only kind of looking back, last weekend's games, stuff

Alright, so I really didn't watch much basketball this weekend, and when you consider the fact that watching part of the GSW-Kings game probably made me considerably dumber, you can understand that I'll only have a few words to say about the Raps' win over the Hornets on Friday. But, here you go.

RAPTORS AND HORNETS

I sort of dig this matchup, at least theoretically, as I've always thought the Calderon-Paul battle at point seems interesting. And it was, with both guys turning in very good performances on Friday, although they differed simply because of the nature of their roles on their respective teams. Calderon was mostly a facilitator, getting 8 assists but also doing well to initiate the offense throughout the game. Sure, he ended up with 16 points, but I got the feeling that those weren't points he actively tried to get...if that makes sense. They just sort of came in the offense, as everything else he does seems to. Zero turnovers on those eight assists, and six of eleven shooting meant he had a pretty crazy efficient game.

Paul was everything for New Orleans, as he pretty much always is. Sure, Okafor and West, possibly even a guard or two, may occasionally contribute, but ultimately this team will always rely heavily on Paul's contribution. And at 21 points, 18 assists, 8-13 shooting, and just 1 turnover...what the fuck more can the guy do? He's setting up EVERYTHING for this team, and the inability of the rest of the guys to create is what really seems to make this offense so stagnant at times. And that's what really has made the Hornets such an average team, and one that's playing below even their modest expectations. There's no way Paul's not frustrated at this point.

Whereas Paul had/has very little help, Calderon was able to rely on the contributions of Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu, who combined for 43 points on the night. The Raptors have been playing quite well so far, and to me they've looked like a team that could well go into the second round and be a problem for one of the "big three".

And there we go, another frustrating night from the Paulettes, and another loss for the Hornets, who are now 2-5.

Elsewhere, OKC beat down Orlando, Sacramento somehow managed to win both legs of a back to back, and the Blazers seemingly got their shit together. A few games tonight, including a somewhat intriguing matchup between Toronto and San Antonio.