Grant Hill wins NBA Sportsmanship Award for Third Time, Advances in Playoffs
Grant’s Defense Changes Series for Suns
Versatile is a word that has been used so often to describe Duke forwards over the years that it’s become almost reflexive when talking about them. You throw it into the description without even thinking about it because, well, that’s what they ARE… versatile. Sometimes it’s because they score in so many different ways. Sometimes it’s because they can play different positions on the court. Sometimes it’s because they play on both ends so well. Sometimes it’s because they can adjust their game to fill whatever role the team needs. Sometimes it’s because they always find a way to be productive in any situation. And sometimes, like with Grant Hill, it’s ALL those things.
This story from ESPN chronicles Grant’s unbelievable ability to remake himself as a player in the wake of the multiple medical setbacks that robbed the former All-NBA star of several years of playing in his prime. This article, also from ESPN, describes how Hill turned the Suns’ NBA Playoff series with the Trailblazers around by asking to defend Portland point guard Andre Miller after Miller exploded for 31 points to beat Phoenix in the first game of the series. With Grant guarding him, Miller went from dominating the game in Game 1 to averaging 12.6 points on .350 shooting from the field the rest of the series. After the defensive adjustment, the Suns won four of the next five games to advance to the second round of the playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs. Hill’s defensive dominance wasn’t without some highlights, either. The veteran forward proved that he still has enough athleticism to hang with the young kids with this spectacular block at the end of the second half in Game 6. (Be sure to watch the interview at the end of the clip as well.)
Grant was also honored by his NBA peers his past week, winning the Joe Dumars NBA Sportsmanship Award, voted on by fellow NBA players, for the second time in three years and third time overall. In addition, this is the fifth year out of the last six that a Duke player has taken the honor. Elton Brand won it in 2006 and Luol Deng in 2007.
Boozer Dominant Against Nuggets
It’s impossible to pick out a “most impressive game” from Carlos Boozer in the six-game Round 1 playoff series against the Denver Nuggets. With two Utah frontcourt starters sitting out the series with injuries, Carlos picked up the slack and then some, averaging 22.5 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 58.3% from the field. Boozer scored from all over the floor, pouring in jumpers and powering up dunks and layups around the basket with equal success. The bruising forward had 31 points and 13 rebounds in the pivotal Game 4 that gave the Jazz a commanding 3-1 series lead, 25 points and 16 rebounds in the Game 5 loss at Denver, and 22 points and 20 rebounds in the series clinching Game 6 win. With star point guard Deron Williams also taking over the series at times, it looks as though Utah has found the reincarnation of the Stockton-Malone combo that led the Jazz to so much success a decade ago. Boozer and Co. face a tough task though, trailing 2-0 in their second-round series with the defending-champion Lakers.
Redick/Williams Advance in East
All four second-round NBA Playoff series feature Blue Devils in the lineups. In addition to the Western Conference series mentioned above, two former Duke teammates advanced in their Eastern Conference series as well. JJ Redick and the Magic had the easiest time in the first round, sweeping the Charlotte Bobcats with relative ease. The Magic moved on to face the Atlanta Hawks in Round 2, and proceeded to blast the Hawks 114-71 in Game 1. On the other side of the bracket, Shelden Williams and the Celtics took down the Miami Heat in five games. While Shelden saw limited time during the series, his defensive ability may earn him increased minutes as Boston moves on to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. The series is even at a game apiece heading into Game 3 in Boston.
Deng/Bulls Fall to Cavs in Round 1
The young Chicago Bulls had an impressive finish to the regular season which allowed them to sneak into the #8 seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. However, their Playoff experience was short lived, as they fell to Danny Ferry’s Cleveland Cavaliers in five games. Luol Deng had a strong series, defending MVP Lebron James throughout while still managing to produce on the offensive end. Deng finished the series averaging 18.8 points, 5.0 rebounds. 1.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
Quote of the Week
“Grant is phenomenal. He does it all. A great teammate, an intelligent person and player, he’s a pleasure to play with and be around, and his athleticism, skill level, intelligence for the game, his toughness … what he brings to the table as a total package is phenomenal. And that’s for any age. It’s not like ‘wow, he’s doing pretty well for 37.’ He’s doing well for 27.”
Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash on teammate Grant Hill
