NBA: The Big 3 reaches Detroit
Game 1 (Trilogy vs. Killer 3's): Trilogy has struggled mightily to start the season after going 10-0 last year and winning the title. They began this year 0-3 and Al Harrington was dealing with a nagging injury. It wasn't a positive start to Year 2 for Trilogy, but maybe Detroit will be the point in which they turn it around. Trilogy got their first victory this past week, defeating Killer 3's, 52-39. After Metta World Peace was ejected in a matter of minutes, Trilogy continued to push, grinding out a much-needed win. Harrington led the team in scoring, going for 19 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Derrick Byars, who they just traded for, impressed with 13 points in his debut with the team. Trilogy will look to continue winning next week against Power in Miami.
Game 2 (3's Company vs. Ball Hogs): 3's Company was downright bad last season, and it only made it worse that they had to deal with the Allen Iverson mess. One year later, though, and this team is much improved. With the additions of Baron Davis, Andre Emmett, and Dahntay Jones, they could challenge for the title. Davis, who is averaging 19.0 points per game, didn't have his best outing in Detroit. He only scored 10 points and two assists, but his teammates picked up the slack in the 50-40 win. DerMarr Johnson led them with 15 points and seven boards. The Ball Hogs continue to struggle (just like last season), and they fall to 1-3. Andre Owens had a solid game, going for 10-5-3, but it wasn't nearly enough to earn the Ball Hogs their second win.
Game 3 (3 Headed Monsters vs. Tri State): The 3 Headed Monsters lost Rashard Lewis, the MVP from last year, to an injury. But in his absence, guys like Reggie Evans and Qyntel Woods stepped up. In the most anticipated matchup of the night, pitting the only two undefeated teams against one another, the Monsters came out on top in a thriller. After trailing 25-17 at halftime, the Monsters came out in the second half strong. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was great per usual, dropping 14 points and four assists. Evans' effort helped propel his team, as he put in 18 points and 13 rebounds. With the game tied at 48 apiece, Abdul-Rauf hit Woods on a roll to the rim where he finished to keep the Monsters unbeaten. Amar'e Stoudemire had 14 points in the loss.
Game 4 (Power vs. Ghost Ballers): Power and the Ghost Ballers faced off in the only matchup that featured two playoff teams from the previous season. Even though the Ghost Ballers are winless, they put up a good fight, as they led 25-20 at the break. Power looked fresh to begin the second half and led by as much as seven. After cutting the lead to 48-45, the Ballers couldn't quite pull off the upset. Cuttino Mobley drove the right side and finished with his strong left to move Power to 3-1. Corey Maggette, the leading candidate for MVP, scored 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.On the losing side, the leagues leading rebounder, Carlos Boozer, showed out for 15 points and 16 rebounds. The Ballers will look for their first win against Tri State.
Standings:
1. 3 Headed Monsters (4-0)
2. Tri State (3-1)
3. Power (3-1)
4. 3's Company (3-1)
5. Trilogy (1-3)
6. Ball Hogs (1-3)
7. Killer 3's (1-3)
8. Ghost Ballers (0-4)
MVP Rankings:
1. Corey Maggette (21.0 PPG)
2. Baron Davis (19.0 PPG)
3. Carlos Boozer (17.3 PPG)
4. David Hawkins (18.0 PPG)
5. Al Harrington (21.0 PPG)
6. Rashard Lewis (14.0 PPG)
7. Stephen Jackson (15.8 PPG)
8. Deshawn Stevenson (13.3 PPG)
Photo Credit: The Post Game.
