NBA FanHouse

More Than Just a Bad Start for Warriors

Matt Steinmetz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:33:00 EST

SACRAMENTO -- It's not so much the Warriors' 1-4 start that's the problem. It's the teams they've lost to and the manner in which they've been defeated.

Nobody expected the Warriors to be among the Western Conference elite. But they shouldn't be a team that can't compete with the L.A. Clippers and Sacramento Kings. But they can't. Not now.

What a miserable weekend it was for the Warriors. And you could tell by taking one stroll through the locker room after their 120-107 loss to the Kings on Sunday that there's more to this tough start than just a tough start.

"No identity, that's it," Corey Maggette said. "There's no identity, there's no chemistry ... so we've got to figure it out. It's chaos."

Don't be fooled by the 13-point margin of defeat. The Warriors were down 112-87 midway through the fourth period before a late run made the final score more cosmetically appealing.

On Friday, the Clippers took apart the Warriors 118-90 at Oracle Arena, a place where Golden State usually can hold its own. We'll see if they can't do that against the Timberwolves there on Monday.

For the second straight game, Warriors coach Don Nelson was in no mood to elaborate on his team's performance. He spoke to the media for fewer than two minutes after the loss to the Kings. On Friday after the Clippers' loss, he was on the dais for less than 60 seconds.

He spent half his time on Sunday praising Paul Westphal and the Kings before getting around to his own squad.

"Again, we didn't have a very good game," Nelson said. "I thought we gave it our best effort and it wasn't good enough. That's really all I have to say."

Said Stephen Jackson: "Another beatdown. What can I say? It's just all bad right now."

Jackson was like a lot of Warriors on Sunday. His numbers didn't look all that bad - 21 points on 7-of-16 from the field - but those numbers mattered little because the Warriors weren't really in the game for most of the night.

"It can be tough, but you have to stay positive," Jackson said. "What else can you do? They're already looking for somebody to blame it on so I ain't going to be negative. I'm going to stay positive and say we've got a lot of work to do and try to get this one (Monday)."

Monta Ellis struggled against the Kings, finishing with just nine points, five assists and zero answers.

"I don't know ... I don't know, man," Ellis said. "Like I said last game we've got to figure it out somehow. If I had an answer I would give it to you. At this point I don't know. At this point all we can do is try to play our way out of it. We can't talk no more. Can't say this, can't say that, get through this as a team. It's a tough start but the only way we're going to get out of it is if we get ourselves out."

More Steinmetz on Twitter: @matt_steinmetz

More Than Just a Bad Start for Warriors originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's Early, but Chris Kaman Breaking Out

Matt Steinmetz — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:53:00 EST

Filed under: Clippers, NBA Press Box

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Anyone who has watched the L.A. Clippers so far this season pretty much has the same question: what's up with Chris Kaman?

The guy's been playing some ball and doesn't seem to resemble the player of past years. But according to coach Mike Dunleavy, nothing at all is up.

"The only difference with him is he's shooting the ball," Dunleavy said before the Clippers dismantled the Warriors, 118-90, on Friday night. "And I mean literally shooting the ball. He's always been able to shoot the ball but always had this kind of mentality of 'I can't take too many shots,' or 'I need to get closer to the basket.' "

Kaman looked more like a go-to guy than a role player against the Warriors. The Clippers constantly fed him in the low post, and he wore out a host of Golden State defenders. Kaman finished with 22 points and nine rebounds, right on his season averages entering the game of 22 and 10.

"Growing up, the way I was taught basketball was that it's a team game," Kaman said. "I was just trying to get my teammates involved and make them feel comfortable playing with me. And the same thing for them now. They try to look for me and so it's a give-and-take type of thing. I'm not going to shoot an off-balance shot unless it's a shot-clock thing and I have to.

"My teammates have done a great job this year of giving me the ball in places where I know I'm capable. I'm trying to do the right thing by taking good shots and taking advantage of the situation."

Kaman started out the game by knocking down an 18-footer, and he wound up scoring in a variety of ways. He had a half-hook or two, a face-up jumper here and there and cashed in on some garbage when the time came.

"He lost a lot of weight, he's in shape and it's the fact that we're out there trying to work," teammate Baron Davis said. "We're working. Last year we didn't play much with each other but we didn't understand, didn't have a good understanding of each other."

This year things appear to be different.

"I'm getting better and trying to feel out his game a little bit and how he likes to play," Kaman said about Davis. "I didn't get to do that a lot last year, not playing all those games (because of injury), and our record. It was just tough last year. I'm just starting to get more comfortable playing with him.

"I'm ready. I'm trying to be ready when he throws the ball because sometimes you don't know it's coming as the guy receiving the pass. He just makes great plays and I just try to put it in the basket."

For much of the third quarter, the Clippers ran their offense exclusively through Kaman. He had 12 of his 22 points in the period and gave L.A. the stability to weather an early run in the quarter by the Warriors.

"If you watched him from the time he came in, he'd go out and shoot left-handed 3-pointers and his stroke looked gorgeous," Dunleavy said. "But forever he'd get the ball and put the ball on the floor, got to pound it, got to get closer to try to score. And we're like: 'Just shoot it." If you get the ball in the post, just go left, go right. If you're outside and get an open look, go shoot it. He's been doing that more."

Dunleavy foresees no trouble when Kaman eventually pairs in the frontcourt with rookie Blake Griffin, who is out with a stress fracture.

"They play great together," Dunleavy said. "There's no issue with them at all. Absolutely (in the preseason) they played really well together."

And right now, Kaman's playing pretty well by himself, too.

It's Early, but Chris Kaman Breaking Out originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Baron Davis Says There's 'Something Brewing' in Clipperland

Matt Steinmetz — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:47:00 EST

Filed under: Clippers, NBA Press Box

OAKLAND -- First thing you notice about Baron Davis these days is that beard. It's long, it's thick and it's got some scruff. It's back -- and all of it, too.

Now whether the Los Angeles Clippers are back remains to be seen. But the return of Davis' beard is certainly a good omen. So was the arrival of Blake Griffin.

"I want to put the work in and I want to show people again," Davis said Sunday night before the Clippers-Warriors exhibition opener. "I don't want to talk about it, really. There's nothing for me to say. I grew my beard back. That's all you need to know."

So, what does the beard mean? "You know what it means," Davis responded.

What it likely means is that the Clippers might be worth keeping an eye on this year. It absolutely looks like Davis, after a disappointing 2008-09 for the Clippers, is poised for a big year.

He's in shape and perhaps just as important he's comfortable and seems to be in a good frame of mind.

"It took me a year to adjust to this situation," said Davis, who signed a five-year, $65 million contract last offseason with L.A. "I didn't know what to expect ... no idea what to expect. It was a weird year. It was a weird summer and it carried into a weird year.

"It takes me a while for me to get used to a situation and for people to get used to me. Now, I think I'm back to being me. Back to being who I know I can be. And I know how to be successful."

The Clippers, on the other hand, don't. They've been to the postseason just once in the past 12 seasons. But Davis is smelling change.

"Something's brewing," Davis said. "You know what I mean? There's an energy ... a different kind of energy here from what we had last year. There were no expectations last year. Now we've got expectations and a different kind of energy."

Some of that was brought on by Griffin, a rookie who seems to get it.

"He's going to be good," Davis said. "He's going to be real good. He wants to learn. I think that's the most important thing when you have someone who gets a lot of attention. He's come in here and been nothing but humble.

"He's got a great work ethic, he's humble and he's willing to learn. Put that together with his physical ability, his ability to move at his size and handle the ball. He's got a big upside."

Who knows? Maybe the Clippers do, too.

More Steinmetz on Twitter: @matt_steinmetz

Baron Davis Says There's 'Something Brewing' in Clipperland originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lakers Parade: Behind The Scenes

Elie Seckbach — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Lakers, Playoffs, NBA Videos, Interviews, NBA Press Box

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.

Close to 90,000 hardcore Lakers fans packed the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to celebrate the Lakers' NBA championship, among them USC's Pete Carroll, the Lakers girls, politicians, cops and Los Angeles' best and most unpredictable fans.

In this exclusive FanHouse video, NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant spots me in the crowd and gives me a shout-out. We also meet the cast of characters that make up the mozaic of Lakers fans, from the adult man who walks around with a Kobe action figure, to the fan who says he'll kill an Orlando fan after the parade (jokingly, we hope), to the fans who called out of work sick to be at the parade. This is one video you wont want to miss.

Check out the video after the jump.

Lakers Parade: Behind The Scenes originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kobe Is Blowing It

Terence Moore — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:20:00 EST

Filed under: Lakers, Magic, Playoffs, NBA Press Box

ORLANDO -- Kobe Bryant knows better. So do Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol, along with the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead, they all failed miserably Tuesday night at Amway Arena beyond what they didn't do on the court against the Orlando Magic during Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Off the court, they failed, because they kept trying to convince us in the land of Disney World that Mickey Mouse is Goofy in disguise, that dreams really don't come true and that Kobe is only human, and Kobe isn't allowed to be. That is, not if he wishes to join the league's elite of all-time instead of just the elite of this time.

He knows it.

His teammates know it, too.

We all know this universally crowned "best closer in the game" can't become less than Michael, Magic or Larry down the stretch of any championship game to keep critics from rolling their eyes. Is that fair? Yep, because you have that elite of the elites, and then you have the level below that, where Kobe resides. He wants to rise higher, so consider: Shy of an injury or illness -- and none was reported for Bryant in this one, except for maybe a bruised ego -- the rumbling, stumbling, bumbling guy that we saw near the end of the Lakers' 108-104 meltdown was unacceptable.

Phil Jackson also knows this. He coached Michael to six world championships with the Chicago Bulls, and nobody ever accused Michael of possessing flesh and blood, especially when dribbling in June. Still, Jackson said of Bryant's inability on Tuesday night to make free throws, drill shots down the stretch and avoid a game-high four turnovers, including a killer one inside the final 30 seconds, "You know, we're all frail as humans. Sometimes not as much as others."

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ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 9: Golfer Tiger Woods talks with Director Spike Lee prior to Game Three of the 2009 NBA Finals betweeb the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic at Amway Arena on June 9, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Credit: 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tiger Woods;Spike Lee

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ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 9: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on prior to playing against the Orlando Magic in Game Three of the 2009 NBA Finals at Amway Arena on June 9, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Credit: 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kobe Bryant

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ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 9: Pau Gasol #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks against the Orlando Magic in Game Three of the 2009 NBA Finals at Amway Arena on June 9, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Credit: 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Pau Gasol

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ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 9: Trevor Ariza #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot against Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic in Game Three of the 2009 NBA Finals at Amway Arena on June 9, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Credit: 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Trevor Ariza;Dwight Howard

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ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 9: Hedo Turkoglu #15 of the Orlando Magic drives for a shot attempt against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the 2009 NBA Finals at Amway Arena on June 9, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Credit: 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Hedo Turkoglu

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ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 9: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Orlando Magic in Game Three of the 2009 NBA Finals at Amway Arena on June 9, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Credit: 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kobe Bryant

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ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 9: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers reaches for a rebound against the Orlando Magic in Game Three of the 2009 NBA Finals at Amway Arena on June 9, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Credit: 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Pau Gasol

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ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 09: Mickael Pietrus #20 of the Orlando Magic drives for a dunk attempt against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the 2009 NBA Finals at Amway Arena on June 9, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Credit: 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mickael Pietrus

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ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 9: Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives for a shot attempt against Tony Battie #4 of the Orlando Magic in Game Three of the 2009 NBA Finals at Amway Arena on June 9, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Credit: 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lamar Odom

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ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 09: Mickael Pietrus #20 of the Orlando Magic drives for a dunk attempt against Derek Fisher #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the 2009 NBA Finals at Amway Arena on June 9, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Credit: 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** the Orlando Magic

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Talk to the hand, Phil. You know that when Michael, Magic and Larry saw blood in the water, they always evolved into Great Whites in sneakers during these situations -- well, almost always. Michael and his Bulls had their issues with Isiah's Bad Boys from Detroit, and when Larry's Boston Celtics and Magic's Lakers weren't losing to each other, they occasionally were losing to others.

Michael, Magic and Larry always recovered, though, and they always did so dramatically in their prime. Kobe is in his prime. That's why Kobe operating as the anti-Michael, Magic and Larry for a night is encouraging news for the Lakers, especially since he really does wish to join the elite of the elite. So you just know his bruised ego will heal in time for Game 4, and you just know he will play out of his mind on Thursday night to push the Lakers to a 3-1 lead in this best-of-seven series.

You just know it, because Bryant can't look any worse than he did on Tuesday night when it counted. With the Lakers needing every point they could muster inside the final two minutes, Bryant missed the fifth of his 10 foul shots for the game. He botched a three-point attempt from 26 feet and then another from 27 feet. In fact, he went from a sizzling first quarter with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the floor to missing 11 of his last 14 shot attempts. Mostly, he couldn't care less that he had open teammates, and when he tried to squeeze between a couple of Orlando defenders during the closing seconds, he had the ball stripped.

Thus the Kobe alibis by others.

"I've seen him hit shots when he's winded, sick with the flu, things like that, so it happens," said Odom, shrugging, with a little laugh. Gasol nodded in agreement across the way in the visitors' locker room. The same went for Trevor Ariza, adding of Kobe's shaky play in the second half, "We're not concerned with that."

Jackson even alluded to the "T" word, which is a convenient way of excusing what your most significant player didn't or couldn't do. Said Jackson, when asked if Bryant was tired, "Yeah. He'll say no."

To Bryant's credit, he did say no. He also said of his Game 3, "It was disappointing. I'm used to coming through in those situations. The team trusts me to come through in those situations, and it just didn't happen tonight."

It'll happen Thursday night. If Kobe wishes to join Michael, Magic and Larry without the hint of doubt, he hasn't a choice.

Kobe Is Blowing It originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Johnson Unhappy but Not Complaining

Matt Steinmetz — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Lakers, Magic, Playoffs, NBA Press Box, FanHouse Exclusive

LOS ANGELES -- Orlando point guard Jameer Nelson has been getting a lot of attention now that he's returned to the court after being out four months with a shoulder injury.

Nelson played 23 minutes in the Magic's Game 1 loss to the Lakers, and he did some good and some bad -- not that it mattered much in the 100-75 loss. After the game, there was a lot of talk about whether or not Nelson should have played and if so how much.

Lost in the attention was Anthony Johnson, who just like that went from backup point guard to third point guard. Quite a demotion, and just in time for the NBA Finals. That was Johnson's only DNP-CD of the playoffs.

"Making it to the Finals is a goal that you work for all year and then to play 95 percent of the way and not being able to finish the last five percent is difficult." "It's tough because I only missed two games during the regular season because of injury and just knowing I was going to get my number called every night, it felt good," Johnson said. "But now we're here competing for a championship, it's definitely tough. Making it to the Finals is a goal that you work for all year and then to play 95 percent of the way and not being able to finish the last five percent is difficult.

"At the same time, this is no place to cause dissension. Jameer's been a great teammate since I've known him. All I can really do is support him and Rafer Alston and the rest of the guys and that we go out and get it done collectively as a team and win a championship."

The problem for Johnson is the situation isn't likely to change as the series wears on. At least that's the way he sees it.

"The point guard is the quarterback on the court and there's no way you can realistically play three quarterbacks," he said. "So I liken it to that. I'm the third horse in a two-horse race. All I can do is stay prepared and stay ready and if something happens then take advantage of the opportunity.

"You can't realistically play three point guards and have all three be effective and try to win a ballgame. Especially in the Finals."

If you remember, Johnson had a sideline dust-up with coach Stan Van Gundy earlier in the playoffs, which earned him some criticism. Right now, he's making a conscious effort to stay positive. Or trying to.

"To be in the Finals, there's no place to really try to divide the team or cause dissension or express my disappointment publicly," Johnson said. "So it's tough. I feel like I can help out and I can help us win. So to not have that opportunity that I've had all year long is tough and frustrating."

Johnson Unhappy but Not Complaining originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Magic Formula in Orlando Front Office

Matt Steinmetz — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:46:00 EST

Filed under: Lakers, Magic, Playoffs, NBA Press Box

LOS ANGELES -- May 3, 2006 was a big day in Orlando Magic history.

Nothing happened.

So what if the Magic media guide says that's when Otis Smith (right) became the team's general manager. The reality of the situation is that the status remained very much quo that day.

Apparently, that was a good thing, too. The result is a very stable front office in Orlando, thank you very much.

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What the Magic media guide doesn't tell you is that Dave Twardzik (left) became - or, technically, remained - the team's assistant general manager on that day. Which is every bit as important as what happened with Smith.

"I'd like to say we've changed the way we've operated with each other over the past few years, but we really haven't," Smith said. "Things haven't changed a whole lot."

In 2005-06, Smith and Twardzik both held the title of assistant general manager. That was after John Gabriel was fired and things were still being figured out. That year, the Magic finished 36-46, and both men knew there were going to be title and responsibility changes.

But there would be no steel-cage match for the head job, and no bar room brawl, either. More important, there was no politicking and/or backstabbing when the time came to make a decision.

"It was easy to work out," said Twardzik, who had been the Golden State Warriors general manager from 1995 until 1997. "But the year we worked together, we developed a tremendous relationship. I just basically continued to do what I was doing: the scouting and the draft.

"At some point and time, we knew ownership would want to hear one voice and it worked out great. Otis assumed that position and it continues to be a good relationship."

Still, it seems strange that two men who were up for the same position a few years back continue to work together even though the one guy got the boss job and the other the assistant job.

Fact of the matter is that Twardzik prefers scouting and talent evaluation over being with the team. And Smith would rather be with the team than out scouting on his own.

"For the most part it works because of who he is and who I am," Smith said. "Both of us could care less about anything but winning. How we get there may not be traditional in terms of what it should look like, but it works for us."

Magic Formula in Orlando Front Office originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nelson Plays But Can't Make an Impact

Matt Steinmetz — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:07:00 EST

Filed under: Lakers, Magic, NBA Injuries, Playoffs, NBA Press Box

LOS ANGELES -- Well, Jameer Nelson played his first game in four months on Thursday night. And he didn't do badly, either. He did a lot better than most of his teammates, in fact.

Nelson, who suffered a torn labrum on Feb. 2, made his playoff debut against the Los Angeles Lakers, checking in to start the second quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

"My rhythm was a little off, but it was good to be back out there," Nelson said. "I thought I did some good things, and I also thought I did some bad things. Like I always think, there's always room for improvement."

Nelson played the entire second quarter and handed out four assists and scored a couple of buckets during that time. But the Magic were outscored 31-19 in that quarter.

"It's not about the individual person," Nelson said afterward. "It's more about us as a team getting better over these next two days. Everybody obviously wants to talk to me because I sat out for four months, but it's not about me right now. It's about the team getting better over the next two days."

One way the Magic could improve is if Nelson can give his team the same kind of leadership and 3-point shooting that he gave his team from November through January. Then again, that's asking him to play a lot of catch-up ... and in a hurry.

"I think he had an effect in the ballgame," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said of Nelson. "I think he came in and he was effective in penetration and finding guys. It looked like he was back in the format of what he wanted to get accomplished. Obviously his shooting wasn't quite there, although he hit a couple of shots. But we anticipate he'll be out there more."

Maybe so. But don't expect Nelson to be introduced with the starters at any point in this series.

"I'm not coming back to start," Nelson said. "I'm coming back just to relieve Ray (Rafer Alston) when he needs a break and just do what the team needs. I'm not trying to come back and start or anything like that. I think he's done a great job and no matter what he deserves to start."

Nelson Plays But Can't Make an Impact originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pietrus Honors Memory of Flight 447

Matt Steinmetz — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:37:00 EST

Filed under: Lakers, Magic, Playoffs, NBA Press Box, FanHouse Exclusive

LOS ANGELES -- Mickael Pietrus is from France, and his nickname is "Air France."

So, it's no wonder he felt the need to honor the memory of Air France Flight 447, which crashed over the Atlantic Ocean on Monday en route from Rio De Janeiro to Paris, killing everyone on board.

Pietrus wore sneakers with the No. 447 on the sides in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday at Staples Center.

"I have a nickname: Air France," Pietrus said. "I wanted to send my prayers to all those people who lost their lives on that plane. You realize how life can be. I know that families are having hard times right now and hopefully they'll have better days in the future."

Pietrus had been wearing a shoe endorsed by Kobe Bryant for the entire season but said before Game 1 that he was going to ditch that pair for the Finals. Pietrus said he'll be wearing the No. 447 shoes for the remainder of the series.

"It could be any family that it happened to," Pietrus said. "Life is short and sometimes people suffer. And you've got to try to do the right thing."

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Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard breaks into laughter during practice at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Friday, June 5, 2009. The Magic play the L.A. Lakers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday. (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

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The Orlando Magic practice at the Staples Center in preparation for their Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the L.A. Lakers in Los Angeles, California, Friday, June 5, 2009. (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

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Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu talks about the changes they must make for Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the L.A. Lakers during practice at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Friday, June 5, 2009. (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

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Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu relaxes before boarding the team bus following practice at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Friday, June 5, 2009. The Magic play the L.A. Lakers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday. (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

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Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard practices his free throws during practice at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Friday, June 5, 2009. The Magic play the L.A. Lakers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday. (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

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Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis works on his three-point shot during practice at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Friday, June 5, 2009. The Magic play the L.A. Lakers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday. (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

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L.A. Lakers Pau Gasol talks about their 25 point victory over the Magic in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, during practice at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Friday, June 5, 2009. (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

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L.A. Lakers Lamar Odom, left, and Andrew Bynum, practice at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Friday, June 5, 2009. The Lakers play the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday. (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

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The L.A. Lakers' Lamar Odom practices at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Friday, June 5, 2009. The Lakers play the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday. (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

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L.A. Lakers Derek Fisher, left, and Andrew Bynum, share a laugh during practice at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Friday, June 5, 2009. The Lakers play the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday. (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

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Pietrus Honors Memory of Flight 447 originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Van Gundy: Jameer Nelson Will Play

Matt Steinmetz — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:23:00 EST

Filed under: Magic, NBA Injuries, Playoffs, NBA Press Box

LOS ANGELES -- This morning, a report indicated that Jameer Nelson was not only expected to miss Game 1 but likely the entirety of the Finals. But in his pre-game press conference tonight, Stan Van Gundy squashed that rumor, confirming Nelson will dress while adding that Nelson will likely serve as the team's primary backup behind Rafer Alston.

Nelson, who hasn't played in a game since Feb. 2, will take Tyronn Lue's spot on the active roster, and in all likelihood, Anthony Johnson's spot in the rotation.

Nelson figures to be rusty, but Magic general manager Otis Smith said he didn't anticipate conditioning would be a significant of an issue.

Smith said that Nelson began ramping up his conditioning about two or three weeks ago, in anticipation of a possible NBA Finals appearance by his team.

"You may as well have as many pieces as you can possibly have," Smith said about an hour before tip-off. "That will kind of keep the pressure on at that position. We went back and forth ... 'We got here without him not playing and so playing him is risky. But I've never been one -- and neither has Stan -- to take the safe route. We want to have our best guys on the floor."

Van Gundy indicated that he'd let Nelson play through some rust, saying he wouldn't be on a "short leash" by giving him the hook if he struggles for a few minutes.

In the two regular-season games against the Lakers, Nelson scored 27 and 28 points, respectively, in each game.

"He really cranked it up two weeks ago or so," Smith said. "Conditioning was the most important thing to me. He's worked extremely hard."

Matt Watson contributed to this report.

Previously on FanHouse:
Magic Should Just Say No to Nelson
Magic Players Expect Nelson to Play

Van Gundy: Jameer Nelson Will Play originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Losing Won't Tarnish LeBron's Legacy

David Whitley — Wed, 27 May 2009 03:55:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Magic, Playoffs, NBA Press Box

ORLANDO - There is now a 95.6 percent chance LeBron James will not make the NBA Finals. If you think that makes him a failure, there's a 100 percent chance you are wrong.

I don't want to turn Cleveland 's Game 4 loss into a LeBron gush-fest, but you could almost hear the haters warming up in the bullpen Tuesday night. Before you start throwing high hard ones at James, take it from someone who knows.

"I'm very proud of our guys to keep hanging in there with what he's doing in this series," Stan Van Gundy said.

Magic 116, Cavs 114: Recap | Box Score | Howard in Danger
Magic Lead 3-1 | Next Game: Thursday @ Cleveland, 8:30 PM ET

He was not talking about Zydrunas Ilgauskas. He was talking about the guy who is averaging 42.3 points a game. The guy who might have sent Van Gundy's uncle to his final resting place had the last shot gone in.

It didn't, and now the Cavaliers are one game away from having their 66-win season declared a failure. That will be laid on you-know-who's shoulders. It will go something like this:

James can't win the big one. James can't lift his team. James has bad breath.

Please, take a deep one.

LeBron James Photos

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard (C) battles through the defense of Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (above, L) and Mo Williams (below) in the first quarter during Game 4 of their Eastern Conference finals NBA basketball playoff series in Orlando, Florida May 26, 2009. REUTERS/Scott Audette (UNITED STATES SPORT BASKETBALL IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Reuters

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets tangled up with Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard as he goes up for a shot in the fourth quarter in the overtime of Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Orlando won 116-114. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 26: Mickael Pietrus #20 of the Orlando Magic and fans celebrate their 116-114 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Amway Arena on May 26, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mickael Pietrus;LeBron James

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ORLANDO, FL - MAY 26: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots against the Orlando Magic in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Amway Arena on May 26, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. The Orlando Magic defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** LeBron James

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Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard, left, and Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James struggle for the ball during overtime in Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals Tuesday, May 26, 2009, in Orlando, Fla. The Magic won 116-114 and lead the series 3-1. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 26: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers fights for the jump ball at the beginning of overtime against Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Amway Arena on May 26, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. The Orlando Magic defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** LeBron James;Dwight Howard

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ORLANDO, FL - MAY 26: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots against Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic in overtime of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Amway Arena on May 26, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. The Orlando Magic defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** LeBron James;Dwight Howard

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Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James walks off the court after the Cavaliers' 116-114 loss in overtime to the Orlando Magic in Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Orlando leads the series 3-1. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Blaming James for losing this series is like blaming Davy Crockett for losing the Alamo. All it proves is that nothing he does will ever be good enough for some people.

I can't name any off the top of my head, but they are out there. They say for all the numbers and highlights he puts up, LeBron still lacks that certain something that defines greatness.

That certain something is titles, of which Bill Russell has 11, Michael Jordan has six, Larry Bird has three. Six years into his career, James has as many as you do.

Of course, Russell had Bob Cousy & Co. Jordan had Scottie Pippen and some shooters. Bird had Kevin McHale, Robert Parrish and Dennis Johnson.

James has Mo Williams, who is no Mo Namath.

About all he's been good for so far is guaranteeing the Cavs would win Game 4. That apparently inspired Orlando to fire more missiles than North Korea.

The Magic made 17 3-pointers. Dwight Howard made his free throws. Rafer Alston inspired Rafer Madness headlines around the country. When those things happen, you can close your eyes and almost see a championship parade down Disney World's Main Street USA.

They should certainly make the Finals considering how teams with 3-1 leads are have won 182 of 190 series since 1947. That's where the 95.6 percent comes in.

Van Gundy began his postgame press conference by wishing his uncle well after recent triple-bypass surgery.

"I hope he's resting," Van Gundy said. "I certainly hope he didn't watch that game."

It was hard enough on the crowd at Amway Arena, which at times could only stand in awe at what James did. He hasn't had much help all series, so he came out looking to get Williams, Delonte West and the other cadavers involved.

They played well enough to make you think Orlando survived Cleveland 's best shot Tuesday night. And that if the Cavs don't get James more help next season, the rumors of him parting for New York or Chicago or Timbuktu will drown out anything fans can muster at Quicken Loans Arena.

That's a nightmare scenario for another Cleveland day. For now, it's enough agony just pondering what just happened.

All seemed lost when Rashard Lewis hit a 3-pointer with 4.1 seconds left in regulation to give the Magic a 100-98 lead. Down came James, bulling his way to the basket and getting fouled with 0.5 seconds left.

Pressure? What pressure?

"He's our money guy," Mike Brown said.

James made both free throws, though the second one actually hit the rim three times. He also had eight turnovers.

"The ball is in my hand a lot, and I may have a few turnovers," he said. "That happens. But I have to figure out how to not have eight. Eight is unacceptable to me."

No, James is not above criticism. You can feast on those flaws if you want. You can say Jordan or Bird or Kobe Bryant never would have thrown the ball away four times in the fourth quarter.

You'd be wrong, of course, but you can say it. You can also regurgitate how James needs titles to validate his greatness.

All I know is if that's the case, Will Perdue is at least four times the champion James is. And with all due respect to Perdue, he never hit a 3-pointer to win a game like James did last Friday.

The one James made Tuesday with 4.1 seconds left in overtime was even better. He took an in-bounds pass, turned, fired and almost ended up in Van Gundy's lap.

"That was out of this world," Van Gundy said. "I mean, to turn and hit that, I mean, this guy is unbelievable."

All it did was cut Orlando 's lead to 115-114. Lewis was fouled and made a free throw with 3.2 seconds left, which was more than enough time for James.

"With LeBron James on the floor, doesn't 3.2 seconds seem like it's two minutes?" Van Gundy said.

The Magic double-teamed him, but James still got the ball at halfcourt, took a couple of dribbles toward the sideline and fired a 40-footer.

"It felt good leaving my hand," he said.

If that one had gone in, Kobe 's mother would have been wearing a No. 23 jersey today. But all it did was graze the rim. James finished with 44 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.

Loser.

But at least Van Gundy's uncle didn't won't need a fourth bypass.

James can still salvage his reputation, at least temporarily, by winning Thursday night in Cleveland. It pays to remember Orlando closed out its first two playoffs with road wins at Philadelphia and Boston.

"This is a little different here," Alston said. "We're playing against one of the best players that ever laced up a pair of sneakers."

And he doesn't need a ring to prove that.

Losing Won't Tarnish LeBron's Legacy originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 27 May 2009 03:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rafer Alston Orlando's Unlikely Hero

Tim Povtak — Wed, 27 May 2009 02:20:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Magic, Playoffs, NBA Press Box

ORLANDO -- Rafer Alston doesn't shoot the ball well every night.

But he sure knows how to pick his spots.

Alston became one of the unlikely heroes Tuesday night when the Magic beat the Cavs, 116-114, in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final, delivering a career playoff high 26 points.

The Cavs made the same mistake that Philadelphia made in the first round and Boston made in the second round, leaving Alston open to help defensively on the Magic stars. And as usual, Alston made them pay, bringing back memories of his playground days when he become the legendary "Skip-to-my-Lou.''

He made 10 of 17 shots and six of 12 from 3-point range, scoring 20 of his points in the second half after playing only nine minutes because in the first half because of early foul trouble.

He scored the Magic's first 10 points in the second half, keeping them close when the Cavs threatened to run away.

"It fueled us when I came out strong after halftime because we were able to thrive off that,'' he said. "I'm probably not the most consistent one we have making threes, but tonight was my night.''

Alston had similar games against Philadelphia and Boston. In Game 6 of the first round, when the Magic closed out the Sixers, Alston hit 8 of 16 shots for 21 points. In Game 7 against Boston, he hit three of seven 3-pointers for 15 points. In the Magic's Game 3 victory over Cleveland on Sunday, he hit six of 13 shots for 18 points.

"It's been a challenge for me, all throughout the playoffs,'' he said. "Philadelphia dared me to shoot it, and I burned them. Boston dared me to shoot it, and I burned them, too, at their place. This is a make-and-miss league. Right now I'm able to knock them down.''

Alston was the Magic's mid-season pickup from Houston after they lost Jameer Nelson for the season because of his shoulder injury. At times, he has struggled with his shot. He is shooting 40 percent from the field. During the regular season, he made only 38 percent of his shots.

"You can almost taste it, this opportunity to get to the Finals. We understand we have to win one more, and it's not going to be easy,'' he said. "We're enjoying this ride, but we also understand we've got some work to do yet.''

Rafer Alston Orlando's Unlikely Hero originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 27 May 2009 02:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dwight Howard Close to Suspension

Tim Povtak — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:40:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Magic, Playoffs, NBA Press Box

ORLANDO -- Dwight Howard promised everyone he could control himself going into Game 4 of this Eastern Conference final against Cleveland.

Well, he lied.

Howard played well Tuesday night - dominated overtime in this 116-114 victory - and he left Amway Arena one victory away from a trip to the NBA Finals.

Yet the dark cloud over his head has grown more ominous. Howard received his sixth technical foul of this post season Tuesday, leaving him one away from an automatic one-game suspension that will follow him until this season ends. [Update 3/27: the NBA rescinded the technical today.]

The fear now is that the threat of a suspension will restrict the emotional play that often makes him so dominant. Or the Magic will be playing a game in the NBA Finals without him.

Howard was called for his technical Tuesday for taunting Cavs center Anderson Varejao, who had tried to wrap up Howard with a high bear hug, only to have the Magic center dunk over him anyway. Varejao was called for a personal foul. Howard got a technical because he paused over Varejao and flexed his muscles.

The technical irked both Magic coach Stan Van Gundy and Howard.

"You do start to feel like he's a marked man. That's a pretty tough technical foul to get,'' Van Gundy said. "You start to feel like they really are looking for him. Varejao grabs him by the shoulders going up. To me, that's a bigger problem than him making noises when he makes the basket. I guess there is no problem grabbing a guy by the neck, but if you celebrate the basket, that's a bigger problem.''

Howard, who got a technical in Game 3 for saying something toward the Cavs bench, said he was surprised by the technical Tuesday, especially after promising that he would keep his mouth shut and his elbow in to avoid one.

"All I was doing was playing with emotion,'' Howard said. "I wasn't taunting anyone. It was a tough play. He grabbed me around the neck, but I made the shot anyway. I understand the consequences. I might really have to use the duct tape [on my mouth] now.''

Dwight Howard Close to Suspension originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 27 May 2009 01:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Magic Closing Book on Cavs

Tim Povtak — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:25:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Magic, Playoffs, NBA Press Box

ORLANDO -- The wonderfully-hyped, LeBron James Magical Ride to the NBA Finals is on life support now. His box of miracles may be empty.

The Orlando Magic have too many weapons to overcome. The 3-point shower is coming from all sides.

The Magic took an almost insurmountable 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals with a 116-114 overtime victory Tuesday night. The series resumes Thursday in Cleveland, but the prospects are not good for the Cavaliers.

In NBA conference final history, there have been 47 times in which one team has led a series 3-1. The team with the lead has prevailed in 44 of them. For Cleveland, it's only a matter of time now.

Magic 116, Cavaliers 114: Box Score | Howard Close to Suspension
Magic Lead 3-1 | Next Game: Thursday @ Cleveland, 8:30 PM ET

"We've got to have the killer instinct if we want to win a championship," said Magic center Dwight Howard. "We're not done yet. We've got to finish it.''

While James had another brilliant game -- 44 points and 12 rebounds - he was a facing a myriad of scorers on the other side. As good as he is, it's like fighting off an army.

"The only thing we're thinking about now is Game 5," said Cavs coach Mike Brown. "That's the only thing that matters, the next game."

It was James who won Game 2 with an dramatic buzzer-beating 3-pointer, but this time he was too far away, launching another heave from almost half-court that barely missed its mark at the buzzer.

Howard closed the deal with 10 of his 27 points in overtime. He also blocked a James layup with :16 remaining. But throughout the game, it was others who were hurting him. Rafer Alston had a playoff career high 26 points, including six 3-pointers. Mickael Pietrus had 17 in a reserve role, including five 3-pointers.

Rashard Lewis had 17 points, including a huge 3-pointer near the end of regulation. Hedo Turkoglu had 15 and a pair of 3-pointers.

Latest NBA Images

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard reacts as the Magic defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-114 in overtime during Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals Tuesday, May 26, 2009, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard celebrates his dunk in overtime during play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Finals NBA basketball playoff series in Orlando, Florida, May 26, 2009. REUTERS/Kevin Kolczynski (UNITED STATES SPORT BASKETBALL)

Reuters

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard, right, goes to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of Game 4 in the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals Tuesday May 26, 2009, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris Livingston, Pool)

Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James crashes into Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard (12) during the first half of Game 4 in the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals Tuesday, May 26, 2009, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)

Cleveland Cavaliers' Lebron James (L) is fouled by Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard in the fourth quarter during Game 4 of their Eastern Conference finals NBA basketball playoff series in Orlando, Florida May 26, 2009. REUTERS/Kevin Kolczynski (UNITED STATES SPORT BASKETBALL IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Reuters

Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu tries to defend Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James in the third quarter during Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida, Tuesday, May 26, 2009. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

MCT

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 26: Mickael Pietrus #20 of the Orlando Magic shoots against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Amway Arena on May 26, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mickael Pietrus

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ORLANDO, FL - MAY 26: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic reacts to a call while playing against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fourth quarter of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Amway Arena on May 26, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dwight Howard

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ORLANDO, FL - MAY 26: Rafer Alston #1 of the Orlando Magic passes the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Amway Arena on May 26, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rafer Alston

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In the three Cavs losses, James has scored 49, 41 and 44 points, proving again that the One Man Show can't overcome better balance. The Magic launched an amazing 38 3-pointers, making 17.

The game went into overtime when Turkoglu's desperation in-bound lob to Howard at the buzzer failed to connect. Howard and Cleveland's Anderson Varejao went down in a heap as they jockeyed for position.

James tied the game with .5 in regulation when he hit a pair of free throws after being fouled on his final drive. Lewis, who struggled for much of the game, had hit a 3-pointer with 4.1 seconds remaining for the 100-98 lead.

The Magic led, 96-90, but they struggled to score in the closing few minutes of regulation, missing too many shots from long range.

Howard was called for a technical foul in the third quarter when he drove and dunked, despite being wrapped up by Varejao. Howard was called for glaring at Varejao after the play. It was Howard's sixth technical of the postseason, one short of triggering an automatic one-game suspension.

The Magic are expected to appeal that technical to the NBA office.

Alston scored the Magic's first 10 points of the second half. He had 15 in the period, yet the Cavs still led 79-78 when the fourth quarter began.

Magic Closing Book on Cavs originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 27 May 2009 00:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LeBron James Takes on Stan Van Gundy

Tim Povtak — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:25:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Magic, Playoffs, NBA Press Box

ORLANDO -- Cavs star LeBron James wasn't about to let Magic coach Stan Van Gundy off the hook over comments he made regarding teammate Ben Wallace.

Van Gundy essentially called Wallace a flopper on Monday, saying "he and Mo Williams were falling down more than a baby learning to walk.''

While Wallace reacted with a string of expletives Tuesday morning after the Cavs workout, James took the time just an hour before Game 4 on Tuesday to chastise Van Gundy.

Cavs-Magic Preview | Live Box Score

"You guys know how Stan is,'' James said. "There is a first time for everything, but we all know Ben Wallace has never been a flopper, will never be a flopper. And if you think he's a flopper, but you won't tell him to his face that he's a flopper ... Well, I damn sure know he won't tell him to his face. I know that for a fact.''

Wallace, the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, has not been much of a factor in these playoffs. In 11 games, he has blocked just two blocks. He has averaged just 11.8 minutes and 2.4 rebounds.

"Whatever he says isn't going to change the way I play defense or the way we play,'' Wallace said. "It is what it is.''

Magic backup center Marcin Gortat, meanwhile, came into Game 4 of this series basking in the glow of his Game 3 performance when he blocked two shots by James.

Gortat, the league's only Polish-born player, was a relatively obscure backup center still trying to carve his NBA niche when these playoffs began.

But his two blocks against James, one in the first quarter and one in the second, has taken him to a new level, based on the reaction he has received from those around the league.

"That's all people are talking about to me, not that we beat the Cavs, but that I blocked LeBron's shots,'' Gortat said. "After the second block, I could read it in his face, that he wanted to dunk on me. This was almost like a historic thing for me and my career. I want to do it again and be ready in Game 4.

LeBron James Takes on Stan Van Gundy originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 26 May 2009 20:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LeBron Makes Pass to Greatness

Matt Steinmetz — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Magic, Eastern, Playoffs, NBA Press Box

When the Magic-Cavaliers series begins tonight, two of the better passing big men will be on display: Orlando's Hedo Turkoglu and Cleveland's LeBron James.

At 6-foot-10, Turkoglu is a tough matchup for opposing defenses, and his ability to find teammates was a big part of Orlando's Game 7 win over Boston on Sunday. In that game, Turkoglu had 12 assists.

But we really want to focus on James here because, after all, it's his passing that has put him into an elite group of players. It's fair to say that James, all 6-foot-8 of him, is already one of the greatest passing big guys to ever play the game.

Cavs-Magic: Series Preview | Game 1 Preview

When you talk about Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Rick Barry, all wonderful passers at 6-foot-7 or taller, James now belongs on that exclusive list. He is a little different kind of passer than those other three, but he's every bit as effective when it comes to playmaking and setting up teammates.

For the most part, James doesn't throw passes like Magic, Bird and Barry. Let's face it, those guys were a little prettier, a little more precise and just a tad better at threading the needle and finding cutters.

They might even have an edge on James when it comes to court vision.

But James can do some things that set him a little bit apart, like his ability to elevate and get a different look-see at the court or his gift of throwing bullet-like passes that actually get to teammates a split-second sooner than just your average pass.

Most basketball people will tell you that you shouldn't leave your feet to throw a pass. But James challenges that conventional wisdom.

James can get up so high and he can cover so much ground in the air (cover ground in the air?) that he actually seems to get a different perspective, along with different passing angles, when he's in the air.

The way James does this isn't quite as polished as the way Barry used to do it, but it's every bit as effective.

Barry could go up for his jumper and then at the last moment find an open teammate under the basket with a pass. This sometimes happened with three or four defenders staring awkwardly up at the basket waiting for a shot from Barry that never ended up coming.

Before Bird came along, Barry was considered the best - or certainly one of the best - passers and playmakers from the forward position. Now James is in there. And, of course, Magic, even though he was technically a point guard.

But James puts the ball in teammates' hands faster than those other three could. There is something very real about Johnson, Bird and Barry seeing a play before it developed. Their ability to be a step ahead of the play was nothing short of basketball genius.

James has a little of that, too, but isn't quite there with the other three. But what James is able to do is make a decision and execute a play - or pass - faster and more quickly than anyone else playing the game right now.

Here's a little stretch of an analogy ... Bird, Magic and Barry were sort of like quarterback Joe Montana, someone who knew where a receiver was going to be before the receiver actually got there and then deliver the ball to the spot where he'd end up.

James is more like a Dan Marino, who had an incredible ability to stay in the pocket, then rifle a pass to a teammate who had gotten open at the last possible moment before Marino was going to go down.

Two different quarterbacks, two different styles. Both great.

On the statistical side, James' assist numbers have to be acknowledged. James has averaged at least 7.2 assists per game in each of the past two seasons, and he also averaged as many in 2004-05.

Barry averaged more than six assists per game plenty of times during his career, but he never got to seven. Bird averaged 6.3 assists per game for his career, and one year handed out 7.6 per game.

Of course, Johnson's assist numbers were better because he played the traditional point guard role.

But any way you cut it, James is right there in this group.

LeBron Makes Pass to Greatness originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 20 May 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rockets Have McGrady and Artest to Consider This Offseason

Terrance Harris — Wed, 20 May 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rockets, NBA Fans, NBA Press Box

HOUSTON -- Unexpected achievement in the face of incredible adversity isn't quite how the Houston Rockets saw their playoff run unfolding.

But that was certainly the theme that carried the Rockets, minus injured stars Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, to within one game of reaching the Western Conference finals this season. One amazing night by McGrady or just the presence of aging Dikembe Mutombo in the paint might have been all the Rockets needed to avoid a Game 7 Semifinals in Los Angeles and overcome the Lakers.

It wasn't meant to be, but still it was enough to re-energize a franchise that seemed in serious trouble a few weeks ago because of it's often-injured stars and nondescript supporting cast. The Rockets hadn't been out of the first round of the playoffs in 12 years prior to this season.

Suddenly, rumblings of Clutch City -- a reference to the franchise's two title runs in the mid-90s -- are growing.

"My body tingles (when I hear that)," Rockets owner Leslie Alexander confessed Tuesday.

There seems much to be excited about with the chance to have a nucleus of point guard Aaron Brooks, forward Luis Scola, swingman Shane Battier, forward Carl Landry off the bench and Yao back on the floor next season. But as much as next season can be defined by optimism, there is a lot of uncertainty, particularly with free agent Ron Artest and McGrady's injury.

Tops on the list of major question marks is McGrady and his injured left knee. McGrady missed the second half of the season after having microfracture surgery, a procedure that saved the careers of Amare Stoudemire and Jason Kidd, but ended the careers of Penny Hardaway and Chris Webber.

How and when McGrady comes back is anybody's guess. But what's certain is McGrady, who turns 30 this week, is due to make more than $23 million from the Rockets next season in the final year of his contract whether he plays or not. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey hopes to have McGrady back on the floor by November after a rigorous rehab, but he admits the uncertainty makes it hard to plan.

"We don't know when he will be back and in what condition," Morey said. "He went through a very difficult surgery that's been challenging for many players. Planning-wise, we have to do like we do every year, which is to be ready for anything."

There is a strong sentiment the Rockets are better off without McGrady. They certainly seemed to play that way at points late in the regular season and during the playoffs when the team did what it hadn't been able to do in three previous runs with McGrady in the lineup -- and that's advance out of the first round. Scola, Brooks and Artest all took turns picking up the scoring slack left by McGrady's absence.

It's unlikely even if healthy the Rockets would find any takers for McGrady at that salary. But Morey also believes McGrady, at one time one of the best scorers in the league, could still be of tremendous service to the Rockets.

"He's part of the team, he's working hard," Morey said. "I met with him for more than couple hours in L.A. when he came out to be with the team. He seems to be in a good place, he's working hard."

"Clearly he has a skill set and ability that we needed. One of the reasons why we were short of beating the Lakers is some of what he can bring to the team. He's part of the team and we hope he can get back as soon as possible to help us."

The next biggest looming question in front of the Rockets is how to deal with Artest? The unpredictable and highly controversial star is in the final year of his contract and is set to hit the free agent market after coming over to the Rockets in a trade with Sacramento last August.

The Rockets can do something about that. The questions are, do they really want to and how much are they willing to spend?

Artest and his agent may want more money and a longer commitment than the salary-cap strapped Rockets want to give. Artest, who has a reputation for his temper, was on his best behavior throughout the year and proved himself as a dependable defender and leader and capable scorer during the playoffs.

Is that enough to warrant paying him in excess of $8 million?

"It's an important issue for him and us, what's the next step there?" Morey said. "I think he has brought a lot to this team this year. If we can make it work in a way ... My job isn't Ron Artest, my job isn't who to trade. It's how do I make the whole roster as a whole better. I think he can be a big part of that. We'll see if we can work it out."

But all indications are Artest really wants to stay in Houston. He said Tuesday that he and his family will begin house hunting offseason.

"I think that will be nice for the city, myself, family, the team," he said. "We're building something real nice here, I think."

Artest, however, declined to discuss what type of money and commitment would keep him with the Rockets and off the free agent market.

"It all depends," Artest said when asked how he would weigh the chance to make more money on the open market versus staying in a situation and with coach (Rick Adelman) he's familiar with. "I'll take everything into consideration but it's hard to get into that right now."

"I don't really have a dollar figure in mind. Not thinking about money, but I do feel like I'm one of the best all around players in the NBA."

The question the Rockets will obviously have to mull over this offseason is whether it's better to stand pat and try to grow with this nucleus that took the Lakers to a Game 7? Or should they try to add some more parts through free agency and the draft to make up ground on the Lakers and Denver Nuggets?

Improving by the latter could prove difficult. Not only are the Rockets over the salary cap, they also are without a first-round draft pick in next month's NBA Draft. The Rockets can use their mid-level exception to lure free agents and they can also buy their way into the first round, which they've done in the past.

High on their wish list appears to be an athletic 7-foot center to back up Yao and possibly a scoring guard to provide some offensive insurance in the event McGrady doesn't return. The Rockets could be in luck this offseason with several teams likely to opt not retain high-priced players in these tough economic times. Alexander certainly sounds willing to spend money, even go into the luxury tax to make his team a winner.

"I want to say this without being predatory," he said. "We are in a position now to go after it and if we can take advantage of some problems, we would be willing to do it."

With that said, the Rockets might also be willing to wheel and deal. The only player that won't be on the market is cornerstone Yao.

"For our team, we are listening to everything. I wouldn't put any player off the market or on the market. I just think when a team calls, we've got to try to upgrade no matter where we can."

Rockets Have McGrady and Artest to Consider This Offseason originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 20 May 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redick Out, Lee in for Magic

Tim Povtak — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:06:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Magic, Playoffs, NBA Press Box

ORLANDO -- Magic guard Courtney Lee has regained his spot in the starting lineup, making him the only rookie starter among the four teams remaining in the NBA playoffs.

Lee, who spent four years at Western Kentucky University, is replacing J.J. Redick, who started all seven games in the conference semifinal matchup against the Boston Celtics but struggled with his shooting.

Lee started in the opening round against the Philadelphia 76ers, but he sustained a fractured sinus cavity when he was hit in the face by teammate Dwight Howard in Game 5.

"You're always hesitant of changing things when you're going well,'' Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy said. "But we're doing this primarily because of matchups.''

The Magic will begin play in the Eastern Conference final Wednesday against Cleveland, which starts Mo Williams and Delonte West in the backcourt. Redick did well defensively against slumping Ray Allen of the Celtics, but he shot poorly, hitting just 13 of 41 shots (31.7 percent).

Lee played in reserve for games 3-7 against Boston, shutting down Eddie House and providing some much-needed defensively energy.

"It's kind of funny, but I didn't even know who Courtney Lee was before he came here,'' said Magic center Dwight Howard. "And now he's playing a key role for us and we're trying to win a championship.''

Redick Out, Lee in for Magic originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 19 May 2009 15:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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David Stern Talks Cuban/Kenyon, Instant Replay, Ron Artest

Terrance Harris — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: NBA Press Box

HOUSTON -- You stand in front of NBA commissioner David Stern just a couple seconds and you are sure to get an earful about how solid of a footing his game is on these days. The playoffs and the exciting regular-season the NBA is coming off of seems to bring out the best in Stern. But when pressed, the long time commissioner will shoot you straight on some of his and the league's shortcomings and what can be done better.

Stern met briefly with media members just before Thursday night's Rockets-Lakers Game 6 in Houston, answering questions about everything from the possibility of instant replay during NBA games to the explosive Western Conference semifinal playoff series between the Mavericks and Nuggets, in which Dallas owner Mark Cuban told the mother of Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin that her son is a thug.

The league took a hit because Cuban received no punishment for his actions and Stern seemed fine with the emotional owner's suggestion he would apologize to Martin's family via his blog instead of in person.

Stern also discussed the brewing debate about determining a flagrant 1 foul and a flagrant 2, and he addressed the possibility controversial Rockets' forward Ron Artest could be a victim of profiling while on the court.

Here is a sampling of Stern's exchange with the media Thursday night:

Q: Can you address some of the problems that have taken place during the playoffs, particularly in the Nuggets-Mavericks series?

A: "I take full responsibility for the non-league action. I've spoken to Billy Hunter, I've spoken to Mark Cuban. I had suggested that a phone call would be the appropriate thing. Mark told me he was in the process of trying to do that.

"I called Billy and said what went on there wasn't anything that I was proud of, but I thought there was an attempt at an apology in the blog which is the way Mark communicates. But Billy and I agreed that more was called for so I called Mark and suggested that he reach out.

"Then there was some to and fro where Kenyon said some things he wish he hadn't. Honestly, I thought it was done to make cooler heads prevail because this is a league that I think takes justifiable pride in its diversity and inclusiveness. This was something I was not particularly proud of and it's going to cause me to re-examine some things that I wont go into in the course of the summer and the way we conduct ourselves. But it's a wakeup call to tread carefully and show a lot more respect for each other."

Q: Can you talk about what constitutes a flagrant 1 versus flagrant 2 foul?

A: "Honestly I am depending on my broadcasters to take care of that. Let them put it up on the screen rather than have the color commentator say 'I don't care what the rule says, that shouldn't be a flagrant.' That's a terrific way to try to train 60 members of the staff that have a good call. But we need to do a better job.

"People are confused but we would hope our broadcast partners would put the rule up, understand it and then indicate the difficult job referees have in doing it."

Q: What about when a difference of opinion comes into play?

A: "We'll talk to them at the Competition Committee [meetings] in a few weeks."

Q: So do you feel it's all clear?

A: "Is it clear in our sport? Refereeing in the paint. Trying to give a consistent interpretation, it's the most difficult sport to ref. Replay makes it that much more difficult and we try to do the best we can.

"We try to review it and do the best we can to add clarity and whether something should or should not be called a flagrant fouls. We take the paints because we undertook to our fans to have more transparency. But it's quite difficult. But our guys give it their best shot and they are the best of any sport, I believe."

Q: Do believe Ron Artest's past was a factor in his flagrant calls?

A: "No, not in our decision. You try to give it your best shot at calling it fair.

"I think that there may be a human element to it if you are the ref and you have somebody who has gone off, you worry that may go off. That's human and I understand. I don't know that it's profiling but what we try to do is call it the way the rules require us to call it."

Q: What are some of the changes you anticipate coming?

A: "I'm a little disappointed the Competition Committee hasn't been a little bit bolder on instant replay, though I recognize the difficulties. The other thing I want to study is the security in the broadest context and how we on one hand maintain the intimacy that is our game, which I think sets us apart in a good a way and brings our fans closer with making sure our fans can come and continue to enjoy our game the way they have. We've put in a lot
of rules and procedures that are not evident to our fans like where we stack up security, how we serve alcohol and things like that because on a global scale we take great pride that basketball is a family sport and one that you should feel comfortable bringing your entire family. That places a certain responsibility on us and causes us to re-evaluate what we do.

"We are going to re-evaluate it and re-evaluate it because I want keep the special-ness of our game."

Q: Do you feel that the news of suspensions and debates of flagrant fouls in between games takes away from the competition on the floor?

A: "You can't have it both ways. You want us to do the reviews, be forthright, have the transparency. That just becomes the subject of conversation, but we are happy to engage in it because that's the undertaking that we make."

Q: Are you concerned in this economy that some families may be priced out and that ticket sales might go down?

A: "No. I think I am concerned on behalf of the business of sports because there is no business that I know that hasn't been subject to pressure, because if Americans decide to spend four percent less because they are going to save four percent rather than nothing. That's those who can save, then others who are unemployed are going to put pressure on all businesses.

"Right now our renewals are pretty much on pace with last year. I think we are going to have very good attendance next year, but because we have teams that either held price or dropped price through promotions, our revenue may be down a bit but that's okay. I think the sport itself will okay."

Q: How would you like to see instant replay adjusted?

A: "I don't want to present the target, but I'm a big fan of tennis and I envy a sport where the action stops after every point so you can make sure it's correct. We can't do that and ours would be subject to terrible abuse and it would slow down and we can't go there.

"But I think as we have continued to take baby steps in this direction we may be getting closer to a time where the NBA has some kind of a challenge system that can be considered. I expect to be voted down 30 to nothing."

Q: Could that apply to fouls, goaltending, blocks, 3-point shooting?

A: "I don't know the answer, but what we are struggling with is we want to have a set of rules, we want to call it the way they are written, we want to have a game called the same no matter who is refereeing it. We want to assure that we get it right. Against that, we struggle with the problem to get it perfectly right, you put 16 cameras and it would take four hours to play the game. We can't do that, we won't do that. So what you have seen is us move slowly to more replay and I think this is a good time to look at it again. It may happen or it may not happen."

David Stern Talks Cuban/Kenyon, Instant Replay, Ron Artest originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 15 May 2009 18:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rockets on Verge of Shocking World

Terrance Harris — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:43:00 EST

Filed under: Lakers, Rockets, Playoffs, NBA Press Box

HOUSTON -- Let's be honest: This wasn't supposed to be this difficult for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Add up talent level, star power and experience and the Western Conference's top team should have taken the Houston Rockets out in five, maybe six games tops. But here we are staring at an upcoming winner-moves-on Game 7 after the Rockets put forth an astounding performance at home Thursday night to prevail 95-80 in Game 6 of their semifinal matchup with the Lakers.

The series unexpectedly moves back to Los Angeles tied 3-3 Sunday with the winner moving on to face the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals.

"For the last two days all I've heard is that we weren't going back to L.A. and guys in our locker room didn't believe that," said Rockets coach Rick Adelman.

Rockets 95, Lakers 80: Recap | Box Score
Rockets' MVP: Rick Adelman
Series Tied 3-3 | Next Game: Sunday @ Los Angeles, 3:30 PM ET

It shouldn't be a surprise the Rockets are thinking upset, despite the sting of a 40-point loss at the Staples Center on Tuesday night. Who could blame them for the illusions of grandeur after another convincing wire-to-wire dismantling of the Lakers at the Toyota Center?

Very reminiscent of Sunday's stunning home win, the Rockets came out and pounced on the Lakers from the start Thursday night. Houston led 17-1 before the Lakers converted their first field goal on a Kobe Bryant drive with 6:19 left in the first quarter.

This time it was Luis Scola scoring at will in the low post early on, while the Lakers couldn't get on track. Scola scored 14 of his playoff career-high 24 points in the first quarter. Later it was Carl Landry coming off the bench and dominating inside after Los Angeles had reduced a one-time 18-point first quarter deficit to just two points late in the third quarter.

So any idea who will be the team playing loose Sunday?

"I think it's fun, we enjoy it," said Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks, who had another impressive outing with 26 points, which included 3 of 4 shooting from 3-point range. "We've got them on their heels, the pressure is on them. We're going back to LA.

"Whatever we did today, we have to bring it to LA. We've got to be aggressive, be smart and play Rockets basketball."

Exactly what that would have entailed after Game 3 of this series would have been anybody's guess. With Yao Ming, the Rockets' only real offensive threat, shelved for the playoffs with a broken foot coming into Game 4, the Rockets fate seemed sealed. The Rockets obviously didn't get the memo.

Since then, Houston has received some big play from some players who are thought of as little more than bit pieces. Shane Battier and Brooks took over in Game 4. Then Thursday it was Scola and Landry in spurts, while Brooks' speed and quickness to the basket continued to give the Lakers fits.

Bryant scored a game-high 32 points, but he had to take 27 shots to get them thanks to some excellent defense by Battier. The problem for Bryant and the Lakers is there wasn't any consistent help from anywhere else on the floor with Gasol missing often from point blank range and Andrew Bynum going scoreless on 0-for-3 shooting.

Curiously, Lakers coach Phil Jackson was asked if he was worried. The Zen Master replied no and even tried to play the we've-got-'em-right-where-we-want-'em card.

"It's nothing to worry about, it's just a game and you go out there play," Jackson said. "It's our home court and the last time we were there, we beat them by whatever. We play a different game on our home court, it's obvious."

What he might be overlooking is playing a team that feels it has nothing to lose. Remember no one ever thought this series would be at this point.

"We just have to go out there and play, go out there and leave it all out on the court," Brooks said. "When we don't do that, that's when we get embarrassed.

"We can't allow the Lakers to work harder than we do because their talent is superior than ours right now. I just think when we come out, we have to play hard. We got to scrap, we got to be aggressive. We didn't do that in Game 5, but we did that today and it showed."

Latest NBA Playoff Photos

ORLANDO - MAY 14: Rafer Alston #1 of the Orlando Magic reacts during a break in play against the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 14, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rafer Alston

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ORLANDO - MAY 14: Hedo Turkoglu #15 and Rashard Lewis #9 of the Orlando Magic celebrate during a break in play against the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 14, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Hedo Turkoglu;Rashard Lewis

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Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson (R) and guard Jordan Farmar protest an official's call during their loss to the Houston Rockets in Game 6 of their NBA Western Conference semi-final basketball game in Houston, Texas, May 14, 2009. REUTERS/Donna Carson (UNITED STATES SPORT BASKETBALL)

Reuters

Houston Rockets forward Luis Scola (R) of Argentina and guard Brent Barry celebrate their team's Game 6 win in their NBA Western Conference semi-final basketball against the Los Angeles Lakers in Houston, Texas, May 14, 2009. REUTERS/Donna Carson (UNITED STATES SPORT BASKETBALL)

Reuters

ORLANDO - MAY 14: WWE professional wrestler John Cena watches play between the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 14, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** John Cena

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Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza, bottom, and Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest lock arms as a shot goes in during the second half of Game 6 of their NBA Western conference playoff basketball series in Houston, Thursday, May 14, 2009. The Rockets won 95-80. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Houston Rockets guard Ron Artest loses control of the ball as he goes up for a shot against Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom (L) and center Andrew Bynum (R) during the Rockets Game 6 of their NBA Western Conference semi-final basketball game in Houston, Texas, May 14, 2009. REUTERS/Richard Carson (UNITED STATES SPORT BASKETBALL)

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HOUSTON - MAY 14: Guard Ron Artest #96 of the Houston Rockets takes a shot against Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 14, 2009 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ron Artest;Pau Gasol

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Houston Rockets forward Luis Scola puts up a shot against Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum during the Rockets win in Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semi-final basketball game in Houston, Texas, May 14, 2009. REUTERS/Richard Carson (UNITED STATES)

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant reacts in the fourth quarter of their Game 6 loss to the Houston Rockets during their NBA Western Conference semi-final playoff basketball game in Houston, Texas, May 14, 2009. REUTERS/Richard Carson (UNITED STATES SPORT BASKETBALL)

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Rockets on Verge of Shocking World originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 15 May 2009 02:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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