The Crab Dribble Episode 66, Our Big Break
This week on The Crab Dribble, Rob and Ben get the opportunity of a lifetime, but how long will that lifetime be? Find that out, along with reactions to Mike D’Antoni’s hire, the Knicks’ fast start, and so much more.
The Crab Dribble Episode 64, New Beginnings
The Crab Dribble is back to dissect a slow start for the Lakers, James Harden’s impact on the league and comment on those players receiving contract extensions in the hours leading up to the deadline. It’s a fast, fun-filled show, so enjoy it responsibly, and leave your comments below.
What’s the Story?
Outside of fans located in San Antonio and Oklahoma City, most people don’t have a strong rooting interest in the Western Conference Finals, other than to see an entertaining series between two great teams. Well, few things are more entertaining than witnessing the rush to bury guard Russell Westbrook when the Thunder lose. In fact, judging by the commentary that has followed the first two games, you’d think Westbrook, when he’s not kicking puppies and stealing purses from old ladies, was deliberately sabotaging the series. After all, he’s…wait for it… taken more shots than Kevin Durant. That has to the reason Oklahoma City finds itself in a deep hole as they head home for Game 3, right? (more…)
End of the Bench, Volume 2.23
All those who had the 76ers outlasting the Bulls, Lakers, Mavericks and Grizzlies in the playoffs, raise your hands. Anybody? Hello?
A truncated season full of twists and turns has – not surprisingly - led to a crazy, turbulent postseason. The defending champs were sent packing before winning a game while the odds-on favorite to win this year’s title didn’t even sniff the second round last year. Last year’s young upstart (Grizzlies) was dispatched by this year’s young upstart (Clippers). The Bulls/Heat rematch in the Eastern Conference Finals was derailed by injuries, and at the time of this writing, it’s not farfetched to think a LeBron James/Derrick Rose showdown will be replaced by a Roy Hibbert/Lavoy Allen matchup. It’s been a wild ride, and it doesn’t look to be slowing down. Let’s see if we can figure it all out from the best seat in the house. (more…)
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.14, the plot thickens
The Crab Dribble, unlike defending MVP Derrick Rose, is back in action this week, breaking down each bracket with the precision and accuracy of three fans who watch a lot of ball. We not only look back on what’s taken place, but we also look ahead to second round (and occasionally third round) match-ups. There’s a lot, so get comfy and hit play.
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.13, Making Noise
It’s time for The Crab Dribble’s playoff preview! We break down each series, each game, each quarter, each … OK, we just make our first round picks. It’s timely, considering the playoffs start right now. Listen to the show, and tell us what’s what.
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.12, The Beginning of the End
The Crab Dribble returns just one week prior to the start of the NBA playoffs with a special show dedicated to Dwight’s (temporary) exit from Orlando, the start of the playoffs (April 28!) and the regular season awards. It’s a lot, so listen real slow in case in miss anything. We’ll be back next week with playoff talk in other assorted bits sure to make you squeal with delight.
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.11, Playoff positioning
The Crab Dribble returns with Episode 2.11. This episode finds the guys discussing possible playoff matchups that have likely changed since the discussion. They’ve probably changed again as you read this. The guys also ask “Is he the Answer?” and take part in perhaps the worst game of “Jason Vs.” in the history of man. It’s fun, so listen however you listen and let us know what you think.
End of the Bench, Volume 2.17
Wow…not a great week in the sports world, huh? From Ozzie Guillen’s absurd comments to yet another example of Bobby Petrino being…well…Bobby Petrino, there’s been more than hint of negativity in the last few days.
But that’s why EOTB is here with a dose of good news. The NBA’s stretch run is upon us, and playoff positions are still a scrambled mess, with 20 teams still in playoff contention as of Thursday. The Celtics are streaking, the Heat are stumbling, Derrick Rose is nicked up, the Spurs are rolling and Monta Ellis has the Bucks hovering around the playoff picture. If that’s not enough to entice you, the Bobcats have only been outscored by 88 points this month! There – now are you in the NBA mood? Good. Go ahead and pull up a chair, and let’s see what it looks like from the best seat in the house. (more…)
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.10, Rolling Thunder
The Crab Dribble talks “Best in the West,” with OKC looking like world-beaters, the Spurs defying their advanced age and the Lakers still struggling with substitution patterns. All that, plus a draft re-draft and a confusing, confusing Tweet of the Week. Check it out, then hit us back in the replies section.
End of the Bench, Volume 2.15
Let’s just get it out of the way now – LeBron James has a dislocated ring finger. Yes, I know – he’s not using it anyway, good thing there’s nothing on it, why he does he need that finger, etc etc. The wittiness of NBA fans is truly a marvel.
But beyond the tired commentary, the NBA is gearing up for an interesting stretch run. Mike Brown seems determined to turn the Lakers against him, while Vinny Del Negro is apparently oblivious to the fact that he’s soon to be out of a job. Kevin Love continues to post video game numbers, the Bulls march on without Derrick Rose, and the Wizards continue to be..well..the Wizards. There’s so much to cover, but so little time! Let’s just see what we can done from the best seat in the house.
– Despite the hailstorm of criticism he endured in the playoffs, turns out that Russell Westbrook guy can play a little ball. In fact, EOTB thinks Westbrook is in line to be 1st Team All-NBA this season, beating out the likes of Rose, Chris Paul, Steve Nash and Rajon Rondo. Before the outcry begins, keep in mind that this guy averages nearly 25 points and six assists a game, while playing 36 minutes per game for a team with the second-best record in the league. #thunderup (more…)
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.9, Heated Seats
We’re back, again! The Crab Dribble returns from hiatus this week to bring you the flaming hot seat Vinny Del Negro sits in as Clippers coach, March Madness difference-makers, and the recent personnel decisions of several playoff teams. It’s a full show and totally worth the next 39 minutes.
End of the Bench, Volume 2.14
The NBA is really heating up these…wait. What? Yes, of course the NBA is still around! I know it’s easy to overlook it these days, what with the NCAA Tournament, spring training and hourly updates about Peyton Manning, Tim Tebow and the Saints, but the world’s best basketball players are still forging ahead through the shortened season. The playoff race is tightening, and it’s the time of year when teams band together to make a run…or watch as their owners frantically sell off parts to begin the dreaded “rebuilding process” (ask Golden State fans how they feel about this).The time of year when coaches’ seats start to get very hot, players’ tempers run very short, and Raptors officials begin their annual “next year will be better” campaign.
But no matter how chaotic it might seem, we’ll be here to guide you through it all. So pull up a chair and let’s see what it all looks like from the best seat in the house. (more…)
The Power 5
Every Tuesday, The Crab Dribble will bring you “The Power 5,” a ranking of the best five teams in the NBA for the previous week. Here at TCD, we don’t use a complicated mathematical formula or complex statistical analysis to determine the best teams – we just call them like we see them. Don’t agree? Let us hear about it in the comments section.
1). Chicago Bulls (37-10)
Ready for a suprising stat? The Bulls are 9-4 this year when Derrick Rose doesn’t play. Want another one? In those 13 games, CJ Watson and John Lucas have combined to average 19.7 points and 5.9 assists…number that aren’t a far cry from Rose’s season averages. Does this mean the Bulls don’t miss Rose? Not at all. But this is far from a one-man team, and they’ve got the NBA’s best record to prove it. They have a deep rotation, and a roster full of guys who know their roles and fill them to perfection, such as the aforementioned guards, but also guys like Ronnie Brewer, Taj Gibson and Kyle Korver. They’ll need Rose to be 100% once they get to the playoffs, but until then, they’re not missing a beat without him. (more…)
End of the Bench, Volume 2.13
Yes, it’s March – the month ruled by college basketball. The month where basketball fans have to legitimately think about which game they want to watch on a Wednesday night – Cal against South Florida or the Heat against the Bulls? The month where a team from the Ohio Valley Conference will be talked about more than the Celtics. The month where ESPN will blather endlessly about Peyton Manning and the NFL because, well, some things never change.
But the NBA is still here, and with the trade deadline now passed, it’s time to get serious about the final third of the season. With Dwight Howard remaining in Orlando (wait, let me double check that. Yep- he’s still there, for now anyway), and the Lakers making a couple of deals, the playoff race is going to get very interesting. Let’s try to take the pulse of the league, shall we? Join me as we watch it all from the best seat in the house. (more…)
The Power 5
Every Tuesday, The Crab Dribble will bring you “The Power 5,” a ranking of the best five teams in the NBA for the previous week. Here at TCD, we don’t use a complicated mathematical formula or complex statistical analysis to determine the best teams – we just call them like we see them. Don’t agree? Let us hear about it in the comments section.
1). Chicago Bulls (31-8)
Regardless of the schedule, injuries or the spotlight, the Bulls just continue rolling along. Road wins over the Spurs and Sixers showed Chicago’s toughness, and they’re approaching a six-game homestand that should allow them to pad their lead in the East. Derrick Rose continues to be, well, Derrick Rose, but perhaps the biggest key has been chemistry of their core players. Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah, Kyle Korver, Taj Gibson and Ronnie Brewer play well together, and Rip Hamilton, when healthy, has proved to be a nice addition. The Bulls remain one of the league’s stingiest teams on defense, and they carry a business-like approach into each game. The only question that remains is how they’ll fare against Miami in the playoffs, who has had their number recently. (more…)
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.8, The Return
The hiatus is back off, again. The Crab Dribble returns after a brief break to get you caught up on All-Star Weekend festivities, and what they mean for the second half of the season. We also answer some fan mail, and it’s not too kind. Join us, won’t you?
End of the Bench, Volume 2.11
Hey there – welcome back! The second half of the NBA season has tipped off, Kobe Bryant is a masked man, trade rumors are flying and the Bobcats are…well…they’re still losing games. With a shortened season, the playoff push begins now for some teams, as the margin for error is slim. Just ask the Jazz, who currently sit in last place in the Northwest Division, yet are only a two-game winning streak from taking over second place. Or the Grizzlies, who currently own the seventh seed in the West, but are one win away from the fourth seed. And what about the Wizards, who…ah never mind.
At any rate, the second half of the season brings some intriguing storylines, and EOTB is going to be right up front for every one of them. Join me, won’t you? I’ve saved you a spot right here, in the best seat in the house. (more…)
End of the Bench, Volume 2.10
All-Star Weekend has arrived, which means you need to sharpen your senses and clear your mind, so you can tell your grandkids exactly where you were when Vinny from “Jersey Shore” used a screen from Tankia Catchings to get enough space to launch a jumper over Common, while Penny Hardaway positioned himself for the rebound. Yes, it’s hard to put a price on entertainment like that.
The All-Star break brings us to the halfway point of the season, and there’s been plenty to like so far (unless of course you’re a Bobcats fan, in which case you’re already saving money for your Anthony Davis replica jersey). With a few days to catch our breath, let’s catch up on the latest from around the league. Pull up a seat, and we’ll review it all from the best seat in the house. (more…)
The Power 5
Every Tuesday, The Crab Dribble will bring you “The Power 5,” a ranking of the best five teams in the NBA for the previous week. Here at TCD, we don’t use a complicated mathematical formula or complex statistical analysis to determine the best teams – we just call them like we see them. Don’t agree? Let us hear about it in the comments section.
1). Miami Heat (25-7)
Six wins in a row, including five on the road, with an average margin of victory of almost 18 points, will earn the top spot every time. The Heat are 9-2 in February, and look as though they’re on cruise control right now. As a result of putting teams away early on most nights, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh have seen their minutes go down this month as they’ve spent many a fourth quarter resting on the bench. This not only will help keep them fresh through the condensed season, but also helps some of the backups establish some confidence. Mike Miller is shooting 52% from beyond the arc, and Norris Cole continues to bring energy off to the second unit, including a 20-point effort against the Pacers on Tuesday. In short, Miami is looking very dangerous right now. (more…)
The Power 5
Every Tuesday, The Crab Dribble will bring you “The Power 5,” a ranking of the best five teams in the NBA for the previous week. Here at TCD, we don’t use a complicated mathematical formula or complex statistical analysis to determine the best teams – we just call them like we see them. Don’t agree? Let us hear about it in the comments section.
1). Oklahoma City Thunder (21-6)
The Thunder somehow dropped a game to the Kings, but because everyone behind them lost at least once as well, they retain the top spot this week. Stop us if you’ve heard this before – Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook continue to provide the fireworks for this team, Serge Ibaka gets better every time out, and James Harden has a legitimate case for being left off the All-Star team. The only chink in the Thunder’s armor is finding a backup to Westbrook, as rookie Reggie Jackson has been up and down since Eric Maynor went down with a knee injury. Still, with two of the most explosive players in the league, OKC fans should feel pretty good about their chances. (more…)
The Crab Dribble Episode 2.7, Insert Lin pun here
The Crab Dribble gets swept up in Linsanity, along with the rest of the league. We share our take on the Knicks’ Linning ways, along with All-Star reserves and snubs. We answer some fans around the league in search of some good advice, and share the Tweet of the Week, which had everyone shaking their heads. It’s almost too much show for one week, but you’ve been good and deserve a treat.
End of the Bench, Volume 2.8
The Bulls are winning. The Bobcats are losing. Stephen Jackson is not happy. The Knicks are thriving with a point guard from Harvard. Yes, everything is going pretty much the way we expected at the ….wait! What? Harvard??
Yes, the condensed season and plethora of injuries has created some interesting situations around the league as we approach the All-Star break. In fact, it’s so crazy that Erick Dampier just landed a 10-day contract, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan will have to buy a ticket to watch Roy Hibbert in the All-Star game, and the Clippers are hoping to land JR Smith to keep their title hopes alive. It’s a lot to take it, but don’t worry. Just pull up a chair and we’ll explain it all from the best seat in the house. (more…)
The Power 5
Every Tuesday, The Crab Dribble will bring you “The Power 5,” a ranking of the best five teams in the NBA for the previous week. Here at TCD, we don’t use a complicated mathematical formula or complex statistical analysis to determine the best teams – we just call them like we see them. Don’t agree? Let us hear about it in the comments section.
1). Oklahoma City Thunder (19-5)
The Thunder have reclaimed the top spot this week, on the strength of wins over Dallas, Memphis and Portland. They did suffer a hiccup in a loss to the suddenly-hot Spurs (see below), but there’s little doubt the Thunder are among the league’s elite. Kevin Durant continues to pour in buckets, and Russell Westbrook has turned up his play a notch, averaging over 25 points and six assists in his last 10 games. It’s hard to judge them against Miami and Chicago as they haven’t played, but for right now, the league’s best team may well reside in Oklahoma City. (more…)
What they’re saying