A basketball fans perspective

Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Friday

Different this time

I believe but offer you no proof except the final score, the result should have been different this time. I think the first two games of the playoff series was different in this manner, the Rockets were unable to win either game. There were advantages in place on Friday evening that should have led the Rockets to victory. They had a home crowd rooting for them which is always a key. I imagine they have a physical advantage over the Lakers although once again I have no method to document my belief. In addition they have Kevin Durant although once again he didn’t play due to injury.   

The final score of Game Three, Lakers 112 Rockets 108 in OT, the home team should have won in regulation, they allowed the Lakers to tie the game at the end of regulation scoring 6 points in 25 seconds. The truth of the matter, the Lakers almost won in regulation, a LeBron 3-point shot bounced off the rim as the horn sounded. In OT, the visitors outscored the home team resulting in the victory and a 3-0 games lead. The Lakers outshot the Rockets 48% to 41%, it was a sizzling 41% from three for the Lakers. The “old-man” 41 year old LeBron James led the way in playing 45 minutes with 29 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. This was a team effort however I must point toward Marcus Smart and the sensational game he played.

Smart’s specialty defense, 5 steals and 2 blocked shots and this part, 21 points on 56% shooting from the floor with 50% of it from distance. The Rockets played with Kevin Durant sidelined but Alperen Sengun played much better contributing 33 points along with 16 rebounds and 6 assists. As for the game today I’m not going to declare a winner ahead of time, this I can say with a degree of comfort. The Lakers will win this series despite the skepticism expressed by yours truly Larry Laker a little over a week ago. Austin Reaves was on the bench but didn’t play, maybe Luka will be ready for the next round although I am not going to count on it.

They are history

This certainly is not surprising news, this past Thursday AJ Dybansta BYU forward declared for the 2026 NBA draft in June. On Saturday guard Darryn Peterson announced he was leaving Kansas for the NBA. Also announcing his intention was Cameron Boozer along with Caleb Wilson and Koa Peat along with several others listed in the lottery portion of mock draft sites. Once upon a time I held a belief “If you enroll in college you remain there unless something drastic occurs.”

Well that was then, this is now….I cannot believe there is any reason for an athlete to remain in college if they have received a solid assurance of their draft stock. Years ago prior to the refinements associated with the draft this occurred, underclassman would declare and then be overlooked at draft time. That scenario almost never occurs in the NBA of today. Despite NIL funds being available to today’s athletes the lure of the NBA continues to be the crown jewel. The order is not set in stone however I believe the draft order to be in the manner indicated. 

Sorry

As a member of Mizzou Nation, I proudly declare my unwavering support for Missouri basketball, regardless of whether they win or lose. Based on this admission you can cease reading this account and go on to the next story, on the other hand you could decide to read the detail. This is no precursor of future success on the basketball court….I’m pointing out positives I see after the screeching halt by Tiger basketball in the tournament.

The transfer portal was good for Missouri, this is not just me check out CBS Sports college basketball page. The sports media site ranked transfer portals throughout the nation and guess what, they placed Missouri number 9. For me that is a solid indication on the portal recruiting effort by Gates and staff, this includes a highly rated Kansas talent being added to the roster. As for adding high school prospects 247sports places Missouri at 13 in the nation. There are no negatives in my view however concerns do exist, allow me to cover those I see. The point guard position is the chief concern I see, Missouri failed to pick up a replacement for T.O. Barrett (now at Vanderbilt). The second half of the recently completed season saw Barrett play most of the major minutes at the point so who replaces him? There is Aaron Rowe, on the roster this past season, who saw little action. Was it the adjustment from high school to Division I basketball or something else?

Jason Crowe Jr. is a stud but should the freshman combo guard be assigned the task of running the offense? In a dire situation could incoming shooting guard Jamier Jones from Providence or holdover Annor Boateng move to the point, only time will respond to that possibility. In conclusion this is no indicator of future success, I hope its treated in that manner. Despite my statement the hope is a good season and deep, deep run in the NCAA tourney.

No Wemby, no problem

At the time the Big Fella went down in game two I believe the Spurs initially panicked. Since February having Wemby in the lineup resulted in victory after victory leading into the playoffs, they registered 62 wins in the regular season. The playoffs are a far different matter, the Spurs lost focus once Wemby suffered the injury plus the Blazers played outstanding basketball resulting in a 106-103 victory. The teams traveled to Portland, the Spurs were aware ahead of time Wemby would not be playing. Rather than remain in San Antonio Wemby accompanied his team on the road. 

Steady but effective Luke Kornet started in place of Wemby and contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds but it was the trio of Spurs guards. De’Aaron Fox (18 points), Stephon Castle (33 points) plus Dylan Harper who played a magnificent game. Harper emerging from the bench scored 27 points on a sizzling 75% shooting from the floor with 80% of it from three. 10 rebounds 3 assist and 1 blocked shot completed Harper’s outstanding numbers for the game and helped lead to the 120-108 victory and a 2-1 lead in the series. Don’t mistake the headline, I am quite sure the Spurs desire Wemby to return as soon as possible, regardless of my statement these Spurs  believe in themselves.