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2007 NBA All-Star Game Live Blog – 1st Half


Welcome to the 2007 NBA All-Star Game Live Blog. The action will get under way in a little less than half an hour and we’ll be covering it for you. Newest comments will appear at the top.

End of 2nd The West take a 20 point lead into the locker room behind 17 points from Bryant. 14 shots in 13 minutes, just a typical night for Kobe.

2:30 Prince was at the game with Ludacris and Dave Chappelle. When did he become such a sports fan? Maybe Charlie Murphy was telling the truth.

5:25 Who knew Carrot Top was ripped? Too bad there’s no exercise to help his face. Yikes!

6:43 The West is starting to run away with this one, leading by 20. This is beginning to get ugly, but no lead is safe in an All-Star game. Eventually, some of the Eastern conference players will remember that the winners get a bigger check and start giving more effort.

8:45 Shaq put down a two handed slam and then gave McGrady a kiss on the face. Tim Hardaway’s not going to like that.

10:20 Does anyone else think that Tracy McGrady looks like a deer?

End of 1st The West are up 39-31 and Vince Carter provided the highligt of the quarter as he made a spinning drive that ended with a nice slam.

2:38 Amare Stoudemire is off to a hot start with 8 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in only 4 minutes. Can you say early MVP candidate?

5:00 Jermaine O’Neal tipped in a miss but it was for the wrong team.

7:14 Nevermind, Wade made up for his lack of effort as he threw down a nice alley-oop from LeBron. The game of can you top this started with a nifty slam from Kobe. As always, Bryant’s not afraid to jack it up. He has six shot attempts in five minutes.

10:35 Dwyane Wade had a perfect opportunity to wow the crowd on a breakaway and he hit a weak dunk instead. This is the All-Star game isn’t it?

Pregame Siegfried and Roy provided an awkward start to the game before John Mason did his usual annoying introductions. Is there anyone who actually likes this Deeeeeeeetroit Basketball idiot? Do the people in Detroit even like him? Can we recreate Tupac’s vegas experience with him as Tupac?

Can this pregame take any longer? Wayne Newton’s makeup is beginning to run. By the way, when did Wayne Newton start looking like the crazy cat lady who had too much plastic surgery? Let’s get this game on the road already.

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Barkley vs Bavetta race video

Here it is folks, the 3 1/2 court length race between the “Black Rhino” and 67 year old official Dick Bavetta.

In a shocking upset, “Sir Cumference” beats Dick “the fixer” Bavetta”. The best part is when Charles says, “and we’re gonna give 2 blackjack hands to charity.”

Youtube

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Stakes go up to $50,000 in Bavetta vs Barkley race

Update: Barkley vs Bavetta will take place at 8PM ET on Saturday on TNT. Bodog has Bavetta as the favorite at -340 and Barkley at +220. This is going to be good.

It’s not listed on the 2007 NBA All-Star Weekend schedule yet but the must see event will be the footrace between Dick Bavetta and Charles Barkley. Originally a $10,000 bet with proceeds going to charity, TNT has upped the stakes and $50,000 will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.

The race will be 2 1/2 times the length of the court (235 feet). The smart money is on Dick Bavetta by about 20 feet. The degenerate gamblers that we are, we actually looked for a place to bet on this.

Remember the last time the Chuckster opened his big mouth and said he could hold his breath longer than David Blaine?

Links:
[Philly.com]: Bet on Bavetta

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Around the Rim: Even Vegas Won’t Touch Him


1. Banished
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but too bad for Tim Hardaway he’ll never make it to Vegas. That’s because David Stern has banned Hardaway from appearing at any NBA functions over the All-Star weekend after he publicly blasted John Ameachi and other gays for their lifestyles. You can’t blame Stern for his decision; he can’t release a loose cannon like Hardaway and trust him to properly represent the league during their annual self promotion weekend after he demonstrated zero self control on the radio. Like it or not, Hardaway will be now always been considered a homophobic, venom-spewing hate monger instead of the originator of the killer crossover.

2. In Search of Seven
A familiar face could be returning from retirement after the All-Star break. 41 year old Scottie Pippen says he is seriously considering a comeback, but he wants to play for a contender, perhaps Phoenix. Pip says that this is the best he has felt in the past five years. The last time Pippen was in the league was during the 2003-04 season when he played for a Michael Jordanless Chicago Bulls team. Well, played might be a bit of an overstatement considering that he only saw action in 23 games. No matter how old some of these guys get, they just can’t sit at home and roll in their millions like Scrooge McDuck. Guess six rings isn’t enough.

3. High Hopes and High Hoops
Dwight Howard has big ideas for his performance during Saturday’s slam dunk competition, but it seems like the league isn’t going to let them come to fruition. Howard wants the hoop to be elevated for several of his attempts, but his requests have been oddly denied. One move that Howard has been practicing in Orlando is a 360 slam with the rim set to a height of 12 feet. Another dunk that Howard has been working on is an “East Bay Funk Dunk” type maneuver between his legs with the rim set a full foot and a half higher than the regulation setting.

Thursday’s Player of the Day: Kobe Bryant vs. Cleveland 41 min, 34 pts (FG: 9-22, 3FG: 2-7, FT: 14-15), 6 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl

Buzzer Beater: The Kobe Bryant/LeBron James is becoming one of the best individual rivalries in the game today. In the past week, we’ve seen these two compete in their only pair of games this year. In the two games, Bryant scored a total of 70 points but went home as the loser both times. James, on the other hand, put up 56 points as his team walked away with a pair of closely contested victories. It’s probably not too hard to see these two hooking up in a classic Finals series one day, but it’s definitely not this year.

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Kevin Durant might not want to play for the Celtics


First there were rumors that Greg Oden might not come out of college after this season, now Kevin Durant’s father is saying he might be back at Texas next year. What is it about playing for Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge that has the #1 and #2 picks so worried? Could it be that 18 game losing streak? Or maybe it’s the prospect of playing for Memphis or the Philly that has these two potential superstars so worried.

In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, Kevin Durant’s father, Wayne Pratt hinted that Durant might need one more year to season.


There’s a chance he would come back to Texas next year. Kevin is so young. There’s not a rush for him to go to the NBA. Right now, we’re not even talking about that. We’re talking about winning the Big 12, and Kevin continuing to progress academically.

There’s certain things that Kevin has to show and do before that decision is made, and we still have some things we need to see. It’s a total thing – mentally, physically, all those things have to be intact before a decision can be made. My wife and I have pretty good jobs. There’s no rush for him to go to the NBA.

It’s a good attitude but they have regular jobs… the 2007-2008 rookie scale is $3.9M for the #1 pick for the first year and $3.5M for the #2 pick. Take the money and run, Kevin. No one will blame you.

Links:
[Dallas Morning News]: Will Durant go pro? Don’t go there
[NBPA.com]: Rookie Scale

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Around the Rim: Boston’s Marathon is Over



We goin’ Sizzler!

1. Reason for Celebration
After a franchise-record 18 consecutive losses, the Boston Celtics can finally experience the thrill of victory again. You have to give Boston some credit for winning in convincing fashion, but there’s no reason that the finger pointing can’s be directed at Milwaukee. It’s already bad enough that the Bucks have become the answer to a trivia question on Sports Jeopardy by breaking the Celtics streak of futility; however, to get blown out by 20 points in the process should be unacceptable. But it’s tough for a team lacking talent to mount a successful comeback after falling down by 13 in the first quarter. Just ask the Celtics.

2. I Got a Golden Ticket!
After Jason Kidd withdrew from competing in the All-Star game this Sunday, David Stern was forced to, once again, assign another player to the squad. Joe Johnson was the lucky recipient of an All-Star credential for the Vegas weekend. Johnson’s 25.1 points per game ranks as the tenth best in the league and last night Johnson lead his Hawks to victory over the Clippers by scoring a team-high 27 points. With four other players being replaced in the game, this year equals the 1996-97 game where Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning and Shaquille O’Neal all missed the midseason contest.

3. Bull Headed
It’s looking more and more like Pau Gasol will be shipped to Chicago. The only holdup seems to be John Paxson’s unwillingness to send Luol Deng or Ben Gordon to Memphis in exchange. But if the Bulls want to have the size and strength to bang with the big bodies from Miami and Detroit in the postseason, then Paxson will have to overcome his reluctance. The pairing of Gasol and Ben Wallace could be what elevates Chicago into the elite level, where everyone thought they would be before the season began. Paxson should try to hold on to Gordon if at all possible, but if the only way to gain Gasol is through the loss of Gordon then he is going to have to suck it up and pull the trigger.

Wednesday’s Player of the Day: Deron Williams vs. Cleveland 43 min, 33 pts (FG: 14-23, 3FG: 1-4, FT: 4-8), 6 reb, 12 ast, 2 stl

Thursday’s Game to Watch: Dallas (43-9) @ Houston (33-18) Something has to give in this game as both teams enter with excellent situational records. Dallas is an impressive 19-6 on the road, while Houston has done a good job of winning on their home floor (19-6) this year. The Rockets could really use a win over their division rivals as they are currently sitting 10 games behind the league’s best record. Tracy McGrady has led the Rockets to victories in eight of their last 10 games while the team continues to wait on the return of Yao Ming. Dallas once again holds the league’s longest active win streak by taking their past eight games.

Buzzer Beater: Derek Fisher has been in the league for 11 years and during that time he has been trusted by his teammates to take numerous big shots. Hopefully, players feel comfortable with Fisher’s ability to handle responsibility because he will take over as president of the NBA Players Union this weekend. Fisher is the current vice president of the union and will succeed Antonio Davis. This year has been turning out pretty decent for Fisher so far. In addition to the promotion, he is also an important contributor to the league’s third best team as Utah has gone 35-17 this season.

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Can Chris Rock please call Tim Hardaway?

By now everyone’s heard of Tim Hardaway’s comments on hating gay people. So we’d like to point out this bit from Chris Rock. We’ve said it before: Chris Rock is a friggin’ genius and the most important comic out there. (And on top of that, he can tell the future.) In any case, here’s what Rock had to say about gays from Bigger and Blacker:

You know what’s fucked up? Everybody gets so homophobic. People, we need to cut that shit out… ’cause everybody in this room got at least a gay cousin. Every last one of you got a gay cousin. You knew he was gay when y’all was kids. You was playing ball, he was jumping rope. He didn’t turn gay, he was gay then. He just didn’t have nobody to be gay with.

Shit, l got a gay uncle. Call him Aunt Tom. Every Christmas, he comes over with his ”friend.” See, it don’t make no sense to hate nobody. lt don’t make no sense to be a racist, sexist, or nothing, but…. lt don’t. lt doesn’t. lt don’t make no sense… ’cause whoever you hate will end up in your family. That’s right, you don’t like gays,you’re gonna have a gay son.

Now check out this clip of Hardaway when asked what if he had a gay family member. I’m sure Tim is a God fearing man. And the best thing is that God has a great sense of humor. Can’t wait for someone in Hardaway’s family to come out. Wait… does Hardaway have any kids?

(By the way, no more Tim Hardaway stories until he does something really stupid.)

Links:
[Yahoo]: Amaechi responds to Hardaway’s comments

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Tim Hardaway hates gay people… no… seriously



You want me to drop an f bomb?

That’s right folks, Mr. Utep 2 Step hates gays. Say it loud and say it proud!


You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don’t like gay people and I don’t like to be around gay people. I am homophobic. I don’t like it. It shouldn’t be in the world or in the United States.

First of all, I wouldn’t want [Amaechi] on my team. And second of all, if he was on my team, I would, you know, really distance myself from him because, uh, I don’t think that’s right. And you know I don’t think he should be in the locker room while we’re in the locker room. I wouldn’t even be a part of that.

You knew it was only a matter of time before someone just came right out and said it. A few players came out in support of Amaechi, a few came out with head scratching quotes but Timmy Hardaway is the first to flat out say he hates gays. Later on, Hardaway apologized for his remarks and said, “I regret it. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said I hate gay people or anything like that. That was my mistake.” Notice that he didn’t back away from his stance. He just said he regretted saying it.

Someone isn’t getting a Christmas card from John Amaechi this year.

Links:
[ESPN]: Former Heat star Hardaway makes anti-gay comments

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Around the Rim: Second Rate All-Stars



Vegas bound

1. Wrecked West
All-Stars are dropping like flies and now, in addition to Carlos Boozer and Yao Ming, Steve Nash and Allen Iverson will both miss the contest for the West. Mehmet Okur and Ray Allen were named as their replacements by David Stern on Tuesday. Stern also inserted Carmelo Anthony and Josh Howard into the squad for Boozer and Ming. Now, there are a total of 16 All-Stars in the Western Conference but it appears the East will be assigned a new player soon after Jason Kidd announced he will miss at least one more game with a strained back. No word yet on who could replace Kidd, but we do know that the Hornets’ Chris Paul will replace Nash in the skills competition.

2. He’s Not All Bad
Ron Artest has been playing great lately with at least 20 points in eight of his last nine games but, last night, Artest put together the best offensive output of his career. Artest went off against the Rockets and scored 39 (5-7 3-pointers) points and grabbed eight big boards for the Kings, but it wasn’t enough as Sacramento lost to Houston in overtime. The Kings are now sitting in the basement of their division as Artest and Mike Bibby have both become hot commodities with the trade deadline approaching. The latest rumor had Bibby heading to Cleveland for Cavs forward Drew Gooden.

3. Hornets Get Stung
The Hornets were in position to move into the playoff picture last night, and all they had to do was beat the pathetic Grizzlies. But it wasn’t New Orleans’ night as Memphis picked up their first division win of the season with an exciting 108-104 victory at home. It was the Grizzlies third crack at the Hornets this year; in all Memphis was 0-13 versus division foes (0-4 vs. DAL, 0-4 vs. HOU, 0-3 vs. SA, 1-2 vs. NO) before they finally picked up a win. Tyson Chandler went bananas, grabbing a franchise record-tying 23 rebounds while matching his career-high in points with 17. With the win, the Grizzlies are now only 11 ½ games out of the playoff picture. Keep up the good work guys.

Tuesday’s Player of the Day: Dirk Nowitzki @ Milwaukee 43 min, 38 pts (FG: 15-28, 3FG: 2-6, FT: 6-6), 11 reb, 8 ast, 2 stl

Wednesday’s Game to Watch: San Antonio (34-18) @ Detroit (32-18) The road trip continues for San Antonio and so far the Spurs have been on a pretty bumpy ride. SA is 3-4 during the stretch but gained some confidence last night after blowing out a struggling Nets team. Detroit will prove a tough task as they are 17-9 at home this year and currently riding a seven game win streak. Much like when the Pistons added Rasheed Wallace to their squad mid-season a few years ago, Detroit is becoming better and better as the postseason approaches.

Buzzer Beater: It took a few seasons but Eddy Curry is finally living up to the draft day hype. He scored 19 points against the Lakers last night and scored the go-ahead basket with seven seconds remaining. Curry is even received some All-Star consideration and if Jason Kidd misses the game, Curry could still be injected into the Eastern Conference’s lineup but it’ll be tough for the commish to pass on a high scoring Joe Johnson.

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Around the Rim: Sun Sits, Suns Set


1. Pain in the Nash
Thanks to a bum shoulder, the reigning two time MVP will miss this weekend’s All-Star game in Las Vegas. So far, Steve Nash has missed the Suns last three games and the team has lost two in row without their primary ball handler. By withdrawing from the game and the skill competition, Nash will have two full weeks to get healthy for the final stretch of the season. But Nash’s injury forces David Stern to name a replacement for both events. Stern has already placed Carmelo Anthony and Josh Howard on the team, which leaves players like Mehmet Okur, Zach Randolph and Elton Brand up for consideration. Deron Williams would be an admirable replacement for Nash in both situations as he is averaging 17.3 points and 9.1 assists per game.

2. For Sale
Jason Kidd is already looking for a trendy new bachelor pad, but according to rumors it might not be located in New Jersey. That’s because it appears that the Lakers and Cavaliers are both looking to acquire the point guard extraordinaire. Los Angeles has offered two first round picks, along with the expiring contracts of players like Kwame Brown, Jordan Farmar and Chris Mihm with the hopes of teaming Kidd with Kobe Bryant. But, so far, the Nets seem to be holding pat. The Cavs are in a similar situation as they are looking for someone who can relieve some of the pressure from their star before the team makes the final push for postseason positioning. But come to think of it; who couldn’t use an unselfish, fast-breaking, triple-double threat on their roster during March and April?

3. Terrifying Trio
It was seven years ago today that the world was witness to the most frightening frontcourt lineup in the history of the NBA as Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and Shaquille O’Neal started for the Western Conference in the 2000 All-Star game. The trio combined for 70 points and 33 rebounds as the West won by a score of 137-126. K.G. was left out of the mix as Shaq and Duncan split the game’s Most Valuable Player award. Speaking of hardware, between the trio, they have two Rookie of the Year awards, four All-Star MVP’s, four regular season MVP’s, six Finals MVP’s and seven championship rings. And again, K.G. is left in the cold as the only superstar without Final’s experience.

Monday’s Player of the Day: J.R. Smith vs. Golden State 23 min, 28 pts (FG: 10-18, 3FG: 6-11, FT: 2-2), 4 reb, 1 ast

Tuesday’s Game to Watch: Toronto (27-24) @ Chicago (29-23) This could be a preview of things to come in the playoffs as these two would be facing off if the postseason began today. But due to a weird seeding clause, Toronto would hold the home court advantage despite sitting 1 ½ games behind the Bulls in the standings. But unfortunately for the Raptors, this game is occurring in Chicago where the Bulls are 20-6 this season. Toronto has been pathetic on the road (9-17) even though Chris Bosh continues to earn legitimacy as an MVP candidate. At least Toronto can look forward to not playing another road game until February 24, while the Bulls have to play nine of their next 15 games away from home.

Buzzer Beater: The Warriors playoff hopes took a serious blow when the team found out that Baron Davis would have to undergo surgery to clean up his left knee. Davis was hurt in a game against Charlotte on February 3. Golden State is currently within a game and a half of the final postseason slot but they have lost six of their last nine games and have a five game Eastern Conference road trip that is quickly approaching. Even if Stephen Jackson can manage to keep himself out of the big house, the Warriors chances of moving forward without Davis are somewhere between slim and none.