It struck me upon announcing the creation of The Isaac Bruce award that I must have been preoccupied upon mentioning Ken Griffey Jr's retirement to have not promised him the same pseudo-honor. Junior, along with perhaps Emmitt Smith, has had the single largest impact on my life as a sportsfan of any athlete. That fact makes hims largely responsible for the life of this blog. Therefore...
Let this post serve as the official announcement of the creation of Lightning in a Bottle's Ken Griffey Junior Award.
This incredibly subjective award will be given to the most popular player in baseball. This is the player whose jersey is seen on children's backs and name is heard on people's tongues in Nashville, Tacoma, Tucson, Levittown, Canton, Quebec, Tokyo and Tallahassee. It goes to the player who transcends team and is simply an ambassador of the sport to all of the fans through his play on the field. It goes to the player whose stance everyone is imitating in their backyard, whose number and position everyone is giving themselves when they create their player in MLB the Show, who is inspiring the baseball dreams that are taking shape during the year in question. Ken Griffey Jr was EVERYONE's favorite player when I was in grade school, because his play was too dynamic not to notice. Recent winners could have included Ichiro, David Ortiz, Albert Pujols, etc; though the award will officially be given out for the first time at the end of the 2010 baseball season.
-APT
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Isaac Bruce
The St. Louis Rams and their newly reacquired WR, the legendary Isaac Bruce, will hold a press conference on Wednesday to announce the retirement of Bruce, who holds every major receiving record in Rams franchise history. Bruce played the past two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, leading them in receiving in 2008-2009, but losing playing time to rookie Michael Crabtree last season. The 49ers showed their respect and consideration for Bruce by trading him back to the Rams yesterday, so that he could retire, appropriately, in St. Louis. Bruce was traded for a conditional draft-pick that will only factor-in if he were to play this season. His retirement Wednesday creates the potential for Bruce to enter the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, alongside quarterback Kurt Warner, if both are fortunate enough to be elected on their first attempt. (We hope it's the case) For more on the situation, see this article on ESPN.com.
Isaac Bruce is one of our favorite receivers here at Lightning in a Bottle and we would like to show our appreciation for his brilliant career. Not only do we wish him the best of of luck in all his future non-football endeavors, but I'd like to take this opportunity to announce that St. Louis Rams #80, Isaac Bruce, will be commemorated here at Lightning in a Bottle with the creation of the Isaac Bruce Award.
The Isaac Bruce Award will be given at the end of every NFL season to the receiver who exhibits recognizable excellence in the dragging of toes along the boundary lines to complete catches. For those that have followed Bruce's illustrious career, it should be well-known that Isaac Bruce was the single best toe/foot dragger that the NFL could boast. His proficiency in this skill has been rivaled in the past by greats like Cris Carter, and is strived for by current receivers, such as Santonio Holmes.
I'd once again like to thank Mr. Bruce for all that he has given us as fans of the sport of football, and hope that perhaps someday, he will come across this award and appreciate the very little we are able to give back to him.
-APT
Monday, June 7, 2010
Stat Lines of the Weekend
Being I sported so hard yesterday to cover the rest of the world, we'll reserve this weeks SLofW for Major League Baseball. Here we go.
THE GOOD- Mike Napoli, LAA; Sunday, 6/6 vs. Sea: 4/5, 3 R, HR, 2 RBI, K
THE BAD- Sean White, Sea; Saturday, 6/5 vs. LAA: 1.1 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 0 SO
THE UGLY- Mark Teixeira, NYY; Saturday, 6/5 vs. Tor: 0/6, 0 R, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 5 K
THE GREAT- Adam Wainwright, StL; Friday, 6/4 vs. Mil: 9.0 IP, W, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 8 SO
THE PERFECT- Jose Bautista, Tor; Friday, 6/4 vs. NYY: 3/3, 3 R, 3 H, 3 HR, 3 RBI
THE BIZARRE- Fredi Gonzales, Fla; Sunday, 6/6 vs. NYM: The Marlins had blown leads of 5-0 and 6-3 to the Mets. In the top of the 8th, with the score now tied 6-6, Mets 1B, Ike Davis stepped to the plate with runners on 1st and 3rd and nobody out. Marlin's manager Fredi Gonzales opted to play his IF at double-play depth. Now, sure enough, the Marlins induced a GIDP from Davis, but Angel Pagan came across with the go ahead run and the Marlins lost 7-6.
-APT
THE GOOD- Mike Napoli, LAA; Sunday, 6/6 vs. Sea: 4/5, 3 R, HR, 2 RBI, K
THE BAD- Sean White, Sea; Saturday, 6/5 vs. LAA: 1.1 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 0 SO
THE UGLY- Mark Teixeira, NYY; Saturday, 6/5 vs. Tor: 0/6, 0 R, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 5 K
THE GREAT- Adam Wainwright, StL; Friday, 6/4 vs. Mil: 9.0 IP, W, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 8 SO
THE PERFECT- Jose Bautista, Tor; Friday, 6/4 vs. NYY: 3/3, 3 R, 3 H, 3 HR, 3 RBI
THE BIZARRE- Fredi Gonzales, Fla; Sunday, 6/6 vs. NYM: The Marlins had blown leads of 5-0 and 6-3 to the Mets. In the top of the 8th, with the score now tied 6-6, Mets 1B, Ike Davis stepped to the plate with runners on 1st and 3rd and nobody out. Marlin's manager Fredi Gonzales opted to play his IF at double-play depth. Now, sure enough, the Marlins induced a GIDP from Davis, but Angel Pagan came across with the go ahead run and the Marlins lost 7-6.
-APT
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Stanley Cup Game 5
And the Blackhawks win! And, look, it's not even 1 yet (It will be when you see this). Let's take a look at what we saw in what could be a very decisive Game 5.
- The atmosphere in Chicago was excellent. These fans had been waiting forever for a moment like this. There team had been far to uncompetitive for the good of the NHL for a while, and these great original 6 fans have been cup-less for way, way too longs. It's great to hear them have something to cheer about, as they inch closer to ending the drought. SPECTACULAR job by the veteran NBC broadcast. They spoke for only about 7 seconds from the 1 minute remaining announcement to about 30 ticks after the horn sounded, to let you get feel what it was like in Chicago, as the Hawks fans screamed for the whole minute and a half.
- The Flyers did not play a bad game. The Hawks jumped out early and it ended up being too much for Philadelphia. But the Flyers all around played a solid hockey game for most of the ice time. Philly doesn't show me the kind of team that is built to come back from major deficits (goal-wise (though there was game 7 of the Bruins series)). However, the Flyers lost 7-4, so there have to be reasons why:
1. The Blackhawk forwards are no pushover. These guys are big. Marian Hossa, Patty Kane, Jonathan Toews, Dustin Byfuglien; these guys don't get pushed off the puck. They are able to control time in the Flyers zone by shielding off the big defenders and giving themselves time to make plays. Brian Gionta, Mike Cammileri, Scott Gomes; they were pushed around by the Flyer defense. The Hawks don't let that happen. They stay solid on their feet and the close control, especially of Kane and Hossa dramatically increases the offensive zone pressure.
2. The Blackhawk defensemen are not afraid. The Flyers push people around on offense too. They throw power forward after power forward at you. Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, Claude Giroux; they use their physicality to make space and get good looks at the net. The Hawks aren't backing down, even in instances when there are size mismatches. If you get in the pads of these power forwards it disrupts the rhythm of the cycling and hampers the timing of the cuts to the crease.
3. The Flyers defensemen need to be more involved on offense. The Blackhawks are using a penalty-kill type collapsible defense to combat the Flyer offense. Philadelphia dumps the puck in, pressures with a hard forecheck, and cycles around the net until they puckhandler finds space or a break to the net. The Hawk forwards are collapsing into the zone to crowd lanes and jump on pucks that squirt out of the corner. The Flyers defense is, at times, taking advantage of this in their ability to keep pucks in the zone. However, the D needs to take a more active role in the offense, right in from the rush. A defenseman should be using the seam created by the pinching wingers to generate a look from the high slot.
4. The Flyers need variation. As much as they have and will have success creating opportunities from the forecheck, at least a couple of the most important Flyer goals have come from a, still very blue-collar, offensive rush. The tying goal in game 3 and the quick goal in the second period of this game both came from the Flyers creating a quick shot off the rush, and a hard charging trailing winger pounding in the rebound before Chicago was able to get into position. The Hawks have been very disciplined on defense, but they're game plan takes a few seconds to align. The Flyers have to make opportunities of those first few seconds.
- Brian Boucher did a better job of controlling rebounds than Michael Leighton. I don't know what Peter Laviolette will do in Game 6. I imagine he will stick with Leighton. I probably would stick with Leighton if I were him. He has been solid for them when he's played. I just wanted to make the point that this was the one difference I saw in their play. Leighton also made it clear he needed to be pulled, after looking uneasy on some rather rudimentary opportunities late in the first, even though he prevented further damage.
- Ville Leino is playing great hockey in a losing effort. He had 3 assists in tonight's game, gives him 7 points in the series.
- Antti Niemi is taking care of business. He has been flashy when he needs to and simply solid when he needs to. Niemi certainly isn't taking the series over single-handedly, but he is providing the Blackhawks with exactly what they need at the precise times that they need it. He has won the high scoring game and the pitcher's duel. Niemi needs to try to either corral rebounds or guide them into the corner when the Flyers are shooting on the rush, but he is certainly putting forth some solid play, and sits just one win away from a Stanley Cup.
- The NHL uses the much better 2-2-1-1-1 system, and this will gives us a great game 6 on Tuesday. (another great move, getting the game on a different night than the NBA. This was a tough night for both, splitting the spotlight. I would think they'd want to be on the same page with that. ) Philly is going to be raucous and a blue-collar team like the Flyers should feed on that emotion. I expect a the hitting to intensify even further. Look for the Flyers fans to focus their anger on one or two of the Hawk forwards, raining boos from the rafters. If Chicago jumps out quick again, I'd be very surprised. It maybe even be a period before we see a goal. Look for the Flyers to send this back to Chicago with a hard-fought 3-2 victory.
- APT
- The atmosphere in Chicago was excellent. These fans had been waiting forever for a moment like this. There team had been far to uncompetitive for the good of the NHL for a while, and these great original 6 fans have been cup-less for way, way too longs. It's great to hear them have something to cheer about, as they inch closer to ending the drought. SPECTACULAR job by the veteran NBC broadcast. They spoke for only about 7 seconds from the 1 minute remaining announcement to about 30 ticks after the horn sounded, to let you get feel what it was like in Chicago, as the Hawks fans screamed for the whole minute and a half.
- The Flyers did not play a bad game. The Hawks jumped out early and it ended up being too much for Philadelphia. But the Flyers all around played a solid hockey game for most of the ice time. Philly doesn't show me the kind of team that is built to come back from major deficits (goal-wise (though there was game 7 of the Bruins series)). However, the Flyers lost 7-4, so there have to be reasons why:
1. The Blackhawk forwards are no pushover. These guys are big. Marian Hossa, Patty Kane, Jonathan Toews, Dustin Byfuglien; these guys don't get pushed off the puck. They are able to control time in the Flyers zone by shielding off the big defenders and giving themselves time to make plays. Brian Gionta, Mike Cammileri, Scott Gomes; they were pushed around by the Flyer defense. The Hawks don't let that happen. They stay solid on their feet and the close control, especially of Kane and Hossa dramatically increases the offensive zone pressure.
2. The Blackhawk defensemen are not afraid. The Flyers push people around on offense too. They throw power forward after power forward at you. Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, Claude Giroux; they use their physicality to make space and get good looks at the net. The Hawks aren't backing down, even in instances when there are size mismatches. If you get in the pads of these power forwards it disrupts the rhythm of the cycling and hampers the timing of the cuts to the crease.
3. The Flyers defensemen need to be more involved on offense. The Blackhawks are using a penalty-kill type collapsible defense to combat the Flyer offense. Philadelphia dumps the puck in, pressures with a hard forecheck, and cycles around the net until they puckhandler finds space or a break to the net. The Hawk forwards are collapsing into the zone to crowd lanes and jump on pucks that squirt out of the corner. The Flyers defense is, at times, taking advantage of this in their ability to keep pucks in the zone. However, the D needs to take a more active role in the offense, right in from the rush. A defenseman should be using the seam created by the pinching wingers to generate a look from the high slot.
4. The Flyers need variation. As much as they have and will have success creating opportunities from the forecheck, at least a couple of the most important Flyer goals have come from a, still very blue-collar, offensive rush. The tying goal in game 3 and the quick goal in the second period of this game both came from the Flyers creating a quick shot off the rush, and a hard charging trailing winger pounding in the rebound before Chicago was able to get into position. The Hawks have been very disciplined on defense, but they're game plan takes a few seconds to align. The Flyers have to make opportunities of those first few seconds.
- Brian Boucher did a better job of controlling rebounds than Michael Leighton. I don't know what Peter Laviolette will do in Game 6. I imagine he will stick with Leighton. I probably would stick with Leighton if I were him. He has been solid for them when he's played. I just wanted to make the point that this was the one difference I saw in their play. Leighton also made it clear he needed to be pulled, after looking uneasy on some rather rudimentary opportunities late in the first, even though he prevented further damage.
- Ville Leino is playing great hockey in a losing effort. He had 3 assists in tonight's game, gives him 7 points in the series.
- Antti Niemi is taking care of business. He has been flashy when he needs to and simply solid when he needs to. Niemi certainly isn't taking the series over single-handedly, but he is providing the Blackhawks with exactly what they need at the precise times that they need it. He has won the high scoring game and the pitcher's duel. Niemi needs to try to either corral rebounds or guide them into the corner when the Flyers are shooting on the rush, but he is certainly putting forth some solid play, and sits just one win away from a Stanley Cup.
- The NHL uses the much better 2-2-1-1-1 system, and this will gives us a great game 6 on Tuesday. (another great move, getting the game on a different night than the NBA. This was a tough night for both, splitting the spotlight. I would think they'd want to be on the same page with that. ) Philly is going to be raucous and a blue-collar team like the Flyers should feed on that emotion. I expect a the hitting to intensify even further. Look for the Flyers fans to focus their anger on one or two of the Hawk forwards, raining boos from the rafters. If Chicago jumps out quick again, I'd be very surprised. It maybe even be a period before we see a goal. Look for the Flyers to send this back to Chicago with a hard-fought 3-2 victory.
- APT
Ci Vediamo!
Just a note to the readers.
-THE-A-TRAIN- is on vacation, off to the homeland of Italy for two weeks. I'm going to be picking up the hockey coverage for the rest of this Stanley Cup Final. I've shied away from covering too much Hockey, mostly because -THE-A-TRAIN- loves it and knows all you need to know about it. Unfortunately, I lost touch with the game after the lockout, as it came at an inconvenient time: my starting Boston College, which did not carry OLN/Vs. on their cable package. Though I try (probably unsuccessfully) not to let my biases show, I hate the Bruins and watched no hockey instead of watching them and listening to their crap NESN announcers. But I digress. So I apologize in advance that I am not 100% up to date on all of the stud youngsters that are tearing up the ice in today's younger, faster NHL; however I promise you no drop off in pound-for-pound game analysis. I love the sport and have vast experience both following and playing the game myself. I can't wait to share the experience with you of a great final.
-APT
-THE-A-TRAIN- is on vacation, off to the homeland of Italy for two weeks. I'm going to be picking up the hockey coverage for the rest of this Stanley Cup Final. I've shied away from covering too much Hockey, mostly because -THE-A-TRAIN- loves it and knows all you need to know about it. Unfortunately, I lost touch with the game after the lockout, as it came at an inconvenient time: my starting Boston College, which did not carry OLN/Vs. on their cable package. Though I try (probably unsuccessfully) not to let my biases show, I hate the Bruins and watched no hockey instead of watching them and listening to their crap NESN announcers. But I digress. So I apologize in advance that I am not 100% up to date on all of the stud youngsters that are tearing up the ice in today's younger, faster NHL; however I promise you no drop off in pound-for-pound game analysis. I love the sport and have vast experience both following and playing the game myself. I can't wait to share the experience with you of a great final.
-APT
NBA Finals Game Two
Almost caught live TV by the time this one was over. The Celtics even the series with a 103-94 win, going on a 16-4 run to end the game, after the Lakers seemed to be in position to take a commanding lead. I've got a lot to cover quickly in this game, as I have a pizza and at least 60 minutes of hockey in front of me, so let's get to it.
- I love the 24 second clock. It does wonders for the competitiveness of the end of the game. Perhaps teams don't even have a better chance to win, but the level of competition in the play at the most important part of the game is phenomenal. I wish college hoops would shorten the shot clock, maybe to 30.
- Last game I gave pretty much 3 reasons that the Lakers were able to control things, so let's see how the Celts countered each one to change the outcome:
1. Pau Gasol. The Celtics really didn't do anything to change Pau Gasol's impact on the game. He continued to be a dynamic scoring threat. He was able to help the Lakers generate offense even when Kobe was sitting in foul trouble. Kevin Garnett can't guard him. Rasheed Wallace cant quite guard hims, and Celtic big men just gave fould after foul. Gasol was great and was a big part of the reason his team was in position to win this game late.
2. Ray Allen. I don't know what the Celtics did to counter this, exactly. I believe the used Rajon Rondo on Kobe more often, but this was just a veteran knowing he needed to be on the floor in order for his team to win. Then, once he was on the floor, he did what needed to be done. Perhaps my old roommate drunkenly said it best: "Ray Allen is a fucking assassin!" Allen started 7 for 7 from 3 point range, breaking a record he shared with Scottie Pippen and Kenny Smith for 3 pointers in an NBA Finals game by draining 8. Allen not only generated scoring, he stretched the Lakers defense, leaving Rajon Rondo room to penetrate and do what Rajon Rondo does best.
3. Guards off the Bench. The Lakers bench guards completely outplayed their Boston counterparts in game 1. How did Doc Rivers cure this? He didn't use guards off the bench. Rajon Rondo didn't come off the floor until the beginning of the fourth quarter. He simply kept Rondo in the game to avoid having to use Michael Finley, and Ray Allen's ability to stay on the floor limited Tony Allen's impact. Rondo played great defense and was a single point shy of a triple-double with a couple minutes left in the 3rd quarter. Then, when Doc did need bench help, he went right to Nate Robinson, which is what he should do the rest of the series. Nate has played very well when used in the Conference Finals and this series. Nate has stayed out of dribbling trouble and also shows the Lakers a different kind of game than Rondo with his speed and his ability to shoot from outside. Nate Dawg was hitting Ray Allen a little early in his cut, so Allen was having trouble shooting of the pass with Nate on the floor, but otherwise Robinson provided a great spark for his team, until Rondo returned to...
- ...take over the fourth quarter. Rondo has put up gaudy numbers in several playoff games, but that hasn't kept fans from waiting for him to actually take over a game late when its close. This was finally Rondo's breakthrough in that regard. Rondo, offensively and defensively owned the 4th quarter. He hadn't been a big scorer early, but scored 9 in the final period. Granted, he was able to find himself open, because Kobe Bryant was forced into extra-conservative defense, playing the whole 4th quarter with 5 fouls, but Rondo still showed the killer instinct. That being said, Rondo still needs to work on his free-throw shooting. This isn't something I expect to improve this series, but it needs to be an off season focus. Also, as great as Rondo was moving the ball around after slashing to the basket, I'd like to see some earlier decisions from him, to take advantage of the Celtics spectacular...
- ...interior passing. Boston continue to show incredible touch inside. Garnett is still a great passer, as is Rasheed Wallace. The other Celtics were finishing inside, and the Lakers couldn't be quick enough. I'd love to see Boston get more chances to navigate the paint through the air. The Lakers blocked a ton of shots, and outside of Lamar Odom, picked up many fewer fouls in the paint than did the Celtics early on in the game. If the Celtics can establish what really is their inside strength, and maybe get Gasol and Bynum in foul trouble as well, they could preserve early control of the game.
- Ron Artest will certainly be overlooked in this game, as the Lakers lost, and he fouled out late (at least one very questionable foul), but he is completely shutting down the Celtics best player from the 2008 final. Paul Pierce hit his first field goal in the fourth quarter. And at the time, I believe only had 2 fouls. Artest is remarkable in his ability to get his hands in between dribbles and his arms in passing lanes without picking up cheap fouls. (Of course, after I thought this during the game, he immediately picked up 3 soft fouls and was disqualified). Though he is unable to contribute offensively in the series, the number he is doing on Paul Pierce cannot be overlooked.
- Glen "Big Baby" Davis was a joy to watch in this game. The immense infant left every last piece of himself on the floor tonight, sometimes literally. He made a couple of poor, somewhat selfish decision, but immediately redeemed himself with a major defensive play or by throwing himself to the floor in search of a loose ball. He played his heart out tonight and earned every minute he played.
- The refs are still calling this game way too tight considering the circumstances. This is the NBA Finals. Actually, this is not only the NBA Finals, but a Lakers V. Celtics NBA Finals. If you can't play physical in a Boston/LA Final, when the hell can you ever? They did a nice job avoiding an early double-technical that would have screwed Kendrick Perkins, but the tic-tack foul calls are making an impact on the level of basketball we are being allowed to see.
- This is why I hate the 2-3-2 series. Not that I think that they will, but Boston is now in position, by taking a mere 1 of 2 games on the Lakers court, to finish out this series without even seeing Los Angeles again. This handcuffs a home court team in a way that should not be permitted. Would the potential for a couple extra charter flights really trouble these players. They are getting enough days off anyway.
- Andrew Bynum is making me look bad. In a series where Lamar Odom has had trouble staying on the floor, Bynum has been a force. He had 20+ to go with (at least)7 boards and 7 blocks in the game and was able to dominate inside at times. I thought he looked crippled early in game one, but Bynum himself said that he has the most trouble early in games. Phil Jackson is giving him a chance to loosen up, and Bynum is showing what he can do.
- This was a great basketball game to watch. The Celtics won a game I think they really needed to win, even though they haven't seen home court yet. So this time, I guess we look at what the Lakers need to do to reverse their fortunes.
1. Kobe Bryant needs to stay out of foul trouble. I don't anticipate this being a major problem again. Kobe was the victim of a couple questionable foul calls and also a lack of discipline in the lane. The likelihood of a repeat of that performance is low. Kobe needs to be on the floor. Enough said.
2. Keep a body on Ray Allen. Allen was on fire, but he was going straight up clean to hit his jumpers (7 in the first half). In the second half, the Lakers were staying with him better, making it difficult for Nate Robinson to time Allen's cuts, and causing Allen to take (and miss) a couple more difficult 3s. The Lakers need to be on top of Allen from the beginning. It's possible they forgot about him, when he wasn't on the floor all of game one. Well, they better remember him now.
3. Continue to play through Gasol. Part of this is the fault of the game plan and part is the fault of the other Lakers. The team needs to look inside to Gasol late in games and when Kobe Bryant is on the floor. I understand that under 5 in the fourth with a lead is Kobe time. He is the Mariano Rivera. You want the ball in his hands to shut down an opponent and hold that lead. But until then, the Lakers can't forget about Gasol. You can tell that they aren't using him, as the Celtics big men were filling the PF line in the stat sheet in the first half, but the 2nd half didn't show the same foul stats, nor did it result in a Gasol point explosion. The Lakers have to PAUnd the ball inside to produce either one or both of these effects.
Game 3 in Boston should be one hell of a show. We know that the Celtics actually have fans come playoff time, so they will be out in numbers, and the Lakers will be out looking for blood after softening up in the clutch in Game 2.
-APT
- I love the 24 second clock. It does wonders for the competitiveness of the end of the game. Perhaps teams don't even have a better chance to win, but the level of competition in the play at the most important part of the game is phenomenal. I wish college hoops would shorten the shot clock, maybe to 30.
- Last game I gave pretty much 3 reasons that the Lakers were able to control things, so let's see how the Celts countered each one to change the outcome:
1. Pau Gasol. The Celtics really didn't do anything to change Pau Gasol's impact on the game. He continued to be a dynamic scoring threat. He was able to help the Lakers generate offense even when Kobe was sitting in foul trouble. Kevin Garnett can't guard him. Rasheed Wallace cant quite guard hims, and Celtic big men just gave fould after foul. Gasol was great and was a big part of the reason his team was in position to win this game late.
2. Ray Allen. I don't know what the Celtics did to counter this, exactly. I believe the used Rajon Rondo on Kobe more often, but this was just a veteran knowing he needed to be on the floor in order for his team to win. Then, once he was on the floor, he did what needed to be done. Perhaps my old roommate drunkenly said it best: "Ray Allen is a fucking assassin!" Allen started 7 for 7 from 3 point range, breaking a record he shared with Scottie Pippen and Kenny Smith for 3 pointers in an NBA Finals game by draining 8. Allen not only generated scoring, he stretched the Lakers defense, leaving Rajon Rondo room to penetrate and do what Rajon Rondo does best.
3. Guards off the Bench. The Lakers bench guards completely outplayed their Boston counterparts in game 1. How did Doc Rivers cure this? He didn't use guards off the bench. Rajon Rondo didn't come off the floor until the beginning of the fourth quarter. He simply kept Rondo in the game to avoid having to use Michael Finley, and Ray Allen's ability to stay on the floor limited Tony Allen's impact. Rondo played great defense and was a single point shy of a triple-double with a couple minutes left in the 3rd quarter. Then, when Doc did need bench help, he went right to Nate Robinson, which is what he should do the rest of the series. Nate has played very well when used in the Conference Finals and this series. Nate has stayed out of dribbling trouble and also shows the Lakers a different kind of game than Rondo with his speed and his ability to shoot from outside. Nate Dawg was hitting Ray Allen a little early in his cut, so Allen was having trouble shooting of the pass with Nate on the floor, but otherwise Robinson provided a great spark for his team, until Rondo returned to...
- ...take over the fourth quarter. Rondo has put up gaudy numbers in several playoff games, but that hasn't kept fans from waiting for him to actually take over a game late when its close. This was finally Rondo's breakthrough in that regard. Rondo, offensively and defensively owned the 4th quarter. He hadn't been a big scorer early, but scored 9 in the final period. Granted, he was able to find himself open, because Kobe Bryant was forced into extra-conservative defense, playing the whole 4th quarter with 5 fouls, but Rondo still showed the killer instinct. That being said, Rondo still needs to work on his free-throw shooting. This isn't something I expect to improve this series, but it needs to be an off season focus. Also, as great as Rondo was moving the ball around after slashing to the basket, I'd like to see some earlier decisions from him, to take advantage of the Celtics spectacular...
- ...interior passing. Boston continue to show incredible touch inside. Garnett is still a great passer, as is Rasheed Wallace. The other Celtics were finishing inside, and the Lakers couldn't be quick enough. I'd love to see Boston get more chances to navigate the paint through the air. The Lakers blocked a ton of shots, and outside of Lamar Odom, picked up many fewer fouls in the paint than did the Celtics early on in the game. If the Celtics can establish what really is their inside strength, and maybe get Gasol and Bynum in foul trouble as well, they could preserve early control of the game.
- Ron Artest will certainly be overlooked in this game, as the Lakers lost, and he fouled out late (at least one very questionable foul), but he is completely shutting down the Celtics best player from the 2008 final. Paul Pierce hit his first field goal in the fourth quarter. And at the time, I believe only had 2 fouls. Artest is remarkable in his ability to get his hands in between dribbles and his arms in passing lanes without picking up cheap fouls. (Of course, after I thought this during the game, he immediately picked up 3 soft fouls and was disqualified). Though he is unable to contribute offensively in the series, the number he is doing on Paul Pierce cannot be overlooked.
- Glen "Big Baby" Davis was a joy to watch in this game. The immense infant left every last piece of himself on the floor tonight, sometimes literally. He made a couple of poor, somewhat selfish decision, but immediately redeemed himself with a major defensive play or by throwing himself to the floor in search of a loose ball. He played his heart out tonight and earned every minute he played.
- The refs are still calling this game way too tight considering the circumstances. This is the NBA Finals. Actually, this is not only the NBA Finals, but a Lakers V. Celtics NBA Finals. If you can't play physical in a Boston/LA Final, when the hell can you ever? They did a nice job avoiding an early double-technical that would have screwed Kendrick Perkins, but the tic-tack foul calls are making an impact on the level of basketball we are being allowed to see.
- This is why I hate the 2-3-2 series. Not that I think that they will, but Boston is now in position, by taking a mere 1 of 2 games on the Lakers court, to finish out this series without even seeing Los Angeles again. This handcuffs a home court team in a way that should not be permitted. Would the potential for a couple extra charter flights really trouble these players. They are getting enough days off anyway.
- Andrew Bynum is making me look bad. In a series where Lamar Odom has had trouble staying on the floor, Bynum has been a force. He had 20+ to go with (at least)7 boards and 7 blocks in the game and was able to dominate inside at times. I thought he looked crippled early in game one, but Bynum himself said that he has the most trouble early in games. Phil Jackson is giving him a chance to loosen up, and Bynum is showing what he can do.
- This was a great basketball game to watch. The Celtics won a game I think they really needed to win, even though they haven't seen home court yet. So this time, I guess we look at what the Lakers need to do to reverse their fortunes.
1. Kobe Bryant needs to stay out of foul trouble. I don't anticipate this being a major problem again. Kobe was the victim of a couple questionable foul calls and also a lack of discipline in the lane. The likelihood of a repeat of that performance is low. Kobe needs to be on the floor. Enough said.
2. Keep a body on Ray Allen. Allen was on fire, but he was going straight up clean to hit his jumpers (7 in the first half). In the second half, the Lakers were staying with him better, making it difficult for Nate Robinson to time Allen's cuts, and causing Allen to take (and miss) a couple more difficult 3s. The Lakers need to be on top of Allen from the beginning. It's possible they forgot about him, when he wasn't on the floor all of game one. Well, they better remember him now.
3. Continue to play through Gasol. Part of this is the fault of the game plan and part is the fault of the other Lakers. The team needs to look inside to Gasol late in games and when Kobe Bryant is on the floor. I understand that under 5 in the fourth with a lead is Kobe time. He is the Mariano Rivera. You want the ball in his hands to shut down an opponent and hold that lead. But until then, the Lakers can't forget about Gasol. You can tell that they aren't using him, as the Celtics big men were filling the PF line in the stat sheet in the first half, but the 2nd half didn't show the same foul stats, nor did it result in a Gasol point explosion. The Lakers have to PAUnd the ball inside to produce either one or both of these effects.
Game 3 in Boston should be one hell of a show. We know that the Celtics actually have fans come playoff time, so they will be out in numbers, and the Lakers will be out looking for blood after softening up in the clutch in Game 2.
-APT
French Open Final
So I just finished buzzing through the French Open Final. There was some dissension between myself and others about what kind of match we were in for. So, as I sit here trying to pay enough attention to Lakers/Celtics Game 2, I can tell you that I was right.
As I had said going into the later rounds of the French Open. I had seen Rafa Nadal play for a couple hours in the earlier rounds and was able to think the following: "He looks healthy again." I then told you that you could interpret that statement to read: "Rafael Nadal will win the French Open". I was certainly not kidding. Nadal is unstoppable on the clay when he is healthy, and he proved it yet again this morning, against the man who knocked a troubled, unhealthy Rafa out of the same tournament last season (the only time he's lost there).
Nadal dominated this match from about 20 minutes in. He didn't always dominate it physically. Robin Soderling is a physically imposing player. But Rafa, as he always does, especially on clay, dominated the mental aspect of the game. You don't believe you can win when you play a healthy Rafael Nadal. And if you don't believe you can win, you certainly are not going to win.
Soderling is tremendously powerful. He has a big serve, a very strong two-handed backhand, and a tremendous forehand. And he has the height and physical presence to take Nadal's high kicking top spin shot and crush them back down into the far court. He can use his power to reset points that he is behind in, and that kind of power can be effective against a Rafael Nadal that is not playing his best.
I didn't get to see the match that Soderling won last year, but I imagine that a less fit Rafa was actually able to be moved side to side effectively. From what I saw early in this match, I also figure that Soderling was able to capitalize on Nadal's shorter slice shots and deposit them into the corners. Rafa was shying away from using his slice offensively early in this match. When they were trading service games early in the first set, he was only using it on the run, to get back into points. But you could tell from the first time that he attacked Soderling with it, that the shot was just what he needed to keep the big man off balance. Between his ability to use that shot to keep Soderling teetering, and his use of the outside lines in both service courts, Rafa just had too many shots for the less versatile Soderling, who tired quickly, both mentally and physically.
Rafael Nadal, when healthy, kills your will to play the game. He is everywhere on the court, especially on clay, on which he slides so effectively. He is able to use his speed, not only to get to shots that he has no business touching, but then to reset the point by centering a slice in the opponents court and then using his speed to center himself back behind the baseline, and prepare to be everywhere once again. He punches you in the stomach time and time again, as you hit winner after winner, but end up down 0-15 by point's end. He forces you to try to hit the ball harder and harder, driving it down the opposite end of the court, but unless you are perfect, he sends it right back until you either mis-hit in an effort to strike even harder, or just lose all mental capacity to continue to compete. Nadal is one of the fittest players in the game, the quickest player in the game, and has a rarely matched ability to center his running slice-stabs. He is everywhere on the court that Lleyton Hewitt was 10 years ago, but with twice the striking ability.
Like I said, Robin Soderling is an imposing player. He has great physical ability and an excellent power game that he is able to use effectively on clay, because of his knowledge of and comfort with the surface. I expect Soderling to begin to have more success on the other surfaces as his game is refined. Look for him to be a major player at Wimbledon, this summer, as he seems to have a game that lends itself naturally to success there. The speed of the grass will help him against runners like Nadal, and perhaps give him that extra skip to beat them to the corners with out having to be line-perfect. As powerful as Robin Soderling and others like him are, however, Rafael Nadal is MORE powerful. He doesn't have the velocity on his shots that the power players do, but power becomes a relative term in tennis when you have to relate it to your opponents ability to react. Nadal's ability to react and his agility moving laterally and his accuracy on the run renders his opponent less powerful. When you compare it to the relationship of his power strokes with his opponent's movement and striking ability, he becomes the more powerful player.
I still think that Rafa needs to move the bigger players forward and backward more, as long as he can get comfortable enough cutting the ball and keeping it low, because that threat will move his opponents up just far enough that the depth of his shots will become debilitating. That being said, the way that Rafa is playing right now, if he continues to pace himself tournament-wise, you can all but pencil him in for a Wimbledon title. I know that grass is Federer's best surface, but his best surface against Nadal will always be the hard court.
Nadal handled Soderling in straight sets this morning, for his 5th French Open in 6 tries. Bjorn Borg won 6 in 8 tries. If Nadal is healthy, I truly belief he will win 7 in 8 to surpass Borg as the best clay court player tennis have ever seen. Nadal turned 24, I believe, earlier this week. He may win 10 French Opens by the time he's done, but we'll have to see how his legs hold up. Nadal was able to serve right with the more powerful Soderling, as the two finished even in aces, or close to it, with Rafael Nadal double-faultless, first-serving at an outrageous 78%. Soderling had more than his share of chances to break Nadal early in the match. Nadal saved a chance that would have put him down the first break and then saved several chances that the Swede had to gain serve back later in the set. Soderling strained to save a double-break at 2-4, but couldn't eek out a break in the next game, despite his opportunities. By halfway through Set 2, Soderling's will started to break. Nadal broke him early and late in the set, and after going up the double break, the match was as good as over. Soderling held serve in the third all but once, with the help of a more conservative Nadal, who collapse onto the clay, covering his back in brown, as he has been known to do upon completing a championship. For the second time in three years, Nadal finished the tournament without dropping a set, and reclaimed his right to the Roland Garros throne.
-APT
BIG TIME SPORTS SUNDAY
Hello all:
I was away for the weekend seeing my brother graduate college. But no worry, as I DVR everything that matters. Today is/was a HUGE Sunday of sport, and I'll still be there to follow it all for you. I'm going to give you delayed instant (WHAT?!) analysis of all the major goings on. Instant in that I will report immediately after the games/matches are over, but delayed in that I'm watching them all on DVR. No time for commercials, no time for listening to any body else's analysis first. So, perhaps you don't agree with what I say, but at least it'll be original. Forgive me for not being able to throw stats at you, but I don't want to risk spoiling the other events for myself and I don't make any money, so I can't employ a fact checker. To start, a quick review of the Williams College Graduation.
- The name reader was too slow
- The commencement address giver was horrible. He was inefficient, to self-involved, gave advice that I actually prefer the students of Williams not live by, and then concluded his speech by contradicting his point with a quote by a much brighter, better known author (Kurt Vonnegut Jr.).
- The second student speaker was spectacular
- Of the four sandwiches at the free lunch, they rank in this order:
1. Egg Salad
2. Chicken Salad
3. Veggie
4. Tuna Salad
And now for sports!
-APT
I was away for the weekend seeing my brother graduate college. But no worry, as I DVR everything that matters. Today is/was a HUGE Sunday of sport, and I'll still be there to follow it all for you. I'm going to give you delayed instant (WHAT?!) analysis of all the major goings on. Instant in that I will report immediately after the games/matches are over, but delayed in that I'm watching them all on DVR. No time for commercials, no time for listening to any body else's analysis first. So, perhaps you don't agree with what I say, but at least it'll be original. Forgive me for not being able to throw stats at you, but I don't want to risk spoiling the other events for myself and I don't make any money, so I can't employ a fact checker. To start, a quick review of the Williams College Graduation.
- The name reader was too slow
- The commencement address giver was horrible. He was inefficient, to self-involved, gave advice that I actually prefer the students of Williams not live by, and then concluded his speech by contradicting his point with a quote by a much brighter, better known author (Kurt Vonnegut Jr.).
- The second student speaker was spectacular
- Of the four sandwiches at the free lunch, they rank in this order:
1. Egg Salad
2. Chicken Salad
3. Veggie
4. Tuna Salad
And now for sports!
-APT
Friday, June 4, 2010
Hottest Little Potatoes
HLP BATTERS
Robinson Cano, NYY: 16/28, 10 R, 3 2B, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
Miguel Cabrera, Det: 13/27, 8 R, 2 2B, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 2 BB, 5 K
Troy Glaus, Atl: 9/23, 8 R, 2 2B, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 5 BB, 4 K
HLP PITCHERS
Matt Cain, SF: 17.0 IP, 14 K, CG, 2 W, 0.53 ERA, 0.47 WHIP
Yovani Gallardo, Mil: 16.0 IP, 11 K, CG 2 W, 0.56 ERA, 1.06 WHIP
Felix Hernandez, Sea: 16.0 IP, 16 K, W, 1.13 ERA, 0.94 WHIP
A LOT of great pitching this past week, so I imagine disappointment will abound upon the release of this week's HLP. To try to help temper this, I give you...
HLP Honorable Mention
Cliff Lee, Sea
Johan Santana, NYM
Derek Lowe, Atl
Edwin Jackson, Ari
David Price, TB
Chris Carpenter, StL
-APT
Thursday, June 3, 2010
NBA Finals Game One
Some final thoughts on Game One. The Lakers were actually the MORE physical team in this game. If they continue to be more physical than the Celtics, this series will not last long. Ron Artest brings that presence to the Lakers. He seems to have made the other Lakers players tougher. The first half of this game, Pau Gasol carries his team with stellar play at both ends, but it was Kobe Bryant who took over, when the game was up for grabs in the 3rd quarter. The Lakers were +11 in the 3rd. There defense was just a little tighter, and Kobe was hitting Kobe-shots. The Celtics struggled to find freedom among LA's defenders and I think a lot had to do with a lack of 3 point presence. Ray Allen spent most of this game on the bench and the Celtics didn't really have another threat with Artest locked on Pierce. The Celtics made a small run early in the 4th, but you could tell the Lakers wanted it more.
I believe the Lakers are the better team in this series, but not by a whole lot. If the Celtics outwork and out-hit the Lakers, they can easily be the dominant team on the floor, but the Lakers matched Boston today in all the intangible categories. If they continue to do so, the Kobe-advantage will continue to shine through.
A positive for the Celtics was the play of Nate Robinson. He was able to stay with the quick guards for LA, where Michael Finley was not. Nate also looked composed handling the ball most of the time, and as the broadcast team pointed out, used his extended dribbling to create looks for his teammates instead of himself. Look for his playing time to increase as this series wears on.
Defensively, I don't know what else the Celtics can do. They should have the size and ability to guard LA straight up with occasional help on Kobe. However they need to play physical, and they need to be quicker inside. Gasol was all over KG in the post. The Lakers didn't even take advantage of that as much as they could have. I'm interested to see how the officiating progresses in this series. I think it took a little away from this game. There were a lot of soft fouls. That could have had a negative impact on the Celtics defense.
I think the Celts will come out intense in Game 2. It's up to LA not to get complacent like they did against the Oklahoma Cities. Something tells me that the Lakers inability to forget 2008 will make them sure to come out firing again in GAme 2.
Here at Lightning in a Bottle, we strive to give you immediate analysis of the most important sporting events in America and abroad (when we're not being lazy or on vacation). So to prove this, I'll be doing a running diary of Game 1 tonight via twitter. Come back later tonight, post game, and I'll put up the entire thing right...
11:53:00 Dozed off for a minute as this game comes towardst he end. 1-0 LA
The Celtics just have to work so hard to get an open look late in this game. They can't turn down open looks when you are down this many
The Celtics letting Kobe in there for the offensive rebound shows that little bit of edge in the fight dept that has meant a lot in this one
You can find this running diary there at the completion of the game. Also stay tuned for a fresh serving of Hot Little Potatoes
I hope you're all checking in on the blog at www.boltinabottle.blogspot.com
But instead a huge play by Artest on the Defensive end. That is why he is here. And all of the sudden momentum is back with the home team
We've stalled here at 13 points and some clock has ticked away. The Celtics need a quick run to get this under 10
Jordan Farmar has had a big influence on this game in limited minutes. That can be a big story in this series
This graphic reminds us that 12 teams did not pick Kobe Bryant in the 1996 draft
That rapping mice commercial was certainly weird.
Nate Robinseon's quickness on the dribble is allowing him to make things happen even from the perimeter and the Celts can cut it to 11
Lead down to 15. Now is the time if there is one
Sheed seems to have picked up the intensity but an unfortunate mishandle between he and Nate
The Lakers look for a spark with Nasty Nate on the floor to start the 4th
Defensively, you just have to take your chances getting the ball out of Kobe's hands and hoping the other Lakers are missing
If Rondo can step up (he's been accused of fading in 4th quarters before) and get back into the paint, they can use the drive and k4 pts
The Celts have had sequences where they've gotten stopped, but without Allen stretching the floor, the collapsing Laker D has struck back
Bos needs Ray Allen on the floor shooting. he's a veteran. It'll be up to him to play conservatively and avoid the fould
So we end the 3rd quarter now in a 20 point game. The Celtics are in a lot of trouble if they don't make a run early. How do they do it?
Fisher makes 100 bucks taking the charge. JVG again brings up the lack of 3 point shooting without Allen (Ray)
Terrible job by Rasheed Wallace with a Technical Foul here. He gives the Lakers a free point, and now it's a 17 point game at a bad time
I agree with Van Gundy about going back to 2-2-1-1-1. If you have home court, and drop 1, you can be quickly dismissed. I'm not a fan
The 3rd quarter has been a big one for Kobe all playoffs as he now has 14 in this 3rd quarter
FIVE fouls now on Ray Allen. He was barely back on the floor. The Celts try to argue it Big Baby's foul
Actually I stand corrected they are now up 13
Somehow the Lakers turned that trading of turnovers into momentum, without actually increasing their lead.
Great court presence by fisher to find Bryant after a tough pass to handle from Artest
Rondo continues to show how comfortable he is in the paint. you may see Bynum and Odom both on the floor at poiints in this series
KG really starting to feel the jumper now. That could be big if the Celtics are to make up ground
Gasol not going to let that flop go unanswered though,a s he goes hard on the offensive boards for a big bucket.
Pau Gasol is surely in the World Cup spirit, as the Spaniard goes flopping, but is called for the foul
The Celtics putting a little pressure on here int he full court. They know they can't let Kobe go into closer mode when the 4th starts
A new comedy with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg? There goes $10.
Good idea to take the quick time out here by Doc. The Celtics can't let the Lakers go on a run here.
Second look seems he might have got an elbow to the upper body, which should be less of a factor
Rondo came up lame on that last sequence. I think it might be in the quad area. We'll have to keep an eye on it
Big block by Tony Allen. We have had multiple 24 second calls as both teams are playing defense with high intensity
The trade of Eddie House comes to mind to, as Ray Allen sits on the bench. These Celtics are going to need some room to operate
The forgotten part of Posey's game that is no longer with the Celtics is their ability to stretch the half court shooting 3s.
Ray Allen picks up his FOURTH. That will be big, taking away his shooting, and his ability to run defenders all over the court
Beautiful move by Rondo, as he navigates around 3 lakers in the paint. That is where he is at his best
Kobe Bryant is daring Rondo to shoot a long 2 or 3. We'll see if he starts trying it out as this goes on
Another very soft foul called by the officials, and Fisher picks up his 3rd as well. Ray Allen's 2 FT are sure to go down easy
All 10 starters on the floor, so we'll have to watch the fouls. Perkins and Artest already have added foul number 3
And we'r back, Fisher bringing it up the floor, Byum gets the foul but the ball rolls off the rim...eventually...
The other story of the 1st half, Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown heavily outplaying Nasty Nate and especially Michael Finley
His foot quickness court vision on offense, and his discipline on defense have made him a force in this first half. to the 2nd half!
The story of the first half is Pau Gasol. He is the difference in this game. Gasol had to play major minutes with Lamar Odom in foul troub
50-41 at the half. The game has certainly been competitive and physical, though the officials have had a big part in taming it
BIG shot by Rondo to send this game to 1/2
The Celtics hold for pretty much last shot, but the Lakers have a foul to give. They'll have a couple seconds to shoot
And there he is again, doing what 2008 Rondo couldn't, showing a beautiful short jumper
about 2 hours ago via web
Big bucket by Fisher, who seems spritely since returning, and we see a double digit lead just as the Bolt joins the live programming
Big Throwdown as Boston tries to stop the Laker momentum, with KG running the floor
His positioning is so sound and KG does not have the quickness anymore to shake him. Gasol is too disciplined to go for simple fakes
Pau Gasol has been phenomenal defensively!
of all people, it's Ron Artest that runs up 5 straight points, and the Lakers finally see some separation.
The teams exchange interior defensive feats before Kobe draws a foul down the Celtic's end. NBA playoff basketball is top notch
Time is just disappearing as we stay in this Lakers by 2-4 area. Big chance here for LA to extend after a big Defensive stand
Big shot from KG. If he can get confident shooting, that would be big. He obviously didn't have the moves to gain separation from Gasol
Andrew Bynum taking my criticism to heart and playing with a renewed fervor in the 2nd quarter
Congratulations to Ray Allen on his 1 millionth shot dropping clean through the net off a screen
The Lakers showing they can pass inside, though they don't have the same hands in there with Bynum on the floor. He comes up big here
Would love to see a jumping contest between Nate and Shannon Brown. Maybe that will be the halftime show
REALLY soft foul on Nasty Nate in the backcourt. This game is being called incredibly type. That will be trouble with the physical play
Ray Allen needs to stay out of foul trouble. He makes a big difference wearing out the Laker defenders
The Lakers had trouble scoring at times without Kobe against Phx, but the young guards are changing that
Sheed far more effective against Gasol than KG, but no one can stay in front of Shannon brown. He and farmar have been a nice spark
HUGE 3rd foul on Lamar Odom, as I've been heavily critical on Bynum
Rondo misses both free throws. That's something he is going to need to work on a lot this off season if he wants to be the top PG
Rondo doing a great job on the boards. Seems the Lakers early on are more willing to use their bench than they were in the Suns series
Rasheed Wallace opening the bank after hours
Here is Nate Dawg already to start the 2nd, just like I advised Doc. Van Gundy points out that they probably have not played 2gether much
That and the fact that the refs are calling a real tight game. I believe 2 players a side have 2 fouls already.
So after one quarter the only thing that really sticks out is that the Lakers are matching the Physical intensity
These guards off the bench from LA are so quick. You might see more Nate Robertson than Michael Finley as this series wears on
That's a huge 2nd foul on Kobe Bryant. It was definitely a bump, even though Pierce was hooking a little. PP back to the line
If I ever need my knee drained, I want to go to Kobe's knee draining guy
For those that are unsure, feel free to continue to refer to Glen Davis as Big Baby. Doc Rivers was on PTI and gave us all the okay.
Phil Jackson strongly emphasized taking charges in practice this week. According to a report I read, Pau Gasol just made himself 100 bucks
A lot of missed free throws early for the Lakers. I imagine that'll level out ast he game goes on. Big play by Gasol, taking the charge
Very poor choice by Tony Allen on the interior pass, followed by a very athletic play by Odom to force some free throws
Always easy to find Shannon Brown when he is flying 5 feet above the ground.
2 fouls on Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant will guard pierce, Farmar on rondo. I actually don't mind Farmar or Brown on Rondo
Lamar Odom instantly making himself known on the floor
Game 2 is not until Sunday!!! And they are not even Travelling! the NBA continues to be ridiculous
Great interior passing by the Celtics. That'll cause foul trouble for Bynum with his limited lateral mobility
Paul Pierce out to prove there is more than one sharp shooter on the floor in this series
Awesome story about Doc hiding the money of the players in the staples center, and here they are to get it back
Gasol is going to be a tough matchup for KG's old knees in this version of Lakers/Celtics
Rajon is going to have Kobe running all over the half court. We'll see how many open looks he gets when Kobe gets lazy away from the ball
Especially when Odom is on the floor, the Lakers are so versatile: inside to outside. But Rondo is showing his new balanced game.
Andrew Bynum looks like a statue. Only a matter of time before Odom. Big early shot for artest
artest already a defensive presence with an early steal
two early fouls. could be a problem for the offense, but the lakers have plenty of offense. sasha should be a big boost defensively
Have to agree with jeff van gundy. no need for double techs on that play
and it takes about 30 seconds for Paul Pierce and Ron Artest to go out it. This will certainly be an interesting battle.
and the tip off for bolt is at 9:28. Just a slight delay on DVR. we'll be up to speed in no time
-APT
I believe the Lakers are the better team in this series, but not by a whole lot. If the Celtics outwork and out-hit the Lakers, they can easily be the dominant team on the floor, but the Lakers matched Boston today in all the intangible categories. If they continue to do so, the Kobe-advantage will continue to shine through.
A positive for the Celtics was the play of Nate Robinson. He was able to stay with the quick guards for LA, where Michael Finley was not. Nate also looked composed handling the ball most of the time, and as the broadcast team pointed out, used his extended dribbling to create looks for his teammates instead of himself. Look for his playing time to increase as this series wears on.
Defensively, I don't know what else the Celtics can do. They should have the size and ability to guard LA straight up with occasional help on Kobe. However they need to play physical, and they need to be quicker inside. Gasol was all over KG in the post. The Lakers didn't even take advantage of that as much as they could have. I'm interested to see how the officiating progresses in this series. I think it took a little away from this game. There were a lot of soft fouls. That could have had a negative impact on the Celtics defense.
I think the Celts will come out intense in Game 2. It's up to LA not to get complacent like they did against the Oklahoma Cities. Something tells me that the Lakers inability to forget 2008 will make them sure to come out firing again in GAme 2.
Here at Lightning in a Bottle, we strive to give you immediate analysis of the most important sporting events in America and abroad (when we're not being lazy or on vacation). So to prove this, I'll be doing a running diary of Game 1 tonight via twitter. Come back later tonight, post game, and I'll put up the entire thing right...
11:53:00 Dozed off for a minute as this game comes towardst he end. 1-0 LA
The Celtics just have to work so hard to get an open look late in this game. They can't turn down open looks when you are down this many
The Celtics letting Kobe in there for the offensive rebound shows that little bit of edge in the fight dept that has meant a lot in this one
You can find this running diary there at the completion of the game. Also stay tuned for a fresh serving of Hot Little Potatoes
I hope you're all checking in on the blog at www.boltinabottle.blogspot.com
But instead a huge play by Artest on the Defensive end. That is why he is here. And all of the sudden momentum is back with the home team
We've stalled here at 13 points and some clock has ticked away. The Celtics need a quick run to get this under 10
Jordan Farmar has had a big influence on this game in limited minutes. That can be a big story in this series
This graphic reminds us that 12 teams did not pick Kobe Bryant in the 1996 draft
That rapping mice commercial was certainly weird.
Nate Robinseon's quickness on the dribble is allowing him to make things happen even from the perimeter and the Celts can cut it to 11
Lead down to 15. Now is the time if there is one
Sheed seems to have picked up the intensity but an unfortunate mishandle between he and Nate
The Lakers look for a spark with Nasty Nate on the floor to start the 4th
Defensively, you just have to take your chances getting the ball out of Kobe's hands and hoping the other Lakers are missing
If Rondo can step up (he's been accused of fading in 4th quarters before) and get back into the paint, they can use the drive and k4 pts
The Celts have had sequences where they've gotten stopped, but without Allen stretching the floor, the collapsing Laker D has struck back
Bos needs Ray Allen on the floor shooting. he's a veteran. It'll be up to him to play conservatively and avoid the fould
So we end the 3rd quarter now in a 20 point game. The Celtics are in a lot of trouble if they don't make a run early. How do they do it?
Fisher makes 100 bucks taking the charge. JVG again brings up the lack of 3 point shooting without Allen (Ray)
Terrible job by Rasheed Wallace with a Technical Foul here. He gives the Lakers a free point, and now it's a 17 point game at a bad time
I agree with Van Gundy about going back to 2-2-1-1-1. If you have home court, and drop 1, you can be quickly dismissed. I'm not a fan
The 3rd quarter has been a big one for Kobe all playoffs as he now has 14 in this 3rd quarter
FIVE fouls now on Ray Allen. He was barely back on the floor. The Celts try to argue it Big Baby's foul
Actually I stand corrected they are now up 13
Somehow the Lakers turned that trading of turnovers into momentum, without actually increasing their lead.
Great court presence by fisher to find Bryant after a tough pass to handle from Artest
Rondo continues to show how comfortable he is in the paint. you may see Bynum and Odom both on the floor at poiints in this series
KG really starting to feel the jumper now. That could be big if the Celtics are to make up ground
Gasol not going to let that flop go unanswered though,a s he goes hard on the offensive boards for a big bucket.
Pau Gasol is surely in the World Cup spirit, as the Spaniard goes flopping, but is called for the foul
The Celtics putting a little pressure on here int he full court. They know they can't let Kobe go into closer mode when the 4th starts
A new comedy with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg? There goes $10.
Good idea to take the quick time out here by Doc. The Celtics can't let the Lakers go on a run here.
Second look seems he might have got an elbow to the upper body, which should be less of a factor
Rondo came up lame on that last sequence. I think it might be in the quad area. We'll have to keep an eye on it
Big block by Tony Allen. We have had multiple 24 second calls as both teams are playing defense with high intensity
The trade of Eddie House comes to mind to, as Ray Allen sits on the bench. These Celtics are going to need some room to operate
The forgotten part of Posey's game that is no longer with the Celtics is their ability to stretch the half court shooting 3s.
Ray Allen picks up his FOURTH. That will be big, taking away his shooting, and his ability to run defenders all over the court
Beautiful move by Rondo, as he navigates around 3 lakers in the paint. That is where he is at his best
Kobe Bryant is daring Rondo to shoot a long 2 or 3. We'll see if he starts trying it out as this goes on
Another very soft foul called by the officials, and Fisher picks up his 3rd as well. Ray Allen's 2 FT are sure to go down easy
All 10 starters on the floor, so we'll have to watch the fouls. Perkins and Artest already have added foul number 3
And we'r back, Fisher bringing it up the floor, Byum gets the foul but the ball rolls off the rim...eventually...
The other story of the 1st half, Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown heavily outplaying Nasty Nate and especially Michael Finley
His foot quickness court vision on offense, and his discipline on defense have made him a force in this first half. to the 2nd half!
The story of the first half is Pau Gasol. He is the difference in this game. Gasol had to play major minutes with Lamar Odom in foul troub
50-41 at the half. The game has certainly been competitive and physical, though the officials have had a big part in taming it
BIG shot by Rondo to send this game to 1/2
The Celtics hold for pretty much last shot, but the Lakers have a foul to give. They'll have a couple seconds to shoot
And there he is again, doing what 2008 Rondo couldn't, showing a beautiful short jumper
about 2 hours ago via web
Big bucket by Fisher, who seems spritely since returning, and we see a double digit lead just as the Bolt joins the live programming
Big Throwdown as Boston tries to stop the Laker momentum, with KG running the floor
His positioning is so sound and KG does not have the quickness anymore to shake him. Gasol is too disciplined to go for simple fakes
Pau Gasol has been phenomenal defensively!
of all people, it's Ron Artest that runs up 5 straight points, and the Lakers finally see some separation.
The teams exchange interior defensive feats before Kobe draws a foul down the Celtic's end. NBA playoff basketball is top notch
Time is just disappearing as we stay in this Lakers by 2-4 area. Big chance here for LA to extend after a big Defensive stand
Big shot from KG. If he can get confident shooting, that would be big. He obviously didn't have the moves to gain separation from Gasol
Andrew Bynum taking my criticism to heart and playing with a renewed fervor in the 2nd quarter
Congratulations to Ray Allen on his 1 millionth shot dropping clean through the net off a screen
The Lakers showing they can pass inside, though they don't have the same hands in there with Bynum on the floor. He comes up big here
Would love to see a jumping contest between Nate and Shannon Brown. Maybe that will be the halftime show
REALLY soft foul on Nasty Nate in the backcourt. This game is being called incredibly type. That will be trouble with the physical play
Ray Allen needs to stay out of foul trouble. He makes a big difference wearing out the Laker defenders
The Lakers had trouble scoring at times without Kobe against Phx, but the young guards are changing that
Sheed far more effective against Gasol than KG, but no one can stay in front of Shannon brown. He and farmar have been a nice spark
HUGE 3rd foul on Lamar Odom, as I've been heavily critical on Bynum
Rondo misses both free throws. That's something he is going to need to work on a lot this off season if he wants to be the top PG
Rondo doing a great job on the boards. Seems the Lakers early on are more willing to use their bench than they were in the Suns series
Rasheed Wallace opening the bank after hours
Here is Nate Dawg already to start the 2nd, just like I advised Doc. Van Gundy points out that they probably have not played 2gether much
That and the fact that the refs are calling a real tight game. I believe 2 players a side have 2 fouls already.
So after one quarter the only thing that really sticks out is that the Lakers are matching the Physical intensity
These guards off the bench from LA are so quick. You might see more Nate Robertson than Michael Finley as this series wears on
That's a huge 2nd foul on Kobe Bryant. It was definitely a bump, even though Pierce was hooking a little. PP back to the line
If I ever need my knee drained, I want to go to Kobe's knee draining guy
For those that are unsure, feel free to continue to refer to Glen Davis as Big Baby. Doc Rivers was on PTI and gave us all the okay.
Phil Jackson strongly emphasized taking charges in practice this week. According to a report I read, Pau Gasol just made himself 100 bucks
A lot of missed free throws early for the Lakers. I imagine that'll level out ast he game goes on. Big play by Gasol, taking the charge
Very poor choice by Tony Allen on the interior pass, followed by a very athletic play by Odom to force some free throws
Always easy to find Shannon Brown when he is flying 5 feet above the ground.
2 fouls on Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant will guard pierce, Farmar on rondo. I actually don't mind Farmar or Brown on Rondo
Lamar Odom instantly making himself known on the floor
Game 2 is not until Sunday!!! And they are not even Travelling! the NBA continues to be ridiculous
Great interior passing by the Celtics. That'll cause foul trouble for Bynum with his limited lateral mobility
Paul Pierce out to prove there is more than one sharp shooter on the floor in this series
Awesome story about Doc hiding the money of the players in the staples center, and here they are to get it back
Gasol is going to be a tough matchup for KG's old knees in this version of Lakers/Celtics
Rajon is going to have Kobe running all over the half court. We'll see how many open looks he gets when Kobe gets lazy away from the ball
Especially when Odom is on the floor, the Lakers are so versatile: inside to outside. But Rondo is showing his new balanced game.
Andrew Bynum looks like a statue. Only a matter of time before Odom. Big early shot for artest
artest already a defensive presence with an early steal
two early fouls. could be a problem for the offense, but the lakers have plenty of offense. sasha should be a big boost defensively
Have to agree with jeff van gundy. no need for double techs on that play
and it takes about 30 seconds for Paul Pierce and Ron Artest to go out it. This will certainly be an interesting battle.
and the tip off for bolt is at 9:28. Just a slight delay on DVR. we'll be up to speed in no time
-APT
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