Wednesday Bolts – 3.30.11
Comment of the week award goes to Dylan in the post-game thread: “I really should apologize for tonight. I was at the movies with my brother, and we went to BWW after. I figured i’d get to watch the entire 4th quarter there, but when we sat down, there was just 15 seconds left. So I asked the bartender to send it to OT. My bad.”
Darnell Mayberry: “I can’t believe KD got the rip move call in overtime. I wasn’t in Golden State coach Keith Smart’s post game press conference. But I was told he had some comments about the rip move, saying it should be examined in the off-season. Doesn’t sound like he’s a fan.”
Joey Whelan of HoopSpeak on KD and Russ playing together: “It’s somewhat counterintuitive that two teammates who exhibit so much emotional chemistry on the court so rarely sync up in clutch situations (just 1.4% of the time). Despite being in their third season as teammates and second as the primary focal points of the Thunder offense, perhaps Durant and Westbrook are still learning to play with one another in the most effective manner.”
ESPN award watch has Westbrook third for Most Improved: “If you crunch all the stats and advanced metrics, a case could be made that Westbrook is having a season on par with that of Rose, the MVP favorite.”
TrueHoop TV looks at the worst deals of the year.
You know that time traveler commercial with KD? Here’s how they made those.
Kelly Dwyer of BDL: “The game was close throughout, and you just got the feeling from beginning to end that if Monta Ellis had just approximated his typical totals and percentages, then the Warriors would have an easy-ish win. And with the game going into overtime (on an Ellis three-pointer, it should be noted) and being decided by just one-point, you can’t help but look to Ellis’ 9-30 shooting in the face of Thabo Sefolosha’s fantastic defense. He had 11 assists to just one turnover, but just couldn’t consistently overcome Thabo’s long arms, and as a result forced a few too many to these eyes.”
NBA.com MVP race has Westbrook back in it and KD at fifth: “The Thunder have won 10 of their last 12, with the victories coming by an average of 13.7 points, and are 19-5 in their next games after losses. Durant helped nail down a victory over the Jazz with 29 points on efficient 7-of-12 shooting.”
Patrick Lo of Warriors World: “After watching Harden tonight, I’m convinced he’s a much better player than Green ever was or will be. He’s a pesky defender, has surprising athleticism, and just plays smart basketball. If he can continue to improve his shot, especially the three, he may even replace Thabo next season. It’s unlikely though, because he seems to excel in this role like Manu and Jason Terry have.”
