NBA Power Rankings: Nov 8

TEAMThis WeekLast WeekRecordComments Pacers123-03 games into season, and Artest is technical foul free! Suns243-0Looking at their schedule, they may not lose at all in November Mavericks373-0They keep scoring, and Dampier adds enough D to keep giving them W Pistons412-1If you watched first Quarter against Raptors, you knew that Pistons are a MUCH better team. Jazz5133-0Boozer trying to show that he is real deal. Will maintain top 5 if they can get more boards from their Center spot Heat693-0Only out of top 5 because Shaq is not playing at 100%. Wade has responded as expected, by provided fantastic numbers. Timberwolves762-1Only loss was to a Nugget team that is better than their record Spurs832-1Caught with their pants down against Sonics. Raptors9293-0Bottom line, they beat Pistons. That being said, they are playing so far over their heads that they are bound to drown...and soon. Rockets1082-2Ming and T-Mac still haven't figured out how to play together yet. Once they do, they will move up fast TrailBlazers11172-1So far, only loss to a Raptor team playing terrific ball Magic12232-1Need to rebound after losing to Charlotte Wizards13242-1These calls are holding their own with 2 projected starters out of line up

3-Pointer: Nov 9

Let me see if I understand this. The accuser in Kobe Bryant's alleged rape assault, who was allegedly so traumatized by event that she could have sex again within 48 hours, also feels that a cap of 2.5 million dollars is not sufficient enough to ease her pain and suffering. So, instead of continuing a criminal trial, that would see both her attacker behind bars and her bank account secured for years, her, and her defense team, decide to withdraw criminal case and pursue a civil case in a state that historically favors plaintiff. The logic is obvious. If OJ can be found NOT guilty, but still have to pay 30 million dollars to families of victims 7 years ago, then accuser stands to make quite a bit from Kobe's recent 136.4 million dollar basketball contract (not to mention endorsement deals, and other business ventures). The fact of guilt or innocence is not even relevant in American Civil court system. Folks, it is most everyone's dream to make it big. It is Kobe's fault he committed adultery? Yes. But what normal man could constantly resist enormous temptations that would be in his life almost every day? She wants to sue Kobe, but not give him his right to prove his innocence! I say that Kobe should set a precedent, and sue her right back. I cannot stand Kobe as a ballplayer. I loved history of Lakers, and what they have done, but I believe he has a right to live with his wealth. Civil cases should be used only for things like slumlords, or Tobacco companies. It should not be used as an alternative for a criminal case. Both her and her defense team are nothing more than legal con artists, trying to extort money from a black basketball player, still trying to feed off stigma of a black man having sex with a white girl. Kobe needs to let her know that him having money does not make him a target. Moreover, anyone that does try to take advantage of him for his money will find himself or herself bankrupt.