I know a couple of guys who really having a dying love for Rasheed Wallace. My love for Sheed isn't at their level so I had to have one of those guys, Minkley do a post honoring Rasheed.
With the news of Rasheed Wallace’s retirement comes much reflection and remembrance of a captivating and charismatic career. We have watched the self-proclaimed “Dirty 30” get rowdy, trash talk, yell and complain, drain threes, and most often…get ‘T’ed up…and again…and again
Over 15 years of an NBA career, “Sheed” has made it to the playoffs 14 times, been an All-Star four times, won one NBA championship ring (with the Pistons in ’04), and apparently has yet to commit a foul.
After game seven of the 2010 NBA Finals, Wallace’s last game (unless he pulls out a Jordan-esque return), Rasheed gave us a fitting night cap on his career when he waited outside the referees locker room, banging on the door while still in his game jersey. He had to be coerced back onto the bus, and God only knows what would’ve happened if the Crawford boys had opened up that door. Perhaps a little “ball doesn’t lie” and a quick game of “HORSE” were in order. Sadly, we will never know.
Sheed, you were always one to entertain. To the best of my knowledge, Wallace is the only player to ever have been ejected from the McDonald’s All American game for the top high school players in the country. From there, he terrorized collegiate officials for two years at North Carolina under Dean Smith before heading off to become the NBA’s most entertaining bad boy.
“Roscoe” had his best personal years playing for the Portland Trailblazers in the first half of his career, after his first (and only) playoff-less season with the Washington Bullets in ’95-’96. With career highs of 19.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 2.8 APG, Rasheed Wallace may have never realized his full potential as a basketball player, but as he holds both the single season (41) and all-time (306) records for technical fouls by a player, he never lacked enthusiasm and passion. He may have to come back at some point as a coach to chase down Jerry Sloan’s mark of 413 combined technicals as both a coach and a player.
There was the time Wallace was ejected for staring down the ref. There was the season after the Pistons won the title that he wore a WWF Championship Belt to every single game. There was his crazy Carlton dancing in the huddle prior to each game. There was his beat-boxing rendition of jingle bells; his creep behind Reggie Miller broadcasting; his lion’s roar at UNC’s Midnight Madness during his freshman year; and, of course, the classic “both teams played hard” press conference with the Blazers.
Rasheed just has the entertainment value that no other NBA player, save maybe Ron Artest, can match. It comes from his on-court tirades (Ball don’t lie!), off-court antics (2010 playoff karate chop), and strange appearance. Back in his Portland days, Sheed and his boys (Bonzi Wells, Scottie Pippen, etc…) started the headband fad that never seemed to fade in his mind. He also loved to grow out a nappy mini-fro from time to time, supplemented nicely by his classic beard. Whether you like him or not, it’s impossible not to chuckle at his appearance.
So next time you’re down at the bar with your buddies, or in my case, just chuggin’ brews wherever possible, I ask that you raise your glass one last time for the man who disguised his receding hairline with his headband, but could never hide that incredible bald spot; the man who was legitimately shocked and would sprint down the court with hands high above his head if a foul was ever called on him; the man who screamed in pain with his mouth wide open any time he was fouled; the man who will be forever known by one name: SHEED.
-Andy Minkley
If I am not covering something that you are interested in writing a guest post email me at tritscca@uwec.edu
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Showing posts with label Boston Celtics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boston Celtics. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Where the Lakers Will Say Queensbridge Whenever They Want
I buried the Lakers, I thought that after Game 5 they appeared uninspired and a lack of willingness to play. But like many other things written on this blog, it was wrong. Kobe Bryant's ferocity somehow fed into the rest of his teammates and he made them be better. The Lakers fought like warriors to win this series and now they have back-to-back crowns.
Although what happened was Kobe realize that there were other players than himself in those last two ball games therefore making the team better around him. I thought that Pau Gasol's play was excellent and probably shakes off the whole thing about him being 'soft' or Europeans not named Tony Parker 'not stepping up when it matters.' Bury that topic for 1st and 10 since Gasol took control of Game 6 and 7 being the catalyst to victory. He took full advantage of Kendrick Perkins getting injured in the early part of Game 6 and dominated Rasheed Wallace down low.
Even though, it didn't feel like Kobe deserved the MVP honors especially after an ugly 6/24 performance in Game 7 (can't forget he grabbed 15 boards), he still ended up averaging 28.6 40% 8.0 rebs 3.3 assts. I would consider those numbers to be MVP-like and as one person put it on Twitter, "If the Lakers didn't have Gasol, they lose but if they don't have Kobe, they get swept." An obvious response, but if you follow the award by the 'most valuable' no one in the NBA Finals were more valuable than Kobe Bryant. Another guy who deserves credit for the comeback is Ron Artest.
Offensively, Artest compared to my freshman year of high school with how poor he shot the ball plus his horrid shot selection. Two things single-handily saved Artest's season for him, 1.) His buzzer-beater against the Phoenix Suns and 2.) Gutting the Celts in Game 7 knocking down the three with only a minute left. He also had 15 and 20 in the last two games. Artest shook off people who claimed he couldn't step up in big game and then he became Artest, we all know and love. First off, he delivered an excellent press conference and probably ranks higher than Brian Scalabrine in 2008 who was awesome as well. List of great things about Artest press conference
-Making the people with the laptops in his words "ACKNOWLEDGE ME!"
-His family brought out some champagne, he goes "David won't like that." After all the meetings with Stern, he is on David status
-He then thanks his psychiatrist for keeping him level headed. It actually didn't sound as crazy as people made it seemed, a guy like Artest needs that shit and honestly, can't blame him
-"Hey Jeff Van Gundy, say Queensbridge next time." From now on when I win a game of beer pong or any drinking activity, I am going "SAY QUEENSBRIDGE!"
-Weirdly, Artest recognizes that he has been inconsistent throughout the year, Lamar Odom thinking "Well I am glad one of us talked about our inconsistency, looks like I am out of the woods back to Khole."
- Ron acts like a third grader when he claims "Kobe passed me the ball! Kobe passed me the ball!" and then goes "He can hear Phil Jackson in his head."
Basically, it sums up why Artest is one of the goofiest guys in the NBA but at the same time, I think he really is a genuinely good guy. I mean he apologized to his teammates in Indiana for giving up on them, what player would do that right after winning an NBA Championship? Two other Artest links: Getting a Goose Shower, and his new single "Champions." Enjoy both of those.
Now comes the question can the Lakers three-peat? I would say the chances are even, I think they need to bring in a replacement for Derek Fisher who can start, and bring Fisher off the bench. There has been the presistent rumor that the Chris Bosh-Andrew Bynum trade and if that happens, holy shit. The Lakers will be an unreal team with Bosh. Who knows after the most exciting summer but I do know the Lakeshow will contend.
-Charlie.
Although what happened was Kobe realize that there were other players than himself in those last two ball games therefore making the team better around him. I thought that Pau Gasol's play was excellent and probably shakes off the whole thing about him being 'soft' or Europeans not named Tony Parker 'not stepping up when it matters.' Bury that topic for 1st and 10 since Gasol took control of Game 6 and 7 being the catalyst to victory. He took full advantage of Kendrick Perkins getting injured in the early part of Game 6 and dominated Rasheed Wallace down low.
Even though, it didn't feel like Kobe deserved the MVP honors especially after an ugly 6/24 performance in Game 7 (can't forget he grabbed 15 boards), he still ended up averaging 28.6 40% 8.0 rebs 3.3 assts. I would consider those numbers to be MVP-like and as one person put it on Twitter, "If the Lakers didn't have Gasol, they lose but if they don't have Kobe, they get swept." An obvious response, but if you follow the award by the 'most valuable' no one in the NBA Finals were more valuable than Kobe Bryant. Another guy who deserves credit for the comeback is Ron Artest.
Offensively, Artest compared to my freshman year of high school with how poor he shot the ball plus his horrid shot selection. Two things single-handily saved Artest's season for him, 1.) His buzzer-beater against the Phoenix Suns and 2.) Gutting the Celts in Game 7 knocking down the three with only a minute left. He also had 15 and 20 in the last two games. Artest shook off people who claimed he couldn't step up in big game and then he became Artest, we all know and love. First off, he delivered an excellent press conference and probably ranks higher than Brian Scalabrine in 2008 who was awesome as well. List of great things about Artest press conference
-Making the people with the laptops in his words "ACKNOWLEDGE ME!"
-His family brought out some champagne, he goes "David won't like that." After all the meetings with Stern, he is on David status
-He then thanks his psychiatrist for keeping him level headed. It actually didn't sound as crazy as people made it seemed, a guy like Artest needs that shit and honestly, can't blame him
-"Hey Jeff Van Gundy, say Queensbridge next time." From now on when I win a game of beer pong or any drinking activity, I am going "SAY QUEENSBRIDGE!"
-Weirdly, Artest recognizes that he has been inconsistent throughout the year, Lamar Odom thinking "Well I am glad one of us talked about our inconsistency, looks like I am out of the woods back to Khole."
- Ron acts like a third grader when he claims "Kobe passed me the ball! Kobe passed me the ball!" and then goes "He can hear Phil Jackson in his head."
Basically, it sums up why Artest is one of the goofiest guys in the NBA but at the same time, I think he really is a genuinely good guy. I mean he apologized to his teammates in Indiana for giving up on them, what player would do that right after winning an NBA Championship? Two other Artest links: Getting a Goose Shower, and his new single "Champions." Enjoy both of those.
Now comes the question can the Lakers three-peat? I would say the chances are even, I think they need to bring in a replacement for Derek Fisher who can start, and bring Fisher off the bench. There has been the presistent rumor that the Chris Bosh-Andrew Bynum trade and if that happens, holy shit. The Lakers will be an unreal team with Bosh. Who knows after the most exciting summer but I do know the Lakeshow will contend.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The Epitome of Kobe.
After LeBron's collapse, I made a big deal about Game 5's of series especially when they were knotted at 2-2 and proclaimed that Kobe Bryant really hasn't cost a team a game five defeat. Honestly, he played a great game Sunday but this sums up Kobe's career without Shaq.
It was the perfect example of Kobe Bryant and why people can never say he is the best player ever. The Lakers needed their best performance out of Kobe and they sure as hell got it, but here's the thing when Kobe is at his very best he will go into a mode where he makes nobody better, just himself. Then after the game, calling out his teammates for not playing defense is ridiculous.
I think Kobe thinks he is playing with the 2005/2006 teams and completely forgot that when the Lakers were at their best this playoffs, Kobe dropped around 10 assists a game and still got his points. Nobody is getting involved and Kobe just went into a mode where he said 'fuck it' I am going to have win this game myself because no one else hit shots in the first half. Sure what we saw in the third quarter was amazing but still, the Lakers were still trailing in the ball game. I remember seeing performances like that out of Michael Jordan but he will spread his 38 points over four quarters which in turns leads his team to victory because he is doing other things than scoring. People who hate Kobe loved Sunday night for this reason, they can play this tape back and say 'no way would MJ lose a game where he had this kind of shooting night.' Kobe lost it mentally and now if you're a Laker fan, you have to worry that the series might be over.
How do the Lakers respond? I mean the first quarter will be the key for sure because we will get a sense of what Los Angeles team came to play. I personally believe emotionally other Lakers not named Kobe are shot, I mean Ron Artest looked shaky at best after Bryant told Coach Phil Jackson that he wanted to 'cover Paul Pierce. Then add the fact, Artest missed two free throws to cut the lead to three is just the evidence I need. Tonight could be a very weird game and the Lakers will need Kobe at a level where he drops 25 and 10 or so instead of 40 5 4.
I think the Celtics end it tonight, the Lakers are rattled and Andrew Bynum not being able to be 100 percent is killing their team. I think Boston is poised and ready to go back to L.A. to win this game. Also if the Lakers win tonight, they will take the series in Game 7. Boston has them on the ropes, they just need to deliver the knockout punch.
It was the perfect example of Kobe Bryant and why people can never say he is the best player ever. The Lakers needed their best performance out of Kobe and they sure as hell got it, but here's the thing when Kobe is at his very best he will go into a mode where he makes nobody better, just himself. Then after the game, calling out his teammates for not playing defense is ridiculous.
I think Kobe thinks he is playing with the 2005/2006 teams and completely forgot that when the Lakers were at their best this playoffs, Kobe dropped around 10 assists a game and still got his points. Nobody is getting involved and Kobe just went into a mode where he said 'fuck it' I am going to have win this game myself because no one else hit shots in the first half. Sure what we saw in the third quarter was amazing but still, the Lakers were still trailing in the ball game. I remember seeing performances like that out of Michael Jordan but he will spread his 38 points over four quarters which in turns leads his team to victory because he is doing other things than scoring. People who hate Kobe loved Sunday night for this reason, they can play this tape back and say 'no way would MJ lose a game where he had this kind of shooting night.' Kobe lost it mentally and now if you're a Laker fan, you have to worry that the series might be over.
How do the Lakers respond? I mean the first quarter will be the key for sure because we will get a sense of what Los Angeles team came to play. I personally believe emotionally other Lakers not named Kobe are shot, I mean Ron Artest looked shaky at best after Bryant told Coach Phil Jackson that he wanted to 'cover Paul Pierce. Then add the fact, Artest missed two free throws to cut the lead to three is just the evidence I need. Tonight could be a very weird game and the Lakers will need Kobe at a level where he drops 25 and 10 or so instead of 40 5 4.
I think the Celtics end it tonight, the Lakers are rattled and Andrew Bynum not being able to be 100 percent is killing their team. I think Boston is poised and ready to go back to L.A. to win this game. Also if the Lakers win tonight, they will take the series in Game 7. Boston has them on the ropes, they just need to deliver the knockout punch.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
How Game 4 Changed My Opinion on Big Baby
I have told people that I like the Boston Celtics but I really do hate Glen 'Big Baby' Davis. The reasons were multiple, one he decided that he needed a nickname change because he grew out of Big Baby, which earned a child please from all of us here at Chuck's Corner. Two, he always tried to start shit with Brandon Jennings and the Milwaukee Bucks therefore making him the number one enemy on the squad. But last night proved to me that Davis can play with anyone in the league.
When he came out early from LSU I didn't see him as even a contributor in the NBA. It felt like in college he was a poor man's Sean May who really didn't pan out in the NBA and fair to call him a bust. The nickname Big Baby fit well because the guy seemed like a complete headcase whether it was Davis crying due to Kevin Garnett ripping into you like the dog that shitted all over the carpet. Or getting into a fist fight with your buddy leading to you being out for two months, it just felt like Big Baby couldn't keep up with the NBA. But things are starting to work for Davis...
I truly believe that Davis could be a starter for an NBA team next season. It might not be a playoff team, but he could provide big things for a team as probably their third-best player or fourth. I love his aggressive style that sometimes gets him into trouble with the refs but I think Davis really does bust his ass. In my opinion, it's due to playing with Kevin Garnett in practice and KG pushing Davis everyday. Davis still could afford to lose a couple pounds so he can keep up defensively with the guys who play outside the lane. If he dealing with a guy who is a primary post player, Davis is very solid. In addition, this isn't the only good performance by Davis, he has been doing big things for the Celts with KG not being 100 percent (c'mon we all know it even though no one has said it). My gushing of Davis probably wouldn't have come if Nate Robinson hadn't been playing on Thursday night.
Honestly, I would pitch to ESPN a reality show featuring Robinson and Davis. They seemed like guys who played all throughout high school, college, and now the pros. My opinion of this grew when they did the press conference together and Nate nicknamed the combination "Shrek and Donkey". Awesome nickname for those two guys and really they fed off of each other so nicely, which is something you usually do not see from two bench players.
The bench for the Celtics might be the difference in this 2-2 series. The Lakers are over-using Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and others because their bench is giving them nothing. I mean Lamar Odom had one decent game but still, nobody hasn't risen to the occasion like Davis and others. Another underrated player has been Tony Allen and his defense on Kobe. I am taking the Celtics in Game 5, I think the bench will be too strong for the Lakers.
-Charlie.
End.
When he came out early from LSU I didn't see him as even a contributor in the NBA. It felt like in college he was a poor man's Sean May who really didn't pan out in the NBA and fair to call him a bust. The nickname Big Baby fit well because the guy seemed like a complete headcase whether it was Davis crying due to Kevin Garnett ripping into you like the dog that shitted all over the carpet. Or getting into a fist fight with your buddy leading to you being out for two months, it just felt like Big Baby couldn't keep up with the NBA. But things are starting to work for Davis...
I truly believe that Davis could be a starter for an NBA team next season. It might not be a playoff team, but he could provide big things for a team as probably their third-best player or fourth. I love his aggressive style that sometimes gets him into trouble with the refs but I think Davis really does bust his ass. In my opinion, it's due to playing with Kevin Garnett in practice and KG pushing Davis everyday. Davis still could afford to lose a couple pounds so he can keep up defensively with the guys who play outside the lane. If he dealing with a guy who is a primary post player, Davis is very solid. In addition, this isn't the only good performance by Davis, he has been doing big things for the Celts with KG not being 100 percent (c'mon we all know it even though no one has said it). My gushing of Davis probably wouldn't have come if Nate Robinson hadn't been playing on Thursday night.
Honestly, I would pitch to ESPN a reality show featuring Robinson and Davis. They seemed like guys who played all throughout high school, college, and now the pros. My opinion of this grew when they did the press conference together and Nate nicknamed the combination "Shrek and Donkey". Awesome nickname for those two guys and really they fed off of each other so nicely, which is something you usually do not see from two bench players.
The bench for the Celtics might be the difference in this 2-2 series. The Lakers are over-using Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and others because their bench is giving them nothing. I mean Lamar Odom had one decent game but still, nobody hasn't risen to the occasion like Davis and others. Another underrated player has been Tony Allen and his defense on Kobe. I am taking the Celtics in Game 5, I think the bench will be too strong for the Lakers.
-Charlie.
End.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Fish That Saved L.A.
In a game where the refs decided to make their presence felt and KG rose from the crypt, it was one of those games where a role player stepped up when they needed him the most and that guy was Derek Fisher whose 13 points in the fourth quarter propelled the Lakers to a 91-84 and took a commanding 2-1 lead.
Fisher was guy that I rode off heading into the playoffs even because I felt he couldn't keep up defensively with all of the great point guards he faced (Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Rajon Rondo) and would break down by this time. But Fisher proved us all wrong with his gritty performance in Game 3 and his continued clutch play throughout the entire playoff season.
As someone who is watching with no favoritism to either team, I felt every time Fisher had the ball in the fourth quarter he was going to make the shot. He outplayed Rondo down the stretch, which is something most point guards cannot say especially in the 2010 playoffs. The other big thing Fisher did is save Kobe Bryant.
He bailed out Kobe Bryant like it was that night in Colorado and then some. Bryant had an awful performance in the fourth quarter going something like 1-7 but everybody talked about how he dropped 29 points without any mention of his woeful performance. If the LeBron Fan Club were smart this would be the perfect game for their argument because the playoff experience that Kobe has around him allowed him to have a poor showing in the final minutes of the game.
If anyone deserves any blame from Boston is anyone near Derek Fisher when he took the ball right to the lane under a minute getting an and-one pretty much putting the icing on the cake. I can still remember my dad yelling at kids to pick up the guy with the ball. Anyone who played organized basketball would know that Fisher needed to be picked up right outside of the three-point line. Who knows what happens if Fisher never gets to the lane with it only being a four point game.
Derek Fisher is like having someone's dad at a house party. Everybody loves him because he is quite older than the rest of people there, usually comes up with big moments whether buying a sweet bottle of alcohol or hitting that big shot in beer pong, and pays for a ton of drinks at the bar.
-Charlie.
Fisher was guy that I rode off heading into the playoffs even because I felt he couldn't keep up defensively with all of the great point guards he faced (Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Rajon Rondo) and would break down by this time. But Fisher proved us all wrong with his gritty performance in Game 3 and his continued clutch play throughout the entire playoff season.
As someone who is watching with no favoritism to either team, I felt every time Fisher had the ball in the fourth quarter he was going to make the shot. He outplayed Rondo down the stretch, which is something most point guards cannot say especially in the 2010 playoffs. The other big thing Fisher did is save Kobe Bryant.
He bailed out Kobe Bryant like it was that night in Colorado and then some. Bryant had an awful performance in the fourth quarter going something like 1-7 but everybody talked about how he dropped 29 points without any mention of his woeful performance. If the LeBron Fan Club were smart this would be the perfect game for their argument because the playoff experience that Kobe has around him allowed him to have a poor showing in the final minutes of the game.
If anyone deserves any blame from Boston is anyone near Derek Fisher when he took the ball right to the lane under a minute getting an and-one pretty much putting the icing on the cake. I can still remember my dad yelling at kids to pick up the guy with the ball. Anyone who played organized basketball would know that Fisher needed to be picked up right outside of the three-point line. Who knows what happens if Fisher never gets to the lane with it only being a four point game.
Derek Fisher is like having someone's dad at a house party. Everybody loves him because he is quite older than the rest of people there, usually comes up with big moments whether buying a sweet bottle of alcohol or hitting that big shot in beer pong, and pays for a ton of drinks at the bar.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Rondo Amazes Me Again.
My man-crush for Rajon Rondo is probably one of the biggest ones I have had in awhile for a player in any professional sport but c'mon his legend is growing by the game. Rondo last night went off for 18 pts 12 rbs 10 assts, as Bill "The Rock" Schroeder says on a nightly basis, "Are you kiddin' me?" Seriously, it's time to reevaluate the not only is Rondo the best point guard in the NBA, but is he in the top 10 of best right now.
I am not talking like pick a team of 5 v. 5, I am actually talking the ten best players in the league. I mean the classic "Rondo-fake" gets guys every time and no knows how to stop it. It's a lot like LeBron James who would swat the hell out of any lay-up with no one thinking 'Gee what about a pump fake?' Although who was the guy to fake out LeBron? Oh yeah, Rondo. I have trouble coming up with words to describe the rise of Rondo in these NBA Playoffs. To me, that is the story of the postseason. Not that Kobe Bryant might get his fifth title, or where LeBron is going, but a Kentucky point guard who no one believed could be an offensive threat is now taking over games like the other guys mentioned before him.
If I have a chance when I am in Milwaukee for one of my breaks, I am praying Boston is in town because I would like to see Rondo in person. I said a couple weeks ago, that he is a guy I would pay top-dollar to watch perform due to his speed, his attacking ways, and his great defense. Before the playoffs started, my roommate Dan was absolutely mesmerized by Rondo, always making comments about his quickness and agility. I liked him myself, kind of a punk but never really noticed him that much due to the Big 3 out there. Now, he is the star and they are beneath him.
Can anyone remember a team where a role player has become the star overnight for an entire playoffs? Sure, there are those special nights where a guy like Aaron Boone becomes the hero because of one swing of the bat, but the entire playoffs? I cannot come up with one really, I mean you can't use Tom Brady because he wasn't a role player more of a back up, maybe Magic Johnson in the 1980 Finals with his 47 and 15 but even then he was considered an up and coming star. No one projected this for Rondo for reasons of he couldn't shoot or make free throws on a consistent basis.
I have told people this for weeks, if Rondo learns how to make a 15 ft. jumper next season we are looking at a top five candidate off the bat for MVP next season. Hell, we might be already without the jumper. There is no doubt in my mind that Rondo could average a triple-double next season but we will have to wait to see if he can finish off the Lakers before any talk about next season.
-Charlie.
I am not talking like pick a team of 5 v. 5, I am actually talking the ten best players in the league. I mean the classic "Rondo-fake" gets guys every time and no knows how to stop it. It's a lot like LeBron James who would swat the hell out of any lay-up with no one thinking 'Gee what about a pump fake?' Although who was the guy to fake out LeBron? Oh yeah, Rondo. I have trouble coming up with words to describe the rise of Rondo in these NBA Playoffs. To me, that is the story of the postseason. Not that Kobe Bryant might get his fifth title, or where LeBron is going, but a Kentucky point guard who no one believed could be an offensive threat is now taking over games like the other guys mentioned before him.
If I have a chance when I am in Milwaukee for one of my breaks, I am praying Boston is in town because I would like to see Rondo in person. I said a couple weeks ago, that he is a guy I would pay top-dollar to watch perform due to his speed, his attacking ways, and his great defense. Before the playoffs started, my roommate Dan was absolutely mesmerized by Rondo, always making comments about his quickness and agility. I liked him myself, kind of a punk but never really noticed him that much due to the Big 3 out there. Now, he is the star and they are beneath him.
Can anyone remember a team where a role player has become the star overnight for an entire playoffs? Sure, there are those special nights where a guy like Aaron Boone becomes the hero because of one swing of the bat, but the entire playoffs? I cannot come up with one really, I mean you can't use Tom Brady because he wasn't a role player more of a back up, maybe Magic Johnson in the 1980 Finals with his 47 and 15 but even then he was considered an up and coming star. No one projected this for Rondo for reasons of he couldn't shoot or make free throws on a consistent basis.
I have told people this for weeks, if Rondo learns how to make a 15 ft. jumper next season we are looking at a top five candidate off the bat for MVP next season. Hell, we might be already without the jumper. There is no doubt in my mind that Rondo could average a triple-double next season but we will have to wait to see if he can finish off the Lakers before any talk about next season.
-Charlie.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Celtics. Lakers. No Clever Title Needed.
After a pretty lackluster NBA Playoffs, we have arrived at the NBA Finals which begin tonight and we are blessed with the best rivalry in all of professional basketball, the Boston Celtics versus the Los Angeles Lakers. Many people are excited for this series because even though, the Lakers have home court, many believe this series is up in the air. I thought of 10 things to consider when watching Game 1 and I think they all will be big factors.
10. Artest-Sheed- I talked about this earlier this week but how great is it that we have two biggest ticking time bombs playing each other for the NBA Finals? Not to mention, the hatred that stems from all of the talk of the rivalry is sure to get them fired up. I am praying for a Sheed-Artest brawl because we haven't seen a good professional sports fight in awhile and it would be just awesome. Also if the WWE were smart, they would bring on Artest and Sheed a la Rodman/Malone for WCW to have them fight in a tag-team match for July's PPV... I can only dream.
9. Phil vs. Doc- An interesting coaching match up because in reality, Phil has all the titles so he is immediately heralded as this great coach. I personally think he is pretty good but right now, I think he lets Kobe Bryant control and dictate the game more than he even let Jordan do on the court. But I think he does a great job with adjustments in-game and after the game, also he is fantastic finding match ups that work for the Lakers. Rivers is sort of the same way letting his players run things and he has been improving on making in-game decision. Also a guy who deserves a ton credit is the defensive mastermind Tom Thibodeau and helps Rivers with the defensive end. I do not believe one game will be decided by "x coach out coached y coach."
8. Front Line Play- Pau Gasol was going to fit this top 10 but seriously, the front lines of each teams will be crucial in this series. I will continue thoughts on Lamar Odom later in the post but for Gasol and Andrew Bynum, they are in for a complete battle. I really think people are underplaying the fact Bynum probably will give the Lakers maybe 20 minutes at most. He will be getting beat up by Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett continuously will be too much for him. In addition, I feel Garnett dials it up a notch for the Lakers for a variety of reasons and I expect a big series from KG.
7. Refs- I put the refs in the mix because this will be physical series. Nobody is getting an easy lay-up and the question will be how tight is the game going to be called? I hope they allow some physicality and as I called it last week, a happy medium of calls and non-calls. Unlike the coaching match up, I think the refs could contribute to swinging one of the games of the Finals. I will set the over/under on technical fouls at 7 and that Perkins gets suspended for one game for going over the limit.
6. Lamar Odom- The most intriguing man in the Finals because he is the Wesbter's definition of inconsistency. He will have a game where he goes off for 15 and 15 then disappear during the next game. The Lakers need Odom to be strong every game and not fall into a sugar low. When he is playing effectively, Los Angeles really seems to play that much better. Odom is the Lakers X factor in this series.
'
5. Paul Pierce- A lot of people are talking about how Pierce could have a similar series like the one in Cleveland because he will be guarded by Ron Artest. To me, I think Pierce is crafty enough to score baskets against Artest and he loves playing at home in Los Angeles (born and raised). Pierce lived in the moment last time in 2008 with the 'wheelchair game' and his MVP performance. Pierce will do some things but to me, he will not be the biggest factor like in 08.
4. Bench play- Sadly, I am not talking about Brian Scalabrine but honestly, I believe whoever's bench plays the best will probably win the series. Who knows how good Big Baby Davis will be after his concussion, even though he played Game 6 you have to wonder. I am curious if Nate Robinson will be factor and if Tony Allen can recover from a sprained ankle. The Lakers bench of Jordan Farmar, Odom, Shannon Brown and Sasha Vujacic can all provide a spark for Los Angeles.
3. Rajon Rondo- He is now acclimated as the best Boston Celtic and people are worried about Rondo's back spasms, something he told the Associated Press that he was 'fine'. I have gushed about Rondo this playoffs about how incredible he has been throughout and especially in the Cleveland series. He will be utterly dangerous if fully healthy in this series because nobody can guard him on L.A. Maybe Kobe for a good amount of minutes but I do not believe he will be able to contain Rondo. If the Celtics win, I believe he will be the MVP of the NBA Finals.
2. Kobe Bryant- Other than Rondo, I have been all over Kobe and I do think he is playing on a level we haven't seen from him since his first NBA Finals run with Shaq, but this one is completely different. In the fourth quarter, nobody wants Kobe to have the ball and I have the feeling that Bryant will hit a shot every time he shoots the ball. If the Lakers were to win, Kobe would have his fifth title in seven tries and people will once again have to re-evaluate his legacy. It's stupid to even think of his legacy until his career is said and done. Kobe can deliver the Lakers a championship and if he loses, he will have a cloud of haze that like Magic Johnson hasn't got over the Boston hump. Another prediction here, Kobe will hit a game-winner or two in this series.
1. Prediction- I do not believe that one game will be a blowout. I think every game will be down to wire and yes, some games might involve a team pulling away in the final two minutes of a game. I have been wavering the whole week about how will actually win the series and I honestly believe it will be as close as they come in the NBA Finals. The Lakers will win it in seven games, I think they split the first four games and Boston will take Game 5 but the 2-3-2 format will benefit the Lakers as they come back to win the final two.
-Charlie.
10. Artest-Sheed- I talked about this earlier this week but how great is it that we have two biggest ticking time bombs playing each other for the NBA Finals? Not to mention, the hatred that stems from all of the talk of the rivalry is sure to get them fired up. I am praying for a Sheed-Artest brawl because we haven't seen a good professional sports fight in awhile and it would be just awesome. Also if the WWE were smart, they would bring on Artest and Sheed a la Rodman/Malone for WCW to have them fight in a tag-team match for July's PPV... I can only dream.
9. Phil vs. Doc- An interesting coaching match up because in reality, Phil has all the titles so he is immediately heralded as this great coach. I personally think he is pretty good but right now, I think he lets Kobe Bryant control and dictate the game more than he even let Jordan do on the court. But I think he does a great job with adjustments in-game and after the game, also he is fantastic finding match ups that work for the Lakers. Rivers is sort of the same way letting his players run things and he has been improving on making in-game decision. Also a guy who deserves a ton credit is the defensive mastermind Tom Thibodeau and helps Rivers with the defensive end. I do not believe one game will be decided by "x coach out coached y coach."
8. Front Line Play- Pau Gasol was going to fit this top 10 but seriously, the front lines of each teams will be crucial in this series. I will continue thoughts on Lamar Odom later in the post but for Gasol and Andrew Bynum, they are in for a complete battle. I really think people are underplaying the fact Bynum probably will give the Lakers maybe 20 minutes at most. He will be getting beat up by Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett continuously will be too much for him. In addition, I feel Garnett dials it up a notch for the Lakers for a variety of reasons and I expect a big series from KG.
7. Refs- I put the refs in the mix because this will be physical series. Nobody is getting an easy lay-up and the question will be how tight is the game going to be called? I hope they allow some physicality and as I called it last week, a happy medium of calls and non-calls. Unlike the coaching match up, I think the refs could contribute to swinging one of the games of the Finals. I will set the over/under on technical fouls at 7 and that Perkins gets suspended for one game for going over the limit.
6. Lamar Odom- The most intriguing man in the Finals because he is the Wesbter's definition of inconsistency. He will have a game where he goes off for 15 and 15 then disappear during the next game. The Lakers need Odom to be strong every game and not fall into a sugar low. When he is playing effectively, Los Angeles really seems to play that much better. Odom is the Lakers X factor in this series.
'
5. Paul Pierce- A lot of people are talking about how Pierce could have a similar series like the one in Cleveland because he will be guarded by Ron Artest. To me, I think Pierce is crafty enough to score baskets against Artest and he loves playing at home in Los Angeles (born and raised). Pierce lived in the moment last time in 2008 with the 'wheelchair game' and his MVP performance. Pierce will do some things but to me, he will not be the biggest factor like in 08.
4. Bench play- Sadly, I am not talking about Brian Scalabrine but honestly, I believe whoever's bench plays the best will probably win the series. Who knows how good Big Baby Davis will be after his concussion, even though he played Game 6 you have to wonder. I am curious if Nate Robinson will be factor and if Tony Allen can recover from a sprained ankle. The Lakers bench of Jordan Farmar, Odom, Shannon Brown and Sasha Vujacic can all provide a spark for Los Angeles.
3. Rajon Rondo- He is now acclimated as the best Boston Celtic and people are worried about Rondo's back spasms, something he told the Associated Press that he was 'fine'. I have gushed about Rondo this playoffs about how incredible he has been throughout and especially in the Cleveland series. He will be utterly dangerous if fully healthy in this series because nobody can guard him on L.A. Maybe Kobe for a good amount of minutes but I do not believe he will be able to contain Rondo. If the Celtics win, I believe he will be the MVP of the NBA Finals.
2. Kobe Bryant- Other than Rondo, I have been all over Kobe and I do think he is playing on a level we haven't seen from him since his first NBA Finals run with Shaq, but this one is completely different. In the fourth quarter, nobody wants Kobe to have the ball and I have the feeling that Bryant will hit a shot every time he shoots the ball. If the Lakers were to win, Kobe would have his fifth title in seven tries and people will once again have to re-evaluate his legacy. It's stupid to even think of his legacy until his career is said and done. Kobe can deliver the Lakers a championship and if he loses, he will have a cloud of haze that like Magic Johnson hasn't got over the Boston hump. Another prediction here, Kobe will hit a game-winner or two in this series.
1. Prediction- I do not believe that one game will be a blowout. I think every game will be down to wire and yes, some games might involve a team pulling away in the final two minutes of a game. I have been wavering the whole week about how will actually win the series and I honestly believe it will be as close as they come in the NBA Finals. The Lakers will win it in seven games, I think they split the first four games and Boston will take Game 5 but the 2-3-2 format will benefit the Lakers as they come back to win the final two.
-Charlie.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Beantown Back in the Finals
Everyone can be deemed guilty for not believing the Boston Celtics at the beginning of the playoffs but honestly, who ever thought this team would be representing the Eastern Conference? Everybody was all over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hell, I don't even like the Cavs but I still believed they would win the Eastern Conference. But lying like a snake in the grass was the Boston Celtics.
One of the things that amazed me is the Celtics took two games in Miami, which is about as easy as a stripper on a Friday night. Then they did the unthinkable by beating the best home team in the entire league... twice. After Game 2 of the Eastern Semifinals, everybody took notice that the Celtics are for real and they also took two from Orlando. They aren't afraid of the road and I personally believe they feed off being the bad guy (more to come on that later) so they relish being on the road, bad news L.A. The other big thing that people took notice is there is another kid on the block with the big three.
Rajon Rondo played like the best point guard in the NBA, and to think when the playoffs started, people probably would have picked five different point guards or more before listing Rondo's name. He is super quick and even if he doesn't score, he seems to find a way to make a difference with his passing or getting inside with rebounds. The Lakers are in big trouble facing a guy like Rondo. Even though, Derek Fisher is playing pretty well right now, I cannot see him making any difference on defense and I wouldn't bet anything they would be able to keep up with Rondo in a full seven game series.
Another thing that I don't know if the Lakers can keep up is the front line of the Celtics. People will discuss about how Kevin Garnett disappeared in the Magic series but look no further than Mr. Dwight Howard. I expect a big performance out of KG and it will be interesting to see how the Lakers respond to the powerful three of these guys. I had buddies bitching about the physicality that the Celtics get away and to me, I think they want people to hate their post players for the way they play basketball. They want to be the guys with the biggest balls on the court and nobody will mess with their team. That's why you see Paul Pierce and other running their mouth because they have their bodyguards to protect him.
I couldn't believe how good they played throughout the playoffs like they just had Jay-Z on repeat.. "On to the Next One." They just kept mowing teams down and didn't miss a beat whatsoever. The only time the Celts looked somewhat shaky was the two games they dropped to the Orlando Magic. I have yet to formulate an opinion on how this series will go but I know one thing, the Celts aren't afraid of the road or L.A. Game on.
-Charlie.
One of the things that amazed me is the Celtics took two games in Miami, which is about as easy as a stripper on a Friday night. Then they did the unthinkable by beating the best home team in the entire league... twice. After Game 2 of the Eastern Semifinals, everybody took notice that the Celtics are for real and they also took two from Orlando. They aren't afraid of the road and I personally believe they feed off being the bad guy (more to come on that later) so they relish being on the road, bad news L.A. The other big thing that people took notice is there is another kid on the block with the big three.
Rajon Rondo played like the best point guard in the NBA, and to think when the playoffs started, people probably would have picked five different point guards or more before listing Rondo's name. He is super quick and even if he doesn't score, he seems to find a way to make a difference with his passing or getting inside with rebounds. The Lakers are in big trouble facing a guy like Rondo. Even though, Derek Fisher is playing pretty well right now, I cannot see him making any difference on defense and I wouldn't bet anything they would be able to keep up with Rondo in a full seven game series.
Another thing that I don't know if the Lakers can keep up is the front line of the Celtics. People will discuss about how Kevin Garnett disappeared in the Magic series but look no further than Mr. Dwight Howard. I expect a big performance out of KG and it will be interesting to see how the Lakers respond to the powerful three of these guys. I had buddies bitching about the physicality that the Celtics get away and to me, I think they want people to hate their post players for the way they play basketball. They want to be the guys with the biggest balls on the court and nobody will mess with their team. That's why you see Paul Pierce and other running their mouth because they have their bodyguards to protect him.
I couldn't believe how good they played throughout the playoffs like they just had Jay-Z on repeat.. "On to the Next One." They just kept mowing teams down and didn't miss a beat whatsoever. The only time the Celts looked somewhat shaky was the two games they dropped to the Orlando Magic. I have yet to formulate an opinion on how this series will go but I know one thing, the Celts aren't afraid of the road or L.A. Game on.
-Charlie.
Friday, May 28, 2010
David Stern Will Fine Me For This
If you have ever had a conversation with my dad about sports, you would realize two things if you brought up the Milwaukee Brewers, you are there for another hour talking and if the NBA were discussed he would give you two simple words: "Who Cares." He is one of those guys who once the lockout happened, he left the NBA game pretty much all together. Sure like any Milwaukee resident he cared about the Bucks playoff run this spring but it didn't really affect him when they bowed out. But one of the main reasons he left was due to the poor officiating that seems to take over games like we saw last night in Orlando's defeat of Boston.
Without a shout of a doubt, the Magic clearly beat the Celtics and sets up a very interesting Game 6 yet the officiating still needs to be looked at. The refs threw out 5 technical fouls and kicked Kendrick Perkins out of the game, which resulted in one game suspension originally. Thankfully, the NBA got it right and took away one of Perkins' technicals. Still, this doesn't excuse how the refs feel the need to be the stars of the game.
During this series, the Cleveland-Boston series, and Phoenix-Los Angeles series, I have found myself looking what else is on because there is no flow to the game. The refs feel the need to call every ticky-tack foul they see inside and really do not let the players play. The only game I can remember where you could call it a physical game was Game 1 of BOS-ORL other than that, it looks like an elementary school playground where the teachers will get pissed if little Johnny bumps into little Tommy leading to a timeout in the NBA's case a foul. I realize David Stern wants to get away from the mid-90s where it looked like a bar room brawl, but seriously can we find a happy medium?
Probably not, I think most refs are so set in their ways that you will get the same sort of effort. No one will drastically change the way they call a game therefore it's something we have to live with. Does it suck that only in the NBA does it feel like the league has its hands in the decision-making process? Yes, trust me I loved the 2000-2001 Milwaukee Bucks who got royally screwed against the Philadelphia 76ers because they wanted to showcase Allen Iverson vs. the Lakers, no one wanted Milwaukee. I know it sucks, but I think complaining about the refs gets us nowhere as writers or as people because the outcome is still the same minus Perkins' case. I know I want a happy medium, but I am satisfied to know I will never get it.
-Charlie
Without a shout of a doubt, the Magic clearly beat the Celtics and sets up a very interesting Game 6 yet the officiating still needs to be looked at. The refs threw out 5 technical fouls and kicked Kendrick Perkins out of the game, which resulted in one game suspension originally. Thankfully, the NBA got it right and took away one of Perkins' technicals. Still, this doesn't excuse how the refs feel the need to be the stars of the game.
During this series, the Cleveland-Boston series, and Phoenix-Los Angeles series, I have found myself looking what else is on because there is no flow to the game. The refs feel the need to call every ticky-tack foul they see inside and really do not let the players play. The only game I can remember where you could call it a physical game was Game 1 of BOS-ORL other than that, it looks like an elementary school playground where the teachers will get pissed if little Johnny bumps into little Tommy leading to a timeout in the NBA's case a foul. I realize David Stern wants to get away from the mid-90s where it looked like a bar room brawl, but seriously can we find a happy medium?
Probably not, I think most refs are so set in their ways that you will get the same sort of effort. No one will drastically change the way they call a game therefore it's something we have to live with. Does it suck that only in the NBA does it feel like the league has its hands in the decision-making process? Yes, trust me I loved the 2000-2001 Milwaukee Bucks who got royally screwed against the Philadelphia 76ers because they wanted to showcase Allen Iverson vs. the Lakers, no one wanted Milwaukee. I know it sucks, but I think complaining about the refs gets us nowhere as writers or as people because the outcome is still the same minus Perkins' case. I know I want a happy medium, but I am satisfied to know I will never get it.
-Charlie
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Game 2 Ramblings
Seriously right now, I realize that my writing is slacking but really I had finals and I didn't feel like writing for awhile. Anyways, you will get basically NBA playoffs posts and the Milwaukee Brewers, maybe I should give you another baseball post about overall thoughts of the season so we will do three for you guys today. NBA, MLB, Brewers... I do this because I love all my readers, also I am officially putting pictures on every blog post.
-I think everybody knows the Boston Celtics- Los Angeles Lakers will be playing in the NBA Finals and we all want to see because they are the two best teams left and the rivalry is unmatched like any other because it's always for the championship. It's totally different than just meeting the playoffs but we have to talk about the Orlando Magic and the Suns so here we go with Boston/Orlando and Phoenix/Los Angeles
-The Celtics are playing this 'we are going to kick your ass' and not really care if you like or not. I am not seeing this out of the Lakers nor any other team. They are just flexing their muscles and acting like they are scared of no one. The Lakers have more of a calm approach and the Celtics just have this gritty ability about them.
-Vince Carter proves why he is a choke. There is no question about it after he shanked both free throws, once from the left and once to the right. I sadly owned a Carter jersey in Toronto back in day but after reading Bill Simmons' book, I have done a complete 180 about VC because I realize how much of the "me" guy he really is and doesn't deserve the hype he gets. Like I said on Twitter, "It never fails that VC fails to step up in big moments. What a choke artist, only one worse is cousin T-Mac."
-I think ESPN should do a "40 for 40" on Rasheed Wallace abilty to step it up in the playoffs after mailing in the entire regular reason. Sheed looked like he could give shit for the entire year and now he is killing it in the playoffs. A special sit down with Wallace about coming up big in the playoffs next on ESPN!
-We were talking in the beautiful lounge of 223 about how to beat this year Magic and it really is all about letting Dwight Howard getting his and cutting off all his resources. I wonder if he learned from his alma mater because this is something that Buzz Williams has done in the past couple of years with the lack of big men, he would let Shrek, and Greg Monroe get his.
-Now on to the Suns, I really think the games might be getting to Steve Nash even though he had some time off, I believe he is tired. He hasn't taken over a game in the first two games, and four guys including one bench guy scored more points than Nash last night. That isn't a good sign if you are a Suns fan and Nash needs to try to 'get his' more than facilitating the ball.
-Only Jared Dudley stepped up on the bench for the Suns, and everyone else is appearing to a disappearing act. Channing Fyre, Gordan Dragic, and Leandro Barbosa all didn't do anything for the Suns so far in the two games and this isn't a good sign either. I think the Lakers might be able to sweep this thing or go to five games at best.
-Kobe Bryant seems to be doing everything for the Lakers and unlike Nash, I said it before he is getting better and better with all of the games. I mean he drops 21 5 rebs 13 asst which is an awesome game and a career high for Kobe. Do I think that Kobe gets it that the Suns cannot keep up with the scary front line of Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Andrew Bynum? Yes, yes i do... I think Bryant will be passing the ball more in the next couple of games and B-squared asked me if surprised me that Kobe's career high in assists was last night? Nope, he never needed to pass the ball because Derk Fisher and others made sure they got the ball to Shaq and let's face Kobe thought about himself more than usual in the last ten years ago plus no way he gets 13 dishes with the likes of Kwame Brown and Smush Parker.
-Also Amar'e don't wake up the sleeping giant that is Lamar Odom because he will inflict pain on you and also Amar'e if you are going to run your mouth... play defense next time... okay? I got Lakers in 5 and Boston in a sweep.
-Charlie.
-I think everybody knows the Boston Celtics- Los Angeles Lakers will be playing in the NBA Finals and we all want to see because they are the two best teams left and the rivalry is unmatched like any other because it's always for the championship. It's totally different than just meeting the playoffs but we have to talk about the Orlando Magic and the Suns so here we go with Boston/Orlando and Phoenix/Los Angeles
-The Celtics are playing this 'we are going to kick your ass' and not really care if you like or not. I am not seeing this out of the Lakers nor any other team. They are just flexing their muscles and acting like they are scared of no one. The Lakers have more of a calm approach and the Celtics just have this gritty ability about them.
-I think the one thing we love about playoffs in professional sports is that players will make a complete name for themselves in a mere two months. Rajon Rondo is doing that and no one would have had Rondo is his top five point guards list before the playoff started, now he is top 3 or... maybe the best? I haven't seen Rondo's arsenal be stopped by any one in the league even LeBron James. Yes, LBJ shut him down scoring wise, but he still made things happen by creating space in the floor. In addition, Rondo is definitely a guy I would pay to see at Bradley Center and on my list of jerseys I would love to own. Also because the Celtic green is awesome.
-Vince Carter proves why he is a choke. There is no question about it after he shanked both free throws, once from the left and once to the right. I sadly owned a Carter jersey in Toronto back in day but after reading Bill Simmons' book, I have done a complete 180 about VC because I realize how much of the "me" guy he really is and doesn't deserve the hype he gets. Like I said on Twitter, "It never fails that VC fails to step up in big moments. What a choke artist, only one worse is cousin T-Mac."
-I think ESPN should do a "40 for 40" on Rasheed Wallace abilty to step it up in the playoffs after mailing in the entire regular reason. Sheed looked like he could give shit for the entire year and now he is killing it in the playoffs. A special sit down with Wallace about coming up big in the playoffs next on ESPN!
-We were talking in the beautiful lounge of 223 about how to beat this year Magic and it really is all about letting Dwight Howard getting his and cutting off all his resources. I wonder if he learned from his alma mater because this is something that Buzz Williams has done in the past couple of years with the lack of big men, he would let Shrek, and Greg Monroe get his.
-Now on to the Suns, I really think the games might be getting to Steve Nash even though he had some time off, I believe he is tired. He hasn't taken over a game in the first two games, and four guys including one bench guy scored more points than Nash last night. That isn't a good sign if you are a Suns fan and Nash needs to try to 'get his' more than facilitating the ball.
-Only Jared Dudley stepped up on the bench for the Suns, and everyone else is appearing to a disappearing act. Channing Fyre, Gordan Dragic, and Leandro Barbosa all didn't do anything for the Suns so far in the two games and this isn't a good sign either. I think the Lakers might be able to sweep this thing or go to five games at best.
-Also Amar'e don't wake up the sleeping giant that is Lamar Odom because he will inflict pain on you and also Amar'e if you are going to run your mouth... play defense next time... okay? I got Lakers in 5 and Boston in a sweep.
-Charlie.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Boston-Orlando: Surprising in Many Aspects
At the beginning of the NBA Playoffs, not many people would have told you that the Celtics and Magic would be meeting the Eastern Conference Finals for a chance to play for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Orlando has had the route that everyone believed the Fightin' LeBrons would have done.
Orlando has kicked ass and taken names so far this playoffs by winning all eight games they have played. People might argue that the Atlanta Hawks quit on their coach leading to the significant blowouts but still that doesn't excuse the way the Magic have been playing in the past month. The biggest reason is they are deeper than the Atlantic Ocean.
They have 10 guys that play and do with hustle. My buddy Mach likes Orlando because of this, he really buys into the effort guys they have like Mickael Pietrus, Brandon Bass, Rashard Lewis and JJ Redick. He is a big time fan of the grit they all show and to me, the biggest reason they have been so successful. They buy into Stan Van Gundy's system, everyone is unselfish, and people know their role as if the Rock told them, even the classic example of a "me first" player in Vince Carter. But now looms the big bad Celtics
Face it, people want to see the Celtics win this series because a.) it will be a bigger draw if it's Boston-LA/PHX and b.) seeing the Celts in the Finals is the standard. Does this mean they will get calls their way? Who knows really but I do know that Rajon Rondo is the star of their team. He controls the game in way I have only seen from Steve Nash and Chris Paul, he has a similar style but it's much more quick. He knifes the lane like Allen Iverson use to and has that fearless gene that Ivo showed off so many times. Jameer Nelson will be a huge test for him because Nelson is as physical as you are going to get and he will force Rondo to make some outside shots.
6-0. The Celtics record in series that Kevin Garnett play in and he looks like he is five years younger. He really seems to be moving well, running the floor, and hitting the mid-range jumpers with ease. If there is one thing that I could see being a difference is Garnett. He will get Dwight Howard in foul trouble, and push him out of the lane with that lethal mid-range shot. I would be amazed if Van Gundy put Howard on Kendrick Perkins. The Cavs forced his hand in Game 6 to shoot that shot and buried five of them in the first half.
I am taking the Celtics in six because I think they are a very good road team and could steal a game or two in Orlando. The Magic haven't be tested like the C's have in the playoffs and if Howard gets into foul trouble like he did in Charlotte in will be a bigger deal than it was three weeks ago. The Celtics will out physical the Magic in a brutal series where I expect one fight... Rasheed vs. Vince make it happen.
-Charlie.
Orlando has kicked ass and taken names so far this playoffs by winning all eight games they have played. People might argue that the Atlanta Hawks quit on their coach leading to the significant blowouts but still that doesn't excuse the way the Magic have been playing in the past month. The biggest reason is they are deeper than the Atlantic Ocean.
They have 10 guys that play and do with hustle. My buddy Mach likes Orlando because of this, he really buys into the effort guys they have like Mickael Pietrus, Brandon Bass, Rashard Lewis and JJ Redick. He is a big time fan of the grit they all show and to me, the biggest reason they have been so successful. They buy into Stan Van Gundy's system, everyone is unselfish, and people know their role as if the Rock told them, even the classic example of a "me first" player in Vince Carter. But now looms the big bad Celtics
Face it, people want to see the Celtics win this series because a.) it will be a bigger draw if it's Boston-LA/PHX and b.) seeing the Celts in the Finals is the standard. Does this mean they will get calls their way? Who knows really but I do know that Rajon Rondo is the star of their team. He controls the game in way I have only seen from Steve Nash and Chris Paul, he has a similar style but it's much more quick. He knifes the lane like Allen Iverson use to and has that fearless gene that Ivo showed off so many times. Jameer Nelson will be a huge test for him because Nelson is as physical as you are going to get and he will force Rondo to make some outside shots.
6-0. The Celtics record in series that Kevin Garnett play in and he looks like he is five years younger. He really seems to be moving well, running the floor, and hitting the mid-range jumpers with ease. If there is one thing that I could see being a difference is Garnett. He will get Dwight Howard in foul trouble, and push him out of the lane with that lethal mid-range shot. I would be amazed if Van Gundy put Howard on Kendrick Perkins. The Cavs forced his hand in Game 6 to shoot that shot and buried five of them in the first half.
I am taking the Celtics in six because I think they are a very good road team and could steal a game or two in Orlando. The Magic haven't be tested like the C's have in the playoffs and if Howard gets into foul trouble like he did in Charlotte in will be a bigger deal than it was three weeks ago. The Celtics will out physical the Magic in a brutal series where I expect one fight... Rasheed vs. Vince make it happen.
-Charlie.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Stunned. Shocked. Bamboozled.
Obviously, you all know who this is about... LeBron James. We all saw one of most mesmerizing games of an NBA MVP that we have ever seen. LeBron's line last night was 15 pts (3/14) 7 rebs 6 asst and for a superstar that is bad. Comparable to Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's making a movie and naming it Gigli, LeBron was Gigli bad. In addition, I made an Entourage comparison about LBJ and here's another one, this is his Medellin. Obviously, Vinnie Chase is LBJ, Mo Williams is E (someone who cannot bail Vince out of this shitty movie), and Billy Walsh is Mike Brown (Hey Suit! Go fuck yer motha! Love Walsh, I hope he is back this year). Now it took awhile for Vince to respond until the end of season five where Ari rescues Vince and gets him a Scorsese movie... Is LeBron's new movie a relocation project? Who knows really.
I am almost mad that I defended him last week because like I said in years past I was a big time hater of LeBron. But I also know of thing called bias and I am not going to throw the blinders to discredit what he did in the regular season. But the playoffs? I mean wow, he just looked like he didn't care and didn't want to play for Cleveland anymore. LeBron wanted to be at home trying to figure out Lost instead of playing at the Q. B-Squared is the biggest LBJ fan and honestly, it was the first time he couldn't make one argument that made me think. Usually, he makes one good point that I will agree with but today, he couldn't say a single word. I feel like I should just stuck to my guns so I could be laughing at all of you LeBron fans but then again, I am trying to establish myself so I apologize.
Seriously, LeBron laid the biggest egg drawing memories of Dirk Nowitzki, Karl Malone, Charles Barkley, and David Robinson in the playoffs. I tweeted he looked like the first three guys not Bird, Magic, Jordan, and Kobe. Now could LeBron come in hot with a 35 points 15 rbs 12 assts in Game 6 and lead them to victory? Absolutely, but do people still say, so this was just a mirage and we should never remember this? I think no one should ever forget this performance because it was that bad from a superstar. Read Simmons column where he points out some bad Kobe Bryant starts, but what I am doing is looking at critical Game 5s.
Now there are different kinds of Game 5s and they all have a certain level of Game 5... Desperation (1-3) High alert (2-2) Close out game (3-1)... The players involved Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. In addition, I am not including any games where the team (BOS/LA/CHI/CLEV) closed out in five of if the said team was up 3-1. So I decided to look from 1980 and here's what I have for you.
1980: Magic Johnson: I cannot find the box score to give you the official numbers but his team did win in Game 5 plus in a critical game 6 up 3-2 and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out with injury, Magic dropped 42 7 6 and won Finals MVP. (1-0)
1981: Larry Bird: Sadly, Basketball Reference has let me down for now but Bird won two game 5’s that year where the series was at 3-1 Philly (desperation) and 2-2 (high alert) going on to win both. One against Philadelphia and the other against Houston in the Conference Finals (2-0)
1982: Larry Bird: One game five for Bird again down 3-1, his team blows out the Philadelphia 76ers and then gets the victory in game six as well before running out of gas in game seven (3-0)
1984: Larry Bird: In a critical game 5 against Bernard King and the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the C’s blow out the Knicks 121-99 and the Hick from French Lick still has a perfect record. (4-0)
Johnson vs. Bird: In the first of their classic match ups in the NBA Finals, after a heated Game 4 where punches flew in L.A., the Celtics go on to beat the Showtime Lakers in a redhead stepchild way 121-103. Also this was a high alert game for both of them. (4-0) (1-1) Also the Celtics would end up taking the series.
1985: Larry Bird: In the Eastern Semifinals young upstart Detroit Pistons teams come through and forces a game five with the series tied at 2-2. The Celtics win 130-123, keeping Bird record perfect in this little game we are playing (5-0)
Johnson vs. Bird: For the first time, the NBA converted to a 2-3-2 in the NBA Finals and it played to Magic’s advantage as the Lakers beat Bird and the C’s in a game five 120-111 and go on to win the title. (5-1) (2-1)
1986: Magic Johnson: The Lakers ended up bowing out the Western Conference Finals but once again in a high alert situation, Magic wins again over the Dallas Mavericks 116-113 and the Lakers close them out in the next game. (3-1)
1987: Larry Bird: High alert situation at its finest for Bird as they are playing hurt with a bunch other guys that are hurt, Kevin McHale had a broken foot for Christ Sakes. Anyways, the famous Dennis Johnson steals the ball and Bird hits the game-winner, the Celtics win 108-107, that my friends is clutch. (6-1)
1988: Magic Johnson: Another pivotal game 5 with the Utah Jazz and the upstart team of Malone/Stockton. The Lakers win another game 111-109 and Magic wins again. Magic continues to show his strength in the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks as he blew out the Mavs in a key game five. Detroit Pistons is killing this theory right now as they beat the Lakers by 10 being up 2-2 and another thing killing this theory is the 2-3-2, can’t tell you how mad this makes me. One thing if you look at this closer, Magic did lose a lot of 3-1 games in his career but still when the chips were down, Magic did work.
Larry Bird: The Celtics were playing an upstart Atlanta Hawk team and the Celtics were starting to hit the down slopes so Bird’s team falls in defeat in the first 2-2 Game 5 that didn’t involve Magic. Also continuing with this theme as the Detroit Pistons beat them in Game 5 at the Garden and ended up beating them again in Game 6, my argument with Bird is he started fading right around this time. (6-3)
1989: Michael Jordan: For the first time, the Royal Airness makes an appearance in our little experiment and MJ once again gets ruined by the Bad Boys of Detroit. I already hate the city of Detroit and this is continuing the theme, my argument for MJ… the team wasn’t ready yet. (0-1)
1990: Michael Jordan: Detroit… Suck it. (0-2) Also may I say why can I get a random game from the Kings-Blazers but I cannot get a box score for a critical game like this one? CMONN MANNNN!
1991: Larry Bird: One of the last years of his career where his back is comparable to Abe Vigoda but once again, Detroit spoils the party but good news we finally have stats to back up our research! Beautiful day, Bird: 16 pts (7/18) 5 asst 5 rebs. Bird finishes 6-4 and all of the losses except for the one against Magic where in the twilight of his career, it’s unfair to put Bird under a microscope deep in his career.
1992: Michael Jordan: The Jordan experience had already begun with Jordan running through Bird, the Bad Boys, and Magic in 91 and then he had a critical game five with the Knicks where he goes off for 37 pts (11/23) 5 rbs 3 assts and they win 96-88 and then in a Cleveland-Chicago series in the Conference Finals, Jordan puts up nearly the same stat line in a win. Then in an incredible performance in the Finals against the Blazers, Jordan drops 46 (14/23) 5 5 and basically gives a lesson on what clutch is. (3-2)
1993: Michael Jordan: This one is a special one, down 2-0 to the Knicks and they end up coming all the way back including a game five victory where he goes 29 (11/24) 8 14 guiding his team to a 97-94 win (4-2)
1995: Michael Jordan: Jordan makes his return and this is an unfair look at him yet he still drops 39 4 4 when nobody else does anything. Honestly, if there is one game to look at a LeBron comparison it would be this one, no one helped Jordan in that one (4-3)
1997: Michael Jordan: What’s fascinating about MJ’s career in the playoffs is he rarely let a series get to the 2-2 and when he did, he TJ Lavin-style killed it. Game 5 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz and one of the toughest crowds in the NBA, they gut out 90-88 victory with Jordan going 37 (13/27) 7 5. (5-3)
1998: Michael Jordan: I believe this our last Jordan 2-2 game five situation and MJ drops 29 (12/20) 7 4 and it was a complete rout of Indiana Pacers as they win by 17. Jordan ends up finishing 6-3 and all of the losses can be defended; two he was young and the other was a half-assed comeback attempt. Other than that, Jordan dominated these games.
2000: Kobe Bryant: I am not giving out stats on this one but I will point out that Kobe’s team did lose a game five and took it all the way to seven games, doesn’t count against his record but good fodder for the Anti-Kobe.
2002: Kobe Bryant: Interesting that we haven’t seen a game like this because the Lakers were that damn good in those years and then the Lakeshow ended up losing in Game 5 to the Sacramento Kings on the road by one point. Kobe finishes with 30 (11/29) 5 3 (0-1)
2003: Kobe Bryant: The Lakers who were actually underdogs in the first round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves (let’s remember they move to seven games in first round) and the Lakers blew out the T’Wolves by 30. Kobe goes 30 (12/21) 8 5. The Lakers then face a far better San Antonio Spurs team in the next round and it goes to 2-2 where they lose to the Spurs by 2 on the road. Kobe ends up with 36 (15/31) 7 6 (1-2)
2004: Kobe Bryant: Could also be known as the “Derek Fisher Shot” as they beat the Spurs in an ugly game of 74-73 victory. Kobe 22 (11/27) 4 5, ugly performance but that was a great victory on the road. (2-2)
2006: Kobe Bryant: Another one that is worth noting that Kobe and his gang of idiots blew a 3-1 lead against the Phoenix Suns so he has that Magic thing of not closing it out at 3-1 when he can.
LeBron James: He makes a thunderous debut to this theory as they beat the Washington Wizards by one and I believe he made a game winner. LBJ finishes with 45 7 6. Also LeBron wins another 2-2 series against the defending champions Detroit Pistons as he goes for 32 5 5 and wins. But also worth noting, LBJ’s teams of idiots lose two straight and blows it. (2-0)
2007: LeBron James: This is actually the game that everybody says “Holy shit this guy is really effin good.” I remember watching some of this game at BW3’s and the LBJ experience started then. He dropped a mass amount of points and a victory 48 9 7 (3-0)
2008: Kobe Bryant: The Lakers are back into this mix and they were facing the Jazz. This victory is what we would call a team effort and something great to see as they win by seven. Just look at the Mamba’s numbers. 26 (6/10) 6 7 (3-2)
LeBron James: The Cavs ended up dropping the game to the Celtics and the Big 3 yet LBJ dropped a ton of points in the defeat but he doesn’t do much other than score buckets. 35 (12/25) 3 5 (3-1)
2009: Kobe Bryant: The Black Mamba had himself a crucial game against the Houston Rockets were they thrashed the team by 40 points. 26 (10/19) 4 3. There was another game that playoff game where they were knotted at 2-2, thinking this could be a series… and the Lakers shut the door without Kobe, I remember this game well because I wrote about Lamar Odom’s worth. 22 (6/13) 5 8 (5-2)
2010: Kobe Bryant: Another game five that Bryant didn’t real play that well but Kobe did the thing that LBJ couldn’t do, lock down Russell Westbrook and take control of the series, 13 (4/9) 3 7. So Kobe finishes up 6-2 for his career in these critical game fives plus the two he probably blew it but Kobe had three games that were awful in these games.
LeBron James: And here we are. 3-2 for his career in these games where he has had great success in these vital games, I couldn’t believe the numbers I saw from LeBron in these games but here we have the game against Boston. 15 (3/14) 6 7, who knows what we are going to see in tonight’s game.
I am beyond giddy for this game, I think people will know who the real LeBron James is. I am currently listening to Brian Windhorst, Cavs beat writer talking about how LeBron looked disinterested and there is a part of him that seems to not care anymore. I thought some of the same things with LeBron not attacking the lane or go into the post, getting cross-screens from Shaq. LeBron didn't once go into the post and try to do things near the basket, which in addition makes it that much more polarizing of the game. I think you will see a great performance with LBJ dropping near 30-35 pts, 10-12 rbs, and 8-12 assts. I have no idea if they will win this game but I do believe we will see a jaw-dropping performance from LeBron... And if we don't?
It will only get worse and people will then keep raising questions about what the hell happen in this series? And why can't LeBron win in the playoffs? It might be that Mike Brown is a corpse of a coach and wouldn't have a job if he didn't have LBJ every night. LeBron is really a player-coach out there and Brown is doing nothing to help his team.
The city of Cleveland is on pins and needles right now, probably sitting on their couch knocking back a few beers because if I were a fan? There is no way I could be stone-cold sober for this one because if there is a lost, questions will be raised all over the place and a city will be left for answers, something that might be better intoxicated tonight.
-Charlie.
I am almost mad that I defended him last week because like I said in years past I was a big time hater of LeBron. But I also know of thing called bias and I am not going to throw the blinders to discredit what he did in the regular season. But the playoffs? I mean wow, he just looked like he didn't care and didn't want to play for Cleveland anymore. LeBron wanted to be at home trying to figure out Lost instead of playing at the Q. B-Squared is the biggest LBJ fan and honestly, it was the first time he couldn't make one argument that made me think. Usually, he makes one good point that I will agree with but today, he couldn't say a single word. I feel like I should just stuck to my guns so I could be laughing at all of you LeBron fans but then again, I am trying to establish myself so I apologize.
Seriously, LeBron laid the biggest egg drawing memories of Dirk Nowitzki, Karl Malone, Charles Barkley, and David Robinson in the playoffs. I tweeted he looked like the first three guys not Bird, Magic, Jordan, and Kobe. Now could LeBron come in hot with a 35 points 15 rbs 12 assts in Game 6 and lead them to victory? Absolutely, but do people still say, so this was just a mirage and we should never remember this? I think no one should ever forget this performance because it was that bad from a superstar. Read Simmons column where he points out some bad Kobe Bryant starts, but what I am doing is looking at critical Game 5s.
Now there are different kinds of Game 5s and they all have a certain level of Game 5... Desperation (1-3) High alert (2-2) Close out game (3-1)... The players involved Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. In addition, I am not including any games where the team (BOS/LA/CHI/CLEV) closed out in five of if the said team was up 3-1. So I decided to look from 1980 and here's what I have for you.
1980: Magic Johnson: I cannot find the box score to give you the official numbers but his team did win in Game 5 plus in a critical game 6 up 3-2 and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out with injury, Magic dropped 42 7 6 and won Finals MVP. (1-0)
1981: Larry Bird: Sadly, Basketball Reference has let me down for now but Bird won two game 5’s that year where the series was at 3-1 Philly (desperation) and 2-2 (high alert) going on to win both. One against Philadelphia and the other against Houston in the Conference Finals (2-0)
1982: Larry Bird: One game five for Bird again down 3-1, his team blows out the Philadelphia 76ers and then gets the victory in game six as well before running out of gas in game seven (3-0)
1984: Larry Bird: In a critical game 5 against Bernard King and the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the C’s blow out the Knicks 121-99 and the Hick from French Lick still has a perfect record. (4-0)
Johnson vs. Bird: In the first of their classic match ups in the NBA Finals, after a heated Game 4 where punches flew in L.A., the Celtics go on to beat the Showtime Lakers in a redhead stepchild way 121-103. Also this was a high alert game for both of them. (4-0) (1-1) Also the Celtics would end up taking the series.
1985: Larry Bird: In the Eastern Semifinals young upstart Detroit Pistons teams come through and forces a game five with the series tied at 2-2. The Celtics win 130-123, keeping Bird record perfect in this little game we are playing (5-0)
Johnson vs. Bird: For the first time, the NBA converted to a 2-3-2 in the NBA Finals and it played to Magic’s advantage as the Lakers beat Bird and the C’s in a game five 120-111 and go on to win the title. (5-1) (2-1)
1986: Magic Johnson: The Lakers ended up bowing out the Western Conference Finals but once again in a high alert situation, Magic wins again over the Dallas Mavericks 116-113 and the Lakers close them out in the next game. (3-1)
1987: Larry Bird: High alert situation at its finest for Bird as they are playing hurt with a bunch other guys that are hurt, Kevin McHale had a broken foot for Christ Sakes. Anyways, the famous Dennis Johnson steals the ball and Bird hits the game-winner, the Celtics win 108-107, that my friends is clutch. (6-1)
1988: Magic Johnson: Another pivotal game 5 with the Utah Jazz and the upstart team of Malone/Stockton. The Lakers win another game 111-109 and Magic wins again. Magic continues to show his strength in the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks as he blew out the Mavs in a key game five. Detroit Pistons is killing this theory right now as they beat the Lakers by 10 being up 2-2 and another thing killing this theory is the 2-3-2, can’t tell you how mad this makes me. One thing if you look at this closer, Magic did lose a lot of 3-1 games in his career but still when the chips were down, Magic did work.
Larry Bird: The Celtics were playing an upstart Atlanta Hawk team and the Celtics were starting to hit the down slopes so Bird’s team falls in defeat in the first 2-2 Game 5 that didn’t involve Magic. Also continuing with this theme as the Detroit Pistons beat them in Game 5 at the Garden and ended up beating them again in Game 6, my argument with Bird is he started fading right around this time. (6-3)
1989: Michael Jordan: For the first time, the Royal Airness makes an appearance in our little experiment and MJ once again gets ruined by the Bad Boys of Detroit. I already hate the city of Detroit and this is continuing the theme, my argument for MJ… the team wasn’t ready yet. (0-1)
1990: Michael Jordan: Detroit… Suck it. (0-2) Also may I say why can I get a random game from the Kings-Blazers but I cannot get a box score for a critical game like this one? CMONN MANNNN!
1991: Larry Bird: One of the last years of his career where his back is comparable to Abe Vigoda but once again, Detroit spoils the party but good news we finally have stats to back up our research! Beautiful day, Bird: 16 pts (7/18) 5 asst 5 rebs. Bird finishes 6-4 and all of the losses except for the one against Magic where in the twilight of his career, it’s unfair to put Bird under a microscope deep in his career.
1992: Michael Jordan: The Jordan experience had already begun with Jordan running through Bird, the Bad Boys, and Magic in 91 and then he had a critical game five with the Knicks where he goes off for 37 pts (11/23) 5 rbs 3 assts and they win 96-88 and then in a Cleveland-Chicago series in the Conference Finals, Jordan puts up nearly the same stat line in a win. Then in an incredible performance in the Finals against the Blazers, Jordan drops 46 (14/23) 5 5 and basically gives a lesson on what clutch is. (3-2)
1993: Michael Jordan: This one is a special one, down 2-0 to the Knicks and they end up coming all the way back including a game five victory where he goes 29 (11/24) 8 14 guiding his team to a 97-94 win (4-2)
1995: Michael Jordan: Jordan makes his return and this is an unfair look at him yet he still drops 39 4 4 when nobody else does anything. Honestly, if there is one game to look at a LeBron comparison it would be this one, no one helped Jordan in that one (4-3)
1997: Michael Jordan: What’s fascinating about MJ’s career in the playoffs is he rarely let a series get to the 2-2 and when he did, he TJ Lavin-style killed it. Game 5 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz and one of the toughest crowds in the NBA, they gut out 90-88 victory with Jordan going 37 (13/27) 7 5. (5-3)
1998: Michael Jordan: I believe this our last Jordan 2-2 game five situation and MJ drops 29 (12/20) 7 4 and it was a complete rout of Indiana Pacers as they win by 17. Jordan ends up finishing 6-3 and all of the losses can be defended; two he was young and the other was a half-assed comeback attempt. Other than that, Jordan dominated these games.
2000: Kobe Bryant: I am not giving out stats on this one but I will point out that Kobe’s team did lose a game five and took it all the way to seven games, doesn’t count against his record but good fodder for the Anti-Kobe.
2002: Kobe Bryant: Interesting that we haven’t seen a game like this because the Lakers were that damn good in those years and then the Lakeshow ended up losing in Game 5 to the Sacramento Kings on the road by one point. Kobe finishes with 30 (11/29) 5 3 (0-1)
2003: Kobe Bryant: The Lakers who were actually underdogs in the first round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves (let’s remember they move to seven games in first round) and the Lakers blew out the T’Wolves by 30. Kobe goes 30 (12/21) 8 5. The Lakers then face a far better San Antonio Spurs team in the next round and it goes to 2-2 where they lose to the Spurs by 2 on the road. Kobe ends up with 36 (15/31) 7 6 (1-2)
2004: Kobe Bryant: Could also be known as the “Derek Fisher Shot” as they beat the Spurs in an ugly game of 74-73 victory. Kobe 22 (11/27) 4 5, ugly performance but that was a great victory on the road. (2-2)
2006: Kobe Bryant: Another one that is worth noting that Kobe and his gang of idiots blew a 3-1 lead against the Phoenix Suns so he has that Magic thing of not closing it out at 3-1 when he can.
LeBron James: He makes a thunderous debut to this theory as they beat the Washington Wizards by one and I believe he made a game winner. LBJ finishes with 45 7 6. Also LeBron wins another 2-2 series against the defending champions Detroit Pistons as he goes for 32 5 5 and wins. But also worth noting, LBJ’s teams of idiots lose two straight and blows it. (2-0)
2007: LeBron James: This is actually the game that everybody says “Holy shit this guy is really effin good.” I remember watching some of this game at BW3’s and the LBJ experience started then. He dropped a mass amount of points and a victory 48 9 7 (3-0)
2008: Kobe Bryant: The Lakers are back into this mix and they were facing the Jazz. This victory is what we would call a team effort and something great to see as they win by seven. Just look at the Mamba’s numbers. 26 (6/10) 6 7 (3-2)
LeBron James: The Cavs ended up dropping the game to the Celtics and the Big 3 yet LBJ dropped a ton of points in the defeat but he doesn’t do much other than score buckets. 35 (12/25) 3 5 (3-1)
2009: Kobe Bryant: The Black Mamba had himself a crucial game against the Houston Rockets were they thrashed the team by 40 points. 26 (10/19) 4 3. There was another game that playoff game where they were knotted at 2-2, thinking this could be a series… and the Lakers shut the door without Kobe, I remember this game well because I wrote about Lamar Odom’s worth. 22 (6/13) 5 8 (5-2)
2010: Kobe Bryant: Another game five that Bryant didn’t real play that well but Kobe did the thing that LBJ couldn’t do, lock down Russell Westbrook and take control of the series, 13 (4/9) 3 7. So Kobe finishes up 6-2 for his career in these critical game fives plus the two he probably blew it but Kobe had three games that were awful in these games.
LeBron James: And here we are. 3-2 for his career in these games where he has had great success in these vital games, I couldn’t believe the numbers I saw from LeBron in these games but here we have the game against Boston. 15 (3/14) 6 7, who knows what we are going to see in tonight’s game.
I am beyond giddy for this game, I think people will know who the real LeBron James is. I am currently listening to Brian Windhorst, Cavs beat writer talking about how LeBron looked disinterested and there is a part of him that seems to not care anymore. I thought some of the same things with LeBron not attacking the lane or go into the post, getting cross-screens from Shaq. LeBron didn't once go into the post and try to do things near the basket, which in addition makes it that much more polarizing of the game. I think you will see a great performance with LBJ dropping near 30-35 pts, 10-12 rbs, and 8-12 assts. I have no idea if they will win this game but I do believe we will see a jaw-dropping performance from LeBron... And if we don't?
It will only get worse and people will then keep raising questions about what the hell happen in this series? And why can't LeBron win in the playoffs? It might be that Mike Brown is a corpse of a coach and wouldn't have a job if he didn't have LBJ every night. LeBron is really a player-coach out there and Brown is doing nothing to help his team.
The city of Cleveland is on pins and needles right now, probably sitting on their couch knocking back a few beers because if I were a fan? There is no way I could be stone-cold sober for this one because if there is a lost, questions will be raised all over the place and a city will be left for answers, something that might be better intoxicated tonight.
-Charlie.
Friday, April 30, 2010
The Three E's of LeBron
I have no idea where I am going with this so bear with me as we go on this new journey. Because the NBA is goofy, they have one semifinal starting on Saturday and the rest start on various times therefore you will get multiple posts about different series. We are playing the alphabet with LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavalier superstar... the letter is E.
Elbow- The biggest thing that came out of the Chicago-Cleveland was the fact LeBron may be hurt. It seemed his elbow bothered him after he shot the second free throw with his left hand. This is raising the question, how hurt is he really? I cannot say nor can any of us because only LBJ knows. If they run through the Boston Celtics then we are convinced that LeBron's elbow doesn't really bother him. But if they struggle, it's a clear problem. The biggest problem with the injury is it's his right arm, which makes it tougher for him to score. I predict more jump shots and less takes to the basket. Cavs fans are throwing rocks at me right now because this would be the worst case scenario.
Exciting- I think this could be most entertaining series if the Bucks do not win tonight or Sunday for me. I like the Celtics for a variety of reasons... a.) Very physical, brings back old memories b.) Paul Pierce has been a favorite of mine for years because for some reason I loved Pierce as a kid, I keep my loyalties. c.) Ray Allen falls under letter b. and add he was a former Milwaukee Bucks holds a soft spot. I think they can take the Cavs to six or seven games and they could even win this series. All of these will be close battles and be shocked if either team gets a blowout win. I think it will be a fun-filled series even if the game is 88-85, the defense will be great with a complete slugfest and an enjoyable game.
Excuses- Let's play oddsmakers... what are the odds people use LeBron's elbow as a cop out if they lose to Boston? 4 to 1? 3 to 1? This is a built-in excuse waiting to happen and James seems to be on the wrong end of the stick every May for whatever reason. I can just see it now, "Well LeBron was hurt, that's why they lost." Personally, I would rather have the Cavs lost a series where LBJ was healthy so there is no room for the E we are describing.
Prediction: I think the Cavs take it in 7. I cannot see them losing at home right now and would be stunned if it happened in the first two games. The most intriguing thing other than LBJ's elbow is the matchups inside. Shaq-Big Z-Sideshow Bob vs. KG-Perkins-Big Baby, that is a 6 man tag-team match I would love to see on Monday Night Raw. Even with his injury, Pierce/Allen don't have enough in the tank to keep up with LeBron in a deep physical series.
-Charlie.
Elbow- The biggest thing that came out of the Chicago-Cleveland was the fact LeBron may be hurt. It seemed his elbow bothered him after he shot the second free throw with his left hand. This is raising the question, how hurt is he really? I cannot say nor can any of us because only LBJ knows. If they run through the Boston Celtics then we are convinced that LeBron's elbow doesn't really bother him. But if they struggle, it's a clear problem. The biggest problem with the injury is it's his right arm, which makes it tougher for him to score. I predict more jump shots and less takes to the basket. Cavs fans are throwing rocks at me right now because this would be the worst case scenario.
Exciting- I think this could be most entertaining series if the Bucks do not win tonight or Sunday for me. I like the Celtics for a variety of reasons... a.) Very physical, brings back old memories b.) Paul Pierce has been a favorite of mine for years because for some reason I loved Pierce as a kid, I keep my loyalties. c.) Ray Allen falls under letter b. and add he was a former Milwaukee Bucks holds a soft spot. I think they can take the Cavs to six or seven games and they could even win this series. All of these will be close battles and be shocked if either team gets a blowout win. I think it will be a fun-filled series even if the game is 88-85, the defense will be great with a complete slugfest and an enjoyable game.
Excuses- Let's play oddsmakers... what are the odds people use LeBron's elbow as a cop out if they lose to Boston? 4 to 1? 3 to 1? This is a built-in excuse waiting to happen and James seems to be on the wrong end of the stick every May for whatever reason. I can just see it now, "Well LeBron was hurt, that's why they lost." Personally, I would rather have the Cavs lost a series where LBJ was healthy so there is no room for the E we are describing.
Prediction: I think the Cavs take it in 7. I cannot see them losing at home right now and would be stunned if it happened in the first two games. The most intriguing thing other than LBJ's elbow is the matchups inside. Shaq-Big Z-Sideshow Bob vs. KG-Perkins-Big Baby, that is a 6 man tag-team match I would love to see on Monday Night Raw. Even with his injury, Pierce/Allen don't have enough in the tank to keep up with LeBron in a deep physical series.
-Charlie.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Eastern Conference Picks
Looking over my picks for where teams would finish, my glaring mistake of the year was thinking the Washington Wizards would be in the playoffs and the Bobcats would finish close to dead last in the Eastern Conference, whooops.
1. Cleveland vs. 8. Chicago- I am watching this game right now and it realy doesn't sway my opinion either way really. I believe this will just be your classic 1-8 matchup where you have a team far superior than the other one. The Bulls do not have the bench to keep up with the Cavs right now and the fact Cleveland gets Shaq back is huge, that will be a big time difference maker. I think the Bulls get one in the Windy City but that's it. CLEV in 5
4. Boston vs. 5. Miami- I also picked the Celtics back to the NBA Finals, once again not one of my best moments. I really like this series with the matchups of Paul Pierce-Dwyane Wade, a young Michael Beasley versus an old Kevin Garnett. I have no idea what Boston team will we see, the one who looks tired and there is a sort of unwillingness? Or the KG-curse laden teams who act like the biggest bullies on the court? I think the Heat do not have enough to keep up with the Celtics for a full series plus the inexperience of Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra could run them into big time trouble. BOS in 7
3. Atlanta vs. 6. Milwaukee- It feels good to have the Bucks back and I know most of you think the Bucks will not do much in the playoffs without Andrew Bogut but I am a firm believer they can at least win one game in Milwaukee, with some distant hope they can do something in Atlanta. I think they need to cut off Joe Johnson as much as possible especially in late games and they do have a good matchup for Josh Smith in the Prince of Cameroon. Fear the Deer, but they come up short this year with high hopes next year. ATL in 6
2. Orlando vs. 7. Charlotte- A very enticing series with a Charlotte team making their first trip to the playoffs but they have some veterans who have been there before like Stephen Jackson, Boris Diaw, and Tyson Chandler. Also they have the Larry Brown card and he always seem to make the right decisions in the playoffs. People also need to remember how bad Vince Carter has been in the playoffs, he is never been that guy who ends game like Bryant, Johnson, Melo, LeBron, and Wade do. I think the Magic win but this will be the equivalent of the Lakers/Thunder series, a dogfight with the better team winning game seven. ORL in 7
-Charlie
1. Cleveland vs. 8. Chicago- I am watching this game right now and it realy doesn't sway my opinion either way really. I believe this will just be your classic 1-8 matchup where you have a team far superior than the other one. The Bulls do not have the bench to keep up with the Cavs right now and the fact Cleveland gets Shaq back is huge, that will be a big time difference maker. I think the Bulls get one in the Windy City but that's it. CLEV in 5
4. Boston vs. 5. Miami- I also picked the Celtics back to the NBA Finals, once again not one of my best moments. I really like this series with the matchups of Paul Pierce-Dwyane Wade, a young Michael Beasley versus an old Kevin Garnett. I have no idea what Boston team will we see, the one who looks tired and there is a sort of unwillingness? Or the KG-curse laden teams who act like the biggest bullies on the court? I think the Heat do not have enough to keep up with the Celtics for a full series plus the inexperience of Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra could run them into big time trouble. BOS in 7
3. Atlanta vs. 6. Milwaukee- It feels good to have the Bucks back and I know most of you think the Bucks will not do much in the playoffs without Andrew Bogut but I am a firm believer they can at least win one game in Milwaukee, with some distant hope they can do something in Atlanta. I think they need to cut off Joe Johnson as much as possible especially in late games and they do have a good matchup for Josh Smith in the Prince of Cameroon. Fear the Deer, but they come up short this year with high hopes next year. ATL in 6
2. Orlando vs. 7. Charlotte- A very enticing series with a Charlotte team making their first trip to the playoffs but they have some veterans who have been there before like Stephen Jackson, Boris Diaw, and Tyson Chandler. Also they have the Larry Brown card and he always seem to make the right decisions in the playoffs. People also need to remember how bad Vince Carter has been in the playoffs, he is never been that guy who ends game like Bryant, Johnson, Melo, LeBron, and Wade do. I think the Magic win but this will be the equivalent of the Lakers/Thunder series, a dogfight with the better team winning game seven. ORL in 7
-Charlie
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
NBA Preview: Atlantic Division
The Atlantic Division is one that will not be much of a race and I only have one of their teams in the playoffs right now.
1. Boston Celtics: KEY PLAYERS: PF Kevin Garnett, SF Paul Pierce, SG Ray Allen OUTLOOK: The Celts have a chance to bring back that 2007 swagger because they have a healthy KG plus Rasheed Wallace coming off the bench. In addition, Boston will be the most badass team in the NBA this year. PREDICTION: 1st in the Eastern Conference
2. Philadelphia 76ers: KEY PLAYERS: PF Elton Brand, SF Andre Igoudala, PG Lou Williams OUTLOOK: The Sixers look like they have a chance at the playoffs but I feel they really screwed themselves with the Jrue Holiday pick this year. Also I dont trust Brand to stay healthy. PREDICTION: 9th in the Eastern Conference.
3. Toronto Raptors: KEY PLAYERS: PF Chris Bosh, SF Hedo Turkolgu, PG Jose Calderon OUTLOOK: Expect a huge year from Bosh in a contract year but I think Hedo will not work out at all for the Raptors. This is a huge year for the Raptors to keep their franchise players which I dont think happens. PREDICTION: 10th in the Eastern Conference.
4. New York Knicks: KEY PLAYERS: PG Nate Robinson, PF David Lee PF Al Harrington OUTLOOK: The Knicks are going to hope that they have one more year and then it will all change. This year will not be pretty again with no real true scorer. PREDICTION: 12th in the Eastern Conference.
5. New Jersey Nets: KEY PLAYERS: PG Devin Harris, C Brook Lopez, SG Courtney Lee OUTLOOK: It could be an ugly year for them and once the Moscow Assassin take over Lawrence Frank will be fired plus the team will be brand new in a couple years. PREDICTION: 15th in the Eastern Conference.
-Charlie.
1. Boston Celtics: KEY PLAYERS: PF Kevin Garnett, SF Paul Pierce, SG Ray Allen OUTLOOK: The Celts have a chance to bring back that 2007 swagger because they have a healthy KG plus Rasheed Wallace coming off the bench. In addition, Boston will be the most badass team in the NBA this year. PREDICTION: 1st in the Eastern Conference
2. Philadelphia 76ers: KEY PLAYERS: PF Elton Brand, SF Andre Igoudala, PG Lou Williams OUTLOOK: The Sixers look like they have a chance at the playoffs but I feel they really screwed themselves with the Jrue Holiday pick this year. Also I dont trust Brand to stay healthy. PREDICTION: 9th in the Eastern Conference.
3. Toronto Raptors: KEY PLAYERS: PF Chris Bosh, SF Hedo Turkolgu, PG Jose Calderon OUTLOOK: Expect a huge year from Bosh in a contract year but I think Hedo will not work out at all for the Raptors. This is a huge year for the Raptors to keep their franchise players which I dont think happens. PREDICTION: 10th in the Eastern Conference.
4. New York Knicks: KEY PLAYERS: PG Nate Robinson, PF David Lee PF Al Harrington OUTLOOK: The Knicks are going to hope that they have one more year and then it will all change. This year will not be pretty again with no real true scorer. PREDICTION: 12th in the Eastern Conference.
5. New Jersey Nets: KEY PLAYERS: PG Devin Harris, C Brook Lopez, SG Courtney Lee OUTLOOK: It could be an ugly year for them and once the Moscow Assassin take over Lawrence Frank will be fired plus the team will be brand new in a couple years. PREDICTION: 15th in the Eastern Conference.
-Charlie.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sheed Goes to Beantown
Another big deal went down in the NBA Free Agency on Monday when Rasheed Wallace, one of the most intense players in the National Basketball Association decided to join the Boston Celtics which in my opinion vaulted the C's into being the best team in the Eastern Conference right now.
At first, I was wavering on this deal because I thought the combined intensity of Sheed and Kevin Garnett could become a real problem. But then my buddy Pat changed my mind with this comment last night... "I honestly think Sheed is a smart player and he catches a bad rap due to his technical fouls. Although he seems to bring it day in and day out." That statement completely reversed my opinion on the situation not to mention the stat of Wallace having fourteen consecutive double-digit scoring.
Then you take a gander at the lineup Boston brings out next year and it really blows your mind how good they can be despite the fears of that they all are 30+ (ironic how Boston has two of the oldest teams with New England having guys who could be my grandpa). Anyways, Boston has a great lineup that includes KG-Sheed-Paul Pierce-Ray Allen-Rondo as the starters. Then you got Starbury, Leon Powe, Big Baby Davis, and Kendrick Perkins off the bench making them very deep.
The other thing that people have to realize is Doc Rivers and KG have a way of ensuring that people that get brought in play Celtic-style basketball. They have no issues whatsoever with Stephon Marbury at the end of the season and even with the rumors early on this summer about Rajon Rondo, I feel like the Celtics have control more than most teams.
-Charlie.
At first, I was wavering on this deal because I thought the combined intensity of Sheed and Kevin Garnett could become a real problem. But then my buddy Pat changed my mind with this comment last night... "I honestly think Sheed is a smart player and he catches a bad rap due to his technical fouls. Although he seems to bring it day in and day out." That statement completely reversed my opinion on the situation not to mention the stat of Wallace having fourteen consecutive double-digit scoring.
Then you take a gander at the lineup Boston brings out next year and it really blows your mind how good they can be despite the fears of that they all are 30+ (ironic how Boston has two of the oldest teams with New England having guys who could be my grandpa). Anyways, Boston has a great lineup that includes KG-Sheed-Paul Pierce-Ray Allen-Rondo as the starters. Then you got Starbury, Leon Powe, Big Baby Davis, and Kendrick Perkins off the bench making them very deep.
The other thing that people have to realize is Doc Rivers and KG have a way of ensuring that people that get brought in play Celtic-style basketball. They have no issues whatsoever with Stephon Marbury at the end of the season and even with the rumors early on this summer about Rajon Rondo, I feel like the Celtics have control more than most teams.
-Charlie.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Trouble in Beantown?
Sorry people who hate the city of Boston but I am writing another article about a Boston sports team although this one is about the Celtics who supposedly offered the Pistons, Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen and the Celts would get back Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Rodney Stuckney which the Pistons deny right away. This led people in the sports media believing that Boston has problems with Rondo. Boston’s General Manager Danny Ainge vehemently denied that the Celts were interested in dealing Rondo and this was just an Internet rumor.
I look at this “rumored” trade proposal and I wonder why the Pistons didn’t take this deal? Allen comes off the books next year giving them even more money for next year after they release eighteen million this year by getting rid of Allen Iverson. Rondo is going to be a top ten player in the next three years basically giving them a face of the Pistons franchise for the next ten years. I would assume this means that Rasheed Wallace is not coming back to the Pistons therefore General Manager Joe Dumars wanted to make sure that they had a core that could lead Detroit back to the playoffs.
I think there are some chemistry issues there because I think Rondo is a young player who probably is a bit immature and isnt ready to be the top dog in Boston although he can become one of the best players in the next decade. I think the chemistry stems from the fact that I dont believe that Rondo really enjoys getting pushed around by Kevin Garnett. I mean KG is an intense person just watching him on ESPN, I cannot even imagine what he is like as a teammate. When he went down last year, I think Rondo took over the leadership role because he plays point guard which is the quarterback of basketball. Now I am assuming that Ainge worries they will be a divide between the team.
I don’t think Boston is going to move Rondo unless they get a ‘Godfather’ offer where another superstar player is coming to Boston. I think Phoenix may be a possibility with Steve Nash whose rumored to be out in the Valley of the Sun. In addition, I doubt they keep Rondo in the Eastern Conference if they do deal him. I think Rondo will stay a Celtic because of Ray Allen’s contract really. When Allen contract runs out in 2010 that will open up the money to sign Rondo to a long-term deal and make him their face of the franchise. The only thing that would hold back the Celts signing Rondo is if we find out that Rondo was much more of a problem in the locker room with coaches and teammates. Then its inevitable to deal him.
-Charlie.
I look at this “rumored” trade proposal and I wonder why the Pistons didn’t take this deal? Allen comes off the books next year giving them even more money for next year after they release eighteen million this year by getting rid of Allen Iverson. Rondo is going to be a top ten player in the next three years basically giving them a face of the Pistons franchise for the next ten years. I would assume this means that Rasheed Wallace is not coming back to the Pistons therefore General Manager Joe Dumars wanted to make sure that they had a core that could lead Detroit back to the playoffs.
I think there are some chemistry issues there because I think Rondo is a young player who probably is a bit immature and isnt ready to be the top dog in Boston although he can become one of the best players in the next decade. I think the chemistry stems from the fact that I dont believe that Rondo really enjoys getting pushed around by Kevin Garnett. I mean KG is an intense person just watching him on ESPN, I cannot even imagine what he is like as a teammate. When he went down last year, I think Rondo took over the leadership role because he plays point guard which is the quarterback of basketball. Now I am assuming that Ainge worries they will be a divide between the team.
I don’t think Boston is going to move Rondo unless they get a ‘Godfather’ offer where another superstar player is coming to Boston. I think Phoenix may be a possibility with Steve Nash whose rumored to be out in the Valley of the Sun. In addition, I doubt they keep Rondo in the Eastern Conference if they do deal him. I think Rondo will stay a Celtic because of Ray Allen’s contract really. When Allen contract runs out in 2010 that will open up the money to sign Rondo to a long-term deal and make him their face of the franchise. The only thing that would hold back the Celts signing Rondo is if we find out that Rondo was much more of a problem in the locker room with coaches and teammates. Then its inevitable to deal him.
-Charlie.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Once Again Wrong About the NBA
Am I shocked? But last week I told you guys that I thought the Rockets were done for after losing Yao and went on to push to game 7. Then I tell you this week that I thought the Lakers were in more trouble for game 7 and that Boston would win handily... Wrong once again.
The Lakers took the Rockets behind the woodshed on Sunday afternoon with an 89-70 victory that was an absolute thrashing from the start of it. Showing that the Lakers could show up and dominate like they should have since game four. In all honesty, we should already be watching the Nuggets-Lakers in the Western Conference. I thought also that Kobe Bryant would take over and just do the damn thing himself in Game 7 which was also wrong haha. He only had 14 while his buddy inside Pau Gasol had 21 pts and 18 boards to boot. Also shut down Luis Scola and Chuck Hayes. Another interesting thing is that Phil Jackson went with Andrew Bynum starting who had 14 and 6 which is an admirable performance although he needs to be more aggressive on the boards in the next round.
Now on to the East, Boston what happened to Boston being a sure thing in game 7?! Wow they just officially ran out of gas because the Bulls could have beat them in the first round and they were a Glen Davis buzzer beater from losing this one in six. I also probably have to release the tag of Hedo Turkouglu of being a foreign choke like predecessors named Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic who were both classic for not showing up in big games. Also you could tell that Dwight Howard despite lack of post moves wore down the Celtic front line by running up and down the court.
The final thing I will say is how disappointed I was that neither of these games were entertaining to watch. You hope with a game 7 that it will be down to the wire and both didnt do that.
-Charlie.
The Lakers took the Rockets behind the woodshed on Sunday afternoon with an 89-70 victory that was an absolute thrashing from the start of it. Showing that the Lakers could show up and dominate like they should have since game four. In all honesty, we should already be watching the Nuggets-Lakers in the Western Conference. I thought also that Kobe Bryant would take over and just do the damn thing himself in Game 7 which was also wrong haha. He only had 14 while his buddy inside Pau Gasol had 21 pts and 18 boards to boot. Also shut down Luis Scola and Chuck Hayes. Another interesting thing is that Phil Jackson went with Andrew Bynum starting who had 14 and 6 which is an admirable performance although he needs to be more aggressive on the boards in the next round.
Now on to the East, Boston what happened to Boston being a sure thing in game 7?! Wow they just officially ran out of gas because the Bulls could have beat them in the first round and they were a Glen Davis buzzer beater from losing this one in six. I also probably have to release the tag of Hedo Turkouglu of being a foreign choke like predecessors named Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic who were both classic for not showing up in big games. Also you could tell that Dwight Howard despite lack of post moves wore down the Celtic front line by running up and down the court.
The final thing I will say is how disappointed I was that neither of these games were entertaining to watch. You hope with a game 7 that it will be down to the wire and both didnt do that.
-Charlie.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Two Game 7 Showdowns: Whose in more Trouble?
Finally Finals are over and they kicked my ass which isnt surprising because it was a hell of a semester. Although its over now so I can just sit here at write on the blog. I hope to get a Twitter for Chuck's Corner, my own domain name, and become a fan on Facebook in the near future. Now on to sports...
The big question right now in what home team is in danger of losing a game seven at home on Sunday. The Boston Celtics turned the ball over more than most receration teams on a Wauwatosa Wednesday night as they lost 85-77 to the Orlando Magic with a 20-20 game from Dwight Howard. Then the Los Angeles Lakers laid a complete egg once again as they fall on the road to the pesky Houston Rockets 95-80. I think the team that is in more trouble is the Los Angeles Lakers, somewhere David Stern is planning on jumping off a buliding.
The reason why the Celtics are not in trouble? Stan Van Gundy. I dont think that SVG can keep it together in a pivotal Game 7. Van Gundy has no idea it seems at sometimes what he is doing at most parts of the game. He still isnt playing Mickael Pietrus enough who has been a huge part of the offense in this series. Hedo Turkoglu I still dont believe shows up in big games and makes awful moves down the stretch. For example that step-back three he took last night was an awful idea yet it looked great because he nailed a complete dagger. The other big thing is I still dont believe in Dwight Howard because he doesnt believe that SVG will give him the ball enough and will not give him his proper touches. I think Boston wins handily.
Then again if you look at my prior articles I completely buried the Houston Rockets. I didnt realize how good Aaron Brooks was and didnt think about Andrew Bynum's inability to score on the offense end really neutralizes Yao Ming's absence. I just have no idea how the Lakers can win by forty points in the Game 5 and then just lay down in Houston twice. I am expecting that Kobe Bryant will take over and try to win this game himself because I know damn well that he is pissed off at the performance of his teammates. The other thing is Brooks is a young point guard and that usually doesnt turn out with the best results in big games. I also feel that Luis Scola will be able to beat up Pau Gasol who has look softer than Charmin paper towel in this series so far. The other big thing with the Lakers is the Nuggets are waiting for them and they are just as physical as the Rockets if they do win. I will take the Lakers but its going to be a close game.
-Charlie.
The big question right now in what home team is in danger of losing a game seven at home on Sunday. The Boston Celtics turned the ball over more than most receration teams on a Wauwatosa Wednesday night as they lost 85-77 to the Orlando Magic with a 20-20 game from Dwight Howard. Then the Los Angeles Lakers laid a complete egg once again as they fall on the road to the pesky Houston Rockets 95-80. I think the team that is in more trouble is the Los Angeles Lakers, somewhere David Stern is planning on jumping off a buliding.
The reason why the Celtics are not in trouble? Stan Van Gundy. I dont think that SVG can keep it together in a pivotal Game 7. Van Gundy has no idea it seems at sometimes what he is doing at most parts of the game. He still isnt playing Mickael Pietrus enough who has been a huge part of the offense in this series. Hedo Turkoglu I still dont believe shows up in big games and makes awful moves down the stretch. For example that step-back three he took last night was an awful idea yet it looked great because he nailed a complete dagger. The other big thing is I still dont believe in Dwight Howard because he doesnt believe that SVG will give him the ball enough and will not give him his proper touches. I think Boston wins handily.
Then again if you look at my prior articles I completely buried the Houston Rockets. I didnt realize how good Aaron Brooks was and didnt think about Andrew Bynum's inability to score on the offense end really neutralizes Yao Ming's absence. I just have no idea how the Lakers can win by forty points in the Game 5 and then just lay down in Houston twice. I am expecting that Kobe Bryant will take over and try to win this game himself because I know damn well that he is pissed off at the performance of his teammates. The other thing is Brooks is a young point guard and that usually doesnt turn out with the best results in big games. I also feel that Luis Scola will be able to beat up Pau Gasol who has look softer than Charmin paper towel in this series so far. The other big thing with the Lakers is the Nuggets are waiting for them and they are just as physical as the Rockets if they do win. I will take the Lakers but its going to be a close game.
-Charlie.
Monday, May 4, 2009
NBA Eastern Semifinals Picks
Scroll down a bit for the Western Conference if you are interested in my picks....
1. Cleveland Cavilers vs. 4. Atlanta Hawks-Both teams had the worst playoff series to watch in the first round. They were absolutely awful, sure we saw a couple LeBron dunks but thats about it. This series could be ugliest out of the four but there is something that tells me it will be competitive. Heres why... Josh Smith is 6'9 and in my opinion is the poor man's LeBron James. He has the same skill set as LBJ granted nowhere near what James does on the court. The one thing Smith needs to learn is that he isnt a three-point shooter. I also wonder if Joe Johnson comes back in terms of playoff clutch. Johnson was so damn clutch for the Phoenix Suns and even last year in Atlanta, he was huge for the Hawks. If the Cavs stay within themselves, I think they will be able to take this in five but I can see the scrappy Hawks getting two games somehow. Cleveland in six.
2. Boston Celtics vs. 3. Orlando Magic- I already wrote out my man-crush on a couple of the Celtic players who have grown on me in the past couple of weeks. The Magic have a team that I honestly do not like at all... Dwight Howard is a beast but I really dont like to watch him because its just basic post moves. There was something about Shaquille O'Neal that you wanted to watch every game that he played in. The other thing about the Magic is how much I hate Stan Van Gundy. He always seems to get a quote in SportsCenter and despite his awesome look-a-like of Ron Jeremy, he just seems like an awful guy to play for. I always base coaching on who I would want to play for. The Celtics might be drained but I think you saw the coming out party of Rajon Rondo and the C's big men. They will be able to beat up Howard and this one will end rather quickly. Boston in five.
-Charlie.
1. Cleveland Cavilers vs. 4. Atlanta Hawks-Both teams had the worst playoff series to watch in the first round. They were absolutely awful, sure we saw a couple LeBron dunks but thats about it. This series could be ugliest out of the four but there is something that tells me it will be competitive. Heres why... Josh Smith is 6'9 and in my opinion is the poor man's LeBron James. He has the same skill set as LBJ granted nowhere near what James does on the court. The one thing Smith needs to learn is that he isnt a three-point shooter. I also wonder if Joe Johnson comes back in terms of playoff clutch. Johnson was so damn clutch for the Phoenix Suns and even last year in Atlanta, he was huge for the Hawks. If the Cavs stay within themselves, I think they will be able to take this in five but I can see the scrappy Hawks getting two games somehow. Cleveland in six.
2. Boston Celtics vs. 3. Orlando Magic- I already wrote out my man-crush on a couple of the Celtic players who have grown on me in the past couple of weeks. The Magic have a team that I honestly do not like at all... Dwight Howard is a beast but I really dont like to watch him because its just basic post moves. There was something about Shaquille O'Neal that you wanted to watch every game that he played in. The other thing about the Magic is how much I hate Stan Van Gundy. He always seems to get a quote in SportsCenter and despite his awesome look-a-like of Ron Jeremy, he just seems like an awful guy to play for. I always base coaching on who I would want to play for. The Celtics might be drained but I think you saw the coming out party of Rajon Rondo and the C's big men. They will be able to beat up Howard and this one will end rather quickly. Boston in five.
-Charlie.
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