Heading into this season, we put Jamaal Tinsley on our list of 2007-08 Busts and Kareem Rush made it on our Sleepers list.

Uh, yeah…we were bang on there, weren't we? Tinsley has been absolutely lights out playing under new coach Jim O'Brien, while Rush has been sleeping so deeply, we'd have to say he's actually in a coma.

We were stoked about his possibilities this year because of his great outside touch: "Rush, who played in the Baltic League last year, has been signed by the Pacers to provide a threat from the perimeter. Although he played just two games in Summer League, he was among the best players there, showing an ability to light it up with 13 points in the first quarter alone one game. With just the underwhelming Mike Dunleavy and Maquis Daniels in front of him, Rush has a chance to carve out some serious PT in Indy, and the former Laker could really provide a nice fantasy surprise because of his 3-point shooting."

Well, Kareem was obviously in no Rush to prove us right, but he finally came through Wednesday night, sinking 9-of-13 from the floor including 3-for-6 from downtown en route to 22 points as the Pacers recovered from a 16-point first-half deficit and pummeled the woeful Bulls. Rush poured in 16 points in the second half when Indy took over the game.

Those seeking help with 3-pointers need to pay attention if Rush has finally awoken from his season long slumber.

Tinsley, meanwhile, whether he's getting shot at or not, continues to find ways to make his shots fall. He drained 7-of-14 (including nailing at least two treys for the fifth straight game) last night for 18 points, while pitching in with eight assists, three steals and even a block. I'm still worried about the heavy minutes he's playing as to me he's the ultimate sell-high candidate, but so far, so good for the Pacer guard.

Jermaine O'Neal remains a huge part of the Pacer game as long as his knee holds up. Last night, he scored 16 points in the first half and 18 overall to go along with nine rebounds, four blocks and a steal. Those blocks represented a season high and have to be taken as a great sign for his owners, frustrated by the fact that J.O. is averaging a full block less per game than he did last season.

While we wonder how many owners will be in a huge Rush this morning to pick up Kareem and his three-pointers, let's check in on the rest of the NBA action from Wednesday night…

• Chipped tooth? Whatever. Nothing is stopping Steve Nash these days, as he racked up his sixth straight double-double last night to lead the Suns to another win despite having to deal with a Carlos Boozer elbow that sent part of one of his chicklets flying. He sunk three 3-pointers, pulled down six boards and pitched in with a steal, while sinking 10-of-12 shots for 29 points to go along with 11 assists. It was great to see Nash come through with a big shooting night, as even with his streak of DDs, he's been in a shooting slump over the past week, sinking just 13-of-36 from the floor in the past three games.



• Tony Parker is dealing with not one, but two sore ankles, so he may not play tonight when the Spurs play the Lakers. Parker has really struggled with his shooting in the last three games, so the team may decide he could use some downtime to get back to full strength. Parker is a huge part of the Spurs' offense, leading the team in shots taken by a wide margin, so if he's out, it will allow Manu Ginobili a great opportunity to rebound after his offgame on Tuesday. Michael Finley will likely get more PT and way more touches than usual, as well.



• Despite his strong rebounding numbers this season, Shawn Marion's overall totals have slipped, but that may be changing. He had another stat-stuffing game last night, pouring in 26 points on 12-of-19 shooting with one 3-pointer, 15 rebounds and five blocks. It looks like the Matrix has rediscovered his scoring touch with 21 PPG over the past three and his outside game – down this year -- is also coming around with four treys in the past two. How about those blocks? Try 13 swats in the past three. Owners that took Marion with a mid first round pick this year are finally starting to earn some serious dividends.

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