Around the league

By Dan Rodgers

Today was a good day for a sports fan:

• NHL all-star game, Team Lidstrom 11 Team Staal 10
• NFL Pro Bowl game, NFC 55 AFC 41
• St. John's 93 Duke 78
• Heat 108 Thunder 103
• Celtics 109 Lakers 96

As you can tell (above), there were a ton of points (or goals) scored today. I don't really have much to say about the NHL game because I think the captains drafting their teams is a complete joke and the league not taking the game seriously.

I thought the AFC was gonna win the Pro Bowl but it's a game where the players just go through the motions and have fun. St. John's shocked me and the rest of the world by completely owning Duke the entire game. The Big East is ridiculous.

The Heat edged the Thunder is a great game. Kevin Durant looked great as usual but it wasn't enough to get past Wade/LeBron/Bosh.

Kobe is amazingly normal I guess. 16-29 for 42 points. However, he was basically the only offense for the Lakers as Pierce, Allen, Rondo and Garnett were all in double figures for the Celts.

THIS JUST IN:

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=310130019

Go to that site and look at Gilbert Arenas' line. He DNP (Did Not Play) for his apparent 'Left Knee CONFUSION'.

They will probably change this as soon as they notice, but I love when things like this get messed up. It's probably from a semester in a news editing class.

Rodgers That

Some love for the USA

By Dan Rodgers

While MLB heads for the final stretch and the NFL gets ready to kick off, many people have pushed the NBA to the back of their minds. While it might stay there, don't forget to give some love to the U.S.A. team that is competing in the 2010 FIBA World Championships.

While the "superstar" names aren't playing, there are still quite a few young stars that are competing. Headlining the team is Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant. Playing along side him include: Durant's OKC teammate Russell Westbrook, Chicago's Derrick Rose, and Memphis' Rudy Gay, among others.

U.S.A. is 2-0, tied atop their pool with Brazil. Their wins, both by double-digits, were over Croatia and Slovenia.

This post is probably not necessary because, as usual, we will probably dominate most teams and come away with the championship or gold medal, etc. Nevertheless, these guys deserve credit, and I'll come back with another update in a few days.

Rodgers That

LeBron...the king once again

By Dan Rodgers

Cleveland Cavaliers SF LeBron James was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year.

2010 NBA Most Valuable Player Voting

LeBron James, Cle - 1205
Kevin Durant, OKC - 609
Kobe Bryant, LAL - 599
Dwight Howard, Orl - 478
Dwyane Wade, Mia - 119

Personally, I thought that Kevin Durant deserved the MVP award this year. Kevin Durant is the youngest player in NBA history to lead the league in scoring, barely ousting James.
KD - 30.1 ppg
LBJ - 29.7 ppg

However, LeBron does average more assists and rebounds per game and led his team to the number one seed in their conference. Durant also led the Thunder to the playoffs, but they were the eight seed. They did put up a fight against the Lakers, but were knocked out four games to two.

I think that if the Thunder had upset the Lakers, Durant would have put up a much bigger fight in the voting.

Maybe next year, good luck KD.

Rodgers That

Cavs win without LeBron, Durant for MVP

By Dan Rodgers

The Cleveland LeBron's were without, well, LeBron for the past two games due to a tweaked ankle in his 40-point performance four days ago against Detroit. These were the first two games James has missed all season, Cleveland went 1-1.

James isn't too accustomed to missing games as the seven-year pro has only missed 20 games in his entire career. However, this was a special occasion because the Cavaliers are also without, and will be without for the rest of the season Shaq O'Neal. O'Neal has been out since late Feb. and recently had surgery on his thumb. He was expected to miss the entire season, but doctors are now optimistic about an earlier return.

Oh, and about King James, don't worry because he is to return to the lineup for their next game at the Philadelphia 76ers.

On a side note: LBJ is averaging 30.0 points, 8.5 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game. So you're probably thinking he is the clear favorite for MVP right? Well, duh. However, don't be surprised to see Kevin Durant's name mentioned during the discussion. The "Durantuala" is averaging 29.6 points, 2.8 assists, and 7.6 rebounds per game for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

While you might be thinking..."LBJ's stats are better in every category!" Take into consideration that Durant is on a Thunder team that has already won 15 games more than they did last season and is 14 games over .500. Not to mention they are sitting pretty to make the playoffs, currently holding the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Durant definitely has my vote.

Rodgers That

All-Star weekend underway

By Dan Rodgers

I am currently sitting in my living room with the NBA skills competition going on in the background. Steve Nash just won the challenge because Deron Williams choked as hard as I've ever seen. He was on pace to break his own record of 25.5 seconds after he drained the jump shot but then couldn't seem to get the final chest pass through the tire.

A few notes:

• The Rooks beat the Sophs 140-128, first time in seven years
• MVP: Tyreke Evans - 26 points... DeJuan Blair 22 points 23 rebounds
  
• Kevin Durant won the H.O.R.S.E competition
• As said above, Nash won the skills challenge
• Paul Pierce shocks the NBA and wins his first 3 PT. Shooting Contest
  
• Nate Robinson, defended his title and won the dunk contest for the third time...even though it was weak sauce

The all-star game is tomorrow night...there will be an update then...

Rodgers That