Blake goes lights out

Some things are just better in the dark. 

Beach-side bonfires. Scary movies. Dancing (shout out Bruce Springsteen). And of course, the all-time number one…

By which we mean candle-light dinners, obviously.

One thing which doesn’t usually fit into this category is Basketball. But last night against the Bucks, Blake Griffin didn’t seem to care – as he casually drained a free throw after the lights went out in the Staples Center.

However, to avoid dangerous situations, always avoid dunking in the dark. Even Blake would have trouble making that look good.

Also, landing.

 

http://bleacherreport.com/video_embed?id=898c9fba-31cf-4706-8f40-261c64310ebf

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Brandon Knight Bandwagon

Here at UKNBA, we hate to jump on the bandwagon. However, in our continued effort to provide more relevant, regular and engaging content, we’ve decided it’s time to change our ways. So expect a lot more bandwagon-jumping as the season draws to a close and the play-offs begin. And, as bandwagon’s go, we couldn’t really have picked a better one to start with.

 brandon knight

OK, we know we’re late to this one, but here goes: Brandon Knight (or more accurately DeAndre Jordan) broke the internet. If you haven’t seen the monster dunk in question, see below. Jordan’s dunk, coming courtesy of a Chris Paul lob in the second quarter, was as good as any of his famous namesakes. The Clipper’s eventually won this bout with the Pistons 129-97, but it was Brandon Knight’s name that remains on everyone’s lips.

Sure, Knight could maybe have moved a little more, but when the guy you’re up against has half a foot and over 50 pounds on you, it doesn’t really seem like a fair fight. Luckily, Knight seemed to find the funny side, tweeting:

‘It wasn’t in the scouting reports that the clippers threw lobs lol’ 

Keep that chin up Brandon Knight. Because those jokes aren’t going away any time soon…

All Star Match-ups: Blake Griffin vs. Carmello Anthony

WEST – F – Blake Griffin (LA Clippers) 

Blake

Advantages: Dunking, rebounding, reaching things on the top shelf.

Disadvantages: Shooting outside the paint, shooting three throws, defence, .

EAST – F – Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks)

Melo

Advantages: Versatile, can score from anywhere, good clutch play.

Disadvantages: Defence ,hotheaded, honey nut Cheerio’s

Verdict – OK, so we know that Melo is the more complete player. But for sheer flair (and for flair, read height) we’ll take Blake on this one. Also, the advert below wins him major kudos. Bingo… 

WEST 3 EAST 1 

Good Week/Bad Week – 3/1/13

The turkey’s been thrown away, the diets have started, and it’s officially over. It can be a depressing time of the year for most people. But, if you love the NBA, it’s just beginning to get good. We take a look at the winners and losers of 2013 so far…

Good Week

Lee Warriors

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors have started 2013 like they finished 2012. Going quietly about their business, but getting it done.

Since losing to the Lakers on December 22nd, they’ve won four in a row, with victories coming against the Jazz, the 76ers, the Celtics and the Clippers. They’re now only 2.5 games back in the Pacific, and slowly but surely gathering momentum in the West.

With the Thunder, Clippers, Spurs and Grizzlies all starting strongly, it remains to be seen whether they can keep it up. But with David Lee (the only player in the league averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds) and Stephen Curry (insert equally impressive stat here) going from strength, you wouldn’t write them off.

Rating: Can we finally start to consider Lee and Curry for the All Star game now? Please?!?

Honourable mentions: JaVale McGee, Amar’e Stoudamire, James Harden.


Bad Week

Clippers

LA Clippers/ Blake Griffin

After showering them with praise last week, we can’t help but feel partly responsible for this one.

The Clippers franchise-record winning streak has come to an end, and they’ve lost 2 on the bounce in 2013. The losses to Denver and Golden State were convincing, and the latter meant that even with their impressive winning stretch, competition in the West is fierce.

2013 hasn’t been kind to Blake so far either. The big man had shot 50% or better in every game of their winning streak. He went a disappointing 4-for-11 from the field in Denver, and just 2-for-11 at Golden State. Add to that being on the receiving end of a Festus Ezeli elbow grab, a theatrical back flip, a three which hit the backboard, and the whole Warrior bench mocking him in unison, and it’s been a pretty bad week.

Rating: Maybe leave the Kia at home this week…

Honourable mentions: New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics.