Basketball from a fan perspective

The game from a fan’s perspective

It seems forever

Mizzou played two halves of one game allowing the Tigers a quality road win.  The last time out against Mississippi State they came rushing onto the floor breathing fire.  The second half exit was another story as they were completely overwhelmed in losing.  Fans of Mizzou Nation certainly had no idea what to expect.  We didn’t know what to expect since two consecutive games were postponed due to COVID-19 protocol. 

Dru Smith led the way for the Tigers scoring 15 points however the guy impersonating Jeremiah Tilmon had another outstanding game.  14 points 10 rebounds and 3 blocked shots, it certainly is great to have this Tilmon battling opponents over that other Tilmon.  You know that Tilmon, despite his 6-foot 10-inch body he constantly is in foul trouble.  Javon Pickett chipped in with 12 points and the team managed to shoot nearly 50% from the floor (49.1).  South Carolina journeys to Mizzou Arena on Tuesday so we shall see if this outstanding play continues.  

Finishing strong over a slow start

A bunch of strangers showed up in Laker jerseys on Friday, the basis for the comment is simple.  Playing the Pelicans at home these guys fell behind by as much as 15 points missing shots and turning over the basketball.  This is certainly no intention to disparage the Pelicans we know the Lakers are clearly a superior team.  Although the Lakers began to play better in the second quarter by half time the Pelicans would hold a one-point lead 58-57.

The second half would see a balanced scoring attack plus a lockdown defensive effort on the part of the Lakers in the second half witnessed the Lakers commanding the second half.  Did I mention balanced scoring, LeBron led the way in scoring with 21 points however 5 other Lakers added to the total.  Montrezl Harrell (16 points) and Kyle Kuzma (11 points) contributed off the bench.  The final score read Lakers 112 Pelicans 95, after falling behind by 15 points they managed to beat the Pelicans by 17.    

The history 

This account from two years ago is timeless, based on this fact I believe it’s worth a re-read again.   You might not realize this fact college basketball proceeds the professional game on television, the first game was broadcast from Madison Square Garden in 1940.  Television was in its infancy back then and that first game was considered experimental.  World War II delayed practically everything especially television development, that would change with the conclusion of the war.  Beginning in the 1950’s an increasing number of college games found their way to television although regional in scope. 

There were no national televised games until years later.  If you are under a certain age you might find it difficult to understand, there was no ESPN, Fox Sports or YES Network.  The games were available on the broadcast networks only, no coast-to-coast games.  One game changed all that, in January 1968 a game was played between undefeated UCLA led by Lew Alcindor and Elvin Hayes playing for the University of Houston also undefeated.  Where do you play a game of that type, the 8^th wonder of the world, the Astrodome a baseball/football stadium?  52,000 fans plus the first ever national television audience thanks to the late Eddie Einhorn.  Einhorn and his TVS Network assembled a national television audience for this historic game.  Basketball historians claim that single game resulted in the popularity of college basketball to grow by leaps and bounds. 

The barber shop

Chiefs-Browns conversation dominated conversation on Saturday.  A Lakers fan arrived shortly after me and we discussed the team in a mini huddle.  The patrons wanted to discuss the Nets with James Hardin more than anything else NBA related.  Dribble-dribble Kyrie Irving, Dribble-dribble James Hardin plus catch and shoot Kevin Durant.  That’s the description my barber provided of the Nets, I mentioned to him there is no question in my mind scoring the ball it’s the other.  Can they play adequate defense, and will three basketballs be required? 

As for the Lakers most believe the Lakers still require rim protection and that needs to be addressed.  I tried to point out the good things I’ve seen in Marc Gasol’s game, the deluxe passing and 3-point shot.  My barber countered with “He doesn’t shoot enough” which I had to acknowledge.  I then mentioned there is help there should the Lakers desire to make a move (which I believe they will).  As I departed the shop the other barber ask me if I was okay.  Yes, my response, my chief concern is an injury which could impact the season otherwise I’m good.