Arenas and company got behind at halftime and then fought back in the second half and had a chance to send the game into overtime at the last second. But "Agent zero" couldn't complete the mission assigned, failing on a last second three point try.
The Cavs now take a 3-1 series lead back to their home court where they will be looking to finish the job. Delonte West finally had a huge game, particularly from three point land. After Arenas tied the game at 97 with 30 or so seconds left in the game, James held the ball as long as he could and dished to West for the big three point bucket. West finished the game with 21 and James at 34 points.
As I've been watching this series, the one person I have been disappointed with his Cavs forward Anderson Varejao. Yes he has got his hustle points and fought for rebounds, but he always makes me nervous when he dribbles the ball on his way to take a shot. Also he has missed countless wide open or uncontested lay-ups, which makes me sad and is uncalled for. Normally he is dependable to make those easy lay-ups, but not so much in this series.
Also Devin Brown shoots the ball way to much. Just about every time he touches the ball, he takes a bad shot. He has hit some good shots, but most of the time he is inconsistent.
Of course Lebron had another huge game and had another run in with the guy who thinks he's all that. Stevenson took a swipe at Lebrons head in the second quarter leading to the two to get in each others face. Stevenson got a flagrant foul for his actions and once again was shut up.
For a team that "wanted to play the Cavs," I surely haven't seen that happen, except in game 3. This was a Wizards team that felt they could beat the Cavs and really wanted to play them. Well unless there's a freak accident, such as Lebron getting injured, then I don't see the Wizards winning this series and yet again being eliminated for the third straight season by the Cavs.
Last night the Atlanta Hawks held a home playoff game for the first time in nine seasons and shockingly came away with a big victory. But one of their young immature players made a bone head move. Rookie Al Horford talked the Smak to Paul Pierce late in the game after making a shot. That was the wrong thing to do buddy. You and your team will be in for a hurting tomorrow night thanks to your lack of experience move.
That's one thing I haven't come to terms with being able to understand. How does someone talk trash when they are losing a series. Your team is two games behind and you are talking trash just because you won one game. You are still a game behind and still are losing and still have to play catch up. Stevenson did the same thing in game three. Yeah they won by 30 points, but when you are losing a series, it's really not worth it.
Anyways...
The Sun hasn't set yet in Phoenix. The Suns came out and put a hurting on the Spurs to stay alive in their series and avoided the sweep at home. Now they have to fight on again in game five back in San Antonio. I think the Spurs will put them away in the next game though. I still don't see any reason why the Spurs don't have a shot at making it back to the finals this year. Maybe the Lakers will be their road block, maybe.
The other big sporting event going on this weekend was the NFL Draft. The top five picks were Jake Long OT: Dolphins, Chris Long DE: Rams, Matt Ryan QB: Falcons, Darren Mcfadden RB: Raiders, and Glen Dorsey DT: Chiefs.
Personally, besides the first ten or some players selected, the draft was fairly boring and typical in a sense. It was mostly about teams trying to fill their needs to make them better.
I do think Matt Ryan will help out the Falcons get back on that winning mark and he will have a good solid career. Also Darren Mcfadden is a nice compliment for Jamarcus Russell. With these two young studs paired up in the back field, they could easily become one of the top dues in the league. Both players will develop into nice NFL players.
If you want to see a list of all the picks from all the rounds, check out NFL.com or click here to go directly to the site.
Enjoy the playoffs!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Game Two's
There were three game two's last night and three teams now hold a 2-0 series lead. The Spurs, Hornets and Magic all won their games last night and now lead their series 2-0.
First off, the Hornets have just made the Mavs looks silly and that is kind of shocking to me. I felt the Mavs would have come out and gave the Hornets a run for their money. But Chris Paul has just exploded in his first post season experience. He has scored 35 and 32 in each game and also dished out 10 and 17 assists.
I really didn't think the Hornets would fair well with this being their first post season experience in a while. Yet they continue to prove me and all the critics wrong. Now with the series heading back to Dallas, this will truly be a sign if the Hornets are for real. I'm still expecting the Mavs to come around and give the Hornets a little bit more of a challenge. But in order to do that, they have to find an answer for Paul.
They brought Kidd in to be that extra playoff leader, but he has just faded and not looked good at all. I guess I had better expectations for the Mavs, but obviously they aren't the team I thought they could be.
The Magic won a very close game two last night behind a monstrous game from Dwight Howard. He had 29 points and 20 rebounds. In game one, he had 25 and 22. This guy is clearly a superstar waiting to happen, if he isn't one already and he is only 22 years old. He is on his way to many championships in his future, it is obvious that he will soon reach the level of Tim Duncan and Shaq.
The Spurs once again came from behind to beat the quickly fading Suns in game two to take a 2-0 lead heading to Phoenix. The Suns lead by 7 at half time, having scores 61 first half points. What do they do in the third quarter, they score 11 points and lose the lead. How do you score 61 in the first half and then score 30 points in the second half. This is the playoffs, you have to be consistent all game long.
I guess you have to give credit to the Spurs for playing defense and then taking advantage of the Suns poor defensive play. All I know is the Spurs are looking good and who ever has to play them should be worried because they are healthy and sure look strong in the playoff mode. And obviously the Suns have no one that can guard Ginobili because he just scores at will when he wants.
The sad story so far in the playoffs is the Mcgrady and the Rockets. They start off their series against the Jazz at home, though they are the five seed, and they quickly lose both games. Now they have to go to Utah, where the Jazz only lost four games all season long, and they have to at least win one game in order to send the series back to Houston for a shot at staying alive.
I feel bad for Mcgrady, who has never got past the first round of the playoffs. He is a great player, but his team is missing Yao and it's obvious that he is trying to do all the work to will his team to win games, but have come up just short both times. I just hope the Rockets don't get swept, but the Jazz are a tough team, especially at home. I know one thing, the Lakers better watch out next round if they face the Jazz because they will have their hands full for sure.
Two regular season awards have been handed out so far, the sixth man and defensive player of the year.
I think everyone knew Spurs guard Manu Ginobili was going to win the sixth man award having received all but one first place vote. He is a clear star and could be a starter, but he just fits better coming off the Spurs bench. He could be a starter on just about any team though.
The defensive player of the year goes to Celtics forward Kevin Garnett. This is the first time he has won this award and he adds this award to his MVP award he won in 2004. Garnett clearly helped turn the Celtics team around and led them to being the best defensive team in the league. Garnett and company are now on the quest to bring the glory days back to Boston.
First off, the Hornets have just made the Mavs looks silly and that is kind of shocking to me. I felt the Mavs would have come out and gave the Hornets a run for their money. But Chris Paul has just exploded in his first post season experience. He has scored 35 and 32 in each game and also dished out 10 and 17 assists.
I really didn't think the Hornets would fair well with this being their first post season experience in a while. Yet they continue to prove me and all the critics wrong. Now with the series heading back to Dallas, this will truly be a sign if the Hornets are for real. I'm still expecting the Mavs to come around and give the Hornets a little bit more of a challenge. But in order to do that, they have to find an answer for Paul.
They brought Kidd in to be that extra playoff leader, but he has just faded and not looked good at all. I guess I had better expectations for the Mavs, but obviously they aren't the team I thought they could be.
The Magic won a very close game two last night behind a monstrous game from Dwight Howard. He had 29 points and 20 rebounds. In game one, he had 25 and 22. This guy is clearly a superstar waiting to happen, if he isn't one already and he is only 22 years old. He is on his way to many championships in his future, it is obvious that he will soon reach the level of Tim Duncan and Shaq.
The Spurs once again came from behind to beat the quickly fading Suns in game two to take a 2-0 lead heading to Phoenix. The Suns lead by 7 at half time, having scores 61 first half points. What do they do in the third quarter, they score 11 points and lose the lead. How do you score 61 in the first half and then score 30 points in the second half. This is the playoffs, you have to be consistent all game long.
I guess you have to give credit to the Spurs for playing defense and then taking advantage of the Suns poor defensive play. All I know is the Spurs are looking good and who ever has to play them should be worried because they are healthy and sure look strong in the playoff mode. And obviously the Suns have no one that can guard Ginobili because he just scores at will when he wants.
The sad story so far in the playoffs is the Mcgrady and the Rockets. They start off their series against the Jazz at home, though they are the five seed, and they quickly lose both games. Now they have to go to Utah, where the Jazz only lost four games all season long, and they have to at least win one game in order to send the series back to Houston for a shot at staying alive.
I feel bad for Mcgrady, who has never got past the first round of the playoffs. He is a great player, but his team is missing Yao and it's obvious that he is trying to do all the work to will his team to win games, but have come up just short both times. I just hope the Rockets don't get swept, but the Jazz are a tough team, especially at home. I know one thing, the Lakers better watch out next round if they face the Jazz because they will have their hands full for sure.
Two regular season awards have been handed out so far, the sixth man and defensive player of the year.
I think everyone knew Spurs guard Manu Ginobili was going to win the sixth man award having received all but one first place vote. He is a clear star and could be a starter, but he just fits better coming off the Spurs bench. He could be a starter on just about any team though.
The defensive player of the year goes to Celtics forward Kevin Garnett. This is the first time he has won this award and he adds this award to his MVP award he won in 2004. Garnett clearly helped turn the Celtics team around and led them to being the best defensive team in the league. Garnett and company are now on the quest to bring the glory days back to Boston.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Really?
I want to dedicate this post to the SNL skit called 'Really' and it is all about the Cavs-Wiz series through the first two games.
Really. You think Lebron James is overrated. You have no reason to be trash talking about other players, especially about one of the best in the game. Your name is Deshawn Stevenson, how much success have you had in the NBA. Are you an All-Star, no, but you have three All-Star teammates. That would put you below them typically.
Whenever I read Gilbert Arenas' Blog, he always seems to talk about him and Deshawn making bets and playing tricks on each other after practices on who can make the most 3 pointers and yada yada. Why not make a bet on if we win a game, then I'll take the team out to dinner. Why not make a bet on who doesn't trash talk the most gets to do something for the other person. Heck, go ahead and make a bet on who can grow the longest hair. I mean Stevenson has already been in a season long bet with Drew Gooden on who will shave their beard first. That is why he has that scruffy looking beard on his face.
Instead of playing betting games after practice, why not go and watch the game film and study it so you might be able to learn and become a better player. Arenas says he's an "assassin," but where were you at the end of game one when the game was close and when your "assassin" skills should come into play.
What's the headline before game two yesterday? 'Arenas expected to play with sprained right wrist.' What is with all the injuries? First off, he has a bum knee that is clearly not one hundred percent, now he sprains his shooting wrist in game one after fouling Lebron. You can't call yourself an "assassin" when your team is loosing in the playoffs and loosing by 30 points.
All the commentators have been saying Gilbert doesn't look healthy at all and so on. That is completely true, but when they say he is a top five player in the league when he is healthy, that's when I get confused. Don't get mt wrong, he is a great shooter, but he is no where near my top five players in the league.
He's been able to talk the talk, but he hasn't been able to walk the walk. He constantly seems to talk and get in the news with some absurd comment. When it comes playoff time, he fades. That's when great players are supposed to shine. Look at Tim Duncan and Shaq. Stewart Scott made a statement that blew my mind last night on Sportscenter. Most people probably haven't realized it.
Every year since 1999, Duncan or Shaq have either won or played in the NBA Finals. Think about it. Duncan's Spurs won in 99, 03, 05 and 07. Shaq won in 00, 01, 02 and 06. The one year either one of them didn't win, was 04 when the Pistons beat Shaq's Lakers. So if anyone ever wants to talk bad about Duncan or Shaq, you better rethink your opinions. But that's a different story.
The definition of an "assassin" is someone who eliminates another player from a certain situation. The only person being eliminated from competition is the so called "assassin" himself. So I just don't understand. Now back to my really skit.
Really. You shot 1 for 9 in game 1. Really. Your going to wave your hand across your face, symbolizing 'you can see me,' after you make a 3 pointer, when you team in loosing by 20 points in game two, after you lost game one. Really. Arenas is getting posted up by Wally and he is pushing him back and gets a technical called on him for pushing for him for no reason.
Really. You are going to push a fellow NBA player while he is in full flight in the air and then act like you didn't push him. Really. You deliberately pushed the guy, it was clearly obvious. If that was any other player other than Lebron, I guarantee there would have been punches thrown.
Really. Wizards coach Eddie Jordan is going to say in the post game press conference that he didn't think his player did anything deliberately and his players were just giving out hard playoffs fouls. Come on man, watch the replay. Your player pushed the guy. He came over while he was in the air and extended his arms and pushed him. I thought Haywood had more class than that, but I guess not.
Sure you can foul him hard when he drives into the lane. If you think that is sending a message, go right ahead. But what it does do is motivate the player to just keep coming at you and forcing you to foul him. You want to foul, you can go ahead and foul out. But if you push a fellow NBA player while he is all alone in the air, that is just uncalled for.
Personally, I think Haywood should be suspended for the next game. If Robert Horry gets suspended for shoulder charging Steve Nash during last year's playoffs, then I think this situation deserves a suspension as well.
Really though. I expect to the Wizards to come back on Thursday and possibly win game three. If they are without Haywood, then they could have a harder time, but I do expect a much closer game on Thursday. They will be back at home and usually most teams play better at home.
But Really though. Deshawn Stevenson? Come on man. Know your role and know your place and when you can talk, if at all.
That's all I got to say about that subject. Take it easy and enjoy the playoffs.
Really. You think Lebron James is overrated. You have no reason to be trash talking about other players, especially about one of the best in the game. Your name is Deshawn Stevenson, how much success have you had in the NBA. Are you an All-Star, no, but you have three All-Star teammates. That would put you below them typically.
Whenever I read Gilbert Arenas' Blog, he always seems to talk about him and Deshawn making bets and playing tricks on each other after practices on who can make the most 3 pointers and yada yada. Why not make a bet on if we win a game, then I'll take the team out to dinner. Why not make a bet on who doesn't trash talk the most gets to do something for the other person. Heck, go ahead and make a bet on who can grow the longest hair. I mean Stevenson has already been in a season long bet with Drew Gooden on who will shave their beard first. That is why he has that scruffy looking beard on his face.
Instead of playing betting games after practice, why not go and watch the game film and study it so you might be able to learn and become a better player. Arenas says he's an "assassin," but where were you at the end of game one when the game was close and when your "assassin" skills should come into play.
What's the headline before game two yesterday? 'Arenas expected to play with sprained right wrist.' What is with all the injuries? First off, he has a bum knee that is clearly not one hundred percent, now he sprains his shooting wrist in game one after fouling Lebron. You can't call yourself an "assassin" when your team is loosing in the playoffs and loosing by 30 points.
All the commentators have been saying Gilbert doesn't look healthy at all and so on. That is completely true, but when they say he is a top five player in the league when he is healthy, that's when I get confused. Don't get mt wrong, he is a great shooter, but he is no where near my top five players in the league.
He's been able to talk the talk, but he hasn't been able to walk the walk. He constantly seems to talk and get in the news with some absurd comment. When it comes playoff time, he fades. That's when great players are supposed to shine. Look at Tim Duncan and Shaq. Stewart Scott made a statement that blew my mind last night on Sportscenter. Most people probably haven't realized it.
Every year since 1999, Duncan or Shaq have either won or played in the NBA Finals. Think about it. Duncan's Spurs won in 99, 03, 05 and 07. Shaq won in 00, 01, 02 and 06. The one year either one of them didn't win, was 04 when the Pistons beat Shaq's Lakers. So if anyone ever wants to talk bad about Duncan or Shaq, you better rethink your opinions. But that's a different story.
The definition of an "assassin" is someone who eliminates another player from a certain situation. The only person being eliminated from competition is the so called "assassin" himself. So I just don't understand. Now back to my really skit.
Really. You shot 1 for 9 in game 1. Really. Your going to wave your hand across your face, symbolizing 'you can see me,' after you make a 3 pointer, when you team in loosing by 20 points in game two, after you lost game one. Really. Arenas is getting posted up by Wally and he is pushing him back and gets a technical called on him for pushing for him for no reason.
Really. You are going to push a fellow NBA player while he is in full flight in the air and then act like you didn't push him. Really. You deliberately pushed the guy, it was clearly obvious. If that was any other player other than Lebron, I guarantee there would have been punches thrown.
Really. Wizards coach Eddie Jordan is going to say in the post game press conference that he didn't think his player did anything deliberately and his players were just giving out hard playoffs fouls. Come on man, watch the replay. Your player pushed the guy. He came over while he was in the air and extended his arms and pushed him. I thought Haywood had more class than that, but I guess not.
Sure you can foul him hard when he drives into the lane. If you think that is sending a message, go right ahead. But what it does do is motivate the player to just keep coming at you and forcing you to foul him. You want to foul, you can go ahead and foul out. But if you push a fellow NBA player while he is all alone in the air, that is just uncalled for.
Personally, I think Haywood should be suspended for the next game. If Robert Horry gets suspended for shoulder charging Steve Nash during last year's playoffs, then I think this situation deserves a suspension as well.
Really though. I expect to the Wizards to come back on Thursday and possibly win game three. If they are without Haywood, then they could have a harder time, but I do expect a much closer game on Thursday. They will be back at home and usually most teams play better at home.
But Really though. Deshawn Stevenson? Come on man. Know your role and know your place and when you can talk, if at all.
That's all I got to say about that subject. Take it easy and enjoy the playoffs.
Friday, April 18, 2008
NBA Playoffs Preview
Tomorrow at Noon, the NBA Playoffs get underway for the next month and a half. I want to give you my thoughts and picks for the upcoming playoffs.
If you need a copy of the first round match-ups and the series schedule, you can click here to see the entire first round schedule.
In the East:
Boston vs. Atlanta - I'm taking the Celtics to win this series in 4 games. I think the Celtics will be on a mission to make an early statement in the playoffs so other's know they are here and are legit. The young Hawks made it to the playoffs for the first time in almost 10 years, but their inexperience will show against the veteran Celtics.
Detroit vs. Philadelphia - I'm taking the Pistons to win in 5 games. This series could possibly be close just about every game, but Detroit's experience will kick in in the clutch and they will fight off a hot 76ers team who will be a tough out.
Orlando vs. Toronto - This series has the potential to go 7 games, but I'll take the Magic in 6 games. Each of these teams are pretty well matched, but Orlando is a good defensive team when they actually try at it. Howard/Bosh will be a fun match up to watch this series. Magic move on.
Cleveland vs. Washington - As most of you know, this is the first year in a row that the Cavs and Wiz have faced off in the first round. And already Arenas is talking trash. He thinks he is an "assassin" and will surprise the Cavs by coming off the bench. This series will most likely go 7 games and can be won by their side, but I'm taking Lebron and company to win in game 7. The Wiz have been playing good as of late, but their poor record away from home will catch up with them in game 7 in Cleveland. Arenas will talk all series long, until the end when his team goes home for the third straight year losing to Cleveland.
In the West:
LA Lakers vs. Denver - This could be a good offensive series to watch, but the Lakers will win in 6 games. Denver didn't fair well against the Lakers well during the regular season but will surely bring their A game this year.
New Orleans vs. Dallas - Here is my first upset pick! I'm taking the Mavs to win this series in 7 games. Dallas will be out for a vengeance after being knocked out in the first round last year as the 1 seed. New Orleans has had a great season, but their lack of playoff experience will catch up to them in this long series.
San Antonio vs. Phoenix - Many would think of this match up as a conference finals series. This will certainly be the best series in the west and will surely go 7 games with either team being able to win. The Suns have played well against the Spurs this season and have added that playoff center they have lacked in years past. I was originally going to pick these two teams to make it to the conference finals, but since they are facing each other in the first round that is tough. I'm going to have to pick the Spurs in game 7, because that team lives for the playoffs and will surely be ready for this tough series.
Utah vs. Houston - This series could go 7 games as well, but with Houston being without Yao Ming, it will hurt them this series. I'm taking the Jazz to win in 6 games.
Those are my first round thoughts and picks and when it comes down to it, I'm thinking it will be Boston and Detroit in the East Finals and the Lakers and Spurs in the West Finals. I know one thing, it will be an exciting playoff season this year.
Just another story I thought was interesting. Steve "Air" Mcnair retired from the NFL yesterday after 13 tough seasons. What I thought was interesting was why he said he was retiring. He said he was calling it a career because he physically couldn't handle it anymore, but he was still mentally there, just not physically.
Why I thought that was interesting because when Bret Favre retired, he said he was mentally tired, but still felt physically like he could play. Favre retired after 17 seasons compared to Mcnair's 13. But I can see why Mcnair said he was physically tired due to the fact that he was a scrambler earlier in his career compiling over 3,500 rushing yards as a QB. Favre just used his rocket launcher arm his whole career.
So we have now lost two good veteran quarterbacks who have set the standard over the past 15 years in the league. I think we might be seeing Mcnair commentating in the near future.
Enjoy the playoffs tomorrow!
If you need a copy of the first round match-ups and the series schedule, you can click here to see the entire first round schedule.
In the East:
Boston vs. Atlanta - I'm taking the Celtics to win this series in 4 games. I think the Celtics will be on a mission to make an early statement in the playoffs so other's know they are here and are legit. The young Hawks made it to the playoffs for the first time in almost 10 years, but their inexperience will show against the veteran Celtics.
Detroit vs. Philadelphia - I'm taking the Pistons to win in 5 games. This series could possibly be close just about every game, but Detroit's experience will kick in in the clutch and they will fight off a hot 76ers team who will be a tough out.
Orlando vs. Toronto - This series has the potential to go 7 games, but I'll take the Magic in 6 games. Each of these teams are pretty well matched, but Orlando is a good defensive team when they actually try at it. Howard/Bosh will be a fun match up to watch this series. Magic move on.
Cleveland vs. Washington - As most of you know, this is the first year in a row that the Cavs and Wiz have faced off in the first round. And already Arenas is talking trash. He thinks he is an "assassin" and will surprise the Cavs by coming off the bench. This series will most likely go 7 games and can be won by their side, but I'm taking Lebron and company to win in game 7. The Wiz have been playing good as of late, but their poor record away from home will catch up with them in game 7 in Cleveland. Arenas will talk all series long, until the end when his team goes home for the third straight year losing to Cleveland.
In the West:
LA Lakers vs. Denver - This could be a good offensive series to watch, but the Lakers will win in 6 games. Denver didn't fair well against the Lakers well during the regular season but will surely bring their A game this year.
New Orleans vs. Dallas - Here is my first upset pick! I'm taking the Mavs to win this series in 7 games. Dallas will be out for a vengeance after being knocked out in the first round last year as the 1 seed. New Orleans has had a great season, but their lack of playoff experience will catch up to them in this long series.
San Antonio vs. Phoenix - Many would think of this match up as a conference finals series. This will certainly be the best series in the west and will surely go 7 games with either team being able to win. The Suns have played well against the Spurs this season and have added that playoff center they have lacked in years past. I was originally going to pick these two teams to make it to the conference finals, but since they are facing each other in the first round that is tough. I'm going to have to pick the Spurs in game 7, because that team lives for the playoffs and will surely be ready for this tough series.
Utah vs. Houston - This series could go 7 games as well, but with Houston being without Yao Ming, it will hurt them this series. I'm taking the Jazz to win in 6 games.
Those are my first round thoughts and picks and when it comes down to it, I'm thinking it will be Boston and Detroit in the East Finals and the Lakers and Spurs in the West Finals. I know one thing, it will be an exciting playoff season this year.
Just another story I thought was interesting. Steve "Air" Mcnair retired from the NFL yesterday after 13 tough seasons. What I thought was interesting was why he said he was retiring. He said he was calling it a career because he physically couldn't handle it anymore, but he was still mentally there, just not physically.
Why I thought that was interesting because when Bret Favre retired, he said he was mentally tired, but still felt physically like he could play. Favre retired after 17 seasons compared to Mcnair's 13. But I can see why Mcnair said he was physically tired due to the fact that he was a scrambler earlier in his career compiling over 3,500 rushing yards as a QB. Favre just used his rocket launcher arm his whole career.
So we have now lost two good veteran quarterbacks who have set the standard over the past 15 years in the league. I think we might be seeing Mcnair commentating in the near future.
Enjoy the playoffs tomorrow!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
End of NBA Regular Season
I was going to hold off a few more days until I gave my MVP discussion, but I have been reading all kinds of chat rooms and reading all the "expert" picks and I just couldn't hold off.
Clearly the choice for MVP has come down to Hornets point gaurd Chris Paul and Lakers guard Kobe Bryant. Some are saying Kevin Garnett and Lebron James, but it will either be Paul or Bryant.
The MVP award has somehow change over the past few seasons and doesn't really live up to its true name of Most Valuable Player. Let's say last year Dirk Nowitzki won the award leading his team to the best record in the league, but that team lost in the first round of the playoffs to Golden State. If he was a true MVP, that wouldn't have happened under any circumstance. Lebron and Kobe were also among those players receiving votes last year, but didn't seem to be the favorite because their team didn't have a "good record," though Lebron single handling took his team to the NBA Finals for the first time in their team history.
The previous two years Steve Nash won the award, with his first MVP being in controversy because many felt Shaq should have won the award after leading the Miami Heat to the NBA title. I think we have to go back to 2004 when Kevin Garnett won the award after leading his then team Minnesota to game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
This year's MVP is a close battle in many "experts" eyes, but it should clearly go to Kobe Bryant this year. His Lakers wrapped up the best record in the West to secure the number one seed and he has been the glue to their year round team chemistry. After loosing big man Andrew Bynum to injury, Kobe stepped in and led his team until they made a trade for Pau Gasol. Since the trade the Lakers have made a statement to being the best team in the West.
I have been reading around and people have been saying that if you take Paul and Bryant off their teams then they would struggle to make the playoffs. That is probably true, but some have said the Lakers could still make it and I really doubt that. As for the Hornets, they clearly wouldn't make the playoffs at all without Paul. But then if that is your argument you could make a chase for Lebron James. He has had the best statistical season on his young career and his team has been through injury after injury and even a huge trade that completely changed the outlook of the Cavs.
Lebron will finish the season with averages of 30 points (leads the league), 7.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists. The only reason Lebron isn't getting first place MVP votes is because of his team record. Honestly I think they have done a decent job with the long season they have had. Paul stats look like this, 21 points, 11.6 assists, 2.7 steals, he is leading the league in assists and steals.
Yes Paul has lead this team to the second best record in the West, but how long will they go in the playoffs. I think they will lose in the second round, after barely making it out of the first. Paul is the best player on his team but it's not like there are a bunch of no names on his team. Teammate David West joined him on this year's West All-Star team. I'll give him credit, he has had a great season, but he isn't the most valuable player.
Kobe averaged 28.3 points (second in league), 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists. Those are the best overall in Kobe's career, though his points are down a little from previous years, but those are basically the stats Lebron has had in pretty much every season since his second season. But the fact is the Lakers have the best record in the West and have a legitimate chance at making it to the NBA Finals.
What about Kevin Garnett? No, he is not the most valuable player. He has other key players on his team Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Yes they have the best win turnaround in NBA history, but that isn't just due to Kevin Garnett. Yes they have the best record in the league, but Garnett has other key support on his team. He isn't the most valuable to his team.
So if I got a vote my would go Kobe first, Lebron second and Paul third.
Though Lebron's team doesn't have the best record, he is clearly the most valuable player to any team. He has no other stand out player to get his back and that's probably why he has been having back spasms as of late.
I think that if it wasn't based on team record, which I think is bogus, Lebron is clearly the Most Valuable Player to their team. But for the sake of the "team" rule, Kobe is this year's NBA MVP and it will be his first of his career.
With that said, the regular season comes to an end tonight and all of the playoff spots are set.
From the East: Boston, Detroit, Orlando, Cleveland, Washington, Toronto, Philadelphia and Atlanta.
From the West: LA Lakers, New Orleans, San Antonio, Utah, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas and Denver.
Seeding is still being determined and will be final after tonight's games. The NBA playoffs begin on Saturday. I can't wait, it will be an exciting playoffs this year.
Another college basketball star has declared for the NBA draft, that is Memphis guard Derrick Rose. There are reports that UCLA forward Kevin Love will declare tomorrow during a press conference.
So who would I take if I had the first pick? Well it really depends on who has the first pick in the draft. If it's Miami, I think they should take Derrick Rose. He would be a nice counter piece to join Wade and Marion (if he hangs around). If it's Seattle or New York, I think they should take Michael Beasley. Each of those teams have legit point guards and could use a talented forward to add to their team.
If it was my decision just to pick a player, I would take Derrick Rose. He has the potential to being a good scoring point guard or eventually move to shooting guard once he gets some experience. He is also big and quick and could be a player who is similar to Deron Williams, who has developed to a top of the league point guard. But either player will be an NBA star in the near future.
Well I think this post has been long enough. Let me know what you think about your MVP pick and please leave any other comments you have.
Clearly the choice for MVP has come down to Hornets point gaurd Chris Paul and Lakers guard Kobe Bryant. Some are saying Kevin Garnett and Lebron James, but it will either be Paul or Bryant.
The MVP award has somehow change over the past few seasons and doesn't really live up to its true name of Most Valuable Player. Let's say last year Dirk Nowitzki won the award leading his team to the best record in the league, but that team lost in the first round of the playoffs to Golden State. If he was a true MVP, that wouldn't have happened under any circumstance. Lebron and Kobe were also among those players receiving votes last year, but didn't seem to be the favorite because their team didn't have a "good record," though Lebron single handling took his team to the NBA Finals for the first time in their team history.
The previous two years Steve Nash won the award, with his first MVP being in controversy because many felt Shaq should have won the award after leading the Miami Heat to the NBA title. I think we have to go back to 2004 when Kevin Garnett won the award after leading his then team Minnesota to game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
This year's MVP is a close battle in many "experts" eyes, but it should clearly go to Kobe Bryant this year. His Lakers wrapped up the best record in the West to secure the number one seed and he has been the glue to their year round team chemistry. After loosing big man Andrew Bynum to injury, Kobe stepped in and led his team until they made a trade for Pau Gasol. Since the trade the Lakers have made a statement to being the best team in the West.
I have been reading around and people have been saying that if you take Paul and Bryant off their teams then they would struggle to make the playoffs. That is probably true, but some have said the Lakers could still make it and I really doubt that. As for the Hornets, they clearly wouldn't make the playoffs at all without Paul. But then if that is your argument you could make a chase for Lebron James. He has had the best statistical season on his young career and his team has been through injury after injury and even a huge trade that completely changed the outlook of the Cavs.
Lebron will finish the season with averages of 30 points (leads the league), 7.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists. The only reason Lebron isn't getting first place MVP votes is because of his team record. Honestly I think they have done a decent job with the long season they have had. Paul stats look like this, 21 points, 11.6 assists, 2.7 steals, he is leading the league in assists and steals.
Yes Paul has lead this team to the second best record in the West, but how long will they go in the playoffs. I think they will lose in the second round, after barely making it out of the first. Paul is the best player on his team but it's not like there are a bunch of no names on his team. Teammate David West joined him on this year's West All-Star team. I'll give him credit, he has had a great season, but he isn't the most valuable player.
Kobe averaged 28.3 points (second in league), 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists. Those are the best overall in Kobe's career, though his points are down a little from previous years, but those are basically the stats Lebron has had in pretty much every season since his second season. But the fact is the Lakers have the best record in the West and have a legitimate chance at making it to the NBA Finals.
What about Kevin Garnett? No, he is not the most valuable player. He has other key players on his team Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Yes they have the best win turnaround in NBA history, but that isn't just due to Kevin Garnett. Yes they have the best record in the league, but Garnett has other key support on his team. He isn't the most valuable to his team.
So if I got a vote my would go Kobe first, Lebron second and Paul third.
Though Lebron's team doesn't have the best record, he is clearly the most valuable player to any team. He has no other stand out player to get his back and that's probably why he has been having back spasms as of late.
I think that if it wasn't based on team record, which I think is bogus, Lebron is clearly the Most Valuable Player to their team. But for the sake of the "team" rule, Kobe is this year's NBA MVP and it will be his first of his career.
With that said, the regular season comes to an end tonight and all of the playoff spots are set.
From the East: Boston, Detroit, Orlando, Cleveland, Washington, Toronto, Philadelphia and Atlanta.
From the West: LA Lakers, New Orleans, San Antonio, Utah, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas and Denver.
Seeding is still being determined and will be final after tonight's games. The NBA playoffs begin on Saturday. I can't wait, it will be an exciting playoffs this year.
Another college basketball star has declared for the NBA draft, that is Memphis guard Derrick Rose. There are reports that UCLA forward Kevin Love will declare tomorrow during a press conference.
So who would I take if I had the first pick? Well it really depends on who has the first pick in the draft. If it's Miami, I think they should take Derrick Rose. He would be a nice counter piece to join Wade and Marion (if he hangs around). If it's Seattle or New York, I think they should take Michael Beasley. Each of those teams have legit point guards and could use a talented forward to add to their team.
If it was my decision just to pick a player, I would take Derrick Rose. He has the potential to being a good scoring point guard or eventually move to shooting guard once he gets some experience. He is also big and quick and could be a player who is similar to Deron Williams, who has developed to a top of the league point guard. But either player will be an NBA star in the near future.
Well I think this post has been long enough. Let me know what you think about your MVP pick and please leave any other comments you have.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Here's the Latest
Just want to go over a few headlines that you may have missed over the past week.
The newest headline at the moment is that Kansas State freshman All-American Michael Beasley has decided to enter the upcoming NBA draft is will likely be the first or second pick in the draft. Other notable players that will enter the draft is USC star OJ Mayo, Indiana guard Eric Gordon, and Joe Alexander of West Virginia. Those are just a few of the stand out players who have put their name in the draft pool for this year.
Of course there are still a few stars that have yet to make a decision and more will likely come.
The headline of yesterday comes from Augusta, Georgia and the first major of the PGA season. None other than the famous Master's tournament. To cut the story in half, South African Trevor Immelman won the Green Jacket by a three stroke victory over none other than Tiger Woods.
Immelman is just the second South African player to don the green jacket joining legend Gary Player, who is also Immelman's idol.
But the story was Tiger finishing second after having a tough weekend with hardly any of his putts falling when he needed to make a run. It is Tiger's fifth second place finish in a major tournament and if you turn those five second place finishes into victories, then Tiger would have 18 majors tying Nicklaus for most all time, but that is a different story.
The NBA season is coming to a close on Wednesday and teams are still vying for seeding and trying to get into the playoffs. I'm ready for the playoffs just because it's the time when you get to see the best games of the season. And this year could be historic, especially in the Western Conference where 1-8 pretty much all have a chance to make it to the finals.
I think it would even be safe to say that any of the West teams could win in the Eastern conference as well, since the East isn't as strong; though Boston and Detroit are very good teams.
I can't wait until the pairings are set so I can make my picks that will most likely be completely wrong since it will pretty much be impossible to pick who will win in the first round especially in the West since either team could come out a winner.
The other interesting story coming from the NBA is the close battle for MVP. Basically the race has come down to Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul, both who are trying to lead their team to the number 1 seed in the West. Later on I will make my pick and argument who should win the MVP but I'll let you know right now that I wouldn't pick Chris Paul.
Well I'm sitting here watching Sportscenter while I write this post and something just caught my attention. Sportscenter just put a quote on from none other than big mouth Gilbert Arenas and he basically said they can't wait to play Cleveland in the first round and who wouldn't want to play them because they are just a .500 team since their big trade and it will be hard to beat the Wizards for the third straight year.
Well first off, he has a point that Cleveland hasn't been playing great since their big trade, but what has got him into trouble the past two seasons with him running his mouth. Last year, the Wizards were without Arenas and Butler against the Cavs in the first round and got swept. The previous year Gilbert ran his mouth too much and got it shut by the superior player and team in a historic series.
I think you are getting yourself in trouble when you speak about another star players team. Lebron is a competitor, so is Arenas, and if you give another competitor a reason to win a series by talking trash then that is trouble.
I'll admit it, Cleveland doesn't look like a strong team at the moment, but they still have Lebron James, the second best player in the league. And Cleveland has beat the Wizards each of the past two seasons in the first round. The Wizards are at full strength, the Cavs aren't. It will be a good series, but if you talk bad about a team, that will motivate them to want to prove to them that they can beat your team three years in a row.
Even Deshawn Stevenson of the Wizards talked bad about Lebron earlier this season and said Lebron wasn't good or something along those lines. Stevenson is the last player on the Wizards who should be talking trash, especially about a player who is clearly better than you. Cleveland vs. Washington is pretty much the perfect match-up and are similarly the same to a point. So it will be a good series but Gilbert will be proven wrong and yet again be put in his place for running his mouth.
Well that's all I have for now, please leave comments, thoughts and suggestions. They are always welcome and appreciated.
The newest headline at the moment is that Kansas State freshman All-American Michael Beasley has decided to enter the upcoming NBA draft is will likely be the first or second pick in the draft. Other notable players that will enter the draft is USC star OJ Mayo, Indiana guard Eric Gordon, and Joe Alexander of West Virginia. Those are just a few of the stand out players who have put their name in the draft pool for this year.
Of course there are still a few stars that have yet to make a decision and more will likely come.
The headline of yesterday comes from Augusta, Georgia and the first major of the PGA season. None other than the famous Master's tournament. To cut the story in half, South African Trevor Immelman won the Green Jacket by a three stroke victory over none other than Tiger Woods.
Immelman is just the second South African player to don the green jacket joining legend Gary Player, who is also Immelman's idol.
But the story was Tiger finishing second after having a tough weekend with hardly any of his putts falling when he needed to make a run. It is Tiger's fifth second place finish in a major tournament and if you turn those five second place finishes into victories, then Tiger would have 18 majors tying Nicklaus for most all time, but that is a different story.
The NBA season is coming to a close on Wednesday and teams are still vying for seeding and trying to get into the playoffs. I'm ready for the playoffs just because it's the time when you get to see the best games of the season. And this year could be historic, especially in the Western Conference where 1-8 pretty much all have a chance to make it to the finals.
I think it would even be safe to say that any of the West teams could win in the Eastern conference as well, since the East isn't as strong; though Boston and Detroit are very good teams.
I can't wait until the pairings are set so I can make my picks that will most likely be completely wrong since it will pretty much be impossible to pick who will win in the first round especially in the West since either team could come out a winner.
The other interesting story coming from the NBA is the close battle for MVP. Basically the race has come down to Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul, both who are trying to lead their team to the number 1 seed in the West. Later on I will make my pick and argument who should win the MVP but I'll let you know right now that I wouldn't pick Chris Paul.
Well I'm sitting here watching Sportscenter while I write this post and something just caught my attention. Sportscenter just put a quote on from none other than big mouth Gilbert Arenas and he basically said they can't wait to play Cleveland in the first round and who wouldn't want to play them because they are just a .500 team since their big trade and it will be hard to beat the Wizards for the third straight year.
Well first off, he has a point that Cleveland hasn't been playing great since their big trade, but what has got him into trouble the past two seasons with him running his mouth. Last year, the Wizards were without Arenas and Butler against the Cavs in the first round and got swept. The previous year Gilbert ran his mouth too much and got it shut by the superior player and team in a historic series.
I think you are getting yourself in trouble when you speak about another star players team. Lebron is a competitor, so is Arenas, and if you give another competitor a reason to win a series by talking trash then that is trouble.
I'll admit it, Cleveland doesn't look like a strong team at the moment, but they still have Lebron James, the second best player in the league. And Cleveland has beat the Wizards each of the past two seasons in the first round. The Wizards are at full strength, the Cavs aren't. It will be a good series, but if you talk bad about a team, that will motivate them to want to prove to them that they can beat your team three years in a row.
Even Deshawn Stevenson of the Wizards talked bad about Lebron earlier this season and said Lebron wasn't good or something along those lines. Stevenson is the last player on the Wizards who should be talking trash, especially about a player who is clearly better than you. Cleveland vs. Washington is pretty much the perfect match-up and are similarly the same to a point. So it will be a good series but Gilbert will be proven wrong and yet again be put in his place for running his mouth.
Well that's all I have for now, please leave comments, thoughts and suggestions. They are always welcome and appreciated.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Memphis Chokes it away
Many of you may know, the Kansas Jayhawks are on top of the college basketball world. They beat the Memphis Tigers in overtime in a game Memphis ultimately gave away.
In the final two minutes of the game, the one flaw in the Memphis armour was exposed when CDR and Rose both missed huge important free throws. They both got fouled and went 1/4 in their attempts and those three misses are what gave Kansas a chance to tie the game to push it to overtime.
Ultimately when I saw CDR miss both of his free throws, I said to myself, well Kansas is going to win this game. It was obviously coming, Kansas was making the last minute push and in the end tied the game and of course went on to win in overtime.
The game was good up until that moment when CDR missed both of his free throws. But after that it was just disappointing. But I guess you have to commend the Jayhawks for hanging tough and fighting all the way to the end to come out the champions.
That's all I have to say about the game, Memphis had the clear shot to ice the game, but their run in the tournament didn't last long enough. Congrats to Kansas and Memphis.
Well that concludes the 2007-2008 Men's College Basketball season and it was a very good season with stand out freshman and savvy veterans. But in the end there were four teams who stood out above the rest and made history by all one seeds making the final four for the first time ever. Congrats to the Kansas Jayhawks for standing alone as the champions.
In the final two minutes of the game, the one flaw in the Memphis armour was exposed when CDR and Rose both missed huge important free throws. They both got fouled and went 1/4 in their attempts and those three misses are what gave Kansas a chance to tie the game to push it to overtime.
Ultimately when I saw CDR miss both of his free throws, I said to myself, well Kansas is going to win this game. It was obviously coming, Kansas was making the last minute push and in the end tied the game and of course went on to win in overtime.
The game was good up until that moment when CDR missed both of his free throws. But after that it was just disappointing. But I guess you have to commend the Jayhawks for hanging tough and fighting all the way to the end to come out the champions.
That's all I have to say about the game, Memphis had the clear shot to ice the game, but their run in the tournament didn't last long enough. Congrats to Kansas and Memphis.
Well that concludes the 2007-2008 Men's College Basketball season and it was a very good season with stand out freshman and savvy veterans. But in the end there were four teams who stood out above the rest and made history by all one seeds making the final four for the first time ever. Congrats to the Kansas Jayhawks for standing alone as the champions.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
National Championship Set
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Memphis Tigers, Monday night in San Antonio for the 2008 National Championship.
Well so much for my picks. That was lousy on my part. Memphis and Kansas both played absolutely great the whole game and came away with huge victories. It should be a good game on Monday night, but I'm not going to make any picks since I failed at that already. I'll be rooting for Memphis though.
Congratulations to UCLA and UNC, both had great seasons and sadly had to come to an end. UNC won a school record 36 games. UCLA made it to their third consecutive final four. Both could easily be back next year.
I'm out.
Well so much for my picks. That was lousy on my part. Memphis and Kansas both played absolutely great the whole game and came away with huge victories. It should be a good game on Monday night, but I'm not going to make any picks since I failed at that already. I'll be rooting for Memphis though.
Congratulations to UCLA and UNC, both had great seasons and sadly had to come to an end. UNC won a school record 36 games. UCLA made it to their third consecutive final four. Both could easily be back next year.
I'm out.
Final Four Saturday
It is officially Final Four Saturday and we are done to only 3 games left in the college basketball season. Of course we all know the final four left, all four 1 seeds, and both games tonight should be some of the best of the season.
Most critics and analysts seem to be taking Kansas to beat UNC and it's about 50-50 between Memphis and UCLA. But I like to look at it from the point of view of experience. UCLA is now in their third straight final four and clearly have the most final four experience of any of the four teams left.
Memphis is out for redemption having lost in the elite 8 each of the past two seasons and last year losing in San Antonio. So they have experience playing in that dome in front of the large crowd. So really Memphis-UCLA could really be a 50-50 game. Their team could come out with the win. But in my bracket I picked UCLA to win it all and I'm not going to shy away from it.
I'm expecting this game to be played in the 60 or 70 point range with UCLA winning by 3 points. UCLA 71 - Memphis 68.
As for the second game between UNC and Kansas, this game could be a race to 80 points wins. Or both teams could play tough defense, which both have been doing so far this tournament and be played in the 70s.
Of course the headline this past week has been Roy facing is former team and Kansas finally getting over the hump with new coach Bill Self. Like I said both teams have been playing good defense in the tournament and definitely have the fire power to pour in the points. I'm taking Roy and the boys to pull out the tough victory and advance to their second national championship appearance in five seasons under coach Roy Williams. UNC 75 - Kansas 73.
That leaves UNC taking on UCLA in the National Championship on Monday and I picked UCLA to win, but I will still be rooting for UNC to win it. The headline of this game would be Hansbrough vs. Love and Lawson vs. Collison. It's also the top to basketball programs in the nation facing each other to add to their impressive championship titles. Unfortunately UCLA wins 70 - UNC 66.
The other major sporting event coming up next week in of course the first major tournament of the season in the PGA, The Masters. The Masters tournament starts next Thursday at the famous Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. The big headline will be if Tiger Woods can win his fifth green jacket and start a trend of his march towards the major sweep. Many feel Tiger is more than capable of doing so this season.
With four wins in five starts so far this season I'd say Tiger has a pretty good chance, especially since he has such a good reputation at Augusta. I'd like to see Tiger continue is march towards Jack's major record and see Tiger win his 14th career major.
The other sports headline that has been in the news over the past few days has been Favre coming out a retirement. The LA Times published an article that said they had sources that said Favre was considering coming out of retirement and possibly playing for another team.
Favre's agent was shocked by this story because he was one of the courses that "said" Favre was considering. His agent denied this report and said Favre had no intention of doing so and Favre wasn't even thinking about it.
Then Favre made a statement that said he had no idea where this report came from and that coming out of retirement hasn't even crosses his mind and he knew he made the right decision to retire. I think everyone needs to leave Favre alone and let him be at peace in retirement. I don't think Favre needs to come out of retirement or wants to come out of retirement. It was his time and he made the right decision.
Finally, there are only two weeks left in the NBA regular season and teams are still fighting for positioning in both conferences. I posted a new poll on the sidebar asking who you think should be MVP this season. Not who will, but who you think should win it. It's still a close battle between several players.
I'll let you know later who I think should win the award. Hopefully this year won't turn out like last year when Dirk won the award. I'm not saying Dirk isn't good, he just wasn't the most valuable to his team last year. But please leave you votes so I can see what you think and I'll write about it later.
Enjoy the Final Four!
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