L.O.N.

Forget that weak college football “title” game last night… a two-loss team?  Really?  The trill action was in the NBA, with two of the best games of the season.  Can we get 7-game series in the playoffs with these four involved?

Line Of The Night:

Boom Dizzle — 34 points, 14 assists, 6 boards, 1 steal

ALL the big players played great in the Warriors/Spurs game, but amongst the stars, Baron Davis shined the brightest.

Game Of The Night (Part I):

Phoenix 137, Denver 115

At no point was the game really competitive, but damn was it entertaining..  Although the Nuggets never rolled over, they were down double-digits straight from the get go.  The Suns were on FI-YEERRRRR and the Nuggets did their best to make everyone understand that they are the WORST defensive team in the NBA.  At one point in the first half, as his team was on it’s way to 78 POINTS, Shawn Marion hit 3 consecutive threes, and even on the third, there was not a defender within 10 feet.  MARCUS BANKS was 7-8 from three for the game!  Brian Skinner hit only the second three pointer of his career!  Denver is so bad at D that just their mere presence on the court makes the other team 20% better offensively.  These teams need to play way more often.

You know what we’re sick of though?  All this talk about the chemistry problems Phoenix has.  They have the best record in the West, a tough-as-nails conference!  Settle down, everyone.

Deflicted J’s Of The Night:

This game also featured two of the deflictedest looking J’s in the game:  Shawn Marion and Marcus Camby.  Free Eric Piatkowski!!!

Guilty Pleasure Of The Night:

Eduardo Najera 22-63 from three, this season

Prior to this season, Najera had on shot 55 threes in his 7 year career.  He’s already surpassed that this season, and we love it.  Thank you, George Karl.  Send some game tapes to Tyler Hansbrough!  Isn’t this his NBA profile?  The next Eduardo Najera?

Game Of The Night (Part II):

Golden State 130, San Antonio 121 (OT)

If the PHX/DEN game was a 10 on the offensive scale, this match-up was a 9, AND it was competitive.  Golden State had never beaten San Antonio twice in a row during the Tim Duncan era, until last night, and they had to straight BATTLE to get it done.  The Spurs played much of the game in catch-up mode, but in regulation, every time it looked like they were through, it seemed like Manu or Finley would bomb a three to keep them in it.  And the threes were very necessary with the Warriors — Captain Jack, Boom Dizzle, Mickael Pietrus, Al Harrington and Kelenna Azubuike — bringing a relentless long-range assault.  Stephen Jackson showed the heart of a cold-blooded killer, as he just kept gunning and gunning despite his horrendous early game shooting.  What a game.

The Corner 3 Of The Night:

This game also served as a “Corner 3″ convention.  With guys like Bruce Bowen, Tony Parker, Ime Udoka and Mickael Pietrus comparing and contrasting techniques, and generally showing off their love  for the shot last night.  Parker even hit one at the regulation buzzer to force OT.  It was a celebration, snitches.

Nickname Of The Night:

Rasheed Wallace on nicknaming new Piston, Primoz Brezec, “Gangsta”:

“Told that Brezec was seen jogging through the streets of Indianapolis during the time when most players are just waking up from their afternoon naps, Wallace said, ‘See, that’s gangsta.’”

A little lazy, maybe, Rasheed, but we’ll roll with it.

Line Of The Night:

Deron Williams — 20 assists, 15 points, 2 blocks, 1 board

The Jazz beat Philly last night, but at 18-16, they are still performing well under expectations.  Don’t blame Deron though… 20 dimes!

Honorable Mention Of The Night:

John Salmons — 32 points, 11 boards, 6 assists, 6 steals

Give this man a contract!  Oh… this was against the Knicks, nevermind.

Contraction Club Of The Night:

Indiana Pacers, 72 points vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Ugh.  No Jamaal Tinsley led to a terrible 33.8% field goal percentage.

Minnesota Timberwolves, 79 points vs. Portland Trailblazers

We like this young Blazers squad.  The T-Wolves probably don’t feel the same, now that they have been removed from the league.  Al Jefferson seemed to be the only T-Wolve on the court last night.

Rookie Of The Night:

Mike Conley — 8 assists, 7 points, 6 boards, 3 steals

In his first career start, Conley put up a nice line and led his Grizz to a rare road victory.  Let the Conley era begin?

Free Louis Williams Of The Night:

It’s easy to be Lou’s campaign manager when he’s making plays like he did last night.  First, Lou went Alonzo Mourning on Mehmet Okur, standing dead in front of the rim and blocking a two-handed stuff attempt!  He then ran the court and finished on the other end by catching an alley-oop!  So sick.

The Bosh Caucuses Of The Night:

Although he really shouldn’t be voted ahead of LeBron or K.G., Chris Bosh is getting creative with this hilarious video , urging you to vote for him.  Come on and vote for me!

L.O.N. C.E.O. vs. The Resident Scientist Bet Challenge Of The Night:

The C.E.O. is going to have to start thinking about selling L.O.N. stock to make good on this bet.  Tim Thomas is sitting the bench due to injury, missing most of the last 5 games.  And Maggette was supposed to be the injury risk!  Current standings:  Maximus 347 attempts, Tim Thomas 291.

Bulls announcing=unrepentant homerism… Happy New Year, Hawks fans!  Lil’ Lue is back!… Marvin Williams = free throw MACHINE… The Rockets might’ve won that game if Bonzi could’ve gotten off the bench!  He went for 25 in 29, while Luther Head played 33 mostly worthless minutes…