The NBA had the national spotlight on Christmas Day, and displayed some of their biggest stars in marquee games around the country. While some games turned out to be more competitive than expected(Knicks vs. Heat), others wound up to be a one-sided affair(Lakers vs. Cavs). Check out the 5 things we took away from Christmas Day in the NBA.
5. The Knicks have no real identity.
I used to think the Knicks wanted Lebron James because of the marketing money. While that is still probably true, the basketball purists have King James are their wishlist because he gives the team something they have been lacking since the days of Patrick Ewing, and to a point Allen Houston/Latrell Sprewell — A Closer. New York has a roster of good, young, talent. Many of them who are playing with expiring contracts this season, and might not be around for the Lebron sweepstakes next July anyway. On a big stage though, such as yesterday against Dwyane Wade’s Heat, there was no true superstar for the hometeam that could answer the bell. I wonder if the Knicks fans will be ok if Lebron says no to them, and all they are able to land next year is Carlos Boozer and Joe Johnson?
4. The Clippers should never play on Christmas Day again.
Who decided the Suns vs. Clippers should be a Christmas Day game? I know some consiparacy theorists probably are thinking they all the West Coast Love on the holiday, with three of the five games hosted by Western Conference teams. Phoenix toyed around with the hapless Clips, making me turn away very early to check out the Chargers vs. Titans on NFL Network.
3. Brandon Roy vs. Carmelo Anthony could be a rivalry in the making.
While everyone paid attention to Kobe vs. Lebron yesterday, the real superstar showdown happened in the final game. Brandon Roy lifted to Portland to a 11 point home victory last night, thanks to 41 points. Melo had 32 in defeat, though the reason Denver lost cannot fall on his shoulders alone.
2. The Celtics are the best team in the East.
A statement game is one that months later will get brought up to solidify a point. The Celtics, who hobbled into Orlando Christmas Day without the services of Paul Pierce, and with Glen Davis getting playing time for the first time all year, shut down the offensive juggernaut that is the Magic. Dwight Howard can’t seem to figure out how to score against the Celtics imposing front line this year, and Rajon Rondo was better than any point guard Orlando put on the floor yesterday. Sitting atop the league with the best record right now, Boston clearly looks ready to make a deep run when the pages of the calender turn next month.
1. The Cavaliers win in Staples means…nothing.
It was impressive for one night that the Cavs stifled the Lakers. Much like last year on Christmas Day, Bryant’s Lakers figured out a way to win a game they absolutely wanted against the Celtics. However, in the big scheme of things, both the Cavs and Lakers will now go back to their regularly scheduled lives, attempting to take homecourt advantage in their respective conferences.
NBA Top Five Power Rankings as of 12/26
1. Lakers
2. Celtics
3. Cavs
4. Hawks
5. Magic
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
The Lakers vs Cavs game didn’t live up to they hype. I know Laker fans will complain about the refs but Cleveland out-hustled them throughout the game.
I think the best game was the Blazers vs Nuggets yesterday. The Blazers have shown heart playing with 6 players injured and still managing to win.
Yeah the Blazers and Nuggets game was nice. Roy put up some big numbers last night. The cav’s just manhandled the lakers. The playoffs are going to be nice this year. Cant wait.
Oh yeah the Celtics are going to be tough for anyone to beat in a seven game series. Especially if they are healthy. They are a different animal with garnett in there. Sheed was a great addition as well. I also agree that the cav’s win is nothing because they wont make it past a healthy Celtics team. Lebron would have to go for fifty every night and that doesn’t guarantee a win.
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