Westbrook "throws shade" at Smart

[Funk_e_Frank]

Westbrook is arrogant but he's good enough to back that up. He has the mentality a killer PG should have. Yes he's a bit salty and could of handled that different. The next matchup with these 2 is going to be great. Smart is going to try and shut him down and Westbrook is going to try to embarrass him.

Smart played a great game and maybe the comments by Westbrook will help light a fire to keep him close to this level he played yesterday.

[Hemingway]

Smart is getting better all the time. When Russ elbowed him after the whistle, I thought this wasn't going to end well for us and I didn't think the refs would give Smart any slack against a star and I thought Smart could very well end up losing his cool and getting ejected, but it didn't happen. Smart got the last laugh this time.

[cltc5]

Haters gonna hate

[manl_lui]

Smart is getting better all the time. When Russ elbowed him after the whistle, I thought this wasn't going to end well for us and I didn't think the refs would give Smart any slack against a star and I thought Smart could very well end up losing his cool and getting ejected, but it didn't happen. Smart got the last laugh this time.

does anyone have a video of that, I missed the elbow? was it during the time Westbrook fell with the ball and Smart plunged himself at him to try to get the ball?

anyways, another positive I got from the game was, Smart has a post game

[jpotter33]

Smart is getting better all the time. When Russ elbowed him after the whistle, I thought this wasn't going to end well for us and I didn't think the refs would give Smart any slack against a star and I thought Smart could very well end up losing his cool and getting ejected, but it didn't happen. Smart got the last laugh this time.

does anyone have a video of that, I missed the elbow? was it during the time Westbrook fell with the ball and Smart plunged himself at him to try to get the ball?

anyways, another positive I got from the game was, Smart has a post game

It kills me that they don't utilize that more. He could be dominant in the paint, both as a scorer and a facilitator.

[mbsnmisc]

Westdick threw high elbows all night. If Smart did the same thing he would be fined/ejected. I saw quit in Westhole tonight. The biggest part of the game, 5 or 6 minutes to go, when your "top 5" (ha), MVP candidate should take over he went and stood in the corner. Smart whipped his ass.

[max215]

Smart is getting better all the time. When Russ elbowed him after the whistle, I thought this wasn't going to end well for us and I didn't think the refs would give Smart any slack against a star and I thought Smart could very well end up losing his cool and getting ejected, but it didn't happen. Smart got the last laugh this time.

does anyone have a video of that, I missed the elbow? was it during the time Westbrook fell with the ball and Smart plunged himself at him to try to get the ball?

anyways, another positive I got from the game was, Smart has a post game

It kills me that they don't utilize that more. He could be dominant in the paint, both as a scorer and a facilitator.

I get so excited every time they toss it to him in the post.

[max215]

Ehh, I get what he was saying. I mean he is right, he does this for 82 games, Smart did it for one.

That may be true, but there is a thing called "modesty".  Even if you are convinced that you are 10x better than somebody else, doesn't mean you have to tell them (and the world) so.

That's arrogance.

When Boston beat the Lakers in 08, Kobe didn't turn around and say "meh they got one title, I have three".  He always respected the opponent, as the Celtics always respected Kobe and his Lakers.

It's called 'class' - it might be an old-school concept that is no longer fashionable, but it still hate seeing this generation of egotistical arrogance.

Russ is one of the most competitive guys in the league and was clearly frustrated after the loss. I'm willing to cut him some slack.

[GreenFaith1819]

lol Smart plays well against Westbrook. I can see this becoming a personal thing between these two.

Westbrook is a great player and it's good to see Marcus play well against him - in two games now.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/h2h_finder.cgi?request=1&p1=westbru01&p2=smartma01

As for the other stuff,



Westbrook needs to start respecting his opponents, especially Marcus. That's just being Smart, Russell.

[fairweatherfan]

Ehh, I get what he was saying. I mean he is right, he does this for 82 games, Smart did it for one.

That may be true, but there is a thing called "modesty".  Even if you are convinced that you are 10x better than somebody else, doesn't mean you have to tell them (and the world) so.

That's arrogance.

When Boston beat the Lakers in 08, Kobe didn't turn around and say "meh they got one title, I have three".  He always respected the opponent, as the Celtics always respected Kobe and his Lakers.

It's called 'class' - it might be an old-school concept that is no longer fashionable, but it still hate seeing this generation of egotistical arrogance.

Haha, what?  Larry Bird and Michael Jordan were two of the biggest ****s to ever play the game.  Bird walked straight into the lockerroom at a meaningless 3-pt contest and told everyone they were playing for 2nd.  Jordan couldn't even turn it off for 20 minutes to graciously accept a HOF induction.  Bill Russell is still so competitive at 80+ that he made a point to tell off LeBron for not putting him on some stupid "basketball Mt Rushmore" fluff piece.  Paul Pierce and KG were (are) huge trash-talkers who have crossed every verbal line imaginable to disrespect their opposition.  There have been a few "nice guy superstars", but more often than not they have a major vicious, arrogant streak in their game. 

The idea that players acting like arrogant pricks towards opponents is some new "kids these days" thing is kinda out there, especially since another frequent criticism of this generation of players is that they're too buddy-buddy with each other.

[crimson_stallion]

Ehh, I get what he was saying. I mean he is right, he does this for 82 games, Smart did it for one.

That may be true, but there is a thing called "modesty".  Even if you are convinced that you are 10x better than somebody else, doesn't mean you have to tell them (and the world) so.

That's arrogance.

When Boston beat the Lakers in 08, Kobe didn't turn around and say "meh they got one title, I have three".  He always respected the opponent, as the Celtics always respected Kobe and his Lakers.

It's called 'class' - it might be an old-school concept that is no longer fashionable, but it still hate seeing this generation of egotistical arrogance.

Russ is one of the most competitive guys in the league and was clearly frustrated after the loss. I'm willing to cut him some slack.

I understand where you're coming from, but I don't personally believe that being competitive is a valid excuse for acting like a childish brat.

If anything those great players at the top of the league are the ones other people look up to - they should be setting an example.  But oh well.

[crimson_stallion]

Ehh, I get what he was saying. I mean he is right, he does this for 82 games, Smart did it for one.

That may be true, but there is a thing called "modesty".  Even if you are convinced that you are 10x better than somebody else, doesn't mean you have to tell them (and the world) so.

That's arrogance.

When Boston beat the Lakers in 08, Kobe didn't turn around and say "meh they got one title, I have three".  He always respected the opponent, as the Celtics always respected Kobe and his Lakers.

It's called 'class' - it might be an old-school concept that is no longer fashionable, but it still hate seeing this generation of egotistical arrogance.

Haha, what?  Larry Bird and Michael Jordan were two of the biggest ****s to ever play the game.  Bird walked straight into the lockerroom at a meaningless 3-pt contest and told everyone they were playing for 2nd.  Jordan couldn't even turn it off for 20 minutes to graciously accept a HOF induction.  Bill Russell is still so competitive at 80+ that he made a point to tell off LeBron for not putting him on some stupid "basketball Mt Rushmore" fluff piece.  Paul Pierce and KG were (are) huge trash-talkers who have crossed every verbal line imaginable to disrespect their opposition.  There have been a few "nice guy superstars", but more often than not they have a major vicious, arrogant streak in their game. 

The idea that players acting like arrogant pricks towards opponents is some new "kids these days" thing is kinda out there, especially since another frequent criticism of this generation of players is that they're too buddy-buddy with each other.

Yeah, but while KG and Pierce are huge trash talkers on the court (that's strategic, to put off your opponent), off the court they have typically been pretty classy guys.

I don't know that I've ever heard KG or Pierce dominate (or get dominated by) an opponent, only to go out and disrespect the guy afterwards publicly.   Like when Iggy gave Pierce huge trouble in one of the Philly playoff series a few years back - Pierce never said Iggy was better than him, but he said something like "I give him credit, he played great defense - but I also missed some shots that I normally would have made". 

That's reasonable - you're politely giving the guy his credit, without openly admitting that he dominated you.

Same with Kobe when he lost to the Celtics.  From memory he came out (absolutely furious) and he said straight up "they were the better team" or something like that.

I've got no doubts that Kobe can probably be a huge d**k in the locker room, but he still respects his opponent.

Also Jordan totally was a d**k - I don't think anybody has ever denied that.  Bird probably was too - I've never heard enough of his off court comments to judge though.

To paraphrase the move Troy "I will still be your enemy tomorrow - but even enemies can show respect". 

I think that pretty much sums it up.

Fact is I look at a guy like Demarcus Cousins, who seems to always get his reputation attacked, and I don't think I've ever heard him disrespect an opponent like that off the court, in the public eye.  Maybe he has and I just haven't seen it.

[fairweatherfan]

On the other hand, after his first title, Larry Bird led the fans at the parade in a chant of "Moses eats (word for poop I can't post here)" 

I mean, I'm with you that it's something that doesn't need to happen, I'm not with you that it's some new development with this generation of players or people in general.



http://basketbawful.blogspot.com/2007/01/quotables-starring-moses-malone-and.html

EDIT:  Much more comprehensive link of Bird's greatest hits.  Trigger warning: lots of disrespect.  http://www.viralhoops.com/larry-bird-trash-talk/

[Eddie20]

Smart was due for a good game.  He was shooting 37%/32%/63% over the second half of last season... had been shooting 32%/24%/72% so far this season.   He looked a little better in pre-season.  It's been a long time coming.  Hopefully this was a breakout game and he keeps it up.

Legit question...do you actually watch most games? Because it seems as though all of your comments are stat related and a box score doesn't tell a complete story. This could explain why you love guys like Randle, who gives up on one end more than he gets you on the other, but don't like Smart since his offensive usage rate isn't as high as it would be if he were on one of the sorry teams you adore (LAL, Philly, Brooklyn).

Of course I watch the games.  Smart's been a good 1-way player.  Randle has been pretty good 1-way as well.    Tonight was a unique game from Smart.  Hope he keeps it up.

See that's where I disagree with you about Smart. Even as a rookie last year, he has a knack for hitting big shots and making big plays. Plus, you fail to ever talk about his motor, his high BB IQ, and the little things he does that help you win, but don't show up in a box score. This season his offensive game has improved a lot even though "stats" don't reflect it. He's taking it to the basket a lot more, he's hitting the slipping big on his roll to the basket off a pick, he's posting up, etc.

Why is that you said the other day that Stauskas is "actually playing good" when his offensive numbers are worse than Smarts and he provides 0 defense, but then you call Smart a 1 way player? Those are the issues I have with your posts. They're just so blatantly biased and lack any consistency when you compare how you assess Cs and non-Cs players.

As for Stauskas, he's playing so good that he was completely benched last game during the second half after going 0 for the field and scoreless during the 1st half. You would've been all over that discussion here if it had happened to Smart.

Stauskas was atrocious in his last game.  That was an abomination of a performance. 

I've at no point claimed Stauskas is a better prospect than Marcus Smart.   He's got some promise, though.  For the season he's averaging 11 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1 steal on 33%/28%/72% shooting.  Shot hasn't been falling and he could see a hit in minutes for a while. 

After tonight's huge performance, Smart is averaging 12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.5 steals with 39%/30%/69% shooting. 

You're right, stats don't tell the whole story.   Stats show them as roughly even... you'd never know that Smart was sensational in his last game and Stauskas was horrid.   Who knows what those guys will look like several months/years from now, though. 

Fwiw, Randle is averaging 11 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1 steal with 42%/0%/58% shooting.  He's showed some signs as well, but I think it's fair to say Smart is still a better asset for now.

Aaron Gordon has been interesting, but isn't yet getting the minutes.  9 points, 5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal with 45%/24%/69%, but he's playing 20mpg while those other guys are playing 30.  He's another one to watch.

That entire draft class (beyond Wiggins) was brutally disappointing in year 1.  It'll be interesting to look at them a few years from now, though.  I think several of those guys will look a lot better... hopefully Smart included. 

Also, I commented after game 1 that Smart looked solid.  He played within the system on offense.  Still, tonight was long overdue.  You have to really reach to say Smart has been impressive offensively up until this game.

Now if you want to really talk about a zero offense/1 way player look no further than your golden boy Nerlens Noel. So much for him improving offensively. Keon Clark 2.0, how do you do?

FG% 39.6
FT% 64.0
TO's 3.3
PPG 11.5

Percentages from the following distance-
3-10     32.4%
10-16   16.7%
16-3PT  18.8%

[LarBrd33]

Smart was due for a good game.  He was shooting 37%/32%/63% over the second half of last season... had been shooting 32%/24%/72% so far this season.   He looked a little better in pre-season.  It's been a long time coming.  Hopefully this was a breakout game and he keeps it up.

Legit question...do you actually watch most games? Because it seems as though all of your comments are stat related and a box score doesn't tell a complete story. This could explain why you love guys like Randle, who gives up on one end more than he gets you on the other, but don't like Smart since his offensive usage rate isn't as high as it would be if he were on one of the sorry teams you adore (LAL, Philly, Brooklyn).

Of course I watch the games.  Smart's been a good 1-way player.  Randle has been pretty good 1-way as well.    Tonight was a unique game from Smart.  Hope he keeps it up.

See that's where I disagree with you about Smart. Even as a rookie last year, he has a knack for hitting big shots and making big plays. Plus, you fail to ever talk about his motor, his high BB IQ, and the little things he does that help you win, but don't show up in a box score. This season his offensive game has improved a lot even though "stats" don't reflect it. He's taking it to the basket a lot more, he's hitting the slipping big on his roll to the basket off a pick, he's posting up, etc.

Why is that you said the other day that Stauskas is "actually playing good" when his offensive numbers are worse than Smarts and he provides 0 defense, but then you call Smart a 1 way player? Those are the issues I have with your posts. They're just so blatantly biased and lack any consistency when you compare how you assess Cs and non-Cs players.

As for Stauskas, he's playing so good that he was completely benched last game during the second half after going 0 for the field and scoreless during the 1st half. You would've been all over that discussion here if it had happened to Smart.

Stauskas was atrocious in his last game.  That was an abomination of a performance. 

I've at no point claimed Stauskas is a better prospect than Marcus Smart.   He's got some promise, though.  For the season he's averaging 11 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1 steal on 33%/28%/72% shooting.  Shot hasn't been falling and he could see a hit in minutes for a while. 

After tonight's huge performance, Smart is averaging 12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.5 steals with 39%/30%/69% shooting. 

You're right, stats don't tell the whole story.   Stats show them as roughly even... you'd never know that Smart was sensational in his last game and Stauskas was horrid.   Who knows what those guys will look like several months/years from now, though. 

Fwiw, Randle is averaging 11 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1 steal with 42%/0%/58% shooting.  He's showed some signs as well, but I think it's fair to say Smart is still a better asset for now.

Aaron Gordon has been interesting, but isn't yet getting the minutes.  9 points, 5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal with 45%/24%/69%, but he's playing 20mpg while those other guys are playing 30.  He's another one to watch.

That entire draft class (beyond Wiggins) was brutally disappointing in year 1.  It'll be interesting to look at them a few years from now, though.  I think several of those guys will look a lot better... hopefully Smart included. 

Also, I commented after game 1 that Smart looked solid.  He played within the system on offense.  Still, tonight was long overdue.  You have to really reach to say Smart has been impressive offensively up until this game.

Now if you want to really talk about a zero offense/1 way player look no further than your golden boy Nerlens Noel. So much for him improving offensively. Keon Clark 2.0, how do you do?

FG% 39.6
FT% 64.0
TO's 3.3
PPG 11.5

Percentages from the following distance-
3-10     32.4%
10-16   16.7%
16-3PT  18.8%

Keon Clark came into the league at 23 years old and had career averages of 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 0.5 steals

Come on, Eddie20... don't let your obsession with me force you to say things you can't possibly believe.  Noel is averaging 11.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 1.8 steals ... it's 8 games into the season and he's 21 years old.