Round Two...
Of the NBA playoffs that is. And can I just say - it's been a great playoffs thus far with some big surprises out of both conferences. And I guess we'll talk a little NFL....just a little. But first, to the Association.
Western Conference:
And there......go.......the..Spurs. Quite a shocking turn of events if I do say so myself. It was definitely a less than ideal match up for the Spurs, but sheesh, never thought THIS would happen. And frankly, the series looked closer than it really was - those two Spurs wins weren't exactly dominating. This could really mark the end of the Tim Duncan era in San Antonio - I AM NOT a Spurs fan, never have been and never will be, but Duncan's career has been nothing short of phenomenal....and so very quiet. I don't dislike Duncan (who could, really?), but because he's a Spur I've always hated playing against him (as a Laker fan). Regardless, I think the end of the road has come for Mr. Duncan and his band of gypsies. Parker still has a lot of miles, Blair is a great 5th or 6th guy, and as they always do, they've always got a stocked cupboard. But for Duncan and Ginobli I'm afraid this may be the end.
Don't lie to me Mavs fans - when Portland came back and won game 4 in that fashion, you were freaked out saying, "here we go again".....you know it's true. We all were. Well, give the Mavs credit because no one expected them to go bang out two straight wins to close out the series. That's not easy to do either. This Mavs team has depth - and more importantly, that depth is playing more consistently. Terry coming off the bench to give 'em 15 is going to be tough for the Lakers. Which brings me to....
Lakers didn't worry anyone, nor did they blow anyone away with their series win over New Orleans. With that said, they did go and close it out on the road which is tough. They do what they do best - the withstood the best shot from a good team. Unfortunately, the Mavs will be a tougher out. I'm not shocked that the Lakers lost game 1, not at all (hell, they lost game 1 to the Hornets). And sadly, I'm not surprised how they lost it. The Lakers are a battle-tested, hardened team, but they struggle greatly to hold opponents down when they get them down.
At the end of the day, they're still the Lakers and the Mavs are still the Mavs - and the Lakers are better and typically, the better team prevails in a 7-game series. If they go to Dallas down 0-2, I'll have a little bit different of a tone, but I still believe the Lakers are going to the finals. Much like the Spurs, their window is closing, and fast.
Just when the Thunder were happy they were playing the Grizzlies, they go out and lose game 1. I think those of us who are watching these playoffs would agree, Memphis is officially a team to be reckoned with. Forget seeds, this team is peaking RIGHT NOW. That's a tough thing to overcome. I expect OKC to pull this out as their scoring is too fast and too good.
Both series go 7.
Eastern Conference:
And here come the Heat....look out for these guys who have finally seemed to put something together. Not reading too much into their series win over Philly as I am in their first 2 games against Boston (this is being written at halftime of the OKC/Memphis game 2). I picked Boston to play the Lakers in the finals and right now, that pick is in grave danger. This is an absolute must win. Period. And please spare me this "when is Shaq coming back" - if that's what you're reaching for than this series is over. C'mon Boston....I think I just threw up in my mouth.
Meanwhile, Chicago went tits up in their game 1 as well. Much like Memphis, Atlanta is playing great ball right now - probably their best of the season. Johnson is a beast and they are just clicking. With that said, Rose is the MVP for a reason - I just can't see this Chicago team going out against the 5th best team in the East.
The irony about Orlando is that Stan "Ron Jeremy" Van Gundy is going to take the fall for one of those trades that makes people say, "dude, there's ballsy and there's dumb. and this is dumb". Really bad, desperate move by the GM to keep Howard happy and the team in contention. So he trades half the team that took them to the finals 2 years before for a group of players who are either one dimensional, or years past their prime (Richardson and Arenas). I like Jason Richardson a lot, but Gilbert Arenas? Really? Dumb, dumb move. Now who are you going to hire? Adelman? Bring Rudy T back? I don't like it.
Finals Update:
Still sticking with LA out of the West: experience, depth, length and Kobe. Although it's looking grim, I'm still sticking with Boston out of the East. Tough to give up on such a seasoned and talented team.
NFL:
I'm still sticking with my stance of "there's no way in hell there won't be a season". It's funny how you check the web or tune into sportscenter on Thursday afternoon and realize, "oh yeah, there's the NFL draft still going on". Very weird turn of events. My thoughts on the draft (and yes, I actually did follow the first few rounds - not in real time mind you):
My thoughts on the Bin Laden events this past weekend.....
First and foremost folks, stop treating Presidents like they are a freaking sports team. That's just a general request.
Now, let's take a very brief look at the history of Bin Laden - for the purposes of everyone's sanity, I'll skip the whole Russians in Afghanistan/Charlie Wilson's War storyline. He was officially put on the US's top sh*t list back in the late 90s under Slick Willy. This was essentially acknowledging that we thought he was seriously dangerous SOB. And during his remaining years in office, they searched for him across the globe, even coming close to getting him according to some. Obviously, the events of 9/11/01 greatly intensified the hunt for this man - and of course that hunt continued for nearly 10 more years.
My point is this - the recent mission and outcome was the culmination of tireless work by thousands of individuals spanning over a decade and across 3 different President's tenures. During that time the "hunt" has taken many turns and twists, but past knowledge and learnings were used during this time. Our current President is not solely responsible for this mission and it's outcome. Just as past near misses and failed attempts weren't solely the fault of past Presidents. Missions such as these have as much to do, if not more, with luck as they do with sound planning. Fortunately for the US, we had both on our side that night.
Let's please not trivialize the efforts of the countless people who's names we'll never know - including those Navy Seals - by laying this success at the feet of a man who just happened to be in the Oval Office when our time finally did come. Those nameless people (to us) deserve better than that.
Funny sh*t my four year old says, part 64:
Ella: "Dad, there's a horsefly, will you kill it?"
Me: getting a big book and swatting the horsefly, killing it and affixing it to the book
Ella: "Sweet! Thanks dad."
....she's four.
Thinking of Linda Little today - she was as wonderful a person as anyone could hope to know and love. Thinking about the Batlas, the Littles and most of all, my wife today.
Western Conference:
And there......go.......the..Spurs. Quite a shocking turn of events if I do say so myself. It was definitely a less than ideal match up for the Spurs, but sheesh, never thought THIS would happen. And frankly, the series looked closer than it really was - those two Spurs wins weren't exactly dominating. This could really mark the end of the Tim Duncan era in San Antonio - I AM NOT a Spurs fan, never have been and never will be, but Duncan's career has been nothing short of phenomenal....and so very quiet. I don't dislike Duncan (who could, really?), but because he's a Spur I've always hated playing against him (as a Laker fan). Regardless, I think the end of the road has come for Mr. Duncan and his band of gypsies. Parker still has a lot of miles, Blair is a great 5th or 6th guy, and as they always do, they've always got a stocked cupboard. But for Duncan and Ginobli I'm afraid this may be the end.
Don't lie to me Mavs fans - when Portland came back and won game 4 in that fashion, you were freaked out saying, "here we go again".....you know it's true. We all were. Well, give the Mavs credit because no one expected them to go bang out two straight wins to close out the series. That's not easy to do either. This Mavs team has depth - and more importantly, that depth is playing more consistently. Terry coming off the bench to give 'em 15 is going to be tough for the Lakers. Which brings me to....
Lakers didn't worry anyone, nor did they blow anyone away with their series win over New Orleans. With that said, they did go and close it out on the road which is tough. They do what they do best - the withstood the best shot from a good team. Unfortunately, the Mavs will be a tougher out. I'm not shocked that the Lakers lost game 1, not at all (hell, they lost game 1 to the Hornets). And sadly, I'm not surprised how they lost it. The Lakers are a battle-tested, hardened team, but they struggle greatly to hold opponents down when they get them down.
At the end of the day, they're still the Lakers and the Mavs are still the Mavs - and the Lakers are better and typically, the better team prevails in a 7-game series. If they go to Dallas down 0-2, I'll have a little bit different of a tone, but I still believe the Lakers are going to the finals. Much like the Spurs, their window is closing, and fast.
Just when the Thunder were happy they were playing the Grizzlies, they go out and lose game 1. I think those of us who are watching these playoffs would agree, Memphis is officially a team to be reckoned with. Forget seeds, this team is peaking RIGHT NOW. That's a tough thing to overcome. I expect OKC to pull this out as their scoring is too fast and too good.
Both series go 7.
Eastern Conference:
And here come the Heat....look out for these guys who have finally seemed to put something together. Not reading too much into their series win over Philly as I am in their first 2 games against Boston (this is being written at halftime of the OKC/Memphis game 2). I picked Boston to play the Lakers in the finals and right now, that pick is in grave danger. This is an absolute must win. Period. And please spare me this "when is Shaq coming back" - if that's what you're reaching for than this series is over. C'mon Boston....I think I just threw up in my mouth.
Meanwhile, Chicago went tits up in their game 1 as well. Much like Memphis, Atlanta is playing great ball right now - probably their best of the season. Johnson is a beast and they are just clicking. With that said, Rose is the MVP for a reason - I just can't see this Chicago team going out against the 5th best team in the East.
The irony about Orlando is that Stan "Ron Jeremy" Van Gundy is going to take the fall for one of those trades that makes people say, "dude, there's ballsy and there's dumb. and this is dumb". Really bad, desperate move by the GM to keep Howard happy and the team in contention. So he trades half the team that took them to the finals 2 years before for a group of players who are either one dimensional, or years past their prime (Richardson and Arenas). I like Jason Richardson a lot, but Gilbert Arenas? Really? Dumb, dumb move. Now who are you going to hire? Adelman? Bring Rudy T back? I don't like it.
Finals Update:
Still sticking with LA out of the West: experience, depth, length and Kobe. Although it's looking grim, I'm still sticking with Boston out of the East. Tough to give up on such a seasoned and talented team.
NFL:
I'm still sticking with my stance of "there's no way in hell there won't be a season". It's funny how you check the web or tune into sportscenter on Thursday afternoon and realize, "oh yeah, there's the NFL draft still going on". Very weird turn of events. My thoughts on the draft (and yes, I actually did follow the first few rounds - not in real time mind you):
- Sooo, going to be some QB's taking this year, huh? I guess so. Personally, I think there were a lot of stretches in this one. Obviously Newton was going 1, but I still don't think he's any closer to being a solid NFL QB as Dalton is out of TCU. No disrespect mind you, it's just that as awesome as he was in college, who's to say he can translate that to the Pros. He'll be a work in progress for a couple of years, but if he can avoid doing stupid sh*t and pay attention, he'll probably do well. I'm just saying - Bradford was a CLEAR number 1 - Newton was a "hell I guess so" number 1.
- Psssst...Atlanta....your balls are showing. Seriously ballsy move giving up a King's ransom to get....Julio Jones? Huh...OK. Don't get me wrong, I like the pick a lot - tremendously expands their offense and what they can REALLY do. But last I recall, your defense was absolutely decimated by Green Bay last playoffs. Again, not knocking the pick, but I am questioning what you "paid" for the pick.
- Good for Von Miller - that's a hell of a player who really defies the "on paper" aspect of professional sports. I recall another aggie who was "undersized" and yet ended up having a hell of a career playing for Parcells - one Dat Ngyuen (sp?). I think Denver is a good fit for him - and John Fox is a defensive specialist so that's good. He'll get his opportunity to shine.
- Wow....Christian Ponder, a top 10 pick in the NFL? Really Minnesota? I really don't know about that at all. I saw this kid play quite a bit at FSU and he's athletic as hell and can make some plays, but an NFL starter? Not buying it...not yet at least.
- Great pick by New Orleans to trade up to get Ingram. I thought Ingram was somewhat overrated (don't read too much into that, he was a great college RB. But he was not unlike Ron Dayne....if you remember him you know what I mean), but this is a great pick AND great fit. So long Reggie Bush....
- Let me tell you something folks - Detroit is not going anywhere. I hope ownership has patience because they are building a great young nucleus of players. Can't wait to watch this team more and more in the coming 2-3 years.
- Everything that I've read/seen would indicate that Mallet can be a...well...prick. Nice landing for him New England - how could it be better? I'll tell you this - maybe he's a prick and maybe he isn't, but I know who won't tolerate crap - and that's Brady and Coach B. Good spot for him. Real good spot.
- Shocked Buffalo didn't go with a QB. They showed good discipline focusing on defense (sorry Aaron Williams, you move from Austin to Buffalo....rrrriiiiiiight), but I still don't think Fitzpatrick is the signal caller who will take you to the next level.....which is like 5-6 wins a season so maybe he is.
- Certainly not getting ahead of myself, but in scanning some of the post-draft notes, liked what Cleveland did. Shoring up holes in all the right spots.
- Now....when can we start working out????
My thoughts on the Bin Laden events this past weekend.....
First and foremost folks, stop treating Presidents like they are a freaking sports team. That's just a general request.
Now, let's take a very brief look at the history of Bin Laden - for the purposes of everyone's sanity, I'll skip the whole Russians in Afghanistan/Charlie Wilson's War storyline. He was officially put on the US's top sh*t list back in the late 90s under Slick Willy. This was essentially acknowledging that we thought he was seriously dangerous SOB. And during his remaining years in office, they searched for him across the globe, even coming close to getting him according to some. Obviously, the events of 9/11/01 greatly intensified the hunt for this man - and of course that hunt continued for nearly 10 more years.
My point is this - the recent mission and outcome was the culmination of tireless work by thousands of individuals spanning over a decade and across 3 different President's tenures. During that time the "hunt" has taken many turns and twists, but past knowledge and learnings were used during this time. Our current President is not solely responsible for this mission and it's outcome. Just as past near misses and failed attempts weren't solely the fault of past Presidents. Missions such as these have as much to do, if not more, with luck as they do with sound planning. Fortunately for the US, we had both on our side that night.
Let's please not trivialize the efforts of the countless people who's names we'll never know - including those Navy Seals - by laying this success at the feet of a man who just happened to be in the Oval Office when our time finally did come. Those nameless people (to us) deserve better than that.
Funny sh*t my four year old says, part 64:
Ella: "Dad, there's a horsefly, will you kill it?"
Me: getting a big book and swatting the horsefly, killing it and affixing it to the book
Ella: "Sweet! Thanks dad."
....she's four.
Thinking of Linda Little today - she was as wonderful a person as anyone could hope to know and love. Thinking about the Batlas, the Littles and most of all, my wife today.
posted by The Bearden Wonder at 10:31 PM
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