HO HO HO MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
Hey I know it's been a while but I am back and on this very special Christmas Edition of the Blazin Sports Blog I'm going to point out the one key thiing to look for in each game today.
Celtics vs Knicks
We all know that the addition of Tyson Chandler helps make the Knicks bolster arguably the best frontcourt in all the NBA with Amare Stoudamire and Carmelo Anthony. Now Chandler brings defense to the team but no one else on the team really does outside of Landry Fields. I'm interested in seeing if Chandler's defensive mentality brushes off on the rest of his teammates the way it did in Dallas. We know Melo has never been a defender and neither has Amare, and losing Billups will hurt them as he was a big point guard. Against the aging Celtics, who still are more than capable of putting up a challenge to some of the top teams but with Pierce likely out they may struggle. We will see if these Knicks can find a defensive formula under Coach Mike D'antoni, who preaches offense more than defense.
Heat vs Mavericks
The big thing I'm looking for in this matchup is role players on both teams. The Heat haven't managed to make nearly as much of a splash in the offseason as they would have liked, in adding Shane Battier and Eddy Curry (c'mon man). They really haven't helped their most glaring needs in which were the point guard spot and center position. On the other side you have Dallas who lost Chandler,JJ Barea, Deshawn Stevenson who were all key in helping win the NBA title last season, but added veterans all around with Lamar Odom, Vince Carter, Delonte West, and shot blocker Sean Williams. Will these pieces integrate into a fluid system or will it take time to learn each other's tendencies to play well on the court? We will see?
Bulls vs Lakers
I'm interested in seeing how well the most important, in my opinion, offseason acquisition plays alongside the MVP Derrick Rose, and that man is Rip Hamilton. Why people have overlooked this move so much is bafflling to me. The one thhing the Bulls lacked last year was someone who could compliment Rose in the backcourt and I believe they have found exactly what they need in Rip. He's another Ray Allen type who can come off screens and is crafty in getting his own shot. He's a great veteran and will defintely help out on both ends of the court. If this Bulls team stays healthy with the addition of Rip they will win the East in my opinion.
Magic vs Thunder
The one game I have to show no bias for but there are two things I have to watch for in this game. The first is will this Magic team show Dwight Howard that they can win with them surrounding him. Dwight wants to leave we all know this, but will his teammates step up and show him that this is where he wants to be by defeating one of the favorites to get to the Finals in the Thunder. Dwight says he will play hard regardless of where he's at because he wants to win, so his teammates have to step it up and help him out. On the opposite side of the court will Russell Westbrook realize that this is Kevin Durant's team and be a better teammate instead of trying to takeover the game by shooting his team in the foot instead of making them better. Everyone points the finger and rightfully so, at Westbrook for taking too many bad shots in last year's playoffs. If he comes out and becomes a better playmaker for his team is they key for this team this year.
Clippers vs Warriors
Lob City taking on the run n gun Warriors. If nothing else this game will feature plenty of highlights, but what both teams have to show is the one thing they don't have yet, DEFENSE. Both teeams will have a chance to show one is better than the other on the defensive end of the court, but neither has been looked at as great defensive not even good defensive teams. With Steph Curry possibly missing tonight's game it will be interesting to see exactly how the Warriors replace his steals. Ishmael Smith is a good defender and could see the court as the starter if Curry can't go. But with bioth teams projected to be offensive juggernauts we will see who is able to slow the other down. The Clippers have better defenders but the Warriors new head coach Mark Jackson wants his young athletic team, who's more than athletic enough, to use that ability on both ends of the court. We shall see what happens.
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