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发帖数: 1814 | 1 http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35357/dant
D'Antoni hoping for some 'Sacresanity' in Houston
January, 8, 2013
JAN 8
By Dave McMenamin
ESPNLosAngeles.com
HOUSTON -- It seems like nothing short of a miracle delivered straight from
the basketball gods could get the Lakers winning again, with Dwight Howard (
torn labrum in his right shoulder), Pau Gasol (concussion) and Jordan Hill (
torn labrum in his left hip) out of the lineup indefinitely.
Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni experienced some seemingly divine intervention
last season with the Knicks when Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony went
out and the then unknown Jeremy Lin saved the Knicks' season with a hot
streak that will be forever referred to as "Linsanity."
Could it happen again for D'Antoni and the Lakers with Robert Sacre?
"I said yesterday Darius (Morris), but it’s probably more maybe '
Sacresanity' or 'Sacsanity' has to happen," D'Antoni said following Tuesday'
s shootaround in preparation for the Lakers game against the Rockets. The
coach said Monday that "Morrisanity" could be coming around the corner but
hedged a bit Tuesday because Sacre is definitely starting while D'Antoni has
not decided, at least publicly, whether Morris or Antawn Jamison will be
with the first five.
"We’ll see," D'Antoni said. "You know what? Couldn’t be a better guy that
deserves it because he’s over there, he’s the most energetic, best guy on
the bench that you can have. So, it couldn’t happen to a better person as
it did to Lin, it couldn’t happen to a better person. We’ll see. He’s got
an opportunity. We’ll see if it strikes twice."
Sacre, selected with the final pick of the second round of the NBA Draft out
of Gonzaga, is averaging 0.5 points and 0.8 rebounds in 4.2 minutes per
game in 13 spot appearances this season.
The 7-foot, 260-pound center fared better in the preseason when he filled in
for Howard while the All-Star was still recovering from offseason back
surgery. Sacre has also produced with the L.A. D-Fenders, the Lakers' D-
League affiliate. In five games with the D-Fenders, Sacre averaged 12.0
points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.
While his statistics with the Lakers have been negligible, he has managed to
contribute to the culture of the team nonetheless. Sacre is already a fan
favorite for his "Sacrebrations" on the bench in support his teammates. The
22-year old says his celebratory moves are in part inspired by Yosemite Sam
of the Looney Tunes.
"You can’t help but notice his spirit," D'Antoni said of Sacre's antics. "
If good things happen to good people, we got a good opportunity to have that
adage go forward."
Sacre was at the D-League Showcase in Reno, Nevada on Monday when the news
broke about the Lakers' big men being injured. With the Lakers' chartered
flight already en route to Houston, Sacre had to fly commercial from Reno to
Los Angeles and then from L.A. to Houston on Monday night to join the team.
D'Antoni said the Lakers had a longer walk-through than usual on Tuesday to
benefit Sacre, but it wasn't necessary to get him up to speed.
"He knew it anyway," D'Antoni said. "That’s why he’s great. Because he’s
always practiced hard, kept himself in shape and he’s ready to go." |
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