NBA playoffs, where good players turn into all stars and hopefully become legends. The 2013 NBA playoffs is no exception. This post-season the eyes of NBA fans and pens of analysis experts will be busy looking for the next all star or legend to rise to the occasion. In the postseason games become tighter, you see the same anoying opponent for a week, match-ups become more intense and only the best survive. The NBA regular season is simply regular, the postseason well that's where the real action begins. Opponents really zone in on a players weaknesses and strengths every move is examined and calculated in film rooms. Players go to sleep and wake-up thinking of only their opponent, tempers flair and rivals begin. Athletes must be ready to accept the challenge, the only question is are they ready?
Blake Griffin: Los Angeles Clippers ultra athletic power forward popularly known for his great highlight dunks has to be more than just a highlight show. During the 2012 NBA playoffs Griffin averaged 19.1pts, 6.9rebs and 0.9blks against the Memphis Grizzlies. Griffin has to do better 0.9blks by a ferocious athletic freak of nature is not a a glowing endorsement for "Defensive Player of Year". Controlling the paint is an area where he must excel, requesting a near double-double with 1.5 - 2.0 blocks per game is not much for Clippers fans to request from their all star athlete.
NOTE: Statistically Griffin is currently having his worst NBA season 18pts, and 8.3 rebs below career avaerages of 20.4pts and 10.4 rebs.
Josh Smith: Atlanta Hawks highlight to the "Highlight Factory" one of the best all around athletes in the NBA. Criticized for his lack of decision making and ill-timed shooting must make a significant contribution in the postseason. Smith is a 9yr NBA veteran playing in his sixth straight post season appearance with Atlanta. In 5 of 6 NBA playoff post seasons Smith's numbers have dipped from regular season stats. While most NBA star athletes raise their level of play in the playoffs Smith has a track record performing the opposite. This postseason Smith must takeover in order for the Hawks to advance past the Indiana Pacers. Stuffing the regular season with stats is awesome to watch but stuffing stats in the NBA playoffs will make you an "All Star".
NOTE: Smith believes his talents are All Star written but NBA playoff numbers tell the real story.
James Harden: Former Sixth Man of Year, Olympic Gold Medalist, NBA Finals appearance, and NBA All Star. Most of Harden's awards were achieved as a member of Oklahoma City Thunder playing next to friends Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Now he Harden is OKC Thunder "Enemy of the State". Before the regular season started Harden wanted to be more than just a member of the "3 Stooges" he wanted his own stage. Well Harden welcome to the big stage first opponent OKC Thunder. Defeating Westbrook and Durant's Thunder in Western Conference playoffs could make Harden an instant NBA legend or at least make him unforgettable in NBA history.
NOTE: Harden career postseason career averages 13.8pts, 1.3stls, 3.3ast, and 4.8rebs (Thunder)
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In one of the most bizarre situations in Master's history at Augusta. Tiger Woods was penalized for an unofficial now official call made by a television viewer. Woods was assessed a two stroke penalty for a drop. According to Fox News "Woods' shot on the par-5 15th hole of the second round hit the flag stick and bounced back into the water. He took his penalty drop two yards behind where he hit the original shot, which was a rules violation.Augusta National reviewed the incident Saturday morning before the third round began and added the two-stroke penalty for an improper drop. Woods had a 73 instead of a 71 and went into the weekend five shots out of the lead"
While the rules seem simple, there is some issue with how the penalty came down. First a television viewer sitting down eating peanuts and drinking beer at their favorite local pub called into the Masters to report the violation. Second after the initial review the committee exclaimed that no violation had occurred. Third violation was not accepted until Woods unaware of rule 26 indicted himself "I went back to where I played it from, but went two yards further back and I tried to take two yards off the shot of what I felt I hit," Woods said Friday after he signed for a 71, leaving him three shots out of the lead. "And that should land me short of the flag and not have it either hit the flag or skip over the back. I felt that was going to be the right decision to take off four (yards) right there. And I did. It worked out perfectly."
Where in the Masters rule book is it acceptable for non-participating spectators (sitting at a bar or couch ) to call in violations. Does this mean fans can now sit a home during a NBA basketball and call in offensive fouls every time LeBron James comes flying to basket. How about when Michael Jordan pushed off on Byron Russell to hit the game winning shot in the 1998 NBA Finals? Excuse me NFL I know Marshawn Lynch broke 10 tackles but when he lowered his shoulders to take the list hit the crown of the helmet was sticking out? If so where's the phone number?
Deandre Jordan stare down and step over after annihilating Brandon Knight was definitely taunting. Sounds silly, but truth is no fan or television viewer without an official capacity should have the power to alert officials in this matter. If so what's the number?
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Gary Payton known as "The Glove" from his Hall of Fame worthy days with the Seattle SuperSonics has been elected to the 2013 Basketball Hall of Fame. Payton a native of California was born in 1968.He played high school ball for Skyline High School in Oakland, California. Upon graduation Payton traveled North to Corvallis Oregon where becoming one of the most prolific and decorated athletes in Oregon State University history. In 1990 Payton graced the cover of Sports Illustrated as the nations best collegiate basketball player. Payton's list of collegiate awards includes 1990 All-American, 3x All-Pac10 selection, Pac-10 1987 freshman of the year, 3x MVP Far West Classic Tournament, 9x Pac-10 player of the week, Pac-10 All-Decade Team. At one time Payton held the OSU school record in points, field goals, three point field goals, assists and steals. Leading the OSU Beavers to three NCAA Tournament appearances due to his performance Payton's name was etched in OSU Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.
Gary Payton was selected with the second overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1990. Initially Payton started on the Sonics bench playing behind Nate Mc Millan for most of his rookie campaign. The following season a small starting point guard controversy started as the Sonics had two guards capable of the starting position. Sonics coach K.C. Jones made a decision before the 1991 season began to start the younger Payton. During the first two seasons of his career Payton struggled with shooting the basketball as he averaged 8.2 points per game, (7.2pts rookie season). Through hardwork and determination Payton started to prove himself to Seattle Sonics front office, coaches and fans.
When Sonics drafted another young fella by the name of Shawn Kemp, Paytons level of played elevated to new heights. Payton and Kemp would soon form one of the best duo's in NBA history, forever known as the "Sonic Boom". Payton captivated the NBA and Seattle fan base like a Pacific Coast storm collecting nine consecutive All-NBA Teams selections spanning from 1994-2002, including 9x NBA All Star, NBA Defensive Player of Year Award in 1996 and two time Gold Medal Olympian (1996 and 2000).
In 1996 Payton led the Seattle SuperSonics to the NBA Finals against Michael Jordan's infamous Chicago Bulls. Providing a memory that will forever be known in Sonics history. Jumping ahead 3-0 Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman made videos telling Bulls fans don't tear up the city until the Bulls players arrived home. Those comments rubbed Payton the wrong way and a injured Payton urged Sonics coach George Karl to let him guard Michael Jordan for the rest of the NBA Finals after the defensive switch Sonics won games 4 and 5 in Seattle sending the series to Chicago for game six. Payton's Sonics fell short in a high pressured atmosphere for game six but Payton earned Jordan's respect and carried the city of Seattle on his shoulders. Many wondered what the outcome could have been if coach Karl had started the 95-96 NBA Finals series with the defensive player of the year Gary Payton on Michael Jordan.
The Hall of Fame career of Gary Payton would continue away from Seattle in 2003 when a five player trade between the Sonics and Bucks would seen Ray Allen to Seattle in exchange for Gary Payton. Payton's NBA career with Milawaukee Bucks lasted 28 games before forming a Hall of Fame four-some w/ Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquile O'Neal add Phil Jackson and you have possibly the most historic line-ups in NBA history coached by the greatest coach.The journey continued that season with Payton's second trip to the NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons. "In all honesty the only team in NBA history capable of defeating the Lakers 2004 NBA Finals team was the Pistons defense of 2004".
Before the 2004-2005 season Gary Payton would be reluctantly part of a trade deal sending the West Coast native to the Boston Celtics. Payton, Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker captured the 04-05' Atlantic Division title before a first round versus the Indiana Pacers. During the 2005 off-season Payton now a Unrestricted Free Agent signed a one year $1.1 million deal to join former Celtics teammate Antoine Walker and NBA Lakers buddy Shaquille O'Neal with the Miami Heat. In 2006 Payton played a crucial role down the stretch for the Miami Heat. None bigger than game three of the 2006 NBA Finals with Miami down (0-2) staring at a possible three game deficit when Payton hit the game winner and series changing jump shot against the Dallas Mavericks. For Payton "three times was the charm" as the prolific point guard captured the long awaited NBA Finals trophy.
Since his retirement Payton has been a key figure in the search for returning NBA basketball back to the city of Seattle attending several functions and rallies as a key note speaker. His contributions to the NBA will forever be remembered and now honored as a member of Basketball Hall of Fame. Ceremony takes place during half-time of the 2013 NCAA National Championship.
Bonus Video: Gary Payton vs. Michael Jordan 1996 NBA Finals Game (5)
Personal Note: Living in Seattle Gary Payton was my favorite Basketball player growing up so it was a pleasure writing the article and reviewing hundreds of highlights of the man we call "The Glove". Most articles I write are done without bias but this one is special. Hope you enjoyed the highlights and timeless article. Gary Payton thank you for the memories including the picture with me and my family below...
Picture Cousin Dean Garrett, Grandmama (RIP), Cousin Brandon Bishop (back), Brother Burre Collins and me (Light Skinned dude). One of the Greatest moments of my childhood.... Thanks!!
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