Archive for October, 2009
NBA 2009-2010 Opening Night: Washington Wizards vs. Dallas Mavericks
Posted by: | CommentsOctober 27, 2009, opening night for the 2009-2010 NBA season had a number of interesting games stacked up for NBA fans. Some of these games included the Boston Celtics visiting the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Los Angeles Clippers visiting the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Houston Rockets visiting the Portland Trailblazers. Aside from these exciting season openers, another great game took place between the Washington Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks. These two teams have been the subject of criticism for seasons now, with Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs struggling to win their first Championship and the Wizards unable to pull it together to get back into championship form. For the 2009-2010 season, however, these two teams have made some major roster changes that will have each team ready to make a run for the Playoffs and an NBA Championship Title.
Changes made by the Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have had to make some key decisions regarding trades, contract signings, and re-signings. The team decided to re-sign Jason Kidd, who is one of the best veteran point guards in the league. The team also singed guard Quinton Ross, forward Tim Thomas, and forward Drew Gooden. These three players will provide some great back-up off of the bench. Aside from these crucial acquisitions, one of the biggest acquisitions made by the Mavericks for the upcoming season is the trade for forward Shawn Marion. The Mavs traded forward Devean George and guard Antoine Wright to the Raptors to get Marion, forward Kris Humphries, cash considerations, and center Nathan Jawai (whom they later traded off to another team). So the team now has a solid core with Jason Kidd, Erik Dampier, Dirk Nowitzki, and Sean Marion, backed by players like Jason Terry, Quinton Ross, Jose Barea, Drew Gooden, and Josh Howards.
Changes made by the Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards have been on a tough journey throughout the past few seasons, especially with their All-Star guard Gilbert Arenas only playing a total of 15 games in the past two NBA seasons. For the 2009-2010 season, however, Arenas is back in good health and the Wizards have made some changes to get ready for a strong push to get back into the Playoffs and have a shot at the 2010 NBA Championship Title. The Wizards have made trades with the Timberwolves to acquire guard Randy Foye and forward Mike Miller in exchange for Etan Thomas, Darius Songaila, Oleksiy Pecherov and draft considerations. The team also signed the San Anotonio’s former center Fabricio Oberto. The team also acquired guard Vincent Grier and forward Paul Davis. For opening night, the team went with the starting lineup of Gilbert Arenas, Mike Miller, Brendan Haywood, Caron Butler, and Fabricio Oberto. Off the bench, Blatche and Foye both performed well, contributing a total of 39 points between the two.
Opening night between the Wizards and Mavs
Arenas scored 29 points and dished 9 assists to help the Wizards win their opening game. Though Dirk Nowitzki scored 34 points and pulled down 9 rebounds, the Mavs couldn’t pull it off, despite strong performances by Sean Marion, Jason Terry, and Jose Barea. The final score was Washington Wizards with 102 over the Dallas Mavericks with 91.
NBA 2009-2010 Opening Night: Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Posted by: | CommentsAfter a thrilling 2008-2009 NBA season, the 2009-20010 NBA starts off with a bang. The opening game took place on October 27th at 7:30 PM ET with two of the best teams in the league facing off. The Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers are both coming into the 2009-2010 season with new player acquisitions and a rejuvenated drive to win the NBA Championship Title. With the opening game under wraps, let’s take a look at how the game progressed and how each team faired with their new rosters.
Opening game: Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
For the opening game of the 2009-2010 season, the Boston Celtics visited the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavs looked like they were going to run away with the game after a good start in the first quarter, outscoring the Celtics 28-21. In the second quarter, however, the Celtics showed that they are no push over. The Celtics showcased their impressive offensive threats and defensive prowess, scoring 30 points and holding the Cavs down to 17. During the third quarter, the game was evenly matched, with the Celtics only outscoring the Cavs by one at 21-20. Going into the fourth quarter, the score was Celtics 72 and Cavs 65. After a valiant effort by LeBron James and the Cavaliers, the Celtics turned out to be the better team with Paul Pierce leading them to a 95-89 win in the season opener.
Game leaders
Paul Pierce and LeBron James were the top performers of the game. Pierce had a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds, as well as one assist, one steal, and one block. LeBron James took the honor of the highest scorer for the game with 38 points. James also posted eight assists, four rebounds, two steals, and four blocks. The game leaders for the Celtics include Paul pierce in points and rebounds, Rajon Rondo in assists with 10, Rondo in steals with three, and Kevin Garnett in blocks with three. For the Cavs, LeBron James led most categories, including points, assists, steals, and blocks. It was the newly acquired Shaquille O’Neal who would lead the team in rebounds, however, with 10.
Looking ahead
The Boston Celtics certainly look ready to make a strong push for the 2010 NBA Championship Title. Aside showing that their Big Three is still in great form, along with their young, start-guard Rondo and their reliable center Perkins, the Celtics have also shown the advantage of adding depth to their bench with Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels. It is a strong start for a team that is expected to be a top-contender this season. As for the Cavaliers, although they lost in the opening game, the team still showed why they will also be a Championship contender this year. If Shaquille O’Neal can keep putting up double-doubles like the 10 points and 10 rebounds he had in the opening game, then the team has a great chance of winning the title, especially with James bagging 38 points so effortlessly. Both of these teams are definitely going to be exciting and fun to watch.