By Patrick “Rey” Reynell
It is that time again. Let’s hear from you readers. We had another week of stellar performances. Pick the ONE that stands out to you, and tell us a story.
Filling in for Casey this week on “The Pine” in starting it off with the POTW. My pick goes to IUPUI’s own George Hill now playing for the San Antonio Spurs. He scored 29 points, hitting 5 three-pointers, en route to taking a 3-1 series lead against the Dallas Mavericks. Since Tony Parker’s injury at the end of the regular season, Hill has come on strong as a reliable guard in the absence of Richard Jefferson’s game. Hill is turning into the athletic swingman many thought Jefferson would be.
I know many will ask how I couldn’t hand it to another NBA guy who went for a career playoff high in South Beach today. Hill stepped up much in the same fashion but did so quite unexpectedly (And boy did he need to as Tim Duncan shot 1-9 for 4 points). Besides, Hill’s performance will end up being the dagger while the other’s just delays the inevitable.
So let’s hear it. Who gets your POTW?
I am going with the other “NBA guy who went for a career high in South Beach.” Rey, if we were at that game, you would have been yelling: “Why not?” He was so on fire. How many in a row did D-Wade drop? 5 of 7 from behind the arc. A couple of those I don’t think he even looked at the basket. The only thing missing? He needed to do an impersonation of MJ. You know what I’m talking about – turn to the bench and shrug his shoulders.
Love the nominations so far. D Wade was absolutely incredible out there. For me, I am going Roy Halladay who pitched a complete game shutout this week. The guy is 3-0 with two complete games. Is there any question why the Phillies didn`t hesitate to give up Cliff Lee for him?
I’m shocked at how people have reacted to D-Wade’s game. One commentator said it may be one of the best of “all time.” Really? I just don’t see it in context of where that series is at. It was almost predictable. Now if he had done that one or two games ago and tilted the series in favor of the Heat, then it becomes one of the best. Don’t get me wrong – it was an amazing performance that few in their careers could ever do. But who else on the Heat was going to score? D-Wade had to have a night like that, and he’ll have to do it 3 more times to solidify it for me.
So what some are saying is that this game, in a first round 3-0 series, where the best player on the team (and top 3 in the league), scored 40+ points to keep his team from elimination compares to other playoff games where the 40 points came in a game 6 or 7, tying the series type game, or series changing game? If the Heat win the series, then I guess it qualifies.
A great performance, no doubt. But a great player would have done that a game or two ago. The Spurs needed George Hill more than the Heat needed Wade. So the Heat avoided elimination. Where does this game stand if the Celtiocs just knock them out in game 5?
Hill’s performance was great. Wade gets the nod from me for exactly the reasons you stated. The Mavs took Duncan and Ginobili out of the equation. Hill stepped in and filled the void. He stepped into an area that was left open. Wade did not have that opening. Without Wade, the Heat would have front row to seats to the draft lottery. The Celtics focused on Wade, and he still delivered. If they lose, so be it.
Homer call here … I’m going with Paul Konerko of the White Sox. He’s had a number of clutch hits/HRs in close games over this past stretch. He’s now up to 8 HRs, 14RBI, and slugging at a .726 clip.
By the way … Tim Duncan has been playing like Kim Not Dunkin’ . Somehow the Spurs are winning this series … thanks to George Hill as pointed out above.
I looked at Duncan’s performance as him showing A LOT of patience. He easily could have started forcing shots. Instead, he let Hill and the rest take over the game. The Spurs had five guys in double figures. He led the Spurs with 11 boards.