With all the hubbub surrounding Barack Obama's election to U.S. President and my following of the reactions worldwide (truly the proudest day I've experienced as an American!), I haven't had much time to blog this week.
Still, I was able to snack on a quarter of Thursday night's Houston - Portland game. Here's a snapshot of the international players' play in the first quarter:
11:50 Yao Ming has his shot emphatically blowed by Joel Pryzbilla, who's at least four inches shorter.
10:42 Argentinian power forward Luis Scola - whose continuing improvemnent in his second year I think will mean as much to the Rockets' title hopes as their acquisition of Ron Artest - cans a 20-footer off of a Ron-Ron dribble-drive. Houston looks nice.
10:16 Portland's Nick Batum, who's making his second start of the season, rattles out a straight-on three. Looks fluid though.
9:41 Scola takes a Rafer Alston-led fast break pass to the bank, and cashes it in for two off the backboard, avoiding Aldridge's out-stretched arms.
9:21 Batum, who played 18 minutes in his first start the night before, cans a 15-footer and trots backwards downcourt. Like butter.
9:12 Yao misses a hook shot over Pryzbilla. Joel can play some D.
8:28 Batum uses his speed to jet out in front of the pack, take a beautifully passed ball from Steve Blake, and delivers it unto the Rim for 2 points. Nice speed, Nicky B.
8:02 Scola pivots, shakes and bakes for a turn-around 2 from 10 feet out.
6:27 Despite tying up a guard on the defensive end, Yao misses another shot. Not a good night so far.
5:43 Yao finally scores, after grabbing a Scola, pirouetting in front of the rim, and laying it up.
3:20, Scola hits an 18-footer, and now has 8 of his team's 15 points on 4-5 shooting. Soon thereafter, immediately after entering the game, Portland's electric Spanish shot-maker Rudy Fernandez rattles out a trifecta. Hombre ain't shy, ya'll.
2:14 Rudy storms into the paint and zips a pass on Martell Webster, leading to 3.
:33 Yao misses yet another shot! A forgettable quarter for sure for the 7-5 center.
:1 Sergio Rodriguez and Rudy get mixed up defending Houston's inbound pass, leading to an Aaron Brooks three. Rudy looks back at Sergio before dashing towards Brooks in the corner, and shows remarkable closing speed in oh-so-almost blocking his shot. Had he only not looked back!
Score at quarter - Portland 21, Houston 18
Final Score - Portland 101, Houston 99
Courtesty of basketnea1
I have to add to tack this on, too. U.S. National team member LeBron James did a lil' jig last night when he saw big man Drew Gooden trying to guard him. It reminded me of footage of the good ol' loosey-goosey ABA days of the early 1970s, when players weren't afraid to put a little paprika in their game:
Courtesy of LOserNetw0rk:
(Hint: It's at 7 seconds)
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