Popular entertainer Frank Sinatra died ten years ago last Friday and one of the many hit songs that he had was the hit 'High Hopes'. The reason I mention this is in respect to San Antonio's resounding win last night that levelled the Western Conference semi final series between they and the New Orleans Hornets. Tied at three games apiece it now leaves us with a seventh game decider which in all probability ought to favor the Spurs even though it's being played in New Orleans..
Chris Paul of the Hornets faces off against his Spurs' counterpart Tony Parker in the seminal sixth game played at the AT &T Center in San Antonio last night. picture courtesy of NBAE /Getty Images/Garrett W Ellwood............
For many of the Spurs' fans it were as if the stars once again were in alignment as the San Antonio came together for an emphatic win against a team that has been filled with a great deal of exuberance for much of this playoff series. They've given the Spurs all that they can handle and so much more ! The Spurs' 99-80 win once again emphasizes why you can never count this team out even when they stare real and imaginable adversities in the face. And as much I'd like to think that we're now in the driver's seat at this juncture. I won't take anything for granted until the final whistle is blown at the end of the fourth quarter of that seventh game . And then I can look to the results that states that they've indeed secured the victory needed to earn a berth in the Western Conference Finals.
Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs tries to evade the defensive play of the Hornets' Tyson Chandler. picture courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ D Clarke Evans ..............
Much of the Spurs' success last night was predicated on the willingness of coach Greg Popovich to make adjustments with his roster and getting players involved from the start. And it certainly helped that the Spurs' big three of Duncan , Ginobili and Parker may well have played their best and most productive game together in the series thus far. The team's play on both ends of the floor was its usual self in terms of them being able to negate the effectiveness of the Hornets' most productive offensive weapons in Chris Paul and David West.
Tony Parker doing what he does best and that's splitting a defense for the layup. Watching are teammates Tim Duncan and Bruce Bowen with the lone defender being Chris Paul of the Hornets. picture courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ D Clarke Evans .....
The Hornets in storming out to a 2-0 lead gave the Spurs cause for concern is this series as they more than supplanted in the minds of many that this series would be the Spurs' for the taking. In a game of wits between two highly disciplined coaches in Greg Popovich and Byron Scott. It has become something of a chess match between two Grand Masters trying to outplay each other in terms of strategies. The youthful exuberance of the Hornets matched against the overwhelming experience of the Spurs. Thus far the series has gone back and forth for which no quarter is being given by either party. For sheer excitement alone this may well be the best playoff series in the conference thus far. Though others might have differing opinions on the matter.
David West of the Hornets shows his determination in trying to get around Tim Duncan of the Spurs. picture courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ D Clarke Evans ............
At this juncture it'd be fair to say that the Spurs and their fans are happy that the series has been levelled. But I for one would rather have seen this series ended in a timely fashion. But that isn't always possible in the overly contentious Western Conference. The margins of competitiveness between the top teams are so slim that on any given day we'll either see those teams raise their level of play. Or we'll actually see them put up a real stinker . And their fans are left wondering what went wrong . Or from the very fact that they may well have underestimated an opponent. This often happens and it'll no doubt continue to happen as the postseason unfolds come what may.
Manu Ginobili of the Spurs splits the defensive play of Morris Petersen and David West of the Hornets with a pass. picture courtesy of Getty Images/ Ronald Martinez ...................
This NBA season being what it is , has been one of excitement and renewed faith in a number of teams that'd fallen on hard times . The Lakers are back to their best with a team that's filled self confidence. Though it can be said that the task facing them in terms of the Utah Jazz isn't an easy one. The Jazz are a team that just doesn't seem to want to go away and some might say they're akin to being a thorn that's been stuck in the claw of the Lakers at this juncture.
Tyson Chandler and Chris Paul of the Hornets on the bench during the closing minutes of the fourth quarter of game 6 of their Western Conference semi final game against the Spurs. picture courtesy of AP/Photo/Matt Slocum ..............
Over in the Eastern Conference the Detroit Pistons having resolutely dispatched the Orlando Magic await the winners of the Cleveland Cavaliers , Boston Celtics' series. And at best even though the Celtics possess a 3-2 lead in this best of seven series. It can be said they've yet to really find their rhythm in the series. The Celtics' triumvirate of Garnett , Allen and Pierce have yet to resemble their famed predecssors Bird , Parish and McHale in terms of determination. And being winless on the road this postseason has left some wondering if their regular season play was nothing more than an aberration at best. In the postseason however a win , is a win, no matter how one obtains it. So it'd be presumptuous to count the Celtics out as of yet.
Parker , Ginobili and Duncan are seated on the bench during the fourth quarter of last night's game. picture courtesy of AP/Photo/Matt Slocum ............
LeBron James of the Cavaliers for his part may well have proven that he doesn't need his Mom to necessarily fight his battles for him. But I'd say that she's shown a lot more spirit than some of his teammates thus far in her support. Other than Delonte West at times we've seen very little in terms of real determination being shown by some of his teammates. One expects him to rise to the occasion and hopefully his teammates'll follow his lead. The one man circus that is LeBron James will want to put on a show but the expense can be unbearable to watch when the supporting cast isn't always there for that final curtain call.
Peja Stojackovic of the Hornets takes a shot over the outstretched arms of Bruce Bowen of the Spurs. picture courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images /D Clarke Evans .........
This series between the Spurs and Hornets entertaining as it has been will ultimately come to an end with one these teams going home disappointed. Their season having been filled with highs and lows. Their ultimate prize has been from the onset to play in the NBA championship finals. The conference finals being what they are determines nothing more than having bragging rights within the conference once you've prevailed there. At this juncture I'd like to think for all of the inconsistency shown by the Spurs they've still got something to show their fans and to the rest of the league. Especially to the naysayers who may have written them off once they were thought to be under the hammer of the Hornets.
On a collision course Chris Paul of the Hornets and the Spurs' Robert Horry. picture courtesy of AP/Photo/Matt Slocum ...........
Often at times it's not how you start but how you finish that counts. But it certainly helps your cause if you don't place yourself in a position where you've got to scrap for everything just to survive. Having survived the onslaught though it's best to secure the victory rather than taking it for granted that it'll come to you gift wrapped. In the NBA that's not how things are done at all !
It says much as to the praise being heaped upon the Boston Celtics during the regualar season. They were by far the best team in the NBA during the 82 game season . But their postseason play does nothing to suggest that what was evident has manifested itself in the postseason. if anyting the've been a caricature of that highly entertaining team that many were in awe during the regular season.
Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics look on as minutes wind down during the closing moments of the fourth quarter of the team's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 108-84 loss was the team's most lopsided in postseason play thus far. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jesse D Garrabant..
Suffering a humiliating lopsided loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers would suggest the hype over the Celtics was exaggerated. They've yet to win away from home during the postseason. And that in of itself ought to suggest that this team is far from where their coach Glen 'Doc' Rivers thinks that they ought to be at this juncture. The great teams that've won championships have known how to win big at home as well as away from home. That's something that has been evading this Boston Celtics' team this postseason. Problems started with their first round series with the Atlanta Hawks and though they ended up winning the series 4-3. It was felt that they took their first round opponents far too lightly. In the Eastern Conference semi finals series it'd would appear that they've still not learnt from their mistakes.
LeBron James looks to make a pass whilst evading the defensive play of two Celtics' players. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jesse D Garrabant .......
Though the Celtics now lead the seven game series 2-1 they've yet to post an away from home victory this postseason. That most certainly isn't what is expected from an allegedly great team. But then in this day and age how does one equate greatness , winning ? At home the team would appear to be invincible but away from the TD Bankone Center in Boston they're as susceptible to being defeated as they come. It were as if two differing teams were stepping out unto the court at home and then away from home. That now has to be a perplexing situation for the Boston Celtics' fan who are now seeing their team play somewhat inconsistently during the postseason. Their triumvirate of stars notwithstanding this team can't seem to find an identity that feel comfortable with this postseason.
Cletics' point guard Rajon Rondo gets the better of Cavaliers' defender Ben Wallace. picture courtesy of ap/photos/ Mark Duncan ............
Garnett , Allen and Pierce have led the team with authority in the regular season but it'd appear that the postseason seems to have left them somewhat lacking in part. Defensively last night they were unable to keep James or his teammate Delonte West in check as they had their way with this team. And James himself would show some of his defensive prowess on several occasions. It was a complete nightmare for the Doc Rivers' coached team that seemed very ill disciplined and completely out of touch in the atmospshere of Cleveland's home arena and fans. It were as if they were somehow intimidated by this all ? The great teams know how to win be it at home or on the road. But at this juncture it seems to be that the Celtics prefer to learn this particular the hard way during the postseason.
Cavaliers' fans show their raucous approval having just defeated the Boston Celtics in game 3 of their Eastern Conference semi finals series. The Celtics though still lead the series 2-1 in the best of seven series. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ David Liam Kyle ...........
The Cavaliers for theit part are out to prove as Eastern Conference champions that last season's appearance in the NBA finals wasn't a fluke. And although they succumbed to the stellar play of the San Antonio Spurs in a four game sweep in the Finals itself. It can be said that this time around the team want to prove to the league that they'r e back and as a legitimate contender for the title itself. James and teammate Delonte West more than held their own against the Celtics. West if anything was imposing and his play was beyond what many may have thought West capable of. But then again those who've witnessed his maturation would certainly know what he's capable when given the chance to show his undoubted skills.
Delonte West of the Cleveland Cavaliers attempts to shoot over the outsretched arms of defender Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics. West led all scorers with 21 points 7 rebounds, 5 assissts. And he complemented James and his teammates his consummate allround play. picture courtesy of getty images/ Greg Shamus ..............
It was an allround effort from the team and though they still behind 2-1 in the series. It can be said that it gives the Cavaliers renewed confidence against the Boston Celtics. And for the Celtics for the second time during the postseason their presence and authority once again comes into question. They underestimated a previous foe and were found wanting only to show that they could acquit themselves . But they were pushed closer to the limits than they'd like to have been . This time around with the Cavaliers it's a chance that they can ill afford to have repeated . Second chances when given ought to be readily accepted and taken. Not doing so tends to have its consequences for a team .
West and teammate Wally Szcerbiak celebrate the culmination of a play against the Celtics in the third quarter of game three played at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Oh. picture courtesy of getty images/ Gregory Shamus ..............
The anticipation for the Cavaliers' fans must be high at this juncture. But it can be said if Cleveland is pull equal in the series and even win the series outright. Then they'll have to prove themselves the equal of their more experienced opponents in terms of roster play and prowess. We've seen the glimpses of potential as to both team's play. But they've both yet been able to maintain that consistency over a prolonged period . If either are able to do that then we may well see the makings of classic series unfold. And that at the end of day is all the fan can ask for. At least amongst the purists of the game .
Much has been made of the woes of the San Antonio Spurs and the fact that they've been outplayed in the first two games of their Western Conference semi final series against the New Orleans Hornets. And like any other troubled Spurs' fan I was none too pleased with their output and display in those first two games.
Manu Ginobili of the Spurs gets a helping hand from teammates Michael Finley and Fabrice Oberto. Inset also is Tim Duncan showing his approval. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ nathaniel s butler .............
The lack of cohesion and communication was there plainly for all to see . And the fact that we couldn't contain the Hornets' All Star point guard Chris Paul was worrisome to say the least. However last night was a return to the tried and trusted way of the Spurs that many of the fans of the NBA have come to know from this franchise. They played with great efficiency and imagination. And above all their players stepped up and played with stealth and guile. None more so than two of foreign born players Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. Who between them for the vast majority of the scoring for the team last night.
Tony Parker of the Spurs goes to the basket evading Mario Ely and David West of the Hornets. Parker shared the brunt of the Spurs' offensive output alongside teammate Manu Ginobili in scoring. He ended the game with 31 points and 11 assists. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/nathaniel s butler ............
The game three win over the Hornets was decisive and in many ways and it showed that the team is back on track. That 110-99 effort if nothing else showed that in times of adversity this team can turn it around when called upon. One can only hope that this portends of things to come in the series. Still facing a 2-1 deficit they've got to win the next two games to be played in San Antonio in order to make sure of really keeping their hopes alive in the playoffs. Ginobili and Parker in scoring 31 points apiece effectively took up much of the scoring load leaving Duncan to do what he does best. And that's to bring his cerebral game to the fore . The role players on the team also played their part in this win. And once again Greg Popovich as coach had something to relish even though he realizes that the team isn't out of the woods as of yet.
A jubilant Spurs' fan celebrates the team's game 3 win against the New Orleans Hornets. It provides something of a respite until game 4 and the fact that the team can refocus and rebound from the initial two games lost. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ nathaniel s butler ....................
For the Hornets this must be seen as something of a letdown as they now come in San Antonio having to regroup after being thorouhgly outplayed by a Spurs' team that seems to have refound its touch. It could prove to something ominous for the team as it now stands. Should they relinquish the advantage that they now have in terms of the lead. Then it'll come down to their experience and what they're prepared to do in order to regain the advantage over the Spurs. As defending champions the Spurs have a wealth of experience to rely on . Whereas with the New Orleans Hornets this is team that's short on experience but brave in all other aspects of the game. I'd like to believe that experience in the end will trump the youthful exubeberance of coach Byron Scott's team.
Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets evades the defensive play of Tim Duncan while Kurt Thomas looks on . picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ nathaniel s butler ....................
The Hornets for their part have proven to the rest of the league that they're not to be taken lightly. And if anything their play this season was not by any stretch of the imagination a fluke. They've made teams throughout the NBA feel the wrath of their up tempo play and the athleticism that has gone alongside it. And it should be no wonder to fans across the league why it was they ended up being the number 2 seed behind the Los Angeles Lakersin the Western Conference.
A determined Chris Paul drives the lane against Bruce Bowen of the Spurs. Paul was the Hornets' top scorer with 35 pts and dishing out 9 assists. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/nathaniel s butler ................
Though this series is far from over the remaining games will provide a great deal of interest not only to the fans of both teams . But also to fans of the game league wide. We're seeing two of the very best now play as if they're boxers in a heavyweight title fight. With punch and counter punch being thrown from all angles with regard to the determination of both teams. At the start this was how I'd envisage this series to unfold itself. But having witnessed the first two games played I wasn't too sure that the San Antonio Spurs were actually prepared to play. But with everything now on the line. It appears that they've stepped up to plate and answered the bell having been knocked down. As in riding a bike once you've fallen off it's best to get back upon the bike and start pedalling all over again. It's something that's ingrained into us that we've all learnt to do over the years.
Kurt Thomas of the Spurs grabs a defensive rebound against the Hornets in the team's 110-99 win over their divisional rival in the Western Conference semi finals game played in New Orleans. picture courtesy of nabe/getty images/nathaniel s butler .............
This series now has the makings of being a classic as both teams will now go toe to toe to prove which of them is the better of the two. The skills that've been shown by both are to be appreciated. And the abilities shown by the coaches Byron Scott and Greg Popovich are not to be underestimated either. As this'll no doubt turn out into something akin to a chess match as they each seek to usurp the other's strategies. Both coaches have been to the NBA Finals. But it has been Popovich that has shown to be the more successful to date having won four championships and is now seeking a fifth. Scott on his two visits as coach of the New Jersey Nets came up short each time.
Chris Paul and his Spurs' counterpart Tony Parker share a converstation during the third quarter of last night's game. picture courtesy of ap/photos/david j phillip ............
As the series unfolds as alluded to before one can assume that experience will count for a great deal. The Spurs has seen this all before and they've come throught it with the erstwhile tact expected of a champion. The Hornets for their part are in unchartered waters and with a young team of stars and some seasoned veterans. It'll be hard to see how they can contain the Spurs should they be allowed to come back into the series with the deficit erased. The Hornets are still learning to ride their bike and yet to have fallen from it , then having to dust themselves off and remount. The Spurs have proven that they're capable of doing that and acquitted themselves well before. So there ought to be no reason not to expect them to be able to to do so again at this juncture.
With all of the furore that's now said to be going on in the NBA and in particular within the Western Conference. One has really got to sit up and take note as to what this improbable run by the Houston Rockets has done. Their impressive win streak which now stands at 19 consecutive victories is all the more improbable when factor in that they're playing without their top scorer and one might state leader , All Star center Yao Ming.
Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets exchanges a few friendly words with Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets. McGrady and the Hockets would go on to win the game 91-73. picture courtesy of afp/ Bill Blast .......
Ming's loss due to an unforeseen injury may well have put to an end the hopes of a less resolute team that harbored wishes to garner a postseason berth. However this has not been the case with the Houston Rockets. As they've blazed a trail across the conference with their scorched earth policy of taking no prisoners and laying waste to their opponents along the way. And no one has been more impressive in their play as of late than Tracy McGrady of the Rockets. In particular has been his resolve and demeanor. He's now matured into the player that many had believed he could become. Unselfish and and prepared to defer to others when necessary.
McGrady drives the lane against Richard Jefferson of the New Jersey Nets. picture courtesy of reuters/ Richard Carson .........
But also what has been uncompromising about his play, is his wish to include his teammates in all aspects of the game. And McGrady himself has begun to show leadership qualities that few of us even thought that he had. Coach Rick Adelman has the team playing a sound brand of aggressive basketball on both ends of ther floor. And even the wily veteran Dikembe Mutombo is showing us that age is nothing but a number , at the age of 42. Who'd have thought that there were legs left on the ol' dog ? Adelman has got the players to buy into his policy of playing the game with sound fundamental play. Few turnovers and that defense is the key to winning. And won they have with astounding regularity. Their 19 consecutive wins is the third longest streak in NBA history and a franchise record for the Rockets. Hard to believe that a team that posssessed the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler never achieved such a feat ?
Nets' forward Vince Carter goes up for a shot over Rockets' center Dikembe Mutombo. Mutombo's play has been very persuasive in the Rockets' continued dominance of their opponents as of late. picture courtesy of reuters/ Richard Carson ..........
What is even more surprising is that they're now contesting the current NBA champions the San Antonio Spurs for the top spot within the Southwestern Division table. At 43-20 they sit a game behind San Antonio and 1.5 game infront of the New Orleans Hornets. Were the playoffs to start today the Rockets would be the third seed in the Western Conference behind the Spurs and Lakers respectively. And whilst no one would immediately consider the Rockets to be favorites to win it all. Their names can and ought to be considered as part of te equation . Especially if we're said to be considering contenders in the Western Conference ? And though the presumed favorites at this juncture would be the Spurs and Lakers based on their records. One can't count out the Rockets. It'd be remiss to do so and when placed into context as to how they've been playing.
Steve Novak shoots from beyond the arc against the New Jersey Nets in a game played at the Toyota Center in Houston . picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Bill Baptist.........
Putting together a run of 19 consecutive wins is hard enough . But when you consider the competitiveness of the Western Conference it is downright astonishing and impressive . As I'd alluded to before in this piece McGrady seems to have now found his niche as a player and it may well have been a long and hard journey for him. But the dividends seem finally to be paying off. And the beneficiary of it all has to be the Rockets themselves and the fans of the franchise. The raucous crowds are shouting their encouragement to the players. And that if anything has got to be all the more pleasing to a player of McGrady's psyche. Whilst in Toronto and Orlando in particular he couldn't gain the respect of the fans. And was often seen as a malcontent and self absorbed in his own importance. And though his tenure in Houston has seen its ebbs and flows . It can be said that finally he might well be adjusting to a place where he feels needed and loved.
McGrady and the Nets Devin Harris contest a loose ball during the game. picture courtesy of ap/photo/Pat Sullivan .........
Though some might think it presumptuous one has to wonder what would now be happening had not Yao Ming been injured ? The Rockets with both Ming and McGrady in tandem would surely be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs . But that's all supposition at this juncture and games aren't won by suppositions . They're won by the play on the courts and the teams that are out there competing at the time. And that's what the Rockets and McGrady have definately been doing as of late. And the league in particula is better off for it.
Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets exchanges a few friendly words with Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets. McGrady and the Hockets would go on to win the game 91-73. picture courtesy of afp/ Bill Blast .......
McGrady drives the lane against Richard Jefferson of the New Jersey Nets. picture courtesy of reuters/ Richard Carson .........
Nets' forward Vince Carter goes up for a shot over Rockets' center Dikembe Mutombo. Mutombo's play has been very persuasive in the Rockets' continued dominance of their opponents as of late. picture courtesy of reuters/ Richard Carson ..........
McGrady and the Nets Devin Harris contest a loose ball during the game. picture courtesy of ap/photo/Pat Sullivan .........