Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday May-September

The Finals, Game One

Only one description comes to mind, heavyweight championship boxing match.  Neither team could deliver a knockout punch hence the game goes into OT.  Warriors win in OT 124-114 as LeBron scored 51 points and Kevin Love 21 but that was about it for the Cavs.  On the other hand, the Warriors had 5 players in double figures led by Steph Curry with 29 points.  This game was more than the points this required both sides to have their heads in the game, J.R. Smith must have believed the Cavs had the lead after a rebound on a missed free-throw.  Rather than hoist a shot up Smith retreated before a missed last ditch shot could be taken.  Game one to the Warriors, see you Sunday evening 7:00 p.m. Central Time.    

Jontay Porter Day

That’s what Rock M Nation, Mizzou’s fan website termed Wednesday’s announcement.  Earlier Jontay followed his brother Michael Jr. announcing he was headed for the NBA.  He received an invitation to the draft combine but indicated he wasn’t hiring an agent.  Most mock draft sites indicated Jontay would be a mid to late first round draft choice.  On Thursday May 30 Jontay indicated he’s returning to Mizzou for his sophomore year, the 6-foot 11-inch 240-pound Porter finds himself in a unique position.  He returns as the leading scorer for Mizzou with 9.9 and 6.8 rebounds per game average.  We must take into consideration the numbers represent Jontay as a reserve player and not playing starter minutes.  Jontay was Co-Sixth Man of the Year and was selected a member of the All-SEC freshman team. 

His return is not an indication of lack of talent after all he should really be entering his freshman year rather than sophomore year of college.  Jontay must work on aspects of his game and one more year ain’t gonna hurt.  Dru Smith and Mark Smith Evansville and Illinois transfers will be eligible and Jontay is a portion of the glue connecting Cuonzo Martin’s first team with the 2019-20 team.  Mizzou might not win the SEC, but Jontay’s return should solidify Mizzou allowing for another 20-win season and perhaps an NCAA invitation.  UPDATE:  Prior to publication more good arrived for the program, Parker Braun committed to Mizzou.  Braun from Overland Park (KS) is a 6-foot 9-inch Rivals 3-star prospect, Braun had offers from Illinois and Arizona but will walk-on with a scholarship available in 2019.  He’s got a Mizzou connection, his mom, uncle and aunt all played basketball at Mizzou. 

Playoff appearances

LeBron James made his 8th consecutive playoff appearance on Thursday….an outstanding accomplishment but it’s short of the NBA record. As for the record several Celtics of the past lead the way in the number of appearances.  Ahead of LeBron are Tom Heinsohn and Sam Jones who are tied with 9, the all-time leader in finals is Bill Russell with 10.  An acquaintance asked the question, “Has a player ever had consecutive playoff finals with two or more teams?” 

Research uncovered a name unfamiliar to me and probably you as well.  The Rochester Royals predecessors to today’s Sacramento Kings had a guard on their roster named Frank Saul. He was a member of the 1951 Rochester team winning his first NBA Championship.  The following year he was a Minneapolis Laker as the team won in 1952, 1953 and 1954.  Later Steve Kerr (now Warriors coach duplicated the feat.  As a member of the Bulls Kerr won in 1996, 1997, 1998 and in 1999 won with the Spurs.         

Change is coming

After the NBA draft comes summer and then Summer League basketball.  NBA rookies and several second-year players gather every summer to work on their game, for the second-year players they often play to improve an area they believe requires an upgrade.  League games are scheduled from July 6 through July 17, Orlando no longer will be a destination it will be replaced by Sacramento.  The Sacramento games will feature the Kings, Warriors, Lakers and Heat.  Utah and Las Vegas will continue to serve as host cities for summer action.  The Lakers usually draw the largest attendance in Las Vegas and at this point its unknown if they will field a team in both locations.  30 teams in all will compete in Las Vegas capping an impressive field.