Paul has tons to learn in big games. The other night at Sthaples the Hornets were up 98-95 with merely 24 seconds to defend. Got the steal, ball thrown upcourt for the 3 on 1 break. Paul caught the ball, had only Faggy Fisher in front of him and two other Hornets teamates. Paul gets a fair amount of bogus calls himself when on O he does his not so little piroette followed by drama Queen falls to the floor and roll. But if he thinks he is going to get the call vs the West Hollywood Ultra Queen Derek Swisher, that is simply not gonna happen. As Paul picked up his dribble and jumped up to shoot, he very mistakenly thought he would either a. make the shot or bee. get the foul shots as Swisher slid underneath him initiating contact. A foul on Fisher all the way? Of course. But in reality, you think refs are gonna put their jobs on the line by defying the Marketing Lords and make that call correctly? Cmon CP3, everyone knows better then that. You need to realize your pecking order in NBA marketing.
When Paul was in the air and Swisher was Electric Sliding, twas the perfect time to throw a lob pass over to his teamate(s). Okay, well maybe CP3 can be forgiven for following his instincts and going for the game clinching FTs. What happens next is *unforgiveable*. Flamers ball, they head across halfcourt still 98-95. Earth to Hornets, you cannot be beaten with a two. Two would be 98-97, you then inbounds, Lakers intentionally foul, you hit your FTs and its 100-97 with Kobme going for the would be game tying trey. Or game winning 4 point play if any Hornets get within 5 feet of Kobes. So give up the two, then hit your FTs right? Nope. CP3 leaves Swisher wide open for the tying trey at 14 seconds. Paul misses at the regulation buzzer.
OT Kobme gets the ball tapped away by Posey, Kobes and CP3 chase loose ball. Kobme stiff arms and shoves CP3 away. Foul? Of course as notes Lakerlover Jeff Van Gundy. But think you're gonna get that call CP3? As CP falls to the floor he gets frustrated and gives Kobmes legs a little twist. Tweet! CP3 rung up immediately for touching Kobes! Again CP, you've got to know your Marketing pecking order. Lakers win in OT as WoWkoast and the entourage at their location order celebratory Cosmopolitans all around.
Got to think more CP3.
Deron OTOH stayed home twice in the closing possession, guarding Swishers trey attempts as the Jazz beat the Flamers just before the All Star break.
Will be interesting to see if either the Jazz or Hornets match up with the Marketers in the playoffs.
