First Quarter Scores

Byline: Michael Lee

The first quarter of the NBA season is complete and while certain things have gone according to plan -- Detroit and San Antonio, the two participants in the NBA Finals, remain the top two teams; the Raptors, Hawks and Blazers are duking it out for the No. 1 pick in next June's draft; Allen Iverson is still scoring buckets by the boatload and Pat Riley has replaced Stan Van Gundy as coach of the Miami Heat (What? No matter how it was explained, who didn't see this coming?) -- there have been a few alterations to the script.

Arguably, the best two-way player in the NBA is on the trading block a little more than a year after he wreaked havoc on Detroit Pistons fans at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Ron Artest has managed to stay clear of roughing up fans in the stands, so he has decided to sabotage the Indiana Pacers in another way. He has asked to be traded, then asked for forgiveness and asked for reconciliation. Speculation abounds about where Artest could end up, but the Pacers have made it obvious that they no longer want him around.

The Clippers were the best team in Los Angeles last season, but not many could've foreseen that they'd have the third-best record in Western Conference at this point -- and that they'd rob most of the spotlight from the city's glamour team, the Lakers.

Okay, Van Gundy was not expected to step down because of family reasons 21 games into the season -- especially with Shaquille O'Neal back in the lineup after missing 18 games with an ankle injury. Van Gundy probably didn't suspect that he'd be roasting chestnuts on an open fire while the Heat battled the Lakers on Christmas Day -- but there had been speculation that if the Heat wasn't up to par by then, he wouldn't last much longer. Riley is back in the saddle, and that's good for the NBA. The game's been missing the slicked back hair and the Armani suits.

The New Orleans Hornets won 18 games in all of last season but they already have 11 wins, including victories against the Spurs, Suns and Clippers. Just about everyone's pick to win the Northwest Division, the Denver Nuggets are sputtering along after already enduring not one, but two suspensions to Coach George Karl, a trade demand from Voshon Lenard, a season-ending knee injury to Nene, and a series of other ailments to Kenyon Martin, Earl Boykins and Marcus Camby.

And, were the Knicks supposed to 6-17 in their first season under Larry Brown? A whole lot can change between now and the end of the regular season -- remember, the Bulls started the season 4-15 last year before rallying to finish fourth in the East and the Orlando Magic started 13-6 before the bottom fell out -- but let's take a look at the best and the worst to this point.

Chauncey Billups, Detroit Pistons

The problem with discussing MVP so early in the season is that people begin pushing one candidate and momentum begins to build before anyone else has a chance to enter the debate. It happened last season with Steve Nash, who was practically handed the award in December. This year's trendy pick has been Elton Brand of the upstart Clippers. Indeed, the Clippers have been the feel-good story of the season, but why not recognize the best player on the best team in the league?

Nobody seems to be seriously paying attention to what's happening in Detroit, where Chauncey Billups is playing the best basketball of his career and the Pistons have been the best team in the league to this point. The Pistons' starting five is considered the best of any in the league and they can be led in scoring on any given night by Billups, Richard Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace or Tayshaun Prince. But where would they be without Billups, who is averaging career highs in points (19.0), assists (8.8) and free throw percentage (92.9 percent) in his ninth season? Billups, 29, is spreading the wealth, inspiring victories in clutch situations (it doesn't get much bigger than his game-winner with 0.3 seconds left in Memphis on Monday) and directing the most efficient machine in the league (much like Nash did last season, when he proved that you don't need to average 20 points to win the MVP award).

While Billups has yet to make an all-star team -- which should be a lock this season -- he has already been MVP of the NBA Finals and could've won it twice had the Pistons beaten the Spurs last season. Billups has been the difference-maker in helping the Pistons adjust to new coach Flip Saunders' system this season. Saunders once coached Billups in Minnesota and is helping Billups take his game to a level that even Larry Brown couldn't. "I'm playing the best I've ever played right now," Billups told the Detroit Free Press this week. "I have that freedom now to run the show, and I know the offense inside and out. I know where people are going to be at, and I know my teammates -- all of them."

Chris Paul, New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets

The Hornets are 11-13 this season after starting last season 2-29 (they didn't reach their 11th win until Feb. 14 against Washington last season). The Hornets were displaced from their home by Hurricane Katrina but rookie Chris Paul has moved them from the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Despite playing the most demanding position in the league, Paul leads all rookies in scoring (16.7 points), assists (7.1) and steals (2.3). He had his best week as a pro last week, as he averaged 18.5 points, 7.8 assists and 3.25 steals and led the Hornets to victories over Phoenix, the Clippers and San Antonio. He came just one assist shy of his first career triple-double -- and committed just one turnover -- during the Hornets' surprising victory over the defending champion Spurs. His best assists, however, was purchasing 50 bicycles for chidren living in Oklahoma City who were forced to flee New Orleans following the hurricane.

Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix Suns

He started the season without Amare Stoudemire, an All-NBA second-team center last season. Think that's no big deal? Look at how horrible Houston was without Tracy McGrady (0-8). But also take into consideration that Phoenix is practically a brand new team from last season, with Joe Johnson in Atlanta and Quentin Richardson in New York. D'Antoni still has the league's reigning MVP in Steve Nash and an all-star forward in Shawn Marion, but he has also been able to get the best out of Boris Diaw -- turning the 6-foot-8 player that the lowly Hawks gave up on into an effective point-center -- and managed to keep the Suns in striking distance of first place in the Pacific Division despite injuries to James Jones and Leandro Barbosa. Some expected Phoenix to plummet without Stoudemire but they have remained among the Western Conference elite.

Los Angeles Clippers

Who saw this coming? L.A.'s other team has stolen the headlines from its crosstown rivals and even lured A-list celebrities to the Staples Center. Was that really Hugh Hefner at a Clippers game two weeks ago? It's a long season and the Clippers can become the Clippers at any minute, but there is reason to believe that this team could be around for the long haul. It all begins with Sam Cassell, the veteran point guard who has won everywhere he has been and is playing for a contract. After being hesitant about joining the league's longtime laughingstock following an offseason trade from Minnesota, the 36-year-old Cassell has given the Clippers a confident swagger. Cassell has also been the mouthpiece for equally confident coach Mike Dunleavy, who got cheapskate owner Donald Sterling to open his wallet to put a winner on the floor. Sterling paid to keep Elton Brand and Corey Maggette and signed Cuttino Mobley in the offseason. Brand remains the 20-10 performer he has always been , but he has lifted his game to a new level, averaging a career-high 25 points and shooting 53.7 percent from the floor. Chris Kaman, the 7-foot Goldilocks, has proven to be a serviceable big man and recently made the most shocking revelation of the season: He hates rap music.

Washington Wizards

It's harder the second time around. The Wizards weren't expected to have an easy road back to the playoffs when Larry Hughes bolted to become LeBron James's sidekick in Cleveland. But the adjustment wasn't supposed to be this ugly -- not with two all-stars (Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison) and another solid scorer in Caron Butler. The Wizards are five games below .500 and have gone 4-13 since starting the season 5-1, following lopsided home wins against Seattle and San Antonio. That was so long ago.

Antonio Daniels was brought in from Seattle as a free agent to help replace Hughes but he has been a flop, averaging just 4.7 points -- almost seven fewer than last season -- and has been used mostly in a reserve role. Seattle Coach Bob Weiss speculated that Daniels could be dealing with a chronic knee problem, but there is no doubt that his confidence is shot. The Wizards' problems, however, extend beyond Daniels. Arenas is becoming a one-man show, averaging nearly 28 point per game. Jamison, credited for turning around the Wizards' fortunes last season, is in the midst of a horrific slump (8.2 points on 18 of 72 shooting (25 percent) in the past five games). Brendan Haywood and Jared Jeffries have not progressed the way the team expected. Chucky Atkins has been unhappy with his playing time, and Jarvis Hayes is out indefinitely after fracturing his right patella again.

Surprisingly, the Wizards aren't much different statistically than a year ago. Scoring for the Wizards and their opponents is down just one point from last season. Teams are shooting an almost identical percentage against the Wizards as last season. But the biggest difference has been the Wizards' record in close games. The Wizards are just 1-6 in games decided by five points or less this season. Last season, they were 17-8. There certainly is a fine line. Does this feel like 1997-98 all over again?

Atlanta Hawks

Once rumors begin to swirl that Coach Mike Woodson's job was in danger -- after Woodson posted one of the worst records after 100 games in the history of the NBA (15-85) -- the Hawks decide they can actually play basketball and upset the San Antonio Spurs.

The Hawks' play in the past week proved that that victory was no fluke and that general manager Billy Knight's vision of small (forward) ball can actually work, with like-sized wing players creating matchup problems and running opponents into the pavement. They have won four of their past five games, with three consecutive home wins against the Spurs, New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets (the Hawks hadn't won three in a row at home since April 2003). They also beat the Cavaliers in Cleveland -- despite 39 from LeBron James -- and came within seconds of defeating Philadelphia on the road.

The obvious difference has been the inspired play of guard Joe Johnson, the Hawks' $70 million man who was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week after averaging 25.3 points, on 51.4 percent (37 of 72) shooting, with 7.0 assists and 6.3 rebounds and leading the Hawks to a 3-1 record. Johnson scored a career-high 36 points against the New York Knicks and sank 11 of 18 three-point attempts in the past two games.

He has been aided by the play of free-agent-to-be and fellow co-captain forward Al Harrington. Harrington, who has been caught up with trade rumors surrounding the Indiana Pacers and Ron Artest, has averaged 24 points in the past four games, including 35 against the Knicks.

They've gone from hapless to happy times, but they are still just 6-17 and often look like a disjointed group. Who knows how long this will last?

New York Knicks

Larry Brown was supposed to make the Knicks better, right?

After starting the season 0-5, the Knicks went 6-6 and that may be as good as it gets. The Knicks have lost six in a row and there doesn't appear to be an end in sight. They have three home games ahead, which might help cure their ills -- except they are the worst home team in the league and their opponents are the San Antonio Spurs, surging Utah Jazz and rival New Jersey Nets.

The Knicks are just 3-6 at Madison Square Garden, where they are routinely booed, and they have lost their past three games at home to Milwaukee (by 20 points), Orlando (by 15) and Indiana (without Ron Artest). They also lost in Atlanta last week, surrendering 122 points to a Hawks team that averages just 93.7 points per game.

New York may actually see Brown turn it around before the season is done, but until the Knicks get back to some level of respectability, Brown will continue to attempt to disassociate himself from this jumbled team. He recently lamented that the job "is much more difficult right now than I ever imagined."

Brown is struggling to find a consistent lineup, with players unaware if they will start or be on the inactive list from day to day. Rookie Channing Frye has been the lone bright spot on a team that cannot seem to do anything "the right way" on the basketball court.

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

In three games last week, LeBron James averaged 35.3 points, 8.3 assists and 6.3 rebounds as Cleveland went 2-1. He also proved that he's pretty good at popping and locking in his new shoe commercial that showcases the four different sides of LeBron. He seems to be settling for one form of LeBron on the basketball court in December.

Remember when he entered the league and people thought he'd be a triple-double machine? When he was praised for his unselfishness and Magic-like court vision?

Well, it seems that James has decided to establish his dominance with offense as opposed to his overall game. Scoring LeBron has notched at least 30 points in seven of Cleveland's eight games in December -- including a NBA season-high 52 against Milwaukee.

Unfortunately, James's offensive explosion has mostly worked to the detriment of the Cavaliers this month, with the team winning just two

of those contests. But one of those victories came last Saturday, when James scored 41 points (on 12 of 19 shooting) with 10 assists and five rebounds as Cleveland handed Miami Heat Coach Pat Riley his first defeat in his return. James, the league's third-leading scorer, also scored 26 points with nine assists and four rebounds in a win against the Denver Nuggets.

Deron "Torry Ellis" Williams and Robert "Bobby Williams" Whaley, Utah Jazz

Rookies are going to make mistakes. That's a given -- and most errors are understandable and often forgiven. But outright stupidity does not get a pass.

Jazz rookies Deron Williams and Robert Whaley got themselves in a heap of trouble last week when they were cited with one count each of providing false information to a peace officer following a brawl at a Park City, Utah bar. The fight began when fans of the Denver Nuggets approached them and it later spilled outside. Neither player was going to face punishment -- until the 6-foot-3 Deron Williams told an officer his name was Torry Ellis and the 6-foot-10 Robert Whaley identified himself as Bobby Williams.

After they were released, an officer identified the players on the Jazz team Website. Whaley made his situation worse when he lied to the team and told it that he suffered a cut on his hand while taking a knife away from his 2-year-old son. Whaley later apologized but was suspended for one game. He and Williams were fined by the team and they both face a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine. Oh, what a tangled web we weave . . .

1. Detroit Pistons (19-3)

The Pistons had a "reality slap" in Utah and have gone on to win four in a row, including a thrilling, double-overtime win in Memphis. Ben Wallace, who had been down on his game before unveiling goofy red goggles, has led the team in rebounding each game.

2. Dallas Mavericks (18-6)

Dirk Nowitzki says the Mavericks should be mentioned as a title contender. They are beginning to reach full-strength with former Wizard Jerry Stackhouse is set to return on Friday.

3. San Antonio Spurs (19-5)

This news shouldn't come as a shock to anyone: When Tim Duncan is off, so are the Spurs. The Spurs are 0-3 this season when Duncan fails to score at least 13 points. He matched his season low with 11 against the Hornets on Sunday (Duncan also scored 11 against Washington).

4. Los Angeles Clippers (15-8)

The Clippers took their licks, losing three in a row to Detroit, San Antonio and the Hornets, but they beat the hot Rockets to maintain a hold on the Pacific Division lead. Corey Maggette, the team's most explosive offensive player, is expecting to come back soon from a sprained left foot.

5. Miami Heat (14-11)

Is it because Shaq is back? Or is it Pat Riley? It's a little of both. After going 3-1 on a rough road trip, the Heat is back looking like legit contenders in the East. They should at least be able to run away with the Southeast Division title.

6. Indiana Pacers (14-8)

Ron Artest has lost his mind on many occasions, now he has changed it. First, he wants to be traded. Now, he doesn't. Too late. The Pacers still want to get rid of him and move on.

7. Phoenix Suns (14-9)

The Suns have gone 1-4 since winning nine in a row. They are still just a game out of first in their division and they are expecting to get back guard James Jones this week.

8. Memphis Grizzlies (14-9)

After his solid showing against the Pistons (35 points, 13 rebounds), Pau Gasol appears to have found his confidence again. If only the Grizzlies can find some more victories, too.

9. Milwaukee Bucks (13-9)

Coach Terry Stotts is using creativity to keep the Bucks competitive despite injuries to Joe Smith (knee), Maurice Williams (thigh), Charlie Bell (knee) and Bobby Simmons (shoulder).

10. Cleveland Cavaliers (13-9)

The Cavs deny a reported dispute between LeBron James and Larry Hughes. Things get a little testy when teams lose, but Cleveland has won two in a row. Wins can help people get along.

San Antonio at Milwaukee (Tuesday)

The Bucks are 1-3 at home against Western Conference teams. The Spurs are 3-2 against Eastern Conference teams on the road, with losses to the Wizards and Hawks.

Dallas at Los Angeles Lakers (Tuesday)

The back-and-forth banter between Lakers Coach Phil Jackson and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has been rather amusing. Jackson criticized the Mavs public address announcer, Cuban said Jackson was overpaid and Jackson said Cuban can't accept criticism. Kobe Bryant had 43 when the teams met last week, so the game should be pretty good tonight, too.

Los Angeles Clippers at Indiana (Wednesday)

While looking to sweep the season series, the Pacers might also be scouting the Clippers in case they want to pull the trigger on Ron Artest deal.

Cleveland at Chicago (Thursday)

It's the first of two meetings in four days for two of the upstart teams in the Central Division. The LeBrons will try to outshine the Bulls' balanced scoring attack.

New Jersey at Miami (Friday)

Alonzo Mourning continues to throw darts at the team that took a risk and give him an uninsured contract in 2003. There is no love lost between the two sides, especially with Zo flourishing while the Nets founder without a legitimate defensive presence in the post.

Indiana at Cleveland (Friday)

The Cavaliers welcome the Pacers to The Q in hopes of getting payback for that Thanksgiving beatdown.

San Antonio at Detroit (Sunday)

A rematch of the NBA Finals featuring the two teams most people expect to be back squaring off in June. This game would normally get top billing on this day except . . .

Los Angeles Lakers at Miami (Sunday)

What could be better than Shaq vs. Kobe -- and Pat vs. Phil? Merry Christmas! Pat Riley taking over the Heat only intensifies the interest in what already was one of the most highly anticipated regular season games of the season. At least the Lakers are halfway decent this year.

Los Angeles Lakers at Washington (Monday)

Kwame Brown comes home. He will hear deafening boos, but he already predicted that he would "bust" the Wizards' rear-ends. Is D.C. ready?

Indiana at Dallas (Monday)

The middle game of a tough three-game swing (Cleveland, Dallas and San Antonio) for the Pacers. Dirk Nowitzki (31 points, 11 rebounds) vs. Jermaine O'Neal (25 points, 13 rebounds) put on quite a show when the teams met earlier this month.

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