James’ talk blisters Spurs’ ears
SEATTLE – Seattle’s Jerome James had plenty to say after his 7-for-7 shooting effort in Game 3, stripping away San Antonio’s veneer by suggesting the Spurs aren’t worthy of respect.
When it was time on Friday to explain what he meant, the chatty center wanted some help before putting his tongue in gear.
“Lord Jesus, please work my mouth for me,” James said before talking to reporters.
James scored 15 points in a 92-91 victory Thursday that trimmed the Sonics’ series deficit to 2-1 going into Game 4 on Sunday in Seattle. He feasted on a pick-and-roll that left the lane open, throwing down dunk after dunk.
The big man showed up ready to play, all right, and ready to yap.
During pregame interviews, James used salty language to express his feelings about the Spurs. He also promised to get tough: “Someone’s going to hit the floor tonight,” he said.
Sure enough, things got physical. Manu Ginobili of the Spurs absorbed elbows to the face from Danny Fortson and Antonio Daniels, and Seattle starting forwards Rashard Lewis (toe) and Reggie Evans (back) had minor injuries.
Lewis and Evans sat out Friday’s practice. Each player’s status will be determined at tip-off of Game 4 on Sunday.
“They didn’t do anything today except get treatment,” Seattle coach Nate McMillan said.
Lewis, named to the All-Star team for the first time this season, is averaging 16.9 points and 5.3 rebounds in the playoffs. Evans is averaging 3.6 points and 7.7 rebounds in the postseason.
James, meanwhile, played a respectable game against Tim Duncan despite fouling out with 1:46 to go. Coming off the floor afterward, James expressed himself during a live television interview.
“We have no respect for them now – none,” he said.
What he meant, James explained, wasn’t how it came out.
He never intended to sound defiant, insisting he considers the Spurs a great team and Duncan “the most fundamentally sound post player in the world.” He simply felt the Sonics needed more fire than they showed during double-digit losses in Games 1 and 2.
“It was merely a statement made in passion, that we have to play disrespectfully,” James explained. “We have to play like we’re the better team. We have to believe that. We have to come out with that attitude.”
Who is this tough-talking big man? The Sonics center who averaged 4.9 points and 3.0 rebounds a game during the regular season? Or the new James, averaging 14.1 points and 7.3 rebounds in the playoffs.
It didn’t take long for the Spurs to hear what James said.
“It’s amusing from him,” Bruce Bowen said. “Sometimes you get caught up in the atmosphere of playoffs and you start mouthing off. It shows that some guys are satisfied with a temporary victory and want to speak as if it’s been going on the whole series.”
James has been a 7-foot underachiever through his first five NBA seasons, but he’s shown big improvements during the playoffs. He averaged 17.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks as Seattle beat Sacramento in five games.
After scoring just 12 points in the two Texas games, James thrived on the pick-and-roll from Seattle’s spread set. It forced the Spurs to defend the perimeter and often pulled Duncan from the middle.
“It was miscommunication,” Bowen said. “At different times, we just didn’t know what we were in. Part of that is focus. I’m sure that won’t happen again.”