Saturday, March 17, 2007

Shaq is up, Kobe is down. - NBA notes - 03/15/2007

The Shaq-Kobe contrast is still pretty stark. Kobe's image is pretty much re-invented along with his number 24. He is widely considered the best there is in the NBA and is rarely blamed for the Shaq-trade anymore since all of that is becoming old news these days. Shaq on the other hand appeared to be on a decline and though he won a ring in Miami, thats equal parts Wade and Shaq with Wade winning the finals MVP. Also Shaq has been talking too much garbage lately damaging his own reputation. But recently it looks like the contrast is on display again. With Wade out, Shaq has been playing real well and the Heat have won 9 of 11. Kobe on the other hand has been losing a lot lately with all the Laker injuries. So looks like Shaq can win without Wade, while Kobe needs all his teammates. He actually got back both Odom and Walton today. They looked good for a half, but Denver pulled away in the third and Kobe had no answers. Linas Kleiza had 29 points on 5-6 three pointers and Melo had 26.

The Heat beat the Nets behind 21-12 by Udonis Haslem. Kidd had a near triple double with 9-10-14, but shot just 3-13 in the loss. That actually was better than the 4-15 shot by Vinsanity. The Bucks fired Terry Stotts and his replacement Larry Krystkowiak lead them to a surprising victory over the Spurs. This ended the Spurs 13 game winning streak. Redd had a 13-20 shooting night for 29 points. Those are some good numbers against the Spurs D. I guess the Bucks played some passionate ball for their new coach. This usually lasts for about 2 games before they come back to earth and play like they usually did for the old coach.

LA Lakers @ Denver - 86-113
Miami @ New Jersey - 93-86

Interesting games on the board for Mar 16-th (Friday)

Detroit @ Phoenix - Possible finals matchup. Suns should be on a high after the Dallas win.

Boston @ Dallas - Dallas is on a 2 game losing streak. It should end today.

Minnesota @ Golden State - Games for the 8-th spot in the West.

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