Grades v. Bucks 12/19/09

[Larry89]

Next grades theme : Top 10 Worst live television blunders of the decade??

 

[DeaconBlues]

Well, after watching the game on Tivo (and suffering through the Israeli commentary - you've never heard homerism like this.) I've made the following observations:

Spencer is annoying. Final minutes of the game, his opposing C bricks a couple of free throws. The rebound, which should be a gimme, caromes off the big doofus and ends up as a field goal off an offensive board. I understand the bar is set pretty low for him, but I don't see how he can get a better grade then C.

I think Beno's contribution is underrated. I actually think he's the second biggest reason for the team's relative success this season.

Evans was a little frustrating. On the one hand - simply amazing. His skill and, and even more so, his composure under pressure are simply mind blowing at his age. On the other hand he seems to have serious tunnel vision at times, and doesn't really try to get other players involved. He's more than just a jumpshot away from realizing his potential, he also needs to learn the role, but I'm sure he'll get there.

Casspi helping off Delfino - I noticed that too (Of course our commentator didn't say "Casspi keeps leaving him wide open" but "the Kings keep leaving him wide open") and was surprised that the coaching staff didn't yank him. I wonder if that was their game plan based on his percentages, not realising that he's a classic streak shooter who will light you up on one night and take the paint off the rims the next.

 

[kupman]

Next grades theme : Top 10 Worst live television blunders of the decade??

That is a great idea.

I doubt that anything could make me laugh harder than your example.

 

[Andre87]

Evans ( B+ ) -- Fun little factoid that popped up in the game recap notes: Tyreke Evans, superrook and already franchise player for the Kings, is the second youngest player in the entire NBA. Only Jrue Holdiay is any younger. Talk about a future. Maybe trying to do too much early with the hype, and had back to back turnovers, once with a bad pass, once when dribbling off his leg. Settled in and had maybe his most impressive move of the season on a spinning drive in the first, but could not finish it. Picked up another brilliant poke steal ala the Washington gamewinner, but this time got to finish it with the breakaway dunk on Delfino. Picked up a backcourt steal as well but blew the layup to finsih it. Wehn the ghsot of Michael Redd checked in worked him at one end, and then stopped him on the other (of course as was seen basically all of our guys found what's left of Redd easy to stop tonight). Kept right on scoring through the second quarter, and finished the half with a big drive along the baseline to beat the buzzer and to give him 17 before the break. Tried to post him right from the beginning of the 3rd, but the Bucks were ready for it and overplaying. Jennings not able to get around him (or oddly, Beno) on offense. Made a saavy little slap away from behind on Bogut causing a turnover. Began to force the action a little in the mid third, and I thought was beginning to look noticeably tired by the end of the quarter. Back in in the 4th and immediately posted Ridnour but again blew the layup (if he only hits hi layups this was a 30pt night). Two of his turnovers again were on offensive fouls as he forced the action and the Bucks, like most teams, practically had five guys in the paint to try to stop him. Came up with the strong offensive board and follow to give us the lead back at the 5:30 mark. Good board night, but fell asleep on the defensive glass at the 4:10 mark on an extended Bucks possession, and Delfino ran right around him for the putback as we got tied up again. Got tied up for the jumpball when Spencer brought his man right on top of him (I have no explanation for that unless it was an attempted pick) and lost the tip at the 4:00 mark. Got his shot blocked on the drive a minute later and really it was JT who was making more plays to keep us in it. But stepped up in the crunch, first finding JT for the go ahead flip at the 12 second mark. Then nearly winning the game as he deflected Jennings inbounds pass at the 12 second mark -- ironically a play that actually ended up hurting us as in the scramble we ended up 3 on 4 and they got the easy go ahead layup. And then of course came back to leave no doubt he'd make Sportscenter with the superstar dribble take to win it at the buzzer and damn near juke Bogut out of his shoes. Take that Kobe, as the Bucks have now been superstarred into defeat two nights in a row. And yet as I've mentioned before, the surest sign of just how great Evans is that he can put up a 24pt 7reb 3ast 2stl night, win the game at the buzzer, and yet really not have his best game -- had 6 TOs and a lot of forces, particularly after half when I thought the 4 games in 5 nights was starting to show. And so I "+'d" his B for winning it, but didn't feel compelled to make it some sort of A -- a guy like Tyreke Evans, a nascient superstar, can beat you on a B night.

no actually Jennings is 4 days younger than Tyreke

 

[PoundForPound]

I kinda question your grade about spencer. I found a great quote from another board on Spencer Hawes and he hit it right on the money.

Slumps are 5 games, a few weeks, etc etc. Right now I'm looking at this guy like he just doesn't have it. Yes it hasn't been all bad, but really when do we stop blaming other people for his inability to work hard at his game?

 

[Widowmaker2k]

Next grades theme : Top 10 Worst live television blunders of the decade??

I tried to think of others that would fit your category, but couldn't come up with any that came anywhere close to that one.

I will say, however, "characters from Mel Brooks films" would make an excellent grades theme.

 

[est.1999]

But no one blames anyone for Spencer, we all blame Spencer