NBA Opening Night Observations
Yesterday evening the NBA tipped off the first games of the 2007-08 season and I had front row seats on my couch. Here are a few of my observations.
Portland Trailblazers at San Antonio Spurs
Final Score: 106-97, Spurs win
The Spurs looked sharp in the first half, playing the kind of efficient, defensive minded basketball that's won them four championships and bored thousands of fans to tears. Seriously, they are possibly the most boring team in the NBA and not just because of their reliance on "fundamentals." Tim Duncan is the least charismatic superstar in the league (if you've seen any of his commercials you know what I'm talking about), Bruce Bowen is probably the most hated player in the NBA, and the most interesting member of the Spurs' organization is Mrs. Tony Parker. But I digress.
The final outcome was never really in doubt, but I have to credit the Timberwolves for staying close the entire game. Center/Forward LaMarcus Aldridge continues to impress with his sweet stroke and expanding offensive repertoire and fantasy owners had to be excited by his stat line (27 pts. on 12-19 shooting, 2 Blks, 3 Rebs). It's only the first day of the season, but the Wolves have to be looking forward to next year. They have a surplus of promising young talent in Aldridge, PG Brandon Roy, and G/F Martell Webster, and when man-child Greg Oden returns they could be legitimate contenders in the stacked West.
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers
Final Score: 95-93, Rockets win
Kobe Bryant showed up in a Lakers uniform last night but his 45 point performance looked an awful lot like he was trying to advertise "the goods" at the expense of his team. I'm a biased Lakers fan but even I have to admit that they looked like a mess. PG Derek Fisher was the only Laker besides Kobe to score in double digits and the team's play was ragged at best, nauseous at worst. Fortunately the Rockets were equally confused with new Head Coach Rick Adelman running the show. 
After the half, the Rockets were able to move T-Mac around with greater success and maintained a single digit lead throughout most of the 3rd and 4th quarters. Both Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady looked good during this period, stretching the floor and creating opportunities for one another. It looked like Coach Adelman's offensive schemes were falling in place and the Lakers seemed completely out of it until the very last minute of the game. That's when three straight Rockets turnovers and some clutch shots by Fisher and Kobe tied the score. That's also when Duke alumnus Shane Battier decided to piss me off by nailing a three and sealing the victory for the Rockets.
Both the Rockets and the Lakers figure to contend for playoff spots in the West but based on yesterday's performance it looks like they're moving in two different directions. With T-Mac, Yao Ming, and productive play from Mike James, the Rockets look like they have the pieces to make a strong run this year. The Lakers, on the other hand, have Kobe Bryant and little else. That recipe hasn't worked for the last few years and even with a healthy Lamar Odom I don't see anything to suggest it will work this year.
Utah Jazz at Golden State Warriors
Final Score: 117-96, Jazz win
I didn't catch this game, but the highlights and stat sheets said a lot. Utah's Deron Williams is going to be a star and everyone knows Andrei Kirelinko has All-Star ability. Both of them look like they'll be putting it together this year alongside emerging big man Carlos Boozer. The Warriors struggled without team captain/enemy of the state Stephen Jackson. As long as Golden State has a healthy Baron Davis they'll be competitive but they'll be hard pressed to replicate last year's playoff success.
What do you guys think?
