Around the NBA: Notes and recap
The wait is over as the first two days of the 2009-2010 NBA season is over and done. We saw strong teams get beaten, players coming back (Mr. Arenas!), rookies who don’t play like one and more and more exciting plays. It’s just exciting isn’t it? So here are some of our thoughts from the first two days.
- The Cleveland Cavaliers are 0-2 after losing to the Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors. Lebron James has been fantastic in the first two games but we still think that their lineup isn’t that strong this year even with Shaq and new addition Anthony Parker around. The Cavs need to get things together or else…
- Gilbert Arenas is back! We know it’s just one game but if you saw how he played he had thing in control on his way to a 29 point game where he had 9 assists. He didn’t record any assists but he shot well,10-21 from the field. It looks like the 2 years did his body good as he tries to revive his career.
- We loved Andrew Bynum in his first game where he posted a line of 26 points, 13 rebounds while shooting 9-15 from the field and 8-10 from the line. We have a good feeling that he will stay healthy this year.
- The Philadelphia 76ers really had a hard time against the Orlando Magic and we don’t like what we’re seeing with Elton Brand. As for Marreese Speights, this guy really looks like he will battle Samuel Dalembert for minutes and he could end up being their starter by December.
- So much for Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy saying that Dwight Howard can hit close to 75% of his free throw attempts. He started the year going 3-6.
- The New York Knicks were crushed by the Miami Heat, 115-93 but it’s good to see Danilo Gallinari playing and shooting well. He made 7-13 from downtown and if he becomes consistent enough and hits threes at the end of games, we shall call him, “The Da-ga” (The Dagger).
- We actually thought that Jermaine O’neal showed signs of his old self against the Knicks. Well, except that he didn’t block any shot. As long as he’s not hurt and playing, we’re good with that.
- Chris Paul didn’t have a steal. That should be news worthy.
- The San Antonio Spurs will definitely challenge the Los Angeles Lakers for the Western Conference title and they can win it.
- The Spurs’ DeJuan Blair was a monster on the glass with 11 rebounds in 22 minutes. He also had 14 points.
- Who here thinks Minnesota Timberwolves rookie guard Johnny Flynn can help turnaround a franchise? We do! That kid is amazing!
- With a stat line of 27 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks, Brook Lopez is making his owners happy after they drafted him as early as the 20th pick. That would be us and we’re really happy with that decision.
- Yi Jian Lian came to life against the Timberwolves after two years of being lost. He had 17 points and 12 rebounds in 24 minutes and he had the best +/- in his team where he a +9.
- Corey Brewer struggled offensively throughout the game but his offense came just in time to help the T’Wolves in a comeback victory against the New Jersey Nets. If you can stomach his poor shooting percentages but love his defensive numbers then stick with him. He’ll be fine!
- Damien Wilkins made the winning shot at the buzzer but we’re not convinced that he’ll be producing a nice stat line throughout the season.
- Steve Nash had 24 points and 8 assists but his lay up with 5 seconds left was the biggest basket of the game. Even if he had 8 assists, we still think he can lead the league this year in that category.
- Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol was the only bright spot on their team with a line of 21 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks.
- Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook had a career high 13 assists. Kevin Durant led the team in scoring with 25 points with 11 rebounds.
- Congratulations to Omri Casspi for being the first Israel born player to play in the NBA. He actually looked good and we’d love to see him start instead of Desmond Mason. Come on Paul Westphal!
- Anthony Randolph only played 10 minutes in the game against the Houston Rockets and this may be because he’s coming off an injury. If not, a lot of Randolph owners will once again be disappointed with Don Nelson’s coaching style.
- As for Greg Oden, he struggled offensively especially against smaller Houston Rockets centers but it’s encouraging to see the 5 blocks he had. You’ve got to love him this season..watch out!
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These were our thoughts, what about yours? We’d love to hear them.
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