San Antonio Spurs 111 vs Denver Nuggets 92: Perhaps Denver took an extra day off for their All Star break. The Nuggets team last night did not look like the Nuggets team that ran the Lakers a week ago and the Nuggets team that has showed up for most of the season thus far. The Nuggets were outscored in every quarter on their own home court. The Spurs were on the road, and even without their starting point guard Tony Parker they got the job done. IUPI Jaguars alum George Hill took the start for Tony Parker, and did a great job filling in. Hill's line consisted of 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assist. Hill was one of all five starters to score in double figures and one of seven overall members of the Spurs that scored double figures. Tim Duncan's line: 16 points, seven rebounds, and one block. The Nuggets really missed presence of veteran forward Kenyon Martin. Nuggets were outscored by 24 points in the paint, and K-Marts sub (Malik Allen) had six points and three fouls after 24 minutes of game time. Also missed Martin's defense as spurs counterpart DeJuan Blair puts up 17 points and nine rebounds. Denver shot 34% from the field and an atrocious 16% from behind the arc.
Saint Mary's 61 vs #11 Gonzaga 80: Gonzaga now owns sole possession of first place in the WCC. Last night Gonzaga took down good Saint Mary's team with relative ease. Although only leading by one at half, the Bulldogs hunkered down and had a very successful second half. Saint Mary's standout Omar Samhan with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and one block. Saint Mary's committed 16 turnovers in the game and shot a dismal 37% from the field. Gonzaga on the hand shot 54% from the field and committed six less turnovers than the Gaels. Matt Bouldin for Zaga had 18 points, four rebounds, and two steals. Also Freshman forward Elias Harris had 19 points, four rebounds, and two steals.
#15 Butler 68 vs Youngstown State 57: The 15-0 (in conference play) Butler Bulldogs clinched the Horizon league last night with a relatively easy win at Youngstown last night. Although it being a close game at halftime, it was made very sure who was going to win the game in the second half. Sophomore Gordon Hayward put up 27 points, a career high 17 rebounds, and two blocks. Matt Howard also added 11 points for Butler. Butler shot 56% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. They also out rebounded the penguins by nine. Youngstown State's leading scorer DeAndre Mays 18 points and three rebounds.
Headlines around the leagues:
Calhoun to return after missing seven games: I hope all is well and wish the best for legendary coach Jim Calhoun's health, but it may be too late for his Uconn Huskies to possibly even make the tournament, the Huskies are 14-10 and their only impressive win was overrated Texas. With games at Villanova and at home versus WV and South Florida, it looks as if the Huskies may just be NIT bound this year.
Kobe/Iverson out of All star game: If anyone was concerned, Allen Iverson will not be playing in this years All Star game... Thank God. I like Allen Iverson but personally I feel the guy needs to know his limits. He once was a great player, he was a prolific scorer, and what he did with those Philly teams in his prime was fantastic. Allen Iverson needs to learn what many basketball stars have trouble realizing. His time is over. I will give AI props in the sense that he leaves the game to take care of his daughter, and wish him and his family the best of health. Mavericks guard Jason Kidd and Knicks David Lee will be replacing the two players.
Patino or Coach K are not the answer for the struggling Nets: When looking at Rick Pitino I see an older man who has had a wonderful college coaching career. Rick Pitino was once a NBA coach, and for the Knicks did a decent job. When Pitino went to the Celtics the seas were not as smooth. When I look at this Nets team you see a miserable team that is not at a complete loss. Wisconsin alum Devin Harris is one of the leagues top PG and Brook Lopez is one of the leagues up and coming big men. The Nets are also looking at the first pick in the draft, which is looking to be talented Kentucky guard John Wall. The Nets need a coach that with success, a coach that can come in ignore this seasons results and help this team start over and learn to win again.
Derrick Rose X-rays: Derrick Rose's back X-ray came back negative (THANK GOD), and D-Rose is debating if he will in fact participate in the upcoming All Star Game,
Big Hurt to retire: Although its not baseball season I will always look for an excuse to talk about my favorite sport, and especially my favorite team. White Sox great Frank Thomas (The Big Hurt) will annoucne his retirement today. On August 2nd of this year will be Thomas's 20th year since starting with the Whitesox. I have lots of love for Frank Thomas, going to White sox games growing up Frank Thomas was always the fan favorite. Who didn't love the guy that preferred swining a metal pole instead of a bat in the on deck circle. Frank Thomas in my opinion should be a first ballot Hall of Famer, and I don't think he will have any issues is 2014 the first year he is illegible. I would like congratulate Frank Thomas on his career, and wishes him the best with the rest of his career (which hopefully consist of doing something for the White Sox organization).
NBA Trade Buzz: We have heard countless names going to the Cleavland Cavaliers this year names such as Antwan Jaminson and Amare Stoudamire to the Cavs. Recently names such as Troy Murphy and even TMAC have been reported. The newest name to the list is Detroit's Rip Hamilton.
Nasty Nate Robinson: The little barking Chiwawa Nate Robinson will be defending his title in this years slam dunk contest. There was question if Robinson would participate because of his recent groin issues.
Vinny Del Negro: Head coach of the Chicago Bulls Vinny Del Negro has been coaching for two years and has almost lost his job twice. With the Bulls playing respectable basketball, and currently owing the eight spot in the less than adequate Eastern Conference, Vinny Del Negro said that he expects to be fired after this year, and thinks he will not be with the team next year.
KU basketball: I love Kansas Basketball. What is not to love, Great tradition, Great fan base, Great arena (Allen Field House), and most important an absolutely stacked team. There are reports that UNC- Wilmington is interested in top KU assistant coach Joe Dooly. Dooly most widely recognized for leading the campaign to bring Xavier Henrey and both the Morris twins to Lawrence. If this were to happen Danny Manning would fill in very nicley in his spot, and would be a natural recruiter.
Now that the first half of the NBA season is done and over with I look forward to hopefully an intriguing All Star weekend and second half of the season.
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