No Cecil Brown? No problem for the suddenly surging 66ers as Tulsa earned its second win in as many games in Los Angeles with a 102-90 win on Wednesday afternoon.
Tulsa jumped on the D-Fenders early, screaming to a 17-4 lead to open the game and never looking back as the 66ers improve to 16-14 on the season heading into the All-Star game in Dallas.
Five Tulsa players finished in double figures. Mustafa Shakur had a typical All-Star performer outing with 26 points, but maybe the key was the play of Moses Ehambe off the bench. Not much has been made about Ehambe mow coming off the bench for the 66ers, but the former Oral Roberts player has taken the change in stride. In today's win over L.A., Ehambe hit 4-of-6 from 3-point range on his way to finishing with 22 points off the bench.
Deron Washington seemed to show few ill effects from an injured foot, playing almost 39 minutes and scoring 18 points. Now we'll see how Washington's foot feels heading into the dunk competition in Dallas. Will he participate? Time will tell, but Washington told me yesterday he would decide after today's game.
Latavious Williams posted double-digits in rebounds for the third time in the last four games by grabbing a game-high 12 boards. Williams took time out of his schedule to talk to me about what the first half of the season has been like for him, and I've posted the interview on Ridiculous Upside. You can click here to read it.
And let's not forget the play of Larry Owens and DeVon Hardin. Owens is truly becoming Tulsa's silent assassin, doing his work under the radar every game. Today's 17 points including shooting 7-of-11 from the field. Hardin had his best game since coming back from an injury with 11 points.
Shakur told me the other day that the 66ers couldn't wait to get to the All-Star break and get a few days off to nurse some injuries. Riding a two-game winning streak and grabbing three of five victories during the West Conference road trip will help those injuries not hurt as much.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Catching up with Deron Washington ... and his injured foot
After Deron Washington's impressive return to Los Angeles on Monday, I wanted to catch up with him and ask him about his plans for All-Star weekend, including his participation in the dunk contest. His answer surprised me.
"I'd say right now, there's a slim chance I'm going to participate," Washington admitted. "I hurt my foot in Utah, and then hurt it again in Bakersfield. I'm trying to let it rest as much as I can, and I'll decide after the game Wednesday (in Los Angeles) if I'll be able to be in the dunk contest."
While Washington's foot may keep him out of the dunk contest, he didn't let it bother him against the D-Fenders on Monday night. Washington came off the bench to have 16 points and eight rebounds in Tulsa's 101-100 win. He even played some guard after Cecil Brown went down with an injured ankle.
"The foot felt pretty good last night," Washington said. "I knew we were short on guards so I needed I would need to help out. Right now, everyone is helping bring the ball up the court it seems."
And how did Washington like being back in L.A.?
"It felt good to be back. It was good to talk to some of my friends. We were having some fun. There may have been a little motivation for me to do well against L.A., but it was good to see my friends."
Washington has now been with Tulsa for 20 games, averaging 9.7 points per game. After a surprise trade from L.A. (in exchange for Keith Clark), Washington said it took him about three weeks to settle into the Tulsa lifestyle, but he's glad to be in the Midwest ... and glad to be getting playing time for the 66ers.
"As long as I'm on the court, I'm happy," Washington said. "I'll take the minutes anyway I can get them, bringing the ball up the court or playing in the post."
Now we'll see how Washington responds in his second game in L.A. ... and how his injured foot will respond to another test before All-Star weekend.
"I'd say right now, there's a slim chance I'm going to participate," Washington admitted. "I hurt my foot in Utah, and then hurt it again in Bakersfield. I'm trying to let it rest as much as I can, and I'll decide after the game Wednesday (in Los Angeles) if I'll be able to be in the dunk contest."
While Washington's foot may keep him out of the dunk contest, he didn't let it bother him against the D-Fenders on Monday night. Washington came off the bench to have 16 points and eight rebounds in Tulsa's 101-100 win. He even played some guard after Cecil Brown went down with an injured ankle.
"The foot felt pretty good last night," Washington said. "I knew we were short on guards so I needed I would need to help out. Right now, everyone is helping bring the ball up the court it seems."
And how did Washington like being back in L.A.?
"It felt good to be back. It was good to talk to some of my friends. We were having some fun. There may have been a little motivation for me to do well against L.A., but it was good to see my friends."
Washington has now been with Tulsa for 20 games, averaging 9.7 points per game. After a surprise trade from L.A. (in exchange for Keith Clark), Washington said it took him about three weeks to settle into the Tulsa lifestyle, but he's glad to be in the Midwest ... and glad to be getting playing time for the 66ers.
"As long as I'm on the court, I'm happy," Washington said. "I'll take the minutes anyway I can get them, bringing the ball up the court or playing in the post."
Now we'll see how Washington responds in his second game in L.A. ... and how his injured foot will respond to another test before All-Star weekend.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Tulsa passes its gut check test
After a heartbreaking loss in Bakersfield on Saturday, the Tulsa 66ers desperately needed a win tonight in Los Angeles. That's exactly what the 66ers got tonight in a 101-100 nailbiter at the Staples Center.
It was looking way too familiar to 66ers fans tonight as Tulsa built a big lead and saw it melt away, just like Saturday night in Bakersfield. However tonight, Tulsa was able to hold on to its lead, despite being outscored 32-21 in the final period.
I mentioned in my last blog how Deron Washington would want to make it a return to remember in his first trip back to Los Angeles, and he did just that tonight. In a little less than 35 minutes of play, Washington had 16 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Latavious Williams had what is becoming a standard night for the budding star, grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds to go along with 15 points. Mustafa Shakur? Another solid performance with 21 points. Williams and Shakur are becoming players who can be counted upon night after night. It's the production off the bench that is becoming more and more critical to Tulsa's success.
Tulsa and Los Angeles square off again on Wednesday night.
It was looking way too familiar to 66ers fans tonight as Tulsa built a big lead and saw it melt away, just like Saturday night in Bakersfield. However tonight, Tulsa was able to hold on to its lead, despite being outscored 32-21 in the final period.
I mentioned in my last blog how Deron Washington would want to make it a return to remember in his first trip back to Los Angeles, and he did just that tonight. In a little less than 35 minutes of play, Washington had 16 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Latavious Williams had what is becoming a standard night for the budding star, grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds to go along with 15 points. Mustafa Shakur? Another solid performance with 21 points. Williams and Shakur are becoming players who can be counted upon night after night. It's the production off the bench that is becoming more and more critical to Tulsa's success.
Tulsa and Los Angeles square off again on Wednesday night.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The one that got away ... and the two games that are critical ahead
With a record of 14-14 and West Conference leader Rio Grande Valley seemingly unstoppable, Tulsa's two games at Los Angeles this week could be pivotal to the 66ers' season.
With three games down on a five-game trek through the West Conference, Tulsa is 1-2 so far ... and the last loss at Bakersfield could be one that will haunt Tulsa. On paper, it was a game Tulsa should've won with the Jam entering the game with a 7-21 mark, including just 3-9 at home. On paper, the two games against the D-Fenders are winnable as well, with the D-Fenders standing at 9-15.
Look for Deron Washington to want to make a good impression on his former teammates as it will be his first game against Los Angeles since being traded to Tulsa in December. Also look for Latavious Williams to continue asserting himself as the paint as he continues to see his playing time go up.
With three games down on a five-game trek through the West Conference, Tulsa is 1-2 so far ... and the last loss at Bakersfield could be one that will haunt Tulsa. On paper, it was a game Tulsa should've won with the Jam entering the game with a 7-21 mark, including just 3-9 at home. On paper, the two games against the D-Fenders are winnable as well, with the D-Fenders standing at 9-15.
Look for Deron Washington to want to make a good impression on his former teammates as it will be his first game against Los Angeles since being traded to Tulsa in December. Also look for Latavious Williams to continue asserting himself as the paint as he continues to see his playing time go up.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Richard heading to Chicago
Tulsa 66ers forward Chris Richard has been signed by the Chicago Bulls to a 10-day contract. Richard has played in nine games for the 66ers during the 2009-10 season for the 66ers, averaging 10.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per contest, while shooting 62.3 percent from the field.
Originally selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft (#41 overall), he has appeared in 52 NBA games. The Lakeland, Florida native owns career averages of 1.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per contest.
Personally, I'm a little surprised by the callup. Richard has been a slow bloomer with Tulsa and really didn't seem to capture his form from last year ... yet. It definitely leaves the 66ers short on big men (no pun intended). Look for Marcus Lewis and Latavious Williams to really have to step it up on the boards now.
Originally selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft (#41 overall), he has appeared in 52 NBA games. The Lakeland, Florida native owns career averages of 1.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per contest.
Personally, I'm a little surprised by the callup. Richard has been a slow bloomer with Tulsa and really didn't seem to capture his form from last year ... yet. It definitely leaves the 66ers short on big men (no pun intended). Look for Marcus Lewis and Latavious Williams to really have to step it up on the boards now.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Shakur and Washington head to Dallas
The official release from our friend Ryan Williams, the media guru for the 66ers...
Tulsa 66ers point guard Mustafa Shakur has been selected to compete in the NBA D-League Haier Shooting Stars competition and forward Deron Washington has been selected to compete in the Slam Dunk competition, the NBA D-League announced today.
Shakur is one of 12 NBA D-League stars participating in the Haier Shooting Stars competition, which makes its first appearance at NBA D-League Dream Factory Friday night presented by Haier. Four teams of three compete in a two-round timed shooting event that features six numbered shooting locations of increasing difficulty, with each team attempting to make all shots in numeric order in the fastest time. Each team will select a specific player rotation to follow throughout the competition. Each shot must be made before the next player begins shooting in succession. Teams have up to two minutes to complete the entire shooting course and the team that completes all six shots in the least amount of time is declared the winner. In the case of a tie, a shoot-off will be used to determine the winner.
Washington is one of four first-time Slam Dunk competitors that will take to the floor to showcase their best high-flying skills in a battle for slam dunk supremacy. The competition consists of two rounds of two dunks each with the top scores from the first round advancing to the championship round.
The NBA Development League Dream Factory Friday Night presented by Haier, an innovative skills competition modeled after the popular NBA All-Star Saturday Night, returns for the third consecutive year to Center Court at NBA Jam Session presented by adidas on Friday, Feb. 12, at 10:00 p.m. ET, and will stream live on NBA.com from 10-11p.m. ET. This year’s event includes a Slam Dunk Competition, a Three-Point Competition featuring an all “money-ball” rack and the inaugural NBA D-League’s Haier Shooting Stars. Players must be on an active NBA D-League roster to compete in any event.
NBA D-League action in Dallas continues on Saturday, Feb. 13, when the fourth-annual NBA D-League All-Star Game tips off on Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas at 2 pm CT. Shakur and 19 other NBA D-League top prospects as selected by fans and the NBA D-League’s 16 head coaches, will showcase their skills as the game will be broadcast live on NBA TV at 2 p.m. CT.
Now for my take ... thank the heavens Shakur was recognized by fans and coaches for his play this season. No doubt the former Arizona guard deserves the nod. At 19.6 points and 6.9 assists per game, Shakur is the straw that stirs the 66ers drink. With a West Conference so depp with guards, there was some concern if Shakur would be selected, but he was simply too good this season to not be in Dallas.
Washington will wow some folks in the dunk contest. I've seen plenty of him in pregame and he has the athletic ability to drop some jaws during the competition. He's a good choice, and I would think he's one of the favorites to bring the trophy back to Tulsa.
Tulsa 66ers point guard Mustafa Shakur has been selected to compete in the NBA D-League Haier Shooting Stars competition and forward Deron Washington has been selected to compete in the Slam Dunk competition, the NBA D-League announced today.
Shakur is one of 12 NBA D-League stars participating in the Haier Shooting Stars competition, which makes its first appearance at NBA D-League Dream Factory Friday night presented by Haier. Four teams of three compete in a two-round timed shooting event that features six numbered shooting locations of increasing difficulty, with each team attempting to make all shots in numeric order in the fastest time. Each team will select a specific player rotation to follow throughout the competition. Each shot must be made before the next player begins shooting in succession. Teams have up to two minutes to complete the entire shooting course and the team that completes all six shots in the least amount of time is declared the winner. In the case of a tie, a shoot-off will be used to determine the winner.
Washington is one of four first-time Slam Dunk competitors that will take to the floor to showcase their best high-flying skills in a battle for slam dunk supremacy. The competition consists of two rounds of two dunks each with the top scores from the first round advancing to the championship round.
The NBA Development League Dream Factory Friday Night presented by Haier, an innovative skills competition modeled after the popular NBA All-Star Saturday Night, returns for the third consecutive year to Center Court at NBA Jam Session presented by adidas on Friday, Feb. 12, at 10:00 p.m. ET, and will stream live on NBA.com from 10-11p.m. ET. This year’s event includes a Slam Dunk Competition, a Three-Point Competition featuring an all “money-ball” rack and the inaugural NBA D-League’s Haier Shooting Stars. Players must be on an active NBA D-League roster to compete in any event.
NBA D-League action in Dallas continues on Saturday, Feb. 13, when the fourth-annual NBA D-League All-Star Game tips off on Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas at 2 pm CT. Shakur and 19 other NBA D-League top prospects as selected by fans and the NBA D-League’s 16 head coaches, will showcase their skills as the game will be broadcast live on NBA TV at 2 p.m. CT.
Now for my take ... thank the heavens Shakur was recognized by fans and coaches for his play this season. No doubt the former Arizona guard deserves the nod. At 19.6 points and 6.9 assists per game, Shakur is the straw that stirs the 66ers drink. With a West Conference so depp with guards, there was some concern if Shakur would be selected, but he was simply too good this season to not be in Dallas.
Washington will wow some folks in the dunk contest. I've seen plenty of him in pregame and he has the athletic ability to drop some jaws during the competition. He's a good choice, and I would think he's one of the favorites to bring the trophy back to Tulsa.
A quick congratulations to two Tulsa 66ers
More will come on this later, but big congratulations to Mustafa Shakur for being named to the West Conference All-Star team and Deron Washington for being tabbed as one of four to participate in the dunk contest. The competition consists of two rounds of two dunks each with the top scores from the first round advancing to the championship round.
Nice job gents!
More later...
Nice job gents!
More later...
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