1-on-1 Rankings

Think back to All-Star Saturday a week and a half ago. Even though you probably watched it, it's not very easy to remember is it? This lack of memorability on All-Star Saturday has been a trend for nearly a decade and the league needs to shake things up. Of all the prospective ideas, the one most intriguing is a 1-on-1 tournament. Not sure what the bracket would look like, but here are the first ever, 2013 1-on-1 rankings.

Honorable Mention

Derrick Rose- Definitely would have made this list the past few years, but had to be left off since he hasn't played a game in 10 months and we don't know when exactly he will be back.

Chris Paul- The All-Star Game MVP is perhaps a surprising omission. CP3 always makes the right basketball decision, but how well would a 6'0" guy do against bigger, more athletic players 1-on-1?

Paul Pierce- A one time occupant of this list is past his 1-on-1 prime as well. Pierce can still hit the big shots in isolation, but he's unable to get his own shot anywhere within 15 feet.

Jamal Crawford- A sentimental favorite here, Crawford will go 1-on-5 if he wants. His sick handle and ability to get unconsciously hot from deep makes him a much better 1-on-1 player than he is an actual player.

The Top 10

Sticky-Handled Veterans
10. Joe Johnson
Johnson's recent clutch moments helped him put to make the top 10. One of the best ball-handling forwards, Johnson is a veteran who has thrived in isolation offenses. His size also helps as he can shoot over anyone who guards him 1-on-1.

9. Tony Parker
Parker can get to the hole on virtually any defender. He is a complete point guard who can finish at the rim or pull up for a sweet mid-range jumper. He's not known as a great 1-on-1 guy because of the Spurs balanced offense, but Parker can take any defender off the dribble.

Sidekicks
8. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook has blow-by speed and the other-worldly athleticism. His finishing at the rim isn't great and his jumper is even more suspect at times, but for all his faults, Westbrook can still score at a high clip.

7. Dwyane Wade
 WOW has been falling on this list for a couple years now, and he's still ranked seventh. Wade's never been a great shooter, but he does everything else well, including hitting circus shots, which always come in handy playing 1-on-1.

The $50,000 Club
6. Kyrie Irving
In All-Star weekend we saw Irving break a guy's ankles, win the three-point contest and hold his own against the established superstars. He may be the point guard of the future, but Irving can already dominate in the 1-on-1 game.

5. Kobe Bryant
I believe Kobe would win the anticipated matchup against Irving, which is why he gets the edge on the list. Even with incredible mileage on his body, Kobe can still take his defender. With his fadeaway mastery, there's not a shot Kobe can't make.

The Sleeper
4. James Harden
Harden gets his own category as a sleeper because in the 1-on-1 tournament, he would be considered the dark horse. His craftiness off the dribble may be unmatched and his strength at the rim give him an edge over the likes of Wade, Irving and Kobe.

The Favorites
3. Carmelo Anthony
A player born for isolation, Melo has the strength to get the mid-range position where he is lethal. His shooting touch makes scoring easy. Melo deserves a spot in this category because he has a realistic chance of winning a 1-on-1 tourney.

2. LeBron James
He's the best player in the league, but number two here. With his insane combo of speed, strength and athleticism, LeBron can score 11 different ways in a game up to 11.

1. Kevin Durant
Durant is a pure shooter, which will always give him an advantage. He can shoot over anyone and is an underrated finisher at the rim. No player makes scoring look so easy. Combine all that with his clutch ability and KD is the best 1-on-1 player in the NBA.

Scorching Heat

   It's 11 wins and counting for Miami, who dispatched LeBron's old team last night in a 109-105 win. In a stretch that's seen LeBron distance himself from the field in the MVP race, and Dwyane Wade start to get his form, the Heat are on a tear that doesn't look to end any time soon. 

   Miami has been able to get it done all sorts of ways during this run. We've seen them grind it out against the Lakers and Rockets. They've held off late runs from Cleveland and OKC. And they've demolished playoff teams in wins versus the Bulls and Clippers. The Heat can win any way possible because the have the most versatile man in the league in LeBron. 

   We know all about the streak of 30-point games and we've heard way too many MJ comparisons at this point. It's just incredible how much of a "pick your poison" he has become. He opened the streak with seven 30-point games, but in the last four games where he's scored under 30, LeBron has recorded at least a double-double. So it's either allow the King to score 30 or surrender a double-double...or hold him under 20 and allow a triple-double. How'd that work out Philly? 

   It hasn't mattered that Wade is losing a step, or that his Ray Allen and Shane Battier have been cold, or that Chris Bosh has been erratic. All that matters is that the Heat have LeBron Raymone James and that makes them the best team in the NBA. Nothing says MVP like leading your team in scoring, assists, rebounds, and steals while having the best record in your conference. 

   So how long can this run continue? After what should be a stroll at home versus Sacramento, the schedule toughens up. The Grizzlies come to Miami and will try to grind it out against the Heat. Their size inside with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph give Memphis an edge and Tony Allen provides a potential Wade stopper.

   Next, Miami visits MSG, trying to get their first win over the Knicks. While the 'Bockers have struggled recently, Carmelo, Chandler and Co. have given the Heat problems this season. And, if Miami is somehow able to skate through until March 10th, they play the Pacers in what will be a matchup of the East's two best.

   This seems to be the new normal in the NBA. The Heat are winning without scrutiny and LeBron is making a 27-8-7 line look easy. Unless your an opposing team or a devoted LeBron hater, all you can do is enjoy the man's work with a basketball.    

Trade Deadline Has Passed

Sure, the big names weren't moved, but that doesn't mean there was no excitement on Deadline Day 2013.  Between the Rockets kicking things off with a steal, the Bucks getting their shooter and Boston getting a scorer, there's plenty to break down from the day's trade wire. 

   

Kings Bizarrely Trade Robinson

   The most poorly-run team in the NBA made by far the worst trade of the season, sending out Thomas Robinson, the fifth pick in last year's draft, for the combo of Patrick Patterson, Toney Douglas and Cole Aldrich. Why would a bad team give up on a highly-drafted rookie so soon? Only the Maloof brothers can know. 

   This deal is great for the Rockets as well as Robinson. He will benefit from the fast-pace of Houston, and should be able to develop a post game, since his coach had some of the best post footwork of all-time. Houston gets a talented athlete in Robinson and his relatively cheap rookie deal will not hurt their declared summer pursuit of Dwight Howard. 

   For Sacramento, only Patterson figures to play meaningful minutes. His departure from Houston may leave a bit of a hole that Robinson's game is yet unable to fill. Toney Douglas will be just another point guard in a very crowded Sac-town backcourt. And Cole Aldrich probably won't play, which is consistent with his career. 

   Deals like this are why the Maloofs should sell their team to Seattle. Because if the Kings management wasn't already a joke. Surely they are now. 

Bucks Nab J.J. Redick

   Josh Smith may have been the best player with the most trade talk, but Redick was the best player who was a virtual lock to get dealt. A shooter who can play decent defense on an expiring contract who plays for a lottery team will always be mentioned in trade rumors, and Redick is exactly that. He now moves to the in-playoff position Bucks where his points will mean something.               

   In exchange, the Magic get two young guys in Tobias Harris and Doron Lamb, as well as Beno Udrih. But they don't get the first-round pick that they reportedly wanted. Redick may wind up as merely a two-month rental for Milwaukee, but this trade makes them better and also increases their chances to sign him this summer.   

   How will Redick fit in with Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings? That looks to be an up-and-down scenario. It's no secret that Ellis and Jennings enjoy shooting the ball, but Redick will need his shots too. After all, that's why they got him. Expect the transitional speed from the shot-taking tandem to get Redick open looks and, if nothing else, he provides floor spacing.                                   

Celtics Get Jordan Crawford

   The other Celtic to tear his ACL, aka Leandro Barbosa, has been moved. He and Jason Collins are off to Washington in exchange for occasional volume scorer Jordan Crawford. How will this impact both teams?

   It's likely that Barbosa will never play a game as a Wizard. He's hurt for the season and is on an expiring contract, so really, he brings Washington some cap relief. Collins will take his backup center role with him to the Wizards, who have been markedly better (especially defensively), since John Wall returned. His return definitely plays into this trade. With Wall and Bradley Beal as must-starts in the backcourt, there was little room for Crawford and his questionable shots. 

   In Boston, Crawford may struggle to find shots and playing time on a bench with Jason Terry and Courtney Lee. While many of the issues Crawford had in Washington will go away on the veteran Celtics, this trade still leaves Boston with a thin frontcourt. Collins played good defense when KG needed rest, and now that duty falls to someone else. 

   In the end, the Celtics will still grind their way into the playoffs and the Wiz will still be playing the lottery. 

   

The Point Guard Log Jam

   When Chris Paul took home the All-Star Game MVP trophy last night, he reminded us that he is the NBA's premier point guard. But man, there are a lot of guys hot on his tail.

   Let's start with Cavs second-year man Kyrie Irving, who had a solid game Sunday night to finish off a dominant weekend in which he won the Three-Point Shootout. Irving, Russell Westbrook and Tony Parker were on the same court with CP3 last night, and while they didn't have his huge numbers, they have all achieved star status at their position. And we haven't even mentioned the injured Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo yet.

   No matter when Rose comes back, he will be considered a superstar the second he steps on the floor. He's 24 and less than two years removed from an MVP season where it looked like he had taken the reigns of NBA's Best Point Guard. Rose will surely challenge to take that spot back.

   Rondo's season is over, but with a good rehab, he will enter the 2013-2014 season as the walking triple-double that he is. No matter what happens to the rest of the Celtics, Rondo has established himself as Boston's best player for the last few years.

   So we've covered the elite point guards, but there are plenty of guys still growing into their NBA games. Like Paul's fellow Californian, Stephen Curry, who was probably the biggest snub from last night's game. Curry and his young Warriors team have only gotten better since he was drafted, and now they are in the playoff hunt. There's no purer shooter from the point than Curry. Then there is Portland's Damian Lillard, who will be Rookie of the Year and has with ideal size with a born scoring ability. 

   Moving East, there's a true glut of young guys. Jrue Holiday got his first All-Star action Sunday, but Brandon Jennings and John Wall will be fighting for his spot next season. Holiday has improved every year, most notably in the area of passing. But Jennings is a volume scorer capable of averaging 20 PPG and John Wall's athleticism is matched only be Rose and Westbrook.

   And finally, there's Deron Williams and Ricky Rubio. Both have started off slow this year (Rubio because of injury), but Williams is a proven star who cannot be counted out. Rubio's unique and flashy game will only get more efficient as he starts to figure out the NBA.

   So enjoy your All-Star Game MVP and your First-Team All-NBA this year, Chris Paul. Because there's other point guards right behind you, and lots of them.  

All-Star Game Preview

   The stars align in Houston tonight for the 2013 NBA All-Star Game. It's LeBron and Carmelo leading the East versus Kobe and Durant for the West. What can we expect from the most star-studded night in basketball?
   The West team comes in as the favorite with a deeper roster and more veteran stars. They have speed and scoring from the top down, with guys like Tony Parker and LaMarcus Aldridge likely in the third rotation. For the East, the starting lineup is lethal, but the bench is filled with first-timers. And while Joakim Noah and Tyson Chandler are more than deserving, their games are not necessarily built for this exhibition.
   We're always interested to see which players vie for All-Star Game MVP, and in today's game, there are around a dozen candidates for that honor. LeBron, Melo, Kobe and Durant are the obvious names for MVP, with only Melo not having won before. The next few likely candidates are Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving and Dwyane Wade. These guys will all be handling the ball a lot and will be able to dictate the game offensively.
   Some other guys to watch here are high-flying Blake Griffin or hometown hero James Harden for the West. While the East's underrated young players Paul George and Jrue Holiday may light it up and put themselves on the map.
   No one wants to see a blowout tonight and I don't think we will. I expect a tight game, with the intensity picking up in the fourth quarter. The last three games have all bee very close and contested, and with the starting lineups being relatively even, there's no reason to expect a blowout on either side.
   In the end, I predict the East to pull the upset and win end to their two-game losing streak. The tougher pick though is for MVP. Melo of LeBron? LeBron or Melo? Answer: The King. Melo may lead the East in scoring, but I believe LeBron will be the catalyst for the winning East team, getting nearly a triple-double and hitting some big shots down the stretch for his third All-Star game MVP.

Coverage starts at 8:00 Eastern on TNT. Follow @undergroundNBA
 

Handicapping All-Star Saturday

   While the superstars won't be on the court until Sunday night, the competition of All-Star Saturday always provides entertainment for the fans. With a new format built for cross-conference showdowns, tonight's contests should be plenty entertaining. Here's the predictions:

Skills Challenge

   Tony Parker will try to join Dwyane Wade as the only back-to-back winner of this event. He enters tonight's Challenge as the favorite, but tonight, I think youth will be served when rookie Damian Lillard wins the event. Lillard will be giving max effort after a poor shooting performance in last night's Rising Stars Challenge, and the Skills Challenge is usually a case of who wants it most.

    Sixers All-Star Jrue Holiday is the other name to watch here. His all-around point guard play makes him a contender. And of course, Jeremy Lin will try to reclaim some of his mid-February popularity from last year as he will be playing with the home crowd's support. 

   But in the end, watch Lillard to be hustling and become the first rookie to win the Skills Challenge. 

Three-Point Contest

   Conventional wisdom says that the three 6'10" white three-point specialists should be favored tonight, but that's not the history of this contest. 

   Matt Bonner, Ryan Anderson and Steve Novak will try win at their own game tonight while facing point guards Kyrie Irving and Stephen Curry and Pacers swingman Paul George. I think the sweet-shooting guards will face off in the finals tonight, with Curry winning. 

   Irving and Curry are relied upon by their teams to catch fire often, so they're used to putting together a string of makes. George winning would be a true upset, but two of the last three winners, Paul Pierce and Kevin Love, aren't known as three-point marksmen. 

Slam Dunk Contest

   The NBA saves the most anticipated contest for last tonight, as not four but six hyper-athletes will try to amaze fans with a creative and never-before-seen dunk.

   This is truly anyone's contest, as five of the six players are relatively unknown commodities when it comes to dunking. Will Jeremy Evans repeat? Was last night's Rising Stars Challenge just a warm-up for Kenneth Faried? Will Gerald "Cupcake" Green bring another pastry into the mix? Will rookie Terrence Ross win what DeMar DeRozan never could? Will Eric Bledsoe's lack of size benefit him? And will James White live up to his reputation as "Best Dunker You've Never Heard Of"?

   I don't have answers to all of my many questions, but I am picking the favorite, James White here. He's in the rare position of sleeper-turned-favorite and I think he has something up hi sleeve that will shock us all. It's been years since the dunk contest has had true star power, but this year's lineup is very solid and will not disappoint.   

All-Star Saturday starts at 8:30 Eastern tonight. Check back tomorrow for the full All-Star Game preview. Follow @undergroundNBA 

Which Rising Stars Will Shine?

   All-Star weekend kicks off tonight with the Rising Stars Challenge. This year, it's Team Shaq featuring Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard and Klay Thompson vs. Team Chuck with Anthony Davis, Kenneth Faried and Kawhi Leonard. So, which young guns will put on the best show tonight?
   Team Shaq has to have the edge, boasting the three best scoring point guards in a game historically dominated by that position. Shaq has Irving (the game's best player), Lillard (the game's best rookie) and Kemba Walker, and those are just his point guards. Warriors teammates Harrison Barnes and Thompson will provide nice length and shooting on the wings, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Dion Waiters are two more hard-nosed slashers that will benefit from the fast pace. Unfortunately for Shaq, his team's main weakness, size, was made weaker when Andre Drummond was declared out for the game.
   As for team Chuck, he's lead by an active frontcourt with Davis, Faried and Leonard, to go along with the perimeter scoring of Wizards guard Bradley Beal. Flashy Spaniard Ricky Rubio will run the point with Isaiah Thomas and Brandon Knight. Nikola Vucevic and Alexey Shved will provide a European infusion off the bench.
   Prediction time. I don't see the lack of size hurting Team Shaq too much in a game like this. While star Kyrie Irving may relax a bit with the All-Star game Sunday, I expect Lillard, Walker and Kidd-Gilchrist to keep it in high gear and win the game for Team Shaq. My MVP pick is Lillard. With his skills, 30 points and 10 assists should come easily tonight as he and Shaq get revenge on Chuck after last year's defeat in their inaugural game.

Giving the Spurs Their Due

   For the third year in a row, the Spurs have one of the NBA's two best records. And for the third year in a row, no one is talking about them. And while this San Antonio team will never be measured on regular season accomplishments, it's time to talk about just how good they are.
   After beating Chicago, the NBA's other max-effort team, the Spurs now have the best record in the league at 41-12. They've won 14 of their last 15 games. But perhaps more impressively, they've done it without Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli for long portions of this stretch. The reason: Mr. Tony Parker.
   Parker, who's conveniently never mentioned as a top point guard, has elevated his play amid these injuries to Duncan and Ginobli. If the MVP voting were held today, Parker would finish third. Right behind LeBron and Durant. That's good company.
   Parker is carrying the scoring load for the Spurs, and yet it hasn't effected his playmaking. When he's not hitting shots, he's driving into the lane, then finding open teammates for 3's. But Parker didn't even play last night, and the Spurs still went to Chicago and beat a good Bulls team. The reason: Gregg Popovich.
   We know Pop is the best coach in the NBA, which makes it very hard for him to still get recognition for his coaching. Seemingly every year, Popovich could win Coach of the Year. His ability to keep a team competitive no matter who's on the court is unmatched. Which is why the Spurs can compete without their stars. I mean, remember this game?
   And it's not just his preparation and motivation that sets Pop apart. He's the decision-maker on draft day when the Spurs find steals such as Parker, Ginobli and Kawhi Leonard. He's resurrected the careers of Boris Diaw and Danny Green. When Duncan retires, the greatest era of Spurs basketball will be over, and he will thank his coach before all others.
   So, what'a ahead for San Antonio? Probably a bunch of easy wins and then a top-two seed in the West. But it matters what they do from there. After losing to the eight-seed Grizzlies in 2011 and blowing a 2-0 series lead to the Thunder last year, the current Spurs need to step up their game in the playoffs.
   The Spurs know by now that they don't get their due credit. All they can do is win a championship. Then maybe people will notice them.

(Finally) Fully Loaded Clippers

   I always write about the Heat and Lakers, I know. And they played each other today in a hotly contested game, I know. But today I'm writing about their opening act, Clippers-Knicks. In a battle of conference challengers, but not yet favorites, the Clips emerged at the better team representing the better conference.
   With Lob City having all their guys for only the second time all season, people got to see the best bench in the league. The Clipper bench was +78 and really won this game for L.A. With only a one-point lead to start the fourth, Jamal Crawford and Co. piled it on and gave Chris Paul a nice cushion to close out the game.
   This one was personal for Crawford, looking to score against his former team. He lead the Clippers with 27 points. Most importantly for L.A. is that they are getting everything from the bench. scoring from Crawford, size from Ryan Hollins, smarts from Lamar Odom and Grant Hill, and torrid perimeter energy from Eric Bledsoe and Matt Barnes. With such a deep rotation, the Clippers' perfect lineup will change from game to game, but this looked like a team today that will compete with the Thunder and Spurs out west.
   Late in games, it's unclear what Vinny Del Negro will do, but here's his best bet for tight games. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are the two certainties in the closing minutes, and the size and rebounding of Deandre Jordan makes him a certainty as well, but what about the other two perimeter spots?
   On offense, Crawford must be on the court for his uncanny bail-out ability and floor-spreading. Chauncey Billups is the fifth guy here. His shot-making and high IQ make him a necessity. On defense, Bledsoe replaces liability Crawford and Hill subs in for Billups to give some added length on D.
   Even though the season is slightly more than halfway done, this resounding win over the Knicks is essentially the start of the Clippers second act. The team is at full strength finally and  with Chris Paul leading the way, you know Lob City is thinking Finals or bust.
   Quick words on the Knicks: Not even a Herculean effort from Melo could have New York tonight. His 42 points were only accompanied by only one teammate, Raymond Felton, scoring in double figures. J.R. Smith had his big chance to outplay fellow Sixth Man contender Crawford, and he failed. Smith went 1 for 9 shooting as he and his bench crew were outclassed by the superior Crawford and Clips reserves.

Veterans on the Block

Rudy Gay was the first domino in what could be a very bust trade deadline for notable veterans. So, will a longtime star on your team be dealt? Will a proven, but struggling veteran be moved? Anything is possible, as KG once said. And the rumors are heating up with the trade deadline just 12 days away. 

Pau Gasol

Probably the hardest big name to figure out this season. A month ago, a Gasol deal looked imminent, but a nice-stretch when L.A. was sans Dwight Howard has kept Gasol a Laker up to this point. Denver was once viewed as a likely candidate, but it's doubtful George Karl would want to break up a young and exciting team that is starting to click. Minnesota is another hot destination, but there's no one player outside of Kevin Love that the Lakers would cherish. My gut says Gasol remains a Laker, as they are never a team to give up the biggest name in a trade. But then again, who knows with this year's Lakers? 

Carlos Boozer/Andrea Bargnani  

Rumors of a swap have gotten these two guys lumped together. I don't think a deal gets done though. Boozer gets the edge with Bargnani's shooting way down this year, but there's so much not to like about these two. Bad contracts worse defense are two things synonymous with these guys. The Raptors clearly want to be active on the block this season, which is why Bargnani is the more likely trade target. But I expect the Bulls to play out the season with Boozer, then grant their fans' wish this summer when they amnesty him. 

Paul Pierce/Kevin Garnett

So difficult to imagine either of these guys not wearing Celtic green, but that may be the reality in Boston. Pierce's name has come up with the Clippers this year, which would send Eric Bledsoe as the centerpiece to Boston. Bledsoe is of starter caliber in this league, but would the Clippers move him with Chris Paul unsigned  after this season? Also, getting Bledsoe would surely mean the Celtics trade Rajon Rondo next season. Kevin Garnett wants to be a Celtic, so I believe he is less likely to move than Pierce. Then again.

Amar'e Stoudemire 

Here's someone with a contract that truly seems untradable. Amar'e clearly is not a fit in the Knicks gameplan, but his background and contract will ensure he stays a Knick throughout the season. He has provided scoring in his reserve role, but at the same time, he gets in Carmelo's way. In the best season of his career, the Knicks are clearly Carmelo's team. Don't expect to hear Stoudemire's name in many rumors until his team gets bounced by Indiana in the playoffs. 

J.J. Redick 

I know Redick is not of the talent or status of the aforementioned guys, but I wanted to list at least one guy that will surely be traded. The Magic want an expiring contract and a first-rounder for Redick, and plenty of his suitors are capable of meeting that criteria. So far this year, the Wolves, Bulls, Bucks and Grizzlies have confirmed interest in Redick. As of today, Milwaukee is the frontrunner. Redick's shooting should keep them in the East playoffs and Beno Udrih plus a mid first-round pick should satisfy Orlando. Every playoff team needs three-point shooting and Redick will provide that while in the best season of his career.   

 

Heat Begin Homestand With Win

   The Heat began a five-game homestand with a win over the Bobcats last night. It was only a five-point win despite Charlotte not having Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and it won't get any easier from here.
   In the next three games, the Heat will face the Rockets, Clippers and Lakers in a stretch that is bound to entertain. They close the homestand against Portland, who rallied from 13 down to beat Miami last month. And oh yeah, they get to open a road trip after that against OKC.
   Not only will this stretch be so interesting because it contains three national games, but it also will show Miami, the class of the weaker East, go up against a typical West schedule. With four of those five games at home, Miami is still expected to do well against the tough competition.
   And oh by the way, how 'bout LeBron's game last night?
   All he had was one of the statistically greatest shooting games in the last ten years. 13 for 14 shooting to cap off an outstanding 31-8-8 line. Just an amazing game to show how far LeBron has come along. With his three-point shooting a career high, there are no bad shots for LeBron anymore.
   Last night though, he didn't need any threes, or even long two's for that matter. LeBron took every one of his shots from the paint and made Charlotte pay for giving him that space. We know there's no one more physically dominant than LeBron, but when he uses his skills and size to go 13 for 14, please, more teams besides Charlotte would have trouble.

   Back to the next five game for the Heat. Here's the skinny on what they can expect:
   Rockets: A truly fun matchup here. The Rockets have the ability to compete offensively with Miami and      the Wade-Harden matchup is special. The Heat's aggressive defense could run wild as Houston leads the league in turnovers.
   Clippers: Obviously will be more interesting if Chris Paul is back. The Clips will try to use Griffin and Jordan to punish Miami inside, but Lob City's weak perimeter defense will mean go-time for LeBron and Wade
   Lakers: The first of two money games in this stretch. This is almost guaranteed to be a close game, especially with Gasol playing well lately.
   Blazers: The Heat will get their revenge on Portland, who will be in the midst of a long road trip. The Blazers are a poor road team and sunny Miami won't be kind to them.
   @Thunder: A must-watch sporting event with football over, the Finals rematch part deaux and possible 2013 preview. LeBron vs. Durant is the NBA's marquee player matchup and KD would like nothing more than to exact revenge at home after the Christmas Day loss.
 
 
 

Lakers win, Heat lose

   Yes, the title of the post is correct. I know that first part my cause a "Wait, What!?" reaction, but yes, the Lakers won a road game. Meanwhile the Heat lost a road game to a solid Pacers team, but the numbers say that's not terribly surprising. 

  

   Let's continue with the Heat. LeBron's 28 points and 9-11 free-throw shooting indicate a nice game. But he never could assert his will on this game in the second half. In the third quarter, LeBron allowed the Heat to fall further behind and never seemed like a force. 

  Chris Bosh was a near no show. His 13 points and 2 rebounds was only outdone by Ray Allen's bagel for worst Heat performance of the night. Dwyane Wade looked re-energized at times, actually beating out LeBron in every stat category but points. But still, he wasn't the Wade who dropped 41 on this team last year in a series-clinching game. 

   The only other Heat player to contribute to the scoring sheet was Shane Battier. He's really struggled shooting this year, but his 11 points were needed off the bench. However, Battier's game last night will be remembered more for getting dominated by David West on the defensive end. 

   Some quick notes on Indiana. They are 3-1 against the Knicks and Heat (top 2 teams in East). More notably is that their three wins have all been dominant. I'm not sure that Danny Granger's return can vault them to any new heights, but this defense is as good as any in the league. The Pacers can expect a dogfight all year with the Bulls just to win their division, but they have the ability to shut down offenses and should be able to win one playoff series. 

   On to the Lakers. Six of the eight guys who played scored in double figures and the Lakers were able to overcome poor second-half shooting to beat the Wolves. 

   The first quarter was a dream scenario for the Lakers. Every shot was falling for them and Pau Gasol was the leading scorer. Gasol was the best player on the floor last night. His 22 point, 12 board game was made even better by a perfect night at the line. Was it an audition for a trade suitor? Who knows. But Pau looked confident. He knew that his Dwight-less team needed him and he delivered. 

   Nash had a very solid 17-7-7 game while being guarded by three different guys smaller than him. Kobe continued his double-double run, getting 17 points and 12 boards on a bad shooting night. Earl Clark and Antawn Jamison both continued their good play, getting the tough baskets and even tougher rebounds. 

   It was a win the Lakers needed and they got it. They played like an urgent team and that must continue. With the season half over and a road-heavy schedule ahead, more easy wins like this need to some. What impressed me the most: They scored 111 points while shooting 42 percent. Not many teams can do that. 

   So if you're tried of hearing about the Lakers and Heat, I'm sorry, but here's the deal. I'll stop writing about those teams when they stop being interesting. I promise.