Nba Western Conference

Sporting News, The, Dec 18, 2000

WHO'S HOT

Warriors PF Antawn Jamison got everyone's attention with 102 points in two games last week, but he has been hot for weeks. In his first 14 games after moving from small forward when PF Danny Fortson went on the injured list, Jamison averaged 25.2 ppg and 9.1 rpg. if and when Fortson returns, expect him to play some at center so Jamison can stay comfortable where he is.

WHO'S NOT

It's difficult to get the "who's not" tag when you're averaging 25.8 points a game, but the free-throw shooting of Lakers C Shaquille O'Neal reached a new level of futility when he went 0-for-11 in an eight-point loss to the Sonics last week. O'Neal's place in history alongside another all-time great center is secured. His effort broke Wilt Chamberlain's record of 0-for-10 at the line set in 1960.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME

It's a given the Western Conference is better than the East, but it's more accurate to say the Midwest Division is doing most of the heavy lifting. Midwest teams had a 32-11 record against Eastern teams through last week, compared to a 27-20 advantage for the Pacific. The Midwest, more than the Pacific, is loaded with All-Star caliber forwards, and the East is a backcourt-driven conference. Size does matter.