Stealth Exciting Win Edges Them Ahead 2-1Game 3, Western Conference Finals, 2013 NBA playoffs: Seattle Stealth at Sacramento Kings 125-118 (Seattle leads 2-1)Preview |
Boxscore |
Recap |
HighlightsMAY 20, SACRAMENTO (AP) – Moses Chara had his turn of losing his cool with his team mates after the Kings squandered a golden opportunity to win Game 3. Chara scored 23 points and added a career playoff high 17 assists but his monstrous effort was wasted as the Stealth battled back to win the game.
It was a 30-15 fourth quarter that helped the visiting side claim the series lead and the momentum seems to be firmly in the Stealth’s favour entering Game 4. “My teammates were just (expletive) tonight,” Chara trashed the Kings, “They think they can just rely on me every single game then they’ve got to think again. I can’t defend five guys all at once. Oh, make that six because the refs were giving some conspicuous calls out there tonight.”
Michael Redd shot the ball well again on his way to 20 points and Joe Alexander added a career playoff high of 18. However, it was Al Jefferson’s performance, or lack thereof, that raised Chara’s eyebrows. Jefferson was 3 for 8 from the field as he struggled to get position in the post against the Stealth’s Andrew Bogut.
“My man Al has got to step up. I didn’t ask the front office to trade Kevin (Martin) for Al to come here and sit his fat ass in the key,” Chara stated, “Ok Al, I got a suggestion for you. What about you go and score some buckets and make yourself useful?” Jefferson took the criticism well, “He is the league MVP so he knows what he’s talking about.”
Bogut was outstanding for Seattle as he answered his Coach’s call for him to step up his game. The Australian All-Star collected 27 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks. Kevin Durant led Seattle with 28 points. Durant was devastatingly brutal from the get-go despite a locker room blow-up with fellow All-Star Reshawn Tyson after Game 2. Tyson finished this one with 23 points and 8 rebounds.
Jason Kidd, who continues his impressive postseason run with 12 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, was pleased with his team’s performance. “I love how we did not let up when we were down big points in the last quarter. We fought to the end and I am proud about that. We could have given up and waited for Game 4 but we showed some fighting spirit,” the veteran stated.
Kidd also deflected questions about Durant and Tyson, “Those two guys are fine. It was only a slight misunderstanding. When you are in the heat of the moment, you sometimes do stupid things.”
Chara promised that he would take care of things in the next game, “I’m going to come out and show everyone why I am the best player in the world.”
Notes: Allen Iverson has endured many up and down performances this postseason Game 3 was another down one as he scored 8 points on 3 for 11 shooting. The Answer blames his inefficient outings for his yo-yoing minutes… The biggest lead that the Kings held against the Stealth was 21 late in the second quarter… Chara was fined again by the league office for his language used in the podium interview as well as swearing on national television. Chara did not seem concerned, “I’m a walking mint”…
Box Score wrote:Sacramento Kings
SF Moses Chara: 23 points, 17 assists, 6 rebounds
SG Michael Redd: 20 points
PF Joe Alexander: 18 points, 5 rebounds
PG Russell Westbrook: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals
SG Jerry Stackhouse: 12 points
Seattle Stealth
SF Kevin Durant: 28 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks
C Andrew Bogut: 27 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks
SG Reshawn Tyson: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
PG Jason Kidd: 12 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds
NBA.com wrote:Around-The-League Wrap-Up: Game 3
Cavs 112 (James 28 pts, 4 reb, 8 ast, 2 blk, Gibson 15 pts, Gay 13 pts, 9 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl, 2 blk)
@
Bucks 125 (Gray 26 pts, 10 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk, Washburn 24 pts, 6 reb, Jamison 17 pts, 9 min, 3-6 3PT)
[Cavs lead series 2-1]