Steve Blake just know how to handle the crazies on this Laker team.
This video probably sums it up best about the league, when you’re winning, you’re a funny guy and people give you leeway for all the crazy shit you pull. Because maturity wise, Andrew Bynum is no better than good old Javale McGee, in fact they could be on the same level. Thank god for Bynum he had 30 caroms in this game otherwise he would be jerk no.1 instead of Dwyane Wade.
I’m just wondering if Mike Brown lets Bynum shoot threes during practice.
In the wake of the Grizzlies devastating dismantling of the Thunder, Heat and Clippers, I’ve heard maybe ten NBA related shows saying that Memphis is the best team in the league that no one talks about; or how their bench are one of the best in the league because they have a starting caliber shooting guard as their first guy off the bench and Zach Randolph is coming off the bench as well.
Thing is, I’ve been on the Memphis bandwagon since last year, for example picking to upset the Spurs in the first round and riding them all the way till game 7 of the Western conference Semis. (doesn’t make me a prophet because i did pick Portland to beat your eventual champs, Dallas). What I’m actually ranting about is that if 20 people talk about a certain team, that twenty would soon be forty, and forty would maybe turn into 400. By then, they wouldn’t be the team that no one talks about.
It’s not like I don’t want the team to get any recognition or anything. But with recognition comes responsibilities. So when everyone starts to expect them to win, the pressure gets higher and if they lose in the first round to the Clippers, guys would start saying they underperformed or this team should be blown up because of such and such. But they shouldn’t, because this team is what makes for beautiful basketball.
You have an arguably top 10 power forward in this league that’s coming off the bench. A starting line up that wouldn’t scare anyone but would still beat the crap out of anyone team they meet with hustle and defense. The emergence of Marreese Speights, and the story of Gilbert Arenas’ come back. This team just has so many feel good factors to it and it would be a shame if it had to end so soon because I’m planning to ride once again the Memphis Grizzlies for as long as they are in the playoffs.
So people, stop saying the Grizzlies are the team that no one talks about, because if you’re already talking about them. People know.
Instead, find some other team to hype things up, maybe the Pacers? third seed in the East, and really no one seems to care what they’re doing. Just minding their own business. Even Milwaukee gets more chatter than a team that a the third seed in the East. Come on now.
Look this is not a hate mail, but in fact I’m a great fan of your talents, you bring excitement to this league that hasn’t been seen since the days of Vince Carter. I enjoy watching you Movgov people around and sometimes your foot work in the post is quite something. You have a bright future ahead of you and with Chris Paul in your team, expectations are even higher.
That’s when you start to dissapoint. Remember at the start of the season when analysts were raving about your improved jump shot and your confidence in stepping and hitting that 15 footer? Well, guess what. You haven’t been doing none of that consistently since Chauncey Billups went down, and with your perimeter guys sans Chris Paul struggling to score, it’s your chance to assert yourself as a force down the block.
missing free throws doesn’t help
And Blake, what’s going on with your free throws man, the third worst free throw shooting percentage in the league? Come on, right now Deandre Jordan has a nicer looking stroke than you do and you know it, so do something about it because you know when it’s crunch time, you’re going to the line.
It doesn’t matter if Vinny del Negro only knows two plays in his book. Being more efficient is the key, if you’re going to post someone up, at least get a body on him and get a better position down low, you’re letting guys like J.J Hickson push you around and making himself look like Kevin Garnett in the process. They know you’re gonna drive so mix it up a little, take two steps nearer towards the rim when you’re taking a shot because right now, I don’t think there’s alot of people out there that respects your jump shot. But hey, it’s your job to change their minds and with your talent, that should be too easy.
Just because the Clippers are favorites overnight, doesn’t mean you have a lesser role in the team. This is still partly your team. So step it up Blake, don’t just jump for the sake of jumping, jump smart! and play smart as well. The playoffs are soon, and you’re gonna be there. Make it count.
I love retro nights but this is stretching it, green shorts and yellow tops? You gotta be kidding me, I didn’t know Memphis forgot to bring their shorts with them and had to borrow game shorts from the University of San Francisco.
I seriously thought it was the Harlem Globetrotters playing against the South African national team in L.A, what were they thinking?
It just redefines the word, I’d rather watch the Xinjiang Flying Tigers. Which is what I’m going to do now to save my eyes. But not before….
points from the game
1. Marc Gasol is the best passing center in the NBA
Note that I’ve only said he’s the best passing big man not the best big man. It’s pretty easy to understand why, big man passing isn’t like playing the point.
You have to understand where you and your team mates are on the floor, and two sweet no look passes to Tony Allen in the third proved that point.
2. Chauncey Billups needs to shoot less
For a guy shooting less than 40% from the field, it’s safe to say Chauncey isn’t gonna blow you out with his jumper anytime soon.
And forget the he ll get better in time. He shoots at a low percentage and he knows it.
3. Freak athleticism will only get you so far.
Blake Griffin is that freak athlete, but Blake Griffin is also a guy that is developing his post game, so until that happens, Griffin would still be the same player he is last season. And news of his greatly improved jumper has been exaggerated.
Here at RSD, we appreciate plays like this and we further applaud Rondo’s ability to make plays, first with the nifty behind the back pass to Brandon Bass, followed by the half court, left handed bounce pass to Marquis Daniels. Court vision at it’s best! Rondo had 29 points in the absence out Paul Pierce who is out with a sore right heel, but his efforts weren’t enough to lift Boston over a resurgent Knicks, who had the last laugh in an exciting opener for the shortened NBA season.
And by the way. Landry Fields, if you’re reading this, we saw what you’re trying to do. Stay classy man.
Room Service Dime 