SGL Basketball Year 2

The second season of SGL basketball is already looking to be a very interesting and heated season, without two teams even having competed yet. Despite these two teams having not played it is easy to see who the front runner is thus far, as the Sacramento Kings have jumped out to an early 4-1 record. A record that is highlighted by a 28 point comeback, an SGL record, while also jumping out to a 3-0 record at home. Having a 3-1 record against the hated Lakers, the rivalry between the two clubs of the early 2000's seems to be back in full swing. The Lakers have shown to have a good team, focused in on defense and streaky outside shooting, with their record being skewed by their troubles with the Kings. The Hawks are 0-2, but have been in close battles each time, and have shown a lot of potential to be a focal point throughout the entire season in the upper half of the power rankings. With the Magic and Hornets yet to take the court they will have some high standards to live up to with the way the Kings are playing early on. The Hornets are led by reigning coach and GM of the Year JJ Pelligra, and seem to be the biggest challenge for the hot Kings early on. The Magic are a team that not much is anticipated from them early on, and are a squad that many believe need to work on team chemistry before they can challenge the other teams.

The star players are rather obvious early on for these three teams that have played thus far, with Josh Smith of the Kings being on one level and everyone else a step below. Smith is averaging 30.6 points a game over his first five, and also bringing it on the defensive and rebounding portions of the game. With many claiming his 3 straight blocks on LeBron James of the Lakers to start the 4th quarter as the turning point of their last win. Smith is helped out by young and exciting point guard Derrick Rose, that despite averaging under 10 points a game thus far, has not had a game under 5 assissts. Yao Ming is also making a run at Defensive Player of the Year, while Ben Gordon is stepping up to be a reliable 3 point shooter and clutch player off the bench.

The Lakers are a team focusing on defense and that can be seen through the early favorite for defensive player of the year Tyson Chandler, who has had a block in every game, and has really been the intimidating factor of the Lakers. With Marcus Camby also helping out on the defensive end all revolves around LeBron James on the offensive end, as he finally exploded for 44 in their last game, though Josh Smith has the most points in a game this year with 45. With the outside shooting of Deron Williams and Ray Allen the Lakers are beginning to round into a formiddable foe.

The Hawks are led by a rookie, but that rookie sure is not playing like one. OJ Mayo is second in the league with 27 points per game, and also among the leaders in assists per game. He is the straw that stirs the drink so far for the Hawks, and how OJ goes seems to be how the Hawks go. With Rudy Gay struggling thus far from the field the Hawks find themselves winless, but Gay and Kevin Garnett feel like they are going to turn things around as soon as their own play picks up. Al Jefferson is a player to look out for with these young Hawks, as he came in late to the Kings game and made consecutive jumpers to really keep them close going down the stretch, playing well to earn a start in their second game.

This season is off to a quick start and should be quite interesting.