It’s not about the game on the court,
But the tricks of the brain
At breakpoint.
It’s not the gait or the stroll,
But the mind’s eye
With control.
When you see through square holes,
The shuffling shoes,
Thoughtlessness roles.
When you see it distort,
The swings and serves,
Sorrowful joints.
You’ve reached the nerve
With each critical point,
Holding serve.
You’ve reached approbation
With no falling back,
Breaking fixation.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Cheeseheads Conquer
Steelers’ Scorched on Super Sunday
National Anthem goofs and dreadful halftime shows aside, Superbowl XVL turned out to be an intriguing gala. I was bracing for the unequivocal Pittsburgh comeback, but it never did come to fruition. The persistent Green Bay Packers were too good; their gifted quarterback too efficient. Green Bay won a 31-25 decision in Dallas to earn another trophy for the franchise that brought us Vince Lombardi. Their champion signal caller, Aaron Rodgers, was awarded the game’s MVP. The Steelers fell short of their seventh title due to costly turnovers and an ineffective passing game.
Rodgers capped an incredible post-season run to give the Packers their first championship trophy in 14 years. The quarterback for Green Bay threw three touchdowns and completed 24-of-39 passes for 304 yards in the win. Ben Roethlisberger, meanwhile, tossed a pair of interceptions into double coverage and finished with 263 passing yards. Roethlisberger recorded two touchdown strikes but the Steelers’ offense was kept in check by a resilient Green Bay attacking scheme. The Packers put up 14 first quarter points, making the AFC Champion Steelers look like the more inexperienced team on the field. Pittsburgh went three-and-out on the opening possession after Green Bay won the coin toss and deferred the ball to the second half.
The Packers showed off why they were able to win three playoff games on the road late in the first quarter. Rodgers orchestrated an 80 yard drive on nine plays to give the green and yellow the first points of Superbowl XVL. Jordy Nelson hauled in a 29 yard pass with 3:44 remaining in the opening stanza. The touchdown reception was just one of Nelson’s nine on the day. Nelson led all players with 140 yards receiving. The Packers wasted no time in increasing their advantage to two scores by capitalizing on Roethlisberger’s first interception. Safety, Nick Collins got the pick-six for Green Bay when he stole Big Ben’s pass and raced 37 yards into the end zone. The Steelers followed their turnover with a seven minute, 13 play drive culminating in a field goal. Shaun Suisham’s 33 yard kick through the uprights cut the Packers’ lead to 14-3.
Green Bay’s solid secondary struck again in the second quarter, despite Pittsburgh moving the ball well offensively. Roethlisberger was hit while releasing the football. The ball bounced between various players before Green Bay’s Jarrett Bush came up with it to set the Pack up at midfield. The mobile, strong-armed quarterback, Rodgers, fired frozen ropes and managed just four plays before hitting Greg Jennings from 21 yards out. Green Bay pummeled Pittsburgh’s defense with a five-wide set and overcame some hard hits from the Steelers’ secondary. With the end of the first half approaching, Pittsburgh responded with an impressive drive. Roethlisberger moved the chains 77 yards before finding his old reliable receiver, Hines Ward. Ward was wide open for the eight yard touchdown catch with 39 ticks on the clock. The Steelers trailed 21-10 at the half.
Both teams exchanged punts to begin second half play. The Steelers were the first to score five minutes into the third quarter. Rashard Mendenhall rushed eight yards on a five play Steelers drive to trim the Pittsburgh deficit to four points. Mendenhall had a strong day in the backfield, with 63 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. Pittsburgh’s rugged defense found its footing in the second half and kep the Packers off the scoreboard until early in the final stanza. The Steelers were poised to finally take the lead in the fourth quarter when Mendenhall fumbled. Rodgers flicked a second touchdown pass to Jennings on the ensuing drive to put the Packers up by eleven with just under twelve minutes to play.
Pittsburgh did not let up. Roethlisberger kept it coming with an aerial attack. Mike Wallace’s over-the-shoulder touchdown reception from Big Ben was followed by a successful two-point conversion to make it a three point game. Green Bay knocked home a field goal with 2:07 left, allowing the Steelers one final possession and a chance at the win. Roethlisberger ordered the hurry-up mode on offense and quickly completed a pass for first down. He overthrew Wallace deep down field to set up a fourth down with one minute remaining. The drive stalled 69 yards short when Wallace dropped a very catchable pass, and the Steelers were forced to turn the ball over on downs. Pittsburgh’s comeback in Dallas was stunted as the Packers prevailed to their fourth title in franchise history. Wallace finished with 89 yards receiving and Ward was credited with 79. The Packers ran for just 50 yards but it didn’t seem to matter last night. Rodgers was simply the best player on the field, and that’s what mattered in the end.
Parting Points: Tom Brady was the first unanimous MVP.
National Anthem goofs and dreadful halftime shows aside, Superbowl XVL turned out to be an intriguing gala. I was bracing for the unequivocal Pittsburgh comeback, but it never did come to fruition. The persistent Green Bay Packers were too good; their gifted quarterback too efficient. Green Bay won a 31-25 decision in Dallas to earn another trophy for the franchise that brought us Vince Lombardi. Their champion signal caller, Aaron Rodgers, was awarded the game’s MVP. The Steelers fell short of their seventh title due to costly turnovers and an ineffective passing game.
Rodgers capped an incredible post-season run to give the Packers their first championship trophy in 14 years. The quarterback for Green Bay threw three touchdowns and completed 24-of-39 passes for 304 yards in the win. Ben Roethlisberger, meanwhile, tossed a pair of interceptions into double coverage and finished with 263 passing yards. Roethlisberger recorded two touchdown strikes but the Steelers’ offense was kept in check by a resilient Green Bay attacking scheme. The Packers put up 14 first quarter points, making the AFC Champion Steelers look like the more inexperienced team on the field. Pittsburgh went three-and-out on the opening possession after Green Bay won the coin toss and deferred the ball to the second half.
The Packers showed off why they were able to win three playoff games on the road late in the first quarter. Rodgers orchestrated an 80 yard drive on nine plays to give the green and yellow the first points of Superbowl XVL. Jordy Nelson hauled in a 29 yard pass with 3:44 remaining in the opening stanza. The touchdown reception was just one of Nelson’s nine on the day. Nelson led all players with 140 yards receiving. The Packers wasted no time in increasing their advantage to two scores by capitalizing on Roethlisberger’s first interception. Safety, Nick Collins got the pick-six for Green Bay when he stole Big Ben’s pass and raced 37 yards into the end zone. The Steelers followed their turnover with a seven minute, 13 play drive culminating in a field goal. Shaun Suisham’s 33 yard kick through the uprights cut the Packers’ lead to 14-3.
Green Bay’s solid secondary struck again in the second quarter, despite Pittsburgh moving the ball well offensively. Roethlisberger was hit while releasing the football. The ball bounced between various players before Green Bay’s Jarrett Bush came up with it to set the Pack up at midfield. The mobile, strong-armed quarterback, Rodgers, fired frozen ropes and managed just four plays before hitting Greg Jennings from 21 yards out. Green Bay pummeled Pittsburgh’s defense with a five-wide set and overcame some hard hits from the Steelers’ secondary. With the end of the first half approaching, Pittsburgh responded with an impressive drive. Roethlisberger moved the chains 77 yards before finding his old reliable receiver, Hines Ward. Ward was wide open for the eight yard touchdown catch with 39 ticks on the clock. The Steelers trailed 21-10 at the half.
Both teams exchanged punts to begin second half play. The Steelers were the first to score five minutes into the third quarter. Rashard Mendenhall rushed eight yards on a five play Steelers drive to trim the Pittsburgh deficit to four points. Mendenhall had a strong day in the backfield, with 63 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. Pittsburgh’s rugged defense found its footing in the second half and kep the Packers off the scoreboard until early in the final stanza. The Steelers were poised to finally take the lead in the fourth quarter when Mendenhall fumbled. Rodgers flicked a second touchdown pass to Jennings on the ensuing drive to put the Packers up by eleven with just under twelve minutes to play.
Pittsburgh did not let up. Roethlisberger kept it coming with an aerial attack. Mike Wallace’s over-the-shoulder touchdown reception from Big Ben was followed by a successful two-point conversion to make it a three point game. Green Bay knocked home a field goal with 2:07 left, allowing the Steelers one final possession and a chance at the win. Roethlisberger ordered the hurry-up mode on offense and quickly completed a pass for first down. He overthrew Wallace deep down field to set up a fourth down with one minute remaining. The drive stalled 69 yards short when Wallace dropped a very catchable pass, and the Steelers were forced to turn the ball over on downs. Pittsburgh’s comeback in Dallas was stunted as the Packers prevailed to their fourth title in franchise history. Wallace finished with 89 yards receiving and Ward was credited with 79. The Packers ran for just 50 yards but it didn’t seem to matter last night. Rodgers was simply the best player on the field, and that’s what mattered in the end.
Parting Points: Tom Brady was the first unanimous MVP.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Take Twenty-four
Undefeated Ohio State manhandled Minnesota 82-69 at Williams Arena in Minneapolis Sunday. The top-ranked Buckeyes basketball team collected their 24th consecutive win in their latest victory over the 18th ranked Gophers. David Lighty sparked the Buckeyes with 19 points and all five starters for Thad Matta finished with double figure games. Ohio State’s unbeaten season still stands, despite a physical, foul-filled conference contest on the road.
Jared Sullinger scored 18 points and pulled down 13 rebounds in the Buckeyes’ 11th Big Ten win. William Buford added 15 in Ohio State’s second win in Minnesota in the last six tries. The Bucks’ hot hand began the game by building a 28-16 lead. The Gophers trailed by eight at the half as the balanced and athletic Buckeyes controlled the pace. Dallas Lauderdale helped the Buckeyes pull away early in the second half with solid inside shooting. Lauderdale scored the first six points of the second half. Lauderdale and Jon Diebler finished with ten points apiece and combined for 13 rebounds against the conference’s leading rebounding squad. Ohio State’s free throw shooting was anything but stellar. Sullinger made just two of his eight attempts from the line and the team averaged just 50% in the game.
The Gophers were led by Blake Hoffarber’s 16 buckets, followed by Ralph Sampson III’s 14. Freshman reserve, Chip Armelin chipped in 14 points as Minnesota lost for the fourth straight game. Minnesota didn’t have enough firepower, although they kept the contest a competitive one. They would only get as close as ten points, keyed by a couple of clutch three pointers. The Gophers stuck with a zone defense in the final period and succeeded in limiting the Bucks to ten points in the last four minutes. The Gophers Achilles heel seemed to be turnovers, as they matched their season high 19 in the defeat. Next up for the nation’s number one team is a Saturday visit to Wisconsin.
Parting Points: GO STEELERS! Happy Superbowl Sunday.
Jared Sullinger scored 18 points and pulled down 13 rebounds in the Buckeyes’ 11th Big Ten win. William Buford added 15 in Ohio State’s second win in Minnesota in the last six tries. The Bucks’ hot hand began the game by building a 28-16 lead. The Gophers trailed by eight at the half as the balanced and athletic Buckeyes controlled the pace. Dallas Lauderdale helped the Buckeyes pull away early in the second half with solid inside shooting. Lauderdale scored the first six points of the second half. Lauderdale and Jon Diebler finished with ten points apiece and combined for 13 rebounds against the conference’s leading rebounding squad. Ohio State’s free throw shooting was anything but stellar. Sullinger made just two of his eight attempts from the line and the team averaged just 50% in the game.
The Gophers were led by Blake Hoffarber’s 16 buckets, followed by Ralph Sampson III’s 14. Freshman reserve, Chip Armelin chipped in 14 points as Minnesota lost for the fourth straight game. Minnesota didn’t have enough firepower, although they kept the contest a competitive one. They would only get as close as ten points, keyed by a couple of clutch three pointers. The Gophers stuck with a zone defense in the final period and succeeded in limiting the Bucks to ten points in the last four minutes. The Gophers Achilles heel seemed to be turnovers, as they matched their season high 19 in the defeat. Next up for the nation’s number one team is a Saturday visit to Wisconsin.
Parting Points: GO STEELERS! Happy Superbowl Sunday.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Crippled Cavs
Questions frequently asked: Is Brett Favre really retired? Should Pete Rose be in the Hall of Fame? Can the Cavs really win without LeBron James? The answer to all three should be a resounding YES. I believe Favre is done. I think Rose should be in the Hall no matter how many times he placed bets on the game. And, yes Cleveland can most certainly win a championship without James…it might just take an enormous effort and colossal changes. One man does not make a team. However, one man’s absence does impair one.
If Cleveland excels at anything, it’s losing. The crippled Cavs are on the verge of breaking a single season record for consecutive losses. Memphis handed the Cavs their 23rd straight loss in a Friday night 112-105 drubbing at FedEx Forum. The Grizzlies turned a one point fourth quarter deficit into a 13-0 run to seal the deal. It seems only fitting that the Cavs lost 23 a year after #23 exited for sunny skies in Miami. Zach Randolph propelled the Grizzlies with 29 points and 13 rebounds against the league’s worst team. The Cavs are now just 8-42 on the season. Cleveland hasn’t won a game since beating the Knicks in overtime on December 19th. Friday’s win gave Memphis a season best five in a row and eighth place in the Western Conference playoff race.
The Grizzlies roared back after Cleveland controlled the game for most of the first three quarters. J.J. Hickson tied a career high with 31 points for the visiting team. Hickson had a hard time handling Memphis’ monster front line. The 6’9” Cavalier brought down nine defensive rebounds and finished with a total of 15, but his team failed to close it out in the end. The Cavs forced eight first quarter turnovers and held the Grizzlies in check for most of the half. Rudy Gay drained 26 points and Mike Conley added 21 in the win. Ramon Sessions had a big game, with 20 points, for Cleveland. Antwan Jamison tallied 19 in the loss, but made just 1-of-8 from beyond the arc. Cleveland took advantage of the Grizzlies’ 2-3 zone and the absence of Marc Gasol. Gasol sat out with three fouls as he watched his team fall behind by ten points midway through the first period.
The Cavs closed out half number one with a 6-2 run despite the Grizzlies hitting their first ten shots of the night. Cleveland led 59-52 at halftime and carried a 12 point advantage into the third quarter before allowing it to slip away. The Cavs committed 10 turnovers that proved costly and cost them the lead. Meanwhile, Memphis out-rebounded the visitors and dominated the free throw line. The Grizzlies shot 90% from the charity stripe. The home team rallied to take an 83-80 edge late in the third stanza. The Cavs fought back fiercely to maintain the lead and succeeded in re-taking it heading into the fourth quarter on Jamison’s layup. Cleveland crumbled from there, allowing the Grizzlies to put up 13 straight points. Randolph collected 11 fourth quarter buckets to help Memphis coast to their eighth win in nine tries.
Parting Points: Kevin Love is replacing Yao Ming on the All-star team. Wow, really? Ming can’t play?
Congrats to the NFL Rookies of the Year- Sam Bradford and Ndamukong Suh.
If Cleveland excels at anything, it’s losing. The crippled Cavs are on the verge of breaking a single season record for consecutive losses. Memphis handed the Cavs their 23rd straight loss in a Friday night 112-105 drubbing at FedEx Forum. The Grizzlies turned a one point fourth quarter deficit into a 13-0 run to seal the deal. It seems only fitting that the Cavs lost 23 a year after #23 exited for sunny skies in Miami. Zach Randolph propelled the Grizzlies with 29 points and 13 rebounds against the league’s worst team. The Cavs are now just 8-42 on the season. Cleveland hasn’t won a game since beating the Knicks in overtime on December 19th. Friday’s win gave Memphis a season best five in a row and eighth place in the Western Conference playoff race.
The Grizzlies roared back after Cleveland controlled the game for most of the first three quarters. J.J. Hickson tied a career high with 31 points for the visiting team. Hickson had a hard time handling Memphis’ monster front line. The 6’9” Cavalier brought down nine defensive rebounds and finished with a total of 15, but his team failed to close it out in the end. The Cavs forced eight first quarter turnovers and held the Grizzlies in check for most of the half. Rudy Gay drained 26 points and Mike Conley added 21 in the win. Ramon Sessions had a big game, with 20 points, for Cleveland. Antwan Jamison tallied 19 in the loss, but made just 1-of-8 from beyond the arc. Cleveland took advantage of the Grizzlies’ 2-3 zone and the absence of Marc Gasol. Gasol sat out with three fouls as he watched his team fall behind by ten points midway through the first period.
The Cavs closed out half number one with a 6-2 run despite the Grizzlies hitting their first ten shots of the night. Cleveland led 59-52 at halftime and carried a 12 point advantage into the third quarter before allowing it to slip away. The Cavs committed 10 turnovers that proved costly and cost them the lead. Meanwhile, Memphis out-rebounded the visitors and dominated the free throw line. The Grizzlies shot 90% from the charity stripe. The home team rallied to take an 83-80 edge late in the third stanza. The Cavs fought back fiercely to maintain the lead and succeeded in re-taking it heading into the fourth quarter on Jamison’s layup. Cleveland crumbled from there, allowing the Grizzlies to put up 13 straight points. Randolph collected 11 fourth quarter buckets to help Memphis coast to their eighth win in nine tries.
Parting Points: Kevin Love is replacing Yao Ming on the All-star team. Wow, really? Ming can’t play?
Congrats to the NFL Rookies of the Year- Sam Bradford and Ndamukong Suh.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Seamless in Scarlet
Four days into February and Ohio State basketball remains undefeated. If you’re not a dubious Buckeye fan, you’re enticed, euphoric and excited. Others may be waiting for the ball to drop on OSU’s unblemished 23-0 season. Last night in Columbus, Ohio State collected a win against rival Michigan. The Buckeyes notched a 62-53 victory over the Wolverines, looking like a team that could definitely win a national title. Textbook-skilled freshman, Jared Sullinger hammered in 19 points and 15 rebounds to lead everybody else who saw minutes on the court, on either team. Sullinger turned the ball over four times but otherwise was outstanding. The Wolverines enjoyed a three point lead at the half, but their archrivals rallied to improve to 9-0 in the Big 10. OSU is the only unbeaten team remaining in college basketball. That’s definitely something to cheer about. With Sullinger at the helm, there’s no telling how far this team can ride their unbeaten streak.
The Buckeyes faced Michigan for the second time in less than a month on Thursday night. In January, OSU squeezed out a four-point triumph over the Wolverines. Ohio State took control early on in the game last night. OSU carved out a 7-0 advantage in the first two minutes of the contest. Following a timeout, Michigan slowly climbed back into the game. The Buckeyes were outplayed by Michigan and trailed 26-23 at halftime. Darius Morris fired 10 shots and added five rebounds to lead the blue and maize in the first half. Michigan forced ten first half turnovers and limited the home team to 36% shooting.
Ohio State mopped up the damage of the first half as Michigan struggled to grab takeaways after the break. David Lighty led the OSU charge in the second half. Lighty’s jumper six minutes into the second half gave the Buckeyes the lead, and Ohio State never trailed again. Michigan did tie the score momentarily at 36, but Aaron Craft’s defense started an 8-0 Buckeye run. Michigan fought hard to stay in the game. Evan Smotrycz and Hardaway traded threes to cut the Michigan deficit to two. But Ohio State was clearly up for the test. The Wolverines lost the second half rebounding battle as the Buckeyes’ defense stepped up. Tim Hardaway led the 13-9 visitors with 15 points on 3-of-7 from downtown. William Buford had a strong game for Ohio State, finishing with 13 points and hitting three timely 3-pointers. The 6’9” Sullinger wore out Michigan defenders. The Wolverines were called for 23 fouls on the night and shot just four three throws of their own. Lighty and stupendous senior, John Diebler contributed 9 points in the win.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Starting Today” by Natalie Imbruglia
Not a whole lot going on. The Mets’ owners are in hot water, Andy Pettitte’s days on the diamond are done, LeBron scored 51 points and the debate for NBA All-star snubs is on.
The Buckeyes faced Michigan for the second time in less than a month on Thursday night. In January, OSU squeezed out a four-point triumph over the Wolverines. Ohio State took control early on in the game last night. OSU carved out a 7-0 advantage in the first two minutes of the contest. Following a timeout, Michigan slowly climbed back into the game. The Buckeyes were outplayed by Michigan and trailed 26-23 at halftime. Darius Morris fired 10 shots and added five rebounds to lead the blue and maize in the first half. Michigan forced ten first half turnovers and limited the home team to 36% shooting.
Ohio State mopped up the damage of the first half as Michigan struggled to grab takeaways after the break. David Lighty led the OSU charge in the second half. Lighty’s jumper six minutes into the second half gave the Buckeyes the lead, and Ohio State never trailed again. Michigan did tie the score momentarily at 36, but Aaron Craft’s defense started an 8-0 Buckeye run. Michigan fought hard to stay in the game. Evan Smotrycz and Hardaway traded threes to cut the Michigan deficit to two. But Ohio State was clearly up for the test. The Wolverines lost the second half rebounding battle as the Buckeyes’ defense stepped up. Tim Hardaway led the 13-9 visitors with 15 points on 3-of-7 from downtown. William Buford had a strong game for Ohio State, finishing with 13 points and hitting three timely 3-pointers. The 6’9” Sullinger wore out Michigan defenders. The Wolverines were called for 23 fouls on the night and shot just four three throws of their own. Lighty and stupendous senior, John Diebler contributed 9 points in the win.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Starting Today” by Natalie Imbruglia
Not a whole lot going on. The Mets’ owners are in hot water, Andy Pettitte’s days on the diamond are done, LeBron scored 51 points and the debate for NBA All-star snubs is on.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Saluting the Southpaw
His pickoff move came second to none
That southpaw arm a flame-throwing one
Come playoff time, he was the man
Number one in the clutch, painting the corners like a crayon
He had CY Young material, a stellar career
His stare down scowl something to fear
The rings on his fingers the dynastic symbols
Of an incredible pitcher who warmed our souls
Farewell to dandy Andy Pettitte
Number forty-six, we won’t forget it
That southpaw arm a flame-throwing one
Come playoff time, he was the man
Number one in the clutch, painting the corners like a crayon
He had CY Young material, a stellar career
His stare down scowl something to fear
The rings on his fingers the dynastic symbols
Of an incredible pitcher who warmed our souls
Farewell to dandy Andy Pettitte
Number forty-six, we won’t forget it
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Nets Notch Nuggets
Winning basketball games is usually a mere laborious task for the New Jersey Nets. The fourteen win ballclub who calls Newark’s Prudential Center home has become a blip on many an NBA opponent’s schedule. But last night the Nets had little trouble against a Carmelo Anthony-led visiting Nuggets squad. New Jersey dropped Denver 115-90 to pick up their 15th win of another losing season. The Nets scored the most first half points they have all year, connecting on 25-of-40 in a vehement victory at home. The Melo sweepstakes may have ended, and the Nets proved last night why they just might not need Anthony’s services after all. New Jersey stopped a two game skid while the Nuggets suffered their 20th loss this season.
Anthony scored a game high 37 points in 40 minutes but his Denver teammates were virtual no-shows on the hardwood. The Nuggets made just 35% of their 3-pointers and found themselves in a 19-7 hole halfway through the first stanza. Denver ripped off nine consecutive points but New Jersey rushed ahead to a ten point advantage on Travis Outlaw’s 13 point first quarter. Devon Harris was an assist assailant, compiling an aggressive career high 18 in the New Jersey win. The Nets sailed ahead by as many as 18 points for a 63-50 advantage at the intermission. Anthony kept the visitors in the game with 23 first half points and nine of ten from the charity stripe. Brook Lopez led New Jersey with 27 points. The center from Stanford made 11-of-18 from the field and was a perfect 5-for-5 from the line. Despite Anthony’s offensive dominance, the hosts were ferocious in forcing 16 turnovers and outrebounding the Nuggets by 11.
The Nets hit 9-of-15 from downtown and were led by Kris Humphries’ big second half off the bench. Chauncey Billups supplied 19 points (16 in the second half) and Brazilian, Nene Hilario, sunk 16 for Denver, who mounted a slight comeback after the break. J.R. Smith drained a pair of foul shots to trim the Nuggets’ deficit to just four with less than a minute on the clock. The Nets continued their clutch shooting and never allowed Denver to take the lead. New Jersey outscored the Nuggets 30-21 in the final quarter to finish over the 100 point mark. Monday was the 15th straight road game Denver has allowed an opponent 100-or-more points. Anthony Morrow poured in 18 in the win, including four 3-pointers.
Parting Points: Snowy Tuesday tune- “Quit Playing Games With My Heart” by Backstreet Boys
Georgetown knocked off Louisville last night as the Big East seeding continue to shuffle.
Anthony scored a game high 37 points in 40 minutes but his Denver teammates were virtual no-shows on the hardwood. The Nuggets made just 35% of their 3-pointers and found themselves in a 19-7 hole halfway through the first stanza. Denver ripped off nine consecutive points but New Jersey rushed ahead to a ten point advantage on Travis Outlaw’s 13 point first quarter. Devon Harris was an assist assailant, compiling an aggressive career high 18 in the New Jersey win. The Nets sailed ahead by as many as 18 points for a 63-50 advantage at the intermission. Anthony kept the visitors in the game with 23 first half points and nine of ten from the charity stripe. Brook Lopez led New Jersey with 27 points. The center from Stanford made 11-of-18 from the field and was a perfect 5-for-5 from the line. Despite Anthony’s offensive dominance, the hosts were ferocious in forcing 16 turnovers and outrebounding the Nuggets by 11.
The Nets hit 9-of-15 from downtown and were led by Kris Humphries’ big second half off the bench. Chauncey Billups supplied 19 points (16 in the second half) and Brazilian, Nene Hilario, sunk 16 for Denver, who mounted a slight comeback after the break. J.R. Smith drained a pair of foul shots to trim the Nuggets’ deficit to just four with less than a minute on the clock. The Nets continued their clutch shooting and never allowed Denver to take the lead. New Jersey outscored the Nuggets 30-21 in the final quarter to finish over the 100 point mark. Monday was the 15th straight road game Denver has allowed an opponent 100-or-more points. Anthony Morrow poured in 18 in the win, including four 3-pointers.
Parting Points: Snowy Tuesday tune- “Quit Playing Games With My Heart” by Backstreet Boys
Georgetown knocked off Louisville last night as the Big East seeding continue to shuffle.
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