Tag: Houston Rockets

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NBA General

Around the Rim: Plentiful Points



Friendly fire

1. Subject to Change
Most statistical categories have been lead by one player for the majority of
the first month of the season. Dwight Howard leads in rebounds, Steve Nash
in assists, Emeka Okafor in blocks and Ron Artest in steals. But the NBA’s
best scorer has been a tossup to say the least. Carmelo Anthony, Allen
Iverson and Michael Redd are all averaging over 30 points per game and have
each lead the league in scoring at some point this season. Four more
players are scoring to the tune of at least 27 a night; Joe Johnson, Vince
Carter, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. There’s also a guy in LA who has been
pretty hot lately. Look for the see-sawing to continue throughout the year;
the league has too much firepower to be dominated by one player all season.

2. KO’d
Dikembe Mutombo’s elbows are notoriously brutal and have been known to put
opponents to sleep. And on Saturday, teammate Tracy McGrady found out first
hand when he took an accidental shot to the dome in the first quarter that
kept him out of the remainder of the game. McGrady lay on the ground
semi-conscious for a while before making a failed attempt to walk to the
locker room under his own power. Eventually, T-Mac was drug away like a
punch-drunk boxer by a fellow Rocket and the team’s trainer. Maybe Mutombo
should begin concentrating on a possible UFC career once his playing days
are over. With the proper training, a Mutombo elbow could become as lethal
as a Chuck Liddell right hook. And I seriously doubt that anyone could
match his reach. Watch out Tim Sylvia, Mt. Mutombo could come swinging at
you next.

3. His Name? Number Two.
Don Nelson has been waiting for his 1,200th victory his entire career, what
are a few more games. Nelson has been stuck at 1,199 since last Monday when
Golden State defeated San Antonio. Ironically, a week later, the Warriors
travel to SA for a chance to snag the milestone win, and snap a two game
losing skid in the process.

Whoa, Nellie? I don’t think so. Nelson is still going strong after an
incredible 28 years of coaching in the NBA. He is second to only Lenny
Wilkins in all-time coaching victories and, while it would take at least
three more seasons, Nelson has a reasonable chance to end his career with
the most wins in the history of the league. If that doesn’t motivate a head
coach then nothing will.

Sunday’s Player of the Day: Joe Johnson @ Portland 45 min, 33 pts (FG:
14-22, 3FG: 4-8, FT: 1-1), 6 reb, 6 ast, 1 stl

Monday’s Game to Watch: Indiana (9-9) @ Los Angeles Lakers (11-5) The
Lakers are 9-2 at home on the year and are currently on a streak where they
have won seven out of nine. Kobe Bryant has been torching opponents over
the span and will look to continue his great play tonight. Indiana has lost
two in a row but the team can finally begin to rely on Jermaine O’Neal again
who is slowly returning to his All-Star form of old. If O’Neal continues to
progress, Indiana could create some noise in the East.

Buzzer Beater: The Charlotte Bobcats are the best of the worst in the
league. While the Pussycats only have five wins on the season, they hold
surprising victories over Cleveland, San Antonio, New Jersey and Detroit.
That’s pretty impressive for the second worst team in the NBA. Charlotte is
full of holes, but at least they can raise their level of play to match that
of the big boys.

Categories
NBA General

Dec 1 in Sports History: Basketball is invented


In 1891: The object of the game is to put the ball in your opponents goal (a peach basket at first). This may be done by throwing the ball from any part of the grounds, with one or two hands.

This simple idea was originated by Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian physical education teacher, to provide an “athletic distraction” to a group of bored teenagers during a brutal winter in Springfield, MA. “Basket ball” grew into one of the world’s most popular sports, with 300 million people playing around the globe today (not counting RJ’s sweet shot of a ball of tape into a trash can via a co-worker’s back that he totally meant to do). Naismith laid out 13 simple rules, which banned traveling (which is yet to be adopted by the NBA), dribbling (players had to shoot or pass when catching the ball), and included the five second inbounding rule and no goaltending. Naismith died on Nov. 28, 1939, almost 40 years to the day he invented basketball. He was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame (which adorns his name) in 1959. (hoophall.com)

In 1993: The Houston Rockets proved they were pretty good at Naismith’s invention by defeating the Knicks at Madison Square Garden 94-85, to win their 15th game in a row to start a season, tying an NBA record. Led by MVP Hakeem Olajuwon, the “Clutch City” Rockets won 22 out of their first 23 games and later beat the Knicks again to win their first of back-to-back NBA titles. (basketball-reference.com)

In 1967 Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia 76ers proved that he wasn’t so good at Naismith’s invention on this day as he set a record for missing 22 free throws in a 138-130 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Of course, we’re kidding about the not-so-good part, but foul shooting was an Achilles heel of the Stilt’s, as he shot only 51 percent from the line for his career (opponents originated the “Hack-a-Shaq” strategy on Wilt). (nba.com/history)

Categories
NBA General

Around the Rim: Gold Rush


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.

Categories
NBA General

Around the Rim: Rocky Mountain High


1. Scoring King
Thanks to six straight games of at least 30 points, the NBA has a new scoring leader. Carmelo Anthony has been torching his opponents all year long and now boasts a league high 31 point per game average, seven-tenths of a point ahead of Milwaukee’s Michael Redd. Anthony struggled in the opening game of the season and managed to net only 15 points on six of 13 shooting. Since that game, Melo has been shooting 49.4 percent from the field and has put together an impressive string of scoring: 28 vs. Minnesota, 37 vs. New York, 31 @ Philadelphia, 36 @ Charlotte, 33 @ Miami, 34 @ Orlando and 34 vs. Toronto. Anthony has been able to increase his scoring average, in part, due to his ability to get to the line, shooting 70 of 81 in his eight games this season. With Kenyon Martin gone for the rest of the season, expect Anthony’s attempts from the field to grow even further. Andre Miller and J.R. Smith will see their numbers improve, as well, because of the injury to Martin but there is no doubt who shoulders the scoring load in Denver.

2. Wardrobe Change
On Saturday night, the NBA revealed a new line of alternate road uniforms for the Jazz, Nets, Bobcats and Wizards. For Utah, Charlotte and New Jersey, the changes were minimal. The Nets’ uniforms looked very similar to their normal gear except that they were red. Charlotte replaced its normal red road jersey with a slate blue one and Utah donned a baby blue uniform with navy and white stripes going down along the sides. However, the award for the biggest fashion break-out goes to the Washington Wizards who changed from a blue road uniform to a gold and black set with stars along the sides. Washington became the first team since the 1946 Chicago Stags to wear a uniform that consisted of different colored shorts and jerseys. The predominately black shorts contrasted with a bright gold jersey. The uniforms didn’t guarantee the teams victories on the road however. The four teams went 2-2 with Washington winning easily and Utah snatching a three point victory in overtime at Phoenix, while Charlotte and New Jersey both proceeded to lose by double digits in their new attire.

3. Blood, No Foul
On Friday, Houston Rockets’ head coach Jeff Van Gundy was fined $25,000 for publicly criticizing the officials in charge during the game last week between Houston and Miami. The game pitted the leagues two most dominant big men, Shaquille O’Neal and Yao Ming, in a physical battle. Yao left the game with a large gash on his arm from contact with O’Neal which lead to comments by Van Gundy. “It just irritated me,” said Van Gundy. “The whole game irritated me the way he was officiated. ‘There was no contact,’ (officials said) yet there was blood streaming down his arm.” This isn’t the first time that Van Gundy has paid a fine over what he felt was poor treatment of his star center. He was forced to fork over $100,000 in May after stating that an official not involved in the playoffs told Van Gundy that Mark Cuban had convinced the referees to unfairly target Yao.

4. Wade Un’Shaq’led
Shaquille O’Neal is expected to miss between four and six weeks thanks to surgery meant to repair torn cartilage in his knee. While the team is going to miss having the big man in the center, Dwyane Wade fans will be happy to see their hero begin a true MVP run. Miami is 2-3 without Shaq but Wade’s numbers are outstanding during those games. Wade is averaging 25 points, five rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game with O’Neal in the lineup. Without Shaq Daddy, Wade has increased his numbers to 29 points, five rebounds, 8.6 assists and two steals per game. The long term absence of Shaq will give Pat Riley added incentive to keep the ball in Wade’s hands, thus increasing his scoring and assists. While Wade’s numbers will most likely see an upward spike, the team, currently 8th in the eastern conference, could be struggling to remain in playoff contention by the time their post presence returns.

Sunday’s Player of the Day: Tim Duncan @ Sacramento 31 min, 35 pts (FG: 13-17, FT: 9-11), 14 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk

Monday’s Game to Watch: San Antonio (8-2) @ Portland (5-6) The Spurs are off to a franchise best 5-0 on the road this season after a win over Sacramento on Sunday. San Antonio would love to continue their recent road success but Portland is proving to be a tougher team than most people expected. The Trail Blazers currently have a record of 5-6 but they have been especially competitive in Portland where they are 3-1. Both teams possess potential power forward MVP’s in Tim Duncan and Zach Randolph. It should be a battle all-night in the post as these two double-double artists perform their magic in the paint.

Categories
Orlando Magic

Odds and Ends: I should’ve called him a chimpanzee instead!



what ball?

Just a quick follow up to the story we had last week about the fan banned from NBA arenas for calling Dikembe Mutombo a monkey. Hamzehloui says that the entire incident was blown out of proportion because he chose the wrong word.


I just used a poor choice of words. If I said he looked like a chimpanzee or like a gorilla, none of this happens.

Cause uh… you know.. there’s no racial undertones to calling someone a gorilla or a chimpanzee.

In other news…

[ABC 7]: Dementieva: Model ball boys shouldn’t focus on players

[BBC]: David Beckham to the LA Galaxy?

[Philly.com]: Paterno has surgery to repair broken leg, will coach against Temple

[Newsday]: Paul Azinger named captain of next U.S. team to be humiliated by Euros in Ryder Cup

[Yay Sports NBA]: Shaq does whatever he wants

[Costco]: Ummm… can someone lend us $11k?

Categories
Orlando Magic

Now why would you call Mutombo a monkey?


The NBA season starts with two games tonight but Orlando Magic fans have already jumped out to an early lead in the “obnoxious/racist fan” standings. A Magic season-ticket holder named Hooman Hamzehloui has been banned from every NBA arena this season because he called Mutombo a monkey. By all accounts, Mutombo is a good guy who builds hospitals in his homeland and happily mangles sayings like “it’s no walk in the cake”, so why would you mess with him?

Hamzehloui sent Mutombo a letter of apology and promised $5,000 to the charity of Mutombo’s choice.


I am by no means a racist, and if you only knew me better you would never begin to have those thoughts. What I am guilty of is poor judgment in the use of words while doing what I do to many of the visiting team’s players, ‘heckle them.’

I thoroughly respect you as a player and as a human being and my only motivation when I have my fun at the games is to ‘get under the player’s skin’ no matter what color that skin happens to be.

Hamzehloui also said he would not attend any NBA games until Mutombo gave his blessing. Uhh… jackass, you’re not allowed to attend any NBA games this season anyway. Mutombo, for his part, said he has already forgiven the man. He also added, “C is for Cookie!”

Links:
[SI]: Magic fan banned for racial slur

Categories
Houston Rockets

Van Gundy says Yao’s shoes are the problem


Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy is blaming Reebok for keeping his franchise center off the court.

This is a reoccurring issue with Yao’s feet, and he’s not getting the shoe on time from Reebok,” Van Gundy said. “He is not getting the shoe fitted properly so he doesn’t have reoccurring issues with his toe and feet. Yao’s got to be more demanding of this company. He’s not getting the results he wants. It puts him at risk.

It’s the same issue here this year. Nothing’s changed. It’s problematic. Some things can’t be prevented. This one I think can be with more attention to detail on the shoe he’s getting from the company that really should care about him.

Yao, having 8 million reasons to live defend Reebok, said that his shoes are fine — “I use the same kind of shoes. It never brings me any problems.”

Links:
[Houston Chronicle]: Shoes blamed for Yao’s toe woes

Categories
Houston Rockets

No shark fin soup for you!


It’s been a while since Yao Ming has been in the news. But he’s back to tell you to lay off the shark fin soup and save other wildlife.


As the human population increases, many wildlife species are decreasing, and the primary reason is that humans fail to treat animals as friends.

He also taped a television commercial where he jumps onto a basketball court to block a bullet fired at an elephant. Think about this for a second folks. This is like a David Lynch movie. A 7-foot-5 Chinese guy jumps onto a basketball court to block a bullet fired at an elephant. And in the background, a monkey wearing lipstick masturbates and falls off the rim.

In actual basketball news, Yao Ming says he is at 80% and looking forward to praticing with the Chinese National Team in advance of the world championships in Japan. Meanwhile, the Chinese team just lost six of seven games in a mini-tourney in Europe so perhaps Yao should be worried more about human rights violations to his teammates and coaches than protecting sharks.

[USA Today]: Yao Ming swears off shark’s fin soup
[Reuters]: Yao putting best foot forward for world champs