Yesterday was an exciting day in the NBA. The first six games of the day were decided by four points or less. I don’t normally post these highlight videos, but there were two game winners at the end that are worth a look.
I love watching the home crowd (even an NBA crowd) when their team hits a game winner.
It was a wild day of NBA action. The first six games were decided by four points or less, and there were a couple of buzzer beaters.
Unfortunately, the best matchup of the night didn’t live up to its billing. The Cavs went through an offensive drought in the third quarter (helped by some solid defense from the Lakers) to give L.A. a lead that was pushed to 18 points in the middle of the final period. The Cavs made a late surge, but ultimately fell, 105-88.
The Lakers won this game in the paint, with good games from Pau Gasol (22 points) and Andrew Bynum (14 points), who shot a combined 17-of-23 from the field. Defensively, the Lakers did a nice job on LeBron, who hit just 9-of-28 from the field and was held to 23 points. Kobe didn’t have a great night scoring the ball (20 points on 9-of-22 shooting), but he might have been bothered by his ring finger, which he dislocated early in the game. He did share the ball well, posting 12 assists in the win.
The Cavs still have trouble scoring if LeBron doesn’t have a great game. They brought Mo Williams in to relieve some of the pressure, but he had five turnovers and shot 6-of-16 from the field. As a team, the Cavs shot 43% from the field while allowing the Lakers to shoot better than 52%. You aren’t going to win too many games with that big of a disparity.
On a side note, I like the look of J.J. Hickson (11 points, 4 rebounds). At 20 years old, he has a bright future ahead of him and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the Cavs starting power forward in a year or two. He’s athletic and has some good moves both facing the basket and posting up. He also made several nice defensive plays in the paint. He looks like a keeper.
There’s no doubt that LeBron James is having the best season of his young career. It’s not so much that his numbers are better — it’s the Cavs’ winning ways that have LeBron atop the short list for this year’s MVP. He even has the vote of the player who’s in second place (at least on my list).
Bryant seemed mildly uncomfortable when asked for his MVP choice near the season’s halfway point.
“LeBron,” he said. “Leave me alone about that stuff.”
He then expanded upon his thoughts.
“I’m a big fan of his, obviously,” he said. “I just think the world of him. Playing with him this summer [at the Beijing Olympics], and seeing his work ethic and what he’s about, I just think he’s terrific.”
It probably kills the competitor in Kobe to admit that, but it just goes to show the nature of the MVP race right now. LeBron has improved defensively, is superior in most statistical measures, and he has guided his team to a great record despite not having as much help as Kobe does.
Tonight’s game at the Staples Center should be a good one. I hope we are treated to more than a handful of possessions where the two superstars guard each other.
MLK Day is a great day for basketball action as the NBA has games going all day. I’d recommend watching the Nuggets/Rockets at 2 PM, flipping between the Pitt/Syracuse game and the Suns/Celtics at 7 PM and 8 PM, respectively, and capping the night with the Cavs/Lakers tilt at 10:30 PM. Don’t forget that the Australian Open starts today — coverage is on ESPN2 and the Tennis Channel.
All times ET…
NBA
Mon, 2 PM: Nuggets @ Rockets (NBA TV)
Mon, 8 PM: Suns @ Celtics (TNT)
Mon, 10:30 PM: Cavs @ Lakers (TNT)
Wed, 7:30 PM: Celtics @ Heat
Wed, 8:30 PM: Jazz @ Rockets (NBA TV)
Wed, 10 PM: Cavs @ Blazers
Thurs, 8 PM: Celtics @ Magic (TNT)
College Hoops
Mon, 7 PM: #8 Syracuse @ #4 Pittsburgh (ESPN)
Wed, 7 PM: #21 Villanova @ #3 UConn (ESPN)
Wed, 9 PM: #9 Clemson @ #6 North Carolina (ESPN)
Thurs, 7 PM: #18 Purdue @ #20 Minnesota (E360)
NHL
Mon, 8 PM: Wild @ Blackhawks (Versus)
Tues, 7:30 PM: Capitals @ Senators (Versus)
Tues, 10:30 PM: Canucks @ Sharks (TSN)
Wed, 7:30 PM: Bruins @ Maple Leafs (TSN)
The Stephon Marbury Buyout Watch continues.
The banished Marbury told The Post yesterday his $1 million giveback is back on the table. Marbury said he’s waiting to hear back from Knicks president Donnie Walsh on his proposal.
Marbury, who is training in Los Angeles, says he has a firm offer from at least one club, allowing him to change his negotiating stance for the first time in seven weeks. The Celtics are the leading candidates to sign Marbury, according to a source.
Marbury had taken the $1 million giveback off the table during their stormy Dec. 1 meeting. Marbury put it back in play because at least one team has now made a commitment to him, allowing him to make the $1 million back.
Walsh last offered Marbury to take $3 million less. Marbury has been told by Knicks officials the matter is in owner James Dolan’s hands and he’s been awaiting word for several days.
Marbury also fears Dolan won’t accept his offer until after March 2, when he’d be no longer eligible for a playoff roster.
Let me get this straight — all this drama for a measly $2 million? I realize that this is a ton of money to normal people, but this is pocket change for James Dolan. Is $2 million worth the distraction of keeping Marbury on the roster? My guess is that the Knicks main problem with buying out Marbury is that they might be helping the Celtics in the process. But it’s not like the Knicks are a serious playoff contender — why not get rid of the headache?
As for Marbury, I don’t know why he hasn’t taken Dolan’s offer of a $3 million pay cut. He’s jeopardizing his ability to prove he’s worth a three- or four-year contract after this season. No one is going to sign him to a long-term deal if he doesn’t play (and play well) for the remainder of this season. Surely that’s worth $2 million to Starbury, right?
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