"Battier may be difference-maker"

[OldPhiKap]

Good ink for a good guy:

http://www.foxsportsflorida.com/06/15/12/Battier-may-be-difference-maker-for-Heat/msn_landing.html?blockID=746622&feedID=3565

[hq2]

Good ink for a good guy:

http://www.foxsportsflorida.com/06/15/12/Battier-may-be-difference-maker-for-Heat/msn_landing.html?blockID=746622&feedID=3565

Give him credit. He's 33 and almost done and his physical skills are waning, but he still knows
how to play. Having waited 11 years in the league for his chance, he's stepping up on the big stage,
and not just with three point shooting (although that last straight-on bank shot; was that planned?),
but with great defense and team play. He knows this could likely be a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and he's playing like it too. He could indeed be the difference between the Heat winning and losing.

And, for once, I can actually cheer for the Heat. All of them are finally showing the kind of heart (and
grit) that it takes to be champions. Both Wade and Bosh are not 100%, and Wade's skills appear to be starting to fade, but they're still getting it done, and Lebron is finally stepping up when it matters (bad 3 point shot near the end notwithstanding). If they beat OKC, no one will have doubted that they are true champions, and they'll earn it, the hard way. People may still not like them, but they'll have to respect them.

[sagegrouse]

Battier is probably the best interview among players in all of sports. I wonder if the NBA finals will result in a sea change in his visibility beyond this season.

Interesting, one piece of the article indicated that Battier was more willing to criticize the Heat's play than either Spoelstra or Lebron. He knows how to do it the right way -- another communciations skill.

sagegrouse

[miramar]

I would have never expected that Shane Battier, one of the all-time good guys at Duke, would become the absolutely master of face guarding in the NBA. But I have to admit that watching him do it is one of my guilty pleasures in basketball. Here is one great example:

http://www.nba.com/media/kobe21_600_070330.jpg

It's great to see him getting so much positive publicity towards the end of his career, but it's fully deserved for the only guy in the league who can cover Kevin Durant one night and Kobe Bryan the next (and probably anyone else in the NBA whose name starts with a K, with the possible exception of Kevin Love).

[niveklaen]

http://wagesofwins.com/2012/06/14/will-shane-battier-win-finals-mvp/

the advanced stats guys seem to be rooting for him too

[UrinalCake]

Shane's in a great position, if the Heat wins it all then they can all look to him as being the difference maker, as he was the most significant addition from last year's team which fell short. The Heat's defense has been underrated this year and I think Shane is a big part, not just in what he does but in what his teammates do as a result of his presence. As Duke fans we should all be proud to watch what he's doing.

If they do win it all (which is of course a long way from decided), I wonder if Shane will "ride off on a white horse" like he did in 2001...

[Greg_Newton]

Thought these were some great quotes from a linked (http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/miamiheat/post/_/id/14827/introducing-shane-battiers-secret-weapon) article on the front page - it was published after game 1 (Durant hit a lot of shots over Battier in game 2), but still:


Durant took 14 jumpers in Game 1 and made eight of them. Of those eight makes, four were contested by a hand near the ball. Four of his makes weren't contested at all. But none of his makes was contested by a hand near the eyes.

Durant missed all three of those blindfolded shots -- all defended by Battier.

...When asked about Battier's unorthodox blindfold technique on Wednesday at practice, Durant shook his head in frustration and offered this response:

"I absolutely hate it."... "He’s probably the only guy that does it," Durant said. "I’m just used to guys contesting the shot, but putting a hand in your face? That’s different."

...Here in the playoffs, Battier has guarded 59 shots of the spot-up variety, according to SynergySports, a video-tracking service used by NBA teams. Among players this postseason with at least 40 defended spot-up shots, Battier has allowed the fewest number of points on a per-play basis. His opponent is shooting just 30 percent on those tries. Durant, so far, has contributed three misses and no makes.

[kcswimjk]

"He's 33 and almost done and his physical skills are waning, but he still knows how to play."

I haven't watched enough of the Heat this year to really know; is Battier really waning, physically? He looks pretty darn good in the Finals.

[miramar]

"He's 33 and almost done and his physical skills are waning, but he still knows how to play."

I haven't watched enough of the Heat this year to really know; is Battier really waning, physically? He looks pretty darn good in the Finals.

His shooting was down this year at 38.7% overall and 33.9% on threes, compared to career numbers of 44.1% and 38.2%. This made people think his skills were eroding, but he's still plenty active on defense and his shooting has certainly come back at the right time. Nevertheless, Shane himself has said he can't jump the way he used to, which is no surprise.

He has made $50 million so far in his career, but he still has $6.4 million left in the last two years of his contract, so he certainly has a big incentive to keep going until he's 35.

[mapei]

He looks to me like he's waning a bit, a wee bit slower and not as strong as at his peak. I'm rooting for OKC to win, but for Shane to keep showing well.

And I love watching LeBron play - I like him a lot, and Bosh, too. I have a harder time liking Wade, not sure why. Mainly, there's something about the freshness of OKC that's really appealing to me.

[greybeard]

I think that this hand in the face is dangerous play and bush league. I would have Perkins knock Battier from here til Tuesday.

[moonpie23]

I think that this hand in the face is dangerous play and bush league. I would have Perkins knock Battier from here til Tuesday.

mr beard......are you quoting? or is this your serious opinion?

[sagegrouse]

His shooting was down this year at 38.7% overall and 33.9% on threes, compared to career numbers of 44.1% and 38.2%. This made people think his skills were eroding, but he's still plenty active on defense and his shooting has certainly come back at the right time. Nevertheless, Shane himself has said he can't jump the way he used to, which is no surprise.

He has made $50 million so far in his career, but he still has $6.4 million left in the last two years of his contract, so he certainly has a big incentive to keep going until he's 35.

I expect Shane has slipped a bit, but while you read about "Microwave" and "Instant Offense," starters always seem to score more than subs, per minute and total. This season and the stint at Memphis last year were the first times Shane wasn't a starter in the NBA since his third year in the league.

His 4.8 PPG and 2.4 RPG recorded this year were career lows. As a starter in the last 13 playoff games, however, Shane's stats are 39% 3PT, 7.9 PPG and 2.9 RPG, more in line with his prior years.

sagegrouse

[superdave]

I think that this hand in the face is dangerous play and bush league. I would have Perkins knock Battier from here til Tuesday.


mr beard......are you quoting? or is this your serious opinion?

It's a good defensive move. The announcers said the other night that Durant said he hated it. All defensive specialists do something like that. Artest would get up under people so they come down on his shoulders/elbows and get banged up. Artest is built like a defensive end so that works for him. Bruce Bowen used to sweep the leg. Seriously, google "Bruce Bowen trip".

That being said, I'd have Perk regulate on Battier. Run Battier off screens and knock him into next Wednesday. Then explain to him why you did it. That's 1970s NBA ball for you.

Another point on Battier....

According to his game log (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/gamelog/_/id/976/shane-battier) from this season, he scored 12+ TWICE in the regular season. Twice! He's done it four times in the playoffs, including in his last 3 games. His minutes per game have jumped by 10 from the regular season to the post season. So does he revert to the mean and cost the Heat the series or does he keep this up and bring them a title? Is he the most important player for the Heat? Could be......

[miramar]

I expect Shane has slipped a bit, but while you read about "Microwave" and "Instant Offense," starters always seem to score more than subs, per minute and total. This season and the stint at Memphis last year were the first times Shane wasn't a starter in the NBA since his third year in the league.

His 4.8 PPG and 2.4 RPG recorded this year were career lows. As a starter in the last 13 playoff games, however, Shane's stats are 39% 3PT, 7.9 PPG and 2.9 RPG, more in line with his prior years.

sagegrouse

Shane has made 64% of the Heat's threes in the first two games, according to another complimentary article:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/06/16/2851836/miami-heats-shane-battier-adds.html

Of course, his defense continues to be outstanding, and this photo shows that he still knows how to strong-arm an opponent (scroll down a bit):

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/basketball/#navlink=navbar

[-bdbd]

Shane is going to make a great President someday. Smart guy. One of the best defenders in the NBA. MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! :D

[greybeard]

mr beard......are you quoting? or is this your serious opinion?

A little to strident, but serious. You move your head in a normal way, or maybe drift forward a bit, a hand into your face and a finger maybe into your eye. How well would you shoot? If you did that to a shooter on Riley's Knicks, say Patrick if you could reach that eye, Oakly would knock the snot out of you, all legal like, a foul maybe. He'd find a way, and then another, and then another.

Dean Smith used to have his players not "contest jump shots." Oh no, he just had them put their arms straight up in the air looking all innocent like and once the shooter elevated take a step toward the shooter, making it a crap shoot if you followed through "normally" you might end up landing on the defender's foot with a badly sprained ankle. I never understood how the refs let el Deano get away with that c@#p. I think it outrageous that the refs let Battier.

If Battier has been doing it the entire season I am all the more shocked. I'd say I haven't seen that before but, hey, I had him guarding the wrong guy in the series against the Celtics. That sad, wre was thi dfese the first game against Durrant? Pat Riley tactic that in my view has no place in basketball, has nothing to do with impeding vision and has everything to do with instilling hesitation, with planting a seed of warrented concern for a series ending series, unless one was real careful not to float forward a tad. You make someone change what they are doing by putting their face, their eyes in danger is not defenseto me but intimidation, intimidation by someone with a skweaky clean reputation, I KINOW what Pat Riley would do. I also know what he did now. Me, I'd go after Battier and get him real good. Perkins would be my man. We'll see.

[moonpie23]

he's been doing it for years and it's an incredibly savvy defensive play.......

so, you're just going with the goon-squad rebuttal?

[gumbomoop]

If Battier has been doing it the entire season I am all the more shocked.

I am one of the less informed posters around here re NBA. But in the famous Michael Lewis article a couple of years back, this tactic was mentioned, positively, as far as I can tell.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/magazine/15Battier-t.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1 [Scroll down, p. 3]

And the several times I've seen Battier guard Kobe, the hand in face was a constant, when Battier was close enough. So, whether controversial or not, it's not just the playoffs, nor just this season.

[sagegrouse]

If Battier has been doing it the entire season I am all the more shocked. I'd say I haven't seen that before but, hey, I had him guarding the wrong guy in the series against the Celtics. That sad, [where was the defense]... the first game against Durrant? Pat Riley tactic that in my view has no place in basketball, has nothing to do with impeding vision and has everything to do with instilling hesitation, with planting a seed of warrented concern for a series ending series, unless one was real careful not to float forward a tad. You make someone change what they are doing by putting their face, their eyes in danger is not defenseto me but intimidation, intimidation by someone with a skweaky clean reputation, I KINOW what Pat Riley would do. I also know what he did now. Me, I'd go after Battier and get him real good. Perkins would be my man. We'll see.


FWIW, Greybeard, Battier has been doing it for years. I thought it was mentioned in the NY Times Magazine's cover article a couple of years ago. - sage

[greybeard]

FWIW, Greybeard, Battier has been doing it for years. I thought it was mentioned in the NY Times Magazine's cover article a couple of years ago. - sage

I am not concerned with how long he has been doing it. Dean got away with his intimidating tactic for years. Within the rules, fine. I am sure that Perkins can find a way within the rules to ring Battriers' bell multiple times if necessary. If he can, I would. Pat Riley definitely would. The real point of my post, however, is what I said at the very begining, I think it is taudry and dangerous and is effective because it threatens a guy with injury. Heck, face guarding is a rule violation in the NFL isn't it, albeit for different reasons.

I can understand different views--that if it's effective and within the rules, use it. No one so far has disagreed with my view that it is effective because it gives a shooter pause, it causes him to "blink," when a hand is put right up in front of this face, with a guy leaping towards you. Reflexive. If someone plays ball, please go to a playground where guys are really balling and try that little maneuver just once. It will be your last.

[dcdevil2009]

I am not concerned with how long he has been doing it. Dean got away with his intimidating tactic for years. Within the rules, fine. I am sure that Perkins can find a way within the rules to ring Battriers' bell multiple times if necessary. If he can, I would. Pat Riley definitely would. The real point of my post, however, is what I said at the very begining, I think it is taudry and dangerous and is effective because it threatens a guy with injury. Heck, face guarding is a rule violation in the NFL isn't it, albeit for different reasons.

I can understand different views--that if it's effective and within the rules, use it. No one so far has disagreed with my view that it is effective because it gives a shooter pause, it causes him to "blink," when a hand is put right up in front of this face, with a guy leaping towards you. Reflexive. If someone plays ball, please go to a playground where guys are really balling and try that little maneuver just once. It will be your last.

How about how it's efficacy is related to not being able to see the basket as well? Battier's not pointing his fingers at the shooter's face, but rather putting his open hand in his face to obscure his vision. Here is a link (http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=shane+battier+hand+in+face&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=kr7cT8WrEMTE2gWV4L3UDQ&biw=1240&bih=1215&sei=lb7cT5LwL6qw2wWOxI25DQ) to a google image search for "shane battier hand in face" that might help demonstrate what's happening, which will hopefully change your mind about it being a dirty or intimidating play. It's not at all the same as sticking your foot under someone's feet during a jump shot or Bowen's leg sweep. If he were to make contact, Battier's hand would hit the shooter in the face with an open palm, coming from above the shooter's head and down, not up, into his eyes. If it gives shooters pause, it's because they haven't seen that tactic used before, not because they think they're going to get poked in the eye.

[turnandburn55]

Heck, face guarding is a rule violation in the NFL isn't it, albeit for different reasons.

False. There is no rule in the NFL against face-guarding.

http://archive.profootballtalk.com/ChampionshipTenPack.htm

[Greg_Newton]

FWIW, Greybeard, Battier has been doing it for years. I thought it was mentioned in the NY Times Magazine's cover article a couple of years ago. - sage

...and I can't recall him ever gouging anyone's eyes out, unless I'm mistaken, which would indicate it's actually not that dangerous of a tactic after all.

[basket1544]

I've always enjoyed watching Shane's defense. I think it is awesome that he has the ability to put his hand in someone's face and not foul them. He doesn't jump after the ball and therefore eliminates the possibility of fouling someone with his body. He doesn't slap the ball away and therefore there is no chance the ref will call a foul for his hand connecting with an arm. Instead, he puts his hand in front of the player's face. He takes away their ability to see the court and they are more likely to make a mistake. It's a very clean way to play; it also requires less from his body which allows him to play more minutes. Here's to Shane bottling up whom ever he is guarding.

[ForkFondler]

If face-guarding involved putting a hand within a fingers-length of an eyeball, then maybe you could argue that intimidation is the goal. But at 8+ inches, blocking vision is clearly the one and only objective.

[hq2]

Shane is going to make a great President someday

I have no doubt about it! Hopefully, I'll live long enough to see his inauguration.
But seriously, I really believe he has his sights on it. He has the smarts, (will have)
the resume', and has a charismatic personality (unlike Bill Bradley, who didn't). I have never
doubted that his NBA career was only a prelude to greater things.

[UrinalCake]

The hand-in-the-face move was mentioned in the old NY Times article if my memory serves correctly, and he even talked about it in detail. He said he'll occasionally allow himself to actually make contact with the player's face, even if he has to take a foul. It's worth it if it causes the player to worry about it happening from then on. Whether the threat of poking someone in the eye constitutes a "dirty play" is debatable I suppose. But Shane has been doing it for years, even going back to his days at Duke.

Battier does a whole lot more on defense than just put his hand in a guy's face. Keep your eyes on him through an entire defensive possession and you'll see that he's always positioned perfectly, ready to help off his man without leaving him completely, cutting off passing angles and driving lanes, and generally disrupting things. Often his positioning allows a teammate to make a defensive play or rebound. And he does seem to have the freedom to roam around a lot, perhaps a liberty that he has earned. Occasionally he'll get burned by it and leave his man wide open, but more often he creates a big defensive play. I remember one time someone asked Coach K what his defensive strategy was, and he responded "tell Shane to go out there and mess things up."

[gep]

I recall... from my very younger days... they told us that if someone is taller, you'll never block his shot. But, you can disrupt his view. So just get your hand up and block his view towards the basket. I don't recall anyone ever mentioning "touching" his face or even threatening to touch is face, but just get a hand up to block his view. I think it may be like playing defense against an out-of-bounds passer. Jumping around, waving hands, etc will probably never block the pass, but it surely can disrupt vision. Just ask Grant :cool:

[moonpie23]

If someone plays ball, please go to a playground where guys are really balling and try that little maneuver just once. It will be your last.

this isn't a playground, and i'd have to say that the NBA finals are about as "really balling" as you can get.......it's a very good defensive maneuver, but if you want to reduce the strategy down to just brawling when things don't go your way, well, that would be hockey.....

[gumbomoop]

Battier does a whole lot more on defense than just put his hand in a guy's face. Keep your eyes on him through an entire defensive possession and you'll see...."

Yes. K once recommended that for a series of possessions, observers do nothing but observe Shane. The quotation, or pretty close, was: "Don't watch anything or anyone but Shane. Just watch Shane."

[greybeard]

How about how it's efficacy is related to not being able to see the basket as well? Battier's not pointing his fingers at the shooter's face, but rather putting his open hand in his face to obscure his vision. Here is a link (http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=shane+battier+hand+in+face&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=kr7cT8WrEMTE2gWV4L3UDQ&biw=1240&bih=1215&sei=lb7cT5LwL6qw2wWOxI25DQ) to a google image search for "shane battier hand in face" that might help demonstrate what's happening, which will hopefully change your mind about it being a dirty or intimidating play. It's not at all the same as sticking your foot under someone's feet during a jump shot or Bowen's leg sweep. If he were to make contact, Battier's hand would hit the shooter in the face with an open palm, coming from above the shooter's head and down, not up, into his eyes. If it gives shooters pause, it's because they haven't seen that tactic used before, not because they think they're going to get poked in the eye.

We're seeing very different things in these pictures. The third one, Battier coming up into Durant's face, for example, those fingers are pointing up at an angle if both keep moving toward one aother,it's in his eye. The real point is that if someone lunges with a locked arm pointing at your face it is disturbing to your shot.

I do not believe that Shane is blocking out anyone's vision sufficiently to impact the shot. I think that the reflex action will cause a pull back by the shooter, literally change momentum of the head, and/or the float of the body forward. That is what in my view makes this last minute move with a locked arm , or striaghtening arm effective. Like I said, you go where the real games are in DC and try something like that and it will be on, and some of these dudes are for real. I wouldn't be surprised if things don't get a whole lot nastier this next game--Perkins controlling the paint could make some guys flinch as well, like Mr. Wade for instance, or that shooter from Kansas who likes to take it to the basket at times.

I'm seeing a nastier side to Battier in the last two series. Nothing over the top, but out of character for him.

I think that Battier is the leader of that team now--not Wade, not LeBron, not the coach. Dude's a Champion, a real Champion, he's disciplined, very, very sharp and prepared to defend as I think few players are or have been. I'm a Battier fan, I thought that he would take away Harden's game, and that that would make the differnce. I don't think that the Thunder can afford to let this play directed at Durant go unanswered, and think that they are justified in making it stop by any means necessary.

I don't like the play, and, were it my team, I'd make it stop.

[Jim3k]

I don't like the play, and, were it my team, I'd make it stop.

The problem with your approach is that two can play that game. Dirty play against Battier might well result in similar dirty play against a Thunder team member, not necessarily by Battier, but someone else. I don't think the coaches would like that, much less instigate it, as it becomes a vicious circle. As long as Battier isn't hurting anyone, that circle won't start.

[Greg_Newton]

I do not believe that Shane is blocking out anyone's vision sufficiently to impact the shot.

You don't?

2672


I don't like the play, and, were it my team, I'd make it stop.

What about when guys know they're too out of position to contest an open shooter, so instead of jumping as they run out, they pretend to that little low-jab towards the stomach to try and throw off the shooter's concentration - would you have a problem with that, too? Guys do that all the time in pickup games, if that's (for some reason) the standard we're going by. It's all part of the game.

[hq2]

I think that Battier is the leader of that team now--not Wade, not LeBron, not the coach. Dude's a Champion, a real Champion, he's disciplined, very, very sharp and prepared to defend as I think few players are or have been. I'm a Battier fan, I thought that he would take away Harden's game, and that that would make the differnce.


What I always loved about Battier was how well he understood the game and percentages. Battier was the winningest player in Duke history for good reason; that was all he cared about. He knew when to step it up, and, more importantly, when to let other people step it up. His first two years, he knew that Brand and Langdon were better percentage scorers, so he let them do most of the scoring. Result: team won every game but two, and came one game away from winning an NC. His last two years, he knew he needed to step it up, so he did. Result: an NC, where he personally carried the team down the stretch, making several winning plays.

Now, after a season where Battier has helped Lebron and Wade, he realizes the team needs him to step it up. Result: two 17 point games and many clutch plays made, and he may be the difference maker in the series. Battier could have scored more all these years if he'd wanted to, but the fact that he cared about winning more and helping his teammates is the reason why he is now positioned to get (maybe) both an NCAA and NBA ring. What a credit to the program!

[ArkieDukie]

Shane is going to make a great President someday. Smart guy. One of the best defenders in the NBA. MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! :D

-bdbd beat me to the punch on this one. I freely admit that I do no watch NBA basketball, but I may have to watch a few games of this series to pull for Battier. If he stays on his current trajectory and the Heat ultimately win, does Battier have a shot at MVP? It would be so cool to see him win it over the Heat's more hyped players.

[OldPhiKap]

President: Shane Battier.
VP: Grant Hill
Sec. Defense: Nate James
Sec. State: Coach K
Sec. Treasury: JJ ('cause he's money)


Now THAT's a starting five.

[greybeard]

You don't?

2672



What about when guys know they're too out of position to contest an open shooter, so instead of jumping as they run out, they pretend to that little low-jab towards the stomach to try and throw off the shooter's concentration - would you have a problem with that, too? Guys do that all the time in pickup games, if that's (for some reason) the standard we're going by. It's all part of the game.

I got my radial head broken on just such a play. Yes, I have a big probloem with that play. The picture above with Shane and his hand in front of Durant's eyes, the ball is about to leave Durant's fingers. How would you react if you saw that hand coming to your face. You probably wouldn't need to know because your reaction would be reflexive, it would cause a change in the momentum of the shot precisely because a guy is moving towards you from at least a step away with an arm extended and his hand going for your face. Don't believe me, try it the next time you are on the court with a friend. See how he reacts and then ask him if he felt himself feel differently through the shot.

I think that it is a cheap and dangerous move and I'd put a stop to it, were I the coach. You do not want to go after a team that has Perkins and have thrown the first punch. Riley knows that. He did it for years with Oakly and Mason, so did Detroit with Lamber and Mahorn. Thug ball, in Battier's case with a cleverness worthy of el Deano but in this case it is somebody's face/eyes.

If someone did that to LeBron, either Lebron the next time he had the chance when he built up a head of steam would look for that guy or take whomever was anywhere near in his way and make a collision happen that the guy would remember near the rest of his life. On the other hand, if the hand into an inch or so of Levron's face and mirrors what Battier had just done, I don't think that LeBron would do a thing. Nor do I think Miami would be any position to retaliate for a rough foul that the entire team, certainly the coach knew Battier had precipitated. But, if that's the way it has to go, if Miami wants to get into it for real, if I'm the coach I say bring it on.

[Starter]

I loved when Battier would do that at Duke, and I picked it up myself. I've never once hit anyone in the face. I can confirm that people hate it, mostly because it makes them miss shots.

[OldPhiKap]

Shane had two key rebound/tip-outs at crunch time tonight. Only watched the end of the game, but he made some key plays when it counted.

[Newton_14]

Shane had two key rebound/tip-outs at crunch time tonight. Only watched the end of the game, but he made some key plays when it counted.

Yep. I was flipping back and forth between golf (Congrats to Webb Simpson!) and the game, but Shane played every minute I watched and played well. 2 wins away from the title!

[Greg_Newton]

Battier's been making his points count, too. Not just that had 4.5 PPS tonight, but that his 3 FTs were the beginning of a 13-2 run that turned a 65-56 deficit with 3:13 to go in the 3rd in a 69-67 lead by the end of the quarter. Seems like a few of his shots have been momentum turners.

Did anyone catch the shot of him walking down the tunnel post-game, arm around the sulking Chalmers, smiling and chatting away? He's so in his element right now it's not even funny. :D

[COYS]

Battier's been making his points count, too. Not just that had 4.5 PPS tonight, but that his 3 FTs were the beginning of a 13-2 run that turned a 65-56 deficit with 3:13 to go in the 3rd in a 69-67 lead by the end of the quarter. Seems like a few of his shots have been momentum turners.

Did anyone catch the shot of him walking down the tunnel post-game, arm around the sulking Chalmers, smiling and chatting away? He's so in his element right now it's not even funny. :D

Battier has flat out been the Heat's best player not named Lebron. Wade has been steadily mediocre. Bosh still isn't scoring like you'd like to see. Battier, on the other hand, has been playing great defense, knocking down his shots, and, as usual, doing the little things. Last night when Game 3 was starting to get away from the Heat, he uses his prescience to get in position and draw a charge on Westbrook in transition. This takes away 2 easy points for the Thunder and instead gives Westbrook a foul, a turnover, and a seat on the bench (where he would stay for 5 more minutes).

Then, Battier fouls Kendrick Perkins on what would have been an easy put-back. Battier gets a meaningless 3rd personal. However, he sends the inconsistent Perkins to the line to shoot 2. The result? Perkins clanks both free throws and the Heat start to chip away at the lead.

Finally, with Durant and Westbrook off the court, the Thunder are counting on Harden to run the offense. Battier intelligently doubles Harden on virtually every possession 30 feet from the basket, knowing that no one else on the Thunder have much of a chance of creating their own shot. The result? Harden has one assist (on the Fisher 4 point play), hits 2 free throws (on 2 of 4 shooting in the 3rd), and otherwise is unable to generate offense for himself or his team for the remainder of the 3rd quarter.

[sagegrouse]

Did anyone catch the shot of him walking down the tunnel post-game, arm around the sulking Chalmers, smiling and chatting away? He's so in his element right now it's not even funny. :D

My two favorite Battier anecdotes show his thoughtful maturity, even as a young player:

1. The opening game of his rookie season in Memphis, the franchise called on Shane to introduce the players at the opening game. A 22-YO rookie!

2. Several years later, when traded to Houston, his first act was to go to the basketball office and thank each personf there for his or her contribution to the team.

We should probably be collecting all these stories for his presidential biography.

sage

[hq2]

We should probably be collecting all these stories for his presidential biography.

sage

Wonder how the television spotlights will look reflecting off of his rings (one he's about to get) when
he does his swearing in!

[Duvall]

It's a good defensive move. The announcers said the other night that Durant said he hated it. All defensive specialists do something like that. Artest would get up under people so they come down on his shoulders/elbows and get banged up. Artest is built like a defensive end so that works for him. Bruce Bowen used to sweep the leg. Seriously, google "Bruce Bowen trip".

That being said, I'd have Perk regulate on Battier. Run Battier off screens and knock him into next Wednesday. Then explain to him why you did it. That's 1970s NBA ball for you.


One question, though. Who is this "Perk" and will he be making an appearance in this series?

[jipops]

Did anyone catch the shot of him walking down the tunnel post-game, arm around the sulking Chalmers, smiling and chatting away? He's so in his element right now it's not even funny. :D

And then Chalmers ends up with a huge game in #4. Correlation?

[Billy Dat]

One question, though. Who is this "Perk" and will he be making an appearance in this series?

Perk's been doing his best to beat Shane up...I sometimes fear for Shane's life as I think Perk might snap and simply pick him up and snap him in two. Perk two hand shoves and forearm shivers Shane whenever he gets a chance. Shane just stoically soldiers on, one game closer to the ring.

I also noticed that Fisher was guarding Shane really tight as Shane tried to come off an LBJ screen and Shane very cleverly shoved Fisher into LBJ resulting in a charge on Fisher. Fisher sat on the ground, smirking at Lebron, insinuating that LBJ had flopped, but also, I am sure, mad that no one caught Shane's assist in that charge. Classic stuff.

I basically watch Shane on every play, doing so allows one to really see what the gameplan is, on both ends.

[CDu]

Perk's been doing his best to beat Shane up...I sometimes fear for Shane's life as I think Perk might snap and simply pick him up and snap him in two. Perk two hand shoves and forearm shivers Shane whenever he gets a chance. Shane just stoically soldiers on, one game closer to the ring.

I also noticed that Fisher was guarding Shane really tight as Shane tried to come off an LBJ screen and Shane very cleverly shoved Fisher into LBJ resulting in a charge on Fisher. Fisher sat on the ground, smirking at Lebron, insinuating that LBJ had flopped, but also, I am sure, mad that no one caught Shane's assist in that charge. Classic stuff.

I basically watch Shane on every play, doing so allows one to really see what the gameplan is, on both ends.

Battier seems to get away with a lot of shoves and moving screens. Several times on offense, he'd try to set a high screen on Westbrook. When Westbrook would try to run around the screen, Battier would then run in front of him again. He would basically spend a second or two setting a continuously moving screen. But the officials aren't calling it. And he's constantly running into or shoving players on both ends of the court. His defensive strategy to deny the ball to Durant is to grab/bump/hold/push him.

Frankly, I'm not a fan of this style of basketball. I give Battier kudos for his effort and smarts, but a lot of what he does should be called for fouls. I hate the idea that this style of basketball may wind up getting praise. I love his "hand in the face" defense on jumpshots and his constant willingness to help off the ball. But the other stuff isn't the way the game should be played, in my opinion.

I do love that he's making big shots (hate that it is for the Heat, but oh well) and being a good teammate and doing a lot of little things. I just hate that he's having to go the Bruce Bowen route on the chippy/illegal stuff as well.

[FerryFor50]

Battier seems to get away with a lot of shoves and moving screens. Several times on offense, he'd try to set a high screen on Westbrook. When Westbrook would try to run around the screen, Battier would then run in front of him again. He would basically spend a second or two setting a continuously moving screen. But the officials aren't calling it. And he's constantly running into or shoving players on both ends of the court. His defensive strategy to deny the ball to Durant is to grab/bump/hold/push him.

Frankly, I'm not a fan of this style of basketball. I give Battier kudos for his effort and smarts, but a lot of what he does should be called for fouls. I hate the idea that this style of basketball may wind up getting praise. I love his "hand in the face" defense on jumpshots and his constant willingness to help off the ball. But the other stuff isn't the way the game should be played, in my opinion.

I do love that he's making big shots (hate that it is for the Heat, but oh well) and being a good teammate and doing a lot of little things. I just hate that he's having to go the Bruce Bowen route on the chippy/illegal stuff as well.

Battier is not the only one setting moving screens. Every screen I see set in the NBA is moving for the most part. Lots of guys set a screen and then walk into the defender to complete the screen. I really wish they'd clamp down on it.

My biggest beef with Battier is the flops, but that seems to be everyone in the NBA these days.

[FerryFor50]

Perk's been doing his best to beat Shane up...I sometimes fear for Shane's life as I think Perk might snap and simply pick him up and snap him in two. Perk two hand shoves and forearm shivers Shane whenever he gets a chance. Shane just stoically soldiers on, one game closer to the ring.

I also noticed that Fisher was guarding Shane really tight as Shane tried to come off an LBJ screen and Shane very cleverly shoved Fisher into LBJ resulting in a charge on Fisher. Fisher sat on the ground, smirking at Lebron, insinuating that LBJ had flopped, but also, I am sure, mad that no one caught Shane's assist in that charge. Classic stuff.

I basically watch Shane on every play, doing so allows one to really see what the gameplan is, on both ends.

That made up for Fisher pushing Shane into Ibaka on a FT attempt, causing Shane to get called for a foul. :)

[dcdevil2009]

Battier is not the only one setting moving screens. Every screen I see set in the NBA is moving for the most part. Lots of guys set a screen and then walk into the defender to complete the screen. I really wish they'd clamp down on it.

Yeah, Van Gundy was talking about it in the Boston series, particularly with respect to Garnett. People have continued to push the envelope between what is and isn't a moving screen for the past few years and until the NBA makes it a point of emphasis, players are going to continue to do it because it's the smart thing to do. It seems like it's part of the NBA's tendency to favor offense over defense, but unlike the stricter hand check rules/enforcement, the 14 second shot clock reset instead of 24 for fouls and kicked balls, and the 8 second back court, the lax officiating on moving screens could actually result in someone getting hurt. I'm a fan of good offense, but like FerryFor50 and CDu, I wish they'd clamp down on it more. Great offense is fun to watch, but not as much when someone hits the deck every other play.

[FerryFor50]

Yeah, Van Gundy was talking about it in the Boston series, particularly with respect to Garnett. People have continued to push the envelope between what is and isn't a moving screen for the past few years and until the NBA makes it a point of emphasis, players are going to continue to do it because it's the smart thing to do. It seems like it's part of the NBA's tendency to favor offense over defense, but unlike the stricter hand check rules/enforcement, the 14 second shot clock reset instead of 24 for fouls and kicked balls, and the 8 second back court, the lax officiating on moving screens could actually result in someone getting hurt. I'm a fan of good offense, but like FerryFor50 and CDu, I wish they'd clamp down on it more. Great offense is fun to watch, but not as much when someone hits the deck every other play.

What's more maddening is when they finally DO call it. Then you're like, what about the other 800 moving screens I saw before and will see after that aren't called?

Must be really frustrating for it to be called so inconsistently and seemingly randomly...

[CDu]

Battier is not the only one setting moving screens. Every screen I see set in the NBA is moving for the most part. Lots of guys set a screen and then walk into the defender to complete the screen. I really wish they'd clamp down on it.

My biggest beef with Battier is the flops, but that seems to be everyone in the NBA these days.

I agree that Battier isn't alone in doing it. My beef is the extent to which he is doing it. It's one thing to edge out a little something extra on a screen. It's another thing to literally chase the defender around for a few seconds attempting to set the screen.

And this was not meant to be a bash of Battier. It's a bash of the officiating for allowing it to happen.

Totally agree on the flops though.

[-jk]

I agree that Battier isn't alone in doing it. My beef is the extent to which he is doing it. It's one thing to edge out a little something extra on a screen. It's another thing to literally chase the defender around for a few seconds attempting to set the screen.

And this was not meant to be a bash of Battier. It's a bash of the officiating for allowing it to happen.

Totally agree on the flops though.

I haven't been watching the games, but feel the need to point out that moving in front of a defender isn't a moving screen until there is foul-worthy contact.

So long as the defender is trying to get around a moving screen, rather than through it, there just isn't a foul to call. Play on.

If you're a defender and think there's a moving screen, plow through it to make the ref call it. And hope the ref saw it your way, of course.

-jk

[crimsonandblue]

I agree that Battier isn't alone in doing it. My beef is the extent to which he is doing it. It's one thing to edge out a little something extra on a screen. It's another thing to literally chase the defender around for a few seconds attempting to set the screen.

And this was not meant to be a bash of Battier. It's a bash of the officiating for allowing it to happen.

Totally agree on the flops though.

Collison basically does the same stuff for OKC as Battier does for the Heat. They know their roles and play them well. They're just not attractive roles. It's called "dirty" work for a reason in this case. Battier does some more clutching and grabbing, but he's on the perimeter. Collison meanwhile lines guys up for massive elbows in getting into blockout positions for rebounds. Battier flops more, but again, I think that's due to being stuck on the perimeter and needing to use something against quicker guys. At least Battier shoots the three. Collison's contribution is basically the occasional dunk off guard penetration or tap outs.

Two guys who in college were tough, gritty and artful players are relegated in the NBA to being tougher and grittier.

[crimsonandblue]

I haven't been watching the games, but feel the need to point out that moving in front of a defender isn't a moving screen until there is foul-worthy contact.

So long as the defender is trying to get around a moving screen, rather than through it, there just isn't a foul to call. Play on.

If you're a defender and think there's a moving screen, plow through it to make the ref call it. And hope the ref saw it your way, of course.

-jk

These guys engage more and hold their blocks better than most NFL linemen. It's everywhere, but most of the screens CDu is discussing could draw a flag in football. Hands outside the shoulders; feet shuffling as the defender tries to get by; walking the defender from the top of the key to the elbow. It's pretty blatantly bad.

[CDu]

I haven't been watching the games, but feel the need to point out that moving in front of a defender isn't a moving screen until there is foul-worthy contact.

Moving in front but not making contact is legal. What Battier is doing is staying in constant contact while chasing the defender around. That's not legal. It is the very definition of a moving screen because he's very rarely ever stationary during the screen.

[Duvall]

Moving in front but not making contact is legal. What Battier is doing is staying in constant contact while chasing the defender around. That's not legal. It is the very definition of a moving screen because he's very rarely ever stationary during the screen.

Seems to me that what's illegal is what the referees call illegal, which doesn't seem to include these screens.

[CDu]

Seems to me that what's illegal is what the referees call illegal, which doesn't seem to include these screens.

Nitpick noted. According to the rules it's illegal. The refs unwillingness to call it is what makes me unhappy (again - this isn't a criticism of Battier), because I don't care for that style of basketball.

[FerryFor50]

Nitpick noted. According to the rules it's illegal. The refs unwillingness to call it is what makes me unhappy (again - this isn't a criticism of Battier), because I don't care for that style of basketball.

But singling out Battier for it is wrong. Perkins, Ibaka, Collison... they're just as bad about it and getting called for it just as much as Battier.

The NBA needs to focus on cleaning it up, not just because of the fact that it's ugly basketball, but it's also dangerous. A lot of guys come up limping when they get a posterior to the hip as they run by because the screener moves.

[CDu]

But singling out Battier for it is wrong. Perkins, Ibaka, Collison... they're just as bad about it and getting called for it just as much as Battier.

The NBA needs to focus on cleaning it up, not just because of the fact that it's ugly basketball, but it's also dangerous. A lot of guys come up limping when they get a posterior to the hip as they run by because the screener moves.

It's a thread about Battier, and he's doing it to a greater extent than those other guys (or at least in a notably different way). If the discussion were about Perkins, Ibaka, and Collison, I'd have said it about them. But since it was a discussion about Battier, I was not singling him out and therefore it was not wrong.

Totally agree on the second part.

[-jk]

Moving in front but not making contact is legal. What Battier is doing is staying in constant contact while chasing the defender around. That's not legal. It is the very definition of a moving screen because he's very rarely ever stationary during the screen.

Basketball is a contact sport. Contact is always somewhat subjective for the refs. Only certain fouls get called routinely (the 2-hand hand check in NCAA comes to mind). Otherwise, contact must cross some threshold to be called a foul.

My point is that so long as the defender is not attempting to move through the screen, the contact is not crossing whatever threshold the nba refs use. The defender needs to stop running around in a way Shane can keep a body on him, and force the issue by running directly into Shane. When one or both of them wind up on the floor, the refs will (likely) make a call.

-jk

[UrinalCake]

I thought Shane did less flopping yesterday, while still playing his excellent D. As Spolestra said before game 4, the media and fans don't notice Shane until he's hitting shots, but the guys on the floor know how much value he provides even in a game like yesterday's where he doesn't score much.

He was perfectly positioned to draw a charge on Durant off a breakaway, only to have Chalmers called for a reach-in foul prior to contact. You could see the frustration on Battier's face at the fact that he just allowed a 6'9 guy to barrel into him at full speed for nothing.

[CDu]

I thought Shane did less flopping yesterday, while still playing his excellent D. As Spolestra said before game 4, the media and fans don't notice Shane until he's hitting shots, but the guys on the floor know how much value he provides even in a game like yesterday's where he doesn't score much.

He was perfectly positioned to draw a charge on Durant off a breakaway, only to have Chalmers called for a reach-in foul prior to contact. You could see the frustration on Battier's face at the fact that he just allowed a 6'9 guy to barrel into him at full speed for nothing.

I agree that Battier isn't flopping nearly as much as he has historically done. His defensive effort has been pretty great all around. He's taken full advantage of the refs' unwillingness to call fouls for excessive body contact in making it difficult for Durant to catch passes on the perimeter. And he's playing smart positional defense as always. And in transition, he's almost always one of the guys back trying to prevent layups.

Although I don't think the play you're discussing in the second paragraph would have ever resulted in charge. In the replay (and seeing Durant's eyes on the play), Durant was clearly sizing Battier up and was going to jump around him. But Chalmers grabbed Durant's arm and pulled him off balance (preventing Durant from making his move). I think if Chalmers doesn't foul there that Durant glides right around Battier for a finger roll.

[subzero02]

I thought Shane did less flopping yesterday, while still playing his excellent D. As Spolestra said before game 4, the media and fans don't notice Shane until he's hitting shots, but the guys on the floor know how much value he provides even in a game like yesterday's where he doesn't score much.

He was perfectly positioned to draw a charge on Durant off a breakaway, only to have Chalmers called for a reach-in foul prior to contact. You could see the frustration on Battier's face at the fact that he just allowed a 6'9 guy to barrel into him at full speed for nothing.

If Durant is actually 6'9" then Mugsy Bogues is 2'11"

[CDu]

If Durant is actually 6'9" then Mugsy Bogues is 2'11"

At the predraft combine, Durant measured at 6'9" without shoes, 6'10.25" in shoes.

[Sir Stealth]

My opinion is that the recent uptick in outrage over flopping has led a lot of non-flopping plays to be lumped in as "flopping." If you have legitimate position, an offensive player runs into you, and you sell the contact by allowing yourself to fall backwards rather than doing what you can to stay standing, that's not flopping. If you tried to just stumble backwards or hold your ground, you would never get the call. Flopping on defense is when you try to get position to make this kind of play, the offensive player successfully evades contact, and you fall without contact or grossly exaggerate the contact to make it seem like you had position and were fouled. I think that Shane generally flops less than other players because he is so good at actually getting himself into position to take legitimate contact. The key charge taken on Durant is a great example. Shane fell over, but that was no flop - Durant went barreling right into him. I'm not saying that most are pointing to this play as evidence of Shane flopping, but I think that a lot of good plays get incorrectly labeled as such these days.

[tele]

I've enjoyed watching Battier play in the playoffs and finals. In particular, I like how he's been blocking out on defensive rebounds. When the shot goes up he goes to block out someone, not always his own man. Have to wonder how many offensive rebounds and second chance points this has prevented and added up to over the course of a game, series etc. Of course he does a lot of things like that.

[hq2]

I've enjoyed watching Battier play in the playoffs and finals. In particular, I like how he's been blocking out on defensive rebounds. When the shot goes up he goes to block out someone, not always his own man. Have to wonder how many offensive rebounds and second chance points this has prevented and added up to over the course of a game, series etc. Of course he does a lot of things like that.

.....like that little tap out to save a possession for Miami near the end of the last game. A lot of what he does doesn't make the stat sheets, but it matters in terms of who won the game. The coaches know it too, which is why he's starting in this series.

[moonpie23]

i'm pulling for the heat to close it out tonight, and for shane to have a spectacular night......

[cf-62]

My opinion is that the recent uptick in outrage over flopping has led a lot of non-flopping plays to be lumped in as "flopping." If you have legitimate position, an offensive player runs into you, and you sell the contact by allowing yourself to fall backwards rather than doing what you can to stay standing, that's not flopping. If you tried to just stumble backwards or hold your ground, you would never get the call. Flopping on defense is when you try to get position to make this kind of play, the offensive player successfully evades contact, and you fall without contact or grossly exaggerate the contact to make it seem like you had position and were fouled. I think that Shane generally flops less than other players because he is so good at actually getting himself into position to take legitimate contact. The key charge taken on Durant is a great example. Shane fell over, but that was no flop - Durant went barreling right into him. I'm not saying that most are pointing to this play as evidence of Shane flopping, but I think that a lot of good plays get incorrectly labeled as such these days.

This is an excellent observation. Every so often, writers (and fans, but only to an extent that they feel THEIR guy was cheated) lament that a lesser (translation: smaller, faster, less skilled) player can be rewarded for a play (taking a charge) where they don't "make a play on the ball."

That's about as stupid an argument as I've ever heard, but it is there.

Thus, the columns from national writers saying "charges should be removed from the game" use the word "flopping" to describe the art of setting up an offensive player and taking a charge, essentially outsmarting the opponent. That way, the writer is more likely to elicit favor from the reader base, because nobody likes "flopping."

[cptnflash]

Congratulations to Shane Battier on becoming one of the very few to have won a state championship in high school (3 times I believe), an NCAA championship, and an NBA title. A winner on every level. Way to go, Shane!

[theAlaskanBear]

Way to go Shane!

Per John Schuhmann, Battier's eFG% (effective field goal %) was 85%.

Holy cow!

[miramar]

Despite the Heat's South Beach image, Shane had to work pretty hard to get a ring and there is no question he truly deserves it:


Shane Battier said the Heat ranks among the league’s best in providing “whatever it takes to help us perform at our highest level - hot tubs, message therapists. You would be surprised how far behind the curve some teams are in that. But a lot is expected of us.” Most demanding place he has played? “Easily,” Battier said.

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2012/06/reaction-from-heats-championship-night-hall-of-famers-put-lebrons-playoffs-in-perspective.html#storylink=cpy

[hq2]

Despite the Heat's South Beach image, Shane had to work pretty hard to get a ring and there is no question he truly deserves it:


Shane Battier said the Heat ranks among the league’s best in providing “whatever it takes to help us perform at our highest level - hot tubs, message therapists. You would be surprised how far behind the curve some teams are in that. But a lot is expected of us.” Most demanding place he has played? “Easily,” Battier said.

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2012/06/reaction-from-heats-championship-night-hall-of-famers-put-lebrons-playoffs-in-perspective.html#storylink=cpy

Much as we may dislike "the Decision", you have to give the Heat credit; they earned it. They overcame injuries, fell behind in two series and came back twice, and showed they had the heart of champions (I mean I don't know if Mike Miller can even walk into the locker room standing up straight any more, and he hit 7 3 pointers). Shane came through with a vintage Shane performance; great defense, timely plays, and timely 3 pointers. He showed why the Heat got him, and earned his starting minutes. I believe he's the first Duke player to start for a championship team. His performance makes the Heat winning tolerable. Hope I can meet him at the White
House when he becomes president!

[PauRocky]

Love this spot about Battier that tells one of the aspects about him that makes him so different


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEKUwHDiDu8

[Richard Berg]

I got my radial head broken on just such a play. Yes, I have a big probloem with that play. The picture above with Shane and his hand in front of Durant's eyes, the ball is about to leave Durant's fingers. How would you react if you saw that hand coming to your face. You probably wouldn't need to know because your reaction would be reflexive, it would cause a change in the momentum of the shot precisely because a guy is moving towards you from at least a step away with an arm extended and his hand going for your face. Don't believe me, try it the next time you are on the court with a friend. See how he reacts and then ask him if he felt himself feel differently through the shot.
What's a radial head, and how do you break it against someone's finger?

As for your suggestion, that's how my friends and I have always played. Being contemporaries of Shane -- not to mention alarmingly unathletic -- that hand-in-the-face move has been standard repertoire since we started balling together 12 years ago. Smart, persistent defense is just about the only advantage we have in pickup games; no captain's ever picked me for my offensive skillset, that's for sure!


I think that it is a cheap and dangerous move and I'd put a stop to it, were I the coach...If someone did that to LeBron, either Lebron the next time he had the chance when he built up a head of steam would look for that guy or take whomever was anywhere near in his way and make a collision happen that the guy would remember near the rest of his life...
Shane has had 4 years under Coach K and 10 years with the world's best pros to get a cease & desist. By all accounts none is forthcoming.

Even if we assume Battier's signature tactic is unique (yeah right), his career alone represents nearly 1000 games of intensely physical basketball at the highest levels. Result: 0 eye injuries and 0 escalated violence, to my knowledge. I'm afraid your view simply doesn't align with reality on the court.

[Richard Berg]

Collison basically does the same stuff for OKC as Battier does for the Heat. They know their roles and play them well. They're just not attractive roles. It's called "dirty" work for a reason in this case. Battier does some more clutching and grabbing, but he's on the perimeter. Collison meanwhile lines guys up for massive elbows in getting into blockout positions for rebounds. Battier flops more, but again, I think that's due to being stuck on the perimeter and needing to use something against quicker guys. At least Battier shoots the three. Collison's contribution is basically the occasional dunk off guard penetration or tap outs.

Two guys who in college were tough, gritty and artful players are relegated in the NBA to being tougher and grittier.
I'm not convinced you're being entirely fair. The NBA does have its fair share of players whose play remained artful even when their intrateam role required more grit than limelight. Ginobili springs to mind, along with Jason Kidd, and doubtless more I can't remember now. (my Texan bias is showing...)

But that nitpick isn't why I'm writing. The future is more promising if your thesis IS true, for a certain Mr. Singler... :)

[ice-9]

Basketball is a contact sport. Contact is always somewhat subjective for the refs. Only certain fouls get called routinely (the 2-hand hand check in NCAA comes to mind). Otherwise, contact must cross some threshold to be called a foul.

My point is that so long as the defender is not attempting to move through the screen, the contact is not crossing whatever threshold the nba refs use. The defender needs to stop running around in a way Shane can keep a body on him, and force the issue by running directly into Shane. When one or both of them wind up on the floor, the refs will (likely) make a call.

-jk


To add to jk, and I'm not sure if we're talking about the same type of play, but in an interview Shane was asked about his body-contact defence on preventing Durant from catching the ball. His answer was that as long as there is no holding or using of arms, it isn't illegal. It's similar to how post players are bodied up. Makes sense to me!

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/46231/truehoop-tv-five-with-shane-battier

[miramar]

From a Miami Herald article on the major contributions from the Heat's role players:


Miller’s magical Game5 will stand the test of time, but Battier’s performance in Game 2 might have been more important. It helped give the Heat home-court advantage in the series. He went 5 of 7 from three-point range and finished with 17 points after going 4 of 6 from behind the arc in Game 1.

All told, Battier went 15 of 26 from three-point range in the series, falling one three-pointer shy of tying the all-time Finals mark in a five-game series. And he did it despite playing out of position — at power forward — for the final three rounds of the playoffs.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/06/24/2865355/role-players-help-miami-heat-roll.html#storylink=cpy

[OldPhiKap]

Shane plays a pivotal role in the current championship.

NBATV shows a special on the '91-'92 teams.

Life is good.

[Billy Dat]

Shane is sending out SocialCam tweets from the Heat parade today...they are pretty cool...not that he's Albert Maysles but it does amaze me how social media allows for us to kind of ride along for these events in nearly real time, with video only making it that more real.

[miramar]

Nice article from a Miami Herald commemorative section:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/06/27/2868192/shane-battier-final-piece-to-miami.html

[moonpie23]

some more about shane...

http://espn.go.com/blog/playbook/fandom/post/_/id/5974/shane-battier-savors-frivolous-celebration