You see many interesting things on New Year’s Eve, particularly on a train departing from New York. For example, I saw a group of Scottish people, two men, two women, approach a group of college students who had flipped the seats and were using them as footrests. One of the women told the boys, “these seats are not for feet,” then added a few moments later, “they’re for bums!” Two girls soon wandered past the Scotsmen, who were dressed in traditional Scottish attire (read: kilt, sporran, hose, etc.), and dive into the restroom, puke spewing. The college students chatted with the two women, while one of the men explained that the girl believes all American men look like Ben Affleck. This led the boys to asking about Ireland, wherein the girl corrected them and explained Ireland is a different country from Scotland. Another gentleman wandered by and waited for the restroom, which had been occupied for 20 minutes by the 2 sick women. He began kicking the door, and got into a verbal confrontation over the toilet. Finally, another man came by, dancing like a 5 year old. He had to pee so bad he began doing karate chops. He would have gone into the next car, but he could not figure out how to open the door. When the girls finally left, they yelled at him, even though he was not the kicker. He went in, peed, came out and warned everyone else not to go in there.
About 16 hours later, DeMarcus Cousins gave another memorable performance. Maybe the team suspension was a wake up call, but last night, Cousins hit 21 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals, and he is averaging 16 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals in his 3 games back. Hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, this is the Cousins we have all wanted to see. Remember, the guy is only 22 years old and he put up 18 PPG and 11 RPG with more than an assist, block and steal per game last season. The only thing holding DeMarcus back is his own immaturity, and once that gets fixed, the talent will take over.
I had to once again fill in at the last minute, so apologies if this post is a little lighter than usual. I also can’t promise there will be any tiers tonight, but maybe there will be some tears. Here’s what else happened in the NBA on New Year’s Day:
Jordan Crawford – Returned from his ankle injury for 9 points (1 three), 2 rebounds and 4 assists over 24 minutes.
Carmelo Anthony – Returned from HIS injury to score a whopping 45 (including 5 from downtown), plus 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal. He also shot 12 of 14 from the free throw line.
Eric Gordon – Saw a little bump in the road with 5 of 17 shooting for 11 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. I’m just happy he played 2 games in a row.
O.J. Mayo – Finally had a good performance with 15 points (3 from deep), a board, 5 assists, 2 steals.
Ryan Anderson – How many PF/C eligible guys give you 5 threes? This guy (Ryan, not me). He accumulated 23 points and 6 rebounds on the night.
Pau Gasol – Shot terribly (2 of 12) but still nearly had a double double with 11 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.
Amar’e Stoudemire – In his first game back, he played a bit shy of 17 minutes for 6 points, 1 rebound and a block. Obviously, it will take him some time to get back to game rhythm, but it’s good to see him back.
Kosta Koufos – He could not live up to the pressure of the Razzball seal of approval, making 2 of 5 shots for 4 points and 5 rebounds, with no blocks. That’s 3 games without double digit points and 4 without double digit rebounds.
Bradley Beal – Led his team with 22 points, including 4 threes, plus 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a block.
Charlie Villanueva – He had been doing well recently, but he was ejected last night, keeping him to 9 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block.
Vince Carter – Vinsanity seemed to have been kept in check with prescription medication, because it was really not all that Vinsane until last night, when he went crazy for 23 points (2 threes), 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal. Nice to see mental illness is back!
Antawn Jamison – He spent his 5th game in a row warming the bench the entire game, and has not see more than 20 minutes of playing time since December 13. He’s not just a sell, he’s a drop from a moving car and don’t slow down.
Zaza Pachulia – Nice little game for Za with 12 points, 10 boards (6 offensive) and a block. He doesn’t always give double doubles, or even usually, but he is capable of it. Occasionally.
Wesley Matthews – Saw 29 1/2 minutes but only had 8 points, 3 boards, 2 assists and a steal. Still, considering he didn’t play the 4 previous games, you give this one to him.
