The USA wins Gold medal behind Durant's 30

Image from sportige.com

It was a tough game throughout, Spain gave it all, but ultimately Kvin Durant, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and some clutch plays by Chris Paul were too much. The USA defeats Spain 107-100 in what could possibly be coach Krzyzewski's last Olympics.
The first half was played at the tempo that Spain wanted it, they did not turn the ball over and were led by Navarro's 19 points who had a dismal tournament until the gold medal game. Of course USA wanted to get out and run, but you cant get out and run if you don't create turnovers. Durant had 17 points in the first half, and Lebron 8 points and 6 rebounds. The third quarter was dominated by Pau Gasol who scored 15 points in the third quarter and kept the game close. During the fourth quarter, Lebron sat with 4 fouls, and Spain went to a box and 1 defense on Durant, but after being up 6, Lebron came back into the game and scored a quick 5 points, that was followed by a Chris Paul layup and that all but sealed the gold medal for the US.
Durant finished with 30 points and the most points by an Olympic player in one olympics. Gasol was clearly the best player on the floor today, finished with 24 points 8 rebounds and 7 assist and another silver medal. Navarro finished with 21 points, Marc Gasol with 17 points but he had 4 fouls in the first half and that was definitely a factor as he sat on the bench for the whole third quarter. Lebron James now caps his amazing year with a gold medal, leaves the Olympics second all time in scoring and if he chooses to come back 4 years from now, will become first on that list. Kobe Bryant leaves international play with a gold medal, and reiterated that he will not be back 4 years from now.
On a side note, Russia defeated Argentina in the Bronze medal game with a controversial ending, Alexei Shved scored 25 points, and Russia won a medal for the first time in Olympic basketball. Argentina's players left the court in disgust after they felt the ref's didn't call a late foul.

Top PF going into 2012-2013, #8 Josh Smith

Image from Sports-kings.com

We continue our countdown of the top power forwards heading into the 2012-2013 NBA season with Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks at #8. Josh Smith had a breakout year this last season, and should have been an All-Star in the minds of many. Smith is known for his plays above the rim on both the offensive and defensive end of the floor. For the 2011-2012 campaign he averaged 18.8 PPG 9.6 RBP (both career highs), and was up to his usual tricks on the defensive end. Once the playoffs began, he turned it up to another level against the veteran Boston Celtics averaging 16.8 PPG and an incredible 13.6 RBP.
Smith benefitted from two things this year. The first, is better perimeter defense by his teammates, this allowed Smith to become a TRUE help side defender instead having to constantly help, as his teammates were beat off the dribble again and again. The second, is more trust from coach Larry Drew on the offensive end. Smith's points came off a variety of ways. Post ups, and plenty of fast break opportunities with the occasional highlight reel.  Smith's transition from defense to offensive is great, he runs the floor like a guard and can finish with the best of them. Smith is a crafty post up player, he loves to go to his left, and will shoot a hook shot over his left shoulder. Not only does he run the floor like a deer, but his ability to finish over the rim is amazing.
Take this play, The Hawks were having a terrible offensive possession and because of Smith it culminated with a momentum shifter at a crucial point in the game. There was no offensive strategy in that play, no polished offensive skill from anybody, just a straight athletic play made on one of the league's most feared shot blockers. Smith's Athletic ability and freakish body gives him intangibles that cannot be taught. Now, if we take a second look at that clip, it  shows us one of the problems that have kept Smith from becoming a better player. Smith has an inexplicable love for shooting jumpshots, something he is not very good at.
Smith last season took over 400 shots from 16ft to the 3 point line. He also took 109 3-point shots of which he only made an abysmal 28 for a 27% clip from beyond the arc. Whereas he only took 363 shots at the rim for a very good 68% clip. He only shot 32% on jumpshots and 63% from the free throw line. The bottom line is Smith is hurting his team and himself by shooting jumpshots, so why take them? If he's going to work on jumpshots he might as well spend the time working on his free throw shooting.
Smith is avery gifted player, he's a great one on one defender and a lethal shot blocker. Whether it's on one on one, help side defense or fast break defense, Smith will get it done on the defensive end. His versatility allows him to switch on pick and rolls and guard smaller perimeter players. In addition, it is rewarding to see his rebounding at all time high, he virtually averaged a double double at 9.7 RBP and also had a career high 15.9 % TRB (TRB is the total rebound percentage, it tells us the percentage of rebounds that Smith captured while he was on the floor). Offensively he averaged close to 20 points, and provides high energy baskets for his team. If Smith learns to stay close to the rim and take as few jumpers as possible ( As well as eliminate the three point shot completely) his offensive game will grow. If he manages that, look for Smith to stay a top 10 PF for a long time, and eventually make an All-Star Team.
Like what you read? Feel free to leave comments and questions

Top PF going into the 2012-2013, #10 Serge Ibaka

Image from aaronvhilton.com

We start our countdown of the top power forwards heading into the 2012-2013 season with Serge Ibaka of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ibaka became the starter once Jeff Green was shipped out and has been a force on the defensive end. He was a key component this last season in the Thunder's run to the NBA championship. Ibaka averaged 9.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and a incredible 3.6 BPG during the regular season. He led the league in the blocks department and the next closest person was the mercurial Javale Mcgee with 2.16 BPG.
Now, Ibaka had a very disappointing NBA finals against the Heat averaging just 7.0 PPG 5.2 RPG and   2.0 BPG on 42% shooting. But we must look at his whole body of work to realistically evaluate him. Ibaka's strong hold is of course on the defensive end, he made the All-NBA defensive first team. Ibaka anchors the OKC Thunder, he is a great weak side defender and covers up a lot of defensive mistake by the Oklahoma perimeter players. Take for example this pick and roll play between Parker and Duncan on the right side of the floor. The whole right side was clear and Parker masterfully split the pick and roll just to find himself rejected by Ibaka on the weakside help. What makes him such a formidable weak side helper is his speed and quickness, it took him less than a second to get to Parker, and his timing is impeccable. Then combine that with his Athletic ability and you have this play.
In addition, Ibaka is also a very good one on one defender, he is aggressive, has great upper body strength and has great lateral quickness. In this play, he is beaten off the dribble by Gasol and recovers beautifully to save his team 2 points. He is great blocking shots while helping, guarding his own man, or even on the fast break. Bottom line he has great instincts. Not to mention the fact that he alters a significant amount of shots at the rim that dont show up on the stat sheet.
Ibaka's defensive tenacity overshadow his capable offensive skills. He has developed a great jump shot out to the 18 feet area, and has great hands. He catches everything and finishes well above the rim, this isn't more obvious than in his 26 point 11/11 FG performance against the Spurs in a crucial game 4 against the Spurs.
Ibaka has a series of highlight blocks, and is an elite defender. He will turn 23 this september and still has room to grow. If he continues his development offensively, then look for Ibaka to rise on this list. He needs to continue to develop his jumpshot and establish a legit low post repertoire, this must begin with a go-to move which he has yet to show. Defensively, we don't see how he can get much better, his rise on the best power forwards of the NBA will depend on his offensive game. If he does watch out.
NBA News
-Sources say that the Magic will keep Howard for now
- Kirk Hinrich will return to his former team the Bulls
-Bulls are also interested Marco Belinelli
-The Heat are interested in Darco Millicic, which would give them 4 out of the top 5 picks of 2003
Like what you read? Feel free to Comment and leave questions