No Regard Daily Previews: 11-30-10

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Civil War Part II: New Jersey Nets vs. New York Knicks

Finally, for the first time in a long time, things are looking up for the two NBA teams geographically located within a few miles of the Hudson River. And for a staff full of avid Knicks and Nets fans, we couldn't be happier. Personally, having no horse in this race (Let's Go Celtics!), I thought it would be interesting to point out some of the newly found similarities between the two ball clubs which suggest what may or may not be impacting each team's improvement.

First similarity: Russians. Prokhorov and Mozgov. Both newcomers to their respective franchises. Prokhorov has made an immediate impact on the Nets and declared that they must do whatever it takes to win a ring within five years. Conversely, Mozgov received a warm welcome to the league from Blake Griffin and the illest posterizing dunk of the year.

No Regard Daily Recap: Can There Really Be Only One?



Yeah, I know that's not Chris Paul on the far right, but 3/4s ain't bad.

One Game We Watched Last Night: New Orleans Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Hornets: 89, Thunder: 95

And One Game We Couldn't Help But Watch For A Bit Because The Point Guards Are So Good: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Utah Jazz

Bucks: 88, Jazz: 109


Point guards are really all that matter anymore. We've known this for some time now, but every night in the 2010-2011 NBA season is a blinding reminder. When I look at the schedule each afternoon, it reads not as a collection of teams, but a table of point guards. That's why I was surprised yesterday when Adam picked the Utah-Milwaukee contest as the game we probably wouldn't watch. But that's Brandon Jennings against Deron Williams! I thought to myself. Then I read what Adam actually wrote, only to hear that the Bucks would be decimated by injury, surely leading to them start at least one dude who has no business in a starting line-up (that turned out to be Larry Sanders), and giving relatively big minutes to someone I've never heard of (a person named Jon Brockman played 19 minutes). Still, I couldn't help peeking in a few times to see the two guards hopscotch with one another—and to make sure Deron Williams' hair still looked like it came from The Fifth Element future.

The game I did watch from start to finish, though, was a point guard game of chicken. The quickest way to say it is that Russell Westbrook outplayed Chris Paul (not to mention his own teammate Kevin Durant) in the fourth quarter, positioning his team for the win.

The longer way to explain what happened is that the NBA has turned into Highlander for the league's best point guards. Each night the top guys try to decapitate whichever guard stands in their way, with the eventual goal of being the final immortal standing. Guys who would have done damage in years past—Jameer Nelson, Raymond Felton, and even Tyreke Evans after what Derrick Rose did to him the other night—look like they've never held a blade before. The 2010-2011 season is the time of The Gathering, folks.

You can tell Chris Paul is not pleased with any of this. He thought he's lobbed off enough heads a few years ago to be considered number one, but an ungodly influx of young new point guards has forced him to polish his blade and start slicing. (Interestingly enough, his sword kind of looks like a huge knee brace now.) Last night his craftiness was one quarter away from besting Westbrook's athleticism, but Westbrook took over in the fourth. No one man should have all that power those Cheetos.

No Regard Daily Preview: Starry West

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: New Orleans Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder


When the season began, these two teams were in very different positions. The Thunder were the darlings of the basketball media and expectations were higher than for any team in the West that doesn't include Kobe Bryant. And while they haven't been bad, per se, their early season performance has been overshadowed by, among other teams, the New Orleans Hornets, who won their first eight games and 12 of their first 13. The Hornets have struggled a bit of late, losing to the shit-hot Spurs and Jazz and the shit Clippers. Tonight is a chance for the Hornets to get back on track and the Thunder to remind everyone that they're still the most exciting team that side of the Mississippi. This could be a preview of what would surely be a second round playoff match-up for the ages.


One Game We Probably Won't Watch Tonight: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Utah Jazz


The Bucks look to be shorthanded for a game that already seemed unlikely to go in their favor. With Carlos Delfino out and Andrew Bogut, Corey Maggette, and Drew Gooden all questionable, the Deer will be relying heavily on Brandon Jennings, who will be kept quite busy by Deron Williams. The Jazz have won five in a row. Don't look for that streak to come close to ending tonight. As a matter of fact, we're not going to look at all.

Monday Morning Dance Therapy: Scalabrine Edition

Monday mornings are tough. As the work week starts, we often need something to pick us up and remind us that things are going to be okay. That something is NBA players and other hoops figures dancing. This weekly column celebrates one of the finest things in life and gives you the kickstart you need to get the week started on the right foot.

Fuck turkey, let's Veal.

Turkey

Happy Thanksgiving!!

No Regard Daily Preview: 21 Minutes Out of Your Day

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Atlanta Hawks vs. New Jersey Nets

Terrence, you don't need to tell us: Most of the No Regard staffers will be on a train by 6:00 pm tonight and at the Prudential Center by 6:19 pm, sans donuts. It's a field trip, kids, and permission slips have been collected.

With Prokhorov in attendance, expect a strong effort from the Nets against this reeling Hawks team. (When the boss walks by your cubicle, don't you give a little more effort?) Not a game the Nets should win, necessarily, but close to it. Points of emphasis:

• If Horford and Favors match up at any point, consider it a dissertation in rebounding. Favors is more athletic, but Horford's positioning skills are supreme.
• Lopez has been harangued recently, by coach and media alike, for being too soft. Any interaction with the always-testy Zaza Pachulia should inject him with a bit of much needed vigor, as Pachulia seems to piss off pretty much anyone he's ever matched up against.
• Devin Harris is going to be handful for either Mike Bibby or young Jeff Teague; he's too fast for the former, too crafty for the latter. Now replace "Mike Bibby" with "Anthony Morrow" and "Jeff Teague" with "Terrence Williams"; that's the situation the Nets will face in Joe Johnson.
• Our drinking game for the Hawks-Mavs game from this past weekend can easily be adapted here. Most of the rules were about the Hawks anyway. Updating the one about Mark Cuban for this game is just too perfect. Drink up!

One Game We Probably Won't Watch Tonight: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers

I promise we'll watch the Pacers one day soon, and it would make sense to start paying attention to them after their rout of the Miami Heat in South Beach last night. But this screams let-down game to me. And anyway, after we get back home from the game tonight, we're not going to have this on our DVRs—we're going to be watching judge shows.

No Regard Daily Recap: 11-22-10

One Game We Tried To Watch Last Night, But Kept Getting Distracted By Blake Griffin And His Potential Energy:
San Antonio Spurs vs. Orlando Magic

Spurs: 106 Magic: 97

Learn this about us now: when we say in a preview that we'll "definitely" watch a certain game, we're lying. We're not trying to lie, but things come up, like say family coming into town a few days early for Thanksgiving or a basketball scrimmage against Eastern Europeans that will seal the fate of our team's regular season seeding. Or the possibility that Blake Griffin breaks the Internet again with a dunk. So, no, none of us watched this game in its entirety.

No Regard Daily Previews: 11-22-10

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight:
San Antonio Spurs Vs. Orlando Magic

Since 1997, Tim Duncan's draft year, at least two things have been constant for the Spurs. Winning and the ability to avoid any sort of drama or controversy. So ever since hearing about Tony Parker's recent off the court activities, I've wondered how this Spurs club might be affected by their first ever wave of media attention for something other than their dominance on the basketball court. If their response is anything like their sizzling start to this season, then San Antonio will be fine.

Sometimes The Mirror Holds A Surprise

Monday Morning Dance Therapy: Vintage Crank That Edition!

Monday mornings are tough. As the work week starts, we often need something to pick us up and remind us that things are going to be okay. That something is NBA players and other hoops figures dancing. This weekly column celebrates one of the finest things in life and gives you the kickstart you need to get the week started on the right foot.

Sometimes we get caught up in our Dougieing ways and forget where it all started: with "Crank That," the first dance ever invented. Here's a look at some VINTAGE footage of players showing us that old-timey dances were fun too.

Happy 6th Birthday, Malice in the Palace

On November 19th in 2004, Ron Artest was lying down on the scorers table after an altercation with Ben Wallace and other Pistons players. While peacefully abstaining from the pushing and shoving going on around him, Artest got hit by a cup of liquid thrown by a Detroit Piston fan named John Green. The rest is history.

I'll never forget where I was while I watched the chaos that ensued between the NBA players and fans thereafter. Never.

Top 3 Player Tweets of the Week - In Pictures!

From Skillanueva's half-time tweets to Gil's fateful outburst, we're keeping tabs on this whole Twitter thing.  Each week we wade through the rants, shout outs and sheer insanity to bring you the best micro-blogging the NBA has to offer.

3. "& I'm thinking about interning @ a real estate firm this summer."

- Chris Douglas-Roberts

2. "Yo just cooked spaghetti hats off to the women of the house cookin is a job. Had 2 clean afterwards 2. Man I'm tired. Last time doin that."

- Joe Crawford

1."Mike Vick for PRESIDENT!!"

- LeBron James

No Regard Weekend Preview: Get Drunk With Mike Bibby

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you may remember a feature we started this offseason, NBA Happy Hour. In this Friday feature we presented a drinking game, giving readers the opportunity to get drunk while, let's say, watching the FIBA championship game, by giving them certain things to look for and celebrate. We are now carrying this idea over to our weekend previews, in which we will tell you one game we'll be watching over the next three days, and ways one could creatively reach Blackout City while enjoying the NBA action. So without further ado: Grab a beer, follow the rules, and start the weekend with a Don Nelson-level buzz!

One Game We Will Definitely Drink During This Weekend: Dallas Mavericks vs. Atlanta Hawks

We Believe in Greg Oden

If you don't already know, we hate to be the ones breaking the news to you. Greg Oden will undergo yet another microfracture surgery this Friday, sidelining him for the rest of the season.

We're kind of distraught, so are going to spend the day trying to pick up the pieces. Maybe we'll make him a mixtape.

We'll be back tomorrow. Head up, Greg, you'll make it.

No Regard Daily Previews: 11-17-2010

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder


We are a few weeks into the season and have barely written about the Thunder, the team we spent all summer championing until our throats were sore. We even picked them to win the Western Conference. So a fair question is, "Wha' happened?!"

The simplest answer is, "The Minnesota Timberwolves became our spirit animal." The long answer would get boring, so let's just leave it at that and say we're sorry. The road to recovery starts tonight, when we watch the team we crushed so hard on for the better part of this year play the Rockets.

"Why the Rockets?" you ask. I just like them. But I know this shoudn't be a close game. The Rockets are venturing into the loudest arena in the NBA without their starting point guard and starting center. Those two absences would kill their chances in a tug of war or egg spoon race, and pretty much do the same for tonight's basketball exhibition. But the Rockets have pulled off wins against much steeper odds in the past few years (including most of those during their 22-game winning streak back in 2008). Regardless, I think Luis Scola's hair is nice and I'm excited to watch rookie Ishmael Smith. I've never seen so much as a picture of the guy, but dude's name just sounds fast.

Also, no matter what happens in the game, tomorrow morning I'm going to run the headline, "Houston, We Have a Dog!". And that's as fair a reason as any I can think of to watch a basketball game.

One Game We Probably Won't Watch Tonight: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons


If we want to see innocent people get ruined by ruthless killers tonight, we'll watch Hotel Rwanda. At least that has a sort of hopeful ending.

No Regard Recap: 11-16-10

One Game We Watched Last Night: New York Knicks vs. Denver Nuggets


Knicks: 118 Nuggets: 120

Mike D'Antoni is confusing. And maybe a religious zealot. I get it that he's got a style of play he believes in, but the way he refuses to bend to any suggestion of defense or more patient offensive sets is mind-boggling. It borders on religious mania, a blind worship of the three-pointer.

Surely, two people who won't be attending mass anytime soon are Knicks announcers Walt Frazier and Mike Breen.

Bibby's World: Funsurance

Don't know how we locked this down, but we'd like to introduce you to No Regard's newest blogging sensation... Mike Bibby! He'll be checking in whenever he can, just to remind us: It's Bibby's World, we just live in it!

Hey guys, it's me again. Today we're going to talk about having a good time, and what you can do when you're not. Last Monday, after losing to the Orlando Magic by four (Not my fault. I scored seven points.), my teammates and I wanted to go out. Since we were in Orlando, I thought it made sense to suggest Disney World. But because my teammates are totally predictable, they suggested clubs. "Wow," I said, "Clubs AGAIN? We just did that in Phoenix!" But there was no stopping them, especially Etan Thomas, who always has to be the life of the party.

No Regard Daily Previews: 11-16-10

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight:
Denver Nuggets Vs. New York Knicks

We all know that the Knicks are hoping to land a trade in the near future that would bring Melo to New York. With this in mind, our inside sources have leaked a letter sent directly from James Dolan's office with specific instructions on how the Knicks are supposed to treat the Brooklyn native in this evening's game in Denver. Here are the instructions, word for word:

Dear Knicks Coaching Staff and Players,

You all know that we are hoping to one day in the near future land a trade that would bring Melo to New York (hopefully for Fat Eddie and Gallo). As a result, it's extremely important that in tonight's game, we show Melo what this current Knicks team is all about. Therefore, we are requiring that the following rules be observed throughout the game this evening to ensure we leave Melo with a warm feeling about our team. They've been aptly named the "Melo Rules." I sure am a clever owner, eh?

Rajon Rondo: Legitimate MVP Candidate? Legitimate MVP Candidate.

About two weeks ago, PeteB11 and I had a very short Gchat conversation:

Peter: Adam

When do we start throwing Rondo in theMVP conversation

Adam: right now?

Peter: He's an MVP candidate

there I said it

As you should know, Pete is a very funny guy, and I thought it was a very funny dialogue. "What a jokester, that Pete!" I thought to myself.

At the time, the only Celtics game I had watched was their opening statement against the Heat. Since then, I've watched five more of their contests, and I'm starting to realize that there's a good chance Pete was being as serious as your life.

In Defense of Ass-Slapping

CNN just gave us the best defense for when our girlfriends question our on-court homoerotic behavior:



See, honey, it's for the team!

The Timberwolves are Comedy Gold

Watch out, Tina Fey. Next year's race for the Mark Twain Prize for Humor just got a little bit taller.

I would never betray the Knicks, but all I'm saying is that when I see the 'Wolves visit the Garden on December 6, I won't exactly be rooting against anyone. Love these guys.

Via BDL via Timberwolves official site

No Regard Daily Previews: 11-15-10

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight:
Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Hornets

Perhaps the two largest surprises so far this season have been the mediocre Miami Heat and the perfect New Orleans Hornets. What's made CP3 and the gang so good so far this year? First, CP3 himself, quite obviously. With injuries cutting short his minutes last year, Paul looks like a rejuvenated man playing as if he's got something to prove. Maybe all the attention Rondo received after his playoff performance last spring pissed Paul off and he's taking it out on opposing defenses, hoping to show once again that he's the alpha dog of NBA PG's. Whatever the case may be, Chris Paul is back this year, in a big way.

No Regard Daily Recaps: Weekend Edition

One Game We Didn't Watch This Weekend:
New York Knicks Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Wolves: 112 Knicks: 103

Kevin Love's 31 rebounds and 31 points Friday night marked the first time since 1982 that an NBA player recorded at least thirty boards and thirty points in the same game. For some perspective on this accomplishment, here are some fun facts about 1982:

Monday Morning Dance Therapy: Dancing with the Stars Edition

Monday mornings are tough. As the work week starts, we often need something to pick us up and remind us that things are going to be okay. That something is NBA players and other hoops figures dancing. This weekly column celebrates one of the finest things in life and gives you the kickstart you need to get the week started on the right foot.

R.I.P. Rick and Cheryl? I guess this is a thing?

No Regard Daily Preview: Happy Hour 11-12-10

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you may remember a feature we started this offseason, NBA Happy Hour. This Friday feature gave readers the opportunity to get drunk while, let's say, watching the FIBA championship game, by giving them certain things to look for and celebrate. We are now carrying this idea over to our weekend previews, in which we will tell you one game we'll be watching over the next three days, one game we won't be watching, and ways one could creatively reach Blackout City while enjoying either one. So without further ado: Grab a beer, follow the rules, and start the weekend with a Don Nelson-level buzz.

One Game We Will Definitely Watch This Weekend: Golden State Warriors vs. Milwaukee Bucks


Drink every time:

Top 3 Player Tweets of the Week - In Pictures!

From Skillanueva's half-time tweets to Gil's fateful outburst, we're keeping tabs on this whole Twitter thing.  Each week we wade through the rants, shout outs and sheer insanity to bring you the best micro-blogging the NBA has to offer.

3. Shower power yessur #wordaapp
-Terrence Williams

2. I luv definitions
-Da'Sean Butler

1. Me and Elvis share the same birthday, so it's only right that I order my jackets from LanskyBros.
-Chris Douglas Roberts

No Regard Recap 11-11-10

One Game We Watched Last Night: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat

Lebron not committing a technical foul.

Hell of a night for underdogs... that is if we're still inexplicably considering the Boston Celtics underdogs. Which I'm sure now we shouldn't. Meanwhile, Miami continues to keep the "alternating clumsy/super-impressive style" playlist on repeat like Norah Jones on my iPod.

No Regard Daily Previews: 11-11-10

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat

It seems like just yesterday that we were sitting here, jittery, waiting for these two teams to open up this season in Boston. Before that kickoff on October 26, expectations could not have been higher to watch these teams play each other, to see if the reigning Eastern Conference champs would be able to defend their turf against the newly-created behemoth.

We now find ourselves two and a half weeks into the season, and here we are, just as anxious to watch sparks fly, this time in Miami. Sure, we know more than we did then. We now know that this Heat team, at 5-3, is very human indeed, and also that the Celtics are more ready than a lot of us expected to reassert their dominance. We know that LeBron James probably won't give KD a run for the scoring title, but that there's a damn good chance he finishes in the top ten in assists. We know that Rajon Rondo is pretty much definitely going to finish first in that category, and probably in steals, as well. We know that Kevin Garnett is not the most sensitive person in the world (okay, we already knew that).

David Lee Draws Blood

Since time immemorial David Lee has been a fan favorite. My personal admiration of Lee began in 2001, during the McDonald's High School All American All Star Weekend. What I learned then was that he was a prospect on his way to Billy Donovan's resurgent, once again relevant Florida Gators and that he was also the only white dude to enter the Dunk Contest. Going against future college stars, among them Julius Hodge and Jawad Williams, a goofy and wily Lee outshone them all.

He possessed a mixture of pure athleticism (see where he catches the ball mid-air for the now classic through the legs one handed jam), old school creativity (see his standing at the foul line, bounce passing it to himself off the board for a reverse jam) , and affecting, perhaps unintentional humor (see the dunk where he passes the ball to himself, briefly struggles to take off his jersey, revealing straight up boxers--not compression shorts, not even briefs--with his shorts sagging almost below his ass, as was the style at the time). Kid looked like the teenager that he was and celebrated like one, with unbridled enthusiasm. It was a sporting moment that probably only a handful of people saw, but I'm sure no one who did forgot it. Something made it memorable.

The Pot Calls The Kettle Black

"He's a very mean guy. Where's the love? None at all. Ugly, too."
- Joakim Noah on KG

People living in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

No Regard Recap: 11/10/2010

One Game We Watched Last Night: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Sacramento Kings
Wolves: 98 Kings: 89

by Andrew Rhymer

If you invite Michael Beasley to a party, he'll eventually show up. It might not be until 2 AM, and he may arrive stoned and dressed as the Predator, but the allure of a good time is something Be Easy does not just pass up.

Last night in Sacramento, Beasley finally showed up. He dropped a new career-high, 42 points, to lead his team over the Kings. The best part was that he did it all in classic Mike Beasley fashion. (If that is not a thing yet, it will be soon.)

No Regard Recap: 11-9-2010

One Game We Watched Last Night: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New Jersey Nets

Cavs: 93 Nets: 91

The 2010-2011 Cavs are like kids whose father has died, but their mother doesn't think they're old enough to hear the truth yet.

"Your father," coach Byron Scott manages to say in a low voice, struggling to stay audible through a mask of dried tears, "had to go on a business trip."

"When will he be back?" quizzes Anderson Varejao.

"Not for a while."

No Regard Daily Previews: 11-9-10

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: New Jersey Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

It is strange to think about how different this matchup feels as compared to last season. One year ago, I was incredibly excited to be headed to the Izod Center to watch the Nets play the Cavaliers. Four things were certain that night: Jay-Z would not be there, Bron Bron was going to put on a show, I was going to try and sneak rum into the arena, and the Nets were going to lose. This time, Hova may actually show his face, Bron Bron is hosting D Will in Miami, I'm not headed to Newark, and the Nets have a good shot at winning.

What We Should've Said

I have to fix something here. I woke up early today to write about basketball, but Cool Runnings was on TBS and I got pretty carried away. I was late for work, minorly hungover, and well, just wasn't paying attention when our recap went up. We'll call this our first No Regard: Errors and Omissions. While I have no intention of turning this blog into a Mavs fan club every time I write, last night was just... well, special.

No Regard Recaps: 11-8-2010

One Game We (Sort of) Watched Last Night: Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Suns: 99 Grizzlies: 109

So this little construct we've developed to cover the league every night was designed with practicality riding shotgun. With day jobs and significant others, we knew we couldn't cover each game every night with the vigor and attention to detail we demand from ourselves. But we agreed that between the six or so of us who regularly write, we could commit to one game a night to watch cover to cover and report back to you fine people. The "Game We Probably Won't Watch Tonight" conceit was built with honesty in mind; we crave the league as much as anyone, but there are some games that just don't speak to us. Plus, we all have Netflix, and those episodes of "Firefly" aren't going to watch themselves.

No Regard Daily Previews: 11-8-10

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Rudy Gay and Mike Conley should travel the country this off-season, delivering speeches at teachers conventions and high school auditoriums to explain the secret to exceeding expectations after gaining job security. Because these two gentlemen just got tenured (Gay by signing a $82 million, five-year contract this summer, and Conley with his five-year, $40 million contract signed just last week), and are both playing far above their once-cemented ceilings.

At least according to the numbers they are. I haven't seen them play yet, and box scores have lied to me before, so I want to make sure I'm not getting bamboozled here. The chances that Gay's stats through seven games are deceiving are slim, as 27.1 points per game on 52.8 percent shooting is tough to fake. Conversely, Conley's numbers—15.6 points, 8.3 assists, and 3.3 steals per game—have a decent chance of being unmasked like a "Scooby Doo" villain. We've all seen lesser point guards fudge similar numbers for chunks of the season before, only to turn out to be nothing more than a solid fantasy option that you waive after about a month. But I won't name names here, because I wouldn't want to offend Ramon Sessions, Larry Hughes, Brevin Knight, or anyone else. So I'll watch this game tonight, and hopefully Gay and Conley won't have already stopped preparing lesson plans by tip-off.

Plus, they're playing Los Suns, who I'll gladly watch every night as long as Steve Nash is the conductor.

One Game We Probably Won't Watch Tonight: Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks

When I say "we" here, I clearly am only speaking for myself, as some of the other souls who write for this Website will probably check out this game. But two well-managed stalwarts battling in early November isn't something that's going elicit any emotion from me, because (unlike the game above) it will neither surprise nor teach—two characteristics necessary for me to tune in from tip off this early in the season.

Or maybe it's more accurate to say that this game will teach me things that I don't care about, even though I probably should if I'm to become the well rounded baketball fan I strive to be. It's similar to my daily struggle of where to consume news online. I know I should probably visit BBC.co.uk or NPR.org to receive an austere dose of reality, but I'd rather just go to CNN.com and read about the professor who lost 27 pounds on a Twinkie diet or people in Japan who are really into Monopoly. Likewise, I prefer the opportunity of seeing Hasheem Thabeet foul out in four minutes to the sight of the Mavericks employing an six-pronged attack of 15-point scorers on their way to a grind-it-out victory.

I'll take quirk over severity any day. Well at least until the playoffs are in sight.

Erik Spoelstra Bets The House

Erik Spoelstra bets the house.

A lot of things went down around the League this weekend. With 27 games played over three days, a lot of moments get swept under the rug, and many questions go unanswered. Why do the Thunder look so lackluster? Can the Celtics stay this good (and this healthy) until the playoffs? Why are the Trail Blazers on TV every day?


In the midst of so much uncertainty, one question was answered this weekend with resounding clarity, a question first whispered this summer in Miami, that has grown into a near national obsession. Now that the Heat have LeBron and Wade, who takes the last shot?

No Regard Daily Recaps: 11-8-10

One Game We Watched This Weekend: Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls

Celtics: 110 Bulls: 105 (OT)

The Celtics squeaked out their second straight overtime victory Friday night in a barn-burner against their Eastern conference rivals, the Chicago Bulls. This game was all about Rose and Rondo, as predicted. The young guards went after each other all evening long and everyone that watched witnessed unprecedented greatness from these budding superstars. I desperately want to see them in a footrace. For me, Rondo's got a quicker first step, but when Rose gets going he might have a Rajon by a hair or two in the open floor. KG's pickpocket of Noah at the end of overtime sealed the deal for a Boston team that is rolling so far this regular season. For Chi-town, there are positives to take away from this game, but the bottom line is that Boozer's hand can't heal soon enough. D Rose needs help offensively and Noah needs help on the glass and defending bigs.

One Game We Didn't Watch This Weekend: Atlanta Hawks vs. Phoenix Suns

Atlanta: 114 Suns: 118

Wow. We missed a good one, huh. Oops.

Monday Morning Dance Therapy

Monday mornings are tough. As the work week starts, we often need something to pick us up and remind us that things are going to be okay. That something is NBA players and other hoops figures dancing. This weekly column celebrates one of the finest things in life and gives you the kickstart you need to get the week started on the right foot.

Please enjoy this impromptu dance-off between Shaq, LeBron, and Dwight Howard at an Eastern Conference All Star practice in 2007. Sure, it might be a few years old, but odds are you haven't seen Shaq booty-pop like Beyonce before, so here's your chance:

Top 7 Player Tweets of the (Last Two) Week(s) - In Pictures!

From Skillanueva's half-time tweets to Gil's fateful outburst, we're keeping tabs on this whole Twitter thing.  Each week we wade through the rants, shout outs and sheer insanity to bring you the best micro-blogging the NBA has to offer.

7. "I'm not very political but I might join the Rent Is Too Damn High Party..."

- Lou Williams

6. "EVERYTIME I'M KN THE ROAD I SAY I'M NOT GOIN 2 DA MALL AND END UP THERE ANYWAY SMGDH!!! IMMA SHOPPIN FENE SMH!!!! RHIS HAS TO STOP!!!!"

- DeJuan Blair

5."#MarkellHalloweenCostume - Busta Rhymes (B4 the cut)"

- Da'Sean C Butler

New Regard Daily Previews: Weekend Edition

One Game That We Will Definitely Watch This Weekend: Boston Celtics Vs. Chicago Bulls


If you've been diligently reading my previews as of late, you're probably thinking to yourself, "this guy is a one-trick pony, all he writes about is point guards." If you are thinking that, then you are pretty much dead on. Can you blame me though? Tonight's matchup of Rose and Rondo is going to be epic. Look for these two studs to try and one-up each other all night long. I expect them to be co-mayors of Highlight City.

Don't forget that this is also the return of former Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeou and former Celtics towel-waver Brian Scalabrine to Beantown. (I don't use the F-Bomb too often in my writing by why the FUCK did Doc Rivers put him in during game 7 last year?). Predictions: Boston pulls off a close one, Joakim Noah plays hard, and KG calls Scal a honky. After the game, KG clarifies that he actually meant that he honked his horn at Brian when he saw him walking into the stadium before the game.

One Game That We're, Frankly, Not Watching: Charlotte Bobcats Vs. Detroit Pistons

There are times in life where you just have to be frank. This is one of those times. It sucks watching the Pistons these days. It sucks, hard. Not only is it horrible witnessing a Tracy McGrady that is about 1/100th of the player he once was but the entire squad is hapless. What happened to the Detroit team that won a ring with maybe the most balanced starting five ever? Seems like decades ago.

We don't know what to say, T-Mac. We hate watching you decline. We hate it.

No Regard Daily Recaps 11-4-2010

One Game We Watched Last Night: New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls


Knicks: 120 Bulls: 112

Twelve things I learned tonight:

Bulls:

• The Bulls are on TV every night. Even when they don't have a game.
  
• Derrick Rose may not be able to palm a basketball, but he can fly. Like through the air. Literally. No more than five seconds after I commented on Toney Douglas's defensive prowess did Rose blow by him, jump from a few feet away from the basket, shift in the air to avoid Gallo, and throw down a vicious two handed slam.

No Regard Daily Preview: 11-4-10

One Game We Are Definitely Going to Watch Tonight: New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls

For years, New York and Chicago have fought over the right to the title of Best Pizza City in America. Both sides have their loyalists, and in many ways, it purely comes down to a matter of personal preference. Tonight’s matchup in Chicago is oddly similar to this age-old clash between New York and Chi City pies. Think about it:

No Regard Daily Recaps: 11-3-10

One Game We Watched Last Night: Sacramento Kings Vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers: 112 Kings: 100
I'm with you buddy, trust me. I feel the pain. No one wanted the Kings to win more than I did last night. Sadly, the Lakers are a well-oiled machine and did what what they always seem to do, dominate basketball games. Sure, Evans was able to get to the rim throughout the game, and Cousins was playing his heart out (chill on fouling so often though, big guy) but Kobe, Pau and the gang were too much for my beloved Kings. It's not all bad though, Kings. You stayed with them in the 1st quarter!

Another Game I Watched Last Night: Boston Celtics Vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Boston: 105 Bucks: 102 (OT)
This might have been the most exciting game of the year. Lots of lead changes, great highlights, and intense basketball being played. The more I watch this season the more I realize how unique it is going to be. Players are moving away from the "best friends" mentality before, during, and after games and really getting after each other each and every night. It's great to watch such serious competition. Congrats to Paul Pierce who joined Boston's 20,000 point club alongside Bird and Johnny H. What more can we say about Rondo this season? His numbers are unprecedented. I can't wait to see how far he goes.

One Game I Absolutely Didn't Come Close To Watching: Utah Jazz Vs. Toronto Raptors


Jazz: 125 Toronto: 108

Hats off to Al Jefferson and his 27 points last night but this game was never really close. For Utah, it was their 11th straight win over Toronto. For Toronto, not much to say really. At least Bargnani put up 26. He looks like he'll score a bunch this year...