Saturday, November 29, 2014
Warriors Seem To Be Legit
Last nights win for the Warriors proved to me that they are indeed legit title contenders. Winning in Charlotte last night against a team that is better than its terrible 4-13 record. Both Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry struggled, but still came away with the win. Klay shot a mere 7-22 from the field while Curry was just 1-10 from downtown. Speights had a huge night off the bench scoring 28 points, helping the Warriors to their eighth straight win. Winning a tough game on the road when the star players don't have their A game is a good sign that Golden State is headed for great things.
New Red Sox Signings Will Make Red Sox Exciting Again
With the Boston Red Sox signing both Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez earlier this week, Boston now has the makings of a very exciting lineup. With the consistent bats of Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz returning, to go along with the young talent of Xander Bogaerts and Mookie Betts the Red Sox should return to the formidable offense we are used to seeing. The new signings and Yoenis Cespedes with Allen Craig, Boston will be putting a dent in the green monster throughout the summer. Now if they can sign Jon Lester and add more pitching Boston should be back in the fall classic in no time.
Patriots-Packers is Potential Super Bowl Preview
When Tom Brady and New England play the Packers this Sunday in Lambeau, it will be the most anticipated NFL game to date. The two quarterbacks in this matchup are as on point as one could be at this point in the season. Brady has led the Pats to seven straight wins and Aaron Rodgers has the Packers offense on fire when they play at Lambeau. In what should be one of the more entertaining games of the year it will be interesting to see how well the two defenses play against the prolific offenses. One thing is certain, if this weeks matchup turns into a Super Bowl you will see no complaints from myself nor anyone who loves the NFL.
Russell Westbrook's Return Means Look Out Western Conference
Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook returned last night, somewhat unexpectedly. It was believed that he would return more likely mid-way through December, but he played last night against the Knicks and was impressive. Not only the 32 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, but also the energy he provided for the home crowd. The Thunder were 4-12 going into last nights game and in need of a spark. Westbrook was that exact spark the team needed as they crushed the visiting New York Knicks with only 23 minutes from Westbrook. With their point guard back in the lineup the Thunder should be back to .500 in no time, and with a Kevin Durant return in the near future.......look out Golden State...Houston...Memphis...LA...San Antonio...the MVP is coming back.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
LeBron James Deserves Some Blame for Cleveland's Early Struggles
Why do the Cleveland Cavaliers kind of suck right now?
The team dropped its fourth game in a row last night. The Cavs blew an early 18 point lead and ended up losing by 17 at home. There was no stopping the Toronto Raptors in the second half, as the team scored 110 points on Cleveland's home court. LeBron James was reasonably upset at the teams loss, and its second straight poor performance. Going into this season the Cavaliers had high expectations, and justifiably. The Cavs not only added the best basketball player in the world (4-time league MVP and 2-time champion), but also acquired another star in Kevin Love. Those two along with all-star point guard Kyrie Irving and a cast of well known role players, led many to believe that Cleveland would be in the title discussion at the end of the season. That very well may still be true, but it is not the case right now. Cavs fans have had to watch a not so impressive team to start the season.
There are a couple reasons the Cavs have gotten off to such a shaky start. One is the defensive play. Cleveland has been very poor defensively. On the eye test alone the Cavs have looked very bad on that end of the floor. Pick and roll defense has stood out, as it seems every time Kyrie and Love are asked to defend a pick and roll together they get burned.
Cleveland is no more impressive statistically. Allowing opponents to shoot almost 48% from the field and 35% from three. That puts them at 25th in the league in terms of opponents points per game. It does not help that they also allow 40 rebound per game landing them at 22nd in the league in that category.
So the defense is a huge problem, but another one is the lack of experience. The "other" two stars in Cleveland's new big three have zero playoff experience. This means both players have not played any meaningful NBA basketball games. This is an adjustment for a guy like LeBron, who just played with a core of guys that made it to four straight NBA Finals. However, not an excuse for the Cavs slow start.
The best player in the world should start acting like it and lead his team to some victories. While LeBron seems very comfortable taking shots out the court, he should focus on taking more on the court. James' passive play of late seems even more immature than his younger teammates. If he wants his team to succeed and have home court advantage come playoff time, he should step up his own play.
The man wanted to come home. Now he must display to his hometown exactly what they have been missing the pasts four years: the best basketball player on earth.
The team dropped its fourth game in a row last night. The Cavs blew an early 18 point lead and ended up losing by 17 at home. There was no stopping the Toronto Raptors in the second half, as the team scored 110 points on Cleveland's home court. LeBron James was reasonably upset at the teams loss, and its second straight poor performance. Going into this season the Cavaliers had high expectations, and justifiably. The Cavs not only added the best basketball player in the world (4-time league MVP and 2-time champion), but also acquired another star in Kevin Love. Those two along with all-star point guard Kyrie Irving and a cast of well known role players, led many to believe that Cleveland would be in the title discussion at the end of the season. That very well may still be true, but it is not the case right now. Cavs fans have had to watch a not so impressive team to start the season.
There are a couple reasons the Cavs have gotten off to such a shaky start. One is the defensive play. Cleveland has been very poor defensively. On the eye test alone the Cavs have looked very bad on that end of the floor. Pick and roll defense has stood out, as it seems every time Kyrie and Love are asked to defend a pick and roll together they get burned.
Cleveland is no more impressive statistically. Allowing opponents to shoot almost 48% from the field and 35% from three. That puts them at 25th in the league in terms of opponents points per game. It does not help that they also allow 40 rebound per game landing them at 22nd in the league in that category.
So the defense is a huge problem, but another one is the lack of experience. The "other" two stars in Cleveland's new big three have zero playoff experience. This means both players have not played any meaningful NBA basketball games. This is an adjustment for a guy like LeBron, who just played with a core of guys that made it to four straight NBA Finals. However, not an excuse for the Cavs slow start.
The best player in the world should start acting like it and lead his team to some victories. While LeBron seems very comfortable taking shots out the court, he should focus on taking more on the court. James' passive play of late seems even more immature than his younger teammates. If he wants his team to succeed and have home court advantage come playoff time, he should step up his own play.
The man wanted to come home. Now he must display to his hometown exactly what they have been missing the pasts four years: the best basketball player on earth.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Besides San Antonio Who Are the Title Contenders in the NBA?
While it is still just 10 games into the season for most NBA teams, last nights Spurs-Cavs game was an early season signature game. San Antonio, of course, is coming off a season in which they led the league in wins and went on to win the championship. That championship run concluded by dispatching the then LeBron James-led Miami Heat. Cleveland, however, is a team yet to find itself. It of course has a star studded cast led by the return of LeBron, and the all-star play of both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.
These two teams played an exciting game resulting in a close 92-90 Spurs win. The Spurs are still contenders to win the title, and should still be favorites. The rest of the league is sort of up for grabs at this point. Cleveland should definitely be in the discussion in the east, but the lack of a defense is concerning. You would be a fool to pick that defense against any Western conference opponent. Chicago is in a similar position as Cleveland, but for a completely different reason.
The Bulls have a great defense. Since Tom Thibodeau took over as head coach that has been the case. The concern in Chicago is the uncertainty of Derrick Rose's health. While he has played well, he has not been on the court enough. He has not suffered another terrible injury, but has missed plenty of time with nagging injuries. How much will that effect a potential deep playoff run? Will he need to sit a game in the Eastern conference finals?
The rest of the east consists of a couple more very good teams in the Raptors and the Wizards. However, I am not ready to call those two true title contenders.
The West is tricky. Houston has gotten off to such a great start, but I still find it difficult to see a team with only James Harden as a true dynamic offense threat as a contender. Houston's offense is potent when they are hitting the three ball, but at the end of games Harden is the only player they can go to. Memphis is a little higher on my list, because of the elite defense and post play. Mike Conley is still an underrated point guard in the loaded west.
Golden State has replaced Oklahoma City for now as that potentially great contender in the west. The star power of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in backcourt, along with an elite front line of Bougt and the return of David Lee. The bench play is also elite. Led by players like Barnes, Iguodala, Livingston, Barbosa and Green. Now if Westbrook and Durant are able to return to top 5 form and lead the Thunder to the playoffs, the conference could be in for a huge shakeup.
Dallas, Portland and the Clippers round out the conference contenders, but as far as NBA title goes there is still much room for improvement. Mostly on the defensive end.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is that both conferences (especially the west) are wide open. No one should be doubting the Spurs at this point of the season though. This could be the last season for both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, and what better way to end their careers than with another championship. If I had to put money on it today, it would be on the Spurs.
These two teams played an exciting game resulting in a close 92-90 Spurs win. The Spurs are still contenders to win the title, and should still be favorites. The rest of the league is sort of up for grabs at this point. Cleveland should definitely be in the discussion in the east, but the lack of a defense is concerning. You would be a fool to pick that defense against any Western conference opponent. Chicago is in a similar position as Cleveland, but for a completely different reason.
The Bulls have a great defense. Since Tom Thibodeau took over as head coach that has been the case. The concern in Chicago is the uncertainty of Derrick Rose's health. While he has played well, he has not been on the court enough. He has not suffered another terrible injury, but has missed plenty of time with nagging injuries. How much will that effect a potential deep playoff run? Will he need to sit a game in the Eastern conference finals?
The rest of the east consists of a couple more very good teams in the Raptors and the Wizards. However, I am not ready to call those two true title contenders.
The West is tricky. Houston has gotten off to such a great start, but I still find it difficult to see a team with only James Harden as a true dynamic offense threat as a contender. Houston's offense is potent when they are hitting the three ball, but at the end of games Harden is the only player they can go to. Memphis is a little higher on my list, because of the elite defense and post play. Mike Conley is still an underrated point guard in the loaded west.
Golden State has replaced Oklahoma City for now as that potentially great contender in the west. The star power of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in backcourt, along with an elite front line of Bougt and the return of David Lee. The bench play is also elite. Led by players like Barnes, Iguodala, Livingston, Barbosa and Green. Now if Westbrook and Durant are able to return to top 5 form and lead the Thunder to the playoffs, the conference could be in for a huge shakeup.
Dallas, Portland and the Clippers round out the conference contenders, but as far as NBA title goes there is still much room for improvement. Mostly on the defensive end.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is that both conferences (especially the west) are wide open. No one should be doubting the Spurs at this point of the season though. This could be the last season for both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, and what better way to end their careers than with another championship. If I had to put money on it today, it would be on the Spurs.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Kobe's Empty Season
The Lakers picked up just their second win of the early season tonight, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 114-109. Kobe Bryant scored 28 points to lead Los Angeles, maintaining his league leading average of 27.4 points per game. Bryant has been scoring plenty, but has been taking his fair share of shots. With his field goal percentage sitting at a mere 38.9%, Bryant has not been as efficient as one might hope. Being the only offensive threat has something to do with that, and so does the direction of the franchise.
At this point the Lakers are simply coasting through this season knowing they will not win many games, and Kobe is the only attraction. Bryant will fill seats so that fans can watch one of the greatest players of all-time try to put up 60 every night. However, even as he approaches more records in terms of scoring, and climbing the all-time scoring list, something is missing.
Watching the Lakers perform so terribly night in and night out is leaving myself and many others with a sick feeling. The second best shooting guard of all-time should not be going out like this. A man who has always been so driven and so competitive, should not be finishing his career scoring such meaningless baskets.
Kobe scored 44 points the other night in just three quarters. He took 34 shots. Not one of those shots felt at all significant. Bryant for the first time in his career had a completely empty 40 point game. It left me feeling nothing. As a fan of Kobe, and a fan of great basketball, it is truly a shame to have to watch one of the best player of the past 15 plus years fade away into an eventual retirement.
Who knows? Maybe Julius Randle comes back from injury and becomes the next great power forward in this game, and the Lakers draft the next Magic Johnson this summer. But for now I'm afraid the competitive Kobe Bryant teams are behind us, and these empty seasons are whats left for his final years.
At this point the Lakers are simply coasting through this season knowing they will not win many games, and Kobe is the only attraction. Bryant will fill seats so that fans can watch one of the greatest players of all-time try to put up 60 every night. However, even as he approaches more records in terms of scoring, and climbing the all-time scoring list, something is missing.
Watching the Lakers perform so terribly night in and night out is leaving myself and many others with a sick feeling. The second best shooting guard of all-time should not be going out like this. A man who has always been so driven and so competitive, should not be finishing his career scoring such meaningless baskets.
Kobe scored 44 points the other night in just three quarters. He took 34 shots. Not one of those shots felt at all significant. Bryant for the first time in his career had a completely empty 40 point game. It left me feeling nothing. As a fan of Kobe, and a fan of great basketball, it is truly a shame to have to watch one of the best player of the past 15 plus years fade away into an eventual retirement.
Who knows? Maybe Julius Randle comes back from injury and becomes the next great power forward in this game, and the Lakers draft the next Magic Johnson this summer. But for now I'm afraid the competitive Kobe Bryant teams are behind us, and these empty seasons are whats left for his final years.
Monday, November 17, 2014
New England Once Again the Class of the NFL
What a difference seven weeks make. Seems like a long time ago that the Patriots were being man handled on Monday Night Football at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs. The blowout loss on the road resulted in a week full of doubt provided by the media. Is Belichick done? Is Brady going to be traded? End of an era?A quick answer to all of those questions was and still is: No.
After last nights impressive 42-20 road victory in Indianapolis, the Patriots are sitting atop the AFC. Amazing that after so much scrutiny thrown the teams way, New England has to be considered the favorite. Much like many predicted at the start of the season.
Perhaps the most encouraging part about last nights win was the dominance of the run game. Led by little known running back Jonas Gray (38 carries for 199 yards and 4 touchdowns), the Patriots dominated the game on the ground. This spells great things for the team going forward, and with Denver losing a second game in a row, the Patriots are in the drivers seat looking to wrap up home field advantage.
It won't be easy. Upcoming road games in both Green Bay and San Diego should be tough, but would anyone be surprised if Brady and Belichick came out of this next stretch at either 14-2 or 13-3? I know I wouldn't.
It seems like every year we must all be reminded never to question the "Patriot way". Yet, every season whenever the Patriots face adversity they just prove the doubters wrong. So as we head towards Thanksgiving and the stretch run of the regular season, I advise all members of the media to not question the genius that is Bill Belichick. I know I won't.
After last nights impressive 42-20 road victory in Indianapolis, the Patriots are sitting atop the AFC. Amazing that after so much scrutiny thrown the teams way, New England has to be considered the favorite. Much like many predicted at the start of the season.
Perhaps the most encouraging part about last nights win was the dominance of the run game. Led by little known running back Jonas Gray (38 carries for 199 yards and 4 touchdowns), the Patriots dominated the game on the ground. This spells great things for the team going forward, and with Denver losing a second game in a row, the Patriots are in the drivers seat looking to wrap up home field advantage.
It won't be easy. Upcoming road games in both Green Bay and San Diego should be tough, but would anyone be surprised if Brady and Belichick came out of this next stretch at either 14-2 or 13-3? I know I wouldn't.
It seems like every year we must all be reminded never to question the "Patriot way". Yet, every season whenever the Patriots face adversity they just prove the doubters wrong. So as we head towards Thanksgiving and the stretch run of the regular season, I advise all members of the media to not question the genius that is Bill Belichick. I know I won't.
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