Seattle Sonics visit the Portland Trailblazers: game thread
Posted on Thursday, February 21st, 2008 at 9:14 pm by Mr. Baker (thinking good thoughts for George Karl))
Steve must be out getting iron-on letters to make his own Donny Marshall Sonics jersey.
There and here back to back.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:23 pm
WTF, David Alrdridge? He just said “The city of Seattle has made it very clear that they aren’t going to spend any money on the Sonics to keep them there.” Um… maybe you should learn your facts before you open your mouth. Like the fact that Seattle offered a $200 million renovation of Key Arena. Bennett just rejected it because it’s not the shiny new arena that he wants.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:26 pm
chuck Barkley, thanks for calling BS on David Aldridge’s owner scripted opinion.
For the record, the City of Seattle has made bigger offers over the past two years than Oklahoma City is about to vote on.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I look at my kids and say “Never foul a……” and they look at me and say while rolling their eyes “a jumpshooter dad.” Bad Gelly… Bad!!
February 21st, 2008 at 9:30 pm
collison dove on the floor for a loose ball, on a losing team, hard to trade that away. I imagine they had a few calls.
look at who was not traded, younger rotation guys. You might not like them, but the did not compound the roster problems.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:34 pm
the whippingboy is doing a little whipping.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:34 pm
I turn it on and Ridnour isnt hesitating to shoot? Who is this?
Thanks to those who brought up the Barkley stuff. I didnt see it as I forgot the game was televised nationally tonight.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Lebron made out like a bandit runnin wild out East.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:36 pm
I am all over Semi-Pro
February 21st, 2008 at 9:38 pm
OT: Semi Pro
I really want to like it, but after watching the previews, and the commercials…. having a hard time getting excited about it.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:39 pm
I’m hoping Shannon Brown is a player to be named later, due to salary cap complications.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:40 pm
hey, calabro must be doing the radio broadcast!
February 21st, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Barkley stepped up like a champ in favor of Seattle’s struggle over the Sonics.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Nope, no KC on the radio…
February 21st, 2008 at 9:45 pm
my boss gave movie passes for covering his ass in a meeting, so, the movie will be free
February 21st, 2008 at 9:46 pm
hey i can’t seem to get approved to write on the message boards yet so i write here…
anyway so about the lighting up WAMU center, i sent out a few emails hopefully someone will email me back with who to contact..i will keep trying to find a contact in the meantime…
anyone work at WAMU corp office? can you get me a number? or name?
I know i had mentioned we do this during a nationally televised game and silly me i didn’t realize we didn’t have any nationial televized games left at home…hummm. any ideas on which game we do this around?
February 21st, 2008 at 9:46 pm
In that case, it’s all good!
February 21st, 2008 at 9:48 pm
what! No kc on the radio!
February 21st, 2008 at 9:51 pm
No KC! It’s an outrage…
I’m out of state/working late on a school project, so I was looking forward to listening to KC call this one. But no.
I bet it’s Clay’s doing.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:52 pm
so what happened to Swift, again.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:53 pm
just watching Durant shift feet positions while Roy was looking for a lane was pretty nice. Textbook
February 21st, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Brandon, Nate, Paul Allen as owner…..
I really want to hate the blazers, but finding it hard to ignore them.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:56 pm
swift has a knee issue not related to the surgery he had
February 21st, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Swift sprained his knee and will have it re-evaluated tomorrow in Seattle.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:01 pm
The Swift Era begins….and pauses…again…
February 21st, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I wanted to scream when I heard David Aldridge’s take on the arena situation.
What he forgot to mention…
1) Seattle built the Sonics a new arena in 1995.
2) The Sonics are asking for a 500 million dollar stadium.
3) The Sonics requested that Key Arena be this small so Seattle couldn’t bring in a NHL team to compete for revenue.
Thank you Charles for recognizing this bullshit for what it really is.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:02 pm
When was the last time Luke hit three 3s in a game? Good for him. In his bad season, that must have felt great…momentarily…
February 21st, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Swift getting injured again? What? … No way.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:03 pm
On Wolf Blitzer’s show the other night, Barkley also hammered on other kinds of hypocrisy….
February 21st, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Could you be more specific please Lester?
February 21st, 2008 at 10:09 pm
…Christian conservatives…
February 21st, 2008 at 10:11 pm
eric, the sonics are asking for a 500 million dollar arena only from Seattle. Remodel in Oklahoma City is “visionary”, according to Bennett.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:13 pm
“chuck Barkley, thanks for calling BS on David Aldridge’s owner scripted opinion.”
What happened here? I was out…
February 21st, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Mr Baker, I eat sleep and breathe Sonics so I am certainly aware of that hypocrisy. I wasn’t sure what Lester was referring to though.
I’m glad you caught it too. Chuck is all about Seattle keeping the Sonics. He knows what’s really going on.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:18 pm
““chuck Barkley, thanks for calling BS on David Aldridge’s owner scripted opinion.”
What happened here? I was out… ”
David Aldridge was asked about the Seattle situation and he put all the blame on Seattle. He said city and state politicians have made the decision to not support the Sonics and to not help build a new arena.
Charles then said what a great basketball city Seattle is, that Key Arena was the hardest arena for him to play in, and that owners are ripping off fans big time. He said owners should pay at least half because in the end they are the ones making all the money off the arena.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Oh those evil Christian Conservatives. How dare they have morals and expect others to respect those morals. They keep having kids and expecting them to be moral also. They take care of their children and usually don’t ask for government handouts. They take care of themselves. They believe in consequences for behaviors and still help their fellow man. Oh wait, that can’t possibly help their fellow man because they don’t support government handouts. Do you realize that Churches across the country gave more financial aid to New Orleans then the federal government during Katrina. Now that I have gone off on this I will continue to take care of my children, pay my taxes and not cause any more trouble with my hypocrisy.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:24 pm
“David Aldridge was asked about the Seattle situation and he put all the blame on Seattle. He said city and state politicians have made the decision to not support the Sonics and to not help build a new arena.” {Eric E}
David Aldridge is technically correct that the Washington State Legislature and Seattle City Council were unwilling to fund the construction of a state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility worth $500,000,000 that’d house the Seattle Supersonics, the Seattle Storm, a potential NHL franchise, and numerous other entities.
Let’s lay off of Aldridge, okay.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:26 pm
collison again, hustling on the floor
February 21st, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Sorry Lester and others. Hit a nerve. God Bless you and the Sonics. My anger may have been……..hypocritical.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:30 pm
dork, I am here for sonics basketball, do not exemplify what is wrong with so many by example.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Yet, as a libertarian minarchist/anarcho-capitalist, I’m glad that our state politicians declined to fund a fiscally imprudent project such as the proposed King County Events Center. Regarding macroeconomics, the Supersonics’ potential departure wouldn’t even cause a slight dent. The Washington State Legislature, therefore, was correct to ignore the Professional Basketball Club, LLC’s asinine monetary demands.
Lastly, I detest social conservatives, economic liberals, and folks who support an interventionist foreign policy.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:34 pm
On a funnier note, my wife just looked at Steve Blake and said “He’s a little white and nerdy.”
February 21st, 2008 at 10:35 pm
And you might not want to use Katrina as an example…federal funding may have been more than the “churches across the country” had somone other than a Christian conservative been President. But I digress…
February 21st, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Boy, I have opened a can of worms. I would like to shut the can and say I love Kevin Durant.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Blake never stops, he is not great, but he usually stays in focus, does not break his attention to what is going on, I was hoping Seattle would have picked him up.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:45 pm
I am really, really, happy to see the Sonics on TNT, with Seattle on their chests, hustling and hanging in there. Good for them for showing up, having pride, and trying.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:47 pm
I’d just like to say that Delonte was absolutely being showcased against the Griz. If Durant really is the second coming of Jordan, he’d have suited up, ignored the flu, and dropped 40.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Yikes
I love Earl’s game as of late but that was one shitty pass.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:56 pm
AK1984 said: “David Aldridge is technically correct that the Washington State Legislature and Seattle City Council were unwilling to fund the construction of a state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility worth $500,000,000 that’d house the Seattle Supersonics, the Seattle Storm, a potential NHL franchise, and numerous other entities.
Let’s lay off of Aldridge, okay.”
True. He just kind of forgot to mention that there were a host of good reasons that the city took that action in the first place, though. Charles made sure both sides of the story got aired.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Did Kevin Harlan really say that “it was ONLY his fourth turnover tonight?” In any event, Earl has been playing some great basketball as of late and hopefully that great play will continue for the remainder of this game.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:58 pm
good hustle by the supes tonite..they playing wit 9 players but playing hard..on the trade note..I really hope the keep bones around for the rest of the season..he can shoot the three and spread the court..
February 21st, 2008 at 11:13 pm
This may be the regular rotation with the bodies we just traded for.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:20 pm
nice follow by green, but the shot block should have been goal tending
February 21st, 2008 at 11:21 pm
You mean Joel hitting the backboard? Yeah, that should have been called. Damien’s stats are going to be hurt by that missed FGA.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Can we get a stop? Can we get a call? Outlaw did the waltz before he drove and got the foul. PLEASE!!!!
February 21st, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Moment of indecision is a good way to describe Nick’s confusion on that defensive sequence.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Is Chris Wilcox a homeless man’s Shawn Kemp?
The Swift era is over. He’s not worth another look anyway at this point. Special thanks to Rick Sund.
Looks like Petro will get a shot in the middle next year, with a low-cost veteran like Elson and Sene in the mix as well.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Just sent Aldridge an email to consider all points to the story.
Funny thing, TNT has a myspace page and its the only way to send them a message. I had to set a myspace account. Isn’t myspace for kids?
February 21st, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Cup half full: Good effort short handed.
Cup half empty: Another LOSS!!! ARRRGGGHH
Cynicism: Orchestrated by Clay.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:31 pm
“The Swift era is over. He’s not worth another look anyway at this point. Special thanks to Rick Sund.” {courtsense}
A one-year, $3,579,131 qualifying offer is worth putting in front of Robert Swift after this season, as he deserves one last chance to prove himself. Besides, it’s not like the 2008-2009 campaign will be anything more than another rebuilding year—especially with the lack of financial flexibility heading into the upcoming off-season.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:32 pm
not for a lack of trying, two good players and I think you can have a rotation next year.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:34 pm
The Sonics win the field goal percentage battle, but lose the game. If Nick Collison, Chris Wilcox, and Damien Wilkins didn’t treat the basket as if it was a virus, the Supes probably pull off the “upset.”
Very good game from Kevin Durant; two three-point attempts seem extremely light for a two-guard but I suppose the fact that he hit both of them is a step in the right direction.
Anyone who watched tonight’s game still believe Brandon Roy could even be mentioned in the same sentence with Manu Ginobili?
February 21st, 2008 at 11:34 pm
“Looks like Petro will get a shot in the middle next year, with a low-cost veteran like Elson and Sene in the mix as well.” {courtsense}
Francisco Elson will be an unrestricted free-agent this summer, so there’s no reason to expect him back next season. Mouhamed Sene, by the way, is a scrub who doesn’t deserve any playing time—no matter the situation. In all likelihood, Sene will be out of the NBA by 2010.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:39 pm
“Anyone who watched tonight’s game still believe Brandon Roy could even be mentioned in the same sentence with Manu Ginobili?” {Alex Chan}
I haven’t been to vocal in defending your position, A.C., but you’re definitely correct that Emanuel Ginobili is better than Brandon Roy. Roy is an undeniably good, well-rounded player — as he’s in the same range as Andre Iguodala — nevertheless, Ginobili is on a whole other level regarding overall production.
After factoring in Ginobili’s offensive efficiency, defensive fortitude, and apparent leadership qualities, he’s quite possibly the most underrated player in the NBA. In fact, the “Argentinian Assassin” is the most underrated player in basketball—there’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it!
February 21st, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Scoring and scoring efficiently are different things but I checked and found a bit over 20 players scored 20 pts a game their rookie season in the last 30 years. Durant has a good prospect of joining that club. It is touch n go whether he will have the lowest TS% of the group but he would join the neighborhood of James and Anthony who were also 19 yrs old.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:42 pm
“True. He just kind of forgot to mention that there were a host of good reasons that the city took that action in the first place, though. Charles made sure both sides of the story got aired.” {MartinH}
Yeah, Charles Barkley made a great point about the moneygrubbing, carpetbagging nature of Clay Bennett and his cronies.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:43 pm
If the move of Wally and the other changes end up with Durant increasing shooting frequency (not encouraging it but would be surprised) he might move up the list. If he got to 22 pts a game he’d be right at top 10.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:43 pm
If the move of Wally and the other changes end up with Durant increasing shooting frequency (not encouraging it but wouldn’t be surprised) he might move up the list. If he got to 22 pts a game he’d be right at top 10.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Anyone still consider the Blazers to be anything more than a longshot to make the NBA playoffs? They’re five games back in the loss column and still have a negative point and efficiency differential. With sixteen of their final twenty-nine games on the road, the Blazers need a Mike Huckabee-esque miracle to get back into this playoff race.
Trading away Bonzi Wells won’t hurt the Rockets in the regular season but it will cost them if they end up facing San Antonio. That guy presents an extremely difficult matchup for Bruce Bowen or Manu Ginobili, given his strength and weight (e.g. first round of 2006 NBA playoffs).
February 21st, 2008 at 11:49 pm
I think Ginobili’s defensive abilities are a little overstated; it is my belief that a team’s defense is generally dictated by the strength of the team’s big men. The Spurs happen to have one of the best defensive big men in NBA history. I’d love to see how Ginobili would perform defensively if he was the starting shooting guard for the Milwaukee Bucks, instead of Michael Redd.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:32 am
AK said:
“A one-year, $3,579,131 qualifying offer is worth putting in front of Robert Swift after this season, as he deserves one last chance to prove himself.”
Are you serious? Whose minutes would you suggest reducing in order to see if Swift has any talent whatsoever? I’d rather pick another C in the mid-low 1st round and take my chances with a player with some upside.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:33 am
AK said:
“Francisco Elson will be an unrestricted free-agent this summer, so there’s no reason to expect him back next season.”
I know Elson’s a free agent, AK - I’m saying that for $3-4 million I’d rather have him than Swift.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:37 am
AK said:
“After factoring in Ginobili’s offensive efficiency, defensive fortitude, and apparent leadership qualities, he’s quite possibly the most underrated player in the NBA.”
I agree 100% - Ginobli is a marvelous player, an absolute gem.
But Roy is a helluva player in his own right, and he’ll lead the Blazers to a lot of playoff wins before he’s done in the NBA.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:37 am
Sorry, girlfriend’s birthday was yesterday so I didn’t get a chance for a game thread.
“Anyone still consider the Blazers to be anything more than a longshot to make the NBA playoffs? They’re five games back in the loss column and still have a negative point and efficiency differential. With sixteen of their final twenty-nine games on the road, the Blazers need a Mike Huckabee-esque miracle to get back into this playoff race.”
Ain’t gonna happen. The West is too tight this year. Any other year that amazing spurt would probably be enough to propel them into the playoffs but with the 8 seed looking at having to win about 54 games not sure it is in the cards for PDX this year. Still a bit young & inconsistent.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
I’ll take Roy in a heartbeat over Manu Ginobili.
February 22nd, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Since this seems to be the hot topic of the day, right now if I had to choose, HANDS DOWN it’d be Ginobli. He’s a dynamic offenisive weapon that really has no equal in this league in terms of style.
In three years, I would probably take Roy though, I don’t think he’d done growing as a player, and he’s already siccc.
February 22nd, 2008 at 5:00 pm
The letter they are reading on KJR right now is so very hilarious stuff, gave me quite a chuckle!