Twas the night before the NBA season, from East Coast to West, not a creature was stirring, not even Ron Artest. The nets were hung on the rims with care, in hopes that tip-off soon would be there.
The Odoms were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. And Rondo in his kerchief, and Pierce in his cap, KG closed his wingspan for a long pregame nap.
When out on the court, LeBron brought a clatter, the MVP sprung through the air, defying space and matter. And thoughts of D-Wade transforming into the Flash, hoping that Chris Bosh drops the lipstick and sash.
Joe Johnson's shot silently drops like new-fallen snow, D-Will has the luster to make Brooklyn a tough foe. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a lethal Black Mamba! Five rings does he bear.
With an aging old driver that had the swag of a giant, I knew in a moment it must be Kobe Bryant. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, and he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Howard! now, Pau! now, Darius and Ron Ron! On, Devin! On, Nash! on, on Blake and Duhon! From the first whistle to the last bounce of the ball! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
The Clippers storm like a wild hurricane when they score, but playing D is an obstacle, as they flop to the floor. So up to the rafters, Blake Griffin really can fly, as Chris Paul sets up the offense, he points to the sky.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard from afar, the Thunder seem ready for a basketball war. As Ibaka extends his arm, turning the direction of shots around, Perkins growls and snarls when he fights for a rebound.
Westbrook is dressed like a hipster, from his head to his toe, his clothes and his shot selection are stealing the show. As Durant heads to the arena, searching for the title that he lacks, he looks like a child, wearing a silly backpack.
Kyrie Irving's eyes have a twinkle and Cleveland is merry, Philly hoping that Bynum's inside game will be scary! While in Houston, James Harden's beard continues to grow, and Linsanity tallies more turnovers with each errant throw.
The return of Rasheed Wallace has opponents gritting their teeth, the Knicks' roster is older than Mick Jagger and Keith. Melo has a dimpled face and a little round belly, that shakes when he shoots, like a bowlful of jelly!
Felton is chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, Amar'e shrieked in pain when he fire extinguished himself! After he drinks Coronas with a twist of a lime, don't let J-Kidd drive on the road, it's considered a crime.
Luol Deng spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, with flying elbows and primal screams, Joakim Noah acts like a jerk. How they'll fare early on, nobody knows, as Bulls fans patiently await the return of D-Rose.
The refs sprang to mid-court, to the players gave a whistle, and away they all jumped like an anti-ballistics missile. But I heard David Stern exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, "Happy NBA Season to all, and to all a good-night!"
