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Y E S T E R D A Y…

Anaheim 2, Edmonton 1: So much Duck-related attention has been focused on Scott Niedermeyer coming out of retirement, it’s easy to overlook that the defending Cup holders are 4-1 since acquiring Doug Weight. Maybe it’s because the Anaheim newbie hadn’t scored a goal yet, much less a game winner late in the third period to clinch a victory. Until now, that is.

Suns 108, Clippers 88: Amare Stoudemire hasn’t taken kindly to the swarm of glowing press Andrew Bynum accrued at his expense on Christmas, so he took it out on Clips big Chris Kaman. In addition to racking 30/15, he also held Kaman to 9/9, ending the former Caveman’s streak of consecutive double-doubles at a dozen. But at least no Clippers were harmed during the making of his blow out, right?

T O D A Y…

Clippers at Phoenix (6:00 PM PST, Prime Ticket): The aforementioned ass-whupping proving such a raucous and hilarious affair, the Clips simply can’t wait to see Phoenix again. Not even a full 24 hours later.

Jazz at Lakers (7:30 PM PST, FSN): The last time these teams faced off, Utah was battling sans All-Stars Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur… and proceeded to beat the Lake Show every which way but loose. Time might be on the Lakers’ side for the rematch, as the Jazz have played many sour notes of late and the good guys are rolling (even if they won’t admit it).

N E W S W O R T H Y…

• Local product Trevor Ariza is done doing good for his new team, especially with opportunities increasing each game.
• Not that the 9-18 Clippers are feeling his absence or anything, but it’s still nice to know Shaun Livingston’s knee is coming along.
• If you’re the type who likes to rock a “Mata” jersey during Bruins games, you might be disappointed during tomorrow’s tilt against U.C. Davis.
• Illlini players are finally seeing the light. Sunlight, to be more exact. And one of their opponents, Trojan tailback Joe McKnight, is seeing the future.
• At least the Kings have discovered one upside to a pair of unappealing options in goal. There’s no pressure to decide on a starting wall.

C O L U M N S…

• If your jaw is dropping at the notion of the Illini in Pasadena, give the Press-Enterprise’s Gregg Patton a shout. He’s started a club for people just like you.
• The Daily News’ Steve Dilbeck has some real estate on Cloud Zero he’d like to sell Laker fans.
• The Times’ Bill Plaschke thinks UCLA AD Dan Guerrero taking his sweet time deciding on a head coach is hurting the gig’s cache. Can’t say for sure whether Plaschke has discovered the exact cause and effect, but considering UCLA got snubbed by a dude coaching at Temple, it’s hard to say the concern are unfounded.
• SportsHubLA Column of the Day: The Press-Enterprise’s Dan Weber takes a look at Inland-area parents who’ve grown close over the last five years watching their kids on the USC grid iron. And with the Rose Bowl on the horizon, their time spent cheering on each other’s children is about to end. For these adults grown close, it’s sad seeing the of the events that brought them together, but the bond isn’t likely to break. The capper on these friendships would be watching their kids go out with a win. And I’m not just saying this as a Trojan alum.

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