Laker Blues…
As a quasi-Laker fan I'm happy to celebrate the dominance that LA has enjoyed over the past couple of seasons. I enjoy watching Kobe Bryant reaching even higher than we thought the top of his game reached. I enjoy watching Phil Jackson play the NBA the same way a cat plays with a mouse before she eats it. Always seemingly in control and never panicked.
Whether you follow the Lakers the way I do, you're a die-hard fan or anything in between, you have to be more than a little concerned with the current Laker funk. I know it's only two games but this current Laker stew that's being cooked stinks of failure and complacency. The only player excelling since Gasol's hamstring injury is Lamar Odom. This is great for Lamar but seemingly horrendous for the Lakers as no one else seems willing to step up from the bench crew.
Jordan Farmar had a nice scoring night against an average Dallas squad but apart from that there's no spark from the bench at all. Sasha Vujacic, Derek Fisher and Josh Powell are just horrible to watch. (With the exception of Fisher's defense... I can handle that!)
They make me cringe when they shoot the ball these days and they make it look like they've been sitting out of Basketball for a year.
Sasha and Derek putting their heads together is like watching two hippos try to walk a tight rope. It's going to end badly...
There's no underestimating the value of Pau Gasol in this equation. Now I'm not saying he's the "hardest" guy in the League but I certainly think the inside-outside game that he is a catalyst of, certainly holds the Lakers in better stead.
As for Kobe, well it's easy to consider the finger injury, the knee injury, the elbow injury etc. The only trouble is, Kobe still continues to shoot tough fall-away jump shots during the 4th quarter of close games. Surely his brain isn't injured too?
It's the Milwaukee Bucks that visit the Lakers tonight in LA and after only emerging victorious by one point in overtime last meeting, the Lakers are vulnerable at best. It kicks off an interesting week for the Lake Show with a visit to San Antonio, Dallas and then back home to attempt to avenge their latest loss to the Clippers.
Milwaukee present a definitive challenge to LA. The Bucks have a good presence inside and the Bogut vs Bynum match-up will be great to watch. I'm most excited to see if Phil will give Shannon Brown significant minutes guarding Brandon Jennings. I think Brown's mixture of speed and strength will provide the perfect counter. Either way it will be entertaining! I'm predicting a triple double for Lamar Odom also... I see 14p, 16r and 10a for the lanky number 7.
Jennings could destroy the Lakers... or provide the perfect opportunity for Shannon Brown to arrive.
Buckle up no matter who you are, as when the Lakers experience the Blues, it seems everyone has a lot more to talk about.
Mambalous!
As predicted, Kobe Bryant has been on a tear over the past two games. His game winner against Milwaukee last night was a beauty to watch. Charlie Bell played some really good defense at the end of that game, and especially on Kobe's attempted game winner at the end of regulation. Even his defense on the actual game-winning shot was good, but the shot was just better.
Kobe Bryant was very lucky to have that opportunity.
The foul that was called on Andrew Bogut in the late stages was just a horrible decision by the officials. Bogut was completely set in place and outside the restricted area. Not only did Kobe travel on the play, but he also committed a charge. In reality however, it became the three-point play that kept the Lakers in with a chance.
The Bucks to their credit played very hard and got great contributions from Bogut, Ilyasova, Ridnour and a rather fresh looking Michael Redd. In fact Redd put up nearly as many shots (24) as Roko Ukic has all season! (30)
(Can you say "trade bait"?)
What a difference 4 days make...
We see with superstars all the time, and while it's not right, these calls sometimes don't go the way they technically should.
Regardless of that one play, Kobe has been simply amazing over the course of the past two games against Milwaukee and Chicago.
I know it's only two games but Bryant was horrible against the Jazz whilst battling a broken finger and a stomach virus. He's certainly bounced back with the following averages:
- 40.5 points
- 14-27 shooting @ .518
- 23-27 from the line @ .851
- 4.5 rebounds
- 3.5 assists
- 2 steals
- 7.5 turnovers
I mention the turnovers too because it's fact and I don't want to look like a "Mamba" fanboi. But no one can say that Kobe hasn't made a statement in his last two games.
Needless to say, Courtney Lee will likely feel worse than June '09 this Saturday night in East Rutherford.
Live game review: Milwaukee @ Boston
In Two Sides Of The Hoops continuing effort to shine the spotlight on promising rookie Brandon Jennings, today we present you, humble reader, with a running diary (strongly influenced by ESPNs The Sports Guy) of todays Milkawkee @ Boston game.
Pre-game feature on the Bucks Carlos Delfino. I’m usually against the annoying trend of broadcasters using subtitles for people who are easily understandable but this guy is completely unintelligible. It’s like interviewing Animal from the Muppets. Subtitles might have helped me gain some insight there.
First Quarter
12:00 KG looks intense. No surprise.
11:45 Nice back cut gets KG a dunk
11:30 Bogut gets a run hook in the lane. Misses.
11:15 Delfino fouls KG on a very athletic looking drive sending him to the line. Interesting to see how athletic KG looks throughout this game as the whole season rests on his shoulders.
Plot to keep an eye on - KG stealing defensive boards from Rondo, slowing down the break.
10:22 Bogut bodies Perkins perfectly, but gets shot over anyway. Isn’t that supposed to be Bogut’s offensive game?
9:54 KG fouled by Ilyasova on a back cut lob, but really doesn’t get the elevation we are used to seeing in previous years. He looks quick on the ground, but can’t get up.
9:20 Rondo on a rubbish drive hits Bogut in the chest for no call. Strange. Perhaps I saw something that everyone else didn’t. Or I’m an idiot. Likely the last option.
8:51 Rondo just dropped back an amazing pass to KG on the break. Threaded an amazing needle. Still KG laid it up rather than dunked it.
7:41 I will never understand how Paul Pierce is so effective with his herky jerky drives in super slo-mo.
6:45 Carlos Delfino is cutting through the key a lot and they are finding him. 6 points for Delfino.
6:10 Bogut draws a foul on Perkins this time. Nice initial post move. On the reset after the foul Bogut scores on a nice inside move.
5:34 Rondo is just special inside. Finding gaps that don’t exist for but all but five guards in the league.
5:20 Ersan Ilyasova can start the break and hit the three. Nice at the four in today’s game. Although he just got a dunk blocked by Ray Allen. Awkward.
4:42 Charlie Bellthy sighting! I have a soft spot for Charlie Bell since he inordinately helped my 06-07 Fantasy Team. He’s been rubbish ever since. Strange man.
4:25 Ilyasova touch pass to Bogut inside for two. I’m liking Ilyasova. He needs more publicity.
3:46 The Bucks are showing some really nice ball movement, and I’d credit Jennings influence. They didn’t have that last year. It’s certainly not Scott Skiles doing.
3:37 Another herky-jerky move inside for Pierce. He looks like House MD out there sometimes but he’s so super-effective.
3:24 I’m pretty sure Luke Ridnour should not be in the league anymore. I can smell his stench through my tv.
3:03 The bucks are going to Bogut in this first quarter. Another running hook for him.
1:58 Bogut again, this time on Rasheed... his hook is falling now.
1:20 Bogut is facing up a bit now. Another inside move and score. 12 points for Bogut.
:3 Jennings on the perimeter guarded by Brian Scalabrine. Hilarious crossovers ensue as understandably Jennings gets into the paint, scores and is fouled.
Bucks lead after 1 27-26 with Bogut leading the way.
Second Quarter
There is a fantastic lead in screen the Milwaukee broadcasters show of Bogut looking like he’s just woken up from a coma. I get that he might try and look fierce, or perhaps smile, but don’t just drool into the camera.
11:16 Brian Scalabrine should not be playing. Just fudged a bunny inside. Yes, I used the term fudged a bunny.
Side Note: Tony Allen is a very ugly man. HDTV does not do him favors.
10:53 Scalabrine fouls someone on the perimeter. Why is he getting minutes? Where is Sheldon Williams?
Now we have a stoppage in play for an official having something in his eye. Haven’t seen that before.
10:53 Tony Allen and Brian Scalabrine now team up to turn the ball over uncontested. The Celts sure have some rubbish in their rotation.
Sheldon Williams now in. Thank God. I never thought I’d wish for Sheldon to enter a game.
Oh, Scal still in the game. Fark. Scal, Sheed and Sheldon all playing. Pierce at the two. This is a sloppy line up.
9:20 Sheed makes a token effort to get post position. Then moves out to the perimeter.
8:41 Rasheed Wallace hits a three, where he is clearly more comfortable.
8:22 Brandon Jennings elevates for a nice move. +1 kudos. It was over Scalabrine. -1 kudos.
Side Note: Jennings taking over as the focus of the Bucks offense in the second quarter, building on the good work inside from Bogut in the first.
Scott Skiles sure looks like that guy from the Shield. Michael Chiklis.
5:41 Another herky jerky Pierce move. Great bit of commentary heard “Pierce stripped on a foul.”.. umm, what? Score is now Milwaukee 33, Boston 34 after the free throws.
5:34 Eddie House really takes pride in defence now.
5:21 Jennings can get inside whenever he wants as this time he scores over KG.
5:00 Hey Bucks, perhaps don’t leave Eddie House completely alone at the top of the key.
4:32 Ilyasova just showed some real aggression and strength in a fight for a defensive board against the bigger Kendrick Perkins. Ends up with the ball and a foul against Perkins. Impressive.
Side note: Missed nearly 30 seconds of game time there (about 5 mins in real time) hopping around to get to, then plugin my laptops external power. Here's a 2soth top-tip - "Don’t rupture your achillies tendon."
3:13 Bogut rebounding well. 7 so far.
3:01 Bogut turns it over with an iffy inside pass to Ilyasova which leads to a fast break layup for Ray Allen.
2:12 Rondo is very very good with hesitation as he drives to freeze his man and get the screener open. Perkins scores.
Between Jennings and Rondo, Rajon has the bigger impact on the game so far. Easily.
1:25 KG hits the loooong 2. He really has a very pretty jumper. It looks so lazy, but you count it as its left his hands.
1:03 Crazy continuation all for Luc Richard Mah a Moute... obviously fouled by KG but then a full second after the foul he makes his move and scores. Umm... read a rule book.
:45 Perkins from Rondo again. Those two getting some offensive chemistry.
:27 Bogut finds Delfino fo a three. Bogut leading this Bucks team as they take it to the big bad Celtics so far. Milwaukee 46 Boston 47.
:16 KG drives inside, Bogut with a strong foul. Ilyasova ends up on his butt, and no Buck helps him up. Something to keep an eye on is chemistry on a Scott Skiles team.
:1.5 Brandon Jennings with a beautiful floater to end the half on the tail end of some fantastic ball movement by the Bucks. Perhaps there is no problem with their chemistry.
Half Time Notes
Bucks: Stop giving cheapies inside,keep moving the ball.
Celts: Drive to the centre of the court, keep up the interior passing.
Third Quarter
10:54 A nice interior pass from Pierce to Perkins.
10:35 Rondo harassing Jennings on the perimeter knocks the ball out of court.
10:00 Ilyasova defends KG in the post very nicely. Impressive.
9:45 Bogut works against KG for a offensive rebound and gets the ball and shot to fall. Now has a double double.
7:00 Celts have an 8 point lead as the Celtics start to apply some pressure. Imposing their will on offense.
6:12 Too much passing from the Bucks this time ends in travelling by Charlie Bell.
Rondo check - 8 rebounds, 10 assists, zero points for Rajon.
4:59 Bogut just let fly a horrid shot and hit it. A looong turnaround over Perkins from the elbow. Probably not percentage, but tonight its money.
4:05 The Bucks are realising that Bogut is their best option to match the Celts offensively tonight. That trip he gets it stripped in the post by Perkins and its Celts ball, out off Bogut. They can’t all be winners can they Andrew.
3:45 Ilyasova bodies Garnett and it looks like great defence until KG just hits a crazy fade away like it was nothing. KG is just too good.
3:23 Scott Skiles gets a tech for trying to defend Luke Ridnour who is down with a pretty injured elbow. On the slow mo it got seriously bent the wrong way. Ouch. Meanwhile KG is on the floor kicking people for no call. Strange passage of play.
Side note: At what point did it become okay to steal jump balls before the ball reaches its apex. It’s gone undiscussed for years. I don’t like it.
1:54 Pretty teardrop by Jennings.
:46 Ilyasova saves the ball from and over and back with a fantastic hustle play then beats a two on one by himself with a nice defensive charge taken.
:06 Scalabrine just runs over Jennings way outside 3 line a linebacker. Foul to give. I don’t mind that play. Rough up the rook and use the bloodnut to do it. Lack of respect from a ginger just hurts. That’s rookie hazing at its finest.
:00 Delfino rattles in a runner to tie the game at the third quarter buzzer
Fourth Quarter
11:22 Rasheed Wallace is a smart defender, poking the ball away from Hakim Warrick.
9:45 Rasheed Wallace hits a three. That may well break the Bucks back. Milwaukee will need to show some backbone here.
8:57 Jennings makes a circus shot. Again over Scalabrine. Sorry young Buck, but doesn’t have the same kudos as it would otherwise. Haha.
Looks like Luke Ridnour is back on the bench after having his arm reattached.
8:24 Rasheed hits another three.
7:54 Jennings just turned Rondo inside out on the perimeter but did nothing with the penetration.
7:48 Funny passage of play as Jennings hits a floater, and Scalabrine fouls the screener (Bogut) who then gets sent to the line for one shot. I’m confused.
7:20 Jennings with a nice move gets hit by Sheed and goes to the line to hit two.
7:00 5 fouls on Jennings as Rondo shoots and gets a lucky tend from Hakim Warrick. Rondo obviously misses the ensuing free throw as he shoots just 41 percent. Yuk.
5:08 Bogut just a warrior on the offensive boards tonight.
5:02 Bogut scores in the inside hook. 23 points 13 rebounds for Bogut.
5:22 Bogut just hit a left handed finger roll from about 8 feet with Perkins reaching for the ball. Pretty.
4:50 Pretty inside pass from Delfino to Ilyasova for 2.
4:42 Rondo to the line again (6th time this quarter). Is this intentional, or a by-product of him being aggressive in the lane?
3:51 Any time the clock gets under 10 seconds for the Bucks it’s Jennings time. This time it ends in a double dribble. He is showing his age in this game along with his prodigious talent.
2:51 Bogut working the high post turns the ball over carelessly. Bucks cannot afford that.
2:30 Garnett uses the resulting possession to go inside for the first time since early in the game and scores.
Side note: The Bucks really need to redesign those unis. They are awful.
Celts by 5, 93, 88
2:00 Ray Allen hits a massive three from deep. 8 point game makes it tough for the Bucks.
1:48 Ilyasova is a beast on the glass. Why doesn’t he average more rebounds per game? He’s now at the line shooting two after an offensive rebound and put back puts him there with a foul from Perkins.
1:18 Ilyasova misses a easy three, Perkins mans down the rebound which seals this game.
1:03 Timeout Scott Skiles. He wants to discuss dinner plans.
I don’t think Bogut is good enough to manufacture a win here, and Jennings is still too raw. Hasn’t show a lot tonight to be honest, but the raw talent is definitely there. With polish he’ll be special.
1:00 Jennings misses a long three. Silly play young man.
:38 Garnett hits a long two on a nice kick out by Piece on penetration. Scott Skiles calls a twenty to discuss changing restaurants. He may have a restaurant guide to Boston in his hands as they huddle up. Not confirmed.
:20 Paul Pierce winding the clock down after getting a defensive rebound.
Game over
In a non-surprising result where the Celts really didn't put the pedal down at any stage and still won, the player of the game for me is Andrew Bogut, and the player who was most surprising is easily Ersan Ilyasova. His diverse inside-out game and strong defence and rebounding bode well for Milwaukee.
Milwaukee’s Best Brew…
Forget his last two plays in last night's loss to Chicago. Brandon Jennings is the real deal. Finishing with 25 points, 4 assists and 2 steals, Jennings showed me and anyone watching the game that he is a star waiting to shine.
His offense is unpredictable but effective to say the least. None of the Chicago backcourt could stay with him, and when the Bulls frontcourt sagged, Jennings simply scored. End of story.
The rookie endured a standard but horrible "no call" late in the fourth as Joakim Noah grabbed more arm than a fat chick in a nightclub at 3am. Still, Jennings made the shot and kept the Bucks in the game.
Brandon Jennings was disappointed but played a gutsy game against Chicago last night.
Derrick Rose was served notice last night that there's a new star Point Guard emerging in the Central Division. It will be interesting to see how he responds. The Bulls travel to Cleveland on Thursday and they renew their rivalry with the Bucks on November 20th at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee.
I'll have my eye on that game for sure.
Tuesday Predictions…
There's 9 games on the books today in the NBA and I'm in the mood for some predictions. So here's my take on the games for November 3rd. Now you might raise your eyebrows at a couple of my suggestions, but I'll explain my reasons as we go.
Washington @ Cleveland: There's a big rivalry between these two teams and this game will be no exception. The Wiz are on their way upwards while the Cavs are finding their feet. Prediction: Cavs by 4. Result: Cavs by 12.
Denver @ Indiana: These two teams played each other in China during the pre-season. I think if Indiana get to within 10 points, they can consider it a win. Prediction: Nuggets by 14. Result: Nuggets by 18.
Boston @ Philadelphia: The Celtics aren't going to lose this... there is no way. Philly have some nice emerging talent but the Celtics are WAY too deep and will win easily. Prediction: Celtics by 18. (Side bet: Rondo to have a triple double by 3/4 time to celebrate his contract heist!) Result: Celtics by 31.
This is Rajon showing you how many millions he's going to be earning per year from now on. Also, how many points, rebounds and assists he's likely to get tonight.
Orlando @ Detroit: The Pistons have had an indifferent start and the Orlando Magic are trying to look as deep as Boston. They're not doing a bad job thanks to Ryan Anderson and JJ Redick. I think Ben Gordon will be the only thing that keeps this close for three quarters. Prediction: Orlando by 14. Result: Pistons by 5.
Phoenix @ Miami: A hard one to pick in my opinion. Both teams have a perfect 3-0 record and I really wouldn't have said either of them would be 4-0 to start the season. One of these teams has to be however and I'll have to go for the Heat but only because they are at home. Prediction: Miami by 3. Result: Suns by 8.
Milwaukee @ Chicago: United Center. Where Derrick Rose will happen. Prediction: Bulls by 10. Result: Bulls by 2.
The Bulls need a BIG night from Derrick Rose tonight...
LA Lakers @ Oklahoma City: The Thunder do look exciting and there's a few reasons to predict an OKC victory here but I'm sticking with the Lakers in a close one. Russell Westbrook has the opportunity to score 25 on Fisher and Farmar. I'm most interested to see if Artest guards Durant, and if so... the results. Prediction: Lakers by 8. Result: Lakers by 3.
Utah @ Dallas: I couldn't care less about this game but in the spirit of equality and objective journalism, I will predict a 15 point win to the Mavericks. Mainly because of Okur's gimpy foot. Result: Mavericks by 11.
Atlanta @ Portland: In my opinion the most exciting game of the night. I definitely predict a shoot out. If Oden and Aldridge can have a large impact, I see the Blazers doing it fairly comfortably. However, that is not a certainty. This one is ultimately a flip of the coin for me and I think it'll go overtime. Prediction: Portland by 4 in OT. Result: Atlanta by 6.
Here's to another entertaining day in the NBA!
Buck Nasty…
Ok, can anyone tell me why the Bucks are still in the NBA? They don't conjure up any fiery debate at all and could be re-located and very few outside Milwaukee would care. Let's take a look at their recent history...
I'm lifting these stats from the 1991/92 season to the present. Let's see what positives we can find, if any in 17 years.
- 9 Coaches
- 6 Playoff appearances (16-32 overall)
- Combined regular season record of 611-833 at .423
- All Star selections - Michael Redd, Ray Allen, Glen Robinson and Vin Baker
- Only 3 seasons over .500 (4 if you include the 28-22 lockout season in '99)
- 12 Draft lottery selections
- Zero trophies
Interestingly, if you remove Michael Redd and Ray Allen's stats, and concentrate on everything but 3pt shooting, no one has made a historical dent on any stats for the Bucks in this time frame. No one.
How can this be?
Well, wait. I am telling a little lie here. Vin Baker in the 1994/95 season posted 3361 minutes of play which ranks 4th all-time behind the now named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Baker also gathered 289 offensive rebounds for 3rd all-time during that season. Oh and wait, there might be more!
Glen Robinson, Sam Cassell and our man Vin Baker collectively smashed the all-time franchise records for Turnovers in a season from '94 to 2000. Finally, Andrew Bogut and Ruben Patterson squeezed their way into the Top 10 all-time for field goal % in the 2006/07 season.
All in all, just a woeful story of a once-proud franchise.
One would think that someone in Milwaukee would be doing something to remedy the situation. Right?
How about owner Herb Kohl?
Sen. Herbert Kohl (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)
He's been the owner of the Bucks since 1985, surely a Senator with a net worth of $279m would look at doing something to help this struggling team?
Well, I suppose this photo tells the story...
"Herb, how about a few dollars to sign some free agents?"
Response: See photo.
"Yo Herb! We need a half decent Power Forward, can we make a splash during Free Agency?"
Response: See photo.
I guess there's no hope for Milwaukee fans. Their team will continue to be sub-par at best, they will continue to finish between 8th and 12th in the East and they will probably never splash out with a big Free Agent signing. I guess all they can do is sit tight and wait for a Russian billionaire to come and bail them out...
...and then probably move them out of Milwaukee.
Note: Statistics courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com
2010
As far as predictions go, I realize this is practically impossible to get 100% correct. A full scale prediction of every team's win-loss record for the upcoming season. And worse yet, it's only September! However, I thought this would be interesting to look back on in June 2010.
Eastern Conference W L
Western Conference W L
Cleveland 60 22
Boston 56 26
Orlando 54 28
Atlanta 50 32
Toronto 45 37
Chicago 43 39
Miami 42 40
Charlotte 39 43
Indiana 38 44
Washington 37 45
Detroit 34 48
Philadelphia 32 50
Milwaukee 28 54
New York 27 55
New Jersey 24 58
LA Lakers 62 20
San Antonio 56 26
Dallas 54 28
Denver 50 32
Portland 50 32
Utah 48 34
New Orleans 42 40
Oklahoma City 41 41
Houston 38 44
Phoenix 37 45
LA Clippers 36 46
Golden State 35 47
Memphis 31 51
Minnesota 28 54
Sacramento 15 67
In making these predictions, I've taken into account all roster changes up to and including the 13th of September 2009. As soon as a blockbuster deal goes down, I may have to edit these figures.
I'm excited to see what Blake Griffin can do for the Clippers, what Allen Iverson can bring to the Grizzlies and how Amare Stoudemire will handle being stuck on a 37-win team. But most importantly, it will be interesting to see who can secure home court advantage throughout the entire Playoffs. This one fact alone may determine the Champion this year.
As always, time will tell and bring on the upcoming season!!!
Welcome back!
Well it's about time...
Safe to say we've been away for a while and a lot has happened in the NBA. (More posts to follow, this is just a taste)
Firstly, Ron Artest is a Laker... Ariza is a Rocket... AI might be a Grizzly... 'Sheed is a Celtic... Shaq is a Cavalier... RJ is a Spur... VC is a Magician... Turk is a Raptor... Andre Miller is a Blazer... The Matrix is a Maverick... and finally Emeka Okafor is a Hornet. The competition this season will be electrifying with the likes of San Antonio, Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland, Boston, Orlando and the Clippers all looking to make a run at the trophy.
Sorry Clippers fans, that was cruel. But if you think the franchise has turned around just because you drafted Mr Potato Head Griffin, then it's going to continue to be a sad state of affairs for you. I personally think you can look at some teams and just KNOW that nothing is going to be won for the next 10years... except maybe the lottery. I put the following teams in that category:
Los Angeles Clippers
Memphis Grizzlies
Milwaukee Bucks
Charlotte Bobcats
Indiana Pacers
Washington Wizards
Sacramento Kings
Orlando Magic
Minnesota Timberwolves
Phoenix Suns
That's my list, and I'm sticking to it. Call me in 10 years and I guarantee there will not be an NBA Champion among these franchises.
Bring on the new season!!