Out and About, Here and There
TweetSERGE Ibaka is a huge keyway presence for Oklahoma City Thunder – of that there is no doubt.
His return from injury today turned the tables on San Antonio and brought the NBA’s Western Conference Championship back to life with the Thunder winning 106-97 at home to cut the Spurs’ series lead back to 2-1.
After missing the first two Spurs’ blowouts, Ibaka was big with 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting, seven boards and four blocks in 30 minutes.
That valid point conceded, OKC also looks a million times better when Kiwi centre Steve Adams is on the floor instead of overpaid centaur Kendrick Perkins.
Adams had seven points, nine boards and four blocks in 28 intense-effort minutes off the bench.
He even made Tim Duncan change shots which is something Perkins can never do.
Perkins is proof of Larry Bird’s long-held and correct opinion: “Paying a guy five million dollars doesn’t make him a five-million dollar player.”
Except in Perkins’ case it’s an even more obscene seven million dollars annually.
That’s for four points, three boards, four fouls and three turnovers in 13 minutes today.
Perkins at best is good for a few rebounds, the odd putback and cheap foul but in his favor, he still leads the league in scowling and “attitude”.
Frankly, any time Adams is on the floor and Perkins isn’t, OKC is a way more formidable opponent.
That’s without even mentioning the mind-blowing 3-point shootout Russell Westbrook had with Manu Ginobili to close the first half.
That sort of skill and audacity is what makes the NBA riveting and compulsive viewing.
STILL with the NBA, in case you haven’t caught up, heard or seen it – you read it here second – Houston Rockets All Star centre Dwight Howard currently is holidaying in Australia.
He was endeavoring to boogie-board on Sydney’s beaches last week.
The Taipans got wind of his presence in Cairns too and quickly presented him with a club NBL memento singlet.
(Aaron Grabau wants to know where his retired singlet has gone from the rafters….)
The Taipans were quick to take advantage of the photo opp and full credit to them.
Howard apparently was “doing a Dirk”, the Dallas Mavericks’ superstar Dirk Nowitzki quietly touring Australia a few years ago when his team also was eliminated early from the playoffs.
HISTORY Lost?
Did you know that the first ever 3-pointer made by a Melbourne Tigers player in the NBL was from captain Brian Goorjian in 1984?
He wore singlet No #5.
The last ever 3-pointer for the Melbourne Tigers in the NBL was made by captain Tommy Greer in 2014.
Yes, he also wore singlet No #5?
Does that carry over to Melbourne United or is this where that type of Tigers’ NBL history ends?
SERBIAN superstar Vlade Divac and his wife Ana have emailed to say they are seeking donations toward the flood appeal in their ravaged homeland.
“We launched a "Flood Relief Appeal for Serbia" campaign on GlobalGiving.org. and invite you to join us in these truly difficult times for Serbia and many of our citizens,” the email said.
“After floods that damaged many homes, schools and kindergartens, Serbia needs support from all parts of the world and from all of us.
“The reconstruction process will take months or even years and any help is much needed and greatly appreciated.
“Please take a few minutes, click on or cut and paste the link and consider whether you might make a one-time or recurring donation to help.
“Please share this e-mail with your friends, family members and join us.
“Thanks a million.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you, Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation Team”
The link is at www.GlobalGiving.org
THE Adelaide 36ers shortly should formally announce Luke Schenscher will be back for the club's 2014-15 campaign.
Schensch has an option (and it is his) to continue and already has indicated he plans to stay with the club's rebuild.
Whether he is on a new deal or the option, he will be back alongside Adam Gibson, Anthony Petrie, Mitch Creek, Brendan Teys and BJ Anthony.
IT was Perth Wildcats assistant coach Adam Tatalovich who managed to get Matt Knight’s NBL singlet onto the set of ESPN’s popular “Pardon The Interruption” recently.
It was in clear view behind co-presenter Michael Wilbon throughout the show.
Even James Ennis’ mother was impressed, when she took time off from shining his NBL All Star Five trophy of course …