A few thoughts on a couple of close games I should not have watched in the NBA the other night

by Ben

 

Boston @ Detroit

I watched this game for one reason – it was close. Boston have not been much fun this season, and sue me if I think Marcus (Markieff?) Morris shouldn’t be Detroit’s leading scorer in a game. But league pass told me it was close with about 5 mins left and goddamn me if I’m not curious to see if old shaved-shoulders can pull a victory out of the fire. 

Here are a few of my thoughts on the end of the game:

• Big Penguin made a free throw so I guess this is the new normal – hey look, an NBA unicorn!
• Man, Detroit really blew this one. But also, how are the Pistons this good with a dynamic duo of man-buns? (Beno and Aron).
• Boston were scrappy as hell, a far cry from their play of recent years – rather than playing hard and above their capabilities I think they just wanted it more.
• Marcus Smart nearly killed all of Detroit flinging himself at the basket on the penultimate play, and that cleared the way for Al and his nice ol’ eyes to pop it back in for the lead.
• Baynes! For the Win! Something I never want to hear again.
• Horford is good – I don’t care what kind of ‘star’ he is. We’d be happy to have him on our team, he makes a real difference. A putback go ahead AND a game winning block? Good grief.
•  I still don’t like Isiah Thomas – but I also bet lots of guys don’t – he flops, he’s an irritant, he shouldn’t be in the NBA at his height, he’s different, and he’s actually good, but he thinks he’s a star. I don’t quite know where to put him.
• Ultimately, both teams drew up duds. Boston just had a few better players and a whole lot of luck.

Hornets @ New Orleans

I watched this one purely because I had an emotional investment in a tip that I was worried about (Charlotte over Pelicans). The Hornobobcats were coming of the second night of a back to back, and the unlucky gambler in me was feeling the pressure. Lucky for me it was a close one, and New Orleans game didn’t resemble so much of a dumpster fire, instead looking like a decent quality warmed-up tortilla.

Here are a few of my thoughts:

• Jrue Holiday is good – definitely not great, but this team missed him quite a bit. I’m glad he’s back after difficult personal issues.
• I love the glasses/goggles, but they would look better if he played for the hornets
• Anthony Davis is effing amazing and I don’t know how the hierarchy of big men in the NBA sits right now, but if he’s healthy, he’s right up the top.
• Never underestimate the impact of back to backs – especially if the team on the road isn’t on some sort of 10 game winning run or is just really good.
• The Pelicans with Jrue are a different team – Anthony has way more space and seemed to enjoy playing a lot more.
• Dante Cunningham has no place on an NBA basketball court, but he has got six quality fouls and he sure as hell is going to use them.
• For a period of the fourth quarter I simply watched Anthony Davis. And it was amazing – his defensive and offensive instincts, size and skills are incredible for someone of his size. I can barely tie my shoelace without losing my balance.
• I really hope this team makes the playoffs – they might scare the hell out of someone especially if they can make a trade or have a players only meeting or something.
• Are there more moves they can make? Without trading Anthony, does anyone want Tyreke and his 40 yr old YMCA stud knees?
• Does D-Wade’s trainer do consultancy? Because Tyreke needs all the help he can get. May as well see ol Hoiberg to fix his shot while he’s at it.