DPOY should be like the MVP. If your team isn't one of the best then you shouldn't be considered no matter what you do individually. Shane always played good defense and he always puts his hand directly over a shooter's face but he had something extra today. He had more fire than he usually does. If Kobe had shot 50% it would have been one of the more miraculous things KB has ever done because nearly every shot he took was a very, very difficult one due to Battier being all over him. Was I the only one waiting for the patented Bryant "wild off arm" to smack Shane across the face during a Kobe jumper? Certainly, what Shane did today earned him a ton of new fans and some respect from the national media who apparently thinks the only guys who play defense are Bowen, Artest and the dinosaur formerly known as Ben Wallace.
lol admin at a kings forum "Yup. Im watching this game. 22 in a row now. Rockets arent beating quality opponents? Damn. I wish we could have Battier instead of Ron."
For you guys that play street ball that like the hand in the face routine, what I always did was when the shooter jumped, just swipe your hand down low towards their feet. You don't even have to get close to them, it'll throw 90% of shooter's rhythm so far off, because they see the move out of the corner of their eye and everyone's natural instinct is to protect themselves against getting tripped and falling. Most guys kick their legs up and simply chuck the shot. LOL. Done it a thousand times.
46+ minutes chasing Bryant around AND contributing 14 points. Just another day at the office for Battier.
Like the second post said... 90% of the time he doesn't go for the block so his trajectory is at a different angle. He goes for the face. And let's face it... The TEAM USA attachment has elevated his already great defense into another level. He got a chance to play against the best players competing at a high level for a couple of months. He prolly remembered their tendencies and what to do in certain situations... And I'm sure he gets T-Mac when they scrimmage... Maybe that's why Tracy is so damn good at contested jumpshots... he faces Batman everyday.
Well TMac thinks so. http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_a.../t_mac_battier_belongs_on_all_defensive_team/
Case closed after a wonderful game against Kobe...He does this day in and day out and I expect nothing less tonight...I can't f'n wait... Go Rockets!!!
I learned how to guard perimeters players in my pickup games by watching Battier, I'm serious. Always guard their eyes, not their ball.
