Pick & Roll Defense

In N.B.A. Basketball by Brock Bourgase

Despite the trouble that the Grizzlies had with this play, it is not that difficult to defend.  The Spurs gave up 47% in the paint and 44% mid-range to the Clippers during the year.

The Revenge of Don Nelson

In N.B.A. Basketball by Brock Bourgase

The Association Playoffs have provided a number of interesting moments regarding how decision-making, self-actualization, creativity, and aggressiveness come to the surface on the basketball court and in life. First of all, ESPN Page 2 is entirely correct to congratulate “the Golden State Warriors for making us watch the N.B.A. again.” The Warriors – led by Baron Davis and playing with a five-second shot clock – provided one of the few surprising moments in an Association that had been mundane and predictable for the past eight or nine years. As Bill Simmons wrote, at least Golden State took chances. A number …

Wizards Throw One Away, Raptors Win!

In N.B.A. Basketball by Brock Bourgase

Congratulations to the Raptors and their Association playoff berth. After Andrea Bargnani’s appendicitis, Jorge Garbajosa’s broken leg, and an underwhelming performance versus Kevin Durant’s next team, the Boston Celtics, Toronto regrouped and won the next two games, clinching a playoff berth. Many players shouldered the load and the team executed well under the pressure caused by the recent adversity. Michael Ruffin, on the other hand, did not execute well under pressure. On Friday, Washington was leading by three points with seconds remaining. After Ruffin intercepted a sixty-foot pass by Anthony Parker, he simply needed to dribble out the clock and …

Regular Season and Playoff Champions?

In N.B.A. Basketball by Brock Bourgase

Phoenix: Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom shot the Los Angeles back into their series with Phoenix (29 and 21 points respectively). The Suns have to respond in Game 3 and need better performances from their forwards to do so. The Lakers don’t have anyone who can guard Tim Thomas, Shawn Marion, or Boris Diaw, who must put up more than about ten points of 5 for 10 shooting each. Steve Nash needs more help. Furthermore, Phoenix can’t play any defence and will have trouble winning games in this series if they don’t score triple digits. Detroit: I don’t feel that …