NBA TV's Fan Night could quite possibly be the most entertaining show on television right now. It's really a fun look into games going on, and add to that this hilarious account from Kevin McHale, about his first "encounter" with Dominique Wilkins, and you have a winner....

I love the fact that he said he was scared. Oh and the mention of the short shorts. I will never understand why we don't have clips from the 80s showing NBAers junk. Ummmm....not that I want to see them.

Man, color me disappointed after viewing this one, and why Lebron allegedly had this clip confiscated is beyond me. The dunk is pretty good, but nothing really to write home about. If Lebron had just laughed it off, and wished the kid well, it wouldn't have been an issue. Here's the clip if you haven't seen it yet....

Update: Here's a much better angle via Barstool Sports....

The Secret Dunk Exposed! (TMZ)

(Thanks to GITG for the heads up)

The infamous dunk on Lebron has been acquired by the gossip site, TMZ, and will be aired tonight on their website at 6:45pm. Co-executive producer of TMZ, Charles Latibeaudiere, broke the news on JT the Brick's radio show on KLAC, and also mentioned that they are trying to get a hold of Lebron for a reaction. Via Sports Radio Interviews....

“Nike went around and confiscated the video that they knew was shot, what they didn’t know is there was someone else there who shot it just on their cell phone. Apparently, Nike guys haven’t discovered that cell phones have video cameras as well; this person had it on a cell phone. I wish it was a camera that was right underneath the hoop where you could see the look on LeBron’s face, but it’s awesome. You can see Jordan come down the lane, and after he gets dunked on, LeBron is kind of standing there and you can tell something just happened that he didn’t wanna have happened, and ‘Oh crap. It’s on video too.”

Well it's about time! I can't believe it took TMZ this long to acquire the footage, but thank god they did. I'll try to get it up later on tonight.

Charles Latibeaudiere: The Dunk Was Awesome (Sports Radio Interviews)

If there's a video that you need to watch this week, it's the one below. Why do you ask? Well simply put....a grown man dunks on a kid, talks trash to him and then makes him cry. Enjoy!

And what you little punk!?!? You're too soft to be guarding WGN field reporter, Pat Tomasulo!!! Good lord that was equally as hilarious as it was heartless. I love that the kid's mom then picks him up, has the kid dunk, and then yells "In Yo Face!". Good times in the Windy City.

WGN Reporter Dunks On Kid, Feels ‘So Powerful’ (Mouthpiece Sports)

I have to admit that I haven't watched Blake Griffin as much this year as I wanted to, or should have. That said, the guy is a complete machine, and I think this clip summarizes that mindset more than any other this season.

With Oklahoma up 20+, Blake decided to go baseline on a dunk that was as equally amazing as it was ridiculous. No defender challenged him, but he decided that wasn't enough for him. Yes, Griffin decided to battle the backboard itself, apparently out of sheer boredom....

Man. That guy is a straight up man child. He's Dwight Howard without the College experience. If Oklahoma was up against any other team but UNC, I might give them a chance, but with their outside shooting and free throws, you have to go with UNC. Still though, very very impressive.

I love when announcers try to sport a goatee. Gus Johnson's was impressive, but no one will ever be able to top Mike Breen's. Although, NBA TV's Ahmad Rashad is giving him a run for his money. Here is Evil Rashad giving you some top ten NBA highlights, while GP and C-Webb squeal in the background!

Man, I had to turn that nonsense on less than halfway through. I certainly enjoy Payton and Webber's zeal, but how about we reel it in a bit guys. Okay? Good.

Video: Top 10 plays of the week (Ball Don't Lie)

It's only fair that I post this video, especially considering all of the "Paulus Teabag" videos I've put up. Wake Forest's Jeff Teague unleashed what might be the dunk of the year tonight, and did so on Maryland's only Senior on his Senior night. Brace yourself....

I've never been as quiet in my own house, as I was following that one. Good lord. The Paulus ones are always hilarious because he falls down following the hit, but Teague just straddled Dave Neal. Very impressive. Oh, and let's skip the fact the Maryland once again blew a sizable halftime lead and lost in the end, okay? Good.

Only this video is making me feel a little better right now.

Way for Lebron to go ahead and make everything about him. Nate Robinson and Dwight Howard put on a heck of a show for everyone, with Robinson winning, but Lebron's announcement might have been the biggest highlight....

Dwight Howard was much more impressive overall, and I think the markets their respective teams play in came into play, but not a bad show. In fact, outside of everything that Vince Carter, Dominique and MJ have done, I think that Howard dunk from the side was one of the more impressive dunks I've seen.

But Lebron in a dunk contest? Yeahhhh....sorry Nate "Kryptonite" Robinson.

The Rookie Challenge and Youth Game is just about the most boring game on the planet, but this year's contest was actually a bit entertaining. There were less terrible alley-oop attempts, an actual semblance of plays being run, and one Kevin Wayne Durant. Not only is the kid having a ridiculous season (25.6 ppg, 6.7 reb, 2.8 assts), but he set a Rookie-Sophmore record with 46 points tonight.

Here is the dunk that capped the whole performance off, and his interview after the game....

Not only did he beat the previous record, but he crushed it by ten points (Amare Stoudamire - 36). Just an amazing kid, and he's now on the "must watch" list with Lebron, Kobe, Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. At least that's my list at the moment.

Oh and by the way, as much as I can't stand Lebron as a player, I have to say he was really good on the mic with Kenny and Kevin Harlan. Now excuse me while I pen my next hate column on the lazy, Cavs' Forward.

I don't know what it is about Greg Paulus, maybe it's his scent, but he attracts some of the largest dunks/teabags to his face. Last week it was Wake's Jerai Grant dunking all over the Duke guard, and today you can add Miami's Dwayne Collins to the list....

I'll give him credit this time. At least he didn't flop on that one. Unfortunately it didn't really matter in the end for Miami. Duke went on to win the game in overtime. Oh and just for the heck of it, let's relive the double teabagging of Paulus by UNC's Danny Green....



(Photo by Zeke Smith/Zeke Smith Photo)

There are a lot of "Internet Campaigns" out there these days, especially in the NBA. A lot of them are pretty boring, and re-treads of other people's ideas, but one I'm in full support of is "See Joe Dunk". The Bucks' Joe Alexander is trying to get into the dunk contest, and has been posting various vids on YouTube trying to gain support. Here's a taste with one called "Cookies"....

Good stuff, but in all honesty, all Joe needs to do is show them this clip from the Big East Tournament last year and he's in....

It's been a long time since Gus Johnson had something to get excited about in regards to the Knicks. While my Wizards were busy losing to the f'ing Nets on their opening night, the Knicks were busy running and dunking over the Heat. In the second quarter, Gus lets out a huge "Hell Yes!" after a put-back dunk from Wilson Chandler, and the good folks at Tirico Suave decided to remix it for us....

Amazing. Obviously it's drawn out a bit long, but if you're following along with the photos and the beat....it's pretty well done. In fact, it is now my new ringtone. Hell Yes!

Gus Johnson Has Been Holding This In For Seven Years (Tirico Suave)

After this video, I think I'm changing my stance on the whole Bill Simmons' "H-O-R-S-E at the NBA All-Star Game" idea because it's boring it's boring as hell to watch people play the game. Buuuuut the video definitely still has it's moments. If you wait until the end you get the "Awkward White Dude Backflip, Off The Backboard Oop To Lebron" moment. Here's some background on the event I mentioned in the Lebron rap post below. Via SI....

James was on an outdoor court at Venice Beach to take on David Kalb in a shooting game, mostly of trick shots, although James' outside shooting touch was way off. At one point, he grinned and said, "That wind."

Kalb won the matchup with James in an online contest, "LeBron's Trick Shot Challenge sponsored by Cub Cadet."

Kalb's bag of trick shots including one where he bounced the ball very high in the lane, raced around the goal post, caught the ball as it came down, and tossed it in the basket. James missed his try, and after losing the first game, declared best two-of-three. Each made, among other shots, left-handed free throws, but Kalb went on to win the second game as well.

After he missed his final shot, James tossed the ball away in mock anger.

Here's the video via TBL, but like I said above.... eight minutes of watching people play H-O-R-S-E is like a level of hell. Well, if you're like me, you might also get enjoyment out of Lebron missing about 40 jumpers with no one covering him, but other than that....hell. Enjoy!



LeBron gets S-M-O-K-E-D (SI.com)
Unassuming, Bald, Crafty 26-year-old Kid From Ohio Destroys LeBron in H-O-R-S-E (*VIDEO) (The Big Lead)

Why not a pseudo little live-blog this morning? If anyone's around feel free to comment and I'll follow with some videos following the contest.

8:15- Close game early on. The U.S. leads by only three halfway through the first. Howard is settling in down low (Bogut has two fouls) but Australia is nailing their threes.

20-17 with 2:50 left in the first. There's been a couple of shots by the Aussies early as well. Something to keep in mind.

"Stop being stupid. You're making dumb plays"- Coach K via Craig Sager

2:20- Australia's point guard, Patty Mills (St. Marys) is giving Team USA's guards some problems early and it might be time to bring in Chris Paul. We were tied, but Anthony hit a three to give "Redeem" the lead back

24-21 (under a minute left in the first)

2:24- The U.S. is 4-11 from the FT line early as well. Mills hits a beautful running layup and gets fouled, but misses the free throw. Paul drives and is hammered at the buzzer....no call.

25-24 U.S. at the end of one

8:28- We start the second quarter with an obligatory Michael Phelps story from Sager and Wade completes a three-point play. Bogut looks terrible by the way. Australia is still bumping and it's about time to start hitting back.

30-26 with 9 minutes left

8:33- Patrick Mills again! He takes it right at Chris Bosh for two. Bosh misses another throw and the U.S. is shooting somewhere in the teens from the line. Wade to James....Slam! Bogut finally scores but Kobe follows on the other end with a dunk. Kobe again with a behind the back fake and a layup.

37-30 USA with 6:30 left in the second

8:39- Bogut with an and one and I'm thinking that I shouldn't have called him out. Doug Collins tells us that USA has 10 offensive rebounds and I thank him for the stat. James gets a layup and was fouled but no call. Lead is nine and Bogut dribble off of his fat thigh out of bounds. Layup for Newley of AUS and the lead is seven. Kobe misses a three and Anderson hits for the Aussies. James and one!

"Pure strength and power for Lebron James."- Mike Breen

Bron misses and Anthony is hammered. Here we go! Some pushing and shoving after the play between Worthington and Howard.

45-36 USA with 4 minutes left in the second

8:44- AUS gets a couple of throws, but Kobe gets another and one as he blew past Mills....ANOTHER MISSED FREE THROW! Good lord. James misses a three. Eight point lead. Prince with a steal and Lebron again...he can't be stopped down low today (or tonight). Under two to go. Newly drafted Houston Rocket, Mike Newley hits a three. Another U.S. miss but Mills misses a three.

50-43 U.S. under a minute to go

8:47- Aww...a great shot of Chris Collins in the stands. Doug swoons. Kobe with a fadeaway, Newley misses a three and AT THE BUZZER!!!!!!! GOOD! Deron Williams with a three. Whew.

55-43 USA at the half

9:05- Second half is underway and Kobe starts it with a three. That's good because the U.S. is 10-20 from the line. Melo for three! Here comes the run. Lebron with the steal! Dives out of bounds!!! Bryant to the line. Now that's the hustle we need.

62-43 U.S.

9:09- Jason Kidd with a layup and Mike Breen says they're pulling away. Way to jinx it Mike. Or not....Kobe and one.

"Kobe has just played for a minute and a half."- Mike Breen

Pretty sure you meant sat Mike....okay, he corrected himself. Nielsen gives Carmelo a shot in the chest and Australia still hasn't scored. 26 point lead as Kobe hits another three. A 14-0 run to start the quarter.

69-43 with 6 minutes left.

9:14- Mills hits a three and he's looked awfully good today/tonight. He's their backup point guard too. Lebron and one....it's officially a blowout.

"This is the Lebron we don't see much in Cleveland."- Doug Collins

Amen Doug. Amen. (Bill) Worthington with a dunk on a follow for Australia and I wasn't aware anyone on the team could dunk. We sure as hell know Bogut can't. And right on cue, Bogut is shown icing his knees and is done for the night. James with the no look to Bosh....SLAM!

73-50 USA

9:17- Dwyane Wade banks in a three from the corner and I'm going to call this one over myself at this point. The lead is 30 with 2 minutes left in the third.

"Did I see that he scored 37 in his first game in College?"- Doug Collins on Patrick Mills

It was his fourth game, but great recall there Dougie Fresh. Seville hits a three for AUS but Prince answers on the other end.

85-55 with 1:30 left in the third

9:22- Seville with a four point play and he jaws with Wade. Again....Mills with the drive. Oop to Prince and then Bosh swats a three attempt out of bounds.

That's the end of the third. U.S. won that quarter 34-18 and they lead 89-61.

9:30- The fourth starts rather slow but Deron Williams finishes a nice layup. Kobe hits one from the Water Cube and the lead is 31. AND KOBE AGAIN! He's got 25. This Ingles kid for Australia is pretty good. Only 20 years old and he adds a dunk and three to his Olympic resume.

101-70 with 6 minutes left

9:35- Ingles with another three. Outside of the guy Marlowe with the blond faux-hawk....he's my favorite player. AND AGAIN FOR INGLES!!! Redd hits a three. I'm also a big fan of Australia's yellow lowtops. Sporty.

106-78 with 4 minutes left

9:40- Deron Williams misses a layup after a nice pass from Paul. Boozer looks like ass and Newley takes it to Prince and gets to the line. Good draft pick by the Rockets but that's nothing new for them overseas. Nielsen is in there still throwing bows and the U.S. needs to just chill out.....or just foul the shit out of him. Good job Carlos Boozer.

Mike Breen thanks the interns....that's nice. Under two. Boozer scores and that means everyone on the team has scored. Mills and one. Look out WCC! Whoa....Australia has a guy that looks just like Brent Barry. Put him in!

116-85 Final

Key Players:

Lebron James- 16pts, 9 rebs, 3 asts, 4 steals
Kobe Bryant- 25pts, 5 rebs
Carmelo Anthony- 15pts, 5 rebs
Patrick Mills- 20pts
Joe Ingles- 11pts in 10 mins
Brad Newley- 10pts

(Highlight video coming shortly)

So I turned on the Team USA-Greece game a bit late but as it turns out, I did so just in time. Watch Dwyane Wade on the steal with the sick pass to Kobe for the oop and then follows that up with another ridiculous pass to Dwight Howard for the jam....

How awesome was that? I'll try to keep you updated as the game goes on but the U.S. looks on point early. With that said, Greece was hanging in there for awhile, with open jumpers and layups, but it's 51-32 Team USA at the half after a great run to end the second quarter.

Update: USA 74-54 at the end of three.

Update #2: Okay that wasn't close at all....FINAL- USA 92, Greece 69

(More dunks coming after the game)

It was February 2007 when Gilbert Arenas showed us just how easy it was to dunk off of a trampoline. It seems as if the guy in the video below wasn't watching the NBA All-Star Game that day. From the halftime show during the Australia-Croatia game....

(Wait for it....waaaaaaait for it....)

Good lord that looked painful. I love how the rest of his troupe just runs back into formation with only one guy sort of checking on him. "We can't disappoint the fans at a preliminary match in the Olympics! Dammit Johnny, this was our big break!!!"

Video: The bronze medalists of Olympic halftime entertainment (Ball Don't Lie)

I passed on this story last week because it didn't seem that noteworthy, but that was until today. A few people got upset with the "homophobic nature" of a few of Wieden+Kennedy's latest efforts for Nike's "Hyperdunk" shoes and the company has in turn pulled a few of the ads....

Nike is strongly opposed to discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting athletes regardless of their sexual orientation. The advertisement in question is based purely upon a common insight from within the game of basketball - the athletic feat of dunking on the opposition, and is not intended to be offensive.

However, after listening to concerns expressed around specific executions, we have decided to drop them from the campaign to underline our ongoing commitment to supporting diversity in sport and the workplace.

Nike has a strong record of support for diversity and is proud to have been honored with a 100 percent score over several consecutive years in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index.

I really have no idea how this spiraled out of control, but Nike has pulled the three ads seen within this post. While some sites like Out Sports don't seem to find a problem, in the end it's a good move. The ads seemed like a sloppy effort at best and certainly could be taken as perpetuating stereotypes. That's not something we need more of in Sports these days.


Nike drops three Hyperdunk ads (Oregon Live)
Some Nike crotch-to-the-face ads are catching "homophobic" heat (Out Sports)

The first half was rather pedestrian but after a supposed Pierce knee injury and Willis Reed-like return (nowhere near the same though) it picked up. That return energized the crowd and ultimately the Celtics as role players like PJ Brown and Leon Powe stepped up. It was KG who inserted the dagger though....

Kobe seemed to be out of it the whole game and 9-26 shooting just isn't going to get it done. The Lakers just couldn't keep up with the level of play after Pierce returned and Garnett just looked hungry. Great Game One and I fully expect Kobe to come with the fury in Game Two. Hopefully the rest of the Series plays out exactly the same as far as close game and intensity.

Who says the Spurs are the kings of flop? I submit to you one Sasha Vujacic of the Los Angeles Lakers. Late in the third quarter the Lakers were trying to stave off the Spurs comeback but turned the ball over starting a San Antonio fast break. Watch closely as Vujacic's amazing flop throws a wrench in the Spurs' break....

Okay maybe the dunk (and the cherry picking) weren't THAT spectacular but that flop sure was. Brent Barry was so stunned that he couldn't knock down an open three and then Kobe threw it down on the other end. Amazing. Everything is going the Lakers way tonight, and that was a flop that even the Master, Greg Paulus would have loved!

Just another move to add to his fabulous training tapes.

Ernie Johnson just called this the "signature play of game four", but something like this could be the signature play of the entire Series.

Seriously....watch that again. I still yelled just then and that was like the seventh time seeing it. Unbelievable. Also, Kevin Harlan.....don't change a thing. I can't get enough of his calls in close games and I'm actually starting to come around on Doug Collins during these Playoffs. I don't know if someone got messages to all of these people, but I'm loving the announcing teams this Post Season (yes, even Hubie Brown).

(Sorry about the small screen video, but YouTube is down at the moment. It'll be fixed as soon as possible)