NBA Recap

What a night of basketball! This was college basketball style... we had two games going on at one time, what a novel concept! But the best thing was that all the games were tight and came to the wire... let's jump right in.

- The Cavs bounced back from their loss with a 97-96 win, although they had a little help, namely in the refs deciding to let LeBron take as many steps as he needed for the final play. But hey, I'm not complaining. It was still a great shot for "The King, which followed Arenas' hoop and the harm that put the Wiz up 1. On the ensuing possession, Arenas got a great look that just rimmed out. LeBron finished with 41 points, 5 boards, and 3 assists (although the assists were low because no one on Cleveland could make a shot). Arenas led Washington with 34, as Arenas and LeBron combined to score 31 of the 51 4th quarter points. A great game to watch.

We were also treated to an unbelievable pass from LeBron... got his man up in the air, stepped through, and then through a bullet to Zydrunas who finished with a layup.

The one other thing about this game, and it doesn't really relate to the game per se, is how solid Mike Tirico is in the booth along with "Snapper" Jones. Just really enjoyable to listen to. I really think Tirico will be excellent next year as the PBP for Monday Night Football.

One intriguing subplot here was how much Eddie Jordan resembled my depiction of a vampire. All black, hair slicked back, it was very creepy.

- In game 2, the Kings officially made it a series with a buzzer-beating win against San Antonio, 94-93. Ron Artest scored 22 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, hit big shots down the stretch, and held Manu Ginobili to 8 points and 7 turnovers. Uh yeah, good to have you back Ron. Tim Duncan was superb for the Spurs, with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 blocks.

Play of the night goes to Kevin Martin, who's acrobatic finish over Tim Duncan as time expired kept this thing from going to 3-0. After the game, Jim Gray asked him how this game felt as compared to Game 2. That's journalism at its finest.

- The nightcap featured the balanced Lakers against the Suns, and the Lakers really controlled tempo throughout, although the Suns kept it close until the end. Lakers pulled it out 99-92. I'm really liking my Lakers pick more and more, although now I'm even starting to wonder if the Suns can extend it 7. Over the past two games, the Lakers have been the better defensive team, more efficient offensive team, and they look more composed and balanced out there then Phoenix. Lamar Odom (15 points, 17 rebounds) is playing like a man possessed, and they are getting great balance. All 5 starters scored in double figures, and Kobe was actually the last of them to reach it.

The Suns are just having lots of trouble stopping the big men down low, and as a result they are not able to get into their fast break that often, and as they are showing, they are not that good in the half-court game. Shawn Marion has just not been effective this series, and if Phoenix is going to win, he needs to play a lot better.

As a final side note, please ESPN, don't have Bill Walton commentate Luke Walton's games. I beg of you.