Half-Time Update From Rocky Mountain Review

[vdunkndunk]

I've got a friend at the game, so here's a HALF-TIME update:

SHELDEN WILLIAMS:

Offense:

-Not getting the ball a lot in the post because the team has no flow; he probably only received a post entry pass on about 3 occasions.

-Mostly trying to bully his way to the basket with limited success, but he did have one nice up and under move to draw a foul.

Defense:

-His man has not been able to back him down and he's been keeping people from getting deep position.

-He doesn't look like the slowest guy out there for sure, but he'll definitely do better defensively against stronger forwards than the quicker forwards.

-His rebounding has been solid but not spectacular.

-Not much shotblocking so far.

Fouls & Turnovers:

-The foul calling has been so ridiculous that if you get 7 fouls and 5 turnovers, it equals about 3 fouls and 2 turnovers in a real NBA game.

-The officiating has been terrible and ruining the flow of the games.

Summary:

-He's looking better than it sounds in the media, but he's definitely not tearing it up either.

-This is not the right enviornment for Shelden and he will look much better when he's playing on a real team instead of playing what amounts to garbage basketball.

-Definitely doesn't look lost out there, but not really standing out either.

MARVIN WILLIAMS:

-Marvin is the man...

-He's doing it all: driving and dishing, hitting from outside, calling for the ball, posting up.

-Hasn't shot a lot (probably scored about 9 points in the first half), but the offense is running through him on most possessions.

-Hasn't been getting stripped as much and hasn't taken any stupid shots.

-Also, looks a little stronger and more ripped; he's definitely in better shape this year.

SOLOMON JONES:

-Looks a little lost and timid

-Had one spectacular block

-Athletically he's one of the best

ESTEBAN BATISTA:

-Looking a little more comfortable out there

-Has shown a couple moves beyond just smashing his way to the basket

JOHN EDWARDS:

-"The worst passer in the NBA."

SALIM STOUDAMIRE:

-Hasn't played tonight; I'm not sure why.

[warcore]

score?

[vdunkndunk]

SECOND HALF UPDATE:

Hawks win the game (I didn't get the final or the box score)

Marvin Williams:

-Amazing

-Had the dribble drive going, sliced into the lane at will, hit his jumpers

-Played clutch and played big down the stretch; actually waived to the crowd as the heckled him because of the hole Arujo thing

-Unstoppable; no one could gaurd him.

Shelden Williams:

-Played better in the second half

-Doesn't look like a dominant inside presence, but should be at least solid

-Showed a nice 15-18 foot jumpshot and knocked a couple down off of guard penetration

-No memorable blocked shots

-Rebounded fairly well, boxed out, etc.

Solomon Jones:

-Had one spectacular put-back jam

-Didn't have good hands, possibly due to lack of confidence

-Most athletic guy on the court but doesn't seem to know it yet