Links: Canadian Shakin’
Plus, the Sixers work on their full-court press, so to speak…
Great night for me last night. Great games all around the NBA. My Braves finally won their first game of the season. And my Hawks managed to come from 17 behind and defeat Team Canada last night. The Hawks are finally, finally turning into a team, kids. Mike Bibby is exactly what they needed, and all the players are coming together and starting to play like a TEAM for the first time in four years.
Funny thing was, I was so excited that the Hawks pulled the win off that I didn’t even think twice about the controversy at the end of regulation. What happened? Well…
• The Hawks and Raptors had played close throughout the first half. In the third the Raptors built up a lead, and going into the fourth Toronto was ahead 91-80.
• The Raptors held off the Hawks, who kept coming strong. Toward the end of the fourth, the Raptors couldn’t make shot to save their lives, and they repeatedly gave the Hawks open looks that they couldn’t convert either.
• Finally, with seconds left and the Hawks down three, the Hawks ran an inbounds play and got it to an open Mike Bibby in the corner, who drained a three to tie it with 0.5 seconds remaining.
That sets the scene. Then, this happened…
(The funniest part of that clip is the way Raps play-by-play guy Chuck Swirsky is certain that the ball went in with time left. Even as replay after replay shows Ford’s hand touching the ball with the lights on. That actually made me laugh out loud. If Swirsky ever gets fired, it won’t be because he doesn’t support the Raptors.)
Once the Raptors realized that Ford’s basket didn’t count, they noticed the clock started early. Like, a tenth of a tenth of a second early — the referee who started the clock apparently gave it a little nudge.
And it looks like, technically, the clock did start a little early. But my point, which I made earlier this morning here in Mutoni’s post, is that I’m pretty sure the clock starts that early on every inbounds play in every game. It’s impossible for a human to be correct all the time, so we often have to accept the closest thing to perfection that’s available.
No, the clock didn’t start correctly on Ford’s play, but I’m also willing to bet it didn’t start exactly on time on Mike Bibby’s last-second three pointer on the previous play that tied the game up. But the Raptors fans don’t care about that play. Why not? You guys want accountability, right? Or can we check that the clock started on time on the inbounds pass on the last shot of the first quarter, when Nesterovic hit a buzzer-beating three after a Hawks score? Where’s the slo-mo video on that play?
I love the passion of the Toronto fans, but it can get a little tiresome, eh? Instead of begging that the NBA call a do-over, which they probably won’t do, why not ask Sam Mitchell to work on not blowing 17-point leads. Or talk about something positive, like how Chris Bosh dunked all in Josh Smith’s face last night.
(And can we talk for a second about just how poorly the Hawks defended that inbounds play? The game is tied with 0.5 on the clock, so why don’t you worry about defending the rim and not have your entire team standing around the free throw line? Also, every NBA team switches on picks on inbounds plays at the end of games. When Ford came off that pick, Josh Childress seemed to release him and switch. But Josh Smith doesn’t pick up Ford and lets him stroll under the basket alone. Wouldn’t you put three tall guys in a semi-circle around the rim and make the Raptors shoot a jumper on that play? A great play call from Sam Mitchell — almost as great as when he kept double-teaming Joe Johnson in the fourth and leaving Bibby open.)
Toward the end of that YouTube clip, the analyst says if the Raptors lose the game, you’d have to look at that play and say “that was the deciding factor.”
I guess if you work for the Raptors, you do. Because as a basketball fan, I’d say the deciding factor was the Raptors blowing a 17-point lead. Bad call or not, they had no business winning that game. And the basketball gods conspired to make sure they did not win.
• It was kind of a deja vu night in the NBA, between the Raptors running into problems in Atlanta, to the return of Pau, Dirk, Elton Brand and Gilbert. I didn’t watch either of the L.A. games, one because it was Clippers/Sonics, the other because I knew we already have a couple of SLAM writers who’d be watching Lakers/Blazers.
I thought Gil looked pretty gimpy, and I couldn’t believe Eddie Jordan had him in to play defense on the game’s final play, when the Bucks nailed that three to win it. Who did Ramon Sessions hit the three over to win the game? Gilbert Arenas.
Similarly, the Mavs had control against the Warriors throughout their game, but even with a 20 point lead in the fourth, Avery Johnson has Dirk out there until there were 7 minutes remaining. Dirk looked even worse than Gilbert, even going so far a few times as just falling over instead of taking a hard landing on his bad leg. I was watching the first five minutes of the quarter with my hand over my eyes, just hoping Dirk wasn’t going to get re-injured. He didn’t, as it turned out, but why even risk it?
• And how did the Wizards celebrate the loss? By dressing up in ’80s clothes.
• Penn State is an interesting place. Do you have an explanation, Ryan?
• Linkstigator Allen wrote in to note that David Letterman’s Top 10 last night was Top 10 Questions On The Job Application For New York Knicks President. The list…
10. Are you deeply committed to sucking?
9. Any suggestions for new ways to rip-off fans and overpay players?
8. Can you promise to deliver New York a winning team within 25 years?
7. Are you a cop?
6. Are you cool with Isiah Thomas calling you “Bitch”?
5. Can you transform this team from laughing stock to lovable losers?
4. How much do you think we could get for a naked photo of Yao Ming?
3. Do you mind the circus making the arena smell “Elephanty”?
2. Do you have any friends who can play center, power forward, point guard or shooting guard?
1. Are you insane?
• I can’t tell you how many people the last few days have asked me if I knew anything about the new reality show starring my main man, Deion Sanders. Khalid asked me how I’m not actually on the show, seeing as I’m the world’s biggest Deion fan. That’s a great question, Khalid.
• Jason Smith used to be in the D-League, but now he plays on the Sixers and has become a public figure. So maybe he shouldn’t be making out in clubs with porn stars. I dunno, just an idea.
60 Responses to “Links: Canadian Shakin’”
Apr.3 at 2:41 pm
the birdman says:
If Lang ever gets fired, it won’t be because he doesn’t support the Hawks.
Apr.3 at 2:44 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Best handle on the team.
Apr.3 at 2:45 pm
Eboy says:
Prime Time’s show is terribly great. And Lang, glad to see your smugness over the win has subsided a smidgen. “Act like you’ve been there before, son” Oh, the Hawks actually haven’t in quite a long time, so it’s understandable. Bibby4MVP.
Apr.3 at 2:45 pm
Eboy says:
Interesting scouting report, Jones. LMAO.
Apr.3 at 3:08 pm
CAM says:
“The busty blonde told us last night that Smith said he was a fan of her movies and referred to her as ‘a goddess’ before they kissed. 76ers spokesman Michael Preston said yesterday that the team ‘does not comment on our players’ social lives.’” Jason Smith apparently has a lot of time on his hands. Stanley Pringle has a lot of….well, never mind.
Apr.3 at 3:09 pm
whooo! says:
if derek fisher can get off a turnaround jumper with .4 secs, shouldn’t this alleyoop be doable too? i think dwight howard’s alleyoop dunk to win the game was w/ .5 secs too.
Apr.3 at 3:34 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Let Jason Smith live. Like y’all wouldn’t be doing the same thing if you were in the L. More power to him.
Apr.3 at 3:35 pm
Garrett says:
TJ Ford caught the ball and drifted before laying it in, though. If he would have caught it closer to the rim and just tipped it, there would have been enough time to call for the salami and cheese or baby onions or whatever.
Apr.3 at 3:39 pm
Ron says:
1. When are celebrities going to learn that reality shows lead to divorce. (Whitney and Bobby?? Nick and Jessica??)
2. If I was on the Sixer I wouldn’t get nowhere near Jason in the showers. (Who knows what he might have got from that chick.)
Apr.3 at 3:57 pm
Cheez says:
Jason Smith was never in the D-League Lang, you’re thinking of Louis Amundson.
Apr.3 at 3:58 pm
Myles Brown says:
DeShawn’s party was [insert 80’s lingo here]!
Apr.3 at 3:58 pm
Eboy says:
totally tubular?
Apr.3 at 4:09 pm
Vishal says:
when tj caught the ball it was at 0.3 already
so stop hatin on the raptors
if you ever get fired it wont be cause you dont support the hawks
Apr.3 at 4:14 pm
Myles Brown says:
[insert black 80’s lingo here]
Apr.3 at 4:18 pm
H to the izzo says:
Phat?
Apr.3 at 4:19 pm
Mike says:
The SCORE is the best sports network in Canada. Jesus it is awesome.
Apr.3 at 4:20 pm
ED LEEDSKALNIN says:
thanks lang
Apr.3 at 4:21 pm
Eboy says:
Dope?
Apr.3 at 4:22 pm
Mike says:
Sam Mitchell is on Drive This on the Score right now, and is saying he saw that play run for Dee Brown back in the day. He said it shocked everyone on the floor and he has always remembered it.
Apr.3 at 4:23 pm
Mike says:
Also, that analyst is Leo Rautins, the Canadian national team coach
Apr.3 at 4:26 pm
H to the izzo says:
Trippendicular?
Apr.3 at 4:29 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Mike, the Score is by far the most entertaining sports network I’ve ever seen. If only they had an all ball station with those guys. I’m not so cool on Rautins and his commentating.
Apr.3 at 4:32 pm
Mike says:
Holly, someone needs to keep the Swirsk in check, although he is entertaining in his own way. I’ve been converted. Onions, baby, Onions.
Apr.3 at 4:32 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
“Carey, who recently danced at the Creekside Cabaret, in Colmar, is a huge basketball fan, and was recently seen on VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.” I’m cool with the guys getting their game on but, crazies? Step your game up, Smith.
Apr.3 at 4:34 pm
Ron says:
DeShawn’s party was funky fresh!!!
Apr.3 at 4:34 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
Chuck’s a really cool guy to meet because he loves the Raptors and his job so much. I can’t hate on someone who is as big a Raps fan as I am a Lakers fan. Of course, I consider myself much more objective than he is.
Apr.3 at 4:39 pm
phunkykarma says:
I swear I thaught she was a singer.
Apr.3 at 4:46 pm
Reggie Evans says:
Loving the top ten: “10. Are you deeply committed to sucking?” That’s funny, even if you’re a Knicks fan.
Apr.3 at 4:46 pm
Boing Dynasty says:
kissing p0rnstars probably isnt a good idea anyway.
Apr.3 at 4:49 pm
Ro says:
Glad to see you are not bias Lang…
Apr.3 at 4:53 pm
Ryan Jones says:
“I’m pretty sure the clock starts that early on every inbounds play in every game.”
Swirsky’s got nothing on Lang in the Shameless Homerism Justification Dept. These are the time I’m glad I no longer “have” a team.
Apr.3 at 4:56 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
That top 10 list was incredible. Particularly 10, 8, 7, 2, 1. Mostly 7 and 2, though.
Apr.3 at 4:56 pm
phunkykarma says:
Wrong people : stop hanging out with NBA players !!
Apr.3 at 5:00 pm
ciolkstar says:
I have to admit, DeShawn’s party looked like a lot of fun. Caron’s costume was probably the worst. No crazy colors.
Apr.3 at 5:55 pm
Bubba Chuck says:
Jason Smith! CSU! I know a guy who went 2 csu & knew Jason Smith! now that guy lives in hawaii. just sayin
Apr.3 at 6:32 pm
Boing Dynasty says:
“The funniest part of that clip is the way Raps play-by-play guy Chuck Swirsky is certain that the ball went in with time left. Even as replay after replay shows Ford’s hand touching the ball with the lights on. That actually made me laugh out loud”- are you sure the funniest part wasnt went they looked at all the different angels and said they were certin wether or not he got the shot off and said it was a bang-bang play that could go either way? Take your fraudulent win and go write a mediocer blog for Hawks.com
Apr.3 at 6:51 pm
Tyler Durden says:
We don’t all like Swirsky up here, btw (eh), & why can’t y’all tell time down there in Hot-Lanta? At least TJ escaped unscathed from this trip …
Apr.3 at 6:59 pm
David says:
I don’t think I’ve ever found one of Letterman’s top 10’s as funny as that one. I think “are you a cop?” is my favorite.
Apr.3 at 8:52 pm
tealish says:
It is painful watching Raptors basketball. Leo and Coach support their team with minimal bias, but Chuck is ridiculous.
He needs to stop his signature lines too. Everytime he says “onions, baby, onions”, I want to smack him.
And RAPTORS WIN RAPTORS WIN RAPTORS WIN. Please, dawg. The Raps aren’t the Yankees. It’s embarrassing. Please, stop.
Apr.3 at 9:22 pm
Mike says:
That play better get overturned cause this could potentially screw the Raptors and some other teams playoff position. Its pretty clear that if the clock starts at the right time, the Raptors win. D-Stern do your job!
Apr.3 at 9:43 pm
Steve says:
Lang, I understand your reasoning that every play in the game is either started a little too early or late, but there no play more valuable then the last second shot to end the game, and that is why they have instant reply. The fact that the reps watched the instant reply and still did not give the Raptors the win is the issue. If there was no instant reply, I would agree completely as its just a blown call, but whats the point of instant reply if you’re going to ignore what you are seeing?
Apr.3 at 11:00 pm
John D says:
“If Lang ever gets fired, it won’t be because he doesn’t support the Hawks.” Hahahahahaha.
Apr.3 at 11:44 pm
truce says:
Al Horford tipped the ball. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b124/brotha2thanite/Did_Al_Block_the_shot.jpg
Apr.4 at 3:57 am
Chris says:
C’mon Lang, yes it’s virtually impossible to start the clock exactly on time. But when you disallow a basket because it’s on TJ’s fingertips for an extra .1 of second after the light goes on, it’s kinda important when the clock started. Yes, the Raptors threw away that game, yes the gave up too many second chance points, the Hawks had two offensive boards that led to Bibby’s three, yes the Raptors have defensive and crunch time scoring issues. But it’s a little disingenious to compare TJ Ford’s play to Bibby’s play, why? Because the Refs ruled the basket good and then specifically reviewed the play to see if he got it off within .5 seconds. But you’re obviously right in suggesting that the Raptors had many opportunities in regulation and in overtime to win that game, but it always sucks to have a decisive play decided by officials.
Apr.4 at 4:19 am
hursty says:
thats just fu(ked.
Apr.4 at 9:49 am
phunkykarma says:
It’s a pleasure to see the Hawks play smart and win games.
Apr.4 at 10:47 am
Joel O's says:
Swirsky borders on the delusional, as anyone who watches the Raptors regularly can tell you. He calls a staggering number of phantom fouls on opposing players, and always conveniently glosses over travels and shoulda-been turnovers that the Raps commit. Rautins is always pretty classy though.
Apr.4 at 10:53 am
Joel O's says:
@Lang: I agree with you on the whining. This “replay” thing has to stop now, because every team that feels robbed will start wanting a replay. It’s a slippery slope. What’s next, replaying every game Donaghy reffed? I know that’s a bit extreme, but the idea of being able to replay games because of minor reffing mistakes is plain silly. Why does a referee or official matter when the game is on the line? I’m sure in the Raps-Hawks game (and in every NBA game), there were probably dozens of minor officiating errors and non-calls that happened which collectively have a huge impact; why not “replay” a game because of those? An officiating error that, say, waves off a basket which occurs in the last minute of a game has the same effect as one in the first few seconds: it’s still just 2 points.
Apr.4 at 10:54 am
Allenp says:
Lang is right about the Raptors dude being over the top, but his justifications didn’t sit well with me. I mean, while it’s true that the Raptors blew a big lead, the reason they lost was because the clock started early. Even after blowing their big lead they would have won the game at the end if the refs didn’t eff up. That’s not like complaining about fouls or something else. That’s a play that directly affects the game.
Apr.4 at 11:03 am
Steve says:
You know why Raptors fans don’t care about when the clock started on Bibby’s three? BECAUSE THE REFS COUNTED IT, GENIUS. You’re an awful writer. You’ve got so much terrible one-sided analysis and so many lame excuses for “your Hawks,” that it’s impossible to take you seriously. Try not being such a shameless homer. That’s what good sportswriters do.
Apr.4 at 11:31 am
matt the jazz fan says:
while i disagree with some of what you wrote, its nice to have you back in full-links mode, lang.
Apr.4 at 3:27 pm
Dutch Rich says:
There should be no replay. The Raps should be given the win. The refs should’ve made judgement based on older cases like Fisher’s turn-around with 0.4. 0.5 is enough time to pull that play off, and before they used instant review that would have been a win.
It’s a shame because these are defining highlights in basketball history. That’s BS about reviewing or replaying all inbounds passes. It’s almost a retarded suggestion, but I forgive you Lang. Like I said just look at one defining case in the Fisher shot. T.O. got robbed
Apr.4 at 6:52 pm
Harlem_World says:
The Hawks should have lost that game because of the terrible defense on the last play of the game! How can you get that bail out when you get frozen on a lob? TJ wasn’t even contested! That’s GAME bit*hes! 17 point lead or not, it’s who is on top at the end of the game, and the Raps won that one. (This coming from someone who prefers the Hawks over the Raps)
Apr.5 at 2:44 am
Sesa says:
Lang, thanks for the titties
Apr.5 at 10:24 am
d1n says:
usually the clock starts late…..
Apr.5 at 1:09 pm
dma says:
at least it was a girl and not a guy right?
Apr.6 at 7:03 pm
Brando says:
Lang it was down to .3 from .5 by the time Ford caught it. It was good and the raptors should have won the game. end of discussion. Onions baby onions.
Apr.7 at 10:28 am
kevbo says:
wow…discretion, DeShawn. Your Wiz are already without Jamison, Gilbert’s only good for 20 a game, and now you’re risking statutory by hanging out with 16 year old girls are your party?? I know it’s your birthday, but think of the team, man.
Apr.17 at 10:47 am
Andre Fiola says:
Arent all home team Broadcasters a lil bias? Chuck may be annoying to some outsiders but for the most part in Toronto they love him, just look at all the salami and cheese, onions, and whatnot signs in the crowd during home games. Lang u rip on Toronto fans callig them ‘tiresome’ however u know that ud trade the 5 thousand ATL homegame fans for the 20thousand homegame Tdot fans any day of the week…
Jul.4 at 1:47 pm
Klaatu says:
I don’t know anyone’s upset with you, Lang. If you wrote for a decent magazine, they could expect decent journalism and analysis. But yo write for a semi-literate rag like SLAM, so it’s not like anyone can reasonably expect you to not be a terrible writer. I personally don’t expect much from someone who looks like a fat Kid Rock.