Warriors finish off Nuggets in David Lee's surprise return
... Bogut had season bests and career playoff highs of 14 points and 21 rebounds, and Green added a career-high 16 points and 10 rebounds to power Golden State into the second round for the first time in six years.
Bogut also became the first Warriors player with 20 rebounds in the playoffs since Larry Smith had 23 on May 12, 1987, at the Lakers. "It's very emotional for me because I've had a nightmare of a year," said Bogut, who added four blocks and three assists in an unforgettable performance after rehabilitating his left ankle most of the season...
Green also made a corner 3 in front of Denver's bench, and Klay Thompson hustled for a rebound and a quick putback to put the Warriors up 80-62 with 9:11 to play.
The Nuggets failed to score for nearly six minutes during the stretch. But they rallied with 13 straight, held the Warriors scoreless for almost five minutes and gave the fans in Oakland reason to worry.
After the Warriors went back ahead by nine, they nearly collapsed again. Wilson Chandler stole the rebound from Green for an easy layup to get within four, Iguodala hit another from long range and Kenneth Faried made 1 of 2 free throws to bring Denver within two with 32.4 seconds to play.
After an 8 year journey to the Postseason, Golden State's lone All Star went down in his first ever Playoff game. Thought to be a Season ending injury, David Lee makes a dramatic appearance in a Closeout Game in front of their home faithful at Oracle Arena.
Golden State's David Lee makes shocking appearanceOAKLAND - The Willis Reed references were coming hot and heavy before tipoff between Golden State and Denver at Oracle Arena on Thursday night, as word spread quickly that Warriors forward David Lee was active despite having suffered an injury just 12 days before that was expected to end his season. He entered play for the first time with 2:27 left in the first quarter and Denver leading 23-18.
"The Grindhouse" is the nickname for the Grizzlies' homecourt FedEx Forum. Named to reflect their deliberate interior offense and gritty defense. May 3, 2013 is the date for their Game 6 showdown with rivals The Los Angeles Clippers. They hope to advance to the second round in front of their home audience and avenge the previous year's First Round elimination at the hands of the Clips. #believememphis
I've updated my Memphis Grizzlies 'Bad News Bears' graphic for the 2013 playoffs. Out goes Gilbert Arenas, O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay and in come Tony Allen, Jerryd Bayless and Tayshaun Prince.
For those unfamiliar, 'Bad News Bears' was a Baseball movie made in 1976 and re envisioned by Richard Linklater in 2005. It was a movie about underdog upstarts which I think typify my Memphis Grizzlies. It was also the name of my last NBA Fantasy Team.
VIDEO: ESPN Basketball Capitals presented by Turkish Airlines
ESPN Basketball Capitals presented by Turkish Airlines
Basketball Capitals is a new ESPN documentary series profiling the passion for basketball within the world's most iconic cities. The four-part series will premiere in May across ESPN in Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
'Basketball Capitals' is a new show premiering on ESPN in May 2013, presented by Turkish Airlines. It will feature Iconic Cities of the world and their tradition of Basketball. The documentary will feature a spotlight on Istanbul (Turkey), Athens (Greece), Berlin (Germany) and Madrid (Spain).
ESPN Basketball Capitals: Athens, Berlin, Istanbul and Madrid
I had the great pleasure of seeing each of these National teams represented in EuroBasket action in Lithuania. I've had indirect contact with these teams having seen Panathinaikos (Greece) play at Barcelona (Spain) in Euroleague action and Beşiktaş play at Antalya in the Turkish Basketball League. Whilst I never played ball in Berlin I did get to play some full court pickup at Olympiapark in München.
I'd like to thank 'Couple of Sports' for featuring my story on how I scored personalised sneakers during my time in beautiful Lisboa. What I've dubbed my 'Tudo Boms'.
I've only played organised sports a few times in my life. Its in my nature to dabble with things but rarely do I commit to anything long term. I had a range of sporting experience in Europe from playing Volleyball in London, Ultimate Frisbeeing with pros in Bremen, to joining a Parkour session in Munich. As a spectator I watched Ice Hockey in Latvia, watched Lionel Messi and the stars of Barcelona at Camp Nou and toured Lithuania for the duration of EuroBasket 2011.
I indulged in my twin loves of Basketball and Pro-Wrestling all over Europe. I had the pleasure of going to wrestling shows in Spain, Germany and England. Basketball was something I proudly sought and found in each Country which eventually birthed the
'30 Home Games' project.
I've been championing the "Beat it LA" meme for the last few months, I never felt it came from a place of hate. I'm a basketball fan, I have teams that I root for but ultimately what I want is a fair, competitive and interesting NBA. As long as that's delivered I'm happy with any result.
As the NBA regular season wraps up in two games the unheard of possibility that the Purple and Gold won't be represented in the Playoffs is yet to be decided. In a nailbiting game at home to my beloved Warriors there was high drama as Kobe hobbled several times after hyperextending his knee during the game. Shockingly Kobe walked off the floor with the game hanging in the balance after a torn Achilles heel.
There has been a lot of candor from Kobe this year but with this humbling setback Mamba has shown a vulnerable and philosophical side I've never seen before. It's a story befitting Hollywood. All the best for a Champion and all-time great in the twilight of his career.
VIDEO: Kobe interview after game with Warriors
Reacting to the injury setback and preparing a return to the floor
KOBE BRYANT: (2m 07s) I'm not really sure I've never really had to deal with something like this. You know it's a new experience for me. Obviously there have been a bunch of players that have had the same injury so all I can do is look at them and look at what they've done. Who had more success coming back quicker and healthier, see what they did and see if I can improve upon it.
This is such BS! All the training and sacrifice just flew out the window with one step that I've done millions of times! The frustration is unbearable. The anger is rage. Why the hell did this happen ?!? Makes no damn sense. Now I'm supposed to come back from this and be the same player Or better at 35?!? How in the world am I supposed to do that??
I have NO CLUE. Do I have the consistent will to overcome this thing? Maybe I should break out the rocking chair and reminisce on the career that was. Maybe this is how my book ends. Maybe Father Time has defeated me...Then again maybe not! It's 3:30am, my foot feels like dead weight, my head is spinning from the pain meds and I'm wide awake. Forgive my Venting but what's the purpose of social media if I won't bring it to you Real No Image?? Feels good to vent, let it out. To feel as if THIS is the WORST thing EVER! Because After ALL the venting, a real perspective sets in. There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.
One day, the beginning of a new career journey will commence.
Today is NOT that day.
"If you see me in a fight with a bear, prey for the bear". Ive always loved that quote. Thats "mamba mentality" we don't quit, we don't cower, we don't run. We endure and conquer. I know it's a long post but I'm Facebook Venting LOL. Maybe now I can actually get some sleep and be excited for surgery tomorrow. First step of a new challenge. Guess I will be Coach Vino the rest of this season. I have faith in my teammates. They will come thru. Thank you for all your prayers and support.
Much Love Always.
Mamba Out
