This one was reminiscent of the dunk Blake Griffin pulled off Timofey Mozgov.
In the LA Clippers’ 108-99 loss to the Phoenix Suns, Griffin made Suns center Marcin Gortat his launching pad as he jumped just outside the restricted area; so far away from the rim that he literally have to just throw the ball in.
However, the dunk was waived off by game officials as it was ruled an offensive foul on Griffin giving him his sixth foul.
Blame this to the Miami Thrice.
After 26 games into the 2010-11 NBA season, the Orlando Magic finds itself losing its grip on the Southeast Division first place with a dysfunctional squad while the Heat is streaking to 12 consecutive wins after a dysfunctional start to the season.
Amar’e Stoudemire had agreed to play for the New York Knicks starting next season, thereby becoming the first high-profile free agent from the class of 2010 to switch teams.
The Phoenix Suns drafted him 9th overall in the 2002 NBA Draft and immediately made an impact despite jumping straight from high-school to become Rookie of the Year.
He was an NBA All-Star five times and a member of the All-NBA First Team once and Second Team thrice while making heads turn with his powerful dunks playing eight years for the Suns.
With the score tied at 101, Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant had the chance to give his team the win just like he has been doing all season long.
With the ball in his hands and 3.5 seconds remaining in the shot clock, Kobe took the pass and heaved a prayer.
Hounded by Grant Hill and Steve Nash, he missed..
… by a mile.
Kobe Bryant is hoping that in the third time around, the ending will be different.
In the previous two meetings between the LA Lakers and the Phoenix Suns in the 2006 and 2007 playoffs (the Suns lost in 2008 to the Spurs and they did not make it last year), the Lakers had an early exit in the playoffs as they were defeated in the First Round.
Now, Kobe is looking for redemption.
It was an ugly sight to behold.
In the 3rd quarter of the Suns-Spurs conference semifinals series, a renegade Tim Duncan elbow hits Steve Nash’ right eye.
Immediately, Nash was taken out to the locker room as his eye required six stitches and a bandage was put on his eyebrow.
When he returned to play in the 4th quarter, his eye gradually shut more and more until it was swollen shut; in stark contrast to his bulging left eye.
It’s like a scene from Twilight Zone!
