Kobe Rises to Yet Another Level

By R.G. Gaznabi

A few thoughts on Kobe's series clinching performance in Game 5 of the Lakers-Spurs 2008 Western Conference Finals.

I'm sure some folks might say that Kobe dominated the scoring too much or he didn't involve his teammates as much in the 4th Q or simply that he wanted the individual glory--

--BUT...

Kobe did his whole 'takeover' thing in a very 'healthy' way...and what I mean by that is he still managed to do his 4th Q heroics with the help of the rest of the Lakers. And he did this by staying within the offense to get free, using multiple screens and good spacing by his teammates.

What Kobe also did was that he realized that none of his teammates were exactly getting 'hot' over the course of the game. They all had their moments but no one was consistently scoring as we all (including Kobe) would have liked. And like a true MVP, like a true franchise player and like a true once-in-a-lifetime player, Kobe decided to take over and send a message to the Spurs from the very start of the 4th Q and pretty much put them in a state of high alert: HERE COMES THE MAMBA!!!

And as a result, the Spurs had to deal with so much pressure on their defensive end due to Kobe's aggressiveness that it did affect their game on the offensive end. For example, Manu had to take turns guarding Kobe (and expend a ton of energy on D) and when Bowen played Kobe it was obvious that Bowen's limited offensive game was hindering the already anemic Spurs scoring. So, the Spurs were always stuck in a dilemma of whether to play Bowen on Kobe or to replace Bowen with a more offensive player, which they desperately needed...and of course, none of the options worked out because of Kobe's reletntless (and very successful...over 50% FG) attacks.

Plus, there was so much attention given to Kobe that it freed up Gasol to grab 19 boards, including 10 offensive ones, which was HUGE.

Another aspect of this game, and particularly Kobe's individual game was his mental/emotional growth as a player which was evident in the TYPE of shots that he took. Even though Kobe wasn't getting any calls whatsoever he didn't try to force the issue. In the days of yore, Kobe would keep driving all the way to the hoop amidst multiple defenders and try to PROVE to the referees that he DESERVES a ton of free throws and in the process turn the ball over or get T'd up or simply take his teammates out of the offense.

But this time Kobe not only did NOT complain about the non-calls but he also didn't force too many 1-on-5 forays to the hoop. He simply pulled up for jumpers from the 12 to 18 foot range, which were all high percentage shots for him all night long. And he even got most of these jumpers as a result of screens, cuts and spacing by his teammates...so even if Kobe's teammates weren't taking a big chunk of the shots in the 4th Q, but they certainly were INVOLVED in helping Kobe get the ball in good spots on the floor with good spacing. And this involvement of the team on offense (even if it was just facilitating Kobe's scoring), it really helped them gel very well on the defensive end.

So even though it might seem that it was just another game that Kobe simply 'took over', there were all these subtle adjustments that he made that really showed that he is elevating his game to yet another notch. It even shows in the stats where Kobe has shot for a very high FG% (I think 53%) and I also heard that this was the highest FG% for Kobe in a playoff series in his career...and it came against the seriously tenacious defense of the Spurs who not only have Bowen, one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, but also one of the best overall team defenses in the league.

One of the best qualities of the truly great ones in this game, like Magic, Bird & MJ, was their ability to adjust and somehow figure out a way to deliver, specially during the pressure filled playoff games where every moment becomes magnified many times over. In my opinion, Kobe did that again and again in this series against a team like the Spurs and capped it off with his best performance in this series clinching game 5.

The rate at which Kobe Bryant is elevating his game, just during these playoffs, all I gotta say is, watch out NBA Finals...

...HERE COMES THE MAMBA!!!

The Mental Toughness...A Huge Step for the Lakers

By R.G. Gaznabi

In the pivotal game 4 of the 2008 Western Conference Finals, the single biggest improvement of the Lakers, including Kobe's, has been their individual mental toughness and resiliency. Here's some examples from last night's game against the Spurs:

- Kobe doesn't get any free throws at all but he still keeps his cool and plays a great game. In years past, or maybe even a few months ago, he would complain vehemently to the refs and most likely get T'd up. But I don't remember Kobe even complaining all that much, let alone show any kind of anger or frustration.

- Lamar was constantly tagged with ticky tack fouls but he plays through it and comes up clutch in the 4th quarter. Numerous times in this season and in seasons past, I have seen LO taking himself out of games mentally once he sees that he's just not getting the calls or worse yet, he's getting called for silly fouls. This was a landmark game for Lamar as far as his growth (especially mentally) is concerned in the NBA.

- Luke started off poorly and even heard an earful from Kobe at point. In the past, this would certainly take him out of his rhythm but this game he bounces back beautifully with hustle plays and solid defensive rotations.

- Pau gets banged around by Duncan, gets scored on by Duncan and gets outrebounded by Duncan -- but still manages to contribute with hustle, timely blocks, decent help defense, 10 boards, six assists and overall good passing in the triangle. The Pau of old (the one with Memphis) would have crumbled in a playoff situation like this but this time he came through by doing all the little intangible things on the court. Pau should really try to learn a few things from Kareem who was also not the most strongest guy on the court but really used his length and quickness very well to deal with bigger centers and forwards in the league.

- Sasha, Farmar & Vlad...they all contributed in their own ways even when their shots weren't falling or they weren't getting the right calls from the refs.

All I'm gonna say...it's a giant step forward for this young Lakers team. Who would have guessed it would happen this fast?

That's the beauty of the NBA.

U.S. Basketball - It's Time To Make a Statement.

By R.G. Gaznabi

Globalization of basketball is wonderful for the NBA at multiple levels.

I get it.

Foreign players diversifies the league. Attracts worldwide viewers. Which equals more money.

I get that too.

But being on the other end of trash talk where the Italian team (in this year's World Championship) even went as far as to say, "...you ain't no Michael Jordan (bleep)!"

Now that's what I don't get.

And honestly, I don't wanna get it.

Can you imagine anyone even frowning at the Original Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics? Charles Barkley almost slapped someone just cause he was complaining too much to his own players (well, Barkley actually shoved, but you know what I mean).

Now, I am not saying that the current US Basketball team needs to start a fight on the court but I do want both the US players and the US Basketball Committe to at least realize that there's a bit of pride at stake. Promoting the game that you created in your own backyard is a great thing but being beaten at your own game and then hearing about it in the form of trash talking is simply unfathomable.

Somewhere between coming in sixth in the last World Championship and the pathetic bronze medal permance in the 2004 Olympics, US basketball not only lost basketball games but seems like they are also losing their sense of pride as not only a basketball team but also as a nation.

I mean come on, if I created a game, and I'm the best at it (no matter what anyone says, there is no comparisons between NBA basketball and any other league in the world), I might take a few hits just to encourage others who are still learning the game. Heck, I might even cheer them on while taking my hits. But when you let these same guys talk smack to me and disrespect me while playing the game that I taught them...that's just bending over a little too much.

Now, I understand why the big name NBA players often don't want to be involved in US Basketball. There's simply too much at stake and very little time to spare. First of all, these guys play around 100 games per season (incuding playoffs and preseason) and that's without all the practices, scrimmages, personal trainings, etc. A lot of players cannot afford to put anymore strain on their bodies. A national team commitment would pretty much mean giving up there summers, which is the only time players can actually spend a little more time with their families and also recover from the many bumps and bruises that they endure during the season. Then there is the chance of injuries. A lot of players also have surgeries, rehabs, etc. during the off-season. Plus there are personal and family issues that often come up like death, childbirth, marriage, etc.

But inspite of all these issues, US Basketball (both players and officials) need to build a team that will not only win but also get some of that pride back. A team where a foreign player will think twice before showing any kind of disrespect. It's too late for the World Championship this year so obviously it has to be done for the 2008 Olympics.

And to achieve this, when they put the team together, the US Basketball selectors have to remember couple of additional goals together with the most important goal of winning. And these two goals are 1) Bringing back the "Awe" factor and 2) "Intimidation". And what exactly do I mean by that? Let's use couple of examples to explain myself:

1) "Awe" - Kobe Bryant scoring fifty points in a game is brilliant. But Kobe Bryant outscoring an entire Dallas Mavericks team in the first three quarters of an NBA game, all by himself is a touch more than just brilliant. People were in awe. (By the way, Vince Carter jumping...and then dunking...over 7'2 Fredrick Weis of France during the 2000 Olympics was another moment of genuine awe).

2) "Intimidation" - I have two words. Ron Artest. There's a few players who are great defenders. Like Bruce Bowen, Shane Battier and James Posey. But ask any NBA player who would they much rather be guarded by...Artest vs. anyone else in the league...I would bet that almost all of them (unless they have very little regard for their body) would go for the later choice. Artest brings the element of fear in the basketball court. He could be smiling when he's defending someone on court, he could be playing injured, heck, he could be just sitting on the bench -- it doesn't matter. He still puts fear (at some level or another) in the hearts of most players because of that element of surprise with Ron Ron...of course, his reputation/history doesn't hurt either.

So, keeping these two above mentioned subgoals (if you will), the US Basketball selectors should really invite and hope to recruit at least a few players who can send a message to all these foreign players by not only their play but also just by being there. 'Coz no matter what people say, whenever Kobe steps on a basketball court, everyone sits up straight, everyone pays just that much more attention 'coz you just might witness something phenomenal...a breathtaking move, a 35 foot fadeaway buzzer beater or a thunderous dunk over some silly mortal. And this 'awe' factor often times transfer over his opponents.

Same with Artest. Apart from his incredible skills at both ends of the court, you just never know when he might break someone's ribs (just ask Michael Jordan what happened in a scrimmage a few years back) or when he might just come to your bench to whup you rear just 'coz you looked at him the wrong way (well maybe not, but then again you never know with Ron Ron).

So, guys like Kobe and Artest will not only win the game, they will put the aforementioned 'awe' and 'intimidation' that these current US teams are sorely missing when compared to the original Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics. I mean think about it carefully. The '92 Dream Team did have possibly the best players ever assembled but can they also be called the nicest set of guys ever assembled? I seriously doubt that. Everyone knows about MJ's drive and passion. Same with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. But what people often forget is that these guys were also the toughest and the baddest S.O.B.s to ever set foot on a basketball court. They not only beat their opponents, they would cut their hearts out, stomp on it and then give it back to them...just so that they can remember what happened.

And that's what we need (minus the whole 'heart' analogy...I got a bit carried away).

At least for one tournament. That'll get the message across to the rest of the world of basketball.

So hopefully by the 2008 Olympics we'll have Kobe and all the big guns in the NBA (like LeBron, Melo, D-Wade, Amare Stoudomire, etc.) plus the likes of Ron Artest and Ben Wallace, all pumped up to to not only capture the gold but to also make a statement. A real statement. 'Coz let me tell you...

...it's about that time.

The NBA Enforcer - The Guy with the Dirty Job

By R.G. Gaznabi

Dennis Rodman.

These two words on a basketball court usually meant serious hustle, tenacious D, cleaning up the boards, getting under your skin and pretty much doing everything it takes (usually on defense) to stop the opponent.

And if Rodman was guarding you, it pretty much meant you're done (scoring...and to some extent breathing) for the day.

Dennis Rodman was an enforcer who'd be a first time selection if the NBA ever came up with an Enforcer's Hall of Fame. If I had any say, I would put Rodman in the regular Hall of Fame. Inspite of all his shenanigans, the man has five NBA rings. And he was usually the most dominant defender and "enforcer" in all those teams. Michael Jordan himself mentioned that the Bulls couldn't have achieved their second three-peat without Dennis Rodman (as compared to Horace Grant). Rodman was not only a ferocious rebounder but he was also a lock-down defender at any position. He would one day body up the collossal Shaq and the next day he would guard a nimble footed forward like Shawn Kemp (if you forgot, Kemp was All-NBAer in 1996). But that's not where it ends with Rodman. It's the other intangibles that he brings together with his defense and rebounding that makes him special...that makes him an enforcer.

Dennis Rodman will get inside your head.

What does that mean? It means that he will put the element of fear in the opponent. He will body you up. He'll bang under the boards, he'll bang in midcourt and there are times when he'll bang you even during a timeout. He will make sure that when you get on that court (and sometimes even before that) all you will be thinking is "What's Rodman gonna do if I go for a layup?". And usually the answer is, "Rodman will either block your shot or put a hard foul on your a** with zero regard for your health." Basketball is a game of reflexes. If you keep hearing a voice in your head saying that you better think twice before you do something on the court, that will definately take you out of your flow. And that's what Dennis Rodman did. And that's what made him a Hall of Fame (HOF) Enforcer in my book.

Bill Laimbeer, a former teammate of Rodman, was another HOF Enforcer who had scant respect for the opponent and didn't even try to hide it. But once again, he helped the Detroit Pistons to two championships (1989 and 1990) with his smashmouth style of play.

Now, not all NBA players who now play the enforcer role are in the same mold as Rodman or Laimbeer. But there's still a few who can make Rodman proud from time to time. Ron Artest is one of the them. He is a fearless, bull of a defender who will do anything to stop you from scoring. And if you have any concern about your health, it'd be wise not to get on Artest's bad graces. Just ask Michael Jordan. In an off-season scrimmage Artest broke two of MJ's ribs. Some say it happened inadvertently. While some say MJ was talking trash to Artest and Artest just took matters into his own hands (and then to MJ's ribs). Plus there is the historical Ron Artest brawl saga where he went into the stands during an NBA game to beat up some guy who threw a coke can at him.

Now, Ron Artest is one of top two-way (i.e. offense and defense) players in the NBA and can lock down players in multiple position. But just like Rodman, Ron Ron's reputation precedes him and most players who are being guarded by Artest will definately have multiple thoughts going through their minds that often distracts them from their natural game.

Another current example will be Reggie Evans, another tenacious rebounder and defender. This guy will do anything, and I mean anything, to hold his opponent down. Case in point, last season's playoff game Evans grabbed the testicles of Clippers center Chris Kaman.

YES...just grabbed it. No questions asked. And it just might make Chris Kaman (and all other NBA players for that matter) to think at least a little bit when they're going up against Reggie Evans.

You might say, geez all these guys are like thugs. And my answer is, that's exactly right.

If you check carefully most successful NBA teams have at least one "enforcer" in the team. Not all these enforcers are as blatant about their crimes (I call it craft) like Rodman, Laimbeer or Artest. But there are players who are definately playing the enforcer role in so many of these NBA champions.

Just look at the Spurs. A squeaky clean team image. But just ask any NBA wing player about the Spurs' Bruce Bowen and they'll tell you how Bowen will do anything, clean or dirty, to thwart someone to them away from their game.

Same goes for the Heat who have guys like James Posey and Alonzo Mourning playing the enforcer role. No matter how much star power D.Wade and Shaq brought in, they could not have done it without Zo and J. Posey's defense.

Phil Jackson's first Laker three-peat wouldn't be possible without the services of Rick Fox, another deadly, but glamorous (Hollywood actor, married to Vanessa Williams) enforcer.

The current Pistons had Ben Wallace (he's with the Bulls now) and Rasheed Wallace.

Bottom line, the enforcer is one of the most important and necessary roles for any successful NBA team.

So, even though it's not the most glamorous job in the NBA, the enforcers are abosolutely critical for a team's success and hopefully more fans (and GMs) will appreciate these guys doing the dirty jobs...the often invisible but always effective NBA Enforcer.