San Antonio at Houston (Good Ass Game of the Week)
Oklahoma City at Philadelphia
Saturday
No Good Ass Games Scheduled
Sunday
No Good Ass Games Scheduled
Bobby Mickey is the alter ego of writer and poet Edward Austin Robertson. When he isn’t involved in some basketball related activity, actively looking for parties to deejay or venues to perform comedy, he can be found recording podcasts with Craig Stein at Fullsass Studios. Follow him on twitter @goodassgame. For booking inquiries, send contact info to thisagoodassgame@gmail.com.
This would be the Good Ass Game of the Week, but there is no telling which Milwaukee team shows up. As talented as they are, they are still a very young team. None of their impact players have championship experience. From a raw talent standpoint, they might be the most athletic team out east, but they are still hella green.
Detroit at San Antonio
Boban comes back to San Antonio, and two of the best coaches in the league face off. What more could you ask? Also where were you when this happened?
Tuesday
No Good Ass Games scheduled
Wednesday
Detroit at Milwaukee
Speaking of the Bucks, if you haven’t had a chance to see Giannis Antetokounmpo play in person, I highly advise it. I went to the Kings game last Tuesday, and I almost got kicked out of the arena. Babies were crying and kids were getting scared because I kept screaming every time Giannis made a nasty play. He really got loose in the 3rd quarter and scored 19 of his 32 points, blocking shots, throwing dimes, and taking cookies. From now on, if the Nigerian Nocturne comes to town, then I’m dropping everything I’m doing to go watch him play.
Thursday
Los Angeles at Philadelphia
Simmons, Covington, and Embiid versus Lonzo, Kuzma, and Ingram. #NBAJAM2K18
Friday
Golden State at Detroit
Getting a pretty good dose of the Pistons this week. I fux with Luke Kennard. I thought he was going to be a buster, but I saw him hit a pretty nasty step back 3 pointer last night against Philadelphia that a lot of young guys would be scared to take at this level. Having Stan Van Gundy as your first NBA head coach can’t be a bad thing either.
Boston at San Antonio (Good Ass Game of the Week)
Maybe I’m just talking shit, but if this were the NBA Finals, would anyone outside of Cleveland and Northern California be upset? Word on the street is that Kawhi may be back pretty pretty pretty soon.
Saturday
Philadelphia at Cleveland
Daddy Lebron spanked his newest protege last Monday, and he has been playing better than anyone his age has ever played in the league. Totally unrelated, some 15 year-old pimple faced, Kyle Singler looking kid crossed me up at the gym the other day. My L.A. Gear sneakers failed me and I found myself falling onto the court after reaching for a steal. The kid missed the shot, but is that ever the point? The older Lebron gets the more I appreciate him as a basketball player.
Houston at Portland
I’m beginning to really dislike the Portland Trailblazers. Dame and C.J. get buckets, but I can’t rock with Jusef Nurkic, and Meyers Leonard and Pat Connaughton look like extras in a fraternity movie–but as members of the asshole fraternity, not the fun loving one. Can anyone tell me what is the difference between Ed Davis, Noah Vonleh, Farouq Aminu, and Evan Turner? They may as well be the Indiana Pacers. That is how much I dislike watching them play basketball.
Sunday
Boston at Detroit
I don’t know how, but the Celtics have the best record in the NBA. I’m going to reserve any real opinions on them until January 4th– the night after they play the Cavaliers.
Bobby Mickey is the alter ego of writer and poet Edward Austin Robertson. When he isn’t involved in some basketball related activity, actively looking for parties to deejay or venues to perform comedy, he can be found recording podcasts with Craig Stein at Fullsass Studios. Follow him on twitter @goodassgame. For booking inquiries, send contact info to thisagoodassgame@gmail.com.
Cleveland at Philadelphia (Good Ass Game of The Week)
A lot of star power in this one. I think the 76ers can give them some run.
Tuesday
No Good Ass Games Scheduled
Wednesday
No Good Ass Games Scheduled
Thursday
Milwaukee at Portland
Blazers fans are going to enjoy this one. Shout outs to Rob the Free Throw Guy. I always enjoyed his behind the basket antics– even if Wes Matthews wasn’t feeling it. I’d like to see a fake 30 for 30 short done on that cat. He was kind of a thing for a while.
Friday
San Antonio at Memphis
No Kawhi (bruised quad). No Conley (sore achilles). But maybe we’ll see a healthy Tony Parker in this one.
Minnesota at Oklahoma City
The last couple of games have been beautiful stretches of athletic basketball.
Saturday
New Orleans at Portland
Finally going to see down and watch the Blazers play this year. In an article this past week, Jusuf Nurkic was quoted as saying that he is the best big man in the league. I would like to believe that he was misquoted, and that Sports Illustrated forgot to add “besides Joel Embiid and Demarcus Cousins,” in the text. Although I just looked up his salary for the year, and the Blazers are getting him for a steal (wish I could say the same for the Evan Turner and Allen Crabbe contracts).
Sunday
San Antonio at Oklahoma City
Spurs keep chugging along. Tony Parker is supposed to see some game action on Monday. Still no word on Kawhi Leonard yet; is it time for Spurs fans to panic? Hell no, but coach Popovich says he has never seen an injury quite like the one Kawhi currently has. Stay tuned.
Bobby Mickey is the alter ego of writer and poet Edward Austin Robertson. When he isn’t involved in some basketball related activity, actively looking for parties to deejay or venues to perform comedy, he can be found recording podcasts with Craig Stein at Fullsass Studios. Follow him on twitter @goodassgame. For booking inquiries, send contact info to thisagoodassgame@gmail.com.
Anytime you can catch a marquee game at Madison Square Garden with the Knicks feed, I suggest you do it. The commentary duo of Mike Breen and Clyde Frazier is unmatched.
Washington at Milwaukee League Pass
John Wall vs the Nigerian Natural #getsome
Oklahoma City at New Orleans League Pass
New Orleans has been an entertaining team to watch, and they just got Rondo back. Ojo!!!!!!
Cleveland at Detroit League Pass
Detroit may be the biggest surprise of the season. I didn’t even have them making the playoffs, but they are off to a good start. They don’t have a single superstar on that team, but they are doing their thing. Stan Van Gundy might get Coach of the Year for his efforts with this squad. This feels like a trap game for the Lebrons.
Tuesday
No Good Ass Games Scheduled
Wednesday
Golden State at Oklahoma City (Good Ass Game of the Week) ESPN
Great read by Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher about Seattle losing the Sonics and how that shaped Kevin Durant’s decision to eventually leave Oklahoma City.
San Antonio at New Orleans
If you like watching big men who pass well, then this is the game for you.
Thursday
No Good Ass Games Scheduled
Friday
No Good Ass Games Scheduled
Saturday
New Orleans at Golden State League Pass
New Orleans will keep this close, but the Warriors offense is like a dormant herpes colony: You don’t know when it will erupt, but its an explosive display whenever it happens. Don’t get gassed up on last week’s game against Boston. They’d be lucky to win two games in a first to seven series.
Sunday
No Good Ass Games Scheduled
Bobby Mickey is the alter ego of writer and poet Edward Austin Robertson. When he isn’t involved in some basketball related activity, actively looking for parties to deejay or venues to perform comedy, he can be found recording podcasts with Craig Stein at Fullsass Studios. Follow him on twitter @goodassgame. For booking inquiries, send contact info to thisagoodassgame@gmail.com.
Lebron comes to Manhattan after sneak dissing the Knicks’ front office Saturday night, saying they should have taken Dennis Smith Jr.
Memphis at Milwaukee League Pass or VIP Box
With the acquisition of Eric Bledsoe, the Bucks have gone from cute League Pass sensations to a legit concern for the rest of the Eastern Conference. It took Giannis 24 shots to get 28 points, but he affected Friday night’s game against the Spurs in so many ways. Also his breakaway 360 dunk was such a thing of beauty that it put me in tears.
Tuesday
No Good Ass NBA games on the docket, but the NCAA got some big time college games going if you’re bored. I won’t tell you who is playing because fuck the NCAA.
Wednesday
San Antonio at Minnesota League Pass or VIP Box
A team can only get so far with a bunch of role players and no superstar. Against the Bucks, they were within 2 points during the final 2 minutes of the ballgame and couldn’t get a bucket from anyone. Winning time is the point of the game where teams need their superstars to make plays, and this is where they miss Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker the most. The team just fell apart during the 4th quarter against Golden State a couple of weeks ago, but the good news is that the Calvary is on its way (right?).
Don’t panic Spurs fans. As of today, the Spurs are on pace to go 49-33 for the season, and that is without Kawhi or Tony. Everyone has raised their game over the off-season.
Pau Gasol and Lamarcus Aldridge seem a little more relaxed this season, and more comfortable in the system. Kyle Anderson has stepped up his level of play this season, and suddenly Danny Green has handles and a pull up jumper. Rudy Gay looks like he is fully healed from his Achilles injury.
Brandon Paul looks to be the second coming of Jonathan Simmons, and Bryn Forbes has become this season’s version of Cory Joseph. Dejounte Murray is playing exactly what you would expect of a second year point guard (which is inconsistent). It is a long season Spurs fans. You just gotta hang in there a little bit longer (right????).
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are ranked 27th in the league in defensive rating after finishing 26th in the NBA last season. Surprisingly, it isn’t offense that is their biggest problem; something I would not have expected to see from a Tom Thibodeau coached squad.
Thursday
Golden State at Boston (Good Ass Game of the Week) TNT
If you are wondering why the Warriors at times look so much more dominant this season compared to last year, consider their bench: Nick Young replaced Ian Clark. Omri Casspi replaced Matt “The Barber” Barnes (because he be handing out fades), and Jordan Bell replaced James Michael McAdoo.
Friday
Oklahoma City at San Antonio ESPN
The concerns that surrounded the Thunder going into this season are real. Their bench is thin. Billy Donovan has done nothing to distinguish himself as an elite NBA coach, and their three superstars have yet to find a rhythm. But you know what? It is still pretty early, and the Jazz just lost their best defensive player for 4-6 weeks. The Timberwolves, Grizzlies, and Blazers are falling back to earth themselves. Don’t bet on the Thunder missing the playoffs just yet folks.
New Orleans at Denver ESPN
Saturday
Golden State at Philadelphia League Pass or VIP BOX
Joel Embiid had himself a rough week. Willie Cauley-Stein put the clamps on Embiid, and though he still got 22 points and 15 rebounds against “Trilly” Cauley, it didn’t come easy. Last night against the Warriors, Embiid scored 12 points on 11 shots, and had 7 turnovers;posting an overall minus nine (-9) for the evening. Still, both teams put on a passing clinic, and was one of the more entertaining blowouts, you’ll see 2 teams play in the NBA.
Sunday
No Good Ass Games on the Schedule
Bobby Mickey is the alter ego of writer and poet Edward Austin Robertson. When he isn’t involved in some basketball related activity, actively looking for parties to deejay or venues to perform comedy, he can be found recording podcasts with Craig Stein at Fullsass Studios. Follow him on twitter @goodassgame. For booking inquiries, send contact info to thisagoodassgame@gmail.com.
“Let’s face it You can only block a shot ten or twenty percent of the time. Your man develops these habits over the years and so you have to learn to make them do what you want them to do; make them switch from their accustomed habit into something new where they are instinctively uncomfortable. If you can do that, then you have them halfway beaten. If he likes the foul line shot, then make him go two feet further back.”
On defending fast breaks:
“Now if there are three guys or two coming at you on a fast break, you must work on the same basic system. The first thing, make them slow up and stop. The second is make them throw a bad, hurried pass. The third is make them commit on a bad shot. The fourth is–block the ball.”
Other basic tenets:
Learn the other man’s habits. Then make him go exactly the opposite to what he likes to do.
When he gets to a position where he is away from his best shot, even if it’s only a foot, make him commit himself and shoot and count on the law of averages being on your side.
If you’re successful, just smile at him as though you can do it every time.
Bobby Mickey is the alter ego of writer and poet Edward Austin Robertson. When he isn’t involved in some basketball related activity, actively looking for parties to deejay or venues to perform comedy, he can be found recording podcasts with Craig Stein at Fullsass Studios. Follow him on twitter @goodassgame. For booking inquiries, send contact info to thisagoodassgame@gmail.com.
Minnesota at Golden State (Good Ass Game of the Week)
Thursday
Cleveland at Houston
Friday
Los Angeles Clippers at Oklahoma City
Milwaukee at San Antonio
Saturday
Philadelphia at Golden State
Sunday
No Good Ass Games Scheduled
Bobby Mickey is the alter ego of writer and poet Edward Austin Robertson. When he isn’t involved in some basketball related activity, actively looking for parties to deejay or venues to perform comedy, he can be found recording podcasts with Craig Stein at Fullsass Studios. Follow him on twitter @goodassgame. For booking inquiries, send contact info to thisagoodassgame@gmail.com.
Everyone wants on the Dejounte Murray bandwagon now. No sweat. Just as long as I get credit for being a day one Dejounte Stan. Murray gets to match up against Kyrie. Should be fun for that alone.
Golden State at Los Angeles ClippersNBATV (Good Ass Game of The Week)
Going to be lots of trash talk in this one. It won’t be close, but it still feels like a rivalry because Golden State loves beating the Clippers.
Tuesday
Oklahoma City at MilwaukeeNBATV
Star studded affair as the OK3 go up against the longest team in the NBA.
Wednesday
Minnesota at New Orleans (VIP BOX?)
Timberwolves have not disappointed in being one the most watchable teams in the west. This is basically a Kentucky Wildcat alumni game, with three of the best big men to ever come out of UK playing.
Thursday
Golden State at San AntonioTNT
Deja vu.
Los Angeles at Portland TNT
If Lavar Ball pops off before this game, Damian Lillard might go for 60.
Friday
Cleveland at WashingtonESPN
Must watch for the Jae Crowder/John Wall beef alone.
Boston at Oklahoma City ESPN
Push your date night to Saturday if you can.
Saturday
Memphis at Los Angeles Clippers(VIPBOX?)
I’m still not ready to pencil Memphis in as a playoff team, but Chandler Parsons and Mario Chalmers aren’t quite as washed as I thought they would be…….yet
Sunday
Oklahoma City at Portland (VIPBOX?)
Who is going to guard Melo and Paul George? Russ vs. Dame should be fun too.
Bobby Mickey is the alter ego of writer and poet Edward Austin Robertson. When he isn’t involved in some basketball related activity, actively looking for parties to deejay or venues to perform comedy, he can be found recording podcasts with Craig Stein at Fullsass Studios. Follow him on twitter @goodassgame. For booking inquiries, send contact info to thisagoodassgame@gmail.com.
Nothing that you may have read by or about Jackson makes any sense when you consider the utter train wreck that he helped facilitate during his days as the president of team operations for the New York Knicks. In fact, it is downright puzzling to witness a man–who at one time was considered one of the greatest active minds in basketball—shit on his own legacy in such a short period of time. From his awkward attempts at running a Twitter account, to his public breakup with Lakers co-owner Jeannie Buss, to his bizarre feud with Carmelo Anthony, things have been nothing short of cringe worthy for the Zen Master.
I’ve written extensively about Phil Jackson’s coaching acumen and his basketball I.Q. when I reviewed Crazy Basketball and More Than a Game, and I felt compelled to write about him again because why not? His insistence alone on espousing the basketball purity of the “Triangle Offense” is reason enough to doubt Jackson’s reasoning. You would think that someone who believes that impermanence is a fundamental fact of life (you can’t step into the same river twice) would be able to adjust with the times. But no. Phil fucked it up for everyone, and my boy, Alex Knapp called it the very first day that the Knicks introduced Derek Fisher as the next New York head coach (wow doesn’t that seem forever ago?).
I can’t say that this book has more to offer than Maverick, or More Than a Game, it details the beginning of his coaching career, when (much like Luke Walton) his playing career was cut short by injuries. Jackson notes that sitting next to the legendary Red Holtzman during games taught him a different way of looking at the game of basketball.
Jackson talks about the development of his personal beliefs in accordance with his own basketball philosophies. Raised Pentecostal, he grew to embrace a Zen Christianity form of religion, and used that to help teach his viewpoints about basketball, invoking phrases like “Chop Wood, Carry Water”, “Don’t let anger cloud the mind”, and “awareness is everything”.
When Phil discovered Tex Winter’s “Triple Post” Offense, he felt that it encompassed everything he wanted to teach to his basketball players, that it was a structure that could empower everyone on the floor, and that it employed the seven principles of a sound offensive strategy.
The book does a great job of taking the reader through Jackson’t time coaching in the Puerto Rican Superior League and for the CBA’s Albany Patroons, where he experimented with his lineups and personnel. He played two five man units in eight minute intervals, with the best playing five guys in the final eight minute quarter. Interestingly enough, each player was paid the exact same wage, which is something a team could only get away with in a non-NBA league back then.
It is a pretty enjoyable read, and if one can somehow forget that any of the post Lakers era stuff happened, then it is easier to read Jackson talk about the philosophy of mindfulness without a bit of cynicism creeping in. It’s hard to not laugh when reading Jackson tell a player that the “power of we is stronger than the power of me.” knowing that he made Melo’s final season as a Knick a living hell.
I suggest that any basketball fan, or aspiring coach read this book, but to also take everything with a grain of salt. I don’t know whether to think Phil Jackson is a genius, a guru, a huckster, or a hypocrite. I can say however, that he is one of the more compelling characters to make an impact in the NBA, and this book is just another example of this fact.
B +
BM
Bobby Mickey is the alter ego of writer and poet Edward Austin Robertson. When he isn’t involved in some basketball related activity, actively looking for parties to deejay or venues to perform comedy, he can be found recording podcasts with Craig Stein at FullsassStudios. Follow him on twitter @goodassgame. For booking inquiries, send contact info to thisagoodassgame@gmail.com
Working on bringing weekly audio to augment the Clicks to Picks. I’m still shaking off the pre-season cobwebs but each week its going to get better.
Monday
Golden State at Dallas
Tuesday
New York at Boston
New Orleans at Portland
Wednesday
Houston at Philadelphia
San Antonio at Miami
Washington at Los Angeles
Thursday
Boston at Milwaukee
Clippers at Portland
Friday
Oklahoma City at Minnesota
Washington at Golden State (Good Ass Game of the Week)
Saturday
No Good Ass Games Scheduled
Sunday
Washington at Sacramento
Bobby Mickey is the alter ego of writer and poet Edward Austin Robertson. When he isn’t involved in some basketball related activity, actively looking for parties to deejay or venues to perform comedy, he can be found recording podcasts with Craig Stein at Fullsass Studios. Follow him on twitter @goodassgame. For booking inquiries, send contact info to thisagoodassgame@gmail.com.
Bobby Mickey is the alter ego of writer and poet Edward Austin Robertson. When he isn’t involved in some basketball related activity, actively looking for parties to deejay or venues to perform comedy, he can be found recording podcasts with Craig Stein at Fullsass Studios. Follow him on twitter @goodassgame. For booking inquiries, send contact info to thisagoodassgame@gmail.com. 
FULLSASS Presents: THIS A GOOD ASS GAME 