COURTSIDE VIEW: What Would you do for a Klondike Bar?

Johnny J

With the Miami Heat winning back-to-back NBA titles, it is official; I just lost another bet. In fact, I lost three bets that came out to a grand total of $60. I usually don't make bets unless I absolutely feel the team I pick will win. That didn't happen.  My luck was so bad, that one team I gambled on was actually swept in these playoffs, which made it worse. So the next day, when I saw the person who won the wagers, I quickly went up to him and paid off my debt. I don't like being in debt so I try and pay off my debtors as soon as possible. There's no chasing me down or confronting me because I would go looking for that person I owe money to first. There's no waiting until the next time I get paid because I would have the money on me already just in case I do lose. When that happens, I earn the reputation of me being an honest person. People don't mind making wages with me because I end up chasing them down to get rid of my debt. Chris Bosh, I hope you are taking notes because I feel you owe Pat Riley and your teammates your salary, which is just as bad as Ray Allen jumping on the bandwagon with the enemy.

Game 7, on Wednesday night, had to be one of the worst games, if not the worst for a so-called superstar in NBA history. Bosh didn't even score a single point. He played 28 minutes in one of the most anticipated games in an  NBA Finals. How did he come out on the floor like a person who just couldn't get the job done?  A superstar should do his job and show up to big games. He had zero points and seven rebounds. When Pat Riley signed him to a six-year, $109 million dollar contract, he pictured a dominant max contract player who was a productive, franchise-type player with the Toronto Raptors.  The same player who became the all-time leading scorer for the Raptors. A double-double average a night guy. Instead, he got a newborn baby who was brought in by a stork. A newborn who was looking to get nurtured by the real superstars of the team. In others words, Bosh is softer than ______(insert your favorite brand name fabric softener--Ed). He's someone who is riding backseat of a championship team. Riding the talents of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

So be a man, chase Pat Riley down, and give him your whole earnings of your check. The whole $17 million and some change check for this past season because you're in debt, my friend. A grand total of seven rebounds...seven and one block. ITS AN NBA FINALS, GAME 7! Third String center Joel Anthony could have produced more stats in that time (and for one-fifth of the cost--Ed).  So between Bosh and Wade, I would have to say Bosh is the one who is gone next season (despite qualifying for Early Termination Option, highly doubt that Bosh will walk away from $19 million+ for next season--Ed). I can't see the Heat paying a salary that is just going to increase. Riley is probably trying to work out a deal/trade right now. Maybe a second round pick in return would suffice. Bosh must be best friends with Brooklyn Nets' player, Joe Johnson. I heard he steals from the front office as well. What would you do for a Klondike Bar, Bosh? For a ring, for a chance to glorify and get paid off of your teammates' talents? I would feel better sleeping if I knew Heat veteran, Shane Battier received that salary instead.

Mr. "He Got Game" himself, Ray Allen. Leaving your friendships with the Boston Celtics to jump on the back of LeBron James. Taking less money to join the enemy of your Celtics' team. One of the best shooters in NBA history, desperate for another ring, I see.  He had a few highlights in Game Six to help the Heat prevail, but overall  I see why Kevin Garnett doesn't talk to him any more. Where is your self-respect? I just threw out my, "He Got Game" movie. Allen may have eased his way to another ring, but I'm sure he is still upset about San Antonio Spurs' role-player, Danny Green breaking his record for most threes made in a NBA Finals.  I couldn't reside with the enemy, especially for less money. That's just something I couldn't do. Obviously he must have thought the Celtics were a step slower in reaching the Finals again (Doc Rivers definitely thinks so--Ed). If he continued to play for the Celtics and if Rajon Rondo was healthy, I believe  the Celtics could have reached the finals. What would you do for a Klondike Bar, Ray? Kiss the rival, lose your friend. It must be ice cream in the middle, because dishonor is something that carries weight. Enjoy the 2% fat Klondike bar.


Bosh is a fraud--a fraud I tell you (Kevin Durant would say he's a "fake tough guy."--Ed). Anywhere he goes, he is going to be stealing. Just seven rebounds in an NBA Finals is worse than terrible. He stole minutes as well.  He robbed somebody who was worthy of those 28 minutes. Riley knows what has to be done. Give him the boot and make him earn that $109 million salary somewhere else. As far as Ray goes, going AWOL on his former championship team; the things people will do to be in the spotlight. I didn't see him in any highlights on the Heat's 27 game win streak, so enjoy it while you can, you aren't getting any younger.

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NBA LESSONS: v3.1

Heavy lies the crown. @kingjames may stop pregame dunk routine if criticism continues » es.pn/12amEcP Video: youtube.com/watch?v=oCtteI…
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 27, 2013

Dan P

WHAT’S THE DEAL LEBRON? 

Let’s step away from stats for a minute.  Let’s take a break from over-analyzing pick and rolls and let’s give the cold shoulder to the surging L.A. Lakers who climbed to .500 with a win over the Atlanta Hawks. 

No, I want to focus and dedicate a moment to LeBron James.  I know, what more could I possibly say about this guy that hasn't been said already?  And you would be right; he is the single most scrutinized athlete of the 21st century.  From taking his talents to South Beach, to finally achieving that first title, and now his surprisingly, awkward dance moves in a Harlem Shake parody (I actually enjoyed the Heat version of the Harlem Heat—Ed); everything is documented about LeBron.  We have come to understand he is a different kind of superstar, one that is comfortably concerned with being the richest and most popular athlete of all time, even if that comes at a price of not being the most successful at winning championships.  It always seemed unfair to hold him to seven titles (one more than Michael Jordan) as the measuring stick for a successful NBA career but then again he was part of the Miami Heat, “Big Three,” self-imposed party that said “not 1, not 2, not 3” etc. 

Nonetheless, LeBron James is incredible; not much of an adjective but it’s hard to describe greatness.  He makes everything seem so effortless on the court.  It almost looks like he’s not playing hard and that he could be doing more.  He’s just different and dominates differently than Kobe Bryant or MJ.  LeBron plays with a coolness about him, takes over when he has to, and tries to make the “basketball play” when he sees an open shooter.  Michael and Kobe approach basketball with a ferocity and a level of intimidation that was as important as the talent itself.  LeBron isn’t MJ, he isn't Kobe, and he isn't Magic Johnson (I am willing to open discussions for LeBron/Magic comparisons—Ed).  He’s just LeBron and there hasn't been anyone quite like him before.  He’s done and accomplished more than most NBA lifers will ever achieve--quick resume:  NBA champion, Finals MVP, 3x MVP award (headed for a fourth?), 9 time All-Star, 2x NBA All-Star MVP, NBA Rookie of the Year, 6x All NBA First Team, and Olympic Gold Medalist. 

There isn't any more he can accomplish other than adding more of what he already has; well except for one thing.  LeBron has the opportunity to pull out the defibrillator and revive the Dunk Contest back to life.  It gets brought up every year and time after time LeBron turns it down.  In the grand scheme of things it won’t really matter if he does it or not, but when Magic Johnson offers him $1 million, cold, hard cash, well, you think he would seriously consider it. Not that a million dollars really does anything for LeBron (#Broke—Ed) but it should show him how much people really love to watch him do his thing on the court.  He may have been labeled a “villain” for joining the Heat but he was really turned into a heel by the NBA community.  And like the WWE heroes who become heels usually end up as heroes again (see Hulk Hogan’s career). 

So what would stop the most jaw-dropping, gravity-defying hoopster of this generation?  Well, I don’t know, to be honest.  It’s so baffling that there isn't even a rumor as to why he won’t participate. I haven’t seen a single headline that says: “LeBron is afraid of losing a dunk contest!”  First, there is no chance he would lose a dunk contest.  NONE!  The fans simply wouldn't allow him to lose.  So maybe that’s it.  Maybe he doesn't want to the dunk contest because he KNOWS he would win and would give people another opportunity to make some claim that he didn't win fair and square and that his popularity made it rigged. 

I promise anyone this; if LeBron was in on the Dunk Contest it would definitely attract other stars.  So LeBron, please put aside any reservations about the Dunk Contest regardless of the outcome and give the fans what they want--a spectacle.  It’s you’re one chance to do something that many people think is impossible--save the Dunk Contest. 

SPEAKING OF DUNK CONTEST

This is something that I have been tinkering with for 2 years now and is my two cents about adding a little flair and motivation for the contest.  First a little background:  The winner of the Dunk Contest earns 100,000 cash money.  Not a bad day at the office; unless you’re a professional athlete: we've seen money, we've seen cars, we've seen trips and vacations, you name it.  But no matter what these guys make in salary, there is one thing they cannot buy.  It’s something that only the NBA cream of the crop gets--a shoe deal.  No one actually makes their own shoe company.  Heck why start a shoe company when someone will pay you to sell shoes for them! (SEE DERRICK ROSE CONTRACT!)  For 99% of NBA players though, they will never have the chance to have their own shoe.  So, alas I feel this idea is the carrot on the stick that keeps the critter churning the treadmill.  Why not have the winner of the contest claim a one-year, shoe deal commemorating their achievement?  I’m really hoping a light just went off and David Stern is listening, or, better yet, Adam Silver. 

Why not?  I think this idea has several merits: 

• Better quality players will want to participate for such a prize
• Players will actually have to practice dunks before the contest to make sure they work
• The prototype can be worn by the players during the contest as sort of a promo
• The NBA will make money in negotiating rights with Nike/Adidas/etc.
• And best of all, it becomes a desirable limited edition collectible for fans to purchase. 

If there is anything I know about capitalism, it’s that creating demand and keeping things exclusive always generates business (unless you’re in the comic book business—Ed).  It’s common nature to want what we can’t have.  In this case, it’s a win-win for both players and fans.       

Always a good time with Joakim Noah
(photo courtesy of Felipe M)

NOAH’S DEFENSIVE ARK

Take a look at the below sequence of unnamed players, these are real players and real stats:  

• Player A:  33.2MPG       9.9RPG        1.4BLK     .9STL       3PF
• Player B:  37.6MPG       14.1RPG      2.4BLK     1.4STL     3.3PF
• Player C:  34.7MPG      13.2RPG       2.8BLK    .9STL       3.5PF
• Player D:  35.7MPG      13.8RPG       2.9BLK     1STL      3.4PF
• Player E:  32.8MPG       9.2RPG        1.3BLK     1.4STL     2.3PF
• Player F:  38.3MPG       11.4RPG      2.3BLK     1.3STL     2.8PF

By taking a glance it's hard to pinpoint what to look for.  Do I go with blocks and steals only?  Do I try to find out who is helping their team the most by playing larger minutes and rebounding?  Truthfully, its all of the above and none at the same time.  Defensive stats are difficult to break down because we haven't found a proper method to analyze good defensive play that doesn't result in a statistic.  If a center contests a layup and the shot misses but isn't actually blocked how much credit do we give that center?  How do we measure the defensive effect of that very play if the missed shot comes from Kirk Hinrich as opposed to say Kevin Durant?  Is the player and emotional leader who improves effort (Kevin Garnett) or simply an athletic freak who only knows how to spike basketballs (JaVale McGee) into the crowd?  

By now most NBA fans have heard of PER which stands for Player Efficiency Rating.  You can even visit everyone's favorite four letter sports media conglomerate (Hint: Starts with E and ends in N) and you can find PER right next to traditional stats.  But PER only reflects offensive stats for the most part.  It still cannot adjust for the aforementioned "basketball effort plays" on defense.  This is why we are forced to look at the table above. This table contains only 4 players, one player accounts for three lines (and the year the player reached those statistics):

• Player A: Tyson Chandler (11-12)
• Player B: Dwight Howard (10-11)
• Player C: Dwight Howard (09-10)
• Player D: Dwight Howard (08-09)
• Player E: Kevin Garnett    (07-08)
• Player F: Joakim Noah      (12-13)   

Players (year) A-E are the last 5 winners of the Defensive Player of the Year Award and their subsequent numbers.  Joakim Noah (player F) plays center for my beloved (and increasingly frustrating) Chicago Bulls and is making a huge case to nail down his first hardware.  And at almost 40 minutes per game his impact on the (34-26) Bulls is immense.  The key perhaps is his ability to stay on the floor by limiting his fouls without forfeiting defensive aggressiveness.  It also doesn't hurt to put a mammoth 23 points 21 rebounds 11 blocks 3steals on the Philadelphia 76ers.  

I'm really interested to see how Joakim carries himself down the stretch and if he helps the Bulls make it to the playoffs, we could be looking at the next DPOY.  Stay tuned.  Also don't drink from Joakim Noah's solo cup.

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NBA LESSONS: v2.2

Dan P

When does pleasure outweigh business in sports?

Immediately after I wrote a piece detailing a “Kevin Garnett to the L.A. Clippers” deal, I was made to look foolish by the recent twist in Danny Ainge's thought process as now it looks like KG is staying put with Paul Pierce for the remainder of their NBA tenure.  

I thought it was impossible to conceive how a team would pass up trade value on a soon to be 37 year-old (in May) with 3 years left on a deal that will pay him close to $35 million.  That the fact that KG had helped the Boston Celtics to a title in 2008 was already in the rear-view mirror.  And not to mention even the Suns dealt Steve Nash to their long-time nemesis, L.A. Lakers, simply because they couldn't pass up three, first rounds picks.  Seriously, owner Robert Sarver LOVED Steve Nash and HATES the Lakers.  

So why the change of heart by Ainge?  Why the nostalgia for a player that wasn't drafted by the team and has still spent more years playing for the Minnesota T’Wolves (12) than the Celtics (6).  Much ink was spilled before the start of the season about how Rajon Rondo wanted to make the Celtics his team; that it was time to grab the reins and ease the burden of its aging stars.  But Ainge's refusal to deal Garnett for youth, undercuts that notion and brings back something else nostalgic: pride for greatness and love of the game.  Perhaps it has something to do with the fact Ainge played in the NBA or maybe the spirit and energy of KG is too special to let leave the locker room for good.  

Either way, it helped remind this hack writer that sometimes making a deal for the sake of dealing isn't always the best.  I remember feeling the same way about Michael Jordan, and even now I would love to see if MJ, at age 50, could come back just to prove he still has it (He’s at least good enough to beat Michael Kidd-Gilchrist—Ed). It's irrational for the Celtics to pass up any opportunity and yet it never felt more right.

Re-Occurring DwightMare

I'm really sick of Dwight Howard (I second that motion. Head coach, Gregg Popovich would be counted as the third vote.—Ed).  I'm tired of his clean-cut, “smile first” persona that, by now, real NBA fans know is a load of $#*&.  

First let me get something off my chest: I do believe Howard about the health of his back and that he is nowhere close to 100% (He looks “smaller” than he did last year with Orlando. Then again, it could be the hideous purple and yellow that the Lakers wear that make him seem “smaller,” less dominant, this season—Ed).  

Secondly, I do believe playing with Kobe Bryant takes a certain kind of mental toughness and that at times, Kobe has raked Dwight over the coals unfairly (You can read a bit about that, here—Ed).  Finally, I do believe Dwight is salvageable and is the future of the Lakers and they would be wise to keep him, no matter what.  

That being said, he is a bonehead of the highest caliber and is really ruining his best years with his lackadaisical behavior and refusal to understand how he fits into another team's system.  For as much as he and Stan Van Gundy didn't like each other, Stan built a system solely around Dwight. One center down low and four perimeter shooters to take 3's on kick-outs from the post (Shaq 2.0?—Ed).  Dwight flourished under this system and became the league's best center, yet other than one NBA Finals appearance (2009), always came up short.  He got what he wanted in a trade to LA (Although, according to most “experts,” Howard has wanted to really play for the Brooklyn Nets all along—Ed) and despite his animosity towards SVG, he still wants to play like his days in Orlando.  

NEWS FLASH, Dwight!  That isn't going to happen in the Kobe/Mike D'Antoni tenure so get used to it!  

(Dan P actually believes that Pau Gasol is the better first, “big-man” option over Howard.  Read his analysis, here—Ed)

The Lakers are the Lakers so they will weasel themselves out of this mess, but with the oldest backcourt in the NBA (Nash/Kobe) and a ton of money to cut from payroll in fear of the looming luxury tax increase, it looks bleak for the Lakers to really add the pieces Dwight thinks he covets.  

The Return(?) of Derrick Rose

I know I write too much about the Chicago Bulls (You can never write too much about the Bulls—Ed), but this is the league's all-time, youngest MVP and genuine NBA superstar, so it deserves another look.  

The hot topic surrounding Derrick Rose is not if, but when will he come back to playing NBA games.  He made it clear to reporters last week that he will not come back until he feels completely healthy and is 110%.  To this day, I still don't know what that cliche actually means regarding athletic prowess but hey, it always looks good in print.  

Should Derrick Rose miss the whole season?  Unfortunately, there is no right answer, but I am inclined to have a theory.  I've written previously that the Bulls will do anything (short of transforming themselves into the Sacramento Kings—Ed) to avoid this year's luxury tax, which currently they would have to pay if they stood pat.  This, of course, is the horrible idea of trading Carlos Boozer for Andrea Bargnani, which doesn't even make sense financially, let alone in basketball terms.  

What if Derrick Rose returning this season would embolden management to scrap this idea of selling?  I could only think of Rose's ACL this whole time and what it would mean if he came back too soon: a fear I still have.  I know there will be rust in limited minutes, but if he came back looking like his old self, it would rev Chicago into overdrive (Think Ricky Rubio, Dirk Nowitzki and John Wall, but with a better team—Ed) and perhaps be enough to convince management to stay aggressive.  This team has looked much better than I thought was possible without Rose and the East is still a wasteland (sans the Miami Heat) of mediocre rosters (And even the Heat are full of mediocrity outside their “Big 3”—Ed).  

I would love to see the Bulls trim some fat off their salary cap, but I wish it would be anybody but Bargnani.  I would have liked to see them acquire J.J. Redick: A knockdown, three-point shooter.  In 31 minutes per game Redick is posting 45/39/89 shooting percentages for a really bad Orlando team.  At 28 years old and on the final year of his deal that pays him $6.1 million, he may be affordable.  Unfortunately, a Bulls’ division rival has beaten them to the punch:

Atlanta has pulled out of talks with Milwaukee for Josh Smith, two sources say. Bucks have agreed to acquire J.J. Redick from Orlando.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) February 21, 2013

Rats!  I'm looking foolish, once again! 

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PLOTSKY'S POSITION: What's Best for Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics

Dan P

Dan explains why Kevin Garnett should go to L.A. to play for the Clippers.  

Trades can happen for many reasons and happen when we least expect it.  Some NBA teams will be trying to: shed money (Chicago Bulls), rebuild (Boston Celtics), save embarrassment (L.A. Lakers/Brooklyn Nets), make one last run (San Antonio Spurs), make any run toward and in the playoffs (Milwaukee Bucks/L.A. Clippers), and play the role of “bored banker” (Dallas Mavericks/Bank of [Mark] Cuban).  

Last week, I covered the Bulls’ offer to the Toronto Raptors for Andrea Bargnani, but for the sake of my sanity, we’ll focus on two players who could be moved before the deadline that, perhaps on the right team, will dictate this year’s playoffs.  The first area NBA teams look to improve is in size and defense and there may be no better example of that available than Kevin Garnett.  Weeks ago, the Celtics lost All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo to a horrific ACL injury that dealt a massive blow to their title chances in 2013.  If not for a recent resurgence in record following that injury, a deal for Garnett would be more likely but for the right package.  GM Danny Ainge will still have to consider the future.  Let's say Kevin Garnett for DeAndre Jordan/Eric Bledsoe of the Clippers.  For the Celtics, they would obtain two young athletic, future assets to help replenish their decaying core and the Clippers believe they will get the piece to push them over the top this year.  

Despite Garnett's age and contract (3 years remaining) we can see below from this season what both players have meant to their teams defensively and the clear difference Garnett has been for the Celtics.  I have highlighted net points in yellow for both players and it's nothing short of astonishing. 

   

On Court / Off Court stats (Kevin Garnett)

Many stats are shown on a 'per 48 minute' basis

Stat	ON Court	OFF Court	Net
Minutes	1468	938	61%
Defense: Pts per 100 Poss.	100.2	109.7	-9.6
Net Points per 100 Possessions	+2.3	-4.4	+6.6
Points Scored	2812	1891	+921
Points Allowed	2741	1963	+778
Net Points	+71	-72	+143

On Court / Off Court stats (DeAndre Jordan)

Many stats are shown on a 'per 48 minute' basis

Stat	ON Court	OFF Court	Net
Minutes	1286	1213	51%
Defense: Pts per 100 Poss.	107.3	99.2	+8.1
Net Points per 100 Possessions	+5.8	+7.4	-1.6
Points Scored	2726	2459	+267
Points Allowed	2599	2273	+326
Net Points	+127	+186	-59

The Celtics are a 143-point-deficit team when Garnett is on the bench in exactly 52 games played this year.  143 points/52 games=2.75 points per game differential when Garnett sits.  This may not seem like too much, but considering the Celtics currently through the all-star break are 0.0 differential and only 4 games over .500, this is actually profound.  This of course is all happening while 36 year-old Garnett is averaging 30 minutes per game, the effects on point differential would only be worse if those minutes were to decline.  

The Clippers flushed with talent and a deep team could afford to lose Bledsoe, whom has been a god-send for the second unit this season.  This trade could be the evidence that Chris Paul and Blake Griffin need to see that the Clippers are serious title contenders this year.  The other sneaky part to this trade is what the Clippers will save in payroll if Garnett decides to retire after this season ($11.5 million).  But with a move to a contender and Garnett's love of Los Angeles, where he lives in the off-season, he may be too competitive to let it go so quickly.               

So clearly, there's still something left in Garnett's tank and though he might be useful to the Celtics, his services would be of better use with the Clippers.

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NY KNICKS: Contenders or Pretenders?

Johnny J

       

The New York Knicks have played 38 games in 72 days with a record of 25-13, which puts them in first place of their division. Not bad; except that the Knicks started the season 18-5 with remarkable blowout wins against the Miami Heat and other contenders. Injuries and age may have caught up with them after going 7-8 in their last 15 games.

The Knicks received a break in the schedule by having to play one game against an underachieving Detroit Pistons' team in London. The Knicks won 102-87 at the 02 Arena in London. The game was highlited by the return of Iman Shumphert, who tore his ACL against the Miami Heat in last year's playoffs. Shumphert, played 15 minutes in his first game and scored 8 points. (I'm glad to see him back. As a fan and friend, your defensive presence was highly missed. Now we can just bench Ronnie Brewer, that untalented scrub!).

One of the reasons why the Knicks have been struggling is due to injuries, Even though the Knicks welcomed back Shumphert on Thursday, the Knicks are banged up:

• Point guard Raymond Felton--"broken pinkie" 
• Marcus Camby--"inflammation of the foot" 
• Rasheed Wallace--"foot injury" 
• Amar'e Stoudemire is trying to work his way back into form after having knee surgery in the preseason.

Stoudemire's minutes have been limited and it looks like his passion for the game has gone out the door. There are games that he plays and it looks like he just doesn't try to compete. As a team, the Knicks are happy to see two of their good players back, but they lack a big man on the frontline with Camby and Wallace out. Entering tonight's games, the Knicks rank 27th in rebounding at 40.6 per game!

(For more on the importance of rebounding, please check out NBA Lessons--Ed).

Its been rumored that Wallace's foot injury could cost him the season and I know its hard for Wallace and Head Coach Mike Woodson to accept; you just don't bring someone out of retirement to cut them because of injury. "He'll be back -- but when, I don't know," Woodson said. "We're gradually trying to get him back where he can run again so he can get back in a uniform. But when? we don't know when yet." If the Knicks do cut Wallace, they would likely pursue veteran Kenyon Martin. Since I don't want to see that happen I hope Wallace can come back. He's a great defender and a threat around the three-point arc. I don't have any respect at all for Martin, who I don't think is a school-yard bully like Wallace. He doesn't intimidate players at all and has no offense to speak of. Which is the reason that he's still a free agent.

The Knicks are the oldest team in the NBA with an average age of just less than 33 years-old.

They have been criticized for adding a ton of veterans, such as Jason Kidd, (39) Kurt Thomas, (39) Marcus Camby, (38) Rasheed Wallace (38). One person who doesn't have a problem with it, is Carmelo Anthony, who enjoys the presence of the veterans. "It forces me to mature out there," Anthony said about the influence of the veterans. "Having the veterans, those guys bringing me up under their wings. It's a learning process to have guys like Jason. I've never been on a team with veterans like we have. Everybody in the world knows I can score. For me to come out here and do something else, it makes us better."  That is something that I like to hear from a leader and recently voted as a starter to this year's All-Star game, his fifth appearance, and second as a Knick.

Could J.R. Smith join him? (He better!--Ed). Numbers don't lie, or asWallace would say,"Ball don't lie."  Smith is averaging a career best 16.8 PPG, with assists and rebounds being up from last season. He has two buzzer-beating, game-winning shots and he has been grounded this year with the things that he does off the court. Right now Smith is playing to the point where he should at least be mentioned. If he keeps this up, he deserves to get the sixth-man of the year award (Stiff competition from the Clippers' Jamal Crawford and Matt Barnes though--Ed.)

What I don't like to hear is Knicks' owner James Dolan babying Anthony. After Anthony and Kevin Garnett's altercation over his wife tasting like, "honey nut cheerios," Dolan had two microphones put in on both ends of the court at Madison Square Garden, claiming that he's trying to protect Anthony from opponents' trash-talking. I, however, think you're hurting him even more: it's bad enough to hear Anthony has been having bad games because he was, "fasting for spiritual reasons,"; now I have to see the star player lay his head down on the owner's shoulder when someone says hurtful things? Anthony has just shown a weakness: now everybody including fans, players, and the media will be able to get to him. All I can say is, "it was fun while it lasted."

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STILL A RIVALRY: How Melo, KG, and LaLa Renewed An East Coast Rivalry

Johnny J

Madison Square Garden has been known to host big fights, such as Joe Frazier v. Muhammad Ali or Sugar Ray Robinson v. Jake Lamotta. Usually when a fight is over, the loser is usually too tired or too beaten up to try and carry it over in the tunnel or locker room. That wasn't the case for Monday night's match-up between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics.

After the Celtics defeated the Knicks 102-96 in a game that included confrontations and blood being spilled.  Anthony can be angrily seen walking by the Knicks bench toward the Celtics tunnel by-passing any handshakes and brotherly love. Carmelo Anthony waited for Kevin Garnett by the Celtics locker room. When he couldn't reach him there, he waited by the Celtics' bus hoping to finish what was started on the court.

Anthony, who can be identified in the video wearing a red hat, can be seen waiting for Garnett with a handful of MSG security personnel who I believe are trying to talk him out of it. If you look all the way to the left Rajon Rondo can be seen, probably trying to play peacemaker from afar (irony is a cruel beast--Ed). It's as much action as he's seen all night after being suspended for bumping an official.

Apparently Garnett had made some comments about Anthony's wife LaLa and Anthony just wanted to clear the air:

"I wanted to talk to KG, I think it was something that we both needed to get off our chest and see what really was the problem. It wasn't no altercations, it was just some words and a conversation that we needed to have," said Anthony.

Anthony who is the second leading scorer in the NBA averaging 29.0 PPG had an off night against the Celtics swarming defense. Anthony was held to 20 points on 6-26 shooting from the field. Anthony and KG both received technical fouls for the shoving and trash-talking on the floor. Anthony, who is tied with Matt Barnes of the Clippers with a league-leading 9 technical fouls, is very close to a suspension. Once a player reaches 16, they're suspended for one game and can continue for every other tech they receive afterwards.

J.R. Smth received 11 stitches above his right eye after bumping heads with Avery Bradley, who was trying to pick pocket Smith. After a timeout was called to give more time to stop the bleeding, Smith came back out with Vaseline and a headband over his cut (J.R. the prizefighter--Ed). 

While KG was getting into Anthony's head; Paul Pierce took over the game, scoring 23 points and dishing 6 assists. Pierce hit a step back jumper with the shot clock winding down with Tyson Chandler all over him. As he was going back down the floor he starting blowing kisses to the crowd as if saying, "I had a great performance; thanks for coming, but it's over now!"

As a Knicks' fan, I was irritated at what I was seeing.  I know this is a hated, long-time rival, but we're sitting at the top of the division for a reason. There wasn't any ball movement; just isolations for the majority of the game. Melo gets the ball and tries to go to work, but he shot the ball for 23%! If its not working, you have to adjust as a TEAM! You have other stars on the TEAM! They shouldn't be watching one guy every possession. The Celtics are six games behind the Knicks and they can't play down to their level. KG is known for his trash-talking; Back in 2010 Charlie Villanueva accused KG of calling him "A cancer patient." Villanueva suffers from a medical condition called alopecia universalis that results in hair loss (Apparently, KG told Anthony that his wife "tastes like Honey Nut Cheerios". Another incident that is not widely known is the fact that KG, back on Mothers' Day of 1999, went up to Duncan to tell him, "Happy Mothers' Day, mother------!" Duncan's mother died when he was only 14-Ed). 

If Anthony plans on taking his team to the finals this season, he's going to have to put up with people trying to get in his head. He has already shown he's vulnerable and thin-skinned in that aspect.  And now he will pay for his lapse in judgement with a one-game suspension.

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