Eight-Second Violation: Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Okay, we all know the details by now. Andrew Bynum is out for about two to three months with a torn MCL. A similar injury happened last season when he dislocated his knee, was supposed to miss eight weeks and didn't come back until the next opening night. This injury leaves the Lakers with three questions to help them figure out their title aspirations (assuming Bynum isn't going to be ready for the playoffs, which at this point you have to assume he won't):

1. Can the Lakers stand pat with their current roster makeup?
As of right now, we're set to see just how truly deep and gifted that this roster is. People have been lauding them as the deepest team in the NBA and the most ready Finals competitor because of that depth. Well now that you've taken away their starting center and moved Chris Mihm up the totem pole, you have to question just how deep they are. With a team like the Utah Jazz who were also praised for their depth in the pre-season, you saw how a loss of their starting power forward affected their team play. Sure Paul Millsap has put up fantastic stats in Carlos Boozer's absence but the team has won far fewer games than they would be with a healthy big man rotation.

Will the Lakers be the same way? We're going to see if the same lineup of Pau Gasol at the center position and Lamar Odom playing the power forward can work like it did last year. Personally, I think it will be just fine that way if they stay as constructed and pray for Bynum's knee to heal like Wolverine. But past the regular season, will it be an acceptable option for a team starving for another franchise title? This is where I think the problem lies for the Lakers. They weren't tough enough in the Finals last year with this lineup and desperately needed another good, big body.

2. Do they have to make a trade to replace Bynum's absence?
In short, no they don't. But if they want to contend against these Eastern Conference monster teams in the NBA Finals then they'll have to do something. Scott Howard-Cooper of the Sacramento Bee suggested a trade for Brad Miller by dealing away Lamar Odom's expiring contract to the Kings. Would this work? In the triangle offense, it would be a great fit. They would have two exceptional passing big men with good face-up jumpers. But would it give them a better team? Again in the short term, it probably will but in the playoffs both Gasol and Miller have shown a propensity for shrinking in important games.

The Lakers don't have to acquire another big body to fill in as a starter but perhaps they could use another solid bench player to fit into the rotation. Nick Collison is available and could give them the tough rebounder off the bench that they will desperately need. Unless of course they feel that Josh Powell is ready for extended minutes. Um, what was Sam Presti's cell number again?

3. No matter what they decide, can anybody in the West legitimately challenge them with or without a replacement? 
Now this is the real key as to whether or not the Lakers need to press the panic button. Are there any other real contenders in the West? Many of us assumed the Jazz would be there right now but with so many injuries and uncertainties because of those injuries, it's hard to take them seriously in a playoff format or assume that they will ever have their full compliment of rotation players at their disposal. The Hornets seem to have a lot of depth issues at key positions and with Chris Paul's groin injury, who knows where they will end up? The Houston Rockets are still the Houston Rockets so the Lakers don't have to worry about them. The Suns are mired in turmoil right now and even if they're happy, there's no evidence that they'll be able to contend. And that leaves the Spurs. They have the nucleus of key players to contend year in and year out but they've never had a thinner bench than right now. So unless R.C. Buford manages to acquire Marcus Camby for next to nothing, it's hard to take them seriously against a deep Lakers team.

And that may ultimately be the downfall of this Lakers team. There isn't any reason to panic right now because there aren't real challengers for this team. And if they don't feel threatened, then they may just stand pat and assume they can waltz right into the ABC televised games in June. And if Bynum isn't there when they do, it could be another disappointing couple of weeks against a tough Eastern Conference team.  


Let's Recap All of the Games from Last Night
By Zach Harper

There seems to be some happy sentiment towards the covering of every game in a brief recap.  So we'll stick with that for now.  Here are the games from last night:

Dallas Mavericks 105, Orlando Magic 95 in Orlando-
Jameer Nelson dislocated his shoulder and the Orlando Magic crapped the bed as they lost for the fifth time in 23 home games. The Mavericks took control in the second quarter and then all but sealed it in the third quarter when Jameer Nelson went down with his injury. The Magic are the third worst team in the NBA at sharing the ball with only 19.5 assists per game and with Nelson out and very little direction on the offensive end, they finished this game with just 14 assists on 35 made field goals. Dirk Nowitzki led a hot shooting Mavericks team with 29 and Jason Terry chipped in with 23 off the bench as the Dallas finished shooting 53.4% from the field. Orlando was led by Dwight Howard's 35 points and 11 rebounds as he proved to be one of a large fraternity of centers who have dominated Erick Dampier but the Magic made just three of their 20 three-point attempts in the loss.

Memphis Grizzlies 113, Washington Wizards 97 in D.C.- 
The twelve-game losing streak came to an end with a rout of the Washington Wizards behind O.J. Mayo's 33 points, Rudy Gay's 23 points, and Marc Gasol's 22 points. The Grizzlies used an explosive third quarter performance to take control of this game and win for the first time in a month. The key to the Memphis win was their ability to take care of the basketball. They only committed eight turnovers and off those eight they only allowed six points by the Wizards. Their transition defense was great all night and they were able to run in key moments of the game to push the lead into double digits.

Miami Heat 119, Los Angeles Clippers 95 in Miami- 
The Clippers were a healthy Chris Kaman away from having a full roster that should be brimming with playoff aspirations and even sheepish thoughts of taking over the city of Los Angeles from the Lakers. Instead, they still suck and were blown out for their 22nd double digit loss of this season. Baron Davis scored nine off the bench and Zach Randolph scored 21 points off the pine as well as the Clippers fell to an NBA worst 10-38. Dwyane Wade had 35 points and nine assists and Jamaal Magloire dunked once again while covering his eyes in hopes that he could provoke Brian Skinner into choking him to death with his goatee. The Heat now sport a record that sits a half game ahead of the Detroit Pistons. Who would have thought that would be possible in the pre-season?

Los Angeles Lakers 126, New York Knicks 117 in New York City- 
Kobe Bryant decided to send a message to the rest of the league that just because Andrew Bynum was out for the next two to three months that the Lakers still had plenty of firepower. He scored 61 points on just 31 shots from the field and fell three free throws short of tying Dominique Wilkins mark of 23-23 from the charity stripe in one game. Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol each had 14 rebounds to help the Lakers dominate the Knicks on the boards. Kobe used just about every shot in the book to torch the Knicks' faithful and constantly reminded Quentin Richardson throughout the game that he had gotten to Brandy first (one of those facts isn't true... I think).

Portland Trailblazers 97, New Orleans Hornets 89 in New Orleans-
The Blazers took advantage of a Chris Paul groin injury by erasing a 20-point deficit, almost entirely in the fourth quarter to win. The Blazers received 52 points from their bench and overcame terrible performances from Greg Oden and Brandon Roy who both scored six points. Paul only made it through 28 minutes in this game but still managed to get 12 points and 13 assists. The Hornets shot just 5-21 from the field and the team turned the ball over five times after the Chris Paul injury (1:30 left in the third quarter). Travis Outlaw scored six key points in the final 3:30 of the game that gave the Blazers a comfortable enough lead to free throw their way to victory.

Phoenix Suns 129, Sacramento Kings 81 in Phoenix-
The Sacramento Kings are an embarrassment to the game of basketball. Coach Pete Carril is rolling over in his grave right now. At several points in the game, the Kings were down 50 points. They were down 30 at halftime. They turned the ball over 26 times and gave up 32 points off of those turnovers. The Kings were out-rebounded 59-35 by the Suns. Somebody call Tom Ziller and make sure he hasn't purposefully choked to death on a bevy of tacos.

Utah Jazz 105, Charlotte Bobcats 86 in Salt Lake City-
No Carlos Boozer? Who cares?! No Deron Williams? Have you met the fiery combo of Ronnie Price and Brevin Knight?? The Jazz were surprisingly efficient without their point guard and the Bobcats were atrocious taking care of the ball as Utah improved 19-6 at home. Each team grabbed just 33 rebounds (due to both teams shooting over 50% from the field) and neither team had a double digit rebounder. The Bobs committed 24 turnovers, gave up 32 points off of those turnovers and only shot 12-20 from the free throw line. Charlotte finished their road trip 1-4 with the only win coming over the Lakers. They're now 0-3 since Gerald Wallace went down with the 3000th injury of his career.

San Antonio Spurs 110, Golden State Warriors 105 OT in Oakland-
Stephen Jackson helped the Warriors take control of this game in the third quarter by making all six of his shots and scoring 16 points. But the Spurs responded in the fourth quarter by holding the Warriors scoreless for nearly six minutes to stage a comeback and eventually force overtime. The Spurs helped force overtime by getting a generous foul call against Ronny Turiaf who allegedly fouled Manu Ginobili with eight seconds left. Manu hit the free throws, Stephen Jackson missed a game-winning attempt and the game went to a fifth period. The Spurs weathered Tim Duncan fouling out in overtime and won for 15th time in 22 road games. Tim Duncan scored 32 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to help neutralize Jackson's 33 points and 11 assists.

Milwaukee Bucks (24-27) at New Jersey Nets (21-27) 4:30pm PST League Pass
By Brandon Gallawa
 

I'm just going to make this clear: My biggest motivation for choosing this game is because I'm tired of previewing Nuggets and Spurs games, and they just so happen to be playing each other tonight.  By all means you can tune in to that game or any of the other games tonight.  This one gets it by default.

It shouldn't be a bad game.  Both these teams are scratching and clawing for the same playoff spot.  That alone is a reason to tune in.  These teams are also very evenly matched.  These two teams last met on January 9, and that game was hard-fought with an exciting finish.  The Bucks won that match-up 104-102 on a Luke Ridnour floater with 0.5 seconds left.  The Bucks also had a healthy Michael Redd score 24 points in that game, so there could be a different result tonight.

The Bucks are certainly going to miss Redd's scoring while he is out for the next ten months.  He was their leading scorer averaging 21.2 per game, but other players have stepped up since his injury on 1/24.  Charlie Villanueva has averaged 24 points per game in the Bucks' last four.  Ramon Sessions has also picked up his scoring significantly while filling in for Redd.  He has averaged 15.5 points in his last four games as a starter.

The Nets have been a two-man show for the majority of the season.  Devin Harris and Vince Carter are both averaging just over 21 points per contest.  They're stellar play has gotten the Nets off to an unexpected start, and they are still in a position to secure a playoff spot in the East.  In order for the Nets to make the playoffs, they'll need to get their teammates into the act, and one of them has done so over the past month.  Brook Lopez was just named Rookie of the Month, and he has certainly earned the title.  He scored in double-digits 11 times in January and averaged nearly 8 rebounds and 2 blocks per game last month.

Key Match-Up: Andrew Bogut versus Brook Lopez

Andrew Bogut will be the key to the Bucks' success with Michael Redd's injury, and isn't this what we should expect from the former number one pick?  He has been a major factor to Bucks' drive to the eighth seed.  He is averaging career highs in field goal percentage and rebounds.  He is actually averaging double-digit rebounds for the first time in his career.  Lopez has rounded in to phenomenal second/third banana on a team in need of a solid big man.  These two should anchor their respective defenses and their match-up should be fun to watch tonight.

Prediction: The Nets have the home court and more healthy bodies.

How about you get caught up in some Week 15 Power Rankings?
By Zach Harper

In the latest Power Rankings from Talkhoops.net, we actually have very little movement throughout the rankings. With a few key injuries, things have shaken out to us having a new #2 team and the battle of the Nuggets and Hornets for sixth in our rankings has been taken over by a new team. What could injuries to Andrew Bynum, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, and Jameer Nelson do to some of the top teams in this league? Read on to find out:

Week 15 Power Rankings

1. Boston Celtics | Record: 40-9 | Previous Rank: 1st | Last Week: 3-0
Upcoming Schedule: at PHI, LAL, at NY, SA
Potentially Inflammatory Comments: Second double digit win streak of the season for the Celtics. First team to 40 wins. Exact same start as their season last year after 49 games. Second best team defense in the NBA. Still doubting this team? Anyone? -- Zach Harper

2. Cleveland Cavaliers | Record: 37-9 | Previous Rank: 3rd | Last Week: 3-1
Upcoming Schedule: TOR, at NY, LAL
Potentially Inflammatory Comments: I have this feeling that Cavs are going to win every game at home until April then lose to the Wizards in their second-to-last home game. That way they can lower everyone's expectations heading in the playoffs. Very sneaky, LeBron.  -- Brandon Gallawa

3. Los Angeles Lakers | Record: 38-9 | Previous Rank: 2nd | Last Week: 3-1
Upcoming Schedule: at TOR, at BOS, at CLE
Potentially Inflammatory Comments: As much as I doubt Andrew Bynum and think he's far more hype than fact, I'm still pretty mad that he ended up with this devastating injury. With every big man prospect, you want to see him healthy, given time, and see if he can come through. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Talkhoops.net writer, Phillip Barnett, who hates this basketball season for the sixth consecutive year. -- Zach Harper

4. San Antonio Spurs | Record: 33-14 | Previous Rank: 4th | Last Week: 4-0
Upcoming Schedule: at DEN, at BOS
Potentially Inflammatory Comments: Tim Duncan goes by the nickname Groundhog Day because he is so consistent and puts up the same stats every game. Is it really appropriate? Groundhog Day is hilarious and I don't think Tim Duncan could get a laugh from a room full of stoners. -- Brandon Gallawa

5. Orlando Magic | Record: 36-11 | Previous Rank: 5th | Last Week: 3-1
Upcoming Schedule: LAC, at IND, NJ
Potentially Inflammatory Comments: The Jameer Nelson shoulder injury has the potential to submarine the Magic's great run this season. Anthony Johnson as the starter is not going to end well for this team. And this is all very ironic because before the season started most people (myself included) would have figured that Jameer Nelson was definitely going to keep the Magic from enjoying deep post-season success. Just not this way. -- Zach Harper


For the rest of the Week 15 Power Rankings, be sure to click the link. The Link



By Zach Harper

"'They haven't lost 12 in a row with me. They know we're starting fresh and they have something that's new and exciting and they're buying into it." -- Lionel Hollins' quote after the win last night ended the 12-game losing streak of the Grizzlies.

I know that the Grizzlies are looking for anything to jump start this young team and get them to finish the season on a positive note but that's kind of a low blow to Marc Iavaroni by professional, Grizzlies interim coach, Lionel Hollins. No, the Grizz haven't lost 12 in a row with you Holly but they are just 1-3 under the new coach and have finished competitively in exactly one of those four games (last night's victory). I feel like Lionel Hollins is the boyfriend of the mom and is trying to show all of her kids' friends why he's so much cooler than the husband who was just kicked out of the house. It may seem all good now but it's just a matter of time before Hollins is cracking open a case of Coors Light and smoking cigarettes while the kids' watch Spongebob.   



Top 3 of the Night
1. Kobe Bryant - 61 pts, 3 asts, 19-31 fg, 3-6 3fg, 20-20 ft
Kobe Bryant broke the record for points at Madison Square Garden. He had 61 points on 31 shots. 31 shots!!!! Somebody find me a better performance from this season. Hell, I'll even spot you last season too. 
2. Pau Gasol - 31 pts, 14 rebs, 5 asts, 2 blks, 12-17 fg, 7-8 ft
Pau Gasol made it possible last night for Kobe to do what he did. Gasol was so dominant against the small Knicks' frontline that Kobe didn't have to force anything. He just had to find a way to score on Wilson Chandler and Quentin Richardson all night. The result? Dominance. 
3. O.J. Mayo - 33 pts, 4 asts, 12-22 fg, 3-6 3fg, 6-7 ft
Forget the exuberant and unnecessary dunk that could have started a riot between pissed off Wizards players and the young rookie. O.J.'s performance was exactly what the Grizzlies needed to break out of their 12-game losing streak and begin another one next game. Good job, kid.

Bottom 3 of the Night
1. Jamal Crawford - 4 pts, 5 asts, 2-10 fg, 0-3 3fg 
He had the unenviable task of guarding Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili at certain times during the night. But he didn't have to guard them ALL that much and really couldn't figure out the defense of the Spurs. If he even has a decent fourth quarter, the Warriors steal this game. 
2. Boris Diaw - 10 pts, 5 rebs, 5 asts, 8 tos
It's difficult to get eight turnovers while playing recklessly in NBA 2K9. So imagine my surprise when I saw that Boris Diaw did that for my fantasy team last night. Awesome. But I guess it isn't a real surprise that a guy with a constant weight/conditioning problem ended up with eight turnovers (rim shot anyone?).
3. Kings' Starting Lineup - 56 pts, 20-51 fg, 8 asts, 19 tos
Fail. 


Here are the Top Blog Posts from yesterday.

1. From The Hoop Doctors-
The Nextology of Michael Jordan: Part 1 - Jerry Stackhouse
2. From The Blowtorch Via Ball Don't Lie-
The Art and Unart of the H ook Shot
3. From The Basketball Jones-
Skeets loses the Book Off and is forced to perform
4. From Ben's Suns Blog-
Steve Kerr isn't omni-hated by Suns fans
5. From Hardwood Paroxysm
Kobe is Death



No Ask a Blogger today. I wanted to bring you this hilarious video that I saw via Ball Don't Lie yesterday. It's dunk ideas for Dwight Howard with a superhero theme. It's pretty damn clever.

Superhero Dunks - barats and bereta




Thanks for reading today's Eight-Second Violation. Any comments, criticisms, or words of praise can be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


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