This is 40 (and 10)
During his moving MVP speech, Kevin Durant told Russell Westbrook, who's regularly under fire for firing off scads of shots, he had his back (it was the lead taking a supporting role). Westbrook paid back the praise by bringing the Thunder back into the series, tying it at 2-2, behind his 40 points, 10 assists and 5 steals, which were all figures greater than what the Spurs starting lineup totaled (although Popovich, perhaps channeling the Commander-in-Chief, pulled his charges out before the conflict concluded, too). Westbrook became only the second player in postseason history to notch those numbers, joining the rare air of Michael Jordan, who did it in 1989, when Westbrook was one and pampered in a completely different way.
When Durant stood up for Westbrook, it stood out - and a standout effort from Westbrook was exactly what the Thunder needed.
Westbrook can always find the basket, but he's at his best when he's finding teammates, too. Durant, who had his series-high with 31, wasn't just accepting an award, he was accepting his amigo, along with any of his friend's flaws, which are few. Durant demonstrated he'll share credit, now Westbrook is showing he'll share the ball. That makes them two of a kindness.
Showing posts with label kevin durant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kevin durant. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Friday, May 9, 2014
The Mother of All Awards
How does Kevin Durant spell "MVP?" M-o-m. In his emotional acceptance speech Tuesday, during which the "Slim Reaper" became the slim weeper, he wasn't mum about who deserves credit for the accomplishment, singling out his mama for the sacrifices she made for him growing up. So, with several days to spare before Mother's Day, (show-off) he honored her with touching testimony and a trophy touting what a terrific tyke she raised, which really puts our ho-hum Hallmark card and cruddy candle into perspective* . It's one thing for him to make defenders look bad, but it's another to make sons look bad (he presented her with a pro prize and we couldn't be bothered to buy ProFlowers^).
"Mr. Unreliable" was Mister Fantastic the entire season, leading the league in scoring for the fourth time and posting 25 or more points in 41 consecutive contests. Last spring, he said he was sick of being second, and this season he was second-to-none. Durant's dominance was apparent to everyone - even LeBron, who ahead of the announcement admitted Durant "deserves" it - just as it's apparent which parent Durant loves.
*mommy, if you're wondering why your edible arrangement arrived with most of the melons missing, blame Durant for depressing us
^our mug making us out to be #1 is meaningless, we might as well mail it to KD
"Mr. Unreliable" was Mister Fantastic the entire season, leading the league in scoring for the fourth time and posting 25 or more points in 41 consecutive contests. Last spring, he said he was sick of being second, and this season he was second-to-none. Durant's dominance was apparent to everyone - even LeBron, who ahead of the announcement admitted Durant "deserves" it - just as it's apparent which parent Durant loves.
*mommy, if you're wondering why your edible arrangement arrived with most of the melons missing, blame Durant for depressing us
^our mug making us out to be #1 is meaningless, we might as well mail it to KD
Friday, February 21, 2014
Servant's Four Quarters
Kevin Durant has never been self-serving - until now. He has been nickname-worthy for awhile, but he feels none of the nicknames he's been bestowed with - KD*, Durantula and Slim Reaper - have been worthy of him. He wants to be known as "the servant*." Where did this new nickname come from? Durant maid it up. Someone should tell him it's okay to have help.
When McLemore is less: It's de rigueur to diss the dunk contest, but the jeers this year are justified. The competition underwent renovations and the results were underwhelming. It hit the wall, but not because John Wall won with the aid of what looked like Dr. Manhattan wearing shades and a Wizards jersey. The format was convoluted and the amount of individual dunks was meager. The 'lift' was missing from this "facelift." Even Shaq's shenanigans couldn't salvage it. There were superior slams in the All-Star game. Heck, there were more dynamic dunks in the TNT's stars competition, during which a dunk tank toss was the decisive event^. This is our warning to The Association: don't bring that weak stuff in here again.
Taking a Turner for the worst: We transition from tanks to tanking. On deadline day, the 76ers traded two of their top three scorers and made three deals in total, each for draft picks and expiring contracts, shedding. The team isn't cleaning house so much as leveling it, then setting fire to the foundation. Even Miley Cyrus wouldn't wield a wrecking ball this recklessly.
*what will we call Jimmy Butler?
^naturally, the only man who had never played professional sports prevailed
When McLemore is less: It's de rigueur to diss the dunk contest, but the jeers this year are justified. The competition underwent renovations and the results were underwhelming. It hit the wall, but not because John Wall won with the aid of what looked like Dr. Manhattan wearing shades and a Wizards jersey. The format was convoluted and the amount of individual dunks was meager. The 'lift' was missing from this "facelift." Even Shaq's shenanigans couldn't salvage it. There were superior slams in the All-Star game. Heck, there were more dynamic dunks in the TNT's stars competition, during which a dunk tank toss was the decisive event^. This is our warning to The Association: don't bring that weak stuff in here again.
Taking a Turner for the worst: We transition from tanks to tanking. On deadline day, the 76ers traded two of their top three scorers and made three deals in total, each for draft picks and expiring contracts, shedding. The team isn't cleaning house so much as leveling it, then setting fire to the foundation. Even Miley Cyrus wouldn't wield a wrecking ball this recklessly.
*what will we call Jimmy Butler?
^naturally, the only man who had never played professional sports prevailed
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Sweathearts
The star of Thunderstruck is now lovestruck. Kevin Durant is engaged to Monica Wright, a guard for the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx. The couple in 2006 at the McDonald's High School All-American Game, so "I'm lovin' it" eventually bloomed into I'm lovin' you.
Both were the second overall selection in their draft class. However, for their careers, Durant averages 18 more points-per-game - 26.6 vs.8.6 - so he should spot her a few baskets when they play one-on-one. Although Wright stands 5'10", she still needs a step ladder to smooch her fiancee (put that on the registry), who's almost a foot taller.
Maybe now that Durant has signed with Jay-Z's agency, he's abiding by Beyonce's advice to put a ring on it. We hope that this Wright woman is the right woman for Durant.
Editor's note: We actually attempted to learn more about her, but the Lynx media guide wouldn't load; we're probably the first person who tried to view the pdf.
Both were the second overall selection in their draft class. However, for their careers, Durant averages 18 more points-per-game - 26.6 vs.8.6 - so he should spot her a few baskets when they play one-on-one. Although Wright stands 5'10", she still needs a step ladder to smooch her fiancee (put that on the registry), who's almost a foot taller.
Maybe now that Durant has signed with Jay-Z's agency, he's abiding by Beyonce's advice to put a ring on it. We hope that this Wright woman is the right woman for Durant.
Editor's note: We actually attempted to learn more about her, but the Lynx media guide wouldn't load; we're probably the first person who tried to view the pdf.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
The Blueprint for Success?
Kevin Durant, who shot a career-best 51% from the field this season, connects well on Js; now, he's well-connected with Jay-Z. On Monday, Durant signed with the rapper's nascent agency, Roc Nation Sports, becoming the first male hoopster to hop to the hip-hopper. Our reaction to him flowing to the fast flower: Jigga what?
Durant is the most unassuming superstar in The Association, but maybe that's the point. Perhaps he wants to raise his profile, so the bashful basketball player teams with the brash businessman (in this partnership, Durant brings the "big," Jay-Z the "pimpin'").
Durant isn't in line for a new contract until after the 2015-2016 campaign and currently holds seven endorsement deals (even making bread from Panini America, which weirdly doesn't make bread), so this seems to be a move made to boost his popularity, not profitability. Still, there has to be an easier way to hang out with Beyonce.
Durant is the most unassuming superstar in The Association, but maybe that's the point. Perhaps he wants to raise his profile, so the bashful basketball player teams with the brash businessman (in this partnership, Durant brings the "big," Jay-Z the "pimpin'").
Durant isn't in line for a new contract until after the 2015-2016 campaign and currently holds seven endorsement deals (even making bread from Panini America, which weirdly doesn't make bread), so this seems to be a move made to boost his popularity, not profitability. Still, there has to be an easier way to hang out with Beyonce.
Friday, January 4, 2013
The Antisocial Network
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love* gave to me: a high-speed internet connection (because who knows what the heck to do with turtle doves). Here's what we missed while we were without the worldwide web:
1. Santa stuffed a pink slip in Avery Johnson's stocking. Despite leading the Nets to a franchise-best 11-4 record to start the season, the coach was fired two days after Christmas. We think he was ho-ho-hosed.
2. Kevin Durant got thrown out of a game for the first time in his career. He was ejected like a copy of Thunderstruck from a DVD player. The difference being that Durant made it to 41 minutes, which is way longer than anyone who's seen his movie has.
3. Kobe Bryant created a Twitter account. His first message was: "The antisocial has become social." We're glad he joined. He'll need something to do once the playoffs roll around.
4. Stephen Jackson sprained his right ankle stumbling over a server on the Knicks sideline at MSG. The injury brought new meaning to the phrase "road trip." The waitress was allegedly taking the order of Mayor Michael Bloomberg. We're guessing he didn't order a large soda.
5. Returning from surgery on his left knee that has caused him to miss the first two months of the season, Amar'e Stoudemire has a lot to learn from his new head coach. "I've never been taught defense in my whole career," the 11-year veteran said. Good thing high schoolers can't go straight to the pros like Stoudemire anymore - they need a year to take classes. We'll start preparing course materials for "Introduction to Zone^" and "Man-to-Man 101."
*and by "true love" we mean 'cutthroat cable company.'
^Rule #1: Don't zone out while studying.
1. Santa stuffed a pink slip in Avery Johnson's stocking. Despite leading the Nets to a franchise-best 11-4 record to start the season, the coach was fired two days after Christmas. We think he was ho-ho-hosed.
2. Kevin Durant got thrown out of a game for the first time in his career. He was ejected like a copy of Thunderstruck from a DVD player. The difference being that Durant made it to 41 minutes, which is way longer than anyone who's seen his movie has.
3. Kobe Bryant created a Twitter account. His first message was: "The antisocial has become social." We're glad he joined. He'll need something to do once the playoffs roll around.
4. Stephen Jackson sprained his right ankle stumbling over a server on the Knicks sideline at MSG. The injury brought new meaning to the phrase "road trip." The waitress was allegedly taking the order of Mayor Michael Bloomberg. We're guessing he didn't order a large soda.
5. Returning from surgery on his left knee that has caused him to miss the first two months of the season, Amar'e Stoudemire has a lot to learn from his new head coach. "I've never been taught defense in my whole career," the 11-year veteran said. Good thing high schoolers can't go straight to the pros like Stoudemire anymore - they need a year to take classes. We'll start preparing course materials for "Introduction to Zone^" and "Man-to-Man 101."
*and by "true love" we mean 'cutthroat cable company.'
^Rule #1: Don't zone out while studying.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Hell(o), Again
They faced off in the finals, then formed a fearsome faction for the Olympics - and don't forget their fun flag football game. Now, LeBron James and Kevin Durant are together training for the second straight offseason, teaming up for two-a-day workouts on James' turf in Ohio, during what they've dubbed "hell week." We think it's wonderful that they're both homeboys and hellboys. LeBron tweeted that Tuesday's session covered conditioning on a court, football field and a hill. If they keep doing these demanding drills as a duo, they'll be set to scrap with The Golden Army soon.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
A Low Blowout
Team USA learned how to change a close contest into a cinch: let loose the league's three-time scoring champion. What was a mere one-point lead at halftime mushroomed into a 26-point advantage after a titanic third quarter, as a dead-eye Durant drained five threes (and, by himself, equaled Argentina's output in the turnaround third, with 17 points), which drained the energy of an aggressive Argentina team.
Unable to halt Durant hitting a slew of shots, Argentina could only respond with a cheap shot, as Facundo Campazzo appeared to hit Carmelo Anthony in what we'll call his Manu-region. Maybe in Argentine culture junk-jabbing is the cruel cousin of trash-talking. The cajones check caused a crimson-cheeked Coach K to chirp at Louis Scola and spend the rest of the game in his comfort zone, chastising the officials. Thankfully, former Secretary of State, Condolezza Rice, who was sitting in the stands, didn't have to dispense diplomacy (Campazzo did apologize for the unsportsmanlike act, albeit not to the aggrieved, but instead to Kobe Bryant).
Now that preliminary round play is over, Argentina and the U.S. could convene for the third straight semifinals in the Olympics if both win their quarterfinal match-ups. Should the squads square off a second time in London, we expect the sequel to be every bit astestes testy.
Unable to halt Durant hitting a slew of shots, Argentina could only respond with a cheap shot, as Facundo Campazzo appeared to hit Carmelo Anthony in what we'll call his Manu-region. Maybe in Argentine culture junk-jabbing is the cruel cousin of trash-talking. The cajones check caused a crimson-cheeked Coach K to chirp at Louis Scola and spend the rest of the game in his comfort zone, chastising the officials. Thankfully, former Secretary of State, Condolezza Rice, who was sitting in the stands, didn't have to dispense diplomacy (Campazzo did apologize for the unsportsmanlike act, albeit not to the aggrieved, but instead to Kobe Bryant).
Now that preliminary round play is over, Argentina and the U.S. could convene for the third straight semifinals in the Olympics if both win their quarterfinal match-ups. Should the squads square off a second time in London, we expect the sequel to be every bit as
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
One Canadian's Pinterest
Former Sixers and Nets center Todd MacCulloch spent his NBA riches the same way any 12-year-old boy would: on pinball and Slurpee machines*. Finally MacCulloch, who has won tournaments and is hosting a world championship at his house - found a game in which he can be a high scorer. Congrats, T-Mac, you're the Kevin Durant of flipper flicking.
*items we'd probably purchase, too, if we had a few hundred thousand dollars lying around
*items we'd probably purchase, too, if we had a few hundred thousand dollars lying around
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Thunderstruck
Only one week ago, the Spurs were on a cloud riding a 20-game winning streak. Little did they know that the cloud concealed a coming clap of Thunder. Now, following three consecutive defeats - their longest losing streak all season - after serving as a paragon of playoff perfection, their postseason is practically gone. The Thunder followed up the Thablowout with a power Serge in game 4, when Serge Ibaka set a career high in points and was flawless from the field in the process, nearly notching a playoff record for most baskets without a miss. However, the role players receded into the background in game 5, as the Thunder's scoring came from the standard sources.
Kevin Durant, the beanpole bucket burier, is indubitably a fearless leader, but lately he's been a downright dictator*, seizing control of the series, averaging over 28 ppg in the wins on 55% shooting, dominating the formerly dominant. Like the ATM conveniently located in DeShawn Stevenson's kitchen, Durant's been money^. Having gained Oklahoma court advantage, the Thunder can close it out Wednesday. They're banking on another total takeover in the fourth from Durant, something the Spurs simply can't afford to allow.
*All he has to do is sprout James Harden's whiskers and he can appear alongside Sasha Baron Cohen's latest character.
^Psychologists agreed that should Stevenson ever remove the machine, he'll go through serious withdrawal.
Kevin Durant, the beanpole bucket burier, is indubitably a fearless leader, but lately he's been a downright dictator*, seizing control of the series, averaging over 28 ppg in the wins on 55% shooting, dominating the formerly dominant. Like the ATM conveniently located in DeShawn Stevenson's kitchen, Durant's been money^. Having gained Oklahoma court advantage, the Thunder can close it out Wednesday. They're banking on another total takeover in the fourth from Durant, something the Spurs simply can't afford to allow.
*All he has to do is sprout James Harden's whiskers and he can appear alongside Sasha Baron Cohen's latest character.
^Psychologists agreed that should Stevenson ever remove the machine, he'll go through serious withdrawal.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
West Side's Story
We feel four-tunate because the playoffs commence today with a quadruple-header. Here's what we see happening in the opening round of the Western Conference:
#1 Spurs vs. #8 Jazz: People slept on the well-rested Spurs almost all season, like Jeremy Lin slumbered on sibling's and ex-Stanford student's sofas, so it's fitting they're facing a team with two z's in its name, since this series will be a snooze. Wake us when it's over. We believe the Jazz will be rudely shown the door the way Uncle Phil did with Jazz on The Fresh Prince.
#2 Thunder vs. #7 Mavericks: This season, it's as if 2011 Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki has been gun-slinging using a pea shooter - averaging his lowest ppg since '99-00 - while three-time league leader in scoring Kevin Durant has been firing a bazooka. The Mav with the most intensity wearing a jersey is Mark Cuban.
#3 Lakers vs. #6 Nuggets: Class is now in Sessions, Ramon (0 playoff appearances). Participation is part of your final grade, Andrew Bynum (8.2 ppg in 21.6 mpg in 62 career postseason contests). Where's Metta World Peace? Oh, suspended by the principal. I should've guessed. Kobe, to pass the course, you must demonstrate a willingness to pass the ball, but if your teammates miss easy shots, we can turn this into an independent study.
#4 Clippers vs. #5 Grizzlies: Beware of a bear trap, Clippers. It might take Davy Crockett to dispatch this ursine unit. One squad dunks, the other defends (fifth-fewest points allowed), guess which wins in the playoffs?
#1 Spurs vs. #8 Jazz: People slept on the well-rested Spurs almost all season, like Jeremy Lin slumbered on sibling's and ex-Stanford student's sofas, so it's fitting they're facing a team with two z's in its name, since this series will be a snooze. Wake us when it's over. We believe the Jazz will be rudely shown the door the way Uncle Phil did with Jazz on The Fresh Prince.
#2 Thunder vs. #7 Mavericks: This season, it's as if 2011 Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki has been gun-slinging using a pea shooter - averaging his lowest ppg since '99-00 - while three-time league leader in scoring Kevin Durant has been firing a bazooka. The Mav with the most intensity wearing a jersey is Mark Cuban.
#3 Lakers vs. #6 Nuggets: Class is now in Sessions, Ramon (0 playoff appearances). Participation is part of your final grade, Andrew Bynum (8.2 ppg in 21.6 mpg in 62 career postseason contests). Where's Metta World Peace? Oh, suspended by the principal. I should've guessed. Kobe, to pass the course, you must demonstrate a willingness to pass the ball, but if your teammates miss easy shots, we can turn this into an independent study.
#4 Clippers vs. #5 Grizzlies: Beware of a bear trap, Clippers. It might take Davy Crockett to dispatch this ursine unit. One squad dunks, the other defends (fifth-fewest points allowed), guess which wins in the playoffs?
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Back and Fourth
While the last quartet of teams was being determined in college basketball on Sunday, a far more fascinating "Final Four" was taking place: a quadruple overtime game between Utah and Atlanta, the first since 1997 and just the ninth such contest in league history. The Hawks went on to win 139-133, despite this being the team's third game in three nights, snapping the Jazz's string of six straight victories. 233 shots were attempted, a symmetrical seven players on each squad scored in double figures and the teams combined for only 21 turnovers. Here are four other standout moments from the shortened but significant season, in the order they occured:
1. February 6: Kobe Bryant moves into fifth on the NBA's all-time scoring supplanting former ally and adversary Shaq. The Big Studio Analyst was complimentary, declaring Kobe, "the greatest Laker ever." Asked if there was special significance in superseding Shaq, Kobe says, "No. It was inevitable."* As certain as him taking the last shot in a close game, as assured as the Lakers overtaking the Clippers in the standings, as pre-determined as Mike Brown being blamed for the squad's shortcomings.
2. February 7: Paul Pierce passes Larry Bird to move into second place on the Celtics scoring list, with 21,797 points, in an otherwise meaningless game against the Bobcats. Bostonians have a hard time accepting "The Truth" that Larry Legend has been lowered a level and contemplate carrying out the plot of Celtic Pride as a solution to their problem.
3. February 19: Two-time league scoring leader Kevin Durant hits the half-century mark in game, piling up a career-high 51 points. Russell Westbrook, trailing closely, nets 41, and Serge Ibaka tallies his first-ever triple-double, with 14 points, 15 rebounds and 11 blocks. It's the third time Ibaka has recorded 10 or more blocks this season, making Mt. Mutombo shrink to the size of a hill. The man erases more than a no. 2 pencil of a sloppy student.
4. March 14: Rajon Rondo registers his second triple-double in three games (and fourth of the season), with 18 points, 20 assists and a career-best 17 rebounds for his 17th overall triple-double. The last player to have 17 or more points, plus dimes and boards, in a game was Magic Johnson in 1989. Inspired by a scene in Good Will Hunting, Rondo presses the stat sheet against the window of GM Danny Ainge's office, shouting, "I got these numbers. How do you like them apples?" Then, he proceeds to make love to Minnie Driver
*His drive is almost as impressive as what he drives.
1. February 6: Kobe Bryant moves into fifth on the NBA's all-time scoring supplanting former ally and adversary Shaq. The Big Studio Analyst was complimentary, declaring Kobe, "the greatest Laker ever." Asked if there was special significance in superseding Shaq, Kobe says, "No. It was inevitable."* As certain as him taking the last shot in a close game, as assured as the Lakers overtaking the Clippers in the standings, as pre-determined as Mike Brown being blamed for the squad's shortcomings.
2. February 7: Paul Pierce passes Larry Bird to move into second place on the Celtics scoring list, with 21,797 points, in an otherwise meaningless game against the Bobcats. Bostonians have a hard time accepting "The Truth" that Larry Legend has been lowered a level and contemplate carrying out the plot of Celtic Pride as a solution to their problem.
3. February 19: Two-time league scoring leader Kevin Durant hits the half-century mark in game, piling up a career-high 51 points. Russell Westbrook, trailing closely, nets 41, and Serge Ibaka tallies his first-ever triple-double, with 14 points, 15 rebounds and 11 blocks. It's the third time Ibaka has recorded 10 or more blocks this season, making Mt. Mutombo shrink to the size of a hill. The man erases more than a no. 2 pencil of a sloppy student.
4. March 14: Rajon Rondo registers his second triple-double in three games (and fourth of the season), with 18 points, 20 assists and a career-best 17 rebounds for his 17th overall triple-double. The last player to have 17 or more points, plus dimes and boards, in a game was Magic Johnson in 1989. Inspired by a scene in Good Will Hunting, Rondo presses the stat sheet against the window of GM Danny Ainge's office, shouting, "I got these numbers. How do you like them apples?" Then, he proceeds to make love to Minnie Driver
*His drive is almost as impressive as what he drives.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Pretty McFly for a White Guy
Christopher Lloyd, Kevin Durant and Bill Hader for some reason star (what, the guy who played Biff was too busy to portray the shoe salesman?) in this amusing promo video. We're not blaming you for the enduring lockout, Nike, but we are suggesting that an invention as incredible as power laces could've ended the power struggle. Still, we'll try to be MAGnanimous about it.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Rucker and Ruckus*
This is what happens when you slash the summer league, David Stern. Kevin Durant drifts far from his Midwestern home onto the hallowed ground of Harlem's Rucker Park in search of a place to play the game he loves. The two-time reigning scoring champion poured in 66 points there on Monday, proving he's comfortable on a court whether it's indoors or outside. For an encore, he posted 41 the next night at a college gym in Manhattan (that contest featured another 60+ point-performance, so we're guessing these games took the All-Star Weekend approach to defense). Still, the lockout needs to end before superstars start signing up for Slamball squads (yes, it's still around; in fact, 20,000 people on Facebook "like" it^).
Meanwhile, LeBron is so bored he takes to tweeting about Tim Tebow (and the media is so starved for stories they cover LeBron's comments as if they're noteworthy news -- for the record, journalists, Twitter is a medium dedicated to sharing your unvarnished opinion, and LeBron's, especially by athletes' standards, was tame and tasteful), sticking up for maybe the only true golden boy (in the fans' eyes) left in professional sports, after criticism from the oft-concussed and seldom-sensible ESPN analyst Merril Hoge, who thought being a scrub running back qualified him to be an expert on evaluating what it takes to be a successful quarterback in the NFL. We don't have a religious reason for backing Tebow, like a legion of his backers, but after three starts on a terrible team in which he fared fine for a rookie QB, the jury is out on Tebow, so for Hoge to conclusively state that Tebow isn't equipped play now or possibly ever, is both incorrect (the stats don't support his argument) and idiotic.
If David Stern, who haughtily didn't even bother returning to the negotiating table until the start of August (and them arrogantly accused the players of not being serious about engaging in talks), would concentrate less on playing hardball, maybe the league he runs could get back to playing basketball, so we wouldn't have to discuss playing football (although Nate Robinson is relieved that at least one lockout is over).
* Sorry to all you Hootie and the Blowfish fans who thought this post was about Darius Rucker.
^That might be more people than "like" the WNBA -- by several thousand.
Meanwhile, LeBron is so bored he takes to tweeting about Tim Tebow (and the media is so starved for stories they cover LeBron's comments as if they're noteworthy news -- for the record, journalists, Twitter is a medium dedicated to sharing your unvarnished opinion, and LeBron's, especially by athletes' standards, was tame and tasteful), sticking up for maybe the only true golden boy (in the fans' eyes) left in professional sports, after criticism from the oft-concussed and seldom-sensible ESPN analyst Merril Hoge, who thought being a scrub running back qualified him to be an expert on evaluating what it takes to be a successful quarterback in the NFL. We don't have a religious reason for backing Tebow, like a legion of his backers, but after three starts on a terrible team in which he fared fine for a rookie QB, the jury is out on Tebow, so for Hoge to conclusively state that Tebow isn't equipped play now or possibly ever, is both incorrect (the stats don't support his argument) and idiotic.
If David Stern, who haughtily didn't even bother returning to the negotiating table until the start of August (and them arrogantly accused the players of not being serious about engaging in talks), would concentrate less on playing hardball, maybe the league he runs could get back to playing basketball, so we wouldn't have to discuss playing football (although Nate Robinson is relieved that at least one lockout is over).
* Sorry to all you Hootie and the Blowfish fans who thought this post was about Darius Rucker.
^That might be more people than "like" the WNBA -- by several thousand.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Kevin Durant Has an AdVANtage
Kevin Durant may be the NBA’s newest golden child, but there’s a blue collar ethos present, which naturally resonates in the red states that makeup the Midwest*. Announcing his contract extension via Tweet brought him more goodwill than a million slick Nike ads ever could for LeBron; the message and the medium were both modern and modest. He’s so humble he didn’t want to appear on the Sports Illustrated cover alone; only agreeing to pose if two less-heralded teammates could flank him.
His working class ways are even evident in his mode of transportation: a GMC van. No imported (thanks for buying American, KD, maybe that’s why Obama invited you to ball at his place), souped up sports car, no tricked out truck, no limo-Hummer hybrid, no sleek motorcycles, no fleet containing all four. What 22-year-old multi-millionaire would pick the practical over the pricey, the reasonable over the ritzy? We’ll gladly answer our own question: A rare and mature one, one executives can feel secure in building a franchise around. One that the NBA is starting to showcase more and more.
Instead of buying a vehicle with the intention of impressing his teammates, Durant purchased one with the intention of giving them all a ride to practice. Kevin Durant: part superstar, part soccer mom. That's not to say his recession-relevant ride is devoid of amenities -- there’s an Xbox, a TV, some subwoofers and shiny rims -- but it’s still a van. Those haven’t been cool in decades and we question whether or not they were even hip in the 1970s because stoners tend to have terrible taste (see: tie-dyed shirts, the Grateful Dead). If Durant is interested in turning heads when he drives, it’ll have to be while he’s on the court.
* How's that for colorful language?
Thursday, September 16, 2010
A (Du)Rant on the FIBA Team
Yes, the U.S. won for the first time since 1994, but let me be blunt: This FIBA squad was feeble. Too young, leader-less and lacking centers and shooters; the flaws were obvious. Evaluating the ramshackle roster, expectations and enthusiasm were diminished. However, to most countries, this event is more significant than the Olympics because more teams participate, so the rest of the world would still view the U.S. bowing out as a big deal.
Letting Rajon Rondo, who is the best rebounder at his position in the league and probably would've been the second-best of this bunch, walk away (which he did so he wouldn't have to be officially cut), was a mistake. The argument for his dismissal was that he can be difficult to coach. I guess Coach K wasn't willing to deal with a player who doesn't follow his every order, who he doesn't have complete control over at all times. There's a difference between a player who's undisciplined and one who's stubborn; I believe Rondo is the latter, not the former. Another head-scratching move was relying on Lamar Odom, one of the most frustratingly inconsistent players in the league during his career, to be productive and provide leadership when he's always shied away from it, was a huge gamble. Surprisingly, it worked out, but it wasn't Odom or Chauncey Billips who set the example the rest of the group followed.
If it wasn't for the constant heroics of Kevin Durant, this tournament would've ended quickly and disgracefully for the U.S. Durant had to be historically excellent and nearly perfect in every outing for this team to take the trophy. Thanks to his scorching shooting, especially from long-range, he scored more points in the tournament and in a single game than any American ever has. It was unreasonable to expect that of a 21-year-old, yet Durant delivered. Simply put, he was better than everyone. He was better than we imagined. He was better than we deserved.
Letting Rajon Rondo, who is the best rebounder at his position in the league and probably would've been the second-best of this bunch, walk away (which he did so he wouldn't have to be officially cut), was a mistake. The argument for his dismissal was that he can be difficult to coach. I guess Coach K wasn't willing to deal with a player who doesn't follow his every order, who he doesn't have complete control over at all times. There's a difference between a player who's undisciplined and one who's stubborn; I believe Rondo is the latter, not the former. Another head-scratching move was relying on Lamar Odom, one of the most frustratingly inconsistent players in the league during his career, to be productive and provide leadership when he's always shied away from it, was a huge gamble. Surprisingly, it worked out, but it wasn't Odom or Chauncey Billips who set the example the rest of the group followed.
If it wasn't for the constant heroics of Kevin Durant, this tournament would've ended quickly and disgracefully for the U.S. Durant had to be historically excellent and nearly perfect in every outing for this team to take the trophy. Thanks to his scorching shooting, especially from long-range, he scored more points in the tournament and in a single game than any American ever has. It was unreasonable to expect that of a 21-year-old, yet Durant delivered. Simply put, he was better than everyone. He was better than we imagined. He was better than we deserved.
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