1. He’s Back
For a team that is coming off of back-to-back 34 win seasons, the Warriors look ready to take the next step. And for any team coached by Don Nelson, that means they’re on the verge of potential playoff disappointment. Nelson is known for his fast paced style, and this group is no different as Golden State is third in the league in points per game. So far, that has netted him a 9-6 record, including upsets over Dallas, Detroit, Sacramento, Utah and San Antonio. His brand of ball will get wins, but just as it was in Dallas, Nellie won’t be able to take this group over the hump. On the bright side, Nelson has turned pine riders like Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins into hot commodities with rising stocks. Don’t forget that Nelson was the mechanic responsible for fine tuning the German engineered Dirk Nowitzki. Just ask Avery Johnson, he knows how smooth that ride is.
2. Enough Already!
The situation in Chicago has become more unbelievable than Ben Wallace’s free throw percentage. The head butting has got to stop and frankly it’s up to the coach to step back on this one. Scott Skiles needs to ease up and let Wallace wear his headband, play his music, tape his ankles or anything else that will keep his big ‘fro motivated. Skiles is trying to flex his muscle and legitimize his authority but he’s putting his own job in jeopardy in the process. Just let Ben be Ben; that is the reason you acquired him, right? At this point, winning is the only thing that should matter for the Bulls and that will be a lot easier with a little harmony amongst the troops. If Skiles will bend a little for Wallace then the four time defensive player of the year just might fully emerge in Chi-town.
3. Locked Up in Los Angeles County
While one Mike Dunleavy is being booed with regularity in Golden State, another is being praised a little further south for his accomplishments in the City of Angels. Mike Dunleavy Sr. has been given a four year extension worth over $21 million by the Clippers. And why not lock in Dunleavy now? The historically pathetic franchise has improved every year under his reign and now gets consideration as the best team in Los Angeles. Donald Sterling appears to finally be committed to winning after being notoriously cheap over the years. If the Clippers are able to improve on their current, mediocre record then the team could see their second consecutive trip to the playoffs. Any coach capable of an amazing feat such as that deserves $21 million in their checkbook. As far as the booing of Mike Jr. goes; that will take a separate miracle.
4. Miller Time
In the midst of trade rumors swirling around him, Mike Miller went out and showed the league that he’s more than just a pretty set shot. Last night in Denver, Miller dished out a career high 14 assists to go along with 13 points and seven rebounds. The assist total is well over his career average of 2.7. While nobody is going to be confusing Miller with Steve Nash anytime soon, the total is impressive for a 6-8 small forward who has no post game from which to pass out of. If Miller is to be dealt; he hopes that this performance will catch the eye of a contending team looking for the missing piece.
Tuesday’s Player of the Day: Michael Redd @ Los Angeles Lakers 42 min, 45 pts (FG: 16-30, 3FG: 5-9, FT: 8-10), 8 reb, 5 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk
Wednesday’s Game to Watch: San Antonio (11-4) @ Utah (12-3) This is fairly simple. It’s the two best teams in the Western Conference; Utah is 7-1 at home and San Antonio is 7-1 on the road. Obviously, somebody’s impressive streak won’t hold. This is a playoff caliber game six months early.
Buzzer Beater: Forget Ben Wallace, Shane Battier has been the most influential off-season acquisition this season. He’s not putting up the huge numbers synonymous with a major player but he doesn’t have to with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady snatching all the stats. The unselfish Battier provides a perfect compliment to the two All-Stars by setting picks, making extra passes and playing tight defense. And his presence on the court has to be respected by opponents, giving T-Mac and Yao the extra space needed to exploit their defenders.
