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Around the League (Opening Night) By Marshon Robinson
The season is finally under way and after an offseason filled with problems ranging from the Olympics to the Twolves, I must say it's nice to finally see some action on the court instead of off it. Although you can't judge a whole season by one night, we did learn quite a few things last night. 1 - The Knicks are in big trouble. They didn't lose last night because Ewing wasn't there, although he would have helped, they lost because they played just plain awful defense and looked lost on the other side of the court with bad shooting. They could have definitely used Luc Longley (how often do you get to say that), as the Sixers scored inside on them anytime they wanted to. 2 - The Lakers are serious about defending their title. Facing a huge game on their first night, the Lakers outplayed the 'new and improved' Blazers on both ends of the floor. Cut out the turnovers and last night's game would've been a blowout. 3 - Portland still doesn't have a leader. Just a lot of good players. Go as far back as you want, but NO team has won a title without a superstar to carry it in the clutch. 4 - The Grizzlies, Pistons, Warriors, and Clippers are better than most people think. The Grizzlies, Warriors, and Pistons pulled off nice victories against 'better' teams. The Clippers lost, but played pretty well against the Jazz. If they can somehow break the Clipper curse, there's a bright future ahead for the other LA team. Team of the Night - LA Lakers - The Lakers stepped up and showed that it will take more than big names and paychecks to knock them from the top spot. They answered every challenge and opened up the season with a big win over their rivals. Prime-Timers
Danny Fortson - 18 points and 18 rebounds as the Warriors surprised the Suns in Oakland. Gary Payton and Jason Kidd - Each had triple doubles in losing efforts. Tracy McGrady - Proving all doubters wrong, including yours truly, with outstanding all around play. Better than Vinsanity? We'll see soon enough. Jerry Stackhouse - Left the Raptors speechless as he dropped 44 points on them. Pine Timers
Stephon Marbury/Kendall Gill - a combined 4 for 17 in a losing effort to the Cavs. The Knicks - everyone except Alan Houston just plain old sucked last night as they were embarassed by the Sixers. Overlooked Players to Watch
The Top Ten
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