New Day, Same Result

Christmas day was as usual a big day in the NBA today. ABC kicked off it's season with 2 great games. Unfortunately for the Suns, it was a new game, but the result was the same. They played as well as they can against the Spurs and lost at the buzzer to a 3 pointer. Lately the Suns are losing to the Spurs via the dagger 3. Who can forget the stupid 3 that Timmy hit last playoffs. But then again, the dagger 3's have killed the Suns since the days of Mario Elie. This time it was someone called Roger Mason. Pop put him and other 3 point shooters in and the Suns should have played it safe with the 3-point line. Instead J-Rich left Mason to help Grant Hill on Parker's penetration and Tony found Mason for the open 3. Amare was as always ready to let Finley hit a open 3 too, but the ball went to Mason instead. You could say it was bad D, but it does take more than one guy to stop Parker and what are you gonna do? It is what it is and just another loss for the Suns.

The prime-time game was Lakers-V-Celtics. ESPN has been pimping this game forever and I guess it lived up to it. The Lakers team and the fans were ready for revenge after the Celtics embarrassed them in the Finals last season. It was a lot more important for the Lakers to win this one, especially since they were at home. But give them credit. They did win and stopped the 19 game winning streak of the Celtics. Thats no joke. Kobe was great and he repeatedly setup Pau for basket after basket at the end of the game. Of course Pau's ability to score and finish is really what has put this team over the top since his arrival. He is probably the only guy Kobe trusts on offense. Pau even got a key block, which is really not his deal. This is probably a finals preview and it should be a better series this year given that both teams are even better than they were last year. Lakers might have closed the gap, but the Celtics are still better. But of course you need a body or two to guard Kobe.

Cleveland won again at home against the weak Wizards team. They are 15-0 at home. They are a legit contender and the Celtics-Cavs games this season should be as good as the Celtics-Lakers. The Cavs can definitely hang with anybody. LeBron didn't have a great game, but he is a load. It's amazing how many 3-point opportunities he gets in a game. Like Barkley says, when something that big and strong comes at you at full speed, you can't kiss it, you have to hit it! A lot of fouls are like somebody kissing him and has no impact on his shot. Dallas won the night-cap on TNT at Portland. Dirk was impressive, but it's amazing to watch little J.J.Barea do so much for this team. That guy killed the Blazers late in the game. Brandon Roy ran out of magic finally and this was a tough loss for the Blazers. Looks like the Mavs are back to being the Mavs of old. Interesting Christmas day overall. It started with Roger Mason and ended with J.J.Barea.