Jeff McDonald: Game 7 fun facts

[Spurs Brazil]

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/archives/2008/05/jeff_mcdonald_g_11.html

Jeff McDonald: Game 7 fun facts
Cleaning out the ol' e-mail inbox this morning. Got a missive yesterday from Bill Woten, author of the book "Game 7: Inside the NBA's Ultimate Showdown." He provided several fun facts germane to the upcoming Game 7 between Spurs and Hornets.

Because we are lazy, and know a cheap blog entry when we see one, we will cut and paste them here, for your own oooing and aaahing pleasure:

* Although he previously has not coached a Game 7, Byron Scott played in seven (4-3 record) during his 14-year career.

* The only player on the Hornets' 12-man roster to experience victory in a Game 7 is reserve Mike James, who logged nine minutes in Detroit's blowout win over New Jersey in the 2004 Eastern semifinals.

* This will be Robert Horry's ninth Game 7, tying him with eight others for second most all-time behind Bill Russell (10).

* Michael Jordan is the all-time scoring average leader in Game 7s (33.7, minimum three games). Tim Duncan, who will be playing in his third Game 7, needs 36 points to overtake Jordan.

* Byron Scott (95.4 percent) is the top free-throw shooter in Game 7 history (minimum 20 made), followed by Larry Bird (95.1) and Sam Cassell (95.0). Manu Ginobili is combined 14-for-14 in his two prior Game 7s.

* Four players have recorded triple-doubles in a Game 7: Jerry West, Lakers vs. Celtics, 1969 Finals (42-13-12); Larry Bird, Celtics vs. Knicks, 1984 East semifinals (39-12-10); James Worthy, Lakers vs. Pistons, 1988 Finals (36-16-10); Scottie Pippen, Bulls vs. Knicks, 1992 East semifinals (17-11-11).

* This will be the 99th Game 7 in NBA history. The home team is 79-19, including 16-4 in this West semifinals round.

* In Game 7 history, the home team is 47-7 when leading after one quarter, 61-6 when leading at halftime, and 62-2 when leading after three quarters.

It sounds to us like history would be on the side of the Hornets ... unless the game comes down to Ginobili shooting free throws.

[DespЏrado]

Tim Duncan, who will be playing in his third Game 7, needs 36 points to overtake Jordan.

Manu Ginobili is combined 14-for-14 in his two prior Game 7s.

Time to break some records....That would be so awesome, if we can pull out a win, and make some history in the meantime. It's going to be tough as hell but the Spurs are one of the very few teams who could pull this off.

[jman3000]

wouldnt it be the 100th? the celts-cavs play before us.

[TampaDude]

wouldnt it be the 100th? the celts-cavs play before us.

It would be the 100th playoff victory for Pop...that would be special...GO SPURS GO!!! :flag:

[Brutalis]

Am I weird or is all this history for the Hornets a good thing?

It's like, we have the best team probably ever in the history of the league to add a W for the road side.

[DespЏrado]

100th playoff win for Popovich?
100th 7th game in NBA history?
Duncan needing 36 points to overtake Jordan in scoring in game 7s
Manu needs a perfect night at the line for 6 fts and he becomes the best ft shooter in game 7s?

I sense a convergence in the force.
It's going to be a war, but the Spurs got the ammunition they need at least.
And while I won't expect a victory, it would be truly a gift to be enjoyed if we can gut this one out on the road.

[phyzik]

wouldnt it be the 100th? the celts-cavs play before us.

Thats correct. Celtics-Cavs play Sunday, We will be the 100th 7 game.

[spursfan09]

Well if there is a team that can do it, its the Spurs

[Rummpd]

I will say this how many teams have forced a 7th game despite being absolutely blown out in the first two games so badly? Probably not many and that is why I believe deep down the Spurs have begun to figure out the Hornets and may just roll to any easy victory this time in NO.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I will say this how many teams have forced a 7th game despite being absolutely blown out in the first two games so badly? Probably not many and that is why I believe deep down the Spurs have begun to figure out the Hornets and may just roll to any easy victory this time in NO.

Detroit Pistons (2005) who nearly beat us in the end

[jmard5]

wouldnt it be the 100th? the celts-cavs play before us.

True.

What happened again anyway? Cavs-Boston played two games before us.

[mrspurs]

i just dont have the feeling we are gonna lose.....i think we will win.....and show the rest how its done...........go spurs go

[GrandeDavid]

SpursBrazil, you've been creating some kick ass threads lately. Keep it up, dude! Tomorrow morning I'll be running 15 miles in Ibirapuera Park where the hottest of hottest women jog/walk on Sundays. ;)

[gospursgojas]

wouldnt it be the 100th? the celts-cavs play before us.

I was thinking the same thing

[Fernando TD21]

100th playoff win for Popovich?
100th 7th game in NBA history?
Duncan needing 36 points to overtake Jordan in scoring in game 7s
Manu needs a perfect night at the line for 6 fts and he becomes the best ft shooter in game 7s?

I sense a convergence in the force.
It's going to be a war, but the Spurs got the ammunition they need at least.
And while I won't expect a victory, it would be truly a gift to be enjoyed if we can gut this one out on the road.
I like Spurs chances to win and accomplish all that. Make history or be history.
:flag:

[m33p0]

Tim Duncan, who will be playing in his third Game 7, needs 36 points to overtake Jordan.:stirpot: :makemyday

[SRJ]

Tomorrow morning I'll be running 15 miles in Ibirapuera Park where the hottest of hottest women jog/walk on Sundays.

I've always had this idea that Brazilian women are the hottest women in the world. I can't wait to go one day and see if that's true.

[boutons_]

Good article, Jeff.

"The home team is 79-19"




22:15, Monday, 17 May, 2008: 79-20.

Go Spurs Go

.

[Russ]

Fun Fact: The Spurs have won four elimination games in a row (i.e., games where they could eliminate the other team.) :ihit

[SRJ]

Fun Fact: The Spurs have won four elimination games in a row (i.e., games where they could eliminate the other team.)

Incorrect. The Spurs were up 3-0 in the first round this year and lost game 4.

[Russ]

Incorrect. The Spurs were up 3-0 in the first round this year and lost game 4.

Right you are. One in a row it is.

[SRJ]

Their greatest streak of winning closeout games (elimination game is being on the short end) was four, accomplished twice: All four rounds in 1999 and all four rounds in 2007.