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NBA Power Rankings: New Year, New Number One

By Joe Boikess | January 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Dwight Howard - Keith Allison/Flickr.com

It's been two weeks since the last edition of my power rankings, where the East's mighty trio of Boston, Cleveland and Orlando took the top three spots. But that was last year, and now that 2008 has come and gone, it's time for a new leader: the Lakers. There was plenty of repositioning elsewhere as well, including the Detroit Pistons re-entering the top-10 for the first time since mid-November.1. Los Angeles Lakers (27-5) - Technically the Lakers are still a half-game behind the Celtics for the NBA's best record, but after L.A. beat Boston pretty convincingly on Christmas Day, then downed both Utah and Portland by double digits, there's no question who should be #1.2. Cleveland Cavaliers (27-6) - LeBron couldn't rally the Cavs past the Heat last week on his birthday despite dropping 24 of his 38 in the second half, and I can forgive him for that. But...

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Big Win...Bigger Loss?

By Jamie Lucas | January 6, 2009 | Solid Gold

I thought I would sleep peacefully tonight. After the last two games ended in emotional fashion (a last second victory over Oklahoma City and a near collapse against New Orleans), the Nuggets doled out a lopsided 135-115 beat down on the Indiana Pacers and came away with a huge win. Unfortunately, they may have suffered a gigantic loss. Carmelo Anthony had a big night, scoring 21 points and adding 6 rebounds and a season high 9 assists, but it may be his last showing on the court for some time. Early in the third quarter, Melo had the ball slapped away but his hand seemed to take the brunt of the impact. He remained in the game but was in obvious pain, often grimacing and holding his hand. Melo reluctantly went to the training room halfway through the fourth quarter and never returned. While the extent of the injury...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, J.R. Smith, NBA

Eight-Second Violation: Tuesday, December 6, 2009

By Zach Harper | January 6, 2009 | Talk Hoops

By Zach HarperMarbury Potential Hard For People To Give Up OnWhat is it about potential, skill sets, and athleticism that makes us all clamor for those who don't deserve the attention? Is it because not even one percent of the world can accomplish the things that we see on the hardwood/parquet floor every night? Is it because we can make anybody in NBA 2K9 a threat to be great?(First side note: It really is true that NBA 2K9 is the Matrix for anyone that we want to turn into Neo and give them free reign on the pixilated battle ground that resides in my XBOX 360. I have seen Kevin Ollie and his mustache drop 62, Steve Francis play like he actually still existed, and Earl Watson perform like Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas settled their difference, had a love child, and named him after Earl Monroe and Matt...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Boston Celtics, Caron Butler, Crab Dribble, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Stephon Marbury, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz

Eight-Second Violation: Monday, January 5, 2009

By Zach Harper | January 5, 2009 | Talk Hoops

By Zach HarperCeltics Free FallNearly two weeks ago, the Boston Celtics were 27-2 and threatening to tear down the doors to the exclusive 70-win Club that was founded by the '95-'96 Chicago Bulls. Now, thirteen days later and the Celtics would be ecstatic to just put together two straight wins. The Celtics have faltered from their Christmas time road trip that has featured four losses in six games and now has the Celtics barely hanging on for the second best record in the league. 70 wins is nearly a mathematical impossibility and home court advantage throughout the playoffs is something they'll have to work for. The Christmas Day loss to the Lakers in the Staples Center was excusable because the Lakers are a good team with a deadly superstar. And the following loss to the Golden State Warriors in Oakland seemed to be the product of a back to...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Boston Celtics, Both Teams Played Hard, Denver Nuggets, Dwight Howard, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Portland Trailblazers, The Basketball Jones

No Southern Hospitality?

By Jamie Lucas | December 31, 2008 | Solid Gold

Someone very important was missing tonight from the Denver Nuggets' starting line up, and the Atlanta Hawks absolutely exploited his absence in their 109-91 victory Monday night. Denver went without big man and NBA field goal percentage leader Nene due to a sore neck from a fall in last night's 117-110 victory in New York. The Hawks manhandled the undersized Denver line up all night, beating them 44-27 on the boards and capitalizing on their many second chance opportunities. It was a game in which Denver's tempers flared and Mike Bibby's shots fell. The Nuggets became frustrated with the physicality of Atlanta's play, and Atlanta reveled in Denver's agitation. Bibby shot 5-6 from behind the three-point line, and he shot from WELL beyond the arc several times. Denver's collective frustration manifested itself in the form of two technical foul calls, with one on each of their leaders; Carmelo Anthony...

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NBA Studs and Duds: 12/29/08

By Stu Holdren | December 29, 2008 | NBA Noise

Studs:Al Jefferson, Minnesota TimberwolvesTimberwolves fans can rejoice with their second win in three games, and Al Jefferson was a major part of tonight's. The Grizzlies had no answer for Jefferson, who scored a season-high 38 points and snagged 16 rebounds in a 108-98 overtime victory. [boxscore]Shaquille O'Neal, Phoenix SunsAfter Steve Nash went out of the game in the first quarter with back spasms, the Diesel took the game into his own hands and helped the Suns get a 110-102 win against the Thunder. O'Neal put together a complete game with 28 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks and made a very un-Shaq-like 8 of 12 free throws. [boxscore]Stephen Jackson, Golden State WarriorsIn true, frantic Warriors fashion, Stephen Jackson produced his fourth 30-point game as the Warriors beat the Raptors 117 to 111. Jackson also got himself involved in all other aspects of the game as he had 7 rebounds,...

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: Al Jefferson, Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, Phoenix Suns, Shaquille O'Neal, Stephen Jackson, Yao Ming

Power Rankings: Green Comes Out on Top

By Celticsfanatic | December 24, 2008 | Celtics 17

Rajon Rondo on the Jumbotron - culhanen

Today on Celtics17, we will be having our very own power rankings! We will be breaking the top fifteen teams in the NBA. Who comes out on top? We'll see soon enough.2008 Power Rankings1. Boston Celtics - Ranked second in John Hollinger's power rankings, first in Marc Stein's power rankings, and first in Joe Boikess's power rankings, the Celtics are near the top in just about every single one. Heading into the Staples Center, they have a 19 game winning streak, and a record 27-2 start this year. Now thats impressive.2. Cleveland Cavaliers - Ranked first in John Hollinger's rankings (link above), the Cavs are one of the toughest teams you could think of in the NBA. Their league leading margin of victory is +13.04, and they have one of the most dominant players in the game, LeBron James, who is averaging 27.6 points per game.3. Orlando Magic - Their...

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, NBA, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Power Rankings, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz

NBA Stock Market: Rondo Keeping Celtics on Record Pace

By Joe Boikess | December 22, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Rajon Rondo surveying the floor (Photo via culhanen/flickr.com)

Note: We at MVN Outsider have re-organized our posting schedule in an effort to make our sports coverage more well rounded and timely. For those of you expecting to see the NBA Power Rankings today, that post has been moved to Tuesdays. With these changes, get ready to see more fresh content every day on every major sport. Thanks, and enjoy!Rising:Boston Celtics - Honestly, this team has been on the rise this entire season, piling up wins at a rate that we haven't seen since the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. They now have won 18 in a row and have tied the league mark for the best start (26-2) for a team with two losses. Their recent success has been due in large part to the play of point guard Rajon Rondo. When the team needs him to score, he does it (as we saw on Sunday in the C's win...

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NBA Power Rankings: New Year, New Number One

By Joe Boikess | January 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Dwight Howard - Keith Allison/Flickr.com

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NBA Stock Market: Rondo Keeping Celtics on Record Pace

By Joe Boikess | December 22, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Rajon Rondo surveying the floor (Photo via culhanen/flickr.com)

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, NBA, NBA Outsider, New York Knicks

NBA Week 7 Power Rankings

By Joe Boikess | December 15, 2008 | MVN Outsider

The Celtics were perfect last week once again, cementing them at number one for the second straight week, while the Lakers slipped up in Sacramento, opening up the door for Cleveland to move up to number two. But Atlanta ended the Cavs' hopes for jumping L.A., and thus our top three remain unchanged from last week. Portland dropped out of the top 10 after losing three in a row, while the Spurs, winners of six straight, moved up to number six.1. Boston Celtics (22-2) - With the way that the Celtics are easily dispatching every foe (the latest victims being a tough Hornets team), you have to wonder if they will start to become complacent. It's on Doc and KG to make sure that doesn't happen.2. Los Angeles Lakers (20-3) - The Lakers end their four-game homestand against the Knicks on Tuesday before beginning the four-game road trip that precedes...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, NBA Outsider, Orlando Magic

NBA Stock Market: Spurs back among the West's elite

By Joe Boikess | December 11, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Tim Duncan posts up Big Baby (flickr.com/Lorianne DiSabato)

Here's this week's risers and fallers from around the NBA...Rising:San Antonio Spurs - This team's 2-5 start to the season sure does seem like it happened ages ago. As of today San Antonio has won four games in a row and is back to being in the thick of the Southwest Division. In the last week the Spurs have gotten wins in Denver and Dallas in addition to cruising to home wins over the Warriors and Hawks. Manu Ginobili returned to his usual role as sixth man extraordinaire, while Tim Duncan continues to be virtually unguardable. San Antonio might not contend with the Lakers for the West's top seed in the playoffs, but they have as good of a chance as any team to finish as high as second.Carmelo Anthony - Last night's Nuggets-Timberwolves game probably didn't get a whole lot of viewers outside of the Denver and Minneapolis areas,...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Carmelo Anthony, Charlotte Bobcats, Denver Nuggets, Elton Brand, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, NBA Outsider, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs

Top ten surprises of the NBA season so far

By Jon Burkett | November 18, 2008 | MVN Outsider

With most teams past the 10 game point in the NBA season, subplots and storylines are emerging. While the Lakers and Celtics are clearly the top teams in the league, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are playing well as the best of the rest. Other teams have not been up to the challenge. Heading in to Tuesday's action, here are the top ten surprises of the NBA season so far... 10. Mark Cuban's alleged insider trading - The league's most entertaining and passionate owner has been on the wrong side of David Stern before. He has a reputation for being a bit of a rogue, but always follows the law. The most surprising aspect of the story to me is public reaction fueled by speculation. Sure, the NBA is still reeling from image issues of the Tim Donaghy scandal two summers ago. But every piece of gossip is not...Read more

Read more | 3 Comments | Tags: Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clipppers, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA, NBA Outsider, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards

Report: Iverson to Pistons for Billups, McDyess

By Michael De Leon | November 3, 2008 | MVN Outsider

According to reports from RotoWorld and the Boston Globe, Allen Iverson has been traded to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess.The Nuggets have been trying to cut salary since the offseason when they offloaded Marcus Camby for the right to exchange second round picks with the Clippers in 2010.The Nuggets need a ball handler and Billups would fit that role with J.R. Smith likely moving into the starting lineup to replace Iverson. Billups and McDyess have both played for the Nuggets and Billups also played college ball at Colorado.Billups has been on the trade block in Detroit and while Iverson may not be the reliable point guard that Billups was, he certainly adds a dimension to the Pistons offense. As if chasing Rip Hamilton around wasn't hard enough, the speedy and unpredictable Iverson poses his own challenges to opposing defenses.The Pistons could also see this...Read more

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, NBA, NBA Outsider, trade

How the West will be won

By Joe Boikess | October 22, 2008 | MVN Outsider

With the NBA regular season set to tip off in less than a week, it's time to reveal my predictions for how the Western Conference will shape up. Last year the requirement was at least 50 wins for a team to make the playoffs in the ultra competitive West, and I believe this year will be no different. That's not to say that all the same teams will be there in the end, however...In addition to ranking the teams in the order that I believe they'll finish, I decided to also separate the teams into tiers based on their potential to win the West. Here goes...Tier 1: The Clear Favorites1. New Orleans Hornets (1st in Southwest) - I realize that preseason performances should only be taken with a grain of salt, but the Hornets are 6-0 so far, and they have allowed the third-fewest points of any team during the...Read more

Read more | 7 Comments | Tags: Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, NBA Outsider, New Orleans Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz, Western Conference

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