40(-4) Games in 40(-1) Nights

40 Games in 40 Nights is TNT's motto for the NBA playoffs. Well even though no games have come on TNT yet, 4 games are over and 1 night of the NBA playoffs is done. A quick run-down of each game:

Bulls 105, Celtics 103 - OT
Who knew that the first game of the NBA Playoffs in 2009 would be a duel between Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose? And that Tyrus Thomas' jumper would be the reason the Bulls upset the Celtics in overtime? Amazing game, by far the best of the day. Derrick Rose looked like a future superstar, even if the announcers kept pounding the fact that he was a rookie down the views throat, to the point where it became counter-productive. It's great to give his amazing performance the proper perspective (36 points, 10 assists is disgusting), but stop saying the same sentence. He absolutely dominated that game though, and got wherever he wanted to on the court. He's going to have a great series, but he can't stop Rondo either, making for an interesting match-up.

The big news for the Celtics was Ray Allen's seeming annual disappearing act in the playoffs. 1-12? That last shot had no chance, I knew it was off when it left his hands. Pierce missing a FT that would have gave them the lead and likely the game was not a good look. Noah's foul was horrendous, and he got bailed out by PP choking.

Even though the Bulls took this one, I don't think the Celtics are in too much trouble. Ray Allen should hit more than one shot in a game, and Derrick Rose isn't likely to sustain such an amazing level of play. I've always thought the Bulls would make this a series, but the Celtics should win this one in 6.

Cavaliers 102, Pistons 84
The Cavaliers are arguably the best team in the league. The Pistons are arguably the most disappointing team in the league. This really wasn't a game, or a series worth watching. LeBron is going to destroy and bury Detroit. Hell, Mo Williams might destroy and bury Detroit. I'd be surprised if one of these games is even competitive, the Pistons are a shell of their former selves. I love Rasheed going down low and abusing Joe Smith, then hanging out near the perimeter when he apparently got tired of being a big man.

The Cavs already have their brooms ready. This is not a series.

Mavericks 105, Spurs 97
The Mavericks are my upset pick of the first round. After years of woefully underachieving, it's about time they overachieve. With the Spurs' age and lack of Ginobili, I think it ends here. I just don't think they have what it takes anymore. Tony Parker and Tim Duncan still have match-up advantages, but the X-factor of the series is Josh Howard. With no Ginobili, the Spurs have no swingman that can match his output. You get a good series from Josh Howard, I'm confident you will get a Mavericks victory.

I'm taking the Mavs in 6.

Rockets 108, Trailblazers 81
I think playoff "experience" is the most overrated thing that will be pounded into the viewers heads over the next 2 months. But in the case of this series, it may mean something. The Blazers didn't look like they belonged on the floor with the Rockets at any point during this game. Yao just dominated, and even Aaron Brooks was putting in work. The problem the Rockets will run into either in this series or sometime down the line, is their lack of a real closer. You can dump it in to Yao for points down the stretch, but when the D locks down on that, what perimeter player can you rely on to get you points or get to the line? Ron Artest? I don't think so. I still think the best sub-plot for their playoff run is possibly making it out of the 1st round without T-Mac. I think you'd almost have to trade him then.

As for the Blazers, they need to wake up and get into this series. Roy and Aldridge need to have coming out parties, and Rudy needs to provide some key 3 point shooting. They are such a "deep" team, you'd think someone will step up. Travis Outlaw is going to have to play well, since he opens up things for everyone else on the floor when he can hit that 18 foot jumper.

I took the Blazers in 7, but I'm not so sure anymore.


Now, time to watch the Lakers "game".

To Tweet or Not To Tweet?

By now, everyone knows about Twitter. It is taking over pop culture, with it's membership ranging from "the kid next door" to Shaquille O'Neal. Even Diddy used it to inform the world of his tantric sex sessions. Even the extremely popular social networking website Facebook has redesigned to give it a more Twitter-esque feel (Bad move Facebook).

Add Milwaukee Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva (better known in the Twitterverse as @CV31) to the list of famous Twitter users. CV sent this "tweet" out during halftime of the recent Bucks/Celtics match-up:

In da locker room, snuck to post my twitt. We're playing the Celtics, tie ball game at da half. Coach wants more toughness. I gotta step up.
10:17 AM Mar 15th from TwitterBerry

Seems innocent enough. I'd call 15 points in the 2nd half against the Boston Celtics in route to a victory stepping it up. Of course with a coach like Scott Skiles, it is unlikely Villanueva will do it again. Though there was no formal action taken against CV, Skiles was quoted in the AP saying, "My personal opinion is, it doesn't have any place in the locker room". That's a relatively mild response from Skiles, this is the same guy that banned headbands as the coach of Chicago.

I only bring this up because I find Twitter slightly strange. It's essentially a bunch of random updates about peoples lives, mixed with what I'd call public text messaging. It's weird that we have gotten to a point where an NBA player would sneak to post an update during an actual game, but that's the nature of Twitter. Knowing exactly what someone is thinking at random points during the day. I can't lie, I enjoy following some celebs on Twitter. Phonte' of Little Brother is hilarious. I don't know where this phenomenon will end up going, but I do know someone needs to get Shaq a bigger keyboard.

Shaq's fingers + Blackberry keys = Spell Check's worst nightmare.

NBA: Grading The New Uniforms

First off, MILLEN GOT FIRED. WOOO! WOOO! WOOO! But they are still the Lions.

Now Media Day 2008 recently passed in the NBA, which brought along some interesting photos and new uniforms. A few teams decided to go back to their 90's roots with stripes, others wanted to modernize their uniforms, while a team like Oklahoma City tries to discover an identity. They failed. Let's jump right into the grading of the league's newest uniforms.

Taking It Back



Both the Magic and the Hornets decided to go back to the 90's with the stripes look. Personally I love it. My favorite jerseys include the Magic back with Penny and Shaq, and the Bulls Black Away jerseys. It's a good look. But for some reason, it just looks a lot more natural on the Hornets jerseys. Plus Orlando's jerseys kind of curbs outwards towards the top rather than being straight. I also want to thank Dwight for the pseudo-inappropriate pose right there. He probably took more time practicing that than his FT's.

Orlando's Grade: B

This doesn't have anything to do with their uniforms, but I really like the Hornets as a team. I'll admit I never was high on David West, but Chris Paul has that man looking beastly. The stripes on the jersey are very well executed and bring back memories of the Charlotte days. They are by far my winner of the meaningless Media Day Jersey Battle.

Hornets' Grade: A+

The Upgrades



Two teams decided to update their uniforms this year. The Kings went with a very subtle change to the side of the jerseys, darkened the lettering, and changed their home jerseys to say "Sacramento" instead of "Kings". It's small, but the jerseys look slightly better. Many people won't get a chance to see them because Sacramento frankly isn't that good anymore. Kevin Martin is one of the better SGs in the league, and Francisco Garcia should have a break-out season with Artest gone, but this team won't be in the playoffs for another 2-3 years.

Kings' Grade: B-



Minnesota made a more drastic change to their uniforms getting rid of the black trim with the green trees and going with a more modern look. The best part about their old uniforms was the font, which they intelligently kept. These new jerseys remind me somewhat of those green Dallas alternate road jerseys, except they look better. I'm liking the large blue sky and tree trim. A big negative for these jerseys is the logo on the back of the shorts. Why do we need an a$$ logo? That's the dumbest thing I see with sports uniforms. Don't draw attention to that area, just let it be. Have we not learned from the Idaho situation (Google it)?

Timberwolves' Grade: B+ (Penalized for butt logo)

The New Kids on The Block

Why the hell did the New Kids on the Block come back? Were they needed?



That's besides the point. I referring of course to the Oklahoma City Thunder. So I guess Kevin Durant is a Thunder now? A Thunder. I got used to the Magic and the Heat, so I guess Thunder isn't so bad. I just wish they went with something that was plural. I'm just calling them OKC from now on.

I'm really starting to lose focus. It's probably because OKC's uniforms are very forgettable. The logo is weak too. I was really hoping they went with some of the Black & Gold designs that some fans created, not this half Bobcats half Knicks colorway they have going on. They look like those jerseys for the created teams on NBA 2K. I'm pretty sure there is a Thunder logo on there as well. These jerseys lack identity, appeal, or style. I'm interested to see how the away jerseys look, they can't get any worse.

Thunder's OKC's Grade: D

And Just to Laugh

NBA: Where The Playoffs Happen

I'm a little late, but I'm going to do my little first round run down. Might even get a little insight into my early championship favorite.



#1 Boston Celtics V. #8 Atlanta Hawks
America finally gets a chance to watch the Hawks, a team that has been mediocre since the Mookie/Mutumbo days. Josh Smith is definitely a guy to watch, he's electric. Joe Johnson may be one of the most overlooked SGs in the league, and you can see why Al Horford will be a starter in the league for years and got some serious consideration for Rookie of the Year.

Now that I got that out the way, this isn't really a series. Boston isn't Detroit, they are too hungry to let Atlanta even think they have a chance to win this series. This will be quick and painless. Garnett is on a war path, and Atlanta is just a prelude.

Celtics in 4


#2 Detroit Pistons V. #7 Philadelphia 76ers
Match-up a surprising young, athletic team against a bunch of complacent underachievers, and you have trouble. The Detroit Pistons don't think the 76ers can beat them, and the 76ers don't care. Game 1 confirmed that. I didn't believe Philly had a chance in hell, until Sunday. This series will likely help serve as evidence why I don't have Detroit representing the Eastern Conference in the Finals. It's so frustrating because they play down to the level of their opponents, and they do it consistently. They've been complacent since 2005, and what have they done since? Listen to the post-game comments, do they sound concerned? Do they sound hungry? "We've been here before. We know what it takes to win in the playoffs." Really Chauncey? So when you got overconfident last year, and LeBron padded his resume on you, you didn't take notice. You come out and display that same attitude? The Pistons have been to the Eastern Conference Finals 5 times, been to the Finals twice, and only won once. In that span, they've swept a grand total of 1 team. But ask them, and I bet they think they are a dynasty. Their window of opporitunity closes this off-season, so championship or not, don't expect to see the same team back next year. Unfortunately this one isn't going to do much. Ever since they made the All Star team, it's been downhill from there.

So much credit to Philadelphia, for coming out and playing to win. They actually have some advantages (mainly effort and athleticism) and an underrated PG in Andre Miller. The worst thing you can let an underdog do is believe. The Pistons on the other hand, will probably escape this series rather than cruise through it. I'm starting to doubt whether they'll even beat Orlando.

Pistons in 6


#3 Orlando Magic V. #6 Toronto Raptors
I don't really have much to say about this series. Chris Bosh is good, but Dwight Howard is better. Jose Calderon and T.J. Ford are better than any of the Magic's guards, but Turkoglu and Lewis are a lot better than any of Toronto's non-Bosh players. The Raptors are another team that doesn't get any national TV love during the season, and they can be entertaining, but they just aren't that great of a team. They've been slumping lately and their former #1 Andrea Bargnani hasn't done much of anything this year. Talk about disappointing.

It is good to see Dwight Howard turn into this generation's Shaq. You have to fear anyone that can easily give you 20/20. He'll probably end up as one of the best rebounders in league history. All the while Rashard Lewis makes $117 million to get outplayed by Turkoglu. Then again, without Rashard, Turkoglu wouldn't get the same looks.

Orlando in 5


#4 Cleveland Cavaliers V. # 5 Washington Wizards
I don't like the Cavaliers. At all. I try to keep things as objective as possible, but I rarely say anything positive about this team. There really isn't anything to like. But that's not going to make me pick against them, because I saw the first 2 games and LeBron James IS just that good. Imagine how many points he'd score if he could hit some free throws. He is just killing that team, but I don't think this series is over just yet. There is something about the Cavaliers that doesn't sit right with me, in terms of their team. When LeBron isn't he-man out there, they just don't look good. I remember hearing people asking who won the Chicago/Cleveland/Seattle trade, asking who it helped the most. Funny thing is, it probably is Seattle. Ben Wallace without his Detroit supporting cast, is just a guy who can block shots and grab a couple rebounds. No one fears the fro anymore. Delonte West and Szczerbiak live off of the looks LeBron can get them, they seem to struggle creating their own offense. What I'm trying to say is, Cleveland just gives off an aura of being beatable. Role players don't play well on the road typically, and this is where Washington can get back into this series. Caron Butler has been unimpressive, as well as Gilbert. Haywood has also been pretty solid, but needs to avoid foul trouble as really their only post threat. They just need to play better, as simple as that sounds.

It seems you can't mention this series without mentioning Soulja Boy, thanks to Deshawn Stevenson and LeBron James. Soulja Boy's label should send them a check for all the free publicity he's getting. For some reason, analysts feel the need to bring it up every game, on every show, at every halftime. The song was annoying enough, so please stop! I must admit though, that and the disdain these teams share for one another, makes this the most intriguing match-up in the East.

Cavaliers in 6


#1 Los Angeles Lakers V. #8 Denver Nuggets
The only reason Denver won't get swept is Allen Iverson. It's an unwritten rule that no matter how bad a team he may be on, they won't get swept. But they will surely get close, because they need JR Smith to play like a superstar to have a chance. Giving up 120 points doesn't win many games, and I wouldn't want to get into a shoot-out with a team with Kobe on it. That's usually not a smart idea. Even Pau Gasol is going crazy. I'm not a fan, but I wouldn't be surprised if they made it to the Finals.

A name I haven't mentioned, mainly because he may not matter, is Carmelo Anthony. I'm not saying he's not good, but is he relevant? I always defended Carmelo as being more than just another Glenn Robinson, and he is, but is he more than just a smooth scorer? Granted, he did improve his rebounding this season but he still lacks it on the defensive end. You'd love to see him become that complete player, someone with success. It just seems like he's doing more to hurt himself than help himself. More frustrating is how bad that team is structured. The Nuggets 20 years ago didn't win with all offense, why would it be different for these Nuggets? Hell, better teammates would help Carmelo's "legacy". I mean, look at Kobe. Over the last 3 years, he's had the same Kobe type seasons. The difference this year, his teammates have actually improved and they got Pau Gasol for a Big Mac combo with large fries. I guess that makes you the MVP somehow.

Lakers in 5


#2 New Orleans Hornets V. #7 Dallas Mavericks
Analysts were picking the Mavericks, trying to say the Hornets were too inexperienced and the Mavericks will finally step it up. Well honestly, I don't see that happening. I'm officially on the Chris Paul bandwagon, and I just don't think Dallas is that good. Dwyane Wade scarred that team, then Golden State poured salt on the wound. It's just not their year. I don't know what else to say about this series, so let's talk about the Chris Paul to Tyson Chandler pick-and-role. It's easily one of the nicest plays you'll see this post season, surpassing the Steve Nash/Amare Stoudemire pick-and-roll. Paul will see Chandler from anywhere on the court, and it's a mutual understanding what he needs to do. Chandler, knowing he only scores on this play and offensive rebounds, soon will be dunking down an alley-oop placed perfectly over the rim. If somehow Chandler can't get open, then Peja is there standing on the wing ready to drop the trey. The pick and pop with David West is equally as efficient and truly awe-inspiring. That's why Chris Paul averages 11-plus assists a game, those 3 plays.

The window for the Mavericks to win looks to be closed. Kidd is getting older, actually everyone on that team is getting older, they really could use some injection of youth. They also shouldn't still have to rely on Erick Dampier for post play.

Hornets in 6


#3 San Antonio Spurs V. #6 Phoenix Suns
When that game went into overtime, I saw the writing on the wall for the Suns. Then Tim Duncan hit a three, and the game was basically over. When Duncan hits a game tying three, the Spurs are probably going to win the game. And then trying to cover Ginobili with no one at the basket to stop a shot? Come on now. He's going left, and he's likely going to score. I never was a big Ginobili fan, but he's good. Game 1 was amazing. It was everything this series should be, I just hope there are no let downs for the rest of the series. This is the one series that NEEDS to go the inexplicable 7 games of the 1st round that makes it last 2 weeks. Tim Duncan was absolutely bananas. He always destroys Amare, because Amare cannot stay out of foul trouble. I thought thats what Shaq was supposed to help with, but he can't stay out of foul trouble. Thats what happens when your back-up big man is Boris Diaw, who he's not playing the undersized center in a fast paced offense role.

This is the best series of the first round, I just hope it isn't the best series of the playoffs again. Steve Nash and Tony Parker. Shaq and Duncan. Amare and Ginobili. The star power is there, the intensity is there, the history is there. I look forward to seeing some great games out of this series, with either team capable of winning the championship. To be honest, I don't see either doing it this year though. San Antonio just hasn't looked like the same championship team of a year ago, and I don't trust Phoenix's lack of depth. Play D.J. Strawberry, and only good things will happen. I hope I'm wrong, but........

Spurs in 7


#4 Utah Jazz V. #5 Houston Rockets
The Rockets need to beat the Jazz twice at home to win this series. There is no chance in hell of that happening. It's unfortunate, because they would actually have a chance to get out of the 1st round if they didn't have major injuries. Utah is just too good for them, especially since we are seeing an inspired Andrei Kirilenko for the first time in a while. If he can keep it up, the Jazz have a real shot at making it out the West. The light-skinned duo of Deron and Boozer is deadly, and matches up well with any other in the West. The LA/Utah 2nd round series is going to be epic, I honestly think Utah can take them. Kirilenko is going to have to do his thing on Kobe, but the same goes for Fisher on Deron. Both teams dig into their benches too, so it'll definitely be a fun series. I hate to just disregard the Rockets like that, but it is what it is.

Tracy McGrady is going to go 0-7 in terms of making it out of the first round for his career. That's sad, but it's a combination of things. He needs to take over games down the stretch as opposed to the first 3 quarters. 1 point in the 4th quarter is inexcusable, even if the defense is keying on him. He needs to show that he is THE man, but maybe he just isn't? At least not this post-season. A big problem is, he can't get easy shots. I can't believe it, but they need Rafer Alston to hit some 3's. I really hope he makes it out some time, I thought this was his "year". I give up on him, and the only reaction he can probably give is:


Jazz in 5 (...and that's being nice)

KG's Goodbye, Minnesota's Good buy

Kevin Garnett has been my favorite NBA player for some time, but it's been hard lately. The Timberwolves have been a joke ever since Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell left, and KG became the superstar too loyal to an organization going nowhere. Then he started popping in and out of trade rumors around draft time. I've heard every rumor you can think of, so I didn't really give the story any credence. The draft passes, nothing happens. Then one day, I wake up and KG is a Celtic. Kevin Garnett in the East, surrounded by 2 All Stars, with a chance to contend for a title? It's a beautiful thing, but don't think for a minute Boston is going to walk through the East. Not yet.

A trio of Kevin Garnett-Paul Pierce-Ray Allen is just flat out scary, especially in the oft-criticized Eastern Conference. Kevin Garnett is one of the most talented power forwards to ever play this game (Look at the nine 20+/10+/4+ seasons), but the biggest criticism around him has been his lack of ability to carry a team to post-season success. KG apologists would argue that he never really had a team around him, and both sides are right. Now Garnett has no excuse being surrounded with Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. His unselfishness will be rewarded when he's kicking the ball out to Ray Allen, and not Wally Szczerbiak (I didn't even have to Google him to spell it right), while looking for Paul Pierce slashing to the rim, and not worrying what Ricky Davis is doing. Ray Allen, no longer the face of a franchise, gets to go back into a 3 star system that he thrived in with Milwaukee years ago. Paul Pierce finally gets a chance to play with some players over 30 who will log more than 10 minutes per game. It doesn't take a genius to realize how much better it is seeing KG and Ray Allen out there, than Antoine Walker. Usually putting 3 players of this magnitude on a team would create ego problems, but none of these players have really experienced success in their careers and they are not young. This is the last chance for them to actually contribute to a championship team, not a ring-chasing has been.

Now Boston has to prepare for their 2nd off-season, that is, actually putting a team of players around their trio that compliment them. Rajon Rondo is a very nice young player, someone fans will get to know a lot more next year. He's one of those slashing PGs with absolutely no jump shot that seem to be taking the NBA by storm (Tony Parker winning Finals MVP, Mike Conley going 4th in the draft). KG is going to take pressure off of Rondo because of his playmaking, so Rondo's real job will be to control turnovers and play good defense. Defense shouldn't be an issue for him. But you can't just throw him into the fire right now, they need someone who can come in and give him a rest. I've heard it mentioned everywhere, but Brevin Knight is someone who can give you 20 minutes per game with that veteran leadership. That's what the Celtics need, veterans who know their roles and do it well. A player like Ruben Patterson off the bench to take some pressure off of Pierce would work. Solid role players are all they need. Their success this season depends on their ability to add a functional bench to this team.

This trade didn't only benefit the Celtics, but the Timberwolves made out pretty well given the circumstances. As a friend said, "The worst deals involve the best players." Getting equal talent back for a marquee player isn't possible. Getting talented young players definitely is, and that's why Minnesota made out well in this trade. Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, and Ryan Gomes combine with Corey Brewer, Craig Smith, Rashad McCants and Randy Foye to give Minnesota something they haven't had in a long time. A future. Ever since the Joe Smith debacle cost the Timberwolves numerous 1st round, they only had mediocre talent to shop in the trade market and some money to try to attract players to a very unattractive destination. Who was the last young player you remember making a significant impact on the Timberwolves? Now they have bunch of young players, cap room, and a high draft pick. The ideal situation for a team rebuilding from scratch. They now have the assets to make a trade or they could stand pat and watch their youth develop. Al Jefferson won't ever replace Garnett, but he definitely has the ability to put up 20/10. He's going to have to adjust to the forward loaded West. Gerald Green will never be another T-Mac, but he can score. Corey Brewer is an effective defender, and Randy Foye continued to improve as the season progressed. They may not be much now, but the Timberwolves will be a team to watch.

The East is starting to get interesting now. None of the top teams in the East improved much this season, including the defending Eastern Conference Champion Cavaliers. While a week ago they may have been satisfied, I guarantee that Detroit, Cleveland, and Chicago are looking over their backs, preparing for the rebirth of the Boston Celtics.