- I saw most of this game. However, I watched most of the first half after having seen the second half.
- Durant is getting superstar calls. Artest was flagged for at least two that were closer to steals than fouls.
- Durant did not have a very good game. He did not shoot well. Yet he still had over twenty points. Same story for Kobe.
- Overall, Artest did a solid job defending Durant. A lot of Durant's troubles were probably playoff jitters, but Artest stayed with him and played him tough. Didn't make things easy.
- Despite taking his normal number of shots, Kobe seemed hesitant to take shots for stretches of the game. He dribbled about, trying to draw attention to himself, but not taking advantage of the looks he was being given. Having said that, near the end of the game, with the Lakers nursing just a four point lead, Kobe took one of his heavily contested "hero" shots. It missed and it wasn't particularly close. It was a blemish on an otherwise solid crutch time performance.
- Shannon Brown made some nice shots. The Lakers are going to need him.
- Russell Westbrook was the bright spot of an otherwise dim Thunder performance. Westbrook has to exploit the woeful Laker PG defense for the Thunder to win this series.
- The Thunder need better performances from Durant and Jeff Green to have a chance. Green needs to be much better.
- I was wondering why James Harden wasn't starting the game for the Thunder. Then I saw him play.
Trail Blazers/Suns Game 1:
- I watched a lot of the second half, including the nail biting conclusion. Quite enjoyable.
- LaMarcus Aldridge is the key to the Blazers' success. He's the best weapon in their arsonal (without Roy), the man Miller needs to feed "early and often". He had some good moments late and got the better of Stoudamire several times.
- Speaking of Stoudamire, he's bringing the fiery, explosive version of himself that can be so impressive. But his game is still primarily instinctual and he sometimes misses the little things that can be so big, like boxing out. His failure to keep tabs on Aldridge late hurt the Suns late int he game.
- I did not like Nash's last shot. I guess he thought it was the best one he could get. Watch him dribble down court, I knew he was going to take it.
Spurs/Mavericks Game 1:
- I watched bits and pieces and some of the fourth quarter. I have the game on TiVo. I may try to watch a bit more of it.
- Dirk was absolute money from the field and the line. I criticize Dirk for what he doesn't do well. But there is no doubt that what he does well, he does very well (shoot).
- Kidd does that thing that great players do. He keeps on working at his game, no matter his age. His three point shot is the latest example.
- I starting watching when the game stated, until I got tired of watching the Bobcats try to score. I think I lasted about a quarter. After that, I caught bits and pieces.
- Jameer Nelson was very aggressive, attacking the Bobcats. I think he'll be Oralndo's "closer" this year rather than Vince Carter, as some have suggested.
- Dwight Howard seems like an after-thought on offense at times. He's dominant on defense but it is as if they only go to him if their perimeter game is faltering. If, at some point in this post season, Orlando needs to go to him often (say, against the Cavs) he may or may not be ready because of the neglect now.
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