Well, I went 0-2 yesterday, and though I always hate to lose, I especially hate it when it has to do with something I'm passionate about. Both my first and second favorite NBA teams (the Bulls and the Nuggets) lost last night, and it was not a pretty sight.
The second Bulls/Cavs game went a little better for the Bulls than the last, the Bulls showing much more confidence and being able to keep up with the Cavs for much of the matchup. Derrick Rose once again left a dent with 23 points, but it was Joakim Noah who really impressed me with 25 points and 13 rebounds. I should also note that Luol Deng had 20, and Flip Murry had 14, two players who have struggled recently. However, all of this turned out to be no match for King James who not only scored 40 points but hit some of the most diffcult shots I've ever seen. Looking at the final score, 112-102, it seems as though the Bulls were blownout, but personally I don't see it that way. The Bulls may have lost but they played better, even being tied up with the Cavs at the end of the 3rd, and never gave up, something they should be proud of. No one said going against the best team in the East would be easy, especially as the eight seed.
As for the Nuggets/Jazz game, this loss actually hit me harder for two reasons. First of all, the Nuggets only lost by 3, 111-114, and second of all, being the Jazz should be a walk in the park. Yes I realize that the four-five spot games are usually the closest series, but in my opinion, the fourth spot is beneath the Nuggets and it is only due to a change in coaching that they are not ranked the second best team in the West. Because of the variety of personalities on the Nuggets (most of which being very loud and opinionated, just in different ways), they need a coach who can calm everyone down when its not appropriate, and hype everyone up when it is. I don't know much about Adrian Dantley, I can tell just from watching him lead his team during a game, that is much more quiet than George Karl, probably forcing players like Billups and Melo to take over during timeouts and halftime. I am not saying he is a bad coach by any means, simply that a change in coaching, especially going from one style to another, would affect any team, and therefore the Nuggets are where they are. Getting back on track, Deron Williams lead his team to victory with 33 points, receiving help from his wingman Carlos Boozer (that last name gets me every time) who had 20. It would seem as though the Jazz would miss the recently injured Okur, and the healing Kirilenko, but were able to pull the w off anyways, making the series 1-1.
Overall, calling last night a rough basketball night for me would be an understatement. Not only was I upset in the moment but I had a somewhat disturbing (not in a sexual or violent way, thank you very much, don't let your imaginations get the best of you) dream in which JR Smith made an appearance, clearly signaling my subconscious was also affected. Cringe. Lets hope the next time the Bulls and Nuggets play it will go better for at least one of them.
No comments:
Post a Comment