Line Of The Night — 03/01/2008-03/02/2008
Line Of The Night:
Kobe Cryant — 52 points, 11 boards, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal
Alas, we cannot deny him the L.O.N.nie today. However, with all this M-V-P talk, we cannot agree, although it is looking likely that he might be close enough to win the good ol’ lifetime achievement type MVP award. Let’s face it, at the beginning of the year, the Lakers had to prove themselves to the Kobster, so the Lakers were really winning IN SPITE OF Kobe. Not that he wasn’t playing hard, but his motives were questionable, at best. Then you have Kevin Garnett. He truly turned around an entire franchise. He put his stamp on the Boston Ceatles, and has led them to the best record in the L. If the Lakers end up with that spot, maybe we can’t argue. But for now, our vote would go to K.G.
Near Triple-Double Of The Night:
Hedo Turkoglu — 25 points, 10 assists, 8 boards***
Beast Of The Night:
Dwight Howard — 26 points, 22 boards, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 1 assist***
***DISCLAIMER: Please note, stat lines achieved vs. the New York Knicks will not be honored in a court of law.
Contraction Club Of The Night:
Los Angeles Clip Joint 73 points vs. Detroit Pistons
L.O.N. was in the house for this one, and basketball-wise, it was a debacle. In their current carnation, injuries are forcing players on the court that probably should not be in the League. Sure, Chris Kaman showed some decent post play early, but ‘Sheed shut him down in the second half. Corey Maggette dropped 22, but on 5-15 shooting. After that? Strictly D-League. Exhibit A: Dan Dickau. He had to strain every possession just to get the ball past half-court. It was painful. Dude is simply not quick enough for this level.
The Pistons, on the other hand, despite Chauncey Billups being back in the D due to personal reasons, came out on a mission. Inspired emotionally by ‘Sheed (his pre-game dance routine is even better, in person) and directed on the court by point foward Tayshaun Prince, they went out and dominated a game that had to be hard to get up for. It probably helped they were playing on a virtual home away from home. Chants of “Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-troit Bas-Ket-Baaaaaaaaaaaaall” and calls of “‘Sheeeeeeeeeeeeed” rained down from all corners of the Staples Center. And the highlight of the night (at least basketball-wise… unfortunately, much to the chagrin of L.O.N., the noise levels were the highest for the stupid Red Panda Acrobat)? WALTER HERMANN! Who knew he is the Argentinian Dr. J? In garbage time, he used his chance at PT to showcase his wild, one-handed lay-up style. The crowd was going wild.
Other notes: Several L.A. Connections for the Pistons: Amir Johnson, Aaron Afflalo, and Tayshaun Prince, all back home… We wanted to murder the stupid fan next to us. The worst offense was when he told his girlfriend that “Joe Dumars owns the Pistons”…
LeBron’s dunk at the end of the game vs. the Bulls was emphatic and niiiiiice… It’s good to see Larry Hughes balling out, with the reins off, in the Chi, but it’s disconcerting to think he is happier, ala Shawn Marion, on a non-contender, than on a contender… Think Jason Kidd proved why he should be in the game at the end, to Avery? That was a perfect pass to setup Dirk for the 3… Erick Dampier, with 17 boards and 16 points, is back on the fantasy map, but you’ve gotta think think Avery is more than a little nervous going into the playoffs with that guy as his only true pivot…