Luke Walton giddy about Arizona's resurgence
Stepping foot at the Honda Center parking lot, Luke Walton returned to the site that initially sparked unpleasant memories as a senior at Arizona.
So unpleasant, the Lakers forward playfully chastised a reporter for bringing up the top-seeded Wildcats' 78-75 loss in the Elite Eight to second-ranked Kansas in 2003. Still, some of those memories crept back as he and his former Wildcat teammates Ricky Anderson, Miles Simon and Justin Wessel walked toward the arena to watch Arizona face top-seeded Duke Thursday in the West Regional. They were quickly interrupted, however, with plenty of Blue Devil fans greeting them with jeers.
"They were obnoxious," Walton said. "They were just talking trash, not funny trash or joking around. They were just obnoxious. We didn't respond to them. We just kept walking."
It turns out Walton and his former Wildcat teammates didn't need to talk back. Their alma mater did it for them. Arizona's 93-77 upset over top-seeded Duke featured an effort that Walton described as "perfect basketball" and a product of Coach Sean Miller likely saying something instrumental at halftime. The Wildcats outscored the Blue Devils by 22 points over the final 20 minutes. Sophomore forward Derrick Williams scored 25 of his career-high 32 points in the second half. And nearly the entire roster contributed in various ways, ranging from Lamont Jones (16) and Solomon Hill (13). The Wildcats had a 25-9 edge in rebounding and a 24-6 advantage in points in the paint while shooting 58.3% to Duke's 37.5%. The reward: Arizona will face Connecticut Saturday in its first regional final since 2005, the deepest team in the Pacific 10 conference to advance this far in the NCAA tournament since UCLA made the Final Four in 2008.
"Duke is the most talented No. 1 seed," said Walton, who will return to Honda Center today to see the game. "So if they beat them by 20, I don't see why they can't beat the Huskies."
Walton before the Lakers' 112-104 victory Friday against the Clippers sounded happier with the Wildcats' progress than actual concerns if they can stop Kemba Walker and company. Arizona has faced plenty of recent struggles. It's only a season removed from missing the NCAA tournament for the first time in 25 years. Lute Olson abruptly retired before the 2008-09 season. And the Wildcats' past two regional losses came in dramatic fashion, including a the Wildcats' 90-89 overtime loss to Illinois in 2005 and their aforementioned loss in 2003. Returning to Honda Center won't bring up same painful memories for Walton as they did only two days ago.
"We're just happy we made it this far," Walton said. "We've been struggling for a while. So we're just enjoying the ride."
--Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Lakers forward Luke Walton will attend Arizona's regional final matchup against Connecticut Saturday at Honda Center. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
Yes I think that Kobe is lying when he says that Fish is solid !! Second I think the Lakers winning the last 2 championships has WAY more to do with the Lakers being given the GIFT of Pau Gasol than the BUFFOON named Derek Fisher. And getting Gasol was no slick move by Mitch Kupchak. The Bulls for one offered way more than the Lakers offered. So the Memphis fans got screwed by an owner that was looking to save money not make his team better for the fans !!
Posted by: S Perkins | March 26, 2011 at 04:13 PM
S Perkins, I think there is something seriously wrong with you.
Posted by: jefe101 | March 26, 2011 at 04:24 PM
Its clear.
Phil Jackson is going to ride or die with Fisher.
PJ chose Fisher above Sasha and Farmar who both would have been
better for the team.
It is what it is.
Posted by: Todd | March 26, 2011 at 04:29 PM
The Fisher ignorantism is running rampant around here and I find it downright hysterical!! Are these people serious??
Fish is the man and he fills his role perfectly.
Posted by: dan the man | March 26, 2011 at 04:47 PM
S Perkins-
who cares what you think?
not me. i loves me some Fish.
you're a troll. your whole purpose is to upset people(i'm not upset, i just think you're a fool). if i ran this blog, you'd be banned, not for your hatred of Fisher, that's your business, but because you bring nothing to this blog or it's discussions other than ranting about Fisher and clearly, your main purpose is to try and make Lakers fans upset.
oh, and that was a great hit on Kaman last night. i like nothing better than when opposing players try to smash Derek and come up hurting themselves.
go ahead and keep it up, i usually ignore you and i can do that into the future. i just thought i'd let you know just how bad you smell, in case you didn't already know.
Posted by: mud, yes i'm dum | March 26, 2011 at 04:55 PM
I fully share this opinion:
I love Pau Gasol. Few men his size have possessed his passing ability, court vision, IQ, ability to play with his back to the basket and use both hands as well as possessing a deadly mid-range "jump" shot. He's obviously not a bruising player, but he is a champion who ratchets it up when he needs to like in the two recent close out championship games, when he clearly outplayed Dwight Howard and Kevin Garnett. He also brings more defensive intensity at the end of close games.
HAVING SAID THAT, I'm not a fan of pitting our players against one another. This is not a matter of whether Bynum is better than Pau defensively or Lamar brings more versatility than Bynum, etc. This is a matter of how our 4-5 rotation of Pau-Bynum-LO wears down teams in a 7 game series because no other team in the NBA can match their length, versatility and talent level for 48 minutes.
This is a back-to-back championship team with a blend of talents whereby each player helps maximize the best attributes of his teammates.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | March 26, 2011 at 09:45 AM
and add that also helps to hide the flaws of each player. The Lakers are the team with more talent in the world. Enjoy them.
Posted by: Israel | March 26, 2011 at 12:55 PM
======
@Israel- Thank you for acknowledging my post and yes, I completely agree with how you finished my thought!
@LRob- I'm a U of A grad, so yes that WAS a Freudian typo. I made the change to 48 minutes above and cleaned up some of the other grammatical errors that I observed upon re-reading the post.
@Jon K- Congrats on the Friedman! After meeting you, I can envision that rolling off your tongue!
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | March 26, 2011 at 05:01 PM
From Kevin Ding:
The other day I sorted through the complicated NBA tiebreaker rules with regard to potential NBA Finals home-court advantage for the Lakers over Boston but not Chicago (and the Bulls' 99-96 victory over Memphis on Friday was big for them in that regard).
More immediately relevant for the Lakers would be if they finish in a tie with Dallas. It's even more confusing here, but the bottom line is that the Lakers almost certainly will have the tiebreaker (and home-court advantage) over the Mavericks, even if Dallas beats the Lakers on Thursday at Staples Center to win the season series, 2-1.
That would happen because the Lakers have already won the Pacific Division, and the Mavericks are highly unlikely to pass San Antonio and win the Southwest Division.
The first tiebreaker is standing as a division champion -- maybe the only legitimate perk a division champ in the NBA gets over a non-division champ -- so the Lakers would get higher seed and home-court advantage in the second-round series they are on track to play against Dallas. This rule was changed in 2008 to avoid a team that didn't even win its own division winding up as the No. 1 seed.
====
This is nice to know!
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | March 26, 2011 at 05:06 PM
THE 24-1 POST SEASON BANDWAGON !!!
……………………………………………………………….
Don’t look in the rear view mirror if you’re a Spurs fan. With an unwavering 1-game at a time focus, the Lakers not only have flipped the switch but are but are in the midst of a serious drive to win out the season, to finish with a stunning 24-1 post all-star break record and 16-game winning streak.
…..
We may not catch the Spurs for best record but the rest of the NBA is going to be hard pressed to catch up with what may be a better Lakers team than the two that won the last two championships. Lakers fans are finally going to see how good this team is when they have all their pieces healthy.
…..
You have to give Phil Jackson great credit for how this team is playing. Coaching in the NBA today is all about relating to your players and winning their trust. That Phil was able to sell Drew on the idea he could dominate the game and help his team most by focusing on defense and rebounding attests to Phil’s ability to bond with his players and earn their trust. It’s a big part of why he has won 11 rings.
…..
The perfect storm of a healthy Bynum, a change in defensive strategy, and a chance to regroup during the All-Star break has unleashed the beast in the entire Lakers team. I think we’re going to finally see that almost perfect team we envisioned this spring, the team the rest of the NBA have long dreaded.
…..
The thing about the regular season is that any team can get hot and beat you on one given night, especially when it’s their most important game of the year. But in the playoffs, it truly is a different game and a hot night by Ray Allen or some other shooter may cost you a game but rarely a series.
…..
This Lakers team was built for the playoffs, where the bounces of the ball and the calls of the refs tend to even up and those that live by the jump shot usually end up dying by it. What we are watching is an emerging juggernaut that is going to rip through these playoffs in a most dominant fashion.
………………………………………………………………
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | March 26, 2011 at 06:40 PM
Interesting how everyone responding to this thread ignores the Luke Walton aspect of it. Luke has become an afterthought on this team. Nice guy, but not much value to the team on the court. Maybe he has a lot off value off the court and in practice.
Because of the huge payroll that the Lakers have, the FO is reluctant to look at draft picks. In the past couple of years, the Lakers could have had Sam Young of the Griz, Blair of SA, Buddinger of Houston to name a few. Because of contracts such as Luke's and Sasha's, the team was hesitant or unwilling to explore the possibility of restocking the team with younger talent.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 26, 2011 at 07:10 PM
"Maybe he has a lot off value off the court and in practice."
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 26, 2011 at 07:10 PM
_______
Nope...As you mentioned, all he has is an "un-movable" and costly contract.
Posted by: frmkt | March 26, 2011 at 07:21 PM
I didn’t see the game but it looks like it was a tough loss for U-A today. However, Zona fans have a lot to be proud of. Sean Miller is a very good coach. Always liked him a Xavier and with Arizona’s rich tradition he shouldn’t have a problem getting high caliber recruits.
Posted by: LRob | March 26, 2011 at 07:28 PM
Lakerholic
Fair enough bro; lets go lakers!
Thanks
PSP Intern
Posted by: Practice Season Police | March 26, 2011 at 07:31 PM
Blog catch up....
Lew – Slash performing with Chic….who knew? That was classic.
@Jon K – congrats on the Friedman
@MVP – Under the tie-breaker scenario you mentioned is it possible for the Lakers to be get the higher seed, but still not have HC. It seems like I recall that happened with someone else in the past.
Posted by: LRob | March 26, 2011 at 07:31 PM
Bronx - very good point. The FO has taken care of half of that problem and I have a feeling that Luke will be moving on to other functions within the Laker organization, which should take care of the problem with the over inflated player contract. Don't get me wrong, I'm a total Luke homer but I don't think he's going to fit into the post Phil lineup.
JR
Posted by: Jolly Rancher | March 26, 2011 at 07:40 PM
@Triangular – Yep I checked out that Seawind and enjoyed it. I think I got one of their albums, buried somewhere in my basement, from my brother when he got rid of his vinyl. They were pretty versatile blending the funky stuff with the light jazz. I like their funky stuff better, but if they would’ve came out in the late 80’s they probably would’ve had some success in the smooth jazz format.
I’m very familiar with Jerry Hey (he’s the man) and their horn section. Like Paulinho, the Seawind horns are on everything including the Quincy produced MJ albums you listed. I found one live video of him with Jarreau playing Roof Garden. I also threw in "Distracted" that he played on because its one of my favs by Al.
Roof Garden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gb0SI_OxHI
Distracted
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngM07TYgtxE
Posted by: LRob | March 26, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Can't believe that knuckleheads....are you reading that stuff, Medina?????
Are still putting down Fisher???? OK Fine, all Fisher haters, take off....
1- Posted by: Todd | March 26, 2011 at 04:29 PM
Bronxlakerfan, yes you are correct about the Lakers and their drafting techniques, but when you get down to it, it makes perfect sense, early 2nd rounders are not guaranteed contracts, and the Lakers in the past have given their draft picks time to develop, it's rare if they hack their top draft pick. & as I noted, guys that they missed out on, they follow and try to obtain them later, e.g. Shannon Brown, even B.Shaw, and Terry Porter, who was drafted one slot below AC Green....they do their research and store, they don't shred it.
Posted by: humanomaly | March 26, 2011 at 07:57 PM
---"the rest of the NBA is going to be hard pressed to catch up with what may be a better Lakers team than the two that won the last two championships. "---
You hit it on the head Tom.
Impressive as the last two Champion teams have been, this particular squad can eclipse them if we all stay healthy. And we're going to need it because, IMO, the could be better than they have ever been.
I know I'm saying this at a time when the Celtics are 4-6 in their last 10 games and their stock couldn't be lower, but please here me out.
What the Celtics did to their team this year kind of reminds me of what the Spurs have done in the past couple of seasons, giving up defense for offense. Remember, Popp for years would use Bruce Bowen on the wing and get no scoring. Popps rational was that although Bruce wasn't scoring, his defensive prowess would make up for his offsets his offensive shortcomings. Now(with R.J) they pretty much get scoring from all five positions.
This brings me back to the Celtics. The trade that sent Perkins away also brought them a guy who has been known for torching the Lakers. Nenad Kristic!! Nobody is talking about this, but when Nenad was with the Nets he was unstoppable against us., Granted, Andrew wasn't the man he is today and Pau was only around for one of the games, but if Nenad goes off on us, I won't be the least bit surprised.
Nate Robinson was a spark plug off the bench for Boston, but Von Wafer has grown more and more confident with each year he has played. And given the fact that Kobe himself embraced this kid when he was here because of his competitive nature tells you something, It's scary to imagine the lack of conscience Von would have if he had a chance to stick it to his old team.
Tony Allen was a great defender, but had no offensive game. West is no slouch on the defensive end, but he has a track record of burning our guards.
Rasheed was horrible and the Celtics will be better by subtraction alone!! lol
If Shaq can get healthy(which I believe he already is and Doc is just saving him), the Celtics can still have a big inside presence. So anything left in J.O.'s tank would be just gravy for them.
Just some food for thought.
dan
Posted by: dan the man | March 26, 2011 at 08:14 PM
humanomaly...
It's very hard for me to criticize an organization that has produced so many champions. It's just that I feel they give up on the draft a bit too soon at times. A successful franchise is always going to be hard put find good players in the draft. But they are out there. Monta Ellis was a 2nd rounder. I like Luke. I'm sure he's a nice guy and a great teammate, yada, yada, yada. But his lack of productivity makes me wish the Lakers had a good young talent sitting in his spot on the bench.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 26, 2011 at 08:26 PM
Dallas won. They outclassed the Jazz in the 4th Q. and ran away with it at the end. Final 94-77. The Mavs outscored Utah 36-17 in the final period to erase a 2 point deficit after the 3rd.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 26, 2011 at 08:32 PM