A Visit From the Future Champs
Posted Feb. 24, 2008 at 9:20 pm by Damon AgnosSunday night brought the nascent Laker dynasty to Key Arena, giving Sonics fans and a surprisingly large contingent of Kobe jersey-clad Lake Show frontrunners a glimpse of the team that should be hoisting the championship trophy in June. Though the young, new-look Supes were clearly fired up, they were nevertheless easily dispatched by the Kobe Bryant/Pau Gasol score-at-will juggernaut, with the game essentially decided by the second quarter. (Final score: 101-81)
Kobe was his usual intense self, hand-fighting with Jeff Green and Mikael Gelabale and riding the officiating crew so hard (with a 25 point lead) that he was ejected in the third quarter, producing the loudest Sonics fans cheers of the game.
Gasol, on the other hand, seemed to be just going through the motions, albeit quite effectively. His is a peculiar athleticism, with a physique that's part Big Bird and part America's Next Top Model and a vertical jump that would be lucky to hit 24". He also runs the floor like an awkward JV center. Nevertheless, he dominates his 7' competition, displaying a a quick first step, a remarkably agile dribble game, and great body control around the basket.
As for the Supes, Mikael Gelabale continues to be a revelation. Whereas before his recent D-League stint, he seemed entirely incapable of hitting a jumper and intensely aware of that fact, he now shoots confidently and accurately, which, combined with his impressive hops and high release, makes him a dangerous offensive player. Moreover, his athleticism makes him a nuisance on defense and an effective rebounder, despite his slender build. More Jelly, this commentator says.
The rooks also showed some progress. Jeff Green was occasionally flustered by Kobe Bryant's quick hands, but nevertheless kept attacking both Bryant and Lamar Odom, shooting well from the perimeter, continuing to show a nice finishing touch on the break, and finishing with 15 points and eight rebounds.
Kevin Durant faced a Lakers defense that seemed keyed on stopping him, but he played aggressively, getting himself to the foul line and, in the third quarter, providing the night's Sonics highlights by driving baseline and dunking on Ronny Turiaf and then Pau Gasol in subsequent possessions.
Finally, a big Buzzer Beater welcome to Ira Newble and Adrian Griffin, who made their Sonics debuts tonight, combining for 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, and 1 assist in 14 minutes of play.
A Lakers fan pops his Kobe jersey during a break in play. Note the shooting sleeve on his left arm.
Topics: Sonics
Comments
The Lakers have gone from talented chokers, to a dynasty, to missing the playoffs and now apparently they are back on top of their game. All over the span of time where the Sonics (sans one season) have been terrible.
Man I hate the Lakers.
Posted Feb. 25, 2008 at 11:45 am by Don WardThose 14 minutes of Newble/Griffin floor time are 14 minutes too many, in my book. Someone please explain to me how waiving a fan favorite like Bones rather than one or both of these guys makes any sense. None of these short-timers is part of the future, so why not keep the most popular one, a "San Antonio culture" guy whom Durant and Green could glean some knowledge from.
Posted Feb. 25, 2008 at 1:42 pm by Seely