40%,but the superior Pacers were able to grind out a win with a balanced scoring attack. All five starters were in double figures. The Kings were lead by sixth man Marcus Thornton and his 26 points. Not the most entertaining double OT game, but the Pacers just hit shots when it mattered, something the Kings could not do. 

Blazer 95, Rockets 85 in OT

Harden and the Rockets were knocked down to Earth finally by Lillard, Aldridge and the Blazers. The Rockets only shot 35%, but had a chance to win it in regulation. Harden had isolation, but was well defended by Wesley Matthews, taking the game into overtime. In OT, Lillard scored 8 of his 20 points and the Blazers rolled. Aldridge lead all scorers with 27 points to go along with 11 rebounds. 

Nets 107, Raptors 100

Basketball in Brooklyn is off to a nice start after the Nets christened the Barclays Center with a win over Toronto. Brook Lopez lead the way with 27 points and Deron Williams added 19 and 9 assists. Lowry and DeRozan carried the Raptors, who played tough. The momentum in the crowd was too much though. With David Stern and Jay-Z in the stands, the Nets won one for Brooklyn and the rest of the Sandy victims. 

Bucks 105, Cavs 102

The thriller of the night took place in Milwaukee, with Brandon Jennings hitting a game-winning three as time expired. Kyrie Irving lead the Cavs with 27 points, including his lay up that tied the game with .07 seconds left. The Bucks got an unexpected effort from Mike Dunleavy, scoring 29 with 12 rebounds. Monta Ellis added 23 and Jennings had 13 for Milwaukee. The Bucks lead the East in scoring last season and are a very dangerous team on nights when Ellis and Jennings are clicking. 

Harden's Tear, Lakers Winless and Carmelo wins one for NYC

     If MVP voting was today, James Harden and his beard would win. As if his 37-12 debut wasn't enough, he followed it up with a a career-high 45 points in a win over the Hawks. Harden didn't need much time to do damage in OKC. In Houston, he's getting all the minutes, but he is not taking a ton of shots. Harden plays efficient basketball and he's been the best player in this very young season. 

     

     The 0-3 Lakers have Kobe panicking and news got worse today when Steve Nash got ruled out one week with a small fracture in his leg. Against the in-city rival Clippers, Howard and Gasol played poorly and the bench failed to show up for a third straight game. It starts with defense. The Lakers have allowed opponents to shoot over 50%. Mike Brown teams are prided on defense and he needs to find a system that works with a less than perfect Howard. World Peace has looked awful this year, and the Lakers may need to bring in outside talent. But if nothing else, Kobe looks destined to make another run at a scoring title. 

     Carmelo began with a speech to an emotional Garden crowd and seconded that act with a 16-point first quarter. He finished with 30 points and 10 rebounds on the way to a blowout win over the Heat. He was helped by 19 made three-pointers. The Knicks jumped ahead via Carmelo's huge first quarter and coasted from there on the strength of three balls from Kidd, Felton and Novak. The Heat aren't panicking. New York needed this one more for their city and to set a tone for their season.    

Award Predicitons

MVP: Kevin Durant 

An MVP trophy is the next logical step for Durant. He is the league's best scorer and he will take control of the Thunder this year. In Harden's absence, he will take over fourth quarters and end any debate about Westbrook being the guy. He and LeBron will have similar seasons, but the expectations for KD are slightly lower. Voters get tired of seeing the same MVP every year (Jordan). That will allow Durant to squeak out a majority of votes. 

Challengers: LeBron James and Chris Paul

Rookie of the Year: Anthony Davis

It is completely his award to lose. He is the best rookie by a wide margin. Already the best player on a decent Hornets team, Davis will likely lead them in points, rebounds and blocks. Damian Lillard and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are very talented, but Davis's ability is that of a superstar in the making. In previous years, we've seen one rookie emerge alone from a so-so draft class. This year Davis emerges in a great crop of rookies. 

Challengers: Damian Lillard and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Coach of the Year: Doug Collins

His Sixers start the year without Andrew Bynum, but Collins will hold his young team together until their star center gets healthy. Collins is one of the best coaches never to win this award and if he can coach the Sixers to a top-four seed in the East, he will be a leading candidate. 

Challengers: Tom Thibodeau and George Karl

Sixth Man of the Year: Jamal Crawford

Unlike last year with Harden having this award always won, there is no clear front runner to begin the year. Jamal Crawford won this in 2010 and he will win it again as a Clipper. With Griffin and Jordan clogging the paint, Chris Paul will find the shooters on the outside. Crawford has played his best when on winning teams and the Clippers are certainly a very good team. He scored 29 in the debut and if his scoring average his in the high teens, Crawford will take this award home.  

Challengers: Ray Allen and Taj Gibson

Most Improved: Eric Bledsoe

Eric Bledsoe winning this award is very contingent on Vinny Del Negro starting him over Willie Green in the near future. Bledsoe is an elite athlete and will greatly benefit from playing next to Chris Paul (sound familiar). In his third year, Bledsoe seems to understand the NBA game and is talented enough to deserve more minutes. If he can get the time, Bledsoe will show just how good he can be.    

Challengers: Omer Asik and Evan Turner 

The Dazzling Debuts of Harden, Davis and Lillard; Lakers 0-2

     Whatever your opinion is on the James Harden trade, right now it's Rockets 1, Thunder 0. He certainly looked like a guy who can carry a team Wednesday night as he lead Houston with 37 points and 12 assists in route to a win over the Pistons. He looked great playing alongside Jeremy Lin and the Rockets have got to be thinking playoffs now. Harden, in his fourth season, played like the perfect combo guard. He is just as comfortable making plays as he is finishing them. An unselfish player in OKC, Harden clearly has no problem being 'the guy'. It was a great day for Harden, as his great game came hours after he signed a max deal of five years, $80 million. It's only one game, but Harden's Rockets debut couldn't have gone better.
     What better way for Anthony Davis to begin his career than play against the guy he should emulate. Tim Duncan and the Spurs got the best of Davis and the Hornets, but the 'Brow played like a top pick for sure. His 21 points and 7 boards were nice. But perhaps more impressive were the zero turnovers and perfect night at the line. Duncan wasn't about to be outdone by a rookie though. He finished up with 24 and 10, helped by strong efforts from Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard. A tough home loss for the Hornets no doubt, but they will be very competitive this year. Clearly Davis is a star in the making.
     The other strong rookie debut happened later in Portland. Damian Lillard had 23 points and 11 assists as he lead his Blazers to an upset of the Lakers. Lillard just looks like an NBA point guard, fitting the mold of Kyrie Irving. His presence energized his Blazer teammates. Aldridge, Hickson, Batum, and Matthews all played well. Highly-drafted scoring point guards have transitioned well into the NBA and Lillard looks like the newest addition to that list.
    It's not an NBA blog without one Lakers mention, so here you go. Howard played well, with 33 points, 14 boards and 15-19 from the line. Kobe went for 30 on 10-20 shooting. Gasol also had a nice game. So why is the Lake Show 0-2? Steve Nash has been non-existent, and it didn't help that he left last night's game in the 3rd with a bruised leg. He will miss valuable practice time as he recovers. But most of all, it's the bench. Lakers subs have been a let down and Mike Brown needs to scramble to find a rotation that works. A team with defensive stars such as Howard, Kobe and Peace should not allow 116 points to the Blazers. Still no need to panic, but an 0-3 start looms as the Lakers get a good Clippers team on Friday.