Details: When: Sunday, April 3rd Where: The Arena in Oakland, Oakland, CA Time (Seattle): 3:00 P.M. TV: Fox Sports, League Pass Projected Starters: <font color="green">Seattle (50-21) </font> Luke Ridnour Ray Allen Damien Wilkins Reggie Evans Jerome James <font color="Navy">Golden State (27-45)</font> Baron Davis Jason Richardson Mike Dunleavy Troy Murphy Adonal Foyle Injury Troubles: <font color="green">Seattle</font> Mateen Cleaves: Sprained thumb, ruled out. Vladimir Radmanovic: Stress fracture in leg, ruled out. Rashard Lewis: Bruised foot, ruled out. Danny Fortson: Strained shoulder, questionable. <font color="Navy"> Golden State</font> Calbert Cheaney: Sprained ankle, ruled out. Brief Notes: <ul> [*]The Supes take on a team that embarrassed them earlier this season in the Golden State Warriors. This time though, Baron Davis will be suiting up for the Warriors as well. Seattle is coming off of their 50th win of the season in a tight game with rival Portland. Damien Wilkins stepped up in Rashard Lewis' absence in that game and will be asked to do the same today. [/list] <ul> [*]The Sonics are one of the few good teams that are better on the road than at home. This being a road game, look for Seattle to (for whatever reason) play above their standards in Oakland. [/list] * Useful/less lyric of the day: <font face="Verdana"><font size="5"><font size="2"> I know how to get my peers off me. They can cry and die from high blood pressure 'cause tears are salty. -- Jadakiss, Time's Up.</font></font></font> * Word of the Day: Succedaneum, n. substituted, from succedere to follow after. "Damien Wilkins has been an astute succedaneum for Rashard Lewis during his injury." Random Family Guy Quote Peter: Dad, to be honest, I don't like you either. Aw, jeez, that's a terrible thing to say. I guess I am going to hell, huh. The Pope: Peter, the good lord said to honor thy father. He never said anything about liking him. ^ R.I.P Pope John Paul II All predictions, analysis and discussion relating directly to the game, both before, during and after, to be posted in this thread.
Not a game I was expecting to win, which sounds stupid against a team with under 30 wins, but they had been in good form, and we didn't quite have a full rotation. Their backcourt was always going to beast over ours too, with a point guard who's probably stronger than most shooting guards. Just gotta try and hang in there until Rashard and to a lesser extent, Vlad get back. Lew says he'd be playing if it were the playoffs, so it's good that he can get some rest.
Didn't get a chance to see the game but it looked like we again shot the ball poorly. Ray and Flip have really been struggling with their shots lately and it is starting to become contagious. Giving up over 100 points isn't particularly encouraging either. It's going to be interesting how Nate approaches the last few weeks of the season. We've all but sured up the third seed in the playoffs. Many guys in the rotation are either out with injuries or nursing injuries. Ray can't find the hole (although he continues to search for it) and it may be time to cut his minutes down. As it stands right now we probably won't catch the Spurs and no team that we would possibly face in the first round could get home court against us in the first round (sounds crazy but if the 6th seed had a better record than the 3rd seed than the 6th seed would have home court). Dallas having a better record than us is irrelevant b/c it is very unlikely that both Dallas and us would make it to the Western Conference finals. Essentially we are playing for nothing right now. Our mantra all season was to only worry about the next game on the schedule. We haven't looked ahead all season, but considering the wear and tear that an 82 game entails--is it time that we should?
Again, I don't want to face Denver. They've moved up to the 7th spot, I believe, which is too bad because I wanted to see either Phoenix or Denver eliminated. Re: the game, it was one of those 'blah-dog day-the NBA season is too long' games. I had no desire to watch the game (luckily, since it was an early start time unbeknownst to me). I did see that last stretch where GS pulled away, Flip missed a hard drive to the hoop and an open 3, after which he didn't run back on defense very hard, I noticed, resulting in an easy 3 on 1 break. Nate mmediatey called a timeout and gave him the hook. Also, what's with Ray Allen's shooting. He went on ESPN saying he was the 'best shooter in the world' (or at least agreeing with that assessment). 10-27 today, and I can count on one hand the number of games after the break where he's shot over 50%. Last thing, nice to see Danny back and rebounding well, 8 boards tonite.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Iron Shiek:</div><div class="quote_post">Didn't get a chance to see the game but it looked like we again shot the ball poorly. Ray and Flip have really been struggling with their shots lately and it is starting to become contagious. Giving up over 100 points isn't particularly encouraging either. </div> When the hell has Flip shot NOT been struggling?? hes shot horrendous the entire season (well under 40%) and 20 something % on 3's...flip shooting horrid is nothing new.
Coolguy--if Flip leaves this summer and I suddenly die would you still contribute those fabulous posts of yours to this forum? It is good to know that you aren't a fan of Flip. I'm hoping that you didn't expect me to take that personal. Look forward to your active participation. I'm sure that you will have some amazing insight into Tuesday nights game vs. Kings.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Iron Shiek:</div><div class="quote_post">Coolguy--if Flip leaves this summer and I suddenly die would you still contribute those fabulous posts of yours to this forum? It is good to know that you aren't a fan of Flip. I'm hoping that you didn't expect me to take that personal. Look forward to your active participation. I'm sure that you will have some amazing insight into Tuesday nights game vs. Kings.</div> Yes I would....I dont see why I wouldnt atleast?? Im not NOT a Flip fan. I respect his game and I respect how patient he has been all season long. The only reason I point out things about Flip is because you make silly comments because you have an odd obsession with him. I like the facts to be known and so I put them in your face. And as for tuesday nights game against the Kings im sure I will have much more insight then you being as I actually watch the games and dont look at the boxscore and then come give a recap on the forum. Just because I dont post a lot dont take that to mean I dont watch the games. Ive only missed a handful of games all season long. I will try to find something insightful to tell you about the game on Tuesday though.
It is pitiful when people are in competition to see who is the bigger Sonics fan. It is also pitiful to see how the educational system has failed so many of our youths. It is, however, good to know that you keep tabs on how many Sonics games I watch and how inaccurate my assessments are of the Sonics players. I really hope that your surveilance stops at Sonics games though. I don't want all of my dirty laundry aired out. There is no fooling a Coolguy. Look forward to your Kings/Sonics analysis.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Iron Shiek:</div><div class="quote_post">It is pitiful when people are in competition to see who is the bigger Sonics fan. It is also pitiful to see how the educational system has failed so many of our youths. It is, however, good to know that you keep tabs on how many Sonics games I watch and how inaccurate my assessments are of the Sonics players. I really hope that your surveilance stops at Sonics games though. I don't want all of my dirty laundry aired out. There is no fooling a Coolguy. Look forward to your Kings/Sonics analysis.</div> I wasnt declaring myself a bigger or smaller Sonic fan then you. I felt however in your last post you were hinting that I didnt know about the Sonics. and by the way whats this crack about the education system? I didnt know what you were talking about there...maybe it was my bad education ive received
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Roland Hood:</div><div class="quote_post"> Also, what's with Ray Allen's shooting. He went on ESPN saying he was the 'best shooter in the world' (or at least agreeing with that assessment). 10-27 today, and I can count on one hand the number of games after the break where he's shot over 50%. Last thing, nice to see Danny back and rebounding well, 8 boards tonite.</div> I think Lew and Vlade being out has let perimeter defenses focus almost entirely on Ray. With Flip shooting poorly (lack of PT/rythm or just bad shooting?) and Damien shooting like a streaky, undrafted rookie thrown into a starting role there is not much else for the defense to watch out there. Luke gets open looks more, but shooting the long ball is not his or AD's game. Ray's shooting will improve with Lew back in the lineup. Last night, though....sure if Damien or Flip had hit more of their WIDE open shots, the Supes might have recovered, but if they had JUST PLAYED DEFENSE EVER, it would not have been an issue. Sloppy, lazy fast break defense and rotten perimeter rotations left the lane looking about as wide as Vin Baker during the 99-00 season.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting psheehy:</div><div class="quote_post">I think Lew and Vlade being out has let perimeter defenses focus almost entirely on Ray. With Flip shooting poorly (lack of PT/rythm or just bad shooting?) and Damien shooting like a streaky, undrafted rookie thrown into a starting role there is not much else for the defense to watch out there. Luke gets open looks more, but shooting the long ball is not his or AD's game. Ray's shooting will improve with Lew back in the lineup. </div> Good points, I suppose opposing teams are rightfully thinking if you take Ray away we really have no offense. But I guess I'm pretty hard on Ray, since he makes it clear he thinks he's 'the man' on this team, a superstar player and the best shooter in the world. I expect that if we're shorthanded that he actually step it up and increase his output, whether it's by scoring, creating for others or whatever the team needs. I know it's an old cliche but if the some of the guys are missing he needs to make the guys that are left better than they are, missed open shots by Flip, Damien and Luke notwithstanding.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Roland Hood:</div><div class="quote_post">Good points, I suppose opposing teams are rightfully thinking if you take Ray away we really have no offense. But I guess I'm pretty hard on Ray, since he makes it clear he thinks he's 'the man' on this team, a superstar player and the best shooter in the world. You GUESS you're pretty hard on Ray? I think you let your dislike of the man color your judgment of him as a basketball player. I expect that if we're shorthanded that he actually step it up and increase his output, whether it's by scoring, creating for others or whatever the team needs. Well, let's see: last night he was the leading scorer, leading rebounder and leading assist man. With two steals to boot. He certainly could have shot a better percentage, but other than that I don't know what else he could have done. I know it's an old cliche but if the some of the guys are missing he needs to make the guys that are left better than they are, missed open shots by Flip, Damien and Luke notwithstanding. How? </div> ...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Roland Hood:</div><div class="quote_post">Good points, I suppose opposing teams are rightfully thinking if you take Ray away we really have no offense. But I guess I'm pretty hard on Ray, since he makes it clear he thinks he's 'the man' on this team, a superstar player and the best shooter in the world. I expect that if we're shorthanded that he actually step it up and increase his output, whether it's by scoring, creating for others or whatever the team needs. I know it's an old cliche but if the some of the guys are missing he needs to make the guys that are left better than they are, missed open shots by Flip, Damien and Luke notwithstanding.</div> With the way Ray has been talking he does need to back it up more. Unfortunately, shooting those bombs from way out while under pressure isn't going to happen all game long. I think he almost shot them back into it in the 3rd quarter last night, but after that he was out of the game again. I am still amazed that they have done as well as they have with Lew and Vlade BOTH out. Some weren't expecting .500 ball with a FULL roster. I also notice a LOT less motion in the offense than at the beginning of the year. Damien got an easy basket last night off motion, but everyone (including Ray) standing around doesn't help. I think they should draw up some inbounds plays with multiple screens to get Ray the ball for an open shot. The plays are usually set up to get him the ball, but not to take a quick shot. I think if he was more willing to run around screens like Rip Hamilton or Reggie Miller he could get some more open shots.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting hooper:</div><div class="quote_post">...</div> Well it's true I'm not a fan of guys who talk a lot in the media. It certainly raises my expectations e.g., when you say you're the best shooter in the world and shoot 40%, I raise an eyebrow. How could Ray make his guys better? As you know this term is somewhat hard to quantify. Usually attached to guys like Shaquille, Timmy, and Lebron, currently. And in the past guys like Magic, Bird and Walton. I know this is going to sound old-fashioned and corny, but these guys possess a 'something' that gives their teammates confidence in taking that open 20 footer (of course if you're passing to Eric Snow there's only so much you can do ), or that when the game starts getting physical your best player's going to fight through it and make a play, instead of complaining and gesticulating to the refs. Playing defense so your bigs don't have to help so much, taking shots within the offense, keeping guys moving and cutting because they know they're going to get the ball. Things of that nature. Anyway, enough of me waxing philosphical, maybe what you're saying is Ray is Ray and he gives us what he gives us: 23 pts on 40% shooting, 4 rebs, 4 assists. Nothing more, nothing less. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The plays are usually set up to get him the ball, but not to take a quick shot. I think if he was more willing to run around screens like Rip Hamilton or Reggie Miller he could get some more open shots.</div> Well Ray runs through lots of screens and he has a bunch of options either side, but it just seems like he rarely get an open look off it - whether it's because of the screener or the way he runs through them I don't know. But it seems we end up a lot with him drifting out to the perimeter to get the ball and waving someone over to set a screen.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Coolguy777:</div><div class="quote_post">The only reason I point out things about Flip is because you make silly comments because you have an odd obsession with him.</div> Cue Casual.
