The ageless warrior was huge tonight. 9 rebounds and 2 finger wags. When he was on the court, NO offensive rebound for Portland. All your rebound are belong to Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo!
wow!!! is that his full name? i remember his name is a very long one (about 50 words). but he is really good tonight.
Some of those rebounds were incredible. There was one on the offensive end in the 1st half where he looked like he was still 25 years old, reaching back over his head, tipping the ball up before gathering it and forcing the Blazers to foul him. And another one on the defensive end where he reached backwards over his head once again, this time pulling the ball away from two Blazers. He is simply an unbelievably gifted rebounder and shotblocker to still be giving performances like this at 43-years-old.
Deke was nice and solid, but it was obvious he didn't have the strength to battle Oden. However, guards and forwards trying to bring that weak stuff to the house of Mutumbo have much to learn.
At least a couple of those were blatant fouls, not to mention all the traveling. He wasn't just fighting for space. He was literally slamming into Deke, like he did to Yao on the defensive end one time where they actually called the foul. Oden shows signs of what he is capable of doing but, as of now, he is a walking foul machine with subpar footwork. His athleticism allows him to make an impact in short spurts until he gets into foul trouble.
thank god adelman remembered he was on the bench tonight. nothing from landry or hayes. it was nice to see deke as the first big man off the bench.
his rebounding and defensive presence are invaluable. even at this age he could be considered the best rebounder/shotblocker per 48 minutes. granted, his efficiency would be reduced if he had to play a full game...amazing nonetheless.
I guess shot blocking and rebounding it's like riding a bike for him. Once you can do it you never forget.
