Weekend Wake Up: NBA Revs Up, Wall Ruled In, Rain Over Philly?

Basketball’s Beginning. I know, technically, that the NBA tipped off earlier this week, but the Association doesn’t really feel like it’s in full swing to me until I start seeing a full slate of highlights. The NBA’s not-so-secret weapon is the way its schedule and style make for singular moments worth pulling out of otherwise boring games. So, yes, the above dunk by Shannon Brown fits, as does a behind-the-back pass from LeBron, as does this block from Dwight Howard. Sure, “highlight culture” has probably contributed to more players going for spectacle over fundamentals. But the spectacles are usually really good.

Welcome, John Wall. Yes, Kentucky wunderkind John Wall is going to be suspended for two games, but one is an exhibition and the other is against Morehead State. Kentucky will be fine, and Wall will be, too; the only thing that could have prevented him from having a Naismith Award-caliber season was ineligibility, and now that that’s out of the way, the hype can begin in earnest. (Yes, he’s just a freshman. But he’s that good.)

More Rain Moves Game 3? Those of you hotly anticipating the Andy Pettitte vs. Cole Hamels duel tonight may have those plans rained on -- literally. A “massive storm with heavy snow to its north and west and heavy rain and tornadic activity to its southeast” is meandering its way east, and if it picks up speed, it could bring chaos to the City of Brotherly Love.

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