I Love Basketball Game: May 2007

Sunday, May 27, 2007

King James played like a King

LeBron James surpassed critic of pregame and played like a king when it counted the majority.

After happening upon the final shot in game 1 and to fail in a hook that rotated in the second last ones of game 2, “The King James” struck a bridge of the midrange with 16,3 seconds of rest in the game to freeze the triumph Sunday of game 3, 88-82 for Cleveland, but Detroit still lead the Conference finals series 2-1.

James scored up to 32 points, nine rebounds and nine assists for the Cavaliers, who are trying to become the third team in NBA history (1971 Baltimore Bullets, 1993 Chicago Bulls) to win a best-of-seven conference final after trailing 2-0 in the series. Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 16 points.

Detroit will look to bounce back in Game 4 when they revisit Cleveland on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.

Jazz undefeated at home

Moving quickly from the distant side of the cut, Duncan appeared as if he could not reach the lateral line soon enough. Its night raises, San Antonio were uncharacteristicly deflated and Duncan was, well, as near disturbed as he obtains.

The Utah Jazz undefeated at home in the playoff and gave to Spurs its worse loss of postseason, a defeat 109-83 that quickly changed the tone of these western conference finals.

The jazz obtained his first victory of best-of-seven series, to that the Spurs lead, 2-1. The jazz was driven by the tandem of the inside-outside of Williams (31 points) and Carlos Boozer (27 points), that finally received a certain help in the department who scored 11 points Derek Fisher and Gordan Giricek added 11 points too.

The Jazz’s series-saving run began with a Fisher 3-pointer that gave them a 62-60 lead with 5:58 left in the third quarter. Seconds later, Duncan picked up his fourth foul and went to the bench for the rest of the period. Utah closed the period on a 16-7 run, taking a 75-67 lead into the fourth.

The Jazz grabbed its first double-digit lead, 79-69, on a 22-foot jumper by Fisher early in the fourth quarter. Paul Millsap scored consecutive baskets, on a dunk and a layup, to answer 3 points from Duncan, and Fisher followed with a 3-point play that pushed the margin to 14 points.

Utah now is 7-0 at home in these playoff series, that continue Monday night with game 4.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Blazzers win the top pick in NBA Draft Lottery

A general view of the 2007 NBA Draft Lottery on May 22, 2007 at the NBATV Studios in Secaucus.

The Blazers, Sonics and Hawks have the first three picks in the upcoming NBA Draft on June 28.
The ping-pong balls bounced the Blazers' way at the 2007 NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday, as Portland won the top pick in the June 28 NBA Draft in New York. Coming in to the lottery, the Blazers had the sixth-best chance at getting the No. 1 pick. The Sonics moved up from the fifth spot to second and the Hawks advanced from fourth to third. The Grizzlies, who had the best chance at getting the top pick coming in to the lottery will select fourth.

Following are the results from the 2007 NBA Draft Lottery, which was conducted this evening at NBA TV’s studio in Secaucus, New Jersey. The Portland Trail Blazers, who had a 5.3 percent chance of obtaining the first selection, will have the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, which will be held in New York City at The WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, June 28, 2007.

1. Portland
2. Seattle
3. Atlanta
4. Memphis
5. Boston
6. Milwaukee
7. Minnesota
8. Charlotte
9. New York (pick may be conveyed to Chicago)
10. Sacramento
11. Indiana (To Atlanta)
12. Philadelphia
13. New Orleans
14. LA Clippers

Following is the order for the remainder of the 2007 NBA Draft:

15. Orlando (To Detroit)
16. Washington
17. New Jersey
18. Golden State
19. LA Lakers
20. Miami
21. Denver (To Philadelphia)
22. Toronto (To Charlotte via Cleveland)
23. Chicago (pick may be conveyed to New York)
24. Cleveland (To Phoenix via Boston)
25. Utah
26. Houston
27. Detroit
28. San Antonio
29. Phoenix
30. Dallas (To Philadelphia via Denver and Golden State)

2007 SECOND ROUND DRAFT CHOICE ORDER

31. Memphis (To Seattle)
32. Boston
33. Milwaukee (To San Antonio)
34. Atlanta (To Dallas)
35. Seattle
36. Minnesota (To Golden State)
37. Portland
38. New York (To Philadelphia via Chicago)
39. Sacramento (To Orlando via Utah)
40. Charlotte (To LA Lakers)
41. Philadelphia (To Minnesota)
42. Indiana (To Portland)
43. New Orleans
44. Orlando
45. LA Clippers
46. New Jersey (To Golden State)
47. Washington
48. LA Lakers
49. Golden State (To Chicago via Denver, Boston and Phoenix)
50. Miami (To Dallas via LA Lakers)
51. Denver (To Chicago)
52. Toronto (To Portland)
53. Chicago (To Portland)
54. Cleveland (To Orlando)
55. Utah
56. Houston (To Milwaukee)
57. Detroit
58. San Antonio
59. Phoenix
60. Dallas

Pistons Win Game 1

Chauncey Billups lived up to his nickname Mr.Big Shot, scoring 10 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:52 left to give his Pistons a 79-76 Game 1 win over the visiting Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday.

Billups teammates, Richard Hamilton scored a game-high 24 points for the Pistons, while Zydrunas Ilgauskas led the Cavaliers with 22 and 13 rebounds.

On Cleveland's final possession, LeBron James drove the lane and kicked to a wide-open Donyell Marshall in the corner, but the 13-year veteran clanged what would have been a lead-changing trifecta off the back of the rim with 5.9 ticks left. James scored a playoff career-low 10 points and added 10 rebounds and nine assists.

Detroit will look for a 2-0 series lead in Game 2 on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.

Jazz are trailling behind by Spurs 0-2

The Western Conference Finals was looked easier for Tim Duncan and Spurs.
Duncan had 26 points and 14 rebounds, helping the San Antonio Spurs build a big halftime lead that turned into a 105-96 victory in Game 2 of the series Tuesday night.

Duncan teammates, Tony Parker, finished with 17 points and 14 assists, his most ever in a playoff game. Manu Ginobili added 17 points as the Spurs took a 2-0 lead, moving halfway to reaching the NBA finals for the third time in five years.

Now the Jazz are trailling behind Spurs for 0-2 in this Western Conference Finals.

In that game 2, the jazz never lead in that game, and haven't led since the seventh minute of the opener. Whereas Carlos Boozer dismissed behind a poor game and the team began strong, one second straight fusion left Utah of the second quarter that crawls by 17 in minutes of half time and 22 some minutes in the third quarter. They obtained within seven of the final period, but always they were given absent return by San Antonio's playoff-tested veterans.

Boozer led Utah with 33 points and 15 rebounds, and Deron Williams had another strong game with 26 points and 10 assists. Andrei Kirilenko had 15 points and Mehmet Okur scored 11, but the Jazz rarely had two players clicking at the same time.

The Spurs controlled this game almost as easily as the opener, which ended with a deceivingly close 108-100 score. The Jazz had a big finish against a tired, disinterested team, which is why Parker said Monday that San Antonio needed to keep Utah from picking up where it left off.

San Antonio shot 13-of-26 on 3-pointers, setting a franchise playoff record for makes. Barry and Bowen were each 3-for-3 behind the arc for all nine of their points. Finley scored 11. Starting center Fabricio Oberto was 6-of-7 for 14 points.

Monday, May 21, 2007

Rudy Fernandez

Rudy Fernandez makes his first appearance in any mock lottery, who is this guy?
Let's check him out!

Name: Rudy Fernandez
Birthdate: 4/4/85
NBA Position: PG/SG
Ht: 6-6
Wt: 172
Int Team: Joventut Badalona
Hometown: Palma de Mallorca, Spain
ULEB Profile

Strengths:
An impressive talent, wise beyond his years ... Seems better every time you see him. He has a wonderful bag of tricks, especially offensively.
Excellent one on one guy ... He knows how to take what the defense gives him, knows when to pull up, when to drive and when to pass.
In his first "true" year, he had a fantastic season, putting up over double figures in scoring in the most important (toughest) league in Europe.
He has good numbers, but you have to see him play to truly understand how talented he is.
He is so fluid, so composed, so smooth and always under control, he makes the game look so easy.
He is not too aggressive but not afraid either. He makes great decisions, and never gets out of control, which is incredible considering his age.
Rudy has such a court awareness, and always knows how to make the right play, without thinking of himself ahe puts the team first. He could still be growing and has long arms which add to his length.
He has been playing at the SF spot for Badalona, but can handle either guard positions as well.
Unlike many players as athletic as he is, he doesn't rely on it. He uses intelligence and skills instead... Has good quickness and speed and is extremely fluid.
His first step is insane, as is his ability to start and stop ... He's always on balance.
Really good when pressured and understands how to handle a press. Stays within the system well. Uses screens well to gain separation for shots or drives.
He doesn't like to drive into traffic because of his skinny frame, but he is not afraid of contact and if he sees daylight he'll go to the hoop fearlessly.
Rudy Fernandez has great skills (like Navarro of Spain) to let the ball go early against big men.
He loves to take the big shot and excels in important situations ... He has nice change of speed with the ball in his hands and very good ball handling making him dangerous with the dribble.
He also passes extremely well, beating the double team and finding the open man ... He has great vision, he doesn't look for the "oooooh" pass, but the easy (and right) one….
Very good free throw shooter ... In the open court he can lead the fastbreak or fill the lane… he likes to run and the main thing is how fast he is able to change from defense to the break.
He can come off the bench and get into the flow of scoring very quickly.
He can defend bigger players and quicker ones. Has very quick hands, and reads the passing lanes, and can rip someone from the dibble.
With Badalona he lacks touches, because he is not the star of the team. But he is showing glimpses of what the future has in store and that is great things at the highest level, NBA ...

Weaknesses:
Physically he must get stronger.
He still can get muscled around because of his lack of physical strength.
Doesn't blow you away with athleticism.
He's not a huge leaper, but is a nice athlete that can get to the rim without any problem.
In the NBA he will struggle defensively until he gets stronger ...

Notes:
Rudy currently playing with the Spanish National Team where he is already seeing minutes at 19 years of age! Last year he signed a long term deal with Badalona which could make his buyout a little difficult.

Western Finals Game 1 Result

Photo get from NBA Photo Gallery

Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker was fabulous for three quarters, quite later good in the end to take San Antonio to a victory 108-100 on the Utah Jazz on Sunday.

Only playing 39 hours after they finished a rough series and of the fall with Phoenix and face an equipment they could have taken slightly, the Spurs zoomed to a 19-point lead before halftime and were still ahead by 18 early in the fourth quarter. Then a combination of the fatigue and Deron Williams of Utah gave return to the things that interested in the final minutes.

Although the jazz never obtained more near seven points, and lost by 17th straight time in San Antonio, the last meeting of Utah obtained certainly the attention of the Spurs, like career-high points of Williams with 34 points.

Duncan had 27 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, and Ginobili had 23 points and 10 assists. Parker added 21 points and six assists, including one through the legs of Mehmet Okur of Utah that began a fast breakage.

San Antonio slowly begun, then Ginobili left the bank and the energy level was for above. Using a variety of layups and long bridges, he lead startings of 10-0 and 13-2, and the Spurs hurt upon making 66 percents of their shots by first half. Its better work, although, was in defense, specially against Carlos Boozer.

Boozer had only one basket to of half time and the three after three quarters, all in slop: two putbacks of bad lack of Okur and a will incline of a lacked free shot. He finished 7 of-17 for 20 points with 12 rebounds.

Duncan, Horry and Fabricio Oberto took returns keeping Boozer, keeping it far from their favourite points. Extra defenders helped smother him in the lane and others cut off Williams' passing lanes to the All-Star forward.

Utah Deron Williams had 16 points to traverse three quarters, later written down 18 of the final quarter, something the hope of the Jazz certainly to construct to ignition in game 2 on Tuesday night.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Dwyane Wade

His Full Name is Dwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr. born January 17, 1982. He currently play in the NBA team Miami Heat. Wade nicknamed "Flash" and "D-Wade". He was named 2006 Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated.

Strength:
On offense, he has established himself as one of the quickest and most difficult players to guard in the NBA.
Wade is able to get to the free throw line seemingly at will; he ranked first in free-throw attempts per 48 minutes in 2004–05.
Post up game is also one of his strengths. Wade's best moves from the post are his turnaround jump shot, double pivot, and a "freeze fake", a pump fake Wade uses to get his opponent to jump.

Weakness:
The main weakness cited in Wade's ability is his lack of three-point range.

Dwyane Wade's profiles:

Position:
Shooting guard

Fullname:
Dwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr.

Nickname:
Flash, D-Wade

Height:
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)

Weight:
212 lb (96 kg)

Abilities:
- HighFlyer
- Inside Scoring
- Quick crossover
- Playmaking

Team:
Miami Heat

Nationality:
United States

Born:
January 17, 1982 (age 25) in Chicago, Illinois

College:
Marquette

Drafted:
5th overall, 2003 by Miami Heats

Pro career:
2003 – present

Awards:
- NBA Finals MVP (2006)
- Sportsman of the Year (2006)
- 2-time NBA All-Star Skills Challenge Champion (2006, 2007)

Saturday, May 12, 2007

LeBron James

His fullname is LeBron Raymone James, born December 30, 1984 in Akron, Ohio, was nicknamed King James. He plays small forward position for Team Cleveland Cavaliers in NBA and selected American All-Star Small Forward.
He was selected with the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers at the age of 18, becoming only the second high school player taken at the number one draft position.

Strenght:
He is considered one of the few players in the league who can at times play three or more positions, combining the length and quickness of a small forward, the size of a power forward, and the court vision and ball-handling of a guard.
His exceptional court vision and passing ability allows him to create plays for others and has led many to consider him as a prototypical point forward.
On offense, James utilizes his quickness, size, and strength to get past most defenders.
He is also a solid rebounder.

Weakness:
He is not lauded for his defense.
James often exhibits inconsistencies with his free throw shooting.

LeBron James' profile:

Position:
Small Forward

Fullname:
LeBron Raymone James

Nickname:
King James, The Chosen One

Height:
6 ft 8 inch (2.03 m)

Weight:
240 lb (109 kg)

Abilities:
- HighFlyer
- Inside Scoring
- Outside Scoring
- Playmaking
- Rebounding

Team:
Cleveland Cavaliers

Nationality:
United States

Born:
December 30, 1984 (age 22) in Akron, Ohio

High school:
St. Vincent-St. MaryAkron, Ohio

Drafted:
1st overall in 2003 by Cleveland Cavaliers

Pro career:
2003 – present

Awards:
- 2003 Naismith Prep Player of the Year
- 2004 Rookie of the Year
- 2004 ESPY Best Breakthrough Athlete
- 2006 NBA All-Star Game MVP

Amare Stoudemire

His full name is Amare Carsares Stoudemire. He currently play for the NBA's Phoenix Suns and the USA National Team.
Amare Stoudemire did not have the "normal" lifestyle of the average child...

Strength:
Stoudemire's brute force and amazing quickness for someone his size makes him extremely difficult to defend in the low post and his shot-blocking threat on the defensive end.

Weakness:
Knee Problems.

Stoudemire's profile:

Position:
power forward/center

Height:
6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)

Weight:
245 lb (111 kg)

Abilities:
- Explosive Dunker
- Shot-Blocker
- Quick in his size

Team:
Phoenix Suns

Nationality:
United States

Born:
November 16, 1982 in Lake Wales, Florida

College:
None

Drafted:
9th overall, 2002 by Phoenix Suns

Pro career:
2002 – present

Awards:
2003 NBA Rookie of the Year

Tim Duncan

His fullname was Timothy Theodore Duncan (born April 25, 1976 in Christianste, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands).
He is a National Basketball Association (NBA) player for the San Antonio Spurs, playing at the power forward position. Nicknamed "The Big Fundamental", he is noted for his poise, scoring, rebounding, and positioning ability in the offensive post, and effectiveness using some of the most basic and fundamental basketball moves.

Strenght:
Solid Post Player.
Duncan is one of the most consistent players in the NBA.
He is one of the top scorer, rebounder, shot-blocker, and also a clucth player.

Weakness:
Inconsistent free throw shooting.

Tim Duncan profile:

Position:
Power forward

Nickname:
Merlin, TD, The Big Fundamental

League:
NBA

Height:
6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)

Weight:2
260 lb (118 kg)

Abilities:
- Solid Post
- Inside Scorer
- Shot-Blocker
- Rebounder

Team:
San Antonio Spurs

Nationality:
Virgin Islands / United States

Born:
April 25, 1976 (age 30) - Christiansted, St. Croix, USVI

College:
Wake Forest

Drafted:
1st overall, 1997 by San Antonio Spurs

Pro career:
1997 – present

Awards:
- 1997 USBWA College Player of the Year
- NBA Rookie of the Year(1998)
- NBA MVP(2002, 2003)
- NBA Finals MVP(1999, 2003, 2005)
- NBA Champion(1999, 2003, 2005)
- John Wooden Award(1997)
- ACC Player of the Year(1996, 1997)

Cavs is ready for game 3

Sometimes the Cavaliers knows that there is typically implied frustration, a sense of the desperation. The rest of them is more blurred, but they do not matter of the slight amnesia. Because it has been 34 days, 10 games and six consecutive wins of the playoff series since the Cavaliers lost finally a game.
The sensations that come with losing are getting to be more distant, and whereas the Cavaliers is centered in the retention of the advantages that have lead to a lead of the series 2-0 -- that is to say, rebounding and defense -- heading into today's Game 3 at New Jersey, they also have come to one certain conclusion.
If the Cavs take the championship title this seasons, the name LeBron James will be more close to "Next Michael Jordan" that everyone told before... READ MORE...

Pistons are ready to make playoff record with eight straight winning

As good as it was the whole equipment, Rasheed Wallace was the cement that maintained the together pistons in the winning 81-74 of Detroit.

He wrote down 16 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and had five blocks. Wallace was the anchor of the defense of the zone that took the bulls from the game by half second.
To say the sample came in the fourth trimester, when Wallace blocked a shot by Luol Deng, sending the flight of the ball through the court.

In that game, Tayshaun Prince led in scoring with 23 points, followed by Billups with 17 points. Billups scored 17 points in second quarter and recover the Piston from 19 points falled behind by Bulls.

If the Pistons win game 4 on Sunday, it would fix a record for the consecutive victories of the playoff series, with eight straight winning.

Will Detroit Pistons do it?

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Strengthen Ligaments

Ankle feels so weak after got an ankle injury... The ligaments got damaged... So, how to strengthen the ankle after that...?
This is a common problem for all basketballers, Ankle injury.
What happens is that the ligaments get damaged, and as a result the nerves that tell your muscles exactly where you ankle is, do not work properly. This is called proprioception. The result of this impairment of proprioception is that if you step on an uneven surface, or your ankle is slightly tilted as you run or turn, this is not detected soon enough by the muscles, which do not support the ankle correctly, and so it just gives way.

Part of the rehabilitation after an ankle injury should be re-training of proprioception and strengthening of the muscle groups that support the ankle. This is usually done on a wobble board. This is a bit like one of those boards with a large rubber ball incorporated into the middle of it, that are used as a children's game. You stand on the board, which is unstable, and have to keep shifting your weight and the angle of your feet and ankles in order to maintain your balance. If this is done frequently enough, the ankle can be re-trained to perceive changes in position quickly enough for it not to turn over so easily. I think you should ask about going to your local physiotherapy department to be started on this training, as well as general muscle strengthening exercises.

While recovery is taking place, you may be able to compete to some extent if you have sufficient support for your ankle. Crepe bandages and elastic ankle supports are really no good. You need a rigid support, and if you re not already using one, try and get hold of one, usually sports shops sell them. They look like a U-shaped piece of plastic that fits under your foot and either side of your ankle, and is held in place by an elasticated sock-like device. They can be very helpful, but the long-term answer is to do those exercises.

In extreme circumstances, if the ligaments are too badly damaged to recover at all, then sometimes and operation can be done to repair it. For this you would need to see a specialist, and if you do not improve with the measures I have suggested, then I think you should ask your GP to refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon who has an interest in sports injuries.

Fisher out of court because of Family Problem

The one member of the Utah Jazz who knows the most about the Warriors was not at EnergySolutions Arena on Monday night.

Point guard Derek Fisher, who spent two seasons with Golden State before a July trade brought him to Salt Lake City, missed Game 1 and is not expected at practice today after being excused for what the Jazz termed "personal reasons."

Fisher, who started all seven games in the Jazz's first-round victory over the Houston Rockets and averaged 9.4 points per contest, did not participate in Monday morning's shootaround but was in the building and answered more than 15 minutes of reporters' questions. He said that his problem, which also caused him to miss the shootaround Thursday before Utah's Game 6 against the Rockets, involved one of his children, but he did not go into any more detail. Fisher and his wife, Candace, have four kids: Chloe, Marshall and infant twins Drew and Tatum.

Source : www.insidebayarea.com

Utah Jazz defeated Golden State and Dee Brown got neck injury

The Utah Jazz Rookie Dee Brown got the neck injury after his teammate Mehmet Okur landed on him early in the first quarter of Wednesday night's Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against Golden State.

Brown had to be helped from the court and then was wheeled on a stretcher to took X-rays check.

The team said neurological tests of the equipment in brown were normal, but he would not return, leaving the Jazz shorthanded in the backcourt.

After trying to take a charge from Matt Barnes of the Warriors with 5:09 left in the opening quarter, Brown fell to the court and the 6-foot-11, 260-pound Okur then landed on him, driving Brown's chin to his chest. The 6-foot Brown, who weighs 180 pounds, remained on the floor for several minutes before being helped up and led to the locker room.

Utah starting point guard Deron Williams picked up two fouls in a one-minute span early in the game. But he forced Golden State to play in OT, he hit a big 3-pointer and scored 17 points and 14 assists.

Utah defeated Golden State 127-117 for a 2-0 series lead.

Phoenix Suns Tied the Series With San Antonio Spurs

The High Scoring Team Phoenix Suns found a way unusual to tied their series against the San Antonio Spurs.

They gave a beginning of the surprise and Kurt Thomas did more resistant for the Tim Duncan of the Spurs whereas the Suns beat the Spurs 101-81 Tuesday to tie their second-round series 1-1 of the western conference semi-final.

Duncan ended equipment-better 29 points and 11 rebounds, but while the Suns are known for their league-leading offense, their defensive effort Tuesday keyed the win.

Thomas, in his 11th NBA season and his second with the Suns, started just 13 games during the regular season. He offered a great example of that in defending Duncan, also added 12 points in 6 of-7 shots in 28 minutes.

The suns are 8-0 with the formation that began in game 2. Game 3 is Saturday in San Antonio.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Pistons lead the Semi Final to 2-0 over Bulls

Tyshaun Prince

With two escapes, the Detroit Pistons have given excessive return to Chicago's first-round sweep over the defending NBA champions into a distant memory.

Tayshaun Prince wrote down 25 points to lead Detroit to a 108-87 victory Monday night and a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The bulls entered of the completely baladronada series - Andres Nocioni even predicted that they would advance - after eliminating Miami in the round one.

Quickly, their tune has changed.

If the Pistons maintain their ways solved, nevertheless, it can be that it does not matter what Chicago makes to fit.

The Pistons are playing as they did in 2004, when they won a title with strong play at both ends of the court.

Richard Hamilton had 24 points, Chris Webber wrote down 22, and Chauncey Billups had 14 points and 10 assists.

Rasheed Wallace added 10 points. Prince did nine of 20 shots, including three 3-pointers, of several shots of the midrange and dunk in traffic.

Prince also slowed down Luol Deng again, maintaining it to 16 points in throwing 4 of-12.

Chicago's Lual Deng wrote down 18 points in 16 shots in game 1 after making an average of 26,3 points in the first-round sweeping on the heat.

Tyrus Thomas of Chicago wrote down 12 of its 18 points in the last quarterly to avoid that the pistons win by 26, since they did in the opener of the series, but the stars of the bulls did not shine.

They maintained to Ben Gordon and Ben Wallace each scored 13 and Hinrich to two points in 0 to throw for-7. Nocioni added 12 points.

Hardly since it did in game 1, Detroit took control with a great operation in the first quarter and avoided that the Bulls reunited the rest of the way.

Game 3 is Thursday in Chicago, giving to the Bulls hour to regroup after losing two games by 47 combined points.

Utah Jazz won in rebounds... Leading the game 1-0

It was only appropriate that the Jazz won in rebounds. Carlos Boozer gave to return to his twentieth rebounds in the basket tiebreaking with 17 seconds left, and Utah win 116-112 over Golden State Warriors, Monday night in the opener of the Western Conference semifinals.

Utah outrebounded to Warriors 54-36, throwing under 20 in offense to surpass the frenetic attack of the Warriors whereas one met to win in the end.

Boozer had 17 points to go with its 20 rebounds, Deron Williams ended 31 points and eight assists and Andrei Kirilenko blocked seven shots for the Jazz!

The jazz hardly played two nights after beating Houston in game 7 of round one and had enough stamina to last more time to the Warriors.

That was truth of both equipment, although nobody complained after the end that moved.

Okur had 21 points and 11 rebounds for Utah, that is for the second round for the first time since 2000.

In Warriors side... Baron Davis led the team with 24 points and seven assists. Jason Richardson wrote down 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, but no other Warriors' player had more than five points on the final period.

Al Harrington also wrote down 21 -- 15 more points than the rest of the reserves of Warriors.

Note: Utah played without Point Guard Derek Fisher, who was excused of the game due to a problem of health with one of his children.

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Parker lead the Spurs to a rugged 111-106 victory over Suns

Nash scored 31 but missed a crucial 45 seconds in the final minute because of the bloody cut on his nose, the result of a head-on collision with Parker with 2:53 to play. The cut required six stitches after the game.
The bleeding finally was contained and Nash returned with 9.1 seconds to go, but by then it was too late.

Amare Stoudemire had 20 points and 18 rebounds but was just 6-of-19 shooting. Leandro Barbosa scored 18 points for the Suns. Shawn Marion, after a slow start, scored 16, 11 in the final quarter.

But their scores didn't enough to win the game.

Spurs' Tim Duncan had 33 points and 16 rebounds -- eight offensive -- and Tony Parker added 32 points to lead the Spurs to a rugged 111-106 victory Sunday over Nash's Phoenix Suns.

Michael Finley added 19 points for San Antonio.

Parker, who loves to play against the fast Suns and averaged 28 points against them in the regular season, was one shy of his career playoff high.

Game 2 will play on Tuesday night in Phoenix.

Bulls Failed to Broke Pistons' Defensive Concepts

The Chicago Bulls was simply troubled to matching up with Detroit Pistons.

The bulls are having hardship with frontcourt of Detroit, because Rasheed Wallace, Chris Webber and the reserve Antonio McDyess can all the account of the perimeter.

When Skiles replaces Ben Wallace or P.J Brown with the rookie Tyrus Thomas, the problems are made up of Tyrus Thomas inexperience.

Ben Gordon cannot guard Chauncey Billups or Richard Hamilton, said Skiles, and inexperienced Tyrus Thomas is fighting mentally to take hold defensive concepts.

The Pistons were a step a Saturday more fast and more aggressive in the defense, limiting Chicago less than 33 percents than they shots and that they forced to 22 turnovers.

At the other end of the court, Detroit had five double-digit scorers that were effective inside and out, and in fast break and half-court situations.

Billups had its early way with Gordon, who also looks like to be a defensive responsibility against Hamilton.

Detroit's All-Star guards each collected 20 points, while Gordon had just seven points in part because he was called for two fouls in the first 2 1/2 minutes of the series.

Detroit is determined to match the Bulls' intensity in Game 2, when its dominant performance in the series opener becomes irrelevant.

Game 2 will play in Detroit on Monday night.

Suns and Spurs is get ready to Rumble!

The most anticipated boxing match in years takes place later tonight in Las Vegas when Oscar De La Hoya takes on Floyd Mayweather Jr. In much the same way that boxing fans are eagerly anticipating the De La Hoya / Mayweather battle, basketball fans can't wait for the Suns and Spurs to tip off Sunday afternoon. And upon further inspection, there are some similarities between the participants in these two encounters.

Much like the Phoenix Suns, Floyd Mayweather is lighting-fast, flashy, sharp, athletic, aggressive, and devastatingly effective. He is a new brand of fighter.

On the other hand, you have his counterpart, Oscar De La Hoya. His style bears a resemblance to San Antonio Spur's Greg Popovich and Tim Duncan. De La Hoya is old-school. And while he may not be as aesthetically pleasing as Mayweather, he is tough, experienced, prodding, hard-hitting, tactical, uncompromising, and accustomed to winning. Just like the Spurs.

They say that styles make a fight. We shall see....

[Source]

Yao and T-Mac, just not quite tough enough...

Yao and McGrady each account to the pair after it indicates, but when the rockets could not trust a revolting one inbounds final of Utah to play sealed it but of Houston. The jazz worked all but 1,7 seconds of the clock whereas the rockets flailed around and the free throws from Kirilenko froze the series for Utah.

In spite of a rough beginning (3-for-9), Yao was warmed up to the task. It ended 29 points, tying McGrady for equipment-high, although it grasped only six rebounds. However, it had the rockets in the game until the second end, when they could not inexplicably soil when under four with just on nine seconds he went in the game.

It's really like a nightmare for Houston Rockets Team... Whatever, they had to 'eat' this lost.

Prior to the start of the 2007 playoffs, McGrady said that the Rockets would only get as far as he could take them. Though he struggled with his shot at times, the Rockets' leader finished strong. He scored 29 points on nearly 50% shooting and led the team with 13 assists. Is it still Tracy's responsibility?

"Absolutely. I'm not backing away from that statement. I say this team is going to go as far as I take them and I tried my best. I tried, man. Maybe I could have made an extra play here. Maybe I could have those loose rebounds that we needed in the fourth quarter. Maybe I could have done more, but it didn't happen. I tried, man. I tried." T-Mac said.

Maybe the Rockets really need a third legitimate scoring threat - someone who can create their own shot off the dribble. Yao and Tracy had some help from Shane Battier and Rafer Alston on Saturday night, but throughout the series the Rockets struggled to find a consistent third threat on the offensive end.

Knick wants Garnett or O'neal

Whether trade rumors involving Kevin Garnett are based on solid facts or not, one thing is certain - the Knicks are surely in the mix. Whenever a big name comes towards outside in the market, the Knicks is always the first one that will be mentioned by the members of means and other speculators like potential buyers. That's because they are. Especially Knicks president/coach Isiah Thomas, who is always trying to improve his roster, always looking for ways to spend Jim Dolan's money.

An early riser, Thomas already has his team linked to two possible mega-trades, one involving Jermaine O'Neal and the other involving the ever-elusive Garnett. Like everyone else, the Knicks will try to get one of the two. Unlike other teams, Thomas has been preparing for chasing those two for quite some time now.

But before he starts exchanging possible trade scenarios with fellow GMs, Thomas must make a decision - where is this franchise headed? If they go with Jermaine O'Neal they may be on a different path then if they choose KG. Which way should he go?

[Source]

Friday, May 4, 2007

Roy Hibbert scouting reports

Standing at 7-foot-2, Hibbert has the size and strength to be a solid NBA center.

He's a fairly smooth offensive player with nice moves around the basket.

He is also a good passer out of the double team.

He is a hard worker who improved tremendously in his last two seasons.

On the downside, his lack of explosiveness and quickness will hurt him at hte next level.

A strong NCAA tournament helped his stock.

[See Top Ten NBA 2007 MockDraft]

See Other Prospects:
Greg Oden - Kevin Durant - Al Horford - Joakim Noah - Yi Jianlian - Corey Brewer - Brandan Wright - Julian Wright - Spencer Hawes - Roy Hibbert

Scouting reports on Spencer Hawes

Hawes is an extremely skilled center with advanced low-post moves for player his age. He's at this best playing the high post and working the pick-and-pop, he also has excellent footwork and touch in the paint.

He even can score intelligently both facing and with his back to the basket and possesses a great variety of post moves and counters he can go to with either hand.

Hawes doesn't have the athletic upside of many of the top prospects in the draft, but his basketball skill and size should translate into a productive NBA career. Think or look at Vlade Divac.

[See Top Ten NBA 2007 MockDraft]

See Other Prospects:
Greg Oden - Kevin Durant - Al Horford - Joakim Noah - Yi Jianlian - Corey Brewer - Brandan Wright - Julian Wright - Spencer Hawes - Roy Hibbert

Julian Wright scouting reports

After Kevin Durant, Wright may be the most versatile player in the draft. He can guard and play four position on the floor, and when he wants to take over game, he can be unstoppable.

His passing ability and unselfishness have won him fans among NBA scouts, but he doesn't always dominate the way his talent suggests.

He still needs to work on expanding his range and becoming a better shot creator off the dribble.

[See Top Ten NBA 2007 MockDraft]

See Other Prospects:
Greg Oden - Kevin Durant - Al Horford - Joakim Noah - Yi Jianlian - Corey Brewer - Brandan Wright - Julian Wright - Spencer Hawes - Roy Hibbert

Brandan Wright scouting reports

Wright is a long, athletic big man who put up impressive numbers as a freshman for North Carolina.

On potential, he's a top five pick. He has all the tools to be great. He runs the floor very well and knows how to get to the rim.

For power forward, he is very quick and explosive. Wright has the physical attributes down pat, including the proper frame and wingspan. A terrific passer who is incredibly unselfish by nature, it's Wright's attitude and feel for the game that makes his potential stand out from the crowd.

But scouts worry a bit about his laid-back demeanor on the court. He doesn't play as hard as some would like to see.

He still needs to work on expanding his range and becoming a better shot creator off the dribble.

[See Top Ten NBA 2007 MockDraft]

See Other Prospects:
Greg Oden - Kevin Durant - Al Horford - Joakim Noah - Yi Jianlian - Corey Brewer - Brandan Wright - Julian Wright - Spencer Hawes - Roy Hibbert

Corey Brewer scouting reports

The NCAA Tournament boosted Brewer's stock more than it did for any other player in the tournament. Brewer is a long, langky swingman with great size for a two.

He is a real game changer on the defensive end. Offensively, he excels in the open court and is an excellent finisher in transition.

But does he have enough offensive game to justify such a high pick? He showed enough firepower in the final Four the past two years to convince NBA scouts that the answers is yes.

But he needs to improve his ballhandling significantly and become a more versatile perimeter shooting threat to take this answer.

[See Top Ten NBA 2007 MockDraft]

See Other Prospects:
Greg Oden - Kevin Durant - Al Horford - Joakim Noah - Yi Jianlian - Corey Brewer - Brandan Wright - Julian Wright - Spencer Hawes - Roy Hibbert

Scouting reports on Yi Jianlian

While Yi Jianlian is the best Chinese prospect to come to the NBA since Yao Ming, that's where the comparisons end. Yi is an energetic, athletic forwad, not a lumbering, skilled center like Yao.

He is an excellent shooter and ball-handler who's been lighting up the Chinese Basketball Association the past few years.

While some scouts believe he's much older than the Chinese goverment claims, most still believe he is the best international prospect in the draft.

Make him better because he is An extremely agile seven-footer who has been on the radar for quite some time already despite his youth. Impressive skills facing the basket. Has a very nice jump-shot and the ballhandling skills to take his man off the dribble. Lower body strength is solid, but is in desperate need of bulk in the upper body.

His Defensive and rebounding potential is a concern, as is the level of competition he faces in the Chinese league. Doesn't have must of a post game, besides an effective turnaround jumper.

But his age is still a question mark... Is Yi 20 years or older?

[See Top Ten NBA 2007 MockDraft]

See Other Prospects:
Greg Oden - Kevin Durant - Al Horford - Joakim Noah - Yi Jianlian - Corey Brewer - Brandan Wright - Julian Wright - Spencer Hawes - Roy Hibbert

Scouting reports on Joakim Noah

Noah capped an amazing NCAA tournament in 2006 with a near-perfect championship game, a Carmelo-esque breakout that propelled Noah into contention to be the No. 1 pick in the draft.

He has tall and athletic body, charismatic and super long stat-stuffer.

But he was unable to duplicate that magic during his junior season.

While he still showed the hustle and energy that scouts love, his offensive game didn't improve.

He lacks the consistent jump shot and go-to moves that scouts look for in a lottery pick.

[See Top Ten NBA 2007 MockDraft]

See Other Prospects:
Greg Oden - Kevin Durant - Al Horford - Joakim Noah - Yi Jianlian - Corey Brewer - Brandan Wright - Julian Wright - Spencer Hawes - Roy Hibbert

Al Horford scouting reports

Horford's teammate Joakim Noah came into the season with most of the buzz, but some NBA scouts think Horford is better prospect. He is a big-time shot blocker and rebounder, and uses his combination of strength and quickness to dominate in the paint.

Surprisingly he had a good passing skill and good ballhandling.

Horford needs a lot more polish on the offensive end, but he has everything else, the length, strength, motor, athleticism and basketball IQ that coaches crave in power forward.

[See Top Ten NBA 2007 MockDraft]

See Other Prospects:
Greg Oden - Kevin Durant - Al Horford - Joakim Noah - Yi Jianlian - Corey Brewer - Brandan Wright - Julian Wright - Spencer Hawes - Roy Hibbert

Jazz forced Rockets to play Game 7

Houston Rockets' Tracy McGrady was focus on the playoff series, but Jazz's Andrei Kirilenko had his best game in game 6 of the series. He scored 14 points and five blocks to lead the Jazz to a 94-82 victory Thursday night, forcing a deciding game back in Houston.

Kirilenko scored six points and blocked three shots in the fourth quarter. McGrady tried to drive on him once with the Rockets down three, but Kirilenko stayed on him and swatted the ball away during a 13-4 run that sealed it for the Jazz.

Mehmet Okur added 19 points, including four 3-pointers, as the Jazz finally started hitting from beyond the arc.

Carlos Boozer added 22 points for Utah, and he and Okur both pulled down nine rebounds. Deron Williams had 15 points and eight assists, Millsap scored all of his eight points in the second quarter, as the Jazz took control and then held off several rallies by the Rockets down the stretch.

McGrady finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds for Houston. Yao Ming scored 25, but he also had eight turnovers - two more than his rebound total - as Okur and rookie Paul Millsap constantly pressured the 7-foot-6 center.

The home team has won every game in the series, which bodes well for the Rockets, who haven't played well in Utah this season or postseason. Game 7 is Saturday night.

The Warriors became the third eighth to upset the No. 1

This time... The Warriors' hero came from name of Stephen Jackson, he did it just like Warriors' star Baron Davis. Davis knew his tender hamstring would limit him, so Jackson took a led off Golden State's to win the game.
Davis and Jackson shot the ragtag Warriors right into the second round, capping perhaps the NBA's biggest playoff upset with yet one more memorable performance on their home floor.

Davis willed his team on one good leg, shaking off a strained hamstring to score 20 points, Jackson made a franchise playoff-record seven 3-pointers, and Golden State became the first No. 8 seed to capture a best-of-seven playoff series with a 111-86 victory over the NBA-best Dallas Mavericks in Game 6 on Thursday night.
Jackson - who avoided a suspension for Game 6 after two ejections in the series - hit four 3-pointers during a decisive 24-3 third-quarter run and finished with a playoff career-high 33 points.

Davis also added 10 rebounds and six assists. He sat down with 2:19 to play, throwing his arms in the air to the fans who chanted "MVP!'' When the final buzzer sounded, the Warriors hugged as confetti streamed onto the court.

Dallas Mavericks' Josh Howard scored 20 points and Jerry Stackhouse had 14 of his 20 points in the first quarter for the 67-win Mavericks, who along with Dallas owner Mark Cuban had high hopes of going deep in the postseason after their remarkable regular-season showing.

Nowitzki missed his first eight shots, bricking consecutive 3-point tries late in the second quarter before hitting a 16-footer for his first basket of the game with 38 seconds left in the period. Dallas trailed 50-48 at the break but couldn't match the Warriors' energy in the third. The Mavs went 5:07 without scoring as Golden State turned it into a rout, leading 86-63 going into the final 12 minutes.

The Warriors became only the third eighth seed to upset the No. 1 and the first since the opening round went from best-of-five to the current format. The Denver Nuggets (1994) and the New York Knicks (1999) are the only other teams to win a series.

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Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Kevin Durant's Scouting Report

He is a unique player, Durant is the most decorated NCAA freshmen ever. The recent best college's player.

Some scout are calling him "Kevin Garnett with 3-point shot," Other say he's a more athletic Dirk Nowitzki, or a tougher Tracy McGrady.

He can score from anywhere on the floor, handles the ball like a guard, has deep 3-point range and is already one of the best rebounders in college basketball.

Strength and defense are minor concerns for scout... but all in all, he is the most complete prospect to hit draft since LeBron James.

[See Top Ten NBA 2007 MockDraft]

See Other Prospects:
Greg Oden - Kevin Durant - Al Horford - Joakim Noah - Yi Jianlian - Corey Brewer - Brandan Wright - Julian Wright - Spencer Hawes - Roy Hibbert

Nowitzki Helped Dallas Win Over Golden State

Dirk Nowitzki was little more than a bit player for the Dallas Mavericks.
Then he made his presence felt in a big way — the way the league’s likely MVP is supposed to do.

Nowitzki scored 12 points during a 15-0 run over the final 3:07, turning a nine-point deficit into a 118-112 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night, guaranteeing the NBA’s best regular-season team at least one more playoff game.

They overcame a 21-point lead and were up 112-103 after a lunging 3-pointer by Baron Davis. It looked like the knockout punch for one of the most stunning upsets in NBA history.
Yet that’s when Nowitzki picked his team off the mat.
He started the rally with consecutive 3-pointers. After Devin Harris spun in a layup off the backboard, Nowitzki cut hard through the lane, caught a pass and was fouled. He hit the tying and go-ahead free throws, part of 6-of-7 roll from the line during the game-changing rally.

Game 6 will be in Oakland on Thursday night. The Warriors likely will be kicking themselves all the way up to tipoff considering how close they were to ending this series in Dallas.

Source: NBA.com

Scouting Report on Greg Oden

Players like Oden don't come along very often. He draws comparisons to Tim Duncan, Patrick Ewing and David Robinson.

He's got the size, athleticism and work ethic to become the best center in the NBA.

A broken right wrist hampered his offensive production during his freshmen season.

But on the defensive end, he's poised to have an immediate impact in NBA.

[See Top Ten NBA 2007 MockDraft]

See Other Prospects:
Greg Oden - Kevin Durant - Al Horford - Joakim Noah - Yi Jianlian - Corey Brewer - Brandan Wright - Julian Wright - Spencer Hawes - Roy Hibbert

Rockets Regain Control of Their Playoff Series

The change of scenery was just what the All-Star duo and the rest of the Houston Rockets needed to regain control of their playoff series againts Utah Jazz.

McGrady collected 26 points and a career-high 16 assists, Yao had 21 points and 15 rebounds, and the Rockets beat the Jazz 96-92 on Monday night to take a 3-2 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Yao sealed the victory with two free throws in 11 seconds left. His last rebound was in the closing seconds after Deron Williams missed a 3-pointer.

After two games losses in Utah, the Rockets rediscovered their shooting touch, going 35-for-75 from the field (47%) and 12-for-24 from 3-point range. They also outrebounded Utah 42-39.

Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz scored 26 points but had only eight rebounds, denied a double-double for the first time in the playoff series. Derek Fisher added 17 and Williams scored 13 for the Jazz, who have lost three straight Game 6s. Boozer remains confident, though, knowing Utah dominated Houston in Games 3 and 4.

Houston's McGrady left the game in first quarter with a hip pointer, but came back to score 20 in the three quarters left. He hit 11 of 25 shots and grabbed four rebounds.

From the start, McGrady was more aggressive driving to the basket than he was in Utah. Luther Head, 1-for-6 from 3-point range in Utah, hit two early in the final quarter to give the Rockets a 76-75 lead.

McGrady assisted on both to pass his previous career high of 13.

Top Ten NBA Mockdraft 2007

No. 1 Draft pick dropped to Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies is target on Greg Oden (25% chance to win this draft)
#1 Greg Oden
Team: Ohio State Buckeyes
Position: Center
Birth's date: 22.01.1988
Height: 216cm, Weight: 126kg
Average Stats: 15,5 PPG, 9,7 RPG, 3,5 BPG, 61,4% FG
[Scouting report]

Second Pick: Boston Celtics
#2 Kevin Durant (19.9%)
Team: Texas Longhorns
Position: Small Forward
Birth's date: 30.09.1988
Height: 206cm, Weight: 101kg
Average Stats: 25,6 PpG, 11,3 RpG, 1,9 BpG, 1,9 SpG, 42,1% 3FG
[Scouting report]

#3 Al Horford - Milwaukee Bucks (15.6%)
Team: Florida Gators
Position: Power Forward
Birth's date: 06.03.1986
H: 206cm, W: 106kg
Average Stats: 13,2 PpG, 9,1 RpG, 1,9 BpG, 60,8% FG
[Scouting Report]

#4 Joakim Noah - Phoenix Suns (11.9%)
Team: Florida Gators
Position: Power Forward
B'day: 25.02.1985
H: 211cm, W: 104kg
Average Stas: 12,1 PpG, 8,2 RpG, 1,8 BpG, 61,0% FG

[Scouting Report]

#5 Yi Jianlian - Seattle Supersonics (8.8%)
Team: Guangdong Tigers
Position: Power Forward
B'day: 27.10.1987
H: 213cm, W: 104kg
Average Stats: 25,4 PpG, 11 RpG, ? BpG, ?% FG
[Scouting Report]

#6 Julian Wright - Portland Trail Blazers (5.3%)
Team: Kansas Jayhawks
Position: Small Forward
B'day: 20.05.1987
H: 203cm, W: 101kg
Average Stats: 12,1 PpG, 8,0 RpG, 1,4 BpG, 1,4 SpG, 55,3% FG
[Scouting Report]

#7 Brandon Wright - Minnesota Timberwolves (5.3%)
Team: North Carolina Tar Heels
Position: Power Forward
B'day: 05.10.1987
H: 206cm, W: 92kg
Average Stats: 15,1 PpG, 6,1 RpG, 1,7 BpG, 66,2% FG
[Scouting Report]

#8 Corey Brewer - Charlotte Bobcats (2.2%)
Team: Florida Gators
Position: Small Forward
B'day: 05.03.1986
H: 203cm, W: 83kg
Average Stats: 12,7 PpG, 4,5 RpG, 1,9 SpG, 3,1 ApG, 48,0% FG
[Scouting Report]

#9 Spencer Hawes - Chicago Bulls (1.9%)
Team: Washington Huskies
Position: Center
B'day: 28.04.1988
H: 211cm, W: 113kg
Average Stats: 14,9 PpG, 6,4 RpG, 1,7 Bpg, 53,2% FG
[Scouting Report]

#10 Roy Hibbert - Sacramento Kings (1.8%)
Team: Georgetown Hoyas
Position: Center
B'day: 11.12.1986
H: 218cm, W: 127kg
Average Stats: 12,7 PpG, 6,3 RpG, 2,4 BpG, 69,3% FG

[Scouting Report]

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