Written by: Matthew Blunk
Day
two of the Impact Basketball Competitive Training Series emanated from
the Impact Basketball Academy in Las Vegas, NV, on Tuesday. The
notch-above-pickup action was fast and furious (and no bad acting or
senseless plot necessary), and the festivities were run seamlessly by
Joe Abunassar and the good folks at Impact.
The first game had
the Washington Wizards contingent of Rashard Lewis, Jordan Crawford,
Shelvin Mack, and Larry Owens, teaming with Desmon Farmer to take on
Corey Maggette, Sebastian Telfair, Kawhi Leonard, James Anderson, and
Malcolm Lee. Crawford was explosive and Lewis fared better than he did
on the first day. Team Wizards took a significant, double-digit lead in
the third quarter only to have it cut down in the fourth. Ultimately,
though, Team Maggette fell short in its comeback attempt, as Lewis and
company fended them off, 101-94.
Next up was Indiana Pacers
Dahntay Jones and Brandon Rush joining their former comrade T. J. Ford,
Portland Trail Blazer Wesley Matthews, Melvin Ely, and Corey Stokes, to
compete against Toronto Raptor DeMar DeRozan, Golden State Warrior
Dorell Wright, Boston Celtic Avery Bradley, and Sacramento King rookie
Isaiah Thomas. Ely once again was efficient and seemed to always be in
good position. If and when the lockout ends, some NBA team needs to take
a look at Ely. The man is just a solid basketball player. He got great
looks at the rim. Wright showed off his accuracy from long distance, but
it was not enough. The "Pazers" came out on top in a blowout victory.
Los
Angeles Clippers Mo Williams, Ryan Gomes, and Travis Leslie joined
forces with King J. J. Hickson and Memphis Grizzly Tony Allen, in a
battle with Los Angeles Laker Derrick Caracter, Utah Jazz(man?) Jeremy
Evans, Grizzlies rookie guard Josh Selby, Philadelphia 76er Xavier
Silas, and Coby Karl. Williams showed playmaking ability and that he is
absolutely ready for the NBA season. Selby erupted for a series-high 42
points, showing that he can at the very least compete in some kind of
Association setting. Karl displayed his excellent basketball IQ, setting
up teammates with good looks and getting good shots himself. Caracter
was rock solid in the post. It was a close game to the end, but the
synergy of Team Caracter was the difference. They took a few too many
unnecessary long jumpers late, but free throws from Karl and Silas iced
the game. Final score: 97-93.
It was another positive night of
basketball at Impact, with guys like Crawford and Selby getting a chance
to shine amongst their peers. Kind of makes the lockout tolerable.
Check out our videos from day 2!!
Checck out our Interviews with Melvin Ely and Mo Williams
