Well, it turns out that I was, in fact, responsible for the Grizzlies' stretch of bad luck. My pre-game posts were clearly at fault for the recent losses. So from now on, I will do a recap, but not a preview. Can't risk another losing streak just so I can try and sound smart about basketball.
On a brighter note, the Grizzlies made me very proud tonight.
Pau came out strong for the first time in quite a while. He scored the first basket of the game and kept up the momentum through the first half. After such a work-out, obviously he was exhausted. He didn't manage to score at all after half-time and finished the game with 14 first-half points. Technically, it was only half o####reat game, but after the last three games of Pau going MIA, I'll take what I can get.
I have to give props to Phoenix. It is staggering that the Suns played as well as they did considering that they only played 7 guys. I took an instant dislike to Eddie House, partly for wardrobe reasons. The beard, headband and high socks look like he's trying to be the next Rasheed Wallace. (But there is only one 'Sheed.) The look, plus the fact that he scored 21 points including five three-pointers... those two factors combined to leave a very bad impression on me.
I also got to see the much hyped Boris Diaw for the first time. He does have a lot of game, but I'm convinced that it is mostly the system in which he plays, not the player, that makes the Suns' small forward seem so good. (See the story of poor, poor Quentin Richardson as an example.)
Memphis led a very balanced attack with six players scoring in double figures and five players pulling down at least five rebounds. Good to see.
I can't wait to see how the guys handle the Pistons on Monday.
It almost seems inevitable that the Grizz are going all the way now that the jinx that made them lose has been identified and lifted!
I would be interested to know where you think Pau fits in the NBA elite - now that we see he is a bit hot and cold. Top 10? No. Top 15? Top 20?
Looking at the box score for the game I have to tell you that it seemed to play out like a classic west coast game - no 'D' and a bunch of jacking it up. The suns had 31 3pt attempts and only 4 free throw attempts. You cannot win in the NBA - and have no chance of a ring with 31 3pt attempts and only 4 free throws. It seems like the Suns lost this one more than the Griz beating them - but that is just a box score take on the game.
As for the look of a player - I actually caught a little of the Dalls game on TV and was amazed. They seem like Dirk and the Mavettes or something. There were 4 guys on the court with Dirk - all with their white headbands and long socks. They seemed much too concerned about how they looked. I am now convinced that they have zero chance of winning this year.
Lastly, you don't want to see how the Griz handle the Pistons. Maybe Pau should take the night off - it might get rough. Actually - knowing Pau - he probably will.
Last edited by MBrady on December 18th at 7:22 AM.
JBold1; Don't tempt me. If I crack, the ensuing loss will be on your head...
MBrady: The Suns really had a hard time geting the ball into the paint, partly because of Memphis' D, partly because of their depleted roster. That explains all the ill-advised threes and the serious lack of foul shots. Did you see the turn-over totals? If you ask me, that's where the game was won/lost.
I think Pau is still growing into his leadership role. My personal feeling is that he will soon be the go-to-guy we all want him to be. Will give a better researched answer in a future blog. Thanks for the material...
I am super excited to see the Pistons. Don't tempt me to argue you about how great a game this will be. Cause I can't talk about it...but I'm really excited.
Last edited by StaceyMargarita on December 18th at 3:55 PM.
Diaw: Of course Diaw's success is dependant on the system, but not neccessarily just the Suns. Of course, the only previous evidence we have on Diaw was with the Hawks. They needed Diaw to be a take charge player, and when he wasn't, they gave up.
Diaw is a good, versatile player who could fit in well with many different teams. Just don't expect him to carry an offense.
I teach Spanish in Memphis, so you know I gotta love Pau and the Grizz. My family is in California, Oregon, Washington, so I also have dirty little feelings for the Warriors, Kings, Blazers, and Sonics. But no matter how much I love another team, if they ever play my Grizzlies, watch out, I'm making voodoo dolls out of 'em.
