THROUGH THE WIRE: MONDAY (02/14/10)

24. The Los Angeles Lakers have been up to their old tricks recentely winning games again, however they had no Magic up against Orlando last night. Dwight Howard pulled 31 points and 13 rebounds out of his hat as the Magic made the Lakers disappear with an 89-75 win. The Orlando Magic showed they where still a contender with a convicting win over the defending champions that beat them in the finals two seasons back. The Lakers where held to their lowest point total all season as Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum had 17 each, while Lamar had 15 and Pau 11. "Offensively we were really stagnant. Defensively we could have been a little better. But they had 89 points. It was a winnable game as far as points go. But we didn't put any up," Bynum told the press-post game. Time for the Lakers to step and freshen it up.

48. The Showtime/Magic perfromance wasn't the only clash of contenders this weekend. The reigning Boston Celtics hosted the pretenders to their throne, the Miami Heat. The Celtics where without Shaquille O'Neal, Jermaine O'Neal, Delonte West and Marquis Daniels and Paul Pierce points as the star shot 0 for 10. Miami almost rallied from a 13-point deficit, but they proved unlucky as the luck of the Boston Irish made it a green evening. "We also can't afford to come in the third quarter and not have our motor going," LeBron told reporters after the King and his men where denounced by Boston. The forward knows that against the best his team will have to power up more, or heads will roll. As of right now out East, nobody is taking the Conference leading, Celtics crown.

82. Speaking of dethroning. The Kings left their young apprentice, DeMarcus Cousins at home-court as they embarked on a three game road-trip. Cousins will have to become real familiar with time off as the Rookie has been suspended for fighting with teammate Donte Greene in the teams ARCO Arena tunnel. The top Rookie was angry that he wasn't receiving much possessions in the clutch and after arguing his case, apparantly he tried to strike out, swinging for his teammate. Cousins and Green where pulled apart and then Cousins was pulled from the teams plane. So what's next? Reconciliation, trade, it's time for these Kings to act like men and not the Shaq dubbed, Sacramento 'Queens'.

O.T. After Pierce's clean sheet of no buckets against Miami, the Boston legend is planning to have an MRI in his injured foot...Washington have a revolving door of injuries at the moment as Josh Howard has returned only for Rashard Lewis to hold his suit on the sidelines...still the Wizards are looking a little better,m after a healthy blowout win agaisnt the Cavs. They ended a 25 road losing streak as they pushed Cleveland's continung losing streak closer to 30...he may have been snubbed for the All-Star game, but LeMarcus Aldrige isn't stopping. His 36 points drove his red-hot Blazers past the Detroit Pistons. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: FRIDAY (09/11/11)

24. It's been 23 years and 1,127 wins but according to reports that's it for Jerry Sloan and the Utah Jazz. In disappointing and unbelievable news it seems the partnership between the most devout coach in NBA history and his traditional pick and roll team is over. A press conference on Thursday confirmed Sloan's resignation along with that of assistant Phil Johnson who has been by Jerry's side for all 23 years. Jazz assistant Tyrone Corbin will step into Sloan's courtside position as the team tried to change the great coaches mind. Sloan however, insisted it was time to move on. It is such a shame to see a legendary, loyal coach just leave after all the years he's made Basketball a gentleman's game. There have been rumours of a rift with franchise player, Deron Williams. If true who really should have had more control of the Jazz? Their point guard, or it's coach of just 24 hours and 23 years ago? Sound off in our comments section below.

48. One coach who's job could be under-threat as well is Cleveland Cavaliers Byron Scott. The Cavs are now at a record-low 26 losses but the former Showtime Laker and Hornets coach believes everything will be OK. The Cavs have tied the 1976-77 Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL for the longest losing skid in pro sports history. Still Scott doesn't believe this slide will see him fall off. The man responsible for leading the Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets back to relevancy believes he is "the right man for the job" to do the same thing in Cleveland and turn this team around. Describing the mood of the franchise that hasn't won since the 18th of December, Scott says "We're all unhappy," but he also made it clear that none of the Cleveland higher powers have indicated his jobs in trouble. Also the fact that owner Dan Gilbert hasn't spoke out yet is surely a good sign.

82. One guy who isn't coming back to work, dream all you want is Charlotte Bobcats owner, Michael Jordan. Still however he did suit up for practice to show his young franchise the ropes on Thursday. Here's betting Kwame Brown was worried. M.J. Participated in a full-court scrimmage and put a few of his signature moves on his players, 'reach and teach', hey Kwame? Bobcats franchise forward, Gerald Wallace says that his boss has "still has it." Still, don't get excited, Mike's career-like his knees after his burn-is really on ice. Sorry.

O.T. GAME OF THE WEEK: LOS ANGELES LAKERS 92-86 BOSTON CELTICS. The talk was all about their problems, their need for improvements. The idea that they are no longer champions. The success of LeBron and his Miami side and the rest of the East. The potential Carmelo trade. The possible departure of crucial players like Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest and most of all their lack of form and ability to close out games, big or small. Still the Los Angeles Lakers put that all to the courtside as they left it all on the floor against Boston...including their blood for a hard fought, 92-86 win. Granted the blood came from forwards Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol banging heads, but there was nothing awkward or weak about these guys tough play. One time labelled as 'soft', this frontcourt tandem and the rest of the Lakers proved that they are still amongst the best, capable of beating the Celtics on their tough, home-court, fortress of the TD Garden. The Lake Show were so tough they out-muscled and out-rebounded the C's 47-36. The Lakers had a 27-15 scoring advantage in the third, which was crucial. Still, congratulations are in order for top three point talent, Ray Allen who passed Reggie Miller as the all-time leader in three-point field goals made. After last nights game in Downtown Boston, both teams have drawn blood on each others home-court this season. Forget Miami, the stage is set for another Celtic/Laker Finals rematch and another chapter in the storied franchises history together. This is a real page-turner. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: THURSDAY (02/10/11)

24. It's always special when the greats play at the Mecca, especially if it is the first time they walk onto the Madison Square Garden hardwood. It is extra special if they can provide the perfect matchup with New York Knicks monster Amare Stoudemire. So the MSG debut of L.A. Clippers rookie Blake Griffin was extra special. As the leagues two most improved teams duked and dunked it out the Clips championed the Knicks, 116-108. Blake had a great 21 point, 6 rebound performance as he battled STAT down low. Stoudemire had 23 points as Griffin added, "He's extremely tough to stop. I thought we did a good job as a team, corralling him in different areas." Griffin put on a dunk show but there is still more to his monster game then that. His point guard should know that as Baron Davis told press, "A lot of people give him credit for his dunks or his opportunities to score. They don't really know how he sets guys up. He's just going to continue to improve."

48. The L.A Clippers may have taken some sheen off their STAPLES neighbours but the Lakers have taken some of the shine off the Knicks/Carmelo stories with rumors of their own. All these Carmelo Anthony trade speculations may be fascinating for fans but the Lakers aren't entertaining the news. Bynum is remaining focused, telling press, "I'm going to keep playing basketball. That's all I can do. It's not really in my power. I can't control it." Carmelo himself has said, "Every day is something different. I guess now is the Lakers. Until I hear something from the people that I'm supposed to hear something from, then I don't pay no attention to it." The latest buzz sees 'Melo and teammate Al Harrington coming over for Bynum and Artest. A move that would gain L.A. another franchise player for their future star, but one that would see them lose a league leading defender for a great player, albeit one that is similar to Lamar Odom. Sure Anthony would be great for the Lakers, but as Kobe says, Bynum is "extremely important" to L.A. While Jackson joked, "I told Derrick Caracter that if Denver gave us Anthony straight up, then we would trade Derrick Caracter for Anthony. That's the only trade I want on this basketball club if that's one that works out." What do you think the Lake Show should do? Sound off in our comments section below.

82. It's getting salty in Utah. Versatile Jazz centre Mehmet Okur will miss at least three weeks due to back problems. The team are now playing against the wall as their inside and out pivot has a chronic disc problem. Okur has already missed the first of 26 games of the season and now will have to complete this 21 day rehab due to doctors orders. It gets worse as the Jazz's reverse centre Francisco Elson has inflammation in his left knee. With all these versatile big out, Utah's options are getting smaller.

O.T. Boston are missing some diesel and truth as Shaquille O'Neal and Paul Pierce are out injured...Dallas duo of bench Mavericks, Jason Terry and J.J. Barea continue to come up big as the small guys helped their team beat Sacramento...further news on Brandon Roy's return. He's ready for practice, but not big-time action. It's a good job Portland are used to being patient...make that 26 losses for the Cavs, who were out-motored by the Pistons...and make that 37 for Monta Ellis who shot his Golden State Warrior's past the golden Nuggets of Denver. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: WEDNESDAY (02/09/11)

24. The Carmelo circus just added another act, a Hollywood act. With New York still in the mix, America's big market on the other coast, Los Angeles have thrown their hat in to the ring, in their pursuit of their third. Rumour has it that the Lakers may try and swap Andrew Bynum for 'Melo, still speculation says they'd rather offer up Ron Artest. The defensive maestro, is out of some of the offensive rotation and somewhat out of favour of sorts. Obviously Kobe's untouchable, but Denver may demand Gasol or Odom, who ideally the Lakers would also not want going anywhere. If the Lakers do swing this deal then they will lose a developing franchise player in Bynum, leaving a whole in the middle, which still however Gasol can fill. Bynum has also had a history of injury problems, while if Carmelo and Kobe could co-exist it would be a duo for the ages. Along with Gasol, L.A would have a big-three that would more then match Miami, especially with what else they have, a great sixth man and defensive presence. Denver's franchise man could become a purple and gold nugget. Still however could the Lakers really net this trade? Or is this just merely hoop dreams?

48. Injuries in sports can be a lot more serious then just who's not playing tonight and Milwaukee Bucks forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute wants to take this problem to task. When the player was back in college, during his UCLA days a concussion kept him out for 8 days. It wasn't until he completed some neurocognitive tests that he was allowed back on court. Today all he needed to do after a similar injury is tell his teams doctors he's ok. So now Mbah a Moute is taken aback by this and is calling for a concussion protocol in the league. "There should be standards in the NBA. You need to do these tests and pass these tests before you can come back on the court. Bottom line. We definitely don't get as bad concussions as football and other sports, but a concussion is a concussion,'' the forward told press, adding, "It's a serious injury and there should be tests.'' Good for Luc for speaking out, he's going to help a lot of people if they listen.

82. Good times are a' happening in San Antonio and forward Steve Novak is about to join that party. He has signed a 10 day contract this week for the Texas rangers who are showing more true grit this year then Matt Damon and Jeff Bridges. The Spurs picked up Novak from the cattle of the Reno Bighorns from the NBA's development league and what better place to further his talents then with the current best of the association? Steve Novak was a second round pick by the Houston Rockets in 2006 and has also played for the Dallas Mavericks. Experienced with all of the NBA's Texan sides, Steve will hope to click with the Spurs.

O.T. If Carmelo Anthony does leave Denver this season then it may get bad for the Nuggets, still hopefully not as bad for Cleveland after they lost LeBron. The Cavs have now also recorded a franchise high, or low, 25 losses. Still the only way is up, hang in there guys...Brandon Roy says he is ready to return to Portland, even after his recent surgery, on both knees. Guess he really can't be stopped, the guards so hot, he's blazing...Ray Allen is about to take over Reggie Miller as NBA history's highest three-point shooter but he'll also have to keep up pace with hot shooters Paul Pierce and Kevin Durant in this years All-Star, Three-Point contest. Who will be the high scorer then? Sound off in our comments section below. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: TUESDAY (02/08/11)

24. A storm really is coming and the heat is on. The Miami Heat's LeBron James and the Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week. These two former and forthcoming All-Stars were honored for games played between January 31st and February 6th. LeBron, achieved the honor once again, (his fourth time) after leading his team to another clean sweep. Miami's record over 7 days was 4-0, as James averaged, 26.5 points, 7.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He also hit a season-high, franchise road-high 51 points against Florida rivals, the Magic. Oklahoma also had a clean, 3-0 sheet week behind league leading scorer, Durant (29.3 points). Kevin is also ninth in the league with rebounds, (11 per) and scored over 40 points for the fifth time this season with 43 against New Orleans. Congratulations to both guys who put up big number and big plays for a notoriously B.I.G. week.

48. Now Marvel at this. The NBA is full of superhero's, iron man that keep playing all season, hulking strong frontcourt players as strong as Thor and captains of various cities throughout America. So it's only right that the greatest basketball association in the world merged with one of the best comic-book franchises in the world (we see you DC). After a very popular, artistic season preview for ESPN magazine, Marvel Entertainment LLC have teamed up with the NBA for a range of clothes. So expect to see characters like Spiderman and the X-Men and many mores on exclusive team t-shirts and caps. Pairing teams and characters it's just a shame that Superman is on DC. Sorry Shaq and Dwight. This is still a great move for comic-book fans and hoops geeks alike however. Now will we see some courtside cameos from Stan Lee now too?

82. Nobody can knock or keep Ron Artest down, even if you bloody hid nose. He'll just come back and shoot all the critics down and that's exactly what happened last night in Memphis. Again Ron Artest hit a 3, which is no longer unlike him or unusual late in the fourth. This spearheaded a run that led the Lakers to a 93-84 win. Ron traded departure talk for once again lifting up and saving his team. Need anymore proof that Ron, Ron is for the Lakers. It was Pau's brother, Marc Gasol who was the Grizzlies player that knocked Ron's nose. Despite drawing blood the younger brother denies it was a foul, I wonder what Pau thinks however. Ron on the other hand doesn't remember being hit, saying, "Once I got my head cleared, (I) toughened up a little bit and got out there and played basketball. You do what it takes to win.'' Artest had a great game with 13 points and 4 steals as he hounded Memphis star, Rudy Gay all night. The Lakers had a balanced attack as Kobe scored 19, Pau had 17 and Odom 15 and 11 boards. This ensured that the Lakers stood on steady ground to start their road trip. Will it be steady as they go for their upcoming journey.

O.T. The Raptors have offered Trey Johnson a second 10 day contract as the player averaged 4.0 points and 1.6 assists in 5 games. Now how about a starting gig?...as this is what the Phoenix Suns have done with Zabian Dowdell, after his own impressive set of two, 10 day contracts, averaging, 3.2 points and 1.8 assists. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: MONDAY (02/07/11)

24. The Carmelo Anthony trade talks have opened back up. It's been reported that the Nuggets are now in conversation with the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves in regards to moving 'Melo. The New York Post have reported that we may have a blockbuster on our hands before mid-February and they're not talking about the latest Matt Damon picture. Apparently a three-team deal between all the parties has been discussed, which would give New York Anthony for the talents of Anthony Randolph, Wilson Chandler and Eddy Curry’s plus their expiring contracts. The Nuggets would get Wilson Chandler and Corey Brewer from Minnesota who would receive Randolph and Curry. This deal works as great tax write offs for the other clubs and it gives the Big Apple, their big, big star to go alongside Stoudemire. Still don't hold your breath, this isn't the first time a trade like this has been imminent. Someone still may pull the plug on this Times Square move.

48. We all know Kendrick Perkins is back for the Celtics, but for just how long? The big talent and dependable post figure has done a Carmelo Anthony and turned down an extension from his club. This coming offseason, the big man will be an unrestricted free-agent and a big pick-up for any team, so wisely, Perkins is keeping his options open. Kendrick could 'Perk' up most teams frontlines so he could expect a big pay day this Summer. Obviously, right now he doesn't believe that Boston's, just below $30 million over four years is enough. Looks like he's getting his Sprewell's on. Whether Perkins is looking for bigger rims or a new home is uncertain, but one thing's for sure, despite Boston's big four, they aren't a complete team without their fifth man.

82. There is more problems in Beantown right now as Celtics reserve Marquis Daniels is green with injury. The sick-note player was taken out of a game against the Orlando Magic on a stretcher after he collided with Gilbert Arenas on a play. The talented backup gave as he was carried away he injured his neck upon hitting the deck. He lay on the court motionless for a few minutes, (kind of like Cuba Gooding Jnr in 'Jerry Maguire'), still upon being carried off, Daniels gave the thumbs up and thankfully he's OK. Now Boston and Daniels will brace themselves for the results of an examination, still hopefully this strong guard will be back soon.

O.T. In other injury news the Cavs forward Anderson Varejao will undergo ankle surgery this week...while from a former LeBron team mate to a new one, Udonis Haslem expects to have the walking boot off his foot by Tuesday as he hopes to kick his injury troubles...his future looks bright but Detroit Pistons guard Rip Hamilton's looks hazy as he doesn't know whether he'll stay with the team he helped champion, or whether it will be R.I.P. Hamilton for his Motor City playing days. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THERE'S A STORM COMING

Put up your umbrellas, here comes the reign.

By Tim David Harvey



Take a look for yourself. It's no new news that the weather is getting heavy at the moment. It's been forecasted from last season that the Thunder have weathered the storm of their inaugural year and are now looking as bright as lightening. As Oklahoma City bring more thunder then a Darryl Dawkins highlight reel, things are looking as sweet as chocolate for the freshest NBA franchise. Sure the Thunder are already moving up, but expect them to ascend even further at sonic speed.

Since their expansion from Seattle, the Thunder's growth hasn't been as widely well received as it has in Oklahoma, where the city was given it's first NBA team. Even people outside of Seattle loved the Sonics, but still the powers that be didn't think this city could support an NBA team. With Ray Allen heading for more green, (going to Boston and doing a backwards Fraiser) and the Kemp/Payton days now as far out of view as the sky needle the Sonics days looked as dated as Sega. Still, these days nobody appreciates the classics. The city that birthed grunge music, still had a future with the rock however, as the Seattle Storm of the WNBA showed the Thunder and the NBA that glory days could still reign in the state of Washington.



So as the smoke and the fog cleared, people began to get used to those jerseys and the strangest expansion franchise since the Bobcats. Now what we are left with is a uniformed team that has not only become familiar, but a favourite in the league, in more ways then one. Last year the Thunder-in six games-almost whetted the eventual champion Lakers in the playoffs and this season, they are one place behind them in the Western Conference standings. At 32 and 17, sitting at 0.653, OKC are more than just good for fourth place. They are no middle of the road team. Sure they are 10 games behind the first placed San Antonio, but the Spurs are the leagues best this season. Besides the Thunder are first in their Northwest division and they're multiplying wins are subtracting the Lakers and second place Dallas' hold on them. It won't be long before this teams confidence adds up along with their record. You do the math.

The cities Thunder have removed their cloud of judgement and showered the L with W's, while receiving 'I owe yous' from critics in return. It's time to give respect where respect is deserved and overdue, the Thunder have earned it. Just look at their roster, they have the pedigree for NBA prestige. In terms of contenders, this cities part of the royal family like London, they got an expansion franchise first too. Kevin Durant is the poster boy, tall, dark and with a handsome game. He's lean and a scoring machine too. He's the reigning scoring champ with 30.1 per, so there's even more numbers for this arguments crunch. Sure this kids skinny, but his game has the definition. Plus winning is winning, whether an inch or a mile, whatever the diesel. K.D's speedy to boot, leading this fast five, while being as skillful as the sportsmen in Brazil who use their feet instead of hands. Durant has gone from high school lockers to future hall duties, as his legend continues to evolve like this team. As of right now, however K.D is right there with LeBron and 'Melo, looking up to nobody but God's son, Kobe. M.J. Picked the wrong expansion to own. The forefather of modern day Basketball, has to be proud of how the association is being run these days. Forget like Mike, Kevin is the latest great player 'da kids' want to grow up and become.



Oklahoma may start with Kevin Durant, but they don't end with him, there's more to the Thunder then just a few little drops. Take recently named, first time All-Star Russell Westbrook for example. He's far from just another number two, or the zero his jersey reads. Westbrook is one of the leagues leading guards and the NBA is finally getting the point. Russell is so athletic. He doesn't just play like a quarterback, he's built like one and with buckets and dunks to match, this guy will be a highlight this February like Superbowl Sunday. It's not just Green Bay who are packing.

Heralded as a smart guy in college and with the brains for the pros, Oklahoma's number 22, makes these stadium fillers more then a two man show. Not offensive to high scoring and a steal on defence, Jeff Green rounds out this big three, that despite the lack of hype, could match up with Miami or Boston if the stakes where upped. Speaking of the four, the dependable, forward/centre Nick Collison has been around since the Seattle days and helps round out a great starting unit, along with Nenad Krstić. The Serbian postman who is feeling at home in Oklahoma after being delivered from New Jersey.

The Thunders bench is no turbulent spot either. With strength that results in game-winning number, from Royal Ivey, to Eric Maynor, to Morris Peterson, to D.J. White, to Daequan Cook. These pine polishers help Oklahoma shine from the woodwork when their starters begin to get splinters. All in all this Oklahoma team may almost reside in the middle of the West, but they're about to ascend to the top of it and the NBA as a whole. They are more than that team that used to be Seattle or the Phoenix Suns of 2011. They are right with L.A. and Texas' two, top teams in contention, almost like they are the Sacramento Kings of the early new millennium.

The Thunder are rumbling more than their favourite bison. With this spell, things could get more dramatic then those old, Terrence Howard, playoff commercials. Sure with the WNBA's Storm in Seattle you can expect great, but with the Thunder in the NBA you can expect an upset this year. That will be tears you see, not rain pouring down, as the heavens of great basketball open up the floor. The Thunder have already made their city proud and now the rest of the United States are watching, even Seattle. Oklahoma have already made a name for themselves in the league but it won't be long before their names are engraved in some serious hardware. Sure it's still a real shame this squad couldn't do this in Seattle (no offence OKC town), but the forecast has changed and is still precipitating. People are talking about the weather in Oklahoma and it's going to be thunder all year round.