Best Laid Plans...
How about those Mavericks??!!! There's a sting that will haunt these guys for quite sometime - and I'm looking at you Dirk. Obviously these Mavs are a talented team, but the one thing the 2 things that got exposed here were 1) the complete lack of anything resembling an inside game, and 2) the COMPLETE lack of heart and toughness. Don't you just know Avery Johnson is sick to his stomach because he was the epitome off heart and toughness when he played. And you could just see in Nellie's eyes, he was thinking "eat that Cuban."
Am I one to put all of the blame on Dirk here? No, not really. BUT, if you're going to be the superstar on a team you're going to have to play better than that. I was quite surprised when he was commenting on how they were taking away his shots and what he likes to do - that was not a good quote from what will probably be the league MVP. Do you think Dwayne Wade or Kobe Bryant would ever make that comment? No, because they can get their shots when ever they want to. I bet you anything Dirk is PRAYING that he doesn't bring home the trophy - unfortunately I think he will. I said it last year and I'll say it again - if the MVP is really going to go to the best all around player than Kobe Bryant would be winning his 3rd or 4th straight. With him on the team, the Lakers make the playoffs...IN THE WESTERN CONFERENCE AT THAT! Without him, they probably couldn't even qualify for the college NIT tournament. Someone please explain to me how he's NOT the most valuable player to his team or to the league - playoff run or not. Get ready NBA fans, you're about to see Mr. Bryant become VERY active in the GM game this offseason. And goodbye Andrew Bynum, when neither Phil nor Kobe has any confidence in you, you're going to be trade bait. My hope is for a big trade to get Garnett, but don't be surprised to see Jason Kidd or Jermaine O'neal there either.
MORE NBA PLAYOFFS:
- How can we NOT talk about Golden State. What an accomplishment by these guys - first time ever. And I personally don't think we'll see it again for quite some time. They played tremendous in that series - funny what teams can accomplish when they go all out like they have nothing to lose. Why don't more teams play like that? Whether you're a 1 or an 8 seed, it's a pretty good strategy. It makes you wonder how good these guys really are - early in the season they struggled quite a bit, but had numerous injuries. During the last month of the season, they got healthy and had one of the best records in the league. They'll have a tougher time with Utah (close loss last night) with Boozer scoring down low - they don't really have a counter to a team with a big man. BUT, they can certainly win the series. They played Utah in late April (when it counted) and beat the snot out of them by about 20. The million dollar question in this series is can Utah keep up the scoring pace with GS. They had a mediocre game from their bench last night and STILL almost won in Utah. If they can keep up the pace, they will win this series, but I think it will be a 7-gamer.
- Those poor Rockets. I'm shocked they lost that game...in Houston no doubt! I'm not sure I agree with Tracy McGrady taking the heat for this - if I remember correctly, he had 29 points and 13 assists in that game. Not too shabby. I think you'll see a shakeup in Houston this offseason, but with the coach and NOT with the players. If I'm the Houston owner I'm not quite ready to throw in the towel on the Yao/McGrady duo just yet. But, I do want to see what another coach can do with those guys. I know Yao averaged 25 and 10 in that series, but in my mind he's on fairly thin ice. I'm thinking he really needs to have a breakout year next year - the question is can he stay healthy. I'd also like to see a bit more emotion out of him. I know he's Chinese and there may be some significant cultural differences, but frankly I don't care. If he misses significant time next year with injuries and/or doesn't pick up his play, look for Houston to test the trade waters. Of course I'm not sure what Yao's contract situation is, he may be a free agent coming up here soon - and if he does have just 1 or 2 more years left after next season, I would bet a lot of money that they look to move him.
- Sooo, when the season started I picked San Antone to beat Chicago in the finals (I'm pretty sure I said Chicago). If I could take one of those back, I'd put the Pistons in there. They have just DESTROYED the Bulls in the early going here. Even with the series shifting back to Chicago, I'm not sure the Bulls have any real shot here. Ben Wallace is great on the defensive end, but an enormous liability on the offensive end. They simply can't keep up with Detroit's inside game Webber (who thought we'd be saying that??). I'll give the Bulls one win here with Detroit taking a night off (and Flip Saunders is capable of losing a playoff game all by himself), but I'll say this goes 5 games tops.
- I'll say New Jersey over Cleveland in 6 games. I just don't think Lebron has enough help - he's like Kobe, except he plays in a far inferior conference. If they were in the Western Conference, they'd either not make the playoffs or sneak in like Golden State did.
- And now for the series of the whole playoffs - Suns vs Spurs. What a fantastic game 1. A lot of people have this going 7 games, but I really don't think it will get that far. I know the Suns run and gun better than anyone - and that will get them 2 wins in this series - but with their limited defense (Marion being the exception), the Spurs will wear them down. Tony Parker absolutely man-handled Steve Nash in game 1 - if we will remember, when Nash was in Dallas, he was a horrible defender so why would anything be different in Phoenix? Don't get me wrong, he's very good (obviously), but Tony Parker can take him to the hole every single time. I don't think Stoudamire will play that poorly in all of the games either (6-19 shooting for a center is abysmal). I DO however think Duncan will be able to get his just about when ever he wants to. The bad thing about Phoenix is they can't afford to put him on the line where he's an average free throw shooter at best - they simply don't have th expendable bodies. I think Marion is the X-factor for the Suns. He may be able to shut down Duncan or Parker or Ginobli over 1 or 2 games, but there's too much there on San Antonio's roster and he can't do it all himself. And I'm sorry, Raja Bell is simply not the great savior of defense that people labeled him last year - he's just not. I also firmly believe that with or without Nash in the last 45 seconds, the Sun lost that game - and their coach knew it. Look for Phoenix to squeek out a close one tonight at home before the series swings to the Alamo city - where the Spurs will take both games. I'm not a huge Duncan fan, but doesn't he look like he's about 3 years younger this year? He seems to be playing much better than I remember over last year.
- And speaking of Duncan - here's a memo: YOU FOUL! I am SOOOO sick and tired of his antics every time a whistle blows against him. You're a big man down low and yes, you foul from time-to-time. Grow up. We all know you're a team guy and a great guy, but you really need to cut it out. He will forever be labeled with that stigma.
- If Golden State and San Antonio make it to the Western Conference finals, I'm taking San Antonio in 5 games.
BOXING:
Didn't watch the fight. Was mildly interested in watching the fight. Don't care about boxing and still don't. I'm sorry, there is no single fight that will save this sport. It's riddled with corruption and everyone knows it. I personally believe that Don King single-handedly ruined this sport. And how many times are people going to protest the results of a decision fight? That's not helping either. Crappy sport that had 1 night of mild interest. The sport is now forgotten again.
NHL PLAYOFFS:
Is this still going on?
MLB:
I never talk about pro baseball...pretty much because I don't care. But, have to touch on Clemens going to the Yankees. Clearly it's all about the money here. I do love Clemens and I think he's probably one of the top 3 or 4 geatest pitchers ever. BUT, if he really wants to win a world series, does he think this was the team that's going to do it? I don't know, maybe, but when I look at how many runs they give up a game, it's a lot. Point being, their pitching sucks. I do think Clemens will help that - he's STILL dominant in the ERA category, even at 45 years old. Hopefully he'll be able to get some help as the season progresses, but I've got some reservations about this one. But who am I kidding, there's like 135 more games this year...so nothing really matters right now - we'll talk again in late August.
24 UPDATE:
So I didn't catch last night's episode, but I've got it recorded and waiting. BUT, in looking at the previews, it looks like terrorists get into CTU building and hold it "hostage". You all know that I'm a die-hard fan of the show. And after 5 great seasons, I'll allow a mediocre season. BUT, I feel I must write a letter to the producers on behalf of all 24 fans. Simply put, you're going to have to kick WAY up a notch next season. And let's see if we can be a bit more creative - we don't need to see yet another mole in the White House, nor do we need to see CTU being infiltrated yet again. It's like they got a bit lazy this season. And my God, enough with the love-story angles too - there are like 4 this season.
I'm looking forward to the finale, but regardless of what happens, the show has been knocked down several pegs from previous seasons.
IDOL UPDATE:
Anyone who wants to take this bet let me know - Blake will win American Idol. Name your bet. Not saying he's the best "singer" out there, but he is, without question, the best all around entertainer.
Am I one to put all of the blame on Dirk here? No, not really. BUT, if you're going to be the superstar on a team you're going to have to play better than that. I was quite surprised when he was commenting on how they were taking away his shots and what he likes to do - that was not a good quote from what will probably be the league MVP. Do you think Dwayne Wade or Kobe Bryant would ever make that comment? No, because they can get their shots when ever they want to. I bet you anything Dirk is PRAYING that he doesn't bring home the trophy - unfortunately I think he will. I said it last year and I'll say it again - if the MVP is really going to go to the best all around player than Kobe Bryant would be winning his 3rd or 4th straight. With him on the team, the Lakers make the playoffs...IN THE WESTERN CONFERENCE AT THAT! Without him, they probably couldn't even qualify for the college NIT tournament. Someone please explain to me how he's NOT the most valuable player to his team or to the league - playoff run or not. Get ready NBA fans, you're about to see Mr. Bryant become VERY active in the GM game this offseason. And goodbye Andrew Bynum, when neither Phil nor Kobe has any confidence in you, you're going to be trade bait. My hope is for a big trade to get Garnett, but don't be surprised to see Jason Kidd or Jermaine O'neal there either.
MORE NBA PLAYOFFS:
- How can we NOT talk about Golden State. What an accomplishment by these guys - first time ever. And I personally don't think we'll see it again for quite some time. They played tremendous in that series - funny what teams can accomplish when they go all out like they have nothing to lose. Why don't more teams play like that? Whether you're a 1 or an 8 seed, it's a pretty good strategy. It makes you wonder how good these guys really are - early in the season they struggled quite a bit, but had numerous injuries. During the last month of the season, they got healthy and had one of the best records in the league. They'll have a tougher time with Utah (close loss last night) with Boozer scoring down low - they don't really have a counter to a team with a big man. BUT, they can certainly win the series. They played Utah in late April (when it counted) and beat the snot out of them by about 20. The million dollar question in this series is can Utah keep up the scoring pace with GS. They had a mediocre game from their bench last night and STILL almost won in Utah. If they can keep up the pace, they will win this series, but I think it will be a 7-gamer.
- Those poor Rockets. I'm shocked they lost that game...in Houston no doubt! I'm not sure I agree with Tracy McGrady taking the heat for this - if I remember correctly, he had 29 points and 13 assists in that game. Not too shabby. I think you'll see a shakeup in Houston this offseason, but with the coach and NOT with the players. If I'm the Houston owner I'm not quite ready to throw in the towel on the Yao/McGrady duo just yet. But, I do want to see what another coach can do with those guys. I know Yao averaged 25 and 10 in that series, but in my mind he's on fairly thin ice. I'm thinking he really needs to have a breakout year next year - the question is can he stay healthy. I'd also like to see a bit more emotion out of him. I know he's Chinese and there may be some significant cultural differences, but frankly I don't care. If he misses significant time next year with injuries and/or doesn't pick up his play, look for Houston to test the trade waters. Of course I'm not sure what Yao's contract situation is, he may be a free agent coming up here soon - and if he does have just 1 or 2 more years left after next season, I would bet a lot of money that they look to move him.
- Sooo, when the season started I picked San Antone to beat Chicago in the finals (I'm pretty sure I said Chicago). If I could take one of those back, I'd put the Pistons in there. They have just DESTROYED the Bulls in the early going here. Even with the series shifting back to Chicago, I'm not sure the Bulls have any real shot here. Ben Wallace is great on the defensive end, but an enormous liability on the offensive end. They simply can't keep up with Detroit's inside game Webber (who thought we'd be saying that??). I'll give the Bulls one win here with Detroit taking a night off (and Flip Saunders is capable of losing a playoff game all by himself), but I'll say this goes 5 games tops.
- I'll say New Jersey over Cleveland in 6 games. I just don't think Lebron has enough help - he's like Kobe, except he plays in a far inferior conference. If they were in the Western Conference, they'd either not make the playoffs or sneak in like Golden State did.
- And now for the series of the whole playoffs - Suns vs Spurs. What a fantastic game 1. A lot of people have this going 7 games, but I really don't think it will get that far. I know the Suns run and gun better than anyone - and that will get them 2 wins in this series - but with their limited defense (Marion being the exception), the Spurs will wear them down. Tony Parker absolutely man-handled Steve Nash in game 1 - if we will remember, when Nash was in Dallas, he was a horrible defender so why would anything be different in Phoenix? Don't get me wrong, he's very good (obviously), but Tony Parker can take him to the hole every single time. I don't think Stoudamire will play that poorly in all of the games either (6-19 shooting for a center is abysmal). I DO however think Duncan will be able to get his just about when ever he wants to. The bad thing about Phoenix is they can't afford to put him on the line where he's an average free throw shooter at best - they simply don't have th expendable bodies. I think Marion is the X-factor for the Suns. He may be able to shut down Duncan or Parker or Ginobli over 1 or 2 games, but there's too much there on San Antonio's roster and he can't do it all himself. And I'm sorry, Raja Bell is simply not the great savior of defense that people labeled him last year - he's just not. I also firmly believe that with or without Nash in the last 45 seconds, the Sun lost that game - and their coach knew it. Look for Phoenix to squeek out a close one tonight at home before the series swings to the Alamo city - where the Spurs will take both games. I'm not a huge Duncan fan, but doesn't he look like he's about 3 years younger this year? He seems to be playing much better than I remember over last year.
- And speaking of Duncan - here's a memo: YOU FOUL! I am SOOOO sick and tired of his antics every time a whistle blows against him. You're a big man down low and yes, you foul from time-to-time. Grow up. We all know you're a team guy and a great guy, but you really need to cut it out. He will forever be labeled with that stigma.
- If Golden State and San Antonio make it to the Western Conference finals, I'm taking San Antonio in 5 games.
BOXING:
Didn't watch the fight. Was mildly interested in watching the fight. Don't care about boxing and still don't. I'm sorry, there is no single fight that will save this sport. It's riddled with corruption and everyone knows it. I personally believe that Don King single-handedly ruined this sport. And how many times are people going to protest the results of a decision fight? That's not helping either. Crappy sport that had 1 night of mild interest. The sport is now forgotten again.
NHL PLAYOFFS:
Is this still going on?
MLB:
I never talk about pro baseball...pretty much because I don't care. But, have to touch on Clemens going to the Yankees. Clearly it's all about the money here. I do love Clemens and I think he's probably one of the top 3 or 4 geatest pitchers ever. BUT, if he really wants to win a world series, does he think this was the team that's going to do it? I don't know, maybe, but when I look at how many runs they give up a game, it's a lot. Point being, their pitching sucks. I do think Clemens will help that - he's STILL dominant in the ERA category, even at 45 years old. Hopefully he'll be able to get some help as the season progresses, but I've got some reservations about this one. But who am I kidding, there's like 135 more games this year...so nothing really matters right now - we'll talk again in late August.
24 UPDATE:
So I didn't catch last night's episode, but I've got it recorded and waiting. BUT, in looking at the previews, it looks like terrorists get into CTU building and hold it "hostage". You all know that I'm a die-hard fan of the show. And after 5 great seasons, I'll allow a mediocre season. BUT, I feel I must write a letter to the producers on behalf of all 24 fans. Simply put, you're going to have to kick WAY up a notch next season. And let's see if we can be a bit more creative - we don't need to see yet another mole in the White House, nor do we need to see CTU being infiltrated yet again. It's like they got a bit lazy this season. And my God, enough with the love-story angles too - there are like 4 this season.
I'm looking forward to the finale, but regardless of what happens, the show has been knocked down several pegs from previous seasons.
IDOL UPDATE:
Anyone who wants to take this bet let me know - Blake will win American Idol. Name your bet. Not saying he's the best "singer" out there, but he is, without question, the best all around entertainer.
posted by The Bearden Wonder at 7:50 AM
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