Spurs 106, Blazers 97

While this was most assuredly San Antonio’s coronation ceremony — and a typically clinical display by the defending champs —- please note the newly extended Tim Duncan was outscored by Portland sophmore F LaMarcus Aldridge (27 points on 12 of 19 shooting). OK, Aldridge isn’t nearly Duncan’s caliber on the defensive end, but the former Longhorn is showing the kind of poise that should make Portland relevant again, when and if Aldridge is paired with Greg Oden. Joel Pryzbilla pulled down 10 rebounds for the visitors, and TNT showed considerable restraint in waiting until the game was half finished before harrassing Eva Longoria.

Most importantly, the new Flash/Chuckster T-Mobile ad celebrates the sort of time-tested casual homophobia that’s sorely lacking from ESPN’s new RV spots. If you thought Jason Kidd and ‘Melo looked pained while listening to Stephen A., one can only imagine how they’d react to his latest Hard Wood column.