Where the Battier haters at? Where are those that said he shouldn't be playing more than 30 minutes because all he does is spot up and shoot threes? His defense on Roy has been invaluable, and as long as Yao is our main guy, Battier, an efficient perimeter shooter will be very valuable to have. (Someone should bump Kwame's anti-Battier thread ) And I think this should prove that Battier doesn't choke in the playoffs and instead wasn't as effective in the Jazz series because it was a bad matchup for him. He still made shots, but Utah's best players could not be defended by Shane, significantly reducing his usefulness on the court. Battier for Gay and Swift was one of the best trades we've ever made in the last decade (would've been epic if it came with Lowry, but I'm being too spoiled).
Battier is the heart and soul of this team. He's simply invaluable. I'm not sure where the haters get their info. Look at his playoff numbers: he's a sound, relentless defender, solid passer and strong 3-point shooter. He's an ideal complement for Yao, Artest and the penetration of Brooks. He's a very conscious defender, let alone player, and you cannot take that for granted in today's NBA.
I dont think battier ever chokes in the playoffs its just the facts -He never get enough touches -Team adjust -Players read scouting reports of course -His main strength on offense is only shooting -And he focus more on defense than O. Unless he chokes on defense? I dont see how he can joke on D unless he gets strangled..
WHOSE YOUR DADDY? BATTIER! <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hz8VuEhps58&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hz8VuEhps58&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
Yup. He single-handedly shut Roy down tonight! I didn't even know Roy played tonight until somebody told me! Great job! (NOTE : This message not covered by any sarcasm meter warranties - read it and interpret it as you see fit. I will not be held for the failure of your sarcasm meter.)
How does a guy get a label of choking, when is isn't expected to net us lots of points? Choker labels should be for people like Nowitzki, or Bryant, or any other superstar.
The Houston Rockets win games because we have tough and hard-working players, and less because of talent. Portland is the other way around. Battier is a big motor for that mentality, maybe even the catalyst for that hard work. He represents the core of how this team wins, which we saw today. If we had Gay, there might be moments of pervading laziness. Shane Battier is absolutely invaluable to the Rockets.
