I have a lot of respect for Shane. I actually admire the guy. I mean we all like Shane in some ways, average guys (Shane is average athlete in NBA) trying do their job. And this azz-hole, yet more talented, keep yapping at you. What I learn from Shane is keep working hard, stay poised, action speaks louder than words!
He can't fully create I know that, but he can get past his defender and put up those leaners pretty effectively. I mean he handles the ball just as well as Artest IMO.
Don't underestimate the team aspect here. Shane was able to get up in Kobe's face because he knew the team would collapse whenever Kobe went to the basket. Not only that, the team was collapsing so fast that Kobe couldn't even drive, elevate and draw the foul because someone would be stationed to draw the charge. This basically forced Kobe to stay outside. As the game wore on, Shane got closer and closer to him, contesting Kobe's jumpers more and more. Hard to believe this all happened without both Yao and Deke. Not to take anything away from Shane. He was just incredible. The only guy I've seen hang with Kobe like this was Bruce Bowen a few years ago. But Shane does it without the dirty punching and kneeing. Nostradamus couldn't have predicted Kobe would only score 15 points on 17 FGAs while Shane had 23 points on 12 FGAs. Shane is definitely a championship caliber role player.
kobe should publicly give up his all-nba 1st team D to shane after this game. he shut kobe down and outscored him. kobe's D is vastly overrated
Not that Artest is a great ball-handler, but he's still better than Battier. The only time Battier drives baseline is if the defender is asleep or decides to give him the baseline to take away his 3-pointer or pass.
Yes, that is so sure. Shane did it like a man. Even in the games that Kobe won, Kobe acted like a whining baby. That is the biggest difference between them. BTW, Kobe can never reach MJ's level because he is not even a man.
Too bad Wafer didn't play more (or I should say earn more playing time). The one time I saw Kobe guard him it looked Wafer could have blown Kobe out of his shoes but he pulled up (and hit) that long two pointer. Kobe's quickness is so suspect to me these days I would love to see a situation where Wafer was able to consistently get Kobe guarding him one on one.
JVG is a very underated coach. I truly believe if we had Yao, we would be in the finals and have a chance to win it all and if we had TMAC, (The TMAC we traded for that is) we would have won a championship. Giving up shane for Rudy was a no brainer, now I know why every coach wants shane on their team. This guy is cerebral, works hard every night, can score but usually chooses to play defense and when his number is called offensively, he stays ready. Chuck Hayes as well. without these two players drafted by JVG this series would be over. Of course props to RA as well for drafting guards like AB and taking a chance on Artest. Shane will be a politician in the future. what a great player. Thank you so much for you calmness
calm down man, even the great ones have to slow down someday. kobe's still a top 3 player. but yes, his quickness isn't what it once was. however, the media still rates him so highly. lebron has EASILY outdistance him this year, esp. this playoffs.
It's called Karma. I knew it this would happen, Shane did the right thing in not letting it get to him.. and it came back to haunt Kobe. Let's see how it impacts Kobe in game 5 now.. hopefully Shane can continue the great defense he's been playing on him. I'll live with him making tough shots.. just not layups and dunks with and 1s.
I saw that move, Wafer had him sprawling like a kid... and then hit the pull back in his grill....Kobe should be ashamed of what he has done to shane, he will never be the defender shane is and should go tell the NBA to switch places with Battier in the 2nd All defensive team
Honestly I wish Shane would come out Tuesday. Shake Kobe's hands. Put his hand on his shoulds. And act and look at Kobe stange and then go " . . OH!! . . Here let me pop those collars for you" while miming popping Kobe's Collars. Rocket River . . but he too Classy
