As for day 1…

I watched much of the Dallas vs. Washington game. Saunders may look pretty good this season, thanks in large part to healthier starters.

The most intriguing game, of course, was the Cavs vs. Celtics. Sorry Orlando, but a healthy Boston looks like the team to beat in the east to me. I was surprised at how well Shaq played defense down low, particularly at critical times. Shaq is what he is high on the pick and roll, but I didn’t think Shaq could force Garnett into circus shots even at Shaq’s prime, much less now.

As for Lakers vs. Clippers, it bothers me that the Lakers’ bench was such a liability for them, coughing up a 15 point lead against the Clippers bench, and that the starters had to log so many minutes in thesecond half. The Clippers didn’t look particularly tough to me. Then again, Phil Jackson teams are usually flat on ring night.

MBenga needs to quit shooting so much, and on defense, he’s totally fallen in love with the blocked shot in an immature way. He looks like a middle schooler out there swiping big at every shot. He needs to settle down, nudge his man away from the basket, play position defense, and block on help situations when he can, otherwise alter shots. His lunges are only putting him out of position for rebounds, and when teams figure out Mbenga is playing like this, they’ll sucker him into fouling himself off the court.

Given Pau’s current health, and the minutes he’s been logging, and Bynum’s history of fragility, the Lakers should be looking for another back up center really.

I was pleased with Artest’s contributions except for his in ability to hit wide open shots. Hopefully he’ll put extra time in the gym with Craig Hodges and get that remedied.

Anyway, here’s to countless wasted hours in front of a television this season!