PASS OR SHOOT: Shaky Aces, FIBA Hoops and Nick Kyrgios’ Numbered Days
No time for no fun introductions. Let’s get right to it.
The Las Vegas Aces can’t beat the New York Liberty without Candace Parker.
SHOOT
Did y’all see that 99-61 hurting that the Liberty put on the Aces in their last meeting? It was ugly.
Now, we can also say Vegas’ 99-81 victory over New York on June 30 was just as brutal, but there was something different about that Aces team: They had two-time champion Candace Parker in the lineup.
Parker was brilliant. She had 15 points, six rebounds, five assists, two assists, a block and was 3-4 from distance. You know, she played like her usual do-it-all self.
The Aces missed her when they went to New York. They needed her playmaking, clutch shooting and defensive effort. They battled valiantly, but once Breanna Stewart woke up in the second half and matched her hot shooting teammate Sabrina Ionescu’s effort, it was over.
Parker could’ve given the Aces the extra scoring they needed on a night in which Kelsey Plum and A’ja Wilson went 6-30.
If those two were on, it would’ve been a tighter game but I did I like them to win against New York with all of its healthy stars? I don’t know.
From the moment these teams were put together, anybody with eyes picked them to be the last two teams standing. If they do end up meeting in the Finals, I’m going with the Aces IF Parker is back. She takes them to a whole other level.
Without her, Stewie wins her third title.
The FIBA USA Team is scary.
PASS
Don’t get me wrong. I LIKE this team. Every time I run down the roster, I’m think, “They’re solid.”
But it doesn’t SCARE me. Its headliners are Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson Jr — who you want on your team but don’t make you say “Uh-oh”. I trust and believe they will one day provoke that reaction but that time isn’t now.
The funny thing is that U.S. ballers are so talented that if they win the whole thing, you can’t be surprised. At the same time, if this team goes out in the first or second round, you’d shrug and say “Well…”
They have no expectations — which may be dangerous for the rest of the world. I’d be proud of them if they get it done but it’s not the end of the world if they don’t.
Nick Kyrgios should retire.
SHOOT
Nick, Nick, Nick, Nick, Nick.
It’s been a good run. You’ve made a lot of noise, ruffled some feathers and made a name for yourself.
But it’s over. After the U.S. Open, you will have missed your fourth major in a row.
The universe is talking. Go home, count your money, take vacations and antagonize your peers on social media.
Besides, you said you don’t miss the game anyway! Even if you were joking, they say there’s always a bit of truth in humor. That’s what makes it funny.
You’re still young but you’ve played a long career. Ten years is commendable. Anyone who does anything for a decade should be applauded.
I applaud your efforts. You’ve done enough on and off the tennis courts to be memorable. Great work.
Now, please, go lay down your rackets once and for all.