Grizzlies acquire formerly miffed Francis posted by Brad Hurt

Former Rookie of the Year Steve Francis will play for the Grizzlies after all.  The catch is that it will be in Memphis instead of Vancouver.

The Houston Rockets sent Francis, who infamously refused to play for the Vancouver Grizzlies after they drafted him in 1999, to Memphis on Wednesday in exchange for a conditional second-round draft pick in 2011.  The Grizzlies also get a 2009 second-round pick and cash in the deal.

Francis, who hasn’t played a game this season as he recovers from offseason quadriceps surgery, is in the final year of a two-year contract and may end up retiring if he decides his surgically-repaired knee isn’t strong enough for him to play.

Francis had a flashy playing style and can definitely produce, but has the potential to create a chemistry issue.  He has averaged 18.1 ppg and 6.0 apg for his career, but he hasn’t done much lately.  He only played in 10 games for Houston last season, averaging 5.5 ppg.  The last time he played much more than half a season was in 2004-05 with Orlando, when he started 78 games and averaged 21.3 ppg.

While he used to be a great scorer, I think Francis’ best days are behind him.  He is a veteran who may bring some offense to the Grizzlies, but he probably won’t be healthy enough to contribute much this season and may not play at all beyond this year.  General Manager Chris Wallace was at least looking in the right direction with this deal, especially since he didn’t give much up, but if there isn’t a better scorer out there than Francis, it’s a sad market.

Grizzlies 109, Rockets 97 posted by Brad Hurt

With a lighter slate of opponents on the horizon, the Memphis Grizzlies came out eager to improve on their recent play and get back in the win column on Monday against Houston.  The result was their most complete game of the season and a 109-97 victory.  Their goal was to play better, play harder and play smarter.  Mission Accomplished.

Rudy Gay came off the bench for the first time this season and responded by leading the team with 20 points in 24 minutes of action.  Quentin Ross knocked down a 3-pointer to open the game, and the Grizzlies' offense rolled from there.  Houston never led in the game, getting as close as within two points in the third quarter.  The Grizzlies' lead reached as many as 22 points in the first half, and despite an 18-6 surge by the Rockets to close the first half, the team remained calm.  They held a dominant edge in scoring through most of the third quarter, answering another Houston run with a 15-9 spurt of their own.  The Rockets still won the quarter, 28-27, giving the Grizzlies their first win of the season when losing the third quarter. 

Players didn't approach the subject of a coaching change before or after the game, only saying that they knew they had been underperforming and needed to step up.

Darko Milicic provided an unusual spectacle in the third quarter when, after being benched following a technical foul, he ripped his jersey down the front from collar to tail. The incident represented his frustration, but he contributed five points, five rebounds and a block.

Are the Blazers for real? posted by Cal Conrad

Heading into Tuesday's game with the New York Knicks, the Portland Trail Blazers are tied for the second best record in the Western Conference, at this point in the season.  But are they really the second best team in the West?

I think it is safe to say the Los Angeles Lakers are far and away the best team this side of the Mississippi.  But after that, the west is wide open.  Currently the Denver Nuggets are 12-6, as well as the Blazers.  The Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets, and Phoenix Suns are all one game back.  Each one of these teams have had star players miss time.  The Jazz have had Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams miss extensive time.  The Rockets are currently without Tracy McGrady and the Suns have been without Shaq.

With all that being said, I believe the Blazers truly can be right up there at the end of the season.  They have played the least amount of home games (winning all of them), while still gelling as a team.  The more realistic prediction would be the Blazers anywhere from #3 to #7 in the west. 

This road trip will say a lot with where Portland stands with the rest of the league.  They have proven they can win at home, but these road games against mediocre eastern conference teams, can solidify themselves as part of the top-tier of the western conference, or show that they still have a lot to learn.  My prediction is the Blazers will finish the season as the fourth-best western conference team, behind the Lakers, Jazz and Suns.  And they will show that the second-youngest team in the NBA is here to stay.

I-10 Rivalry renewed posted by Jake Calenda

The Houston Rockets are coming off a hard fought 1 point loss to the Indiana Pacers this past Wednesday at Toyota Center. The Yellow and blue stunned the home town team by scoring often and late snapping the Rockets' three game winning streak. The loss soured the return of forward Shane Battier who made his season debut after missing the first 15 games of the season due to inflammation in his surgically-repaired left ankle.

The Rockets will try to turn the page returning to the court tomorrow night to face a familiar foe:

the San Antonio Spurs.

The two teams played earlier this season in a low-scoring affair. The Spurs won despite being without key parts Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Tim Duncan and rookie George Hill came up big in the 77-75 win. Duncan had a game-saving block against Rockets guard Aaron Brooks late to clinch the win for the Spurs.

Tracy McGrady went 2-12 in the loss and Yao didn't fare much better. If the two would have played better the Rockets could have easily won, but should of, would of, etc...Tomorrow night the Spurs will be back to mostly full strength. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili will be active as the two rivals face off again. Both came off the bench during Friday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The keys for the Rockets will be simple: Have Yao and McGrady get in the mix with decent games, have quality bench production from guys like Carl Landry, Aaron Brooks, etc., get the win on the boards, etc. Basically the same keys for every game for the Rockets.Continue reading "I-10 Rivalry renewed"

Dirk Nowitzki earned the Western Conference Player of the Week posted by Peter

On Monday 11/24/08, Dirk was named the Western Conference Player of the Week. He averaged a double-double with 27.0 points and 10.3 rebounds. He led the Mavs with wins over the Charlotte Bobcats, Houston Rockets, and Memphis Grizzlies for a perfect 3-0 week.

This is only the 9th time that Dirk has earned this award. The Mavs needs him to keep this up if they want to keep winning. Maybe Josh Howard being out is good for the team?

No Nash? Stoudemire and Shaq Step Up in OT Win over Kings posted by Brian Yalung

The Phoenix Suns are vulnerable without their all-star point guard. Imagine who would call out the plays, dish those dazzling assists and score when needed. The absence of Steve Nash was evident but leave it to Shaq and Amare to step it up.

The Suns’ Steve Nash and Matt Barnes were suspended for their involvement in a fracas in their last game against Houston where they lost. Adding further to their woes was the absence of Leandro Barbosa who had to fly home due to his mother’s death.

So without their key players, the Suns showed why they have one formidable lineup this season. Old hand Grant Hill and Raja Bell likewise shone for the Suns and their 2 point overtime win against the Sacramento Kings is more than worth it for the depleted Suns.

Steve Nash will be back in their game against Detroit (Nov. 16) while Matt Barnes will be allowed to suit up against the Jazz (Nov. 17) after serving their respective suspensions. Nash was assessed with a one game suspension while Barnes 2 for the Rockets incident.

 Here is a video of that skirmish between the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets

Source

Ex-Warrior Matt Barnes Throwing Down With Houston posted by Jesse Cooper

Look at Nash just DIVING into the fray for no reason. Matt Barnes checks a hard foul into Rafer Alston, he takes offense, charges him, and then you've got Shaq marching in and bouncing violent offenders. Ridiculous? Absolutely. But as a Warriors fan, it was a lot of fun having Barnes to hold down some thug living on the court when it was necessary. Obviously, the suspensions flew liberally after all of this.

Remember when players got to duke it out? Those games were awesome. Just think how evenly matched and excellent a brawl would be between Phoenix and Houston. Shaq would blow out a knee bashing it into the jaws of his enemies, and Steve Nash would pull some crazy hockey slams on anyone in his path. Now assistant coaches and out-of-uniform players restrain any and all violence.

Man...

Ramblings of the NBA world posted by Song Ki

Hello Bloggers ~ I am extremly happy to give you my opinions and thoughts on the world of the NBA, so any comments and even criticisms will be accepted (happily).  Let's get this ball rollin' !

Pretty much the NBA is well underway and I couldn't ask for a better start of the season, but I usually enjoy all of them .  Did you see that crazy, amazing, sick, shot by Brandon Roy against the Houston Rockets with .08 seconds to go for a win ! "The Truth" and nothing but the truth setting the tone saying we are champions by nailing that buzzer beater against the young and fearless Atlanta Hawks.  But to have the veteran superstars in the names of "Mr. BIG SHOT" Chauncey Billups and "The Answer" Allen Iverson each being acquired to a playoff team that is in huge need of a change from their same old game like a sitting apple has been the talk of the league and I am very excited for these two superstars to make a huge impact for a run at a championship, but who are you kidding, the west is too deep for even a "big shot" and I'm not sure if there are enough "answers" to stop the three "championship" studs in the likes of pierce, garnett and mr. jesus shuttlesworth and no introduction needed in the name of "The King".  But, we still got like 70+ more games to go, so it's going to be a long grind for every player to the top offices in the league.   You truly will need the passion, love, and the motivation to fight through this long season and everyone is gunning for the same thing as they hope to have the beautiful banner of a championship to rise above their arena.  I look forward to yet another great season, and every player movement possible to change a team's perspective in improving their overall game.  

Defensive Force--Kobe for DPY? posted by Jordan Ikeda

Well, so much for that supposed "test" last night. The Lakers steamrolled the Houston Rockets in the second half holding them to a measely  34 points. 82 for the game and 37.8 percent shooting for overall. The Rockets dominated a sloppy Lakers team in the first quarter, taking a 14-point lead into the second. In the second quarter, the Lakers second unit dominated the Houston Rockets’— ending any debate of which team is deeper. Granted, the Rockets second unit will be bolstered by the return of Shane Battier, but the Lakers bench squad is too long and athletic. Ariza makes a highlight reel play every time he touches the ball (3 steals, 3 assists and 4 offensive rebounds). Odom had 2 steals, 2 blocks and 2 assists. And Jordan Farmar (16 and 6 with 2 steals) would start on most of the other teams in the L. It’s almost not fair because the bench brings a different, quicker, faster, more frenetic pace. They full court press. They trap. It’s just a completely different look from the starters. Pau Gasol played like a beast against Yao Ming and the sturdy, but undersized power forward crew in Houston. 20 and 15 with 3 assists and 3 blocks? That was the quietest great game I’ve ever seen. And, let me officially start the Kobe for Defensive Player of the Year campaign. He wasn’t the only one, the Lakers trap zone looks fierce but T-Mac shot 1-11 and Artest managed only 1 make better. Mr. Bryant did a lot of duty on both of them. Scary. His offensive numbers are lower across the board, but he’s working harder than I’ve evContinue reading "Defensive Force--Kobe for DPY?"

Lakers Host Rockets posted by Tony McLeod

In a possible preview of the Western Conference Finals the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Houston Rockets tonight. Many experts agree these are the two most talented teams in west. It is early in the season but it will still be a good matchup. The Rockets are 4-2 early in the season but have showed they are for real. The combination of Artest, McGrady, and Yao is a threesome that can match up with anyone elses. Just imagine when they get Shane Battier back. They will be able to score and lock down on defense. The Lakers are 4-0 and beating opponents by over 20 points per game, but those games include playing the Clippers twice. They get their first real test of the season tonight. The Lakers are averaging about 106 points per game and thats only on around 45% shooting as a team. Some of their better shooters are shooting at low percentages early in the season. I expect that to change as the season goes on. As long as they keep playing defense at this high level they will be just fine. Tonight's game should be entertaining, I look forward to checking it out.Continue reading "Lakers Host Rockets"

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