Youtube: Paul George did his best Vince-Carter-in-the-2000-Slam-Dunk-Contest impersonation during an actual game. He did it after the whistle and made it look unexcitingly easy, but still… that’s rather impressive. More impressive than, say, the 76ers, who the Pacers beat 102-97.
Youtube: Speaking of things that are rather impressive, how ’bout Tony Parker and the Houdini move with which he toasted Steve Blake? Stephen Jackson certainly enjoyed it!
The Basketball Jones: Donald Sloan’s Cavaliers didn’t fare so well in Detroit last night. They actually trailed by 50 points at the end of the third quarter. Had Kyrie Irving been playing I wouldn’t have ruled out a comeback.
True Hoop: One team from ’07/08 outperformed all other teams of the past five years in crunch time, based on +/-. That team was coached by Mike Brown and led by LeBron James. The top team this season? Also coached by Mike Brown. Make of that what you will.
Pro Basketball Talk: Gordon Hayward says he wanted to fight Delonte West after the “dry willy” incident. I think Hayward vs West should be the undercard when Ron Artest and Ben Wallace finally get around to fighting.
Hoops Grind: If you didn’t watch last night’s doubleheader, here are some observations from someone who did. As for Tyson Chandler’s 12 third-quarter points, I felt that those were a product of New York’s incredible second-quarter three-point shooting. Steve Novak and JR Smith opened that painted area for business… Baron Davis and Tyson Chandler simply took advantage of all the space.
Ball Don’t Lie: Jamal Crawford reportedly told Alvin Gentry he wants to play for the Suns… as an active member of the Portland Trail Blazers… during a game. Psst, Alvin! Alvin! I want to play for you!
Hoop Speak: Taking an in-depth look at the Dirk Nowitzki triple that sent the Mavericks and Jazz to a second overtime on Monday night. The Mavs went on to lose, which is almost a shame because this particular play was strikingly beautiful. Observe the patience, the execution, and of course, the Diggler.
The Basketball Jones: Ever wondered what it’s like to gamble with Kevin Durant? Well, hit up the nearest casino after an OKC Thunder loss and you just might find out. Be sure to bring 600 bucks, and understand beforehand that Russell Westbrook will be “a dick.” Also, try not to ask Lazar Hayward to take your picture with Kevin Durant. He won’t appreciate it, especially if you call him Lorenzo.
Yahoo!: Ivan Johnson on Atlanta’s blowout loss to the Raptors: “It’s the NBA where amazing happens.” Ivan Johnson is easily one of my favorite characters in the history of humanity.
