Boy the Champs just don't like to do things easy do they? It's not rocket science; control the boards, don't give second chances, very high percentage of the time, you WILL win. The one advantage the Lake Show have against everyone else according to "experts" is their size. How in the hell do you employ two seven footers, a versitale 2 inches short of 7 feet All-Star caliber player, a physical feisty forward, and two pretty good rebounders in Mamba and Barnes, AND still lose the rebounding battle, hell CP3 had double digit rebounding when none of the Lakers bigs could, are *$*&$ kidding me! Simple recipe, attack the paint with your bigs, control the boards, do not let CP3 dictate the offense, on wins he's averaging 14.5 assists, 10 rebounds, he's actually averaging a triple double in wins! In losses he's dishing out only 8.5 with 4 rebounds, like I said, it's not damn rocket science.
Game 3 was nice and balanced even with Mamba going off for 30 points, 4 other players joined him in double figures, and Ron Ron added 9. The Spaniard finally got to double figures and finished with a triple double, Bynum went down yet again, but was able to also finish with a double double, super sub LO almost joined them with 14 points and 9 rebounds. The Lakers set the tempo early and were able to counter all Hornets runs. The game was actually more competetive than the scores show. CP3 was contained assists wise but still finished with 22 points on 9/13 shooting. The Hornets also didn't get much from the bench 9 points, game 1 heroes Jack only chipped in 2 points and Gray missed his only shot contributed 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 foul in 7 minutes. Easy? Not really, but a recipe they could definately follow and close up the series. Speaking of which....
Everything they did good on game 3 went to shit on game 4. The chumps came out strong in the first taking a lead even with their best player not scoring a single point, then with momentum on their side and seeming to have taken control of the Hornets, the Lakers went to snooze mode and were on the downside of a 20-3 run that started in the 2nd quarter as they had taken the lead by 9. Mamba was held scoreless the entire first half. With the exception of Captain Ron, the whole Laker team stunk it up. CP3 all 6 feet of him had a game high 13 boards, the chumps high for the game was 9 from 'Drew. Gasol and Odom combined still had less rebounds than Chris Paul, Unbelievable and downright embarrasing. Former Champ Ariza continues his stellar play on both offense and defense really pestering Mamba and not letting him get to his sweet spots. The play of Gasol, Odom and the bench has really been pathetic though. You expect from 'Drew who has been inconsistent, not from an All-World player who many consider the best at his position. I hope he can get finally get his head out of his ass and come through in game 5, the same for Odom, and even Mamba, who suddenly looks mortal.
Player of the Game: Mamba in game 3, CP3 for game 4.
X-Factor: The Spaniard, game 3, finally hitting double figures. Trevor Ariza, game 4.
Should Have Been Benched: Off season key aquisition bad boy Matt Barnes contributed more fouls than anything else in 12 minutes, might as well play Luke at least he's a good passer. Super sub Lamar Odom played anything but super and might as well have been sitting 1/7 shooting, 4 boards, nothing else, no assists, steals, blocks.
Laker Hater: Fan favorite 2 years ago, now a thorn on their ass, Trevor Ariza is currently averaging season highs in points, rebounds, blocks, and assists. Maybe it's the fact players raise their game in the playoffs, or maybe it's because he's facing his former team. Either way thanks for showing up precisely now, Ariza, hater.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thursday Recap & Friday Action
The #1 and #2 Least seeds took care of business on their game 3s and are now one win away from advancing to the second round. First off, the top seeded Bulls withstood an inspired perfomance by the hosting Pacers who fought tooth and nail trying to avoid being down 3-0. The game had classic playoff atmosphere and even got chippy at times. The Pacers did what they set out to do, slow Derrick Rose, but true to contending teams, someone else stepped it up. Luol Deng was gooe with 21 pts, 6 rbs, and 6 dimes and sharp shooter Kyle Korver keyed in 10 of his 12 points in an exciting 4th quarter. Da Bulls are for real.
Elsewhere in Philly, the Miami cHeat, erased an early 9-0 defecit and took control of the series even with the Miami Thrice compiling 75% of the cHeat's total. The Sixers' bench almost had as many points (23-25) as the rest of the Miami cHeat. What killed them was giving away 50 rebounds! Are you kidding me? You can't win in the playoffs if you don't control the boards, it's that simple. Also, the zebras continue to protect King Crab and Kid Flash, both had more free throws than the whole Sixer team combined, ridiculous.
The only west match up saw the Mavericks go to Portland and fought hard but still came out short to the Blazers. Both had some nice unexpected performances from the bench, Jason Terry led the Mavs with 29 on 10/13 shooting, and Brandon Roy also came up from the bench and chipped in 16 points on 6/10 shooting. Both had great team efforts and it could have easily gone either way. This year's playoff matchup are just awesome.
Later tonight...
The playoffs return to Madison Square Garden for the first time since 2004. Unknow if Chauncey and Amare will be availabe, if they're not, might as well just write in another W to the Leprechauns. Melo scoring barrage is simply not enough to compete against the Least Champion 2 out of the last 3 years. Even with Amare and Chauncey is not guranteed they will score their first win, but it sure gives them a chance. Knicks win.
Superman and friends travel to Atlanta and will try to reclaim home court advantage. This series is so hard to predict, you never know who is going to be mediocre any particular night. Sure Atlanta is playing at home, but they really have not been that dominant, especially against a winning team. Still I like their chances, Hawks take the lead.
and finally, the Champs. Don't know how much New Orleans have left in the tank after all the energy they have used the first two games. I expect the same rowdy fans eager to see their team in the playoffs, but if the Spaniard can finally get into playoff mode, the Champs should crush any hope the Hornets may still be clinging to. As good as the Hornets may feel, think about this, they still haven't faced the real Pau, and even with Kobe struggling in game 2, the Lakers pulled out a victory. You know Mamba is not gonna have back to back debacles. Lakers win, regain homecourt, will not be easy though.
Elsewhere in Philly, the Miami cHeat, erased an early 9-0 defecit and took control of the series even with the Miami Thrice compiling 75% of the cHeat's total. The Sixers' bench almost had as many points (23-25) as the rest of the Miami cHeat. What killed them was giving away 50 rebounds! Are you kidding me? You can't win in the playoffs if you don't control the boards, it's that simple. Also, the zebras continue to protect King Crab and Kid Flash, both had more free throws than the whole Sixer team combined, ridiculous.
The only west match up saw the Mavericks go to Portland and fought hard but still came out short to the Blazers. Both had some nice unexpected performances from the bench, Jason Terry led the Mavs with 29 on 10/13 shooting, and Brandon Roy also came up from the bench and chipped in 16 points on 6/10 shooting. Both had great team efforts and it could have easily gone either way. This year's playoff matchup are just awesome.
Later tonight...
The playoffs return to Madison Square Garden for the first time since 2004. Unknow if Chauncey and Amare will be availabe, if they're not, might as well just write in another W to the Leprechauns. Melo scoring barrage is simply not enough to compete against the Least Champion 2 out of the last 3 years. Even with Amare and Chauncey is not guranteed they will score their first win, but it sure gives them a chance. Knicks win.
Superman and friends travel to Atlanta and will try to reclaim home court advantage. This series is so hard to predict, you never know who is going to be mediocre any particular night. Sure Atlanta is playing at home, but they really have not been that dominant, especially against a winning team. Still I like their chances, Hawks take the lead.
and finally, the Champs. Don't know how much New Orleans have left in the tank after all the energy they have used the first two games. I expect the same rowdy fans eager to see their team in the playoffs, but if the Spaniard can finally get into playoff mode, the Champs should crush any hope the Hornets may still be clinging to. As good as the Hornets may feel, think about this, they still haven't faced the real Pau, and even with Kobe struggling in game 2, the Lakers pulled out a victory. You know Mamba is not gonna have back to back debacles. Lakers win, regain homecourt, will not be easy though.
Tonight's Action
The first of the game 3 start tonight.
First off is the #1 overall seed Chicago Bulls led by MVP candidate Derrick Rose. The Bulls have not looked like themselves so far in two games. Coming up for the is a eager opponent happy to be back in the post season. On paper the Bulls looked better by far, but the playoffs are a time for great showings and I expect the Pacers to come out aggresively and get back in the series after falling short the first two games. If Da Bulls manage to score a win, they will prove they are definate contenders.
The cHeat take their circus act to Philly where I would love the surprising Sixers to earn their first win, just don't see it though. I don't expect them to get swept, but their first win is not coming today, just think the cHeat now how to handle the vicious crowd and take the fans and team out of the game.
The night cap will have the Mavericks visiting Rip City as the Blazers try to get back in the series. The Blazers have always been good at Rose Garden, and I expect them to grind it out and outlast the Mavs and get their first W.
First off is the #1 overall seed Chicago Bulls led by MVP candidate Derrick Rose. The Bulls have not looked like themselves so far in two games. Coming up for the is a eager opponent happy to be back in the post season. On paper the Bulls looked better by far, but the playoffs are a time for great showings and I expect the Pacers to come out aggresively and get back in the series after falling short the first two games. If Da Bulls manage to score a win, they will prove they are definate contenders.
The cHeat take their circus act to Philly where I would love the surprising Sixers to earn their first win, just don't see it though. I don't expect them to get swept, but their first win is not coming today, just think the cHeat now how to handle the vicious crowd and take the fans and team out of the game.
The night cap will have the Mavericks visiting Rip City as the Blazers try to get back in the series. The Blazers have always been good at Rose Garden, and I expect them to grind it out and outlast the Mavs and get their first W.
Lamar Wins 6th Man of The Year, Help Lakers Even Series
Lamar Odom became the first Laker in history to win 6th Man of the Year. Thats surprising considering the rich history of the Champs and the many great reserves they have had over the years. Sixth man extraordinare Michael Cooper was a key member of all five titles of the 80s as was Kurt Rambis and the Great Bob McAdoo. The Shaq/Kobe Title teams had Brian Shaw and reserve hero Robert Horry. Congratulations to Lamar Odom, he definately deserved it.The Champs came out with more urgency and collapsed on CP3 who still had a good game, just did not dominate like game 1. The attack was led by 'Drew Bynum who was very active and ended up leading the Lakers in scoring and rebounding. The Champs had a nice balanced attack with four players reaching double figures and 3 more missing it by just one bucket. The 1-2 punch of Kobe and Gasol struggled all night but thanks to Artest and Bynum the starters set the tone, and when the Killer Bees were called they responded along with newly rewarded Odom. The bench played great pushing the ball and limiting mistakes outscoing the Hornets bench 27-13. The #1 key reserve had 16 points on 8/11 shooting and pulled down 7 boards, Killer Bee combined for 11 points but all contributed in different ways, Blake came back from battling Chicken Pox and dished out 5 dimes, Barnes 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals, and Brown hit a key trey to push the lead to 13. Known Laker hater Jarret Jack scored only 6 points and game 1 X-factor Aaron Gray came back to Earth with just 1 bucket after going perfect in the opener. The Lakers as a whole did not look lost this time around and if the 1-2 punch of Mamba and the Spaniard can get back in New Orleans, they should finish the series in 5 when they return to Staples Center.
Player of the Game: Lamar Odom, when on the floor he was superb earning a game high +12, he continues to have an outstanding season.
X-Factor: The key element most consider vital to the Lakers three-peat chances, the big guy Andrew Bynum, return to his post All-Star break form leading the Lakers in scoring, rebounding, and asserting himself in the defensive end.
Should Have Been Benched: The Spaniard now has consecutive stinkers, he is currently averaging 8 pts and 5.5 rebounds. This is from the second best in the team and considered among the best in the world. After a dominating the Hornets all season, he has so far been disspointing, I think I even heard the fans booing him at one time. If this continues, talks of Paul Gasoft will resurface.
Laker Hater: The 22 points by former Laker Trevor Ariza tie a season high for him this year. He scored more points this game, than the last three combined, no joke. Is it amazing what playing against the Lakers does?
Overtime: Elsewhere the favored heirs to the West throne OKC Thunder took care of business at home and will go to Denver leading the series by 2 games, gotta hand it to the superstar-less Nuggets, they didn't quit even after falling behing by 26 points. The #1 West seed silver and black Spurs outlasted the pesky Grizzlies and even out the series and now must travel to Memphis and hope for a split. Also today marked the anniversay of the still standing record for most points by one player in the playoffs held by Michael Jordan way back in '86. That was the only close game of the series which ended in double OT win for the eventual Champion Leprechauns in their last title before the modern Big 3 version won it all in '08. The Celtics dominated the one man show Bulls, although is still considered the best individual peformance. Funny how Kobe is always critized when he scores too much and the team loses, but MJ is idolized, I mean he was one basket from scoring half the team's total, when Kobe does it though, it's not that he had crappy team mates or just wan in a zone, he's a ball hog. Just sayin'
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Chumps Fail to Show up, CP3 Lead Hornets to Upset
Well, looks like the Champs start playing like Chumps earlier than usual and CP3 and company took advantage of it leaving the Lakers in shock and traling in the playoffs opener. No one outside Mamba and Artest showed up to play for the Lakers. Size advantage? You'd never know it as the smaller Hornets played bigger than the defending Chumps led by CP3 who had as many rebounds as Gasol and Odom combined. Have I mentioned that New Orleans second best player and primary post option, David West is out for the playoffs? What about the next best options, Ariza, Bellenli, and Landry were a combined 12 for 35, and still they won the game by 9, but only because Odom hit a late 3 pointer to end the game, if not they lose by double digits. The bench for the Chumps was abyssmal with only Lamar reaching double figures and losing that battle 39-18. Jarret Jack and Aaron Gray combined for 27 points 10/11 shooting, not that's efficiency. The worst was sidekick Pau Gasol who in 37 minutes could only muster 8 points and 6 rebounds, by far the worst I've ever seen him play in Laker uniform. As a unit, the Lakers looked sluggish and out of rythem and now have lost home court advantage for failing again to bring it every game. The Chumps did not deserve this game, and one can hope they take the Hornets seriously. A team with nothing to lose is pretty dangerous.
Player of the Game: CP3, toyed with anybody that dared try to guard him, led Hornets with 33 points on 11/18 shooting, 14 Dimes, 7 Boards, and 4 steals along with 9/12 from the stripe.
X-Factor: Aaron Gray i n 20 minutes did more than any of the big men for the Lakers, he was +25 when on the floor and finished a perfect 5/5, unfortunately he went down at end of game, we'll see how bad the injury is as the days go by, at least game 2 is not 'til Wednesday.
Should Have Been Benched: All Lakers save for Bryant and Artest, but specifically Pau. As part of the 1-2 combo he has to play better than this.
Laker Hater: Aaron Gray hit a season high on Sunday, the last time he reached double figures, way back in March 24, he reached double digits only 4 times all season including game 1. Amazing what playing the purple and gold do.
Overtime: The Lakers have never lost game 1 of an opening round in any of their title runs. Phil Jacksons teams have never lost game 1 of round 1 in any of their runs either. Conerning? Not really before last year, the Celtics had never lost a game 7 in the Finals, and that history stat didn't affect the outcome.
Player of the Game: CP3, toyed with anybody that dared try to guard him, led Hornets with 33 points on 11/18 shooting, 14 Dimes, 7 Boards, and 4 steals along with 9/12 from the stripe.
X-Factor: Aaron Gray i n 20 minutes did more than any of the big men for the Lakers, he was +25 when on the floor and finished a perfect 5/5, unfortunately he went down at end of game, we'll see how bad the injury is as the days go by, at least game 2 is not 'til Wednesday.
Should Have Been Benched: All Lakers save for Bryant and Artest, but specifically Pau. As part of the 1-2 combo he has to play better than this.
Laker Hater: Aaron Gray hit a season high on Sunday, the last time he reached double figures, way back in March 24, he reached double digits only 4 times all season including game 1. Amazing what playing the purple and gold do.
Overtime: The Lakers have never lost game 1 of an opening round in any of their title runs. Phil Jacksons teams have never lost game 1 of round 1 in any of their runs either. Conerning? Not really before last year, the Celtics had never lost a game 7 in the Finals, and that history stat didn't affect the outcome.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Real Season Begins
30 teams start, 16 teams earn the right to play for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. The real season is finally here in what looks to be a very promising post season.
First the Leaster Conference.
Power changing to east ha! What a crock. 1 team is barely over .500, 1 IS at .500, and one sub .500 team actually made the playoffs. While the West has three teams that have a better record than the 8th place team, and one more that is only 1 game worse than the last Least contender. The 8th seed on the West would actually be seeded fifth on the East. Why do East always have the top seed in the league? I wonder how the cHeat woud do fare in the west playing the likes of the Lakers, Spurs, Thunder, Mavs, Nuggets, Blazers, Rockets, Grizzlies, Suns and the even the upcoming Warriors and Clippers 3 to 4 times a year? There would be more crying in the locker room.
Anywho, let's take a look at matchups:
Bulls vs. Pacers - I'm glad for the Pacers getting back to the post season, but they're sus .500 team and only hardcore fans actually believe they have a chance in hell to ever threat the rising Bulls. Pacer Danny Granger says that all they have to do is contain MVP candidate D Rose and they have a chance. Actually no, the only thing that will do is decrease the amount of the ass kicking they're about to get, still they steal one emotional close game. Bulls in 5.
cHeat vs. Sixers - Coach of the year candidate Doug Collins did an amazing job with Philly this year. Their reward is a date with the Miami Thrice and an early exit in their return to playoffs. I would love for the Sixers to upset the overhpyed cHeat but not gonna happen, I do believe The Sixer can steal a couple of games, Elton Brand is the key, but in the regular season he was terrible against them. cHeat in 6.
Leprechauns vs. Knicks - A rivalry renewed? Not quite, still should be an entertaining series, while the Knicks are improved they just don't have the depth and more importantly enough time playing together to seriously threat Boston. Still I think the Knicks steal a game and make the Leprechanus work for each win. Leprechauns if 6.
Magic vs. Hawks - A rematch of the semi-finals last year, and a chance forthe Hawks to redeem themselves of the the embarrasment they suffered last year. The Magic are no longer among favorites to win the east, they should however get to the second round. Still an "upset" by the Hawks is not unlikely, this one will go the distance, no domination this year. Magic in 7.
Western Conference
Spurs vs. Grizzlies - The Grizz are back in the post season, had some help with Yao falling yet again but still was very impressed they still reached it without Olympian Rudy Gay. The Grizz actually match up pretty well against the #1 seed Spurs and will finally record it's first post season victory. After going through the regular season injury free, the vet Spurs may have to start without Ginobili and who knows how long it will be before he can start wrecking havoc. Still a 80% Manu is better than a lot of players. This should be a good series, Los Spurs prevail in 6.
Champs vs. Hornets - The Champs get the matchup and route that benefits them starting with the undermanned banged up Hornets. This is the least exciting of the West matchups and should end quickly, unless the Lake Show is still playing in regular season mode. CP3 may have a different say and actually make the Lakers play with his ability to dictate the tempo and make players around him better. All in all CP3 can attack the Champs biggest weakness, the point guard. This is an excellent series for Shannon Brown to make a mark, not optimistic about it though. If the Lakers do as their supposed to do and use the size, it will fast and they can get some rest. Lakers in 5.
Mavericks vs. Blazers - The series most likely to be upset according to experts. Not buying it though, if Brandon Roy was healthier, I'd pick them to upset the Mavs, but that's not the case. I also think Dallas is pretty much tired of hearing how bad they choke. Should be a pretty good series, both squads are solid and can attack in many different ways, should and hope it goes the distance. Mavs in 7.
Thunder vs. Nuggets - The toughest series of the post season, just hope all remain healthy for both teams for this has the potential to be a memorable series. The favored high expectation Thunder have more pressure on this series as anything less than a second round date with the Spurs would be dissapointing. The Nuggets' unpredictable offense is what's most danerous, you never know who will be the go to guy and they have multiple players who can light it up any given night. This is the series I am most excited about. Thunder in 7.
First the Leaster Conference.
Power changing to east ha! What a crock. 1 team is barely over .500, 1 IS at .500, and one sub .500 team actually made the playoffs. While the West has three teams that have a better record than the 8th place team, and one more that is only 1 game worse than the last Least contender. The 8th seed on the West would actually be seeded fifth on the East. Why do East always have the top seed in the league? I wonder how the cHeat woud do fare in the west playing the likes of the Lakers, Spurs, Thunder, Mavs, Nuggets, Blazers, Rockets, Grizzlies, Suns and the even the upcoming Warriors and Clippers 3 to 4 times a year? There would be more crying in the locker room.
Anywho, let's take a look at matchups:
Bulls vs. Pacers - I'm glad for the Pacers getting back to the post season, but they're sus .500 team and only hardcore fans actually believe they have a chance in hell to ever threat the rising Bulls. Pacer Danny Granger says that all they have to do is contain MVP candidate D Rose and they have a chance. Actually no, the only thing that will do is decrease the amount of the ass kicking they're about to get, still they steal one emotional close game. Bulls in 5.
cHeat vs. Sixers - Coach of the year candidate Doug Collins did an amazing job with Philly this year. Their reward is a date with the Miami Thrice and an early exit in their return to playoffs. I would love for the Sixers to upset the overhpyed cHeat but not gonna happen, I do believe The Sixer can steal a couple of games, Elton Brand is the key, but in the regular season he was terrible against them. cHeat in 6.
Leprechauns vs. Knicks - A rivalry renewed? Not quite, still should be an entertaining series, while the Knicks are improved they just don't have the depth and more importantly enough time playing together to seriously threat Boston. Still I think the Knicks steal a game and make the Leprechanus work for each win. Leprechauns if 6.
Magic vs. Hawks - A rematch of the semi-finals last year, and a chance forthe Hawks to redeem themselves of the the embarrasment they suffered last year. The Magic are no longer among favorites to win the east, they should however get to the second round. Still an "upset" by the Hawks is not unlikely, this one will go the distance, no domination this year. Magic in 7.
Western Conference
Spurs vs. Grizzlies - The Grizz are back in the post season, had some help with Yao falling yet again but still was very impressed they still reached it without Olympian Rudy Gay. The Grizz actually match up pretty well against the #1 seed Spurs and will finally record it's first post season victory. After going through the regular season injury free, the vet Spurs may have to start without Ginobili and who knows how long it will be before he can start wrecking havoc. Still a 80% Manu is better than a lot of players. This should be a good series, Los Spurs prevail in 6.
Champs vs. Hornets - The Champs get the matchup and route that benefits them starting with the undermanned banged up Hornets. This is the least exciting of the West matchups and should end quickly, unless the Lake Show is still playing in regular season mode. CP3 may have a different say and actually make the Lakers play with his ability to dictate the tempo and make players around him better. All in all CP3 can attack the Champs biggest weakness, the point guard. This is an excellent series for Shannon Brown to make a mark, not optimistic about it though. If the Lakers do as their supposed to do and use the size, it will fast and they can get some rest. Lakers in 5.
Mavericks vs. Blazers - The series most likely to be upset according to experts. Not buying it though, if Brandon Roy was healthier, I'd pick them to upset the Mavs, but that's not the case. I also think Dallas is pretty much tired of hearing how bad they choke. Should be a pretty good series, both squads are solid and can attack in many different ways, should and hope it goes the distance. Mavs in 7.
Thunder vs. Nuggets - The toughest series of the post season, just hope all remain healthy for both teams for this has the potential to be a memorable series. The favored high expectation Thunder have more pressure on this series as anything less than a second round date with the Spurs would be dissapointing. The Nuggets' unpredictable offense is what's most danerous, you never know who will be the go to guy and they have multiple players who can light it up any given night. This is the series I am most excited about. Thunder in 7.
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