I was dragging a bit on Monday, so I stayed in and watched a couple of movies I'd DVR'd. "Bombadier" was one of them.
Released in 1943, it's one of those World War II movies I like so much. Stars such as Pat O'Brien, Randoph Scott, Eddie Albert, Robert Ryan and Barton MacLane make it work.
Like a lot of movies in that era, it starts with an "alpha male" tug of war. Two opposing views, two stubborn guys, one problem to be solved. The views revolve around relative merits of high-altitude bombing (doable with some top-secret bomb-sight doohicky) or dive bombing (conventional but hugely dangerous & not always accurate). The two stubborn guys are old flying buddies/rivals, "Maj 'Chick' Davis" (O'Brien) and "Captain 'Buck' Oliver" (Scott). The problem to be solved is improving bombing accuracy. Davis supports high-altitude bombing, which is yet to be proven. Oliver supports dive-bombing, but the Army Air Corps can't absorb the great losses of life and aircraft. A flying test is ordered, and the results push the rest of the movie.
The staff meeting in the opening scene hearkened back several memories of my time as a staff guy, listening to differing sides of an argument, hearing the passion and commitment from both sides of an issue.
Davis is quickly installed as commander of a start-up bombadier school. Influential generals have come on board supporting the need for this training with the new bomb-sight, and fully support a school to be set up at fictional Hughes Field in Almansor, New Mexico (think Kirtland Air Force Base, back in the early 1940s). The first class rolls in, and it's a typical cross-section of Americana (wise-guy city type, naive but earnest farm boy, shy guy who needs confidence, one ethnic type for comic relief, one guy destined to fail as example of how this endeavor is tough & dangerous). Davis pushes the class hard. He's gruff and distant, but is passionate about his mission. The class scenes reminded me of the days when I was navigator training. The flying training, board reviews and off-duty activities also were pretty cool reminders as well.
Given the era of the film's release, the bombing of Pearl Harbor was accessed as a transition point in the plot, ramping up the danger and purpose. How else do you "ops check" this secret bomb-sight capability except in wartime?
Anne Shirley is the female lead, "Burt", secretary to the commander and granddaughter of the field's namesake. She is contractually guaranteed a job supporting the field's leadership as long as it's open, and a romantic quadrangle immediately forms with her, Chick, Buck and one of the cadets ("Jim Carter", played by Walter Reed). She held her own in the picture, but this film wasn't much about the romance. It was about changing the culture of military bombing.
Flyers in uniform have to fight, so there is a scene where the training has to be challenged in the crucible of combat. Go get 'em, boys! Some live, some sadly die. All serve with honor. It is a feel-good film, no doubt.
I hadn't heard of it before, but I liked it. I probably won't go out of my way to buy it, but I'll watch it again when it's on.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
My Team - Game 5, Grizzlies at Clippers
After two wins at home, the first round series is tied at 2 games apiece. The usual cliches about "it's now a best-of-three" do apply, and the Clippers still hold home court advantage. So, if the Grizzlies want to advance, they must one one game in L.A. Why not Tuesday night's contest?
Los Angeles is going to come out like a caged tiger, wanting to burst free. They'll force tempo, even at the cost of taking some wacky shots. They want the crowd on its' collective feet, but the team will have to force the spectacular to get the crowd engaged. That anxiousness will allow Memphis to stay in the game.
For Memphis, they'll have to take the home team execution on the road. Move the ball via the pass, not by over-dribbling. Continue the rough stuff in the post. The Grizzlies have to hold the Clippers to 10 or less second-chance points. Memphis must stay below 10 turnovers. Tayshaun Prince and Tony Allen have to contribute offensively, in addition to their stellar defense. Memphis' other starters (Randolph, Gasol and Conley) must be efficient with the basketball, shooting a 50% or more as a group & assisting on each other's baskets. Conley must have as many or more assists as field goal attempts again.
I'm rooting for my team to win. Make no doubt about it. But, in this series the Clippers average 102.5 at home, while Memphis has scored 91 in each road loss.
My guess, Los Angeles 104, Memphis 102 in overtime. The Clippers' starters who combined for 2 points in Game 4 (Billups, Butler and Jordan) will look for early offense, to prove a point. They'll get it. The two teams will fight back and forth all evening. Chris Paul will prove yet again to be one of the Association's best "closers", making plays to tie the game at the end of regulation and win the game at the end of overtime.
(Well) After the Game: Memphis 103, Los Angeles 93. Wow, again I am truly surprised. I am so close to going "total fanboy" and start gushing about how my favorite team is the best ever!
Anyway, after a deep breath or two, the Grizz played well on the road against a good team. Sure, Blake Griffin's high ankle sprain in a Monday practice depleted the Clippers, but you play with the guys you have.
For Memphis, it was 37 field goals, 42 rebounds, 19/7 assist/turnover and 7 steals. Three Memphis starters had 20+ points (Randolph with 25, Gasol with 21 and Conley with 20). Randolph had 11 rebs, Gasol had 8 rebs and 4 assists, and Conley had 6 assists. Prince added 15 points and good help defense.
The Clippers had 34 field goals, 40 rebounds, 19/13 assist/turnover and 6 assists. Chris Paul had a playoff-career-high 35, Crawford came off the bench to add 15, but no other Clipper scored in double figures. Griffin only played 19 minutes (4 points, 5 rebs, 5 assists). They need him making plays on Friday night, for sure.
Memphis won the second quarter by 8 (28-20), to forge a 54-48 lead. That, coupled with Griffin's injury and ineffectiveness, took a lot of energy out the home crowd & the Clippers on the floor.
Memphis is up 3 games to 2, and Game 6 is in Memphis. Can the Grizzlies avoid a letdown, start the game with a great deal of urgency, and keep the pressure on the Clippers for 48 minutes? I sure hope so.
Los Angeles is going to come out like a caged tiger, wanting to burst free. They'll force tempo, even at the cost of taking some wacky shots. They want the crowd on its' collective feet, but the team will have to force the spectacular to get the crowd engaged. That anxiousness will allow Memphis to stay in the game.
For Memphis, they'll have to take the home team execution on the road. Move the ball via the pass, not by over-dribbling. Continue the rough stuff in the post. The Grizzlies have to hold the Clippers to 10 or less second-chance points. Memphis must stay below 10 turnovers. Tayshaun Prince and Tony Allen have to contribute offensively, in addition to their stellar defense. Memphis' other starters (Randolph, Gasol and Conley) must be efficient with the basketball, shooting a 50% or more as a group & assisting on each other's baskets. Conley must have as many or more assists as field goal attempts again.
I'm rooting for my team to win. Make no doubt about it. But, in this series the Clippers average 102.5 at home, while Memphis has scored 91 in each road loss.
My guess, Los Angeles 104, Memphis 102 in overtime. The Clippers' starters who combined for 2 points in Game 4 (Billups, Butler and Jordan) will look for early offense, to prove a point. They'll get it. The two teams will fight back and forth all evening. Chris Paul will prove yet again to be one of the Association's best "closers", making plays to tie the game at the end of regulation and win the game at the end of overtime.
(Well) After the Game: Memphis 103, Los Angeles 93. Wow, again I am truly surprised. I am so close to going "total fanboy" and start gushing about how my favorite team is the best ever!
Anyway, after a deep breath or two, the Grizz played well on the road against a good team. Sure, Blake Griffin's high ankle sprain in a Monday practice depleted the Clippers, but you play with the guys you have.
For Memphis, it was 37 field goals, 42 rebounds, 19/7 assist/turnover and 7 steals. Three Memphis starters had 20+ points (Randolph with 25, Gasol with 21 and Conley with 20). Randolph had 11 rebs, Gasol had 8 rebs and 4 assists, and Conley had 6 assists. Prince added 15 points and good help defense.
The Clippers had 34 field goals, 40 rebounds, 19/13 assist/turnover and 6 assists. Chris Paul had a playoff-career-high 35, Crawford came off the bench to add 15, but no other Clipper scored in double figures. Griffin only played 19 minutes (4 points, 5 rebs, 5 assists). They need him making plays on Friday night, for sure.
Memphis won the second quarter by 8 (28-20), to forge a 54-48 lead. That, coupled with Griffin's injury and ineffectiveness, took a lot of energy out the home crowd & the Clippers on the floor.
Memphis is up 3 games to 2, and Game 6 is in Memphis. Can the Grizzlies avoid a letdown, start the game with a great deal of urgency, and keep the pressure on the Clippers for 48 minutes? I sure hope so.
In Dreams - "Memphis to L.A. and Back"
I was back in Memphis, and it felt good. Some enterprising developer had built some really nice townhouses adjacent to FedEx Forum, home of my favorite pro and college basketball teams. I had recently bought one and moved in. Life was pretty sweet.
One perk of living in the townhouse community was we could freely walk around the arena certain times of day, as long as we didn't make a mess. I'd gone over to pay for my luxury box for the upcoming Grizzlies' season (don't ask me where I got the cash). It was a good feeling to know my family and I could watch every home game from the comfort of a luxury suite.
After that, I'd gone through the private gym in the bowels of the arena. The gym was another perk of living in the townhouse community, and the gym's amenities were first rate. I didn't stop that day for a workout, but made a mental note to get back there soon.
As the day wore on, there was some gathering in the arena's concourse. Blake Griffin of the Clippers was in the midst of a public relations appearance on behalf of the NBA. Even though he was a member of a league rival, Memphians came out in droves to see him in person. I tried to avoid the crush of the crowd, and walked past the group on the way back to my townhouse.
Next thing I knew, I was in Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. It was a peaceful day in Chavez Ravine, but one thing threw me for a loop. the section of stands directly behind home plate was missing, as if a bomb had detonated and tore down a section of the stands. There were a few people there, and none seemed to mind the damage. I don't know what caused the damage, and didn't take the time to ask anyone.
Then, it was back to Memphis. I was on the campus of the University of Memphis, at the campus bookstore. My brother and I went there to look for something, but I didn't know exactly. He wouldn't tell.
We got to the bookstore just before opening. I could see employees inside milling about, preparing for the work day. Also, an armored truck was either dropping off or picking up a batch of currency, so an armed guard was there watching the proceedings. Finally, we got in the store and my brother asked one of the store managers a few questions. The two people were off to the side, whispering about something. I couldn't hear my brother's request, but the manager couldn't satisfy it. The two shook hands, my brother looked at me & motioned towards the door, and we left.
One perk of living in the townhouse community was we could freely walk around the arena certain times of day, as long as we didn't make a mess. I'd gone over to pay for my luxury box for the upcoming Grizzlies' season (don't ask me where I got the cash). It was a good feeling to know my family and I could watch every home game from the comfort of a luxury suite.
After that, I'd gone through the private gym in the bowels of the arena. The gym was another perk of living in the townhouse community, and the gym's amenities were first rate. I didn't stop that day for a workout, but made a mental note to get back there soon.
As the day wore on, there was some gathering in the arena's concourse. Blake Griffin of the Clippers was in the midst of a public relations appearance on behalf of the NBA. Even though he was a member of a league rival, Memphians came out in droves to see him in person. I tried to avoid the crush of the crowd, and walked past the group on the way back to my townhouse.
Next thing I knew, I was in Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. It was a peaceful day in Chavez Ravine, but one thing threw me for a loop. the section of stands directly behind home plate was missing, as if a bomb had detonated and tore down a section of the stands. There were a few people there, and none seemed to mind the damage. I don't know what caused the damage, and didn't take the time to ask anyone.
Then, it was back to Memphis. I was on the campus of the University of Memphis, at the campus bookstore. My brother and I went there to look for something, but I didn't know exactly. He wouldn't tell.
We got to the bookstore just before opening. I could see employees inside milling about, preparing for the work day. Also, an armored truck was either dropping off or picking up a batch of currency, so an armed guard was there watching the proceedings. Finally, we got in the store and my brother asked one of the store managers a few questions. The two people were off to the side, whispering about something. I couldn't hear my brother's request, but the manager couldn't satisfy it. The two shook hands, my brother looked at me & motioned towards the door, and we left.
Monday, April 29, 2013
My Team - Nationals at Atlanta
Starting pitchers -
Monday: Strasburg versus Teheran
Tuesday: Gonzalez versus Hudson
Wednesday: Zimmermann versus Medlen
Thursday: Haren versus Maholm
(Starters subject to change)
The Nationals won the first three of the four-game home weekend series against a pretty good Cincinnati team. Now, it's off to Turner Field against a Braves team that is the best in the National League the first month of the season.
Washington's pitching is starting to gain a bit of equilibrium. Even Haren pitched solidly last time out, showing hope for the future. The bullpen is doing OK, but Henry Rodriguez is still struggling with command issues. I wonder how many more times will the skipper keep running him out there before the organization says enough & sends him to another organization.
Offensively, Harper is still raking. Span is still getting on base, but Werth has scored nearly twice as many runs (17, to 9 for Span). Desmond is starting to heat up, and his aggressiveness at the plate has to serve as an example and motivator to teammates. His first-pitch ambushing is well-known around the majors. LaRoche has to start driving the ball. I wonder if he's willing to expand his strike zone a bit to force the issue, or take walks. He's one of the guys the team needs to drive in runs consistently, so a passive approach may not serve the team best. He may not have a great batting average this season, but if he drives in 90+ runs it can still be a successful season for the team.
Defensively, they're still 30th in fielding percentage, but things are starting to stabilize there as well. Span has shown great range in center field. He doesn't have Ankiel's arm (few outfielders do), but he gets to so many fly balls that he saves his pitchers runs.
For guesswork, I think Strasburg outduels Teheran on Monday night. I also think Hudson outduels Gonzalez on Tuesday night - Hudson is a real bulldog on the mound & he rarely gets flustered. I think Zimmermann guts his way through an ugly "quality start", but gets the win on Wednesday. Thursday, Maholm continues his good beginning to 2013 with a gem against Haren (who will pitch well for 4 to 5 innings, but not well enough for the win).
Monday: Strasburg versus Teheran
Tuesday: Gonzalez versus Hudson
Wednesday: Zimmermann versus Medlen
Thursday: Haren versus Maholm
(Starters subject to change)
The Nationals won the first three of the four-game home weekend series against a pretty good Cincinnati team. Now, it's off to Turner Field against a Braves team that is the best in the National League the first month of the season.
Washington's pitching is starting to gain a bit of equilibrium. Even Haren pitched solidly last time out, showing hope for the future. The bullpen is doing OK, but Henry Rodriguez is still struggling with command issues. I wonder how many more times will the skipper keep running him out there before the organization says enough & sends him to another organization.
Offensively, Harper is still raking. Span is still getting on base, but Werth has scored nearly twice as many runs (17, to 9 for Span). Desmond is starting to heat up, and his aggressiveness at the plate has to serve as an example and motivator to teammates. His first-pitch ambushing is well-known around the majors. LaRoche has to start driving the ball. I wonder if he's willing to expand his strike zone a bit to force the issue, or take walks. He's one of the guys the team needs to drive in runs consistently, so a passive approach may not serve the team best. He may not have a great batting average this season, but if he drives in 90+ runs it can still be a successful season for the team.
Defensively, they're still 30th in fielding percentage, but things are starting to stabilize there as well. Span has shown great range in center field. He doesn't have Ankiel's arm (few outfielders do), but he gets to so many fly balls that he saves his pitchers runs.
For guesswork, I think Strasburg outduels Teheran on Monday night. I also think Hudson outduels Gonzalez on Tuesday night - Hudson is a real bulldog on the mound & he rarely gets flustered. I think Zimmermann guts his way through an ugly "quality start", but gets the win on Wednesday. Thursday, Maholm continues his good beginning to 2013 with a gem against Haren (who will pitch well for 4 to 5 innings, but not well enough for the win).
Old Dude, Old Movies - "Steamboat Bill, Jr."
Again, Buster Keaton showed us how physical comedy is done. From 1928, this one is funny, touching and insightful.
Keaton is "William Canfield, Jr.", a college man in Boston. He's been separated from his dad "Steamboat Bill Canfield" (Ernest Torrence) for years, and finally has a chance to see dear old dad. Father is a rough-and-tumble steamboat captain who looks forward to seeing his son.
The elder Canfield is plying his trade on the Mississippi River, deep south sector. His main rival "J.J. King" (Tom McGuire) is the big shot in town. Not only does he own nearly everything in the sleepy hamlet, he's christening a shiny new steamboat. King's intent is to run Canfield out of business. King also has a daughter, Kitty (Marion Byron), who's his little princess.
Canfield senior gets a telegram informing him his son is enroute, and should arrive today! Canfield and his "first and last mate Tom Carter" (Tom Lewis) expect to see a tall, rangy young man, the spitting image of his rawboned father.
Son wrote in the telegram "I'll be wearing a white carnation". Of course, that sets up the gag that drives the initial meeting at the train station. It just happens to be a time where boutonnieres are in fashion.
Father and son meet and immediately get off on the wrong foot. Son is all college man polish (even carrying a ukulele), while dad is grease and soot. Dad works right away at getting son ready to work on the steamboat, getting son's mustache shaved off & getting son proper work clothes. Since son showed up wearing a jaunty beret, dad was obligated to help son find head wear more suitable for work on the boat. The "trying on hats" scene was crisp and hilarious.
As the wardrobe scenes pause, Canfield junior runs into Kitty. Seems she too goes to college in Boston, and the two are already acquainted. Now, a mutual attraction is inflamed (maybe it's that southern summer heat). Also watch for the times either Steamboat Bill or Kitty leads the younger Canfield around by the hand, trying to help son's adjustment to a new life.
Since their respective fathers are bitter rivals, a "Romeo and Juliet"-type dilemma comes to the fore, separating the young couple. King looks at this situation as a way to ruin both Canfields, one through business means and the other through affairs of the heart. Between that and untimely bad weather, the second half of the movie picks up in intensity. We get the patented Keaton physical humor, with pratfalls aplenty.
There are lots of subtle physical comedy bits that must have required a great deal of dexterity and forethought. The more I watch Keaton's work, the more I'm continually amazed. His sense of plotting out a scene, then executing it flawlessly blows my mind.
This is a very good movie. Check it out.
Keaton is "William Canfield, Jr.", a college man in Boston. He's been separated from his dad "Steamboat Bill Canfield" (Ernest Torrence) for years, and finally has a chance to see dear old dad. Father is a rough-and-tumble steamboat captain who looks forward to seeing his son.
The elder Canfield is plying his trade on the Mississippi River, deep south sector. His main rival "J.J. King" (Tom McGuire) is the big shot in town. Not only does he own nearly everything in the sleepy hamlet, he's christening a shiny new steamboat. King's intent is to run Canfield out of business. King also has a daughter, Kitty (Marion Byron), who's his little princess.
Canfield senior gets a telegram informing him his son is enroute, and should arrive today! Canfield and his "first and last mate Tom Carter" (Tom Lewis) expect to see a tall, rangy young man, the spitting image of his rawboned father.
Son wrote in the telegram "I'll be wearing a white carnation". Of course, that sets up the gag that drives the initial meeting at the train station. It just happens to be a time where boutonnieres are in fashion.
Father and son meet and immediately get off on the wrong foot. Son is all college man polish (even carrying a ukulele), while dad is grease and soot. Dad works right away at getting son ready to work on the steamboat, getting son's mustache shaved off & getting son proper work clothes. Since son showed up wearing a jaunty beret, dad was obligated to help son find head wear more suitable for work on the boat. The "trying on hats" scene was crisp and hilarious.
As the wardrobe scenes pause, Canfield junior runs into Kitty. Seems she too goes to college in Boston, and the two are already acquainted. Now, a mutual attraction is inflamed (maybe it's that southern summer heat). Also watch for the times either Steamboat Bill or Kitty leads the younger Canfield around by the hand, trying to help son's adjustment to a new life.
Since their respective fathers are bitter rivals, a "Romeo and Juliet"-type dilemma comes to the fore, separating the young couple. King looks at this situation as a way to ruin both Canfields, one through business means and the other through affairs of the heart. Between that and untimely bad weather, the second half of the movie picks up in intensity. We get the patented Keaton physical humor, with pratfalls aplenty.
There are lots of subtle physical comedy bits that must have required a great deal of dexterity and forethought. The more I watch Keaton's work, the more I'm continually amazed. His sense of plotting out a scene, then executing it flawlessly blows my mind.
This is a very good movie. Check it out.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
It's Yard Sale Season ! (sarcasm included)
Now that the weather is getting warm locally, it's that time again. It's yard sale season (others rejoice - I cringe). People who in previous years bought stuff they thought they wanted, now realize they want sell that stuff to other people, people who may or may not need it.
Neighborhood roads become clogged as bargain hunters move caterpillar-like from one subdivision to the next. Pedestrians cross roads without looking first just to have first choice of the bric-a-brac out in someone's driveway. As a driver, it makes me very nervous.
I'll freely admit, to me it seems quite cheesy. In some cases, a family's used-up stuff is put out on display with the hope that the family "can get something for it". If there is still some value, why let it go? If you found out you didn't need it, why buy it in the first place?
I'll also admit, if it's a case of a death in the family, a difficult divorce or another scenario where someone is trying to move on from the past, selling off stuff makes sense. I sold my wedding band after my divorce (and yeah, I did buy cheeseburgers with some of the proceeds). Of course, I don't know every back-story of every yard sale. Some times, I'm sure they make sense.
To me, if I'm done with a certain item but there is still some use to it, I prefer to give it away. If I'd gotten all the use out of it that I plan to get, to expect proceeds seems a bit absurd. The item has depreciated. The remaining value is negligible at best. If I feel that I can still get use out of it, then why not keep it?
So many neighborhoods try to sell the idea of "refuge from the hubub and danger of city life". To me, the bustle of yard sales isn't very peaceful. But, I'm a curmudgeon at times...
Neighborhood roads become clogged as bargain hunters move caterpillar-like from one subdivision to the next. Pedestrians cross roads without looking first just to have first choice of the bric-a-brac out in someone's driveway. As a driver, it makes me very nervous.
I'll freely admit, to me it seems quite cheesy. In some cases, a family's used-up stuff is put out on display with the hope that the family "can get something for it". If there is still some value, why let it go? If you found out you didn't need it, why buy it in the first place?
I'll also admit, if it's a case of a death in the family, a difficult divorce or another scenario where someone is trying to move on from the past, selling off stuff makes sense. I sold my wedding band after my divorce (and yeah, I did buy cheeseburgers with some of the proceeds). Of course, I don't know every back-story of every yard sale. Some times, I'm sure they make sense.
To me, if I'm done with a certain item but there is still some use to it, I prefer to give it away. If I'd gotten all the use out of it that I plan to get, to expect proceeds seems a bit absurd. The item has depreciated. The remaining value is negligible at best. If I feel that I can still get use out of it, then why not keep it?
So many neighborhoods try to sell the idea of "refuge from the hubub and danger of city life". To me, the bustle of yard sales isn't very peaceful. But, I'm a curmudgeon at times...
My Team - Game 4, Grizzlies versus Clippers
Game 3 was more of a relief than anything else. Now that the Grizzlies have that first win in the series, it's time to climb back into a dead heat with Los Angeles.
In Game 3, guys like Paul, Crawford and Barnes didn't shoot exceptionally well. I expect them to try to force the issue early. They will want to run to a) demoralize the Grizzlies and b) dull the crowd's emotion. Paul especially will look to impose his will on both ends of the court.
The Grizzlies will come out like in the previous game, make it physical in the low post and at the mid-range area. There will be hand-checking, bumping L.A. players as they cut through the lane, and more boxing out to prevent Clippers' second chance points. Memphis needs a bit more offense from Conley, and they will get it.
It was interesting to see Coach Hollins shorten his rotation. Bayless, for example, only played 9 minutes. With Dooling on board as a back-up point guard, and Bayless' obvious disadvantage if he has to cover Crawford, Bayless' role seems to be changing on-the-fly. If he's not immediately blazing hot with deep jumpers, there may not be a big role for him the rest of this series.
Memphis will need a combination of Dooling, Pondexter and Arthur to have impactful minutes on both ends. Don't turn the ball over, look for opportunities to score before the Clippers' defense is set, and provide the energy that keeps momentum on Memphis' side.
My guess, Memphis 94, Los Angeles 86. As always, my guesswork isn't for gaming purposes. I'm glad you are aware of that.
After the Game: Memphis 104, Los Angeles 83. Surprise, surprise. Memphis gave up only two second-chance points to the Clippers. This is after 4 such points in Game 3, and 25 in Game 2. That'll do it.
For the Grizzlies, 39 field goals, 25/13 assist/turnover and 3 steals. All five starters and Pondexter scored in double figures. Gasol scored 24, and added 13 rebs and 4 assists. Randolph added another 24, with 9 rebs. Conley had 15 with 13 assists. Other than Pondexters' 10, the rest of the bench only scored 6 points. The Clippers' bench countered with 43.
For Los Angeles, it was 32 field goals, 17/8 assist/turnover and 8 steals. Griffin had 19 with 10 rebs. Paul scored another 19, and added 6 assists to only one turnover. However, three Clippers (Billups, Butler and Jordan) combined for only 2 points. You know that won't happen again, especially in L.A.
The Clippers led 47-46 at the half. Memphis doubled up L.A. 33-16 in the 4th quarter, turning a back and forth contest to a seeming blowout. The Clippers tried a bunch of threes to get back in the game, but finished 4-21 from 3-point range.
When Conley's assists equal or exceed his field goal attempts, Memphis is a good team. When Prince (7 1st quarter points, 15 for the game) gets off to a good start, it enhances his point forward play. With Conley, Prince and Gasol moving the ball via the pass, other guys get easy shots. The Grizzlies don't have to be a low-scoring team. This game was an interesting example.
Game 5 is gonna be interesting to consider. More to follow...
In Game 3, guys like Paul, Crawford and Barnes didn't shoot exceptionally well. I expect them to try to force the issue early. They will want to run to a) demoralize the Grizzlies and b) dull the crowd's emotion. Paul especially will look to impose his will on both ends of the court.
The Grizzlies will come out like in the previous game, make it physical in the low post and at the mid-range area. There will be hand-checking, bumping L.A. players as they cut through the lane, and more boxing out to prevent Clippers' second chance points. Memphis needs a bit more offense from Conley, and they will get it.
It was interesting to see Coach Hollins shorten his rotation. Bayless, for example, only played 9 minutes. With Dooling on board as a back-up point guard, and Bayless' obvious disadvantage if he has to cover Crawford, Bayless' role seems to be changing on-the-fly. If he's not immediately blazing hot with deep jumpers, there may not be a big role for him the rest of this series.
Memphis will need a combination of Dooling, Pondexter and Arthur to have impactful minutes on both ends. Don't turn the ball over, look for opportunities to score before the Clippers' defense is set, and provide the energy that keeps momentum on Memphis' side.
My guess, Memphis 94, Los Angeles 86. As always, my guesswork isn't for gaming purposes. I'm glad you are aware of that.
After the Game: Memphis 104, Los Angeles 83. Surprise, surprise. Memphis gave up only two second-chance points to the Clippers. This is after 4 such points in Game 3, and 25 in Game 2. That'll do it.
For the Grizzlies, 39 field goals, 25/13 assist/turnover and 3 steals. All five starters and Pondexter scored in double figures. Gasol scored 24, and added 13 rebs and 4 assists. Randolph added another 24, with 9 rebs. Conley had 15 with 13 assists. Other than Pondexters' 10, the rest of the bench only scored 6 points. The Clippers' bench countered with 43.
For Los Angeles, it was 32 field goals, 17/8 assist/turnover and 8 steals. Griffin had 19 with 10 rebs. Paul scored another 19, and added 6 assists to only one turnover. However, three Clippers (Billups, Butler and Jordan) combined for only 2 points. You know that won't happen again, especially in L.A.
The Clippers led 47-46 at the half. Memphis doubled up L.A. 33-16 in the 4th quarter, turning a back and forth contest to a seeming blowout. The Clippers tried a bunch of threes to get back in the game, but finished 4-21 from 3-point range.
When Conley's assists equal or exceed his field goal attempts, Memphis is a good team. When Prince (7 1st quarter points, 15 for the game) gets off to a good start, it enhances his point forward play. With Conley, Prince and Gasol moving the ball via the pass, other guys get easy shots. The Grizzlies don't have to be a low-scoring team. This game was an interesting example.
Game 5 is gonna be interesting to consider. More to follow...
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