Wake up, Mr. West, Mr. West

Ladies and gentleman, the sportstoilet would like to introduce Mr. Fundamental 2.0. Tonight Tim Duncan literally got the nickname taken from him. Its like the 1995 Playoffs when David Robinson won the MVP award, and Hakeem Olajuwon proceeded to dominate him and be hailed as MVP after the playoffs. David West used a variety of smooth jumpshots, head fakes and pump fakes inside, as well as crafty spin moves and use of the rim to get his shot off against taller opponents inside.

Mr West actually reminded me of Tim Duncan 3 or 4 years ago when if you backed off a step he’d bank if off the glass and if you doubled inside he’d either find an open teammate or lay in anyway. David West’s line tonight, try 38 points on 16-25 shooting, with 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks, and 2 steals for good measure. He even went 6-7 from the line, and spent stretches of the game guarding Timmy in single coverage and doing a nice job. Everyone lately has been calling CP3 the next coming at the point, but his pick and rolls and pick and pops would not be nearly as deadly without West coming off the screen and without Peja at the 3 point line and Chandler ready for the lob. In fact in the half court set, West’s ability to create his own shots and shots for others has truly been what has taken ‘Nawlins to the next level. Just to give you an idea, take a look at David West's career stats and see how much he has improved every year.

What makes West, Mr. Fundamental 2.0 is that he is also an emotional leader and catalyst for his ball club. In the first round, instead of getting intimidated by the more experienced Dallas Mavericks, he love tapped Dirk Nowitzki in the face and got in the German's head, before outplaying him and then eliminating them from the playoffs. I think one could argue that he deserves either Jamison's or Bosh's spot on the Olympic team this summer.

As for the series I think San Antonio will be able to hold serve at home in a very close one, and New Orleans finally gives them the old flush in game seven.