Mayor plans to make plea to keep Kings (AP)

Sacramento isn't losing its NBA team without a fight. Mayor Kevin Johnson plans to attend the NBA Board of Governors meeting next month to plead Sacramento's case to keep the Kings. The former NBA All-Star wrote on his blog Thursday night that he will give the league one final pitch to prevent the Kings from moving south to Anaheim and take steps to lure a franchise back should they leave.

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Video: The Lakers show that Chris Kaman is reversible, ornery

First, it was Shannon Brown ...

... and then, it was Ron Artest.

Yup. Reversible like a Pro Player jacket. Yikes. (Well, "yikes" on the dunks for Kaman. Big ups on Ron-Ron flexing again, which is definitely on the short list of the Best Things of the second half of the NBA season.)

After seeing those, it's not too hard to see why Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman was in a "Street Fighting Man" kind of mood after an encounter with Derek Fisher late in Friday night's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Clips' fellow Staples Center tenants.

Video of the incident, plus more on the late-game dust-up from Greg Beacham at the Associated Press, after the jump:

In the final minute, the 7-foot Kaman jolted the 6-1 Fisher with a physical pick on the perimeter, with both players angered by the placement of his counterpart's elbows. Kaman and Fisher started jawing and eventually were separated by officials, who ejected Kaman and called a technical foul on Fisher with 28.8 seconds to go. [...]

Kaman made an apparent meet-me-in-the-parking-lot gesture at Fisher on the way off the floor, but Fisher turned down teammate Matt Barnes' joking offer of backup on the way out.

"I think I'm all right. My stepson is here, and he's been lifting weights," Fisher said with a laugh.

Pretty good "I'm a grown-up and not really concerned about this" shrug-off, Derek, especially since Kaman "refused to comment on the fracas on the way to his car," according to Beacham. Right or wrong, the guy willing to talk about it always comes out looking better than the guy who isn't.

But the last and best word on the fight-that-wasn't-and-never-will-be came from Kobe Bryant, via the lovely and talented Dave McMenamin at ESPN Los Angeles. And of course it did, because as we all know, Kobe is clutch and a closer and finishes everything better than anyone, and this is inarguable (COUNT THE RINGZZZZ, ABBOTT):

"What's [Kaman] going to do, shoot [Fisher] with one of his bow and arrows? Give me a break," Kobe Bryant said, rolling his eyes. "Everybody talks tough in this league. Nobody is a fighter."

That's an archery burn nearly six years in the making, friends. Savor the slow-cooked flavor. Mmm. Is that mesquite?

Seriously, though, guys: I'm a little worried. This avalanche of dunking and burns isn't exactly doing wonders for Chris Kaman's self-esteem. If you see him today, maybe tell him he looks like he's been working out or something? Or that Hawkeye was always a pretty underrated Avenger? Every little bit helps, you know.

International readers ("Int'l read'rs"): If the clips above aren't rocking for you, you can peruse videos of Brown, Artest and "the challenge" elsewhere, thanks to Erikcc1, The Hoop Scene and Black Sports Online, respectively.

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Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol to donate $1K for each point scored on Friday

It is a strange way to donate to charity, but you can't argue with the sentiment. Chicago's Derrick Rose and Los Angeles' Pau Gasol will be donating one thousand dollars to Japanese earthquake relief efforts for every point they score on Friday. Considering that Rose averages about 25 points per game, and Gasol about 19 a game, there could be some rather large checks being written later Friday night.

Rose and Gasol aren't alone. Atlanta Hawks All-Star Al Horford, Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol, Washington's Javale McGee, high-scoring Portland big man LaMarcus Aldridge, and Oklahoma City All-Star Russell Westbrook will also be contributing at that rate.

And if there is one thing to quibble over, it would have to be the point situation. Sorry for being the guy that brings this up, but we were all thinking about it.

Does this make Marc Gasol a jerk if he blocks one of Rose's shots on Friday night, when the Grizzlies play the Bulls? Should Westbrook be breaking plays to add up the funds? Both Rose and Pau are noted for their all-around play, Pau might be the best passing big man in the NBA, but should they be gunning? Couldn't these guys have just gone with a stock number? And what happens if they're in a blowout? Kind of a tough position to put a coach in, should they decide to rest legs and ward off potential injuries by taking these stars out during garbage time.

Players like Brian Scalabrine, DJ Augustin, Jarron Collins, Jason Collins, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Tyreke Evans, Danilo Gallinari, Xavier Henry, Antawn Jamison, Jason Kapono, Quincy Pondexter, Etan Thomas and Ben Wallace have avoided this conflict by donating a set amount.

Chuck a few pieces of crumpled-up paper into the recycling bin, add to your point total, and make a donation of your own�at Direct Relief.

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Video: Behind the scenes of the NBA’s time travel ads

If you regularly watch NBA games, then you've probably seen the league's new "time travel" ads in which fans visit players in their younger days to tell them about the accolades and fame they'll reach in the world of professional basketball. They are bizarre, sometimes poorly conceived, and always creepy. For instance, have you seen the clip of the teenage Kevin Durant being told about the world of the Oklahoma City Thunder by a middle-aged man who probably owns a windowless van? If not, consider yourself lucky.

Yet, no matter how weird these ads are, they are impressive bits of modern CGI filmmaking. In the video above, you can see exactly how these modern technical wizards make these ads look seamless, as long as your definition of that term involves NBA players not acknowledging the time travelers in any way, shape, or form.

It's amazing, this computer magic. Unfortunately, it can't yet make up for a poor concept.

(Via Dime and PBT)

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Days of NBA Lives: Wherein J.J. Barea makes a huge mistake

At this point, seemingly half the NBA is on Twitter. It's a wild world of training updates, questions as to which movies they should go see, and explanations of their Call of Duty prowess. Every so often, though, you also get a picture into the more interesting aspects of NBA life. This feature is your window into that world.

Chris Douglas-Roberts: I was jus on the elevator w/a guy who looked like Jefferson D'Arcy. Al Bundy's next door neighbor. I asked him "you still w/Marcy man?"

Danny Granger: One of my teammates turned down 3k to let us shave his head bald! I'll shave mine right now for 2k lol

J.J. Barea: Jack in the box good?

Grant Hill: Thanks to Channing Frye I have to wear Arizona gear for the next 2 days. My stomach is staring to hurt again :)

Jason Richardson: #epicfailalert my daughter in town n she wants me to help her bake cupcakes from scratch. only thing I can cook is scramble eggs. Lol

You can also follow Eric Freeman on Twitter at @freemaneric.

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Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol to donate $1K for each point scored on Friday

It is a strange way to donate to charity, but you can't argue with the sentiment. Chicago's Derrick Rose and Los Angeles' Pau Gasol will be donating one thousand dollars to Japanese earthquake relief efforts for every point they score on Friday. Considering that Rose averages about 25 points per game, and Gasol about 19 a game, there could be some rather large checks being written later Friday night.

Rose and Gasol aren't alone. Atlanta Hawks All-Star Al Horford, Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol, Washington's Javale McGee, high-scoring Portland big man LaMarcus Aldridge, and Oklahoma City All-Star Russell Westbrook will also be contributing at that rate.

And if there is one thing to quibble over, it would have to be the point situation. Sorry for being the guy that brings this up, but we were all thinking about it.

Does this make Marc Gasol a jerk if he blocks one of Rose's shots on Friday night, when the Grizzlies play the Bulls? Should Westbrook be breaking plays to add up the funds? Both Rose and Pau are noted for their all-around play, Pau might be the best passing big man in the NBA, but should they be gunning? Couldn't these guys have just gone with a stock number? And what happens if they're in a blowout? Kind of a tough position to put a coach in, should they decide to rest legs and ward off potential injuries by taking these stars out during garbage time.

Players like Brian Scalabrine, DJ Augustin, Jarron Collins, Jason Collins, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Tyreke Evans, Danilo Gallinari, Xavier Henry, Antawn Jamison, Jason Kapono, Quincy Pondexter, Etan Thomas and Ben Wallace have avoided this conflict by donating a set amount.

Chuck a few pieces of crumpled-up paper into the recycling bin, add to your point total, and make a donation of your own�at Direct Relief.

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Thunder finish franchise-best 14-2 month (AP)

Their best regular-season month in franchise history is over. The Oklahoma City Thunder look for even better things ahead in the playoffs. Kevin Durant and James Harden scored 22 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder completed the best month in franchise history with a 116-98 victory over the fading Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.

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Video: LeBron James ducks the player intros in Cleveland

As you may already know, LeBron James and the Miami Heat visited the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night, in the team's second and final 2010-11 appearance in Cleveland following Ohio-native James' sign-and-trade to the Miami Heat last July.

Back in December, the first meeting between the teams provided a chorus boos, though the rancor hardly mattered as the Heat won handily. This time around, with the Cavs bringing up the NBA rear with a 14-58 record, James' appearance was predicted to be "less raucous," which would be nice.

And then the Cavs decided not to allow the entourage they had coddled and employed for years into the building with James on Tuesday afternoon.

And then, during player introductions, this happened:

That's right, tough-as-nails LeBron decided to skip on the player introductions, and also (this will get the comment brow-beaters in a frenzy) the playing of the "Star-Spangled Banner." LeBron told reporters after the game that he was in the restroom while his teammates took the boos for him. Kind of de rigueur for someone who doesn't even take the team bus to games.

Pretty cheap move for LeBron, and there's no real excuse for extending this soap opera. The one thing he had over his adversary in Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert (who showed up for Tuesday night's game, but has more or less gone into hiding at his own arena during Cleveland's league-worst season) was on-court accountability. This time around, LeBron couldn't even be bothered to show up to the bench.

We might be hearing about a bad taco or a phone call that couldn't wait or James' foot being caught in a bear trap in the upcoming days, but we all know what's what. This was incredibly pathetic.

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NBA probing Jay-Z's UK locker room visit (AP)

An NBA spokesman confirms that the league is investigating Jay-Z's presence in Kentucky's locker room after the Wildcats clinched a Final Four berth. The rapper visited the players after their victory over North Carolina on Sunday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J, home of the Nets. Jay-Z is a part-owner of the team and attended the Nets' 120-116 loss at New York on Wednesday.

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Days of NBA Lives: Wherein Danny Granger has a stalker

At this point, seemingly half the NBA is on Twitter. It's a wild world of training updates, questions as to which movies they should go see, and explanations of their Call of Duty prowess. Every so often, though, you also get a picture into the more interesting aspects of NBA life. This feature is your window into that world.

Danny Granger: Some guy is stalking me in best buy... I lost him in the movie section :)

Al-Farouq Aminu: Went to the surplus store Feeling real militant right now. I am on my goon ish

Hakim Warrick: Why does pee wee Herman have a show again? And why am I watching it

Donte Greene: Ray charles lover robbed him?? *side note* not 2 be mean but its not that hard 2 do.

Chris Douglas-Roberts: This old man has had his blinker on for like 8 miles. F*** where I'm going I'm just going to follow him to see how long he'll keep it on.

You can also follow Eric Freeman on Twitter at @freemaneric.

John Stockton Isiah Thomas Nate Thurmond Wes Unseld Bill Walton

Chuck Hayes logs a massively improbable triple-double

The triple-double is a unique basketball feat in that it shows near-mastery of three discrete skills on the court. However a player combines points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks, it's usually a sign that a player is contributing in as many ways as he can to help his team win.

In other words, the triple-double tends not to be the province of role players like Rockets post man Chuck Hayes. In six seasons with Houston, Hayes has established himself as a very solid interior defender and rebounder, particularly given his relatively small stature at 6-6. He has averaged 7.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg, and 2.4 apg this season and tends to help the club by doing the kinds of things that don't show up in the box score.

Nevertheless, Hayes accomplished the unthinkable last night by posting 13 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 131-112 home win over the Golden State Warriors. But was it the most improbable triple-double in NBA history? Kevin Pelton of Basketball Prospectus investigates:

Hayes is an unlikely triple-double candidate, but just how rare was his milestone? Dating back to 1986-87, Basketball-Reference.com lists 191 players who have posted point-rebound-assist triple-doubles. Of them, Hayes' career assist average of 1.2 per game is second lowest.

Player                         Year  APG_car  APG_sea
Rodney White               02-03    1.1      1.7
Chuck Hayes                10-11    1.2      2.4
Robert Parish                86-87    1.4      2.2
Clarence Weatherspoon  93-94    1.5      2.3
Sam Perkins                  92-93    1.5      2.0
Kenny Thomas               05-06    1.5      2.0

Hayes' triple-double looks a little more predictable when we consider his assist average this season, which is best of this group. Hayes has been handing out extra assists lately, including seven in a win a week ago. On the other hand, most of the other guys were nightly double-double threats. Hayes had just 15 double-doubles in his career, so getting the points and rebounds categories filled in was no sure thing. (This is also true for Rodney White, a middling rebounder. He also had a 12th of his total assists for the season in his triple-double, almost certainly the most improbable in modern NBA history.)

Congrats to Rodney White, who still maintains at least one notable mark in his otherwise uninspiring career. And while you may want to put Hayes's triple-double in context by noting that it came against the defensively lax Warriors, it's not as if he demanded the ball every time and embarrassed himself -- like, oh, I don't know, Javale McGee -- en route to these stats. Some games are played faster than others, and Hayes just happened to play extremely well in this one.

This performance was not a sign of things to come for Hayes -- it is extremely unlikely that Hayes will post a triple-double again in his career. Instead, it's a chance for everyone to feel good for a player who works his tail off and contributes to the team in any way he can in every single game. This performance is just a chance for everyone to praise him, not to imagine that he could become a threat to post triples-doubled on a regular basis.

It's hard not to feel good for the guy. I mean, just look how happy he was after the game, as quoted by Jonathan Feigen for the Houston Chronicle:

"Inside, I'm jumping for joy," Hayes said. "I am so juiced inside. It's a great achievement. I'm excited. It's something you read about. It's something you see the great stars do. Never in a million years did I think I'd get it. I just looked at my phone. I got a lot of text messages. I know they're all from home."

Savor it, Chuck, because you've earned it.

Bill Russell Dolph Schayes Bill Sharman John Stockton Isiah Thomas

Being in N.Y., having a passport got Sundiata Gaines an NBA job

It's easy to tell the difference between the likes of your average rec leaguer and LeBron James ? there's an obvious gulf in talent, athleticism and preparation that separates the NBA's true stars from everybody else. But on the league's margins, differentiation becomes more difficult. When players haven't done enough yet to definitively earn a place in the NBA, how do you decide which guy to bring in to fill an emergency roster vacancy?

Well, if you're about to board a transatlantic flight bound for England, you might have some very specific criteria. As such, the New Jersey Nets' need became Sundiata Gaines' opportunity. From Colin Stephenson at the Star-Ledger:

When the Nets realized they needed to sign a guard to bring with them to London because of injuries to point guards Deron Williams and Jordan Farmar, Gaines happened to be home in New York, which was convenient, and he also had a valid passport, which was essential.

"I just came home ? I was in Minnesota ? and New Jersey happened to call me, and asked me if I had a passport and if I could go to London, and I said, 'I have my passport,'" Gaines explained.

Gaines got the call late Sunday night, Feb. 27, he said. The Nets had a home game against Phoenix the next night, and were leaving right after the game. Time was of the essence. Orien Greene, who had been with the team for an earlier stint, wasn't near enough to get to New Jersey in time, so the Nets called Gaines, who three weeks earlier had been released by Toronto.

Right place, right time, right paperwork. That's all it took to make Gaines a Net.

On one hand, that's a tough break for Orien Greene. (Also, "A Tough Break for Orien Greene" sounds like it could be the name of a short-lived but critically acclaimed BBC comedy series that eventually finds a cult audience across the pond, sort of like "Spaced.") On the other hand, D-League eagle-eye Scott Schroeder reported last week at Ridiculous Upside that Greene had received a $45,000 buyout from the Utah Flash to head to Asia and join a playoff chase as a member of the Chinese Basketball Association's Beijing Ducks, who will likely pay the former Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year pretty handsomely for a few weeks of service. So don't shed too many tears for him.

Still, it's a remarkable bit of good luck for Gaines, a second-year pro�who's had trouble finding a home in the league after a few cups of coffee, including a pair this season with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Toronto Raptors. And he's really made the most of it.

As Stephenson notes, Gaines' performance since joining New Jersey ? he's averaging 6.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists (more than doubling his 1.3 turnovers) in 15.7 nightly minutes over nine games as a backup point guard for the Nets ? has been enough to secure him "not only ... a second 10-day contract, but a contract for the rest of the season and through next season, the first time he's been guaranteed for an entire year." When they let you get a foot in the door, it's up to you to get inside the room and make sure you stay there. Kudos to Gaines for taking advantage of his lucky break.

You know what they say, though: Luck favors the prepared. So if I were you (and by "you," I mean "a basketball player who had played a few dozen professional games spread over several 10-day contracts and hit a memorable game-winner as a rookie call-up), I'd make sure my documentation was in order, start making travel arrangements and put myself in a position to win. In this economy, it's the only prudent thing to do, outside of finding a job where you can start sentences with statements like, "In this economy."

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Suns play by play voice Gary Bender to retire

Most NBA fans tend to rank the high-scoring Phoenix Suns as their second-favorite team to watch beyond their local club. Since Steve Nash returned to the team in 2004, the team has consistently produced fast-paced and aesthetically-pleasing basketball, with local play by play man Gary Bender calling every shot.

And as the national TV audience watches Phoenix's late-game attempts to get back into the Western Conference playoff bracket, it has become clearer and clearer that the Suns' season will end along with 13 other NBA teams two and a half weeks from now. The team is four games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the final playoff spot with just 10 games to play, and though the .500 Suns are playoff-worthy, the West is just too good to let the team slide in.

And, via a press release we regrettably read today, it appears as if Gary Bender will be taking leave once the regular season ends as well. The veteran voice is retiring following the season.

One of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting, Bender's radio and television career spans 27 sports, three major networks and some of the most storied franchises and institutions in sports. He served as the voice of the University of Kansas, the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams and Phoenix Cardinals. Bender's time with CBS, ABC and Turner Sports saw him broadcast not only the Olympic Games and Final Four, but also the Masters, Sunday Night Football and national NBA and Major League Baseball telecasts.

A 1962 graduate of Wichita State, Bender earned a master's in television/film from the University of Kansas. He was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Phi Delta Theta Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

Bender joined the Suns family in 1993 for what he expected to be a brief stint; now in his 18th season handling play-by-play duties, he has broadcast more than 700 Suns games.� The Suns will honor Bender during the club's April 11 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at US Airways Center.

With March Madness in full bloom, it's good to remember Bender as the voice of dozens of memorable NCAA Tournament games from the 1980s and early 1990s. He also worked as the needed voice of reason on some often-combative NBA playoff games alongside Rick Barry and Bill Russell, and he's been a welcome fixture covering Suns games to both local fans, and those that dutifully tune in via League Pass.

His voice will certainly be missed.

(Image via this dude's MySpace.)

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Video: Paul Pierce is still pretty sure Indiana wants his used gum

On December 28, 2010, Boston Celtics captain Paul Pierce got called for what he felt was a questionable foul during the first quarter of a game against the Indiana Pacers. After C's coach Doc Rivers called Pierce back to the bench, the star forward decided to take the gum out of his mouth and toss it into the stands.

The unsanctioned disposal earned "The Truth" a $15,000 fine because, as ESPN Boston's Chris Forsberg reported, "According to someone in the stands, it appeared Pierce threw the gum directly at a fan." It didn't appear quite so malicious on television, but even if the decision to just chuck the gum into the crowd was a relatively benign brainfart that wasn't indicative of boiling rage, simmering frustration or even lukewarm bitterness, it was still weird.

So it was kind of surprising to see Pierce do something similarly tacky on Monday night.

Three months to the day after Pierce's first offense, the Celtics once again met the Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse (eventually losing to Indiana by a 107-100 mark). Once again, the Celtics were called for a questionable first-quarter foul (this time, Kevin Garnett was the guilty party). And, as you can see in the clip above, once again, Pierce (who finished with 23 points on 8-13 shooting) punctuates his argument with the officials by removing the gum from his mouth and wingin' it toward the sideline.

Listen, people who can afford courtside seats to Pacers games can afford their own gum, Paul Pierce. They can even afford the kind of fancy-schmancy gum that gets under the skin of bros who post on Fender guitar message boards. (Yeah -- they're doing that well.) They don't want your flavorless hand-me-down celebrity gum. And even if they did, they'd rather have gum that was chewed by hometown heroes like Tyler Hansbrough or Josh McRoberts. Now they've got saliva you can set your watch to!

Beyond that, there's one basic point that I fear you are missing, Paul Pierce: While having a piece/stick of gum is great, having other people's chewed gum flicked in your direction is super gross! Setting aside the fact that you lost $15,000 the last time you did this -- which, granted, isn't a huge amount of money to a dude who's made something like $137 million in salary over the past 12-plus years, but is still a remarkable figure to pay OVER A PIECE OF GUM -- it is really not a nice thing to do! Captains lead by example, Paul. Not by taking things out of their mouths and throwing them around all willy-nilly.

Given the apparent trajectory of Pierce's toss, it seems unlikely that the gum went into the stands this time, so you wouldn't figure that Pierce will face any fiscal repercussions from his repeat gumfense. Still, though, it would probably be a good idea for him to stop doing this, if for no other reason than if one of his teammates steps in gum on the way to the scorer's table, he'll know exactly who to blame.

Video courtesy of the lovely and talented MrTripleDouble10.

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Days of NBA Lives: Wherein Brian Cardinal is pale

At this point, seemingly half the NBA is on Twitter. It's a wild world of training updates, questions as to which movies they should go see, and explanations of their Call of Duty prowess. Every so often, though, you also get a picture into the more interesting aspects of NBA life. This feature is your window into that world.

Dirk Nowitzki: RT @Cardinal_Brian: Day off in Phx. This will be my best friend today!!! yfrog.com/h019jhlj (put the whole tube on ur head)
Brian Cardinal: @swish41 three tubes of 50spf used = @Cardinal_Brian burnt...

Josh Childress: Riddle: I am the beginning of the end. The start of eternity and the end of space. I am in water, fire, sunshine & darkness. What am I?

Speedy Claxton: Y do people w a full shopping cart get on the self service line

Da'Sean Butler: Larry the cable guy is so funny...

Chris Douglas-Roberts: Beautiful thing about the NBA. We got 6 different ethnicities @ this table. All breaking bread.

You can also follow Eric Freeman on Twitter at @freemaneric.

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All hail Marcin Gortat, he of the broken nose and clean pants

In an odd sequence of events, Marcin Gortat suffered a broken nose during the third quarter of the Phoenix Suns' playoff-hopes-damaging 106-100 loss to the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. After a Trevor Ariza 3-pointer (itself a relative rarity, coming from a 30 percent distance shooter), Gortat turned to head up court, smacked face-first straight into the back of Steve Nash's skull and dropped to the deck like a ton of bricks. The broken beak bled for 15 minutes, Gortat told Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic, knocking him out for the rest of the Friday night contest.

After the bleeding had stopped and a new day had dawned, the Suns center laughed about the injury. In an interview for his YouTube channel, he asked Nash how it felt to break the most famous nose in Poland, and�noted for reporters the humor in avoiding serious pain while doing battle on the block against the likes of Dwight Howard and Shaquille O'Neal, only to get waylaid by "this one guy ? 5-5 tall, maybe 5-5 and a half, 170-80 pounds, who doesn't eat meat."

Jokes aside, though, getting a broken nose reset must hurt something awful. Especially when you elect, as Gortat did Saturday, to have it done straight, no chaser. From Coro at the Republic (with video of the remarks coming courtesy of arizonasports.com):

[Gortat] had the nose reset Saturday, opting to have it done without medication.

"It was my fault," he said. "I should take an injection. It was painful. I don't want to use bad words. I had dirty pants almost."

And the pride of ?�d? did more than just�maintain control of his excretory function ? he also got himself back in Alvin Gentry's lineup in time for Sunday night's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Eschewing a Richard Hamilton-style protective mask in favor of just some tape to keep the nose in place, Gortat made his second start in a Phoenix uniform, beasting his way to 20 points (on 8-for-13 shooting), 15 rebounds and three blocks in nearly 41 minutes of floor time.

Gortat's contributions came in a losing effort, as Dallas held on for a 91-83 win that dropped the Suns to the .500 mark at 36-36. It also put Phoenix four games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the Western Conference's eighth and final playoff spot with 10 games remaining. After the game, a disheartened Gortat told reporters that he didn't think the Suns would "be talking about playoffs this year anymore."

Some may bristle at what they perceive to be a defeatist tone in those post-game comments; others will recognize real and laud Gortat for turning in one of the best offensive and rebounding efforts of his career after getting his face blown up by a Canadian cruller. Whichever side you call home, I think we can all agree on one thing: It's good that he didn't evacuate.

Hat-tip to Basketbawful for the Gortat/Nash clip.

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Create-a-Caption: Randy Foye gives the best autographs

Listen, it's not always a picnic being Blake Griffin's teammate. Case in point: Autographs. Everyone wants the guy who dunked on Timofey Mozgov's neck to sign their jersey or program or baby. The backup guard who hits 39 percent of his shots? Not so much.

That's why Randy Foye really goes the extra mile for fans that ask for his John Hancock. "Keep reaching for the stars, Alan?" You got it. Special message for your nephew who's having trouble getting used to his retainer? Done. Detailed critical analysis of Synge's culturally specific and often ironic depiction of masculinity in "The Playboy of the Western World"? Make sure you bring your XL jersey, but sure thing.

The guy's a real pro. He'll sign for hours ... if you let him.

Best caption wins a hair-heavy�entreaty to turn up your radio. Good luck.

In our last adventure: Gregg Popovich has a pointed conversation.

Winner, Stephen: Pop: "Knock down that fargin' wall, knock down that fargin' wall and knock down THAT fargin' wall!!!"

Runner-up, Brian B.: "I can finally party now that Mr. Tattletale is gone with that ankle. I want you to give my back stage passes to her and her, and warm up the fog machine."

Second runner-up, Tucker L: "THAT'S HIM! That's the guy who keeps letting bats loose in here!"

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Video: Atlanta's defeat drives a child to tears

Fans of the Atlanta Hawks have long been criticized for not existing. So it was almost refreshing to see a fan of the team break down in the midst of Chicago's crushing 114-81 blowout win over the Hawks on Tuesday night.

Or, as refreshing as the tears of a child can be. Via Blog-a-Bull:

Poor kid.

A loss like that would be enough to turn me off of the Atlanta Hawks, the NBA, and expensive stylized MLB hats. Or, for all we know, the tears had nothing to do with the game. Perhaps a jalapeno pepper from his nachos went down the wrong pipe. As we said, "poor kid."

Dave DeBusschere Clyde Drexler Julius Erving Patrick Ewing Walt Frazier

BDL Thursday Chat!

12 games last night, and no Behind the Box Score to document them. So why not turn a 2500-word column into a 2500-word chat?

Click on the jump at 3:30 Eastern for a Thursday chat discussing last night's work, and possibly the MVP discussion.

(Comments are moderated, be patient.)

Oscar Robertson David Robinson Bill Russell Dolph Schayes Bill Sharman

Days of NBA Lives: Wherein J.J. Barea makes a huge mistake

At this point, seemingly half the NBA is on Twitter. It's a wild world of training updates, questions as to which movies they should go see, and explanations of their Call of Duty prowess. Every so often, though, you also get a picture into the more interesting aspects of NBA life. This feature is your window into that world.

Chris Douglas-Roberts: I was jus on the elevator w/a guy who looked like Jefferson D'Arcy. Al Bundy's next door neighbor. I asked him "you still w/Marcy man?"

Danny Granger: One of my teammates turned down 3k to let us shave his head bald! I'll shave mine right now for 2k lol

J.J. Barea: Jack in the box good?

Grant Hill: Thanks to Channing Frye I have to wear Arizona gear for the next 2 days. My stomach is staring to hurt again :)

Jason Richardson: #epicfailalert my daughter in town n she wants me to help her bake cupcakes from scratch. only thing I can cook is scramble eggs. Lol

You can also follow Eric Freeman on Twitter at @freemaneric.

Robert Parish Bob Pettit Scottie Pippen Willis Reed Oscar Robertson

Days of NBA Lives: Wherein Danny Granger has a stalker

At this point, seemingly half the NBA is on Twitter. It's a wild world of training updates, questions as to which movies they should go see, and explanations of their Call of Duty prowess. Every so often, though, you also get a picture into the more interesting aspects of NBA life. This feature is your window into that world.

Danny Granger: Some guy is stalking me in best buy... I lost him in the movie section :)

Al-Farouq Aminu: Went to the surplus store Feeling real militant right now. I am on my goon ish

Hakim Warrick: Why does pee wee Herman have a show again? And why am I watching it

Donte Greene: Ray charles lover robbed him?? *side note* not 2 be mean but its not that hard 2 do.

Chris Douglas-Roberts: This old man has had his blinker on for like 8 miles. F*** where I'm going I'm just going to follow him to see how long he'll keep it on.

You can also follow Eric Freeman on Twitter at @freemaneric.

Billy Cunningham Dave DeBusschere Clyde Drexler Julius Erving Patrick Ewing

LeBron James feels New York's pain

The New York Knicks have lost nine of 16 games in the month since they traded four players and several draft picks for Denver's Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. The team has slowed down offensively, the group's defense has taken a major hit and New York's fourth-quarter defense has dropped to shockingly poor levels.

All sorts of excuses abound, but the team can't argue losses away. And, quite a ways south, another member of a much-anticipated team is feeling New York's pain. LeBron James digs what those Knicks are going through, even if one of New York's seven wins came against Miami.

He explained as much to ESPN on Thursday:

"I know exactly what he's going through right now," James said, of Anthony's more-difficult-than-expected indoctrination with the Knicks. "I understand exactly what he's been saying. Do the people, the fans and the media in New York want to hear that? I don't think so. But I know exactly what it means. And it's going to take time. Everybody knows we were 9-8. We had to figure things out. And we're still figuring things out. Once they figure it out, it'll be fine. It's not going to be a bed of roses."

In some ways, the Knicks have had it tougher. The team didn't have a summer for the coaching staff to prepare to work with this roster. It didn't have a full training camp to work with or a preseason. One day they had a pretty full, above average roster, and the next day it was missing a huge chunk, despite the newly added presence of Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups.

Then again, Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire aren't great all-around players like James and Dwyane Wade. And the Heat started 9-8 even with the benefit of that training camp and preseason, even if Wade missed most of it. And the Heat are still struggling as we enter spring. See, now I'm getting angry at the Heat and the Knicks.

Let's go back to James:

"People think that just because you put great talent together that it's automatically going to work from the start," James told ESPN.com, about the similarities between the Heat and Knicks. "But it doesn't work like that. It takes time for chemistry. It takes time for cohesiveness. It takes time for people to understand where you like the ball, where you want the ball. And it starts with building those relationships off the court."

By most accounts James, Wade and Chris Bosh aren't exactly shopping for belts together; but, whatever. Get chummy off the court, Carmelo and Amar'e.

Sure, we've probably expected too much from these respective teams right out of the gate. Perhaps we were spoiled by a Boston Celtics team from 2007-08 that was completely re-made, adding two stars to one that was already there, shooting from nearly the league-worst record in 2007 to a championship in 2008. Or the current Bulls team, which added about 42 new players and a new coaching staff before shooting to the top of the East.

But by all means, New York and Miami, keep your heads up. You'll always have those awesome player introduction/news conferences to look back upon.

Jerry Lucas Karl Malone Moses Malone Pete Maravich Kevin McHale

Video: JaVale McGee made the block of the year

Rational basketball fans often complain that too many of today's big men block the ball out of bounds instead of controlling it and starting a fast break. That was the favored play of Bill Russell, the best defender in basketball history, and it's definitely a lot better than giving the ball back to your opponent with time left on the shot clock.

Of course, it's even better if you grab the ball entirely instead of just controlling it off the backboard. That's exactly what the Wizards' JaVale McGee did Tuesday night against Wes Matthews of the Blazers, completely grabbing the ball instead of knocking it away from the basket. It's the best block of the year, and maybe even better than this LaPhonso Ellis classic from 1994. In fact, it's such an impressive block that it could arguably be called a steal. Or, heck, let's just give JaVale both on the stat sheet. He earned it.

McGee is one of the more frustrating players in the league, an athletic dynamo who alternates looking like a future force inside with seeming like he'll never learn the basic tenets of post play. The best way to approach him, though, might just be to accept the unreal feats like this block and be thankful he at least looks this good every so often. If only every disappointing big man could make a block like this one even just once in his career.

Bill Walton Jerry West Lenny Wilkens James Worthy Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Create-a-Caption: Randy Foye gives the best autographs

Listen, it's not always a picnic being Blake Griffin's teammate. Case in point: Autographs. Everyone wants the guy who dunked on Timofey Mozgov's neck to sign their jersey or program or baby. The backup guard who hits 39 percent of his shots? Not so much.

That's why Randy Foye really goes the extra mile for fans that ask for his John Hancock. "Keep reaching for the stars, Alan?" You got it. Special message for your nephew who's having trouble getting used to his retainer? Done. Detailed critical analysis of Synge's culturally specific and often ironic depiction of masculinity in "The Playboy of the Western World"? Make sure you bring your XL jersey, but sure thing.

The guy's a real pro. He'll sign for hours ... if you let him.

Best caption wins a hair-heavy�entreaty to turn up your radio. Good luck.

In our last adventure: Gregg Popovich has a pointed conversation.

Winner, Stephen: Pop: "Knock down that fargin' wall, knock down that fargin' wall and knock down THAT fargin' wall!!!"

Runner-up, Brian B.: "I can finally party now that Mr. Tattletale is gone with that ankle. I want you to give my back stage passes to her and her, and warm up the fog machine."

Second runner-up, Tucker L: "THAT'S HIM! That's the guy who keeps letting bats loose in here!"

Paul Arizin Charles Barkley Rick Barry Elgin Baylor Dave Bing

Create-a-Caption: ‘Lemme at him! Lemme at him!’

Few things are cuter than when Marc Gasol and O.J. Mayo play "Scooby and Scrappy" on the court.

OJAM all puffed up and looking to throw hands, except against certain opponents with whom he most certainly no longer wants the ill one-on ... Marc all smirking eyerolls and helpful hoisting ... it's just heartwarming to see. And considering how cold the weather just got inside the hearts of many Memphis Grizzlies supporters, we figured you River City cats could use some extra cockle heat. (Wait. That came out wrong.)

Best caption wins a disproportionate amount of hatred for a cartoon puppy. Good luck.

In our last adventure: Sad DeMarcus Cousins is sad.

Winner, NBAOutsider: "Nobody pays me in gum."

Runner-up, Celts Fan: Unaffected by the score, DeMarcus Cousins is upset about his bracket.

Second runner-up, My Name is Jason: DeMarcus Cousins rues the lost opportunity to break out his cadre of Supermoon-related Timberwolves jokes.

Scottie Pippen Willis Reed Oscar Robertson David Robinson Bill Russell

Floyd Mayweather bets big, wins big on the Bulls

In a nationally-televised thrashing last week, the Chicago Bulls annihilated the Atlanta Hawks by 33 points, at times leading by well over 40 points as they took a listless Hawks squad to task. It was tough to watch, and I'm a Bulls fan.

Chicago was up 29 points at the half, and via some borderline inscrutable betting rules that apparently I'm not scummy and/or smart enough to understand, boxing legend Floyd Mayweather placed a large amount of money on the Chicago Bulls holding onto a blowout-level lead in the second half. As a result, Mayweather cleared nearly $37,000, all legal, and he has the receipts and Twitter pictures to prove it.

On Monday, he talked to the Waddle and Silvy Show in Chicago, and discussed, um, his "rationale?"

As transcribed by Sports Radio Interviews:

"At first I was going to bet $100,000 on the first half, but I happened to be asleep because the Atlanta Hawks happened to be on a slump. At this particular time, what's going on in the NBA right now, Derrick Rose is the leading MVP candidate in the NBA right now I truly believe. I believe in his skills. He's an amazing player and that's one of the players you can bet on. If the team can stay 100 percent, they have a good chance to get to the Finals facing probably the Heat in the East. Then in the West this year I think it's either going to be the Spurs or the Lakers."

So there's that answer.

Honesty compels me point out that Mayweather has some beef with current Bulls backup guard C.J. Watson, who was instrumental in the bench attack that helped Chicago pull away.

Decency compels me to ask you to try to refrain from betting on the second half of a game after you slept through the first half.

Karl Malone Moses Malone Pete Maravich Kevin McHale George Mikan

Days of NBA Lives: Wherein Larry Sanders tackles an important issue

At this point, seemingly half the NBA is on Twitter. It's a wild world of training updates, questions as to which movies they should go see, and explanations of their Call of Duty prowess. Every so often, though, you also get a picture into the more interesting aspects of NBA life. This feature is your window into that world.

Derrick Brown: Books give knowledge, knowledge is power, power corrupts, corruption is a crime, and crime doesnt pay. #keepREADINGandYOULLbeBROKE

Jeff Adrien: Just ran in some chucks. Smh

Sean May: No way a dog is supposed to be this big?? yfrog.com/h7tfnbqj

Larry Sanders: Idk which house party I like more..1 or 2...I'm thinkin 2 right about now lol

Chris Douglas-Roberts: You can't watch the Flintstones #atBYU. Wilma & Betty's clothes are too revealing

You can also follow Eric Freeman on Twitter at @freemaneric.

Hal Greer John Havlicek Elvin Hayes Magic Johnson Sam Jones

Video: A reminder that Blake Griffin is awesome

Rookie forward Blake Griffin has been the highlight king of this season by a wide margin, for both the ferocity of his dunks and the unreal frequency of them. For the last few weeks, though, he's been strangely quiet, putting in decent lines but not the sort of numbers that made him a selection to the All-Star team in February. On top of that, his highlights have been just impressive rather than mind-boggling. It was enough to make you think that he had hit a rookie wall.

It turns out that was a bunch of crap. Over the weekend, Griffin unleashed four dunks (OK, three dunks and one non-dunk) that help explain exactly why he's one of the hottest road tickets in basketball. The first, which can be seen above, didn't actually count, but it nevertheless involved Griffin demolishing Suns center Marcin Gortat for a beastly combo dunk/throw-in. Gortat wasn't fully set and might have even been in the restricted area, but they whistled Griffin for his sixth foul anyway. Down 13 with four minutes remaining, the Clippers were unlikely to win the game even with Griffin, but the home fans were robbed of the potential for more exciting plays.

After the jump, check out Griffin's three dunks from Saturday's win over the Cavaliers.

These three probably aren't even among Griffin's 20 best dunks of the season, but they were the unquestioned highlight of Saturday's games. Just when you think Griffin is a normal basketball player, he unleashes an arsenal of jams that no one can match.

(First video via @outsidethenba, second video via ProBasketballTalk)

Bill Sharman John Stockton Isiah Thomas Nate Thurmond Wes Unseld

The Atlanta Hawks are falling apart

If you want to read some of the more depressing basketball-related quotes in your life, check out this very well-done Associated Press profile of the Atlanta Hawks. It will have you wondering if this team needs both hugs and drugs as it limps its way to the playoffs.

Though Atlanta is still eight games above .500, the group has lost 14 of 21 games as we come down the stretch, including three massive home blowout losses at the hands of the New Orleans Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls. This, according to the AP, is some unprecedented stuff:

As a result, Atlanta has been blown out at home more often than any team with a winning record in NBA history. The Hawks have suffered five home losses by 20 or more points, including three by more than 30 points. Each ranks as the top total in NBA history for teams with winning records, according to STATS, LLC.

The team is in a freefall mostly because it isn't shooting as well as it used to. Joe Johnson still has his moments but he isn't the sort of offensive force to build around, and while newly added Kirk Hinrich is making nearly half of his 3-pointers as a Hawk, everyone else seems to be falling short.

Worse? Everyone else seems to be falling into a bit of a funk. On record.

Joe Johnson?

The Hawks have no "sense of pride, a sense of urgency. … We should play for one another, but yet still we don't." And that "countless" players-only meetings meant to stir the echoes have "meant nothing."

Al Horford?

"We just have to be mentally stronger."

Coach Larry Drew?

His team is "a little fragile right now," and the Hawks "have got to heal, more so mentally than physically."

Josh Smith?

"When you don't help each other, it gets contagious. We just didn't show any kind of resistance."

Blair Rasmussan?

"Nobody on this team even asked after I put up that flyer offering free kittens. One of them is a calico, too. So cute."

Ken Norman?

"I'm still blaming Lenny Wilkens."

Eldridge Recasner?

"I'm pretty sure Zaza Pachulia is stealing from my locker. At the very least, he's gaslighting me. I'm really creeped out."

Zaza Pachulia?

"I'm totally stealing from Eldridge Recasner."

OK, the last few were more or less made up (figure those out yourself), but you get the picture. The Hawks are a rudderless ship that doesn't know how to react when NBA teams go on their inevitable 12-2 runs. It's been the case for years, as the Hawks have often led the NBA in good-team blowouts, and it's not likely to stop anytime soon.

Earl Monroe Shaquille O Neal Hakeem Olajuwon Robert Parish Bob Pettit