Probleme » the Kansas City Royals 8-3 to avoid a three-game sw

FIVE QUICK NBA THOUGHTS: 1. D.J. AUGUSTIN (Raptors): He needs to get it going at the back-up point guard spot. He has struggled with his shot and yet to hit a three in four games and seems hesitant, as well. Hes having a difficult time going north-south and attacking the defence in the lane with the play-making dribble. On the other hand, he makes the safe plays and keeps the team functioning in terms of its game plan like a back-up QB in football - manage the game and be solid. Hes capable and has shown he can do that. I guess the question remains, what else does he have in his game at this point to enhance and improve the 48-minute profile of that spot along with Kyle Lowry? Raptors fans patiently await a clearer picture of how he develops into this role. If he continues to play this way, change wouldnt surprise me in the least. 2. MONTA ELLIS (Mavs): Playing with a guy that attracts consistent double teams in Dirk Nowitzki and a pure point guard in Jose Calderon next to him is helping. I was really impressed with his 30-point, nine-assist evening last night against the Lakers. Hes got a good system and excellent coach for him to play for right now in Rick Carlisle. Hes always been a gifted scorer, but when I see him play with efficiency and smarts, I see a maturing player in the right spot for him. 3. PAUL GEORGE (Pacers): Talk about a guy making that next step in his growth. He had 31 points, 10 rebounds and four assists against the Pistons last night. Hes the main guy now in Indy and when you evaluate his improvement, so much of it stems from last years injury to Danny Granger and the need for him to respond to the bigger role. He did just that and the Pacers organization now has a keeper. I love his size, skill, poise and work ethic. He has good pieces around him and doesnt have to carry his team, yet hes showing more and more that you can count on him to be consistent and, more importantly, good-to-very good on most nights. 4. KEMBA WALKER (Bobcats): I loved this guy in college at Connecticut and hes coming into his own under coach Steve Clifford. Hes an undersized scoring point guard who has a huge heart and a wonderful competitive drive. Hes got that gamer mentality that I respect. Hes quick, gets in the lane and makes plays. He seems to be settling down and picking his spots a little bit better and his awareness level and reads have been upgraded. He leaves it all out there for you. 5. JERRYD BAYLESS (Grizzlies): Having seen him in person and watched some other games of the former Raptor, I feel hes finally settling into the role Ive always felt was his niche as a pro guard as the combo third guard. He can play both guard spots and has skills in each category you want. We know he can score and when he puts his mind to it, hes an effective playmaker. At times, when he was less experienced, he would try to do way too much and didnt trust his teammates and forced the action. I see him as a guy who has now come to grips with his role - he knows it and accepts it and is no longer fighting it. Its progress for sure for a valuable piece on your second Unit. Hes highly competitive with a great work ethic and a very proud guy who holds himself to a high standard. The Grizzlies will need him to give a positive jolt of scoring and leadership each night with their second unit. Zhaire Smith Jersey . Dr. James Andrews is to operate next week on the 24-year-old pitcher, who made the AL All-Star team last year. Moore will be the first Rays pitcher to undergo Tommy John surgery since Jason Isringhausen in June 2009. Amir Johnson Jersey . Wall made the comment in a speech to a Regina business crowd that included Lesnar. The U.S. wrestler and retired mixed martial artist says he was visiting his brothers farm in Saskatchewan and decided he wanted to hear what the premier had to say. http://www.76ersstore.com/kids-mike-muscala-76ers-jersey/ . The star receiver certainly isnt celebrating it with the Texans mired in a franchise-record 13-game skid. Darryl Dawkins Jersey . -- Phil Hughes ended a personal losing streak that dated to last July, pitching into the seventh inning Sunday and helping the Twins top the Kansas City Royals 8-3 to avoid a three-game sweep. Wilt Chamberlain Jersey .com) - Delon Wright made all 12 of his free throws and finished with 21 points and six assists as No.KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Royals are sticking with left-hander Jason Vargas and the Orioles with right-hander Miguel Gonzalez for Game 4 of their AL Championship Series on Wednesday.Rain on Monday night pushed each game in Kansas City back one day, creating a dilemma for Royals manager Ned Yost and Baltimore counterpart Buck Showalter.Game 1 starters James Shields of the Royals and Chris Tillman of the Orioles would be on regular rest if they pitched on Wednesday.ddddddddddddInstead, the two managers decided to stick with their original Game 4 plans.Vargas will be pitching for the first time since the Royals beat the Angels in the AL Division Series on Oct. 2, while Gonzalez will start for Baltimore for the first time since Sept. 28, his final outing of the regular season. ' ' '