Good morning, Serge Ibaka is running through that door
That plus L’Affair Joerger and more in our Memorial Day NBA newsletter.
Good morning. Let’s basketball.
I-BACK-A FOR REAL: Serge Ibaka didn’t just return on Sunday. He was the best player on the floor, perhaps. He went 6-7 for 15 points with 7 rebounds and 4 blocks as he totally shut off the Spurs’ party in the paint as OKC won to bring the series to 2-1.
He played 30 minutes, spending the rest of the time getting his injured calf massaged and riding the stationary bike. And one can only imagine how many “God is my doctor” bumper stickers he sold. He also inspired a sweet Pop joke in the post-game presser.
The other storylines from Game 3: Tony Parker was awful, Manu’s big shooting night was wasted, the Spurs committed too many turnovers, Westbrook stays Westbrook, starting Reggie Jackson worked, Just Win Fan is a legend.
Ibaka got posterized once, but it almost doesn’t count when Kawhi Leonard does it, because he’d put the Pope on a poster and not even smile.
Hasheem Thabeet is in Caron Butler’s framily! Who knew? (I propose that we call Butler’s three-pointer celebration 1-800-TUFF-JUICE.)
TONIGHT: Pacers at Heat, 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, Heat lead 2-1.
L’AFFAIR JOERGER: So it turns out that Dave Joerger turned down the Wolves’ advances after meeting with them, and will coach the Grizzlies next season. (How bad was the meeting with Glen Taylor?!)
MEMPHIS BLEAK: As it turns out, Joerger and Grizz owner Robert Pera had a one-on-one conversation for the first time ever in recent days, paving the way for the coach’s return. (Rumors have suggested Pera wanted to fire Joerger five games into the season.) Pera then went on an ill-advised Twitter Q&A Sunday evening.
OH BOY: Lance Stephenson calls LeBron’s trash talk a “sign of weakness.” Lance is trying to get another lesson, isn’t he? The score was LeBron 26, Lance 10 in Game 3, buddy. You want more?
FREE AGENCY: SLC Dunk has estimated cap space for all 30 teams.
GOD, ICE AND KERI HILSON: Sam Amick talks about how Serge recovered over the past week.
COVERING THE NBA: A few interesting nuggets in Richard Deitsch’s NBA media panel.
WHIMSY: Johnny Cash has been everywhere, man. (Via MeFi.)
Happy Monday. Have a safe Memorial Day. See you next time.
