Basketball from a fans perspective

A winner

Mizzou won a tough road game against Pitt in its ACC/SEC Challenge match. The final score saw a 71-64 victory over Pitt 64, one of the keys for Mizzou was effective rebounding. As I’ve tried to point out that is one area that’s found Mizzou wanting. The Thursday edition will contain a full-scale write-up on the game.

Going in opposite directions

This story could be titled “The James Harden full effect”, the Sixers are moving in an upward manner, the Clippers well. Truth is I can’t blame this completely on Harden but Monday night upset me. The Sixers with Tyrese Maxey replacing HIM in the lineup and a revitalized Joel Embiid. These two alone were the main characters as the Sixers blasted my Lakers 138-94. The Sixers ran around over and through the Lakers who mounted an ineffective defense. The final score offers us proof the Lakers were pretty much defenseless against the Sixers offense. 

Embiid was actually the second leading scorer with a triple-double for the Sixers 30 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. As for point guard Maxey he was the point total leader 31 points and 8 assists with 0 turnovers. Are the Sixers the best in the Eastern Conference, I’m unsure of that however they look mighty good. As for my Lakers they need to look inside of themselves, this Monday display was more than a loss, it was a beat down by a team they could face if they expect to compete for an NBA Championship. The Sixers are very good, are they 44 points better than the Lakers?

No retreat

There are times when one takes a position or stand they believe. Although I can say I understand the why, there is also the point where you must come to a different conclusion. You admit…perhaps I might be mistaken in my view of the subject matter, that is the case here. I certainly have no intent to disparage Bol Bol of the Suns. Allow me to explain, this is the comparison between him and Victor Wembanyama. First of all I might mention Bol is sort of local, although he was born in Sudan his family immigrated to the U.S. and settled in the Kansas City Metro. Bol attended two high schools in the metro before finishing at Mater Dei and Findley Prep in Nevada. From there it was the University of Oregon and the 2019 NBA Draft and selection by the Heat.

Through a series of moves Bol moved to the Nuggets, Magic and presently the Suns, Bol stands 7 feet 3 inches and 220 pounds. NBA veterans Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Hardaway Sr. went on the record stating their belief Bol Bol was a superior player to Wemby. I haven’t heard or read any expression by Hardaway since the summer however Shaq is still maintaining his earlier position. Early in November Shaq said this, “Bol has the same skill set but Wembanyama has been more consistent.” he said. On the surface that sounds real confusing, I checked the stats November 27. Bol is yet to score a single point, he’s played 2.3 minutes since November 8. Until Bol is able to extricate himself from the Suns bench, Shaq sounds like the adults in the Peanuts cartoons, Wah, Wah, Wah. Shaq’s failed to prove anything to me how about you? 

Bits n Pieces  

It could title this the new Big XII, At this point no one has any idea how the conference race will prevail. In Lawrence most believe the Jayhawks will reign supreme again, there is no argument from me however I pose this belief. The conference race should be wide open. The old guys, Texas, Baylor, Kansas State and Oklahoma to name just a few will continue to play competitive basketball, but what about the new guys? It appears Cincinnati, Houston and BYU have hit the ground running, as this is written all are undefeated. At the end of the conference race Kansas might still be at the top however it will not occur without a few bruises.

Are you superstitious, that’s okay if you admit it you are, there is no criticism from me. You will understand my question if you read this account to the end. As for right now you can cease using those derogatory names you’ve attached to the Lakers Anthony Davis anytime if you please. This is written an hour or so ahead of the Lakers game against the Sixers. Through 16 games these are AD’s numbers per game. In 35 minutes of play he’s scoring at a 22-point clip which includes 12.1 rebounds. From the floor its 54.9% and 30% from three shooting, this includes 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals with 2.9 blocked shots. Because I’m not superstitious I can inform you he’s only missed one game so far.