The Khoub Report: Vol. 4

I was lucky enough to watch the Nuggets-Rockets tonight in what can only be described as the most enjoyable terrible game I've ever seen. Despite horrific bricks being launched from all directions, we still were treated to the following: a great effort from Iverson, signs that the Steve Blake trade is going to be a good move, 24 rebounds from Marcus Camby, a bizarre phone interview with Carmelo Anthony, high comedy from the Bill Walton and Jon Barry duo (Barry is getting better with each passing game), and a big night from Shane Battier. Plus multiple finger wags from Mutombo. Of course, none of that really matters. This is the Khoub Report. So how did our boy do?

The answer to that depends on whether you are talking about offense or defense. You see, Yakhouba was a regular Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde in this one, playing 37 minutes of tenacious defense on Tracy McGrady while also launching a horrific series of ill-advised shots on the offensive end. Honestly, it was bizarre. His D was Bruce Bowen-esque, right down to the 5-for-17 shooting from McGrady, the slight bumps and borderline muggings, and the disgusted reaction on T-Mac's face. It was a virtuoso defensive performance. But on the other hand, he had such a bizarre and often atrocious offensive game that he became the running joke of the broadcast. Despite canning a three with the clock winding down in both the first and second quarters and with the shot clock running down in the third, Khoub finished 3-for-12 from behind the three-point line. 12 attempts! He had an airball, a missed attempt at a game-tying three, and multiple instances in which his shot selection could only be described as terrible. He also had a five minute stretch in which he stepped out of bounds, travelled, and threw a pass off the backboard. It was tough to watch. The good news is that both J.R. Smith (4-for-17) and Leinus Kleiza (0-5, 5 fouls in 25 minutes) were far, far worse.

Giving him a grade is almost impossible, but I'm going to try.

The Line:
37 minutes
13 points
5-14 FG
3-12 3PT FG
4 turnovers
2 blocks

The Grade(s):
Offense (not counting the final five seconds of each quarter): D-
Offense (last five seconds of each quarter): A
Defense: A-
Overall: B-