Notes on Monday's games in the National Basketball Association:
• Ride Jeffy, Ride. OK, as of Monday night they are officially "the struggling New York Knicks," thanks in large part to Jeff Van Gundy. We all remember JVG; used to coach the Knicks, is now 7-1 against them as coach of the Houston Rockets and undefeated at MSG ... rode Alonzo Mourning's leg like a terrified jockey during that '98 playoff game against the Heat ... Yao Ming had 26 points, Rockets' 97, Knicks 90. New York 1-5 at home. Of course, Ming had an unfortunate experience with Nate Robinson, the video of which is at the end of this post. You hate to see that.
• Suns Stop Rampaging Warriors . Wait, the Warriors had a six-game home winning streak? Sweet biscuits and gravy. Steve Nash hit the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 4.1 seconds remaining as the Suns prevailed 113-110.
• Later They Stormed The Snack Bar. We have just one question, Johan Petro. Why do you hate America? With Navy personnel from his native France flying a French flag behind one basket, Petro had 12 points, six rebounds and three blocks to help lead the SuperSonics over the Nets 99-87.
• Just Try And Stop Them! Meet the Utah Jazz; off to the best start in franchise history at 10-1, which is also the best record in the NBA, beating the Raptors 101-96.
• Never Poke A Grizzly With A Stick. If you had a bunch of money on the Magic against the Grizzlies on Monday night, well, sorry man. You can crash on our sofa.