Tuesday Bolts – 1.11.11
Zach Lowe looks at stat-padding: “The main difference between the Westbrook and Rondo plays comes down to score and time. Rondo padded his stats early, with the game in the balance, while Westbrook did so after the Hawks had already given up. Most folks would agree the sporting thing for Westbrook to do would have been to let the clock run out, though there is some merit to the notion that the Hawks are professionals who should be above crying over some late-game stat-padding.”
The 66ers won their D-League showcase game yesterday 103-83. Latavious Williams continues to look impressive, putting up 18 points and 12 rebounds. Cole Aldrich had 12 points, four rebounds and four blocks.
Stein’s power rankings: “For all the talk about the Thunder’s regression on D, who looks more stable in the Northwest Division than Durant, Westbrook and Co.? Utah, Portland and Denver (and Sota, obviously) would all trade for OKC’s problems.”
Meet the dunk participants. Well, just Blake Griffin for now.
Fanhouse power rankings: “Kevin Durant scored 28 points in his team’s five-point loss to Memphis last week. When the Thunder played them again this week, Durant added 12 points to his scoring total by dropping 40, and his team won by nine. Good thing someone else stepped up with those two extra points.”
HoopsWorld rankings: “The Thunder draw the Magic and Lakers this week – certainly time to make a statement.”
David Aldridge: “Not hating on IBlocka, but RWest would have been my choice from the 405 for the Slam Dunk contest at All-Star.”
A pretty good tweet from Nick Collison: “Meeting up with my lil girl at kids science center after practice. I look pretty suspect alone as 30yr old dude buying a ticket.”
John Rohde: “If we are to believe Thunder coach Scott Brooks, his eyes never wander to the Northwest. Every NBA divisional winner is guaranteed home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Brooks has been asked multiple times if he follows the Northwest Division more closely than others, but he has yet to confess. “I watch the whole league,” Brooks said. “I love basketball. I love NBA League Pass. I love looking at all the box scores. I look at it. I know what every team is doing. I probably could tell you everybody’s record in the league.”
