The Dugout - March 5
Getty Images via Bleacher Report
Steve Nash
Let us all spare a thought for the great man, Steve Nash. Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni says it’s unlikely that we’ll see Nash again this season, and with a few contract options in the Lakers favour, we may never see him again if that’s the case. Hopefully it isn’t, and that Nash is able to get the send-off he deserves, though either way he’s a Hall of Famer and a role model. Best of luck, Nashy.
And if you haven’t seen it yet, definitely watch his web series with Grantland documenting the final stretch of his career. It’s dark and sombre, but it’s a view into a different side of professional sports that usually gets glossed over.
MLB Spring Training
Ah, the smell of fresh cut grass. That dull thumping sound of a baseball landing in an outstretched mitt. Spring training is here, and baseball season is just around the corner. This is where fringe players stake their claim for a spot in the majors, and where the stars ease their way into a long and gruelling season.
We’ve already had sightings of much lauded Yankees Japanese import Masahiro Tanaka, who looks very decent. Russell Wilson has been having a run around too. Yes, that Russell Wilson. The Superbowl winning Seahawks QB was also drafted by the Texas Rangers, and has been hanging out with them recently, even getting a bit of time on the field. He says “never say never” regarding a possible two-sport career, though don’t read anything into that. The biggest Spring Training story has been the trialling of video replay systems to smooth out calls. All accounts agree the system seems to work, and it has already been confirmed to feature in the Majors. About time that baseball caught up with the rest of the world there, really.
LBJ On His Way
Just in case you thought Kevin Durant was gonna cruise to the MVP title this season, LeBron James is sending some aggressive signals to the contrary. Playing with a protective mask on his face, he dropped 61 on the struggling Bobcats – his personal and also a Heat franchise record total. Plus he did it shooting 22/33, with only a legendary pair of big men (Wilt Chamberlain and Karl Malone) ever scoring a more efficient 60+ game.
Dominique Wilkins, however, wasn’t so forthcoming with praise.
And there was plenty more where that came from.
Most Points in an NBA Game - This Season:
- Carmelo Anthony, January 1 vs Charlotte Bobcats – 62
- LeBron James, March 3 vs Charlotte Bobcats – 61
- Kevin Durant, January 17 vs Golden State Warriors – 54
- Terrence Ross, January 25 vs Los Angeles Clippers – 51
- Kevin Durant, January 4 vs Minnesota Timberwolves - 48
Most Points in an NBA Match - All Time:
- Wilt Chamberlain, March 2, 1962 vs NY Knicks – 100
- Kobe Bryant, January 22, 2006 vs Toronto Raptors – 81
- Wilt Chamberlain, December 8, 1961 vs LA Lakers - 78
- Wilt Chamberlain, January 13, 1962 vs Chicago Packers - 73
- Wilt Chamberlain, November 16, 1962 vs NY Knicks - 73
San Francisco Bay Blues
Hey, remember when we were talking about the possible rift between Jim Harbaugh and the San Francisco 49ers? Turns out that was more on the money than we thought. After (allegedly) nearly being traded to his home-state franchise Cleveland, rumours are now that not only is there beef between Harbaugh and his GM, but also some of the players. WR Anquan Boldin firmly denied this, but then he just signed a new contract extension, so he’s hardly gonna rock the boat now. For the record, Jimmy says there’s zero chance he leaves before the end of his contract (2015).
Keep An Eye On It:
Dirk Nowitzki is well on the way to becoming just the third player in history to have multiple .50/.40/.90 seasons (with regards to shooting percentages). Only six men have ever managed it, and only Nash and Bird have done it more than once (Dirk did it in his 2006/07 MVP year).
Brett Favre Channelling His Inner Grizzly Adams:
Quote of the Week:
Andre Drummond might be struggling a little after his breakup with Nickelodeon actress __. She was pretty candid about why she dumped him on Peter Holmes’ podcast too. It had to do with the technicalities of kissing a 2.13m NBA centre when you’re a 1.57m shorty. Ohmigawd, I had to, like, stand on a chair!
Anyway, someone leaked some sexy pics of the chick the other day, though Drummond denies it was him.
Good Week:
- Chicago Bulls – Damn, son. They traded away Luol Deng, sure, but anyone who thought that meant they;d given up has been proven very, very wrong. In fact they’re playing better than ever, and this is without Derrick Rose too, of course. Until losing away to Brooklyn yesterday, they’d won 9 from 10, storming up to fourth in the soft Eastern Conference, currently just a half game back on Toronto.
- LeBron James – Well, obviously.
Bad Week:
- Charlotte Bobcats – Their uselessness has been all over the news thanks to LeBron.
- Ian Kinsler (Detroit Tigers) – Someone ain’t a happy chappie. After being traded from Texas for Prince Fielder this offseason, the Tigers second baseman has some rough words for his old team, saying he hopes they finish 0-162 and calling GM Jon Daniels a “sleazeball”. Kind of a douche move, if you ask me.
Player of the Week:
Joakim Noah (Chicago Bulls) – Here’s a guy who has been dominating in the most emphatic way. He dished out 14 assists on his way to a 13/12/14 triple double against the Knick the other day! From Centre! Regularly posting up double-doubles, he averaged 12 & 11 & 6 this week.
Upcoming Dates (NZ Time):
March 22 - MLB Regular Season Begins
April 17 - NBA Regular Season Ends
May 9 - NFL Draft Begins