This was just payback for the time Robin got the better of Brook on a dunk. And it’s particularly cute because they’re both twins and tall and low velocity and unflinching and kind of anti-climatic in their dunking. Sure, Robin throws his hands straight up in the air and tries to block Brook, but Brook is crafty. He’s no power dunker; he’s finesse. So he slides right by Robin, as opposed to over him, because we know that Brook Lopez is not out-jumping anyone. Ever.

This was a weird one. Earlier in the game – the second quarter, to be precise – the Los Angeles Lakers were trailing the New Orleans Hornets by 25 points. Near the end of the 3rd quarter, they had barely cut into the lead, still behind by 21. But then, the 4th quarter. Kobe went off, New Orleans only scored 9 points and the Lakers held a two-point lead in the final moments of the game. But then this happened.

Didn’t watch sports on TV last night? This is getting to be a little too familiar, you know. You and your non-sports watching ways, us and our recapping to help you out. Fine, fine, we’ll keep doing it.

There were sports on TV last night. There are sports on TV most nights. Every night, in fact, except that one weird day during the summer over the All-Star Break when there’s no baseball. So, in case you were out being a person, we’ll let you know what happened.

Before last night, it’s possible the name “Roscoe Smith” meant nothing at all to Hornets guard Xavier Henry. And why should it have? Smith is redshirting at UNLV, Henry’s in the NBA. Henry’s college career ended before Smith’s began. Henry’s from Oklahoma City, Smith’s from Baltimore. So what do these two have in common? Well, if you’ve ever heard Smith’s name at all, there’s a good chance it’s because of this. And last night against the Sixers, Henry did this. They are forever linked. [Ball Don't Lie]

In the second quarter of the Rockets-Horntes game last night, the right shoe of Houston’s Greg Smith became untied. His team was in transition, however, with Jeremy Lin pushing the ball up the floor, so he couldn’t lag behind to take care of business. But then Lin pulled the ball out to set up the offense, and Smith was afforded an opportunity to tie his shoe.

The New Orleans Hornets are becoming the New Orleans Pelicans. The switch doesn’t make sense to most people, but the Pelicans can provide the world with the first ever player-mascot. Two birds! One stone!

Austin Rivers drives at Rasheed Wallace. Rasheed Wallace is too slow to keep up. Austin Rivers gets by Rasheed Wallace. Rasheed Wallace fouls Austin Rivers. Austin Rivers misses the first free throw. Rasheed Wallace yells “Ball Don’t Lie!” Fin.

Ah yes, good old NBA on ESPN commercials. Welcome back, old friend.

Welcome to “Pretty Much Screwed,” our 2012-13 guide to the upcoming NBA season, in which we identify the reasons why your favorite team might have to start looking forward to 2013-2014 — and highlight at least one reason for you to be hopeful. Today: the New Orleans Hornets, who are still picking up the Chris Paul pieces – but doing it a little faster than expected.