Only watched the fourth quarter, but Batum looked like he was really balling out there. He was taking guys off the dribble, passing, hitting perimeter shots, getting steals. Seemed like the Canadians were trying to avoid his defense. Just a really nice game. I'd love to see the highlights.
Rudy getting some love in the ESP/LTU game. midway through the 3rd, he has 13 of their 52, and is playing with a lot of energy.
I've been giving updates in the office. To quote my (female) Spanish co-worker: "Leave my team alone; leave my country alone; and leave my Rudy alone!!" Go Lithuania!!
LTU chose to foul to prevent a three. I think they started this too early. Still 12 secs on the clock.
6 secs to try to tie it. Stolen! game over. Horrible play by Navarro. Spain goes down again! wow. Spain outscored 23-9 in the fourth. Rudy finished with 13 pts and 9 rebs
Rudy shot well and led his team in rebounds but was involved in three crucial turnovers that turned the tide for Lithuania.
13 pts in the first 23 min. Nothing in the final 17 min. Spain was up 61-43 with 4min left in the 3rd, and was outscored 33-12 from that point.
what are you talking about? No one in this thread is saying he's the greatest ever or even comparing him to anyone else... posters are just relaying he had a good game vs Canada. In a thread titled France vs Canada, why would you think you're the only one aware of this? in the 3 games I've seen his stats, about 1/2 his shots are 3 point attempts which is even a higher percentage of 3's then he takes in PDX. In this game he connected 3 times on 7 attempts. STOMP
Game 4s today. Spain kicked Lebanon's ass. Rudy didn't need to play much, so nothing notable here. France takes on Lithuania now. Both teams have been undefeated so far. Nic vs. Kleiza. Watch on ESPN3.com or here: http://atdhe.net/19335/watch-lithuania-vs-france
Nic is playing very aggressively. Not much success yet (just missing shots), but I like what I'm seeing. He initiating the pick and roll, and running it to perfection.
France opens it up. 24-11 after one. (5/6 from 3) Nic with a nice finish to the quarter. He's got 9pts, 2rebs, 2asts, 1stl and a turnover in 10 minutes of play.
Nic looks great! Some really nice dishes, especially that little behind the back to the corner. He just looks aggressive out there. It's finally starting to occur to him (and his teammates) that he's their best player.
He had twice as many shot attempts as the second guy on the team against Canada, and scored 24pts. He was calling for the ball on every possession yesterday. Did much of the same on opening night vs. Spain. The only time he wasn't that aggressive was during the exhibition games, and the game against Lebanon, when his team didn't need it. Edit: did you see that last drive??! wow. a cross over and dunk attempt over three players?! jeez.
So your idea of success is to compare him to a player on a canadian team that has really sucked so far? That isn't saying a whole lot. Batum coasted offensively for several games and then started to pick it up just recently. I am glad he is picking it up, but really, with a fat Boris Diaw and most the team hurt, he should have done it much earlier than that.
