Updates
Sun, Jun 7th 2009, 22:51
MY FINALS BLOG -- THOUGHTS FROM GAME 2
It’s really frustrating to lose a huge game like that because we felt like we played well enough to win last night. We just didn’t have enough shots fall for us and we made way too many turnovers, but we were right there at the end with plenty of chances to win.
Nobody is down and out on our team because we know we should have won that game. If anything, this game gives us even more confidence. If these playoffs have proven anything it’s that we’re a very resilient basketball team and we bounce back from anything. We’ll bounce back from this, too.
We’re still a very confident team and we believe deep down that we can win this series. Going home will help us, but we have to win the game on the court. We have to pour everything we have into this Game 3 and get a victory. Three straight games on our home court will be nice, but it all starts with a big effort in Game 3.
L.A. was cool, especially for my first NBA Finals. Being in the NBA Finals is just the coolest thing ever for me. I can’t remember ever not watching the Finals when I was a kid growing up. And to think I’m playing on the biggest stage in basketball is so humbling to me.
L.A. has so much to offer and I really love it out there, but our focus was on all basketball on this trip. We didn’t get a win on the West Coast, but we’re not rattled at all. We know we can play with the Lakers.
Stan was looking for someone to make a shot, and I tried to take advantage of my opportunity. That corner 3 in the last couple of minutes was the biggest shot of my professional career, no doubt about it. The open 3 on the kick-out that I had in OT felt great leaving my hand, but it just didn’t drop. I’m on the floor for my shooting and I have to make those shots.
We know we can still win this series, and it all starts with Tuesday’s game. Wish us luck.
jj
Comments
Brad | on 8/6/09
Great mins. in game 2. Your game is lookin sharp and you play your role perfectly. SVG needs to start you again, bc Kobe isn’t very productive with you manned against him. Keep shooting, you guys have a nice stretch of home games coming up, you’ll have LA sweating this series by the time you head back West. Do the damn thing, good luck!
Larry E | on 8/6/09
JJ, your career is just starting out. I have a feeling you’ll be surpassing the biggest shot of your career the next game. You are a vital part of the winning formula. That’s why Stan had you in the game when we needed points badly. We’ve seen what you did in college so we know you have it in you. Keep playing hard. Next time you get a wide open 3-pointer, maybe you can pause 1 second, then shoot. That extra second might give you a chance to really focus which can only help you. Good Luck!
Kestrel | on 8/6/09
GOOD LUCK , GOOD LUCK, GOOD LUCK!!! I am so much looking forward to seeing you play at home, i think that the series is about to take a turn (in favor of orlando) I wish you nothing but the best of luck heading into the game and the whole series. your doing great keep it up and i can’t wait to see you.
I am (also) rooting for you!!!
peace and love always,
kestrel
thank you so much for taking the time out to blog during your road trip, that means a lot to us fans, thanks again!!!
Julia | on 8/6/09
Play strong, JJ & Magic! We fans all know you’ll bring everything you have to the court! By the way, love the beard :-) Sophisticated! Seeing you play brings back awesome memories of your time at Duke. The Magic gel so well… play strong and proud.
peace, Julia
J-Man | on 8/6/09
Game 1…not so great. Game 2…getting better. The team is on an upward trend for the series. Keep God first in everything you do. God’s still more interested in your character than your circumstances. If you win the championship, let the rings be a reminder of your faith in God not of your pride in yourself. Then keep believing on the court from Game 3 onward and play 120% the whole time. You’re both evenly matched, who wins will be the team who wants it the most. Turkoglu on D going after the ball relentlessly. Lewis with the hot hand. You sticking like glue on the shooter with a hand in his face. All these little things constantly throughout the game may give you that one point you need next time to win the game. Keep the faith!! (It’ll get you further than luck!!)
“Be not wary of well doing for in due season you shall reap if you faint not.” – Galatians 6:9
Lara | on 8/6/09
Hey JJ,
Just wanted to tell you that watching you and the Magic this year has finally almost, maybe turned me into an NBA fan. :o) Good luck in the games in Orlando… I have total faith in the Magic’s ability to come back, just like always. Know that we’re all still out here rooting for you, every step of the way.
xo,
Lara
Tim Vigil | on 8/6/09
I think you did an awesome job playing D against Kobe. Just keep shooting the ball with confidence and your shots will fall. Good luck! Prove to everyone how good of a player you really are!!
Mariel | on 8/6/09
Good Luck on Game 3, JJ! Third time’s a charm! =)
Ryan Acuff | on 8/6/09
GOOD LUCK! I know you can prove all the haters wrong.. especially like those who hate and don’t know what they are even talking about, like BRIAN SCHMITZ!
Brittany | on 8/6/09
Good Luck!! I am rooting for you and the Magic!! I know your team has the confidence for a great comeback!
calvin | on 8/6/09
For all the talk about how people hate you there are still tons of people watching and waiting for you to play like we all know you can. Last night when you hit that three thousands of JJ fans went nuts. Keep up the good work and keep doing your the thing!
Dennis | on 8/6/09
Keep your head up and don’t get intimidated by the NBA Finals. Playing in Maryland or UNC had to be much tougher than any NBA game. You deserve to be on the floor just as everyone else. Keep Shooting!
coby | on 8/6/09
hey jj, watched your game last night (of course)! congrats on all the playing time you got! i thought you played great and i always think the team benefits with you on the floor =) i’ve been a huge fan since you were a freshman at duke so it’s so cool to see you still playing and i’m so happy for you and all your success! wishing you the absolute best luck in the whole world for tomorrow! but i know you guys will be fine! love, coby <3 xoxo
Jeremy | on 8/6/09
This game showed how much confidence SVG has in you. Even though you only played in 7 minutes of one game during the Cleveland series he had you in there during the last part of the 4th quarter and all of overtime. It must feel great to have earned some playing time during the NBA Finals. If you keep shooting (eventually the shots will fall) and playing defense like you have been SVG will have no choice but to give you some time on the floor. I think Pietrus is going to have a series like you did against Boston with your assignment of guarding Ray Allen. He is a great defender but anyone trying to guard Kobe is going to have a difficult time and will likely get into some foul trouble. I believe this will give you some increased minutes as well. Just know there are people from the Roanoke, VA area still rooting for you!!! Best of luck in games three through six (4 in a row for you guys)
God Bless
lyss | on 8/6/09
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” -Proverbs 3:5-6
Just thought this would be helpful to keep in mind :) Keep playing hard and give it your all, but most importantly always remember that it is He who brought you here!
maribeth | on 8/6/09
i love jj redick