Lakers vs. Mavs brawl: A sign of things to come?

Recently on a ESPN Dallas radio station, Jason Terry said that Kobe could not stay in front of him nor Rodrigue Beaubois just before the pivotal Lakers/Mavericks game. It was a game with huge playoff implications not just for the 2nd seed in the West but maybe for 1st as San Antonio seems to be faltering. In addition, a night where Terry could back up his words with a Mavericks victory.

Unfortunately, the Lakers got the last word in a 110-82 shellacking of the Dallas Mavericks. Yet, the big story about this game besides the Lakers domination of the Mavericks will be the brawl caused none other than Jason Terry. His play was not expressed with his smooth shooting and penetration that he claimed was to come in this game. It was his hard foul, which may be the result of frustration or quite possibly sending a message to their potential playoff opponent down the road.

In the 4th Quarter, the Lakers were shelling the Mavericks 90-73. Blake was driving to the basket after the pass by Andrew Bynum out of the post. As he drove, he got fouled by Peja Stojackovic (who was stroking it in the 1st half) and then got shoved by Jason Terry. Well, Steve Blake did not take that act by Terry (not so much as he was 2-9 from the field and could not hit anything at all in the 3rd Quarter) too kindly.

Suddenly, they were jawing at each other and it led to Matt Barnes intervening as the referees tried to regain control of the action. Barnes was restrained but shoved Mavs assistant coach Terry Stotts as if he was taking off his backpack off his back. When all was set and done, Jason Terry, Steve Blake, Matt Barnes and Brendan Haywood were sent to the showers. Later, they were accompanied by Shannon Brown trying to defend Pau Gasol for being on the court even though the game was already at hand. This was an altercation that pretty much was a preview of what is to come when the NBA playoffs start in April.

Inevitably, there will be fines and suspensions after this skirmish. In addition, the repercussions will be evident as they could potentially come into collision course in either the second round should the standing hold or in the Western Conference Finals. Either way, it's going to be a fantastic show for basketball fans as the raw drama spills out of the HD screen. Unfortunately, it'll be a pain to manage if you're a referee or a fan whose favorite player gets suspended for a game or two.

As for Jason Terry, I recommend that his mouth be muzzled with an electric shock if he says anything like what he did recently. It'll serve him well and this video down below is a clear example of it.

Cleveland rises while Miami wilts.

On December 2nd, 2010, the Cleveland Cavaliers were beaten, humiliated and flat out embarrassed. This was their one night to finally have their revenge for their fallen savior, Lebron James. A man who was once thought to become the Moses that would lead the championship repressed city. Alas, Lebron took his talents to South Beach and had one of his best games of the season that night.

From then on, the Heat have become somewhat of the juggernaut that some people thought but still a disappointment for most at 51-22 before the game. In retrospect, the expectations were a little too high for a virtually new team to accomplish in just one season.

As for Cleveland, they have become a depressing D-League team brought up to the NBA. At one point, they went nearly 26 games without winning a game before beating Blake Griffin and the Clippers. In fact, they lost by more than fifty points on the road to the Lakers and Blazers. It was the worst of times heading into Lebron's second return to the franchise he once called home for nearly seven years.

Yet for one night, the Cavaliers did something that they could not do on that cold December night. They actually played with emotion and never let up despite the momentum see-sawing back and forth the entire game.

At one point, the Cavs had a 23 point lead on the heels of a 18-0 run, which seemed insurmountable. Suddenly, in a quick flash the Heat went on a 17-1 run along with a Lebron 70 ft. buzzer beater at the end of the third to pull the Heat within five at 75-70.

The 4th Quarter was an epic battle as the Cavs tried to hold on as the Heat swaggered around like a confident predator ready to pounce on its quivering prey. Mike Bibby who was hot for the majority of the game nailed another three to tie the game at 83. Bibby finished with 23 points on 7-11 shooting.

Alas, he was not enough to cover Chris Bosh's disappearance in this game as he was absolutely outplayed by JJ Hickson and Ryan Hollins. Bosh disappeared and was virtually nowhere to be seen in the frontcourt as evidenced by his 10 points 4 rebounds and 4 assists. He said he wanted the ball in the post but it seems like tonight, Hickson and Hollins were barking far more loudly than Bosh tonight.

Lebron and Wade put up their usual All Star numbers. Lebron put up eye popping stats with 27 points 12 rebounds and 10 assists, while Wade had 24 points. Yet, it seemed like it was just those two and Bibby trying to fend off a pack that had them cornered from all possible angles.

Cleveland made timely shot after shot while Miami settled for long jumpers that had no prayer going in. Most notably the big three point shot by Anthony Parker coming off ball penetration to put up a precarious nine point lead to twelve. From then on, the Cavs just poured it on as they outscored the Heat 19-7 in the last 7:01 to get the 12 point victory. Culminating with a Baron Davis three pointer to push the Cavs to a 98-85 lead and a JJ Hickson dunk to top off the victory. The home crowd was also into it just like on that fateful December 2nd night. Throughout the game, they were bringing the energy and fanatical passion that was vital for the Cavs to bring it home on this night.

Since the Infamous ESPN special, these fans have been starving for a moment like this in an otherwise disastrous NBA season. The Cavaliers won with a total team effort that Coach Byron Scott has been preaching all season long. As for Miami, it was an off night and confirmation of a recurring theme where it's just Lebron, Wade, at times Bosh and role players who could catch fire or disappear.