Posts Tagged ‘The Truth Sports’
Hack-A-Howard Fun
Category Golden St. Warriors, NBA, Orlando Magic
The Golden St. Warriors have a weird way of playing basketball. When the going gets tough, the Warriors foul, and foul, and foul again. They continue fouling until they eventually lose the game. In a strategy born from the days when Shaquille O’Neal missed free throw after free throw, the Golden St. Warriors for the second time this season decided to foul the poorest free throw shooter on the floor and hope he missed enough to ensure victory. The Warriors attempted the strategy against the Los Angeles Clippers and DeAndre Jordan was more then happy to miss tons of free throws. Unfortunately for the Warriors being an undersized team and pretty awful defensively they are forced to go Gregg Popovich on teams. Good luck Mark Jackson.
Dwight Howard went 21-39 from the FT line, the most free-throw attempts in NBA history and tied for the 3rd-most MISSED free throws in an NBA game. Only Wilt Chamberlain (22, 19, 18) has ever missed as many free throws in an NBA game.
Howard finished with 45 points and 23 rebounds, to propel the Magic to their third straight victory. It also marked the first time a player had at least 40 points and 20 rebounds since Shaquille O’Neal – another poor free throw shooter — had 48 points and 20 rebounds against the Celtics on March 1, 2003, according to STATS LLC.
This was Howards 1st career game with 40+ points, 20+ rebounds. He’s the only active player to accomplish that feat. Take that Kobe.
Back In A New York Groove
Category NBA, New York Knicks, NU SEF JONES
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
*Sorry my tardiness on this extremely late post*
Knicks fans have been waiting for this team to get into a groove this season after a tough start. Having won four in row and only one game behind Atlantic Division leading Sixers, the Knicks have discovered that playing good defense pays dividends. Carmelo Anthony continues to be clutch for the Knicks hitting two crucial foul shots to seal the win over the Sixers 85-79.
The Sixers came into Madison Square Garden as the hottest team in the NBA winning six in a row and claiming the top spot in the division. Coach Doug Collins has a young Philadelphia team playing with energy and a deep bench that can score with the best of them. The Sixers came into Wednesday night’s matchup with the Knicks having played back to back games and with the NBA’s third leading offense. The Knicks behind Iman Shumpert attacking defense held the Sixers to 40 percent shooting for the night. Tyson Chandler leadership on the boards and Iman energy on defense has the Knicks beginning to develop team chemistry.
Undoubtedly the Knicks offense goes as Melo’ and Amar’e go, but the lack of bench production has been cause for concern. The Knicks bench could only muster 3 points in the win against the Charlotte Bobcats but Coach Mike D’Antoni post game interview spurred some fire with the beleaguered bench. Led by former Kentucky center Josh Harrellson 13 points, included 3-for-5 behind the arc, the Knicks bench added 21 points to the tally. Carmelo’s 27 points lead the team in scoring and his 3 steals and 9 rebounds were impressive. STAT continued to struggle with his mid-range jumper but finished the game scoring 20 points, shooting 8-for-14, and grabbed 10 rebounds. The Knicks out-rebounded the Sixers 46/37 which continues to be an important factor in the recent win streak. But the Knicks had 20 turnovers that nearly cost them the game in the fourth quarter. In addition, Landry Fields continues to struggle shooting 2-for-4 for four points with three rebounds, three steals, two assists and three turnovers in 35-plus minutes. Coach D’Antoni should consider moving Billy Walker into the starting rotation until Landry gets it together. Next up for the Knicks hit the road to face the Memphis Grizzles on Thursday and Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, before coming home Monday to play Dwight Howard and the Magic.
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STILL AIN’T THERE YET
Category Charlotte Bobcats, NBA, New York Knicks, NU SEF JONES
The (2-3) NY Knicks faced off with the (1-4) Charlotte Bobcats in another home game that saw the Garden crowd disappointed again with the star-studded Knicks losing 118-110. The bright spot for the Knicks was the aggressive effort on the glass and the return of rookie Iman Shumpert, who had the Garden crowd chanting his name after an 18 pt performance. The Knicks defense was nothing to brag about letting the Bobcats shoot 55% from the field. The Knicks allowed an out of shape Boris Diaw shoot 12-for-15 scoring a team high 27. The Bobcats out hustled the Knicks throughout the game maintaining the lead for the exception of a quick 2 minute period in the 1st quarter.
The Knicks began the night aggressive in the paint with Tyson Chandler getting good passes for easy dunks and layups. The rest of the Knicks played well on the offensive side of the ball, but Amar’e continues to struggle with his jumper.
Rookie Iman Shumpert made an immediate impact after missing the last four games with a strained knee, hitting a jumper, grabs 2 boards and providing another point guard option for Coach D’Antoni. Another surprise for the Knicks continues to be the play of Billy Walker off the bench. Walker teamed up with Douglas and Shumpert to provide the Knicks with a good second team but the lack of team chemistry was apparent. Diaw went 7-for7 in the quarter and the Bobcats won the first quarter 30-26.
The Knicks are going to have to learn how to play with each other on both sides of the court before things turn around for this team. At times the Knicks look perfectly in sync, but undoubtedly resort to settling for quick outside shots that get them in a hole. Tyson Chandler who is the vocal leader of this defense needs someone to tell him what to do when Melo gets the ball, 99% of the time expect a shot. Chandler finished the game with six rebounds matching Melo’s effort on the glass. The Garden voiced their disapproval of the Knicks defense after the Bobcats went on a 9-0 run and left the Knicks looking weak going into the half. Iman Shumpert led the Knicks in scoring going into the tunnel with 12 at the half.
BROADWAY 3 NEEDS MORE REHEARSING
Category NBA, New York Knicks, NU SEF JONES
The (1-1) New York Knicks came into Thursday game against the Los Angeles Lakers looking to rebound from a brutal 4th qt unraveling against the Golden State Warriors. Head coach Mike D’Antoni admitted the Knicks looked “awful” and blamed the entire team for a lack of concentration and energy. Unfortunately for Knicksnation, Thursday’s late night 99-82 loss to the hands of Kobe Bryant left many with questions about the team’s leadership and coaching. Although it is too early to think about hitting the panic button there are several issues that the Knicks have to address.
Coach D’Antoni started his usual lineup of PG Douglas, SG Fields, SF Anthony, PF Stoudemire, C Chandler, while new Lakers coach Mike Brown without center Andrew Bynum went with PG Fisher, SG Bryant, SF Ebanks, PF McRoberts, and at C Gasol. The game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles marked the Knicks first back-to-back game of the new season and the second in a three game West Coast road trip. Pau Gasol got the Lakers off to good start while Knicks superstar Carmelo shook off the rust on his jump-shot early and didn’t look back. Knicks did get to the free-throw line early going 8-for-8 at the charity stripe which gave them a 19-14 lead with 5:52 remaining in the 1st quarter. Melo quick start with 7 points had the offensive clicking early, but dumb fouls continue to plague the Mike Woodson defense. At the end of the 1st quarter, the Lakers led 31-24, with the Knicks going to the charity strip 12 times, connecting on 11. Melo, Chandler and Amar’e Stoudamire combined for 21 points.
One of the most puzzling stories on offense in the young season is the propensity for Amar’e to settle for outside jumpers and lack of back to the rim scoring. So far it seems the twenty pounds of additional muscle put on in the offseason by “STAT” will be used to shoot 18 foot jumpers instead of attacking the rim. On the few occasions that STAT did force the action around the paint he was successful in forcing fouls and getting easy dunks. The return of veteran point guard Baron Davis will hopefully right Amar’e horrible shot selection in which he shot 4-for-17 finishing with 15 points for the night. The 2nd quarter exposed a second team for the Knicks that lacks in the ability to score and defend the paint. Josh Harrelson looks slightly more confident and newly acquired Steve Novak provided some perimeter scoring but Coach D’Antoni will be happy to get Iman Shumpert and Jared Jefferies back into the rotation sooner than later. The Knicks struggled to contain Kobe Bryant and were overpowered by a resurgent Metta World Peace and at the half trailed the Lakers 63-51. The Knicks offense was pure isolation plays and could not get good shots which were reflected in their dismal 33% shooting for the half. The Lakers offense clicked on all cylinders ending the half shooting 72%.
2012 NBA NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS!
Category Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden St. Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trailblazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards
Although the season has barely begun, each team will be making resolutions for the New Years that ultimately they will forget. Here a a team-by-team breakdown:
ATLANTA HAWKS
We resolve to get to the bottom of why we gave Joe Johnson so much damn money. He does lead us in points, but will we make it deep in the playoffs….of course not. ( same as last years resolution)
BOSTON CELTICS
We the Boston Celtics resolve to let Rondo shoot nothing but threes for an entire game, just to see what happens….
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
I, Paul Silas resolve to survive the entire season.
CHICAGO BULLS
I, Derrick Rose resolve to continue dominating basketball, postgame interviews and my acne.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
We resolve to continue to be a horrible team until Dan Gilbert can finally complete the cloning of LeBron James, let the clone grow to 18 years of age, then draft him with the #1 pick in the 2030 Draft.
DALLAS MAVERICKS
I, Lamar Odom will drive to Galveston Beach each off day so I can look at the ocean and remember what once was.
DETROIT PISTONS
We the Pistons resolve to find some food for Austin Daye, and to have Ben Gordons arms chopped off!
DENVER NUGGETS
We the Nuggets resolve to be extremely grateful that Coach Karl is back and healthy!
GOLDEN ST. WARRIORS
I, Coach Mark Jackson resolve to stop yelling “Hands down, man down” to everyone on the team, every possession.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
We the Houston Rockets resolve to continue pitting Chase Budinger, and Chandler Parsons against each other until they are forced to fight to the death.
INDIANA PACERS
We resolve to let Physcho T run into the stands at least once this season.
L.A. CLIPPERS
We resolve to keep our racist ass owner away from Chris Paul, and keep Chris thinking that Frankie Muniz is indeed the owner of the team.
HEAT FOOLED ME ONCE…
Category Miami Heat, NBA
Word on the street, is the Heat are everyones favorite to make to back to the Finals, this is primarly due to every team aside from the Los Angeles Clippers getting somewhat worse, but in last years playoffs there was a moment when I thought the Heat had figured it all out and were poised at that time to get LeBron his first ring. Then suddenly as if it had all been a mirage the Heat took a giant step back and folded under the surging Dallas Mavericks.
The Heat are 4-0 for the second time in franchise history, and first since 2004-05. The Heat have shown glimpses of both sides, the unstoppable force that flashed in last years playoffs, and a team that struggles when a 2-3 Zone is thrown in their face. The two biggest improvements for the Heat was the drafting of Norris Cole, and the signing of free agent Shane Battier. Norris Cole may not be the distance shooter that Mario Chalmers is, but he makes up for it speed, and confidence.
”Mentally you just have to be prepared for the worst,” Cole told reporters after his first practice with the team. “There’s going to be a lot of things thrown at me, but with me being in college for four years, I think I have a quick learning curve. I’m mature enough to be able to handle criticism. As long as we work hard and earn the respect of the veterans, I think everything will be fine. This team was already good without me being here. With me having a quick learning curve, [the] only thing I can do is make us better”
Shane Battier hasn’t done much on the floor this season, but will be LeBron’s Bundini Brown when it counts.
So far this season Wade and Lebron have attempted only one three-pointer and LeBron James notched his 38th career 30-point, 10-assist game on Friday. It’s the most among active players, one more than teammate Dwyane Wade.
Before I resign up for the Heat bandwagon I need to see CONSISTENCY, and more of this ridiculousness:
KNICKS LEAVE ‘O’ IN NYC
Category Golden St. Warriors, New York Knicks, NU SEF JONES
The Knicks came into Tuesday night game against the Golden State Warriors riding a wave of positive energy, having won their opening game against the division rival Celtics. New York hasn’t won its first two games since opening 3-0 in 1999-2000, also the last season it won a playoff series. This year would be no different as the Warriors without starting PG Stephen Curry and a horrible shooting performance by embattled Monte Ellis blew out the Knicks in the fourth quarter, on their way to their second win under Coach Mark Jackson 92-78.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Knicks began the night as beneficiaries of four early turnovers by the Warriors, which was due to sloppy play more so than great defense. Poor shooting by Amar’e and early foul trouble for co-stars Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler forced Coach D’Antoni to play the bench. The offense never got into a steady rhythm as the PG woes continued for the Knicks. Mike D’Antoni went with a Knicks lineup of Billy Walker, Mike Bibby, Josh Harrelson, Melo, and Landry Fields that seemed inept on both ends of the court. Harrelson continued his sloppy play and looked overwhelmed in the moment again. Lead by Landry Fields aggressive play the Knicks closed out the quarter up 23-21.
The 2nd quarter showed no improvement by the Knicks as the lack of PG play had them struggling to run a half court offense. Back up point guard Ish Smith for the Warriors did a marvelous job stepping up and providing the team with 6 rebounds and scoring 11 points. Bad passing by the Knicks lead to seven first half turnovers and poor shot selection seemed contagious as the big 3 couldn’t buy a FG. Landry Fields led the Knicks meager offense with 13 points in the first half, a bad omen for the team. A reoccurring issue for the Knicks was the lack of rebounding as the Warriors won the battle of the boards 23-18 at the half. Due to Monte Ellis poor shooting performance in the first half the Knicks led going into the half 43-37. Continue reading “KNICKS LEAVE ‘O’ IN NYC” »
Melo Saves Christmas In New York
Category Boston Celtics, NBA, New York Knicks
In the opening game of the 2011-12 NBA season, the Boston Celtics overcame a 17 point first half deficit to push the re-built Knicks to the brink of a loss. The Knicks overcame a disastrous third quarter on the 37 point scoring performance of Carmelo Anthony to win a thrilling game in front of an energized Madison Square Garden 106-104.
(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Knicks starters were Toney Douglas, Landry Fields, Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and newly acquired Tyson Chandler. The Celtics without the services of All-Star Paul Pierce started Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Sasha Pavlovic, Kevin Garnett, and at Center Jermaine O’Neal. The Knicks used the 1st quarter to build a 34-23 lead behind 52% shooting. The PG matchup between Rondo and Douglass had Knicks fan fuming with Rondo driving to the rim with numerous uncontested layups. Rondo finished with 31 points and 13 dimes. Knicks rookie Iman Shumpert scored his first points in the NBA with a layup and was fouled for a three-point play. Unfortunately for the Knicks, Shumpert sprained his knee in the 3rd quarter and did not return to the game. Initial reports have Shumpert unavailable for 2 weeks, leaving the Knicks with Mike Bibby to back up Douglass.
The 2nd quarter began with Amar’e displaying his new 3 point shot which had the Garden crowd out of their seats. Douglass tried in vain to slow down Rondo who continued to murder the Knicks on easy fast break points and wide open jumpers. Douglass was effective on the offensive side of the court but failed to effectively control the tempo of the game. Brandon Bass who was acquired for “Big Baby” in a trade with the Orlando Magic, paid dividends controlling the boards and dunking 2nd shot attempts. The 2nd quarter ended with the Knicks up 62-52.
