LA Clippers 109 Milwaukee 85 –Andruw Bogut had his first tough night 15 minutes and 2 points, and he was -23 … This game was done before the 4th Quarter … The Clippers are 6-2 …. Milwaukee didn’t win a game last year against the West on the road … Elton Brand was +31. That might be an NBA high for the season. .. The Clippers are 6th in the NBA in efficiency differential … The Clippers aren’t doing anything great they are just above average in every category. That leads me to believe this could be real.
Cleveland 114 Washington 99 – The Cavs might be special. They have won 4 straight and are winning at home by an average of 21 … The Cavs are #2 in the NBA in efficiency differential (offense efficiency – defensive efficiency) this is usually a great indicator of how good a team is. They are #2 in offense and #1 in offensive rebounding … The Wizards are #4 even after the loss …. AD had another no turnover game. He is amazing … Donyell Marhsall was a key in this one with a +21 … On the flip side Caron Butler was –23 for the Wiz.
Dallas 83 Denver 80 – Denver is 3-5 … Dallas trailed by 19 … DeSagana Diop had a career high 16 boards and 6 blocks. The Sonics looked hard at Diop in the off-season … Big money Erick Dampier played 11 minutes and had 4 fouls, 4 turnovers and no points. That is straight out of the Jerome James book of centering … Little Earl Boykins had a tough night he was a –20 in 25 minutes … Avery Johnson outcoached Geroge Karl. He got the game small and Marcus Camby never played in the final 16 minutes despite being +10 .. Doug Christie and Josh Howard got pulled early in the 3rd and never returned.
Houston 94 Minnesota 89 – The Wolves offense fell apart down the stretch … McGrady had 13 points in the 4th Q … Houston was able to dictate pace which Jeff Van Gundy’s teams always seem like they are able to do … Houston is having a tough time stretching the floor. They were just 1 of 10 from 3 … I have mentioned this before, but Minnesota has no one to help out when teams take away KG. That is what happened down the stretch … Houston closed the game with Rafer Alston, Jon Barry, McGrady, Juwan Howard and Ming. Derek Anderson was on the bench …. Minnesota got terrible play from their bench. They were all around –11 for the game… Houston’s sized forced Minnesota to close with Olowokandi on the floor. The Wolves are much better with a smaller line-up and KG at the 5.
Philadelphia 104 Toronto 92 – Sam Mitchell death walk continues … Philly is all of a sudden 5-3. However, their differential is not that strong so don’t be buying the Sixers yet …. The Sixers have been home for their 5 game winning streak … Rookie Charlie V had 27-13 for the Raptors. That dude can play … Jalen Rose is +/- death everynight. Last night he was –15, Mo Peterson was an amazing –26 in 23 minutes…. I don’t pup C-Web or spell his name right very often but he was great last night and they were +21 when he was on the floor.
Detroit 115 Boston 100 – Wow is Detroit good …. They are the #1 offensive efficiency team in the NBA. Consider that with their defense. That is unbeatable … Billups dropped 17 in the third quarter … Al Jefferson crushed Darko over a few plays … Boston shot 53% against Detroit and LOST … Boston is really struggling without a point guard Delonte West and Dan Dickau are not getting it done …. All five Pistons starters were in double figures and three were over 20. …. Tayshawn Prince was a +26 …
Miami 109 NOK 102 – Wade scored the final 8 to hold off an upset by NOK and force OT …. Byron Scott is not a good coach. His team losses a lot of close games … Desmond Mason is still struggling. He came off the bench and went 1 for 7. He did have 9 boards … GP played 36 minutes … Chris Paul has done a nice job of getting his shooting percentage up to 46% … Jason Williams did not play the final 12 minutes of the game.
Sacramento 119 Utah 83 --- I thought the NBDL was running yet but from looking at Utah’s roster it debuted yesterday in Sacramento. Don’t look at this as a change in Sacramento’s terrible play.
San Antonio 103 Atlanta 73 -- Great v. very bad not much more to be said.
Orlando 85 Charlotte 77 – Dwight Howard crushed Emeka Okafor. Howard had 21 and 20. We have talked about this I am not sold on Okafor. Howard has five straight double doubles…. Sean May had 15-10 his best game as a rookie. I love that pick.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
SIMULBLOG FOR SONICS V. NETS
NETS 109 SONICS 99 FINAL SCORE
At 103-97 Jefferson just made a great shot. That is the tough thing about playing from behind. Great players made great plays.
Great play out of the timeout by Weiss for a Vlady 3
Another bad possession on an airball three by Allen. Luke blew it up after a dribble off his foot.
Vlady committed a poor foul giving Kidd two free throws.
Nets 99 Sonics 90 with 2:55 left in the 4th Quarter
Offensively Seattle just doesn’t have the late game flow they need.
They have converted on just 2 of the last 9 possessions.
They were: Cleaves missed layup, Allen no quick 3, Kidd steal, Lewis bucket, Lewis no 3, Ridnour missed drive, Vlady no on a covered 3, Petro follow for 2, Ridnour no on open 3. They are missing some shots they need to make and one or two poor possessions really cost you at this point in the game.
New Jersey 87 Sonics 84 with 8:42 left in the 4th Quarter
Ray Allen got his first field goal on the first play of the 4th Quarter
I can begin to understand why the coaches struggle with Vlady. He went soft to a loss ball with the score 83-78. It would have been a huge turnover. Instead NJ converted.
But his ability to stretch the floor and hit the 3 is s dynamic. That is the Vlady dilemma
Nets 79 Sonics 70 end of 3rd Quarter
The Sonics defensive plan is working and they are still down
Kidd is 2 of 10; Carter is 3 of 8; Jefferson is 4 of 9.
You would take that every night. However, Krstic is killing them.
That is because they have not had good enough spaced help defense.
This one is getting away. The offensive flow has disappeared.
Mikki Moore has been a disaster. He has two turnovers and is getting beat down low.
All off season we thought Damien Wilkins was a good defensive player and I have not seen it yet this season.
I know Vlady has been poor but down 11 points I would think that he is a better choice then Moore.
Nets 67 Sonics 61 with 5:00 left in the 3rd Quarter
Sonics on a 7-0 run
The Sonics got their first stop of the quarter at 5:30 on the Nets 10th possession of the 3rd Quarter.
The Nets are putting Carter on Ridnour so that he can become a freelancer doubling team and raising havoc.
Danny Fortson is out for the rest of the game.
Ray Allen still doesn’t have a field goal.
Nets 63 Sonics 52 with 7:37 left in the 3rd Quarter
Nets come out of the half and score on 7 straight possessions
The Sonics defensive rebounding has been poor this year and it is bad to start the quarter. Three of the Nets scores are off offensive rebounds.
Carter has been matching up on Ridnour.
Lewis keeps giving Jefferson one step too many on the three. You have to respect his drive but Lewis is long enough that he should be able to close tighter.
The Nets have made some nice adjustments off the Sonics double teams.
Sonics 48 Nets 48 at the Half
Reggie Evans clogs the floor terribly. Plus, his incompetence at the line is death.
The halfcourt execution has been very good at times.
The thing that jumps out to me is when this team shots early in a possession or in transition the shots are not falling. This means transition for the other side.
I like that Ridnour is showing a willingness to shot even though he has been struggling. They are not forced shots and if teams are going to leave him he has to make the shot or this team will never win.
Sonics 41 Nets 41 with 2:08 in the 2nd Quarter
The offensive drought hit again midway through the 2nd quarter.
Ray Allen is not on his game tonight
Sonics 27 Nets 19 end of 1st Quarter
Everyone I talk to about the Nets talk about Kristic as a future start
Cliff Robinson playing instead of a Jason Collins is a big deal. Collins is one of the ebst defensive players in the NBA and Robinson is very poor.
Without question the Sonics best defensive quarter.
Nick Collison has been amazing. Two put backs and two 18 foot jumpers.
If Collison hits the 18 footer this team gets tough and he becomes a huge asset.
Collison has 8 points and 4 rebounds in the first quarter
The Nets were 8 for 21 from the field.
Sonics 11 Nets 2 with 7:38 left in the 1st Quarter
Petro throws a very good outlet pass and that might get the Sonics running.
On a few fast breaks early the Sonics have done a better job spacing the floor and this has opened up driving lanes.
Flip Murray is out with back spasms for at least the first half. Sonics made a nice move having Cleaves active.
The Sonics defense is holding the Nets to outside 18 footers and that is not a strength of Carter and Jefferson.
Sonics inactives: Brunson, Potapenko and Swift
Storylines
1) Can the Sups guard Carter and Jefferson
2) Was Collison's 20-10 night a fluje or is he a legit starter?
3) Ridnour against Kidd without AD to help him out.
4) Sonics defensive rebounding (#30 in the NBA) against the Nets offensive rebounding (#3 in the NBA)
At 103-97 Jefferson just made a great shot. That is the tough thing about playing from behind. Great players made great plays.
Great play out of the timeout by Weiss for a Vlady 3
Another bad possession on an airball three by Allen. Luke blew it up after a dribble off his foot.
Vlady committed a poor foul giving Kidd two free throws.
Nets 99 Sonics 90 with 2:55 left in the 4th Quarter
Offensively Seattle just doesn’t have the late game flow they need.
They have converted on just 2 of the last 9 possessions.
They were: Cleaves missed layup, Allen no quick 3, Kidd steal, Lewis bucket, Lewis no 3, Ridnour missed drive, Vlady no on a covered 3, Petro follow for 2, Ridnour no on open 3. They are missing some shots they need to make and one or two poor possessions really cost you at this point in the game.
New Jersey 87 Sonics 84 with 8:42 left in the 4th Quarter
Ray Allen got his first field goal on the first play of the 4th Quarter
I can begin to understand why the coaches struggle with Vlady. He went soft to a loss ball with the score 83-78. It would have been a huge turnover. Instead NJ converted.
But his ability to stretch the floor and hit the 3 is s dynamic. That is the Vlady dilemma
Nets 79 Sonics 70 end of 3rd Quarter
The Sonics defensive plan is working and they are still down
Kidd is 2 of 10; Carter is 3 of 8; Jefferson is 4 of 9.
You would take that every night. However, Krstic is killing them.
That is because they have not had good enough spaced help defense.
This one is getting away. The offensive flow has disappeared.
Mikki Moore has been a disaster. He has two turnovers and is getting beat down low.
All off season we thought Damien Wilkins was a good defensive player and I have not seen it yet this season.
I know Vlady has been poor but down 11 points I would think that he is a better choice then Moore.
Nets 67 Sonics 61 with 5:00 left in the 3rd Quarter
Sonics on a 7-0 run
The Sonics got their first stop of the quarter at 5:30 on the Nets 10th possession of the 3rd Quarter.
The Nets are putting Carter on Ridnour so that he can become a freelancer doubling team and raising havoc.
Danny Fortson is out for the rest of the game.
Ray Allen still doesn’t have a field goal.
Nets 63 Sonics 52 with 7:37 left in the 3rd Quarter
Nets come out of the half and score on 7 straight possessions
The Sonics defensive rebounding has been poor this year and it is bad to start the quarter. Three of the Nets scores are off offensive rebounds.
Carter has been matching up on Ridnour.
Lewis keeps giving Jefferson one step too many on the three. You have to respect his drive but Lewis is long enough that he should be able to close tighter.
The Nets have made some nice adjustments off the Sonics double teams.
Sonics 48 Nets 48 at the Half
Reggie Evans clogs the floor terribly. Plus, his incompetence at the line is death.
The halfcourt execution has been very good at times.
The thing that jumps out to me is when this team shots early in a possession or in transition the shots are not falling. This means transition for the other side.
I like that Ridnour is showing a willingness to shot even though he has been struggling. They are not forced shots and if teams are going to leave him he has to make the shot or this team will never win.
Sonics 41 Nets 41 with 2:08 in the 2nd Quarter
The offensive drought hit again midway through the 2nd quarter.
Ray Allen is not on his game tonight
Sonics 27 Nets 19 end of 1st Quarter
Everyone I talk to about the Nets talk about Kristic as a future start
Cliff Robinson playing instead of a Jason Collins is a big deal. Collins is one of the ebst defensive players in the NBA and Robinson is very poor.
Without question the Sonics best defensive quarter.
Nick Collison has been amazing. Two put backs and two 18 foot jumpers.
If Collison hits the 18 footer this team gets tough and he becomes a huge asset.
Collison has 8 points and 4 rebounds in the first quarter
The Nets were 8 for 21 from the field.
Sonics 11 Nets 2 with 7:38 left in the 1st Quarter
Petro throws a very good outlet pass and that might get the Sonics running.
On a few fast breaks early the Sonics have done a better job spacing the floor and this has opened up driving lanes.
Flip Murray is out with back spasms for at least the first half. Sonics made a nice move having Cleaves active.
The Sonics defense is holding the Nets to outside 18 footers and that is not a strength of Carter and Jefferson.
Sonics inactives: Brunson, Potapenko and Swift
Storylines
1) Can the Sups guard Carter and Jefferson
2) Was Collison's 20-10 night a fluje or is he a legit starter?
3) Ridnour against Kidd without AD to help him out.
4) Sonics defensive rebounding (#30 in the NBA) against the Nets offensive rebounding (#3 in the NBA)
Sonics +/- at this point
PLAYER +/- OFF DEF NET 48 MINUTES
Brunson +3 65.2 32.6 +32.6
Petro -7 97.8 101.5 -3.7
Fortson -12 95.6 103.7 -8.1
Moore -12 113.8 156.4 -42.7
Cleaves -17 81.3 98.3 -17.1
Evans -22 91.7 102.5 -10.8
Allen -25 99.2 104.4 -5.2
Collison -32 97.0 107.3 -10.3
Potapenko-39 82.2 108.2 -26.0
Radmanovic-45 86.6 106.1 -19.5
Ridnour -54 91.9 104.7 -12.8
Lewis -55 95.1 108.4 -13.2
Wilkins -68 82.9 118.8 -35.9
Murray -75 91.3 124.3 -33.1
The things that jump out at me are ..
1) The terrible defensive numbers with Wilkins in the game
2) Last year the offense was great with Vlady
3) Ray Allen has to be on the floor
4) The defense is noticably better with Petro in the game
5) The second best offensive rating is with Nick on the floor
Any thoughts?
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE - November 14th
Memphis 85 Lakers 73 – Punched a hole in that triangle … This game was over by the end of 3 quarters. Memphis was up 26 …. Kobe was off for the second straight night. Phil Jackson claims he has a hand injury …. My favorite quote is this, “He was just reluctant to shoot.” I promise those words have never before been spoken about Kobe. On the other hand, every team Kobe has been on has had this quote. Lamer Odom: “We're not sharing the ball and we're not trusting each other defensively or offensively." … Spoken like a guy who had only 8 shot attempts …. Kwame Brown is really struggling for the Lakers. He is averaging 6 points per game and shooting around 35% …. Memphis had three guys with double digit rebounds…. Kobe was a –27. All of the Lakers starters were close.
New York 73 Utah 62 – Yes they played the 4th quarter and still scored like this …. Is their any team in the NBA more dependent on a player then Utah on Kirlenko, who is out with an ankle injury … Utah had 8 points in the third quarter …. Jamal Crawford got extended run, 35 minutes, for the first time under Larry Brown … Q. Richardson was +16 and Marbury was +13 .…. Nate Robinson played just 8 minutes and was a –2…. The Knick rank last in the NBA in offensive efficiency. Largely, because they are #1 in turnover percentage.
Golden State 100 Chicago 82 --- 100 points against Chicago is pretty impressive … More shocking is the Warriors are the #1 team in the NBA in defensive efficiency …. Tyson Chandler is really struggling in the middle, he only lasted 20 minutes due to foul trouble … Troy Murphy is remarkably money every night with 15 or so points and 8 or so rebounds …. Scott Skiles said he thought his team “quit” and his subs showed it. Chris Duhon got pulled early in the third and never returned. He pulled all of the other 4 starters in one full swoop … Mr +/- Adonal Foyle had another great game at +15.
New York 73 Utah 62 – Yes they played the 4th quarter and still scored like this …. Is their any team in the NBA more dependent on a player then Utah on Kirlenko, who is out with an ankle injury … Utah had 8 points in the third quarter …. Jamal Crawford got extended run, 35 minutes, for the first time under Larry Brown … Q. Richardson was +16 and Marbury was +13 .…. Nate Robinson played just 8 minutes and was a –2…. The Knick rank last in the NBA in offensive efficiency. Largely, because they are #1 in turnover percentage.
Golden State 100 Chicago 82 --- 100 points against Chicago is pretty impressive … More shocking is the Warriors are the #1 team in the NBA in defensive efficiency …. Tyson Chandler is really struggling in the middle, he only lasted 20 minutes due to foul trouble … Troy Murphy is remarkably money every night with 15 or so points and 8 or so rebounds …. Scott Skiles said he thought his team “quit” and his subs showed it. Chris Duhon got pulled early in the third and never returned. He pulled all of the other 4 starters in one full swoop … Mr +/- Adonal Foyle had another great game at +15.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE - November 13
Boston 102 Houston 82 – I didn’t know that Raef LaFrentz could score 32 points …. Who is it on Houston that couldn’t stop LaFrentz. Think about that someone, either Juwan Howard, Stromile Swift or someone couldn’t stop LaFrentz …. LaFrentz did hit 7 three pointers … It may have been Howard who was a remarkable –27 in only 21 minutes … Houston had only 11 assists and shot just 38% …. Houston was a –21 when Derek Anderson was on the floor and he only played 17 minutes ….. Boston opened this game on a 28-12 run. Houston was never in it.
Cleveland 108 Orlando 100 – Larry Hughes finally has his bust out game for the Cavs. 22-9-7 and 4 steals …. Is it a surprise this happens when being guarded by Steve Francis? …. Cleveland closed the game with Donyell Marshall instead of Drew Gooden. Marshall hit a 3 at the end of regulation to put the game into overtime… Cleveland is 5-2 and they rank #4 in the NBA in efficiency ranking. They might be for real.
Philadelphia 113 Clippers 108 – How does this team ever win with Chris Weber. He took 17 shots and scored only 13 points. He know has 23 points in his last 30 shot attempts. Has their ever been a worse 20-9 player in the NBA? ….. Philly has won 4 in a row … Sam Cassell is having the ultimate 35 year old season. One night he has it and the next his legs don’t come to the arena. Tonight he was 1 for 10 …. Elton Brand had a another huge game 32-11 on 10 of 16 shooting …. I am really surprised that Chris Kaman is not developing into a player … Lee Nalion was +14 for Philly …. Quiten Ross is starting in place of Maggette and has a better +/- almost every night …. Chris Wilcox kills the Clippers every time he comes on the floor.
Denver 102 Minnesota 91 – Coach Karl over Coach Casey … Marko Jaric’s minutes are slowly diminishing for Minnesota …. Voshon Lenard is out of the starting line-up for Denver and DeMarr Johnson is in. Johnson had 17 points and 12 rebounds and was +20 in 32 minutes ….. Is this a good night? Wally world had 20 points in 27 minutes but in those 27 minutes Minnesota was outscored by 14 …… Denver is 3-4 and Minnesota is 3-3 who is going to win the Northwest?
New York 105 Sacramento 95 – Sacramento is about as bad as Seattle to start the season. Kings fans were blaming a brutal schedule. How do they explain this? …. Nate Robinson only played 9 minutes but the Knicks were +9 when he was on the floor …. Chaning Frye had a great night he was +21 in 19 minutes and had 19 points and 6 rebounds. Kenny Thomas, notoriously one of the worst defenders in the NBA was in the game for Sacramento against Frye … Thomas was –23 in 12 minutes …. Coach killer Bonzi Wells was –13 in 29 minutes .. The Kings never lead.
Cleveland 108 Orlando 100 – Larry Hughes finally has his bust out game for the Cavs. 22-9-7 and 4 steals …. Is it a surprise this happens when being guarded by Steve Francis? …. Cleveland closed the game with Donyell Marshall instead of Drew Gooden. Marshall hit a 3 at the end of regulation to put the game into overtime… Cleveland is 5-2 and they rank #4 in the NBA in efficiency ranking. They might be for real.
Philadelphia 113 Clippers 108 – How does this team ever win with Chris Weber. He took 17 shots and scored only 13 points. He know has 23 points in his last 30 shot attempts. Has their ever been a worse 20-9 player in the NBA? ….. Philly has won 4 in a row … Sam Cassell is having the ultimate 35 year old season. One night he has it and the next his legs don’t come to the arena. Tonight he was 1 for 10 …. Elton Brand had a another huge game 32-11 on 10 of 16 shooting …. I am really surprised that Chris Kaman is not developing into a player … Lee Nalion was +14 for Philly …. Quiten Ross is starting in place of Maggette and has a better +/- almost every night …. Chris Wilcox kills the Clippers every time he comes on the floor.
Denver 102 Minnesota 91 – Coach Karl over Coach Casey … Marko Jaric’s minutes are slowly diminishing for Minnesota …. Voshon Lenard is out of the starting line-up for Denver and DeMarr Johnson is in. Johnson had 17 points and 12 rebounds and was +20 in 32 minutes ….. Is this a good night? Wally world had 20 points in 27 minutes but in those 27 minutes Minnesota was outscored by 14 …… Denver is 3-4 and Minnesota is 3-3 who is going to win the Northwest?
New York 105 Sacramento 95 – Sacramento is about as bad as Seattle to start the season. Kings fans were blaming a brutal schedule. How do they explain this? …. Nate Robinson only played 9 minutes but the Knicks were +9 when he was on the floor …. Chaning Frye had a great night he was +21 in 19 minutes and had 19 points and 6 rebounds. Kenny Thomas, notoriously one of the worst defenders in the NBA was in the game for Sacramento against Frye … Thomas was –23 in 12 minutes …. Coach killer Bonzi Wells was –13 in 29 minutes .. The Kings never lead.
SIMULBLOG FOR SONICS V. RAPTORS
Sonics 126 Raptors 121 –SONICS WIN
Collison offensive rebound on a Lewis airball miss and puts it up and in.
Collison is fouled and hit the free throw.
Collison has 20 points and 12 rebounds in his first start.
Jalen Rose missed a three on the play before. If you have Rose you will lose.
Sonics win in overtime without Ray Allen
Sonics 123 RAptors 119 with 2:00 in overtime
Perfect Nick and Luke pick and roll for Nick lay-up
Lewis hits a nasty 1 on 1 move. He has 41.
Hello to all of you at the Hawks game hitting refresh. It looks like it is a lot of you.
Sonics 117 Raptors 117 going into overtime
Sonics collapse. Allowing 40 + points in the 4th Q
Big plays late.
Rashard Lewis crashed for an offensive rebound on an Allen miss and got the rebounding and earned two free throws hitting them both
Petro fouled Charlie V as he was about to dunk and Charlie hit only one of two free throws.
A terrible in bound pass put Allen in a double team on the sideline and Allen committed an offensive foul.
The Raptors got the ball with :12 a chance to win. Jose Calderon turned it over. Vlady then hit both free throws to put the Sups up by three points.
Ray Allen fouled Mike James, with 4.2 seconds left which I believe is the correct play, James hit the first but on the second free throw he missed intentionally and Charlie V tip it up and then Bosh tip it in at the buzzer. Tied the game.
Committing the foul is the correct play.
However, it was Allen’s 6th foul he will not play the OT.
Sonics 113 Raptors 110 with 1:28 left in the game
Sonics have 7 tunrovers in the 4th Quarter
Raptors on a 7-0 run and it is nervous time.
Sonics stars are not moving the ball.
Sups closing with the starting line-up: Ridnour, Allen, Lewis, Collison and Petro
Vlady has played just 10 minutes today. Let’s see how he reacts to this.
Reggie Evans and Damien Wilkins were way down on minutes
Ray Allen has had some bad possessions tonight
The more these guys play with Nick the more they will appreciate his game.
Sonics 108 Toronto 100 with 4:00 left in the game
The offense left the building to open the 4th quarter. Vlady hit 2 threes and then the Sonics didn’t score on the next 9 possessions.
Weiss leaves Lewis in the game with 7:30 left and 5 fouls.
Petro staying in the game
Lewis has been the all-star Lewis today. He has carried this team.
Mike James is on fire with back to back 3’s
The Raptors are doubling Lewis every time he touches.
Big bucket by Ridnour on an open 17 footer
Close call is called a block that could have been foul #6 on Lewis.
Sonics 97 Raptors 85 with 9:02 left in the 4th Quarter
Lewis has taken over the game scoring the last 3 possessions. All part of a 20-5 lead by the Sups.
This game the Sonics have been much more patient offensively.
Johan Petro is getting an extended run.
The game just got out of control and the Raptors are on a 6-0 run
Not sure why Weiss went to Damien Wilkins. Wilkins has been terrible so far this season.
Sonics 76 Raptors 64 with 4:40 left in the 3rd Quarter
Ridnour is hitting his mid-range shot
This team is much better with Collison on the floor then Evans.
Collison double-double in his first start and numerous strong picks to free players.
This team is much better with Petro on the floor then Vitaly.
Vitaly has lost some much lift and lateral movement that Petro makes a dramatic difference with his energy.
All of this said they are playing a terrible team.
The key to this game will still be what happens when they go to the bench
Sonics 73 Raptors 63 with 7:22 left in the 3rd quarter
Toronto is getting too many points on the offensive glass. Last year the Raptors caroled just 23.7 % of the eligible offensive rebounds and this year they have only pulled down 21%. These are historically bad numbers and the Sonics have given up 14 second chance points.
I really like Petro on the floor. He is young and will struggle but he does some things very very well and will only get better.
This starting line-up is playing very well together.
No team with Jalen Rose will ever win.
Sonics 61 Raptors 55 at the end of the half
Lewis 20 points
Flip 11 points
Collison 10 pts 8 rebs
Sonics 50% Raptors 54%
Free Throws Sonics 17-19 and Raptors 2-2
Sonics 57 Raptors 49 with 2:57 left in the 2nd Quarter
The rotation tonight is very succinct. Amazing how much easier when guys are playing well.
Rashard Lewis is carrying the load offensively. 20 points
Sonics have already taken 19 free throws and the Raptors have not taken any.
Sonics have scored 12 straight possessions.
Sonics are dominating the offensive glass.
Charlie V is the real deal.
Sonics 41 Raptors 35 with 7:52 left in the 2nd Quarter
The two worst defensive teams have finally arrived.
Charlie Villenauva is killing Reggie Evans. Evans is notorious for not wanting to leave the paint because it takes him out of rebounding position and Charlie V has hit two threes and then blew by Evans when he did close out for a dunk.
Murray has his offensive game going for the first time this season.
Raptors 28 Sonics 27 with 10:15 left in the 2nd Quarter
Turnovers and defensive breakdowns start out the 2nd quarter.
Raptors on a 20-10 run.
Will the Sonics press again or will they play calmly?
Sonics 25 Raptors 23 end of the 1st Quarter
Sonics lead 21-17 when they went to the bench
Collsion did a nice job starting. 8 points and 6 rebounds
The help defense has been very good.
Flip Murray might be the worst defensive player in the NBA.
A play that epitomized Vlady this year. Reggie threw a poor outlet pass and Vlady waited for the ball to get to him instead of going to the ball and it resulted in a turnover.
Mike James is lighting Seattle up with 13 1st quarter points.
Sonics 21 Raptors 17 with 3:32 left in the 1st Quarter
Petro’s athleticism is awesome. He made a simple move on the baseline that most 7 footers could never make. It is why he needs to start. His weakside defense has been good early in the game. In addition, he has missed two shots in the post and on both of them Collison put them back up and in on the weakside.
Here comes Flip. This is when the Sonics have been killed this year.
Sonics 17 Raptors 8 with 6:35 left in the 1st Quater
My big question about Collison starting is whether or not he can stay out of foul trouble guarding the topic power forwards in the NBA.
The raptors are the worst offensive rebounding team and the Sonics are the worst defensive team rebounding.
These are the two worst defensive teams in the NBA
Bob Weiss will change the starting line-up today.
PG -- Luke Ridnour
SG -- Ray Allen
SF -- Rashard Lewis
PF -- Nick Collsion
C -- Johan Petro
How he will substitute after that is unclear?
Collison offensive rebound on a Lewis airball miss and puts it up and in.
Collison is fouled and hit the free throw.
Collison has 20 points and 12 rebounds in his first start.
Jalen Rose missed a three on the play before. If you have Rose you will lose.
Sonics win in overtime without Ray Allen
Sonics 123 RAptors 119 with 2:00 in overtime
Perfect Nick and Luke pick and roll for Nick lay-up
Lewis hits a nasty 1 on 1 move. He has 41.
Hello to all of you at the Hawks game hitting refresh. It looks like it is a lot of you.
Sonics 117 Raptors 117 going into overtime
Sonics collapse. Allowing 40 + points in the 4th Q
Big plays late.
Rashard Lewis crashed for an offensive rebound on an Allen miss and got the rebounding and earned two free throws hitting them both
Petro fouled Charlie V as he was about to dunk and Charlie hit only one of two free throws.
A terrible in bound pass put Allen in a double team on the sideline and Allen committed an offensive foul.
The Raptors got the ball with :12 a chance to win. Jose Calderon turned it over. Vlady then hit both free throws to put the Sups up by three points.
Ray Allen fouled Mike James, with 4.2 seconds left which I believe is the correct play, James hit the first but on the second free throw he missed intentionally and Charlie V tip it up and then Bosh tip it in at the buzzer. Tied the game.
Committing the foul is the correct play.
However, it was Allen’s 6th foul he will not play the OT.
Sonics 113 Raptors 110 with 1:28 left in the game
Sonics have 7 tunrovers in the 4th Quarter
Raptors on a 7-0 run and it is nervous time.
Sonics stars are not moving the ball.
Sups closing with the starting line-up: Ridnour, Allen, Lewis, Collison and Petro
Vlady has played just 10 minutes today. Let’s see how he reacts to this.
Reggie Evans and Damien Wilkins were way down on minutes
Ray Allen has had some bad possessions tonight
The more these guys play with Nick the more they will appreciate his game.
Sonics 108 Toronto 100 with 4:00 left in the game
The offense left the building to open the 4th quarter. Vlady hit 2 threes and then the Sonics didn’t score on the next 9 possessions.
Weiss leaves Lewis in the game with 7:30 left and 5 fouls.
Petro staying in the game
Lewis has been the all-star Lewis today. He has carried this team.
Mike James is on fire with back to back 3’s
The Raptors are doubling Lewis every time he touches.
Big bucket by Ridnour on an open 17 footer
Close call is called a block that could have been foul #6 on Lewis.
Sonics 97 Raptors 85 with 9:02 left in the 4th Quarter
Lewis has taken over the game scoring the last 3 possessions. All part of a 20-5 lead by the Sups.
This game the Sonics have been much more patient offensively.
Johan Petro is getting an extended run.
The game just got out of control and the Raptors are on a 6-0 run
Not sure why Weiss went to Damien Wilkins. Wilkins has been terrible so far this season.
Sonics 76 Raptors 64 with 4:40 left in the 3rd Quarter
Ridnour is hitting his mid-range shot
This team is much better with Collison on the floor then Evans.
Collison double-double in his first start and numerous strong picks to free players.
This team is much better with Petro on the floor then Vitaly.
Vitaly has lost some much lift and lateral movement that Petro makes a dramatic difference with his energy.
All of this said they are playing a terrible team.
The key to this game will still be what happens when they go to the bench
Sonics 73 Raptors 63 with 7:22 left in the 3rd quarter
Toronto is getting too many points on the offensive glass. Last year the Raptors caroled just 23.7 % of the eligible offensive rebounds and this year they have only pulled down 21%. These are historically bad numbers and the Sonics have given up 14 second chance points.
I really like Petro on the floor. He is young and will struggle but he does some things very very well and will only get better.
This starting line-up is playing very well together.
No team with Jalen Rose will ever win.
Sonics 61 Raptors 55 at the end of the half
Lewis 20 points
Flip 11 points
Collison 10 pts 8 rebs
Sonics 50% Raptors 54%
Free Throws Sonics 17-19 and Raptors 2-2
Sonics 57 Raptors 49 with 2:57 left in the 2nd Quarter
The rotation tonight is very succinct. Amazing how much easier when guys are playing well.
Rashard Lewis is carrying the load offensively. 20 points
Sonics have already taken 19 free throws and the Raptors have not taken any.
Sonics have scored 12 straight possessions.
Sonics are dominating the offensive glass.
Charlie V is the real deal.
Sonics 41 Raptors 35 with 7:52 left in the 2nd Quarter
The two worst defensive teams have finally arrived.
Charlie Villenauva is killing Reggie Evans. Evans is notorious for not wanting to leave the paint because it takes him out of rebounding position and Charlie V has hit two threes and then blew by Evans when he did close out for a dunk.
Murray has his offensive game going for the first time this season.
Raptors 28 Sonics 27 with 10:15 left in the 2nd Quarter
Turnovers and defensive breakdowns start out the 2nd quarter.
Raptors on a 20-10 run.
Will the Sonics press again or will they play calmly?
Sonics 25 Raptors 23 end of the 1st Quarter
Sonics lead 21-17 when they went to the bench
Collsion did a nice job starting. 8 points and 6 rebounds
The help defense has been very good.
Flip Murray might be the worst defensive player in the NBA.
A play that epitomized Vlady this year. Reggie threw a poor outlet pass and Vlady waited for the ball to get to him instead of going to the ball and it resulted in a turnover.
Mike James is lighting Seattle up with 13 1st quarter points.
Sonics 21 Raptors 17 with 3:32 left in the 1st Quarter
Petro’s athleticism is awesome. He made a simple move on the baseline that most 7 footers could never make. It is why he needs to start. His weakside defense has been good early in the game. In addition, he has missed two shots in the post and on both of them Collison put them back up and in on the weakside.
Here comes Flip. This is when the Sonics have been killed this year.
Sonics 17 Raptors 8 with 6:35 left in the 1st Quater
My big question about Collison starting is whether or not he can stay out of foul trouble guarding the topic power forwards in the NBA.
The raptors are the worst offensive rebounding team and the Sonics are the worst defensive team rebounding.
These are the two worst defensive teams in the NBA
Bob Weiss will change the starting line-up today.
PG -- Luke Ridnour
SG -- Ray Allen
SF -- Rashard Lewis
PF -- Nick Collsion
C -- Johan Petro
How he will substitute after that is unclear?
SONICS FANS THIS SCARES ME !!!!!
In preparing for the game tomorrow morning between the Raptors and the Sonics I have made a discovery that terrifies me. Last year the Sonics went 52-30 and the Raptors went 33-49. However, they were the exact same team except the Sonics hit the offensive glass and the Raptors didn't. Check out the numbers below. Look how eerily similar they all are expect for the offensive rebounding numbers.
Realize the only reason the Sonics have a superior offensive efficiency number is the offensive rebounding.
What does this mean for the Sonics margain for error?
Realize the only reason the Sonics have a superior offensive efficiency number is the offensive rebounding.
What does this mean for the Sonics margain for error?
2004-05 Season
Stat Sonics Raptors
O Efficiency 109.2 105.2
Effective FG% 49.5 49.2
Offensive Reb% 32.4 23.7
Turnover % 13.3 13.0
Free Throws Per 26 25.6
D Efficiency 107.8 107.7
Def Effective FG% 49.6 49.9
Def Rebounding% 71.3 71.7
Def Turnover % 13.8 14.2
SONICS +/- GOING INTO TORONTO GAME
+/- for the season
Brunson +3
Petro -3
Moore -12
Cleaves -17
Fortson -19
Evans -21
Allen -27
Radmanovic -38
Potapenko -39
Collison -43
Ridnour -57
Lewis -65
Wilkins -67
Murray -80
Saturday, November 12, 2005
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE - November 12
Wizards 110 San Antonio 95 – Impressive Washington win … Eddie Jordan is the best unknown coach in the NBA …. I have never been a Larry Hughes fan so I am not convinced they really lost that much in the off-season … Arenas is ready to be the best point guard in the NBA, 43 points on 15 of 20 shooting against the Spurs is about as big as you can get … Tim Duncan went just 3 of 18 …. It is really shocking anytime a team shots 55% against the Spurs. Plus, they hit 7 of 14 from 3 and the Spurs are the best 3 point defensive team in the NBA,
Phoenix 101 Golden State 86 – Have you been watching Boris Diaw. This guys is becoming a stud in the Phoenix system after tooling in Atlanta doing nothing. He was right on a triple double the other night and tonight he had 8-12-5 …. Barbosa has exploded in the last week and started next to Nash. He is averaging 20 in his last 3 games. He is the replacement to Q. Richardson.
Memphis 85 Atlanta 84 – Memphis wins on a buzzer beating tip in by Gasol … Bobby Jackson started in place of Damon Stoudamire who is hurt … Atlanta closed with Marvin Williams and Salim Stoudamire on the floor …. Atlanta is 0-6 … Shane Battier had 22 points I never thought he could score consistently in this league. If he has added that to his game he becomes one of the better players in the game, because he is so terrific with every intangible.
Miami 108 Charlotte 99 – Miami lead by 26 going into the 4th quarter. In other words this was a blow out …. Emeka Okafor went 0 for 7. He got a free pass last year on how bad his offensive game was and probably won a rookie of the year he didn’t deserve. It is becoming time to really analyze how bad his offensive game is. His points per shot attempt rate is awful. His amount of shots considering how poor his efficiency is makes him one of the worst in the league. For a first pick of a draft and a cornerstone to a franchise his game should be much better… He only goes to the free throw line about 4 times a game and shoots only 44%. It is hard to find power forwards with numbers that poor.
Dallas 109 NOK 103 – Defense was optional both team shot over 50% ….. Chris Paul had a great game shooting 10 of 14 from the field … It is worth watching what opposing point guards do to Jason Terry. I am not sure if there is a trend but let’s keep an eye on it …. I am still really curious about Dallas they are getting lots of minutes from non-scorers.
Houston 99 New Jersey 91 – Look at Houston now that McGrady is back. Nothing quite like having 35 points re-inserted into the line-up …. Yao Ming had 2 rebounds in 22 minutes. How is that possible? …. Luther Head is getting more and more minutes for Houston …. A bad two game stretch for the New Jersey Nets …. The Nets slip to 3-4 and I really thought they were going to be good this year. At this rate they will still win the Atlantic division …. Is this the Vince Carter factor kicking in.
Chicago 103 Utah 98 – Is any team more dependent on one player then Utah on Kirilenko Last season, when he got hurt they fell apart and they fell apart defensively. They literally went from one of the best to one of the worst. Thus, far this year they have been very good defensively until tonight when Kirilenko gets hurt and they let Chicago shoot 55% and hit 10 of 19 from 3. It is hard to fathom that one player makes this big a defensive issue, but Kirilenko seems to. …. Utah’s guards suck … Kirk Henrich, one of my favorites had a great night, 19-2-1 …. Chicago’s bench shot 20 of 28.
Milwaukee 103 Indiana 102 – Another good win for the Bucks …. Bobby Simmons went just 5 of 16. It is the nightly who did Ron Artest shut down tonight stat. Artest kils the other team’s small forward every night …. The Pacers are a totally different team when Jamal Tinsley is hurt and doesn’t play. The problem is he never stays healthy …. The game had 45 free throws attempted in the 4th quarter. The Pacers hit just 15 of 26 … Mo Williams hit a 3 pointer to win it … Pacers were up 11 …
Phoenix 101 Golden State 86 – Have you been watching Boris Diaw. This guys is becoming a stud in the Phoenix system after tooling in Atlanta doing nothing. He was right on a triple double the other night and tonight he had 8-12-5 …. Barbosa has exploded in the last week and started next to Nash. He is averaging 20 in his last 3 games. He is the replacement to Q. Richardson.
Memphis 85 Atlanta 84 – Memphis wins on a buzzer beating tip in by Gasol … Bobby Jackson started in place of Damon Stoudamire who is hurt … Atlanta closed with Marvin Williams and Salim Stoudamire on the floor …. Atlanta is 0-6 … Shane Battier had 22 points I never thought he could score consistently in this league. If he has added that to his game he becomes one of the better players in the game, because he is so terrific with every intangible.
Miami 108 Charlotte 99 – Miami lead by 26 going into the 4th quarter. In other words this was a blow out …. Emeka Okafor went 0 for 7. He got a free pass last year on how bad his offensive game was and probably won a rookie of the year he didn’t deserve. It is becoming time to really analyze how bad his offensive game is. His points per shot attempt rate is awful. His amount of shots considering how poor his efficiency is makes him one of the worst in the league. For a first pick of a draft and a cornerstone to a franchise his game should be much better… He only goes to the free throw line about 4 times a game and shoots only 44%. It is hard to find power forwards with numbers that poor.
Dallas 109 NOK 103 – Defense was optional both team shot over 50% ….. Chris Paul had a great game shooting 10 of 14 from the field … It is worth watching what opposing point guards do to Jason Terry. I am not sure if there is a trend but let’s keep an eye on it …. I am still really curious about Dallas they are getting lots of minutes from non-scorers.
Houston 99 New Jersey 91 – Look at Houston now that McGrady is back. Nothing quite like having 35 points re-inserted into the line-up …. Yao Ming had 2 rebounds in 22 minutes. How is that possible? …. Luther Head is getting more and more minutes for Houston …. A bad two game stretch for the New Jersey Nets …. The Nets slip to 3-4 and I really thought they were going to be good this year. At this rate they will still win the Atlantic division …. Is this the Vince Carter factor kicking in.
Chicago 103 Utah 98 – Is any team more dependent on one player then Utah on Kirilenko Last season, when he got hurt they fell apart and they fell apart defensively. They literally went from one of the best to one of the worst. Thus, far this year they have been very good defensively until tonight when Kirilenko gets hurt and they let Chicago shoot 55% and hit 10 of 19 from 3. It is hard to fathom that one player makes this big a defensive issue, but Kirilenko seems to. …. Utah’s guards suck … Kirk Henrich, one of my favorites had a great night, 19-2-1 …. Chicago’s bench shot 20 of 28.
Milwaukee 103 Indiana 102 – Another good win for the Bucks …. Bobby Simmons went just 5 of 16. It is the nightly who did Ron Artest shut down tonight stat. Artest kils the other team’s small forward every night …. The Pacers are a totally different team when Jamal Tinsley is hurt and doesn’t play. The problem is he never stays healthy …. The game had 45 free throws attempted in the 4th quarter. The Pacers hit just 15 of 26 … Mo Williams hit a 3 pointer to win it … Pacers were up 11 …
Friday, November 11, 2005
SIMULBLOG OF SONICS V. WIZ
Wizard a lot Sonics not very much at all points in the game
My mother told me if I nothing nice to say nothing at all. For the first time in my life I will take that advice. I am speechless at what is taking place on the floor.
Wizards 71 Soncis 49 at end of the half
The play to end the half when Arenas got the layup is one of the worst plays I have ever seen by a team. I hate to say this but that looks like a team that quit early on the half.
They allowed Arenas to dribble the length of the floor never turned him or affected him at all. He hesitated at the three point line and then went to the basket for a layup and a foul all with just :6 seconds on the clock.
IT CAN’T HAPPEN.
Wizards 61 Sonics 39 with 2:58 left in the 2nd Quarter
Holy smokes it 61-39 what is going on.
I am surprised now as I was last year at this time
The Sonics are panicking. Instead of setting up for good offensive possessions they are going quicker and quicker and quicker. They are shooting after the first pass too often. They look like they lose confidence and then press.
When you shoot early in possession before the floor balance you give up transition.
Wizards 53 Sonics 33 With 5:35 left in the 2nd Quarter
The Wizards have scored on 8 of their first 10 possessions of the 2nd quarter
This is terrible.
The Sonics have freaked out again. They have no confidence.
They are playing no transition defense.
They have only 3 field goals in the Quarter and only 1 out of the offense.
It is make everyone an all-star week for the Sonics defense.
Sonics are not defensive rebounding at all again.
Wizards 43 Sonics 29 with 8:25 left in the 2nd Quarter
In the last few games when the Sonics have gotten behind they hit the panic button let's see if they do it tongiht.
Mikki Moore makes his first appearance
AD just got Ray on a flop. That has to piss you off when you know what a flopper AD is and the ref falls for it. I used to talk with AD in the lockerroom about the art of flopping and he would get really in to it.
The bad Danny Fortson showed up tonight.
Bob Weiss just got his first T from a rookie official.
Nick and Danny both have three fouls
Wizards 39 Sonics 27 with 9:25 left n the 2nd Quarter
13-2 run by the Wizards
The Sonics can’t have Wilkins and Murray on the floor at the same time.
This has been a disaster all season when it happens.
When on the floor together they were a negative 27 in the last game
This group is playing no transition defense
Wilkins is getting crushed back door in the Princeton offense.
Wizards 29 Sonics 25 after 1 Quarter
Ray Allen left the game with the Sonics trailing by 1 by the time he re-entered with just 2 minutes passed the Sups were down 6.
It might seem like Arenas is killing Luke but if you watch Arenas has gotten his points when Luke is either on the bench or guarding some one else.
Offensively the Sonics looked more in synch in the first quarter.
The Sonics are doing a nice job of taking advantage of the poor defensive rebounding of the Wizards, last in the NBA
My mother told me if I nothing nice to say nothing at all. For the first time in my life I will take that advice. I am speechless at what is taking place on the floor.
Wizards 71 Soncis 49 at end of the half
The play to end the half when Arenas got the layup is one of the worst plays I have ever seen by a team. I hate to say this but that looks like a team that quit early on the half.
They allowed Arenas to dribble the length of the floor never turned him or affected him at all. He hesitated at the three point line and then went to the basket for a layup and a foul all with just :6 seconds on the clock.
IT CAN’T HAPPEN.
Wizards 61 Sonics 39 with 2:58 left in the 2nd Quarter
Holy smokes it 61-39 what is going on.
I am surprised now as I was last year at this time
The Sonics are panicking. Instead of setting up for good offensive possessions they are going quicker and quicker and quicker. They are shooting after the first pass too often. They look like they lose confidence and then press.
When you shoot early in possession before the floor balance you give up transition.
Wizards 53 Sonics 33 With 5:35 left in the 2nd Quarter
The Wizards have scored on 8 of their first 10 possessions of the 2nd quarter
This is terrible.
The Sonics have freaked out again. They have no confidence.
They are playing no transition defense.
They have only 3 field goals in the Quarter and only 1 out of the offense.
It is make everyone an all-star week for the Sonics defense.
Sonics are not defensive rebounding at all again.
Wizards 43 Sonics 29 with 8:25 left in the 2nd Quarter
In the last few games when the Sonics have gotten behind they hit the panic button let's see if they do it tongiht.
Mikki Moore makes his first appearance
AD just got Ray on a flop. That has to piss you off when you know what a flopper AD is and the ref falls for it. I used to talk with AD in the lockerroom about the art of flopping and he would get really in to it.
The bad Danny Fortson showed up tonight.
Bob Weiss just got his first T from a rookie official.
Nick and Danny both have three fouls
Wizards 39 Sonics 27 with 9:25 left n the 2nd Quarter
13-2 run by the Wizards
The Sonics can’t have Wilkins and Murray on the floor at the same time.
This has been a disaster all season when it happens.
When on the floor together they were a negative 27 in the last game
This group is playing no transition defense
Wilkins is getting crushed back door in the Princeton offense.
Wizards 29 Sonics 25 after 1 Quarter
Ray Allen left the game with the Sonics trailing by 1 by the time he re-entered with just 2 minutes passed the Sups were down 6.
It might seem like Arenas is killing Luke but if you watch Arenas has gotten his points when Luke is either on the bench or guarding some one else.
Offensively the Sonics looked more in synch in the first quarter.
The Sonics are doing a nice job of taking advantage of the poor defensive rebounding of the Wizards, last in the NBA
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE - November 10
LA Clippers 102 Atlanta 95 – Atlanta Sucks … with that established let’s analyze if the Clippers are for real … Last year the Clippers ranked 19th in offensive efficiency and 16th in defensive efficiency. Their efficiency differential was 18th in the NBA. They were average in every category expect they ranked 25th in the league in turnover % and they ranked 24th in the NBA in forcing turnovers. In addition, they were even at every position but they got killed at point guard … How does this year compare? … Through 6 games they rank 14th in offense (with a low rating then last season) and they rank 12th on defense (dropping from 105.5 to 98.9). That won’t last. In the early season defense is ahead of offense because players haven’t got tired yet … Even their turnover % hasn’t changed they are 15.7 compared to 15.8 last year …. Therefore, my conclusion is the Clippers are not for real. They have beaten Atlanta twice and Seattle. They may gain momentum and believe in themselves and gets some wins there, but they are not dramatically better then last year.
Miami 88 Houston 84 – Tracy we miss you …. The Heat closed with Jason Williams, Gary Payton, Dwayne Wade, Udonis Haslem and Alonzo Mourning. Interesting how small that is ….. Payton played the final 15 minutes and bounced back from an awful night last night to a +10 +/- in this game ….. Houston has terrible guards …. Stromile Swift continues to struggle he was a –10 …. Wayne Simien a player many Sonics fans wanted drafted, because this team needs another power forward, is getting minutes but is struggling mainly on the defensive end .
Detroit 111 Phoenix 104 – I guess Detroit is ok without Larry Brown …. Amazingly, Detroit is the #1 offensive efficiency team in the NBA so far this season. Can you imagine how good they will be if they can score. Defensively, they are 10th but their differential is far and way the best …. Saunders has always been one of the best offensive coaches in the NBA …. Tayshawn Prince is elevating his game to one of the elite in the NBA. Does he remind anyone of a Scottie Pippen? …. Dale Davis is on the Pistons bench not playing, how much could he help the Sonics .
Miami 88 Houston 84 – Tracy we miss you …. The Heat closed with Jason Williams, Gary Payton, Dwayne Wade, Udonis Haslem and Alonzo Mourning. Interesting how small that is ….. Payton played the final 15 minutes and bounced back from an awful night last night to a +10 +/- in this game ….. Houston has terrible guards …. Stromile Swift continues to struggle he was a –10 …. Wayne Simien a player many Sonics fans wanted drafted, because this team needs another power forward, is getting minutes but is struggling mainly on the defensive end .
Detroit 111 Phoenix 104 – I guess Detroit is ok without Larry Brown …. Amazingly, Detroit is the #1 offensive efficiency team in the NBA so far this season. Can you imagine how good they will be if they can score. Defensively, they are 10th but their differential is far and way the best …. Saunders has always been one of the best offensive coaches in the NBA …. Tayshawn Prince is elevating his game to one of the elite in the NBA. Does he remind anyone of a Scottie Pippen? …. Dale Davis is on the Pistons bench not playing, how much could he help the Sonics .
Thursday, November 10, 2005
THE SONICS HAVE A FLIP MURRAY PROBLEM
The Sonics have a Flip problem. This roster is built in a fashion where Flip Murray has to be a part of the team. For this team to win he has to play an active scoring and distributing role in the back-court.
The problem is that the Sonics have been awful when Flip is on the floor. +/- is a stat that has become very popular in the NBA. It is no different then the hockey stat. If is how your team does when you are on the floor. If your team goes on an 8-0 run you get a +8 if you team is outscored 8-0 you get a –8.
Thus far this season is the 62 minutes that Flip Murray has been on the floor the Sonics have been outscored by 56 points. That is correct in 62 minutes Flip Murray is a –56. In other words over 48 minutes with Flip on the floor the Sonics would be outscored by 43 points. Offensively and defensively the Sonics have the worst ratings when Flip is on the floor. Both offensively and defensively.
Now this could be a one year issue and an early season issue if the same thing hadn’t happened both of the last two years. Last season the Sonics were –128 when Flip was on the floor the worst on the team. In fairness last year was tough with the injury and never having a set role.
However, in 2003-04 the year which every sites as Flip’s great year the Sonics were –141 when Flip was on the floor second worst on the team.
The concern is that this year is not an anomaly. Over the past three years when Flip Murray has been on the floor the Sonics have been outscored by 325 points. 325 points.
Do you want more. There is a stat called the Roland Rating. It measures how your team performs when you are on the floor compared to when you are on the bench.
In 2003-04, Flip was second to last on the team in Roland Rating, in 2004-05, Flip was last on the team in Roland Rating and this year Flip Murray is last on the team in Roland Rating.
Speedskater breaks silence about abuse | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA
Dave Boling has written another amazing article. I was in Salt Lake and say Chris Witty win her gold. This article tells of how she has dealt with childhood sexual abuse.
Speedskater breaks silence about abuse | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA: "Witty captured a gold medal in long-track speedskating in Salt Lake City in 2002 to add to the silver and bronze she collected in Nagano, Japan, in 1998. A rare crossover athlete, she also competed in the Sydney Games in 2000 as a cyclist.
It was shortly before the Salt Lake City Games that Witty revealed her troubled history to a sports psychologist, who initiated the regimen of counseling that has allowed her, now, to exploit her platform as an international athlete to speak out about the problems that led to so many years of emotional turmoil.
“I felt the need to talk about it,” Witty said. “Abuse of any kind thrives off secrecy. That’s why it continues. If I started talking about it, other people can talk about it. Or if it’s started with someone, maybe I can inspire them to go tell somebody about it and they can get help. I just wanted to break the silence.”"
Speedskater breaks silence about abuse | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA: "Witty captured a gold medal in long-track speedskating in Salt Lake City in 2002 to add to the silver and bronze she collected in Nagano, Japan, in 1998. A rare crossover athlete, she also competed in the Sydney Games in 2000 as a cyclist.
It was shortly before the Salt Lake City Games that Witty revealed her troubled history to a sports psychologist, who initiated the regimen of counseling that has allowed her, now, to exploit her platform as an international athlete to speak out about the problems that led to so many years of emotional turmoil.
“I felt the need to talk about it,” Witty said. “Abuse of any kind thrives off secrecy. That’s why it continues. If I started talking about it, other people can talk about it. Or if it’s started with someone, maybe I can inspire them to go tell somebody about it and they can get help. I just wanted to break the silence.”"
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE - November 9
Minnesota 88 Lakers 74 – Watching this one it looked as though Casey had the Lakers scouted to the nth degree …. The key to Kobe is keeping him off the free throw line and he had just 6 free throw attempts …. This is how Minnesota is going to have to win because they don’t a true second scorer. Last night Trenton Hassell was the offensive source other then KG ….. Eddie Griffin was the game changer. Minnesota was +24 when he was on the floor ….
Philadelphia 112 Dallas 97 – Dirk Nowitski got hurt and left in the 2nd Quarter ……Nowitski was +9 when he left with the injury …. 3 point shooter Kyle Kover went 9 for 11 but just 2 for 4 from 3. I am not sure he was ever taken more shots inside the arc then outside the arc ….Chris Webber is back on track with an 18 shot 19 point game and was a -9…. Keith Van Horn had a nice line, 19 points and 13 rebounds, except the Mavs were outscored by 24 when he was on the floor …. John Salmons and John Thomas of Philly had great games off the bench, they were +24 and +17, respectively.
Clippers 102 Washington 97 – Great performance in the clutch by the Clippers. Elton Brand can’t score late in games and that has always been the Clips downfall, but last night Cassell, Mobley and Maggette all made plays … Last year the Clips got crushed in two areas, point guard play and turnovers. Cassell is changing both of those. It makes sense that the Clips are for real and a playoff team …. Clippers only had 12 turnovers in the game … Brand was great, 14 of 18 from the field …. Antonio Daniels did not play. 21 missed games to go to get to my projected 60 game season.
Boston 99 Memphis 98 – Great game. Pierce hit Ricky Davis for the game-winner, one play after Eddie Jones hit a fantastic baseline shot to give Memphis the lead. The Eddie Jones play was most telling because it touched all five members of the Grizzlies. Their ball movement and unselfish play was impressive all game …. Delonte West is a sick athlete … Memphis bench kept then in the game after their starters got crushed early in the game … Boston is playing Al Jefferson for the entire 4th quarter.
New Jersey 91 Utah 83 – The first bad defensive game of the year by Utah …. Talk about unclear rotations, Jerry Sloan didn’t play any of his starters other than Kirlenko in the 4th quarter …. Keith McLeod was a –17 and Okur was a –16 in 15 minutes … Richard Jefferson continues to be terrific, NJ was +18 with him on the floor and he had 17-9-12. …. I still like New Jersey a lot.
San Antonio 94 Charlotte 86 – mismatch.. . Tony Parker might be better then he was last year … Van Exel has been struggling off the bench as we showed in a previous Beyond the Box Score so they started him last night with Parker and had Manu come off the bench … Manu is the ultimate team player.
Chicago 85 Golden State 84 – The Warriors closed the game with Derek Fischer, Baron Davis, Jason Richardson, Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy. That is small ball … The Bulls went at the small lineup on the final play of the game isolating Mike Sweetney on Troy Murphy and drawing the foul …. Foyle is some sort of hit or miss player. Last night he was a –10 and the previous nights he was off the charts on +/- in a good way …. Chicago was #1 in the NBA in field goal defense last year and they held the Warriors to 33% last night …. Kirk Hinrich is a total stud.
Portland 95 New York 83 – Way to go Nate… Larry Brown without a win… Jerome James did not play … Nate Robinson had double figures for the first time in his career …. Jarrett Jack is getting more time then Sebastian Telfair, though Telfair was a +21 in his 20 minutes. The two of them played together to open the 4th Q .. In the 16 minutes Antonio Davis was on the floor the Knicks got outscored by 21 points. That is hard to do …. Jamal Crawford was a –15 … Who was the Knicks best +/- player last night, Nate Robinson at +6 …
Denver 107 Sacramento 91 – The Rick Adelman death watch starts now …. The Kings are a bad team …. They only scored 9 points in the 4th quarter … What does this tell you about Abdur-Rahim? Every team he has been on losses. Same can be said for Bonzi Wells … Nice off-season Geoff Petrie … Earl Boykins was a +20 for Denver …. Earl Watson does not play again.
Orlando 88 NOK 83 – two bad teams …. I am not sure how long they run Chris Paul out there for 40 minutes a night.
Indiana 95 Miami 90 – Holy smokes. Miami was outscored by 20 points with Payton on the floor and GP only played 27 minutes …. Indiana has quite a player in Sarunas Jasikevicius. He closed the game for the Pacers and made two big plays down the stretch … Indiana closed with Fred Jones and Jasilevicius in the back-court …. Miami closed with Payton which might be why they lost …
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
MY VERSION OF A SONICS ROTATION
The constant grip of Sonics fans right now is that the team has no consistent rotation. I thought I would post what I would build around if I was the head coach. Obviously, this would just be a framework and their would be some flexibility. I bold faced the substitutions that Would be fixed and inflexible.
Time 1 2 3 4 5
Start Luke Allen Lewis Evans Vitaly
6:00 Vlady
4:00 Wilkins Collison
2nd Q Brun WilkinsVladyFortson Collison
10:00 Allen
6:00 Luke Lewis Vlady Vitaly
3rd Q Luke Allen Lewis Evans Vitaly
6:00 Vlady
4:00 Wilkins Collison
4th Q Brun Allen Vlady Fortson Collison
8:00 Lewis
6:00 Luke
5:00 Vlady
TOTAL MIN
Luke 36 Allen38 Lewis 38 Reggie 12 Vitaly 19
Brunson 12Wilkins 8 Vlady 10 Vlady 24 Collison 29
Fortson 12
That is what I would do. Let me know how you would change it
SIMULBLOG FOR SONICS V. CAVS
FINAL SCORE CAVS 112 SONICS 85
The Clips v. Wiz game on the League Pass is great. SO was Philly putting it to Dallas.
Cavs 78 Sonics 60 with 2:46 left in the 3rd Quarter
Honestly I am pretty mystified on what has happened here. I am somewhat out of explanations
The Lewis injury is significant in regards to why they can’t score.
The lack of energy is hard to understand other than the back to back.
LeBron is incredible. I can’t wait to see him in person on Dec 4th.
Cavs 65 Sonics 43 end of 1st half
The Cavs ran the fast break early getting 4 of their first 6 field goals on fastbreaks.
Then they went to the rack all night.
Seattle can’t handle LeBron and he is slicing the middle of the defense.
Again the offense is out of whack. This is more of guys just not making shots. The Cavs are not a good defensive team and the Sups are missing good lucks.
Cavs 57 Sonics 39 with 2:47 left in the 2nd Quarter
Oh my this is not good.
LeBron is unguardable
Luke is 1 for 5. Vlady is 0 for 6.
What is jumping out to me is the Sonics are running their offense and the ball swings around to Luke or Wilkins for 3 and they are good looks. However, I don’t think it is going in whenever those guys shoot. They are not good shooters and so the shot goes up and misses and another possession goes for not.
Reggie Evans and Danny Fortson were playing together. Now that is searching.
Cavs 43 Sonics 30 with 8:22 left in the 2nd quarter.
Sonics have been outscored by 10 with Ray Allen on the bench.
Without Lewis and Allen there is no flow and no offense
Flip is what I call a 50/50 player. 50% of this plays are great, but 50% are disasters and he has been 50/50 so far tonight.
The Cavs are unabashed about going to the rim
Rebounding is Cavs 17 to 4 -- We told you coming in the Cavs were getting an amazing 79% of their defensive rebounds.
Cavs are shooting 62%
Cavs 34 Sonics 26 end of 1st Quarter
+/- for Flip is an issue again. Flip entered with the Sonics tied and by the end of the quarter the Sonics were down 8
This is the first time early in game that the Sonics have really struggled defensively.
So much talk about Weiss and his rotations, but the rotations will never solidify if the guys don’t start owning the positions
Cavs 25 Sonics 22 with 1:47 left in the 1st Quarter
No defense from either side tonight
The Cavs are attacking the rim. WIthout any 7 footer the Sonics defense is not imposing and the Cavs are going right to the basket.
Flip replaced Luke tonight as the point guard
RASHARD LEWIS INJURED
Rashard Lewis left the game holding his left shoulder.
He ran into Potapenko and grabbed his arm.
Lewis had his left shoulder sublux in April 2002 during the playoffs.
He also had an incident in December 2003.
Each time the shoulder subluxs it becomes more likely to sublux again.
STORYLINES
1) Vitaly starting at center
2) Vlady's reaction
3) Flip back in the rotation
4) Cavs terrible defense
The Clips v. Wiz game on the League Pass is great. SO was Philly putting it to Dallas.
Cavs 78 Sonics 60 with 2:46 left in the 3rd Quarter
Honestly I am pretty mystified on what has happened here. I am somewhat out of explanations
The Lewis injury is significant in regards to why they can’t score.
The lack of energy is hard to understand other than the back to back.
LeBron is incredible. I can’t wait to see him in person on Dec 4th.
Cavs 65 Sonics 43 end of 1st half
The Cavs ran the fast break early getting 4 of their first 6 field goals on fastbreaks.
Then they went to the rack all night.
Seattle can’t handle LeBron and he is slicing the middle of the defense.
Again the offense is out of whack. This is more of guys just not making shots. The Cavs are not a good defensive team and the Sups are missing good lucks.
Cavs 57 Sonics 39 with 2:47 left in the 2nd Quarter
Oh my this is not good.
LeBron is unguardable
Luke is 1 for 5. Vlady is 0 for 6.
What is jumping out to me is the Sonics are running their offense and the ball swings around to Luke or Wilkins for 3 and they are good looks. However, I don’t think it is going in whenever those guys shoot. They are not good shooters and so the shot goes up and misses and another possession goes for not.
Reggie Evans and Danny Fortson were playing together. Now that is searching.
Cavs 43 Sonics 30 with 8:22 left in the 2nd quarter.
Sonics have been outscored by 10 with Ray Allen on the bench.
Without Lewis and Allen there is no flow and no offense
Flip is what I call a 50/50 player. 50% of this plays are great, but 50% are disasters and he has been 50/50 so far tonight.
The Cavs are unabashed about going to the rim
Rebounding is Cavs 17 to 4 -- We told you coming in the Cavs were getting an amazing 79% of their defensive rebounds.
Cavs are shooting 62%
Cavs 34 Sonics 26 end of 1st Quarter
+/- for Flip is an issue again. Flip entered with the Sonics tied and by the end of the quarter the Sonics were down 8
This is the first time early in game that the Sonics have really struggled defensively.
So much talk about Weiss and his rotations, but the rotations will never solidify if the guys don’t start owning the positions
Cavs 25 Sonics 22 with 1:47 left in the 1st Quarter
No defense from either side tonight
The Cavs are attacking the rim. WIthout any 7 footer the Sonics defense is not imposing and the Cavs are going right to the basket.
Flip replaced Luke tonight as the point guard
RASHARD LEWIS INJURED
Rashard Lewis left the game holding his left shoulder.
He ran into Potapenko and grabbed his arm.
Lewis had his left shoulder sublux in April 2002 during the playoffs.
He also had an incident in December 2003.
Each time the shoulder subluxs it becomes more likely to sublux again.
STORYLINES
1) Vitaly starting at center
2) Vlady's reaction
3) Flip back in the rotation
4) Cavs terrible defense
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE - November 8
Golden State 110 Milwaukee 103 – The +/- on this game may be the most amazing thing I have seen. Check out the Bucks +/-. Redd –23, TJ Ford –20, Magloire –18 and Andrew Bogut +20. Bogut was +20 while everyone else was falling apart. That is insane. That totally floors me ….. Golden State has not lost when Baron Davis plays … Troy Murphy is Radmanovic but he rebounds. He had 25 points and 4 threes in the game … The Warriors are having rebounding issues but have survived …13 of 27 from 3 can cover a lot . Warriors played this game small all night very similar to Phoenix last season …. Tj Ford was 3 of 14. He has been outstanding this year, but I was not sold on his ability to shoot out of Texas and questioned whether he was worth that early a pick. Let’s put some caution out on how great he really is …. For the second straight game Adonal Foyle had an amazing +/- night the Warriors were +17 when he was on the floor.
Lakers 103 Atlanta 97 – At halftime of this game the Lakers had taken 34 shots and Kobe had taken 15 …. The Lakers go to 3-1. So much of this league is about confidence and with Phil Jackson on the sideline if the Lakers get a few more under their belt they are going to believe they are good and that is more then half the battle …. I love Lamar Odom’s game. His head has always been the issue. His line last night was awesome 13-11-6 and 5 steals. With his length and talent if he buys in he could be every bit Scottie Pippen to Kobe Bryant. Amazingly with that line the Lakers were still a –1 when he was on the floor … Smush Parker was +15 …. Devin George was +18 …. For Atlanta Al Harrington was a –16 and Joe Johnson was a –15. That means when their two best players were off the floor Atlanta was +13. That makes you wonder of where those guys are coming from.
Detroit 102 Kings 88 – The Kings look awful. I mean awful …. They have a ton of pieces and it could jell but they don’t look like they are cohesive at all …. Their starting five looks brutal on the floor together … Adbur-Rahim was a -22, Peja was a –20 and Wells was a –18. Wells and Abdur-Rahim are what I call fantasy players, they are great on your fantasy team and you are in a fantasy world if you think they will make you win in real life …. Look at the box score and it looks like they had a good night but they always lose … When the Detroit Pistons were introduced before Tuesday night's game, the Arco Arena scoreboard flashed images of abandoned buildings, burned-out cars -- nearly every outdated, offensive stereotype of their hometown.
Orlando 76 Houston 74 – Without McGrady Houston can’t score ….. They really have no scorers anywhere on the floor …. Jameer Nelson was clutch late hitting two big threes and a lay-up …. Point guard +/- for Houston was interesting. Alston was –15 and Luther Head was a +10.
Lakers 103 Atlanta 97 – At halftime of this game the Lakers had taken 34 shots and Kobe had taken 15 …. The Lakers go to 3-1. So much of this league is about confidence and with Phil Jackson on the sideline if the Lakers get a few more under their belt they are going to believe they are good and that is more then half the battle …. I love Lamar Odom’s game. His head has always been the issue. His line last night was awesome 13-11-6 and 5 steals. With his length and talent if he buys in he could be every bit Scottie Pippen to Kobe Bryant. Amazingly with that line the Lakers were still a –1 when he was on the floor … Smush Parker was +15 …. Devin George was +18 …. For Atlanta Al Harrington was a –16 and Joe Johnson was a –15. That means when their two best players were off the floor Atlanta was +13. That makes you wonder of where those guys are coming from.
Detroit 102 Kings 88 – The Kings look awful. I mean awful …. They have a ton of pieces and it could jell but they don’t look like they are cohesive at all …. Their starting five looks brutal on the floor together … Adbur-Rahim was a -22, Peja was a –20 and Wells was a –18. Wells and Abdur-Rahim are what I call fantasy players, they are great on your fantasy team and you are in a fantasy world if you think they will make you win in real life …. Look at the box score and it looks like they had a good night but they always lose … When the Detroit Pistons were introduced before Tuesday night's game, the Arco Arena scoreboard flashed images of abandoned buildings, burned-out cars -- nearly every outdated, offensive stereotype of their hometown.
Orlando 76 Houston 74 – Without McGrady Houston can’t score ….. They really have no scorers anywhere on the floor …. Jameer Nelson was clutch late hitting two big threes and a lay-up …. Point guard +/- for Houston was interesting. Alston was –15 and Luther Head was a +10.
SONICS +/- REPORT FROM GRIZZLIES GAME
Sonics +/- Report from the Grizzlies Game
SUMMARY: What jumps out is Allen's 0. That means when Allen was off the floor the Sonics were outscored by 26 points and when he was on the floor they were even. Ridnour's -23 is disturbing. The Sonics are asking him to be solid everynight and that is a huge next step in his career.
Player +/-
Allen 0
Cleaves -2
Fortson -4
Evans -4
Flip -6
Potapenko -6
Collison -7
Petro -11
Wilkins -19
Vlady -20
Rashard -21
Ridnour -23
SUMMARY: What jumps out is Allen's 0. That means when Allen was off the floor the Sonics were outscored by 26 points and when he was on the floor they were even. Ridnour's -23 is disturbing. The Sonics are asking him to be solid everynight and that is a huge next step in his career.
Locked on Sports: Taking stock of misses and hits
Locked on Sports: Taking stock of misses and hits: "I have just completed my third year writing every Wednesday for the P-I. In other words, 52 times a year I don't follow the advice of being better off remaining quiet and thought a fool than opening my mouth and removing all doubt.
Each year, I think it is only fair to look back and see what absurd, inaccurate and inane things filled this space on Wednesdays."
Each year, I think it is only fair to look back and see what absurd, inaccurate and inane things filled this space on Wednesdays."
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
THIS IS THE BEST PITCHER IN THE AMERICAN LEAGUE
So you think Bartolo is having a nice off-season. Evidentally, his arm may not be able to pitch but it clearly it can feed his face.
SIMULBLOG FOR SONICS V. GRIZZ
GRIZZ 94 SONICS 69 FINAL
A bad night
The offense never got flowing Turnovers are a large part of it. The lack of a 3rd scorer is putting undo pressure on the Sonics big two and they are going to wear down.
Radmanovic, Collison and Ridnour all had shots that they have to make and if those shots fall the entire complexion of the game changes
Defensively the first half was great. Gasol got going when he crushed Petro to open the second half. Most of the breakdowns were in direct relation to the offense falling apart.
Grizz 78 Sonics 55 with 8:11 left in the 4th quarter
This has gotten ugly.
The Sonics are losing the match-up at small forward to Shane Battier. That shouldn’t happen.
Memphis has gotten Seattle spread out defensively and now are getting room to make one on one moves. That is making Gasol really dangerous and is a bad sign when Miller comes in.
I am glad Damien Wilkins has new confidence with his new contract, however he needs to play within himself. Right now he is playing out of his game.
Luke is not playing well.
Sonics are still shooting just 33%.
Grizz 60 Sonics 49 with 3:01 left in the 3rd Quarter.
The Sonics are losing the match-up at small forward to Shane Battier. That shouldn’t happen.
Memphis has gotten Seattle spread out defensively and now are getting room to make one on one moves. That is making Gasol really dangerous and is a bad sign when Miller comes in.
I am glad Damien Wilkins has new confidence with his new contract, however he needs to play within himself. Right now he is playing out of his game.
Luke is not playing well.
Sonics are still shooting just 33%.
Grizz 50 Sonics 42 with 8:30 left in the 3rd Quarter
For the first time Petro looks like he is 19 years old and from France, having never played against an NBA player before. Gasol has totally embarrassed him in the opening moments if the 2nd half.
The concern right now is the Sonics are playing good defense, but they are not a defensive team, which means they will break down at some point for a span of 5 to 7 minutes/. If the offense doesn’t pickup they will be out of the game by the time that span is over. I believe that span is inevitable.
Grizz 37 Sonics 35 with 2:51 left in the 2nd Q
Value the beeping ball
The defense has been really really good
Gasol didn’t get his first field goal until 4:39 in the second quarter.
Sonics 29 Grizz 29 with 8:!2 left in the 2nd Quarter
The fact that the Sonics can be as poor as they were in the 1st quarter and then be in the tied within two possession is amazing. It is either a sign of a good team or a façade and the Sonics are about to pay the price.
Collison and Fortson in together to start the second quarter.
Radman hit a three and rebounded well while he was in.
Grizz 24 Sonics 20 at the end of 1 quarter
7 turnovers and 37% shooting in the first quarter,
The Sonics look poor offensively and good defensively.
That is exactly what everyone said would happen when Weiss became the head coach.
The Sonics spent an amazing amount of the pre-season on defense. The belief was this team can score in their sleep. So far the work has created a much better defensive team.
Grizz 17 Sonics 15 with 2:49 left in the 1st Quarter.
Luke has missed two open three’s from the corner. That is the shot that AD knocked down all year last year. Luke has to make that shot.
Some of you might re-call that I bet AD would only play 60 games this year. Word out of Washington is that he will miss their next game. 21 to go.
Turnovers continue at too high a rate. They have 6 already. For the season they are at 22% of their possessions. Tonight they are at 33%.
Vlady has had two really good days of practice but has butchered his first two possessions.
If Mike Miller is going to guard Rashard Lewis the Soncis have to kill that match-up. Lewis walked the first time the Sonics went to it
Sonics 11 Grizzlies 8 with 5:40 left in the 1st Quarter
Petro gets three fouls in 2 minutes. He may not be ready yet.
Sonics had a very lazy defensive possession early in the game where neither Luke or Ray went hard to the ball.
Vitaly maybe lacking the length you want out of a center, but he is in the right place all the time. He cut off two moves to the basket and has body Gasol out of his regular spot on the block
STORYLINES
1) Stars -- Allen v. Gasol
2) Search for the 3rd scorer
3) Can Vlady get going on the road?
A bad night
The offense never got flowing Turnovers are a large part of it. The lack of a 3rd scorer is putting undo pressure on the Sonics big two and they are going to wear down.
Radmanovic, Collison and Ridnour all had shots that they have to make and if those shots fall the entire complexion of the game changes
Defensively the first half was great. Gasol got going when he crushed Petro to open the second half. Most of the breakdowns were in direct relation to the offense falling apart.
Grizz 78 Sonics 55 with 8:11 left in the 4th quarter
This has gotten ugly.
The Sonics are losing the match-up at small forward to Shane Battier. That shouldn’t happen.
Memphis has gotten Seattle spread out defensively and now are getting room to make one on one moves. That is making Gasol really dangerous and is a bad sign when Miller comes in.
I am glad Damien Wilkins has new confidence with his new contract, however he needs to play within himself. Right now he is playing out of his game.
Luke is not playing well.
Sonics are still shooting just 33%.
Grizz 60 Sonics 49 with 3:01 left in the 3rd Quarter.
The Sonics are losing the match-up at small forward to Shane Battier. That shouldn’t happen.
Memphis has gotten Seattle spread out defensively and now are getting room to make one on one moves. That is making Gasol really dangerous and is a bad sign when Miller comes in.
I am glad Damien Wilkins has new confidence with his new contract, however he needs to play within himself. Right now he is playing out of his game.
Luke is not playing well.
Sonics are still shooting just 33%.
Grizz 50 Sonics 42 with 8:30 left in the 3rd Quarter
For the first time Petro looks like he is 19 years old and from France, having never played against an NBA player before. Gasol has totally embarrassed him in the opening moments if the 2nd half.
The concern right now is the Sonics are playing good defense, but they are not a defensive team, which means they will break down at some point for a span of 5 to 7 minutes/. If the offense doesn’t pickup they will be out of the game by the time that span is over. I believe that span is inevitable.
Grizz 37 Sonics 35 with 2:51 left in the 2nd Q
Value the beeping ball
The defense has been really really good
Gasol didn’t get his first field goal until 4:39 in the second quarter.
Sonics 29 Grizz 29 with 8:!2 left in the 2nd Quarter
The fact that the Sonics can be as poor as they were in the 1st quarter and then be in the tied within two possession is amazing. It is either a sign of a good team or a façade and the Sonics are about to pay the price.
Collison and Fortson in together to start the second quarter.
Radman hit a three and rebounded well while he was in.
Grizz 24 Sonics 20 at the end of 1 quarter
7 turnovers and 37% shooting in the first quarter,
The Sonics look poor offensively and good defensively.
That is exactly what everyone said would happen when Weiss became the head coach.
The Sonics spent an amazing amount of the pre-season on defense. The belief was this team can score in their sleep. So far the work has created a much better defensive team.
Grizz 17 Sonics 15 with 2:49 left in the 1st Quarter.
Luke has missed two open three’s from the corner. That is the shot that AD knocked down all year last year. Luke has to make that shot.
Some of you might re-call that I bet AD would only play 60 games this year. Word out of Washington is that he will miss their next game. 21 to go.
Turnovers continue at too high a rate. They have 6 already. For the season they are at 22% of their possessions. Tonight they are at 33%.
Vlady has had two really good days of practice but has butchered his first two possessions.
If Mike Miller is going to guard Rashard Lewis the Soncis have to kill that match-up. Lewis walked the first time the Sonics went to it
Sonics 11 Grizzlies 8 with 5:40 left in the 1st Quarter
Petro gets three fouls in 2 minutes. He may not be ready yet.
Sonics had a very lazy defensive possession early in the game where neither Luke or Ray went hard to the ball.
Vitaly maybe lacking the length you want out of a center, but he is in the right place all the time. He cut off two moves to the basket and has body Gasol out of his regular spot on the block
STORYLINES
1) Stars -- Allen v. Gasol
2) Search for the 3rd scorer
3) Can Vlady get going on the road?
KEYS STATS FOR SONICS V. GRIZZ
I will have the simulblog going during the game tonight.
* Neither team has played good defense this year. The Sonics rating is at 109 per 100 possessions and the Grizzlies are at 108. League average last season was 105
* Grizzlies have been terrible on the offensive glass getting just 26% of their rebounds. The Sonics defensive glass has slide from 71% last season, 15th in the NBA, to 61%.
* The Sonics have been committing turnovers on 22% of their possessions. However, the Grizzlies have not been forcing turnovers only at 14%. Last season the Grizz were 3rd in the NBA in forcing turnovers. This may be due to the new guards.
* Neither team has played good defense this year. The Sonics rating is at 109 per 100 possessions and the Grizzlies are at 108. League average last season was 105
* Grizzlies have been terrible on the offensive glass getting just 26% of their rebounds. The Sonics defensive glass has slide from 71% last season, 15th in the NBA, to 61%.
* The Sonics have been committing turnovers on 22% of their possessions. However, the Grizzlies have not been forcing turnovers only at 14%. Last season the Grizz were 3rd in the NBA in forcing turnovers. This may be due to the new guards.
NIGHT IN THE NBA -- November 7
There are a lot of references to +/-. This is the same as the Hockey stat. How many points this player’s team outscored their opponent by when he was on the floor. Or a negative number is how many they were outscored by.
Cleveland 105 Toronto 93 – Sam Mitchell death watch continues. Now the question is will he win a game before being canned …. Illgauskas and Snow were both +18 in the game … Chris Bosh is coming into his own, but it is hard to tell how special he really is playing on this bad a team …. Sam Mitchell is threatening changes, but you shouldn’t make that threat if you don’t have anyone to change to.
Miami 90 New Jersey 89 – Interesting that this was such a low scoring game …. New Jersey’s lack of a bench is really hurt them …. Surprisinging numbers on the +/- front as Antonie Walker and Jason Williams had the best days for the Heat …. It is amazing that Alonzo is able to handle 38 minutes a night, last night he had 11 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks …. Miami played just 7 players again…. New Jersey won this game on the offensive glass.
Utah 95 Charlotte 91 – Another close game win for the Jazz …. Another super low shootng % against the Jazz. The Bobcats shot just 35%. The Jazz were one of the three worst defensive teams in the NBA last year. If they defend this year they will be the most improved team in the NBA. Thus, far they have been great defensively. Andri Kirlenko is the reason. He blocked 7 shots last night. They were very good defensively last year when he was playing and feel apart after he got hurt….. Do you think having a 7 footer matters, Greg Ostertag was +13 last night …. If the defense holds when Carlos Boozer returns will be interesting.. .. The Jazz guards are soo bad I can’t imagine they win a lot this year …. I really like Sean May and think he will be a great pro. Last night was the first night that he seemed aggressive. He took 14 shots in 24 minutes but made only 5. He grabbed 8 rebounds. He missed a ton of camp so it will take time …. Raymond Felton had his first double figures assist game with 10. Felton was +14 and May was +10. Emaka Okefor on the other hand was –16.
Minnesota 93 LA Clippers 78 – The Clips are tough when Cassell or Mobley is hitting. When neither or hitting this is what happens …. Clippers went 0 for 13 from 3 …. KG is unreal. He had 22-11-8 and 3 blocks and 3 steal. He dropped 22 with only 11 shot attempts …. KG was +24 … The Clippers starts just got their asses handed to them. In other words, they didn’t come to play. Let me think Cassell in his old stomping grounds takes his buddies out for night … Just a thought.
San Antonio 104 Chicago 94 – Interesting dichotomy at the SA point guard position. Tony Parker was a +16 when he was on the floor and Nick Van Excel was a –9 when he was on the floor…. Duncan is amazing. 24-16-4 and 6 blocks in 42 minutes. And he only took 15 shots…. Brent Barry played only two minutes. His role is diminishing. I would like him backing-up Luke …. Kirk Hinrich is a really nice player and a great defender. However, every now and again he has a night like last night when he goes 4 for 19. My theory is that he works so hard every night that some nights he has nothing.
Cleveland 105 Toronto 93 – Sam Mitchell death watch continues. Now the question is will he win a game before being canned …. Illgauskas and Snow were both +18 in the game … Chris Bosh is coming into his own, but it is hard to tell how special he really is playing on this bad a team …. Sam Mitchell is threatening changes, but you shouldn’t make that threat if you don’t have anyone to change to.
Miami 90 New Jersey 89 – Interesting that this was such a low scoring game …. New Jersey’s lack of a bench is really hurt them …. Surprisinging numbers on the +/- front as Antonie Walker and Jason Williams had the best days for the Heat …. It is amazing that Alonzo is able to handle 38 minutes a night, last night he had 11 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks …. Miami played just 7 players again…. New Jersey won this game on the offensive glass.
Utah 95 Charlotte 91 – Another close game win for the Jazz …. Another super low shootng % against the Jazz. The Bobcats shot just 35%. The Jazz were one of the three worst defensive teams in the NBA last year. If they defend this year they will be the most improved team in the NBA. Thus, far they have been great defensively. Andri Kirlenko is the reason. He blocked 7 shots last night. They were very good defensively last year when he was playing and feel apart after he got hurt….. Do you think having a 7 footer matters, Greg Ostertag was +13 last night …. If the defense holds when Carlos Boozer returns will be interesting.. .. The Jazz guards are soo bad I can’t imagine they win a lot this year …. I really like Sean May and think he will be a great pro. Last night was the first night that he seemed aggressive. He took 14 shots in 24 minutes but made only 5. He grabbed 8 rebounds. He missed a ton of camp so it will take time …. Raymond Felton had his first double figures assist game with 10. Felton was +14 and May was +10. Emaka Okefor on the other hand was –16.
Minnesota 93 LA Clippers 78 – The Clips are tough when Cassell or Mobley is hitting. When neither or hitting this is what happens …. Clippers went 0 for 13 from 3 …. KG is unreal. He had 22-11-8 and 3 blocks and 3 steal. He dropped 22 with only 11 shot attempts …. KG was +24 … The Clippers starts just got their asses handed to them. In other words, they didn’t come to play. Let me think Cassell in his old stomping grounds takes his buddies out for night … Just a thought.
San Antonio 104 Chicago 94 – Interesting dichotomy at the SA point guard position. Tony Parker was a +16 when he was on the floor and Nick Van Excel was a –9 when he was on the floor…. Duncan is amazing. 24-16-4 and 6 blocks in 42 minutes. And he only took 15 shots…. Brent Barry played only two minutes. His role is diminishing. I would like him backing-up Luke …. Kirk Hinrich is a really nice player and a great defender. However, every now and again he has a night like last night when he goes 4 for 19. My theory is that he works so hard every night that some nights he has nothing.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
NIGHT IN THE NBA -- November 6
Lakers 112 Denver 92 – Tough 1-2 start for the Nugs …. The Nuggets were a –24 when Carmelo Anthony was on the floor tonight. The worst of anyone on the team ….Kobe took 31 of the Lakers 82 shots …. The Lakers are benchless …. Nuggets another terrible night from 3 point range. This time 2 of 15 …. Earl Watson does not play again. The Sonics would love to have him and he would love to be in Seattle. The Nuggets signed him to a 5 year 29 million dollar deal to sit on the bench. That is amazing.
Golden State 83 New York 81 – The Knicks are still winless …. Jerome James started tonight. That is desperation. The Knicks were outscored by 7 points in 7 minutes. James put in 7 minutes 3 fouls and 3 reboudnds. The legend grows. …. Adonal Foyle had a great +/- game at +11, equaling Jason Richardson for Warriors best … Troy Murphy chalks up another double-double. He gets one almost every night …. The Knicks were +12 with Nate Robinson on the floor. In just 7 minutes. … Jamal Crawford played just 17 minutes and had 2 points with 3 turnovers. Crawford and Larry Brown are a bad match…. In 19 minutes Q. Richardson was a –11.
Sacramento 118 Phoenix 117 --- This was a great game. I hope you caught it on the pass. Abdur-Rahim tried to gag when he missed both free throws, but the Kings got through it. By the end he clutched up and had 23-12-7….. Miller and Adbur-Rahim combined for 15 assists. That is a sign of the Princeton offense taking effect …..All 5 Kings starters played over 40 minutes. Sacramento hadn’t played in 2 days and Phoenix was playing a back to back …. Barbosa of the Suns had the best night of his career and Boris Diaw had another good night as the Suns actually used their bench….. Peja had 33 and finally got going.
Golden State 83 New York 81 – The Knicks are still winless …. Jerome James started tonight. That is desperation. The Knicks were outscored by 7 points in 7 minutes. James put in 7 minutes 3 fouls and 3 reboudnds. The legend grows. …. Adonal Foyle had a great +/- game at +11, equaling Jason Richardson for Warriors best … Troy Murphy chalks up another double-double. He gets one almost every night …. The Knicks were +12 with Nate Robinson on the floor. In just 7 minutes. … Jamal Crawford played just 17 minutes and had 2 points with 3 turnovers. Crawford and Larry Brown are a bad match…. In 19 minutes Q. Richardson was a –11.
Sacramento 118 Phoenix 117 --- This was a great game. I hope you caught it on the pass. Abdur-Rahim tried to gag when he missed both free throws, but the Kings got through it. By the end he clutched up and had 23-12-7….. Miller and Adbur-Rahim combined for 15 assists. That is a sign of the Princeton offense taking effect …..All 5 Kings starters played over 40 minutes. Sacramento hadn’t played in 2 days and Phoenix was playing a back to back …. Barbosa of the Suns had the best night of his career and Boris Diaw had another good night as the Suns actually used their bench….. Peja had 33 and finally got going.
NIGHT IN THE NBA -- November 5
LA Clippers 100 Minnesota 99 --- back to back overtime losses for Casey …. Minnesota doesn’t have a second scorer. Wally is not good enough. After going 0 for 6 from 3 against Seattle, he had just 4 points …. They are going to struggle for points all season long …. The Clippers might be tough. Night one Cassell went nuts, the last two nights Mobley has complimented Brand …. Remember they played better last year when Maggette was off the floor, let’s see if that happens again when he comes back from injury.
Portland 94 Atlanta 93 – Congrats to Nate for his first win in Portland. On the other hand, if he doesn’t beat Atlanta at home their aren’t going to be many win to come by …. Nate stared Sergie Monia after having him inactive the first two games ….. Marvin Willimas fouled out in 25 minutes …. Atlanta moved Joe Johnson out of the point guard roll starting Tyrone Lue.
Phoenix 97 Utah 88 – Each one of this wins by the Suns is very impressive …. Boris Diaw came off the bench and was the key for Phoenix. Diaw is another great pick up in the off-season by Phoenix. They got him in the Joe Johnson deal ….. Jerry Sloan is concerned whether or not rookie Deron Williams can guard NBA point guards. He couldn’t tonight getting 6 fouls in 26 minutes …. Utah had another good defensive night holding the Suns to 43% shooting and only 6 of 21 from 3 …. The Jazz had point guard problems last season and committed 21 turnovers tonight.
Dallas 104 San Antonio 83 – Who are these Spurs? Nowitski was unguardable. The Spurs put Bowen on his but he was too small and is the most overrated defender in the NBA. Then they went to Duncan and then to Finley and then they gave up.
Washington 87 Orlando 78 – 3-0 start for the Wiz and 0-3 for the Magic …. The Magic can’t score without Grant Hill …. The Magic shot 31% ….Washington is playing some special defense this year. They held the Raptors to 39.8% shooting, the Knicks to 32.9% and now the Magic to 31%. How about their 4th Quarter defense? They held the Raptors and the Knicks to 14 4th quarter points and the Magic to 18.
Detroit 117 Toronto 84 – The Sam Mitchell death march continues …. Darko Millic got 14 minutes, but scored just 2 points …. The Raptors got only 3 offensive rebounds in the entire game …. Rookie Joey Graham and second year player Matt Bonner tried to guard Tayshawn Prince and Prince killed them.
New Jersey 100 Chicago 99 --- Tyson Chandler did not have a field goal. He is showing no signs of any offensive development. They are really missing Eddy Curry in the post. The Bulls are trying to live with a three guard line-up of Heinrich, Gordon and Duhon for most of the game. The Bulls may be a big disappointment this season …. Richard Jefferson was enormous again, 28-13-7. Last year, when he was forced to be the #1 guy he looked miserable. However, with Kidd and Carter he is as dynamic as anyone in the NBA ….. New Jersey took 39 free throws and won despite going 1 of 12 from 3 …. Jason Kidd 10-11-11
Charlotte 107 Boston 105 – Huge 2 game win streak for the Bobcats ….The overtime was 4-2 ….. Dan Dikau was back in the rotation with 22 minutes. He had 7 assists …. Gerald Wallace has linked back to back big nights for Charlotte.
Philadelphia 111 Indiana 109 – Philly gets a win… C Web had a great night. Miracles happen. He had 25 points on 14 shot attempts … Mo Cheeks played no bench as 4 starters were over 40 minutes … Philly shot 55%, what happened to Indiana’s defense? …Pacers lost this game with turnovers committing 21 and Artest was responsible for 8.
Memphis 113 Cleveland 106 – You have to begin to wonder about Cleveland’s defense … this is two nights in a row and last year they just quit playing defense in the second half of the season …. Memphis shot 58% … LeBron had 36 … Pau Gasol may have taken the next step. He has been enormous so far this season. Tonight he had 29-7-5. This off-season was the first time he hasn’t played overseas so he may finally be fresh. In his first two games he averaged 24-10.
New Orleans 91 Houston 84 --- See what no T-Mac does? Houston scored just 13 points in the 4th quarter and only 31 in the second half …. Hornets ended the game on a 1702 run … Yao Ming was 8 of 22 as the go to guy … Stromile Swift is not showing to be a different player in Houston then they under achiever he was in Memphis … New Orleans has turned this team over to Chris Paul. He is playing 30+ minutes each night. His shooting is poor, but he is getting time. Byron Scott compared him to Isaiah Thomas.
Milwaukee 105 Miami 100 --- The Bucks are for real …. Without Shaq the Heat played just 7 players …. TJ Ford had another strong game with 13-11 and newly acquired Bobby Simmons had 22. The Bucks are tough.
Portland 94 Atlanta 93 – Congrats to Nate for his first win in Portland. On the other hand, if he doesn’t beat Atlanta at home their aren’t going to be many win to come by …. Nate stared Sergie Monia after having him inactive the first two games ….. Marvin Willimas fouled out in 25 minutes …. Atlanta moved Joe Johnson out of the point guard roll starting Tyrone Lue.
Phoenix 97 Utah 88 – Each one of this wins by the Suns is very impressive …. Boris Diaw came off the bench and was the key for Phoenix. Diaw is another great pick up in the off-season by Phoenix. They got him in the Joe Johnson deal ….. Jerry Sloan is concerned whether or not rookie Deron Williams can guard NBA point guards. He couldn’t tonight getting 6 fouls in 26 minutes …. Utah had another good defensive night holding the Suns to 43% shooting and only 6 of 21 from 3 …. The Jazz had point guard problems last season and committed 21 turnovers tonight.
Dallas 104 San Antonio 83 – Who are these Spurs? Nowitski was unguardable. The Spurs put Bowen on his but he was too small and is the most overrated defender in the NBA. Then they went to Duncan and then to Finley and then they gave up.
Washington 87 Orlando 78 – 3-0 start for the Wiz and 0-3 for the Magic …. The Magic can’t score without Grant Hill …. The Magic shot 31% ….Washington is playing some special defense this year. They held the Raptors to 39.8% shooting, the Knicks to 32.9% and now the Magic to 31%. How about their 4th Quarter defense? They held the Raptors and the Knicks to 14 4th quarter points and the Magic to 18.
Detroit 117 Toronto 84 – The Sam Mitchell death march continues …. Darko Millic got 14 minutes, but scored just 2 points …. The Raptors got only 3 offensive rebounds in the entire game …. Rookie Joey Graham and second year player Matt Bonner tried to guard Tayshawn Prince and Prince killed them.
New Jersey 100 Chicago 99 --- Tyson Chandler did not have a field goal. He is showing no signs of any offensive development. They are really missing Eddy Curry in the post. The Bulls are trying to live with a three guard line-up of Heinrich, Gordon and Duhon for most of the game. The Bulls may be a big disappointment this season …. Richard Jefferson was enormous again, 28-13-7. Last year, when he was forced to be the #1 guy he looked miserable. However, with Kidd and Carter he is as dynamic as anyone in the NBA ….. New Jersey took 39 free throws and won despite going 1 of 12 from 3 …. Jason Kidd 10-11-11
Charlotte 107 Boston 105 – Huge 2 game win streak for the Bobcats ….The overtime was 4-2 ….. Dan Dikau was back in the rotation with 22 minutes. He had 7 assists …. Gerald Wallace has linked back to back big nights for Charlotte.
Philadelphia 111 Indiana 109 – Philly gets a win… C Web had a great night. Miracles happen. He had 25 points on 14 shot attempts … Mo Cheeks played no bench as 4 starters were over 40 minutes … Philly shot 55%, what happened to Indiana’s defense? …Pacers lost this game with turnovers committing 21 and Artest was responsible for 8.
Memphis 113 Cleveland 106 – You have to begin to wonder about Cleveland’s defense … this is two nights in a row and last year they just quit playing defense in the second half of the season …. Memphis shot 58% … LeBron had 36 … Pau Gasol may have taken the next step. He has been enormous so far this season. Tonight he had 29-7-5. This off-season was the first time he hasn’t played overseas so he may finally be fresh. In his first two games he averaged 24-10.
New Orleans 91 Houston 84 --- See what no T-Mac does? Houston scored just 13 points in the 4th quarter and only 31 in the second half …. Hornets ended the game on a 1702 run … Yao Ming was 8 of 22 as the go to guy … Stromile Swift is not showing to be a different player in Houston then they under achiever he was in Memphis … New Orleans has turned this team over to Chris Paul. He is playing 30+ minutes each night. His shooting is poor, but he is getting time. Byron Scott compared him to Isaiah Thomas.
Milwaukee 105 Miami 100 --- The Bucks are for real …. Without Shaq the Heat played just 7 players …. TJ Ford had another strong game with 13-11 and newly acquired Bobby Simmons had 22. The Bucks are tough.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
HUSKIES LOSING WAYS CONTINUE
The Washington Huskies could be an instructional video on what a terrible football team looks like. This is simply a bad football team in every way. Their would be so much to choose from.
The offensive line had their worst game of the year Saturday against Oregon State. The brutal tackling on Bernard’s 3rd and 17 run was the epitome of terrible. Punter Sean Douglas, dropping the punt snap and giving up points. Craig Chambers dropping a would be 74 yard touchdown pass. The Huskies just make every bad play imaginable in a football game.
We saw Johnny DuRocher for the first time in competitive action. He was not good. His final numbers were 11 for 31. The disturbing thing was how slow he looked in the pocket and how slow he seemed to be reading plays. His arm looked solid, but the conditions were so poor that it was really very hard to evaluate.
What the coaching staff decides from here will be interesting. I can’t imagine that it is fair to put DuRocher back on the bench considering the weather circumstances made it impossible to evaluate his performance. In addition, if the hook of Stanback was solely for his play this week, then it was unfair. However, it was for his conglomerate lack of development then that should hold into next week as well.
Bottom line, none of it matters, because this is a terrible football team.
The offensive line had their worst game of the year Saturday against Oregon State. The brutal tackling on Bernard’s 3rd and 17 run was the epitome of terrible. Punter Sean Douglas, dropping the punt snap and giving up points. Craig Chambers dropping a would be 74 yard touchdown pass. The Huskies just make every bad play imaginable in a football game.
We saw Johnny DuRocher for the first time in competitive action. He was not good. His final numbers were 11 for 31. The disturbing thing was how slow he looked in the pocket and how slow he seemed to be reading plays. His arm looked solid, but the conditions were so poor that it was really very hard to evaluate.
What the coaching staff decides from here will be interesting. I can’t imagine that it is fair to put DuRocher back on the bench considering the weather circumstances made it impossible to evaluate his performance. In addition, if the hook of Stanback was solely for his play this week, then it was unfair. However, it was for his conglomerate lack of development then that should hold into next week as well.
Bottom line, none of it matters, because this is a terrible football team.
Night in the NBA -- November 4
Sorry for the late and short post. The game went really late last night and I have a ton of stuff today with the Huskies.
Memphis 94 Orlando 85 – Eddie Jones leads Memphis with 25. He can’t do that everynight and that is what they need. When players get old in the NBA they are able to still have good nights, they just come more and more infrequently…. I am surprised Hakim Warrick is only playing 3 minutes a night …. Orlando is totally dependent on Grant Hill or else the ball is in Steve Francis hand’s all game.
Charlotte 110 Philadelphia 93 – I have always thought Chris Webber was vastly overrated. I have also always thought Mo Cheeks was a terrible coach. His team’s never had any offensive sets and any game plan that he implemented was never evident. Therefore, it makes sense to me that they are 0-3 ….
New Jersey 102 Toronto 92 – The Sam Mitchell death march continues. He may not make it to December …. Toronto scored 9 points in the second quarter and 28 in the first half …. Richard Jefferson had 35. He is outstanding as a complimentary player with Kidd and Carter …. New Jersey wins the Atlantic and may be in the class of Miami, Indiana and Detroit …. Their defense is great.
Detroit 82 Boston 81 --- Rip Hamilton buzzer beater wins it …. Rip is loving whatever Flip Saunders is doing. He is getting a ton of looks and he is a scoring machine right now …. Two straight games Dan Dikau did not play. That may turn out to be a terrible signing by Ainge.
Washington 86 New York 75 -- This may be the worst line Jerome James has ever had. 3 minutes 0 for 2, 3 fouls 2 turnovers. Nice work Mr. Thomas. The DNP’s are right around the corner and then the waist line will expand ….. Nate is not in the flow yet either as he played just 5 minutes and had 3 turnovers.
SA 102 Cleveland 76 – San Antonio is a different class. The league has to fear the Spurs getting out to some great start and then deciding they want to win 70. This team could do it ….. Keep an eye on Illgaskus this year. He just signed his deal. He is getting old and he is vital to the Cavs. If he slows down they are on the wrong side of that deal …. Larry Hughes had another quiet night …. No Spurs player played 30 minutes.
Denver 107 Portland 68 ---- Good team v. terrible team. Not much else to say …. Sebastian Telfair may be a real problem for the Blazers at the point. 2 for 11 in this game … Martell Webster got his first time and in 10 minutes was 1 for 6 …. Marcus Camby played another 32 minutes. Keep an eye on that. He was great 23-17 and 6 blocks … Denver was 4 of 12 from 3 this team still has no range.
Utah 91 Golden State 85 --- Utah was one of the worst defensive team’s last year and that has changed. Last night they held GS to 58 points in the first 3 quarter and 37% for the game. Okur 23-14 had another great night ….. Keep an eye on what happens to the Utah defense when Carlos Boozer comes back. He is an awful defensive player. Reggie Evans beat him back to back plays last year. …. Golden State was without Baron Davis. Their may not be another team as reliant on one player as Golden State on Davis.
Clippers 92 Atlanta 77 – Atlanta sucks.
Memphis 94 Orlando 85 – Eddie Jones leads Memphis with 25. He can’t do that everynight and that is what they need. When players get old in the NBA they are able to still have good nights, they just come more and more infrequently…. I am surprised Hakim Warrick is only playing 3 minutes a night …. Orlando is totally dependent on Grant Hill or else the ball is in Steve Francis hand’s all game.
Charlotte 110 Philadelphia 93 – I have always thought Chris Webber was vastly overrated. I have also always thought Mo Cheeks was a terrible coach. His team’s never had any offensive sets and any game plan that he implemented was never evident. Therefore, it makes sense to me that they are 0-3 ….
New Jersey 102 Toronto 92 – The Sam Mitchell death march continues. He may not make it to December …. Toronto scored 9 points in the second quarter and 28 in the first half …. Richard Jefferson had 35. He is outstanding as a complimentary player with Kidd and Carter …. New Jersey wins the Atlantic and may be in the class of Miami, Indiana and Detroit …. Their defense is great.
Detroit 82 Boston 81 --- Rip Hamilton buzzer beater wins it …. Rip is loving whatever Flip Saunders is doing. He is getting a ton of looks and he is a scoring machine right now …. Two straight games Dan Dikau did not play. That may turn out to be a terrible signing by Ainge.
Washington 86 New York 75 -- This may be the worst line Jerome James has ever had. 3 minutes 0 for 2, 3 fouls 2 turnovers. Nice work Mr. Thomas. The DNP’s are right around the corner and then the waist line will expand ….. Nate is not in the flow yet either as he played just 5 minutes and had 3 turnovers.
SA 102 Cleveland 76 – San Antonio is a different class. The league has to fear the Spurs getting out to some great start and then deciding they want to win 70. This team could do it ….. Keep an eye on Illgaskus this year. He just signed his deal. He is getting old and he is vital to the Cavs. If he slows down they are on the wrong side of that deal …. Larry Hughes had another quiet night …. No Spurs player played 30 minutes.
Denver 107 Portland 68 ---- Good team v. terrible team. Not much else to say …. Sebastian Telfair may be a real problem for the Blazers at the point. 2 for 11 in this game … Martell Webster got his first time and in 10 minutes was 1 for 6 …. Marcus Camby played another 32 minutes. Keep an eye on that. He was great 23-17 and 6 blocks … Denver was 4 of 12 from 3 this team still has no range.
Utah 91 Golden State 85 --- Utah was one of the worst defensive team’s last year and that has changed. Last night they held GS to 58 points in the first 3 quarter and 37% for the game. Okur 23-14 had another great night ….. Keep an eye on what happens to the Utah defense when Carlos Boozer comes back. He is an awful defensive player. Reggie Evans beat him back to back plays last year. …. Golden State was without Baron Davis. Their may not be another team as reliant on one player as Golden State on Davis.
Clippers 92 Atlanta 77 – Atlanta sucks.
Friday, November 04, 2005
SIMULBLOG FOR SONICS V. WOLVES
Sonics 107 Wolves 102 in Ovetime
Big win !!!!!
Great win for the Sups.
Ray Allen is very special. He willed his team to a win,
Great defense all night on KG. He worked and worked and worked to get his 23 points.
Bob Weiss did a great job with the different defenses on KG. They doubled all night and then start switching when they doubled and when they singled him.
I love the defensive philosophy. They are denying the middle. They are denying the post and forcing teams to shoot from the outside. This is vintage Larry Brown, Jerry Sloan defensive basketball.
Points in the Paint – Sonics 50 Wolves 32
Sonics win while shooting 4 of 25 from 3 and shooting only 41% from the field.
That is how this team won games last year. They don't have to just shoot.
Mateen Cleaves was huge off the bench and keeping the team together.
Danny Fortson gets a huge part of this win.
Collison was terrific in his post defense and his energy and effort inside.
Sonics 88 Wolves 82 with 5:52 left in the game
Casey has put Kevin Garnett back on Rashard Lewis
Wolves are running great stuff – a two man game with KG in the post and Wally outside the arc forcing the Sonics to give up a 3 to Wally. He missed. How many times will he miss.
This is when Seattle has to find some offensive flow. Rashard is not going to be available with KG guarding him. They are doubling Allen.
Weiss is still running the Collison and Fortson combo.
Sonics 81 Wolves 78 with 8:31 left in the game.
The amount of wasted possessions by Seattle today is sickening.
Minnesota is doubling any pick and roll involving Ray Allen and forcing the ball out of his hands.
Danny Fortson has cost the Sonics two possessions with his foolishness.
Seattle is visibly frustrated and pressing as we enter the 4th Quarter.
Then he re-gained a possession with a flop. Weiss needs to be careful he is entering into the land of diminishing return with Danny.
He has definitely added energy to the building.
Weiss went right at Wally S to get his 5th foul when he returned.
Sonics open the 4th Q with a 8-0 run with Cleaves, Allen, Wilkins, Fortson and Collison.
Wol
ves 71 Sonics 70 with 2:31 left in 3rd Quarter
Sonics have gone to Vitaly on KG and they are no longer doubling.
Offense has taken over -- Wolves have scored on 8 of last 9 possessions and the Sonics have scored on 7 of 8 and 8 of 10.
Damien Wilkins took it to KG for a great lay-up
Wow – Weiss just subbed Damien Wilkins for Ray Allen. Does this mean Flip Murray is out of the rotation in the second half? Will Cleaves come in for Luke?
Wolves 63 Sonics 60 with 5:48 left in the 3rd Quarter
The Sonics defense is very good. It will be better and better as the season goes on. Guys are making outside shots right now that they will not make as the season goes on and their legs get tired. The Sonics are eliminating the inside game from the Wolves.
The Sonics must value the basketball.
The Sonics are in the penalty at 7:20.
Will Ray have any gas left in the 4th quarter – he is going hard right now
Casey has made some nice adjustments to get baskets on the weak side of Seattle’s double team.
Sonics 47 Wolves 47 at the half
For Seattle to be in this game with the absurd amount of turnovers and no three pointers is amazing. The free throw line has been the key.
The Sonics offensive rebounding is very good tonight as well. They have 43% of the available offensive rebounds tonight.
Adjustments are going to be key to this second half.
Vitaly Potapenko played well in the later portion of the 2nd half.
Sonics defensive philosophy of no middle has been very good today.
Points in the paint is Seattle 28 and the Wolves 16.
Wolves 38 Sonics 35 with 5:54 left in the 2nd Quarter
No shots from the offense are in rhythm. Therefore the Sonics are missing shots they would usually make. However, if the shots doesn’t come in rhythm then it is not an easy shot.
Defensively the Sonics are playing great. This is keeping them in the game.
It is a major concern that the Sonics have no flow in the half court. At some point in this game the Sonics will have to score in the halfcourt.
Flip was -19 in the opener. I believe he is -7 tonight.
Sonics are 0 for 11 from 3 and within 3. That is a good sign.
Wolves 30 Sonics 25 with 8:48 left in the 2nd Quarter.
The Sonics turn the ball over on 4 straight possessions. 3 of those are on Flip Murray.
The Sonics are forcing the fastbreak and not getting the dividends. Instead they are turning it over.
Turnovers are death in the NBA. They are the base on balls of baseball
Wolves 24 Sonics 22 end of 1 quarter
Sonics defensive philosophy is no middle and the Sonics are holding to that fairly well.
The Sonics offense looks totally uncomfortable. It is unclear how much of it is what Duane Casey is doing to the offense.
Petro played the first 10 minutes. It seemed like he had diminishing returns after the first span.
Vlady has missed two threes that were good looks and would force the defense to alter their approach.
Danny Forston makes two nice plays to close the quarter.
Sub difference from the 1st game – Weiss went to Vlady for Reggie. Then he brought Flip in for Ray but Ray returned for Luke.
Wolves 16 Sonics 15 with 3:38 left in 1st Quarter
Wolves are switching on the pick and roll
KG is guarding Rashard Lewis
Marko Jaric has great hands. He has at least 4 deflections early
Last season the Sonics were 22nd in the forcing turnovers at 13.8%. On opening night the Sonics forced 19% of the Clippers possessions into turns.
Minnesota has had a hard time scoring at times. Keep an eye on that tonight.
Reggie Evans takes 5 of the first 13 shots.
Flip comes in for Ray instead of Luke tonight.
Vlady was the first sub for Reggie.
PRE-GAME REPORT
In every locker-room thier is a scouting report board. The Wolves was on the board when we went into the locker-room tonight. This is a great way of knowing what Casey thinks of the Sonics and where the teams attack the Sonics. Here is a selection of what he had on his scouting board.
Sonics offense
Kevin Garnett on Rashard Lewis with Wally on Reggie Evans
Make them drivers
Stay on shooters in transition
under all pick and roll other than Ray Allen
Sonics defense
Make them defend 1 on 1
Attack their feet
attack the middle. Go to the rim no shot blockers
Seattle needs 9 3's to win
Storylines: Casey know Seattle's talent
Weiss finding his rotation
Flip Murray filling the role of AD
Finding a 3rd scorer on the Sonics
Keys to the Game: 1) Luke needs 10 assists
2) keep turnovers down
3) Rashard handle being guarded by KG
4) Keep Minnesota off the free throw line
Inactives: Sonics -- Rick Brunson (foot injury), Mikki Moore and Robert Swift
Big win !!!!!
Great win for the Sups.
Ray Allen is very special. He willed his team to a win,
Great defense all night on KG. He worked and worked and worked to get his 23 points.
Bob Weiss did a great job with the different defenses on KG. They doubled all night and then start switching when they doubled and when they singled him.
I love the defensive philosophy. They are denying the middle. They are denying the post and forcing teams to shoot from the outside. This is vintage Larry Brown, Jerry Sloan defensive basketball.
Points in the Paint – Sonics 50 Wolves 32
Sonics win while shooting 4 of 25 from 3 and shooting only 41% from the field.
That is how this team won games last year. They don't have to just shoot.
Mateen Cleaves was huge off the bench and keeping the team together.
Danny Fortson gets a huge part of this win.
Collison was terrific in his post defense and his energy and effort inside.
Sonics 88 Wolves 82 with 5:52 left in the game
Casey has put Kevin Garnett back on Rashard Lewis
Wolves are running great stuff – a two man game with KG in the post and Wally outside the arc forcing the Sonics to give up a 3 to Wally. He missed. How many times will he miss.
This is when Seattle has to find some offensive flow. Rashard is not going to be available with KG guarding him. They are doubling Allen.
Weiss is still running the Collison and Fortson combo.
Sonics 81 Wolves 78 with 8:31 left in the game.
The amount of wasted possessions by Seattle today is sickening.
Minnesota is doubling any pick and roll involving Ray Allen and forcing the ball out of his hands.
Danny Fortson has cost the Sonics two possessions with his foolishness.
Seattle is visibly frustrated and pressing as we enter the 4th Quarter.
Then he re-gained a possession with a flop. Weiss needs to be careful he is entering into the land of diminishing return with Danny.
He has definitely added energy to the building.
Weiss went right at Wally S to get his 5th foul when he returned.
Sonics open the 4th Q with a 8-0 run with Cleaves, Allen, Wilkins, Fortson and Collison.
Wol
ves 71 Sonics 70 with 2:31 left in 3rd Quarter
Sonics have gone to Vitaly on KG and they are no longer doubling.
Offense has taken over -- Wolves have scored on 8 of last 9 possessions and the Sonics have scored on 7 of 8 and 8 of 10.
Damien Wilkins took it to KG for a great lay-up
Wow – Weiss just subbed Damien Wilkins for Ray Allen. Does this mean Flip Murray is out of the rotation in the second half? Will Cleaves come in for Luke?
Wolves 63 Sonics 60 with 5:48 left in the 3rd Quarter
The Sonics defense is very good. It will be better and better as the season goes on. Guys are making outside shots right now that they will not make as the season goes on and their legs get tired. The Sonics are eliminating the inside game from the Wolves.
The Sonics must value the basketball.
The Sonics are in the penalty at 7:20.
Will Ray have any gas left in the 4th quarter – he is going hard right now
Casey has made some nice adjustments to get baskets on the weak side of Seattle’s double team.
Sonics 47 Wolves 47 at the half
For Seattle to be in this game with the absurd amount of turnovers and no three pointers is amazing. The free throw line has been the key.
The Sonics offensive rebounding is very good tonight as well. They have 43% of the available offensive rebounds tonight.
Adjustments are going to be key to this second half.
Vitaly Potapenko played well in the later portion of the 2nd half.
Sonics defensive philosophy of no middle has been very good today.
Points in the paint is Seattle 28 and the Wolves 16.
Wolves 38 Sonics 35 with 5:54 left in the 2nd Quarter
No shots from the offense are in rhythm. Therefore the Sonics are missing shots they would usually make. However, if the shots doesn’t come in rhythm then it is not an easy shot.
Defensively the Sonics are playing great. This is keeping them in the game.
It is a major concern that the Sonics have no flow in the half court. At some point in this game the Sonics will have to score in the halfcourt.
Flip was -19 in the opener. I believe he is -7 tonight.
Sonics are 0 for 11 from 3 and within 3. That is a good sign.
Wolves 30 Sonics 25 with 8:48 left in the 2nd Quarter.
The Sonics turn the ball over on 4 straight possessions. 3 of those are on Flip Murray.
The Sonics are forcing the fastbreak and not getting the dividends. Instead they are turning it over.
Turnovers are death in the NBA. They are the base on balls of baseball
Wolves 24 Sonics 22 end of 1 quarter
Sonics defensive philosophy is no middle and the Sonics are holding to that fairly well.
The Sonics offense looks totally uncomfortable. It is unclear how much of it is what Duane Casey is doing to the offense.
Petro played the first 10 minutes. It seemed like he had diminishing returns after the first span.
Vlady has missed two threes that were good looks and would force the defense to alter their approach.
Danny Forston makes two nice plays to close the quarter.
Sub difference from the 1st game – Weiss went to Vlady for Reggie. Then he brought Flip in for Ray but Ray returned for Luke.
Wolves 16 Sonics 15 with 3:38 left in 1st Quarter
Wolves are switching on the pick and roll
KG is guarding Rashard Lewis
Marko Jaric has great hands. He has at least 4 deflections early
Last season the Sonics were 22nd in the forcing turnovers at 13.8%. On opening night the Sonics forced 19% of the Clippers possessions into turns.
Minnesota has had a hard time scoring at times. Keep an eye on that tonight.
Reggie Evans takes 5 of the first 13 shots.
Flip comes in for Ray instead of Luke tonight.
Vlady was the first sub for Reggie.
PRE-GAME REPORT
In every locker-room thier is a scouting report board. The Wolves was on the board when we went into the locker-room tonight. This is a great way of knowing what Casey thinks of the Sonics and where the teams attack the Sonics. Here is a selection of what he had on his scouting board.
Sonics offense
Kevin Garnett on Rashard Lewis with Wally on Reggie Evans
Make them drivers
Stay on shooters in transition
under all pick and roll other than Ray Allen
Sonics defense
Make them defend 1 on 1
Attack their feet
attack the middle. Go to the rim no shot blockers
Seattle needs 9 3's to win
Storylines: Casey know Seattle's talent
Weiss finding his rotation
Flip Murray filling the role of AD
Finding a 3rd scorer on the Sonics
Keys to the Game: 1) Luke needs 10 assists
2) keep turnovers down
3) Rashard handle being guarded by KG
4) Keep Minnesota off the free throw line
Inactives: Sonics -- Rick Brunson (foot injury), Mikki Moore and Robert Swift
STANBACK TO START V. OREGON STATE
Honestly, I am surprised by this. Willingham had set it up to make the change this week. In addition, I am not sure I like this move. Stanback is not making progress. His mistakes are continious. His ability to make the play to win a game is in serious question.
With all of the said, I have not seen Johnny DuRoucher and don't know what he is capable of doing. Bottom line, if DuRoucher were a better QB than Stanback day in and day out of practive the coaches would make a change. Even if you buy the conspiracy that the only reason Stanback started was because of the suspension to DuRoucher, then DuRoucher would have taken over the job by now.
We all love to second guess and be the experts, but if DuRoucher were better then or equal to Stanback he would be starting and he isn't so I think we have to assume that Willingham is not an idiot and is making the decision that gives the Huskies the best chance to win.
With all of the said, I have not seen Johnny DuRoucher and don't know what he is capable of doing. Bottom line, if DuRoucher were a better QB than Stanback day in and day out of practive the coaches would make a change. Even if you buy the conspiracy that the only reason Stanback started was because of the suspension to DuRoucher, then DuRoucher would have taken over the job by now.
We all love to second guess and be the experts, but if DuRoucher were better then or equal to Stanback he would be starting and he isn't so I think we have to assume that Willingham is not an idiot and is making the decision that gives the Huskies the best chance to win.
NIGHT IN THE NBA --- NOVEMBER 3RD
Indiana 105 Miami 102 – Indiana is my pick to win the East and they looked like it last night. Playing without Jeff Foster they matched up with Miami on the road. The weakness of Indiana has always been if they could score enough and that does not seem to be an issue ….. The most underrated player on Indiana is Jamal Tinsley. When he is healthy, which isn’t often, Indiana is nearly unbeatable ….. Ron Artest is an amazing addition. His defense alters games and the 22 a night and going to the free throw line is very significant …. The thing that has been overlooked is at the time of the brawl last year, Indiana was the best in the East and had just crushed Detroit in Detroit and that is why Ben Wallace was so pissed …… Indiana only had 11 turnovers last night. I would keep an eye on Miami opponent turnovers this season. I don’t see a team that defensively will force turnovers and they were pretty good defensively last year …. Gary Payton got more important minutes then Jason Williams ….. Antonie Walker came back to life with 15 shots for 12 points ….. Shaq sprained his ankle. I doubt he plays more then 60 games this year …. It is Shaq’s year off, therefore Miami will not win it.
Phoenix 122 Lakers 112 – If Phoenix can win without Stoudamire and play the same style it is either a tribute to Steve Nash or to Mike DiAntonio’s style. If they win without Stoudamire the rest of the league may be forced to follow how they play ….. Raja Bell is such a great fit for Phoenix ….. Lamar Odom had the huge night that he is capable of 23-16-8. However, it was in an open floor game where defense was not a focus. Can Odom do the same in a slower game. If not the Lakers will have a hard time getting looks for anyone but Kobe one on one …. Who is Smush Parker and is this real? … Kwane Brown just 21 minutes. It may never turn on for Brown.
Phoenix 122 Lakers 112 – If Phoenix can win without Stoudamire and play the same style it is either a tribute to Steve Nash or to Mike DiAntonio’s style. If they win without Stoudamire the rest of the league may be forced to follow how they play ….. Raja Bell is such a great fit for Phoenix ….. Lamar Odom had the huge night that he is capable of 23-16-8. However, it was in an open floor game where defense was not a focus. Can Odom do the same in a slower game. If not the Lakers will have a hard time getting looks for anyone but Kobe one on one …. Who is Smush Parker and is this real? … Kwane Brown just 21 minutes. It may never turn on for Brown.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
NIGHT IN THE NBA -- NOVEMBER 2ND
I will attempt to do this every night. Depending on the amount of games will likely dictate how soon I can get it out each day.
Lakers 99 Denver 97 – George Karl just cost his team two games with the suspension in the off-season. Remember that at the end of the year …. The Lakers roster is not complete, they have way too many holes to win consistently … Marcus Camby was forced to play 37 minutes without Nene. There is no way he can hold up for a whole season playing those kinds of minutes. Earl Watson did not play.
Casey 90 Nate 86 --- I wish I had this on tape to see how the match-up played out. Congrats to Casey for his first NBA win, no one deserved it more …. Richie Frahm lit up Portland like he did when he was with the Sonics 18 points in 15 minutes …. Matrell Webster did not play ….. Telfair only had 3 assist in 33 minutes, there is some talk in Portland that Jarrett Jack is a better player …. Zach Randolph is moving into Chris Weber category with a 18 point night on 21 shot attempts and just 4 free throws. How does a big guy take 21 shots and only take 4 free throws. You have to go to the line in this league.
Rockets 98 Sacramento 89 – 0-2 start for the Kings. Adelman is on a short leash … Another really bad shooting night for the Kings at just 41% …. They have to shoot well, because you know they will never play defense …. Bonzi Wells had a huge night, but the 7 turnovers will kill you and he does it all inside which forces the Kings to invert their offense and I am not sure that works ….. As much as I like the Rockets the Rafer Alston/ Derek Anderson back-court does not impress me.
Celtics 114 Knicks 100 – Not a good day for the local kids, Nate was 1 of 5 in 10 minutes, Jerome James played 8 minutes and had 4 points and 4 fouls and Dan Dikau didn’t play. That is a tremendous drop for Dikau who was signed to be a starter. He really didn’t show me a game last year that translates to being an NBA starter on a good team …. Delonte West may be a player. He had 14-9-9 in his first start for Boston as a point guard …. Jamal Crawford came off the bench behind Q. Richardson.
Utah 93 Dallas 82 --- Dallas back to back after 2 OT and ran out of gas. Jason Terry only had two points in the second half …. Believe it or not having Greg Ostertag back is a big deal for Utah defensively. Between Andri Kirilenko and Ostertag they had11 block and that doesn’t count the amount of shots they bothered …. Kirilenko lead the Jazz in Rebs, Ass and blocks …. I am not sold that Josh Howard and Marquis Daniels bring the Mavs enough offense
Washington 99 Raptors 96 -- Maybe Charlie Villanueva is going to be a better pro then he was a college player, he dropped 11 and 6 for Toronto. Another 4th quarter meltdown for the coach most likely to be fired Sam Mitchell …. AD was just 1 of 4 in 19 minutes. That is going to be a bad signing. As much as we miss him that is a bad deal for Washignton.
Pacers 90 Magic 76 – Keep an eye on the Pacers defense. Indiana was stocked that they signed Jeasikevicius and he had 5 pts, 2 rebs, 2 ass and 2 steals in 17 minutes. The Sonics were hot after him as well, but never made an offer.
Cavs 109 Hornets 87 – Desmond Mason another off night, this time 2 of 9 ….. Larry Hughes played 30 minutes and had 10 points on 2 of 9 shooting with 5 turnovers. I am not sure that was a good signing.
Bucks 110 Nets 96 – The Bucks might be for real …. I will say it again, on draft day when I was asked who Andrew Bogut reminded me of I said Tim Duncan. On the first night of the year he was the best player on the floor at time and in night on the back end of a back to back he snared 17 rebounds. There are not a lot of guys in this league who can grab 17 rebounds. He also didn’t commit a turnover. He is not Duncan and may never be the best in the league, but that is who he reminds me of and that is why Milwaukee will be good this year …. TJ Ford was just 7 of 19. He must stay under control. … I like New Jersey but I don’t like any team that has Jeff McInnis. He will be a problem this year
Pistons 108 76ers 88 – The nightly rip of Chris Weber. 16 shots and 16 points. He has to be the most inefficient player in the NBA …. Hard to tell from one night if anything is different in Detroit with Flip Saunders as the coach … Hamilton took 24 shots and the next closest was 11 by Prince.
Heat 97 Grizzlies 78 – I have wondered all year how are the Grizzlies going to score. Evidently for one night they aren’t going to. Gasol has 26, which you can’t anticipate every night. Then their next two scores are old guys, Eddie Jones and Damon Stoudamire. That is a bad team ….. Shaq played just 27 minutes …. Antoine Walker was unreal 25-16-4 on only 17 shot attempts. He is criticized a lot for his selfishness, but if he plays under control he is a nice player. You have to guard him and that makes the world easier for Wade … Jason Williams took just 7 shots in 33 minutes …. Payton played 28 minutes off the bench and was 0 for 3 with 4 turnovers.
Bulls 109 Charlotte 105 – Chris Duhon had a triple double, how good is he …. The Bulls have great depth …. Loul Deng and Mike Sweetney are very good players coming off the bench
Golden State 122 Atlanta 97 – The Warriors are going to try to be like Phoenix last year … Joe Johnson made his debut at point guard for Atlanta with 1 assist.
Lakers 99 Denver 97 – George Karl just cost his team two games with the suspension in the off-season. Remember that at the end of the year …. The Lakers roster is not complete, they have way too many holes to win consistently … Marcus Camby was forced to play 37 minutes without Nene. There is no way he can hold up for a whole season playing those kinds of minutes. Earl Watson did not play.
Casey 90 Nate 86 --- I wish I had this on tape to see how the match-up played out. Congrats to Casey for his first NBA win, no one deserved it more …. Richie Frahm lit up Portland like he did when he was with the Sonics 18 points in 15 minutes …. Matrell Webster did not play ….. Telfair only had 3 assist in 33 minutes, there is some talk in Portland that Jarrett Jack is a better player …. Zach Randolph is moving into Chris Weber category with a 18 point night on 21 shot attempts and just 4 free throws. How does a big guy take 21 shots and only take 4 free throws. You have to go to the line in this league.
Rockets 98 Sacramento 89 – 0-2 start for the Kings. Adelman is on a short leash … Another really bad shooting night for the Kings at just 41% …. They have to shoot well, because you know they will never play defense …. Bonzi Wells had a huge night, but the 7 turnovers will kill you and he does it all inside which forces the Kings to invert their offense and I am not sure that works ….. As much as I like the Rockets the Rafer Alston/ Derek Anderson back-court does not impress me.
Celtics 114 Knicks 100 – Not a good day for the local kids, Nate was 1 of 5 in 10 minutes, Jerome James played 8 minutes and had 4 points and 4 fouls and Dan Dikau didn’t play. That is a tremendous drop for Dikau who was signed to be a starter. He really didn’t show me a game last year that translates to being an NBA starter on a good team …. Delonte West may be a player. He had 14-9-9 in his first start for Boston as a point guard …. Jamal Crawford came off the bench behind Q. Richardson.
Utah 93 Dallas 82 --- Dallas back to back after 2 OT and ran out of gas. Jason Terry only had two points in the second half …. Believe it or not having Greg Ostertag back is a big deal for Utah defensively. Between Andri Kirilenko and Ostertag they had11 block and that doesn’t count the amount of shots they bothered …. Kirilenko lead the Jazz in Rebs, Ass and blocks …. I am not sold that Josh Howard and Marquis Daniels bring the Mavs enough offense
Washington 99 Raptors 96 -- Maybe Charlie Villanueva is going to be a better pro then he was a college player, he dropped 11 and 6 for Toronto. Another 4th quarter meltdown for the coach most likely to be fired Sam Mitchell …. AD was just 1 of 4 in 19 minutes. That is going to be a bad signing. As much as we miss him that is a bad deal for Washignton.
Pacers 90 Magic 76 – Keep an eye on the Pacers defense. Indiana was stocked that they signed Jeasikevicius and he had 5 pts, 2 rebs, 2 ass and 2 steals in 17 minutes. The Sonics were hot after him as well, but never made an offer.
Cavs 109 Hornets 87 – Desmond Mason another off night, this time 2 of 9 ….. Larry Hughes played 30 minutes and had 10 points on 2 of 9 shooting with 5 turnovers. I am not sure that was a good signing.
Bucks 110 Nets 96 – The Bucks might be for real …. I will say it again, on draft day when I was asked who Andrew Bogut reminded me of I said Tim Duncan. On the first night of the year he was the best player on the floor at time and in night on the back end of a back to back he snared 17 rebounds. There are not a lot of guys in this league who can grab 17 rebounds. He also didn’t commit a turnover. He is not Duncan and may never be the best in the league, but that is who he reminds me of and that is why Milwaukee will be good this year …. TJ Ford was just 7 of 19. He must stay under control. … I like New Jersey but I don’t like any team that has Jeff McInnis. He will be a problem this year
Pistons 108 76ers 88 – The nightly rip of Chris Weber. 16 shots and 16 points. He has to be the most inefficient player in the NBA …. Hard to tell from one night if anything is different in Detroit with Flip Saunders as the coach … Hamilton took 24 shots and the next closest was 11 by Prince.
Heat 97 Grizzlies 78 – I have wondered all year how are the Grizzlies going to score. Evidently for one night they aren’t going to. Gasol has 26, which you can’t anticipate every night. Then their next two scores are old guys, Eddie Jones and Damon Stoudamire. That is a bad team ….. Shaq played just 27 minutes …. Antoine Walker was unreal 25-16-4 on only 17 shot attempts. He is criticized a lot for his selfishness, but if he plays under control he is a nice player. You have to guard him and that makes the world easier for Wade … Jason Williams took just 7 shots in 33 minutes …. Payton played 28 minutes off the bench and was 0 for 3 with 4 turnovers.
Bulls 109 Charlotte 105 – Chris Duhon had a triple double, how good is he …. The Bulls have great depth …. Loul Deng and Mike Sweetney are very good players coming off the bench
Golden State 122 Atlanta 97 – The Warriors are going to try to be like Phoenix last year … Joe Johnson made his debut at point guard for Atlanta with 1 assist.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
SIMULBLOG OF SONICS V. CLIPPERS
I am will keep an running "SIMULBLOG" going during the game tonight.
CLIPPERS 101 SONICS 93
Obviously a very disapointing end to the season opener.
Sam Cassell dominated the 4th quarter with 3 3 pointers.
Cassell at 35 years old in his 38th minute of work on the floor from 3 is a shot I can live with but tonight he was read hot.
Flip Murray was Bob Weiss choice to try to stop Cassell and it didn't work. If Murray is the defensive stopper for this team it is a problem.
Turnovers were a huge issue tonight. Last season the Sonics turned the ball over 13% of their possessions last night they turned it over 20% of the possessions. That is the difference in the game.
Defensive rebounding was awful. The Clippers got 41% of the potential offensive rebounds in the 2nd half and 38% for the game. That number should never be higher then 30%.
With their poor rebounding and poor turnovers the Sonics gave away possessions.
Offensively, the Sups had some terrible possessions down the stretch, most notably was Flip dribbling into to traffic and turning it over when it was a one point game.
Sonics 75 Clippers 64 at the end of 3 Quarters
The bench has arrived. 11-1 run with the bench on the floor. The substitutions in the second half have made a lot more sense then what we say in the first half. Radmanovic was the first off the bench, followed by Collison, Murray and Wilkins.
The area where you notice AD being gone is the wrong guys are making decisions with the basketball. Ray Allen and Vlady both just committed turnovers where they forced passes that didn’t need to be made.
Defensively I felt the Sonics were playing well most of the night and we are beginning to see the dividends as the Clippers are missing shots.
Flip played very well in this stint.
Sonics 64 Clippers 57 with 3:50 left in the 3rd Quarter.
Ray Allen’s leadership is terrific. He just went out of his way to get Petro a play on a pick and roll to reward him for his effort and to allow him to gain confidence.
Reggie Evans just kills floor spacing. Evans would be a much better player if he understood his own inadequacies.
Sonics 50 Clippers 50 at the Half.
The Sonics defense doesn’t seem to be terrible but the Clippers are cutting through the lane and having a very successful offensive game with mid-range jumpers. At the half the Clippers have not made a 3 but are hitting 57% of their shots in the game.
The Sonics offense is close, but seems slightly off of its game. That may be as simple as the combinations on the floor.
Sonics 41 Clippers 36 with 3:58 left in the 2nd Quarter.
Bob Weiss’s substitution patterns aren’t smooth yet. Radmanovic didn’t play in the first quarter.
Vlady Radmanovic doesn’t look comfortable on the floor. He actually looks like he is lacking energy. He had a very lethargic pre-season.
The Clippers post players might be the worst passers I have seen in the NBA. Their front court is the turnover waiting to happen.
At times the Sonics offense seems to be lacking the movement it needs to have.
Last season the Sonics were #22 in forcing turnovers. Tonight the Clippers are throwing it all over the place. It is hard to tell how much is improved Sonics defense and how much is Clippers sloppy play.
As nice as Reggie’s post play early was he now has committed turnovers or missed badly the last three times he has gone to the basket.
Sonics 27 Clippers 26 end of 1st Quarter
Clippers got back in the game behind Sam Cassell. Cassell got 2 buckets on Luke Ridnour and then added two more on Flip Murray.
The Clippers closed the quarter scoring on 8 straight possessions.
The Clippers are running a high pick and roll with Cassell and Brand and the Sonics don’t have the answer
Sonics 16 Clippers 4 6:43 left 1st Quarter
Who would have thought the first bucket of the season would be scored by Johan Petro.
10 of the 12 Sonics first points came from Reggie Evans and Johan Petro.
Sonics open the game scoring on 8 of their first 11 possessions and 7 straight into the time-out.
Petro was terrific.
Storylines: Petro at center
Do the Sonics run more
Are the Clippers the most improved team in the West.
Inactive list: Sonics -- Vitaly, Mateen and Swift.
Clippers -- Corey Maggette, Shawn Livingston, Walter McCarty.
CLIPPERS 101 SONICS 93
Obviously a very disapointing end to the season opener.
Sam Cassell dominated the 4th quarter with 3 3 pointers.
Cassell at 35 years old in his 38th minute of work on the floor from 3 is a shot I can live with but tonight he was read hot.
Flip Murray was Bob Weiss choice to try to stop Cassell and it didn't work. If Murray is the defensive stopper for this team it is a problem.
Turnovers were a huge issue tonight. Last season the Sonics turned the ball over 13% of their possessions last night they turned it over 20% of the possessions. That is the difference in the game.
Defensive rebounding was awful. The Clippers got 41% of the potential offensive rebounds in the 2nd half and 38% for the game. That number should never be higher then 30%.
With their poor rebounding and poor turnovers the Sonics gave away possessions.
Offensively, the Sups had some terrible possessions down the stretch, most notably was Flip dribbling into to traffic and turning it over when it was a one point game.
Sonics 75 Clippers 64 at the end of 3 Quarters
The bench has arrived. 11-1 run with the bench on the floor. The substitutions in the second half have made a lot more sense then what we say in the first half. Radmanovic was the first off the bench, followed by Collison, Murray and Wilkins.
The area where you notice AD being gone is the wrong guys are making decisions with the basketball. Ray Allen and Vlady both just committed turnovers where they forced passes that didn’t need to be made.
Defensively I felt the Sonics were playing well most of the night and we are beginning to see the dividends as the Clippers are missing shots.
Flip played very well in this stint.
Sonics 64 Clippers 57 with 3:50 left in the 3rd Quarter.
Ray Allen’s leadership is terrific. He just went out of his way to get Petro a play on a pick and roll to reward him for his effort and to allow him to gain confidence.
Reggie Evans just kills floor spacing. Evans would be a much better player if he understood his own inadequacies.
Sonics 50 Clippers 50 at the Half.
The Sonics defense doesn’t seem to be terrible but the Clippers are cutting through the lane and having a very successful offensive game with mid-range jumpers. At the half the Clippers have not made a 3 but are hitting 57% of their shots in the game.
The Sonics offense is close, but seems slightly off of its game. That may be as simple as the combinations on the floor.
Sonics 41 Clippers 36 with 3:58 left in the 2nd Quarter.
Bob Weiss’s substitution patterns aren’t smooth yet. Radmanovic didn’t play in the first quarter.
Vlady Radmanovic doesn’t look comfortable on the floor. He actually looks like he is lacking energy. He had a very lethargic pre-season.
The Clippers post players might be the worst passers I have seen in the NBA. Their front court is the turnover waiting to happen.
At times the Sonics offense seems to be lacking the movement it needs to have.
Last season the Sonics were #22 in forcing turnovers. Tonight the Clippers are throwing it all over the place. It is hard to tell how much is improved Sonics defense and how much is Clippers sloppy play.
As nice as Reggie’s post play early was he now has committed turnovers or missed badly the last three times he has gone to the basket.
Sonics 27 Clippers 26 end of 1st Quarter
Clippers got back in the game behind Sam Cassell. Cassell got 2 buckets on Luke Ridnour and then added two more on Flip Murray.
The Clippers closed the quarter scoring on 8 straight possessions.
The Clippers are running a high pick and roll with Cassell and Brand and the Sonics don’t have the answer
Sonics 16 Clippers 4 6:43 left 1st Quarter
Who would have thought the first bucket of the season would be scored by Johan Petro.
10 of the 12 Sonics first points came from Reggie Evans and Johan Petro.
Sonics open the game scoring on 8 of their first 11 possessions and 7 straight into the time-out.
Petro was terrific.
Storylines: Petro at center
Do the Sonics run more
Are the Clippers the most improved team in the West.
Inactive list: Sonics -- Vitaly, Mateen and Swift.
Clippers -- Corey Maggette, Shawn Livingston, Walter McCarty.
NOTES FROM SONCIS SHOOT-AROUND
Here are a few notes from the Sonics shoot-around today
The Clippers will be without Corey Maggette. Maggette stayed in LA with a Hamstring injury.
The Sonics inactive list is Vitaly Potapenko, Mateen Cleaves and Robert Swift.
The Sonics will start Johan Petro in the middle.
The Clippers have added Sam Cassell and Cutino Mobley in their backcourt.
The Clippers will be without Corey Maggette. Maggette stayed in LA with a Hamstring injury.
The Sonics inactive list is Vitaly Potapenko, Mateen Cleaves and Robert Swift.
The Sonics will start Johan Petro in the middle.
The Clippers have added Sam Cassell and Cutino Mobley in their backcourt.
Locked on Sports: Four Keys for Sonics' success
Locked on Sports: Four Keys for Sonics' success: "Murray will get the first shot to fill the 3-guard rotation. However, he will have to show tremendous growth to handle this significant a role.
Murray will be the first backcourt substitute replacing Ridnour, leaving the Sonics with Murray and Allen in the backcourt and no true ball handler."
Murray will be the first backcourt substitute replacing Ridnour, leaving the Sonics with Murray and Allen in the backcourt and no true ball handler."
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
THE NIGHT IN THE NBA
I will attempt to do this nightly. It will be a quick run down of my thoughts on the night in the NBA.
Dallas over Phoenix in 2 OT --- The line-up Phoenix played down the stretch was amazing. They had Nash, Raja Bell, James Jones, another small and Shawn Marion as the center …… The Suns blew a 17 point lead and a 5 point lead in the first overtime …. They visibly lacked Joe Johnson, Q. Richardson and Stoudamire ….. I do think Raja Bell will have an enormous year playing with Nash …. Avery Johnson coached a brilliant game. He kept his team in the game with a great timeout late in OT. He has a great understanding of the value of a possession ….. Dallas is totally dependent on Dirk and Jason Terry. Josh Howard, Marquis Daniels and Keith Van Horn don’t seem to be giving enough support …. I have never been a Jason Terry fan, but he is really developing into a dynamic force.
Milwaukee over Philly in OT ---- I like Milwaukee. They are in the best division in the East. Don’t be surprised if all 5 teams in the Central make the playoffs …. The big news here is TJ Ford played and played well. Look at his line 16 pts, 9 rebounds and 14 assists. If he is right they become tough ….. 1st pick of the draft Andrew Bogut had a nice debut 13 pts and 9 rebs on 6 of 9 shooting. On draft day when I was asked who he reminded me of I said Tim Duncan. Bogut may never be that great, but he is the closest we have seen since Duncan came into the league ….. Did you see Chris Weber, 45 minutes and only 4 free throws … 28 shots and 32 points. He is so inefficient. You can’t win with the value of a possession.
N0/OKC blows out Sacramento --- Is this the Sonics debut of last season? Sacramento may have serious issues, but it is way to early to call them dead. The shooting percentage jumps out as a team that doesn’t jell. I wonder if they can run the Princeton offense with the personnel they added.
San Antonio shows supremacy over Denver --- the story is the injury to Nene. The Nuggets are calling it a sprained ACL. How do you think Earl Watson is feeling? He signed with Denver after not being able to find a starting job. Now he is not even getting any playing time. He did not play tonight. Denver did not hit a three tonight. That is partially SA defense, but this team still doesn’t have adequate outside shooting. ….. The Spurs got 16 points in 28 minutes from Michael Finley off the bench. 11 of those were in the 4th quarter. How awesome is that for the world champions ….. The Spurs got 41 bench points.
Dallas over Phoenix in 2 OT --- The line-up Phoenix played down the stretch was amazing. They had Nash, Raja Bell, James Jones, another small and Shawn Marion as the center …… The Suns blew a 17 point lead and a 5 point lead in the first overtime …. They visibly lacked Joe Johnson, Q. Richardson and Stoudamire ….. I do think Raja Bell will have an enormous year playing with Nash …. Avery Johnson coached a brilliant game. He kept his team in the game with a great timeout late in OT. He has a great understanding of the value of a possession ….. Dallas is totally dependent on Dirk and Jason Terry. Josh Howard, Marquis Daniels and Keith Van Horn don’t seem to be giving enough support …. I have never been a Jason Terry fan, but he is really developing into a dynamic force.
Milwaukee over Philly in OT ---- I like Milwaukee. They are in the best division in the East. Don’t be surprised if all 5 teams in the Central make the playoffs …. The big news here is TJ Ford played and played well. Look at his line 16 pts, 9 rebounds and 14 assists. If he is right they become tough ….. 1st pick of the draft Andrew Bogut had a nice debut 13 pts and 9 rebs on 6 of 9 shooting. On draft day when I was asked who he reminded me of I said Tim Duncan. Bogut may never be that great, but he is the closest we have seen since Duncan came into the league ….. Did you see Chris Weber, 45 minutes and only 4 free throws … 28 shots and 32 points. He is so inefficient. You can’t win with the value of a possession.
N0/OKC blows out Sacramento --- Is this the Sonics debut of last season? Sacramento may have serious issues, but it is way to early to call them dead. The shooting percentage jumps out as a team that doesn’t jell. I wonder if they can run the Princeton offense with the personnel they added.
San Antonio shows supremacy over Denver --- the story is the injury to Nene. The Nuggets are calling it a sprained ACL. How do you think Earl Watson is feeling? He signed with Denver after not being able to find a starting job. Now he is not even getting any playing time. He did not play tonight. Denver did not hit a three tonight. That is partially SA defense, but this team still doesn’t have adequate outside shooting. ….. The Spurs got 16 points in 28 minutes from Michael Finley off the bench. 11 of those were in the 4th quarter. How awesome is that for the world champions ….. The Spurs got 41 bench points.
Weiss world: It's down to earth | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA
Frank Hughes writes an amazing piece on the Sonics head coach. It is worth the read and it gives you a great insight into the man leading the Sups.
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