Wilkins Scores 41, Hawks Lose...Seems Familiar

Of course the Wilkins in question is Seattle's Damien, not his uncle Dominique formerly of the Atlanta Hawks. The veteran busted out for 41 points in the Super Sonics second consecutive win on the heels of an 8-game losing streak. Damien's outburst was eventually overshadowed, but you'd think he'd be used to that by now. The climactic hero of the night was everyone's favorite malnourished rookie, Kevin Durant, who sent the Hawks home with a three pointer as time expired. It sure is nice to root for Durant. After he played all of those years under Stu Vetter (schmuck) and Rick Barnes (putz) I wasn't sure what it would feel like.

• Slurping the Tough Juice. With all do respect to Gilbert Arenas (respect=unconditional love), it's Caron Buter that has put the Wizards back on track. Last year's All Star poured in 29 points (11-16 shooting) to go along with 8 rebounds. Gil did what Gil does, filling the box score with 27/8/4/4. If anyone out there can explain Randy Wittman's rotation and substitutions I'd be all ears. The guy makes Eddie Jordan look like Red Holzman.

• Boston almost lost. That was a close one, although it would have been a 30 point win had it not been for David Guthrie, Jason Phillips, and BIll Spooner's conspiratorial vendetta against Bill Simmons. I wonder if Mercury Morris has any comment on the situation.

• What, no triple-double?. LeBron wouldn't be in such desperate need of some more talented teammates and a coach other than Mr. Potato Head if he could just do this every night. The nail-biter led his Cavs to a narrow victory over the Jazz with a ridiculous line of 40 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Paul Millsap should never play fewer than 20 minutes.