The Dugout - December 11

NFL Week 14                                                                                      

Let it Snow! x3

Not the easiest of conditions this week in the National Football League. In fact things were downright seasonal. If there wasn’t a snowstorm, it was still windier than a barn-raising, Oz-transporting Kansas City tornado, and if not that then it was still next to freezing. In Chicago they had to keep the water bottles in front of heaters to keep 'em from freezing over. The worst was in Philly, where there was a damn blizzard! Detroit couldn’t handle it, fumbling about a thousand times, while the Eagles adjusted to a running game that better suited the conditions. See Calvin Johnson, here, made a good catch, fell as he did so and came up with a helmet full of snow.

Tight Finishes and Blown Opportunites

This week saw some of the most incredible finishes in recent memory, all within half an hour of each other. There was Pittsburgh, trailing Miami as time expired, they went for the lateral pass tactic (why don’t teams incorporate it more?), throwing the ball around like the local first XV (if there is such a thing). Normally this is a last ditch tactic of desperation, and it was here too, only they managed to find some space and Antonio Brown skipped past the last man to appear to take it in for the most unbelievable winning touchdown in history. And it was unbelievable. Literally. Because he stepped out on his way. A single inch of white paint may be the deciding factor in the Steelers’ and Dolphins’ seasons.

Then in New England, Tom Brady proved once more why he can never be counted out, leading his Patriots to two late touchdowns to win the game. They even recovered an onside kick – their first since New Year’s Day 1995. The Browns were unlucky with a late pass interference call that went against them, but watching on, the Pats were always wining that game once they recovered that kick.

But the pick of the bunch was a mental last few minutes between Baltimore and Minnesota – where FIVE touchdowns were scored in the final 125 seconds!

• With 2:05 on the clock, Dennis Pitta catches a Joe Flacco pass to give Baltimore a 15-12 lead.
• 1:27 to go, sub Vikings RB Toby Gerhart (in for the injured Adrian Peterson) breaks through the Ravens D for a 41 yard TD run. 19-15 Vikings.
• Immediately after Jacoby Jones runs the kickoff back the distance. 22-19 Ravens
• The Vikings try to get in position for a game-tying field goal, but Cordarrelle Patterson goes four points better with a 71 yard TD from what was initially a short screen pass. 26-22 with 46 seconds remaining.
• But Joe Flacco wasn’t done, taking his team the length of the field, and throwing the winner to rookie Marlon Brown with 4 seconds on the clock. Final score: 29-26 to Baltimore.  

Mile High & 64 Yards Long

We know how the altitude of Denver’s Mile High Stadium affects players, we hear about it every damn time they play there. Kickers especially have an advantage, but that doesn’t take the gloss off this moment for Denver K Matt Prater. He broke the NFL record for longest field goal (3 had previously hit 63 yarders) with a 64 yard deep bomb to end the half. Wow. 

Playoff Hunt

Guarantees: Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts

Near Certainties: New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs

Division Hunts: Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys

Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers

Wildcard Hunts: 2 of San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers & Arizona Cardinals

Miami Dolphins vs Baltimore Ravens vs San Diego Chargers vs New York Jets

No Hopers: Everyone else

Power Rankings

1. Denver Broncos
2. Seattle Seahawks
3. New Orleans Saints
4. San Francisco 49ers
5. Kansas City Chiefs

P. Manning – Record Watch

Tom Brady 2007 – 50 TD passes in a season

Peyton Manning 2013 – 45 TD passes (3 games remaining)

Drew Brees 2011 – 5476 pass yards in a season

Peyton Manning 2013 – 4522 pass yards (3 games remaining)

In Honour of Ditka the Great

Legendary Chicago icon and NFL player/coach/pundit/personality Mike Ditka had his number 89 retired by the Bears on Monday Night Football. A fitting tribute to a man more synonymous with that franchise than any other. Ditka won Superbowls as both a player and a coach with the Bears, along with a popular career as a TV analyst. Then there’s possibly his most glittering career achievement of all: appearing in the Will Ferrell film ‘Kicking and Screaming’. he Bears responded by almost matching his retired number in points (they got half way at least) in pummelling the Cowboys.

Rudy's On the Road

A big time and curious trade went down this week in the NBA. Sacramento picked up small forward Rudy Gay from Toronto in a seven player deal. The Kings get Gay, Aaron Gray and Quincy Acy (the first a very tall journeyman, the latter a youngster), while the Raptors in return, along with dumping Gay’s salary, get Greivis Vásquez, Patrick Patterson, John Salmons, and Chuck Hayes. Vasquez is a very handy guard who’ll definitely contribute, the other three will probably play depth roles. Rudy Gay is a high scorer, but a sloppy one and can be a greedy player. Interesting to see how that fits in with Boogie Cousins’ me-first attitude. The Kings also added guard Derrick Williams from Minnesota last week.

MLB Offseason

Robinson Cano has gotten himself a nice big new contract, only it’s with the Seattle Mariners not the New York Yankees. It had become clear that the Yanks weren;t willing to pay Cano quite what he was asking for. So Cano and his agent Jay Z (or rather Jay Z’s Roc Nation Sports) went with the best offer on the table, a 10 year $240m deal to play in Seattle.

This is another deal in a busy offseason for the AL West, which is dominating proceedings. Texas has already acquired Prince Fielder, 2-time defending division champs Oakland have been up to their usual wheeling and dealing, and the LA Angels have picked up former World Series MVP David Freese while working hard to improve their pitching. Oh and Houston still suck.

The Yankees are gonna be looking very different in 2014 too. Gone is their lynchpin infielder and star player Cano. Jeter and A-Rod are still around but to call them injury prone would be like calling Al Capone ‘a little short tempered’. Mo Rivera’s retired. So’s Andy Pettitte. Curtis Granderson has been replaced by Red Sox icon Jacoby Ellsbury. Bryan McCann’s in town to catch. T’ain’t your fathers Yankees no more.

Good Week:

LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles) – Maybe more of a good half, but you can’t deny the influence of the Philly RB. Struggling early in a Philadelphia blizzard, he basically ran down hill in the second stanza – all the way to a franchise record 217 rush yards on 29 carries, with 2 TDs. He basically changed this game, with the Eagles able to rally from behind to take a crucial win.

Some Guy at an OKC game a while back – so this fella hits a half court shot in a half time competition. Wins $20k, right? Only he’s a college athlete, so they say he can’t keep the money because he has to be an amateur. But now they say it’s allgood and he can keep it.

Bad Week:

Dallas Cowboys – Specifically their defence. It seems like every time they play in a nationally broadcast game, they bring the turnstile defence. RB Matt Forte and QB Josh McCown picked them off all day, scoring on every single possession except the kneel down with 6 seconds to go.

Jason Kidd (Brooklyn Nets) – The noose is tightening for the new Nets coach. 6-14 is not even close to good enough. Now he’s rowing with his assistant. Paul Pierce and Deron Williams are coming back now, hopefully for him they can give this team a shot in the arm.

Inglorious Fail of the Week:

Nick Young (LA Lakers) - Went for the 360 degree spinning layup. Much embarrassment ensued.

Weekly Pondering:

Kirk Cousins or RG3?

Jay Cutler or Josh McCown?

Trent Richardson or a large rock?

Peyton Manning Honourable Player of the Week:

Peyton Manning. Like a broken record he just does the same thing every week. Only it’s the best broken record you’ve ever heard. Like it froze on the solo in Stairway or the riff from Brown Sugar. 39/59 for 397 yards and 4 tds. Just another day at the office.

Upcoming Dates (NZ Time):

December 30 - NFL Regular Season Ends

February 3 - Superbowl XLVIII

February 17 - 2014 NBA All-Star Game

Weekly NBA wrap with the Mid Range Jumpers

LaMarcus Aldridge

MVP watch

Fresh Prince

LeBron James (Miami Heat, 25.6ppg, 5.5rpg, 6.8apg)

Paul George (Indiana Pacers, 24.4ppg, 6.8rpg)

Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves, 25.4ppg, 13.3rpg)

Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder 29.6ppg, 7.0rpg, 5.2apg)

Chris Paul (LA Clippers, 19.5ppg, 12.5apg)

His Airness

Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Paul George and Chris Paul

 MVP watch does not change this week, all four candidates have continued to have solid weeks with LeBron stepping it up averaging 34 points. He continues to shoot a remarkable 62% from the field.

Standouts

Portland Trailblazers

The streaking Blazers have won eight straight behind some fantastic team basketball along with the impressive performances from last year’s rookie of the year, Damian Lillard and All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge. They are facing some challenges this week but Portland look the part and are a team to keep an eye on.

Chicago Bulls/San Antonio Spurs

Both these teams never fail to impress me. Derrick Rose is rusty and is struggling with his shot while also having some issues taking care of the ball, yet they’re 3rd in the East at 6-3 and have rattled off five straight wins. Every year I think how long can this squad in San Antonio keep pace in the west. Well they’re not only keeping pace, they’re setting it at 10-1 and have won eight straight.  

Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin often features in highlight reels but sometimes doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. One of three players currently averaging 20+pts and 10+rpg, Griffin’s high flying game continues to be a force for the Clippers. While he has the benefit of playing with the league’s best point guard, he certainly makes the most of it and has been a standout performer so far in 13-14.

Teams on the rise

FP- San Antonio Spurs

Portland Trailblazers

Chicago Bulls

Memphis Grizzlies

HA- The Portland Trail Blazers are currently on a seven game winning streak, the best streak in the NBA at the moment. However, they have some difficult games coming up, facing Chicago at home and then travelling away to play Golden State.

Chicago Bulls – after having a tough start to the season it looks as if they have finally found their rhythm, handing the Pacers there first loss and continuing their now five game winning streak. The Bulls are on the rise and look for them to only get better as the season continues.

Teams on the slide

FP - Milwaukee Bucks

Utah Jazz

Boston Celtics

Philadelphia 76ers

HA - Brooklyn Nets. The Nets had a lot of hype coming into the season with many people thinking they were going to do very well. They haven’t had a good start, currently 3-7 and new head coach Jason Kidd could be soon out of a job if they don’t start performing soon.

Performances of the week

In a week where there were several standout performances from the usual suspects my performance of the week goes to the Chicago Bulls. In a game where they went up against the undefeated Indiana Pacers and their highly proclaimed defence, the Bulls played a complete game and took it too Indiana. Highlighted with seven players scoring in double digits and having no player get double digits in rebounds or assists meant that the Bulls produced an all round dominant team performance. Shooting 50.6% from the field in a game versus a defence that was allowing under 40% is a statistic that stood out too me along with their 57% 3-point percentage.

Individual performances of note were LeBron’s monster week, Harden’s 36 versus Carmelo’s 45, Tony Wroten’s debut start in which he recorded a triple double in an overtime win against the Rockets (complemented by James Anderson’s 36 point outburst). A glimpse of what the Mike D’Antoni’s Lakers are capable of led by Jordan Hill’s career performance of 24 points and 17 rebounds. Finally, the game between the Thunder and Warriors which featured a few clutch shots to say the least.

Plays of the week

HA - Could be one of the dunk’s of the year by Xavier Henry.

FP - Those clutch performances lead me too the play of the week and once again it’s a game winner. This one finished a game of a playoff caliber between two teams that have the makings of a rivalry to look forward too.  This followed a cold-blooded three from Russell Westbrook in a game to remember.

Another play that springs to mind is this off the backboard alley-oop from Brandon Jennings too Andre Drummond. WOW.

 Undercover Brother

FP - Roy Hibbert

There’s been a lot of talk about Paul George and the Indiana Pacers but one player who deserves more recognition is Roy Hibbert. The 7’2’ Center has played tremendously well and is a large reason why the Pacers are currently 9-1. Hibbert’s numbers aren’t all that high (11.4ppg, 8.9rpg) but he does lead the league in blocks per game at an impressive 4.4 per game.

HA - DeMarcus Cousins – although he’s playing for the struggling Kings, Cousins looks as fit as ever and looks to have put his attitude issues behind him. He is averaging 21 points and 9 boards a game, this puts him among some of the top big men this year.

Storyline Watch/Random thoughts

FP - The only storyline for me this week is regarding Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba is back, well almost; He is back participating fully in practice and while it will take some time to get match conditioned and into a rhythm I expect too see him back on the court sooner rather than later.

What to watch for (all NZT)

FP - Kobe’s Return

Kobe said a November return isn’t out of the question and although it’s unlikely to be this week (I hope it is) this is certainly something to watch for.

Clippers @ Thunder on Friday

Clippers take on the Thunder once again this week after a fierce battle last week where the Clippers got the win in LA where we saw an ejection apiece for a first half scuffle between Matt Barnes and Serge Ibaka.

HA - Clippers vs. Thunder will be a huge game, these two teams that have not played their best lately but will look to put themselves back on track with a win here.

Bulls @ Trailblazers on Saturday

The streaking Trailblazers will meet the team that seems to have a knack for ending streaks (while also being on a streak of their own). Chicago travel to Portland and meet the inform Portland Trailblazers. A good matchup between point guard’s Damian Lillard and Derrick Rose will highlight this battle as Portland look to make a statement and keep rolling while the Bulls will be looking to end another streak while continuing their own.

Trailblazers @ Warriors on Sunday

A matchup between two top teams in west as the Trailblazers meet the Warriors in San Francisco. The Blazers will be coming of a game against the Bulls and the Warriors meet the Lakers the day before. This will be a good one to watch as both teams are young and full of talent and are looking like the real deal this year.

Timberwolves @ Pacers on Tuesday

A good matchup for both teams here as the Timberwolves take on the Indiana Pacers. A good test for the Pacers as Minnesota is starting to look the part and with the Rubio/Love connection going strong this should be a quality game.

Heat @ Cavaliers on Thursday

Anytime LeBron returns to Cleveland is a game to watch. The Cavaliers are still rebuilding from LeBron’s departure and have struggled early in the season but are starting to find some form thanks to the exciting play of Uncle Drew. Expect the Cavs to get up for this one and hopefully we will see some of the potential in Cleveland along with a strong showing from LeBron James.

Spurs @ Thunder on Thursday

Another western conference matchup here as the Spurs take on the Thunder in OKC. This one will be an interesting one as the Spurs are looking as good as ever while the Thunder are coming into some form following some sublime play from their dynamic duo. Always a good matchup and I expect nothing less next Thursday.

Weekly NBA wrap with the Mid Range Jumpers

MVP Watch

Fresh Prince

Paul George (Indiana Pacers, 24.9ppg, 7.8rpg)

Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves, 26.4ppg, 15.0rpg)

Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder 30.2ppg, 7.3rpg)

LeBron James (Miami Heat, 25.5ppg, 7.3apg)

Chris Paul (LA Clippers, 21.3ppg, 12.4apg)

His Airness

Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Paul George and Chris Paul

Anthony Davis is emerging as one of the top big men in the league, averaging 21.7 points, 11.6 rebounds and an impressive 3.8 blocks per game in only his second season, Davis is working his way into the MVP race.

Kevin Love

Kevin Love is another big man on the rise currently averaging 26.4 points per game which is second in the league and leading the league in rebounds per game 15, Love’s very impressive start to the season has helped his team to a 5-3 start to the season 

Standouts

FP - DeMarcus Cousins (23.5ppg, 9.7rpg)

Cousins has had some great performances this week and while they haven’t translated into wins, he has been a standout for the Sacramento Kings.

Houston Rockets (James Harden/Dwight Howard)

The Rockets haven’t had the greatest of weeks but their two superstars are beginning to warrant the exceedingly high expectations for this team. Harden (24.9ppg, 5.1apg) and Howard (17.6ppg, 14.9rpg) are leading the Rockets and will only improve the further we get into the season.

Anthony Davis (21.7ppg, 11.6rpg, 3.9bpg)

Anthony Davis

I didn’t mention Anthony Davis last week and I should have. He is playing some great basketball for the Pelicans and putting up some impressive numbers. He’s looking a lot stronger and more refined on the NBA stage and will continue to be a talented defensive presence for New Orleans.

Teams on the rise

FP - Indiana Pacers

San Antonio Spurs

Oklahoma City Thunder

Boston Celtics

HA - Phoenix have had a impressive start to the season, lead by Eric Bledsoe this team has surprised many people going 5-2 to start the season. However, I am not sure if they can keep this up.

Atlanta are another surprising team on the rise this week currently leading the Southeast division ahead of Miami and with upcoming games against the struggling Knicks and hosting Philly at home the 

Hawks could easily improve to 7-3.

Teams on the slide

FP - Utah Jazz

Sacramento Kings

Los Angeles Lakers

Detroit Pistons

HA - The Knicks have made a poor start to the season, currently 2-4 they are not looking like the team that made it to the playoffs last year.

Utah Jazz are the only team without a win this season, a team with really no stars you would think they will continue to struggle this season. There losing streak might be extended over the next week as they have tough games coming up against the Pelicans, Spurs and Warriors. Look for them to be a strong candidate for picking up college star Andrew Wiggins in next years draft.

Performance of the week

For me there were two performances of the week, the first was by Kevin Love versus Dallas last Thursday, 32 points, 15 rebounds and 8 assists in a 116-108 victory. The second was a performance by another superstar named Kevin, in a game that also featured Steven Adams’ posting his first double-double. Kevin Durant posted 37 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists in the 119-110 victory over Detroit. Both Kevin’s are playing at MVP levels and performances like these are not uncommon for either player.

Play of the week

FP - In a week of game winners there was one that stood above all… Against the two-time defending champion, on the road, over the best player on the planet with 0.6 remaining.

HA - Got to love this, Miami at home losing to arguably one of the worst teams in the NBA at the moment.

Undercover Brother

Kevin Martin

FP - Kevin Martin (Minnesota Timberwolves)

The other Kevin in Minnesota has been on a scoring tear, putting up  32, 27 and 30 point performances over the past week. Having always being a volume scorer Martin is playing well in Minnesota and filling a vital scoring role alongside Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio.

HA -  Damien Lillard (Portland Trailblazers)

Damian Lillard has been a significant reason why Portland are currently 5-2, averaging 21 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds. Lillard has been impressive and look for him to continue this throughout the season.

Storyline Watch/Random thoughts 

Once again, who can challenge the Indiana Pacers?

The growth of the Harden/Howard combination in Houston

How the New York Knicks perform without Tyson Chandler?

What to watch for (all NZT)

Rockets @ Knicks on Friday

Two of the teams to watch this week are the Rockets and Knicks. The Rockets are starting to find out their identity and are looking stronger each outing. The Knicks are struggling at 2-4 and now are without their defensive specialist Tyson Chandler due to injury.  It gets harder before it gets easier for the Knicks as Dwight Howard will be in town.

Thunder @ Warriors on Friday

The Thunder have quietly rattled off a four game win streak last week and head into Golden State second in the west. Kevin Durant is at his best and Russell Westbrook is as explosive as ever as he looks to settle back in. Another thing to look out for is the NBA’s own trans-tasman battle of big men as Steven Adams meets Australia’s Andrew Bogut.

Pacers @ Bulls on Sunday

The Pacers meet the Bulls once again this time in Chicago. Indiana is the best team in basketball right now and the Bulls (3-3) are yet to perform, as we’ve been accustomed to seeing. I expect this too be the Pacers biggest challenge yet and after they handled the Bulls in the 4th quarter last week leading too a 97-80 victory, this is the perfect stage for Chicago to send a message.

Hawks @ Heat on Wednesday

The Atlanta Hawks have been a surprise, currently sitting 3rd in the East at (4-3). They meet LeBron James and the Miami Heat on Wednesday in Miami and will provide them with an opportunity to establish themselves as a contender in the East. Miami currently 5-3 will be looking to put a strong week together after losing to the Celtics at Home and questions about their defence.