How the Ball Balls Dropped: A Message from Mr. West

Yo David, I'm really happy for you, I'mma let you finish but Tyreke evans had one of the best game winners of all time. One of the best game winners of all time! *shrug*

Thunder (89), Hornets (91)

Durant had his moment of clutchness (if the word exists) during his last game. Now it's David West's turn. West threw up a little up and under fade-away jumper from about 18 in the elbow and got the Hornets their 9th straight victory. And with the caption in the picture above, he also got the Hornets their first encounter with a douche.

Rockets (129), Timberwolves (125)

Well, they didn't disappoint with the scoring, that's for sure. The game was much more lopsided than the final score suggests. 'Sota just didn't have any answer for the Rockets' threebees in this game. The Rox went 14 of 30 from deep. Houson has now won 13 straight games against Minnesota. After the game, Kevin Love was interviewed about his team's struggling defense, which got me a little confused, coz, well, what defense?

Kings (96), Trailblazers (81)

The SacBoys finally got a break. They've lost 7 of their last 8 games, 3 of those coming in overtime, and only one loss came in double figures. This time, they managed to finish things a'ight. They did so mainly coz they limited the Western Conference player of the week LaMarcus Aldridge to a measly nine-point output. Props to Sammy Dalam-bear for that. (I gotta get back to the nicknamin' bonanza)

How the Ball Balls Dropped: An Open Letter to the Denver Nuggets (that includes you Carmelo)

 

Yes, you. You're Carmelo, and you're still a Denver Nugget.

Pacers (107), Nuggets (121)

Dear Denver Nuggets,

Before LeBron started putting up his MVP numbers, I was actually on the Melo bandwagon since the draft of '03. Even in my NBA Live Dynasties, I always traded for Melo on whatever team I used. And along with Anthony, the whole Nuggets team actually started to grow on me. J.R, K-Mart, Nene, and of course, my current favorite player The Birdman. You were my favorite team, second only to the Kings. I even liked the Iverson trade, coz' A.I. was my fave player back then.

And so this I ask of you, as a fan, as a believer...

How the Ball Balls Dropped: The Other L.A. Team just made the L.A. Team the Other L.A. Team

 

Uh, Baron, I don't think that's how a face-palm works.

Lakers (92), Clippers (99)

Well would you look at that. The Clippers have now beaten the Hornets (back when they were turning heads with the unbeaten start), the Spurs (with the best record in the league), the Heat (snapping their 13 game road streak), and now the back-to-back champs. The Incredible Griff have really taken this team to the HNL (ho' nutha' level). Things got a bit testy in the end though, with the outcome of the game already determined, a shoving match ensued and Blake Griffin, Baron Davis, Lamar Odom and Ron Artest all got ejected.

Nuggets (97), Spurs (110)

The Nuggets came out of the gates hot, but cooled off considerably just after the first quarter. The Spurs now improve to 35-6, and Denver now improves to one more day closer to being Melo-less.

Glad to be back in action after that weekend break. I'll probably do that break again for the rest of the month. Though I hope I could keep this up for the week. I'm currently under the weather, and I feel like bull excrement.

How the Ball Balls Dropped: Melo... still a Nugget

 

Don't worry Nuggets fans. This hasn't happened yet. YET! At least not until next week according to DA.

Heat (102), Nuggets (130)

So much for bouncing back, the whole Miami team just looked downright disinterested in this game. Lebron may be out, but that's no excuse, considering Dwyane Wade carried a Miami team all by his lonesome self before Bosh and James came to town. Denver just lit it up all night. Makes you wonder how far this team could go in the playoffs if only it isn't on the verge of being dismantled.

Magic (124), Thunder (125)

I see your 30pt game, and I raise it with two 30pt games, and a triple-double to boot. That's what Oklahoma said to Orlando in this game. Dwight monstered his way to 39 pts, but Durant and Westbrook had other ideas. Looks like KD likes the limelight since he hasn't lost in a nationally televised game ever. Hmmm... ambition is abrewing. Would he want to be in a bigger market in the future?

Wizards (97), Timberwolves (109)

Love was his usual loving self getting a 30-10, with 5 threebees for some extra kick. And the Wizards did their usual wizardly way disappearing when it mattered most. They remain the only winless team on the road going 0-19. And Darko scored on a jumpball (for the other team though). I think we just found our new HORSE contestant (if ever they'd still bring that back.)

How the Ball Balls Dropped: When The Best of the East Met a Beast from the West

 

Even the three kings couldn't topple this beast. Wouldn't be surprised. Just look at it!  

(I am deeply sorry ballers. What has been seen cannot be unseen)

Heat (105), Clippers (111)

I was excited for this one, coz the two BBT favorites went at it. It was a typical game for Miami, a lot of Big3 and not much else, which in contrast to the Clippers, had a more balanced attack. Nice to see the Great Beard throw one down again. There was a weird sequence in the third though where James and Wade got hurt on the same play. Overall a fun watch though. The Clips made timely shots, and just kept the Heat at bay throughout the game. This officially ends Miami's 13 game road streak. (This is the first of many streaks in this post)

Magic (89), Hornets (92) OT

A string of threes sent this to overtime for the Magic, and they actually had a chance to win this in OT. Down 89-90 with a few ticks left, Dwight Howard was fouled and was awarded two freethrows. Then Stan Van must have gone berserk coz Superman botched both. They still had a last chance to tie it, but Redick's three was all air. This ends Orlando's 9 game win streak (I told you there'd be more streaks)

Knicks (131), Jazz (125)

When four guys on your team scores 20+pts, you'd think you have a balanced attack, right? Well not if the other team had 7 guys in double figures, 6 with 14 or more. That's what happened to the Knicks in this high scoring contest. The Knicks have now lost 5 straight in Utah (This time a streak continues)

Thunder (118), Rockets (112)
The Rockets were without leading scorer Kevin Martin, and were virtually without a center (Yao, Miller and Hayes are injured, and Jordan Hill got ZERO points). Oklahoma snaps their 11 game franchise losing streak in Houston (Another streak! Ha!)

Lakers (115), Warriors (110)

Well, the Warriors weren't Clevelandized, and LA actually trailed for most of the contest. It was basically a Kobe-Monta show, both players scoring almost 40pts each (39 and 38). Kobe got the last laugh though, squeezing out a win for his squad. It was the Lakers' 12th straight victory over Golden State. (Is that a streak I see? Hmmm... Well I be damned! I think it is!)

How the Ball Balls Dropped: Just Another Day in Cleveland

 

The Lakers must have looked like this to the Cavs.

Cavaliers (57), Lakers (112)

I don't even know where to start. I'm looking for other ways to say "The Lakers destroyed Cleveland". By 55 frickin pts. Wow. Interesting note though, the largest margin of victory in the shotclock era was by 68 pts, 148-80, December 17, 1991. Who were the teams involved? Cleveland, getting beat by the Heat.

Knicks (100), Trailblazers (86)

The Blazers had trouble holdin' off the potent offense of New York. What's troubling is that the potent offense we're talking about included 19pts from Ronny Turiaf. You have to wonder whether Carmelo's addition would actually do more good than harm for the streaking Knicks.

Suns (98), Nuggets (132)

Phoenix is oh so thankful that Cleveland lost by 55 today, coz now no one notices that they sucked just as well, losing by 34 to Denver. The Nuggets remain hot at home... home... heh... gotta start to NOT get used to Melo calling Denver "home".

Spurs (107), Timberwolves (96)

Michael Beasley just rolled another ankle (I guess he had three). And the Spurs went on to win over Minnesota for the 17th time in a row, the longest streak any team has against another. Weird sequence in the third, 5 straight technical fouls for the wolves with coach Rambis even getting thrown out. It was pretty much downhill from there (it was actually already downhill even before that). Kevin Love had another 20-20 game. If only Minnesota has a better record than this, I swear this man has got to have some MVP nods.

How the Ball Balls Dropped: You Give me Strength so I Stand Tall

 

Derrick Rose's highly excited face. Not to be confused with Derrick Rose's slightly-giddy face.

 Also, pardon the boyband song reference. 

Pistons (82), Bulls (95)

Well, to start things up, Ben Wallace ended his night on the jump ball. The frickin.jump.ball. On the first ever play (it's not even a play!) of the game. The Pistons weren't affected much though as they owned the first half. They sure wish the game ended at halftime. It was all Bulls ball the rest of the way spearheaded by the 3 D's, Derrick Rose, Deng Luol and Duke standout Carlos Boozer. (what?) The Bulls were Heat-lite today, with the said trio scoring all but 28pts of the team. And D-Rose is officially Mini-Blake Griffin.

Rockets (108), Celtics (102)

I've said it before, (if you've read my past few recaps, you know what I'm talking about). Celts are holdin' out. Two former Kings, Kevin Martin and Brad Miller were both out for Houston. Fortunately though, Aaron  Brooks is back after missing three games from aggravating the ankle injury that kept him sidelined for 20 games at the start of the season. He went straight to the starting line-up and gave the Rockets the timely runners, threes, and basically everything that thwarted any Boston attempt of a rally. With this Celtics loss, Miami now holds the best record in the East. (again I'm sorry. I'm a Heat fan. What can I do?)

Grizzlies (82), Bobcats (96)

Due to the snowstorm, only about a thousand fans made it to the stadium. (Had the snowstorm not hit, there could have been a thousand and one) Zach Randolph almost had a double-double in the first quarter, but just managed to get 15pts through the rest of the contest. When you allow Matt Carroll to get 12pts against you, you just know things aren't going well for your team.

How the Ball Balls Dropped: Road Bakers

 

Awww. There, there Wesley Matthews. LeBron's made tons of others cry before. A whole city even.

Heat (107), Trail Blazers (100) OT

Wes Matthews and the rest of the banged up Portland crew almost stopped yet another attempt from Miami for a Baker's D. Andre Miller missed two attempts to win it at regulation, and LeBron owned the Blazers in the extra period with his long bomb daggers (that sounds like a real weapon in an adventure game or some'in). 4 more straight W's on the road for the Heatles and that record of 16 straight victories away from home held by the Lakers for 39 years now will be pwned.

Knicks (87), Lakers (109)

Whoah. I knew these teams will go at it, but I didn't expect a clothesline and an ejection. Ron-ron threw his arms up which just so happened kinda wrapped around Amar'e's neck as he went hard at the basket, earning himself a flagrant-1. Bynum got ejected after vehemently complaining about a call, and the rest of the game was plain out physical. The Knicks couldn't do anything about 2 seven-footers clogging the lane and went sour from everywhere else that spelled their demise. Can't wait for BigApple-Tinseltown II.

Warriors (91), Clippers (105)

GG. We'll be hearing a lot of that from Gordon and Griffin pretty soon. The Clips have really started to click as they outplayed Golden State in this one. Not much in it though, except for Davis and Radmanovic fighting over which beard is better.

How the Ball Balls Dropped: One Lucky Daye

I thought I loved balls. This guy makes me feel like I don't know love at all. 

Lovin' to the HNL y'all! (Ho' Nutha' Level)

76ers (109), Pistons (112) OT

Philadelphia was up three less than 6 seconds in the game, when Lou Williams, an 82% FT shooter, was fouled for two freebees. He clanked both, and Daye made him pay. Austin Daye catched a McGrady inbound and swished a game tying three. He then went on to start the extra period with another three and a dunk, and the Pistons held on to thwart a final rally from Philly. (Wow. I just realized that I write in a more serious tone when I'm a bit tipsy. Just went home from a party. And, well, there.)

Celtics (79), Bulls (90)

My theory seems to be right. As brilliant as D-Rose was in this game, singlehandedly manhandling anything that Boston put in front of him, I do believe Boston is starting to hold back now. Just like what they did last year in preparation for the playoffs. (Oh my frickin gee. I'm writing like it's a report paper or somethin'. So I'm crazier when I'm sober??)

Magic (117), Mavericks (107)

The streak is now at nine for Stan Van Gundy's crew. Even after struggling early, the Magic just needed time to settle in the game and again got a lot of contribution from all over the roster. Hedo Turkoglu got a season high 17 assists and almost everyone SVG fielded in got into double figures (Redick just missed it with 9pts). (I am starting to scare me. Quick! Ugh, <insert game related joke here>)

Grizzlies (100), Thunder (109)

Memphis finally hit a brick wall, and the wall's name was Kevin Durant. (Wall's name is still John though) Durantula lead Oklahoma with 40pts to put a stop to the Grizzlies' current 3game win streak. (Ahh, finally, the first side-comment parenthesis for the day. I'm gettin it back y'all)

How the Ball Balls Dropped: Just Like Old Times

13-orange right-27-12 to the power of 3-16 minus 5 square root of 2-hut-hut-hut!

Knicks (121), Suns (96)

Amare leads with 23pts as the team cruised to victory with 17 3pt markers, in a high-octane offense called by Coach D'Antoni... Sounds like the Suns just a few years back, eh? Unfortunately for Arizona, we're talking about the squad from the Big Apple now. Amar'e got a loud ovation in his return to the desert, and definitely owned the show, powering his team to a blowout. The biggest storyline for the day though is how the Suns started Josh Childress at center. At CENTER. WHUT?!?!

Hornets (97), Lakers (101)

Let's do good-news-bad-news. The bad? The killer B's are hurt. Matt Barnes left early with a strained knee, and Steve Blake seemed to hurt his ankle at the fourth. The good? Well, the team won. And Kobe now surpasses Oscar Robertson as the ninth all-time leading scorer. Next on the Mamba's list... Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon. (He needs about 200+ more points. Well within reach to beat this season).

Raptors (102), Celtics (122)

Too busy drooling over Blake Griffin or John Wall? Well there's a new rook surprise in town. Luke Harangody. In a team filled with future hall-of-famers, getting minutes is gold for a rookie. And Luke certainly made good use of his newfound moolah. Almost kinda feels like a created player in My-Player mode in 2K games finally getting minutes in his team and working his way up in the league. Well if that's the case, then we have to expect a string of 50+ games from this guy pretty soon.

How the Ball Balls Dropped: PWNED!!!!

The eye contact says it all... Something's abrewing in Sactown.

Dema-Reke-us! /de-ma-ri-kus/ 

(you know it's a fail when you have to explain how it's pronounced)

Nuggets (102), Kings (122)

It's bad enough for Denver that Carmelo's exit stage left is imminent. What's worse? Losing back to back to the Clips and the Kings. What's worst? These were convincing wins for the two squads. Blowouts. Denver's faltering defense allowed Sactown to score 122 on 55% shooting, 50% from deep. Though no surprises there, especially when you're up against the cooking of Mrs. Evans.

Thunder (99), Mavericks (95)

With the Dirkus Circus still out for Dallas, this was a must win for Durantula's pack. They bounced back from a two-game skid and avoided incurring their first ever 3-game slide of the season. And since Serge Ibaka is now in the dunk contest,  should Serge I-block-a be Serge I-dunk-a now?

How the Ball Balls Dropped: RAJONDO!

 

Stop!... Now Rondo Time.  

And might I just share a random useless trivia, that this guy has the same birthday with yours truly. (along with Drew Barrymore and George Washington). If you know me personally, you're probably already sick of that line. To those random readers out there, get used to it. I'll mention this a lot.

Spurs (103), Celtics(105)

22 assists. 22! Twenty-frickin-two. That's actually the date of our common birthday. (I should stop with the birthday thing. It's starting to sound gay (not that there's anything wrong with it (but just to make it clear, I'm not (whoah. A parenthesis, within a parenthesis, within a parenthesis)))). The Celtics were up 9 with about 55 seconds to go. Game over? I think Tyreke Evans already taught us a valuable lesson about saying a game is over. A Ginobili three and 2 quick steals got the Spurs back within 2, and Ray Ray missed two freethrows (must be a blue moon out there tonight). Ginobili had a last chance to win the game, but he got his shot blocked when he mistakenly drove right instead of an open lane left. RAJONDO!

Hawks (110), Jazz (87)

This game wasn't really that interesting to be mentioned second here, but since I started the whole combining first and last names thing, I just thought of another one... "GAYWARD" The Jazz, missing Millsap, fell flat on their home turf, losing to the heating up Hawks. And I dunno if anyone has noticed, but I therefore conclude that Joe Jo and J-Crow are basketball BFF's. If one has an ugly game the other has too. And if one goes off, the other one follows suit (been a pretty gay post so far (again, not that th.. oh, you know the drill)).

Lakers (99), Suns (95)

The Lakers won! Hooray! No? Well, they really shouldn't celebrate. This one wasn't clinched until an Artest three with about a minute-thirty remaining. And since Gasol doesn't have the Apple excuse anymore, is he hurt? He was the league MVP during the first quarter of the season. I wonder what happened. 

Nuggets (93), Clippers (106)
Blakey Griff Griff is the man to watch these days, but he wasn't the only notable Clipper in this one. Eric Gordon's 28pts and DeAndre Jordan's 20rbds and 6blks(!) did the trick for the other LA team, getting it's 11th win of the season. And Blake's reportedly, officially, in the Dunk contest. He still doesn't have a nickname though. I got a few suggestions from yahoo sports, but "MANster" and "The Mulatto Marauder" are, well, let's just say we can do better.

Trailblazers (103), Rockets (100)
Rip City got another win over Space City (got that one from mah' man Patricky Rubio). A spoiled Kevin Martin performance in this one (45pts). Nothing much to say really. Unless you wanna hear about how injured these teams are again (which I know you do. So, Brooks and Yao out for the Rox, and Oden and Roy out for Portland).

How the Ball Balls Dropped: Mamba Movin' Up

(A picture depicting how much a ball-hog Kobe is. Is one not enough, Kobe?)

Pistons (83), Lakers (108)

And bounce back LA did (though this really doesn't count. I mean, Detroit? Come on) They massacred the Pistons (though it actually took them a whole half before they got it going), and Kobe is now 10th overall in Ball Balls inserted in the hole, scooching ahead of Nique Wilkins. He gets a shot of overtaking the Big O tomorrow if he gets 40pts against the Suns. By the standards of Suns defense, that task is very much possible.

Spurs (115), Knicks (128)

This game was at 95-101, at the end of 3(!) Talk about offense. The Spurs continue its surprisingly offense-oriented season, but falls short of an even more offense-oriented Knicks team. The Empire State of mind just proved how legit they are this year, beating the team currently with the best record in the NBA. Looks like the lights have inspired them, made them feel brand new...

Bucks (89), Heat (101)

The Heatles continue to roll. Close through three, they stole the show at the final canto. As good as the wins are for Miami, it's actually kinda bad for sportswriters everywhere. Coz, well, it's gettin' a lil' boring. Wade scored a lot, LeBron was great all over, and Bosh did his thing, as the rest of the South Beach Boys did theirs. Until the playoffs start, somethin' spectacular has got to happen to get them back in the interesting parts of the blogosphere again. A 40pt outing from Juwan Howard just might do the trick (It might. Let's see).

How the Ball Balls Dropped: The Heatles on Tour

Heat (96), Bobcats (82)

On the Charlotte side of things, it doesn't help that they were without starters Mohammed and Wallace, and they just learned Diop would be out for the season. That left them with Kwame Brown as their only center (yikes). And I think this game proves that the coach isn't really the problem. Even with Silas supposedly letting them play faster, they still just shot 1 of 22 in the 3rd quarter. Onto the South Beach area, James and Wade were just crowned Co-Players of the Month (sorry Bosh fans), and Spoe was Coach of the Month. And LeBron just called his team the Heatles. He can call his team anything he wants as long as they keep winning like this. It's the first time he and D3 scored 30+ on the same game. So much for your-turn-my-turn, these boys have really learned to play well together.

Rockets (106), Nuggets (113)

A fine showing from the Melo-Man with his 8th 30+pt game of the season. Boy are the Denverians (Denverlings? Denverlites?) really gonna miss this.

Timberwolves (93), Celtics (96)

I think it's the time of the season that the Celtics have decided to chill for a bit. Much like last year when they reserved their energy for the playoffs. This game was only decided in the final seconds with a questionable travelling call on Luke Ridnour. Rondo's back to his usual self with 16 assists. 

How the Ball Balls Dropped: Champs, Chomped, Churned, Chastised? (for aliteration's sake)

Grizzlies (104), Lakers (85)

That's right Gasols, exactly my reaction when I saw the final score. The Lakers look tired. A bunch of JSA defense throughout the game (Just Standing Around). Kobe tried to take over, getting the Lakers within 2 at the third quarter, but he just never got enough help to topple the team effort of the Griz. May I suggest a players-only meeting?

Rockets (85), Trailblazers (100)

Well this was a bummer. I guess I underestimated the Portlanders in my Bets-Log post. I forgot how resilient this team is despite the countless injuries. It also helps that Houston was without centers Yao Ming (7'6") and Chuck Hayes (6'6") You read that right, the top two centers of Houston are one foot apart.

Hawks (107), Clippers (98)

The Clips were actually up big early, but the Hawks came up big late. Two late threebees from Josh Smith helped seal the deal. And thousands of blackbirds dropped dead in Arkansas. Just thought I'd share. That's freaky stuff!

Celtics (93), Raptors (79)

On my defense, I did not know Rondo would be back! Okay, okay, I'll save that for todays Bets-Log. Going back to the game, a career high for DeRozan with 27pts. But the Celts were just better all around with Allen, Pierce and Big Baby picking up the slack. However! Cross your fingers Bostoners (Bostonians? Bostonites?), Pierce landed awkwardly on a breakaway jam late in the game when the outcome was already decided, and did not come back. No reports on it yet, but keep your tabs on that one folks.

How the Ball Balls Dropped: It Aint Over 'Til the Fat Lady Throws a Half-Court Buzzer Beater

Grizzlies (98), Kings (100)
Boy was I wrong putting this game as a forgetta-ball! Here's what happened...

About 20 seconds left in the game, Memphis up 96-95, Grizzlies ball.
Game.
Over.
No?
Why?
Tyreke Evans steals the ball from OJ Mayo, races up the court and dunks the ball. Kings up 97-96. 5.5 seconds left.
Game.
Over.
Still no?
What the-
Time-out Memphis. Half-court inbound. Mayo throws up a step-back fading runner and silences the crowd. Memphis leads, 98-97. 1.5 seconds left, no more time-outs, the Kings have to inbound the whole length of the court.
Game.
Over.
What?!
No?!
You gotta be kidding me!
As Cousins throws down his head as a sign of defeat, he gets the ball to Tyreke Evans, who took a few steps mid-court, and heaved a shot...
All.
Net.
Kings win.

Wow! One of the most amazing sequences in basketball.

How the Ball Balls Dropped: La La Land in La La Land

Lakers (82), Spurs (97)

Three straight losses for the Lakeshow. Yikes. What's even yikesier, is that the they lost by an average of about 17pts during that stretch. Kobe wasn't as mad as he was during Christmas, because now he's part of the blame (8/27 FG). And two 7footers and a 6'11" guy all got outplayed by a 6'8" dude. The Spurs now improve to a league best record of 27-4. 72-10 anyone?

Celtics (95), Pacers (83)

The Pacers were the Celtics' W#13 during their 14 game win streak, and they could be W#1 in another streak that Boston could start. The Beantown boys started sluggishly, falling behind by double digits, but came back like the (very very old. ancient even. but to be politically correct, we'll just call them the) veteran team that they are. JO's back, and Rondo could follow suit within the week. By the law of averages, that means either Shaq or KG will miss the next few games with a sore knee. (and Celtics fans all over suddenly knocked on wood)

Knicks (98), Heat (106)

Save for a late rally from the Knicks, this was all Heat. D3 had a season high 40pts and thwarted a comeback by New York. Bosh and Bron got 18pts apiece. Interesting scenario, 8 minutes into the contest, Zydrunas Ilgauskas (who fits the Boston definition quite well), had 12 pts and 9 rbds. Amare had 2pts and zero boards. Z for MVP.

Magic (110), Cavaliers (95)

This one was a close contest through 3, but then it rained threes. 19 3pointers overall for the Disney Boys (I actually like that better than "The Magicians" now), with a subpar game from Dwight because of foul trouble. The Cavs continue to be the lesser team that they are. The countdown to February begins.

How The Ball Balls Dropped: Christmas Edition

T'was the day of days in this oh so special season,

Excitement was aplenty, and aplenty were the reasons.

Three kings came to town for a very difficult test,

It was as difficult as the alphabet was to Ron Artest.

A match for the ages? A finals preview perhaps?

Last year's champs against this year's perhaps?

I have to find something else that rhymes with "perhaps",

There's gotta be something else, you know, like, booby traps?

It was a game not quite as we expected, I'm sure you've heard the reviews,

But at least it still wasn't as ugly as Kobe Bryant's Christmas shoes.

The Heat turned up the D, and the Lakers struggled to score,

Compared to the match we all thought it'd be, this really was a bore.

Bron got a triple-double, Bosh and Wade got theirs too,

But I couldn't say the same for the Mamba and his crew.

Miami tried to downplay it, that it was just another game,

But deep inside we all know they grinned as Kobe walked the walk of shame.

You can see the smoke come out of the nose and ears of Kobe,

Whenever he looks at the final score, Heat 96, Lakers 80.

And so the much awaited Christmas game came and went away,

But this is not the end, and we'll all patiently wait 'til these two teams meet another day...

How the Ball Balls Dropped: Black Magic

Spurs (101), Magic (123)

I'm not as much a fan of Orlando's black uni's as compared to Minnesota's (I think Orlando's has too much blue goin' on in the sides), but I am starting to be a fan of the new Magicians (as I have vowed to call them henceforth). Even the Hedo move is starting to make sense now. Orlando finally won with it's new roster, and ended the battle-weary Spurs' 10 game win streak (2nd night of b2b). And for their next trick (or at least an attempt to perform one), they will try to pull a rabit out of Shaq's ears against the Celtics.

Heat (95), Suns (83)

Well Gortat didn't do much, and didn't start. Bummer. Phoenix still put up a bit of a fight though getting a huge game from Jared Dudley. But even without Wade (sore knee), Miami still had Lebron and Bosh. Captain Obvious I know, but that sums up this game. And that's exactly why this Miami team is that dangerous. No Wade? LeBosh. No Lebron? Dwosh. No Bosh? LeWade. No Z? Dampier. No Miller? James Jones. No Arroyo? Chalmers. No House? a hobo. 

Bucks (84), Kings (79)

Ugly game. The face of the franchise Evans continues to hit the sophomore wall this injury-plagued season scoring just 4 points on 2of13 shooting. The supposed other face Cousins had more turnovers (5) than points (2). Milwaukee was just a tad bit better offensively, but clearly better on the defensive end. Mah' man Earl "the Boy" Boykins had 19 pts to follow his 22pt showing yesterday against the Lakers. And as if things aren't bad enough for SacTown, rumors of firing Westphal have already circulated. Merry Christmas Sacramento!

How the Ball Balls Dropped: Prophetic Tendencies

Pistons (115), Raptors (93)

I will bet my neighbor's dog that none of you, NONE OF YOU predicted this T-Mac performance (17pts 7rbds 7assts 3stls). Wanna know who saw that one coming? The good looking guy who wrote this. I have to be careful with what I say next time. I was just talking about a possible Heat-Mavs finals the other day...

76ers (80), Celtics (84)
The Sixers at least scored over 76pts this time (does this make them the 80ers now?), but the Celtics' veteran savvy is unparalleled in the league right now. Boston's streak is up to 14 heading into Christmas, and with Shaq-a-Claus on they're side, there's a good chance they'll be on Santa's good boys list this year.

Nuggets (103), Spurs (109)

K-Mart's back, Birdman's back, and Mr.Big Shot's back. The Nugs still lost to the Spurs though, playing without Melo who's sister just died due to some medical condition not disclosed. Our deepest condolences to the Anthony family. No jokes for this one folks.

Nets (91), Hornets (105)

Another sad story here with Willie Green missing the game because of the death of his sister and his cousin who both died from a car wreck. (This post is becoming more and more depressing. What a way to welcome Christmas)

Thunder (98), Knicks (112)

Fatigue might have played a factor here, but the Knicks just really looked more alive in this game. Durant outscored Stoudemire, but Amar'e got more help. And damn I'm giddy about these new commercials! Here's Durant's, and here's Amar'e's. Can't wait for CP3's and Stephen Curry's that are reportedly following soon.

Jazz (112), Timberwolves (107)
The wolves were up by 15 late in the 3rd. Not a good place to be when you're playing against Utah. Yet again, the Jazz rallied from a double digit deficit, and came up on top, giving Jerry Sloan the solo spot for third in the all-time winningest coach list. Can we just give the guy the COTY award now? I mean, come on! He's already been inducted in the HOF!