Last season, the Thunder dispatched the Lakers in five tough games. It appeared that Kobe was passing the torch to Durant and Westbrook to dominate the West for the next five years. It seemed like a time of transition was coming. Yet, the next few months have been very turbulent for both teams but mostly the Lakers.
As they met again tonight, the Thunder were just one step ahead of the Lakers. For nearly 44 minutes, they were dominant and humming. Durant and Westbrook gave the Lakers, a one-two punch that decided this game well into the Third Quarter. The Lakers were outclassed and out-manned on this night.
Oklahoma City was in mid-season form. It was a team that was breath taking to watch. Most notably, the shooting of the enigmatic Russell Westbrook. He was 10-15 in the first half, and his shots were judiciously selected. It was not the player who made boneheaded shots or decisions when he had Durant on one side who could light any unlucky defender like a Christmas tree. Westbrook was so hot that he went 75 feet in 5.9 seconds and swished a three pointer to cut the Laker lead to one at end of the opening stanza.
From there, the Thunder just feasted on the Lakers turnovers and poor defensive rotations. They turned a one point deficit into a 14 point halftime lead with a 41 point quarter. Nick Collison was instrumental as well. He made timely rebounds, tips, and was rewarded for his efforts to the tune of 13 pts and 7 rebounds off the bench.
By the time, the Lakers made a run, it was too little too late. The Thunder cruised to a six point win as the Lakers made furious late 4th Quarter charge. The only positives for the Laker was how they got the ball to Dwight Howard in the post and he made his free throws. In addition, they never quit and played the full 48 minutes. Yet, the bottom line, their defense, stagnant ball movement and 17 turnovers doomed them.
In Essence, the game was that the Thunder are still the Thunder. They are an Elite team who appeared to have gotten over the sluggish week following the shocking James Harden trade. It still needs some tinkering but for one night, it was the far superior team.
As for the Lakers, it's still a work in progress that will get noticeably better when at full strength. It will be very different than what we have seen in the last 20 games. However, it's still a team that is top-heavy with bloated contracts and an aging roster. Steve Nash can only mask so many flaws that this Laker team has, which are potholes. Yet, the Lakers will still be both fascinating and riveting to watch.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Heat vs. Knicks: No Melo, No Problem.
When these last two teams met, the Knicks played their first game after a terrifying hurricane devastated much of Long Island and flooded parts of Manhattan. It was a time where most areas had no power. In fact, there are still some areas that do not have any power. Yet, on that night, the Knicks put on a happy show for their weary and exhausted fans for just a few hours.
From then on, the Knicks have become a revelation in that the team's ball movement, unselfishness and commitment to defense, has led the Knicks to a 13-4 start. This from a team that was in complete turmoil and chaos. The 2011-12 season read more like the plot arcs of a steamy soap opera or hit drama on cable. This season, the plot lines moved 3,000 miles away to a certain team in Purple and Gold.
It has been a great feeling for Knick fans but was the first game at MSG, a Cinderella-like dream or a sign of things to come?
Tonight, the Knicks outplayed Miami and shot the air out of the ball. They played their hearts out and without Carmelo Anthony who injured his fingers in a thrilling buzzer beating win in Charlotte. Felton and Kidd got the Knicks into position with their pinpoint passing and penetration, which led to open looks around the three point line.
Felton was unconscious in the third and deciding quarter, which saw the Knicks put 37 points on the Heat. His shooting became contagious as other Knicks players such Steve Novak, JR Smith and even Jason Kidd were joining in the three point splashing party in South Beach.
Together (Novak, Smith and Kidd), made 10 of 25 three point attempts. Their bench massacred Miami's 57-19 and turned a 53-53 tie at the half, into an eye opening snooze. It was a sight to behold seeing numerous three point shots were going up through crisp ball movement, which was nonexistent for most of last season.
Meanwhile, the Heat's vaunted D was turned into Swiss cheese. Lebron's impressive performance of 31 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists were not enough to gloss over the three ball party that New York dropped onto the stunned Defending Champs. Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh were nowhere to give support as they were just totally off their game. It was sad watching Wade miss shots that he would have made, just a few short years ago not fall. Bosh was just neutralized by Chandler and of all people, Rasheed Wallace.
Indeed, it was a thought provoking game, as it showed that the Knicks are a force to be reckoned with going forward. Yet, they don't even have Amare Stoudamire or Iman Shumpert and it will be interesting how integrate those two. They put the Heat and the NBA world on notice.
Now, the question is, Will the Heat respond to the Knicks challenge as they have done so many times last season? If not, perhaps the Heat's 2013 title hopes will revert back into a pumpkin when the clock strikes Midnight.
From then on, the Knicks have become a revelation in that the team's ball movement, unselfishness and commitment to defense, has led the Knicks to a 13-4 start. This from a team that was in complete turmoil and chaos. The 2011-12 season read more like the plot arcs of a steamy soap opera or hit drama on cable. This season, the plot lines moved 3,000 miles away to a certain team in Purple and Gold.
It has been a great feeling for Knick fans but was the first game at MSG, a Cinderella-like dream or a sign of things to come?
Tonight, the Knicks outplayed Miami and shot the air out of the ball. They played their hearts out and without Carmelo Anthony who injured his fingers in a thrilling buzzer beating win in Charlotte. Felton and Kidd got the Knicks into position with their pinpoint passing and penetration, which led to open looks around the three point line.
Felton was unconscious in the third and deciding quarter, which saw the Knicks put 37 points on the Heat. His shooting became contagious as other Knicks players such Steve Novak, JR Smith and even Jason Kidd were joining in the three point splashing party in South Beach.
Together (Novak, Smith and Kidd), made 10 of 25 three point attempts. Their bench massacred Miami's 57-19 and turned a 53-53 tie at the half, into an eye opening snooze. It was a sight to behold seeing numerous three point shots were going up through crisp ball movement, which was nonexistent for most of last season.
Meanwhile, the Heat's vaunted D was turned into Swiss cheese. Lebron's impressive performance of 31 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists were not enough to gloss over the three ball party that New York dropped onto the stunned Defending Champs. Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh were nowhere to give support as they were just totally off their game. It was sad watching Wade miss shots that he would have made, just a few short years ago not fall. Bosh was just neutralized by Chandler and of all people, Rasheed Wallace.
Indeed, it was a thought provoking game, as it showed that the Knicks are a force to be reckoned with going forward. Yet, they don't even have Amare Stoudamire or Iman Shumpert and it will be interesting how integrate those two. They put the Heat and the NBA world on notice.
Now, the question is, Will the Heat respond to the Knicks challenge as they have done so many times last season? If not, perhaps the Heat's 2013 title hopes will revert back into a pumpkin when the clock strikes Midnight.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Orioles and Yankees cross paths again: 16 years later
I don't really remember much about the 1996 ALCS between the Yankees and Orioles, other than the fact that it was on NBC. The other memory of this series was what happened in Game 1 when a fan caught a "home run ball" above the fence over Tony Tarrasco. As this video conveniently implies:
In addition, a series between two teams where one would ascend to become a perennial World Series dynasty with 3 World Series Championships from 1996 to 2000 as well as five appearances in the Final Dance. They have become a perennial contender up to now with an obscene amount of riches (Derek Jeter, A-Rod, Curtis Granderson, CC Sabathia, Robinson Cano and Mark Texiera) and excesses (largest payroll in Baseball).
Meanwhile, the other team (Baltimore Orioles) would make it to the 1997 ALCS only to lose yet again. would wander the abyss trying to find the right mixture to make it back from the wilderness. They tried to spend their way to get their way back (Miguel Tejada) but it was not meant to be as the Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers can tell you.
As the years progressed, their crown jewel of a ballpark slowly emptied as their fans faced frustrating season after frustrating season. As evidenced, by every fast start that would slowly fizzle in the blistering July and August summer just as Football season would start to reconvene. An owner, who is as reviled, well not quite as reviled as Jim Irsay who drove the Colts to Indy in the middle of a cold, March 1984 night.
Tonight, this plucky team from the Charm City with a right mix of vets and youngsters along with the Hereculean effort of Manager Buck Showalter take on the New York Yankees. This team that most thought of as a cute story has fulfilled their end of the bargain rewarding the die hard of die hards for their saintly patience. They stood toe to toe with the Yankees threatening to gasp... win the AL East, before settling for the Wild Card and beating the high powered Texas Rangers in the one game, sudden death AL Wild Card game.
It's a time for the Orioles to finally bring to life one of the most beautiful ballparks for the first time in 15 years. Let the games begin!
In addition, a series between two teams where one would ascend to become a perennial World Series dynasty with 3 World Series Championships from 1996 to 2000 as well as five appearances in the Final Dance. They have become a perennial contender up to now with an obscene amount of riches (Derek Jeter, A-Rod, Curtis Granderson, CC Sabathia, Robinson Cano and Mark Texiera) and excesses (largest payroll in Baseball).
Meanwhile, the other team (Baltimore Orioles) would make it to the 1997 ALCS only to lose yet again. would wander the abyss trying to find the right mixture to make it back from the wilderness. They tried to spend their way to get their way back (Miguel Tejada) but it was not meant to be as the Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers can tell you.
As the years progressed, their crown jewel of a ballpark slowly emptied as their fans faced frustrating season after frustrating season. As evidenced, by every fast start that would slowly fizzle in the blistering July and August summer just as Football season would start to reconvene. An owner, who is as reviled, well not quite as reviled as Jim Irsay who drove the Colts to Indy in the middle of a cold, March 1984 night.
Tonight, this plucky team from the Charm City with a right mix of vets and youngsters along with the Hereculean effort of Manager Buck Showalter take on the New York Yankees. This team that most thought of as a cute story has fulfilled their end of the bargain rewarding the die hard of die hards for their saintly patience. They stood toe to toe with the Yankees threatening to gasp... win the AL East, before settling for the Wild Card and beating the high powered Texas Rangers in the one game, sudden death AL Wild Card game.
It's a time for the Orioles to finally bring to life one of the most beautiful ballparks for the first time in 15 years. Let the games begin!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
The Lakers pulled another rabbit out of the hat.
The Summer of 2012 was gonna be a time of change for the Los Angeles Lakers. This is a team that measures itself in NBA Titles not second round exits or even NBA Finals appearances. Well, I guess with an aging Kobe Bryant, the Lakers are all in if the reported trade for Dwight Howard comes to pass, which will send Andrew Bynum as well as Jason Richardson to the Sixers, Andre Iguodala to the Nuggets as well as Aaron Afflalo, Nikola Vucevic, Al Harrington, Josh McRoberts, Christian Eyenga and three draft picks to the Orlando Magic. Now let's look at who got what as well as the winners and losers of this proposed deal:
The Sixers may have gotten a Franchise player that they have been starving for since Allen Iverson brought fans to their feets every night in Philly. The second best NBA center in the game who has the capability to dominate like this. Something, that had eluded him when he played with Kobe during his seven years in Los Angeles. Yet, they have a player who has an injury history that might make some fans hold pause as well as immaturity issues. As seen right here.
Denver may have gotten another athlete who will thrive in the Run and Gun offense of the Mile High City. They added depth to a team that can potentially become a dark horse contender in the NBA if everything falls into place. But hey, this team is gonna be 10x more fun to watch considering they have a lock-down defender who could play against the Kobes, Wades and the Melo's of the world. The Nuggets lethal fastbreak will suit Iguodala's athleticism very nicely. In fact, they just got better just a few months after they pushed the Lakers to a 1st Round Seven Game Classic that was the essence of the contrast of styles.
Orlando perhaps is the biggest loser in that they may have panicked into making the Howard deal should David Stern approve the proposal. They could have had Andrew Bynum, or even the litter of Houston Rockets athletes/assets that they accumulated in the draft, trades and shrewd signings. Alas, they settle for what appears to be a pittance as well as not unloading any of their bad contracts ( Hedo Turkoglu's contract). The draft picks they got from all three teams may have relatively little value and it may take a Herculean effort to find gems out of those draft picks. As it looks right now, the Magic now face a few more dark years a la the Post-Shaq era.
For the Lakers, it's the Coup de Grace in an off-season where change was the theme. A team that had seen better days, which had been dismantled by the Dallas Mavericks and the ascendant Oklahoma City Thunders. This team looked like it was going to fade away into oblivion just as the final sands of Kobe Bryant's brilliant albeit with some warts would end with playoff runs that would go no further than a round or two maybe to the Conference Finals if they were lucky.
Give credit to GM Mitch Kupchak and.........JIM BUSS, the son of Dr. Jerry Buss for doing nearly the impossible. In one fell swoop, they got Steve Nash in a sign and trade for magic beans (2 first round picks (2013 and 2015 along with two second round picks: 2013 and 2014) to the Phoenix Suns on of all days: Fourth of July. They signed an effective but aging Antawn Jamison who brings added punch to a beleaguered bench that was utterly helpless, impotent and downright awful to watch. They re-signed Jordan Hill to a modest deal who made himself a fan favorite during his brief time with the Lakers. If you're scoring at home, they turned Lamar Odom's trade exception, the trades of Derek Fisher as well as Andrew Bynum into Steve Nash, Jordan Hill and now Dwight Howard. Amazing..... (update: The Lakers signed Jodie Meeks as the rich get richer).
The Summer of 2012 will forever be remembered by the Laker fans as a time where the Lakes reloaded and became a Super Team. Now, the question is whether this so-called Super Team can bring home the championship in 2013 and going forward especially considering that 3/4 of them are in their early to mid 30s. If not, more changes could be afoot and perhaps Dwight Howard as well as others may be moving to a new address in the not too distant future.
The Sixers may have gotten a Franchise player that they have been starving for since Allen Iverson brought fans to their feets every night in Philly. The second best NBA center in the game who has the capability to dominate like this. Something, that had eluded him when he played with Kobe during his seven years in Los Angeles. Yet, they have a player who has an injury history that might make some fans hold pause as well as immaturity issues. As seen right here.
Denver may have gotten another athlete who will thrive in the Run and Gun offense of the Mile High City. They added depth to a team that can potentially become a dark horse contender in the NBA if everything falls into place. But hey, this team is gonna be 10x more fun to watch considering they have a lock-down defender who could play against the Kobes, Wades and the Melo's of the world. The Nuggets lethal fastbreak will suit Iguodala's athleticism very nicely. In fact, they just got better just a few months after they pushed the Lakers to a 1st Round Seven Game Classic that was the essence of the contrast of styles.
Orlando perhaps is the biggest loser in that they may have panicked into making the Howard deal should David Stern approve the proposal. They could have had Andrew Bynum, or even the litter of Houston Rockets athletes/assets that they accumulated in the draft, trades and shrewd signings. Alas, they settle for what appears to be a pittance as well as not unloading any of their bad contracts ( Hedo Turkoglu's contract). The draft picks they got from all three teams may have relatively little value and it may take a Herculean effort to find gems out of those draft picks. As it looks right now, the Magic now face a few more dark years a la the Post-Shaq era.
For the Lakers, it's the Coup de Grace in an off-season where change was the theme. A team that had seen better days, which had been dismantled by the Dallas Mavericks and the ascendant Oklahoma City Thunders. This team looked like it was going to fade away into oblivion just as the final sands of Kobe Bryant's brilliant albeit with some warts would end with playoff runs that would go no further than a round or two maybe to the Conference Finals if they were lucky.
Give credit to GM Mitch Kupchak and.........JIM BUSS, the son of Dr. Jerry Buss for doing nearly the impossible. In one fell swoop, they got Steve Nash in a sign and trade for magic beans (2 first round picks (2013 and 2015 along with two second round picks: 2013 and 2014) to the Phoenix Suns on of all days: Fourth of July. They signed an effective but aging Antawn Jamison who brings added punch to a beleaguered bench that was utterly helpless, impotent and downright awful to watch. They re-signed Jordan Hill to a modest deal who made himself a fan favorite during his brief time with the Lakers. If you're scoring at home, they turned Lamar Odom's trade exception, the trades of Derek Fisher as well as Andrew Bynum into Steve Nash, Jordan Hill and now Dwight Howard. Amazing..... (update: The Lakers signed Jodie Meeks as the rich get richer).
The Summer of 2012 will forever be remembered by the Laker fans as a time where the Lakes reloaded and became a Super Team. Now, the question is whether this so-called Super Team can bring home the championship in 2013 and going forward especially considering that 3/4 of them are in their early to mid 30s. If not, more changes could be afoot and perhaps Dwight Howard as well as others may be moving to a new address in the not too distant future.
Dwight Howard is now a Laker?
Well, it seems that the National Dwightmare has come to an end. Dwight Howard looks like he may be a Los Angeles Laker after all. It was a long time coming in a story that had a seemingly endless array of twists and turns like a roller coaster that would never end. In fact, it felt rather annoying that a man who makes a boatload of cash could not make a simple decision of where he wanted to play next season.
Mr. Howard initially wanted to go to the Nets because he wanted to form a brand. He had his chance at the trade deadline. Alas, he was strong-armed to stay because he didn't want to sign with the Lakers. The very team he will be traded should this 4-team trade finally become consummated on Friday morning.
As for The Brooklyn Nets, they took themselves out of the lottery. They felt that they could not wait any longer for Dwight Howard to make up his mind. So, the Nets, moved into another direction by trading for Joe Johnson, signing Brook Lopez, Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries and of course Deron Williams. That's a playoff team but not a Championship contender.
It'll be interesting to see how he will fit on this Laker team that has Gasol, Nash and of course, Kobe Bryant. Howard said at one point, that he would not be a third guy on the Lakers. He wanted to be the Alpha man not a another Tyson Chandler. There were concerns of his rehab following a debilitating back spasms injury that to a team that had dealt with similar problems with Andrew Bynum who ironically had best season ever in 2011-12 but had his share of injuries.
Yet, with Nash throwing him Alley Oops and easy buckets in transition as a reward to the fruits of his labor on the defensive end. It just might make the transition to playing for the Lakers a little easier and for the team as well. After all, it helps to have a pass-first PG something that the Lakers have been lacking since the Great Magic Johnson hung it up in 1996. The Nash trade to the Lakers may perhaps have been a big reason why Dwight Howard will at the moment barring any unexpected shenanigans become a Los Angeles Laker. (late update: At last it happened.)
Mr. Howard initially wanted to go to the Nets because he wanted to form a brand. He had his chance at the trade deadline. Alas, he was strong-armed to stay because he didn't want to sign with the Lakers. The very team he will be traded should this 4-team trade finally become consummated on Friday morning.
As for The Brooklyn Nets, they took themselves out of the lottery. They felt that they could not wait any longer for Dwight Howard to make up his mind. So, the Nets, moved into another direction by trading for Joe Johnson, signing Brook Lopez, Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries and of course Deron Williams. That's a playoff team but not a Championship contender.
It'll be interesting to see how he will fit on this Laker team that has Gasol, Nash and of course, Kobe Bryant. Howard said at one point, that he would not be a third guy on the Lakers. He wanted to be the Alpha man not a another Tyson Chandler. There were concerns of his rehab following a debilitating back spasms injury that to a team that had dealt with similar problems with Andrew Bynum who ironically had best season ever in 2011-12 but had his share of injuries.
Yet, with Nash throwing him Alley Oops and easy buckets in transition as a reward to the fruits of his labor on the defensive end. It just might make the transition to playing for the Lakers a little easier and for the team as well. After all, it helps to have a pass-first PG something that the Lakers have been lacking since the Great Magic Johnson hung it up in 1996. The Nash trade to the Lakers may perhaps have been a big reason why Dwight Howard will at the moment barring any unexpected shenanigans become a Los Angeles Laker. (late update: At last it happened.)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
San Francisco vs. New Orleans: The Catch 3 and Alex Smith coming up big?
30 years ago, a great moment in San Francisco 49ers history happened. It was an event unlike any other for against America's Team the Dallas Cowboys. If you ask any 49er fan 35 years and up, they will tell you where they were and try to claim that they were at the game.
No doubt, it was a classic game and this clip down below shows the emotion of a fanbase and a Franchise that would go on to nearly 20 years of greatness:
Fast forward 30 years later, San Francisco was again down in the dumps after a near decade of futility. The Glory days of the 80s and 90s were long gone. It was back to the old days of the pre-Montana/Bill Walsh era. It is a time the fans experienced utter hopelessness and apathy. In addition, the thought of the so-called savior Alex Smith as a bust who was taken over Defending Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers who went 24 spots down in the ill-fated 2005 draft.
Until, a new coach named Jim Harbaugh came to the scene and made the 49ers a playoff team for the first time in nearly nine years. Their reward? They got a bye and would face the high powered New Orleans Saints featuring Drew Brees. The only question was could Alex Smith make the big plays when it mattered? The same Alex Smith who has a sketchy track record and skeptical fan base waiting for another savior to replace him.
Tonight, Alex Smith did answer those critics for one night with a 24 for 42 299 yard pass performance. In the last five minutes, he dueled with Drew Brees on who was the clutch QB in this game. Smith made the big plays such as when he ran for 27 yard touchdown on 3rd and 3 to give the Niners a five point lead. Sure, he looked shaky at times but in those final minutes he showed shades of Steve Young's improbable run down below:
Then, Brees answered with a bomb to Jimmy Graham to give the Saints a three point lead, Smith marched the Niners 85 yards in 1:28 on seven plays. It would culminate with a big throw to his favorite receiver/tight end Vernon Davis on a 3rd and 3 down below:
It gave the 49ers the victory on all of days the 30th Anniversary of "The Catch." This also punched their ticket to the NFC Championship game against the winner of the Packers/Giants game at frigid Lambeau Field. In fact, it was a replay of the Golden years of the 49ers dynasty of the 1980s and 1990s where they were won 5 Super Bowls and a boatload of greats with some eventually becoming Hall of Famers.
As for Alex Smith, he will never be Joe Montana or Steve Young. Heck, Smith may not be a Hall of Famer in an era where QBs can average 30 touchdowns and nearly 4000 yard seasons. He's just Alex Smith the Quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. It was a memorable performance that gave 49er fans flashbacks of the 49er QB greats before him. The question now is: Can he and the Niners have History repeat itself?
No doubt, it was a classic game and this clip down below shows the emotion of a fanbase and a Franchise that would go on to nearly 20 years of greatness:
Fast forward 30 years later, San Francisco was again down in the dumps after a near decade of futility. The Glory days of the 80s and 90s were long gone. It was back to the old days of the pre-Montana/Bill Walsh era. It is a time the fans experienced utter hopelessness and apathy. In addition, the thought of the so-called savior Alex Smith as a bust who was taken over Defending Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers who went 24 spots down in the ill-fated 2005 draft.
Until, a new coach named Jim Harbaugh came to the scene and made the 49ers a playoff team for the first time in nearly nine years. Their reward? They got a bye and would face the high powered New Orleans Saints featuring Drew Brees. The only question was could Alex Smith make the big plays when it mattered? The same Alex Smith who has a sketchy track record and skeptical fan base waiting for another savior to replace him.
Tonight, Alex Smith did answer those critics for one night with a 24 for 42 299 yard pass performance. In the last five minutes, he dueled with Drew Brees on who was the clutch QB in this game. Smith made the big plays such as when he ran for 27 yard touchdown on 3rd and 3 to give the Niners a five point lead. Sure, he looked shaky at times but in those final minutes he showed shades of Steve Young's improbable run down below:
Then, Brees answered with a bomb to Jimmy Graham to give the Saints a three point lead, Smith marched the Niners 85 yards in 1:28 on seven plays. It would culminate with a big throw to his favorite receiver/tight end Vernon Davis on a 3rd and 3 down below:
It gave the 49ers the victory on all of days the 30th Anniversary of "The Catch." This also punched their ticket to the NFC Championship game against the winner of the Packers/Giants game at frigid Lambeau Field. In fact, it was a replay of the Golden years of the 49ers dynasty of the 1980s and 1990s where they were won 5 Super Bowls and a boatload of greats with some eventually becoming Hall of Famers.
As for Alex Smith, he will never be Joe Montana or Steve Young. Heck, Smith may not be a Hall of Famer in an era where QBs can average 30 touchdowns and nearly 4000 yard seasons. He's just Alex Smith the Quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. It was a memorable performance that gave 49er fans flashbacks of the 49er QB greats before him. The question now is: Can he and the Niners have History repeat itself?
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