Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Lakers win, Lakers win

As most of you are aware the Lakers have played up and down all season long in my view. Despite this fact they managed to win their Wednesday night game against the Clippers, in addition they won the season series 3 games to 1. The final score read Lakers 116 Clippers 112 but it was more that needs to be detailed. Early on the Clippers were performing a beat down on the Lakers, this was being accomplished despite Paul George being absent due to injury. Kawhi Leonard and James Harden led the way for the Clippers. So what occurred allowing a Laker win, first of all LeBron scored 19 points in the quarter 4 versus the Clippers 16.

Yes that is correct the Clippers only scored 16 points in the last quarter of the game. LeBron led the way with 34 points and was 7 for 12 from the 3-point line. The other 4 starters were in double figures as the Lakers came roaring back to win the game and the series. Does the game offer us proof of anything that might be your next question? We know this for sure, this is the last game between the two co-tenants at Crypto.com arena. Next season the Clippers will be in their brand-new arena the Intuit Dome in Englewood. I believe this was stated quite a time ago, there is nothing wrong in having two NBA teams in the same city. Those two teams should not share an arena, as you might note the Knicks play in Madison Square Garden and the Nets are in Barclays Center. 

This time its personal

I must detail a portion of my story before moving to the main thing. I am an ex-cigarette smoker, for years I tried in vain to quit the nasty habit. I finally ask my doctor to write a prescription for me to aid the cause. The prescription worked but the habit caused me to crave candy or gum all the time which I indulged myself. One day my employer made a call for a temporary worker to fill a position. I didn’t work with this person but our office was small so it was easy to identify each individual. I don’t remember whether it was 2 days or 3 a co-worker came to me and said this. “_________ thinks you’ve been drinking because you are always chewing gum” and he laughed about it. My first thought was okay and then I became angry, the following day I requested a meeting with my supervisor.

My manager believing my side of the story marched this person to our HR department. He believed my story over the one she shared with my co-worker. Unless you have firsthand knowledge don’t assassinate a person’s character without offering proof. Former NBA player Kevin Garnett is reckless and I will explain why. Recently on a podcast he questioned whether LeBron James was using performance enhancing drugs. At age 39 one might suspect something is amiss due to his continued play at a high skill level but there are two things working here. LeBron has been drug tested for 20 years to date nothing’s been revealed questionable to my knowledge. Garnett might have been joking we don’t know but you never accuse someone of such a serious offense without offering proof. It certainly shouldn’t be done in a humorous tone. In closing let’s just say I’ve lost a great deal of respect for Kevin Garnett.   

Don’t sell the SEC short

Around this portion of the nation they are bragging about the Big XII and its conference race. There is no doubt the conference might be one of the best in the nation. Notice my wording, I’d like to submit the SEC as an equal or certainly close competitor. I informed you weeks ago I wouldn’t use the Top 25 any longer but in this instance I believe it’s crucial. The SEC has 6 teams in the Top 25 beginning with Tennessee at 4 as this is written. It’s then Auburn (11), Alabama (13), Kentucky (15), South Carolina (18) and Florida (24). The number alone proves nothing the NCAA Tournament in a sense is the final proof. What I see now that maybe didn’t exist a few years ago is a competitive basketball conference. No longer interested in just producing great football teams, SEC basketball is knocking on the door.  

Rookie Supernovas

Unless you’ve been living under a rock or on Mars you are aware Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren began play in the 2023-24 NBA season. Wemby and Chet will be tied together for the balance of their NBA careers based on when they began play. There might be one other reason, both are 7 footers who are considered skinny by NBA standards. Technically Chet should be a sophomore but an injury sidelined him and is just now beginning play.

The future of the NBA is in great shape with these two 7 footers who play the game at a skill level unlike most players their height. If they had arrived in the NBA 15-20 years ago they would have been relegated to post play only but that is not the case for them. Wemby (7 foot 4) began the season as a power forward but has been moved to center while Chet (7 foot 1) is strictly a power forward who ventures into the paint. Let’s check out the numbers prior to Thursday’s action.

           Wemby                                     Chet

           20.6 points per game               17.1 points per game

           10.2 rebounds                            7.8 rebounds

             3.3 assists                                2.7 assists

             3.3 blocks                                 2.7 blocks

             1.3 steals                                  0.7 steals

            46.6% field goal                        54.2% field goal