Spurs/Mavs

I know it is after the fact that you're reading this.  I'm probably dead, and somehow someone has dug up my initial efforts at writing to try to understand how I became the eloquent sage the world knows.

That said, I'm going to do this anyways.  I'm not at the Spurs/Mavs game tonight, so I'm going to "live" blog it.  It will lead to a rambling, long post.  That's just what I feel like doing.

The easiest way to do this would be to interview myself, but that always feels wrong to do to me.  The second easiest way would be a slightly edited stream of consciousness.  I'm going to go with that.  Surprise.

I like the AT&T guy sitting in a suit talking to kids about how fast their service is.  He's straight face sarcastic, and that always gets me, even though there's no way those kids get it.  I remember Steven Wright being a fucking revelation.

I'm not at the game tonight, because I sold my ticket.  My plan was to buy a better seat for tonight.  I thought it would be cool to see Pop coach up close and see Tim Duncan for maybe the last time.  Luckily, I hadn't bought my ticket yet when they both sat out the other day and then announced they weren't making the trip tonight.  So, I'm home.

Darren Collison is a good NBA point guard.  But, he's not Jason Kidd and JJ Barea combined, which is what this team needs.  Actually, I think I'd rather have JJ Barea (not quite as quick, but better vision/body control).  I mentioned the other day on twitter that the Rockets looked better on paper than in person, because they have guards and centers, which most teams need.  It's like OL in football.  There are numerous really good PG in the league right now, but most teams are looking for one.  And, biased as I am, I think you need a good center and most teams are looking for one of those as well (even the Lakers, although they theoretically have two of the best).

Dirk just threw his mic off.  I love it.  It's Spurs 3-0 after almost three minutes.  I don't love it.  Tony Parker is acting like he's badly injured.  I don't love it.  It does look like he got hit in the eye.  I love it.

Jeff Van Gundy is by far my favorite basketball announcer.  And, I'm glad he's back with Breen tonight.  I like that pairing.  JVG will probably get back into coaching at some point, but I think he will be missed calling games.  I suppose it's more and more likely he'll stay with ESPN.

Dallas had four days of rest going into this game, and they still look slow.  I wonder how much Carlisle worked them this week.  I've heard reports that he's been grumpier than usual this year, dealing with OJ and Collison.  I can understand, but he's got to inspire, too.  I wonder if another coach could have gotten more out of Roddy and DJ.  I think Carlisle is an amazing coach, but he seems to do better with veterans.  Specifically, getting veterans to buy in and exceed expectations on both ends.  In hockey, I've heard it called "jump," and the Spurs definitely have it early.  15-8 Spurs seven minutes in.

I think if a jump-shooter initiates contact, no foul should be called.  You don't have to call an offensive foul and slow down the game, but don't reward him for jumping into a defender.

Bennett Salvatore is calling this game tonight.  Fuck me.

The good guys are down 27-20 after the first quarter.  It could be worse.

What do you think the odds are that the league would "let" the Mavs get the first pick?  Would never happen, right?  Damn, looking at draftexpress, I don't really see anyone that would be great, anyways, so maybe they will just to say they did.  The list of names also tells me I need to follow more college basketball.  The two most common names are from Findlay Prep and Bishop Gorman, so I guess that doesn't even count.  ps I miss Vegas.

I've written before about DeJuan Blair (and Kenneth Faried).  If there's a player who was mentioned for player of the year in college and rebounds like a beast, don't let them slip by you in the draft.

I have trouble watching games without constantly thinking about points/minute and o/u pace, which is dumb and has little bearing on anything.

The Spurs are pulling further and further away.  This sucks.  The announcers at the half and now the announcers in the game are talking about how Dallas shouldn't be trying to get up to the 8 seed.  Time to fast forward through this action.

Don Knobler.

They just showed the banner.  So, that's nice.

Ok, I'm done.  Time to get some rest.