Chad Ford writes for the ESPN insider and has some definite opinions on basketball.

On Denver vs. the Lakers:

Damon (Socorro, NM): At this point, are the Lakers worrying about Denver?

Chad Ford: They should be. Denver has been great. Chauncey is showing that he was really the heart of the Pistons all of those years and they have a physical front line. They don’t have the depth that the Lakers have, but I think the Nuggets will really, really push them. I’ve been really, really impressed.

Any Piston fan would tell you that Chauncey was an important piece of the puzzle, but as the Pistons aged, Chauncey could no longer carry them. He is great at pulling the team together, but he is not a Kobe or LeBron, where he is the team.

Chauncey Billups is leading Denver to glory

On LeBron James…

Sal (Dallas): Scariest thing for the rest of the league I’ve seen all season: without hesitation, LBJ taking and burying several pull-up 3s at critical points in last night’s game. It wasn’t just that he hit them, but the confidence you could see he had in those shots when he rose up to take them spoke volumes. Despite winning the MVP hands-down this year, the dude is still getting better!

Chad Ford: Yup. LeBron just turned 24 folks. We have guys in the NBA Draft this year that are 24. He’s still fine tuning his game. If he can hit that jumper with consistency … I think he, not Michael Jordan, will ultimately be remembered as the greatest player to ever play the game.

Watching LeBron in these playoffs is amazing. At times it looks so easy for him that he appears bored by what is going on at both ends of the court, but make no bones about it, LeBron wants the title this year and has a great shot at it.

On teams needing to improve in the off season…

Noah (champaign): Of the teams that have been knocked out already, (SA, Utah, portland, NO, Chicago, atlanta, miami, detroit, philly), Which one has the toughest offseason? which one has the best chance to make the leap to elite?

Chad Ford: Utah, Atlanta and Detroit have the biggest question marks. They all have major free agents to deal with and could be in for big changes. In a lot of ways, Detroit has the most pressure. There are high expectations there and Joe D is going to have to make that cap space and draft pick really count. I think Chicago and Portland are the two teams with the best shot of moving into elite status next year. Both are young and improving and will only get better with time.

Take it from a lifelong Piston fan and a huge Joe D fan. The Pistons have to retool and have set themselves up nicely. They will have a mid 1st round pick and tons of free agent dollars. No player on that team is untouchable, although it may be hard to pry Stuckey away.

Be sure to read all of Chad Ford’s article.

Photo source Newscom

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Kobe about to be fouled

Image details: Utah Jazz v Los Angeles Lakers, Game 1 served by picapp.com

Kobe is expected to be presented with the NBA MVP award, but he got in a hurry and put on an MVP performance for the LA crowd in defeating the Utah Jazz.

Los Angeles 109 Utah 98

Kobe set a foul shooting franchise record.

Bryant, celebrating what’s expected to be his first NBA MVP award, converted six of his franchise playoff-record 21 foul shots in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the Utah Jazz 109-98 Sunday to begin the second round of the playoffs.

source

So just how good are the Lakers?

The Lakers were outrebounded by the Utah Jazz 58-41 on Sunday afternoon. The disparity in offensive rebounds was even more pronounced, 25-8. No surprise then that the Jazz also posted a significant edge in second-chance points, 26-12.

I don’t offer these numbers as mere arithmetic, but as statistical anomalies in evidence of just how good the Lakers really are. The team that controls the boards — especially the offensive boards, especially come playoff time — is almost always the winning team. But these Lakers do so many things so well — a more diversely talented team than any in the game — they can actually overcome an ass-kicking on the glass.

source

Mehmet Okur had 21 points and 19 rebounds in the losing cause.

Kobe had 38 points 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Not a bad night for the MVP.

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Well, truth be told, the time is now. The Western Conference is tight as tight can be. While some teams look better than others, let the records show they are not. At least, not by much.

Western Conference
Team GB
1. x-New Orleans —
2. x-San Antonio 1.5
3. x-LA Lakers 1.5
4. x-Utah 3.5
5. x-Houston 2.5
6. Phoenix 3.5
7. Dallas 6.5
8. Denver 8.5
9. Golden State 8.5

source

So who wins this battle royale? That is the question, isn’t it?

Hmm, that one hurts my head. How about if we ask Kenny Smith what happens to the teams that lose? Especially if they take an early exit.

New Orleans Hornets – more bench depth must be found.
Los Angeles Lakers – heal up, plain and simple.
San Antonio Spurs – get younger
Utah Jazz – add scoring
Houston Rockets – get Yao Ming back

Phoenix Suns: The Suns will have to answer a lot of questions if they go out early. If they go that way, and it’s clear their struggles are tied to the addition of Shaquille O’Neal, no question will be bigger than this: What do they do with the Big Cactus?

With $40 million left on Shaq’s contract, moving him might be impossible.

source

Dallas Mavericks – roster overhaul and tough decision on Jason Kidd

Denver Nuggets: Carmelo Anthony has never made it out of the first round and now the Nuggets are on the brink of missing the playoffs altogether.

Simply trying to outscore your opponent doesn’t work. A change in philosophy might be needed. The Nuggets also might need to rethink whether pairing Anthony and Allen Iverson together was such a good idea after all.

Golden State Warriors – get bigger.

Hey, it is simple to make these decisions. Just ask Kenny Smith!

NBA Basketball special comment – Just who will win the West?

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There is a grass roots effort to get a Wilt Chamberlain stamp.

Gee, would that be the 100 cent stamp? After all, it is the 100 point game that they want to depict.

Anyway, the effort is on and you can join.

The cause was started by sports writer Donald Hunt of The Philadelphia Tribune, a 123-year-old newspaper that primarily targets the black community. Hunt, who recalled as a child watching in person Chamberlain play for the 76ers against Oscar Robertson and the Cincinnati Royals, believes “The Big Dipper” has the credentials to join Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, Joe Louis and Jesse Owens among the sports legends with their own stamps.

“People should remember the great ones,” Hunt wrote for a Feb. 15 story. “They don’t come any bigger or better than Wilt Chamberlain.”

source

Until you have seen Wilt play it is just hard to imagine. Right now, if Kobe or LeBron get 50 points it is the major story of the day. Wilt averaged 50 points for a season; an entire season!

So, how do you help the cause?

The best way for Chamberlain, who died in 1999, to earn a sticky square is for supporters to write letters to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee. The committee reviews proposals four times a year and passes their recommendations on to the postmaster general. The earliest Chamberlain could appear on a stamp is 2010, said Roy Betts, a U.S. postal service spokesman.

Need some convincing? Check out this YouTube of Wilt “the Stilt” Chamberlain.

NBA Basketball comment Wilt tended to be larger than life in so many ways.

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Kobe Bryant takes aim at the Houston Rockets and Tracy McGrady

In a dream winning streak by an inspired team, the detractors will speak loudly again.

The Rockets are playing no one.

Recently they faced the Dallas Mavericks while Dirk Nowitzki sat out the game with a suspension.

Now they face the Lakers without Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol.

Gasol injured his left ankle during Friday’s first quarter in New Orleans. An MRI taken Saturday in Houston revealed a moderate sprain. He will be re-evaluated in a few days to determine a more definitive timetable for his return.

The Lakers, who also still are awaiting the return of injured center Andrew Bynum, likely will start Ronny Turiaf in Gasol’s place. source

How lucky can you get?

Well, evidently pretty lucky and you still have to win them.

Kobe would love to tag the Rockets with a loss, before the Rockets upcoming tough games.

The Rockets have won 21 consecutive games, the second-most in league history, but start their toughest stretch of the season Sunday. After the Boston Celtics visit Tuesday, Houston takes to the road to face the New Orleans Hornets, Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns.

Bryant credited the Rockets for their winning streak but said it “means nothing to me.” McGrady isn’t so sure.

“I know Kobe,” McGrady said. “I know that’s where his head is. In his head he’s thinking, ‘If it’s going to end, it’s going to end with me.’ He’s a fierce competitor. That’s just who he is.”

This will be the 3:30 EDT game on ABC. It follows the 1:00 Detroit Pistons Chauncey Billups vs. Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets game also on ABC.

NBA Basketball Fan Question Will you be rooting for Tracy McGrady?

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Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain knocked down 100 points in a single game in 1962.

The Warriors won, 169-147, setting what was then a record for the most combined points in a game by both teams. But the game is most remembered for the 100 points scored by Warriors center Wilt Chamberlain, who demolished the NBA single-game scoring record. source

How good was Wilt?

In the following night, Chamberlain got the permission to travel back to New York with three Knicks players. According to Cherry, Chamberlain drifted in and out of sleep and got a kick overhearing the NY players talk about the “S.O.B. who scored 100 points on us”.[8] Another night later, the Warriors and the Knicks squared off again in Madison Square Garden. This time, Imhoff played all 48 minutes and got a standing ovation for holding Chamberlain to “only” 54 points.

Yeah, baby, only 54 points. Way to hold ‘em.

Kobe and the 81

In 2006, Kobe put up 81 on the Toronto Raptors.

Bryant scored all but 15 of the Lakers’ 42 points in the third quarter, shooting 11-of-15 including 4-of-5 from 3-point range. Six of his points came during a 12-0 run to finish the period, giving Los Angeles a 91-85 lead. source

Is it possible to compare the two games? Kelly Dwyer at Ball Don’t Lie seems to think so.

First, number of possessions.

First, the context of the era: there were, way, way, way more possessions in an NBA game back then. This was a running league, much more than any NBA-style track meet you may have seen in any of the last 30 years. Not only did Wilt’s Philadelphia Warriors score 125.4 points per game, they gave up 122.7. A team featuring Wilt Chamberlain (50.6 on field goals) shoots 43.9 percent from the floor, and scored 125.4 points per game. Think about that.

Second, Wilt’s team tried to foul to set up the record.

I didn’t, but earlier this winter I read Gary M. Pomerantz’ Wilt, 1962. It’s a compelling account of Wilt’s life, that night, but it also details the ways in which a bemused Warrior squad tried to help Wilt pad his stats in blowout win: namely, they fouled the heck out of the Knicks in the game’s final quarter in order to get the ball back in Wilt’s hands.

Third, the defense.

They didn’t, but they had less of a chance than the Knicks team Wilt scored on. Starting center Phil Jordan missed the game suffering from equal parts cocktail and legitimate flu, and rookie Darrall Imhoff was forced into action against a player that was a good half-foot taller than and three times better than most centers in the NBA; Imhoff included.

It is always hard to compare era’s in any sport, but there is no denying that both of these accomplishments are unbelievable.

NBA Basketball Fan Question Will anyone ever score over a 100 in a game?

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Kobe Bryant gets Pau Gasol

Which teams benefited the most from the recent signing frenzy?

10. Kidd to Mavericks – This trade fell through, would still have been a great move for the Mavs.

9. Kidd to Mavericks – This trade worked after about a week, is taking longer than that for it to work for the Mavs. Dirk Nowitzki gets the ball in the right place.

8. Bibby to Hawks – Young team needed a scoring leader. Bibby is that man.

7. Ratliff to Pistons – Pistons needed defensive help in the post. Ratliff already pays dividends in Sheed’s absence.

6. Cassell to Celtics – Celtics worry about Rondo. Cassell will get some of his minutes.

5. Thomas to Spurs – Duncan gets some more power underneath.

4. Wallace to Cavs – LeBron gets some defensive help in the post.

3. Korver to Jazz – The Jazz get instant outside shooting off the bench.

2. Shaq to Suns – The Suns get half court defense for the playoffs. Nash assists can now go with Shaq rebounds.

1. Gasol to Lakers – The Lakers will have tallest front line when Bynum returns. Kobe has a second scoring punch.

NBA Basketball Fan Question Did your team make a deal?

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Tim Duncan, the Big Fundamental, goes to work on New Jersey

How do they do it?

They do it with defense.

The San Antonio Spurs have the best record in the Western Conference. They just extended their longest winning streak of the season with a 10th win in a row against the Vince Carter New Jersey Nets. They are one game better than the Kobe Lakers.

San Antonio 81 – New Jersey 70

That’s right, 70 stinking points.

“Think about this. They won the game shooting 33 percent,” New Jersey coach Lawrence Frank said. “That just shows you how good they are. Those guys are the gold standard. They make you grind it out.” source

Tim Duncan

As usual, it was Tim Duncan leading the way.

Tim Duncan had 29 points and 12 rebounds for his 37th double-double of the season, and the Spurs overcame their offensive struggles to beat the New Jersey Nets 81-70 on Tuesday night for their 10th straight victory.

Manu Ginobili added 12 points.

New Jersey

No more Jason Kidd in New Jersey, so now it is Vince Carter leading the way with 19 points. New point guard Devin Harris had 13 points.

One had to realize that before it was all said and done that San Antonio would be back in the saddle leading the way in the Western Conference.

NBA Basketball Fan Question Will the Spurs be in the NBA Finals once again?

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Kobe was smoking hot with 52 points, 22 of them coming in the 4th quarter.

The Lakers won the game in OT 108 – 104 over the Dallas Mavericks.

In what has to be one of the best basketball quotes in a while, Avery Johnson the coach of the Mavericks expounds on their defensive philosophy used to stop Kobe.

“We gave him a single look, then we double-teamed him, then we gave him a triple-team and he split the triple-team and scored,” Johnson said. “We tried to zone him, we tried to funnel him in the trap for a zone and he went the other way. He didn’t cooperate on any of our defenses.

“Obviously he milked the free throw line on us and he just had it all going. He’s a great player. He has these (games). Lots of these.” source

It is such a funny quote that it is almost sinful to bring up the fact that defense is not really the Mavericks thing anyway. It would be surprising if they actually understood how to play all those defenses.

The Kobe legend just continues.

NBA Basketball Kobe Bryant factoid – Bryant’s 20,989 career points moved him past Walt Bellamy (20,941) and into 25th on the NBA’s all-time list. source

Kobe just adds to his career stats with great game after great game.

Bryant hit the 50-point mark for the 22nd time in his career and first time this season. He went 15-of-27 from the floor and, constantly driving and drawing fouls, was 20-of-27 from the line. He was perfect shooting free throws in the fourth quarter, making 13, and converted the two he took in overtime.

Oh, did we mention that Kobe also had 11 boards?

Pau Gasol

Just to complete the Laker picture, it should be added that Pau had 17 points and 14 rebounds. He makes a great complement to Kobe.

Dirk Nowitzki had 30 points, 14 boards, 5 assists, and 3 sno-cones and went largely unnoticed. That is what happens when someone puts up 52 on you. Ok, in all fairness, Dirk did nail a 3 to send the game into OT and did have 9 in the overtime.

Jason Kidd showed up with a double double of his own, with 15 points, 11 assists, and 6 rebounds. He is a great addition to the Mavs. If you don’t believe me, take a look at the byline on Eric Dampier. 16 points and 17 boards. Unreal.

NBA Basketball Fan Question How can Kobe score so many points and not ruin the Laker team game?

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LeBron became the youngest player to reach 10,000 points in the history of the National Basketball Association.

With LeBron coming out of High School scoring like crazy it is no surprise.

Kobe Bryant made 10,000 points at the age of 24 years and 193 days.

LeBron James made 10,000 points at the age of 23 years and 59 days.

Hey, we are getting a numberish here, but you get the idea. Both of these players are great star players and scoring machines.

James did it in 368 games, the ninth fastest in NBA history.

It should be mentioned that the Cavaliers lost this game to Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics. Oh well.

Kevin Garnett scored 18 points with 11 rebounds to help Boston win its third straight and improve to 2-2 for the season against the defending Eastern Conference champions. The Cavaliers were playing their third game with four new players, including Ben Wallace, acquired in an 11-player, three-team deal at the trading deadline. source

Unreal Records

Here are some other scoring records by the great Wilt “the Stilt” Chamberlain.

Most Points Per Game
50.4 by Wilt Chamberlain, 1961-62

Most 50 Point Games
45 by Wilt Chamberlain, 1961-62

Most 40 Point Games
63 by Wilt Chamberlain, 1961-62

Most Field Goals Made
1,597 by Wilt Chamberlain, 1961-62 (50.6 FG%)

Most Field Goals Attempted
3,159 by Wilt Chamberlain, 1961-62

Highest Field Goal Percentage
72.7% by Wilt Chamberlain, 1972-73 (426 made in 586 attempts)

Most of these records will never be broken.

Maybe LeBron’s will not be broken with the current have to be a freshman in college rule.

NBA Basketball Fan Question Does scoring 10,000 points quickly impress you?

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