Indeed, a last loss of the season is the best it can get. If we played on to a 100 games, we probably would only win 20 games. At 6-24 record, we are only winning 20% of all matches played. Another high note before I start the match analysis and report, is that we are NOT last..the Dragons are. Born in a land where importance is placed on coming in #1 always; it is no surprise, a non-Singaporean entity like Air Asia would sponsor the Slingers for the next season. I applauded the mentality of a corporation coming in and growing with a team, grooming it, trusting it.
Just like Chicago Bulls of the NBA, they grew slowly despite having Michael Jordan on the team, they needed a lot of work and practise together as a team before winning 6 titles in the 90s. And the picture of Michael Jordan hugging the trophy for the 1st win, is sweeter through the sheer hardwork which eventually paid off. Nothing comes sweeter than having to work for it.
Look at Miami - get Shaq, get Championship; screwed up and keep losing, ship Shaq away to Phoenix. I think the title is absolutely meaningless in this case. Okay before I get carried away. Let's get on with game proper on why we sucked.
The game started on a high note with both teams trading 3s and were even at 6 each. Interesting thing to note, they had a starter who was asian #8 Darren Ng. He played well, with great defense looking like energiser bunny and is a shooter as well. Seriously an Asian as a starting 5. I guess it might be another reason why, besides being the last game, that our coach decided later on to put in all 3 local guys onto the floor. And man did they choke, and hey I don't blame them, I hardly play all season, you put me in now, of course I shoot air ball lar!
The 36ers were hot in their offense, continued to take advantage of our poor defense, they were up 27-15 at last 4min mark of the 1st quarter. They continued taking 3s fearlessly and with the tight defense on our boys, they were up 35-21. But our boys never gave up, with Helms taking a quick 3. Rod followed up strong after a miss from 36ers, to a pull up jumper just outside the paint,and quickly brought the game to a respectable 28-35 at the end of 1st quarter.
2nd quarter, the 36ers look like they wanted the win more than Slingers though I wonder why as their playoff hopes were crushed before the tip-off with news of the Taipans' win over the Hawks. No calls were being made by the referees as we observed fouls and step out of bounds were blind to their field of vision. And though our boys were feeling some love from the 3 point line (they were hitting 50% in the 1st half 9/18), 36ers were finding our loose defense way too attractive and shot from everywhere, and by the 8min mark, they were up 51-37. They were adopting less dribbling and more passing, while we were dribbling way too much which ensued a lot of turnovers. By the 7min mark, both Michael Wong and Meng Koon were on the floor for a cameo moment (strangely we were only 14 points down). But I guess it drove the team to rally for another shot As Helms was hot! He shot 3s after 3s, Slingers went on a 10-2 run, bring the game to 53-47. By the 4min mark, Helms added another 3 to tie the game at 55 a piece on both sides. He had 23 points by the half topping all scores.Things were so tense, we had to look around for some booze.But as we speak and drink, complacency sets in and 36ers went on their own 10-3 run to end the half up 65-58.
The Singapore Slingers looked like they were on the way for their final loss of the season as they had no defense throughout the 1st half. So let's just focus on the real highlight of the match - The Million Dollar Shot, which was metaphorically, nothing but air.
As the announcer called out names of would be shooters, I thought they were being generous and allowed so many people to try. It was more of a huddle in the middle and pick up a winning ball which indicates you are the lucky shooter. So unfortunately, I was not selected (it's a conspiracy!)
Our fellow blogger
Alice was selected for a small crowd of WOULD-BE million dollar shooter. She's the cute petite gal in red cap and pink top.
A Mr Wong, who does not play basketball got the winning draw. So what do you seriously think will be the result? (But I applauded his enthusiasm for coming to watch a basketball game when he doesn't play - seriously its quite fun coming to a live basketball match, you get to scream at referees and shout
KAYU like in a soccer match! Brave Mr Wong, shot air balls from the 3/4 mark, to the half court(Corporate Box), to the 3 point line(32in Bravia LCD), to the free throw line($500), to just underneath the hoop($100). And they let him move even closer for a $50 shot. If he didn't make this shot, perhaps they will get Rod to lift him up for a $10 layup! Just kidding...(I actually have great video footage of the million dollar air ball and the follow up misses - if there are requests out there to see it and embarrass Mr. Wong, I'll put it up!)
Start of 3rd quarter, our poor defense continued with no box outs, and we had no defensive rebounds, allowing 2nd chance points from the 36s, quickly we were down 9 points, 73-64. But Mike Helms was still hot. He took on 4 guys around him and took it to the hole. However, his single effort was useless as 36ers were still red hot hitting 8 of 15 3-pointers in the 2nd half with #54 Ballinger dishing them out. He looked like a centre instead of a shooter! Pulling the game forward 78-68, as 36ers kept having good passes and rebounds with great defense. Before we knew it, they were up 88-74 from a dunk from #0 Hodges. He was bothering us all night. With 2min left.
Jason specifically told me to blog, that this was too tough to watch and Slingers would be the death of me. Michael Wong then came in for the last 25s of the 3rd quarter - 90-77.
With no defense or rebounds, 36ers start the last quarter 94-77, up 17 points. The coach finally decided to call a time out when he should have earlier stem the momentum 36ers were building up.Mike Helms continued to be the only gem hitting a bang shot, but the onslaught continues from the depth of shooters 36ers were having. #5 Maher was shooting well, he had chalked up 16 points by now and brought the score to 99-79. Frustration could be seen from Helms as he fouled #21 Copeland on a trey and he managed to scored 2 of the 3 FTs. Though we were shooting well from 3-point line, Adelaide has answers to every 3-pointer we took. The team displayed tenacity to attack the rim and the sharp shooting of the 3s and the desire to grab all the rebounds both offensively and defensively. The Singapore Sports School was there but they were rather muted unless the cheerleaders start giving out tees and balls.
The whole school was out in unison gear.
Jase was feeling the pain as we looked around for more beer. This is what we drank to rid ourselves of the bad game being played. You can tell we need a lot of booze also because
KP was around, he is the ultimate drinker.
Basically we lost focus of the game, and noted at the last 3 min, all 3 local boys were out there including Pathman. Helms was feeling it tonight, but we can't say that for the rest of the team. He topped all scores at 35pts. While the only Asian scorer Ng from the 36ers had 13 points, scoring another 3 with 30secs left, ending the game 126-97.
Box scores
Though the game looked like a trashing, it was still as entertaining and I can't wait for the next season to start under new management of Dato Tony Fernandes. Let's support local sports and give them all a hand for trying.
And many thanks to
Nic for all the invites and
Precious for all the hospitality!
