It was a very unusually cold,rainy night in Los Angeles where the rainfall pounded a normally sunny metropolis. In fact, it's been an above normal rainfall in just five days with more to come. Yet, no one could have forseen it as a thematic backdrop for what was to happen between the Lakers and Bucks.
The Lakers were flying high after five straight wins on the road and they had oft-injured Andrew Bynum back. They were at home against a lowly Bucks team without Carlos Delfino and Brandon Jennings. A Bucks team that the night before got absolutely destroyed in Portland. No highlight exemplifying the game than Lamarcus Aldridge alley-oop slam over Mbah Moute that you can see below. It would seem a relatively easy win for the Lakers. Right?
Unfortunately, it was not the case as the Bucks defense and their shot came to life under the bright lights of Staples Center. While the Lakers shot, disappeared like the sunshine that Los Angeles bathes in nearly year round. The Bucks defense did a few things:
- Denied the pass to the post to Pau Gasol during the 4th Quarter.
- Make Gasol work for his points and deny him from being a playmaker.
- Made Kobe work for his shot.
- Convert points into Turnovers.
-31 points off 16 Lakers turnovers.
-Make the Lakers work for their points
-45.5% field goal percentage
-79 points for the Lakers
Offense:
-Shoot 50% from the field along with 8-14 three point shooting
-Out-rebound the Lakers 39-35.
-Convert their free throws 16-18 (88.9%).
-Limit the impact of the Lakers bench: Bucks 32-25 (Boykins scored 22 pts.)
The Bucks played with energy and passion while the Lakers played like a team that just came back from a long road trip. Oh wait, they did. In addition, the Lakers were playing like a little child who was peaking at their wrapped Christmas present (Miami Heat) while forgetting to lock the gate so that the dog does not run away (Milwaukee Bucks).
They played tough Bucks defense that has been a philosophy of Scott Skiles. Andrew Bogut disrupted Gasol's flow and made him a jump shooter. Bogut dominated and outplayed Gasol. He held Gasol to 11 pts. on a deceptive 6-12 shooting.
John Salmons and Earl Boykins picked up the scoring slack as they scored 42 points combined. Salmons made timely buckets as the Lakers made their runs. He made a big 3 on a five point swing after the Lakers got too cute on the fast break to turn a 59-58 Laker lead into 61-59 Bucks advantage. He had another big shot as he converted an end of 3rd Quarter buzzer beater to give the Bucks a six point lead heading into the fourth. The bucket set the tone in the next quarter. Salmons shot was clicking and for one night he showed the same fire that he had in Chicago that had been lacking this season.
Earl Boykins was the closer in this game as he knocked timely 3pt. buckets that put a game that the Lakers could have easily taken if they had one big quarter out of reach. He was instrumental in his 22 points along with Luc Richard Mbah Moute's lockdown D that bottled up Kobe and sent him to the showers with 2 techs.
In the fourth quarter, it was the Bucks not the Lakers that closed the game out. They outscored the Lakers with a game deciding 26-13 in the final quarter. Milwaukee discombobulated the Lakers offense, which to begin with, was not clicking on all cylinders. It was evident when the Lakers passes and timing were significantly off. For example, Gasol bobbled a pass from Fisher and was out of position for behind the back Kobe pass early in the game. The Lakers offense was off despite flashes of brilliance in some parts prior to the 4th Quarter.
Overall, it was a great win for the Bucks. They won a nearly impossible game without Brandon Jennings and Carlos Delfino. It's another great win and Christmas present to go along with ending Dallas' 13 game winning streak.
For Los Angeles, it's a head scratching loss heading into a tough three game stretch (Miami, @San Antonio and @New Orleans on a back to back). It may take the luster off the Lakers/Heat Christmas Day bash but it is a lesson to the Lakers that the road to the Finals will be just as hard as it has been in Christmas Past, Present and Future.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Miami's Big 3 soars while Cleveland burns
Since the day Lebron James made the biggest decision that created more heartbreak for Cleveland to go along with numerous others such as The Shot, The Fumble, The Drive, etc. December 2nd, 2010, was the so-called day of reckoning where Cleveland would get their say on what they felt after Lebron took his talents to Miami to play with Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade.
Tonight, it was Lebron, Wade and Bosh who put the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers to bed before the 4th Quarter. Their defense was smothering, which led to easy points and baskets. They were forcing the Cavaliers to shoot jumpers and throw wild shots at the basket hoping for it to fall. Alas, it would not fall and the Heat's lead would continue to balloon.
Collectively, the Heat rebounded the ball with passion that seemed lacking the last few games. They out-rebounded the Cavaliers 43-34. Miami's defense was able to produce 28 points off 13 Cavalier turnovers.
In addition, their shooting was excellent for the majority of the game. Lebron's jumpers fell in the formerly friendly confines of the Quicken Loans Arena, which he called home for the past seven years. He went 13-18 from 2 pt. land but a pedestrian 2-7 from the three. Lebron's athleticism and game were humming as he scored 38 points, 8 assists but only five rebounds after three quarters. One such example, was when he took on Joey Graham along the baseline and scored on a reverse lay-in that was almost a Julius Ervingesque type move that reminded me of the 1980 NBA Finals. Pardon me, for my hyperboles as you will see in this video below:
D-Wade was the Flash as he scored 22 pts. 9 rebounds and 9 assists for a near-triple double. It was vintage Wade as he drove to the lane for pretty dunks and lay-ins. He was the distributor and scorer, which made me wonder if he should be the guy who feeds Lebron and Bosh for 3 quarters. Then in the crunch time, he takes over a la Michael Jordan to close the game out.
Bosh had a decent game where he lived off jumpers and kick-outs. Yet, was nonexistent in terms of rebounding. At some point, the Heat will need to find a frontline center who will do the following: rebound, bang and do the dirty work to get his points. In a sense, they need a Dennis Rodman/Joakim Noah type player to protect Bosh and Lebron.
The Cavs were just awful tonight as they could not buy a bucket during the Miami onslaught. Mo Williams shots stopped falling and as a team they shot 35.5%. It just confirms the fact that Lebron was their offense A-D for seven years. Right now, the Cavaliers will be lucky to make it as an eighth seed in the East and they might considering how moribund it is right now.
That might be an accomplishment for the fans who put up various signs and shirts expressing their anger for Lebron's departure. They booed him every time he touched the ball but were silenced by the end of the 3rd Quarter as the Cavs were down by thirty points. Aside from that, it's sadly going to take a long time before Cleveland will have another winning team that can bring joy to a city that has gone 46 years and counting without a championship.
As a whole, the Heat basically pummeled a reprehensibly bad team tonight in front of a hostile crowd. They showed up and did not have the glazed terrified look they had in Boston. For now, they took care of business but there will always be critics who say they need to beat teams like the Celtics, Lakers, Spurs and Bulls. Yet, it's still a long season and they have a lot of chances to prove their worth when they play at Utah on Dec. 8th and the sputtering Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day. Until then, enjoy the Roller Coaster ride that is the NBA season.
Tonight, it was Lebron, Wade and Bosh who put the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers to bed before the 4th Quarter. Their defense was smothering, which led to easy points and baskets. They were forcing the Cavaliers to shoot jumpers and throw wild shots at the basket hoping for it to fall. Alas, it would not fall and the Heat's lead would continue to balloon.
Collectively, the Heat rebounded the ball with passion that seemed lacking the last few games. They out-rebounded the Cavaliers 43-34. Miami's defense was able to produce 28 points off 13 Cavalier turnovers.
In addition, their shooting was excellent for the majority of the game. Lebron's jumpers fell in the formerly friendly confines of the Quicken Loans Arena, which he called home for the past seven years. He went 13-18 from 2 pt. land but a pedestrian 2-7 from the three. Lebron's athleticism and game were humming as he scored 38 points, 8 assists but only five rebounds after three quarters. One such example, was when he took on Joey Graham along the baseline and scored on a reverse lay-in that was almost a Julius Ervingesque type move that reminded me of the 1980 NBA Finals. Pardon me, for my hyperboles as you will see in this video below:
D-Wade was the Flash as he scored 22 pts. 9 rebounds and 9 assists for a near-triple double. It was vintage Wade as he drove to the lane for pretty dunks and lay-ins. He was the distributor and scorer, which made me wonder if he should be the guy who feeds Lebron and Bosh for 3 quarters. Then in the crunch time, he takes over a la Michael Jordan to close the game out.
Bosh had a decent game where he lived off jumpers and kick-outs. Yet, was nonexistent in terms of rebounding. At some point, the Heat will need to find a frontline center who will do the following: rebound, bang and do the dirty work to get his points. In a sense, they need a Dennis Rodman/Joakim Noah type player to protect Bosh and Lebron.
The Cavs were just awful tonight as they could not buy a bucket during the Miami onslaught. Mo Williams shots stopped falling and as a team they shot 35.5%. It just confirms the fact that Lebron was their offense A-D for seven years. Right now, the Cavaliers will be lucky to make it as an eighth seed in the East and they might considering how moribund it is right now.
That might be an accomplishment for the fans who put up various signs and shirts expressing their anger for Lebron's departure. They booed him every time he touched the ball but were silenced by the end of the 3rd Quarter as the Cavs were down by thirty points. Aside from that, it's sadly going to take a long time before Cleveland will have another winning team that can bring joy to a city that has gone 46 years and counting without a championship.
As a whole, the Heat basically pummeled a reprehensibly bad team tonight in front of a hostile crowd. They showed up and did not have the glazed terrified look they had in Boston. For now, they took care of business but there will always be critics who say they need to beat teams like the Celtics, Lakers, Spurs and Bulls. Yet, it's still a long season and they have a lot of chances to prove their worth when they play at Utah on Dec. 8th and the sputtering Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day. Until then, enjoy the Roller Coaster ride that is the NBA season.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Blake Griffin: A memorable night and ridiculous dunks
Since being drafted as the first pick of the Los Angeles Clippers in 2009, Blake Griffin has been the centerpiece of the hopes and dreams of the small sect of clipper fans in the Los Angeles Area. Although, he missed his rookie season due to a cracked knee cap, which drew echoes of previous so-called Clipper saviors who were taken down by terrible injuries. (See: Shaun Livingston and the horrifying knee injury). So far, Blake Griffin has been a revelation and a sight to behold.
Last night, Blake Griffin scored 44 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. In addition, he was 16-23 from the charity stripe along with highlights that sent the listless Clipper fans buzzing with oohs and aahs. His jumping ability is off the charts bringing some comparisons to a young Shawn Kemp when he was not ballooning to 300 pounds. As you can see here where he victimizes an unfortunate Golden State Warrior big man in the early 1990s :
Now, compare that to Blake Griffin as in one dunk he just flies over and throws the ball into the basket over Timofey Mosgov in the Third Quarter. It led to a three point play on a pretty pass by Eric Gordon. Even watching it nearly five times, I am still in absolute shock at how high he jumped over the seven foot Russian center. He's still a rookie and if he learns some post moves to go along with his improving jumper, Griffin will become a force where defenders will have pray to God and kiss their butt goodbye.
Late in the fourth quarter, Griffin received a pass from DeAndre Jordan on a block shot and dribbled it across the court. As you will see, he does a very good NBA Jam impersonation over Danillo Gallinari for a breathless dunk. It sent the crowd into an absolute frenzy and pulled the Clippers to within five. Alas, the Clippers lost 124-115 and are now 1-12. Although, it was certainly a night to remember if you were at that game or watching it.
Last night, Blake Griffin scored 44 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. In addition, he was 16-23 from the charity stripe along with highlights that sent the listless Clipper fans buzzing with oohs and aahs. His jumping ability is off the charts bringing some comparisons to a young Shawn Kemp when he was not ballooning to 300 pounds. As you can see here where he victimizes an unfortunate Golden State Warrior big man in the early 1990s :
Now, compare that to Blake Griffin as in one dunk he just flies over and throws the ball into the basket over Timofey Mosgov in the Third Quarter. It led to a three point play on a pretty pass by Eric Gordon. Even watching it nearly five times, I am still in absolute shock at how high he jumped over the seven foot Russian center. He's still a rookie and if he learns some post moves to go along with his improving jumper, Griffin will become a force where defenders will have pray to God and kiss their butt goodbye.
Late in the fourth quarter, Griffin received a pass from DeAndre Jordan on a block shot and dribbled it across the court. As you will see, he does a very good NBA Jam impersonation over Danillo Gallinari for a breathless dunk. It sent the crowd into an absolute frenzy and pulled the Clippers to within five. Alas, the Clippers lost 124-115 and are now 1-12. Although, it was certainly a night to remember if you were at that game or watching it.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Hakim Warrick's big night and smash
Since Amare took his talents to Manhattan, the Suns have been trying to find a new Pick and Roll partner for Nash. Tonight, Hakim Warrick looks like he has taken the mantle. I know it's one game but this dunk shown below is a picture worth a 1000 words.
Hakim Warrick was a beast in this game as he scored 18 points and 11 rebounds. He was important for a Suns bench that scored 50 points to the Jazz's paltry 18. He was active on the offensive end and he may have found a home after bouncing around the league since being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies as the 19th Pick of the 2005 NBA Draft. We shall see if he can continue the good work against the Los Angeles Lakers in Phoenix tomorrow.
Hakim Warrick was a beast in this game as he scored 18 points and 11 rebounds. He was important for a Suns bench that scored 50 points to the Jazz's paltry 18. He was active on the offensive end and he may have found a home after bouncing around the league since being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies as the 19th Pick of the 2005 NBA Draft. We shall see if he can continue the good work against the Los Angeles Lakers in Phoenix tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Hakeem Olajuwon: Teaching his tricks to Dwight Howard
Following last season, where the Orlando Magic were eliminated in six games by the Boston Celtics. Dwight Howard took a one week course to learn new post moves from the one of the best big man to play the game, Hakeem Olajuwon. In this clip, Hakeem showed Dwight how to use his quickness and footwork to become a better big man in the post. As shown below:
In the eight minute clip, Dwight learned baseline moves as well as the counter moves to keep his defenders honest. It's a delight for Magic fans to see Howard improve his post moves considering that many people see him using brute force to score his points along with power dunks. Yet, it does make me wonder what Patrick Ewing taught him over the past two years has actually materialized at all?
In addition, it's nice to see the Superstars of today learn from legends like Hakeem rather than just slouch around during the whole summer. In fact, just last year Kobe Bryant spent a week during the summer, learning from Hakeem various post moves such as the Dream Shake. As you can see below in this brief 1:43 clip:
Kobe revealed his version of the dream shake against the Clippers last season (seen above). In the twenty-three second clip, he got Deandre Jordan and Al Thorton to bite before scoring on a scoop shot.
Although, Kobe never fully displayed what he learned during the summer, it still gave defenders just like it will for Dwight Howard something to worry about during a game or in a playoff series. If Dwight can master what he learned with Hakeem, he may just live up to the Superman billing he has been anointed with for some time.
Currently, the Eastern Conference is stacked with teams like the Boston Celtics with their Big Men R Us, Miami with their triumvirate (Wade, Lebron and Bosh) , and Chicago. In addition, the twin towers frontline of Andrew Bynum (if his knees hold up) and all-world Pau Gasol along with Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers to the West. It's a new weapon for Dwight to counter the escalating arms race in Orlando's neighborhood and across the NBA world.
In the eight minute clip, Dwight learned baseline moves as well as the counter moves to keep his defenders honest. It's a delight for Magic fans to see Howard improve his post moves considering that many people see him using brute force to score his points along with power dunks. Yet, it does make me wonder what Patrick Ewing taught him over the past two years has actually materialized at all?
In addition, it's nice to see the Superstars of today learn from legends like Hakeem rather than just slouch around during the whole summer. In fact, just last year Kobe Bryant spent a week during the summer, learning from Hakeem various post moves such as the Dream Shake. As you can see below in this brief 1:43 clip:
Kobe revealed his version of the dream shake against the Clippers last season (seen above). In the twenty-three second clip, he got Deandre Jordan and Al Thorton to bite before scoring on a scoop shot.
Although, Kobe never fully displayed what he learned during the summer, it still gave defenders just like it will for Dwight Howard something to worry about during a game or in a playoff series. If Dwight can master what he learned with Hakeem, he may just live up to the Superman billing he has been anointed with for some time.
Currently, the Eastern Conference is stacked with teams like the Boston Celtics with their Big Men R Us, Miami with their triumvirate (Wade, Lebron and Bosh) , and Chicago. In addition, the twin towers frontline of Andrew Bynum (if his knees hold up) and all-world Pau Gasol along with Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers to the West. It's a new weapon for Dwight to counter the escalating arms race in Orlando's neighborhood and across the NBA world.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Basketball Season is upon us
It's early October, where teams are getting into training camp following a riveting summer. This past summer brought so much drama for basketball fans that it turned a beloved figure into a huge narcissistic villain in the eyes of basketball and casual fans alike. In addition, we saw huge contracts given out (see Joe Johnson 127 million dollar deal) by owners splurging in the most unprecedented free agency in a long time.
Yet, this might be the last season that the NBA as we know it because of an impending lockout as well as talks of a hard cap by the Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonis, which left him with 100K fine by the league. It's yet another war between millionaires and billionaires that is most likely going to end up like the last labor shortage in 1999.
Despite the impending labor war, the 2010-11 season has got to be the most compelling season as most people wonder if the Miami Threesome could gel together into a powerhouse. This team could potentially rule the NBA throughout the 2010s. It is a team with two future members heading to Springfield (Dwayne Wade and Lebron James) in the not too distant future. In addition, one of the best face the basket scorers in Chris Bosh. All three are in their mid to late 20s, which is downright terrifying to think about if you root for any team not named Miami. Unfortunately, it has holes in the center and guard position which may become costly when the games count in the playoffs.
Besides those weaknesses on its team, Miami also has threats in its own conference in the form of the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls. There is some animosity as Stan Van Gundy who once coached the last incarnation of superstars in Miami and was depending on who you ask was let go. Van Gundy went to Orlando where they have been the darlings of the East going to the NBA Finals and Conference Finals in the last two years. They are blessed with three point shooters and one of the best centers in the game in Dwight Howard. Boston is also a threat with a swift point guard (Rajon Rondo) and an aging but crafty big 3 as well as a plethora of Big men. This is a team that was six minutes away from capturing their 18th banner. Chicago is another threat with Derrick Rose who has been improving his three point shot over the summer. The Bulls have an agitating big man in Joakim Noah and new free agent acquisition Carlos Boozer (out for 8 weeks due to a broken hand, Ouch!). They are coached by Tom Thibodeau, a defensive genius for the Boston Celtics who stymied Lebron James and Kobe Bryant in the playoffs. Despite Miami's acquisitions it may be easier said than done to make the NBA Finals.
Out West, can the Lakers win one for Phil the Zen Master Jackson's unprecedented 4th three-peat? It has never been done before and with new threats that reside in South Beach, it might be their most toughest task to defend their championship yet. With a gimpy Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum (no surprise considering his injury history), it's another challenge for a seasoned championship team
On the plus side, the Lakers have a healthy Pau Gasol who rested after playing nearly two consecutive years of basketball without rest. They have bolstered their bench with new additions such as Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, and Theo Ratliff. Last year, the bench was just Lamar Odom and everyone else. The bench was so bad that the Lakers were forced to send their starters into the game much earlier despite building seemingly insurmountable leads. This season hopes to be different as the Laker bench need to keep building or holding the lead while the starters save their strength for what should be yet another grueling championship defense.
Just like the Heat, the Lakers face a formidable rivals in their own conference despite being depleted by Free Agent defections. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers are two young contenders that could give the Lakers fits. Oklahoma because of an athletic core led by their young superstar Kevin Durant who recently led the U.S to their first Gold medal in the FIBA World Championship since 1994. Last season, they nearly took the Lakers to a seventh game had it not been for a Pau Gasol tip-in in the final seconds at a raucous Ford Center. Yet, the question is can they improve from last season, where the majority of the starters were injury-free? It's a big-if because injuries can ravage team in some shape or form as well as the high expectations. Will the Thunder show that they are a force of nature or just a blip in the radar?
Portland is another promising team but has been slowed down by injuries such as Greg Oden their number 1 pick. None more terrifying than his injury early in the 2009-10 season seen below:
Yet, they are resilient and gave Phoenix all they could handle in the first round. The only question is can they get healthy for the whole season. If so, they can easily become the threat to the Lakers most pundits thought they would be heading into last season but it's a big IF.
Dallas is also a threat but like the Lakers and San Antonio Spurs they are aging. They have a short window just like the former as well as the latter to win it all. This year might be their last along with an aging Jason Kidd much like the Spurs have with Tim Duncan who is in his mid-30s. They have big men that could potentially compete with the Lakers height (their strength) thanks to the 3-team trade that netted them Tyson Chandler. The Mavericks also have a sweet shooting big man in Dirk Nowitzki who apparently has been practicing his stroke in this recent commercial.
In short, this season will be full of surprises and disappointments as it always has been. Hopefully, it will not be the last season for a long time. Yet, with a sputtering economy in the United States and Europe, I guess anything is possible.
Yet, this might be the last season that the NBA as we know it because of an impending lockout as well as talks of a hard cap by the Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonis, which left him with 100K fine by the league. It's yet another war between millionaires and billionaires that is most likely going to end up like the last labor shortage in 1999.
Despite the impending labor war, the 2010-11 season has got to be the most compelling season as most people wonder if the Miami Threesome could gel together into a powerhouse. This team could potentially rule the NBA throughout the 2010s. It is a team with two future members heading to Springfield (Dwayne Wade and Lebron James) in the not too distant future. In addition, one of the best face the basket scorers in Chris Bosh. All three are in their mid to late 20s, which is downright terrifying to think about if you root for any team not named Miami. Unfortunately, it has holes in the center and guard position which may become costly when the games count in the playoffs.
Besides those weaknesses on its team, Miami also has threats in its own conference in the form of the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls. There is some animosity as Stan Van Gundy who once coached the last incarnation of superstars in Miami and was depending on who you ask was let go. Van Gundy went to Orlando where they have been the darlings of the East going to the NBA Finals and Conference Finals in the last two years. They are blessed with three point shooters and one of the best centers in the game in Dwight Howard. Boston is also a threat with a swift point guard (Rajon Rondo) and an aging but crafty big 3 as well as a plethora of Big men. This is a team that was six minutes away from capturing their 18th banner. Chicago is another threat with Derrick Rose who has been improving his three point shot over the summer. The Bulls have an agitating big man in Joakim Noah and new free agent acquisition Carlos Boozer (out for 8 weeks due to a broken hand, Ouch!). They are coached by Tom Thibodeau, a defensive genius for the Boston Celtics who stymied Lebron James and Kobe Bryant in the playoffs. Despite Miami's acquisitions it may be easier said than done to make the NBA Finals.
Out West, can the Lakers win one for Phil the Zen Master Jackson's unprecedented 4th three-peat? It has never been done before and with new threats that reside in South Beach, it might be their most toughest task to defend their championship yet. With a gimpy Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum (no surprise considering his injury history), it's another challenge for a seasoned championship team
On the plus side, the Lakers have a healthy Pau Gasol who rested after playing nearly two consecutive years of basketball without rest. They have bolstered their bench with new additions such as Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, and Theo Ratliff. Last year, the bench was just Lamar Odom and everyone else. The bench was so bad that the Lakers were forced to send their starters into the game much earlier despite building seemingly insurmountable leads. This season hopes to be different as the Laker bench need to keep building or holding the lead while the starters save their strength for what should be yet another grueling championship defense.
Just like the Heat, the Lakers face a formidable rivals in their own conference despite being depleted by Free Agent defections. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers are two young contenders that could give the Lakers fits. Oklahoma because of an athletic core led by their young superstar Kevin Durant who recently led the U.S to their first Gold medal in the FIBA World Championship since 1994. Last season, they nearly took the Lakers to a seventh game had it not been for a Pau Gasol tip-in in the final seconds at a raucous Ford Center. Yet, the question is can they improve from last season, where the majority of the starters were injury-free? It's a big-if because injuries can ravage team in some shape or form as well as the high expectations. Will the Thunder show that they are a force of nature or just a blip in the radar?
Portland is another promising team but has been slowed down by injuries such as Greg Oden their number 1 pick. None more terrifying than his injury early in the 2009-10 season seen below:
Yet, they are resilient and gave Phoenix all they could handle in the first round. The only question is can they get healthy for the whole season. If so, they can easily become the threat to the Lakers most pundits thought they would be heading into last season but it's a big IF.
Dallas is also a threat but like the Lakers and San Antonio Spurs they are aging. They have a short window just like the former as well as the latter to win it all. This year might be their last along with an aging Jason Kidd much like the Spurs have with Tim Duncan who is in his mid-30s. They have big men that could potentially compete with the Lakers height (their strength) thanks to the 3-team trade that netted them Tyson Chandler. The Mavericks also have a sweet shooting big man in Dirk Nowitzki who apparently has been practicing his stroke in this recent commercial.
In short, this season will be full of surprises and disappointments as it always has been. Hopefully, it will not be the last season for a long time. Yet, with a sputtering economy in the United States and Europe, I guess anything is possible.
Friday, October 1, 2010
First Prisoners dancing, Now Flight Attendants?
From the country that brought you prisoners dancing to Michael Jackson, comes a sequel to the You Tube smash. It's a brief two and a half minute video on a routine Cebu Pacific flight in the Philippines where the airline is based. In it, the flight attendants dance to Lady Gaga's Just Dance and briefly to Katy Perry's California Gurls while demonstrating the emergency and safety procedures while dancing
I know that I usually talk about sports but this was a clip that just compelled me to write about it. In addition, it's a near certainty that everyone will definitely know who Cebu Pacific is beyond Asia and it's manna from heaven in terms of free advertising for Philippine tourism. Kudos to the flight attendants' creativity and to the dancing culture. Enjoy!
I know that I usually talk about sports but this was a clip that just compelled me to write about it. In addition, it's a near certainty that everyone will definitely know who Cebu Pacific is beyond Asia and it's manna from heaven in terms of free advertising for Philippine tourism. Kudos to the flight attendants' creativity and to the dancing culture. Enjoy!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Exit Don Nelson, Enter Keith Smart
After a second stint with the Golden State Warriors, Don Nelson's coaching tenure has now come to an end. It started off with promise following the magical run in the 2007 Playoffs where they upset the Dallas Mavericks by becoming the third eighth seed to upset a number 1 seed. In addition, the first eighth seed to triumph under the seven game playoff format and it was the Warriors' first playoff appearance since the 1993-1994 season during Nelson's first stint with Golden State. Yet, the later years of his second stint degenerated into another period lost seasons and total frustration for Warriors fans.
It's the end of the unconventional run and gun basketball that has become part of Warriors basketball during Don Nelson's last two coaching stints. During its time, it was entertaining to watch players run up and down the floor at breakneck speed. For example, the Run TMC era ,which featured Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullins was fun to watch every night during its heyday from the Late 1980s to Early 1990s. In addition, the incarnation of Baron Davis, Monta Ellis and Stephen Jackson during their surprising 2007 run.
Yes, Nelson had done wonders for teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors (1987-1994) and the Dallas Mavericks. Initially, those teams were mired in mediocrity or in the abyss. Within a few years, he turned them into playoff fixtures every year and memorable games.
Unfortunately, his teams could never win when it counted the most. His style of play with the Warriors was not something that you can win an NBA championship as they could not play a semblance of good defense at all. Teams such as the Phoenix Suns (Seven Seconds or Less Era) can attest to that as well as the Denver Nugget teams of the 1980s and early 1990s.
Is it any wonder why teams such as the San Antonio Spurs with Tim Duncan won 4 championships as well as teams like the Celtics and the Lakers (2-time Defending Champions)?
Nelson's departure comes at a good time for the franchise and himself. He has the all-time wins mark in NBA history, which was achieved on April 7th against the hapless Minnesota Timberwolves. This was the only reason he was coaching while his team disintegrated into NBDL call ups and one-man gunners.
With new ownership and direction, it was the time for the thirty-one year coaching veteran to go. Nelson had one year and 6 million dollars left in his deal. He will be replaced by his assistant, Keith Smart. Smart has been Nelson's assistant since 2003.
In his last coaching stint, he was 9-31 with the Cleveland Cavaliers before they drafted their savior turned traitor, Lebron James. In addition, he's famous for making the biggest shot in the 1987 National Championship game between the Syracuse Orangemen and Indiana Hoosiers. It won the Hoosiers the national championship and can be seen seen below:
As for the loyal but long suffering Warriors faithful, they see it as an end to the reign of craziness that permeated that team from 2006-2010. For the fans, they want a coach who has the team moving forward rather than sideways. This means that Smart has his work cut out for him. Since the glory days of mid-1970s, the Warriors have been mired in mediocrity due to bad luck (Ralph Sampson bad knees, Tim Hardaway torn ACL, and Monta Ellis moped accident), coaches (PJ Carlisemo, Gary St. Jean and Mike Montgomery ), drafts (picking Todd Fuller over Kobe Bryant in 1996 and in 1997 picking Adonal Foyle over Tracy McGrady) and signings/transactions ( Trading Mitch Richmond for Billy Owens in 1991 when Dikembe Mutumbo was available and Corey Maggette 5 years and 50 million to play off the bench). Will he be successful? Only time and the win column will tell.
It's the end of the unconventional run and gun basketball that has become part of Warriors basketball during Don Nelson's last two coaching stints. During its time, it was entertaining to watch players run up and down the floor at breakneck speed. For example, the Run TMC era ,which featured Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullins was fun to watch every night during its heyday from the Late 1980s to Early 1990s. In addition, the incarnation of Baron Davis, Monta Ellis and Stephen Jackson during their surprising 2007 run.
Yes, Nelson had done wonders for teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors (1987-1994) and the Dallas Mavericks. Initially, those teams were mired in mediocrity or in the abyss. Within a few years, he turned them into playoff fixtures every year and memorable games.
Unfortunately, his teams could never win when it counted the most. His style of play with the Warriors was not something that you can win an NBA championship as they could not play a semblance of good defense at all. Teams such as the Phoenix Suns (Seven Seconds or Less Era) can attest to that as well as the Denver Nugget teams of the 1980s and early 1990s.
Is it any wonder why teams such as the San Antonio Spurs with Tim Duncan won 4 championships as well as teams like the Celtics and the Lakers (2-time Defending Champions)?
Nelson's departure comes at a good time for the franchise and himself. He has the all-time wins mark in NBA history, which was achieved on April 7th against the hapless Minnesota Timberwolves. This was the only reason he was coaching while his team disintegrated into NBDL call ups and one-man gunners.
With new ownership and direction, it was the time for the thirty-one year coaching veteran to go. Nelson had one year and 6 million dollars left in his deal. He will be replaced by his assistant, Keith Smart. Smart has been Nelson's assistant since 2003.
In his last coaching stint, he was 9-31 with the Cleveland Cavaliers before they drafted their savior turned traitor, Lebron James. In addition, he's famous for making the biggest shot in the 1987 National Championship game between the Syracuse Orangemen and Indiana Hoosiers. It won the Hoosiers the national championship and can be seen seen below:
As for the loyal but long suffering Warriors faithful, they see it as an end to the reign of craziness that permeated that team from 2006-2010. For the fans, they want a coach who has the team moving forward rather than sideways. This means that Smart has his work cut out for him. Since the glory days of mid-1970s, the Warriors have been mired in mediocrity due to bad luck (Ralph Sampson bad knees, Tim Hardaway torn ACL, and Monta Ellis moped accident), coaches (PJ Carlisemo, Gary St. Jean and Mike Montgomery ), drafts (picking Todd Fuller over Kobe Bryant in 1996 and in 1997 picking Adonal Foyle over Tracy McGrady) and signings/transactions ( Trading Mitch Richmond for Billy Owens in 1991 when Dikembe Mutumbo was available and Corey Maggette 5 years and 50 million to play off the bench). Will he be successful? Only time and the win column will tell.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Farewell, Joe. Hello Donnie Baseball?
After a long and illustrious career, Joe Torre reign as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers ends after three short years. He came with a pedigree that was lacking with previous Dodger managers following the legendary Tommy Lasorda. Torre was a winner as evidenced by his four World Series rings with the New York Yankees after wandering around with the New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves with mild to varying success. Yet, he was somebody who could bring a winning culture to a team that has been treading in mediocrity the last 20 years.
In his three years, he brought the Dodgers to two Division Championships and consecutive trips to the NLCS. Yet, they could never get a sniff of a World Series thanks to the Philadelphia Phillies who beat them 4-1 both times they got to the NLCS. His chances for a third have gone up in smoke as the organization has deteriorated into a chaotic environment. It has spared no one from the Owners on down to the players themselves. It's tragic that his career end this way but who can blame him for leaving?
In 2010, the Dodgers offense has disappeared under the bright Chavez Ravine lights. It has become a disappointing season for their Big 3 (Either, Loney and Kemp) who were expected to make the next step but took a big step back. In addition, the loss of Russell Martin, their starting catcher for the season was a devastating blow.
This season that has seen the sudden emergence of the San Diego Padres along with their hated rivals, the San Francisco Giants. Last night, the Giants absolutely crushed the Dodgers the night before. Not only that, but their ex-manager, Jim Tracy has resurrected the lowly Colorado Rockies who are currently 1 1/2 games out of First Place after a 7-5 victory over the Dodgers.
With the announcement of Don Mattingly as manager of the Dodgers, it is both puzzling and perplexing. At the same time, it does not generate any good will to a frustrated fan base reeling both the product on the field as well as the messy divorce battle between the McCourts (Jaime and Frank). The selection seems like something from the Donald Sterling playbook on how to save a couple of dollars for the bottom line rather than a move to improve the team.
Don was a great player during a dark period of the New York Yankees during the 1980s and Mid-1990s where they rarely made the playoffs at all until his final season in 1995. Ironically, he's going into yet another franchise facing a dark period itself and it resides just 3000 miles to the west of the Bronx.
In addition, his relative inexperience at managing a ball club and his leadership does not instill the confidence for a club reeling this season. It was evident this past July, when he went to the pitchers mound twice during a pivotal late July game against the Giants at Dodger Stadium. Subsequently, the umpire threw Mattingly out of the game. It led to an automatic pitching change and ultimately led to the "hated ones" pulling out the victory, which sent the Dodgers tumbling.
During the press conference, it was announced that Mattingly will go to the Arizona Fall League to manage. It will be a testing tube for the new manager in training during the off-season. When April 1, 2011 rolls around, will the lessons of the Arizona Fall League and his brief spell as manager good enough to steer the Dodgers out of the dark fog or could he drive them deeper into the abyss? Only time will tell.
In his three years, he brought the Dodgers to two Division Championships and consecutive trips to the NLCS. Yet, they could never get a sniff of a World Series thanks to the Philadelphia Phillies who beat them 4-1 both times they got to the NLCS. His chances for a third have gone up in smoke as the organization has deteriorated into a chaotic environment. It has spared no one from the Owners on down to the players themselves. It's tragic that his career end this way but who can blame him for leaving?
In 2010, the Dodgers offense has disappeared under the bright Chavez Ravine lights. It has become a disappointing season for their Big 3 (Either, Loney and Kemp) who were expected to make the next step but took a big step back. In addition, the loss of Russell Martin, their starting catcher for the season was a devastating blow.
This season that has seen the sudden emergence of the San Diego Padres along with their hated rivals, the San Francisco Giants. Last night, the Giants absolutely crushed the Dodgers the night before. Not only that, but their ex-manager, Jim Tracy has resurrected the lowly Colorado Rockies who are currently 1 1/2 games out of First Place after a 7-5 victory over the Dodgers.
With the announcement of Don Mattingly as manager of the Dodgers, it is both puzzling and perplexing. At the same time, it does not generate any good will to a frustrated fan base reeling both the product on the field as well as the messy divorce battle between the McCourts (Jaime and Frank). The selection seems like something from the Donald Sterling playbook on how to save a couple of dollars for the bottom line rather than a move to improve the team.
Don was a great player during a dark period of the New York Yankees during the 1980s and Mid-1990s where they rarely made the playoffs at all until his final season in 1995. Ironically, he's going into yet another franchise facing a dark period itself and it resides just 3000 miles to the west of the Bronx.
In addition, his relative inexperience at managing a ball club and his leadership does not instill the confidence for a club reeling this season. It was evident this past July, when he went to the pitchers mound twice during a pivotal late July game against the Giants at Dodger Stadium. Subsequently, the umpire threw Mattingly out of the game. It led to an automatic pitching change and ultimately led to the "hated ones" pulling out the victory, which sent the Dodgers tumbling.
During the press conference, it was announced that Mattingly will go to the Arizona Fall League to manage. It will be a testing tube for the new manager in training during the off-season. When April 1, 2011 rolls around, will the lessons of the Arizona Fall League and his brief spell as manager good enough to steer the Dodgers out of the dark fog or could he drive them deeper into the abyss? Only time will tell.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Floyd Mayweather: What the F**K was he thinking?
This afternoon, I was listening on the radio while on my way to buy to some supplies for the Labor Day weekend, when I heard about Floyd Mayweather Jr. saying some rather xenophobic remarks about Manny Pacquiao. Initially, I thought it was just Mayweather just talking trash. As we know, Mayweather is known for running for his mouth like a fire house in the media. Yet, what I heard has to be the most stupidest thing I have ever heard a boxer and human being do.
It was an inappropriate and at the same time, a demeaning scud missile, towards the human race as a whole. It was terrible as well listening on You Tube such as declaring that he will "cook that yellow chump" as well as calling him a "whore" and vice versa as this video will show down below. It's sad seeing how this rant overshadows such a great career Floyd Jr. has made even under the shadow of his father, Floyd Mayweather who was another great boxer during his time.
Honestly, Mayweather needs his father or a "wise figure" to set him straight. It would have helped him from making such a total ass of himself in front of the whole world. Not only has he disgraced himself but it has given extra motivation for Manny Pacquiao to just absolutely obliterate him from the face of the earth should they fight.
Will it happen? I am not so sure as the negotiations have either bogged down because of demands as well as posturing such as the debate about the drug testing. Time and again, they have come close only for negotiations to fall apart.
For almost two years, negotiations have become a soap opera that has been depriving boxing fans of the right to see two great fighters at the height of their powers duke it out in the ring. It was a fight that should guarantee a trilogy of epic battles as well making both men insanely wealthy. Alas, it may not happen at all. Or will it?
Mayweather Jr. indicated that he may fight Manny Pacquiao in the 4 1/2 minute rant on You Tube. He claims that he will tell his ardent supporters on UStream and Twitter will be the first to know when he does come back. In addition, claiming that he'll kick "'Poochiao' ass. He's gonna take the urine and blood test."
If and when the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight goes through, Floyd better walk the walk or he may end up with a battered ego along with a taking a long look at himself in the mirror.
It was an inappropriate and at the same time, a demeaning scud missile, towards the human race as a whole. It was terrible as well listening on You Tube such as declaring that he will "cook that yellow chump" as well as calling him a "whore" and vice versa as this video will show down below. It's sad seeing how this rant overshadows such a great career Floyd Jr. has made even under the shadow of his father, Floyd Mayweather who was another great boxer during his time.
Honestly, Mayweather needs his father or a "wise figure" to set him straight. It would have helped him from making such a total ass of himself in front of the whole world. Not only has he disgraced himself but it has given extra motivation for Manny Pacquiao to just absolutely obliterate him from the face of the earth should they fight.
Will it happen? I am not so sure as the negotiations have either bogged down because of demands as well as posturing such as the debate about the drug testing. Time and again, they have come close only for negotiations to fall apart.
For almost two years, negotiations have become a soap opera that has been depriving boxing fans of the right to see two great fighters at the height of their powers duke it out in the ring. It was a fight that should guarantee a trilogy of epic battles as well making both men insanely wealthy. Alas, it may not happen at all. Or will it?
Mayweather Jr. indicated that he may fight Manny Pacquiao in the 4 1/2 minute rant on You Tube. He claims that he will tell his ardent supporters on UStream and Twitter will be the first to know when he does come back. In addition, claiming that he'll kick "'Poochiao' ass. He's gonna take the urine and blood test."
If and when the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight goes through, Floyd better walk the walk or he may end up with a battered ego along with a taking a long look at himself in the mirror.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
At last, football season is here!!
As August turns into September, we finally get to see what has become America's pastime, come back into our lives. Sorry Baseball but that sport is so 20th century when we had nothing to do at all. Football has become the sport du jour of our nation. It's a sight to behold whether you're watching on your flat screen, a sports bar or at the stadium. Everyone has their own favorite aspect of the game that makes them devoted followers whether it's the QB action, the defense or the poetry of motion by the running back or safety.
For me, it's seeing how the players handle the game and fans. I cannot wait to see how a new acquisition or rookie perform during the season. We see if any of them will pan out and lead their respective teams to glory a la Drew Brees in New Orleans where he led his team to an improbable Super Bowl victory just the year before. In fact, the players success leads to their idolization. They become legendary in the eyes of the fans with every big game that they become a demi-god in the eyes of their fans and city. If they make a mistake, it's a shock to their faith but it's all restored with a game winning drive, play or if they have a stupendous season.
Yet, there are players who were all hype but cannot produce on the field despite being paid handsomely. Eventually, they become weekly fodder for radio shows, pundits and ranting fans a la JaMarcus Russell who was recently arrested for possession of codeine. Every move they make is monitored and the fanbase fears for the absolute worst. To them, it's as if they're watching horror movie where they know the killer is about to disembowel another unfortunate victim. When it happens, the boo birds are sure to follow.
Eventually, the GM cuts them because their play does not translate to the money they were richly offered just a few years before. They do gain fame but in a Hall of Shame Top 10 countdown on ESPN or NFL Network that's occasionally shown. So is the life of a football player who only last three and a half years in the league.
As for the fans, they are a delight as we see them showing the passion for their team. They come from all backgrounds but share a fanatical devotion to their team even if they are absolutely reprehensible. Every Sunday or Monday night game, is an event that covers the whole day from the pregame festivities to the game itself where every play can sink or turn a season around. Fan from all across the land, stick with their team for better or for worse.
It's like a devoted spouse who sticks with their beau hoping that things turn for the better. Sometimes, it does work out but other times it just takes a lot out of you. Just ask any fan who suffers one crushing defeat after another over a long period of time. Yet, it all goes away when their team is hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy in early February where despair gives way to a euphoric high that no words can describe.
On Labor Day Weekend, we begin another great season of football starting with College Football, which has it own pageantry and exuberance that brings community to any campus big or small. The NFL will return just a few days later where last year's NFC championship participants (Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints) starts off the season. Yet, this may be the last season as a labor stoppage is on the horizon where it could entrench both players and owners alike into a bitter war not seen since the last strike in 1987. They have numerous issues that need fixing but hopefully cooler heads will prevail and prevent what has been a Golden Age of Football.
For me, it's seeing how the players handle the game and fans. I cannot wait to see how a new acquisition or rookie perform during the season. We see if any of them will pan out and lead their respective teams to glory a la Drew Brees in New Orleans where he led his team to an improbable Super Bowl victory just the year before. In fact, the players success leads to their idolization. They become legendary in the eyes of the fans with every big game that they become a demi-god in the eyes of their fans and city. If they make a mistake, it's a shock to their faith but it's all restored with a game winning drive, play or if they have a stupendous season.
Yet, there are players who were all hype but cannot produce on the field despite being paid handsomely. Eventually, they become weekly fodder for radio shows, pundits and ranting fans a la JaMarcus Russell who was recently arrested for possession of codeine. Every move they make is monitored and the fanbase fears for the absolute worst. To them, it's as if they're watching horror movie where they know the killer is about to disembowel another unfortunate victim. When it happens, the boo birds are sure to follow.
Eventually, the GM cuts them because their play does not translate to the money they were richly offered just a few years before. They do gain fame but in a Hall of Shame Top 10 countdown on ESPN or NFL Network that's occasionally shown. So is the life of a football player who only last three and a half years in the league.
As for the fans, they are a delight as we see them showing the passion for their team. They come from all backgrounds but share a fanatical devotion to their team even if they are absolutely reprehensible. Every Sunday or Monday night game, is an event that covers the whole day from the pregame festivities to the game itself where every play can sink or turn a season around. Fan from all across the land, stick with their team for better or for worse.
It's like a devoted spouse who sticks with their beau hoping that things turn for the better. Sometimes, it does work out but other times it just takes a lot out of you. Just ask any fan who suffers one crushing defeat after another over a long period of time. Yet, it all goes away when their team is hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy in early February where despair gives way to a euphoric high that no words can describe.
On Labor Day Weekend, we begin another great season of football starting with College Football, which has it own pageantry and exuberance that brings community to any campus big or small. The NFL will return just a few days later where last year's NFC championship participants (Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints) starts off the season. Yet, this may be the last season as a labor stoppage is on the horizon where it could entrench both players and owners alike into a bitter war not seen since the last strike in 1987. They have numerous issues that need fixing but hopefully cooler heads will prevail and prevent what has been a Golden Age of Football.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Goodbye Manny
In the Summer of 2008, the Dodgers were floundering in mediocrity as they were playing around .500 ball. It was a time where players like Matt Kemp, James Loney, and Andre Either were still pups who theoretically could become killer trio that would propel the Dodgers to Perennial contenders in the National League. Yet, one trade by the Dodgers sent the enigmatic Manny Ramirez where just the year before led Boston to a World Series Championship to Los Angeles.
Initially, it was met with skepticism as the Dodgers kept sinking especially that disastrous series sweep at the hands of the Washington Nationals. The Washington freaking Nationals!!!! In addition, for all his greatness he was sort of a moody, enigmatic person where he would be a delight in the clubhouse and then suddenly become a high maintenance diva in a flash.
As the season wore on, the Dodgers became a different team and suddenly they were winning games. It was if the Dodgers were sleepwalking then suddenly woke up and turned on the jets on their opponents who never had a chance at all. Manny Ramirez was a changed man who would hustle after hitting lasers into the outfield as was the case in yesterday's game in Milwaukee. His addition led the Dodgers to a series upset of the Cubs in the NLDS before losing to the eventual World Series champs, the Philadelphia Phillies. He was a breath of fresh air who packed Dodger Stadium night after night. Dodger fans would watch him as they were following whatever he did during the game. It ranged from Manny practicing his swing on deck or when he was at the batter's box. They were buying his jersey and any Dodger memorabilia in large bunches following his arrival. In that year, he was the toast of Los Angeles.
Dodger fans would soon get a taste of his soap opera antics when he was unsure about whether to resign with L.A or not. Fortunately, he signed with L.A for a 2 year 45 million dollar deal. Yet, it was the first of others to come that would later sully the initial honeymoon love affair with Manny Ramirez. The next season, he would continue becoming the batting threat for the Dodgers he was that past fall until May 7, 2009.
On that day, Manny Ramirez was suspended for 50 games for using HCG which is used for female fertility as well as for players who are coming off a steroid cycle. It was a blow for the Dodgers and Manny well mostly Manny as he was never quite the same player he was before the scandal. Yet, the Dodgers would make to the NLCS but lost to the Phillies in five crushing games.
For his time in L.A., he was a joy to watch. However this past season, age and father time took him out of commission as he spent more time on the disabled list than on the field this season. Manny could no longer play left field position as fans were hoping for anyone to play left field. His Spring Training diatribe before the season, alienated the fans who once deified him just two years before.
In addition, the Dodgers fell apart as they kept finding ways to lose while their rivals to the South and North (San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants) passed them in the standings. One such example was on August 12th, when the L.A. blew a seven run lead and lost on a walk off double by Carlos Ruiz at Citizens Bank Park. Coincidentally, that ballpark has become a place where World Series aspirations have come to die for the Dodgers in recent years.
Two years since the Manny trade, and the Dodgers are still in the same spot they were before, which is treading water. Today, the Dodgers have put Manny on waivers where interested teams will have a chance to sign him. According to most sources, it will most likely be an American League team in playoff contention where he will most likely be a DH. Yet, for all the drama surrounding Manny being Manny, he brought spice to a bland Dodger team that year and life to a passionate fan base. Dodger fans will remember Manny Ramirez but know that they face an uncertain future with the bitter divorce between Dodger owners Frank and Jaime McCourt, clubhouse discontent, and their manager's uncertain future.
Initially, it was met with skepticism as the Dodgers kept sinking especially that disastrous series sweep at the hands of the Washington Nationals. The Washington freaking Nationals!!!! In addition, for all his greatness he was sort of a moody, enigmatic person where he would be a delight in the clubhouse and then suddenly become a high maintenance diva in a flash.
As the season wore on, the Dodgers became a different team and suddenly they were winning games. It was if the Dodgers were sleepwalking then suddenly woke up and turned on the jets on their opponents who never had a chance at all. Manny Ramirez was a changed man who would hustle after hitting lasers into the outfield as was the case in yesterday's game in Milwaukee. His addition led the Dodgers to a series upset of the Cubs in the NLDS before losing to the eventual World Series champs, the Philadelphia Phillies. He was a breath of fresh air who packed Dodger Stadium night after night. Dodger fans would watch him as they were following whatever he did during the game. It ranged from Manny practicing his swing on deck or when he was at the batter's box. They were buying his jersey and any Dodger memorabilia in large bunches following his arrival. In that year, he was the toast of Los Angeles.
Dodger fans would soon get a taste of his soap opera antics when he was unsure about whether to resign with L.A or not. Fortunately, he signed with L.A for a 2 year 45 million dollar deal. Yet, it was the first of others to come that would later sully the initial honeymoon love affair with Manny Ramirez. The next season, he would continue becoming the batting threat for the Dodgers he was that past fall until May 7, 2009.
On that day, Manny Ramirez was suspended for 50 games for using HCG which is used for female fertility as well as for players who are coming off a steroid cycle. It was a blow for the Dodgers and Manny well mostly Manny as he was never quite the same player he was before the scandal. Yet, the Dodgers would make to the NLCS but lost to the Phillies in five crushing games.
For his time in L.A., he was a joy to watch. However this past season, age and father time took him out of commission as he spent more time on the disabled list than on the field this season. Manny could no longer play left field position as fans were hoping for anyone to play left field. His Spring Training diatribe before the season, alienated the fans who once deified him just two years before.
In addition, the Dodgers fell apart as they kept finding ways to lose while their rivals to the South and North (San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants) passed them in the standings. One such example was on August 12th, when the L.A. blew a seven run lead and lost on a walk off double by Carlos Ruiz at Citizens Bank Park. Coincidentally, that ballpark has become a place where World Series aspirations have come to die for the Dodgers in recent years.
Two years since the Manny trade, and the Dodgers are still in the same spot they were before, which is treading water. Today, the Dodgers have put Manny on waivers where interested teams will have a chance to sign him. According to most sources, it will most likely be an American League team in playoff contention where he will most likely be a DH. Yet, for all the drama surrounding Manny being Manny, he brought spice to a bland Dodger team that year and life to a passionate fan base. Dodger fans will remember Manny Ramirez but know that they face an uncertain future with the bitter divorce between Dodger owners Frank and Jaime McCourt, clubhouse discontent, and their manager's uncertain future.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Adonal Foyle: Humanitarian, Scholar, and basketball player
On the same day, that Lebron's GQ interview comes out where it documents the days before and after his decision to go to Miami, there was an NBA player who today called it quits after 13 seasons. He has never been a star player but rather a serviceable or at times a bench warmer as was the case in his final years in Orlando playing behind Dwight Howard and Marcin Gortat. Yet, for Adonal Foyle it has been a serene dream that he has savored every day of his life.
He was born on March 9, 1975, in Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines where he spent his childhood and early teenage years until he was 15. Foyle was adopted by Colgate professors Joan and Jay Mandle and eventually went to school at Colgate after leading Hamilton Central in Hamilton, NY to two State Championships.
During his four years, he was the leading shot blocker in NCAA history now third after Wojceich Marda and current Miami Heat draft pick, Jarvis Varnado. In addition, he was the school's leading rebounder all time and 2nd All-Time leading scorer within three years. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in History.
Foyle was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the 1997 draft with the eighth pick. Yet, his biggest contribution has not been on the court but rather off the court. Adonal has been active in humanitarian issues and the founder of an organization Democracy Matters, a non-partisan campus-backed project. This organization has been working to help curb the effects of money on politics. His passionate vigor to make young people civic and politically minded has garnered him widespread praise.
In 2005, he founded Kerosene Lamp Foundation, which tries to bring education and health wellness to his native homeland. They currently assisted 2500 children in the Caribbean and USA alone. Last year, he was inducted for his great works to the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame, which features NBA Hall of Famers such as Julius Erving, Tiny Archibald and David Robinson.
In addition, He is a well-read man who recommended in a recent blog "The Fountainhead" because he views it as a challenge to a person's mind. Foyle views Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen as one of his favorites. Looking at his choice of books makes him look like a Rhodes Scholar in shorts compared to his peers and myself as well.
He may not have been the greatest player in the NBA nor the most talented. In fact, he was yet another bad draft pick by the long suffering Golden State Warriors. Yet, here was a man who used his profession as a platform to help his fellow man not by giving money to some charity for good P.R. but by trying to change society for the better. Foyle is the poster child of what we should look up to as a human being.
Fittingly, he sums up his career with a poem that is both touching and sums up Adonal Foyle down to a T. You can find this poem and other poems on this link: http://www.adonalfoyle.com/poetry_corner.shtml
Love Song to a Game
How should I tell thee goodbye?
What can you say about a love affair
to rival that of Romeo & Juliet?
This is not just some melancholy ode
to a hackneyed love of mortals.
I found our love deep in the entrails
of the Caribbean Sea.
Love that swept me to a land
where our embrace became mythical.
You showed me a world
that few have dreamt of.
Colgate's golden steeple, a sojurn
where ancient teachings flooded my mind.
There in the Chenango Valley
where 13 sang my soul to flight,
basketball laid siege to my soul.
I do not cry for the passing of our love
for it stands radiant while my brittle bones
crumble through swift time.
I have known you by so many faces;
I will spend my end of days recalling.
You have infected so many with
the allure of riches and black gold.
But I am not angry with you my love.
For to a boy who was lost in the bosom of nothing
you gave hope and home.
Like the flickering of a light
we come and go without much fuss.
So I leave you to fend off seekers,
hoping they too will cherish
your unyielding countenance.
As for me,
I will forever live in the glare of your loving embrace.
From time to time I hope you will look in on this pitiful fool.
I will miss brothers of a quilt struggling with burning lights.
If I offer advice, pierce beyond the glaring lights
and see the faces behind the wall.
Don't be fooled by the magicians' nibble fingers.
For this is a life with mirrors and screens.
Its only truth lies in the understanding it will all end.
The sound I will take home
is the symphony of thousands of screaming friends.
Warriors, Magic and yes, Memphis too,
I sing you praise, hope, blessings,
Flowing from a boy's songs of thanks
to you and you and you,to all I knew.
Please stay my "immortal love."
You can find this poem and his other poems on this link: http://www.adonalfoyle.com/poetry_corner.shtml
He was born on March 9, 1975, in Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines where he spent his childhood and early teenage years until he was 15. Foyle was adopted by Colgate professors Joan and Jay Mandle and eventually went to school at Colgate after leading Hamilton Central in Hamilton, NY to two State Championships.
During his four years, he was the leading shot blocker in NCAA history now third after Wojceich Marda and current Miami Heat draft pick, Jarvis Varnado. In addition, he was the school's leading rebounder all time and 2nd All-Time leading scorer within three years. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in History.
Foyle was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the 1997 draft with the eighth pick. Yet, his biggest contribution has not been on the court but rather off the court. Adonal has been active in humanitarian issues and the founder of an organization Democracy Matters, a non-partisan campus-backed project. This organization has been working to help curb the effects of money on politics. His passionate vigor to make young people civic and politically minded has garnered him widespread praise.
In 2005, he founded Kerosene Lamp Foundation, which tries to bring education and health wellness to his native homeland. They currently assisted 2500 children in the Caribbean and USA alone. Last year, he was inducted for his great works to the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame, which features NBA Hall of Famers such as Julius Erving, Tiny Archibald and David Robinson.
In addition, He is a well-read man who recommended in a recent blog "The Fountainhead" because he views it as a challenge to a person's mind. Foyle views Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen as one of his favorites. Looking at his choice of books makes him look like a Rhodes Scholar in shorts compared to his peers and myself as well.
He may not have been the greatest player in the NBA nor the most talented. In fact, he was yet another bad draft pick by the long suffering Golden State Warriors. Yet, here was a man who used his profession as a platform to help his fellow man not by giving money to some charity for good P.R. but by trying to change society for the better. Foyle is the poster child of what we should look up to as a human being.
Fittingly, he sums up his career with a poem that is both touching and sums up Adonal Foyle down to a T. You can find this poem and other poems on this link: http://www.adonalfoyle.com/poetry_corner.shtml
Love Song to a Game
How should I tell thee goodbye?
What can you say about a love affair
to rival that of Romeo & Juliet?
This is not just some melancholy ode
to a hackneyed love of mortals.
I found our love deep in the entrails
of the Caribbean Sea.
Love that swept me to a land
where our embrace became mythical.
You showed me a world
that few have dreamt of.
Colgate's golden steeple, a sojurn
where ancient teachings flooded my mind.
There in the Chenango Valley
where 13 sang my soul to flight,
basketball laid siege to my soul.
I do not cry for the passing of our love
for it stands radiant while my brittle bones
crumble through swift time.
I have known you by so many faces;
I will spend my end of days recalling.
You have infected so many with
the allure of riches and black gold.
But I am not angry with you my love.
For to a boy who was lost in the bosom of nothing
you gave hope and home.
Like the flickering of a light
we come and go without much fuss.
So I leave you to fend off seekers,
hoping they too will cherish
your unyielding countenance.
As for me,
I will forever live in the glare of your loving embrace.
From time to time I hope you will look in on this pitiful fool.
I will miss brothers of a quilt struggling with burning lights.
If I offer advice, pierce beyond the glaring lights
and see the faces behind the wall.
Don't be fooled by the magicians' nibble fingers.
For this is a life with mirrors and screens.
Its only truth lies in the understanding it will all end.
The sound I will take home
is the symphony of thousands of screaming friends.
Warriors, Magic and yes, Memphis too,
I sing you praise, hope, blessings,
Flowing from a boy's songs of thanks
to you and you and you,to all I knew.
Please stay my "immortal love."
You can find this poem and his other poems on this link: http://www.adonalfoyle.com/poetry_corner.shtml
Monday, August 16, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
USC Trojans; A New Era of Uncertainty
In January of 2005, the University of Southern California was on top of the world following a thrashing of Big 12 power, Oklahoma University. They were at the peak of their powers with players such as Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, Lendale White, Lawrence Jackson, Sedrick Ellis, Rey Maualuga, and Brian Cushing. It was a great day for a team led by the charismatic Pete Carroll who resurrected a once proud tradition in just three short years.
Flash forward five years later, the memories of glory that USC enjoyed is now all but forgotten following the sanctions leveled by the NCAA just last month. The findings were mostly about Reggie Bush taking money, cars, accessories and such from Lloyd Lake while at USC. His refusal to pay the booster has led to years of investigations by NCAA towards the University and its failures from the staff to root out the problem. This has led to the resignations of Athletic Director Mike Garrett, football coordinators, loss of scholarships, and a bowl ban for the upcoming season.
The resignation of Mike Garrett ends a 17 year run that oversaw success in football,tennis, baseball, water polo and a high graduation rate. Unfortunately, his legacy takes a beating for his aloofness to the media and inability to answer any questions during the investigation of the football as well as the basketball team. His speech to boosters in San Francisco following the punishment basically described the USC football program best during its 8 year run: Arrogance.
Prior to his resignation, the men's basketball team was also being investigated due to then coach Tim Floyd allegedly providing money to an L.A. events promoter to lure OJ Mayo, currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, to USC. Garrett then filed a self-imposed postseason ban and vacating of 21 wins from the 2007-08 season that one writer called as an effort to protect the football team aka money cow. Alas, it did not.
Currently, the University is appealing the ruling by the NCAA. Yesterday, was also the hiring of Pat Haden as the new Athletic Director. Pat Haden was a former Trojan great, Rhodes Scholar and recently an announcer for Notre Dame football games. He is viewed as a good choice and someone with good media skills to handle the finicky nature of the media such as Los Angeles. Haden hired JK Mckay, son of USC coaching great John McKay and former college teammate. They go way back as far as their high school days and at one time playing for a long forgotten Southern California Sun of the World Football League .
Later in the day, the USC president has ordered the removal of murals depicting fallen heroes, Reggie Bush, and OJ Mayo. The University has taken down his retired jersey from the Coliseum as well as any pictures depicting them as well. They have also sent the 2005 Heisman Trophy won by Reggie Bush to the Heisman Trophy Trust, which is an unprecedented move in collegiate athletics.
Yet, it begs the question whether it can help in its appeals process. It certainly is a step in the right direction as the report stated the University distance itself from Reggie Bush. Can they win an appeal against the NCAA? It's a long shot that may take 1-2 years at best. All that is certain is that the University, Haden and McKay have a big mess to clean up. It will take years to clean up even if they win because as history has shown few colleges or universities ever came away from this unscathed. Just ask Miami in the mid-90s.
Flash forward five years later, the memories of glory that USC enjoyed is now all but forgotten following the sanctions leveled by the NCAA just last month. The findings were mostly about Reggie Bush taking money, cars, accessories and such from Lloyd Lake while at USC. His refusal to pay the booster has led to years of investigations by NCAA towards the University and its failures from the staff to root out the problem. This has led to the resignations of Athletic Director Mike Garrett, football coordinators, loss of scholarships, and a bowl ban for the upcoming season.
The resignation of Mike Garrett ends a 17 year run that oversaw success in football,tennis, baseball, water polo and a high graduation rate. Unfortunately, his legacy takes a beating for his aloofness to the media and inability to answer any questions during the investigation of the football as well as the basketball team. His speech to boosters in San Francisco following the punishment basically described the USC football program best during its 8 year run: Arrogance.
Prior to his resignation, the men's basketball team was also being investigated due to then coach Tim Floyd allegedly providing money to an L.A. events promoter to lure OJ Mayo, currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, to USC. Garrett then filed a self-imposed postseason ban and vacating of 21 wins from the 2007-08 season that one writer called as an effort to protect the football team aka money cow. Alas, it did not.
Currently, the University is appealing the ruling by the NCAA. Yesterday, was also the hiring of Pat Haden as the new Athletic Director. Pat Haden was a former Trojan great, Rhodes Scholar and recently an announcer for Notre Dame football games. He is viewed as a good choice and someone with good media skills to handle the finicky nature of the media such as Los Angeles. Haden hired JK Mckay, son of USC coaching great John McKay and former college teammate. They go way back as far as their high school days and at one time playing for a long forgotten Southern California Sun of the World Football League .
Later in the day, the USC president has ordered the removal of murals depicting fallen heroes, Reggie Bush, and OJ Mayo. The University has taken down his retired jersey from the Coliseum as well as any pictures depicting them as well. They have also sent the 2005 Heisman Trophy won by Reggie Bush to the Heisman Trophy Trust, which is an unprecedented move in collegiate athletics.
Yet, it begs the question whether it can help in its appeals process. It certainly is a step in the right direction as the report stated the University distance itself from Reggie Bush. Can they win an appeal against the NCAA? It's a long shot that may take 1-2 years at best. All that is certain is that the University, Haden and McKay have a big mess to clean up. It will take years to clean up even if they win because as history has shown few colleges or universities ever came away from this unscathed. Just ask Miami in the mid-90s.
Friday, July 16, 2010
NBA Summer League: Where Hope either lives or dies.
Every searing hot Vegas or humid Orlando summer, we see a lot of rookies, journeymen and vice versa converge for a spot on an NBA roster. They each were stars in their respective college programs in one form or another. Some of them, will get a training invite while others will continue their dream overseas probably in Europe or the NBA Developmental League aka NBDL.
In this case, there is one player from the St. Mary's College in Northern California who is an interesting example of someone trying to make a roster. His name is Omar Samhan and he currently plays for the Dallas Mavericks Summer League team.
He played for four years but did not get notoriety until this past year's NCAA tournament where he scored 32 points in an upset over Big East power Villanova. Yet, he was never drafted in the 2010 draft. Throughout the Summer league, he has shown a nice back to the basket game and range as he once shot two 3s within 5 minutes of the game. Samhan has some problems with defensive technique but that can be corrected with coaching.
His chances of finding a spot in Dallas are next to nil because of the recent trade for Ty Chandler and signing of Brendan Haywood. He has shown great footwork that he claims in a recent You Tube video: see here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0iNuY4xRTI&feature=popular.
In the brief video, he is engaging, funny, a good chemistry guy you need on a team. In addition, he was someone who would find a home as 11-12th man in an NBA roster for a team in need of height i.e. Miami. Yet, today he was signed for 2 years for BC Žalgiris in the Lithuanian Basketball League, which is one of the oldest Euroleague Basketball teams . They signed him where hopefully his talents can be developed rather than languish on the bench. He may never see an NBA roster for a while but his chance may come eventually.
Although, the league is where players have glorified games (See Anthony Randolph). They do not translate under the bright lights of the NBA season but there are gems to be found that can crack a team and maybe become a key contributor. For example, Wes Matthews son of former Los Angeles Lakers guard Wes Matthews. He was undrafted out of Marquette but he impressed the Jazz scouts so much that he became a key contributor for the Utah. Today, he signed for an exorbitant sum of 5 years 34 million to the Portland Trail Blazers. Not bad for a guy making at least 450 grand.
In addition, we see other players who were drafted yet never fully developed their talents as was the case with Gerald Green. He played for the Lakers summer league team after spending a year with CSKA Moscow in Russia. Coming out of High School, he was regarded as the next T-Mac but never panned out other than for his athleticism and dunking. Green has been a contestant in the NBA dunk contest where he won just three years before. Unfortunately, he has been discarded by three teams (Boston, Minnesota, and Dallas) due to lack of improvement on a year to year basis.
In this year's Summer League, his play demonstrated both why he has such potential as well as how he burned out of the NBA so quickly. For example, he would make a sublime jumper or jaw dropping hammer slam. Yet, for ever great play, he would then get picked off while dribbling the ball or taking an ill-advised pass and/or shot. He's only 24 but it appears that his time may be running out on his NBA hopes.
As Summer League draws to a close this coming Sunday, it may be the last one to date as the NBA apocalypse looms (NBA lockout) on June 1, 2011. The latest news in the CBA negotiations does not bring any comfort with the Players Union disagreeing with the Owners about the league losing $370 million. Perhaps, for these players it is their last chance to make an NBA roster or spend an uncertain amount of time overseas hoping for a call that may never come. For now, it's in the back of the NBA hopefuls minds, as it's a battle to catch the eye of a team and hopefully a home.
In this case, there is one player from the St. Mary's College in Northern California who is an interesting example of someone trying to make a roster. His name is Omar Samhan and he currently plays for the Dallas Mavericks Summer League team.
He played for four years but did not get notoriety until this past year's NCAA tournament where he scored 32 points in an upset over Big East power Villanova. Yet, he was never drafted in the 2010 draft. Throughout the Summer league, he has shown a nice back to the basket game and range as he once shot two 3s within 5 minutes of the game. Samhan has some problems with defensive technique but that can be corrected with coaching.
His chances of finding a spot in Dallas are next to nil because of the recent trade for Ty Chandler and signing of Brendan Haywood. He has shown great footwork that he claims in a recent You Tube video: see here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0iNuY4xRTI&feature=popular.
In the brief video, he is engaging, funny, a good chemistry guy you need on a team. In addition, he was someone who would find a home as 11-12th man in an NBA roster for a team in need of height i.e. Miami. Yet, today he was signed for 2 years for BC Žalgiris in the Lithuanian Basketball League, which is one of the oldest Euroleague Basketball teams . They signed him where hopefully his talents can be developed rather than languish on the bench. He may never see an NBA roster for a while but his chance may come eventually.
Although, the league is where players have glorified games (See Anthony Randolph). They do not translate under the bright lights of the NBA season but there are gems to be found that can crack a team and maybe become a key contributor. For example, Wes Matthews son of former Los Angeles Lakers guard Wes Matthews. He was undrafted out of Marquette but he impressed the Jazz scouts so much that he became a key contributor for the Utah. Today, he signed for an exorbitant sum of 5 years 34 million to the Portland Trail Blazers. Not bad for a guy making at least 450 grand.
In addition, we see other players who were drafted yet never fully developed their talents as was the case with Gerald Green. He played for the Lakers summer league team after spending a year with CSKA Moscow in Russia. Coming out of High School, he was regarded as the next T-Mac but never panned out other than for his athleticism and dunking. Green has been a contestant in the NBA dunk contest where he won just three years before. Unfortunately, he has been discarded by three teams (Boston, Minnesota, and Dallas) due to lack of improvement on a year to year basis.
In this year's Summer League, his play demonstrated both why he has such potential as well as how he burned out of the NBA so quickly. For example, he would make a sublime jumper or jaw dropping hammer slam. Yet, for ever great play, he would then get picked off while dribbling the ball or taking an ill-advised pass and/or shot. He's only 24 but it appears that his time may be running out on his NBA hopes.
As Summer League draws to a close this coming Sunday, it may be the last one to date as the NBA apocalypse looms (NBA lockout) on June 1, 2011. The latest news in the CBA negotiations does not bring any comfort with the Players Union disagreeing with the Owners about the league losing $370 million. Perhaps, for these players it is their last chance to make an NBA roster or spend an uncertain amount of time overseas hoping for a call that may never come. For now, it's in the back of the NBA hopefuls minds, as it's a battle to catch the eye of a team and hopefully a home.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
George Steinbrenner: Hero, Villain, and Icon
Today, was a day where baseball's collection of great talents were to converge on Anaheim for another edition of the Mid-Summer classic. It was a day where we would see players like Derek Jeter, David Price, Umbaldo Jimenez play right across from Disneyland. Unfortunately, the day has becomea solemn one with the unfortunate passing of George Steinbrenner who died of a heart attack at the age of 80.
On Jan. 3, 1973, George Steinbrenner a shipping magnate from Ohio bought the Yankees for a then whopping 8.7 million dollars from the Columbia Broadcasting Company (CBS) who were fed up with owning the team. In 2010 money, that would be 44.3 milion dollars. Today, the Yankees are worth over a billion dollars. He was innovatinve by having a network devoted to the Yankees and New Jersey Nets called the YES network. This network allows a team like the Yankees another revenue stream to make the pricey acquistions possible.
During his reign, he was a controversial figure yet as long as he was your owner, Steinbrenner would do almost anything to win. Steinbrenner paid a lot of money to get great talent. Sometimes, he would pay huge amounts that most people thought were absolutely insane. It stems from his father telling him that second place was just as bad as losing. This fueled his desire to make his team better and in business where he revived his father's shipping business before he was owner of the Yankees.
At times, it would work such as the signings of Reggie Jackson and Catfish Hunter. It led to two World Series victories. Other times, it would absolutely backfire as it was evident when the Yankees did not win a single World Series for the rest of the 1980s and mid-1990s nor make the playoffs. This era came at the expense of Don Mattingly who coincedentally played his whole career during that same period. Eventually, Yankee fans were fed up with Steinbrenner's hands-on approach because of the long drought. He was parodied on Seinfeld because of it along with firing seventeen managers, which led to the NY tabloids annointing him" The Boss."
In the mid-70s, he was nailed by the FBI for illegally giving campaign contributions to the Nixon presidency which forced him out of baseball for two years. He was banned from baseball for betting forty grand to a gambler to find dirt on his own player. This resulted in a liftetime ban but he would be back in just three years. Yet, the three year ban from baseball for the Yankees allowed it to develop their farm system, which gave rise to the Yankee dynasty of late 1990s and early 2000s. It gave rise to players such as Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera.
Yet, through his reign, the Yankees have won 7 World Series Championship and have become the envy of every baseball fan across America. In 2008, he paid close to $500 million for CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Mark Texiera which paid off with a World Series title just last year. In addition, he was vital to the new billion dollar Yankee Stadium which stand across the street from the old Yankee Stadium currently being torn down for a new recreational park.
He was larger than life and an icon not just in New York but for baseball itself. For better of for worse, George Steinbrenner changed free agency in baseball and set a precedent for future owners in different sports such as Mark Cuban, Ted Leonis, Daniel Snyder, Micky Arison, James Dolan and Mikahi Prokhorovs of the world. He said it best during his thirty-seven year reign as owner of the New York Yankees: "I haven't always done a good job, and I haven't always been successful - but I know that I have tried."
On Jan. 3, 1973, George Steinbrenner a shipping magnate from Ohio bought the Yankees for a then whopping 8.7 million dollars from the Columbia Broadcasting Company (CBS) who were fed up with owning the team. In 2010 money, that would be 44.3 milion dollars. Today, the Yankees are worth over a billion dollars. He was innovatinve by having a network devoted to the Yankees and New Jersey Nets called the YES network. This network allows a team like the Yankees another revenue stream to make the pricey acquistions possible.
During his reign, he was a controversial figure yet as long as he was your owner, Steinbrenner would do almost anything to win. Steinbrenner paid a lot of money to get great talent. Sometimes, he would pay huge amounts that most people thought were absolutely insane. It stems from his father telling him that second place was just as bad as losing. This fueled his desire to make his team better and in business where he revived his father's shipping business before he was owner of the Yankees.
At times, it would work such as the signings of Reggie Jackson and Catfish Hunter. It led to two World Series victories. Other times, it would absolutely backfire as it was evident when the Yankees did not win a single World Series for the rest of the 1980s and mid-1990s nor make the playoffs. This era came at the expense of Don Mattingly who coincedentally played his whole career during that same period. Eventually, Yankee fans were fed up with Steinbrenner's hands-on approach because of the long drought. He was parodied on Seinfeld because of it along with firing seventeen managers, which led to the NY tabloids annointing him" The Boss."
In the mid-70s, he was nailed by the FBI for illegally giving campaign contributions to the Nixon presidency which forced him out of baseball for two years. He was banned from baseball for betting forty grand to a gambler to find dirt on his own player. This resulted in a liftetime ban but he would be back in just three years. Yet, the three year ban from baseball for the Yankees allowed it to develop their farm system, which gave rise to the Yankee dynasty of late 1990s and early 2000s. It gave rise to players such as Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera.
Yet, through his reign, the Yankees have won 7 World Series Championship and have become the envy of every baseball fan across America. In 2008, he paid close to $500 million for CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Mark Texiera which paid off with a World Series title just last year. In addition, he was vital to the new billion dollar Yankee Stadium which stand across the street from the old Yankee Stadium currently being torn down for a new recreational park.
He was larger than life and an icon not just in New York but for baseball itself. For better of for worse, George Steinbrenner changed free agency in baseball and set a precedent for future owners in different sports such as Mark Cuban, Ted Leonis, Daniel Snyder, Micky Arison, James Dolan and Mikahi Prokhorovs of the world. He said it best during his thirty-seven year reign as owner of the New York Yankees: "I haven't always done a good job, and I haven't always been successful - but I know that I have tried."
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Kevin Durant: The Silent Superstar
You do not hear stories about Kevin Durant the same way we currently hear about Wade, Bosh and Lebron this summer. We always hear about where they were going, which leaves every fans hanging at their every word along with me included. Yet, where is Durant? He is someone who would have been available in 2011 Free Agency along with Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker that is unless we have a lockout but that is a story for another year.
This morning, Kevin Durant signed a 5 year 86 million dollar deal to stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder. It would have been big news that he would stay with a team that will no doubt dominate the West after the Lakers reign is over within 1-2 years maybe three. Yet, his signing was unfortunately sent to the back pages as Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh agreed to join forces in Miami along with Carlos Boozer going to Chicago. It's not surprising that Kevin Durant's signing has been overshadowed but that has been part of his whole career from day one partly due to playing in a market like Oklahoma City. In addition, a city who received a team that was literally hijacked from Seattle just two years before.
Anyway I digress, what makes Durant different from his peers is that he shares similar special traits that Tim Duncan currently displays with the San Antonio Spurs. He has become their big brother who always treats his teammates as well as rookies or journeymen trying to make the team as equals. In fact, he is currently in Orlando coaching the OKC summer league that looks like an elite academy team for a major soccer club. He cheers and encourages them during the game. What kind of Superstar in the NBA does that anymore?
Does Bosh do it? Does Lebron do it? Does Kobe do it or even Michael Jordan AKA G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time)? No!!!. This is unheard of in the 21st Century of sports athletes. You would think it went extinct the way of players doubling the coach of the team or riding the bus for a 18-32 hour bus ride to the next game and even sleeping in a run of the mill motel rather than a posh hotel.
Today, we hear about players becoming brands but not Kevin Durant. He will get endorsements but probably will be in the background of a commercial starring a Lebron, or Wade. Yet, Durant is all about winning which is what great players are all about going back to Jerry West, Bill Russell, Willis Reed, Larry Bird, Bob Cousy, Elgin Baylor, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan, and etc. This is a superstar that basketball aficionados will enjoy and revere long after his career much like they do with John Stockton has been set in stone.
Al Davis said it best and it is Kevin Durant's mantra for the next six years he is in Oklahoma City: Just Win Baby.
This morning, Kevin Durant signed a 5 year 86 million dollar deal to stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder. It would have been big news that he would stay with a team that will no doubt dominate the West after the Lakers reign is over within 1-2 years maybe three. Yet, his signing was unfortunately sent to the back pages as Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh agreed to join forces in Miami along with Carlos Boozer going to Chicago. It's not surprising that Kevin Durant's signing has been overshadowed but that has been part of his whole career from day one partly due to playing in a market like Oklahoma City. In addition, a city who received a team that was literally hijacked from Seattle just two years before.
Anyway I digress, what makes Durant different from his peers is that he shares similar special traits that Tim Duncan currently displays with the San Antonio Spurs. He has become their big brother who always treats his teammates as well as rookies or journeymen trying to make the team as equals. In fact, he is currently in Orlando coaching the OKC summer league that looks like an elite academy team for a major soccer club. He cheers and encourages them during the game. What kind of Superstar in the NBA does that anymore?
Does Bosh do it? Does Lebron do it? Does Kobe do it or even Michael Jordan AKA G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time)? No!!!. This is unheard of in the 21st Century of sports athletes. You would think it went extinct the way of players doubling the coach of the team or riding the bus for a 18-32 hour bus ride to the next game and even sleeping in a run of the mill motel rather than a posh hotel.
Today, we hear about players becoming brands but not Kevin Durant. He will get endorsements but probably will be in the background of a commercial starring a Lebron, or Wade. Yet, Durant is all about winning which is what great players are all about going back to Jerry West, Bill Russell, Willis Reed, Larry Bird, Bob Cousy, Elgin Baylor, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan, and etc. This is a superstar that basketball aficionados will enjoy and revere long after his career much like they do with John Stockton has been set in stone.
Al Davis said it best and it is Kevin Durant's mantra for the next six years he is in Oklahoma City: Just Win Baby.
Monday, June 28, 2010
July 8, 2010: The Endgame Begins
For three years, NBA fans have been counting down the days when Lebron, Wade and Bosh would become available for every team with a boatload of cap space. It has become a riveting and compelling yet tiring spectacle as speculation dominates over substance. NBA teams have gutted their teams much like desperate people keep buying lottery tickets in the hope that they would hit the jackpot.
On July 8, 2010, the first domino to fall will be when Lebron James announces where he will go. Every NBA fan as well as the long-suffering Knicks and Nets fans will hope he will be the savior that leads them to former glory. It will be the culmination of all the rumors that have spread starting from the proposed but fading Big 3 (Wade, Lebron, and Bosh) in Miami to Lebron going back to Cleveland while Wade goes to Chicago and Bosh going where the money is.
Cities like New York, New Jersey/Brooklyn, Chicago and Miami, are trying to catch the fancies along with to a comedic extent, the Los Angeles Clippers. The courtship has become reality show upon itself as they try to attract them to a team in the hopes of glamor, marketing power and on the side a chance to rule the NBA for the next decade. In fact, they may dominate the rings for the 2010s as Kobe retires within five years.
At 9pm/6pm Pacific Standard Time, it will be an event that may forever change the NBA landscape much like how the signing of Shaq sent the balance of power to the West. His decision will bring joy to a city while bringing heartbreak and despair for another. The Summer of 2010 will be a year to remember. Yet, it has a sequel to along with it: An impeding Lockout of 2011. Till Then, Enjoy the show.
On July 8, 2010, the first domino to fall will be when Lebron James announces where he will go. Every NBA fan as well as the long-suffering Knicks and Nets fans will hope he will be the savior that leads them to former glory. It will be the culmination of all the rumors that have spread starting from the proposed but fading Big 3 (Wade, Lebron, and Bosh) in Miami to Lebron going back to Cleveland while Wade goes to Chicago and Bosh going where the money is.
Cities like New York, New Jersey/Brooklyn, Chicago and Miami, are trying to catch the fancies along with to a comedic extent, the Los Angeles Clippers. The courtship has become reality show upon itself as they try to attract them to a team in the hopes of glamor, marketing power and on the side a chance to rule the NBA for the next decade. In fact, they may dominate the rings for the 2010s as Kobe retires within five years.
At 9pm/6pm Pacific Standard Time, it will be an event that may forever change the NBA landscape much like how the signing of Shaq sent the balance of power to the West. His decision will bring joy to a city while bringing heartbreak and despair for another. The Summer of 2010 will be a year to remember. Yet, it has a sequel to along with it: An impeding Lockout of 2011. Till Then, Enjoy the show.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Game 4: Celtics bench finest hour
Since 1984, Game 4 has been the defining moment of each series between these two bitter rivals. It has brought out the good, the bad, the ugly and at times greatness in each of these two teams. We have seen countless moments that become ingrained in our memories from years to come from the Junior Sky Hook by Magic Johnson to the dramatic layup by Ray Allen that sealed a dramatic 25 point comeback just 2 years before.
In fact, Game 4 has been the turning point for classic moments that have defined each series. It has defined the players and coaches careers in this game. Some rise to the occasion while others are left to pick up the pieces. Even, the fans lucky to be at the game are witnesses to that one moment in time that they will tell their children and grandchildren for many years to come. The fans watching will also remember where they were when they witnessed a moment of absolute greatness. Will it be a Laker or a Celtic who rose to the occasion? Heck, will it be the team itself that rose to the occasion?
Tonight, we can confidently say that it was Celtics bench that rose to the occasion and may have saved their season and probably the championship with a 96-89 victory. They rose to the occasion and were aggressive. They were mean, confident and constantly mugging the Lakers as if they were an old lady in a dark alley. They were led by Glen Big Baby Davis and the Little Giant (Nate Robinson) who were 1-2 punch that sent the Lakers spinning and the Celtics fans' in a euphoria of ecstasy.
Glen Davis scored 21 points and had 6 rebounds. He abused Lamar Odom and took it right to him again and again. It was something the Celtics continued to do as they shoved 6'9 and 290 pounds brick-house into the Lakers throats. He was active and was hungry for more. Did I forget to mention that he is paid 3 million a year. Quite a bargain. Considering that he is playoff tested and can hit a big shot. Don't believe me? Watch this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oJWDMd9KTI.
Nate Robinson also was instrumental as he made clutch shot after clutch shot. He came up with timely baskets at a time when the Celtic offense was stalling. He made 2 three pointers that set the tone for his 12 point performance tonight. He ran the Lakers ragged and did something neither Lakers did make his technical foul free throws. Together, the Big Baby and Little Giant dynamic duo made the Lakers cower in their presence. They were Batman and Robin in this game sending a bunch of pow, boom, kapow and slam to the Laker team. I wonder if we shall see the same on Sunday?
The Celtics bench outscored the Lakers window dressing of a bench 23-6 in the Second half after it was relatively even in the 1st half. They were the catalyst for the 36-27 Fourth Quarter barrage that was the difference in this game. They out-rebounded the Lakers 41-34 and were active in the paint. Much like Game 3, they shoved them around like a bunch of rag dolls as Andrew Bynum's sore knees could only watch. It may explain why the Celtics had 54-34 edge in the paint. Bottom line: The Celtics intimidated the Lakers the same way they did in 2008 where they beat them like a red-headed step child.
It was riveting for Celtic fans while for Lakers fans it felt like watching an old horror movie knowing full well how it all ends: Celtics throttled the Lakers. Celtics made the big plays and refused to go down, which is in their DNA. None bigger than the steal by the savvy Rajon Rondo who stole Kobe's pass and scored the back breaking lay-up. The Celtics are a team that since Game 4 of the Cavs series have never given up and get seemingly stronger every time they face adversity. It's a team that has shown championship poise again and again. Yet, it remains to be seen for the Lakers.
As for the Lakers, it was game for the taking and they let it slip away. In fact, they were up by 5 early in the third quarter and the Celtics were missing shots. It was a time that they could have gone for the kill but could not execute. They could not corral the big rebounds when they had to nor the defensive stops in the final minutes. Now, they are tied 2-2 heading into an another war of attrition at the TD Garden.
Kobe Bryant had his usual great game. Yet, it felt like he was one man army facing a sea of green. He was the only guy that went to make shots and his teammates were nowhere to be found except for the occassional Gasol basket or blind squirrel finds a nut basket by Ron Artest. The Celtics made him a scorer and his teammates as life size mannequins.
Pau Gasol had 21 and 6. Yet, it feels more like sizzle than meat because he was virtually invisible in the final moments. They rarely got him the ball at all as he was neutralized by the crazy basketball savant that is Rasheed Wallace. He got to the line 10 times early but never walked to the free throw line in the final quarter.
Ron Artest and Derek Fisher were helpless as they were just bystanders in a game where their contribution was needed but lacking. They were nowhere to be found except for the occasional basket or for something else such as when Artest was torched like a Christmas tree by Paul Pierce in the first half.
Andrew Bynum was mostly invisible as the pain of his knees hindered his movement. He was there for 12 minutes with just a basket and 3 rebounds. In a sense, the Lakers and the City of Los Angeles championship hopes rests on the health of Bynum's knee. Not a good sign, considering his history.
As for the rest of the Lakers' bench they were once again outplayed by the Celtics bench. Unfortunately, they saw limited action and demonstrates how little faith Phil Jackson has for his bench. They were outscored 36-18 and need to step up. Lamar had 10 points but was routinely abused and mugged by Glen Big Baby Davis time after time. In fact, Lamar needs to be sent to spend this summer training with Russian Army or with the Marines. He was passive and looked like a sissy in purple and gold.
Heading into game 5, the Lakers need to set the tempo early on. They need to stand up to the Celtic bully by sending the tough guy tactic right back at their faces and showing the championship poise they earned just the year before. Kobe needs to get his teammates involved early and often. He also needs to attack the rim with reckless abandon and someone also needs to keep the Celtics honest whenever they make Kobe try to win the game by himself. In addition, the Laker big men need to stand tall and take it to the Celtics the same way Daniel-San took it to the bullies in the original Karate Kid. Finally, they better hope that the training staff will work miracles on Bynum's knees before Sunday. In other words, divine intervention from the heavenly deity from above.
As for the Celtics, they need to ride Glen Davis and Nate Robinson like a hot hand in Vegas. The fans and the team need to continue becoming one major force on Sunday. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will need to find ways to get their shots off. Rondo needs to push the ball and continue to pester the Laker bigs for rebounds. Kevin Garnett has to take it to Gasol inside and often. The Celtics must continue to intimidate the Lakers until they can demonstrate that they can counter by punching back with equal force. Heading into Sunday, we shall see which of these battle tested teams will have the inside track of what has been a roller coaster of a series.
In fact, Game 4 has been the turning point for classic moments that have defined each series. It has defined the players and coaches careers in this game. Some rise to the occasion while others are left to pick up the pieces. Even, the fans lucky to be at the game are witnesses to that one moment in time that they will tell their children and grandchildren for many years to come. The fans watching will also remember where they were when they witnessed a moment of absolute greatness. Will it be a Laker or a Celtic who rose to the occasion? Heck, will it be the team itself that rose to the occasion?
Tonight, we can confidently say that it was Celtics bench that rose to the occasion and may have saved their season and probably the championship with a 96-89 victory. They rose to the occasion and were aggressive. They were mean, confident and constantly mugging the Lakers as if they were an old lady in a dark alley. They were led by Glen Big Baby Davis and the Little Giant (Nate Robinson) who were 1-2 punch that sent the Lakers spinning and the Celtics fans' in a euphoria of ecstasy.
Glen Davis scored 21 points and had 6 rebounds. He abused Lamar Odom and took it right to him again and again. It was something the Celtics continued to do as they shoved 6'9 and 290 pounds brick-house into the Lakers throats. He was active and was hungry for more. Did I forget to mention that he is paid 3 million a year. Quite a bargain. Considering that he is playoff tested and can hit a big shot. Don't believe me? Watch this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oJWDMd9KTI.
Nate Robinson also was instrumental as he made clutch shot after clutch shot. He came up with timely baskets at a time when the Celtic offense was stalling. He made 2 three pointers that set the tone for his 12 point performance tonight. He ran the Lakers ragged and did something neither Lakers did make his technical foul free throws. Together, the Big Baby and Little Giant dynamic duo made the Lakers cower in their presence. They were Batman and Robin in this game sending a bunch of pow, boom, kapow and slam to the Laker team. I wonder if we shall see the same on Sunday?
The Celtics bench outscored the Lakers window dressing of a bench 23-6 in the Second half after it was relatively even in the 1st half. They were the catalyst for the 36-27 Fourth Quarter barrage that was the difference in this game. They out-rebounded the Lakers 41-34 and were active in the paint. Much like Game 3, they shoved them around like a bunch of rag dolls as Andrew Bynum's sore knees could only watch. It may explain why the Celtics had 54-34 edge in the paint. Bottom line: The Celtics intimidated the Lakers the same way they did in 2008 where they beat them like a red-headed step child.
It was riveting for Celtic fans while for Lakers fans it felt like watching an old horror movie knowing full well how it all ends: Celtics throttled the Lakers. Celtics made the big plays and refused to go down, which is in their DNA. None bigger than the steal by the savvy Rajon Rondo who stole Kobe's pass and scored the back breaking lay-up. The Celtics are a team that since Game 4 of the Cavs series have never given up and get seemingly stronger every time they face adversity. It's a team that has shown championship poise again and again. Yet, it remains to be seen for the Lakers.
As for the Lakers, it was game for the taking and they let it slip away. In fact, they were up by 5 early in the third quarter and the Celtics were missing shots. It was a time that they could have gone for the kill but could not execute. They could not corral the big rebounds when they had to nor the defensive stops in the final minutes. Now, they are tied 2-2 heading into an another war of attrition at the TD Garden.
Kobe Bryant had his usual great game. Yet, it felt like he was one man army facing a sea of green. He was the only guy that went to make shots and his teammates were nowhere to be found except for the occassional Gasol basket or blind squirrel finds a nut basket by Ron Artest. The Celtics made him a scorer and his teammates as life size mannequins.
Pau Gasol had 21 and 6. Yet, it feels more like sizzle than meat because he was virtually invisible in the final moments. They rarely got him the ball at all as he was neutralized by the crazy basketball savant that is Rasheed Wallace. He got to the line 10 times early but never walked to the free throw line in the final quarter.
Ron Artest and Derek Fisher were helpless as they were just bystanders in a game where their contribution was needed but lacking. They were nowhere to be found except for the occasional basket or for something else such as when Artest was torched like a Christmas tree by Paul Pierce in the first half.
Andrew Bynum was mostly invisible as the pain of his knees hindered his movement. He was there for 12 minutes with just a basket and 3 rebounds. In a sense, the Lakers and the City of Los Angeles championship hopes rests on the health of Bynum's knee. Not a good sign, considering his history.
As for the rest of the Lakers' bench they were once again outplayed by the Celtics bench. Unfortunately, they saw limited action and demonstrates how little faith Phil Jackson has for his bench. They were outscored 36-18 and need to step up. Lamar had 10 points but was routinely abused and mugged by Glen Big Baby Davis time after time. In fact, Lamar needs to be sent to spend this summer training with Russian Army or with the Marines. He was passive and looked like a sissy in purple and gold.
Heading into game 5, the Lakers need to set the tempo early on. They need to stand up to the Celtic bully by sending the tough guy tactic right back at their faces and showing the championship poise they earned just the year before. Kobe needs to get his teammates involved early and often. He also needs to attack the rim with reckless abandon and someone also needs to keep the Celtics honest whenever they make Kobe try to win the game by himself. In addition, the Laker big men need to stand tall and take it to the Celtics the same way Daniel-San took it to the bullies in the original Karate Kid. Finally, they better hope that the training staff will work miracles on Bynum's knees before Sunday. In other words, divine intervention from the heavenly deity from above.
As for the Celtics, they need to ride Glen Davis and Nate Robinson like a hot hand in Vegas. The fans and the team need to continue becoming one major force on Sunday. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will need to find ways to get their shots off. Rondo needs to push the ball and continue to pester the Laker bigs for rebounds. Kevin Garnett has to take it to Gasol inside and often. The Celtics must continue to intimidate the Lakers until they can demonstrate that they can counter by punching back with equal force. Heading into Sunday, we shall see which of these battle tested teams will have the inside track of what has been a roller coaster of a series.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Game 3: A Fish named Derek
After losing home court advantage to the Celtics, the Lakers had some questions to answer as the series was heading to Boston. The Lakers themselves told everyone that they were a team that can execute but on Sunday it was the complete opposite. With a boisterous and at times hostile crowd awaiting them, could the Lakers show the heart of a champion and respond to another case of adversity?
Tonight, that answer was answered with a relieved yes for one game. They played just good enough to pull out the victory. It was a see-saw game in the second half that just made you feel that Boston was gonna pull it out. Yet, the heroics of Derek Fisher slammed the door shut on the Celtics and their rabid fans looking for purple and gold blood.
For most of the first half, the Lakers controlled the game while the Celtics shot blanks most notably Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. The Laker defense and offense were humming. Yet, the Celtics grinded it out with their defense to get in the game. It stalled the Laker offense and led to Kobe shooting ridiculous shots that had no prayer going in. In addition, it led to the mugging of Gasol as well as the Laker big men. Soon, it was a one point game and the Celtic fans were going nuts ready to stick it to the Lakers once again. The Lakers needed a hero and Derek Fisher answered their calls.
Every time the Celtics got close, Fisher was there to shut the door back. He made the big shots and was fearless in the face of the Green Goliath that was turning the majority of his Laker teammates into a cowering, slobbering mess. His 11 points in the fourth quarter were life saving for the Lakers. None more bigger that when he drove to the basket as three Celtics were trying to stop him from a getting an easy lay in with just under a minute to play. He hit the lay-in and converted a back breaking three point play that has the Lakers with a 2-1 series lead rather than being down 2-1 heading to Game 4.
Time after time, Fisher in his career especially last season in Game 4 of the 2009 Finals has come up big for the Lakers. He has been consistently derided by most as slow, past his prime and a liability. Tonight, he was the little engine that could and with the heart of a lion to boot.
As for the rest of the Lakers, Lamar Odom finally showed up to the big stage as he made two crucial baskets as well. Each were timely as the Celtics were within a basket of tying or taking the lead. He scored 12 points and was 5-5 shooting, which was evident by his crazy three point shot that banked in. For the first time all series, Lamar showed up. Now, can he do it again in Game 4? Only he knows.
Kobe Bryant had 29 points but was shrouded by the Tony Allen, Ray Allen and anyone the Celtics threw at him. He was a man on fire earlier in the game but then became a brick layer in the fourth quarter much to the delight of Celtic fans. It was a rough night for him but his team took the victory.
Pau Gasol was routinely abused by Kevin Garnett and the Celtic front line. He grinded it out and made a tough basket against Glen Davis that gave the Lakers a four point lead with two minutes to play. Ron Artest had a quiet game but he was big defensively as he shut down Paul Pierce and made a timely defensive play that caused Glen Davis to turn the ball over at half-court.
As for the Celtics, they came out strong early but petered out. They were out-rebounded 43-35 and were awful from three point land with 4-22 shooting. Their free throw shooting was terrible in the first half but they were able to turn it around but those misses in the 1st half would later hinder their comeback chances.
Kevin Garnett had a vintage KG game as he attacked Gasol with impunity. He was hungry and made some big baskets in the fourth quarter as the Celtics tried to pull it out. Garnett took it to Gasol for easy lay-ins and was spry as evidenced by his alley-oop slam in the first quarter. Unfortunately, his 25 points and 6 rebounds were wasted.
Paul Pierce could not go off in front of the hometown faithful. He got Ron Artest in foul trouble early but could not take advantage of it. It was his moment to make his presence felt in this series and he wasted it. He made 3-4 three pointers but it could have been more.
Ray Allen had a game to forget as his three point shooting prowess that he displayed in Game 2 was a mirage in the comfy confines of the new Boston Garden. He was 0-8 from three point land and was an absolute liability on offense. It was a game to forget for such a prolific three point scorer. Every Celtic fan, will be playing the what-if game wondering if Ray had at least a couple baskets fall.
Rajon Rondo was quiet despite putting up ok numbers. He could not penetrate nor run the team in transition. He was forced to play half-court basketball and it stunted his brilliant creativity. In fact, he nor Allen did not attack Fisher when he had five fouls. They could have put more pressure on the Laker defense but never took advantage of it.
Glen Davis was big for the Celtics as he scored 12 points and was the sparkplug that brought the Celtics to life. He was a terror for the Laker bigs as he used his girth to power his way for baskets and getting to the line. Yet, he never got the ball in crunch time when the Lakers had no answer for him in the post.
Heading into Game 4, the Celtics need to find a way to manufacture some baskets. Their offense was stalling and choking in the third quarter. They could have easily have been down 20 points had it not been for their grind it out defense. They need to get Ray Allen of Game 2 to show up and Rondo needs to play like the triple double threat he was on Sunday. Boston needs to find the hot hand and feed it constantly.
As for the Lakers, they need to run their offense by moving the ball rather than letting Kobe bail them out with desperate shot after desperate shot. They were very lucky to win this game considering how their offense stalled for nearly the entire second half. The Lakers must continue to play good defense and rebound. Through three games, the only certain thing is to expect the unexpected well unless you count the three blind mice officiating the game.
Tonight, that answer was answered with a relieved yes for one game. They played just good enough to pull out the victory. It was a see-saw game in the second half that just made you feel that Boston was gonna pull it out. Yet, the heroics of Derek Fisher slammed the door shut on the Celtics and their rabid fans looking for purple and gold blood.
For most of the first half, the Lakers controlled the game while the Celtics shot blanks most notably Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. The Laker defense and offense were humming. Yet, the Celtics grinded it out with their defense to get in the game. It stalled the Laker offense and led to Kobe shooting ridiculous shots that had no prayer going in. In addition, it led to the mugging of Gasol as well as the Laker big men. Soon, it was a one point game and the Celtic fans were going nuts ready to stick it to the Lakers once again. The Lakers needed a hero and Derek Fisher answered their calls.
Every time the Celtics got close, Fisher was there to shut the door back. He made the big shots and was fearless in the face of the Green Goliath that was turning the majority of his Laker teammates into a cowering, slobbering mess. His 11 points in the fourth quarter were life saving for the Lakers. None more bigger that when he drove to the basket as three Celtics were trying to stop him from a getting an easy lay in with just under a minute to play. He hit the lay-in and converted a back breaking three point play that has the Lakers with a 2-1 series lead rather than being down 2-1 heading to Game 4.
Time after time, Fisher in his career especially last season in Game 4 of the 2009 Finals has come up big for the Lakers. He has been consistently derided by most as slow, past his prime and a liability. Tonight, he was the little engine that could and with the heart of a lion to boot.
As for the rest of the Lakers, Lamar Odom finally showed up to the big stage as he made two crucial baskets as well. Each were timely as the Celtics were within a basket of tying or taking the lead. He scored 12 points and was 5-5 shooting, which was evident by his crazy three point shot that banked in. For the first time all series, Lamar showed up. Now, can he do it again in Game 4? Only he knows.
Kobe Bryant had 29 points but was shrouded by the Tony Allen, Ray Allen and anyone the Celtics threw at him. He was a man on fire earlier in the game but then became a brick layer in the fourth quarter much to the delight of Celtic fans. It was a rough night for him but his team took the victory.
Pau Gasol was routinely abused by Kevin Garnett and the Celtic front line. He grinded it out and made a tough basket against Glen Davis that gave the Lakers a four point lead with two minutes to play. Ron Artest had a quiet game but he was big defensively as he shut down Paul Pierce and made a timely defensive play that caused Glen Davis to turn the ball over at half-court.
As for the Celtics, they came out strong early but petered out. They were out-rebounded 43-35 and were awful from three point land with 4-22 shooting. Their free throw shooting was terrible in the first half but they were able to turn it around but those misses in the 1st half would later hinder their comeback chances.
Kevin Garnett had a vintage KG game as he attacked Gasol with impunity. He was hungry and made some big baskets in the fourth quarter as the Celtics tried to pull it out. Garnett took it to Gasol for easy lay-ins and was spry as evidenced by his alley-oop slam in the first quarter. Unfortunately, his 25 points and 6 rebounds were wasted.
Paul Pierce could not go off in front of the hometown faithful. He got Ron Artest in foul trouble early but could not take advantage of it. It was his moment to make his presence felt in this series and he wasted it. He made 3-4 three pointers but it could have been more.
Ray Allen had a game to forget as his three point shooting prowess that he displayed in Game 2 was a mirage in the comfy confines of the new Boston Garden. He was 0-8 from three point land and was an absolute liability on offense. It was a game to forget for such a prolific three point scorer. Every Celtic fan, will be playing the what-if game wondering if Ray had at least a couple baskets fall.
Rajon Rondo was quiet despite putting up ok numbers. He could not penetrate nor run the team in transition. He was forced to play half-court basketball and it stunted his brilliant creativity. In fact, he nor Allen did not attack Fisher when he had five fouls. They could have put more pressure on the Laker defense but never took advantage of it.
Glen Davis was big for the Celtics as he scored 12 points and was the sparkplug that brought the Celtics to life. He was a terror for the Laker bigs as he used his girth to power his way for baskets and getting to the line. Yet, he never got the ball in crunch time when the Lakers had no answer for him in the post.
Heading into Game 4, the Celtics need to find a way to manufacture some baskets. Their offense was stalling and choking in the third quarter. They could have easily have been down 20 points had it not been for their grind it out defense. They need to get Ray Allen of Game 2 to show up and Rondo needs to play like the triple double threat he was on Sunday. Boston needs to find the hot hand and feed it constantly.
As for the Lakers, they need to run their offense by moving the ball rather than letting Kobe bail them out with desperate shot after desperate shot. They were very lucky to win this game considering how their offense stalled for nearly the entire second half. The Lakers must continue to play good defense and rebound. Through three games, the only certain thing is to expect the unexpected well unless you count the three blind mice officiating the game.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Game 2: It's a Rondoful Life
It was a typical Los Angeles Sunday where it was beautiful enough to go to the freeway and take a dip in the cool Pacific Ocean. Yet, for the Celtics it has been a weekend of stormy criticism as they were told that the Lakers were a different ball club. Tonight, the question was can the Celtics respond from the shellacking they received in the biggest stage?
After Game 2, that answer was a resounding, Yes. The Celtics played like the tried and tested team everyone saw in their run to the Finals. They were aggressive on defense and it was a record-setting night on both sides. They out-rebounded the Lakers 44-39 and outscored them 11-4 on the fast break. They outscored the Lakers 36-26 on the paint, which was a reversal from the Game 1 drubbing they were handed. The Lakers had a record 14 blocks while Ray Allen had a first half for the ages as he nailed 7 three pointers and nail another to have the all time record in a NBA Finals Game. His shot was sublime and nobody not even Kobe could cover him. Although, he cooled off in the second half his damage was too much for the Lakers to overcome.
Yet, the big story was the performance of Rajon Rondo as he took over the game and may have swung the series into Boston's favor. He made the big plays on both the defensive and offensive end. He made the big shots especially an open jumper that put the Celtics up by 5. His performance was the catalyst for a game ending 16-4 run that has this series tied rather than a 2-0 Lakers heading to Boston.
He scored 19 pts. 10 assists and 12 rebounds. Let me repeat that: 12 Rebounds!!!! He was everywhere and was Havlichekesque as he did everything that made this Celtic victory possible. Rondo and Ray Allen were the two players who did the most damage and left the Lakers spinning as well as their fans.
As for the Lakers, they came out flat and looked like the Celtic team in Game 1. Their defense was shell-shocked by the shooting of Ray Allen and shredded by Rondo's passing, penetration and scoring. Their offense was stagnant as the Celtics forced the Lakers to shoot from the perimeter. In addition, the Lakers were 5-22 from three point distance. They frustrated Kobe and took him out of his game, which explains why he got 5 fouls. They shot 39 free throws but that was moot by their poor execution and timely defense of Rondo.
Pau Gasol had a great game with 25 points and 8 rebounds. He was effective in the post and punished the smaller Celtic big men. In some stretches, he was dominant. Yet, he was never heard from again during the final Celtics push in the fourth quarter. The Lakers never got him the ball and he did not get as many rebounds as he did in Game 1. Amazingly, he was on the bench for 7 minutes and should have been in the court the whole fourth quarter.
Andrew Bynum was spectacular as he scored 21 points as well as 6 block shots which contributed to the record 14 blocks. Unfortunately, he only got 5 rebounds. He was a destructive presence in the post and a terror for anytime the Celtics came into the paint. He played 39 minutes which is considerable because he usually plays 20-25 minutes a game. Yet, he needs to pick up his rebounding just like Gasol.
Ron Artest was awful in this game as he made dumb foul after dumb foul. He jacked up unnecessary three point shots. Artest was 3-8 from the Free Throw stripe and 1-6 from three point land along with 1-10 shooting. He was a liability on the offensive end and on defense as he stalled the Lakers attack which led to their undoing in that 16-4 run by the Celtics.
The rest of the Lakers could not shoot the side of a barn and Lamar Odom has yet to appear in this series. Like Game 1, he was invisible and that is bad for the Lakers going forward as the series progresses. It seems that the Celtics control Lamar both mentally and physically.
For Game 3, the Lakers must move the ball to the post with impugnity just like they did in Game 2. They must play intense defense and crash the boards like there is no tomorrow. In addition, they need to be aware who has the hot hand and continue to ride it just like Boston did with Ray Allen the entire 1st half. It's officially a series and now the Lakers must respond in an arena where the fans will be on them all game along. Don't believe me? See this twitter link: http://twitter.com/celticschant. Will it be a Boston Massacre or a Hollywood ending? I don't know but it's so fun imagining all the possibilities heading to Boston.
After Game 2, that answer was a resounding, Yes. The Celtics played like the tried and tested team everyone saw in their run to the Finals. They were aggressive on defense and it was a record-setting night on both sides. They out-rebounded the Lakers 44-39 and outscored them 11-4 on the fast break. They outscored the Lakers 36-26 on the paint, which was a reversal from the Game 1 drubbing they were handed. The Lakers had a record 14 blocks while Ray Allen had a first half for the ages as he nailed 7 three pointers and nail another to have the all time record in a NBA Finals Game. His shot was sublime and nobody not even Kobe could cover him. Although, he cooled off in the second half his damage was too much for the Lakers to overcome.
Yet, the big story was the performance of Rajon Rondo as he took over the game and may have swung the series into Boston's favor. He made the big plays on both the defensive and offensive end. He made the big shots especially an open jumper that put the Celtics up by 5. His performance was the catalyst for a game ending 16-4 run that has this series tied rather than a 2-0 Lakers heading to Boston.
He scored 19 pts. 10 assists and 12 rebounds. Let me repeat that: 12 Rebounds!!!! He was everywhere and was Havlichekesque as he did everything that made this Celtic victory possible. Rondo and Ray Allen were the two players who did the most damage and left the Lakers spinning as well as their fans.
As for the Lakers, they came out flat and looked like the Celtic team in Game 1. Their defense was shell-shocked by the shooting of Ray Allen and shredded by Rondo's passing, penetration and scoring. Their offense was stagnant as the Celtics forced the Lakers to shoot from the perimeter. In addition, the Lakers were 5-22 from three point distance. They frustrated Kobe and took him out of his game, which explains why he got 5 fouls. They shot 39 free throws but that was moot by their poor execution and timely defense of Rondo.
Pau Gasol had a great game with 25 points and 8 rebounds. He was effective in the post and punished the smaller Celtic big men. In some stretches, he was dominant. Yet, he was never heard from again during the final Celtics push in the fourth quarter. The Lakers never got him the ball and he did not get as many rebounds as he did in Game 1. Amazingly, he was on the bench for 7 minutes and should have been in the court the whole fourth quarter.
Andrew Bynum was spectacular as he scored 21 points as well as 6 block shots which contributed to the record 14 blocks. Unfortunately, he only got 5 rebounds. He was a destructive presence in the post and a terror for anytime the Celtics came into the paint. He played 39 minutes which is considerable because he usually plays 20-25 minutes a game. Yet, he needs to pick up his rebounding just like Gasol.
Ron Artest was awful in this game as he made dumb foul after dumb foul. He jacked up unnecessary three point shots. Artest was 3-8 from the Free Throw stripe and 1-6 from three point land along with 1-10 shooting. He was a liability on the offensive end and on defense as he stalled the Lakers attack which led to their undoing in that 16-4 run by the Celtics.
The rest of the Lakers could not shoot the side of a barn and Lamar Odom has yet to appear in this series. Like Game 1, he was invisible and that is bad for the Lakers going forward as the series progresses. It seems that the Celtics control Lamar both mentally and physically.
For Game 3, the Lakers must move the ball to the post with impugnity just like they did in Game 2. They must play intense defense and crash the boards like there is no tomorrow. In addition, they need to be aware who has the hot hand and continue to ride it just like Boston did with Ray Allen the entire 1st half. It's officially a series and now the Lakers must respond in an arena where the fans will be on them all game along. Don't believe me? See this twitter link: http://twitter.com/celticschant. Will it be a Boston Massacre or a Hollywood ending? I don't know but it's so fun imagining all the possibilities heading to Boston.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Game 5: Magic slam the Celtics
For most of the series, Boston got the lucky bounces fall their way. They were the aggressors and the Magic knew it. The Magic won a hard fought overtime victory in Boston. Yet, the question was this: Could the Magic ride the euphoria and relief of Game 3 to victory in their friendly confines?
Tonight, the question was unequivocally an emphatic yes. For the first time, the Orlando three point shooting came back to life. They shot 13-25 from three point land as they shelled the Celtics with absolute authority. They outrebounded the Celtics 43-26 and were efficient from the Free throw line as they shot 80%. Incredibly, the Celtics injuries came one after another. First, it started with Glen Davis getting his bell rung after defending Dwight Howard. Then, Marquis Daniels suffering a concussion on the defensive side. Yikes.
Jameer Nelson scored 24 points and was instrumental in the third quarter. He scored 9 points as well as a rainbow three pointer in the third quarter and was 4-5 from downtown. Nelson dribbled into the lane at will for easy lay-ins and free throw opportunities. Since overtime of Game 3, it's been Nelson who has outplayed Rondo.
Dwight Howard was a beast as he frustrated Perkins, bullied Davis for lay-ins, hook shoots and poster dunks. He was an enforcer in the paint and ran roughshod on the Celtics after Perkins was thrown out with two technical fouls. This may be bad news for the Celtics because he may have to serve a one game suspension with 7 technical fouls. Yet, the second tech may be under review because he was walking away and still got thrown out. Strange?
Rashard Lewis came to life as he scored 14 points and showed on occasion that he is more than a 3pt. shooter by driving to the lane. He seemed to be on the mend after saying that he had been battling a virus during the entire series.
JJ Reddick was masterful as he spurred the Magic in the 2nd Quarter to a lead they would never relinquish. His shot was sublime and so was his passing. It's worth mentioning that every time Reddick is on the floor, the Magic are +20 points and -46 points when he is not. Hmmm....
As for the Celtics, they were flat and uninterested. Yet, they still had a chance to win the game. The Celtic big men were constantly bullied not just by Howard but by the refs. They never adjusted and it hurt them big time. They must deal with injuries to Marquis Daniels and Glen Davis who both suffered freak concussions. For the Celtics, their thin lineup just got a lot thinner.
Rondo's free throw shooting was a liability as he was Shaq-esque with his 5-11 free throw shooting. Pierce was perfect from the charity stripe but played a lot of minutes to compensate the for the suddenly shrinking Celtic frontline. Ray Allen was nearly invisible after the 1st Quarter. Rasheed Wallace nailed 3-5 three pointers but was in foul trouble throughout.
Heading into Friday, the Magic have an excellent chance to win Game 6 and do what 93 teams have never done before come back from a 3-0 deficit. It may be the greatest comeback in sports and another dagger to the hearts of Boston sports fans who recently were the recipient of 3-0 collapse with their NHL hockey club the Boston Bruins losing to the Philadelphia Flyers. I guess anything is possible!!
Tonight, the question was unequivocally an emphatic yes. For the first time, the Orlando three point shooting came back to life. They shot 13-25 from three point land as they shelled the Celtics with absolute authority. They outrebounded the Celtics 43-26 and were efficient from the Free throw line as they shot 80%. Incredibly, the Celtics injuries came one after another. First, it started with Glen Davis getting his bell rung after defending Dwight Howard. Then, Marquis Daniels suffering a concussion on the defensive side. Yikes.
Jameer Nelson scored 24 points and was instrumental in the third quarter. He scored 9 points as well as a rainbow three pointer in the third quarter and was 4-5 from downtown. Nelson dribbled into the lane at will for easy lay-ins and free throw opportunities. Since overtime of Game 3, it's been Nelson who has outplayed Rondo.
Dwight Howard was a beast as he frustrated Perkins, bullied Davis for lay-ins, hook shoots and poster dunks. He was an enforcer in the paint and ran roughshod on the Celtics after Perkins was thrown out with two technical fouls. This may be bad news for the Celtics because he may have to serve a one game suspension with 7 technical fouls. Yet, the second tech may be under review because he was walking away and still got thrown out. Strange?
Rashard Lewis came to life as he scored 14 points and showed on occasion that he is more than a 3pt. shooter by driving to the lane. He seemed to be on the mend after saying that he had been battling a virus during the entire series.
JJ Reddick was masterful as he spurred the Magic in the 2nd Quarter to a lead they would never relinquish. His shot was sublime and so was his passing. It's worth mentioning that every time Reddick is on the floor, the Magic are +20 points and -46 points when he is not. Hmmm....
As for the Celtics, they were flat and uninterested. Yet, they still had a chance to win the game. The Celtic big men were constantly bullied not just by Howard but by the refs. They never adjusted and it hurt them big time. They must deal with injuries to Marquis Daniels and Glen Davis who both suffered freak concussions. For the Celtics, their thin lineup just got a lot thinner.
Rondo's free throw shooting was a liability as he was Shaq-esque with his 5-11 free throw shooting. Pierce was perfect from the charity stripe but played a lot of minutes to compensate the for the suddenly shrinking Celtic frontline. Ray Allen was nearly invisible after the 1st Quarter. Rasheed Wallace nailed 3-5 three pointers but was in foul trouble throughout.
Heading into Friday, the Magic have an excellent chance to win Game 6 and do what 93 teams have never done before come back from a 3-0 deficit. It may be the greatest comeback in sports and another dagger to the hearts of Boston sports fans who recently were the recipient of 3-0 collapse with their NHL hockey club the Boston Bruins losing to the Philadelphia Flyers. I guess anything is possible!!
Game 3: The Suns bench deep fries the Lakers.
Last Week, every fan blasted the Suns' matador defense in Los Angeles. They said this series was over before it started. They viewed the Suns as a second-rate team ready for the slaughter.
Tonight, I think it's safe to say that the Suns were anything but a weakling. They played a swarming defense and showed how Suns' basketball was played during the entire season and in the Spurs' series. They showed us a gritty team willing to fight, which was nonexistent during the 7 seconds or less era of Mike D'Antoni. Give credit to Alvin Gentry for a masterful job the last two games. His use of a zone defense helped stymie and bamboozle the Laker Juggernaut. Since game 2, he has been out-coaching Phil Jackson, which begs the question: Is Phil even worth $12 million a year?
In the last 2 games, the Suns have gone to the free throw line 74-33. They outrebounded the Lakers 51-36 by just purely out-hustling them and banging the boards. The Lakers free throw shooting was nonexistent in these two games as they chucked up three pointer after three pointer which played right to the Suns' hands. The Suns bench lit up the Lakers bench 54-20 in this game which explains why the Laker five were on the floor besides Bynum were on the floor for more than 30 minutes. In addition, the Suns have beaten the Lakers for the 7th consecutive time at home during the Playoffs dating back to the infamous Game 7 of the 2006 Playoffs.
The bench for the Suns were on fire and provided the spark needed to tie this series. For three games, Channing Frye was dormant as he could not find his shooting stroke. Tonight, Frye awoke with a vengeance. In the second and fourth quarters, his 3pt. shooting led the charge that eventually led to the Suns putting up big leads. His 3pt. shooting shell-shocked the Lakers and he would continue the barrage in the fourth and deciding quarter. Yet, he was not the only smoking gun on this bench.
Jared Dudley joined in the 3pt. hit parade as he knocked down 3-6 three point shots. None bigger than the one in the fourth quarter that helped spring a game deciding 9-0 run in the fourth quarter. His defense stymied Kobe in the final quarter after he lit the Suns like a Chinese firecracker in the second and third quarter.
Goran Dragic was a magician as he hypnotized the Laker guards and big men to sleep with his sneaky dribbling as well as his passing. None more exciting than when he sent Fisher to school with a dazzling dribble and crazy lay-in that brought the house down in Phoenix. It's a guarantee that it will be a you-tube sensation within hours of this post.
Lou Amundson pestered and fought for every loose ball in this game. He played with fire and energy that was nonexistent in Los Angeles just a week before. Every big play by Amundson, you could hear the fans chant Lou! bellow out like the wind rustling in the fall.
Yet, I cannot help but wonder why this bench has never gotten a nickname. They deserve one after their performance this season and in Game 4. I believe that this bench should be called Desert Swarm. The bench swarms its opponents with their energy and then routs them within a blink of an eye. This was the case with their 3pt. shooting, energetic defense and their penchant for turning close games into comfortable leads.
Robin Lopez was the energizer bunny for the Suns as he set the tone early in the game by working the trenches and keeping the Laker big men off their comfort level. He has gradually gotten better with each game in this series and as his confidence grows so do the Phoenix Suns. I guess he is the barometer for this team as he goes so goes the Suns.
Nash, Richardson, Hill and Amare played a B game as the Suns' bench picked up the slack. It meant they could relax and enjoy the bench put on a clinic of how a bench should play in the NBA. It was reminiscent of the Showtime Lakers when the bench would play the final quarter as the starters rested early.
As for the Lakers, the only thing that killed them was their bench and Pau Gasol disappearing in this game. The Laker bench showed their true colors in this series as they played timid in their time on the floor. It was evident in the second and fourth quarters as the Suns' bench shelled them with 3pt. basket after 3pt. basket. The entire team's defensive rotations were late or lacking which led to those back breaking three pointers in the first place.
Pau Gasol played like a marshmallow and was helpless throughout. In fact, the Suns big men mugged and robbed Gasol for every rebound throughout the game. They denied Gasol position in the post and made him work for every basket, which was nonexistent in the two games in Los Angeles.
Andrew Bynum played effective in some stretches. Yet, he was no match for the Suns' speed and they picked him apart with their penetration rendering him a liability. His running was labored and I cannot help but wonder if his knees can hold any longer as the series wears on.
Lamar Odom played a better game after being invisible in Game 3. Unfortunately, he was a one-man army for the Laker bench fending off the Desert Swarm. Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown were nowhere to be found. The only evidence of their existence was in the box score. They need to pick it up or they will be looking for another job next season.
Kobe Bryant was brilliant but like the 2006 and 2007 playoffs his efforts were for naught. He lit the Suns' in the 2nd and 3rd Quarter with a determination that the Lakers would not lose this game. He made 3pt. shot after 3pt. shot and brought the Lakers back from the brink in the 3rd Quarter. Unfortunately, he was never heard from again in the fourth quarter as the Suns' made the entire Laker team besides Kobe beat them.
The Lakers must hit the drawing board as a pivotal game 5 awaits them in Los Angeles in less than 48 hours. They must play with the precision of a surgeon to combat the zone defense, making the Suns' pay for doubling Gasol and finding a way to do the things that got them the 2-0 lead in Los Angeles. We shall see if the Lakers still have the heart of the champion or if they are a scarecrow with all straw and no heart.
Tonight, I think it's safe to say that the Suns were anything but a weakling. They played a swarming defense and showed how Suns' basketball was played during the entire season and in the Spurs' series. They showed us a gritty team willing to fight, which was nonexistent during the 7 seconds or less era of Mike D'Antoni. Give credit to Alvin Gentry for a masterful job the last two games. His use of a zone defense helped stymie and bamboozle the Laker Juggernaut. Since game 2, he has been out-coaching Phil Jackson, which begs the question: Is Phil even worth $12 million a year?
In the last 2 games, the Suns have gone to the free throw line 74-33. They outrebounded the Lakers 51-36 by just purely out-hustling them and banging the boards. The Lakers free throw shooting was nonexistent in these two games as they chucked up three pointer after three pointer which played right to the Suns' hands. The Suns bench lit up the Lakers bench 54-20 in this game which explains why the Laker five were on the floor besides Bynum were on the floor for more than 30 minutes. In addition, the Suns have beaten the Lakers for the 7th consecutive time at home during the Playoffs dating back to the infamous Game 7 of the 2006 Playoffs.
The bench for the Suns were on fire and provided the spark needed to tie this series. For three games, Channing Frye was dormant as he could not find his shooting stroke. Tonight, Frye awoke with a vengeance. In the second and fourth quarters, his 3pt. shooting led the charge that eventually led to the Suns putting up big leads. His 3pt. shooting shell-shocked the Lakers and he would continue the barrage in the fourth and deciding quarter. Yet, he was not the only smoking gun on this bench.
Jared Dudley joined in the 3pt. hit parade as he knocked down 3-6 three point shots. None bigger than the one in the fourth quarter that helped spring a game deciding 9-0 run in the fourth quarter. His defense stymied Kobe in the final quarter after he lit the Suns like a Chinese firecracker in the second and third quarter.
Goran Dragic was a magician as he hypnotized the Laker guards and big men to sleep with his sneaky dribbling as well as his passing. None more exciting than when he sent Fisher to school with a dazzling dribble and crazy lay-in that brought the house down in Phoenix. It's a guarantee that it will be a you-tube sensation within hours of this post.
Lou Amundson pestered and fought for every loose ball in this game. He played with fire and energy that was nonexistent in Los Angeles just a week before. Every big play by Amundson, you could hear the fans chant Lou! bellow out like the wind rustling in the fall.
Yet, I cannot help but wonder why this bench has never gotten a nickname. They deserve one after their performance this season and in Game 4. I believe that this bench should be called Desert Swarm. The bench swarms its opponents with their energy and then routs them within a blink of an eye. This was the case with their 3pt. shooting, energetic defense and their penchant for turning close games into comfortable leads.
Robin Lopez was the energizer bunny for the Suns as he set the tone early in the game by working the trenches and keeping the Laker big men off their comfort level. He has gradually gotten better with each game in this series and as his confidence grows so do the Phoenix Suns. I guess he is the barometer for this team as he goes so goes the Suns.
Nash, Richardson, Hill and Amare played a B game as the Suns' bench picked up the slack. It meant they could relax and enjoy the bench put on a clinic of how a bench should play in the NBA. It was reminiscent of the Showtime Lakers when the bench would play the final quarter as the starters rested early.
As for the Lakers, the only thing that killed them was their bench and Pau Gasol disappearing in this game. The Laker bench showed their true colors in this series as they played timid in their time on the floor. It was evident in the second and fourth quarters as the Suns' bench shelled them with 3pt. basket after 3pt. basket. The entire team's defensive rotations were late or lacking which led to those back breaking three pointers in the first place.
Pau Gasol played like a marshmallow and was helpless throughout. In fact, the Suns big men mugged and robbed Gasol for every rebound throughout the game. They denied Gasol position in the post and made him work for every basket, which was nonexistent in the two games in Los Angeles.
Andrew Bynum played effective in some stretches. Yet, he was no match for the Suns' speed and they picked him apart with their penetration rendering him a liability. His running was labored and I cannot help but wonder if his knees can hold any longer as the series wears on.
Lamar Odom played a better game after being invisible in Game 3. Unfortunately, he was a one-man army for the Laker bench fending off the Desert Swarm. Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown were nowhere to be found. The only evidence of their existence was in the box score. They need to pick it up or they will be looking for another job next season.
Kobe Bryant was brilliant but like the 2006 and 2007 playoffs his efforts were for naught. He lit the Suns' in the 2nd and 3rd Quarter with a determination that the Lakers would not lose this game. He made 3pt. shot after 3pt. shot and brought the Lakers back from the brink in the 3rd Quarter. Unfortunately, he was never heard from again in the fourth quarter as the Suns' made the entire Laker team besides Kobe beat them.
The Lakers must hit the drawing board as a pivotal game 5 awaits them in Los Angeles in less than 48 hours. They must play with the precision of a surgeon to combat the zone defense, making the Suns' pay for doubling Gasol and finding a way to do the things that got them the 2-0 lead in Los Angeles. We shall see if the Lakers still have the heart of the champion or if they are a scarecrow with all straw and no heart.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Game 2: Celtic Pride strangles the Magic
It was a game that was so oddly familiar to Sunday that it felt like a rerun during a summer night or cold winter night. In the First Quarter, the Celtics jumped out to an 11 point lead but Orlando came back. Yet, Boston would take control of the game much like the third quarter to take a large lead into the final quarter.
Now, if u watched Game 1, the Magic made a run in the fourth and it was no different in this game. They clawed their back and took a one point lead. Orlando had Boston on the ropes. They had Kendrick Perkins foul out and Rasheed Wallace on the bench with five fouls. In fact, 33% of the Celtic team that played were in foul trouble. Rajon Rondo and the Celtics were being too cute with their fundamental passes that were becoming turnovers after initially leading to layups and dunks earlier. Everything seemed to favor Orlando but they lost. How do they lose with all that momentum at home?
This game was uneven as was the officiating that I cannot help but comprehend how this was unfolding. In fact, I am at a loss for words. Yet, I know one thing: The Celtics made the big plays when they had to while the Magic did not. The Celtics championship poise was on display along with the Magic playing like chumps.
History is against the Magic as they are 0-5 All Time in a Best of 7 series when they are down 0-2 in a series. Yet, for the Magic they have broken a streak with impossible odds just last year. Just ask Boston who was 32-0 when leading 3-2 in a series. Anyway, here are some players and moments that deserve recognition:
Play of the Game: Kevin Garnett
The Celtics were down by 1 point and the Magic had clawed their back from an 11 point deficit heading into the Fourth Quarter. Garnett gets the ball and as the shot clock winds down, knocks a fall away jumper that was pretty much gave the Celtics the lead for good. He had 10 points and 9 rebounds but his last bucket turned out to be the biggest of the game.
Player of the Game: Rajon Rondo
Rondo controlled the game from over 40 minutes. He made timely baskets as the shot clock went down that would make Isiah Thomas and Tony Parker proud. His passes were extraordinary and gutsy. He was the straw that stirred the Celtics cocktail that proved too deadly for the Orlando Magic.
Zeroes of the Game: Four Way tie: Vince Carter, JJ Redick, Rashard Lewis and the Refs.
Vince had a decent game throughout for the Magic. With 32 seconds left, VC drove to the lane and got fouled by Paul Pierce. He had a chance to cut the Celtics lead to 1. What did Vince do? He went to the line and clanged both free throws that drew echoes of Nick Anderson in the 1995 NBA Finals. Not only did he just bailed out Paul Pierce for his dumb foul and but Carter made himself a spot in the Orlando Magic playoff moments of infamy.
JJ Redick was excellent throughout but one bonehead play really sealed the Magic's fate. After KG missed a contested jumper, Redick inexplicably dribbled the ball in transition and called a timeout. Instead, of having the ball at the frontcourt, the Magic took the ball from the spot that Reddick called timeout. This led to Jameer Nelson trying to shoot a half-court prayer that hit nothing but air.
Rashard Lewis was once again invisible as he was 1-3 from the downtown and 1-9 for the series. He needs to step it up now as the series shifts to Boston and for the rest of the series. Otherwise, he will never hear the end of it until next season.
The refs in this game were inconsistent on both sides. I felt that there were two situations that really stuck out. One of them, was when Rondo slipped and it was called a travel. Yet, he did the exact same thing earlier in the game and it was never called. The last one was when Jameer Nelson fouled Paul Pierce when Nelson had all ball on Paul Pierce's shot. Pierce went to the line when he should not have gone in the first place.
Now, if u watched Game 1, the Magic made a run in the fourth and it was no different in this game. They clawed their back and took a one point lead. Orlando had Boston on the ropes. They had Kendrick Perkins foul out and Rasheed Wallace on the bench with five fouls. In fact, 33% of the Celtic team that played were in foul trouble. Rajon Rondo and the Celtics were being too cute with their fundamental passes that were becoming turnovers after initially leading to layups and dunks earlier. Everything seemed to favor Orlando but they lost. How do they lose with all that momentum at home?
This game was uneven as was the officiating that I cannot help but comprehend how this was unfolding. In fact, I am at a loss for words. Yet, I know one thing: The Celtics made the big plays when they had to while the Magic did not. The Celtics championship poise was on display along with the Magic playing like chumps.
History is against the Magic as they are 0-5 All Time in a Best of 7 series when they are down 0-2 in a series. Yet, for the Magic they have broken a streak with impossible odds just last year. Just ask Boston who was 32-0 when leading 3-2 in a series. Anyway, here are some players and moments that deserve recognition:
Play of the Game: Kevin Garnett
The Celtics were down by 1 point and the Magic had clawed their back from an 11 point deficit heading into the Fourth Quarter. Garnett gets the ball and as the shot clock winds down, knocks a fall away jumper that was pretty much gave the Celtics the lead for good. He had 10 points and 9 rebounds but his last bucket turned out to be the biggest of the game.
Player of the Game: Rajon Rondo
Rondo controlled the game from over 40 minutes. He made timely baskets as the shot clock went down that would make Isiah Thomas and Tony Parker proud. His passes were extraordinary and gutsy. He was the straw that stirred the Celtics cocktail that proved too deadly for the Orlando Magic.
Zeroes of the Game: Four Way tie: Vince Carter, JJ Redick, Rashard Lewis and the Refs.
Vince had a decent game throughout for the Magic. With 32 seconds left, VC drove to the lane and got fouled by Paul Pierce. He had a chance to cut the Celtics lead to 1. What did Vince do? He went to the line and clanged both free throws that drew echoes of Nick Anderson in the 1995 NBA Finals. Not only did he just bailed out Paul Pierce for his dumb foul and but Carter made himself a spot in the Orlando Magic playoff moments of infamy.
JJ Redick was excellent throughout but one bonehead play really sealed the Magic's fate. After KG missed a contested jumper, Redick inexplicably dribbled the ball in transition and called a timeout. Instead, of having the ball at the frontcourt, the Magic took the ball from the spot that Reddick called timeout. This led to Jameer Nelson trying to shoot a half-court prayer that hit nothing but air.
Rashard Lewis was once again invisible as he was 1-3 from the downtown and 1-9 for the series. He needs to step it up now as the series shifts to Boston and for the rest of the series. Otherwise, he will never hear the end of it until next season.
The refs in this game were inconsistent on both sides. I felt that there were two situations that really stuck out. One of them, was when Rondo slipped and it was called a travel. Yet, he did the exact same thing earlier in the game and it was never called. The last one was when Jameer Nelson fouled Paul Pierce when Nelson had all ball on Paul Pierce's shot. Pierce went to the line when he should not have gone in the first place.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Game 1: Showtime shines brighter than the Suns
It was an overcast day in the City of Angels, which kinda felt like a sense of foreboding for the Lakers. Instead of the typical sunshine that permeates Los Angeles on a late spring day, it was cloudy and drizzling. In a sense, it felt like the city was no longer in Kansas anymore but in a world resembling the Twilight Zone or a Stephen King novel.
Yet, the Lakers brought some sunshine and then some against the Phoenix Suns. They pummeled the Suns in the post and out-rebounded them 42-34. In addition, the Lakers beat the Suns at their own game: three point shooting. The Lakers were 8-17 from downtown compared to 5-22 for the Phoenix Suns. Despite 7 days of rest, it was the Suns and not the Lakers that were caught flat-footed.
Initially, the Suns could do no wrong early in the game as they jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the 1st Quarter. Suddenly, the Lakers sprang to life as Lamar Odom led the charge early on with 7 quick points in just 3 minutes. Odom was a beast inside and outside. He scored 19 points and 19 rebounds. For two playoff series, Lamar was dormant but tonight he exploded with volcanic force on the Phoenix Suns. From there the Lakers took their cue from Odom.
Ron Artest, who had been an offensive liability throughout the postseason found his shooting touch with 14 points. He was very judicious for the most part on what shots to take, which was largely invisible in the previous two rounds. In addition, he pestered the passing lanes of Phoenix leading to fast breaks in segments of the game.
Pau Gasol was deadly as he scored 21 points on 10-13 shooting. The Lakers got him the ball early and it was almost an automatic two points. In fact, he scored on an off-balance jumper despite being double-teamed in the post. His passing was breathtaking as he made a Showtime-esque pass to Kobe in the Third Quarter that led to a three point play.
Kobe Bryant put another classic game as he scored 40 points and exploded for 22 points in the third quarter. He was masterful managing the game by getting the ball to Gasol early in the game. Then, he just ripped and shredded the Suns hearts' in front of their eyes in the third quarter. His performance was breathtaking but can he continue to do so in a 7 game series?
As for the Suns, there were few bright spots but the defense was absolutely shredded by the hot shooting Lakers. They made some dumb turnovers such as Channing Frye stepped out of bounds and when the Suns had a chance to cut the Laker lead to 6 or 7 points late in the third quarter.
Goran Dragic was excellent in the 2nd Quarter as he abused Jordan Farmar and moved to the basket with craftiness that can make Steve Nash smile as he laid on his back on the Suns' bench. Unfortunately, he got half of his points in garbage time. Barbosa was spry in the 2nd Quarter as he slyly went around four Lakers for a three point play. Yet like Dragic, half of his points came with the game well in hand. The Suns bench, which was one of their strengths played to a standstill with the Laker bench thanks to Lamar Odom playing out of his mind.
Amare Stoudamire showed great touch with his jumper and nailed them with Karl Malone like efficiency. Yet, his scoring was canceled out by Gasol and like Malone his stats were mostly all sizzle. Nash had a double-double in 28 minutes with 13 points and 13 assists. However, his movements were watched and monitored at all times by the Laker D. Jason Richardson had 15 points in the game. Yet, I wonder why the Suns did not give Richardson the ball when he had the hot hand late in the third quarter. Robin Lopez played sparingly but he had his moments especially with the pick and roll with Nash for an easy dunk and forcing Gasol to a jump ball. Yet, he scored his points with the game already decided.
Despite losing by 21, the Suns have nowhere to go but up. It was a demoralizing loss but they have 48 hours to adjust. They must play fast and get Richardson involved. In addition, they have to deny the ball in the post when the Lakers get into their offensive motion. The Phoenix frontline needs to stand tall and rebound with reckless abandon. If not, the Suns' chances for victory will disappear like a mirage in the desert.
Yet, the Lakers brought some sunshine and then some against the Phoenix Suns. They pummeled the Suns in the post and out-rebounded them 42-34. In addition, the Lakers beat the Suns at their own game: three point shooting. The Lakers were 8-17 from downtown compared to 5-22 for the Phoenix Suns. Despite 7 days of rest, it was the Suns and not the Lakers that were caught flat-footed.
Initially, the Suns could do no wrong early in the game as they jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the 1st Quarter. Suddenly, the Lakers sprang to life as Lamar Odom led the charge early on with 7 quick points in just 3 minutes. Odom was a beast inside and outside. He scored 19 points and 19 rebounds. For two playoff series, Lamar was dormant but tonight he exploded with volcanic force on the Phoenix Suns. From there the Lakers took their cue from Odom.
Ron Artest, who had been an offensive liability throughout the postseason found his shooting touch with 14 points. He was very judicious for the most part on what shots to take, which was largely invisible in the previous two rounds. In addition, he pestered the passing lanes of Phoenix leading to fast breaks in segments of the game.
Pau Gasol was deadly as he scored 21 points on 10-13 shooting. The Lakers got him the ball early and it was almost an automatic two points. In fact, he scored on an off-balance jumper despite being double-teamed in the post. His passing was breathtaking as he made a Showtime-esque pass to Kobe in the Third Quarter that led to a three point play.
Kobe Bryant put another classic game as he scored 40 points and exploded for 22 points in the third quarter. He was masterful managing the game by getting the ball to Gasol early in the game. Then, he just ripped and shredded the Suns hearts' in front of their eyes in the third quarter. His performance was breathtaking but can he continue to do so in a 7 game series?
As for the Suns, there were few bright spots but the defense was absolutely shredded by the hot shooting Lakers. They made some dumb turnovers such as Channing Frye stepped out of bounds and when the Suns had a chance to cut the Laker lead to 6 or 7 points late in the third quarter.
Goran Dragic was excellent in the 2nd Quarter as he abused Jordan Farmar and moved to the basket with craftiness that can make Steve Nash smile as he laid on his back on the Suns' bench. Unfortunately, he got half of his points in garbage time. Barbosa was spry in the 2nd Quarter as he slyly went around four Lakers for a three point play. Yet like Dragic, half of his points came with the game well in hand. The Suns bench, which was one of their strengths played to a standstill with the Laker bench thanks to Lamar Odom playing out of his mind.
Amare Stoudamire showed great touch with his jumper and nailed them with Karl Malone like efficiency. Yet, his scoring was canceled out by Gasol and like Malone his stats were mostly all sizzle. Nash had a double-double in 28 minutes with 13 points and 13 assists. However, his movements were watched and monitored at all times by the Laker D. Jason Richardson had 15 points in the game. Yet, I wonder why the Suns did not give Richardson the ball when he had the hot hand late in the third quarter. Robin Lopez played sparingly but he had his moments especially with the pick and roll with Nash for an easy dunk and forcing Gasol to a jump ball. Yet, he scored his points with the game already decided.
Despite losing by 21, the Suns have nowhere to go but up. It was a demoralizing loss but they have 48 hours to adjust. They must play fast and get Richardson involved. In addition, they have to deny the ball in the post when the Lakers get into their offensive motion. The Phoenix frontline needs to stand tall and rebound with reckless abandon. If not, the Suns' chances for victory will disappear like a mirage in the desert.
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