Spurs Sweep Away Cavs

No big Surprise that the Spurs finished off the Cavs last night in Cleveland. Let’s face it Cleveland just wasn’t on the same level as the Spurs. Cleveland rode Lebron to the Finals, and probably shouldn’t have been there. Cleveland was honestly probably about the 6th best team in the NBA this year (Spurs, Suns, Mavs, Jazz, Warriors and Miami would have beaten them in a series). Tony Parker was amazing in the Finals and definitely deserved that MVP award. Something needs to be said about Parker. That is that he is absolutely living the dream. The guy is still very young, has already won 3 titles, has a finals MVP award under his belt, and is getting married to Eva Longoria (need I say more?). How about the fact that he is never even  considered when experts talk about the best point guards in the League. That is pretty amazing. The guy is lightning off the dribble, and has proven that he finishes better in the paint than most big guys (Varejao included). Also lately has become a more effective outside shooter, and can hit them when they count as he proved in the Finals. So I guess what I am saying to Tony Parker is “kudos” you are a great point guard with three titles and a beautiful gal.

Now onto this talk about the Spurs being a “Dynasty”. Not that it really matters that much, because there is no real certain criteria, but I just don’t see them as a dynasty. They aren’t that dominant team that everyone fears each year, and the team that dominates each year. They haven’t won back to back titles, they have no flash to them, and they have never really had any big moments. No game winning shots that were absolutely amazing. The only thing I think of when I hear Spurs and a game winning shot, is the one that Fisher hit to beat them in SA a few years back. They just don’t quite have that “Dynasty” thing about them. So for now I will just say that they are an unbelievable team that knows how to win when the money is on the line.

 The thing that hurt me the most about the Finals was not finding out about that patch of hair on Drew Gooden’s head. All I wanted was a special sitdown with Gooden, or at least a sideline report that told the story behind that patch of hair. Yet all I got were 4 games that lacked offense, and big moments. So be it now we can look forward to the draft and who the Celts will take. Just for the record if they take Yi Jianlan I might not be around to see his first game. I have said it before and I will say it again there really is something about Noah that just seems right. He fits the Celts need of a center, and the Celts offense perfectly. Doesn’t need the ball to be effective, and he can do all of the little things. He knows how to win, and is as much of a competitor that you will ever find. You need to look no further than his recent workouts for NBA teams, which he is doing with an injured shoulder. That isn’t stopping him from going hard every other day working out for NBA teams. I can just feel something special coming from him, and that is all I’m saying………..

Some Thoughts

• Let’s start by talking about A-Rod, and what he did the other day. First of all let me say that I dislike A-Rod as much as anyone in the nation. He is definitely in my top 10 people I dislike the most, and that is a tough list to crack. You should know that his teammate Jorge Posada is leading the way in that categorie. Anyways A-Rod did his best Willy Mays Hays impression the other day by yelling something at a third basemen as he went to catch an infield pop-up. What’s got me going is that people are saying that he was out of line for doing it. Where I come from you do whatever it takes to win. If that means distracting an opponent while he is trying to field a ball then so be it. I once heard the great Red Auerbach say that one thing that the Celtics teams of the 50’s and 60’s did was get every little advantage that they could. They took every little advantage that they could get and they used it. They did what they had to do to win. If that meant distracting an opponent like A-Rod did then that’s what you have to do. Especially when you are on a Yankees team that is struggling like they are right now. What A-Rod did was the same thing that any NBA player does when they talk trash to another player who is shooting a free throw. Just a smart play by A-Rod and even though I despise the guy I have to say I loved that play. You play to win at all costs. Next time I suggest that Jeter tells a base stealer that there was a foul ball and he has to go back to first (as long as there is no throw from the catcher). That one works everytime, I used to do it in Babe Ruth and even AAU.
• Now to the good stuff. Lebron. Lebron. and More Lebron. As much as I think Lebron has been a waste of talent so far, and isn’t the player that he should be I do have to say what he did last night was absolutely amazing. He single handlely beat the Pistons. I was sure that game was over when Detroit was up 88-83. Lebron had other ideas. A couple of rim rocking dunks later we were looking at overtime. Oh yeah and 25 straight points from the King himself. He does seem to be taking the steps to earning his nickname King James, but don’t think that he is there yet. We all thought that last year when the Cavs won the same game 5 in Detroit, but then Detroit came back to win the series in 7. Until the King finishes them off I won’t count Detroit out. What Lebron has done is kind of saved the playoffs in general. I was having a hard time watching games after Golden State and Phoenix both went out last round. One thing I can say now is that I am looking forward to seeing what Lebron does next and being a Witness.

The Playoff Blog is Back

• First off thank you Jason for the in depth research on that former Team USA-er Nick Collison. I think it comes as a surprise to us all that he is still in the NBA.
• Not much to say about that opening game between NJ and Cleveland. Donyell Marshall was hitting threes? and the Nets couldn’t throw it into the ocean. Not really much to say in general about the Eastern Conference playoffs. I wish Miami was still playing, because at least they would shake things up a little bit and make me watch. Although there is something that I have been meaning to mention. In game 3 in NJ Jason Kidd pulled down a rebound, then preceded to throw a perfect lead pass to Vince Carter who then dunked it. What was so great was how Kidd came down with the rebound then without hesitation threw the perfect lob pass. Carter was smiling, and just appreciating his teammate as he caught it and went in for the dunk. Just a really cool moment to see. Carter knew how great Kidd was playing, and could only marvel at it with the rest of us. Also in Game 6 Kidd threw an incredible “thread the needle” pass to Mikki Moore. Really have to love Kidd averaging a triple-double in the playoffs. Hoping to see him on Team USA.
• Now for the big show. Spurs/Suns in SA tonight for game 6. Very anticipated game with Stoudemire and Diaw coming back. Pretty much everyone that I talked to during the day was excited to watch this game.
• Bowen is playing unbelieveable defense on Nash, and should be congratulated. Parker dominated the first half, and Ginobli had 10 pts in his first 11 minutes. Then Duncan got it going towards the end of the half. That being said you would think that the Spurs were in total control, but it was just a two point game at the half. Nash is being followed by Bowen and an extra defender wherever he goes yet he is still able to deliver to his teammates. Just when I thought I had definitely seen the best pass of the night from Kidd, Nash throws a wrap-around pass as he is flying through the lane around Duncan right to Stoudemire. Just a remarkable pass.
• Big run for the Spurs in the third quarter. They weren’t missing from the perimeter. Phoenix just isn’t on their game tonight. Nash is frustrated and no one can make shots. I think we can all say that these are the two best teams left in the playoffs playing.
• Suns come into the 4th down 81-67. San Antonio wasn’t looking back, still making everything. Then Nash decided to finally take over. After scoring 10 points in a row by himself, the Suns found a few rare defensive stops. Then a few more hoops and Nash crossing up Bowen and making him fall over on his ass (that’s more like it Steve). The ensuing basketball by Nash cut the SA lead to just 9. The Suns gave us one last great spurt. Showing what great team basketball they are able to play. Nash was immaculate in the 4th quarter, but to no avail. I’m just sad that we won’t be seeing the game 7 that we should be seeing on Sunday. Just sad that the NBA did that to the Suns in game 5. Still though a great series played by the dirty Spurs.

Just a thought

Just wanted to use this time to say that I am the man because I wrote about Timmy Duncan being underrated and then a more well known sportswriter named simmons wrote about the same thing, that is all on that note.

On a more sensitive note, the team SZ is pulling for GOLDEN STATE baby went down sadly 3-1 to the Jazz last night. As you can see, we are all in a state of depression and discontent during these difficult times. Alliteration aside, we won’t give up hope until it’s all said and done. Nor will we write about anything else.

Also, The NBA lottery is looming a mere 8 days away. My prayers go out to the Celtics who need the first or second pick. If not because we won 24 games, but because we just extended Glen ‘Doc’ Rivers’ contract. It would just be too much if they didn’t. As I watch Duncan systematically dismantle the defenses of the best teams in the league, while playing some pretty damn good D on the other side of the court, I can’t help but imagine what it would be like if he was doing this in a green jersey. It brings tears to my eyes.

Playoff Blog

I wasn’t planning on adding to the playoff blog tonight, but after watching this Golden State game I couldn’t possibly not write about the incredible game that I saw. First off I think I need to say that it will be a nearly impossible task for anyone to beat Golden State in Oakland. That crowd just pushes these guys to new limits. You can’t say enough about the noise level and the overall togetherness of this crowd. Also you have to love how ESPN needed to install the sound level meter to give the fans an idea of how loud that place is. Mike Tirico had to say how the crowd in Utah was loud too just to keep the Jazz fans happy with ESPN’s coverage, but we all know that Tirico wasn’t in Utah for either of those games.

A great start to the game for the Warriors who were connecting on everything early. Then they went through a dryspell at the end of the quarter and let Utah back into it. Then came a huge outburst in the second quarter. Just incredible shooting and energy by the Warriors. Really special to watch. I can’t tell you how enjoyable it is to watch this team play with this atmosphere. Utah is counting their blessings for GS blowing that game 2, because if they hadn’t then this series would be all but done. I was riding a huge high after that second quarter, but it would only get better. Baron Davis’ performance in this game was absolutely incredible. He is unstoppable right now. The funny thing is that everytime I talk about GS I find myself saying how great Baron Davis is right now. He hit some of the most difficult shots and layups that I have ever seen. Oh yeah and that rediculous posterizing dunk on Kirilenko. Not bad for a 6′2 guard with bad knees right? Kirilenko had been dominating the series on the defensive end, and Davis still went right at him. Davis’ performance in these playoffs has been one of the greatest ever, and it will only get better by the looks of it. The sky is the limit for this Warriors team with him leading the way. Did Deron Williams even play tonight? Mehmet Okur? They might have, but I didn’t see them because I was too busy being amazed by the Baron.

Playoff Blog

Well the second round of the playoffs is fully underway now. Batting leadoff for TNT on this monday night was another blowout game between the Pistons and Bulls. I really could care less about this series right now and I refuse to write about it. But just for those of you who need to know here are three things about this series: 1) the Bulls are overmatch, and it will be a boring series with the Pistons taking it in 5, 2) no one cares, and 3) it doesn’t matter because the winner of everything is coming out of the West.

Now that we got that out of the way. Let me assure you, I didn’t waste my time watching that Pistons/Bulls blowout. Instead I went and played some ball myself, just to get pumped up for the nightcap between the Warriors and Jazz. I did my best impression of Matt Barnes left-handed dunk over Dirk Nowitzki about 10 times on my nerf hoop. Don’t worry I did my best Nowitzki impression too. I missed just about every shot I took, then realized I just couldn’t get it done and I am no MVP. Now that you know about me and my balling on the nerf hoop let’s talk about this Golden State/Utah series. It should be a very exciting series. Both teams will have great home crowds to push them, and they can both put the ball in the hoop. I like Golden State in 6 again. They are just on too much of a roll and too tough to match up with. When will people understand that the only place that Biendrins can score is directly under the hoop. He either gets a layup or a dunk, that is all. So just don’t let him get the ball there. Gordon Giricek started the game for the Jazz. You can’t tell me this guy is going to be the sparkplug for the Jazz. The only thing he has going for him is that he is one of the ugliest player’s in the L.

Not a good start for Golden State in the 1st quarter, but they will be sure to hang around for a while. Reggie Miller says that the point guard match up between Davis and Williams will decide the series. Let’s hope not for the Jazz’s sake, because Davis is just a better player right now. Even though Williams outplayed Davis tonight don’t expect that to become a theme in the series. We learned two things in the first half of this game. That this will be a great series to watch and that Andre Kirilenko can pass. I never knew the great ability and vision that he had. The 2nd half is a blur, because it was absolutely great. Back and forth they went down the stretch. Just great play from both teams, and you have to say the difference was Boozer’s offensive rebounding down the stretch. I still like Golden State in 6 even though they lost this first game, because Golden State won’t lose at home, and all they have to do is steal 1 game on the road. With the style they play they can definitely take game 2 or 5 in Utah.

Sunday’s Playoff Blog

It was another exciting weekend in sports, and Sunday capped it off with an exciting NBA playoff double header. I didn’t catch the first game of the Nets/Cavs series because I was still in a coma from the night before, but the highlights showed an exciting game. LeBron stepped up big down the stretch, he ended with 21. That doesn’t seem great but when your team barely cracks 80 and you get a win you can’t complain. He also hit two big shots from close range to keep the game out of reach. You love to see when a young player steps up and plays into that hero mode during the playoffs. The second half showed flashes of when James nearly carried his entire team to victory in a grueling series against the Pistons a year ago. I hope he gets some support at some point from the other Cavs.
I did get the opportunity to catch the second game of the double-header, an absolute treat. The Spurs and Suns battled back and fourth for 48 minutes. It was one of those games where neither team would quit. You knew they were going to trade buckets until one team finally runs out of time and needs to foul. 12 lead changes and 7 ties.
I was really impressed with the elevated play of both teams, the Suns led by Nash (what else is new), and the Spurs, by Duncan and Parker. I personally feel that Duncan is underrated by the mainstream. He is a superstar obviously but he didn’t get any talk for MVP. Yet, when you watch him it is a basketball clinic every time. He led all scorers with 33 and so many of them killed runs when the Suns were trying to catch fire.
On paper, the Spurs look like a bad match-up for the Suns. They have playoff experience, they have Tim Duncan, they have clutch shooters in Parker and “Big Shot Bob,” they have Tim Duncan, they have a spark plug flailing foreigner coming off the bench in Manu Ginobili, they play strong defense, which usually trumps offense, and they have Tim Duncan. I thought the Spurs would really slow things down and control the tempo. However, the game was played at a pace that really favored the Suns. They were running the way they always do, but instead of slowing down, the Spurs went toe-to-toe (unlike Mayweather and De La Hoya) and outscored them.
The only disappointment was Steve Nash having to sit the deciding stretch of the game; he gashed his nose when butting heads with Tony Parker and took a big impact (unlike Mayweather or De La Hoya). He had to sit down the stretch because the trainers couldn’t get it to stop bleeding. It was this stretch in which the Suns couldn’t answer on one possession. Just like that, the game was over. Being an avid Suns fan (second only to the Celtics), I was a little disappointed we didn’t get to see if the Suns could pull it out with Nash. But in the end, the Spurs experience pulled it out. It was amazing how calm they stayed being on the road facing adversity, with an explosive team throwing everything they have at you. There were so many big buckets; this game was a thrill to watch. Game 1 has set great expectations for the series, and it should be one of the best in recent memory.

And Kudos to Clemens for being a Dick. Hope he enjoys sharing a rotation with Matt DeSalvo, Darrell Rasner, and Jeff Karstens (ERA 14.54).

Playoff Blog

Let’s continue with the playoff blogging! We will skip the Rockets/Jazz game, because well know one really cares about it. What is more important is the best game of the season that was on tap after it. This is clearly the most anticipated game of the season so far. It was a crazy atmosphere in Golden State again. Fans were going bananas and even looked like bananas with all of those golden shirts. I like to refer to the crowd as the “Golden Crush.” So a great start for the Warriors then some 3’s lead Dallas back into the game. The story of the early going has to be the one-sided calls that all favored Dallas. The NBA clearly wants a game 7. They couldn’t favor Dallas anymore. another annoying thing is that anytime a Golden State player posts up a Dallas player flops when being backed down. And they always get the call. Then the Baron Davis injury. What else could go wrong for the Warriors after the promising start. The horrible officiating continued, and Dallas kept getting lucky it seemed. Then the great Baron came back out of the locker room, and after Steve Kerr said that he would cool down from beyond the arc he scored 11 points in a row. Just an amazing performance. This really had the feel of the game 4 in GS. Dirk looks terrible again, and he can’t seem to get anything going. But really can I say enough about the crowd there. If anything can propel Baron Davis to another great performance it is that crowd.

Exciting 3rd quarter. Dallas couldn’t hit anything at all, and Golden State exploded to a huge lead. Lead by the great shooting of Stephen Jackson who was enfuego from the great beyond. This is an all time gutsy performance by Baron Davis. He is clearly hurting badly, yet he is still going by defenders and taking the ball to the rim. The crowd is still in a frenzy, and this is an extraordinary series by Matt Barnes. This guy makes all of the big plays, including that huge lefty slam right in the MVP’s grill in that quarter. Hard to believe that he was a castaway, just a testament to his work ethic. Dallas lived by the three in the first half, but now they are dying by it. I think everyone is believing what these Warriors fans believe now.

Just another Houdini act by the so-called MVP Dirk Nowitzki, but hey Dallas fans haven’t seen that before. Or have they? Haha suckas. Don Nelson is an absolute genius, and this Golden State team could be playing for a lot longer. It will be key for their studs to get some rest and heal up for the next series though. You gotta love it, and you better like it. Thanks Golden State.

Wednesday Web Links

Here are the best links that I can find for you for Wednesday May 2nd.

• We start with a link to the classic Tom Emanski Baseball instructional video. http://espn.go.com/page2/s/caple/030709.html. This is a column from ESPN’s Page 2 archive that talks about the long lasting life of this hilarious commercial. The video is on the right hand side, and remember this video produced baseball world’s back-back-back AAU National Champions. What they don’t tell you is the guy that ran and started baseball world is Tom Emanski who was a professional scout in his prior life. Oh yeah and you also have to worship the “crime dog” Fred Mcgriff and his hat.
• Here is one of the best Sportscenter commercials of all time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVEyEbroac4. This is the “Ringers” commercial in which ESPN city basketball league team is stacked with NBA players. The best part is at the end where the guy gets cleaned out on a screen and his teammate yells, “defense wins championships.”
• While we’re at it here is another site’s take on the top ten Sportscenter commercials. http://www.sportable.com/2007/04/30/top-ten-espn-commercials/. I have to agree with the #1, but some of the others are questionable to say the least.
• http://youtube.com/watch?v=RjtPkDdvkBU. This is as good as a youtube clip that you will ever see. It’s called Trampoline Basketball and is hilarious if you listen to it.
• LEERoyyyy JENKinSSS!!!!!!. http://youtube.com/watch?v=LkCNJRfSZBU. This is a clip of guys playing the World of Warcraft computer game. It starts slow but stick with it because it is hilarious.
• While we’re at it here is another one of my all time favorite youtube clips. It is called FPS doug, and is about a guy playing a first person shooting video game. It’s just hilarious. http://youtube.com/watch?v=TsQFYceNZS8.
• http://youtube.com/watch?v=9cFkDTtQdMw. Larry Bird montage, and the next one is a collection of “Pistol” Pete highlights. http://youtube.com/watch?v=8Y5KAaercTI.
• Remember this great Mountain Dew commercial? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl0az4l99Nk. You better like it, and you gotta love it.

And that’s the way the cookie crumbles………Back later this week with more NBA playoffs and how USA basketball should be run.

The Playoff Blog Continues

• Is there anything better than watching Ernie, Kenny, and Charles. Charles isn’t afraid to say anything on the air. He really would fight every Golden State fan right now. Kenny and Charles can both give solid analysis, and they mix in some other stuff. Ernie makes sure nothing gets out of hand and is a great mediator. They also always have a great personality as a guest. I am as pumped for this GS/Dallas game as I have been all season. The atmosphere is electric again, and the We Believe T-shirts are out. This seems like a nice time to point out that Golden State has one of the best looking floors in the NBA. I would have to say that Washington’s floor has them by a half a notch. An even bigger question is whether or not Dirk will show up tonight.
• Earlier Steve Nash put on an absolute clinic in L.A. dishing out 23 assists while scoring in double figures as well. You have to love Amare pulling down 20+ boards, and Marion making hustle plays everywhere. That series is now all but over. Expect Phoenix to end it in the desert in game 5.
• The Heat were swept away by the Bulls in Miami. An absolutely shocking series to everyone. I really don’t know what to say. The Bulls just played solid and had the Heat’s number.
• New Jersey dominated an offense less Raptors squad. Jason Kidd again playing a great all around game. Now with a 3-1 series lead Jersey should be able to close in either game 5 or 6.
• The Mavericks were off to a quick start against GS, but GS kept cutting the lead down throughout the first half with timely hoops and shooting a solid percentage from the charity stripe. The Warriors were getting open looks early and often, but just not hitting on them. Baron Davis still looks unstoppable out there, and Josh Howard was playing great for Dallas. Mickael Pietrus came in and gave the Warriors a much needed lift. With a huge follow up dunk and an even bigger block on Jason Terry on a fast break. Then he connected on a three pointer that made the crowd erupt. Can someone tell me why this guy has never been in the slam dunk contest. He can absolutely get up, and he is an ideal guy. Just when you think things can’t get any worse for Dallas Baron Davis hits a half court shot to end the first half that ties up the game at half. GS shot poorly in that half and Dirk had his best half of the series yet the game is still tied. That can’t be a good sign for Dallas. Golden State comes out like a ball of fire in the second half, with two offensive rebounds that lead to 3 pointers and a six point lead. Solid play throughout the 3rd quarter from both teams. Both teams had their runs, and GS was the team that closed with a great run. “B Dizzle” Baron Davis scored 5 points in the last minute to tie the game. Including out running the so called “Jet” Jason Terry for a loose ball and then dunking it. Regardless of what happens in the rest of this series Davis is playing as good as anyone in the NBA right now, and has clearly proven that he is one of the 10 most talented players in the league. Not too shabby of a fourth quarter either in this game. It was pandemonium in the “O” (Oracle Arena). Baron Davis lead his troops the whole way, I don’t think he came out the whole second half. GS used their ballhawk scrambling defense to frustrate the mavs. Along with the gang rebounding effort. Dirk was completely out of sync, and couldn’t hit anything. He couldn’t even draw iron until those late 3’s that he hit. He just has no confidence at all right now. I think now more than just the Warrior nation BELIEVES.

Kobe v Jordan

This is an article that I have been preparing, and very excited to write.

Kobe Bryant v Michael Jordan

Everyone take a deep breath. Sit down. I am going to say something more then shocking then when Robert Gaddell announced the Dolphins took Teddy Ginn. Kobe Bryant is a better basketball player then Michael Jordan. Still with me? If you have a basketball mind, you may have come to this realization already, if your Shaq, sorry ( but thanks for reading). Here is why:

There were two times in their career when their situations were very similar. Michael Jordan pre Pippen and Rodman and Kobe currently. MJ benefited from his supporting cast like nobody in basketball history. Now, MJ is still the GREATEST athlete. How he captivated, almost SAVED the game. His tongue hanging out, taking off from places Charles Oakley couldn’t make a jumpshot from consistantly. His gatorade commercials, movies, and buisness icon make him the biggest and GREATEST athlete of all time. However, Kobe Bryant is better at the sport. Has anyone watched him this year. There was a time when he could score 50 points whenever he wanted to. The Lakers are in the playoffs and have a chance in this suns matchup because of Kobe, and they have JORDAN FARMAR at the point. Could you imagine MJ in practice with Phil if he had Farmar running the offense?

There are two people to blame for Kobe’s appeal. First off us. We labled him the next Jordan when he got out the limo with Brandy at prom. However, he was not the first, the list ( not complete includes) Howard Minor, Vince Carter, Shawn Kemp, Grant Hill, Anfernee Hardway, and of course Kobe. While four of those guys were All Stars none of them could hold Michaels jock ( his jock used with the Birmingham Barons at that). After those guys seriously flamed out we threw the book out and said there will never be a player like Jordan. Which is true, but we would be wrong if we said no one will ever be as good as Jordan.For that, Kobe got screwed.

Kobe killed Kobe. He shot himself in the foot. There will never be a statue of him outside of the staples center. He will never be in a movie with Buggs Bunny, he will never be on the cover of time ( for a good reason), and he will never, ever, be the athelte of the century. Why? Because HE chose not to be. He made this decision when driving Shaq out of town, when elbowing Mike Miller and Manu Ginobili. He made this choice when he cheated on his wife and was charged with Rape. When comparing Kobe to Jordan off the court you only have to look at two twenty second clips. Kids signing “If I could be like Mike” drinking gatorade trying to be like their hero represents MJ. Kobe lifting, and shooting around saying LOVE me or HATE me is how i see Kobe. Nobody loves you. We respect you for who you are, the best player of all time.

Sunday Stories

• The Magic were finished off yesterday in Orlando by the Pistons. Not much of a series, kind of like the rest of the Eastern Conference series. The Cavs took a commanding 3-0 lead over the depleted Wizards squad. The Wiz have hung in there in the last two games, but haven’t had the scoring down the stretch to beat the Cavs.
• In the West the Spurs took one from the Nuggets in Dever 96-91. The Spurs trio of stars got it done again last night. While Iverson had a bad shooting night, and Melo’ couldn’t hit from the free throw line (6-11). In the nightcap the Jazz looked strong at home vs. a homesick Rockets team. I thought this was the year that T-Mac was going to get out of the first round? Look for the Rockets to bring their A game in game 5 in Houston. I see this series going all 7 games.
• The Yanks ended their seven game skid yesterday. With a solid pitching performance by some unknown Igawa guy. Who pitched six scoreless innings. Then Rivera was able to come in and get the save with some nice defensive help from A-Rod. The Cubs took another from the rival Cardinals by a score of 8-1. The man that I say will hit .400 this season, Derek Lee was 2-4 and is now about .390. Ok maybe I am going out on a little bit of a limb here!
• Michael Jordan’s son Jeffrey is planning on going to the University of Illinois, and becoming a walk-on player. We’ll see how this one plays out, he should receive plenty of media coverage. I don’t think he will do much there, but he will definitely see time because of the name on the back of his jersey.
• I guess I should mention the NFL draft. Detroit took another WR high in the first round. I’m still not sold on Calvin Johnson. When is the last time a WR single handily won a game. Sure he can be a game changer, but he really isn’t going to turn your franchise around. Russell was the correct pick for Oakland to make at 1. Cleveland redeemed themselves by going out and getting Brady Quinn after passing up on him the first time around. He may be a bust, but when you are in Cleveland’s spot and he is available then you have to take a shot.
• Some great NBA games lined up for Sunday. Kobe will try to beat the Suns again, but don’t count on that happening. Miami looks to at least save a little bit of its pride vs. Chicago. The least that they could do is win a couple of games like they are capable of. I will be surprised if Riley lets those guys throw in the towel. Jason Kidd will try to become the second player ever to post back to back triple-doubles in the playoffs (Baron Davis being the other). While the Raps need this win or else their season is just about over. Saving the best for last…..the Mavs look to get back on the winning track that they are accustomed too. The Warriors are just the Mavs kryptonite. This will be a great game to watch, because you can guarantee that the Warriors fans will be as loud as ever and they will push this Warriors team to do great things. I just can’t wait for this game. If GS is able to take another one then you have to believe that the Mavs just can’t beat this team, and GS is just a hot team right now that anyone else would lose too. Just a tough break for the Mavs to play them in the first round when GS is pretty much the only team in the league that has their number. Enjoy folks!

Playoff Blog

• As my dad and I watched the first half of the Raptors and Nets game all we could do was marvel at two things. One was the lack of love for sports franchises in New Jersey. At the Devils game the night before there were 3,500 empty seats and at this Nets playoff game there were definitely some empty seats. How can fans pass up this chance to watch a great trio of players that includes a human highlight film, an incredible point guard, and a great all around player. If the Celtics ever do make the playoffs again I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Neither would the whole fan base so that means that there wouldn’t be empty seats to be seen throughout the arena. Anyways what those fans were missing was that second thing. That was the incredible play of Jason Kidd. Behind Nash he is the second best point guard in the league. He is also one of the most valuable players in the league to his team. Without Kidd getting almost a triple double a night and distributing the ball and keeping everyone happy this Nets team would be much less successful. Let’s remember when Byron Scott was in the doghouse in NJ people were talking about Kidd being a player/coach. That is pretty high praise, since that has never happened in my lifetime. I mean this isn’t a men’s league team its the NBA. Most of all Kidd is a winner. He will do whatever it takes to win and believe me he will win. So we sat and marveled at the 14 assists that Jason Kidd put up in the first half of the game vs. the Raptors, because you don’t see players like him come around too often. Just as Henry Abbott of truehoop predicted Kidd would play (dead left knee) and he would play well. The game finished with the Nets winning 102-89. They dominated the game, or should I say that Jason Kidd and VC dominated the game. Kidd finished with one of the best lines that I have ever seen – 16 pts, 16 reb, 19 ast. That guy is some player. Nets now lead the series 2-1, and if they can take game 4 at home the series should be all but over. Don’t expect Toronto to roll over though in game 4. I think it will be a heck of a game.
• Great first half in the Miami-Chicago game. A must win for the Heat, and you could tell. Wade looking for his offense early and plenty of post entries to Shaq who again was in foul trouble. The big half provided off the bench by my boy toine’ who included a beautiful finger roll and a fouled in transition. Followed by a semi-shimmy shake, which brought the Miami crowd to their feet. Is there anything prettier that Dwyane Wade’s bankshot that he hits from the left side of the floor. That shot is absolutely beautiful. Also you have to love the white out crowd in Miami, and of course that crazy spiky sphere thing that is inside the panels of the jumbo-tron. Don’t really know how to explain the breakdown that Miami suffered in the second half. Just solid defense and offense by the Bulls. Now Miami faces a 3-0 hole, and if anyone is going to comeback from down 3-0 its Miami but I wouldn’t expect it that’s for sure.
• Great crowd at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Those fans were going bananas after every hoop by GS in the early going. Here’s Bill Walton’s take on the Warriors, “These Warriors are for real.” Have to love the coverage by ESPN. Showing all three games on this Friday night in HD. Somewhere Charles Barkley is loving his first day off all week. I do have to say Mike Tirico is as good of a play by play guy there is around right now. What a step up from having Brent Musberger doing these ESPN/ABC games. Is it strange that the Warriors logo has a lightning bolt instead of an actual Warrior? What a great start for the Warriors in this game, they really looked amped up to play and behind only the Suns they are as good of a team that there is for a fan to watch. Truly an incredible performance by Baron Davis, J-Rich, and the Warriors in this game. How about the experience that the fans of GS got by watching this game. Those fans were on their feet the whole game. Dallas was completely out of sorts, and where was the so called MVP of this season. Nowitzki can’t do anything except shoot the ball well. So when that part of his game isn’t working he can’t do anything. That means that he isn’t the MVP. Right now Baron Davis is looking more like an MVP. He is clearly the best player on the floor in this series. Unstoppable off the dribble, then he can finish in the lane or find his teammates on the perimeter. The energy level on the floor for Golden State was absolutely unmatchable. After such a big deal was made about all of the GS technicals in game 2, Dallas was the team that decomposed and was called for technicals in this one. Can’t say enough about the hustle plays by both Matt Barnes and Mickael Pietrus. Who isn’t rooting for the 8 over 1 upset at this point. This is the playoffs and this is what it is all about.

Playoff Blog

Watched the two playoff games on TNT last night. Starting with the Pistons/Magic game. The Pistons looked pretty strong again last night. They just seem to like to let Orlando hang around for a while, and then when it comes time to get stops and make big hoops they get it done. Jameer Nelson looked good last night for Orlando, scoring a playoff career high 27 points. Nelson scored well, but he isn’t really a good point guard. All of those pick and rolls with Howard, and he couldn’t get the ball to Howard for any easy hoops. I know if someone like Nash was playing with Howard then he would have had about 4 or 5 layups or Dunks, because of great feeds. Anyways, all of Detroit’s starters scored in double figures to lead just another balanced scoring act. It was a nice crowd in Orlando, but they shouldn’t expect Orlando to steal game 4. This series is all but over, and so is Brian Hill’s coaching career in Orlando after it. One more thing from this game, how about the end of the first half. It looks like Orlando is going into the locker room with about a two point deficit, and plenty of momentum. Then comes a Tayshaun Prince 3 as the shot clock winds down. Then a terrible mis-communication, and the inbounds pass was picked off by Prince who saves the ball to Billups who then takes a fade-away 3. The moment he took that shot any NBA fan immediately said “yep that is going in.” Boom, “yea it went it.” That was typical, and just a killer for the Magic. If that didn’t happen we might have been talking about a 2-1 series.

Just something I was pondering yesterday. What does Dirk Nowitzki do really good. The answer is only two things shoot, and score one on one. Those are the only two things that he does really well. Every other facet of the game he is average at. You look at either Kobe, Nash, or Kidd. They do so many things at a higher level than other NBA players. Not just two things. I’ll tell you right now that Josh Howard is probably a more important player to the Mavericks than Dirk is. Howard does everything well. Including guarding one of the other teams stars. Just a small point saying that Dirk isn’t worthy of an NBA MVP award.

Now for the TNT nightcap. First off is there anything better in this series than watching Ronny Turiaf on the LA bench. He is up on his feet for every possession. Always the first one out when there is a timeout. Then he is always pictured talking to someone or laughing about something. When he actually gets out on the floor he provides great energy, but he provides plenty on the bench too. He is like a combination of Screech from Saved by the Bell and Averman from Mighty Ducks. The Suns offense went cold in third quarter last night. Some solid defense by the Lakers and some poor shooting from the Suns. Nash was being very closely guarded off of the pick and rolls, which was pretty effective for LA. Phoenix wasn’t able to get a lot of those easy hoops in the paint that they usually get. Kobe was excellent last night. He is absolutely impossible to guard, and those were some loud MVP chants by the crowd at the Staples. Lamar Odom was also very active last night. It always kills me because that guy is so talented, and he never stays consistent. If LA wants to win a few more games in this series they will need this type of defense, but also don’t expect the Suns to look this bad offensively again. I still say Suns in 5.

Monday Night NBA Playoff recap

The Pistons and the Magic played game 2 to kick off Monday night’s TNT double header. The Pistons cruised to take a 2-0 lead. All their starters were in double figures, with the backcourt of Hamilton and Billups each going for over 20. The Pistons got it done from the charity stripe (80%) as well as drilling eight 3-balls. ‘Sheed and Tayshaun each hit 3 from downtown (3-6 and 3-3 respectively). As usual, they played great team ball. They are looking good against an inferior Magic squad, but it will be interesting to see if they can continue to play well as they get deeper into the playoffs. Old Grant Hill and Hedo Turkoglu each posted 20, but Howard was very quiet. He is a promising young player but his turnover numbers just look too much like girls’ high school basketball for me to be very high on him. The Magic are really overmatched in this series.
The Jazz/Rockets game was a lot more exciting. Unfortunately, Yao’s scraggly under-the-chin-only beard was gone, so the only fun provided by HD on the night was Carlos Boozer’s bald head. The Jazz led for the entire first half, but the Rockets turned it on in the second half to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Their ball movement looked really good, but like the Pistons, they will need to turn it on to advance past the second round. Yao and T-mac combined to take 53 of the Rocket’s 83 shots. As the for the Jazz, Memet Okur was ice cold. Boozer was playing out of his mind, exploding for 41 points, but he was the only one. McGrady was too much, as he came alive down the stretch.
Tomorrow looks to be exciting with game 2’s of Suns/Lakers, Raptors/Nets, and Heat/Bulls. My pick to win it all is the SUNS.
Other exciting news in the world of sports: The Red Sox ended their tear which included bitching the Yankees for three straight come-from-behind wins. They must have been emotionally spent from that weekend, going down to the Blue Jays tonight. One bright note though is pitcher Jon Lester who continues to rehab from cancer. Best wishes for his recovery. Hopefully he will return to the promising form he was in last season (7-2, 4.76 ERA). If he does he will complete a SCARY rotation for Boston. Also in baseball, A-Rod comments on his dazzling start to the season. He chalked up his unsatisfactory past performance in New York to his self-consciousness under the New York spot light. The new and improved A-rod is here to stay however, as he has found the perfect complement of Maybelline foundation and strawberry kiwi lip gloss which gives him his new swagger. Back to the NBA, LeBron’s ankle injury is most likely not going to keep him out of action. And finally, if Houston wins the NBA championship, their mascot’s name will be changed from Clutch the Bear to RED ROCKET. Goodnight.