By Craig Kwasniewski
Doubleheader action tonight on TNT. One game is an intriguing rematch from earlier in the season while the other features two teams clearly on their downward slide. Here's a quick peek at the action:
Detroit at Miami: Suit-Fu against a kinder-gentler Detroit Pistons. Shaq is recovering from knee surgery and Miami is suddenly looking really old. (BTW - knee surgery was not on the injury pool so money will be returned.) Dwyane Wade's doing his best to carry the Heat until the Big Mannequin returns to action, averaging an impressive 33.7 points, 13.3 assists and 6 rebounds the last three games. The rest of the Heat need to pick up the slack for them to have any chance against the Pistons tonight.
The Pistons have recovered from a sluggish start, running off six straight wins. The defensive oriented Pistons of the past four seasons is long gone, they are giving up an average 96.4 points per game. Still, I see Detroit winning this game, but expect another heroic effort from Wade.
Utah at LA Lakers: Before the season started, I was going to give these tickets away for an early Christmas gift. I have to admit that I'm still having a hard time believing in the Utah Jazz resurgence. Didn't they have similar starts the past two seasons? I say wait until AK-47 and Boozer put in 30 games before we count them as contenders, they usually drop out with injuries around the holidays. Though, I'm curious to see how good Deron Williams is in person.
The Lakers were stymied by Milwaukee's zone defense on Tuesday. I expect to see more of the same tonight. Unlike Tuesday, where Kobe seemed a step slow, I expect a more healthy effort from Number 24. Utah wins a close one.
Speaking of Number 24, did he ever explain the logic behind his changing numbers? I seem to remember him saying something along the lines that everything would get explained at the beginning of the season, but never heard anything else. Did I just miss out? Have I been asleep all this time?
Posted by: Alex | November 30, 2006 at 12:50 AM
He gives a reason for the change to 24 on his website:
http://media.kb24.com/?a=video&id=1
Who really knows the real reason?
Posted by: Craig | November 30, 2006 at 01:41 AM
I like the Adidas theory: He dropped the 8 so Adidas (who manufactures the Crazy-8's, which he use to wear) wouldn't have an implied player to push the shoes with. Adidas no longer cuts Kobe any checks, so he didn't want them cashing in on his number... As for 24, I think he's doing the 'one better than Mike' thing, which is absolutely idiotic.
Posted by: geebs | November 30, 2006 at 08:42 AM
the lakers will beat the jazz tonite ... and they will win big too !
Posted by: coach | November 30, 2006 at 08:48 AM
The Lakers are in a groove. They are killing the Jazz. Lamar is playing well, and Kobe is sharing the ball...and who knows it'll last. But it is fun to watch for the time being.
Posted by: basketball | November 30, 2006 at 09:59 PM
The Lakers WON because they were inspired . Lindsay Lohan was in the crowd !
Posted by: NIKE | December 01, 2006 at 06:14 AM
The Lakers are on a roll...playing well.
Posted by: basketball drills | December 10, 2006 at 06:20 PM