Never mind what college he came from (Xavier)...or how many years he's been in the league (5)...David West is officially a force to be reckoned with, and Tim Duncan's latest nightmare.
The line...he shot 16-25 for 38 pts...6-7 free throws...14 rebs...5 assists...2 steals and 5 blocks. D.West played MVP style in a game that required nothing short of just that. He literally carried the Hornets thru the first half when the most pts the next mnan on his team had was 6...and as horribly as the Hornets played, his 20 pts kept them within 3 by halftime. That proved to be all it took for CP3 to get it together and do what he does best....torch opposing guards and defenses with sweet dribbles...crafty passes...and lobs to Tyson Chandler. But don't get it twisted...it was all about D.West last night.
At a crucial point in the game, he swatted away a shot by Bruce Bowen, and then another one by Tim Duncan just 3 possessions later. He dazzled the crowd from the get go with technically sound jumpshots, and an array of inside moves en route to the hoop and ultimately, another 2 points. On this night, D.West would not be denied. He called out his team in such an incon####uous manner by saying "WE didn't show up" (to game 4). He challenged them to step up, and then he lead by example. D.West would not be denied in game 5, coming only 1 point shy of the Hornets all time playoff scoring record (39 by Glen Rice). He could care less though...he wanted the win...and even when his back tried to deny him...he kept on going.
Who is David West? ask Tim Duncan....ask greg Popovich....ask the NBA. If they didn't know...NOW they know!!!
D.West performance was nothing short of amazing. He's been a good player save for his first season. The next two were hampered by injuries but even in B D's last season here West was starting to show he was going to be a good one. The funny thing is look at the year he was drafted and how many players that were taken befor him. Most of them either can't be found, never heard from again or just plain stink. West showed why he was an All-Star this season and I look for him to continue that in S.A. and close the chapter on the Spurs hopes of finaly repeating.
gambitxxx....i honestly believe the Hornets can be a dynasty, but first they have to find the right deals to make. peja won't be around much longer, and they can use a serious threat off the bench cuz Bonzi's been stone cold. maybe his best days are gone. if those guys can land Shawn Marion or a player like him...the fat lady just might start singing.
Nique...i agree...no longer a secret, defenses are going to have to adjust to him now. and if Tyson Chandler developsa jumper and a better free throw percentage...oh yeah...i can hear the fat lady warming up!!!
Gamestorm,
I agree about Peja, some think they need a good shooting gaurd. As true as that might be Peja getting older means they need a younger and explosive SF for the future. SG will be fine when Julien Wright gains more experiance. He's got good instincts just needs to develope more.
DWest is a force to reckon with in the paint, he started to show that on his first year in the league but hampered by string of injuries that have slowed him down to the lowest. This year is his best ever season that we can call his injury free year. He can play on any given night with any center or power forward in the NBA and go home victorious. He is not a CP3 laced player because he can deliver and make his own shot irregardless of who is guarding him. He had so far proven that this Spurs-Hornet series.
D. West has been a beast since his days at Xavier...the guy can play...he made the All-Star team so they've been noticing his game....he can shoot it mid range....hes strong....and he loves to win....he doesn't back down from Timmy either....you can't help but like the guy...he stays in great shape by boxing in the offseason...hes a gamer....D. West will be the reason they advance or go home....and i know you all will say what about CP3...well he always does his thing....but in that Game 4 West struggled mightily....and NO didnt have a chance...
no doubt about it Reece J...and as you can see from last night's performance out of West (4-14 shooting)...he has to be productive for the Hornets to win.
must i say again that Mo Peterson had better run a location check on his sack...Peja is still trying to get his back from Bowen, and the Hornets need someone (anyone) to be that X-factor that San Antonio hasn't prepared for.
West is hurting now...and this is going to expose the rest of the team and test their metal.
game 7 coming up people....
