The finals are already making me sad...Courtney Lee just HAS TO make that layup for the win. Big ups to Pau "I only bathe when David Stern makes me" Gasol for backing up Kobe Bryant on that play. Who would've thunk that the play would actually go to Kobe's man? Genius play by Stan Van. Clearly Kobe didn't think so as he got caught by a devastating screener. However, Courtney couldn't get it to fall and the game (luckily for the Lakers) went to OT.
Courtney also had a chance to put the Magic ahead a possession prior to this play as he ended up with the ball and made a great drive to the rim and attempted a finger roll that backrimmed with Gasol again defending late on the play. (Big ups to Pau Gasol, who I've said repeatedly is the MVP of the Lakers. Its a tough argument, and if the Lakers win the title I swear I'll write the reasons why. However, his defense, if not physical, is superb. He finds ways to rub his chin in folks faces and seems to always be around the ball in the post. I think he gets an upgrade in the ranks of best bigs in the league.) The point I'm trying to make is, I'm not railing on Courtney Lee. Actually, he kind of reminded me a young Kobe, yeah I said it.
Think about it, Kobe as a rook had to take some shots (airballs) that no one else on his team were willing to take. I don't think the scenario is completely the same in Orlando, but its something about getting those reps, or opportunities at the highest stage that gives you supreme confidence. Here's the thing, someone had to try and make a play, and Stan Van and the players had confidence in Courtney making the play. Unfortunately, he couldn't come thru. He played a whale of a game, as he's had the arduous task of guarding Kobe every time he's on the court. When's the last time you saw a rookie coming in and being tasked with guarding the league's most dominant scorer of a decade? Don't worry, I'll wait...
So Courtney, I say this to you sir, keep doing your thang. We're watching, and we want you to succeed. You've earned your stripes, go show 'em what's up.
A BREAKOUT PLAYER NO DOUBT, WHO ARE THE OTHER BREAKOUT PLAYERS IN THE SERIES? ARIZA? PIETRUS? LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON GAME 2 AS WELL!
-Ed.
www.edthesportsfan.com
Xshot!\
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5 Responses to "Courtney Lee For The Win...Nope..."I wasn't really trippin' on Lee missin' the previous lay-up, but to miss the oop was gut-wrenching. I think he'll be alright, but that was certainly the game the Magic had to have, in my opinion, to have a realistic shot of winning this series.
Man Ed, goin all sorts of overboard … and I like it. Even though I disagree.
Courtney Lee does not resemble a young Kobe by a long shot. He's a good player, but he has no makings of one of the best players in the league. He doesn't take many big shots at all, really. It's usually Hedo/Rashard. Just sayin.
And Pau as the Lakers MVP? What? Pau has been awesome and is absolutely one of the best bigs in the league … but uh, when exactly has he done dick as the man? Never. And Kobe is absolutely the MVP. Watch how many times he has to bark at Gasol to be more assertive, more aggressive. With all due respect, there is no argument for Pau as the Lakers' MVP. He's definitely and important, valuable player, but most valuable. No chance.
That's like saying Horace Grant or Scottie Pippen or Dennis Rodman were more valuable than Jordan. Out your mind.
It was a tough angle, but I would've slept a lot better with a 1-1 series.
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@Rev Ok, here's where I stand with Courtney...I think Courtney does have an opportunity to be a great player in this league. Kind of in the mold of Richard Hamilton-Hersey Hawkins-John Starks mold. Those are lofty comparisons, but he TOOK Pietrus starting spot when he got hurt and Stan Van never gave it back to Mikael. My thing with him taking those shots is that hopefully it'll boost his confidence and keep him wanting to do more, which he's capable of doing.
Ok, now on Gasol. Yes, I totally in my heart believe this. Gasol's shown the versatility to guard either the 4 or the 5, and has been remarkably consistent. You can't count what he did in Memphis, he never had a reason to try in Memphis! They gave him ZERO help when he was there, period. Now, he's cleaning up Kobe mistakes and gives them the bonafide threat down low consistently every night. He's 20 and 10 easy, and might have the sneaky-est defense for a big man in the league. He's not as much a dominant force more than a crafty thinker defensively. I'm just sayin.
Rev, that's why we're buddies man. I owe you a drink when I see you.
-Ed.
Yeah, man, I hear you on Lee, and I agree with the Starks/Rip/Hersey comparison. But I'd argue those guys were really good, not great. Don't see Lee as great.
And yes, again, I agree with everything you say about Pau. Dude is a beast. Except the MVP part. Kobe is still the most valuable. And I hate having to admit that.
Mad respect for putting down your feelings though … even if they're WRONG! Ha, just playin. And I'll never turn down a free drink.
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