You probably remember how Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, in response to Phoenix guard Raja Bell having thrown him to the floor during their playoff game last Tuesday night, quipped that Bell probably wasn’t hugged enough as a child.
After Game 7 of the series, when the Suns humbled the Bryant-led Lakers 121-90, I was told Bryant, as he dejectedly walked from the locker room to a post-game media conference, was approached by a woman who said, “You look like someone who could use a hug.’’
The woman? Bell’s mother.

On the heels of a third title in seven seasons, the Spurs didn't stand pat in the off-season. And after newcomer Michael Finley helped lead the Spurs to a 102-91 opening night win, Finley scored 11 of his 16 points during a four-minute span of the fourth quarter Tuesday to steady the struggling Spurs and help them to a 102-91 win over Denver in their first game defending the championship they won in June.

Tony Parker scored 14 of his 26 points in the fourth, making all seven of his shots for San Antonio, which trailed by five early in the quarter. The Spurs missed only three of their 16 attempts in the period.

Duncan had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Spurs, who won their 11th consecutive regular-season home game.  

Added: Michael Finley, Nick Van Exel, Fabrio Oberto.

Subtracted: Devon Brown, Glenn Robinson, Tony Massenburg.

In a strictly Xs and O's sense, general manager R.C. Buford has done his usual outstanding job. Tim Duncan remains at the hub of their offense, while Tony Parker scoots and shoots, Manu Ginobili finds driving lanes where none seem to exist, and Robert Horry routinely makes big plays. Under Gregg Popovich's stern direction, the Spurs play smart and play hard. But not even championship teams are perfect.

Indeed, with a barely serviceable center tandem of Nazr Mohammed and Tony Massenburg, last year's team was forced to play T.D. in the middle and Horry at power forward whenever a game was up for grabs. The 6-10 Oberto was a teammate of Ginobili's on Argentina's gold-medal winning team at the Athens Olympics. At 30, he's a staunch veteran of international play, showing good hands, a rugged disposition, and a willingness to play team ball. His presence will reduce the long season's wear and tear on both Duncan and Horry, as well as increasing the bench time of Mohammed's bad hands and chronic foul trouble.

Another problem for the Spurs has been the dry spells occasionally suffered by their offense. This usually happens when Parker takes (and misses) hurried shots, and Ginobili likewise can't find the range. Adding hot shot scorers like Van Exel and Finley certainly fills in the empty spaces, but there are consequences. Finley's arrival means diminished playing time for Brent Barry, who's faster and has a much quicker shot release than his replacement. Finley does play better defense, but he's more of a one-on-one type of scorer who might struggle in adjusting to the Spurs' team concept. Also, as his career advances, Finley's game has become soft around the edges.

Nick (the not so quick anymore) Van Exel is another player who'd rather create his own scoring opportunities. Bad shot selection and inferior defense have always plagued Van Exel's performance. Van Exel is strictly a streak shooter and if his hot spells coincide with the Spurs' cold spells, then San Antonio has a leg up on a repeat championship.

Bet on Oberto, Finley, and Van Exel to eventually blend in perfectly with the Spurs' scheme of things.

EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Miami vs. (8) New Jersey
(2) Detroit vs. (7) Philadelphia
(3) Boston vs. (6) Indiana
(4) Chicago vs. (5) Washington

WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Phoenix vs. (8) Memphis
(2) San Antonio vs. (7) Denver
(3) Seattle vs. (6) Sacramento
(4) Dallas vs. (5) Houston

My Pick: SAN ANTONIO SPURS!!!

To all basketball lovers and Yao's fan.  Great stuff

Chowing down with the Rockets' Yao Ming, Dikembe Mutombo and Patrick Ewing  

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