NBA Opening Day

We're halfway through the first day of the 2011-2012 NBA season and what a day it's been so far. The Knicks and Celtics delivered a Christmas Day classic, needing all 48 minutes to decide who would leave the newly rejuvenated garden the winner. Granted the Celtics were missing their captain and best scorer, Paul Pierce, but the Knicks looked fairly impressive in the 1st half moving out to a big lead and more importantly, impressive in the 2nd half rebounding from a rough stretch that saw the Celtics turn a 17 point deficit into a 7 point lead. The game was extremely chippy right from the start. Daniels and Anthony were physical throughout and Tyson Chandler looked like he was told the entire Celtics squad ran train on his mother prior to the game. Fittingly it ended with a skirmish and (unfortunately) Kevin Garnett choking Bill Walker and likely receiving a suspension for it. Couple observations from that game:

1. Toney Douglas shot far too much for a PG that has Melo, Amare, and Chandler on his team

2. Rondo looks incredible; he could be poised for an even bigger season than we expected

3. The Celtics look like they have a real find with Brandon Bass. Could be one of Ainge's sneaky good moves.

4. MSG is back

5. The Knicks aren't as good defensively as I had predicted; could be due to lack of playing time together, could just be that D'Antoni isn't a DEF guy.

The Heat came out on fire. LeBron and Wade outclassed the Mavericks from the opening tip and dominated them throughout the first 3 (at one point late in the 3rd, LeBron and Wade had outscored the Mavericks just by themselves alone). They turned it on defensively keeping Dirk in check all game (was 2-9 late in the 3rd). I don't take much from the 4th qtr as the Heat clearly took their foot off the gas and coasted to the finish. Probably a smart move considering the compact season and needing to get guys rest (even if they were on the court, not going full out will help). The Heat scored 30+ points in each of the first 3 qtrs (scoring 8 in the 4th). Hard to take much from this game as it's just ONE game, but the Heat sure did look good and their defense stifled a VERY solid offensive ball club in Dallas. Couple observations from this game:

1. LeBron James proved he is an MVP; 37 points on 19 attempts is incredibly efficient basketball. Throw in the 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks and only TWO turnovers despite how much he handled the rock; stud.

2. The Heat are far better rebounders than they were last year; 51 boards in this game, 14 from Haslem. They have great position under the hoop and everyone is hustling on the offensive glass (15 orebs).

3. Brian Cardinal had the best +/- on the Mavericks. Just saying'

4. Norris Cole looks like he could develop into a nice backup PG

5. Jason Kidd looks old out there

The Lakers / Bulls are locked in a tight one (Thanks, Marv Albert!) with only 7 points separating the two at half. Kobe's wrist looks to be bothering him, but he is adjusting. He started out with 6 points & 4 turnovers, then managed 8 points & 1 turnover from that point on. Devin Ebanks looks like he could be a real find for this team, playing extremely well in transition. Both teams are shooting over 50% at half, the difference being how well the Bulls are shooting from downtown. The Lakers can't seem to cover the perimeter defensively, and that could prove to be the difference in the game if Mike Brown doesn't make adjustments for the 2nd half. Few things to note from this game so far:

1. Devin Ebanks looks like a nice player for the Lakers

2. Derrick Rose is just so much fun to watch. 10 points on 4-5 shooting with 4 dimes at halftime. Solid numbers while keeping his teammates involved. Great shot selection.

3. I wonder if Ronnie Brewer should start and bring Rip off the bench, at least to start the season out. He's familiar with Rose and Rip could really boost that teams 2nd unit.

4. In reality, it's Kobe, Pau, and nobody else. Those 2 are going to have to put up big numbers in the 2nd half if the Lakeshow hope to pull this one out.