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Weekend observations from Idaho Statesman national sports guru John Shifflett:
WASTED EFFORTS
Saturday night had to be bittersweet for Milwaukee Bucks guard Ramon Sessions and Minnesota Timberwolves big man Al Jefferson. Both had monster games, but their teams still couldn't get it done in losses.
Sessions, who Boise hoops fans know well from his days at Nevada and in the D-League, poured in 44 points and dished out 12 assists. Milwaukee, however, allowed three Detroit Pistons to score at least 27 points and lost 126-121 in overtime.
Not really getting bang for your Buck.
Jefferson, the only great player Minnesota got in the Kevin Garnett trade, scored 36 points, pulled down 22 rebounds, snagged four steals and swatted two shots against the Rockets. The Wolves rewarded Jefferson's effort by blowing a 15-point lead and falling 107-90.
Jefferson followed that up with a 25-point, 14-rebound game Sunday night in a 101-97 loss to the Hornets. He has to feel cold and alone in the Siberia of the NBA.
QUESTION TO PONDER
Saturday's SI.com report that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for anabolic steroids in 2003 got me thinking. Which is a bigger black eye on their sport: Rodriguez's alleged positive test or the photo of swimmer Michael Phelps hitting a bong?
Both are at the top of their sports and their missteps have garnered a ton of publicity, but which is worse?
A-Rod's is because, if true, his steroid use further stains an already tainted era in baseball. My next question: was anybody clean?
Idaho Statesman sports desk editor John Shifflett can be reached at jshifflett@idahostatesman.com.
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