NBA Season 2003/4

Entertainment Cricket and Other Sports
61

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Former Laker Robert Horry honored by the LAKERS

Before the start of the game, LAKERS honored Robert Horry. Man, it was weird feeling not to see him in the Laker uniform. He was scoreless in the game, sat on the bench.

When Horry was introduced, he received an standing ovation from the crowd. Honestly, I missed him, and the whole LAKERS staff and fans will missed him. I've nothing but well-wishes for Robert Horry in his career and life.

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Groovy Payton...

Well, it was one hellva performace by the LAKERS and this is I expected when Gary Payton and Karl Malone moved to L.A. Tony Parker had no answer for Gary Payton, and Karl Malone won the competition against Tim Duncan.

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The Mailman shoots the ball and Tim Duncan..well he just slides away

Karl Malone registered his triple-double(10 pts, 11 assists, 10 rebs), making a record at age 40 in the NBA. He was focus, quick and above all very smart on the court and if he keeps up this figure, I've no doubt Karl Malone will be next season MVP. Shaquille returned to the game, aiming to score big. Though, he couldn't do but did have piece of pts.

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Gary Payton tips in

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Gary Payton hugs Kobe Bryant after he scores...

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Kobe Bryant worked against Bruce Bowen

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Devean George was 8 of 9 from the field

The game turned red-hot by Devean George's trey and that let LAKERS to have a 14-0 run over SPURS. LAKERS outclassesd SPURS in the thrid qtr, scoring 37 points. Kareem Rush had back-to-back slam dunks. Medvedenko, Russell and Fisher helped out from the bench. The lead after 3rd qtr was big enough for SPURS and all LAKERS starter rested in the fourth qtr.

Overall, it was the best game, and I really expected LAKERS to come out good against SPURS. LAKERS are 2-0 against SPURS this season. 5Abi homez, it was a smell of the revenge. We haven't won Championship yet. If LAKERS continue to play like they did against SPURS, keep up momentum, create penetration for opponent, we'll!

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SHOWDOWN in L.A. - East Best’s VS West’s Best

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Shaquille’ O Neal battles for the control of ball against PACERS’ Foster

Just like the good old days, Shaquille O’Neal is back! He wasn’t in the double-figure and had 3 fouls in the first half. In the second half, I saw old Shaq. I saw the Monster who shows no respect to his opponent when it comes to clinch the game. I saw the same old Shaq again messing on a ref call, thus by in getting Technical foul trouble{Yikes, hold it right there, big fella}

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Shaquille blocked Jermaine O’Neal

Shaq scored 18 of his 23 points, helped LAKERS’ to win against PACERS 99-77, who have made a franchise-record of 25 wins in the regular season at No Place Like Home, ended road game winning streak of PACERS, and guess what when, on my Birthday, which makes my best birthday ever! :roman:

The previous record at home wins was 24, set by the Old Showtime LAKERS(Magic, Kareem, Scott led by Pat Riley).

And now the Dream Team is just beginning to start…

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Kobe Bryant’s MVP layup…whoah..

LAKERS forced 20+ turnovers, restricted PACERS to below 40% shooting. Ever since Payton and Malone joined the clubn, everyone has been talking about how offensive LAKERS have been but tonight it was all about solid-rock defence. Shaq, Malone, Grant…all did their best.

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Karl Malone in football mood defence… :rotfl:

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Karl Malone runs over PACERS

The Mailman registered double-double. I tell you again, he’s the answer for making shots, creating trouble for opposition. At 40, age is just a number for Karl Malone. The bench, once again helped out the starters, scored 33 pts(Medvedenko, Russell, Grant, Rush and Fisher). 5 LAKERS were in double figures. LAKERS again committed over 10 turnovers but overcame by having 30+ rebs and 20+ assists, never trailed the game.

And now the tough part.

LAKERS have been untouchable at home. The back-to-back road games upcoming week will be a test.

Go LAKERS!

63

Some stats about the Lakers.
Since the start of 1998-99 season (1 year before Phil arrived and 2 years after Shaq signed), Lakers record is 275-199. Thats most wins and best winning percentage (0.698) in the NBA.
Lakers also have the best winning percentage in major sports: Better than NFL's Tenn Titans (0.670), NHL's Detroit Wings (0.670) and Baseball's Atlanta Braves (0.604).

Lakers have won the last 6 games by an average of 20 pts. They have also held the opposing teams in the last three games to within 100 points. Thats D-Fence bebbe!

64

Robert Horry is what you call a playoff specialist.
He may not be doing much for San Antonio now, but wait till the playoffs and he will show his magic.

65

Things looking bad for Spurs. Their record is 9-10. Their latest defeat came at the hands of Lakers again 90-86. This time in San Antonio. This is the 3rd time Lakres have won over the NBA champs this season.
Dallas Mavericks host Lakers tonight.

66

This is the first time Spurs are 9-10 at this time since they drafted Duncan.

67

Umair,

Horry is not a specialist of anything. The guy was wide open because Hack a Shack and the rapist were always being double and triple teamed. If you are that wide open you better hit some shots. Remember the Sacramento game when the Lakers got lucky, Chris Webber was at the free throw line when Horry shot that 3. He was open by about 8feet.

68

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Zoab_Khan: *
Umair,

Horry is not a specialist of anything. The guy was wide open because Hack a Shack and the rapist were always being double and triple teamed. If you are that wide open you better hit some shots. Remember the Sacramento game when the Lakers got lucky, Chris Webber was at the free throw line when Horry shot that 3. He was open by about 8feet.
[/QUOTE]

Only time will tell, even in San Antonio, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker will be double teamed and leaving Horry open once again for his miracle 3 pointers. :)

69

Tony Parker will be double teamed ?? Yeah Right.

Btw - Another win for Lakers. They have beaten 4 good teams in a row. Spurs - In LA & SA Both to total of 20 points
Pacers - in LA by 22 Pts
Mavs- in Dallas by 9 Pts. (When was the last time Mavs beat Lakers ??)

70

COME ON T’Wolves!!! our season is up and running even without our backup gurad and forward!

the home game wins streak for Kings has come to an end - and what a performance put by us(Minnesota) - there are no words to describe it…it’s that good - i mean COME ON!!! - we were trailing by 6 points when 1:25 to go and Kevin Garnett(Damn, he’s a Wolf) knocked down 2 treys and tied the game - and then Latrell Sprewell hit two big shots in the extra period which was good enough to beat the Kings - Kevin Garnett ( :devil: ) had 33 points - a career-high 25 rebounds and six assists, while Sprewell scored a season-high 37 points despite going scoreless in the final quarter for 5 minutes - Minnesota ate Sacramento 112-109 :yummy:

both Kings and T’Wolves went into OT for the last 4 consecutive time they’ve played together which is a NBA record itself - three times Kings have won - and finally we have won it for the very first time - and that too in the Kings court! :devil:

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/basketball/7428446.htm

WOLVES 112, KINGS 109: Wolves’ mettle comes through

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders was asked before Friday’s game at Sacramento how his team would overcome its latest injury bug.

Saunders turned and grinned at ESPN analyst Bill Walton, who was standing close by. At the rate the Wolves are going, they may have to ask the hall of fame center to dust off his old Chuck Taylor Converse shoes and lace them up.

Already without backup center Mark Madsen, the Wolves also had to go without starting center Michael Olowokandi against the run-and-gun Kings at Arco Arena.

But they didn’t need much help from the center position Friday, because the three players who have been carrying the team — Latrell Sprewell, Sam Cassell and Kevin Garnett — continued to shoulder the load.

The Wolves overcome three first half double-digit deficits to hand the Kings their first home loss of the season, 112-109 in overtime in front of 17,371 at Arco Arena.

Sprewell (37), Garnett (33) and Cassell (26) combined to score 96 of the Wolves’ 112 points. Garnett added 25 rebounds.

Sprewell carried the load for the Wolves in overtime. He hit two short jumpers to give the Wolves a three-point lead.

The Wolves trailed late in regulation, but Kings center Brad Miller missed two free throws and Garnett hit two three-pointers in the final 20 seconds of regulation.

Leading 102-99, the Kings could have put the game away if Miller had made his free throws. Instead, he missed his first two free throws of the night, and the Wolves came down on the other end and ran a play for Sprewell. The Kings defended the play well, forcing Sprewell to pass the ball to Garnett at the top of the key. Garnett sank the tying three-pointer.

Offensive miscues in the fourth quarter almost cost the Wolves.

Leading 94-92 with 3:24 left, the Wolves went scoreless on four of their next five possessions. Sprewell turned the ball over, which led to Mike Bibby making two free throws to tie the score. Then Gary Trent was called for an illegal screen. The Kings got their first lead since the third quarter when Darius Songaila made two free throws. Former Timberwolf Bobby Jackson then came from behind to block Garnett’s shot in the lane. And Fred Hoiberg couldn’t handle a long pass on the end line on a fast break.

The Kings couldn’t score at the start of the third quarter. The Kings, who lead the NBA in scoring, missed 15 of their first 16 shots from the field. Not all of their struggles were because of the Wolves’ defense. Sacramento missed open jumpers, layups and point-blank shots.

The Wolves used the Kings’ poor shooting to turn a one-point halftime deficit into a 15-point lead with about four minutes left in the third quarter. The third quarter ended with the Wolves leading 80-71.

The Kings fought back, and Miller’s 15-foot jumper tied the score 90-90 with 5:20 left in the game.

Miller, acquired by the Kings in the offseason as a free agent, scored a career-high 35 points.

71

another weekend - and another KG moment - Wolves beat Clippers 96-94 in L.A. with KG’s jumper at the buzzer despite of being heavily guarded.

say who is the MVP haan? :dhimpak:

72

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Duncan, Robinson share SI sportsman award

SAN ANTONIO (AP) – Throw one more honor onto the already tall pile for Tim Duncan and David Robinson.

The 7-footers were named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsmen of the Year after leading the San Antonio Spurs to their second NBA championship last season.

The special issue of the magazine will be available on newsstands Wednesday.

“It’s great that they put us together,” Duncan told the San Antonio Express-News for Monday’s edition. “It’s kind of an honor to be included in something like this with Dave. He defines sportsmanship.”

Terry McDonnell, Sports Illustrated’s managing editor, said the selection was based not only on their playing success, but also on the way they have carried themselves in the community.

“They(Ducan and Robinson) could have won this simply by what they did on the court,” McDonnell said. “But behind their athletic contributions, when you look at the language of what this has stood for, it’s also been about character and sportsmanship.”

Duncan and Robinson are only the second pair of teammates to receive the award following Arizona Diamondbacks pitchers Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling in 2001. Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong won last year.

Duncan has twice been the NBA’s regular-season and Finals MVP. He was the Rookie of the Year in 1998, and has been on the All-NBA first team in each of his six seasons and the league’s All-Defensive first team for the past five years.

He started a foundation that benefits health awareness and research, education and youth sports and recreation. He donates 40 tickets to every Spurs home game to local youth programs.

Robinson, the NBA’s 1995 MVP, retired last summer after a 14-year career with the Spurs. Among his other accomplishments are the two NBA titles (1999, 2003), 10 NBA All-Star game appearances, two Olympic gold medals and a spot as one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players.

His foundation donated more than $9 million to found the Carver Academy, a private school in a disadvantaged inner-city neighborhood in San Antonio.

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Okay, it's Christmas eve. Let's have NBA 101 chat Team by Team, Division by Division and Eastern Conference by Western Conference

2003 NBA Regular Season Standings

Eastern Conference Standings - Altantic Division

  1. New Jersey
  2. Philadelphia
  3. Boston
  4. Miami
  5. New York
  6. Orlando

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Can Jason Kidd led New Jersey NETS win another Eastern Championship in 2003-04?

Injured Allen Iverson has been sidelined till Jan. Division wise, any team is lucky in the Atlantic. but overall SIXERS have slipped. They are still pretty much hanging in their division, though, they've lost 5 games without A.I.

NETS, after going alot through Alonzo Mourning situation and worst defeat at Memphis, New Jersey is back and tops the Atlantic Division. Still, bench depth wise, they are some worries for them because this time, there are many teams in the hunt for Eastern Conference title. This ain't gonna be easy ride for NETS as they started out season poor than the previous two.

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MAGIC is back in Orlando OR is it? - All Smiles for Tracy MacGrady

After losing 19th consecutive, Orlando finally had a breakthrough at home against SUNS. The win against SUNS proved to be good for them when they won back-to-back games. Still, they are 14 games behind, dead last in Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference overall.

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Dwyane Wade - Is he in the shadows of LeBron and Carmelo?

People People People. We might have overlooked this guy young fella, who plays for Miami. Wade, in his rookie season, is leading HEAT in assists, have had games couple games of 20 pts. A good find for Miami, even though, they are worst on road but they have been good at home.

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Paul Pierce leads Boston without his team-mate Antoine Walker

Can the Sixth-Man Ricky Davis fullfilled the shoes of Walker? It'd be to early to say. Heck, I'll check it out this Ricky boy on Sunday game. Walker wasn't a good player with Boston but has improved alot with his new team, Dallas. New York has gone through 4-5 years of mis-management and I don't think Isiah Thomas can re-eastablished the KNICKS organization, let's say, for playoffs. It's gonna take new planning for new season. DAMN, so much firing of coaches this season!

Eastern Conference Standings - Central Division

  1. Indiana
  2. New Orleans
  3. Detroit
  4. Toronto
  5. Milwaukee
  6. Cleveland
  7. Atlanta
  8. Chicago

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Could it be Ron Artest, Rick Carlisles' PACERS for NBA 2004 Finals?

Indiana's season started out on a high note with new boss, new coach and planning! PACERS have been equally good at home and on road. Jermaine O'Neal is a leader in pts, blocks and rebs. Ron Artest comes up with steals, and a rookie from Los Angeles, Austin Croshere is leading the PACERS in 3-pt and FT shooting.

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Baron Davis has lifted the HORNETS at a new level

In Assits, pts, and steals, Baron Davis leads the New Orleans HORNETS with Jamal Mashburn and James Lang out due to injury. But injuries haven't disabled New Orleans who are 3-GB(game behind).

Toronto RAPTORS had a 6-game winning streak after a trade with Chicago. It does help Vince Carter and give Kevin O'Neill to rebuild the RAPTORS around Carter. Not a bad start for Toronto.

That leaves Chicago and Milwaukee outplayed!

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For CAVALIERS - LeBron James is the King

Draft pick # 1 for Cleveland, the CAVS have finally won a road game against A.I less SIXERS after losing it 34 times. Who was the hero for CAVS? Answer is LeBron James. Also, he scored 33 pts, highest by a rookie as of now, on a road win game against BULLS in front of His Airness Micheal Jordan. After that win, CAVS have won three consecutive games. Still, they are 11 GB but it's a great news for CAVALIERS organization.

Detriot PISTONS have seen ups and downs this year. A whole different situation for Billups, Wallace and Hamilton. Their shooting figures have struggled but so far they are doing good but it's a tough competition for them like any other team in the Eastern Conference.

*Overall Eastern Conference Standings *

  • 1. * Indiana
  • 2. * New Jersey
  • 3. New Orleans(GB, 3.0)
  • 4. Detroit(GB, 4.5)
  • 5. Toronto(GB, 6.0)
  • 6. Milwaukee(GB, 6.5)
  • 7. Philadelphia(GB, 6.5)
  • 8. Boston(GB, 7.0)
  • 9. Miami(GB, 9.5)
  • 10. New York(GB, 11.0)
  • 11. Cleveland(GB, 11.5)
  • 12. Washington(GB, 11.5)
  • 13. Atlanta(GB, 13.5)
  • 14. Chicago(GB, 13.0)
    1. Orlando(GB, 14.0)
    • = Division Leader
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*Western Conference Standings - Midwest Division *

  1. San Antonio
  2. Minnesota
  3. Denver
  4. Dallas
  5. Houston
  6. Memphis
  7. Utah

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Tim Duncan & SPURS - Defending the Crown

Can SPURS defend the championship title? Sure, if they keep playing against the teams who won't be in the playoffs. After down .500, San Antonio has won 11 consecutive games and moved itself to the top of the Midwest Division. Tim Duncan have had 5 consecutive double-double games and SPURS have hold their opposition to shoot below 40%. I was quite in shock Greg Popovich don't prefer Robert Horry as a starter....whoa...doesn't experience count? Despite of playing as a bench player, Robert Horry is leading the SPURS in 3 pt shooting! Tony Parker has started to lead the offence ball game of the SPURS but I think Stephen Jackson is the person, SPURS are missing. He was the one who led all SPURS offence last season, however, it was Jackson who turned the 3-year deal and prefered to play for Atlanta.

Rasho Nesterovic can't filled the shoes of David Robinson but he has been okay at center position, however, if SPURS have to compete against Western Conference teams, Tim Duncan has to carry all the weight by himself!

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Carmelo Anthony - The Rookie Sensation for Denver

NUGGETS hit the jackpot when Carmelo Anthony drafted for them. Last season, Denver won only 17 games. This year they have tied the winning games number and it is all because of Carmelo Anthony. Heck, even Denver stayed as a number one team in the Midwest Division. Andre Miller leads in steals and blocks with shooting guard Voshon Lenard in 3-pointers

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Kevin Garnett - Season MVP?

Shaquille O'Neal is playing one hellva game. Tim Duncan is not far behind but it is Kevin Garnett who leads in scoring, blocks and rebounds. Garnett have had 9 out of 12 games of double-double; and TIMBERWOLVES who have been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs for past 5 years, looks forward for this season. Same Cassell and Latrell Sprewell have been helpful for Garnett. The Trio known as 'Big Three' have had big games.

Another good thing for TIMBERWOLVES is that Gary Trent, who began to play after being sidelined for sometime, have come handy. Now, I wonder what would be like when that buzzer-beat guy Troy Hudson comes back! It'll be a competition between MAVS, SPURS and TIMBERWOLVES for Division title.

MAVS have been awful on road this year but I think it's alot to do with injuries especially of Micheal Finely and Dirk Nowtizki. Despite of that, MAVS haven't been down below .500 and that is good.

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Pau Gasol's GRIZZILES are on roll......

Can't believe Memphis is having a season of above .500, DAMN! Midwest is the only Division where each team is above .500. Quite a competitive Division I must say! Here goes my wild prediction.. I think Memphis will qualified for the playoffs. SOUNDS CRAZY, right? They have beaten LAKERS, KINGS and SPURS on their home court but despite of that I've a great respect for Pau Gasol and Posey, and this season they have been awesome than the previous ones. Plus, they have Bonzi Wells from Portland, who's having a good time with his new team, GRIZZILES. So, you see, Memphis will come off good!

Houston has good set of players but its roaster doesn't have much depth. Yao Ming has improved this year but still has alot to learn. Utah, nah! They will have good games in the regular season but don't count them in the playoffs.

*Western Conference Standings - Midwest Division *

  1. Sacramento
  2. LA Lakers
  3. Golden State
  4. Seattle
  5. Portland
  6. LA Clippers
  7. Phoenix

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*Mr. Allen - Ray of Hope for SUPERSONICS *

He came, he saw and he win it all. Ray Allen is fit, healthy and running wild on the court who scored 24 pts in 23 minutes in a winning game against SUNS. With Ronald Murray supporting from the bench, Rashard Lewis and Brent Bary shooting hot, and the rookie sensation of Reggie Evans and Luke Ridnour, SONICS are serious this year for playoffs spot!

New coach but same story for Phoenix SUNS. I think they might end up one of the worst teams in the NBA this season. Golden State has got different sets of players(including Van Excel and Speedy Claxton), improved to .500 which is very rare but if history remains on their side, they won't be able to keep up with game. Portland is not out of question but still has to win a road game. I am impressed by Zach Randolph. This season he has improved despite of drunk driving issue.

L.A. CLIPPERS won 6 straight games at home, broken the record of game-winning since the franchise moved to L.A from San Diego. Good job!

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Could Peja & improved look-KINGS surpassed the LAKERS?

Things couldn't have been much better in Sacramento. Despite of their main injured player Chris Webber, KINGS have done an outstanding job by keeping up the pace with the LAKERS. Peja is a scoring leader and Brad Miller has more boards than he used to have with his former team PACERS. Bobby Jackson, Mike Bibby and Doug Christie are shooting hot, and for the thrid straight time KINGS are leading team to shoot perfect 3-pointers.

KINGS have the easy on road games schedule but still they couldn't be able to close it out. Take this in consideration, this has happened with KINGS(Webbie included) on court before. Anyway, it'll be a good Basketball competition between the LAKERS-KINGS this season if both teams meet in the playoffs.

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This is just not a slam dunk season for Jack-Shaq LAKERS

uh-oh

This season, Phil Jackson has to rebuild his Triangle games. Gary Payton and Karl Malone, though playing outstanding, but still learning how Phil Jackson wants them to play!

Shaq and Kobe has sacrificed alot this season, and I know they will continue to do so by not taking shots, moving around the ball, giving others chance to score. Gone are the days when Kobe-Shaq duo scored 75 pts in a game. This time you'll see 5-6 LAKERS in double figures, and that is awesome! TEAM PLAN, eeeehhhhhhh

I've been impressed with Devean George this season. Last season, he went down due to injury. This season, he started out in place of injured Rick Fox{who's sure to come back in Jan}, scoring 15 PPG. This kiddo is amazing and has established himself as a starter!

Worst player has to be Derek Fisher. I've alot of respect for him but he just can't re-established himself as a bench player. Heck, even Rush, Grant and Russell scores more than him. Fisher's struggle is a worry, let alone turnovers!

Overall, I've yet more to see high-fly Lakeshow but I guess I am okay with the team that it has perform good despite of Kobe off court issue, injuries and a bit of struggle phase. I'm glad they aren't taking it lightly.

*Overall Western Conference Standings *

  1. * L.A. Lakers
  2. * San Antonio (GB, 2.0)
  3. Sacramento
  4. Minnesota(GB, 2.5)
  5. Denver (GB, 4.0)
  6. Dallas (GB, 5.5)
  7. Houston (GB, 5.5)
  8. Utah (GB, 6.0)
  9. Memphis (GB, 6.0)
  10. Seattle (GB, 7.0)
  11. Golden State (GB, 7.0)
  12. Portland (GB, 7.0)
  13. L.A. Clippers (GB, 8.0)
  14. Phoenix (GB, 11.5)
  • = Division Leader
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Games on Christmas Day

  • Cleveland CAVALIERS vs Orlando MAGIC (Game on ESPN 2)

  • Dallas MAVERICKS vs Sacromento KINGS (Game on ABC)

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Yao vs Shaq

  • Houston ROCKETS vs L.A. LAKERS (Game on ABC)

Check your local listings. Peace, yo!

76

On Christmas Day

Tracy McGrady led MAGIC beat LeBron James CAVALIERS.

KINGS blew it again. This time against MAVERICKS. What was the lead by the KINGS? 18 pts, something?

Shaq had 22 pts. Yao had 18 pts but ROCKETS prevailed. LAKERS are 18-12 on Christmas Day, missing the Mailman.

Yep, LAKERS are missing the Mailman. Slava Medvedenko did his job well but Man, we have been down by 10-12 rebs ever since Malone is injured. He hasn’t been put on the injury list, neither it is confirmed that he will make his return on Friday game at Seattle.

It was an okay game last night. Gotta chance to see Ricky Davis. Athelitic dude but was derailed by Shaquille. Still Kobe hasn’t picked up his offense game. I doubt it has to do with his off-court issue. The guy hit a game-winning shot at the buzzer on his motion day. Are you kidding me?

That leaves Rick Fox to return. :roman: Sources says he’s going to make his 2003-04 season debut on Jan.9, a game against Atlanta HAWKS. Gonna catch that game, too. And then of course Mailman’s return to the Salt Lake City!

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most of the NBA teams are good at home - that’s not the case with us - Wolves are struggling at home and good on road - i still don’t get this :konfused:

last night we almost lost the game against Bulls - we had 20 points lead - we blew it - barely won the game by 5 points - we missed the crucial free throws in the fourth quarter - had it not been KG outscoring Bulls with rebounds and points - Wolves would have lost it - by all means KG is on his way for MVP this year.

78

Talha, im curious what team or teams do you refer to when you say we?

PT: Mailman prolly not going to play Friday vs. Seattle. Its a possibility that he may have to be put on the injured list (for the first time in his life).

Lakers know that if they stay healthy esp the Fab Four, they will be in the NBA playoffs without a question :D

79

[QUOTE]
Originally posted by 5Abi: *
Talha, im curious what team or teams do you refer to when you say *we?
[/quote]

Minnesota T'Wolves.

80

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by 5Abi: *
PT: Mailman prolly not going to play Friday vs. Seattle. Its a possibility that he may have to be put on the injured list (for the first time in his life).

Lakers know that if they stay healthy esp the Fab Four, they will be in the NBA playoffs without a question :D
[/QUOTE]

No :(

This is really bad 5Abi but you are right in a sense that playoffs are more important than regular season. Anyway, Medvedenko will be in a starting line-up for Malone in four more games. Phil Jackson said that Rick Fox will be activated, most likely, home game against Atlanta.

Tonight's L.A. game with Seattle. G.P. plays in Seattle for the time after being traded. Gonna watch that, see how Seattle fans reacts on the return of The Glove.