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posted by on February 15 at 9:35 AM
I know it’s all my fault the Sonics are leaving Seattle for Renton or Oklahoma City (more likely).
After all, I did write several biased articles on the Sonics incorrigible request for a gazillion dollar bail out last year. And certainly the post I did yesterday about the King Count Council’s FU was a bit gleeful.
So, it may be news to readers that I’m actually an enthusiastic NBA fan (partial to Gilbert and the Washington Bullets.) What’s more, I’ve actually been to four Sonics games this year—including two in the past week, and one last night. (I’ve been treated to all these games courtesy of friends scoring tickets.)
The thing that’s struck me most about Sonics games is the crowd’s willingness to play along with the enforced suspension of disbelief — and ignore just how bad this team is.
The announcer is constantly exhorting the crowd to chant “DE-Fense!” and “Make some noise!” (“I can’t hear you!”)
Mr. Announcer, the reason you can’t hear me is because this is terrible basketball.
I’d make some noise if the Sonics were impressive or if they could play DE-FENSE. (Over at NBA.com, the Sonics are ranked 26th on defense out of the leagues 30 teams.)
I’m happy to cheer for Ray Allen (Allen is George Gervin) when he does something worthy. And I like cheering for Luke Ridnour cuz he plays his ass off, and occasionally makes a cool pass. (Luke: Drive more. You can hit that wild off the glass drive at will.)
But I can’t stand how the announcer expects us to pretend the Sonics are the defending champs of the world or something. They have the 2nd worst record in the Western Conference and they’re in last place (behind Portland!) in their division.
The best part about last night’s meaningless win over Phoenix (MVP Steve Nash and starting forward Boris Diaw were out with injuries for Phoenix) was the one moment when the crowd rebelled and booed Coach Bob Hill during the euphoric black light confetti firework show team introductions.
I never understand why people turn on NBA coaches. He may make some bad decisions in game planning, but last I checked he's not responsible for not playing defense or missing free-throws. That's the over-paid players fault.
We should be booing the fuck out of this team.
Ya, Josh, thanks for selling out. I bet you drive a lot of rental cars. Also, the announcer crap you hear happens at every game regardless of how shitty a team is playing. It has nothing to do with suspending disbelief, and more with allowing other less cynical people than you, such as kids attending their first NBA game, to have a good time. With the injuries to BOTH Ray and Rashard taking up half of the season, real sonics fans are hoping the sonics win the race to the bottom and get a good pick in the draft. By the way, "Agent Zero" stunk that shit up against !Portland!!! with only 9 out of 50 promised points. Hibatchi!
You were doing fine, until you compared Ray Allen, who is more like Byron Scott, to George the "Ice man" Gervin. Different games.
Allen is a pure shooter, maybe one of the best ever, the Iceman was different and had more tools, remember he invented the "finger roll" and could fly from the free throw line to the basket. However, D was not his thang.
I remember as a kid watching him ( the Iceman) in the Philly Spectrum when u could still buy 4.50 seats, though we scored them from PAL.
One thing you might not know is that the Iceman was a team mate with God (Dr. J) when they played in the ABA with the Virginia Squires.
I agree the Sonics are awful. and I certainly agree that we should not pay for their arena.
Ray Allen is probably more like Mitch Richmond in Sacremento.
HSDF @ 2,
I hate kids too.
god, sports are boring...
I can't stand the annoying sound effects and crap they constantly play over the speakers during the game. It makes me think this should be a circus, with the teams consisting of clowns riding unicycles. Throw in a fire breather, a bearded lady, and a tiger, and I'd gladly support the new arena. Well, I guess I could find the bearded lady at a WNBA game, but still.
Him - word.
Forget the NBA, Josh! you wanna see baskeball played the right way, check out Da COUGS! 22-4 baby! #10 in the land and doing it with lock down defense and smart offense.
If Ray Allen compares to anyone, it's Reggie Miller, but Ray's got a much better floor game. Gervin's a lot closer than Byron Scott, too.
On the basketball tip, check this out: Pistol Pete! Pay special attention to the the passing sequence beginning aroung the 5:50 mark:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y5KAaercTI
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