Archive for December, 2009

Merry Xmas: Air Jordan 11

Posted 22 Dec 2009 — by Phillip Pyle
Category NBA

The Air Jordan 11′s are in stores tomorrow($175), right in time for Christmas. The quintessential all-black sneaker worn by Michael Jordan during the 95′-96′ season when the Bulls went 72-10. Jordan started that season with a 42 point game against the Hornets, had a 53 point game against the Pistons, and averaged 30.4 points per game or the season. The Bulls lost only three playoff games as they won their fourth championship in six years. The Air Jordan 11 is quite possibly the best all-black sneaker ever made. There aren’t very many sneakers that can be worn at weddings, proms, and even funerals.

What’s Up with the Knicks?!

Posted 21 Dec 2009 — by Phillip Pyle
Category NBA, New York Knicks

What’s up with the New York Knicks?!

(AP Photo/Paul J. Bereswill)

They have been playing in the month of December as if they are actually concerned about this season and not just waiting till the Summer of 2010(in god’s voice). The Knicks on Sunday defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 98-94. New York improved to 10-17 after a franchise-worst 1-9 start and has won both games on a five-game homestand that coach Mike D’Antoni said is important because of the poor start. The Knicks remaining games in December are against the Bulls, Heat, Spurs at home then the Pistons and Nets on the road.

“This is a stretch you have to take advantage of,” he said. “I don’t think it is so crucial that you can’t recover if you just kind of do so-so, but this is one opportunity we have to right the ship, get back in the hunt and we’re doing it so far.”

And they’re doing it defensively, thats right defensively, limiting their opponent below 100 points for the seventh straight game. They are 7-3 this season when keeping teams below the century mark. If the Knicks can cut down on the turnovers, and get consistent play from Wilson Chandler, and David Lee they are tough to beat. A big key is  getting Chris Duhon, to play like he did on Friday and Sunday, each game. He is shooting 78% from deep in the last five games.

(AP Photo/Paul J. Bereswill)

Almost forgotten in this month of good play from the Knicks is Nate Robinson, who the Knicks don’t seem to miss, aside from being the first guy off the bench to celebrate a big play. Knicks president Donnie Walsh said before the game he will probably speak to the agent for benched guard Nate Robinson on Monday after a request for a trade. Aaron Goodwin made the request Saturday, and Robinson sat out a ninth straight game Sunday. Funny how a player can be the “toast of the town”, then get benched, then watch his team win without him, get grumpy, then become forgotten.

The pic to the left is LIFE_SIZED!

Because it’s the holidays, and everyone just loves the Nike MVP Puppets, I had to share this one with you. Lupe Fiasco with a dynamite cameo!

Derrick Rose Knows!

Posted 20 Dec 2009 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Chicago Bulls, NBA

On Saturday night Derrick Rose dropped 32 points on the Atlanta Hawks in a 101-98 overtime victory. The 32 points is Rose’s season career high(he scored 36 in the first round of the playoffs against Boston last year). “I guess I did what I’m supposed to do out there tonight and we were able to win,” Rose said. Rose was at his best despite needing a cortisone shot for pain in his right rib cage. He’s showing the explosive play that lifted him to the Rookie of the Year award last season after being limited by an inflamed tendon in his right ankle. “My ankle’s better,” said Rose, who buried 14 of 24 shots. “That’s really it.”

The Bulls have played confused on offense and lackluster defense this season. The Bulls have yet to repeat the level of play they showed in last years playoffs.

Some of the decline could be due to the lack of Ben Gordon. The trio of Rose, Luol Deng, and Joakim Noah are capable of playing smart, efficient basketball. The win against Atlanta proves their tenacity, while the lost to the Nets last week shows their immaturity.

On Monday the Bulls host the Sacremento Kings and their former Memphis point guard rookie,  Tyreke Evans who is way ahead in the Rookie of the Year running. The Bulls should win this one if they play against the Kings the way they played Atlanta in the second half.

Earlier this season Rose said he wasn’t “cutting his hair” until he started to play better. Somewhere in Chicago a barber chair just became open.

NBA Friday Re-Cap

Posted 19 Dec 2009 — by Phillip Pyle
Category NBA

The Houston Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks in OT. Kyle Lowry finished with a career-high 26 points and 10 assists off the bench.

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki was ruled out of the remainder of Friday night’s game against Houston after Nowitzki’s elbow caught the Rockets’ Carl Landry in the mouth as he drove to the basket early in the second quarter. Five of Landry’s teeth were cracked on the play, knocking the Rockets’ forward out of the game as well. Landry was called for fouling Nowitzki as the All-Star forward drove hard to his left to set up a short jumper and caught Landry with his right elbow. The Mavericks found pieces of two teeth imbedded in Nowitzki’s right elbow and had to spend 30 minutes cleaning the gash before adminstering X-rays which were found to be negative. The Mavericks have listed him as questionable for Cleveland on Sunday with a deep laceration in his right elbow. An update to his status is expected on Saturday. Landry was immediately taken to an emergency room for treatment. Nowitzki shot two free throws left-handed immediately after the play, which occurred early in the second quarter. By taking the free throws — Nowitzki made 1 of 2 — he remained eligible to return to the game. But a return was ruled out entering the fourth quarter, with Nowitzki having already received three stitches. Carlisle and Dallas’ Erick Dampier received their second technical fouls of the night late in overtime and were ejected. Dallas finished with six technicals and Houston had one. … More than an hour after the game, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said his team was protesting the game because the referees had made “multiple misapplications of the rules” regarding the technical fouls in overtime. The cost of protesting a game is $10,ooo, which to Mark Cuban is like a dime to us mere mortals.

I really hope the Rockets have a good “dental plan” because Landry needs it. On April 24, 2008, Landry lost tooth after being hit by Carlos Boozer during a playoff game, and in that same month lost a tooth after being elowed by Dikembe Mutumbo in practice.

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Four of the Celtics’ five losses this season have come on a Friday. Every other day of the week, Boston has posted a .944 win percentage while averaging 10 points more a game. Unfortunately they played the hungry Sixers on Friday, and let a 15 point lead vanish. Leading to a tip in win for the Sixers, there second win in 13 games.

The Celtics played most of the game without Rasheed Wallace, who was ejected in the second quarter after drawing two technicals and having to be restrained by assistant coach Tom Thibodeau. ”Whether he’s right or wrong doesn’t matter. You’ve got to try to control yourself to stay in the game,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “He understands his value to the team, and his teammates understand his value. At some point, they’ll talk to him.” Wallace was ejected for the 30th time in his NBA career — the most for any player since 1992. He also has 10 technicals this season; 16 is an automatic suspension. The Celtics had a pregame ceremony to recognize Ray Allen’s 20,000th point, which came Dec. 10 against Washington. Garnett presented him with the official game ball. He’s the sixth player to reach the milestone as Celtic, and the 33rd in NBA history.

The New Orleans Hornets remember the 58 point beat-down they suffered from the Denver Nuggets in last years playoffs. The first half was a dominant one by the Nuggets, but Chris Paul refused to let his team be embarrased again. Paul finished with 30 points, a season-high 19 assists and nine rebounds, most of it coming during a sensational second half that helped the Hornets overcome a deficit that reached 15 points in the second quarter. ”This is what you play for,” Paul said. “Our coach told us before the game, ‘When you lose to a team in the playoffs, it’s always a rivalry.’ And this team embarrassed us when we played here last year. We definitely wanted this one. Yes, it’s just one win. But we really wanted to beat those guys.” Paul has seven straight double-doubles since returning from his left ankle sprain.

Gilbert Arenas had season highs with 45 points and 13 assists and the Washington Wizards ended a six-game losing streak, beating the Golden State Warriors 118-109 Friday night.

Welcome Back, T-Mac!

Posted 15 Dec 2009 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Houston Rockets, NBA

Its been ten months since the Houston Rockets All-Star guard Tracy McGrady stepped onto the court. On Tuesday night against the Detroit Pistons, Tracy McGrady returned….for 8 minutes.

It’s Time!

Posted 14 Dec 2009 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Houston Rockets, NBA

It’s Time. It’s time for the Houston Rockets to let their most “valuable” player, play. The Rockets are off to a 13-10 record and sit 3rd in the Southwest Division. They have had great victories over the Lakers in Los Angeles, and at home against the Cavaliers. On Sunday the Toronto Raptors gave the Rockets a dose of their own medicine. The Raptors played tough defense and out-hustled the Rockets leading to 3-27 shooting from deep, and 0-9 from the field from Trevor Ariza. The load put on Ariza each night seem to show itself on Sunday as Ariza was ejected after throwing an elbow following being stripped of the ball by DeMar DeRozan. Due to the  thrown elbow Ariza is suspended for Tuesday home game against the Detroit Pistons. Without the the leading scorer the Rockets will lean heavily on Aaron Brooks and the third leading scorer Carl Landry. There is also a 7-time All-Star that says he is ready to play.  McGrady has said that he is healthy several times over the past few weeks and is ready to play.  Adleman is treating McGrady’s return like it’s the opening of training camp for the former All-Star. “When you bring back someone of his quality and his talent, it’s gonna change what you do and it’s gonna change guy’s roles. How much? I don’t know,” Adelman said. “I want to be sure and I want to feel comfortable with this.” Adelman even suggested to McGrady that he could throw him in the lineup up against Lebron James last Wednesday to see what level he is at. McGrady balked at that idea, leaving us to suspect that McGrady is feeling the pressure to play and that he may be trying to rush his return. It’s a contract-year for McGrady. He needs to play if he wants to get a good contract as a free agent, but the Rockets’ are exceeding expectations and don’t want to mess up their chemistry. But adding a player that can drop 20 points a game is rare, and the Rockets bench is young and unexperienced, and are about to play some tough back-to-backs. Rick Adelman criticized the NBA on Monday for setting up an “utterly ridiculous” schedule for his team that includes four back-to-back games over the next two weeks. The Rockets face Detroit at home on Tuesday, then must fly to Denver to play the first-place Nuggets on Wednesday. They visit Dallas on Friday and return home to face Oklahoma City on Saturday — then have to play two games on consecutive nights twice more during Christmas week. ”We have a horrendous stretch here,” Adelman said. “I don’t know if the league really understands that they gave us four straight back-to-backs. It’s awful.”

Now is the time to suit up McGrady. The Rockets have stood beside Tracy over the last five years as he had numerous injuries, and mysterious ways of expressing those injuries to the team. But there is no time like the present to bring back, questionably the Rockets best player.

This is an awesome video, listen to the words and how they compare a lot to T-Mac’s career.

Be Well, Tiger!

Posted 12 Dec 2009 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Golf

The Truth Sports would like to wish Tiger and his family the best during his time away from golf. We are BIG fans of Tiger Woods and regardless of his “transgressions” off the course, we still are BIG fans of Tiger Woods. We are fans of his dominance and barrier-breaking in the world of golf. His life outside of golf, we could care less about. On Friday Tiger Woods ended his silence with a letter to his fans and critics.

I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children. I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I’ve done, but I want to do my best to try.

I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding. What’s most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing.

After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.

Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period.


NBA TEAM OF THE DECADE

Posted 11 Dec 2009 — by Phillip Pyle
Category NBA

The Truth Sports: NBA Team of the Deacade

Shaquille O’Neal: From his first game to now Shaq has been one of the most dominant players to ever play the game. His size and suprising quickness has caused defensive problems for all of his opponents. O’Neal’s “drop step”, (called the “Black Tornado” by O’Neal) in which he posts up a defender, turns around and, using his elbows for leverage, powers past him for a very high-percentage slam dunk, has proven an extremely effective offensive weapon. O’Neal was also voted the 99′-200′ MVP, 2000 All-Star Game (co-MVP) and NBA Finals 2000, becoming only the third player in NBA history to accomplish that feat. O’Neal also won the scoring title that year while finishing second in rebounds and third in blocked shots.  The ability to dunk frequently contributes to his career field goal accuracy of .582; he is the second most accurate shooter of all time.He has averaged 24.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.3 blocks, 0.60 steals and 35.7 minutes while shooting 58.2 percent from the field and 52.8 percent from the foul line. Shaq is a 4-time NBA Champ, and 3-time NBA Finals MVP recipient. Shaq and Wilt Chamberlain only two players in league history to lead the league in field goal percentage nine times. One of four players in the 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 2,500 assists, 2,000 blocks(Kareem Adbul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, Hakeem Olajuwon)

Kevin Garnett “The Big Ticket” came into the NBA straight from high school to the highest paid player in NBA history. Garnett was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves who relied on Kevin for everything, which he was able to provide. Holds Timberwolves franchise career records for points, rebounds, assists, blocked shots, steals, and games played. Before the 2008 he was traded to the Boston Celtics joining Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. The “Big Three” made good on their commitment for a championship, bring the Celtics their 17th championship. NBA MVP (2004), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2008), USA Olympics Gold Medal(2000), NBA All-Star MVP (2003), 12-time NBA All-Star: 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 9-time All NBA selection: 9-time All-Defensive:

Tim Duncan: He was drafted with the first pick of the NBA Draft 1997 by the San Antonio Spurs, and immediately made an impact, averaging 21.1 points per game in his first season. n the 2001-02 season, Duncan was named the league’s Most Valuable Player. After 2002-03, Duncan was named MVP for the second season in a row. Duncan and his Spurs teammates made it to the finals once again, defeating the New Jersey Nets to win the NBA championship. Duncan was named NBA Finals MVP once again. His lifetime averages in points, blocks, assists, and rebounds are higher in the playoffs than in the regular season. In the last game of the 2003 NBA Finals, Duncan was two blocks away from a quadruple-double, finishing with 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and 8 blocks. In 2005 Duncan won his third NBA Finals MVP Award, joining Michael Jordan ,Shaquille O’Neal, and Magic Johnson as the only players to win it three times. Duncan is famous for his graceful finesse on the court and for his low key demeanor. Possessing a sound all-around game, he has been dubbed “The Big Fundamental” and ”Groundhog Day” because of his ability to produce very consistently on a day-to-day basis. One of four players in the 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 2,500 assists, 2,000 blocks(Kareem Adbul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon) His signature offensive moves are his smooth footwork and his accurate bank shot. Duncan scored a career high 53 points in an NBA game on December 26, 2001 in a home game against the Dallas Mavericks. NBA Rookie of the Year(98′), NBA MVP (2002, 2003), NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005)

Kobe Bryant: One of the most determined and focused players to ever play the game. Kobe was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 96′ and traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Vlade Divac. He joined the Lakers who were full of gaurds at the time, and Kobe was by far the youngest player on the team. Kobe and teammate Shaquille O’Neal were a one-two punch carrying the Lakers to three consecutive championships. Upon the trading of O’Neal Kobe became the face of the franchise. In 2006 Kobe scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the second highest total for points scored. He earned MVP honors in 08′, but fell in six games to the Celtics in the Finals. The following summer Kobe joined the USA Basketball team and help them to win Gold at the Beijing Olympics. Kobe returned to the Finals the following year and earned his 4th NBA Championship and his first Finals MVP. MVP (2008), All-NBA first team (2002-04, 2006-09), All-Defensive team (2000, 2003-04, 2006-09)Finals MVP(2009)

Allen Iverson: Allen Iverson revolutionized the NBA by incorporating the “streets” with NBA marketing. The NBA instituted a dress-code primarily due to Iversons doo-rags and urban wear. Ranked 16th in scoring and third in scoring average behind Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain are the two stand-out stats for the 6 foot point guard or should I say shooting guard. Allen Iverson has never met a shot he didn’t like on route to the sixth fastest player to 20,000 points. MVP in 2000 and 4-time scoring champ. He also ranks 12th in All-Time steals.

First Returns-2010 NBA All-Star Game

nba-2010-all-star-logo

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets top the Western Conference, while Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat and LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers lead the Eastern Conference after the first returns of 2010 NBA All-Star Balloting presented by T-Mobile. Bryant, who shared All-Star MVP honors with Shaquille O’Neal last season, is the overall leader with 692,518 votes.

The 2010 NBA All-Star Game, which will air live on TNT and ESPN Radio in the U.S., and reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories in more than 40 languages, will be played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before an expected crowd of more than 80,000 — the largest group ever to witness a live basketball game — on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.

In the Western Conference, Bryant, a three-time All-Star MVP, is followed at guard by the Houston Rockets’ Tracy McGrady (281,545) who hasn’t played at all this season. Anthony, the league’s leading scorer, paces forwards in the West (588,958) with the Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki (366,300) second. The Phoenix Suns’ Amar’e Stoudemire (447,776) is the leading vote-getter among Western Conference centers, with the Lakers’ Andrew Bynum (299,484) following.

Eastern Conference

Forwards: LeBron James (Clev) 649,327; Kevin Garnett (Bos) 533,187; Chris Bosh (Tor) 303,550; Paul Pierce (Bos) 131,379; Josh Smith (Atl) 109,404; Danny Granger (Ind) 100,122; Andre Iguodala (Phi) 75,146; Michael Beasley (Mia) 58,461; Hedo Turkoglu (Tor) 55,416; Rashard Lewis (Orl) 46,073; Luol Deng (Chi) 37,428.

Guards: Dwyane Wade (Mia) 672,227; Vince Carter (Orl) 292,002; Gilbert Arenas (Was) 212,526; Ray Allen (Bos) 208,276 Derrick Rose (Chi) 196,059; Allen Iverson (Phi) 136,976*; Joe Johnson (Atl) 118,964; Rajon Rondo (Bos) 113,371; Jose Calderon (Tor) 68,084; Mike Bibby (Atl) 48,935.

Centers: Dwight Howard (Orl) 625,279; Shaquille O’Neal (Cle) 206,657; Andrea Bargnani (Tor) 67,310; Al Horford (Atl) 52,747; Andrew Bogut (Mil) 45,920; Brook Lopez (NJ) 39,420; Jermaine O’Neal (Mia) 38,956; Rasheed Wallace (Bos) 36,855; Kendrick Perkins (Bos) 19,408; Brad Miller (Chi) 17,188; Tyson Chandler (Cha) 14,062; Samuel Dalembert, (Phi) 13,969.

Western Conference

Forwards: Carmelo Anthony (Den) 588,958; Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 366,300; Pau Gasol (LAL) 280,758; Tim Duncan (SA) 271,321; Kevin Durant (OKC) 177,205; Trevor Ariza (Hou) 168,167; Shawn Marion (Dal) 161,653; Luis Scola (Hou) 134,321; Ron Artest (LAL) 99,209; Lamar Odom (LAL) 85,817; LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) 70,588.

Guards: Kobe Bryant (LAL) 692,518; Tracy McGrady (Hou) 281,545; Steve Nash (Pho) 272,135; Chris Paul (NO) 248,049; Jason Kidd (Dal) 207,247; Jason Terry (Dal) 131,422; Aaron Brooks (Hou) 131,167; Chauncey Billups (Den) 112,509; Brandon Roy (Por) 106,416; Deron Williams (Utah) 94,715; Manu Ginobili (SA) 75,392.

Centers: Amar’e Stoudemire (Pho) 447,776; Andrew Bynum (LAL) 299,484; Nene (Den) 90,439; Marc Gasol (Mem) 75,765; Greg Oden (Por) 73,874; Al Jefferson (Min) 48,676; Antonio McDyess (SA) 46,323; Mehmet Okur (Utah) 35,606; Marcus Camby (LAC) 35,471; Andris Biedrins (GS) 28,287; Emeka Okafor (NO) 19,827; Spencer Hawes (Sac) 10,733.

*While Allen Iverson appears among Western Conference guards on the paper ballot because he began the season with Memphis, his votes will count toward the Eastern Conference guards due to his signing with Philadelphia Dec. 3.

{via}

Battle of the Bad Hair & Wednesday NBA Re-Cap!

  • The Houston Rockets have to hear on a daily basis how they are without two of there best players. Somehow the lost of Yao Ming, and Tracy McGrady has yet to effect them. The Rockets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 95-85, forcing the Cavaliers into 20 turnovers, five from “Duke” James. The Rockets have lived and died by the 3 this season, and Shane Battier attempted three 3′s before 2 minutes had even passed in the game. The Rockets shot 9-21 from deep, holding Cleveland to 5-15. “Earl” James finished with 27 points and Shaq had 7 points on a night where the Rockets defense lulled the Cavs to sleep. “No one guy is going to stop LeBron, and no one guy is going to stop Shaq,” said Battier, who also had three steals and two blocks. “But our guys did a great job of building a wall behind LeBron and just by being there, they deterred some of the drives. We played really good help-side defense.” The Rockets have once again beaten an “elite” team in the NBA. Aaron Brooks finished with 27 points the Rockets are 6-1 when Aaron Brooks scores at least 20. Both Trevor Ariza and Shane Battier made four 3′s.

Yikes! Whats going on with these guys. Luis Scola, and Anderson Varejo have two of the worst hairdos in the NBA. Luis Scola & Anderson Varejo

  • The Philadelphia 76ers have lost 11th straight, and even the emotions of signing Allen Iverson haven’t translated into victories. Allen Iverson played against another former team the Detroit Pistons, and Rodney Stucky reminded Iverson, he can play. Stckey finished with 27 points and 8 assists. Iverson is 0-5 this season — three losses with Memphis; two with the 76ers. Iverson missed seven of 10 shots from the floor and had three assists. “It’s going to get better,” Iverson said. “This is one of these times when you find out what type of character you have as men” said Iverson.
  • The Utah Jazz strolled into the Staples Center Wednesday to take on the Los Angeles Lakers. Unfortunately for the Jazz they began to play off key in the second half. The Lakers outscored the Jazz 46-14 from the 6 minute mark in the third to the end of the game. The Jazz shot 11% from the field in the 4th quarter. The Jazz have about as much depth as a Paris Hilton Autobiography, The Lakers won easily 101-77, pushing their winning streak to 10 games. Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, Pau Gasol had 19 points and 12 rebounds.